To coincide with the Olympics, the cultural Olympiad will run from 26th - 28th September 2008 to the end of the 2012 Paralympic Games. It has been created to inspire the UK’s young people to use culture and creativity to fulfil their potential. Underpinned by the core values of ‘Welcoming the World’ ‘Inspiring Young People’ and ‘Delivering a Legacy’, there will be an eight minute handover from Beijing to London on 24th August and this will be marked by events around the country. Among the confirmed cultural events will be the Shakespeare Society presenting ‘Shakespeare Now!’, the Arts Council’s ‘Artists Taking The Lead’ and ‘2012 Sound’ in conjunction with BBC Music.
For community and charity projects, the ‘Inspire Mark’ is a brand family, a first for any Games. Recognising non commercial projects and events rather than individuals it can be included in publicity, and is a variation on the Olympic Logo. Visit www.london2012.com/beinspired to see if you and your group can benefit.
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Saturday, 12 July 2008
3bt: You couldn’t make it up, thrill seeking, it’s really a jazz thing.
Actually, you can make it up, to great effect, on the Thread for Lazy Journalists My contribution is on page 15. And now page 16 also! (Update 20/7/08 - this thread appears to have disappeared! I don't know why but will advise as soon as I do!) Update 22/7 -it's back!
“I’m taking one day at a time,” commented Scattyjan, “a thread of this magnitude requires careful attention. Too much of a good thing can make your eyes go funny,” she added, unscrewing the Optrex bottle.
The exhilaration of sliding down the longest toboggan run in England. Just as we crested the top out came the sun, lighting up the North Downs and a tiny rabbit popped its head up next to us, before darting away again. Trust me, it's faster than it looks!
Taking hubby’s car keys to work with me this morning - I’d dropped him and his friends off at the pub last night and put them in my bag when I came in. Received The ‘Scatty-by-name-scatty-by-nature’ Lecture and then thought: Hang on, he should be bloomin’ grateful I dropped him off!
“I’m taking one day at a time,” commented Scattyjan, “a thread of this magnitude requires careful attention. Too much of a good thing can make your eyes go funny,” she added, unscrewing the Optrex bottle.
The exhilaration of sliding down the longest toboggan run in England. Just as we crested the top out came the sun, lighting up the North Downs and a tiny rabbit popped its head up next to us, before darting away again. Trust me, it's faster than it looks!
Taking hubby’s car keys to work with me this morning - I’d dropped him and his friends off at the pub last night and put them in my bag when I came in. Received The ‘Scatty-by-name-scatty-by-nature’ Lecture and then thought: Hang on, he should be bloomin’ grateful I dropped him off!
‘Our Creative talent: building local voluntary and amateur arts participation.’
The plan of action was to hear a few opening speeches from representatives of interested bodies, followed by breakout sessions and finally, a panel discussion, where members of the audience had free reign to quiz the panel. Think ‘The Friday Night Project’, but less comfortable!
Mark Robinson, Executive Director of Arts Council England, North East, was very entertaining, as was Robin Simpson, Chief Exec of the Voluntary Arts Network, who incorporated a surprising twist on the Wizard of Oz to great effect. Feargal Sharkey (who some of you of a certain age may remember - he didn’t bring his perfect cousin with him) is now the Chief Executive of British Music Rights, an umbrella organisation representing the interests of composers, songwriters, music publishers and their collecting societies. He spoke with passion; it had to come from his good heart, since he had no speech, not expecting the full auditorium before him: “Music is inherent and built on spontaneity.” (Did you see what I did there?)
Amongst the speakers was supposed to be David Lammy, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills) – ie. the bloke in charge of adult learning; he was ‘called away on urgent parliamentary business’. He had, however, had the foresight to pre- record a speech! Maybe he did it there, on the hoof, maybe not.
To hear what they had to say click here.
Did you Know: Arts and Creative industries contribute to the economy more than many other areas altogether, almost as much as the Financial Service industries. Speculate to accumulate, eh, Mr Lammy?
Mark Robinson, Executive Director of Arts Council England, North East, was very entertaining, as was Robin Simpson, Chief Exec of the Voluntary Arts Network, who incorporated a surprising twist on the Wizard of Oz to great effect. Feargal Sharkey (who some of you of a certain age may remember - he didn’t bring his perfect cousin with him) is now the Chief Executive of British Music Rights, an umbrella organisation representing the interests of composers, songwriters, music publishers and their collecting societies. He spoke with passion; it had to come from his good heart, since he had no speech, not expecting the full auditorium before him: “Music is inherent and built on spontaneity.” (Did you see what I did there?)
Amongst the speakers was supposed to be David Lammy, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills (Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills) – ie. the bloke in charge of adult learning; he was ‘called away on urgent parliamentary business’. He had, however, had the foresight to pre- record a speech! Maybe he did it there, on the hoof, maybe not.
To hear what they had to say click here.
Did you Know: Arts and Creative industries contribute to the economy more than many other areas altogether, almost as much as the Financial Service industries. Speculate to accumulate, eh, Mr Lammy?
Friday, 11 July 2008
3bt: No longer a technophobe!
Remember the pink lilies in the lilac pot? Their petals have been decimated by the wind and the rain, however, as you can see, the white lilies in the blue pot are more than making up for it.
Brad bought a digital camera which I have purloined for my own use and this is my first effort. I need to practice because I'm off to see Jools Holland next week, in the glorious surroundings of Rochester Castle. Anyway, I lined up this shot and - the battery went dead. Grrr, how long does that take to charge then, I ask him. "Mum," he says, rolling his eyes, "it takes double A's." And I even transferred it to the pc myself! Woohoo! Technophobe, moi? Not any more!
And Woohoo again: Target acquired! No more shelling out fivers to Weight Watchers - such a good incentive. I’m actually half a pound under target. That’s got to be worth a Ripple, hasn’t it? And a Pimms!
Talking of Brad, he picked up Matt’s fast food freebie Indiana Jones toy and almost fell over with fright as he pushed back the lid, unprepared as he was for the plastic scarab beetle that popped out. Wuss.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Edutainment Evening Launch
It was lovely to meet fellow case studies Penelope, Gil, Stanley and the author of Edutainment, Paul Devlin from Voluntary Arts England. Finding that Penelope and I have mutual acquaintances and with emails being fired back and forth between myself and Paul in the run up to the launch, we were immediately all at ease and chatting like old friends.
The evening began with performances from an excellent school group playing the bongos and a drama group – one girl was the spit of Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. The New Music Collective from Godalming College, treated us to some beautiful singing. So pure; sometimes, you don’t need any instruments.
The final group fired up a couple of kitchen sinks, two coke cans and kitchen utensils! Creativity in music needn’t cost much. I wish I could name check them all; unfortunately there was no programme for the evening event.
There followed an interview with Professor John Benyon by Susanna Reid from BBC Breakfast news. And a lot of what was said needed saying; John champions Life- long Adult Learning. There’s a huge benefit countrywide, not least because it’s proven that older people retain their faculties for longer if they keep their brains active; keeping fit equals being less of a burden on the state and stops loneliness and depression setting in. Or, as he put it: “Put them in an art class, you’ll keep them out of hospital.” They’ll be more from John under the conference posting proper, where you’ll be able to listen to the panel discussion.
Highlight of the evening entertainment for me was the Dan Swana Trio an unexpected pleasure to hear a few jazzy favourites to finish off the evening, while I finished off the Pimms. I asked what the trio were called and was told “just Dan and his mates”. Slight understatement, when you check out the website! Dan’s whole life is dedicated to music, not just his own but his involvement with youth groups, theatre and teaching, as well as playing with the likes of Branford Marsalis and touring with Swing Out Sister . And he has a Double Bass that, in my very humble opinion, is a masterpiece of contemporary art! I really must buy a decent camera phone.
The evening began with performances from an excellent school group playing the bongos and a drama group – one girl was the spit of Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. The New Music Collective from Godalming College, treated us to some beautiful singing. So pure; sometimes, you don’t need any instruments.
The final group fired up a couple of kitchen sinks, two coke cans and kitchen utensils! Creativity in music needn’t cost much. I wish I could name check them all; unfortunately there was no programme for the evening event.
There followed an interview with Professor John Benyon by Susanna Reid from BBC Breakfast news. And a lot of what was said needed saying; John champions Life- long Adult Learning. There’s a huge benefit countrywide, not least because it’s proven that older people retain their faculties for longer if they keep their brains active; keeping fit equals being less of a burden on the state and stops loneliness and depression setting in. Or, as he put it: “Put them in an art class, you’ll keep them out of hospital.” They’ll be more from John under the conference posting proper, where you’ll be able to listen to the panel discussion.
Highlight of the evening entertainment for me was the Dan Swana Trio an unexpected pleasure to hear a few jazzy favourites to finish off the evening, while I finished off the Pimms. I asked what the trio were called and was told “just Dan and his mates”. Slight understatement, when you check out the website! Dan’s whole life is dedicated to music, not just his own but his involvement with youth groups, theatre and teaching, as well as playing with the likes of Branford Marsalis and touring with Swing Out Sister . And he has a Double Bass that, in my very humble opinion, is a masterpiece of contemporary art! I really must buy a decent camera phone.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Sportsnight
Archery World Championships: Nichola Simpson won the women's compound silver medal and earned a place at the World Cup Grand Final in Lausanne in September.
Canoeing: Tim Brabants won two silver medals in the 3rd World Cup event of the year in the 500m and 1000m K1 (kayak single), whilst in the K1 200m events Lucy Wainwright won bronze.
Not a lot to report this week, I'm guessing most participants are gearing up for the Olympics. Only 30 days to go; I hope they've all got their gas masks!
Canoeing: Tim Brabants won two silver medals in the 3rd World Cup event of the year in the 500m and 1000m K1 (kayak single), whilst in the K1 200m events Lucy Wainwright won bronze.
Not a lot to report this week, I'm guessing most participants are gearing up for the Olympics. Only 30 days to go; I hope they've all got their gas masks!
Monday, 7 July 2008
VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
Forget General Elections, Big Brother and yes, even Strictly! This is the single most important vote of your life: Evict Coffee flavour Revels!
It’s coffee versus orange, there’ll be a replacement: Mint? Turkish Delight? Coconut? Mmm …as long as Bertie Bott isn’t Flavour Master, we can dig in without fear of the unladylike gagging that erupts when biting into a coffee one.
There is one drawback though - the kids will want to share. They avoid them at the moment with more vigour than Alistair Darling dodging lorry drivers.
It’s coffee versus orange, there’ll be a replacement: Mint? Turkish Delight? Coconut? Mmm …as long as Bertie Bott isn’t Flavour Master, we can dig in without fear of the unladylike gagging that erupts when biting into a coffee one.
There is one drawback though - the kids will want to share. They avoid them at the moment with more vigour than Alistair Darling dodging lorry drivers.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Credit where it’s due
I don’t normally talk about the sports that receive a lot of media exposure, but I have to say that two triumphs fully deserve my attention this weekend.
“I’ll take her down …”
Brilliant - 14 year old Brit Laura Robson, winning the Girls Wimbledon Title. That was her answer to “How do you fancy taking on the likes of Venus Williams?” Unfazed, enjoying every minute. Let’s hope they don’t ruin her with distractions and she doesn’t forget the ethos that brought her to this position. Smashing sense of humour too, check her interviews if you haven’t seen them - that quote above was one of the best.
“Hee hee hee hee!”
Lewis Hamilton’s excited giggle on the radio to his team, after a stirling performance at Silverstone. Expressed more than any words uttered by the ‘armchair experts!’
“I’ll take her down …”
Brilliant - 14 year old Brit Laura Robson, winning the Girls Wimbledon Title. That was her answer to “How do you fancy taking on the likes of Venus Williams?” Unfazed, enjoying every minute. Let’s hope they don’t ruin her with distractions and she doesn’t forget the ethos that brought her to this position. Smashing sense of humour too, check her interviews if you haven’t seen them - that quote above was one of the best.
“Hee hee hee hee!”
Lewis Hamilton’s excited giggle on the radio to his team, after a stirling performance at Silverstone. Expressed more than any words uttered by the ‘armchair experts!’
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Footie AGM, school sportsday, owl's well that ends well.
I think that not only have I volunteered to be 'Press and Publicity Officer' for Rochester BVFC (as they'll shortly be known - remind me to amend it) I may also have inadvertently become Events Manager too. Hubby's already mumbling on about "there's no housework getting done as it is ..."
Matt brought his relay team home to victory, storming through from last to first. And what a dip to the line. Bless him, he thought it was a bar instead of a ribbon and didn't want to hurt himself! It wasn't enough for his house 'Oak', to win overall but it made my day to see his face when they gave him the winners ticket. And it didn't rain! And, I took the day off work, being advised that I still have 8.8 hours left. Which, when you consider I only had 9.3 hours left before, is brill! (I do work longer than one and a half hours a day, honest).
Laying awake in the dark, there's a very insisitent owl calling loudly and clearly: Who who who? Who who who? Finally, he receives an answering call.
Matt brought his relay team home to victory, storming through from last to first. And what a dip to the line. Bless him, he thought it was a bar instead of a ribbon and didn't want to hurt himself! It wasn't enough for his house 'Oak', to win overall but it made my day to see his face when they gave him the winners ticket. And it didn't rain! And, I took the day off work, being advised that I still have 8.8 hours left. Which, when you consider I only had 9.3 hours left before, is brill! (I do work longer than one and a half hours a day, honest).
Laying awake in the dark, there's a very insisitent owl calling loudly and clearly: Who who who? Who who who? Finally, he receives an answering call.
Thursday, 3 July 2008
Away Days
I’ve been to the launch of ‘Edutainment’ and the National Conference that coincided with the DCMS/Arts Council publication of ‘Our Creative Talent: The voluntary and amateur arts in England.’ I’m not going to tell you everything in this one post though. I’ll break it down into manageable chunks, just like I do with those woofing great big bars of Galaxy …first off though, a few observations noted along the way.
Hubby suggested driving in with him, which meant he did the school run with me. “No wonder you’re always running out of time,” he grumbles, “you’re still in the playground gossiping with the other mums for ten minutes after they’ve gone in…” I correct him: That’s not gossiping, that’s honing our communications skills!
At a cross roads in Romford there’s a man on his balcony in just his pants, gearing up for the hottest day of the year, as it was. He thinks he can’t be seen (I hope so anyway) since he’s doing squats and toe touching *My eyes! My eyes!* Thank the stars it’s frosted glass.
On the train to Liverpool Street, we pass through Stratford - and a wave of nostalgia kicks in. The Two Puddings was a favourite haunt - I wonder if it‘s still there or been swallowed up by all the development?
I don’t do public transport and certainly not ever with a small suitcase. Think Brodie in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ - you know, where Indy says: He’ll blend in, disappear, he speaks a hundred languages, knows all the local customs …and then you cut to Brodie, meandering around, totally tourist. I finally suss out that to get through the barriers without the case sticking, it’s best to push it through first.
I arrive way too early at the Travelodge and decide to take a dummy run along to the Barbican - and oh, what joy: Hello, Farringdons! Books and cd’s, I could quite happily stay rummaging in here all day. I come away with a small square but extremely thick book ‘Jazz: The Complete Story.’ And ‘Songlines’ Magazine, which I’ve never seen before.
Stopping at M&S on the way back, I’ve a Brie, grape and cranberry sarnie, an M&S twix, pomegranate and raspberry juice, a Pink Lady apple, some sour cream and chive low fat crinkles and now have my feet up on a very comfy bed, watching the tennis, sampling the jazz book. I could get used to this.
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