Whitby in November

In Whitby at this the most beautiful time of year. Cold crisp sunny (mostly) days. Whitby very quiet compared to the summer although there are still a few visitors about. Our favourite place to eat, The Khyber, is closed for the winter. This is a great time to come. Great to not be at work. Still hounded by e-mail by the builders, bickering over the last bits of money I owe them.
This is a great trip. Thursday already though and that means only today and tomorrow left, so we have to plan carefully and make sure we stare at the sea enough.
Yesterday we went to look for Roseberry Topping. I was sure there'd be a bus that would drop us quite near. Well there was, sort of, but then it was a two hour walk and the only bus back to Whitby would only really allow for about an hour walk each way and then a very short lunch at The Fox. The journey there and back was so beautiful though. Steep hills, woods, streams and autumn colours.
More walking about today, before the weather takes a turn for the predicted much worse.

two bad gigs and one good one

What have I been doing for the past month. Reading a lot, cooking in my new kitchen and going to gigs.

The first disappointing gig was the Nico tribute thing at the Festival Hall. John Cale curated it and there were some interesting things going on, but no idea who was who as they came on stage in a rather disorganised fashion. A couple of beautiful, evocative numbers, but mostly mediocre. John Cale had been on the radio the day before saying it would be -I think he used the word difficult - as Nico herself was a difficult person. It wasn't difficult at all - maybe that would have been preferable...mediocre in parts. I wonder what she would have thought? We had a fun evening though as we went with Di and Paul, and had a quick drink in The Hole in The Wall afterwards, before getting the last train home that night.

Disappointing gig number two. was at my old stomping ground, the Half Moon in Putney. Again with Di and this time with Alan and Patricia. The support man was great - sadly I can't remember his name, so that made the gig for me - plus of course being out with friends, but the main act - Jacqui mcShee's Pentangle was disappointing. A few of us had gone to see the original members of Pentangle do a 25th anniversary gig at the Festival Hall in the Summer and it was beautiful. This was different - Jacqui, too self effacing, straining at notes - the band , well they were very good, but it felt like they were playing in their own style and seperately to Jacqui. The band were reminiscent of Weather Report not that that's a bad thing -just didn't work for me, in conjunction with Jacqui's style. Good bits were when Jacqui and the band first came on with the support guy still playing, and they all slotted in to what he was doing as they built their own stuff up - that was perfect. Also some of the second half was good, where Jacqui did a few folk songs I hadn't heard before Can't believe a Guardian journalist who described this set up as 'the English Grateful Dead'  I don't think so.

On to the good gig. Last Saturday Phil and I went with Rebec to the Half Moon again to see John Otway. Hadn't seen him since the 80s, and then in the King's Head, Fulham - another old haunt. This time there was another good build up, a band with Loyd Grossman off the telly. They were good - lively american punk - all band members thoroughly enjoying themselves -Mr Loyd not at all starry, just part of a hard working band. Very good - lucky with support bands at the Half Moon. This time the main act was fantastic - John Otway; witty, energetic and musical the whole evening made me feel full of life. Shame to have to wait 25 mins for the train home though...

Settled in

The Autumn's really begun. My favourite weather. Crisp sunny mornings -  Fresh air in the park in the mornings. Fresh starts. 

A weekend of fun coming up. Lunch with Ali la Peche on FridayParty on Saturday, Jacqui McShee gig at the Half Moon Putney with Phil, Di, Patricia and Alan on Sunday...all good at home, an optimistic time. One violin lesson with Pete Cooper lined up, as far away as November. What will I wear at our party? who will come? will there be enough of everything? Noooo! there's a scottish dancing night at church the same night, how can that happen?

Finished reading Dracula last week - what an excellent, cleverly written book. Am in the mood to write. Have got into dancing again, three times a week at the moment, having no discernable improving effect on my figure. More soon

Back again

Home again. Hoping for a good year this year. The autumm 'term' is my favourite - crisp cool mornings, sunny days and a feeling of optimism. Whitby was great, and although it was hard to leave, and there have been some difficult things to get through since we got back - we are going back there in November! Lots of fun and lots of music before then. A party or two...and then we'll go and see what Whitby's like in the deep autumn.

The kitchen floor saga continues. I have withheld money from the builders until it is sorted out to Phil's and my satisfaction. An independent floor person is coming to assess it tomorrow, so we'll see.

Back to dancing with a vengeance - three times a week last week; feels very good. Next year -Phil and I are going to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and are going to have a ceilidh...who will we get to play at it? Lots going on. Feel optimistic. Will write more but not all of it on here.

More soon.

Last one from Whitby

Last day today. It's been great - yesterday we went on a boat trip to Staithes, had an hour ashore, and came back. It was a lovely trip, but I was glad to be back in Whitby afterwards. Staithes is very pretty and quaint. The bit we saw was anyway, but it had an eery, museum like quality. There was a butcher's shop with prices marked in shillings and pence, and items weighed by the pound. I wondered where the real every day stuff was, or if people that live there all the year round have to go elsewhere by car for their shopping.

Aah, last day today. Will finish here and pop into Bothams for some gifts to take home, and some fresh bread to have with our using up leftovers lunch. This afternoon, we'll go and find a quiet spot somewhere near the abbey and just gaze about us. Then maybe wander across town to the West cliff and have a coffee in the little place among the beach huts. More wandering, and then to the Khyber for our final meal in Whitby - so hard leave such a special place....returning in November though, so not too hard!

Wonderful Whitby

A relaxing day yesterday...sad that when you get to the really, really relaxed state, it's almost time to go home. Spent a lot of time up on the West cliff again, this time with Phil and Jake. We all sat in the cafe and had ice cream and coffee. Big decisions to make over the next two years - would we want to move here? I would, Phil would, Jake sometimes would and Sarah definitely wouldn't. I feel a definite pull from the North and would like to explore places further up the coast, and we will.

Whitby is so beautiful though and has got a bit of everything. Nothing beats the view of the vast North Sea, the view of the church and the abbey, and indeed the views from the abbey down to the town and the sea. Today we're going on a boat ride to Staithes- it will be great- we'll have an hour to look around and then come back. Don't want to go home.

Not Folk Week in Whitby

Aah a nice soothing week this week, recovering from the last one. Went to a session at the Station pub on Sunday - quite different to the ones I'd experienced at Folk Week. People just sat round in a kind of messy circle, and took it in turns to lead a song or tune. I had to have a go, so I sang (nervously) will the circle be unbroken- it was quite fun, and people fully joined in the chorus! It was a really warm and friendly atmosphere there, would definitely go again. Yesterday Phil and Jake went fishing- Jake caught the most enormous cod-he's got the photos to prove it. We ate this, and the whiting and mackerel they caught, for dinner last night. So completely fresh and delicious. While they were fishing, I went for a walk onto the West cliff, had a coffee and cake in the cafe by the chalets. Very good and very relaxing just staring out to sea. Only three more days and then home. Boo. Don't want to go home.

Last Day at Folk Week

Friday today. Last day of Folk Week, but hooray, we are here for another week. Yesterday I read a lot more of Dracula; it's really good and Whitby features far more strongly than I expected. Only did one folky activity yesterday, which was to attend the Queen ceilidh. It was great. I just wore a dress, but quite a few men had made a real effort. The two winners were a tall man in very high black boots and a schoolgirl outfit, and a teenager dressed as a Freddie Mercury's tombstone! This was clever as fitted a side Whitby vibe as well! 

I've decided that the late night ceilidhs are the ones to go for. More teenagers just going mad, so fewer people tutting that you're not doing it quite right. The dances have felt a little more stressful than they did last year, maybe we've been at more of the early, brightly lit ones. They seem more serious. The bands playing have been great though, and last night they were excellent at camping up the Queen songs.

Today we went to part two of the all abilities workshop; excellent again. I think one of their children's workshops would be about my level to assist me in playing by ear. Bumped into Alan and Patricia in the courtyard cafe - can't remember what it's called - We know them from Ealing Country Dance club, and they kindly brought several of our musical instruments by car to Whitby and will take them back tomorrow. Patricia has extremely long hair. She hasn't had it cut for 22 years. Jake would very much like me to do this, and the other day I recklessly told him that I would not cut it again apart from a little tidy now and again.

Found folk week a bit tiring this year, possibly because we were far away from the Pavilion etc, so everything felt more important due to travel time etc, and we didn't stay to end of ceilidhs as would have been soooo late going to bed. It'll be different next year. 

Met a very nice man at a few workshops; Nick - he has moved here from Somerset. He encouraged us to make the move, too and told Phil that fiddle players are needed here, as the weekday sessions are somewhat devoid of them.

More on Monday as Coliseum internet caff is closed at the weekend.

Whitby Folk Week

So here for Folk Week again. The second time intentionally. Fifth time in wonderful Whitby. 

Folk Week is very hectic - we are staying in a flat a little out of town this time, so haven't been dipping into quite as many activities as before. Activities we have done have been a mixed bag.

I was overjoyed to see activities aimed at the inexperienced this year, but several of these have proved disappointing. Somehow you are already assumed to have a very good ear, or a working knowledge of the more popular tunes. The two workshops that really did what they said on the tin, and were suitable for all abilities were, in no particular order, Pete Cooper's Appalachian tunes workshop, and an all abilities fiddle workshop where we learned a couple of tunes from the South West. What both did was to call out the notes, rather than just expect you to hear them accurately and judge what the next one is going to be in the space of a nanosecond. Anyway, both good, and the only ones that I have left feeling I've joined in properly and also learned something.

Dancing - haven't done so much this year, partly because the teenager's been in two minds about whether to come to the Ceilidhs and we've only had one set of keys to the flat, so Phil's had to zoom backwards and forwards with the boy between the Pavilion and the outer reaches of the town towards the new bridge. Did go and see Eliza Carthy and the Park Bench Social Club on Monday night, with a lead in from Eliza and Saul Rose on the accordion. Exciting stuff. A harp player with a flautist went first and were dreamily magical. 

Tonight is the Queen ceilidh. Last year I dressed up for the Abba one, but this year, although I can picture how men could dress for the Queen ceilidh -ie flamboyantly, I have no idea what to wear.  It will be a non-Queen specific swirly dancey frock.

Our flat: Although it is very nice, it's a long way from everything...also, we have a disagreeable neighbour who greeted us on day two with demands that we did not bang the doors, and telling us that he lived in Whitby all the year round. All this said very aggressively. He is the only unpleasant person I have come across in Whitby, apart from, of course, impatient and intolerant ceilidh dancers. They are of course a tiny minority of our fellow revellers.

What I'm really pleased about though, is that we have managed to secure a house for next year's Folk Week, and over in our favourite part of Whitby, too. Clever us.

More tomorrow.

Whitby 2008

Arrived in Whitby on Saturday. This year we thought we'd launch straight into Folk Week for our first week and then have a week up here to relax and recover afterwards. So far this seems like the best way round. Did it the other way last year and we went home exhausted! Nothing like the exhaustion we experienced afterwards though, when we moved to my dad's to look after him.

This year the journey went smoothly - we sent our luggage ahead - just like the Victorians and Edwardians did, and timed our journey well. The Coastliner bus was a double decker and very comfortable. This time, we had a holdall, a carrier bag and a violin, last year it was 3 violins, two guitars, fishing rods and two suitcases. A company called Carry my Luggage took the strain this time, and charged about 90 quid for the return taking of two suitcases and some fishing rods from London to Whitby.

Aah Whitby, so beautiful; so unchanging. well some little changes maybe. A smart bar by the harbour called Marine is rather nice. Noticed another couple of new restaurants and bars, too. Phil and I had coffee and a piece of lovely cake at Marine yesterday afternoon-too early for me to sample the oysters with a glass of wine at that point, but I'll be going back! What a thing to be able to sample an oyster or two while taking in the view.

Thought I'd read Dracula this year. Am on about chapter 7 at the moment, with the description of Whitby - Mina describes the view from the West Cliff. Am struck by how unchanged this view is. 

Half way through Folk Week now. Have been to a few workshops aimed at all abilities, or beginners. Amazing how some have an element of sadism involved...

The best one's been a mixed ability workshop for fiddlers. Now that is how such a thing ought to be run. We were expected to play by ear, but instead of, as in some, being expected to pluck notes out of the air and hope for the best, we were patiently told which notes were involved, and how we could join in with chords and drones even if we lost the thread of the tune. Definitely the most competent and confident I've felt so far in a group fiddling situation.

More tomorrow. 

Not Long Now

Two weeks to go until we're in Whitby. Folk week first this year, then a week to recover afterwards. How fantastic will it be? We've already got the programmes for folk week...last year there was an ABBA ceilidh, this year there's going to be a Queen ceilidh..what shall I wear. Just about managed a 70s ish outfit last time - big hat, flares, long top...the Queen were 70s too....weren't they? More glam maybe? more rock 'n roll? 

I've been in training for the hills and the dancing recently. For a month or so I've been to back to my dance classes, tried to be a bit more careful re: food, and walked very quickly to work with Ali la Peche ! With all the stresses of the past twelve months, I'd abandoned it all, and a very unwanted few pounds crept on. Never mind, off it will all jolly well come, and hopefully in time for our holiday. I'm also revisiting the cCanadian Air Force exercises which got me into pretty good shape before I had Jake I seem to remember. 

This folk week there seem to be a few more things going on for people who aren't already experts at joining in sessions. There are fiddle workshops suitable for all abilities, and some sort of sessions for people who aren't quite ready for a full blown session. That's me. 

So, I'm in training with the violin, too. That has suffered over the past year, but I'm probably still better than I was last time we were in Whitby. We've barely seen Pete the guru. Time to stop now, as I've promised myself a quick practice this evening.

Folk Day at the Proms

Phil and I went to Folk Day at the Proms on Sunday. First we went to Kensington Gardens, and saw Bellowhead play a few numbers. They were on excellent form - lots of tunes to dance to - madly in the midday-ish sun. Then we were wandering over to another tent and saw Pete Cooper playing for a mini ceilidh, so we had a little dance in there, too...nice to see Pete and Sue, but a very long time since we've had a lesson. Soon it will be Whitby, and the folk week so we'll see Pete and Sue a lot more then.

Anyway, we went to look at the Serpentine gallery, and the striking outdoor structure before going to the Albert Hall and the free folk prom. It was amazing, in particular the four piece Musicasz, who then had a play off with the orchestra, joined by Folkestra. can't be more specific as we didn't have a programme.

Then there was a break, and we went to meet Di, Alan, Bernadette, Yasmin and Jim to go into the main evening prom. Phil and I managed to get tickets for the Ceilidh, but the others didn't. So the folk prom -  Bella Hardy, pretty and talented, the last two songs she played were the best. Martin Simpson - seemed to be playing/singing cover versions ! There was a song 'when a knight won his spurs...' that I'm sure we used to sing in assembly at primary school, also a version of Matty Groves - brilliant dark folk soap oper, a song about wishes, very beautiful, but I think was a Pete Seeger song. Thing is, loads of folk music is new interpretations of old stuff, sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Magical guitar playing. Perfect. 

Then....Bellowhead. This is the best I've seen them play, and that's saying something - I guess it helps that there was room to dance, unlike in Lewes - they really were exciting to watch, dance and listen to - all quite momentous being in the Albert Hall. To cap it all there was a Ceilidh - cleverly organised - rousing dance tunes, some played and danced at breakneck speed- a good warm up to Folk Week indeed. So Bellowhead, when are you playing at the Southbank again?

Hastings

Went to Hastings for much needed R and R the other week, courtesy of a boost to my finances from my mum. It was an interesting experience. Had browsed on the net for places to go to nearish to London, and Hastings seemed easy. Next job, find somewhere to stay. Minstrel's Rest bed and breakfast comes out near the top if you Google it, so we went there, Phil being a minstrel and everything. Also, one of the two hosts was a Phill,(two els) and ex-minstrel. That was it then. Away we went. we got out at Ore station and walked the wrong way...it seemed very dingy near the station, but we knew we were near the sea and relaxed instantly. We phoned the b and b to say we were lost, and co-owner Michelle arranged for Phill to come and get us. Excellent. We got there, it is a normal looking house, in a normal street, but once inside, you are in a medieval fantasy. Each room is different, with meticulous attention to detail. All the toiletries have been re-bottled and labelled by Michelle, and all smell fantastic. Guess what chocolates were in the room? After we settled in, we went off to find somewhere nice to eat. Walked up to Ore villlage but didn't fancy anything there, so walked down to the sea front, a beautiful walk, and looked at the sea...then as we were wondering were there might be a nice place to eat, Phil saw a couple walking down a back street and thought that might be good place to go and look, and it was!!!! nice pubs and fish restaurants, hidden away, and we had a delicious meal at Pomegranate. Taxi back up a very steep hill, was only four quid. we slept well that night.

Back Again

A stressful couple of months here, and two weeks off work as a result. Doctor willing to give me another couple of weeks, but really, it's time to go back. Things have been bad at home, as those who know us will attest, and it has not been a good year. Good things came of it though. Dad is being properly looked after, our house is beautiful (apart from the kitchen floor, GRRRRR), the teenager is sorting himself out, adult child is being wonderful, and we have found deep and supportive friendships amongst our acquiantances and neighbours. 

Back to work tomorrow, then. Had to happen one day. Was going to practice the violin, go to daytime dance classes in Pitshanger Lane and write my blog every day, but did I?

Off to Hastings tomorrow for a three day break with Phil. Somewhere to get away. We ought to have been in Whitby this week, but the teenager wasn't well enough. Positive outcome again, though in that we have swapped our week in Whitby now, for one in November, which I imagine will be very beautiful, and we will all be healthy. We have only been in August, to date. Of course we'll be going before November, for folk week and the week after to recover. This year, Phil will be driving there...he is fortunate, having passed his test umpteen years ago and not having to take another one. He's had a few brush-up lessons with the wonderful Laura, and has practiced getting on and off the M1. We are going to share my daughter's car, and I'll be able to drive a little bit, too but not on the motorway of course.

So a lot going on, but for now, I'm back.

the stone kitchen floor disaster

Our building work is not quite finished....the kitchen floor is a disaster. we wanted stone, several people advised us against this; would I listen? You wouldn't believe how fussy stone is. I couldn't believe it either. This stone floor is limestone, with small fossils in. It's beautiful, or was. It needs to be sealed, with the correct stuff which is much pricier than going to Wickes and buying their floor sealant of course, then you need to be careful of every little kitchen type thing you might drop. So, no tomato, wine, lemon juice, coffee and more or less any other type of substance that one might normally, accidentally of course, spill in a kitchen.

To clean it, you can't use flash, or anything simple, you need to wash it-with special stuff- the stuff you can only buy from special shops or off the net with its confusion of advice and materials- then you have to leave it for a few minutes, and then rinse it, then dry it.

Oh and then, you have to reseal it every year and then every three years or so, you have to strip it all back with speacial and probably highly toxic chemicals, and start all over again.

My lovely floor already looks like a hundred elephants have danced across it in hobnailed boots. It's only really been in use for ten weeks or so. I wish I'd chosen lino.

Driving

So, I've been having lessons for a few weeks now. Have started to see myself being able to drive, although the thought of the test fills me with dread. My teacher Laura is so good. She is so patient and encouraging. She understands, or seems to, how different people learn. So six lessons in and some progress is being made. Having not had a lesson for about 25 years, I can still execute a perfect three point turn.
The motivation is Whitby, well Whitby and possibly Pete Cooper. The two pilgrimages. I love the thought of being able to put stuff in the car and drive door to door with it. Last time we went to Whitby, we went with two violins and three small suitcases. We came back with three violins, two guitars, a fishing rod and three small suitcases. It was a stressful journey home - although very scenic. Phil has got a replacment driving licence, and can officially drive, however he hasn't driven for about 25 years!! He's going to have some brushing up sessions with Laura, and hopefully, between us, we'll be able to drive to Whitby this summer. Driving is very stressful. In negative moments I ask myself 'is it worth it?' You only need to lose concentration for a split second and you, or somebody else, or both could be dead. I would rather travel stressfully by public transport than be dead, or kill somebody as a result of a momentary lapse in concentration. You see I am trying to talk myself out of it again. Actually, I'd rather drive there and back with all our luggage and arrive at both destinations safe and sound. Millions of people manage it every day, surely I'm up to the job?

Back to Crouch Hill

Today we made the lengthy pilgrimage to Crouch Hill to see Pete Cooper. So much for improvements to the Silverlink/North London Line. It is now styled as London Overground and has stuck on black tube signs on the side of the trains. The trains are still dirty and crowded. Phil and I have to plan our exit from the train several stops before we have to change at Gospel Oak. Feel sweaty and panicky at the thought. All ok though. 

We get off the train and look for the times of the trains going back. A random fellow passenger tells us that they go at half past and on the hour, which we know is completely wrong. In the excitement I have forgotten to touch out my oyster card. After walking along with the fellow passenger chatting about how long she's lived in CH and how many times she's travelled on the filthy overcrowded North London Line, we go for a quick snack in the Larrick as we're early for the lesson. Long for a quick glass of wine, too, especially with it being Friday night and therefore traditional. Decide that the fabled bow hold will be even more elusive if I do that and the lesson will be a washout for me as a result. So, sensibly we share a plate of tasty morsels and some fizzy water, and stride purposefully up the hill towards Pete's flat. 

Wonder about what it would be like driving to Pete's for our lesson.  It would certainly be less stressful in terms of getting on and off the trains with the violins, work  bags etc. We get to Pete's flat and think about how to park on such a steep hill, as we are wondering about this, Pete pulls up in his car and we think he'll demonstrate, however, he drives into his own parking space behind the flats.

Lesson is good, but I can really feel that I haven't been for ages and have been practising in a rather slipshod way. Having mastered the bow hold to a certain degree, I must now focus on holding the violin in a more effective way. We book another lesson for three weeks' time to avoid lapsing too much. 

On the journey home we meet several people who notice the fiddles and chat, which is nice and surprisingly unusual. One says he is a bass player, and encourages us to get in touch should we ever need one. Wonder how we would have got in touch as he doesn't offer any contact details.

Best of all is meeting Barry Grant on the 267 bus, the last leg of the journey. Aah Barry, Luthier and maker of Phil's electric fiddle. Late night smoking and backgammon companion. He's on his way to see the lovely Anna. We wish them both well as we get off the bus, and head off for a fantastic chicken salad takeaway and then home.

Lewes 3

Sunday came. We had a lazy breakfast and I settled the bill. Another pleasant surprise on top of many was that they hadn't charged us for our late night brandies and olives. I mentioned this and they said gave me a 'don't worry about it' type of gesture. Fantastic. Another plus for Pelham House. Phil and I went for a walk, down the hill to a beautiful walled park with a formal garden and stream. The plan was, to walk about a bit and then go for a roast lunch in the White Hart. This was a low point unfortunately. It was hot and stuffy in there, and we fancied sitting outside, but the waiter said we couldn't do that. In fact later on, they even shut the doors to the terrace. We could see other people come and go from the main part of the pub to the terrace with drinks which made is feel even hotter inside. The food was delicious though, and they had marrow as one of the vegetables on offer, which is quite a rarity on a Sunday lunch menu and was very tasty. The service was pretty good too, but lost marks for not letting people sit outside and then closing the doors.

Anyway, then it wastime to go home. We gathered our belongings and strolled down to Lewes Station. An easy journey home apart from a 40 minute or so wait at Clapham Junction for our train home.

By good fortune, we met Di and Paul as we got off the train, and all agreed to catch up in the Magpie later. The predicted end to a great time away.

Bellowhead live at Lewes

So.... we woke up in our fabulous bed and had a fabulous bath. Spent some time trying to wake the sleeping teenager and went down for a delicious breakfast. Wandered around Lewes for a bit, spotted random members of Bellowhead as the afternoon wore on. Lewes is a strange and quaint place. There are very ancient buildings just dotted about in in the normal streetscape. looked at the castle with the great views; eerie through the fine drizzle on Saturday. Met up with Sam, Fiona and children at Bill's and had a great tea - they do fish finger sandwiches and cheese on toast. It's great. I opted for a spicy veg stew which was perfect. Fiona saw mine and had the same. Fortified, we adjourned to the Brewery Tap round the corner, a very comfortable and cosy pub, and had a pre- gig drink all together, then Jake went off with Sam, Kaya and Ryan for and evening of curry, beer and computer fun.

Phil, Fi and me strolled up the hill to the town hall to see Bellowhead. We had a drink in the bar, and then found a good spot to stand. What was really disappointing was that so much of the hall was seated. Yes, seated at a Bellowhead gig. Who thought of that? Anyway we had a small space among some friendly people in which to jiggle about.

The music, a mixed bag. Low point first...Bruton Town. Bellowhead added nothing to this song in my opinion. Maybe it was just so new they were testing it out - they did say this about some of their newer stuff. Maybe it's my own taste and experience. It felt like they were just going through the motions with it, and maybe it's just that I prefer the Pentangle version. The other new material was excellent though, a melancholy song about death, and some really full on instrumentals. A perfect rendition of Flash Company. Love it in their songs where the music falls apart -in a controlled way of course- and then perfectly climbs back in together for the climax.. Bellowhead are sounding really polished as far as their familiar work is concerned. So exciting to go and see them play live again, and have such a great time with friends, too.  Fi came back to the hotel with us to phone a cab, and after she got home, sent Jake back in the cab. Perfect. we had a brandy in the bar and waited for him, and we all went up for a wonderful deep sleep.

Lewes part 1

Just returned from Lewes, and it just the break we needed. The first evening went well, we arrived at Pelham House at 6ish and were shown to two sumptuous rooms. Already a worrying surprise as we had booked a standard single for Jake and a standard double for us, and we thought they'd made a mistake; they had already given us a bit of a reduction on our booking. But no, we had been given an upgrade! Jake's room was modern and had a beautiful view of the Downs; our room was bigger, a suite with its own corridor leading to a huge bathroom with the bath in the centre of the room. The beds must have had the best mattresses of any hotel room so far. Perfectly flat and firm. Crisp white bed linen, huge bath towels. Gorgeous smelling Neutrogena shower gel. We congregated in our room, had some coffee and biscuits and went to visit Sam and Fiona and their children Kaya (oops not sure of spelling) and Ryan.

What a blast of an evening. Haven't seen them for about four years. Greeted with a glass of strong red wine, the conversation and wine flowed steadily all night. We ate a spicy fish stew and lots of ripe cheese and talked a lot. Jake was happy sitting with the adults and playing games with the younger children. It was perfect and we made plans to see them the next day. We had gone to Lewes specifically to see Bellowhead and while we were there, to catch up with Sam and Fi. w had got three Bellowhead tickets, thinking Jake might want to come too, and be won over, but no. So we offered our spare one to Sam or Fi, and came to a most suitable arrangement. Jake would stay in with Sam and the children, and Fiona would come out to play with us. 

More in part 2

Bellowhead here we come

Well, we're off to Lewes on Friday night...can't wait. So much stress the past few months, actually since the day after we got back from Whitby last summer. This year is going to be about recovering and moving on, with the minimum of stress. Here goes then. Arrive in Lewes around 6.30, book into the hotel, visit Sam and Fiona who moved to Lewes from Hove about four years ago spend the evening catching up, drinking wine and being cooked for. Back to hotel. Sleep. Saturday wander about in Lewes, weather permitting. Late lunch. Go to Bellowhead gig. Still don't know what to wear. Try to sleep afterwards! Sunday, find somewhere nice for lunch and then back to Brentford...possibly go to the Magpie for a quick catch up with Di and Paul and any others to round off the weekend. It will be brilliant and here it all comes, just two short days away.

Book Group 2

Anytime now, book group 2 in Brentford will begin. When we moved to our current house and things began to be really sorted out, Di and I were talking about the book group she goes to. I wanted to join. Alas, there was no room and feelings of rejection/dejection ensued. Bit by bit I discover others who there wasn't room for either, half a dozen or so yummy mummies and we will form book group 2. We can't begin quite yet, as there is nowhere to sit at our house. How will we do it? will we take it in turns hosting? I think the idea will be to take it in turns to choose books, talk about them for a bit, drink wine and gossip. It will be great. So, watch this space, and the space on the new blog when it's ready.

Bellowhead

Well, as Bellowhead won't come to us, we must go to Bellowhead.

As Bellowhead don't (doesn't?) seem to be playing in London for the foreseeable future, we have decided to treat ourselved to a weekend away in Lewes, which is the nearest place I can get my fix anytime soon...We're going to stay at the Pelham House Hotel, as the receptionist, Lizzie was by far and away the friendliest of any B & B or hotel people we spoke to, some of which answered the phone with a weary and grumpy 'yes' or 'hello'. Feel slightly ill about spending so much to go and see a gig, but then remember it will be an excellent and much needed break as well. We might get to see Sam, Fiona and co, who relocated to Lewes from Hove about three years ago IF she gets in touch.
What to wear though....last time, having heard that people at Bellowhead gigs really dress up in Burlesque and other outrageous stuff, myself and the select yummy mummies and daddies really went for it when we saw them at the Festival Hall. Although it was packed there, we were definitely among the few dressed up for the occasion, I was sporting a medieval style green dress and feather mask, Di wore a basque and a kind of hitched up skirt, the others, variations on the theme. I thought we looked fabulous. So, this time requires some serious planning...or should I wear the usual jeans and sludge colour tops?

Are Bellowhead the new Fairport?

Yes, yes I say. Recommended to me by Geraldine Stephenson at Whitby, when I was bemoaning the absence of a big complex sound at Whitby, or in folk generally that could match Fairport or say Pentangle. Something fresh and enthusing, not tired and cheesy. Tired and cheesy....this summons up for me how Fairport became. Saw them in their 90s incarnation at the Waterman's. Absolutely nothing of the creativity and vigour of the music that they produced on Liege and Lief or Full House. A depressing experience, one which I have no wish to repeat.

Anyway, came back from Whitby and downloaded Bellowhead's Burlesque. Loved it immediately, especially the instrumentals - very similar to the gutsiness and musicianship of Fairport's jigs and reels. Some of the singing was a bit irritating to begin with, but the vocals have grown on me. Anyway a couple of months after discovering Bellowhead, they hosted the Festival Hall Christmas party - it was brilliant, very exciting....quite a few of the Brentford yummy mummies and a daddy or two were in our group. Di got it together. I hope Bellowhead do another gig there soon though, apparently they are the 'band in residence' or something at the South Bank Centre. I've also listened to quite a bit of Spiers and Boden on their own. Also exciting - lovely songs, mostly arrangements of traditional ones, but made to feel quite modern. More please...sadly no evidence of more gigs at the Southbank centre or anywhere else in London for a while. What's going on?

clocks went forward

Well, for the first time ever, I forgot to change the clocks. Threw my day out a bit, because we were going to go to church and then to the Mac store in Regent Street. Plans changed, as we realised at what we thought was nine o'clock, that it was in fact ten o'clock. Too late for St Paul's, so we went to worship at the church of Apple instead. We got some nice new toys, and hopefully will be able to produce a shiny new blog, and Phil will be able to create shiny new music, too. I will post the new blog address here when it's all set up. Will be much easier to post photos online instead of peering at invisible thumbnail pictures and trying to guess which photo is which.

Other things this week... I said goodbye to my dad's flat in Putney in it's previous incarnation; mainly 70s pale green everything, with multitudinous nicotine stains...Barney's builder's have moved in and are gutting it before transforming it into the lucrative des res that will pay for Dad's care. The bathroom looked particularly strange with a great cavity in the wall where the tap end of the bath had been. Then We were going to meet Jake at Putney station and go for lunch, but there had been a signal failure and Jake got off the train at Barnes and walked to Putney. In the meantime, I went to look at stone for our new patio. It was cols and rainy, but good to see what colours the different types of stone became when wet.

Went to tap on Friday - I'm really getting back into it now, after months of minimal exercise, I am walking to work again, and dancing twice a week...hopefully the pounds around my middle, laid down during the stay in Putney will budge soon.

Thinking of being back home, and about the yummy mummies and daddies of our neighbourhood, I've begun to regret introducing them to Darren! They have stolen him away from us, and he now has no time at all to do even the tiniest job for us. Darren, we need legs for our table!!!

rewind to the 100 club

Last night I went to The Hundred Club; it's at 100 Oxford Street, just in case you don't know. It hasn't changed a bit, ever....alright, there was a small change, in that there used to be a Chinese takeaway at one end of the room. The serving hatch is still there, but serves pizzas and other types of food now.

Anyway, the reason I went, was that Phil was playing there. Yes, Phil played the 100 club. It was brilliant, and I haven't seen Phil play like that for ages. He's been getting together with Swill; Swill of The Men They Couldn't Hang fame. It's been a good pairing; so far, they played a charity to at The Hive bar in Brentford, the bar formerly known as The Stripes, then they played in our extension, and then, a corker of a gig at The Hundred Club. It was weird going there after so many years, I went in the late 80's I think, to see George Melly, but before that, I regularly bunked off school in the afternoons to go and listen to jazz in the afternoons.

Once I went with Katy Hacker, and as we were were going downstairs, a man stopped us and asked us what we thought of Acker Bilk, and Katy (who knew a lot about clarinettists, her dad being Alan Hacker), stated 'oh he's alright, but I prefer Benny Goodman'. We looked around the staircase, and there were photos everywhere of the man we were talking to, Acker Bilk.
Anyway we used to sit down there, smoking and listening to Jazz in the afternoon, thinking we were really cool, and of course we were!

Back to last night, the first to play was Robb Johnson; how excellent he is. What intelligent lyrics and clever, enjoyable music. A treat, but of course I was really there to see Phil play with Swill. They were so good. It was exciting to watch Phil play like that again...before he went on he had said to a young man we sat near that he played 'now and again'. When Phil joined Swill and played a couple of tunes, he really shone. It was an equal pairing. Different to other music Phil is doing where he is very much part of other people's creative control, which is also also enjoyable and exciting to watch, but last night was special. He was getting riotous applause of his own. I was so proud and excited. They were thrilling to watch together, was like they'd played together for years.

Then it was Chumbawumba. Well, I remember them as a sort of political dance music troupe. I think I even had one of their albums, or a tape once, maybe still have ina box somewhere. Anyway last night wasn't what I'd expected at all. They were very musical, folky, acoustic and still proudly political. It was a stirring performance. There were traditional English songs, some with new words, some with original words. There were songs about current hot issues, but it was never 'worthy' in an annoying way, rather, inspiring and proud to be at a gig where issues are kept live, and all to beutiful music. They should play at Whitby Folk Week, in fact all three acts should! What an even more amazing folk week that would be.

Nourishment in York

We went to York for a few days last Friday. As we've been living on stress, sandwiches and takeaways, we needed sustenance, both physical and emotional. Away to the Hay's we went. Aah the lovely journey away from London and up to York. The prospect of seeing Donna, Ken and Harriet and gaining sustenance was exciting and only two hours away. It is so relaxing being with them, and we did all my favourite things, chatting, laughing, eating, drinking, wandering about in lovely interesting places and playing a game or two. Some nourishment was had on Friday when we went to Nando's which is quite glam in York, but the ultimate provision of a balance of the food groups was on Saturday night when we had roast chicken and everything, including pudding. Amongst all the feasting, we went on a ghost walk, visited the Jorvic museum (again!), went on the York Eye, walked around the roman and medieval walls and generally drank loads of coffee and loafed around. Very relaxing. Can't wait for the next visit.

I'm Waiting for my Bill

So far so good. Day by day there are further improvements to the house. A door for the shower, and not just any door, but a clear glass door! The hob was plumbed in today, and Jake cooked us our first home-cooked meal, which as delicious.
The bill is looming though. All other expenses are on hold until we pay the final builders' bill! Not sure how much it will be yet, the three we've paid so far have been calculated by bizarre means known only to architects and genius madmen. Plans on hold are....the garden, now a solidified mud wasteland, needs urgent attention. A holiday with the relatives in Greece would be nice, a new mac would be nice, too. Can't think of the other odds and ends we vaguely promised ourselves when the building work was done, maybe a few days in Ireland.
Oh yes, driving lessons. I knew some of the plans were a bit more sensible! I am trying to learn to drive, although I've put things off since we moved back home. It is very daunting, and expensive, and, as I've begun to ask myself, what's the point when the oil's going to run out in ten-fifteen years time? The only real motivation's been that our yearly trip to Whitby would be so much easier by car. In fact, it's just the second leg of the journey that's a problem. We've tried every permutation by public transport, and when you're laden down with fiddles, guitars, fishing rods as well as a few clothes, none of the options are easy. At the moment, the family vote is for the Coastliner bus from York, so I guess that's what we'll do this summer.
Saw Di today which was nice, she popped in to see the developments and have a chat, which helped us in our settling back in phase.

home again

Well, we're back at home again, it's great. The shower works, we have central heating and we have a washing machine and tumble dryer. No more visits to the laundrette. Hooray! We still have no kitchen though, although it's built and the units are in place, nothing is plumbed in, so no fridge, no sink, no oven. They have promised these today. I have put on so much weight from eating sandwiches and takeaways, oh, and not going to my dance classes or walking 45 minutes to work. It has all added up to several pounds of lard around my middle. Ok, more than several...maybe several kilos.
There is dust everywhere. It's never ending, but fairly satisfying thinking that each time you hoover, there's a bit less of it. It's been exciting walking along our familiar streets again, a bit of a rediscovery. Athough Putney was my home for about 12 years as a child, it didn't feel at all like home going back there for about six months. The road my dad's flat is in is long and dark. It doesn't feel like a community, it is composed almost entirely of flats, mainly privately owned. The only exception being a wonderful gothic style house, I think calles Rosslyn Heights. My and my friends used to fantasise about living there. One friend said that his grandmother lived there, but I never quite believed him. Our house is in a street where I know most of my neighbours, and you always see someone you know when you walk down the road. It's wonderful to be home.

going home soon

Back to blogging after spending far too much time playing Scrabulous on Facebook over the past few months. Our house is almost ready to move back to, but not quite. When I say not quite, I mean that there is still no bathroom, and still no kitchen, In fact the rooms are there, but no actual appliances eg no shower, no oven. 

So today was the official  completion date and it's not ready. My brother is over from the States, and we are all staying at Dad's. Me, Phil, Rob, Charles and William. 

Dad of course is down the road at the nursing home, which is another story altogether, although a large part of today - when Phil and I should be going back home, will be spent being with my brothers and making some big decisions about Dad and his flat.

So we are sort of packing to go home, and also hesitant. Although not super comfortable at Dad's, it's more comfortable than living in a building site. 

So it will be goodbye to Putney. Very bizarre actually living here again. Putney is great, but wealthy and alien compared to how it was when I was growing up. The house my parents saved up for and bought for 9,000, is now worth millions. In a strange circular coincidence, my dad has moved to a nursing home only a few houses further down the road from our old house.

Putney is lovely to walk around, and full of memories for me, but I'm glad I'm going home to Brentford and all our friends any day now.

It's 2008

Well, it's new year again...we went to two parties on the night, starting at Pat's, and then saw in the new year at Anne and Chris's party in Brentford. All the yummiest people were there and looking fabulous. The teenagers all behaved beautifully, and it was even relatively easy to extract mine at 2am...luckily, we left before other teenagers became unwell....oooh, one very popular person was in trouble...it was a brilliant night though, lots of time to catch up with everyone. The only flaw being the jukebox Anne and Chris hire. The teenagers get on there first and programme in all the stuff they like, and because the thing has a long memory, it takes hours to get to the songs one wants to dance to.
The night continued to be great, as Ali la Peche kindly put us up for the night, and even cooked us bubble and squeak for breakfast!
Music at parties, always a problem. The jukebox is a great idea, but needs a shorter memory (it could borrow mine); mix tapes or cds are a good idea, pre- programmed selection on i-tunes, maybe a DJ...these issues are all rumbling about in my mind at the moment, because I am planning an extension warming party.
Yes the two upcoming projects are, getting Dad and his flat sorted out, and then getting back to our newly extended house. I cannot wait.
Staying in Putney, although it has it's charms, has been expensive, and it is now cold. Dad's heating, which was in overdrive when the weather was milder, has decided to pack up completely.
The tiles around the bath which a builder/decorator only replaced a few months ago have fallen off, and damp has spread through the wall to the bedroom. Being cold in Putney gives me a flashback to my teenage years in our huge and draughty house. Although we had central heating, it always seemed quite cold, and I remember hugging hot water bottles sometimes to keep warm, as well as being told to put more layers on.
Dad will hopefully be coming out of hospital in a week or so, and there is a lot to do. We need to refine the sorting out of his belongings, and get his flat prepared for a total revamp. He will; move to a nursing home in a house a few doors up from our childhood home. We have to decide whether to sell his flat or rent it out. Either way, it needs a revamp.
Our extension is coming on apace, the shell is built, and the builders are waiting for the plumbers and electricians to do their stuff. Everything's very exciting. More soon, I'm off to Bristol now for a one hour meeting.