Shaggy Dogs, Sparrows, and Cheese: Being for the Benefit of the Alan Turing Foundation

by George Ring

This book has been 67 years in the making. it started when Tony Wicks and I were 4 years old, we were lifetime friends and were always telling each other jokes and silly stories to try and make each other laugh. Well
I wrote them down. categorized them and put them in this book.

Born at a very young age, I met Tony Wicks when we were aged 4 on the way to school. I did some work Reinsurance Security Analyst, Hospital Porter, although I preferrd to call myself a Medical Relocation Executive and Credit Manager to name but 3, I retired. started writing books, Tony Wicks rather inconveniently died before I could beat him at Crown Green Bowls and Snooker.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2024

Reviews

[Catherine Mellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaggy Dogs, Sparrows and Cheese is a delightful book through and through. The short stories, the riddles and jokes had me at times, hysterically laughing. The ongoing questions about the lightbulb are placed throughout the book and will definitely make you laugh and smile. I really enjoyed reading this book. It was full of laughs, giggles, smiles and the positive side of life. I was at a celebration of life over the weekend for a dear friend of mine and at one point, I took this book out of my handbag and started reading some of the jokes about religion and I had so many people laughing. Author George Ring did a superb job in telling his stories of friendship, religion and his quick wit humor. A wonderful dedication to his dear friend Anthony (Tony) Robert Wicks and a generous thoughtful pursuit for the Alan Turing Foundation which provides computer equipment to those who cannot afford to do so on their own. Not only will you get to read an enjoyable, comical book, but you will also be donating to a great cause. I highly recommend this wonderfully written book. A well-deserved five stars 🌟

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Shaggy Dogs, Sparrows, and Cheese” by George Ring is a lovely and unique tribute to the author’s life-long friend, Tony, who passed away several years ago. All proceeds from the book benefit a charity: The Alan Turing Foundation, which provides computers to those who cannot afford them. The author and his friend formed the habit of trading jokes and funny tales to amuse each other and kept this going throughout the years; this is a collection of those jokes. This book is not professionally edited and certainly not politically correct, but it is full of heart and humour. A couple of highlights: “My son’s been asking me for a pet spider for his birthday, so I went to our local pet shop, and they were 70 pounds! Bollocks to this, I thought, I can get one cheaper off the web.” And, “Two fishes swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says, “Dam!”

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaggy Dogs, Sparrows, and Cheese by George Ring is a charming, nostalgic collection born from a lifelong friendship and a shared love of humour. Written over the course of 67 years, the book gathers jokes, anecdotes, and absurd stories that Ring and his childhood friend Tony Wicks told each other simply to laugh. The tone is warm, quirky, and deeply personal, blending classic “shaggy dog” humour with reflections on friendship, ageing, and loss. Ring’s conversational style makes the reader feel like part of an inside joke shared across decades. Beneath the silliness lies genuine affection and tribute, especially in light of Tony’s passing. Lighthearted yet touching, this book is both a celebration of laughter and a heartfelt homage, offering readers simple joy with meaningful roots.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone needs this book. You need it because it's a laugh a minute. You need it because it gives the lighter side of life. You need it because it's so relatable it's uncanny. This book sees the funny side of things you didn't even know were funny! Sometimes you just need to look on the bright side of life, and I can't wait for another volume.
George! It's genius! I can't put into words how much I loved it!