The Original Old Guy - Don Craig founder of Old Guys Rule

Greetings fellow TOGs

You could be forgiven for believing that the only likeness between the English and the Yanks is the language that we share. In my experience however even this can be a little dicey at times! Having made many trips to the States during my lifetime I still stare in bemusement when the waitress asked me if I want my eggs ‘sunny side up’ or ‘sunny side down’!

On my last visit to the States I came across ‘Old Guys Rule’. A brand spawn from a group of old boy wave riders from the sandy Californian coastline. ‘Old Guys Rule’ was developed for TOGs like you and me, although over there they call us Old Guys and have no idea who Terry Wogan is!

This interesting discovery got me thinking about the parallels between their world of OGRism and ours of TOGism. For those of you who have no idea what TOGism is I am guessing that you are suffering from a ‘senior moment’ or are on this website to buy a present for someone a few decades older than you. Let me elaborate;

‘TOGs’ or ‘Terry of Geezers/Gals’ is a group of like minded individuals who make tireless attempts to feature on the ‘Wake Up To Wogan’ radio show. This BBC radio two show is hosted by the fine upstanding Sir Terry Wogan who entertains his TOGs daily with his soothing Irish tones and witty banter.

Like TOGist OGRist are likely to flaunt their social preference by adorning their favourite mode of transport with car stickers clearing expressing their state of mind. I would note however that in the States followers of ‘Old Guys Rule’ display their badges with pride. Whereas in the UK Terry’s Old Geezers/Gals (TOGs) are more likely to hide their sticker at the bottom of their pants drawer for fear of losing faith with younger members of their tribe.

OGRism draws parallels with TOGism in their likelihood to meet in groups or clusters. These meetings often consist of such interesting subject matter as ‘It was never like that in my day’ and ‘Do I come here often’ . As well as more practically skills that all TOGs should master like how to download ‘the classics’ onto the ‘ipod’ that your loving granddaughter brought you for Christmas and how to make your television HD ready!

My most interesting discover about ‘Old Guys Rule’ was their willingness to position their logo on every piece of clothing and accessories that a TOG could ever dream of. For OGRist unlike TOGist there is no hidden fraction campaigning for logo’s to be changed to ‘It’s never your fault’ on the front and ‘Mustn’t grumble’ on the back. OGRist celebrate their differences with logo’s to suit all interests.

As a dedicated TOG I urge you to follow me and wear your badge with honour for a life well spent, but not nearly over…

Bye for now!

The Old Guy