Patrick Astill’s confession about falling for “urban myths” – to read it click here – prompted this message about a similar embarrassment from Caroline Jenkinson:

At the Evening News in Norwich, we always listen to Radio Norfolk in themorning just to hear what news stories they are running for the day.

I was sitting at my desk quietly one Friday last year when my deputy newseditor came running over to say that on the radio they had been running astory about a Norwich freezer company developing a recipe for hot ice cream.

This was going to make a great overnight story, she said – I had to bookpictures, find an expert at the University of East Anglia, get the low downon the new flavours, etc, etc.

So I duly rang up the said freezer company and explained to the receptionistwhat I wanted to know. She said: “Hang on, I’ll put you on hold for aminute”.

As I listened to the tinny music, it suddenly dawned on me. Today was April1. We had just fallen for Radio Norfolk’s April Fool story.

I had to listen, red-faced, to the receptionist telling me that she had toput me on hold so she could have a good laugh. Still, it did cause muchmerriment in the newsroom when I told them. And I certainly don’t take thenews editor’s words as gospel any more!

Anything you want to confess?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or e-mail us now