Dig, open servers and A records

[Stephen Eyre]

Dear All

The good news is that I have my server running. The not so good news is 
that there are a few problems which could be interconnected.

My server is called server1.sportshost.co.uk and its ip address is 
84.92.56.54.

Going on to whatsmydns.net I find that sportshost.co.uk returns suitable 
entries under the NS and SOA section. There are nothing but red crosses 
under A records section - I was expecting my ip address.

Then when I dig a domain name like google.co.uk I get suitable replies 
but when I dig an ip address like 8.8.8.8 the request gets the reply 
REFUSED.

Further enquiries show that I dont have an open recursive site when the 
errors above still apply.

When I change my /etc/bind/named.conf.local file from 'recursion no;' to 
'recursion yes;' I get an inverse of the above. I get full replies from 
all my dig enquiries but I get an open recursive warning - which I 
obviously dont want.

whatsmydns.net replies remain the same.

So todays question is - what do I need to do to keep my server closed, 
get proper dig replies and get my A records showing up on whatsmydns.net?

Or is everything working well and its not necessary to have dig 
providing proper replies?

Thanks

Stephen Eyre