So, how was it for you?

So, farewell then 2006... Hope that as the year ends you get a chance to reflect on the past year - the good, the bad and the slightly weird.

Who knows what the year ahead will bring - a move, a new job, plastic surgery?? Whatever the year ahead has in store for all of us, I hope that you have a happy new year.

Wheel of Life

The New Year approaches. How balanced is your life? I got sent the following recently...

Draw a large circle to represent a wheel. Draw eight spokes in the wheel - dividing the circle into eight segments. Each spoke is a dimension of your life and you place a mark on a spoke to symbolise how satisfied you are with that aspect on a scale of 1-10 - 1 is near the centre of the circle/wheel and means you're dissatisfied, 10 is on the edge of the circle/wheel and shows you're very happy with that aspect of life.

The categories are;
* career
* physical environment
* personal growth
* money
* fun and recreation
* love and romance
* friends and family
* health

Somehow I seem to have a flat tyre...

;-)

Fresh air goes to head...

Apparently on a recent flight in the USA one of the attendants, in addition to pointing out that the emergency exits are "here, here and here", said,


"And for those of you on the way to visit relatives for Christmas, rest assured that we have plenty of liquor on board if you need to get started now."


Was back in Brum catching up with friends and family over Christmas and now in north Devon for a couple of days. Spent yesterday having a little waddle in the Exmoor countryside around Tarr Bridge - it's always good to escape from the claustrophobia that can occur in London.


I sometimes wonder how different things would have been had I not ended up in London. I'm not thinking about 'what if'; I just find it intriguing that at certain points life could have gone in a different direction - not better or worse, just different.


Hey, it's new year, if you can't get navel gazing and reflective around this time of year, when can you??

;o)

Central London, Christmas Day, 2006

Say it with lights...

I was amazed how busy some places were...

But some iconic sights were quieter...

The Smittyonline Christmas Newsletter

Well, I've been threatening this for a while....



Can it really be only a year since I was last putting pen to paper (or should that be finger to keypad!) and updating you all with things chez Smittyonline? Where does the time go??

Once again it's been a busy year. My career continues to go from strength to strength and I'm often to be found stalking the corridors of power going from one high powered meeting to the next. Busy, busy, busy, but also a honour to serve.

My wife, Jemima, had another busy year in the world of celebrity charity fundraising dinners which she helps to organise. She does so much for lots of needy causes (she doesn't like to talk about it!) and can often be seen in the background of those photos of celebrities on the society pages in such publications as Tatler, The Lady, and Horse and Hound.

Two particular events stand out. First was the dinner held to raise funds to help the plight of vegetarian crocodiles in Africa. This is a scandalously overlooked animal welfare issue and few of us there will forget the moving speech - complete with PowerPoint presentation! - given by H from Steps.

The second was the symposium about the fate of celebrities after appearing on I'm a Come Dancing Big Brother Get me Outta Here and the issues they face prior to be being released back into society. It was an eclectic meeting chaired by Germaine Greer (though she had to leave before the end) and there were incisive contributions from Vanessa, Jade, Preston, and some bloke who used be a first class cricketer.

How she fits it all in and has managed to raise the four children I'll never know - but we'd both like to thank the maid (Irena), the two nannies (Martina and Winifred), the fine minor public schools of the Home Counties, and the wonderful Polish man who comes in to deal with those tricky DIY problems.

Our eldest son, Cuthbert, has successfully started a career in the city. This year his bonus was very generous (so glad we scrimped to pay those school fees!) and he can often be found visiting his money in Liechtenstein or the Cayman Islands. I'm delighted to say that money hasn't changed him - he's still self assured, confident, cocky little s-o-b we all know and love. Only joking Cuthbert!

We are never entirely sure what our youngest son, Gerald, is up to - but he always has several projects on the go and is never short of money. This year he was doing some work in the hospitality industry and knew a lot of delightful young girls who were aspiring models. Later on he was working in the pharmaceutical industry and he was often so busy that the job required 3 mobile phones!

As in previous years we have little to say about eldest daughter, Esmeralda. We just hope that the new experimental treatment being offered by her Austrian doctor at the private Swiss sanatorium proves to be more successful than previous therapies.

Our youngest daughter, Boadicea (not pictured), continues to be full of beans. In the past year she has completed BAGA level 3, begun to speak Urdu, taken up the harp and was selected for the South West London under 7 water polo and synchronised diving team - fingers crossed for 2012! She continues to do well at school, is advanced for her age and is one of the best read 4 year olds in her tumble tots group.

With the ever changing tax situation we found ourselves overseas for much of the year (come on Gordon, play fair!) though we did manage to fit in a visit to a wonderfully retro guesthouse for a bracing week in Skegness in November. Again as a family we tried to act philanthropically throughout the year and when one Westminster based organisation asked I was only happy to offer financial support (at commercial rates I might add!) to assist them through a minor financial blip. Regretfully my actions have been misconstrued by certain media organisations and once again it appears that my elevation to the peerage has been delayed by a minor administrative misunderstanding.This, combined with other continuing minor legal matters, mean that it's unlikely I will be returning to the UK for a few months - I know Jemima and children would value your support during these difficult days whilst I am in south America.

So another year closes! Sorry we've not been able to be in touch with you during the year - you know how things can get! We hope that this little update on our lives is appreciated - you can see how busy we've been! So we wish you all a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year - (though not as prosperous as us - only joking!) and hope that amongst all the celebration you have an opportunity to reflect and think about what's important in your life.

Smittyonline, Jemima, Cuthbert, Gerald and Boadicea.

Snippets

Overheard part 1

Exasperated mother to child whilst out Christmas shopping, "you're not the only whose bored!"

Child's wonderfully logical reply,"well, if you're bored as well, why don't we go home?"

Overheard part 2

Said regretfully, "there's only one lot of drink coming with the delivery."

Overheard part 3

One woman to her friend, "well... do you still have feelings for him?"

The friend paused and I didn't get to hear the reply as I was passing - but if she has, he's lucky guy!

Surreal sight

A massive 'Next Sale Style' queue to get into the local cheese shop.

Things that make you go hmmm??

"OK, let me get this right. You're buying your wife an Oystercard for Christmas, and you're buying bicycle lights??

...and I'm the one whose single?!?"

A seasonal message

I wanted to send you a holiday greeting, but it is so difficult in today's world to know exactly what to say without offending someone. So I met with my lawyer yesterday, and on his advice I wish to say the following:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the summer solstice holiday, practiced with the most enjoyable traditions of religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make our country great (not to imply that England is necessarily greater than any other country) and without regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

London Calling

What do you reckon are the top 5 iconic landmarks in London??

• The London Eye?
• Piccadilly Circus with a red London bus going by?
• Buckingham Palace?
• Houses of Parliament?
• The 'Gherkin'?

What says 'London' to you?

New Take That Split??

Everytime I see the poster for Take That's new album I think, "have they upset Mark Owen?"

Website of the week - #24

We appear to have a minor celeb in the family. Not only did he appear in the Birmingham Evening Mail on Friday, but turn to page 34 in Saturday's Daily Express and there he is again (couldn't find a weblink for that).

What amused me is the Daily Express, up to I suspect their usual journalistic standards, have added 3 years to his age - making him older than me!

It's Christmas time...

...so time to go and see the annual Christmas themed rom-com. Never quite sure why I do this - last year it was The Family Stone and this year it is The Holiday. Okay, Claire Danes, Cameron Diaz and especially Kate Winslet may have something to with it... If you like rom-coms - and I've admitted that I have soft spot for the odd one - then you'll enjoy The Holiday. If you don't, it isn't going to convert you.

Cameron Diaz does 'the Cameron Diaz role' excellently, ladies will love Jude Law and even Jack Black just about gets away being a romantic lead. Chuck in a couple of cute moppets and the typical Hollywood view of England, i.e. everyone lives in a quaint cottage in a rural village, and it always snows around Christmas, and it passes the 'Ronseal Test.'

It's enjoyable, charming, funny, and contains some very knowing observations about being a singleton at Christmas. Kate Winslet is simply wonderful - though I'm probably biased here. There are worse ways to spend a couple of hours - Christmas shopping for example.

Well, I've never done that before

I've lived in London for over 10 years. So far I have managed to avoid the eaterie experience that is an Angus Steak House. A friend was in town for a couple of days and being all 'ironic' we ended up at such a place last night. Oh dear - another 10 year wait would still be way too soon to repeat the eating experience...

Still, we spied Gillian Taylforth tottering up Shaftebury Avenue.

Lionel Blair and Gillian Taylforth in the same week - that's why I live in London.

Ah, the glamour

...saw Lionel Blair at lunchtime...

...he has a glowing tone...

Website of the week - #23

Another way to waste time.

Enjoy.

A typical (for me) pre-Christmas conversation

Friend and/or relative, "So, what do you want for Christmas?"

Me, "Nothing."

"Come on, what do you want?"

"Nothing, I don't think I want anything in particular."

"Seriously, I've got to get you something. What do you want?!"

"OK - Sandra Bullock, Kate Winslet, or Elliot, the kooky doctor from Scrubs."

"Gift voucher OK?"

Have you ever...

...sent an email and several hours later thought 'perhaps not such a good idea, what have I done?'

The next station is...

On the train tonight the automatic station announcements had gone slightly wrong. Instead of saying "the next station is Mortlake" it said "the next station is Mortimer" - it sounded better.

For a brief moment South West Trains appeared human.

Just a soppy old romantic

Walking to walk this morning the couple in front of me were holding hands - lovely.

The pavement was busy and a lampost was in their way - they let go and went around it on different sides. Noticed that they didn't resume holding hands once around the lampost. Was slightly disappointed.

Thankfully a few yards further on noticed they had resumed holding hands - faith in love and romance restored!

Normality Returns

For the past couple of years things have felt uncomfortable, not quite right. England had won the Rugby World Cup, the Ashes and Birmingham City (the team I follow) were in the Premiership. Dizzy times indeed.

Things now seem to have returned to their natural state;
* England will struggle against the might of Italy in the Six Nations
* the 'English' cricket team - complete with Australians, South Africans and Welshmen - have yet to bowl the Aussies out
* Birmingham City are battling for promotion in division 2 - the notion of calling it 'The Championship' is just wrong - and are being held off by Cardiff and Preston (the football club, not Mr Chantelle!) I'm already sensing a plucky playoff defeat in a penalty shootout

All of this makes me feel strangely warmed.

Website of the week - #22

Hoff worship - I just find this disturbing.

So, how was it for you?

Even I am now beginning to acknowledge that Christmas is nearly upon us! I can't get that excited or worked up about it - but it also means that 2006 is drawing to an end. How's it been so far? How many of your resolutions lasted beyond January?

For me it's been a funny year - mainly funny peculiar but sometimes funny ha, ha. There has been a lot to do, a lot on my mind and overall my default feeling has been one of tiredness. This tends to lead to grumpiness and I fear people have inadvertently been on the end of it - even more than usual! If that's impacted you I apologise.

For my recent course I had to ask people to describe me in short phrases. I was described as being 'grounded', 'self aware' and 'incredibly tolerant' - fairness and loyalty were also often used. This was lovely - descriptions were flattering and consistent with each other. The course has been very revealing! One person in my group said the phrase 'still waters run deep' was a good description of me. I didn't disagree - there is more going on than I normally show - but I did have the song in my head for the next hour!

From the course one person decided that they ought to chase up a friend each week; that resonated with me. Too often we are too busy and miss out on the important stuff. I don't know about you, but often as Christmas approaches I look through my address book and realise that there are too many people I've not spent enough time with. It may be Christmas is approaching, it may be there are going to be too many sentimental films on telly, it may be that 'Sunday afternoon feeling', but I like the idea of chasing up a friend a week.

I sense an early resolution for 2007.

A Very British Museum

Pottered around Brooklands Museum for a couple of hours today; it's very British.

Just inside the M25 it's where motorsport took off in the 20s in the UK - cycling and aviation also have lots of history there. Time has done the overall site little favours, for example only a small section of the famous banked racetrack remain and much of the surroundings have been taken over by redevelopment.

The actual museum is fascinating. Old cars and motorbikes live in some well preserved buildings, a couple of aircraft sit on the tarmac (including a concorde) and older planes are also in a hangar. The 1920s clubhouse is there, complete with a billiards room and a vibrantly pink 'Barbara Cartland Room'. It must have been an amazing place to be during a motor race in the roaring 20s.

The place seems to have numerous volunteers and enthusiasts helping out - men of a certain age will happily tell you about the history of a particular plane or car - which all add to the experience. The cycle displays were intriguing and viewing the Raleigh BMX Burners, Choppers, and even a Sinclair C5, I got briefly nostalgic.

Nonetheless I couldn't help but think what if? Here is a place which has history coming out of its pores, fantastic volunteers and located just off the M25. Instead of using lottery money to create 'heritage' with sparkling new projects and 'discovery centres', why not invest in something like Brooklands? It deserves that, and more.

There are copies of the slides...

The week ended with me inflicting some training on others. Quite how training course presenters - or 'facilitators' as we now seem to have to call them - survived before PowerPoint, flipcharts and clustering Post-It notes I don't know. Suspect when they think about those dark days it leaves them in a cold sweat.

I opted to use the tried and tested 'death by Powerpoint' presentation style. When talking about how the organisation accounts for pensions I pointed out that this was 'where accountants and actuaries have long discussions - so you can imagine how dull that is'.

A suitable tone was set.

The Real Me??

Been 'unearthing the real me' - scary stuff!

First we had to chose a brand and say how it related to us. I tend to have my tongue in my cheek for these things and so wanted to say Horlicks, Werthers Original or Stannah Stairlifts. In the end went for Gap. Why?
* they think they are trendier than they really are
* what they do might not be earth shattering, but they do it well
* on the whole it's safe and bland - lots of khaki etc.- but just once in a while you'll stumble across some great individuality
* sometimes they can be really creative - such as when they do a great new TV ad

Then moved to drafting a 'personal branding statement' using the descriptions we had other feedback to us earlier in the week. Finally we moved on to 'confronting your gremlins'. This involved drawing them on flipchart paper and naming them. Now, I've probably got enough to last a while so just shared the top 3 - Paranoid Percy, Perfectionist Pete and Wallflower Wayne.

Ok, I have 'issues'.

;-)

Vanity, vanity, all is vanity

Been cold of late so I dug out the old scarf. Not sure I'm that keen on it - I think it makes my face look fat.

Then again, it may not be the scarf's fault. The fact I actually have a fat face might have something to do with it.

;o)

Website of the week - #21

A simply excellent spoof site - enjoy.

Space to breathe

What I like about London is that even in it's sprawling metropolis you can find space and beauty.

Whether it be obvious, like down by the riverside.















A more hidden gem, such as a minor stately home.















Or something really tucked away in a secret garden.

Who am I?

This week I'll be in Reading for 2 days "Unearthing the real me" - it's one of those slightly strange management 'development' courses you occasionally get sent on.

As preparation for this I had to ask a few people who I know, through work or elsewhere, to describe in a single word or short phrase;

• My personality
• A value or moral principle of mine
• A key skill or ability I have

These things are always tricky and I'm very grateful to those who replied - it's never an easy task. The process (so far) has been interesting in two ways. Everyone has said something nice about me - I obviously choose friends/colleagues wisely. Secondly, there have been a few similar phrases used, which intrigues me as the respondees know me for a variety of reasons.

Whether I will unearth the 'real me' who knows? More later...

Website of the week - #20

I feel strangely drawn to this.

The section on airport carousels is particularly informative.

My Secret Shame...

I've admitted this before, but confession is good for the soul. I like (some) country music - I can sense your anxiety.

Saturday night BBC2 showed the 40th Country Music Awards from Nashville. The secret with all televised awards show is to record them - you can then fast forward the dull bits and just watch any highlights. I got the 90min CMA broadcast down to 30min tops.

What I love about the CMAs is they have no sense of shame or irony. For example, Keith Urban (probably best known in the UK as being the new Mr Nicole Kidman) won an award. There was the usual "unfortunately Keith can't be here tonight" part - well no, he's currently in rehab! This was discreetly skirted over.

As usual the song titles didn't disappoint. The following are the titles of the songs performed by the female artists;
...Before he cheats...
...Real fine place to start...
...Crazy ex-girlfriend...
...I ain't settlin'...
...Anyway...
...Come to bed...
...Leave the pieces when you go...

What can I say other than "I smell rabbit...."

Lest We Forget

Was shopping yesterday morning and was rummaging through M&S jumpers when it dawned on me that it had all gone quiet. Looked around and people were observing 2 minutes silence.

I don't particularly want to enter Jon Snow territory here, but a couple of things struck me. Firstly, isn't the whole point of Remembrance Sunday that we observe this 'properly'? Secondly, how it was done in this particular store was pretty poor. Unless I missed it and walked in halfway through, there was no annoucement and the end of the observance was merely an electronic bleep. Overhead one woman leaving the store saying "they do it better at Tesco." I can't comment on that but if we, as a society, want to observe 2 minutes silence on 11/11 in addition to Remembrance Sunday, can we at least do it properly?

In the evening I was at St Alban's Abbey to hear the Hertfordshire Chorus perform Britten's War Requiem; it seemed very fitting.

The church service I was at this morning had an act of remembrance as it should be - poignant and thoughtful.

Good Busy

Been a busy week but one which has involved catching up with people via email, over a meal or a drink so definitely busy in a good way.

On Friday turned up to a restaurant to catch up with some friends I'd not seen for a while - and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had. Upon arrival I was greeted with the words, "you look good, you've really grown into your face."

????

I think it was a compliment.

Kids say the stupidest things??

Bizarre/dumb things I've said/written in the past few days....

"...are you still in touch with Terry Leahy? No? Don't worry, I've think we've got an 'in' with Peter Mandelson..."

"...should you ever want to catch up with an asexual gurning male..."

"...sorry, can't make it in a couple of weeks. I'm on a 2 day course to 'unearth the real me'... at the Reading Moat House...

The Summer of Love

In the past few weeks four women have told me they are pregnant - I need to add here that none are anything to do with me as all are happily married to their respective husbands!

A couple of things crossed my mind. Firstly, in three cases the announcement started with the words "you've probably already worked this out..." Now, I used to think that, with one glaring exception, I was pretty perceptive. In none of the cases did I have a clue - my powers are waning! My other thought was, I wonder if this is going to happen to me? Not the pregnancy (I've read the books and seen the diagrams, apparently a woman is a pretty key part of the process!) but parenthood.

One book I've recently read was a sort of real life Bridget Jones Diary where the author was very open, honest and funny when writing about finding Mr Right. One line was "my biological clock is not so much ticking, as a bomb about to detonate." I know it's different for blokes, but it'd be wrong to deny the fact that it crosses my mind on occasion.

Of course, the one area I've often admitted to be clueless is understanding the complex and intriguing creature that is woman - if only they came with a reference manual.

Mind you, I am a bloke - I wouldn't read it.

Usual Weirdness

Tonight evening class started with the exchange,

Tutor: "You remember how to play Zip, Zap, Boing?"
Me: " Yes, I do."

Then, waiting for a bus afterwards, there is a normal looking bloke next to me in the queue - a complete stranger. After a minute or two he says to me;

"There are two things I really hate. Ex-squaddies who are homeless and still wear their army uniform when selling The Big Issue, and ex-alcoholics who become Christian street preachers."

He then gets on his bus.

How do I attract these people???

Website of the week - #19

People with way too much time, and a digital video camera, on their hands.

If only all science could be this much fun.

Paying it forward??

Been a busy week and was rounded off by a weekend away looking forward to an event next summer - who knows, you may find a link to it not too far from here...

Was good to catch up with people and be looking ahead; so many ideas and opportunities. Once again I found it a real privilege to be able to give back to something from which I've derived so much benefit; if that notion of it being a privilege should ever change then it's time to worry.

Feeling the vibe

Thursday evening was one of those occasions when I like the vibe of living in London. Spent the evening in the basement of a pub watching some comedy. Then, on a crisp clear night walked through the streets of central London - streets full of people and energy - back to the car. It just felt right; I felt at home in the city.

Journey back then highlighted one of the annoyances of London - where else would you be stuck in traffic jam at 11.30pm on a Thursday evening??

I think I'm love...

Caught me by surprise to be honest - wasn't especially looking. Difficult to put my finger on one thing in particular. It's the overall package - the look, the touch of their fingers, the fact they make me happy. We seem the perfect match and I just want to be with them every day.

Probably won't be long term though...

Fine, dark KitKat are 'limited edition'.

Thank you for your feedback...

I don't get many comments on this blog, but the last one "You're such a scrooge!" intrigues me.

It's not Christmas I don't like. I like the spirit of goodwill it can engender, I like the opportunity to catch up with friends and family, and I actually much prefer giving presents than receiving them (seriously!).

What I don't like is;
... the notion that if you don't have 'turkey and all the trimmings' (which seems to mean 3 types of potato, 17 types of other vegetable and enough brandy butter to sink a battleship) you somehow haven't done Christmas properly...
... the naffness and tat that accompanies it - I give you signing fish and musical socks as two examples - and is somehow excused as 'it's Christmas'...
... a shop has up its Christmas lights exhulting me to have a Merry Christmas, and we're not yet at the end of British Summer Time...

I'm all for celebrating Christmas - including Advent and Epiphany; I'd just like to do it when it is actually Christmas, and not in October half-term.

Here endth the rant.

For passengers waiting on platform....

Quite how London is a 'world class' city I'm not sure - often it's public transport system would disgrace the most underdeveloped of developing nations. How it'll cope in 2012 I've no idea - still given the Wembley fiasco it'll probably be postponed until 2014.

Reason for rant is that my journey home - normally a single straight forward train ride - tonight took a tube, a walk, 2 buses and over 2 hours...

Anyway, I got chance to pass a shop which had all its Christmas lights up. The works - electic Santa, reindeer pulling a sleigh and Merry Christmas in lights.

Today is 25th Oct. Christmas is 2 months away (I'm sharp, me). It's just plain wrong.

Numberwang!

And that's a bad miss!

For a while I've enjoyed That Mitchell and Webb Sound on the radio and so was delighted when That Mitchell and Webb Look lived up to expectation. I particularly like the two snooker commentators. So, as a public service, here are the secret snooker words to Lady in Red, enjoy...

Never seen you looking so shiny as you did tonight,
Never seen your baize so tight,
you were amazing.

Never seen so many players wonder if the long pot is on.
Looking for a little cannon,
a cut as thin as a thong.

And I have never seen such a clearance,
Such a clearance in all the pots in every way,
no more safety play.

Table of reds,
is dancing with me,
cush to cush.

Nothing is wrong,
this big pink is on,
but where’s cue ball gone?

And hardly know,
to play with stun or side?

Never to forget,
this shot to nothing life.

Never to forget,
my table of reds.

Website of the week - #18

Not necessarily original - but funny cos they is true.

Only in the movies.

State Visit

Currently on the receiving end of a ‘state visit’ so decided an appropriate place to visit would be Windsor. Lunch was taken in the punningly named ‘Windsor Great Perk’ (geddit?) and then decided to pop and have a nose around the Queen’s home county pad.

The castle is a fascinating place – history, art, weaponry, a dolls house and umpteen sets of crockery all on display. Once again I ended taking a photo for a bunch of tourists, though had to do a take two as the first one didn’t have enough of the castle in it! I often seem to take photos for tourists, or provide them with directions – I’ve either got a friendly face or look like the type of guy who knows lots of trivial directions to tourist spots. Prefer the former; suspect the latter.

At Windsor I love the irony that you are in a magnificent castle containing great works of art, but look out the window and you have stunning views of Heathrow Terminal 5 and Slough…

The temperature dips…

For the second Saturday running had the question ‘so what are you doing for Christmas?’ This time from two different people – perhaps I’m being double-teamed!

Gave the answer 'I don’t know yet, I’ll think about it nearer the time but probably not a lot. Might be back up in Brum for some of the period, might not.'

Met with a frosty silence…

We apologise for the interruption of service...

Sorry for not updating - been a busy week.

On Tuesday I found myself on the next stage of my 'leadership development programme' - yep, I agree, I'm not sure either. Was interesting, there were a couple of speakers (Chief Exec of Lambeth Council and Chairman and Chief Exec of Timpsons) and then I had to share my 'leadership vision' with my 'learning set'. All very weird and not really 'me'. Even more worrying is next time I have to share my 'leadership brand' and no, I've no idea what that means either.

Rest of the week has been a bit hectic and the week is ending with a 'state visit'.

Website of the week - #17

Not containing anything particularly new - but I still think this is worth a look and should raise the odd smile.

Mistletoe and wine? Mine's a large one

Had my first "what are you doing for Christmas?" yesterday.

If you have a partner or kids you're probably thinking 'we had that sorted months ago'. As a singleton I often get the feeling that people assume they know what I'll be doing. The truth is I don't have a clue. It's only October and, although I know I could buy my decorations from August, as a matter of 'principle' I really don't think you should be worrying about Christmas until December. With the endless planning, preparation and hype it seems to me that the only things you're setting up are tension and disappointment.

Christmas can be a great time of year, but let it happen. It's only a couple of days - not a military operation. Go on, live on the edge - be slightly spontaneous.

The left is my best side

Friday evening and off to the Holbein exhibition at Tate Britain. As a member I get to go to about half a dozen viewings a year outside normal hours and get to take someone along with me.

I enjoy these occasions. Chance to catch up with friend, appear cultured and, above all, people watch. There is such a variety of people at these things - the older serious home counties women, the people going after work and, as my friend so wonderfully put it, "those who turn up later and look as though they've made a bit more of an effort." Never sure if they are on dates, trying to be seen, or trying to pull.

Exhibition is pretty good - if you like portraits of old dead people. Portraits of Henry VIII, which Holbein is most associated with, vary from the stern to the, frankly, camp. I enquired of my friend that given the portraits are probably quite flattering, how did Henry VIII get to have 6 wives? She felt the fact that he was the King, with untold wealth, a large army and owned the country might have added to his attraction.

Since when did that impress women?.?.?

Drawing back the veil...

In an email today;

"I've got you down as "comedy john" in my phone - no pressure though :~)"

More of my 'identity' revealed??

Spooky

Last night's episode of Spooks on BBC3 (on BBC1 next Monday night) had a lot of scenes shot where I used to live in Surrey Quays.

Got briefy nostalgic...

Website of the week - #16

This site was listed in one of the numerous free papers you can now get in London.

The course of true love .?.?.

Being Carrie Fisher

I've been thinking about Carrie Fisher - pretty random but bear with me...

She's a succesful Hollywood 'script doctor', author (Postcards from the Edge and Surrender the Pink are both interesting reads) and actress (I think she's very good in When Harry Met Sally). However, she's best known for Star Wars and, if you're a bloke of a certain age, a particular scene involving a gold lame bikini is etched on your mind. If nothing else it was a cinematic moment which probably confirmed your sexuality. I'm well aware that at this point most women will be rolling their eyes, shaking their heads, tutting and muttering 'for goodness sake.'

How much has this particular movie scene defined her, both in how we see her, and how she sees herself? For instance, does she look back at it and think 'I wish I still looked like that' or is it more the case of 'I wish I hadn't done that; it wasn't the real me and no matter what other success I have, I'm always going to be best remembered for it.'

Then think about yourself. Do you have a photo that you look back on and mournfully think 'I wish I looked that good today', or does it inspire to rediscover the thin person within and succesfully diet? Is there a moment that defines you which is an albatross around your neck/monkey on your back (chose favoured animal description) and no matter what else you do, your friends will always go back to it?

This blog is often testament to the randomness of my mind, but I wonder if we all, a little, struggle being Carrie Fisher...

Browsing

Sometimes I wonder whether to 'give it all up' and run a bookshop somewhere...

Darwinism in action

A right spanner in my train carriage tonight. Made a call on his mobile (annoying enough) and then proceeded to divulge;

...his mobile phone number...
...his full address...
...his mother's maiden name...

I now have a new identity!

Strange thoughts

Was just walking back to flat tonight. It's a beautiful, crisp, clear, still evening. A lovely evening for a jog.

Fear not, this is me! Got back to the flat, made myself a nice hot chocolate and sat on the sofa.

Well, it's the thought that counts...

The Last Taboo??

Was thinking on the train into work - is there anything you can't admit to these days? Don't mean anything illegal, or sexual peversity - I've seen Trisha and these all seem fair game. I mean is there something which if you heard a close friend say, you may look at them very differently?

And no, I don't have a sordid confession...

...well, I quite like to read the odd 'chick-lit' book...

I know, I know, "burn him!"

Website of the week - #15

Not been a website of the week for over a month. To make amends today is buy one, get one free!

Firstly - a cartoon of Star Wars, summarised in 30 seconds, with rabbits. Enjoy. There are also other films here.

Secondly, I just really like this.

Lost in translation

No, I'm not having a fling with Scarlett Johansson - we can but dream, but think how off kilter that universe would be!

This week I've been described as;
..."looking well" - I believe that's an euphemism for "you've put on weight"...
..."providing intellectual rigour" - I think that means I'm "not the office thicky"...
..."looking swarthy" - I think that means I'm tall, dark and handsome.. without the tall... or the handsome...

Still - been called worse.

;o)

Back on the treadmill

No, I've not joined a gym.

It's amazing how quickly you can revert to your old patterns. A week of work, meetings, emails and catching up with people and I'm back in the 'old groove' - not necessarily a good thing!

Been a bit too hectic to catch up with the blog - for which we can all be thankful.

;o)

Sunday 24th September - London

Back in London. In the last month I've;

...been to Cheltenham, Devon and the far north of Scotland...

...drove 2,096 miles around Scotland and back

...spent only 3 nights in my London flat sleeping in 14 different beds/sofas...

Tomorrow - back to work, to South West trains and what passes for my 'normal' life.

Thursday 21st - Saturday 23rd September - Birmingham

Stay in Birmingham for a couple of days and catch up with friends and family. Sometimes I wonder what might have happened if I'd stayed or returned to Birmingham. Would my life be much different - better, worse, or just different?

Even having spent a a week or two in Scotland in the wonderful countryside, I know that I'm a city boy at heart and, if you're going to live in a city, for all it's annoyances, grief and hassle, London is the place to be. Never say never - but for the foreseeable future I guess I'm committed to London.

On Saturday I end up at the Scarecrow Festival at Belbroughton just outside Birmingham. It's basically a local village fair but with a scarecrow theme and with various scarecrows throughout the village - a pleasant way to spend the afternoon in the glorious September sun.

Wednesday 20th September - Dumfries to Liverpool

Take the chance to stay over in Liverpool and catch up with someone who I don't see too often - not sure when I'll be back in the north west so figured good to take the opportunity.

It's after midnight and two women are attempt to wrap large, and frankly quite ghastly, vase without using the box it came with - no, I'm not sure why either. They do a good job but I can't help wondering whether their time could have been better spent...

Tuesday 19th September - Inverness to Dumfries

Nosey around Inverness for a couple of hours before heading south. Drive through the Cairngorms, over the Forth Road Bridge, skirt around Edinburgh before driving through the Pentland Hills and across to Dumfries.

Again the scenery is wonderful. I'm driving through parts of Scotland I don't know that well and wish I had more time to stay - I'll have to come back. Stop briefly in Biggar. It seems a slightly eccentric town - it has several museums (including one about the gasworks) as well as puppet theatre! I don't have enough time to spend here and make a note that I need to come back to this part of Scotland - central belt and the borders. Pull into Dumfries - the English border is near...

Monday 18th September - Lewis to Inverness

It's time to leave the Hebrides. It's been a fascinating place to visit. All the islands have different personalities and landscapes - some with mountains, others with lots of lochs, others wth amazing sandy beaches and bays. The Western Isles definitely feel like being in a different country. There are the usual differences of being in Scotland - the different accents, the different radio and TV stations and the different banknotes. Added to it is the strong local identity and the gaelic language. The roadsigns and nameplaces are bilingual and often in gaelic first. On several occasions you overhear people conversing it - it has all added to the feel of the holiday.

I have a waddle around the grounds of Lews Castle before heading to catch the ferry. Isles FM - the fantastic and eccentric community radio station for Lewis and Harris - confirm that Ben Fogle has now left the islands after his secret honeymoon on Taransay. Apparently having nearly died on his recent Atlantic rowing trip he proposed and married his girlfriend - the old romantic.

Incredibly as the ferry pulls out of the harbour a bloke produces set of bagpipes and pipes the ferry on its way. Ferry arrives in Ullapool and I drive down to Inverness - traffic is a bit busier than I've been used to for the past 8 days...

Sunday 17th September - A Stornoway Sabbath

It’s the Sabbath. Lewis and Harris are very protestant and the Sabbath is observed on these islands. There are no sailings, only one petrol station/shop is open as is only one bar; everywhere else is shut. The Uists to the south are more Catholic and have a slightly more relaxed approach to the Lord’s Day; hence I was able to get a sailing into South Uist arriving on a Sunday. Both the gallery owner (yesterday) and the guest house owner have ’warned’ me about Lewis on Sunday but, to be honest, I already knew and I thought it would be interesting to experience.

I head off to one of the numerous churches in Stornoway - the main Church of Scotland church which was built in 1794. I feel underdressed; everyone is in ‘Sunday best’ and many of the women are wearing hats. I almost feel I’ve gatecrashed a wedding. The service is fine (similar to many ‘middle of the road‘ CofE services), the organist and several others are in kilts and the hymns are once again sung with a Scottish accent - the church is full. Leave the service and, with many other church services also finishing around Stornoway, the traffic is the heaviest I’ve experienced since Glasgow over a week ago - this is rush hour Lewis style!

Potter around the coast for the afternoon, finding one or two beautiful sandy bays, and take the plunge in the evening - I’m off to the Free Church of Scotland service.

Again it’s ’Sunday best’ and the church, which is a large building, is full. There are at least half a dozen other churches within half a mile of this, and all seem to have a steady stream of worshippers heading towards them. Church attendance here is a serious business; way above the national average.

The service is strange. I know the Free Church is strict, though not as strict as the Free Presbyterians, and I’m handed a songbook solely containing psalms, and a Bible as I enter. I’m slightly surprised that it’s a new version (English Standard Version) and not the old King James Version. Only psalms (or rather portions of psalms) are sung, no hymns, and all are sung unaccompanied. One man at the front leads the singing with the Minister having announced the tune (“we will now sing the first 5 stanzas of Psalm 29 to the tune Kilmarnock). Again the singing is impressive, and again with a strong Scottish accent. Interestingly the congregation sits to sing and stands to pray. The sermon is as expected, though I am surprised how radical the minister is about some issues - green issues are not for Christians to ignore and be left to the realm of ‘politics‘, there are for everyone and Christians should be at the forefront is his thrust. (If only other churches felt the same!) He also noted that if an employer says your hours are 9 to 5, then demanding staff to work late is tantamount to theft, and he aimed this at the employers in the congregation. Again, radical stuff and once again my preconceptions are challenged. One thing that did surprise me was that once the service was over the church emptied straightaway - within 3 minutes the church was empty, although the chatting/gossiping was done in the car park for several minutes afterwards.

Overall an interesting day - not sure I could cope with it too often, but as a one off definitely worth experiencing.

Saturday 16th September - Butt of Lewis

Go right to the top of the Hebrides - the Port of Ness and the Butt of Lewis. Take a bracing walk around the extreme edge of the island and look out - there is nothing between here and Canada or Greenland. The view is very clear and in the other direction I can see across 'The Minch' to the highlands of Scotland.

Pop into a gallery and end up chatting with the owner/artist. Turns out he's originally from Stoke on Trent and came out here 13 years ago. Head back into Stornoway and potter around the town and the excellent museum.

With tomorrow being Sunday the harbour is filling up as the various boats return.

Friday 15th September - Lewis

I've admitted before that I like stone circles and 'henges' so I go and look at the standing stones at Callanish, "the second most important site after Stonehenge." The Western Isles has several standing circles and Neolithic monoliths, although sometimes you do end up looking at something and thinking is it a Neolithic site or just a large rock that happens to be there? Am impressed with Callanish - is a beautiful site at a great location overlooking a couple of lochs. One thing I love about stone circles is that we still don't really have a clue why they built them all those millennia - yes the exhibitions have numerous 'artist's impressions', but read the small print and we don't really know.

Then head to the Blackhouse at Arnol. A blackhouse is how the islanders used to live - a living space at one end of thatched barn and the animals at the other. Incredibly this blackhouse - so named because of the smoke from the indoor peat fire - was still lived in until the early 1960s. As 'swinging London' was happening people were still in effect living in barns with animals!

Is a ground breaking football match taking place - the first meeting (outside the inter island games...) of the Western Isles versus the Shetland Islands. Not sure whether this is strictly speaking an international fixture, but they are optimistic that this could be the first of a regular bout of fixtures, hopefully also including the Orkneys.

Arrive for the scheduled kick off time of 6pm - it's a small non-league style ground and there are a couple of hundred people there (who all seem to know each other and the players). Then there is annoucement - the kick off will delayed as so far only 5 to 6 of the Shetland team have arrived, but their plane has now landed so we are just waiting for them to get across from there. The match kicks off at about 6.45pm. This could be interesting - there are no floodlights. Even with only taking a 5 minute half time break the match ends in virtual darkness at about 8.15pm. In a fairly decent match, the Western Isles win 3-1.

End the evening at the Stornoway Balti House; the staff of which probably constitute the entire Asian population of the Hebrides. In what is the most northernly and remote Balti house I've eaten in, I have a thoroughly good meal.

Thursday 14 September - Harris to Stornoway

Head off down a couple of roads which don't particularly led anywhere but have beautiful scenery. Suddenly, in the middle of nowhere I come across a tennis court. A beautiful location and backdrop against which to play tennis - just seems a bit bizarre to have this court here - the nearest thing is the local primary school which is over a mile away.

Leave Harris and head across Lewis to the bright lights of Stornoway, the major town of the Western Isles. Again the scenery is different, from the mountainous background of Harris to the flatter moorlands and lochs of Lewis.

Enter Stornoway which, having been in remote parts of Western Isles for a few days, is suddenly a sprawling metropolis - there are traffic lights, roundabouts and even a traffic jam or two! Also seems to be a fewboy racer types with their souped Saxos and flashy Astras.

Have a brief look around Stornoway. It has a new and fantastic arts centre - complete with gallery space, a cinema/theatred a cracking bar and restaurant. Have a splendid meal there overlooking the sea/harbour as the sun sets.

There will be more...

....including photos but my internet access is very hit and miss - hang in there....

Wednesday 13th September - Harris

Head off down the west side of Harris. Stop at a Harris tweed place, which seems to be an old woman running a couple of looms in her shed. Resist the Tweed jackets but make a purchase of a present - hope it gets received well as the Tweed teddy bears were frankly very scary. Coffee stop is taken at an art café in the middle of nowhere - the art, the café and the hot chocolate are all wonderful.

Stop at the 15th century church at Rodel. Memorial notes that the man married his third wife “in his 73rd year” (it doesn’t say how old she was) and went on to have nine children before dying in his nineties - guess there is hope for me yet!

Complete the circuit of Harris by again driving up the west coast. Take a little walk and come across (see photo) something on the beach. Guess it’s real but not quite sure - could be an art installation (don’t laugh - the Uists had quite a few pieces of public sculpture). Stop to take numerous photos of the views - particularly of the bay and Taransay. Not sure I’d fancy my chances in the wind on this golf course though.

Pull into the hotel. A 4x4 pulls up. I look at the driver who seems familiar. Surely it’s not? OK - this is now getting very weird as Ben Fogle gets out and heads to the hotel. Glamourous wife is in the passenger seat and his famous black labrodor is in the back. I’m in the middle of nowhere and I then come across a minor celeb… One whose ‘break’ is associated with where I am… Head into the hotel. Rumour is he is here on secret honeymoon…

Wonder whether me thinking about stuff and then the celebrity involved suddenly appearing is a new talent I've acquired and if it only works on minor celebs? Think about how great an actress Sandra Bullock was in Crash and how Speed was her big break. Regretfully she does not appear to enter the hotel...

Tuesday 12th September - North Uist to Harris

The weather is very changeable - the cloud is meeting the sea, it then takes a brief tea break and allows a glorious sunny spell before deciding enough is enough and it really wants to meet up with the sea again.

Potter around North Uist and, as is often the case in Scotland, come across an immaculately kept cemetery in the middle of nowhere but with a beautiful view over the sea. Love the inscription on one monument - like the fact that the person’s height is mentioned and then immediately it’s pointed out that he was ‘without pathological defect’. It’s almost saying that you’d expect someone that tall to be a nutter, but not this bloke. I think it’s a lovely epitaph.

Get the ferry across the Sound of Harris. This time it is an Alfa Romeo owner who doesn’t turn their alarm off… The crossing is slow and very zig zaggy as the ferry pick its way between the smaller islands and rocks. On occasion it slows to a virtual standstill as it navigates between the markers. The crossing is sunny and breezy and the view stunning.

I’m not particularly a ’driver’ - for me as long as car has a wheel in each corner and gets me from A to B safely and reliably I’m happy. However, the drive from Leverburgh to Tarbet around west Harris is fantastic, with views of orgasmic beauty. The scenery changes from sunny beaches to rocky outcrops with an almost lunar quality. In the distance is the island of Taransay, famous as the place where the BBC filmed Castaway back in 2000 and the series which gave us Ben Fogle. I reckon the two most successful ’reality’ TV stars are probably Ben Fogle and Jade Goody; still, one out of two isn’t bad. Noticed a few weeks ago that the producers of Castaway are about to film a new series, but in a warmer location…

I pull into the only petrol station in Tarbet. Diesel is an eye watering £1.06 a litre - but with scenery like this it’s worth ever single penny.

Monday 11th September - The Uists and Eriksay

The weather in England is going to be hot and sunny - I pull back the curtains and discover a damp and windy day and I wouldn’t want it any other way. As Billy Connolly says “there is no such thing as the wrong weather, just the wrong clothing.”

It’s no good, I have to find out how the young Australian receptionist came to be here. Turns out that her wider family own the hotel; she is back for a few weeks for a family wedding and as she works in hospitality in Australia she is helping out whilst here. Her parents are born and bred Scots but emigrated as teachers on a £10 ticket!

I head to Eriksay, an island which has only been linked to South Uist by a causeway for about 6-7 years. I wonder how much impact the causeway had on day to day island life… Eriksay is famous as the location where the ship which the Whisky Galore story is based upon ran aground; indeed the film was made on location here and on the neighbouring island of Barra. I scout the beach - well you never know - although all I find is a more modern day Scottish drink.

Head to North Uist and, bizarrely, on the Isle of Benbecula come across a café offering free WiFi access. Sadly I check my emails, but also enjoy some coffee and excellent banana cake. Drive past a bay known locally as ‘Stink Bay’ due to the smell of rotting seaweed - it lives up to its name.

Sunday 10th September - Oban to South Uist

Wake up and look nervously at the weather - the 6.5 hour ferry ride seemed a good idea at the time, but if the seas are rough could be a really dumb idea. Fortunately the weather is fine. Go to the Church of Scotland service in the morning - a full church with gusty hymn singing complete with Scottish accents. It's like the Proclaimers mets Songs of Praise.

Get on the ferry. As the boat leaves the harbour it starts to rock and this sets off two car alarms on the semi open deck. Who do they think is going to steal them and, more importantly, where to they think they're going to take them? An announcement on the PA "could the drivers of a silver BMW and a black Range Rover please return to they vehicles and disarm the alarms." It had to be BMW and Range Rover drivers didn't it.

Sail past Tober/Balamory and I wave to Miss Hoolie - though I doubt she saw me. I have a soft spot for Miss Hoolie - she always seems so cheerful and, considering the school is a small one on a Scottish Isle, she has a remarkably multi-ethnic class...

Eventually, after a stop at Castlebay, Barra, the ferry pulls into South Uist. It's 9.45pm on a Sunday in the Outer Hebrides and I pull into my hotel - the receptionist is a young Australian...

Saturday 9th September - Oban

Can tell I’m in Scotland. By 11.20am I’ve had a magnificent cooked breakfast, been on a tour of the local distillery and sampled 3 whiskys.

I'm the only one on the tour who is neither German nor Swedish and once again I embarassed by my lack of linguistic ability. All of the others on the tour are hearing a very clear guide, but with a distinct Scottish accent, and are able to understand and ask intelligent questions in their second or even third language.

I sample 3 different whiskys as the tour guide - a lovely local Scottish lass - tries to find me one acceptable to my unsophisticated southern palate. One is successfully found - apparently it's either 'one for the ladies' or a 'training' whisky', depending on how macho I need to feel.

Local attraction tonight is a Ceilidh featuring Michelle McManus of ‘Pop Idol’ fame as the special guest. I am able to resist, though also find it slightly amusing that the local cinema in showing ‘The Wicker Man’ - I know it’s the remake but still seems funny.

Friday 8th September - Liverpool to Oban

Have no destination mind other than ’north’. I need to be in Oban by Sunday to catch a ferry but between then and now I don’t have to be anyway particular. Once the road gets past Lancaster the drive is accompanied by wonderful scenery as you skirt the edge of the Lakes and then enter Scotland.

The beauty is abruptly ended by the journey on the M8 through Glasgow - a stretch of motorway that makes the M25 seem a Sunday afternoon drive in a rural tranquil setting - but before long I’m alongside Loch Lomond. Look at the time and decide I can make Oban easily tonight.

Pull into Oban and head for the Tourist Information Centre to sort out accommodation for a couple of nights. It’s busy in town but they find somewhere. I’m in ‘hotel’ above a ‘vibrant’ local backstreet pub; it’s not a quiet night!

Thursday 7th September - Liverpool

Set off for the Outer Hebrides but stop off at Liverpool to catch up with someone I don’t see enough off.

I find Liverpool a complex city. It’s currently undergoing massive regeneration as part of being the 2008 European City of Culture so much of the place is a building site. I spend some time on the waterfront and then visit the magnificent Catholic Cathedral.

It’s a city with some fantastic architecture and a potentially magnificent riverside, but so much of the city’s identity seems tied up with the Beatles or football. It must have been a truly bustling metropolis early in the 20th century, I guess it just needs some catalyst for it to return to its former glory.

Spent a great evening catching up at a fantastic bar/café called tabac - the sort of place you want in your own neighbourhood as your own local catch up spot.

Follow my lead?

Apparently we have now moved into a ‘post-heroic’ phase of leadership. ‘Quiet’ leadership and ‘Servant’ leadership are in vogue. Finally my time has come? Cometh the hour cometh the man?.?.?.

What did HR trainers do before the invention of flipchart paper and post-it notes? Do they sometimes awake in a cold sweat fearing those dark days will return?

Access to web is slightly random at the moment as I'm in far north of Scotland - will be like buses - nothing for days then 5 updates at once.

Leader of the pack??

Have commenced 'leadership development'. Not sure I'm approaching this entirely right. Had to answer some pre course questions, for example;

Do you identify yourself as a leader? Say out loud 'I am a leader'. How does that feel?
My initial thoughts are, no... very weird...

How do you think others perceive you?
Well... that's between me and my therapist surely...

Who is your leadership role model?
Suppose I ought to say Churchill or Branson but for some reason I actually want to say Top Cat. Well, he kept Benny and the others in line and regularly got the better of Officer Dibble.

Later I will be asked to describe my 'leadership brand'.

Smittyonline - because I'm worth it...

Subtle hint??

Returned to London to attend a course for the next few days. It's about 'Developing Leadership' - which in itself is slightly weird for me, but the really ironic thing is that it's run by an organisation called WIG. It is a hint??

Attended a church in Devon yesterday - *good* to see the 'ministry of flags' is still alive...

Red or Green?

Have spent a nice few days in North Devon catching up with people and yesterday enjoyed an afternoon wandering around Croyde and enjoying its beach - very pleasant.

Whilst having a drink saw a group of men returning their surfboards to the hire shop. Wetsuits are rarely flattering and these men, some stripped down to the waist, had rarely been at the back of the dinner queue and were already starting with a disadvantage - wasn't a particularly aesthetic sight.

Mind you, I foolishly weighed myself yesterday and am aware I'm not making this observation from a position of strength - then again I'm not wearing a wetsuit either (and I can hear the sighs of relief).

Still, have been learning all about 'red' and 'green' days and 'sins'...

Redemption Reflections

The dust has settled a couple of days , so a few thoughts about my Greenbelt 2006.

* it was a very successful festival - the programme, the site and the overall 'vibe' were all fantastic. Not even the rain showers could dampen the 19,000 festival goers fun.

* for the second year running (for various reasons) I went into the festival 'frazzled'. Me + lack of sleep = grumpiness. The festival was very busy, which exacerbated the situation, and people probably saw the worst side of me; I apologise if you got caught up in it.

* people often talk about 'Greenbelt moments'. This year for me it was, on a couple of occasions, snatching a few minutes with one or a few people sitting high up overlooking the site. A cup of coffee or a sandwich, just looking out and taking it all in. It's a real privilege to play a small part in something so wonderful.

Trailblazing...

Spending a few days in delightful north Devon. Went for a cycle ride down some of the Tarka Trail.

Having successfully managed to remove half my trousers while cycling - don't ask, but let's just say that I'm a man of many slightly bizarre talents - I then attempted to remove my rucksack while cycling...

Was going OK - happy with the 'no-handed' cycling but at the crucial moment there was a slight wobble and then down it all went - unfortunately I also took one of my cycling companions out as well. Injury evidence below.

You may be pleased to know that later in the day I did successfully manage to take off my rucksack while riding with no collateral damage.

This pleased me greatly- still got it!

Should you find yourself in North Devon I heartily recommend the Fremington Quay Cafe.

Funny IRL

Headline in The Mirror yeserday;

"Dwarf in basin fall sues jail."

The story starts, "A dwarf is suing prison chiefs because he fell off a sink while shaving...."

Why even attempt to write comedy when real life is so much funnier.?.?.?

Sunshine on a rainy day

Quintessentially Greenbelt?

A full campsite, seminars in full flow, sunshine and countryside.

Redemption Singing

Sunday morning at Greenbelt means one thing - communion service in a field.

The 'main' event.









The big screen relay overflow.

If you build it, they will come

The campsite continues to fill up.

A long and busy day yesterday with sleep proving to be elusive and fitful. Very late to bed and wake up very early.

Radio 4's farming programme @ 6am has a rather surreal section on the Wool Marketing Board. Did you know if you have more than 4 sheep and want to sell the wool you have to give the Wool Marketing Board first refusal??