ten tors training on the mendips

Another training day on the Mendips yesterday; another really enjoyable time for pupils and staff alike. Perfect weather, great company and beautiful scenery!
Photo: one of the teams running downhill to the final checkpoint.
PS. Even managed to get back in time to see the second half of the Italy v England game (wish I hadn’t!).

archbishop+sharia law

Rowan Williams is a very clever man.
He is a wise, spiritual man of great integrity.
However, following his speech at the Royal Courts of Justice when he indicated that the adoption of Sharia law in Britain seemed “unavoidable”, it would seem that he is also a very naive and, perhaps, misguided man. To my mind, it wasn’t so much what he had to say (although I have reservations about a number of issues), but how he said it.
Andrew Brown, in an excellent article in yesterday’s “Guardian”, gave a number of examples of what Williams said and what he felt he meant to say. Brown’s analysis also included the following:
“There are people at Lambeth Palace who could have told Williams what the headlines were going to say this morning. My understanding is that some of them did, but he thought he knew better…. The archbishop may despise the media and we are often despicable. But we are the only instrument with which a sculptor of public opinion can work and the moment he decided to go on the “World at One” he put himself in our hands and should have known what would happen. It’s no use being an elitist if you don’t understand the constraints under which an elite must operate”.
As you might have noticed, I’ve been going on about “The West Wing” recently!

Strangely, my instant reaction to news of Williams’s speech was: “CJ would never have let him say that”!

(and I'm sorry if you know nothing about "WW" - CJ is the White House Press Secretary!)

west wing

I’ve become very sniffy about television.

Moira would regard this as something of an understatement as I apparently keep going on about there being "far too much dumbed-down rubbish"!
In a recent conversation with Andy at school, I acknowledged that there obviously were good programmes – but my problem was that I didn’t realise this until a particular series was virtually finished (and it was too late to start watching).
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Andy subsequently lent me “The West Wing: Second Season” boxed set. I’ve just finished watching the last of the 22 episodes!
Just brilliant!
Tracey Wheeler (she writes wonderfully, see her blog) divides her friends into as “WW addicts” and “others”; I’ve definitely become one of the addicts!
It makes the “real thing” look very boring… and I can understand why some Americans felt that Martin Sheen (who plays the President in WW for you non-believers) ought to have run for the White House!

he couldn't organise a.....

I may be losing the plot.
No one had organised the traditional end-of-term drink at school.
Gallantly, I stepped up to the mark.
I consulted no one.
It was all very logical. The end of term is next Friday; a “Snow Ball” has been organised where people are able to dress up in their posh frocks (Moira+I have opted out). I’m baby-sitting Iris on Wednesday evening so, selfishly, I decide that next Thursday is the obvious evening for our get-together (after all it was INSET day on Friday, so no pupils to teach).
I produced the poster – simple enough.
I duly stuck up posters in the staffroom advertising this not-to-be-missed event.
It wasn’t until I got home that Moira expressed some surprise that the staff had decided to have a drinks evening on St Valentine’s Day.
What? Oh no! What had I done?
note: Moira was perfectly happy about this – despite being born romantics(?), we very rarely ever go out on the 14 February – and she doesn’t feel the need to join me on school drinking events!
Anyway, it’s too late now. I anticipate there’ll be probably three or four of us there in the pub in Bath (I’d billed it as the “Bristol Self-Help Group on Tour”). We’ll probably find time to discuss a) the five worst-behaved pupils at school, b) the virtues of schools working a nine day fortnight, and c) how many teachers will be leaving in the summer.
It’ll be a magical evening! I can’t wait…..

ash wednesday

I’m using the “Lent and Easter Readings from Iona” book as a source of reflection over the weeks up to Easter. It’s a book of readings from members and staff of the Iona Community. This is an extract from today’s contribution from Norman Shanks:
“Ash Wednesday… marks the start of the period of Lenten fasting. It reminds us of the self-denial and self-discipline that is in fact integral to the way of the cross. Lent is… a time for self-appraisal, for the kind of repentance that neither wallows in factitious self-loathing nor seeks escape in specious excuses. It requires a healthy realism about ourselves, so that we can face up to and accept responsibility for our mistakes and shortcomings, and the realism about the nature and purposes of God…”.
I know it’s going to be a challenging time!

Photo: cross in the window of the tiny “upper room” chapel, Iona Abbey

happy birthday jon

It was Jon’s 40th birthday yesterday.
He had a really good day.
We joined him for a few drinks last night to help him celebrate.
Jon is Welsh.
Jon likes rugby!
It was a tough evening.
I blame myself for England’s defeat…. they were coasting to victory with 20 minutes left; I was in a pub with Dave+Andy; it was my round; I battled my way to the bar (it took me nearly 15 minutes to get served). I’d literally taken my eye off the ball; I’d lost my concentration and focus (crucial in sport at this level); by the time I returned, England had lost their way and the Welsh team scented victory.
England shouldn’t have lost, but they did… as a text from great mate Jez put it at the end of the game: “what just happened?”
What indeed!

complain? who me?

I received an early birthday present yesterday. There was a package in the hall when I arrived home from school. It was a birthday present from my lovely bruvva.
It was an elastic band.
It was an elastic band from “A Complaint Free World.org”. You see, my brother+I have both been labelled by our respective families as being “grumpy old men” (which is frankly outrageous). The accompanying letter included the following suggested rules:
1. Begin to wear the bracelet now.
2. Every time you complain, gossip or criticise, move the bracelet to the other wrist and begin again. Keep moving the bracelet from wrist-to-wrist until you keep it on the same arm for 21 consecutive days.
I read the letter and immediately informed Moira that I didn't want to swap the elastic band on to the other wrist because of my watch strap. Mrs Broadway simply said: "you've started already... that was your first complaint, swap the band on to the other wrist right now!"…….
I look forward to wearing it and becoming a nicer person (surely that's almost impossible?) within a matter of days.

holocaust

Sunday was Holocaust Memorial Day. They’re having Assemblies at school during the course of the week based on the holocaust and it put me in mind of the brilliant “Holocaust – a Music Memorial Film from Auschwitz” shown on BBC tv in 2005. For the first time since its liberation, permission was granted for music to be heard in Auschwitz and a number of leading musicians were brought there to perform music for the film. It featured extracts from Henryk Gorecki’s wonderful Symphony no.3, including a piece (see youTube link from the film) based on this prayer inscribed on a wall in the basement cell of the Gestapo’s headquarters in Zakopane, signed by Helena Blazusiakowna “18 years old, imprisoned since 26 September 1944”: “No, Mother, do not weep. Most chaste Queen of Heaven, support me always”.

muddied up in the mendips

The first of this year’s Ten Tors training sessions took place yesterday in the Mendip Hills. Some sixty Year 10-13 pupils from the school took part, together with 17 school staff (by my count) plus numerous volunteers - all giving their time completely free. A really good day in perfect walking weather. Key moments for staff included: a) Jennie asking for someone to “muddy me up”(?) because her kit looked too clean and b) Tom+I just having to have a huge breakfast in the café next to one of the checkpoints while we waited for the first teams to arrive.

Someone had to do it (breakfast that is)!

guy garvey

I usually listen to Sunday Evening’s “Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour” radio programme on a Monday evening (via listen again on BBC6 Music). Wonderful mate Si Smith first put me on to it and it really is brilliant. Arrived home yesterday to find an e-mail from Si entitled “don’t read this until you’ve listened to last night’s ‘Guy Garvey’s finest hour’”. Well (obviously I read the e-mail first!), I’d e-mailed GG a few weeks ago saying I thought he ought to add Si to his Christmas card list – after he’d implored me to listen to GG’s show. I also mentioned some of the great musical recommendations he’d passed on to me. Blow me if GG didn’t mention my e-mail on Sunday night and played the excellent Looper - 'Impossible Things 2'.
Si Smith and I are now famous (official).

“I could have been knitting….”

No, these aren’t words from film critic, Mark Kermode. Moira+I went to see the Coen Brothers’ film “No Country for Old Men” yesterday afternoon and the knitting comment was Moira’s considered verdict on this tough, impressive film of “violence, societal breakdown and masculine madness in the 1980s” (from the Watershed summary blurb) - somewhat different to my memories of 80s, but hey….! I found it compelling, but won’t say any more in case I spoil it for you.
Earlier, we’d spotted Phill Jupitus and Paul Merton (they were at the Watershed for Slapstick 2008) and, on our very wet walk home, Moira came out with the second best quote of the day: “the highlight for me was Paul Merton standing next to us in a baggy jumper talking to a wall” (I assure you, he was actually on his mobile)!
There’s no pleasing some people…..

white house race

Came across this interesting (but rather depressing) insight from Justin Webb (BBC’s North America editor) on the US Presidential elections:
“And so to the Democrats. Hillary Clinton won (in Nevada) because she won women and she won Latinos. She also won because some voters think - or are persuaded to think - that Senator Obama is a Muslim. This is a fact: I met otherwise well-informed voters in New Hampshire who believed that he refused to be sworn in as a senator with his hand on the Bible. It is out there; it really is. It does not explain the Clinton victories but it adds to them”.

PS: I hadn't previously watched "The West Wing" but good friend Andy has lent me the "Second Season" box set and I'm already up to programme 9! Maybe this explains my renewed fascination with American politics?!

extreme pilgrim

Watched an absolutely fascinating programme last night about an English vicar, Pete Owen-Jones, who travelled to the Egyptian desert to follow in the footsteps of St Anthony – a Christian hermit and founder of monasticism (you can watch it on BBC iPlayer). His trek into the desert culminated in a three-week spell living alone in a cave in the wilderness which (despite some theological misgivings on his part) proved to be both testing+rewarding. I felt as if I’d be with him on his spiritual roller-coaster ride – so much so that I ended up with a thumping headache!

PS: this was the last in a series of 3 programmes; I also watched the second - when he travelled to India to join the Mela, the huge Hindu pilgrimage to the Ganges - which I found absorbing, but somewhat bizarre at times.

www.pandora.gone

A sad day.
The Founder of www.pandora.com sent me a very nice e-mail overnight explaining that unfortunately, due to licensing constraints, they can't offer the service to residents outside the USA for the time being - but that they're working on it and will let me know as soon as the situation changes!!
Yes, I admit it (and I’m very sorry, I know I done wrong!!) – I did give them my US Zip Code as a New York hotel that I'd looked up on the internet (I think my UK e-mail address was a bit of a giveaway!)!
I’d been going on about this brilliant music website – it allowed you to create your own “radio stations” with your favourite artists plus new ones that they thought you might like (“if you like x, then you might enjoy this…).
I’ll let you know if the situation changes!
PS: meanwhile, if you know of a similar website, please advise!

PPS: I've since been told that last.fm is somewhat similar (I'll try it!).

kennett+avon canal

Moira+I were in Bath by just after 9am yesterday.
Despite the awful weather of the last few days, we decided to trust the local weather forecast and get on the train to Bath and walk along the banks of Kennett+Avon canal. We past miles of flooded fields and houses with water threatening their thresholds and feared that our journey would be a complete wash-out! In the event, it was just beautiful.
We walked along the tow path as far as Bathampton in bright sunshine (avoiding bikers+joggers as we did so!) - with stunning views over Bath en route. We then retraced our steps for a mile or so (envying the house boat dwellers) before meandering through the city streets back to the station and home by 2pm.
A really lovely way to start the weekend.
Photos: Saturday morning snaps.

dan+alice

Just received this photograph, taken on the webcam.

Isn't it lovely!

journey home

The journey home from school last night proved somewhat eventful.

I was giving Andy and Philippa a lift back to Bristol. It was snowing as we set out, but that proved to be the least of our problems.

The homeward journey took some 100minutes as we had to contend with three lots of flooding (an hour hour more than normal).
When we left school, Andy+Philippa had loaded several bags of books into the boot of the car. They all looked rather similar in their supermarket plastic bags and we made jokes about not mixing them… and, of course, when we dropped Philippa off – she took Andy’s books instead of her own (which we didn’t discover until I dropped Andy off)! I eventually arrived home only to find a message from Andy on my phone – could I please check in the car in case he’d dropped his keys…. but that he was almost certain he’d left them at school! They were his car+flat keys; his flatmate was skiing in Switzerland and it was pointless trying to locate his landlady through directory enquiries as her name was Jones and he hadn’t a clue where she lived!
Happy weekend everyone!

“there’s something happening in america….”

I’ve been fascinated* to watch/listen to/read about the early US presidential primaries. The very real prospect of America electing either its first woman or first black President. Barack Obama winning a stunning victory for the Democrats in Iowa; Hilary Clinton gaining perhaps a surprising win in New Hampshire today. For the Republicans, Mike Huckabee’s early victory in Iowa and John McCain’s win in New Hampshire – an amazing comeback after his campaign appeared close to collapse last summer.
I love this quote about American politics from Mario Cuomo (Democratic governor of New York 1983-95): “You campaign in poetry, but you govern in prose”.
We’ll see!

PS: * apart from the whooping+cheering of audiences at inappropriate times and, please, let's NOT have an American President called "Mitt" (Mitt Romney); "George W" was bad enough!

alice+dave+manU+villa

Villa lost to ManU again yesterday – this time in the FA Cup.
I take full responsibility.
Alice+Dave got married in 2003 (Dave is a ManU fanatic and, sadly, I was unable to convert him to become a Villa supporter as part of the wedding package). It’s a good job that we love him dearly because, since Alice+Dave’s marriage, Villa have lost EVERY one of the TWELVE games (I’ve been counting, believe me!) against United.
The next defeat will be on 29 March (at Old Trafford), so put your mortgage on it now!

alan+lesley+megan+eleanor

Absolutely lovely to have my brother and family for an overnight stay. An opportunity for Moira+I to chill out over food+drink with them and great that Hannah+Ruth+Stuart+Iris were able to join us too.
Photo: Saturday morning walk along the harbourside in Bristol (Alan+Eleanor+Megan+Moira+Lesley).

PS: Hannah+Fee put me on to www.pandora.com and I suggest you should try it. It’s a “new kind of radio - stations that play only music you like”. You key in an artist or music style and it plays full songs plus other tracks that Pandora thinks might appeal to you. I’ve been really impressed.

kite runner

If you’ve not already read it, then you need to read the book. Either way, you simply must see the film. It’s absolutely brilliant.
As many friends will know(!), I’ve been positively evangelical about the book ever since it first came out in paperback. I’m afraid I’m going to be just as boring about the film…..

Look, just see it!!

thoughts and more reflections

I’ve been reading Ellen’s, Si’s and Gareth’s blogs reflecting on the passing of the year and the prospects for 2008. It’s made me continue to think about some of the other, perhaps surprising, things (ie. ignoring family life; friends; friends’ 50th birthdays; and Iona!) that have been special for me over the past year:
a) Involvement with young people in such activities as Ten Tors, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Forest of Dean and Kielder Challenge (and working with some lovely adult helpers too).
b) Enjoyment from music (despite, or perhaps because of, the demise of Fopp – thanks to i-Tunes, my i-Pod and musical suggestions from a whole host of friends.
c) Regular stimulation from the Iona Community’s “Growing Hope” book.
On the other hand, regrets-cum-resolutions would include:
1. Finding more time to draw/paint.
2. Reading more.
3. Going to the cinema/theatre more.
4. Getting more exercise (of course!), but without signing up for another 10k run (I gave up those more than 10 years ago!).

5. Learning to live more simply.
photo: Moira at work in the office at home – clearly she’s the focus/anchor/love of my life! x

2007

Another memorable year with so much to be thankful for – the highlight being the birth of Alice+Dave’s Dan Amos in October. Ruth+Hannah+Alice (plus Stu+Fee+Dave!) still make us laugh and bring us much joy (as do Mikey+Iris+Dan!). Thankful for lots of very good friends. Lots of wonderful 50th birthday celebrations - thanks to Steve, Mags, Jez, Ken and Ian.
Photos (from left to right, top to bottom): Staffa; Dan; Iris; Mikey; Iona; New Year’s morning on Berrow beach; birthday celebrations in Oxford; Cortona from our bedroom window; eating with lovely friends in Tuscany; and, finally, our bathroom (completed at last!).

anniversary

It was just 35 years ago today that Moira+I got married!
It was very foggy, so many of the wedding photographs give the impression of a Hammer Horror movie. All very different to today’s wedding preparations it seems – I don’t think Moira had a Hen’s Party and my Stag Night comprised of a few drinks with one or two mates a couple of days before the wedding. Our honeymoon consisted of one night in Stratford-on-Avon and we returned to Moira’s home in Lichfield to join the family in their New Year celebrations!! Moira says she remembers feeling that her parents were “old” when they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and so is somewhat depressed at the prospect of getting there ourselves quite soon too! What tosh!
Photo: ….and, as you can see, we’ve hardly changed at all!

iona moments 4

The last of my Iona reflections.
Moments of connection:
Deciding to join lots of other people on a pilgrimage around the island in absolutely stunning weather. Having the time to talk at length with other people from our group and sensing that these were very special people. Meeting up with David and with Elly (who weren’t part of our group) and hearing their stories. Feeling connected. Experiencing St Columba’s Bay on an idyllic day and being captivated by the multitude of beautiful stones that formed the shore. Singing in St Oran’s Chapel as we pilgrims completed our tour of the island and feeling a sense of closeness and power.
Saying goodbye from the ferry as it left the island early on Saturday morning. Feeling very humbled by the large number of the Iona Community and volunteers who came to wave us off.

Sensing God and that what I had experienced during the course of the week would stay with me for the rest of my life.

iona moments 3

More Iona reflections.

Moments over meals and in the pub:
Laying tables, serving food and eating with new friends and other volunteers from the Iona Community. Taking it in turns to eat with different people from Lambeth, Putney and beyond each mealtime: Steph, Jane, Garry, Poppy, Dick, Dientje, Mary, Duncan, Mandy, Robert, Jean, Angus, Jackie, Alice, Marjorie, Woomie, Gloria, Tetla, Enid, Ruth and Ian - who made mealtimes very special.
Walking in the dark after the nightly service in the Abbey down to the harbourside to the “plastic” pub and feeling slightly guilty about seeking out the only bar on the island! Having opportunities to hear more stories and to meet people both inside and outside our group. Laughing over beer and wine.

Retracing our way back to the Centre by torchlight.

happy christmas!

Had the whole family with us yesterday, which made it a very special day (we realise that there won’t be many occasions this will happen over future years!). Mikey, Iris and Dan were all stars and had a lovely time – even though they seemed to find the packaging far more interesting than the presents!

christmas carols

Missed the carol service at St Aldhelm’s due to the end of term drinks (priorities?!). So it was lovely to have some thirty carol singers singing outside our house yesterday on their tour of the parish….

Christmas IS coming; the waiting is nearly over.

iona moments 2

Moments of serenity:
Waking up very early and walking down to the east shore before sunrise. Experiencing the stillness of the morning, the peaceful monochrome of the small islands on the opposite side of the water and the gentle lapping of the waves.
Walking along the road beside St Oran’s Chapel completely alone in the early morning and suddenly being captivated by the sound of exquisite flute-playing through its ever-open doorway. Deciding not to seek out the player, but simply standing and listening in awe from the graveyard and simply knowing that this was an act of prayer for the flautist and for me.

photo: early morning, looking across to the mainland

end of term

I’m being paid peanuts for what I do. There’s a huge part of me that wants to find to a job in education that suitably rewards the contribution made (even though I did appreciate the significant financial sacrifice involved when I decided to retire from architecture to work with young people).
However, last night I spent a lovely evening with a large group of teachers in Bristol who were out celebrating the end of a hard and grueling school term. I spent a lot of the time hugging people who have been very special to me during the course of my “career” in education (this is only my third Christmas!). It made me realise that an enormous part of the enjoyment of the job was actually down to those I work with. Deep down, no matter how frustrated things become, it would take an awful lot to prise me away from these people!
Photo: me, Kate+Rachel at last night’s quiet end-of-term drinks

iona moments 1

At the end of the Iona Community’s “Growing Hope” book of daily readings there is a section devoted to reflections of one man’s time spent on the island (Neil Paynter, a member of the Iona Community). This reminded me of my own time on Iona in the summer. The end of the year has regularly been a time of reflection for me and this is the first of four scribbles recording some of my own thoughts when I was there:

Moments with new friends:
Walking up Dun I, the highest point on the island, on my first full day and meeting Dick from Holland (one of our group) half way up. Walking on up to the top together and immediately knowing I’d met a lovely new friend. Being mesmerised by the panoramic view; we were silent, but we were both smiling. Deciding to walk down the other side of the hill to the western shore but getting a little confused and having to climb over a barbed wire fence en route; throwing our bags over the fence (which meant that we HAD to get over!); Dick climbing over first but slipping and ending up launching himself like a human bird. Laughing uncontrollably just like children (he wasn’t hurt)! Talking and talking and realising that our lives seemed to be following similar paths and that our philosophy of life and beliefs, again, had many similarities. Experiencing the white sands and the turquoise sea on our way back to the MacLeod Centre via the north shore on what turned out to be a gloriously sunny afternoon. Knowing that my time on Iona was going to be good!

photo: Dick+Dientje

advent and liverpool nativity

Moira+I watched “Liverpool Nativity” on BBC3 last night. It was developed by the same team behind the hugely successful “Manchester Passion” in 2005 and, while not being as effective as the Easter production in our view (perhaps it suffered from being crammed into a one hour slot?), it was nevertheless a powerful reminder of the Advent and Christmas message.
Advent is a time of hope and expectation and I’ve been using the excellent “Advent Readings from Iona” book each morning since the start of the month. I found today’s reading (provided by Brian Woodcock) particularly poignant:
“People travel great distances to find holiness. Some even come to Iona.
There is a story of a boy who lived in an isolated house on a hill. A God-forsaken place for a young man. But one thing fascinated him. Each night he would look out into the darkness and see a light. It was far away on a hilltop, but this sign of life gave him hope.
One day he decided to go in search of it. It was a long and lonely walk, and it was already dark before he reached the outskirts of the town. Tired and hungry, he knocked at the first door he came to, and explained his search for the mysterious light that had always given him hope.
‘I know it!’ replied the woman who had answered the door. ‘It gives me hope as well.’ And she pointed back in the direction from which he had come. There, on the horizon, was a single light shining. A sign of life in the darkness.
The light from his own house.”

www.boreme.com

Today’s “Observer” referred readers to the top 10 list of 2007’s most watched virals (“comical, bizarre and bite-size clips – often the more amateur the better - that spread at the click of ‘send’ button”). You’ve just got to watch Miss South Carolina giving a garbled explanation of why so few Americans can find their country on a world map; and Tay Zonday (amazing, deep voice) singing “Chocolate Rain”; and “Groovy Dancing Girl” by Sophie Merry from Dublin.
Just wonderful!

bali climate change agreement?

So, it seems that delegates at the UN summit in Bali have agreed a deal on curbing climate change.
The intention had been to set negotiations in train that will eventually lead to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Its first targets for reducing emissions expire in 2012. EU negotiators wanted this "Bali roadmap" to contain a commitment that industrialised nations would cut their emissions by 25-40% compared to 1990 levels by 2020.
EU negotiators had thrashed out a compromise text with developing countries, including China, but the US had signaled that it would reject the compromise – a statement that drew boos from delegates in the conference hall – because they complained that the language on reducing emissions was too strong and would commit them to measures that could retard their economic development!
Eventually, the US grudgingly accepted the proposals. Somewhat pathetically, Paula Dobriansky (Head of the US delegation) said “I think we have come a long way here…. In this, the US is very committed to this effort and just wants to really ensure we all act together”. Oh good, so that’s ok then!!
However, depressingly (as far as I can tell at this stage), the US delegation got its way and the compromise agreement accepts that industrialized countries would not set firm emissions targets – to the utter dismay of most campaigners.
You might recall that George Bush infuriated his critics by professing world leadership on climate change at his meeting of the top 16 world economies at the end of September - while offering no new substantive policy and implicitly rejecting binding emissions controls.
I think Chris Miller of Greenpeace got it right: “The Bush administration is well out of step with the American population and, increasingly, out of step with US business”.
No doubt, we’ll get a queue of politicians lining up to tell us how wonderful this agreement is (and I accept that some agreement is better than none at all), but I’m left feeling depressed and desperately disappointed by the whole business and that this latest deal is just yet another fudge. At a time when the world cannot afford to delay, it seems that politicians have merely postponed REAL decisions on climate change for another two years when there will be another conference (in Denmark) to agree the final wording to replace the Kyoto Protocol in 2012!

simon smith and his amazing musical tastes

Good friend Si Smith is just one of those very special people.
He’s a brilliant illustrator but he’s also wonderful about coming up with ideas and suggestions. A few years ago, he told me (and a few others) that I ought to see the singer/songwriter Juliet Turner at a gig near Reading – and he was absolutely right! He’s also been fantastic about coming up with music suggestions (“I think you might like this”), such as:
Sufjan Stevens - 'Casimir Pulaski Day'
This Mortal Coil - 'Song for the Siren'
Trembling Blue Stars - 'Abba on the Jukebox' or 'November Starlings'
Looper - 'Impossible Things 2'
Elbow - 'Newborn'
Low - 'When I go Deaf'
Death Cab for Cutie - 'The Sound of Settling'
Denim - 'The Osmonds'
John Martyn - 'Small Hours'

Recently, he told me he thought I might like “Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour” (BBC Radio 6: Sundays 10pm-midnight) – “it’s quite eclectic and rather inspiring” he said. He’s absolutely right; it’s excellent! You should try it too (I’m rarely awake at that time these days, so use the “listen again” link on the BBC website).
Photo: Si Smith (bottom right) at Greenbelt in 2005 beside the tree he designed/conceived for one of the sessions.

so this is Christmas?

I heard on the radio this morning that, in a recent poll for public theology think tank Theos, 27% of people were unable to identify Bethlehem as Jesus’s birthplace (rising to 36% of people aged between 18+24).

Very sad, but I’m not altogether surprised.
But, if you thought that was somewhat shocking, perhaps you should take a look at this “wonderful” YouTube link: I haven’t a clue who Sherri Shepherd is, but this American “celebrity” recently announced that Jesus pre-dated the Greeks (note: she also thought the earth was flat!).

Photo: from Ruth's "Madonna" lino-cut.

forest of dean

Spent a brilliant time in the Forest of Dean with a group of Year 8 pupils (plus a few staff!) this week. Despite rather wet weather, it was great to see the students tackle things completely “outside their comfort zones” (especially on the night walks, the climbing wall and Jacob’s Ladder) - their huge sense of achievement was just wonderful to witness. Very happy time, with lots of laughter and new friendships made.
Photos: problem solving; the climbing wall; view from the top of the wall; image from the noticeboard(!); and Jacob’s Ladder.

christmas exhibition

It was pouring with rain, but still they came!
Why do we always seem to get this kind of weather for our exhibitions?
Really enjoyable evening yesterday with loads of people braving the elements and getting into the Christmas spirit.
Photos: detail from Tamsie’s “Pink Sky”; part of Hannah’s “A-Z of little things in life”; Lucie’s “My Kinda Lady”; Ruth’s “II”: and the inevitable red wine traces!

number40 christmas exhibition

It’s time that time of the year again – when the dining room at home gets filled with boxes and clutter out of the basement and the basement gets magically transformed into a gallery! The exhibition is this coming weekend and includes work by Tamsie Beith, Lucie Sheridan, daughters Ruth+Hannah and me (Moira and Ruth’s husband Stu have decided to opt out this time) – illustration, drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and baby clothes! Everything’s almost ready!
Photo: invitation flyer (apologies, I know you won’t be able to read it!) featuring Tamsie’s “Camely Road” painting.

consequences

Why the picture of Martin Jol?
Well, as indicated in a previous blog (March 2007), I’m not a huge follower of the England football team (too many disappointments etc). Last night’s inept, depressing defeat against Croatia will surely see the end of McClaren as the England manager. In the same March blog, I voiced my fears that Martin O’Neil (the current Villa manager) would ultimately become the next England manager (why? who on earth would want the job?). Unfortunately, I can now foresee O’Neil being appointed by the New Year and, in turn, Martin Jol becoming the Villa manager.
You read it here first!
PS: in other words, that awful mistake by the Villa goalkeeper last night will probably result in Villa losing its manager!

outstanding

It’s official:

Norton Hill is an “OUTSTANDING” school.
The OFSTED Inspectors (and note that “outstanding” is the very highest level they can award), awarded Grade 1 for every one of the 38 areas of the school’s work. Clearly, this is entirely due to my own enormous contribution to the school since 2005 (with perhaps the help of one or two others en route?).
I've just read the Report and, amazingly, it doesn’t contain a single specific reference to any of the work I’m involved in; the inspectors didn’t even come to talk to me (I tidied my office especially); and I’m not even mentioned by name!
It’s an absolute travesty!

st ives

I’ve just been reading Gareth’s blog about her booking the family’s holidays in St Ives for next summer (and was immediately transported there!). Sadly, and somewhat pathetically, I’ve been doing the very same thing this week – but for October 2009!! This date comes (more or less) midway between Moira's+my 60th birthdays and we were keen to book a week for the whole family in probably our very favourite place in the world – Upper Saltings, St Ives. I checked on their website and found people had already booked stuff for 2009 (blimey!), so decided to act and contacted the owner direct.
So it’s all sorted and we’ve started to dream already (the phrase “wishing your life away” comes to mind….)!
photo: this is a picture taken on the last family holiday there in 2004.

authority

The staff at school have been challenged to play a football match against the sixth form today to help raise funds for Children in Need. I spent a couple of hours on Monday toying with the idea of making a glorious comeback to the beautiful game (I would only need a few minutes off the bench to turn a game, score another impressive hat-trick etc….). I ended up reluctantly deciding that it would be somewhat foolish for a man fast approaching his 60th year to do such a thing.
However, I can now announce that I WILL be participating afterall!
I was approached by a couple of sixth-formers yesterday asking if I would referee the game – “Sir, we need someone in authority and we thought of you”. I eventually agreed (clearly, these were wise and astute sixth-formers who recognised my dynamic influence on the school and it would be wrong to let them down!).
Moments later however my pride was in tatters when they admitted I was their SECOND choice - they’d initially tried to get the Headteacher to act as ref, but he was busy!!
footnote: being such a natural, talented footballer, my biggest fear that, when the ball comes over, I won’t be able to resist putting it into the back of the net – pure INSTINCT will surely take over?

birthday weekend

As I indicated in my Friday blog, Moira+I were very much looking forward to spending the weekend celebrating Ian’s 50th birthday with great friends in Oxford. It proved to be an absolutely brilliant couple of days! Arrived at Gail+Ian’s first thing Saturday morning in time for us all to walk to Quod in the High Street for a superb breakfast; some of us then walked across Christchurch Meadow before meeting up at the King’s Arms pub in Broad Street for several glasses of ale (or whatever!); on to the Old Parsonage Hotel for an amazing high tea; and then chilling out at Gail+Ian’s with the odd glass and huge helpings of goulash. Sunday saw us meet up on Port Meadow with even more friends for mayBe’s community eucharist (see yesterday’s blog) followed by yet more wonderful food and great coffee at Manos café/deli in Jericho.
Lots of laughter, great food+drink, hugs and happiness.
Life is good! Happy birthday Ian!
Photos: Quod breakfast; Lisa+Esther; Rachel+Ian+Gail+James+Esther; Ian+Gail+James; Lisa+Cara
PS: …. and the Villa beat Blues!

remembering

We gathered on Port Meadow, Oxford this morning for mayBe’s community eucharist “in the open” on Remembrance Sunday. We threw handfuls of red and white rose petals into the air and we remembered those who had died in war and the peacemakers in our own two minute’s silence.

A powerful time together.
Sid and I learnt that our grandfathers were both at Ypres and the Somme during the First World War – both survived and both refused to speak about their experiences afterwards (my grandfather was in the Royal Horse Artillery and, according to family legend, joined up whilst under age).
The following words from poet Mary Oliver (“Staying Alive”) were used during our time together on Port Meadow:
“I don’t mean it’s easy or assured, there are the stubborn stumps of shame, grief that remains unsolvable after all the years, a bag of stones that goes with one wherever one goes and however the hour may call for dancing and for light feet.
But there is, also, the summoning world, the admirable energies of the world, better than anger, better than bitterness, and because more interesting, more alleviating”.
Photo: red+white petals on Port Meadow

happy birthday ian!

This weekend sees the last of the “great-mates-50th-birthdays-in-2007” celebrations in Oxford. As well as being younger than me, Ian is an inspirational man who has wonderfully good looks; intelligence; sporting prowess; compassion; great communication skills; generosity; humility; humour; doesn’t look anything like 50 years old and, crucially, is just a lovely bloke and a great mate!! Sickening isn’t it? Really looking forward to the weekend.
We love him to bits!

karine polwart again

Went to a lovely Karine Polwart concert at St George’s in Bristol last night with Gareth, Alan and Moira. Excellent venue with marvellous acoustics; completely different “feel” last night compared with her concert at Thekla last November. You just get the feeling that she's a really nice person - as well as being an exceptional singer/songwriter. Found it amusing that she’d bought one of her guitars from Bristol on e-Bay!
Sounded very good to me!

PS: on a completely separate matter, I spotted the first brightly lit up house with Christmas decorations on the way home from work yesterday (same as the house I pointed out this time last year!). Rather depressing really.

growing hope

I really love the Iona Community’s “Growing Hope” book of daily readings. Two recent readings relating to our individual/communal spiritual journeys struck a chord with me:

“And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”. (Old Testament Book of Micah 6:8)
Journey Blessing:
“May our journey ahead be blessed with God’s laughter, silences, risks, challenges, healings, questions, promises, protests, answers, tears, solidarity, often uncomfortable peace and compassion-filled surprises – perhaps all in one day”.
(Peter Millar)

andy

Good friend Andy is on a bit of a roll.
Recent events have included him running into the back of a police vehicle on his way into school (and subsequently being passed by pupils and staff colleagues alike - which instantly publicised his plight!). This was followed a few days later when he set off the fire alarm at school – which resulted in the entire school being made to stand outside in pouring rain (Andy is a Science teacher and he was apparently trying to video a simulated demonstration of nuclear fision, or something like that, by setting light to 200 matches – which just happened to be positioned under a smoke detector!).
Well, yesterday Andy kindly gave me a lift into school (we frequently exchange lifts) but en route mentioned that he thought the brakes on his "new" car (ie. the replacement for the one involved in the police accident!) felt "strange". We'd arranged to meet up at 4pm for the homeward journey.... but no Andy. No sign of him in the Science office, his lab or in the staff room. I checked in the staff car park... no car!! I rang him on his mobile: "Ah Steve, yes, a couple of things - firstly, I've just realised that I'd forgotten to give you a lift and, secondly, I'd just got down the hill from school when my brakes failed - so I've just called the AA. But don't worry, Dave+Tamsie have stopped to offer assistance so they can give you a lift home".

Clearly, it was an act of God (punishment for forgetting me!).
PS: from now on, the school is considering giving Andy his own slot in the daily staff briefing – far more interesting than the usual notices.

once again

I realise I’m in danger of becoming somewhat evangelical about the film “Once” (see my blog of 26 October), but thought you might like to watch this video clip using one of the songs from the film as an encouragement to see the film! My friend John Simmons (“come on Oldham”!) says he went to see it after reading my recommendation, loved it, insisted on taking some of his family to see it two days later and has bought the CD (you’ve been warned)!!
PS: this is a link for the cinema listings in your area.