Titsey Place - House and Gardens
After an entertaining and excessive party recently we woke up gently the next day at our friend’s house to bright sunshine and a bacon butty. Paul, one of those celebrating a birthday, lived here and he took us out to where he worked at the grand and historic Titsey Place near Oxted. He spends most of his time out in the gardens and use his woodman skills to create impressive arches and other woven wood structures for the kitchen garden. It was a wonderful place with lovely different garden areas to stroll through and to slowly recover from a hard night before.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Poynter Pointing Party…
We enlisted the help of Sue’s family (the Poynter’s) to fix the mortar pointing around the windows at the back of the house that had been left neglected for many years and had crumbled away in areas exposing large gaps that let the weather in. Sue’s brother Dave and his eldest son Nick did the work as they have experience in building work, while I acted as gofer. Sue and her mum did domestic chores and prepared a sumptuous meal for us in the evening when Sue’s other brother and his wife joined us.
Writing unblocked...
I have finally got around to more writing, this time it was a short (2000 word) story for the Guardian Short Story Competition. I did rework something that I had started a few years ago, but after the initial fear about putting pen to paper again, I found I quite enjoyed the process. Hopefully this won’t be the end of things now. I will have to keep my eye out for other competitions where the deadline and restrictions give me focus.
A Picnic in the Park...
Reigate Priory
We took an afternoon off recently and went for a picnic in this delightful park on a Sunday. It is a large space with a variety of areas for perambulating, sports, children, views and lolling about. It was nice to see so many people out and about, families together, groups of friends and work colleagues and couples.
We took an afternoon off recently and went for a picnic in this delightful park on a Sunday. It is a large space with a variety of areas for perambulating, sports, children, views and lolling about. It was nice to see so many people out and about, families together, groups of friends and work colleagues and couples.
I know wot I like….
I have been asked to make a few musical recommendations on folk music. I can’t say that I am an authority on any genre as I tend to dip into many different styles of music, but I know what I like. These that I have chosen here a generally English folk, though they are more modern than traditional and so are influenced by the country’s more cosmopolitan nature.
Musical Recommendations – English Folk
Underneath the Stars by Kate Rusby
The most traditional of the four albums selected here, Kate has a clear and sweetly regional accent that lends itself well to the gentle and clean sound that she creates. This is a beautiful album for either background music or quiet contemplation. I would say this is a good album to introduce you to the folk style.
The Imagined Village
This is something quite different in that it is a determined attempt at moving the genre along to better represent the modern world. A great collective of people mixing folk stalwarts such as Martin and Eliza Carthy, The Copper Family, Chris Wood and Billy Bragg, with new borrowed cultural music from Sheila Chandra, rock influences like Paul Weller and Trans Global Underground and even poetry from Benjamin Zephaniah. This might not be for the old traditionalist, but it is very relevant to the new audience of today.
‘The Imagined Village is an ambitious reinvention of the English folk tradition, embracing modern-day culture in all the diversity. Classic folk songs are skilfully reworked with the sounds and voices of today, updating the tradition for a new generation.’
The Boy Bands Have Won by Chumbawamba
Folk has always had its political and protesting side to it and this band, like the Imagined Village, have set out trying to push the genre forward into the future. They are a very considered and thoughtful group who have a point to make even when you don’t realise it as you listen to the catchy tunes and often humorous lyrics.
‘The boy bands have won, and all the copyists and the tribute bands and the TV talent show producers have won, if we allow our culture to be shaped by mimicry, wether from lack of ideas or from exaggerated respect. You should never try to freeze culture. What you can do is recycle that culture. Take your older brother’s hand-me-down jacket and re-style it, re-fashion it to the point where it becomes your own. But don’t just regurgitate creative history, or hold art and music and literature as fixed, untouchable and kept under glass. The people who try to ‘guard’ any particular form of music are, like the copyists and manufactured bands, doing it the worst disservice, because the only thing that you can do to music that will damage it is not change it, not make it your own. Because then it dies, then it’s over, then it’s done, and the boy bands have won.’
Burlesque by Bellowhead
This is a big band with a big sound that is quite a contrast to the gentle sounds of Kate Rusby, as they relish the wall of sound that the mixture of instruments can achieve. They are all about entertainment and they take the traditional folk songs and add colour and lights to the sound.
‘M’Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure – oh yes – to present these rare and glittering gems, these dazzling and delectable delights, these precious sparkling stones from the gilded coronet, the diamante tiara that is indeed the English music tradition.
So without further ado, pray sit back, recline and repose whilst we entertain and edify you, courtesy of the bold and brazen brass, soothing soniforous strings, rich and resplendent reeds, pantechnicon of outré percussion, and of course, vivacious, nay, effervescent vocals, that conjoin and coalesce to form the truly singular sui generis that is: Bellowhead!’
Musical Recommendations – English Folk
Underneath the Stars by Kate Rusby
The most traditional of the four albums selected here, Kate has a clear and sweetly regional accent that lends itself well to the gentle and clean sound that she creates. This is a beautiful album for either background music or quiet contemplation. I would say this is a good album to introduce you to the folk style.
The Imagined Village
This is something quite different in that it is a determined attempt at moving the genre along to better represent the modern world. A great collective of people mixing folk stalwarts such as Martin and Eliza Carthy, The Copper Family, Chris Wood and Billy Bragg, with new borrowed cultural music from Sheila Chandra, rock influences like Paul Weller and Trans Global Underground and even poetry from Benjamin Zephaniah. This might not be for the old traditionalist, but it is very relevant to the new audience of today.
‘The Imagined Village is an ambitious reinvention of the English folk tradition, embracing modern-day culture in all the diversity. Classic folk songs are skilfully reworked with the sounds and voices of today, updating the tradition for a new generation.’
The Boy Bands Have Won by Chumbawamba
Folk has always had its political and protesting side to it and this band, like the Imagined Village, have set out trying to push the genre forward into the future. They are a very considered and thoughtful group who have a point to make even when you don’t realise it as you listen to the catchy tunes and often humorous lyrics.
‘The boy bands have won, and all the copyists and the tribute bands and the TV talent show producers have won, if we allow our culture to be shaped by mimicry, wether from lack of ideas or from exaggerated respect. You should never try to freeze culture. What you can do is recycle that culture. Take your older brother’s hand-me-down jacket and re-style it, re-fashion it to the point where it becomes your own. But don’t just regurgitate creative history, or hold art and music and literature as fixed, untouchable and kept under glass. The people who try to ‘guard’ any particular form of music are, like the copyists and manufactured bands, doing it the worst disservice, because the only thing that you can do to music that will damage it is not change it, not make it your own. Because then it dies, then it’s over, then it’s done, and the boy bands have won.’
Burlesque by Bellowhead
This is a big band with a big sound that is quite a contrast to the gentle sounds of Kate Rusby, as they relish the wall of sound that the mixture of instruments can achieve. They are all about entertainment and they take the traditional folk songs and add colour and lights to the sound.
‘M’Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure – oh yes – to present these rare and glittering gems, these dazzling and delectable delights, these precious sparkling stones from the gilded coronet, the diamante tiara that is indeed the English music tradition.
So without further ado, pray sit back, recline and repose whilst we entertain and edify you, courtesy of the bold and brazen brass, soothing soniforous strings, rich and resplendent reeds, pantechnicon of outré percussion, and of course, vivacious, nay, effervescent vocals, that conjoin and coalesce to form the truly singular sui generis that is: Bellowhead!’
More of wot I have seen…
Public Enemies
We recently saw this movie in the small cinema in Reigate. It relies a lot on the action and momentum to carry it along, which it does apace. The characters were fun too, if a little two dimensional, but that fitted with the almost cartoon feel to the story
We recently saw this movie in the small cinema in Reigate. It relies a lot on the action and momentum to carry it along, which it does apace. The characters were fun too, if a little two dimensional, but that fitted with the almost cartoon feel to the story
Fiddly French fingers…
Seen recently at the Dorking Folk Club was this artist who had amazing skills in guitar finger-picking. The intros to the songs were longer than the songs themselves. He was also a nice guy with a good sense of humour.
‘Claude Bourbon - A breathtaking fusion of Blues, Folk, Jazz, Classical and Spanish guitar. This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision and instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz.
A formidable performer, Claude may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravely voice that has given him the nickname of "The Frog with the blues".’
‘Claude Bourbon - A breathtaking fusion of Blues, Folk, Jazz, Classical and Spanish guitar. This accomplished artist offers tender, compelling performance through highly developed precision and instantly creates ambience – from haunting Spanish moods to lyrical, romantic jazz.
A formidable performer, Claude may have his roots in the blues, but he is inspired by music from all around the world, taking these sounds and weaving them into a performance of melodies that defy a label, all delivered with a gravely voice that has given him the nickname of "The Frog with the blues".’
More wot I have read…
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
This was the second book from the same author that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. Like the first one it too was slow to start and the author spent a lot of time setting the scene and fleshing out the characters. This story spanned several time periods and geographical locations but was nicely resolved. A good period drama.
‘Before her eyes the garden changed. Weeds and brambles, decades in the growing, receded. Leaves lifted from the ground, revealing paths and flowerbeds and a garden seat. Light was permitted entry once more…
1913
On the eve of the First World War a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without trace.
1975
Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell’s journey after all these years.
2005
On Nell’s death her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at Cliff Cottage, abandoned for years, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the family and why young Nell was abandoned all those decades before’
This was the second book from the same author that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. Like the first one it too was slow to start and the author spent a lot of time setting the scene and fleshing out the characters. This story spanned several time periods and geographical locations but was nicely resolved. A good period drama.
‘Before her eyes the garden changed. Weeds and brambles, decades in the growing, receded. Leaves lifted from the ground, revealing paths and flowerbeds and a garden seat. Light was permitted entry once more…
1913
On the eve of the First World War a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without trace.
1975
Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell’s journey after all these years.
2005
On Nell’s death her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at Cliff Cottage, abandoned for years, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the family and why young Nell was abandoned all those decades before’
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Drunken legs…
The night before the longest day we went to a BBQ at our allotment that was hosted by a couple of guys who had rebuilt their impressive shed after vandals had burnt it down. They were expressing their thanks to all of those who offered assistance and support and the Allotment Holders Association promoted it as a gathering of tenants to get to know one another.
It was a pleasant evening and everyone enjoyed themselves meeting people that they previously had only seen the backsides of from a distance as they bent over their plots attending to their crops. There were young families with children running around, middle-aged people of all professions, older couples with their home made elderflower cordial, and an elegant woman who had been on the site since 1964.
As the evening drew in a core group of revellers were left, of which we were two. It was then that the flavoured vodkas emerged – home made infusions of Fennel, Mint, Strawberry and Vanilla. Sue was more sensible than I, who had never had vodka before (and by now was less inhibited by the application of red wine), to consume all of the shots. I knocked them back and even finished some of Sue’s. We were sitting around the shed having a laugh and a good time as it got later. We had planned to walk back to Westcott (which meant a 2 mile trek across the fields, through a wood and along a main road), so Sue suggested we get on our way as we had plans for the following morning. It was then that I noticed I had drunken legs, and as soon as tried to stand I was on my backside again. We mumbled apologies, thanks and goodnights and staggered off into the gloom. It wasn’t the last time I fell over, and Sue had a hard time keeping me upright – berating me as I swayed close to the road ‘If you get run over I will kill you!’
Needless to say the next day was mostly spent in a haze as I endeavoured to set up Sue’s Aunt’s Broadband and Video package.
I don’t think I will be trying vodka again in a hurry… …though the boys have promised to invite us back for their cider making enterprise!
It was a pleasant evening and everyone enjoyed themselves meeting people that they previously had only seen the backsides of from a distance as they bent over their plots attending to their crops. There were young families with children running around, middle-aged people of all professions, older couples with their home made elderflower cordial, and an elegant woman who had been on the site since 1964.
As the evening drew in a core group of revellers were left, of which we were two. It was then that the flavoured vodkas emerged – home made infusions of Fennel, Mint, Strawberry and Vanilla. Sue was more sensible than I, who had never had vodka before (and by now was less inhibited by the application of red wine), to consume all of the shots. I knocked them back and even finished some of Sue’s. We were sitting around the shed having a laugh and a good time as it got later. We had planned to walk back to Westcott (which meant a 2 mile trek across the fields, through a wood and along a main road), so Sue suggested we get on our way as we had plans for the following morning. It was then that I noticed I had drunken legs, and as soon as tried to stand I was on my backside again. We mumbled apologies, thanks and goodnights and staggered off into the gloom. It wasn’t the last time I fell over, and Sue had a hard time keeping me upright – berating me as I swayed close to the road ‘If you get run over I will kill you!’
Needless to say the next day was mostly spent in a haze as I endeavoured to set up Sue’s Aunt’s Broadband and Video package.
I don’t think I will be trying vodka again in a hurry… …though the boys have promised to invite us back for their cider making enterprise!
More wot I have read…
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
This was a book that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. I found it slow to start but the ending was nicely resolved without being too cutesy. A good period drama.
‘Summer 1924
One the eve of a glittering society party, by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again.
Winter 1999
Grace Bradley, ninety-eight, one-time housemaid at Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet’s suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories – long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace’s mind – begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never could.
Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, The House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.’
This was a book that Sue enjoyed and suggested I read. I found it slow to start but the ending was nicely resolved without being too cutesy. A good period drama.
‘Summer 1924
One the eve of a glittering society party, by the lake of a grand English country house, a young poet takes his life. The only witnesses, sisters Hannah and Emmeline Hartford, will never speak to each other again.
Winter 1999
Grace Bradley, ninety-eight, one-time housemaid at Riverton Manor, is visited by a young director making a film about the poet’s suicide. Ghosts awaken and old memories – long consigned to the dark reaches of Grace’s mind – begin to sneak back through the cracks. A shocking secret threatens to emerge, something history has forgotten but Grace never could.
Set as the war-shattered Edwardian summer surrenders to the decadent twenties, The House at Riverton is a thrilling mystery and a compelling love story.’
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The history of Ranmore village…
We recently went on an evening walk around what was the village of Ranmore. The shops, cottages and church served the nearby Denbies estate and were built by the then landowner who went on to become the 1st Lord Ashcombe. The shops, post office, dispensary, school and rectors house are now all private residences, but we were allowed a closer look at some of them and were allowed to walk across part of the Denbies estate to see where the grand old house used to stand and the views it commanded over the local area.
Gardens in bloom…
We have been spending more time out doors in gardens now that the weather has improved. We have planted much of our allotment even though the ground is still poor and we are not expecting a great yield – the strawberries are going great guns at the moment and Sue has made jams and frozen the excess that can’t be eaten fresh. Around home the garden is looking good and we are seeing where we can move some plants around next year to improve the display. We have also been helping out with the Westcott in Bloom preparations by clearing approaches to the village of overgrowing verges and helping plant out display beds that should improve our chances of getting an award.
Recently we also joined the Gardeners Club in an outing to Parham House in West Sussex to walk around their lovely free-form gardens and the historic 16th C house. The gardens have a variety of ‘rooms’ within the large walled area and outside that is the please gardens with lake, maze and parkland. The house has a great collection of paintings, artefacts and a very grand long gallery. Still privately owned and occupied Parham House and Gardens is well worth a visit.
Recently we also joined the Gardeners Club in an outing to Parham House in West Sussex to walk around their lovely free-form gardens and the historic 16th C house. The gardens have a variety of ‘rooms’ within the large walled area and outside that is the please gardens with lake, maze and parkland. The house has a great collection of paintings, artefacts and a very grand long gallery. Still privately owned and occupied Parham House and Gardens is well worth a visit.
More wot I have heard…
Wishful Thinking by Hot Club of Cowtown
This was the album that the band was promoting as part of their tour that we caught in Brighton recently. We have an earlier album (Continental Stomp – 2003) and this new one is similar but with a few more variations and is very enjoyable – I listened to it twice through on the way home on the weekend.
******
I have been into some aspects of the jazz genre for a while as my dad introduced me to traditional acts and I found acid-jazz/jazz-fusion later on. A friend in NZ gave me a list of his top jazz albums and I have recently tracked them down and bought them online.
Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
This was the first album to be delivered, and it is described as challenging, provocative and disturbing. I know some jazz can be pretty weird, but I can’t say found it this album all that bad, in fact I found it was perfectly fine as background music.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
This is probably my favourite of this jazz classics group, and the one I was most familiar with. It has a smoky, late night club feel to it and is great to let it flow over you.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I lot of these artists were familiar with each others work and often collaborated together and Coltrane features on the Miles Davis album. This, though, is one of his most celebrated albums and where it is a bit more ‘out there’ it is still well worth a listen to and has a lot going on in it.
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
Another very interesting jazz classic album, and for those keen on the genre it is full of really good stuff.
Also recommended by my jazz loving friend is this interesting album…
The Very Best of Play Bach by Jacques Loussier
I was unaware of his work until it was pointed out that he performed the ‘Hamlet Cigar’ music. This album is an easy listening joy that washes over the listener and gently carries them away. It is an antidote to the other albums above that require more active concentration on the behalf of the listener to get the most out of them. Where they are smoky jazz dive beats, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar soundtrack.
******
Made in Dakar by Orchestra Baobab
We saw these guys at the last Womad we went to and were impressed with their Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautifully orchestrated instruments and harmonious voices. For anyone who has an interest in World music and expanding their listening horizons this group would be high on my list along with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Sweet Fast River by Suntrap
We saw this group at our local folk club and were very impressed with their lovely songs. You can also find them on their own MySpace site.
This was the album that the band was promoting as part of their tour that we caught in Brighton recently. We have an earlier album (Continental Stomp – 2003) and this new one is similar but with a few more variations and is very enjoyable – I listened to it twice through on the way home on the weekend.
******
I have been into some aspects of the jazz genre for a while as my dad introduced me to traditional acts and I found acid-jazz/jazz-fusion later on. A friend in NZ gave me a list of his top jazz albums and I have recently tracked them down and bought them online.
Brilliant Corners by Thelonious Monk
This was the first album to be delivered, and it is described as challenging, provocative and disturbing. I know some jazz can be pretty weird, but I can’t say found it this album all that bad, in fact I found it was perfectly fine as background music.
Kind of Blue by Miles Davis
This is probably my favourite of this jazz classics group, and the one I was most familiar with. It has a smoky, late night club feel to it and is great to let it flow over you.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I lot of these artists were familiar with each others work and often collaborated together and Coltrane features on the Miles Davis album. This, though, is one of his most celebrated albums and where it is a bit more ‘out there’ it is still well worth a listen to and has a lot going on in it.
Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus
Another very interesting jazz classic album, and for those keen on the genre it is full of really good stuff.
Also recommended by my jazz loving friend is this interesting album…
The Very Best of Play Bach by Jacques Loussier
I was unaware of his work until it was pointed out that he performed the ‘Hamlet Cigar’ music. This album is an easy listening joy that washes over the listener and gently carries them away. It is an antidote to the other albums above that require more active concentration on the behalf of the listener to get the most out of them. Where they are smoky jazz dive beats, this is a sophisticated cocktail bar soundtrack.
******
Made in Dakar by Orchestra Baobab
We saw these guys at the last Womad we went to and were impressed with their Afro-Cuban rhythms and beautifully orchestrated instruments and harmonious voices. For anyone who has an interest in World music and expanding their listening horizons this group would be high on my list along with the Buena Vista Social Club.
Sweet Fast River by Suntrap
We saw this group at our local folk club and were very impressed with their lovely songs. You can also find them on their own MySpace site.
More wot I have seen…
We went to see Hot Club of Cowtown recently with a couple of friends and we had one of the best nights ever as the band ripped up the club with an enthusiastic foot-stomping show. They are – as their name suggests – a band that incorporates the Hot Club of France sound with Country music into a hugely entertaining fusion. All of members of the band are amazingly talented musicians with the guitarist taking the Django Reinhardt role, the violinist the Stephane Grappelli, and the double bassist slapping out a thumping beat with support of the drummer.
The venue was an interesting and deceptive Komedia club in Brighton that is host of a variety of gigs including comedy, music and cabaret. It was a lively place with a mixed audience and a well stocked bar. Downstairs they have a coffee bar and a café that looks well patronised.
The venue was an interesting and deceptive Komedia club in Brighton that is host of a variety of gigs including comedy, music and cabaret. It was a lively place with a mixed audience and a well stocked bar. Downstairs they have a coffee bar and a café that looks well patronised.
More wot I have read…
My Name is Daphne Fairfax by Arthur Smith
I rattled through this book as it was a very entertaining read. I could hear Arthur Smith’s distinctive voice in the words as I read about his interesting life.
'My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax'. This has been Arthur's opening line at hundreds of stand-up comedy performances. In fact, he is neither Daphne nor Arthur. Friends and family know him as Brian. One of the 'alternative comedians' who shook up light entertainment in the eighties and nineties, Arthur (and Brian) is also a broadcaster, an opening bat for Grumpy Old Men, a West End playwright (his plays include An Evening with Gary Lineker) and a guest on innumerable radio and TV panel shows. In "My Name is Daphne Fairfax", he reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a road sweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. Hilarious, scandalous and rude, his memoir incorporates a tender tribute to his parents and a vigorous account of the peculiar business of being alive.’
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
The fourth book in the series that ties up the storylines for all the major characters nicely. This book got some bad press from the puritans as it celebrates the union between boy and girl, though I can’t see a problem with it as there is nothing graphic and the passion is highly romanticized.
It is an easy read, written as it is for young adults, but it is still entertaining and compulsive. Different in its approach from the previous books it allows the story to viewed from two characters point of view fleshing the second character out more while giving us a relief from the insecurities of the lead.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him…It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
‘Forever,’ he agreed.
I rattled through this book as it was a very entertaining read. I could hear Arthur Smith’s distinctive voice in the words as I read about his interesting life.
'My name is Arthur Smith, unless there's anybody here from the Streatham tax office. In which case, I'm Daphne Fairfax'. This has been Arthur's opening line at hundreds of stand-up comedy performances. In fact, he is neither Daphne nor Arthur. Friends and family know him as Brian. One of the 'alternative comedians' who shook up light entertainment in the eighties and nineties, Arthur (and Brian) is also a broadcaster, an opening bat for Grumpy Old Men, a West End playwright (his plays include An Evening with Gary Lineker) and a guest on innumerable radio and TV panel shows. In "My Name is Daphne Fairfax", he reflects on the nature of comedy and his days as a scruffy kid on the bombsites of Bermondsey, a wild-haired undergraduate, a road sweeper, an English teacher, a failed rock star, a boozed-up sexual adventurer and an intensive care patient who has been told never to drink again. Hilarious, scandalous and rude, his memoir incorporates a tender tribute to his parents and a vigorous account of the peculiar business of being alive.’
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
The fourth book in the series that ties up the storylines for all the major characters nicely. This book got some bad press from the puritans as it celebrates the union between boy and girl, though I can’t see a problem with it as there is nothing graphic and the passion is highly romanticized.
It is an easy read, written as it is for young adults, but it is still entertaining and compulsive. Different in its approach from the previous books it allows the story to viewed from two characters point of view fleshing the second character out more while giving us a relief from the insecurities of the lead.
‘Don’t be afraid,’ I murmured. ‘We belong together.’
I was abruptly overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him…It felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire.
‘Forever,’ he agreed.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Under canvas…
We had a long weekend away camping at Hollands Wood in the New Forest with a bunch of friends and we were lucky with unusually bright and hot Bank Holiday weather. Much of the time was spent sitting around the site drinking copiously, but we did manage a few short walks and one long (and painful) bicycle ride in the forest.
We were impressed with the site and its location in the middle of the forest was ideal, though you had to be careful to move any foodstuffs and not leave any out in the campsite when you retired at night as the ponies would be around in the morning rooting through it for their breakfast.
We were impressed with the site and its location in the middle of the forest was ideal, though you had to be careful to move any foodstuffs and not leave any out in the campsite when you retired at night as the ponies would be around in the morning rooting through it for their breakfast.
More wot I have seen…
Madeleine Peyroux is a French/Canadian singer songwriter with a soulful and mellow voice that transports the listener. She had a reputation of being stand-offish and difficult, but she was charming and engaging, and a little quirky… …which is not a bad thing.
She performed at the Brighton Dome which is an interesting venue and one that seemed to suit her very well.
The support act was from Sophie Hunger and her group from Switzerland who were very interesting and folksy (I have ordered her latest CD).
Cara Dillon is an Irish singer songwriter with the voice of an angel. She sings effortlessly with a clear and sweet sound and is supported by a talented band (including her husband Sam Lakeman – brother of Seth).
The venue was the Chequer Mead at East Grinstead, a smaller intimate theatre that suited this traditional folk music very well.
The support was from an unusual duo called Horses Brawl. They came from Norfolk and played a ‘mash-up’ of music that they say is rooted in renaissance, medieval, baroque and European folk traditions.
She performed at the Brighton Dome which is an interesting venue and one that seemed to suit her very well.
The support act was from Sophie Hunger and her group from Switzerland who were very interesting and folksy (I have ordered her latest CD).
Cara Dillon is an Irish singer songwriter with the voice of an angel. She sings effortlessly with a clear and sweet sound and is supported by a talented band (including her husband Sam Lakeman – brother of Seth).
The venue was the Chequer Mead at East Grinstead, a smaller intimate theatre that suited this traditional folk music very well.
The support was from an unusual duo called Horses Brawl. They came from Norfolk and played a ‘mash-up’ of music that they say is rooted in renaissance, medieval, baroque and European folk traditions.
More wot I have read…
The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross
This not the greatest book that I have ever read but it is not terrible either.
‘They were the perfect family. And he was the perfect family man. One day changed it all.
Arrested for racketeering, Ben Raab must take his family into America’s Witness Protection Program. Only his eldest daughter, Kate, stays on the outside.
But the Program’s perfect success rate is about to end. A case agent is tortured to death and Ben vanishes. The one person who might be able to find him is Kate.
Pursued by killers, forced to question everything she knows about her life, Kate is plunged into a terrifying existence for which nothing has prepared her.
Most people would call it certain death. The FBI calls it the Blue Zone.’
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne
This book exposed me to a glimpse of what it might be like in a Jewish community, but otherwise the storyline and progress was a little to much like other better written books.
‘A series of murders as far apart as the backstreets of New York, the crowded slums of India and the pristine beaches of Cape Town can’t be connected, can they?
Rookie New York Times reporter Will Monroe thinks not – until his beautiful wife Beth is kidnapped. The men holding her seem ready to kill without hesitation.
Desperate, Will follows a sinister trail that leads to a mysterious cult – fanatical followers of one of the world’s oldest religions – right on his doorstep. Now he must unravel ancient prophecies and riddles buried deep in the Bible to find a secret worth killing for, a secret on which the fate of humanity may depend. But with more victims dying every hour and each clue wrapped in layers of code, time is running out…’
Unchained America by Dave Gorman
This was an interesting read for me as I would be quite keen to take a road trip across America. The journey through backwater towns where unusual people and sites were found was entertaining.
‘The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man. What could possibly go wrong? Dismayed by the relentless onslaught of faceless American chains muscling in where local businesses had once thrived, Dave Gorman set off on the ultimate American road trip - in search of the true, independent heart of the US of A. He would eat cherry pie from local diners, re-fuel at dusty gas stations on remote highways and stock up on supplies from Mom and Pop's grocery store. At least that was the idea. But in a world of 30,000 McDonalds, 13,000 Starbucks, and 4,200 Best Westerns, could it really be done? When did you last see an independent gas station? Gamely, Dave beds down in a Colorado trailer park, sleeps in an Oregon forest treehouse, and even spends Thanksgiving with a Mexican family in Kansas. But when his classic coast-to-coast trip mutates into an odyssey of near-epic proportions and he finds himself being threatened at gun point in Mississippi, Dave starts to worry about what's going to break down next. The car...or him?’
This not the greatest book that I have ever read but it is not terrible either.
‘They were the perfect family. And he was the perfect family man. One day changed it all.
Arrested for racketeering, Ben Raab must take his family into America’s Witness Protection Program. Only his eldest daughter, Kate, stays on the outside.
But the Program’s perfect success rate is about to end. A case agent is tortured to death and Ben vanishes. The one person who might be able to find him is Kate.
Pursued by killers, forced to question everything she knows about her life, Kate is plunged into a terrifying existence for which nothing has prepared her.
Most people would call it certain death. The FBI calls it the Blue Zone.’
The Righteous Men by Sam Bourne
This book exposed me to a glimpse of what it might be like in a Jewish community, but otherwise the storyline and progress was a little to much like other better written books.
‘A series of murders as far apart as the backstreets of New York, the crowded slums of India and the pristine beaches of Cape Town can’t be connected, can they?
Rookie New York Times reporter Will Monroe thinks not – until his beautiful wife Beth is kidnapped. The men holding her seem ready to kill without hesitation.
Desperate, Will follows a sinister trail that leads to a mysterious cult – fanatical followers of one of the world’s oldest religions – right on his doorstep. Now he must unravel ancient prophecies and riddles buried deep in the Bible to find a secret worth killing for, a secret on which the fate of humanity may depend. But with more victims dying every hour and each clue wrapped in layers of code, time is running out…’
Unchained America by Dave Gorman
This was an interesting read for me as I would be quite keen to take a road trip across America. The journey through backwater towns where unusual people and sites were found was entertaining.
‘The plan was simple. Go to America. Buy a second-hand car. Drive coast-to-coast without giving any money to The Man. What could possibly go wrong? Dismayed by the relentless onslaught of faceless American chains muscling in where local businesses had once thrived, Dave Gorman set off on the ultimate American road trip - in search of the true, independent heart of the US of A. He would eat cherry pie from local diners, re-fuel at dusty gas stations on remote highways and stock up on supplies from Mom and Pop's grocery store. At least that was the idea. But in a world of 30,000 McDonalds, 13,000 Starbucks, and 4,200 Best Westerns, could it really be done? When did you last see an independent gas station? Gamely, Dave beds down in a Colorado trailer park, sleeps in an Oregon forest treehouse, and even spends Thanksgiving with a Mexican family in Kansas. But when his classic coast-to-coast trip mutates into an odyssey of near-epic proportions and he finds himself being threatened at gun point in Mississippi, Dave starts to worry about what's going to break down next. The car...or him?’
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
More wot I have read…
Twilight Series by Stephanie Mayer
The first three books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
This series of books aimed at the American young adult market is very entertaining for the older reader too. Quite heavily charged with teenage angst I can see how it appeals to the hormonally imbalanced youth who have taken to it so well.
Twilight
‘When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…’
New Moon
‘For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edwards has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may be just beginning…’
Eclipse
‘As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continuous her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded be danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?’
The first three books:
Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
This series of books aimed at the American young adult market is very entertaining for the older reader too. Quite heavily charged with teenage angst I can see how it appeals to the hormonally imbalanced youth who have taken to it so well.
Twilight
‘When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.
What Bella doesn’t realise is that the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around her at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…’
New Moon
‘For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edwards has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realise their troubles may be just beginning…’
Eclipse
‘As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continuous her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded be danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?’
Up, up and away…
We have just been on a long weekend break to the beautiful Peak District and the heart of the country. We based ourselves at the historic market town of Bakewell, renowned for its tarts and puddings (though not to our tastes), which is a lovely town besides the river that has a friendly atmosphere and bucolic charm.
On our way to the town we stopped in at the nearby historic Chatsworth home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is an impressive pile with grand gardens and lands as far as the eye can see. We were more impressed with the wonderful grounds with their long lacks, fountains and water terraces than we were with the house itself. We had a delightful picnic lunch sitting in the grounds in the bright sunshine
The following day we visited another historic home that had belonged to the Cavendish family, that of Hardwick Hall. We were very impressed with both the old and new halls that stand next to one another on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside.
Down into the valley we stopped at another National Trust property; that of the estate’s mill – Stainsby Mill, where we witnessed the water wheel powered millstones grinding grain into flour just as it did so long ago.
We returned to Bakewell to have another picnic lunch, this time on the banks of the river, before returning to our hotel to change for the evening.
We drove a couple of miles out of town to a little village of Rowsley where we parked up in the middle of a field. Here we had arranged to meet with others for a balloon ride over the countryside.
The weather was perfect and the organisers started to prepare the balloon as we were briefed. It turned out one person had tried 17 different occasions to fly over a 2 years before this day, each time to have it cancelled before it took off. Conditions though were right and the balloon was inflated and we clambered into the wicker basket to soar into the sky. The trip was sublime and gentle as we drifted up to over 4000 feet where we could see all around the Peak District, the town of Bakewell at out feet, Chatsworth over the hill, other stately homes, farms and rolling countryside. We could see a couple of other balloons in the sky with us and briefly a small airplane buzzed in between us and the Virgin balloon like the red baron. After the controlled landing in a farmer’s field we had a drink of champagne before being driven back to our car.
It was one of the best experiences we have ever had, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
On our way to the town we stopped in at the nearby historic Chatsworth home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. It is an impressive pile with grand gardens and lands as far as the eye can see. We were more impressed with the wonderful grounds with their long lacks, fountains and water terraces than we were with the house itself. We had a delightful picnic lunch sitting in the grounds in the bright sunshine
The following day we visited another historic home that had belonged to the Cavendish family, that of Hardwick Hall. We were very impressed with both the old and new halls that stand next to one another on the top of a hill overlooking the countryside.
Down into the valley we stopped at another National Trust property; that of the estate’s mill – Stainsby Mill, where we witnessed the water wheel powered millstones grinding grain into flour just as it did so long ago.
We returned to Bakewell to have another picnic lunch, this time on the banks of the river, before returning to our hotel to change for the evening.
We drove a couple of miles out of town to a little village of Rowsley where we parked up in the middle of a field. Here we had arranged to meet with others for a balloon ride over the countryside.
The weather was perfect and the organisers started to prepare the balloon as we were briefed. It turned out one person had tried 17 different occasions to fly over a 2 years before this day, each time to have it cancelled before it took off. Conditions though were right and the balloon was inflated and we clambered into the wicker basket to soar into the sky. The trip was sublime and gentle as we drifted up to over 4000 feet where we could see all around the Peak District, the town of Bakewell at out feet, Chatsworth over the hill, other stately homes, farms and rolling countryside. We could see a couple of other balloons in the sky with us and briefly a small airplane buzzed in between us and the Virgin balloon like the red baron. After the controlled landing in a farmer’s field we had a drink of champagne before being driven back to our car.
It was one of the best experiences we have ever had, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
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