Nick's Diary Blog Thingy

Teechers

2011-12-29T18:10:00.000Z

Back to the Future...?

2011-11-03T02:05:00.010Z

Rob Stanson, our first 'Henry V - Lion of England'

It's a bit depressing realising that I'm going back 20 years. Next year it will be 20 years since I presented 'Teechers' and 'Henry V - Lion of England' at the mac in Birmingham. I booked three nights but didn't have the guts to put my Henry on for all three nights so my mate directed the Godber classic. And now I'm doing it again, but this time in London.

Us, at the launch of
A Ghost of A Chance.

It has occurred to me though that every time I've written something, things happened. 'Henry' has toured and went the the USA. A Ghost of A Chance not only attracted some stellar creatives, it also won the Guinness Award through the National Theatre. PALS became our local hit, going from nothing to sell out runs in the space of a few weeks. And this time I'm producing in London, arguably the world capital of the arts.

Ed Morris, the latest

Henry V - Lion of England.

Contemplating my return to Pub Theatre!

So maybe its not too depressing going back a bit. John Lennon said about the Beatles reforming, "you can't reheat a soufflé." No you can't John, but maybe you can cook another one and try and make it tastier. So 2012 will be a big year and nothing to do with the Olympics, because I'm gonna write me next new play and see what happens. I'm shall try a similar approach to PALS. PALS was in my head for about five years and this new one, Ron and Juliet, has been around for a similar time. It's due in July. And talking of the Olympics, it has a five-a-side footy match in the second half... Game On!

RIP Steve Jobs

2011-10-12T22:28:00.000+01:00

It was a bit of a shock to say the least. And there's me asking the question about which is best - mac or pc!

One of the most memorable quotes Steve Jobs said was something like "coming up with a great idea just involves simple thinking. It's just really complicated and hard to think simply."

Apple's iphone 4s launches on Friday. Steve would have been proud?

Mac or PC? It’s that old thorny chestnut. (Or should that be thorny Apple... )

2011-10-01T19:58:00.003+01:00

MBPro AND pc at work. And in love...!

After years of p.c’s I got my first 15 inch Macbook Pro about three years ago and have been very pleased with it. I particularly like the i-life suite of programmes that comes pre-loaded with every new machine. In one suite you can edit video, catalogue photos, make music and create web sites. And it’s all pretty straightforward.

The i-phone revolutionised mobile phones for a similar reason. They just work. They are easy and instinctive to use. There might not be huge bangs for your buck under the hood, but you don’t have to spend hours on the system itself. In fact the camera was woeful on the first i-phones. I guess they had to have something to improve for later models.

I-phone. Improved with age

When I first considered using media players I asked the lovely Simon Cross, an engineer at Heart-FM and The Arrow where I was working, which would be the best player to use.

“For someone like you?” he asked. Someone like me? I was a DJ on a radio station. He was an engineer. Not for the first time I saw that sympathetic look in his eye. It was the look many of the engineers had when approached by a presenter with a technical problem. The same look a Mother may give an innocent, misunderstanding child. A look of pity. Sorrow, almost, that one so grown up could be so.. well... naive!

“Er.. yes”, I replied, “someone like me.”

“I-tunes and apple media player.” said Simon without hesitation. “Not the best, but the easiest to use.” He almost patted me on the head as he walked out of the studio, looking sad for my lost technical prowess.

I did the breakfast show here. And Simon (and others) kept it running.

And he was right of course. A smart lad is our Simes. I think he now works for Facebook in the USA or the BBC or both or something and well deserved it is too.

I’ve heard stories of how Steve Jobs will be in a meeting talking about a new app or programme and spend all the time worrying about how the icon looks. And he’s quite correct too. Computers are about making our lives easier, not increasing our knowledge of html. (If Simon knew I was talking about html I think he’d be very proud of me. Even though I don’t really have much of a clue what it is. He’d appreciate me trying!)

So it’s a bit of a no brainer. Mac good, PC.. well if not bad, then certainly average. Unless you’re a starving artist. Suddenly £850 odd quid for a Macbook Air takes on a new perspective. When there are netbooks from a couple of hundred quid. A writer mate of mine is battling with this. The macs look great, but is that all you are paying for? He has a ten year old Sony Viao that now takes about 40 mins to boot up, so he needs to do something!

So maybe you can help with a suggestion or two. Netbook? Or save up for a macbook. Whaddya think? And if a pc, which one would you recommend?

Where’s Simon when you need him...

That Hollyoaks TV Audition

2011-09-22T22:59:00.000+01:00

Please see the previous post. But here, as promised, are the FULL details of the new character for Hollyoaks, as sent to the Maverick Theatre Company today. Good Luck!

The Hollyoaks casting team are looking for a really exciting 18 to 20 year old black / asian / mixed race actress to play a new regular character in the show. She must be stunning looking, a proficient street / hip hop dancer, and of course a fantastic actress.

The character is an aspiring dance student. She's sexy, confident, intelligent, funny, open, driven and feisty but likeable.

Filming will be in Liverpool from 7 October onwards. If you know any actors who might be suitable, interested and available, then please either put them in touch with us, or be in touch yourselves. The best point of contact is me (Rick Laxton, Casting Director) at rlaxton@limepictures.com or on 0151 202 2441. Please can photos of any suggestions be emailed if possible.

Castings will take place from 26 to 29 September in London and Liverpool, so the sooner suggestions can get to us the better please, and no later than 6pm on Tuesday 27 Sept.

Any Maverick ideas?

2011-09-19T16:37:00.002+01:00

A mad moment in the pub?

I'm looking for hard evidence to support my assumption that Maverick's productions in pubs and community spaces will attract new audiences to theatre.

This assumption is actually borne out by our work at the Billesley Pub in Birmingham during the 1990's and at Birmingham Library Theatre during the early 2000's. We have evidence to show that Maverick attracted non-theatre goers through our programme of contemporary classics, ticket-pricing and a robust marketing strategy aimed squarely at the council estates surrounding our venue. Basic market research in the form of printed questionnaires left on seats in the pub showed our audience to be generally non-theatre goers who were younger, more female and less well-off when compared to national statistics for regular theatre attenders.

I want to return to that model and roll the concept out nationally. A touring circuit that will address my belief that there are substantial proportions of the population who do not feel theatre is for them. My experience, both personal and professional, is that if the proposition is right, a new, more inclusive audience can be developed. The benefits are huge, not just for the new attenders, but to whole communities, other theatres, professional practitioners and society in general.

Unlike the work of the legendary Joan Litttlewood with her Theatre Workshop at Stratford East, this will be a touring project. It is very ambitious.

And it is obviously going to cost money and will be an almighty struggle, so I need to build the best possible case to present to funding bodies and commercial organisations whose help will be crucial to realise the project.

So, have you any comments, ideas, references or research that might help me? Perhaps you were one of our new theatre attenders? Or are there reasons why you perhaps have a problem with going to the theatre? How important is 'the event'?

Any contributions, good, bad, long, short or indifferent will be very welcome and annonymous. Did you perhaps attend any Maverick shows in Birmingham or on tour?

I hope to make a case for the Arts Council to award a small grant to allow the research to move forward and I shall contact you for permission if I would like to use your comments. Please email me at mavericktheatre.co.uk or comment below.

Thanks very much for your help. Here we go again... maybe!

And if you are looking for information about the new HOLLYOAKS actress auditions, I'll put details here tomorrow. Ta.

Write On

2011-09-04T02:21:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I was last here, but I'm Twittering and Facebooking like a demon with a pen. Or a keyboard. I've actually recently been paid to write too, which is just heavenly! But we didn't get a grant we went for with Maverick Theatre, so funds are tight and I've gone for a more permanent position as a writer and it's sort of paralyzed me a bit. I kind of think I've got to hold on to the writing juice in case it runs dry just when I need it. Competition for the job is very tough and I don't want to jinx it. Not that I'm at all superstitious about things. But fingers crossed I get it!

I'll be back...

E-Mail

2011-06-05T22:12:00.000+01:00

This is an interesting feature. The box above gives you some sort of e-mail alert from feedburner. I've just registered myself. I love me tech, me. Let's see if it works, eh?

On Yer Bike.

2011-05-30T02:29:00.005+01:00

I returned to biking later in life when I started to see signs for cycle routes as I was driving around Birmingham in my car. I presented a radio breakfast show so had few traffic problems. But the signs made me think about bikes, so I bought a cheapy one from Halfords, Kings Heath. Not the best move. I had to take it back 3 times as the pedals kept coming loose! But don't let that put you off. A trip to a proper bike shop solved the problems.

The first time I did cycle the 7 miles to the studio – up a big hill – it took me nearly an hour. But I'd make the effort once a week. The start of the journey was through the rather lovely Cannon Hill Park. Sun shining, birds singing, mugggers mugging... During the summer it gradually dawned on me that I quite liked being in the fresh air, so I started cycling two or three times a week. Within 12 months, the hour ride magically became 20 mins. I also lost 5 stone! And I was unexpectedly overcome with a very strange feeling of well-being after a ride…

Cycling is an almost organic experience after years of being cooped up in cars and public transport. If you’re new to the idea, give it a go. It really will effect your outlook on life. I’m discovering London now. I no longer present a breakfast show and London doesn't have Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, but it does have the River Thames. Which as you can see from the picture below, is rather nice!

To Write or not to Write, that is the question...

2011-04-08T15:21:00.000+01:00

... or rather, to blog or not to blog. Or at least where to blog. Read on...

Now I've finished Uni and the banks are being uncooperative with the £15k I need to get Maverick Theatre out touring, I've been looking at other ways of generating income. (This is Producer Speak for I'm looking for a job!)

I came across a site offering income for blog posts and subsequently read an article in Writer magazine about such sites. They survive by attracting search engines and splitting some of the income with you. But you need to write SEO stuff that computerised machines will be likin'. The title of this little rant, for instance, is not very good. If it said 'Royal Wedding Prince William Make Cash Quick Sex' it would attract more search engines and therefore earn the site more money.

In fact, what a good idea...!

Back in a moment....

Royal Wedding Prince William Make Cash Quick Sex

2011-04-08T15:07:00.000+01:00

There. Now let's see if that generates any traffic from the Bots. It's already attracted Spam Comments, but Blogger seems rather good at getting rid of them.

Anyway, back to the point. The article basically concluded that in terms of writing style and volume of posts needed for the blog sites, it was probably better creatively to do it yourself and if you can generate enough traffic, you might even earn a bit too.

And so I shall attempt to become more regular. And see what happens.

Anyone know how to make any additional income out of the Royal Wedding Prince William Make Cash Quick Sex?

Just wondered.

Keep Right On...

2011-02-28T07:02:00.000Z

Birmingham City Football Club won the League Cup tonight. I'm not a huge football fan, but it's hard not to be lured by the pure drama of it all. There's goodies and baddies and hope and despair. Just like life in fact. And there's nothing like a good sporting celebration to help keep our minds off an unfair economy...

Blues are celebrating their first silverware since about 1963. But I actually think it's the first major trophy they've won since they were formed. About 130 odd years then.

I'm approaching my fiscal survival this year with the same tenacity. I just hope it's not going to take me as long as the Blues. More beer!

Romantica

2011-02-16T01:45:00.000Z

It's been a tough few months. But the return to a radio show I did years ago has been very positive. And a great way of introducing an arts concept that very few will realise was one! Maverick this year is to be about nostalgia and reminiscence and Romantica was just that, with a lovely bunch of people sending in stories that, in some cases, had never been repeated before. On the first of two nights some of the feedback was tearful and very emotional. But it's great. It's what makes us human.

Students are revolting...

2011-01-02T00:23:00.000Z

And to prove it...

Happy New Year!

Chiswick House and Gardens

2010-10-07T02:17:00.001+01:00

A Detour On The Way Back From The Post Office

And Wow! What a detour. I was on my bike and dropped a parcel off at the Post Office at the top of Chiswick High Road. Having a half hour to kill, I thought I'd take a slightly different route home and this is what I came across. I'm blessed that even at my age I'm still surprised at what London can come up with. These are snapshots taken with my phone, but all taken 20 mins from our flat. You should try a detour from a daily route and post the photographs here. I'd love to see what you come up with.

Chiswick House. Available for weddings apparently!

This is the view from the gate I entered.

And the view from a little further back.

Swinging down past Chiswick Mall, this is a public right of way to the River Thames.

Is this little cottage in Stratford-upon-Avon? Nope. Chiswick again.

Groovy sign to the river 'right of way'.

The view toward Hammersmith Bridge

People live on this. I can't blame them!

Look the other way from the boat and this is St Nicholas' Church. Many famous folk rest here.

A house in St Peter's Square, Hammersmith. Our flat is just round the corner.

Groovy baby!

Southwold my Southwold

2010-08-16T01:27:00.000+01:00

These blogs seem less... I don't know... relalvant with Twitter and Facebook and a brilliant little programme which is almost perfect called Momento which I downloaded onto my i-phone. It's a great little diary app although there are a few problems - you can export the text but not photo's and the text when exported is full of code. But it's a great way to make notes on the go and will provide a record of life for years to come.

I could write about Hancock and how that went. Quite well thank you. But I'm in Southwold with my partner who is performing in Abigails Party in a week or so.. And its a great place, stuck in the past somewhat!

Time for a picture from the pier I think. And maybe more later. Now where is that bucket, spade and raincoat...

That's Very Nearly Three Months-full!

2010-06-27T22:26:00.001+01:00

Well I've been a busy boy. Dealing with a friend's cancer and setting up a middle/large scale theatre tour at the same time has proved challenging to say the least, which is why I've not really had a chance to come on here since March.
Thankfully friend has recovered completely apart from her regular check ups and the Hancock's Finest Hour tour, although incredibly difficult financially, seems to just about be holding its own.
So I shall be back later methinks. And if you live near the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond North Yorkshire, or the Middlesborough Theatre in.. er... Middlesborough, then come and say hello in the next few weeks

Ere, ere! Vincent Van Gogh – just one of us really.

2010-03-17T02:21:00.004Z

I went to the Van Gogh bash at the Royal Academy of Arts last week. There’s so much else going on at the moment I arrived sort of testy, especially when it turned out there had been a power cut for 4 hours and they were only just thinking of opening when I arrived. My pre-paid 3pm ticket may have only cost me about £4 (plus booking fees – how ridiculous!) but the place was unpleasantly packed. It was a disappointment, especially after my rock 'n' roll tour of Amsterdam with The Arrow where rather than explore the red light district I excused myself and visited the Reich Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. My colleagues kindly decided to ignore this behaviour and, I think, in spite of my Rock Credentials put it down to age!

So, to this exhibition. It confirmed what I’ve always thought and admired about Van Gogh. He was a bloke like us who had a number of careers but when he decided he wanted to paint, he just went for it. He wasn’t very good when he started, but he had heroes, people he looked up to and he just decided he was going to try to be a painter – an artist – and his big ambition in the early days was just to try and make a living. He had his equivalent of the Arts Council as well, his younger brother Theo, whose financial contribution allowed Vincent to stick at it. And although tragically Vincent died without any real recognition, you have to say the boy done good. Packing out – and I mean packing – the Royal Academy of Arts.

This says it all really, about being an artist. (Although I didn't photo the letter sketch.)

Happy New... oh yes, a bit late for that.

2010-02-15T10:51:00.014Z

It's been a busy and fairly tough financial start to the new year. I didn't really have time to write last month. Since leaving Uni I've been spending a lot of time looking for part-time work and trying to get things ready for my new production company and as always, everything is many times more difficult and time consuming when you have no dosh. But I'm almost ready to start my new life. Sort of. Well, new career anyway. It's taken 50 years, but I now have some sort of focus on what I intend to do professionally. And I'm fortunate in that so far some very successful people in the industry seem to think I am going to do okay. One or two have even tipped me as a 'rising star'. Heh!

But the reality at the moment is that the difficult financial situation has meant I have discovered southern dole offices, too. Posher than Kings Heath, Birmingham, although my London 'office' is a newer building! I get the impression that there's a bit more care and help available than last time I had to sign on. In the early 1990's I think we were just dole scum. Now the Labour Govt seems to really want to help. Things are much better now. There are still rules, but in the past you were either on the dole or not. It was unhelpfully black or white. You felt a bit like a hopeless scrounger. Now, although it's actually tougher to get help initially and they ask more questions, they've even accepted that I have to spend time to prepare for a new business and they have been offering help and referrals. I get annoyed by people who seem to think benefits are some sort of easy way out. Try living on £65 per week. It stops you starving, sure, but its not really going to give anyone a lifestyle after bills are paid. There are always those that will abuse any system, but I think social benefits, like the arts, are a mark of a civilised society and I for one feel better for being part of that. Plus, with the eye-watering amounts of tax I paid in the 1980's, I would need many centuries of claiming £65 per week to break even! I suppose the key word about National Insurance is that it's, well... insurance.

There are some benefits to being very poor again. I cycle to sign on, which is as it should be, and actually gives me some exercise. And it has forced me to find cheaper stuff in London. Not an easy task in leafy Chiswick. I go to my exclusive show biz club and drink tap water (served in posh jugs with ice and lemon), use the free wi-fi and finish with a coffee. A whole days work for £2.95. Then down the road in Turnham Green, if you get fed up of home made food, you can eat a massive plate of Chicken and Black Bean Noodles and a mug of Chinese tea for under a fiver. Now that's living!

That's living! All this for under a fiver in Chiswick.

This theatre thang has never been about the money but believe me when I say I am hugely looking forward to the day when I can afford a holiday again. But in one way I am truly blessed. I have a plan. I am in an industry that is starting to notice what I do. It might not work out exactly as I want, but at least I have some hope, ambition and direction. I feel desperately sorry for those others who are suffering as a result of this current economic climate and can see little hope at all.

No more noughties!

2009-12-29T02:26:00.001Z

Me in reflective 'new decade in new city' London mood. Do I look like a Master?

So, a new decade. Time to take stock. It's been possibly the most significant year of my life professionally. I've moved full time to London. I decided that 50 is a good age to finally go to university and I am now apparently a Master of Arts. With Merit, don't y' know. (I KNEW that soddin' 11plus result was wrong!) And I've set up a new production company that is 1 year old on 2nd January.

So a big year and a bigger year ahead. My personal version of the global recession means business is hard. And the theatre business is possibly harder. I've tried to find finance from a number of sources, includuding one for over 50's starting a busieness. (After making me jump through hoops for nearly a month they then decided they wouldn't support a theatre production company. Thanks. Like I can afford that time when starting a new business.)

But my first 'commercial' production, HANCOCK'S FINEST HOUR, (www.hancocksfinesthour.com) already has its first few hundred tickets sold for the historic Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmonds in April 2010. Other dates are coming together. So I might be in my 50's, but it's fun to start again. I'm discovering new parts of my new home city (Can you ever not be surprised by London?) and although its a new fledging business I know the route I have to follow. I perhaps need a business partner but at least I know that. I have no guarantee of success but I know the direction. Oh, and I have a nearly finished screenplay that has been attracting kind words from the likes of Warner Brothers. 2010. Bring it on.

Lest We Forget?

2009-11-13T17:51:00.011Z

It's been an unusually domestic week for me. And with remembrance day, British troops in Afghanistan and the Sun newspaper giving Gordon Brown a bad time over his handwriting, one that has given me pause for thought too.

It was a big week on the domestic front because my Dad, at 86, had never been to London before. He apparently drove near it in the 1940's, but that was in the back of an army truck. So he and my sister came down for a few days. I don't think I ever spend enough time with my family. Is it just me or do we all feel like that? I am so focused on trying to create art and avoid arts oft nearby regular bedfellow - grinding poverty! So it was nice when they came down, and as ever Bex was the perfect hostess, worrying over every detail.

Dad actually passed near London in the 1940's to jump on a plane for Operation Market Garden at Arnhem. Dad was a paratrooper, a 'Red Devil' and was part of the cock up that marked a bridge too far. He was wounded and spent a long time as a P.O.W. It's just as well he was captured when he was. I checked his company details on the 'tinterweb and the very day of the morning of his capture most of his comrades were wiped out by a machine gun nest. Incredible, but true.
My Dad, above, on the Thames embankment for the first time, aged 86. Note cap in hand.

We did the usual thing, showing Dad and Sis around darkest Chiswick and taking then to our favourite haunts. I'd met them both at Euston and we took the Northern and District Lines to get home. Now Dad is sharp and full of humour and although his hearing isn't too good (and he stubbornly refuses to wear his hearing aid) and he's not as lithe as he used to be, he's nobodies fool. So it was strange to see how strange the everyday of London was to him. He was fascinated by the electronic signs inside the tube carriages. He thought they were a great idea and seemed transfixed by them all the way back to Stamford Brook. He couldn't understand the need for all the different tube lines.

"And what if you're colour blind with all those colours on that train map?" he commented. He was shocked by how violently the turnstile doors slapped open and shut. I think he may have a point there.

But what really made me think was us walking from Westminster to Embankment pier past the RAF war memorial. I was slightly ahead of Dad looking for my camera. When I looked back he was looking up at the memorial and had his flat cap in his hand.

"You all right Dad?" I asked.

"Just thought I'd say hello to the boys," he said and nodded at the memorial. "They looked after us as much as they could."

I took the pic, then he doffed his cap to the memorial, put it on his head and off we went.

I asked him about it later. Dad was born into extreme poverty, the youngest of eleven kids. His mom, my Grandmother, died when Dad was seven. My Grandfather, Paddy, was an Irish labourer from Co Mayo in the west of Ireland. He was a big drinker (so THAT'S were I get it from... not my fault then!) who would often use his belt on the kids when he'd had a bit too much, which was most nights. I have some sympathy. Not with beating the kids, but the pressure must have been immense. There were 12 of them in two rooms in an up and down house in Leeds and often they went hungry too. When Paddy sobered up later in life he would often tell Dad the army was a good way out. Three square meals a day was a lot better than the everyday life they enjoyed. So aged 16 Dad and a mate from Leeds lied about their ages and signed up. Not the best of times to join the army. As Paddy said,

"Join the army, yes, but not when there's a bloody war on!"

Dad was grateful to the airman who took care to give them a safe landing at Arnhem. But it transpired later that there were other people looking out for him too. Dad's C.O. never acknowledged Dad's age. But the day they got captured, the day dad's platoon was massacred, the C.O. got his company up in the early morning, and moved off quietly, leaving Dad and his young chum asleep. When they woke up, the older guys had gone. The German officer who first captured them looked set to turn violent until he saw their age. In perfect English he said to Dad, "You are too young to die in this war."

And it got me to thinking about the current engagements. The loss of life is hugely regrettable and tragic and indeed many of my cousins in Leeds were in the forces, but was WW2 the last TRULY justifiable war? Can the 9/11 tragedy be compared to the invasion of Poland by Hitler? Is it right the Sun newspaper seems to be making an attempt to discredit the P.M. by using and directing the anger of a grieving mother? Isn't that just a bit too much 21st century?

Something don't smell right kids. I feel uncomfortable. I suppose it's always us, the great unwashed, the working class who get stuffed by other peoples principles; it's always us that ends up galloping into the cannons or marching into the hail of shot. But is it right, nowadays? I dunno. This time last year, during a performance of Henry V - Lion of England, in Brighton I had actor Ed Morris place a poppy in his coat at the end of the show which caused a palpable gasp from the audience. (I won't give too much away about that. I want you to see the show!) But what do you think?

I'm just very grateful to Dad's C.O. and that unnamed German officer in Holland. Or I almost certainly wouldn't be here to ask these questions.

Movie Madness...

2009-10-27T18:33:00.003Z

...or should that be movie Magic. I'm at the Cheltenham International Screen Writers Festival and jolly good it is too. If knackering. Very knackering...

What a Fete!

2009-09-06T17:36:00.008+01:00

Its been a while since I've been on here and its because everything is coming to a head. My working class equivalent of the grand tour - a three year search for self improvement and a real career though specialised education - sorta finishes this year. Finance and time are running out and so I've been vary aware of not wasting either. Not that being on here is a waste of time (?) but if I've time to knock out a quick blog I should be writing my dissertation or trying to promote the two 'Introduction To...' classes I am running later this month -
Creative Producing and Screenwriting.

But all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Or maybe a nutter. And talking of nutters, I decided this weekend to take some time out. I read about the Big Swim from Chiswick Pier. Since I've been in London full time I've been constantly working against some sort of deadline and since lectures finished I've not even had the exercise of walking to the tube, so I thought Saturday afternoon about three o'clock I should head out and suss the area a bit. So here in pictures is Nick's Guide to a Bit of West London And Jolly Nice It Is Too.

This road above is not leafy Sussex or Warwickshire. Nope, its a road not far from our Chiswick flat, 20 mins from the bustling metropolis of The City on a Saturday afternoon. How can you not love this?

As a recent convert to Moseley Rugby Club on Billesley Common I was having withdrawal symptoms till I discovered the Chiswick equivalent on Saturday. But although they have a brick built clubhouse instead of Moseley's portacabins, the whole operation is much smaller, provincial (in London!) and lower-leagued. But it means the (smaller) clubhouse is completely bursting with kit bags, players, trophies and beer. I intend to find out more when time and finance allows. And in the fleshpots of the metropolis it also looks as if people can leave bikes unlocked!

Like I said, nutters. They have their own society, don't y' know. This dip pool by Chiswick pier.

Top Nutter wins silver thing, presented by the Mayor of Hounslow, for...

...winning this 1k swim to Chiswick Eyot and back. The winner did it in 12 mins! The last guy took 45 mins against the tide. A huge effort. I stayed to the very end and found the massive cheer, applause and encouragement for the last guy strangely moving. I might be turning into a girl. Or a nutter. And again, being in fleshpots of the metropolis, the whole event, Mayor and all, had the feel of a small village fete. Like Kings Heath Carnival without the tents.

I look again at the river and I start to think this big swim would be something to work towards...

Mmm. Back to work then.

Michael Jackson Memories: Part One

2009-06-28T23:52:00.005+01:00

If you're around for long enough, you suddenly find that everyday events become legendary over time. For large chunks of my working life I have been fortunate to work in radio. In the early '80's I had the privilege of working for BRMB Radio, then the most successful radio station in the Midlands. There wasn't much competition, mind, in those days. Anyway, to Michael Jackson. Most people who worked at BRMB then - and maybe now! - will remember this story.

My last radio studio. A bit more advanced than MP1!

The boy-wonder record rep for Sony - then CBS, I think - was Bobby Hermon. He was, and occasionally as a freelancer, still is, a colossus amongst what were known as 'record pluggers'. There's a whole story there, but that is for later. Michael had just signed his first solo record deal and so Bobby was hiking Michael on a promotional tour of what was known as the 'Big Five' commercial radio stations in the UK, mainly based in the metropolitan areas.

Michael J, as you know, had a fairly high voice. We all know this now, but then we didn't. We were his first set of interviews. Bobby bought Michael into what was known as studio MP1 (we think it might have meant Music Production 1. There were some sweet anachronisms with early BRMB. We were all a bit BBC in those days. The D.J's office had a plaque on the door that said 'Announcers'! Or was it Presenters. Memory dims...)

So the morning show presenter - let's call him Steven, to protect the shocked - stands to greet Michael. Bobby introduces Steven to Michael.

"Hi Steven", squeaked Michael.
And Steven, being an Announcer and thinking Michael is having a bit of a joke, squeaks back "Hi Michael!"

I left the studio at this point. Forever etched on my memory is an image of Steven laughing, thinking he's joining in a great joke, and Bobby H looking horrified. Michael seemed not to notice...

Melancholia... like Insania, but without an eejit singing!

2009-06-18T03:53:00.006+01:00

Roger D. Scott - far right. R.I.P.

I'm feeling a bit low tonight, or should I say this morning (4.50am!) Partly because I've had a few hard Uni days, but also partly because I've had to walk away from a project that could have been great, but I was mislead somewhat by the originator. So it means I have time now, at least for a few hours, when I can be self indulgent. Every day for the last few months, including weekends, I've worked an average of 12 hours. Yesterday 18 hours, the day before 16 hours. All for no money!

I'm usually always fairly positive. But when not driven by work, and having reached an impasse in a hectic schedule, I sometimes find myself taking a quiet moment to reflect. And as they are often rare moments they can sometimes be intense.

Like Roger Scott. Not the radio jock, sadly no longer with us. But Roger D. Scott, even more sadly no longer with us. Scouty person, who has been around it seems for all my life, who wasn't a best friend, but a friend; an adult who was always there - who took me to his sisters farm when I was 12, who occasionally would talk to our Mother and gossip till dawn, owner of various scouty awards, with an occasional mid-Atlantic accent and a love of anecdote. Dear Roger who became a vicar and then Maverick Theatre's Chaplin, because he liked to support me and be involved, if I'd noticed. Roger the toastmaster who gave me an award for Services to the Arts in the Midlands and who, I think, I used to smile at in later life a bit too much and ignore a bit more than I should have done. But a character who was always smooth and easy and then died a few months ago with the same easy smooth grace, planning his funeral service from his hospital bed and then passing smoothly away at... what age? I don't, to my shame, even know that. Although he died from one of the hospital super bugs and I'm ashamed for all of us for knowing about that.

And I heard in London he had gone and I drove to Birmingham for the funeral service and arrived late. And as as I was let in, the porter, who recognised me from my days at BRMB Radio, many days ago indeed, muttered how Roger seemed to have known everyone and a packed crem was indeed testament to that. And the soul-searing 'Last Post' played on a solo trumpet. And the service and the final song, dignified and moving, 'Time To Say Goodbye'. And my brother's tears, dignified and moving.

I'm so sorry Roger, I let you slip. Time to say goodbye.