When exactly is Easter 2014?!

I have to ask the question, is Easter early in 2014?

I haven't unwrapped my selection of new calendars yet (as I write this, it's only New Year's Eve), yet my daughter has reported she saw Mini Eggs in Asda on Friday 27th December.

Then, as I stood in the queue at WH Smith's yesterday, I spotted Crème Eggs and Malteaster bunnies nestling by the till.

To be honest, I couldn't quite believe it.

In my mind, at least, Christmas 2013 hasn't yet finished, and here we were with the next consumer onslaught.

Just in case you don't know, I've been told that Easter Sunday is 20th April - which is in fact quite late.

So why we need 16 weeks to purchase our chocolate eggs and other seasonal confectionery and cakes is a bit of a mystery.

What's next?  Hallowe'en stuff on the shelves in June and the 'Back to School' range available in May?!

Manners Maketh Man...

Manners maketh man.

If, like me, you went to a Church comprehensive school in Northamptonshire then these words will sound familiar.

It was a favourite saying of one of the Deputy Heads.

He was a stickler for good manners, and that saying has stuck with me.

I thought of him the other day when I was whacked very hard in the leg in Waitrose.

It was Christmas Eve Eve (the day formerly known as 23rd December) and the shop was very busy.

I was searching the wine aisle for my Mum's favourite tipple - Lambrusco - which I couldn't find anywhere.  I'm guessing it's become deeply unfashionable, but she likes it, so I was on a quest.

A gentleman tried to manoeuvre his groaning trolley past my husband's basket (we only go there for Dickinson & Morris pork pies at Christmas and Easter, it's become a tradition) but hit it full tilt, whacking it into my knee.

As I crumpled, clutching my wounded knee (not exaggerating, it really did hurt, I've got a massive bruise, but then again I do bruise like a peach), the gentleman, on realizing he was the cause, stopped to see if I was OK, apologized profusely, before continuing on with his trolley once I'd assured him that I would survive (cue Gloria Gaynor soundtrack).

Now, although I was still hurt, I felt slightly better that he'd bothered to check if I was OK and say sorry. 

I just wish that people were always this polite.  I read some horrendous things people say to each other on social media, and hope that they aren't that rude in real life.

But this then leads me to ask, if they wouldn't say that in person, what makes them think it's OK to say it online? 

Wouldn't it be good if people remembered their manners no matter where they were - or is that just me being old-fashioned?

 

Review of the Year, 2013

Does anyone else remember watching the Clive James' Review of the Year show on New Year's Eves in days gone by?

It was essential viewing in our house - watched on the night when I was too young to go out partying and then recorded on the trusty VHS video when I was old enough to head out 'into town'(and watched the next day whilst drinking tea and nursing a sore head!).

Dear old Clive - accompanied on a Casio-style keyboard by his faithful singing sidekick Margarita Pracatan - took a humorous look back at the events of the year just passed.

So, if you'll humour me, and kind of in honour of Clive, I'd like to do my own Review of the Year, based on the columns I've written in 2013, which sometimes look at the quirkier side of life in our corner of Northamptonshire.

January - the Brookfield Plantation under threat.  I wrote about the possible destruction of a large area of established trees in order to build a 'resource recovery park'.  I wish I could give you all an update on this, but it's still rumbling on.  Corby Council are due to make a decision early in 2014 I believe.  Sadly no news on where the deer and other wildlife will go if the trees are destroyed though.

February - Richard III discovered under a car park in Leicester.  Poor chap is still awaiting a re-burial due to a legal challenge.  I did muse that as he was born in Northamptonshire and was a Roman Catholic, perhaps Northampton Cathedral was an appropriate resting place.  Unsurprisingly, nobody went with this idea.  Also, Pope Benedict resigned much to everybody's surprise.

March - a photo of Chalky the deer appeared in the Northants Telegraph, verifying that the white stag of Brookfield Plantation exists!  We were also told by fashion magazines to wear all white for the summer - I was sceptical at this advice and expressed that I had no desire to dress like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

April - Brookfield Plantation March took place in Corby town centre, about 300 people attended, and it made the BBC Regional News that evening.  No, I didn't see myself in any of the photos or on the TV, but I was there, proudly wearing my 'Save Chalky' t-shirt!

May - Eurovision.  I admitted to you all that I'm a fan of Bonnie Tyler.  I still think it's a shame she didn't win - she's fab and the song was good.  A victim of tactical voting, methinks.  Why do we bother entering Eurovision?

June - British wildlife under threat from over-development.  We still need to save the bees!

July - Gangnam-style MPs.  Keith Vaz, in his infinite wisdom, decided to challenge the other MPs representing the finalists for City of Culture to a dance-off.  Wrong on so many levels.  Leicester lost, Hull won.

August - Prince George arrives.  The world breathed a sigh of relief and Kay Burley went for 36 hours without a comfort break.

September - The Seven Wonders of Northamptonshire.  Included, controversially, the Corby Cube which, at the time, required another £600,000 to fix what is essentially a flat roof.

October - I detailed why I hate Bonfire Night.  Yes, I'm aware it should be on 5th November, but this year it started mid-October and ended mid-November!  Also the lovely Fran Quinn won Great British Bake-Off, news which cheered me, nearby Market Harborough, and possibly the nation.

November - I imparted the sad news that the 'laminated book of dreams' in Argos was to be scrapped and replaced by tablet computers.  Also, Children in Need and the response to the Philippines appeal restored my faith in human nature, which had taken a battering from the over-commercialization of Christmas and adverts with feature-film budgets bombarding me on a daily basis.

December - The X-Factor and my favourite Christmas song.  I still think Sam Bailey is amazing - and a worthy winner, her version of 'The Power of Love' is better than the original - and I listen to The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl every year and probably always will.

That's Helen Bach's Review of the Year.  Many thanks for reading and a Happy 2014 to you all! 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everybody!

Thanks for reading my blog over the last year!  Hx

'Twas Christmas Eve, babe... revisited and re-mixed for 2013

What's your favourite Christmas song?

Mariah belting out 'All I Want for Christmas is You?', Wham's 'Last Christmas' or Shakin' Steven's double-denim classic 'Merry Christmas Everyone' perhaps?

I see Slade's 'Merry Christmas Everybody' is predicted to be the top earning festive tune of 2013 - Noddy Holder and the other band members must be rubbing their hands in glee with the news that about £500,000 in royalties is heading their way!

At last, and not before time, there are some good new offerings this year - I keep finding myself singing Kelly Clarkson's 'Underneath the Tree', and Leona Lewis has 'One More Sleep', surely the favourite way of counting down the days by junior family members (other than with a chocolate-filled Advent calendar, of course!)

But my all-time favourite is ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl.

My husband can never get his head around this, and always says “But it’s not jolly.  You can’t have a Christmas song that’s not jolly!”

But I believe that a Christmas song doesn’t need to be happy and, in fact, is all the better for not being.

Before you put me in the Grinch category, let me explain.  I think that this song serves as a reminder that not everybody will be having a happy yuletide. 

Personally, it’s at this time of year when I particularly think of homeless people, struggling to stay warm in freezing temperatures. 

Or elderly people with no family to visit, lonely and alone. 

Or the bereaved, where Christmas highlights their loss. 

Not everyone will be having a ‘Perry Como' or 'Bing Crosby’ Christmas, and that’s what this song is saying.

So whilst I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, I ask you to spare a thought for those less fortunate while you listen to the dulcet tones of Shane McGowan and friends singing, in my opinion, the best Christmas song ever. 

Altogether now:

“And the boys of the NYPD choir were singing Galway Bay,
And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day.”

What's your favourite Christmas song?

Mariah belting out 'All I Want for Christmas is You?', Wham's 'Last Christmas' or Shakin' Steven's denim-clad-classic 'Merry Christmas Everyone'?

Well, since you ask, mine is ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl.

My husband can never get his head around this, and always says “But it’s not jolly.  You can’t have a Christmas song that’s not jolly!”

But I believe that a Christmas song doesn’t need to be happy and, in fact, is all the better for not being.

Before you put me in the Grinch category, let me explain.  I think that this song serves as a reminder that not everybody will be having a happy yuletide. 

Personally, it’s at this time of year when I particularly think of homeless people, struggling to stay warm in sub-zero temperatures. 

Or elderly people with no family to visit, lonely and alone. 

Or the bereaved, where Christmas highlights their loss. 

Not everyone will be having a ‘Perry Como' or 'Bing Crosby’ Christmas, and that’s what this song is saying.

So whilst I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, I ask you to spare a thought for those less fortunate while you listen to the dulcet tones of Shane McGowan and co singing the best Christmas song ever. 

Altogether now:

“And the boys of the NYPD choir were singing Galway Bay,

And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day.”

Christmas shopping - keep it simple, keep it local!

This year, with regards to Christmas gifts, I made a big decision.

I pledged that I was not going to buy on-line, or from large shops, but from local companies where possible.

So, friends and family should perhaps stop reading now, as they'll find out what they're getting from me for Christmas.

For anyone still with me, this has involved buying hand-made Christmas cards from a charity Christmas fair, gift vouchers from a local hostelry, presents from the village shop and coffee shop, Avon items from the local representative, plus a trip to a nearby independent garden centre for locally produced jams and chutneys.

Unfortunately, there are some things which I can't get other than at my closest larger store - wines and spirits - but with the majority of presents, I've tried my best to support local businesses.

Truthfully, this is partly down to the fact that I cannot even contemplate heading to London, Leicester, Nottingham or Milton Keynes (other large cities are also available) and battling with shoppers in a consumer melee.

The scenes of madness from so-called 'Black Friday' were truly shameful - people literally fighting over electronic gadgets, and ending up in hospital. 

But the main reason is that I think we need to support local, independent businesses, and I was heartened to see that 'Small Business Saturday' is popping up in various town centres on 7th December to encourage people to shop in this way.

It's true that we're slowly dragging ourselves out of recession, but a lot of smaller companies are still struggling and are finding it hard to compete with the behemoth on-line retailers and hyper-market-type warehouses in out-of-town locations with free parking which are destroying our old town centres.

My gesture may be small, but if everyone bought just some of their gifts closer to home, bought their refreshments in independent cafes, and ate meals at their local pub/restaurant, it might help to keep these independent businesses running, thus keeping more money in our local economies, and giving employment to local people.

'Keep it simple, keep it local' - sounds like a good slogan for a campaign to me!

Sam Bailey's got The X Factor!

Much to my husband's dismay, I love watching The X Factor on Saturday night.

In fact, I've watched it since it started ten years ago, and now my daughter is a huge fan too.

If hubby had his way, we'd be watching Grand Designs on loop, but luckily, he doesn't, so our Saturday evening is Strictly, followed by The X Factor live shows.

This series has been the best in a long time, with Sharon Osbourne regaining her place as Queen Judge. 

Mrs O knows what she's talking about, and amazingly looks younger now than she did when she was on the show a few years ago.

She's got a good chance of her act winning this year too - what a fantastic way to mark her return to the show.

I should add at this point that my daughter and I are both huge fans of Sam Bailey, who I think is vocally superior to the others taking part.

We're both hoping that Sam will win the competition this year - she seems a very pleasant, ordinary lady, blessed with an absolutely amazing voice. 

How has she not had a career in singing before now?  Yes, I know she was on cruise ships many moons ago, but surely she's recording artiste material, or Las Vegas-show bound?

Each time she sings I genuinely get goose-bumps.  Her performances of 'My Heart Will Go On' and 'Bleeding Love' were brilliant.

It also makes me wonder though, how many other people are out there who, for one reason or another, didn't get the chance to pursue a career in music?

But for shows like The X Factor, would they continue to be undiscovered, working in their jobs, singing just to themselves or their children?

There's probably an army of undiscovered talent in this country, in all sorts of fields.  Actors, dancers, artists, writers - all quietly getting on with their lives, having never had their fifteen minutes of fame.

Sadly, this could be Sam's last chance at a career in the music business - let's face it, the charts aren't kind to the over 30s (more's the pity).

So here's hoping that she does go on to win, or at least get a record deal out of it, because I think she deserves some recognition.

But winning, on The X Factor at least, isn't everything - lest we forget, some of the biggest stars to come out of the show never actually won it; yes I'm talking about you, One Direction, JLS and Olly Murs!

 

Mostly As...

I'm probably talking to the over 30s here, but do you remember doing those quizzes in various magazines (Smash Hits, Just Seventeen) when you were at secondary school?

You had to total up the number of As, Bs, etc and then it gave you a startlingly inaccurate answer as to your personality, how cool you were, and so on.

Well, now there's the online version, which my friends and I on Facebook have had great delight in taking part over the last week or so.

So far, I've discovered the following facts about myself:

I'm 100% stuck in the 1980s, due to my knowledge of song lyrics from that decade;

I'm 74% Country (as in countryside, not the music genre, although I am partial to a bit of Dolly Parton or Lady Antebellum);

I'm 67% Kettering;

I'm 65% Corby;

I'm only 36% posh - my lack of playing Polo and the fact I went to a Comprehensive school reduced my score apparently;

I'm 10% Northern (that puts me somewhere around Bournemouth - I'm actually 100% Northamptonshire!);

I'm 0% Essex;

I'm going to live to be 92 (here's hoping).

Other findings include the literary character I'm most like is Bella Swan from Twilight, the Canterbury Tales character I'm most like is The Knight, and the dog I'm most like is a Labrador Retriever.  Oh, and when I grow up, I'm going to be a Teacher.

Yes, I'm aware it's all nonsense, but it's kept us amused comparing results. 

The Kettering and Corby quizzes are actually very good, and must have been written by someone from the towns.  

If you've got the time or inclination, give them a go - here's the link: http://www.gotoquiz.com/how_corby_are_you (you can also link from here to the other quizzes).

I'm now waiting for someone to compose a 'How much time can you waste doing these quizzes' quiz - but I fear I may get 100% on that one!

 

Faith restored...

I'm sure that I'm not alone in the fact that I dislike the over-commercialization of Christmas.

Unfortunately, I saw my first Christmas advert on the TV on 15th October, and I didn't rejoice when the 'Holidays Are Coming' juggernaut rolled onto our screens earlier this month.

Likewise, whilst I appreciate the effort that's gone into creating the 'Magic and Sparkle' and the 'Hare and the Bear' productions, I feel that they don't really represent the true meaning of Christmas.

I was actually feeling quite fed-up with the whole 'spend, spend, spend' messages bombarding me on a daily basis.

Then the fantastic amount of money raised by the British public for Children in Need helped to restore my faith in human nature, and made me think that, thankfully, the real message of Christmas is still alive and well.

People dug deep and donated an amazing £31 million pounds.

As we're only just dragging ourselves out of recession, and many people are still struggling, it's truly heart-warming that we still recognize that there are people worse off than ourselves and give generously.

Similarly, within a few days of the appeal being launched last week, millions of pounds had been donated to the Philippines relief fund.

Even though there's a lot of charity events taking place - Movember being in full growth, respect to all the men sporting additional facial hair - we still give what we can, when we can.

At this point, I'd like to give a special mention to a local lad - Sam Powell - who's having his beautiful long hair shaved off, along with two friends known as 'Team Baldilocks', to raise money for Macmillan. 

If you'd like to support him too there's a sponsor form at Gretton Post Office or you can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/Sean-Belton

Thank you.  Hx

Thinking about the true Christmas message...

The scenes of devastation from the Philippines are truly heart-breaking.

All those poor people with nothing to eat, or drink, or anywhere to live, wading through steams of polluted water wearing just flip-flops.

Death and destruction are all around them.  Disease will surely follow.

I saw a lady interviewed on a news bulletin - she said quite simply that they don't need computers, mobile phones or televisions, they need the basics of life - food, water, shelter.

In complete contrast, this country is gearing up for the excesses that the Christmas season now seems to bring.

Each commercial break on the TV has yet more adverts encouraging us to spend, spend, spend.

Yes, I've seen the 'Holidays are Coming' advert, which for some seems to herald the arrival of the festive season.

However, I didn't rejoice on seeing this, or the 'Magic and Sparkle' or the 'Hare and the Bear'.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like Christmas, but I have to say that I think these adverts are so far from the true message of what this should be about that it's really not funny.

Please can we remember that we're meant to be celebrating the birth of a baby, to parents who were not wealthy, who was laid in a manger in a stable because there was no room at the Inn - hopefully everyone's still familiar with this, although when I hear that there are spacemen and frogs in school Nativity plays I must admit I do wonder!

Can we perhaps get back to basics ourselves, and remember that all we really need for Christmas is food, drink and shelter, and the love of our families?

Remembrance Day, 2013

Like a lot of people in this country, I attended a Remembrance Day service on Sunday.

It was a cold, crisp day, just as I remember many Remembrance Sundays being when I was a child.

I was a Brownie, then a Guide, and we always attended the services in the village in which I grew up. 

I think this is a fantastic tradition, and long may it continue.  It keeps the younger generations in touch with these events.

Now I still attend them with my husband and daughter because I think it's important that we remember the huge sacrifice ordinary people made in order to keep our freedom. 

Members of my family were killed in action in the First World War, and their names join that of many others on the War Memorial in my home village.

But getting back to this year's service, the little church was packed, the Silver Band played the hymns - I Vow to Thee My Country and Onward Christian Soldiers made all the more powerful for being accompanied by the band. 

As the Vicar gave her sermon, a beautiful butterfly fluttered through the Church.

I found this particularly poignant.  In the midst of this solemn service of remembrance, there was a lovely reminder of the beauty of nature and the fragility of life.

It makes you think, doesn't it? 

'They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old,

Age shall not weary them or the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.'

The perils of letterboxes...

Let me start by saying I've always had the greatest of respect for my Postman.

He's a brilliant chap, very efficient and a lovely person too.

If I'm out, he'll leave a parcel with a neighbour - none of this 'taken back to depot' on a card nonsense.

In fact, both Postmen who cover the area in which I live are great.  I often saw the other gentleman when I was out walking the dog (who's since sadly passed away - my dog, not the Postman, just to clarify) and we'd exchange pleasantries and discuss the weather, as you do.

But my respect for them, and indeed all others who deliver leaflets etc, has recently multiplied.

I undertook a task of delivering some leaflets - not a big deal, I know - but I didn't realize how much of a hazardous task this can actually be!

Luckily, I did this in broad daylight, because the complexity of some people's gates and driveways really is a wonder to behold.

Then there's those draft excluders which everyone except me appears to have attached to their letterboxes.

I appreciate that they reduce energy costs, keep the house warm etc, but seriously, you can't get letters or leaflets through them!  They're like furry finger-traps designed to grab your digits but not let the information pass through.

Then at two doors, I poked my leaflets through to be met by snapping teeth and snarling.  Now, I'm guessing that these belonged to a canine rather than the householder, but it was a little disconcerting!

I know we perhaps all take our Postmen and women a bit for granted, and indeed those delivering takeaway menus, charity leaflets and other pamphlets, but please give them a thought next time you're barricading your letterbox against the cold. 

Also, can I suggest if you've got a dog who's not fond of visitors to the door, a lettercage is perhaps advisable to preserve your post and the fingers of the delivery person?  Just a thought...

The perils of revolving doors...

It's not often I watch the news at lunchtime and laugh, but I did just that today.

The sight of Bernie Ecclestone failing to negotiate a revolving door as he arrived at court was truly hilarious.

I did feel slightly guilty at one stage for laughing at a senior citizen, but then I reminded myself he's a billionaire and he was probably struggling to get in there because a member of staff wasn't holding it open for him which eased my guilt somewhat!

However, it also reminded me of a time I got stuck in a revolving door.

Admittedly, I was about nine years old at the time, and it was on my first trip to London, so I think I can cut myself some slack over this incident. 

Thinking about it, it was probably the first revolving door I'd ever encountered.

It was on a primary school trip, and we all herded into the compartment of said door - I think it could have been at St Paul's Cathedral, but I'm not sure.

Somehow, I managed to get my leg caught when entering.  We came to an abrupt halt, and I managed to free my leg somehow - to this day I don't know how.

I guess I could have been quite hurt, had I not got quite sturdy legs which stopped the door from revolving.  It's about the only time anyone's given thanks for thunderous thighs!

I remember being more embarrassed than anything else.  Let's hope that's how Bernie feels too.

Farewell to the 'laminated book of dreams'

I have some sad news to impart to you all.

I couldn't quite believe it when I read it in the financial section of my Sunday newspaper.

The 'laminated book of dreams' (Bill Bailey's description) is to be scrapped.

Yes, the great leveller of shopping - the Argos catalogue - is to be replaced with tablet computers.

Initially I believe it's just in-store, but how long before our home catalogue disappears too I wonder, along with the little blue pens?

As long as I can remember we've had an Argos book in our house.

Even now, when a new one comes out, I read through it, carefully turning over the corner of a page where an item I like lurks, in the vain hope that Mr Bach might have a look at Christmas or birthday time (it's never happened yet, though).

As a child, it supplied my 'wish list' for Christmas gifts - an Evel Knievel, a Mr Frosty slushy maker, a Girl's World - a veritable cornucopia of Seventies' toy delights.

Needless to say, I didn't actually get any of these - times then, much like now, were hard.

Sadly, I have also heard that it's the only book in some households.  Unfortunately it wasn't a joke that when a child was asked to bring in a book from home, he/she arrived with an Argos catalogue because that was the only one they possessed. 

Once upon a time, every home had a Bible or similar Holy book, maybe a copy of the complete works of Shakespeare, a good dictionary, perhaps a few other classic tomes - now the Argos book has become so ubiquitous in the UK it could easily be added to this list.

If that goes, what's left?  Not many houses have the other books listed, which I think is a shame, but perhaps I'm just old-fashioned.

Still, fewer Argos catalogues will hopefully save a lot of trees which is ultimately a good thing for all of us. 

So farewell to the laminated book of dreams - it's been nice knowing you.

Write like nobody's reading...

I loved The Great British Bake Off and feel in a slight decline now that the series has ended.

Our household was so delighted that Frances won we actually cheered when her name was announced (note to self - apologize to next door neighbour!)

My faith in the programme was restored with that result.  I too had heard the rumours that Ruby had already got a TV series and book contract, and the insinuation on social media was that she had won - thanks Raymond Blanc.

But no, it was dear Frances, a lovely local lass - OK she's from Market Harborough, but that's not far away - who shyly cooked her little socks off and produced style with substance for Mr Hollywood and the fantastic Mary Berry (surely a 'Dame' in the making?)

Frances was never big-headed, never cocky or over-confident, she just got on with the cooking and left the flirting, crying and dramatics to other contestants (mentioning no names, you know who they are).

Tuesday nights just won't be the same.  However, to cheer myself up I'm joining a singing group.

A local lady is setting one up, and I think that this may just be the tonic to get me through the winter nights - well, either that or sloe gin.

But joking apart, as a wise friend of mine once said, there's nothing like singing for raising the spirits, it's second only to dancing in her book.

So, our adage for life has become:

"Sing like nobody's listening, dance like nobody's watching, and write like nobody's reading."

The last part was my contribution, although I do hope somebody is reading this...

 

To be a good writer, you first need to be a good reader...

"To be a good writer, you first need to be a good reader."

Not sure who told me this, or if I read it somewhere, but I think it's true (and, before anybody else says it, I probably need to read a lot more!)

Anyway, I was pleased when my daughter came home from school and told me that they were all taking part in a Readathon to raise money for children's cancer charities.

Encouraging children to read - good;

Raising money for sick children - v good.  Everyone's a winner with this event.

My daughter's class also organized a book sale to finish off the Readathon and raise more money too.

I duly attended and purchased yet more books - not a great hardship, granted, as I love books and I can't ever see myself switching to an E-reader.

One section of the sale had books for the grown-ups - with some surprising choices.

As my daughter was in charge of this department I didn't make any comment at the time, however a couple of books caught my eye and made me raise an eyebrow as to who had donated them to a primary school booksale.

Sitting pride of place were copies of Jilly Cooper's 'Polo' and 'Riders'.

Later that evening, over family dinner, I mentioned this to my husband.

"Yes" my daughter piped up.  "We noticed that there were some books about horses for sale!"

Let's be thankful for small mercies - it could have been 'Fifty Shades of Grey', which they would hopefully have decided was a Farrow & Ball paintchart!

They wanna pave paradise... update on protest song

For a while now there have been protest songs.

Music is a powerful medium with which to get a message across.

A beautiful aerial shot of Brookfield Plantation - showing the large area of trees in all their glory - had been posted on Facebook with the comment 'as the song goes, you don't know what you've got til it's gone'.

As I lay awake early the next morning, the lyrics of Joni Mitchell's song were going round in my head.

I then had an idea - as the Gretton Music Festival was such a success this summer, why don't we ask local musicians to do a cover version of 'Big Yellow Taxi', changing some of the lyrics to fit the Brookfield cause, and put it on YouTube?

So, as I sat at my computer early one Sunday morning, I suggested the idea on Facebook, not sure if anyone would agree.

The feedback was instant and positive, which was encouraging.

But sadly the first plan to use a local band didn't quite work because they didn't have a female vocalist.

So when a friend told me about a lady keen to set up a singing group, I asked her if it was possible for them to perform the protest song.

Thankfully, she said yes straight away.  I'm thinking it's going to be something along the lines of Gareth Malone and his choirs, taking people like me, who probably haven't sung since school, and making us sound good!

Rehearsals start soon, and when we're ready it will be filmed and posted on YouTube for (hopefully) the world to hear. 

The message about the campaign to save Brookfield Plantation is literally spreading far and wide!

Remember "You don't know what you've got till it's gone,

They paved paradise..."

 

Paying the price for education

Parents taking children out of school for holidays – it’s a modern-day dilemma I believe. 

I certainly don’t remember anybody at my school disappearing for a fortnight’s holiday somewhere exotic, but then again I was at primary school in the Seventies, so Brighton was seen as somewhere exciting.

The story of Malala Yousafzai gave me food for thought on this topic.

As you are no doubt aware, Malala had spoken out against the Taliban in her homeland of Pakistan, had campaigned for three years for a girl’s right to education, and had been shot in the head on her school bus by the Taliban as a result. 

This led me to then think about how we take for granted the free education system we have for all in this country. 

Whatever your gender, income, social status, religion or national heritage, our children can go to school, free of charge, and be educated.

We all need to make the most of the education system on offer here – because there are children elsewhere in the world who are literally dying for the same opportunities.

But having said this, I would like to add that I think the holiday companies are also at fault in this scenario, and we shouldn't just blame parents, many of whom are struggling financially during difficult economic times.

Yes, I've heard the 'supply and demand' argument for the huge variation in holiday prices, but it's truly disgusting how they blatantly profiteer. 

I saw evidence for myself recently how a break at a well-known UK holiday park during October half-term was £300 more than the same holiday, but taken a week later, when the children return to school.

Instead of the Government fining parents for holidays in term time, could I suggest a better way of dealing with the problem would be to make holiday companies reduce the vast difference in price? 

Now, there's an idea Mr Gove...

Remember, remember, the Fifth of November...

Now, as regular readers are hopefully aware, I'm not a 'party pooper'.

 

I have a reasonable sense of humour and fun - yes I'm aware that everyone thinks that about themselves - and I don't want to rain on anybody's parade.

 

But I'm going to be completely honest with you all.

 

I hate Bonfire Night.  Loathe it with a passion.

 

Why such a vitriolic response, you're perhaps wondering, to a traditional British event?

 

Well, it wouldn't be so bad if it was just the one night.  If everyone gathered quite sensibly at the Boating Lake in Corby - other venues are also available - and watched an organized display, I would be OK with it.

 

What I cannot stand - and I don't think I'm alone in this - is the fact that it starts sometime in October, and continues right through November.

 

This year Bonfire Night is on a Tuesday, so we'll definitely have fireworks the weekend before and the weekend after, and many more nights in between.

 

I don't like the fact that people indiscriminately let off fireworks at any time of night.  It frightens animals, small children and older people too - including myself.  Last year a large firework went off near my home and I thought there had been a gas explosion.

 

Genuinely, if I ruled the world, after sorting out hunger, poverty and organizing world peace, I would ban the sale of fireworks to the general public and only let licensed displays purchase them.

 

I appreciate that this is not going to be a universally popular rule, but I'm sure the A&E departments would thank me, as would people with small children and animals.

 

So please, before you purchase your mini incendiary devices from the supermarkets, stop and think about what you're doing.

 

Wouldn't you be better saving your money and going to an organized display?  They have far more, and better quality, than you'll ever be able to buy, and it's a safer environment (hopefully) for everyone.

 

But if you do decide you're having your own fireworks, please have a thought for your neighbours, their children and animals.  Thank you.

 

Brookfield - they wanna pave paradise...

For a while now there have been protest songs.

 

Music is a powerful medium with which to get a message across.

 

A beautiful aerial shot of Brookfield Plantation - showing the large area of trees in all their glory - had been posted on Facebook with the comment 'as the song goes, you don't know what you've got til it's gone'.

 

As I lay awake early the next morning, the lyrics of Joni Mitchell's song were going round in my head.

 

I then had an idea - as the Gretton Music Festival was such a success this summer, why don't we ask local musicians to do a cover version of 'Big Yellow Taxi', changing some of the lyrics to fit the Brookfield cause, and put it on YouTube?

 

So, as I sat at my computer early on Sunday morning, I suggested the idea on Facebook, not sure if anyone would agree.

 

The feedback was instant and positive, which was encouraging.

 

Then Terry Forsey, organizer of the Gretton Music Festival, ran with this idea and is sorting out the musicians and venue.

 

Before we knew it, a musical protest was born!

 

At a time and date to be confirmed, local musicians will perform their version of Joni's classic environmental protest song, her lyrics more poignant than ever.

 

This will then be posted on YouTube for (hopefully) the world to hear.  The message about the campaign to save Brookfield Plantation is literally spreading far and wide!

 

Remember "You don't know what you've got till it's gone,

They paved paradise..."         

 

Thanks for reading!  Hx

 

Food for thought...

Apparently, most of us have just five dishes in our culinary repertoire.

 

We cook these in rotation, with the most popular being spaghetti bolognese.

 

When I read this in the paper I thought that couldn't be right, I must cook far more than that.

 

Then I was walking home from school with my daughter the other Tuesday and she asked me what was for dinner that evening.

 

'Pasta bolognese' was my reply.

 

'But it's not Thursday!' was her retort, which made me think that I must be getting far too predictable.

 

Cooking has never been my strong point.  Thankfully Mr Bach loves cooking so he's the chef at weekends, but weekday dinners remain my domain.

 

My food is always being critiqued - the only one that doesn't complain is the dog.

 

I took 'O' level Home Economics, and did quite well as I understood the science behind food - but Heston Blumenthal I'm not! 

 

Our cookery class was hilarious, as we had a great mix of characters and a very patient teacher.

 

We made a Christmas cake one year, and had to ice it.  The teacher demonstrated each step carefully, and told us to handle the marzipan with care - and exceptionally clean hands - because it picks up every speck.

 

Promptly after these words were uttered, one of my classmates dropped hers on the floor and it rolled behind the cooker.  She picked it up, dusted it off, and continued to roll it out.  I was glad I wasn't going to be eating her cake that Yuletide!

 

Trying to get your culinary creations home on the school bus was always a bit of a challenge - particularly as I had to change buses three times for the journey.

 

We made a Jelly Whip dessert once - jelly, condensed milk I believe - a bit like Angel Delight (which would have been far easier).

 

Unfortunately, the lid on my container worked its way loose on the journey and I arrived home with a PE kit soaked in goo.  Nice.

 

Still, as I watch the gamut of cookery programmes which grace our TV screens - The Great British Bake Off is my current favourite - I can sit there and make comments such as 'That looks like it's a good even bake' so perhaps I did learn something!

Brookfield Revisited...

I've heard it said that there's no such thing as an altruistic act - I think it might have been Phoebe in Friends who mused about it.

 

Well, actually, I think there is and I think the Brookfield campaign is an example.

 

A calendar featuring photos taken from this area of untamed beauty is being created and partly funded by a local man to be given to all Corby Councillors to remind them of what is at stake.

 

A local pensioner has spent her own money challenging Corby Council's decision to now call this area 'Brownfield' when it's been previously labelled as 'Greenfield'.

 

Volunteers are spending hours campaigning, updating websites, delivering leaflets, organizing meetings, marches, publicity events, talking to councillors at their Saturday surgeries - anything that keeps this issue in the public consciousness.

 

OK, the cynics amongst you could say it's about house prices but you'd be very wrong.

 

It's never been about house prices, it's about health, quality of life, clean air, preserving trees, protecting wildlife, looking after what little bits of green space we have left.

 

Northamptonshire is a beautiful county, with arguably some of the finest buildings and historical sites in England.

 

So why then are some people determined to destroy this 'green and pleasant land', to quote William Blake?

 

Are they really so short sighted that they can't see past their bank balances?  Is money so important to them that they don't care about the health issues for local people and their children?

 

TATA Steel own this land - perhaps they'd like to explain to us why it appears they're not listening to local public opinion on this matter?  Do they really want all this negative publicity surrounding their company?  Do they not care about their legacy?

 

Decision time is looming, where Corby Councillors will vote on the future of the Brookfield Plantation.

 

This is their opportunity to try to make amends for mistakes of the past - let's not list them here, we all know what they are.

 

I would ask all Corby Councillors to please listen to what local people are telling you on this issue - save our green spaces, our trees and wildlife.  Our children's futures are in your hands; that's a huge responsibility.  Don't let us down, you really do owe us that much.