Now, despite what it might say on one of the keyrings I have - one I was given by my sister (well, I saw it at her house and asked if I could have it, she said yes - same difference) - this blog is actually all about you lovely lot really. The keyring might say "It's all about me", but it's not.
I mentioned this to Fran yesterday when she popped in for a coffee (she had to go and buy the milk for it first - shopping was not on the 'essential items only' list last week), and she said I should write it.
Aren't Mums lovely at letting you know when you might be getting a bit too big for your boots?! They are also fab at being your number one supporters and fans too, and I'm pleased to say Fran has finally cracked. She kept saying "I don't have time to read it" and "I prefer sitting down to read with something in my hand". So, I printed her off a few pages and took them to her last Sunday. I discovered yesterday however that she has been reading everyday, which is one of the reasons she wasn't going mad and phoning because I hadn't responded to a couple of texts.
Isn't that terrible? Your own Mum has to read your blog to check you're OK. I maintain that isn't what this is about though, I feel it will help, not hinder kinships and friendships because I won't try and blurt out weeks worth of craziness in one breath and might actually start to learn to use my ears and gob in proportion for a change! It doesn't matter who reads it, just as long as it's here, that's fine.
Anyway, HELLO MUM!
I also need to make a few apologies, not least for those who might have been expecting a bit of a McFly sound file attached to this blog thanks to the title! I don't mind them, but wasn't best pleased when they re-released 'Don't Stop Me Now' a while back - imagine a whole generation hearing the Queen original and wondering who the cover version is by?! I have a similar issue with Girls Aloud (although I am a fan of theirs - Jen and I saw them in May!) and 'I Think We're Alone Now'. Tiffany rules. As did me and my friends at Valley Youth Club circa 1987 with our own special dance to it!
Another apology is for the lack of visual stimulation with this post. I do have a corker of a pic but the lovely Thor - his surname is Rooney (I swear this is true, I would have asked if he was any relation but couldn't breathe at the time, what a wonderful name. When I regained my composure we chatted a bit about what names mean too) - has witheld permission from it being displayed publicly. If you are trustworthy and fancy a look drop me an email. It's completely clean of course, but still very very funny!
I do understand though Thor love. It's safe!
Anyway, Thor has said he will be my best friend (sorry Lou, can I have two? He might cut your hair for free too!) if I get him a pair of some fabulous looking Japanese professional hair cutting scissors. I have a meeting to discuss us taking on some PR stuff for them tomorrow evening. As they are not paying us just yet I won't give them a free plug, I shall keep you posted!
Had a lovely and useful chat with Astrid too and got some free Frusli bars as the sampling team came in to give a box to the Nicky Clarke salon. Thor asked for another. I said he was worse than me for blagging free stuff. I didn't think it was possible, but he'd give me a run for my money I reckon!
Thor is very happy with his girlfriend I must add, my interests in him are only laughs, free haircuts and the still pending opportunity to meet Gok Wan. OH MY GOD. I have said I'll stop stalking him as soon as this happens!
Anthony's Patisserie was fab too - Isabel the manager and her team are fab - I'm hoping to organise a Thirsty Thursday afternoon tea there in the New Year. I love it. You might too, if you like people watching in the Viccy Quarter then it's a must!
I also got the opportunity to find out more about the angel that is Leah Vigon (remember, rhymes with Wigan). We only met through the cake comp about three months ago, but the more we learn about each other, the more we discover many similarities. Not least the fact that we were both raised by two teachers. Like me and Jen, Leah and her two brothers were introduced to the joys of reading and learning from a VERY early age. Not that parents who aren't teachers don't do this too of course, but Leah's Dad had 'flashcards' and our Saturday morning 'pile in with parents' game was to have a quiz to see who could name the most capital cities - was mostly European-focused, but we did cover South America too I seem to recall. Of course a few brain cells have withered away since then, so the map of Europe on my office wall helps, a lot!
Her family heritage is also truly fascinating. Her great grandfather came over from Russia and convinced his immediate family - but not many others - that they were in New York, when in fact it was a stop over in London. The rest went on and arrived at Ellis Island (LOVE IT, BIG TIME), so she has lots of family in the US now - they've moved out West now so her and Rick had a fab holiday touring around a few years ago. Very envious, a fave film is 'Sideways' and would love to do the wine region tour(s).
Anyway, they are not sure where Vigon comes from (I guessed at Vigonowitz!) but it was the name they were given on arrival and it stuck. It still sounds remarkably Jewish though I think. It's all very 'An American Tale' isn't it. "Somewhere, out there, beneath the pale moonlight..."
This time don't feel too bad that there isn't a sound file attached, I've already mentioned that Cher songs are about my range and pitch - so this is a bit of a stretch!
Another thing I am a bit envious of is that Leah had a Bat Mitzvah. Having studied Judaism quite a bit - at school and since, I was hooked - I always thought they (and the Bars) were a fab idea. Humph!
I am not however envious of little Leah finding a box in her parents' wardrobe aged about 10 - again, my apologies to those dining and drinking around us, I laughed very very loudly - I can't say too much more now, it's going to be kept for a future script, sorry!
It was then on to Mint Nail & Beauty (I generally go to the one in the White Rose Centre these days as they have free parking, but Kathryn the owner has a bit of a lovely empire now - Boar Lane in Leeds city centre, Dudley, Meadowhall, Beauty Rooms in Wakey and more on the cards I think). So I was at the White Rose yesterday with the lovely girls: Gemma, Hollie, Nicky, Rachel, Laura, Sarah, Sam (I know I've forgotten a few, so sorry). We definitely don't have the normal "Are you going anywhere nice tonight/on your holidays?" type of chats. The joy of Pizza Hut Veggy Supreme 'Stuffed Crust' pizzas and the fact that I was off to buy a Chocolate Eclair (first time in about 10 years, no idea why, they are lovely aren't they?) was one on Wednesday last week. Yesterday's included chats about the new season's fab colours and a bit about boys. The other customers join in too of course - it's a nail bar mainly, and very open and friendly. As is the one on Boar Lane, I do still go there when in town already.
I will be sending lovely Gemma some info about the next demo evening at Bodyline in Leeds - the girls are quite interested I think. It's on Tuesday evening if anyone fancies it. It's free and we may well be looking for a few more demo models (again face, not ass) for a few events - let me know if you're interested.
So, that about sums up me Saturday - what was yours like? Since then I've mainly been on the sofa catching up on telly on V+ (loved Children in Need - I am seeing 'Joseph' with the wonderful Lee Mead on the 8th December, whoo whoo), and discovering that, like Connie, Squeak has some valuable life lessons to learn too...
His isn't about not biting the hand (nose/toes/chin) of the one that feeds you, no, the imaginative little lad has yet to learn "Don't crap or piss on the bed of the one that feeds you". Thank you darling Squeaktipher! I have all the products to deal with it though and he WILL learn. Fast!
Now off to lovely Khara's for a "Body Shop at Home' party then it's World Meditation Hour at Brahma Kumaris after that. Then I shall be working or nattering on the phone to some of you lot I hope! It's been a while hasn't it...?!
Enjoy the rest of your weekends
Clancy xxxx
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Saturday, 17 November 2007
The end of an era...and the dawn of a new...
In this issue (it's to help you decide if you want to read on really):
The sad - but sadly inevitable - end of a six year client/consultant relationship
The marvellous end to an age of the lumpy bumpy stuff
An evening at my country retreat in Denby 'Pie Village' Dale - aka the Tonkinson/Tasker residence (aka playing & chatting with Ruben and drinking wine & catching up with Lou - Leigh was in the Smoke at the What House? Awards)
So, I'm afraid it's true. I have been Wallasey-based Daryl Showering's PR bird for just over six years, and the beginning of the end came when they were bought out by the multi-national, multi-billion dollar turnover Kohler Corporation. It was two and a half years ago though, so don't feel too sorry for me. No, don't feel sorry at all really, it's not sad - just a new era dawning.
I was told by Mike - (he once said "The greatest tragedy in the world is that Ryan Giggs wasn't born a bit further east" I enquired as to where poverty, floods and famine came in his list. I shall say no more!) - that I had a big heart as I was very accepting when I was told the news on Wednesday.
However, when you have sourced, selected and set-up an international network of PR agencies (Australia, NZ, US, Scandinavia, Italy, Spain and South Africa) - and tried to do it in two days a week - for ghd - you do get some understand of how difficult it is, not quite impossible, to do - and do well more's the point.
They need an international agency to take on the stress and strain of global consistency for them. If it was just UK stuff I did say I would give anyone a bloody good run for their money!
I fell into homes & interiors PR by 'accident' eight or nine years ago when given the Pilkington's Tiles account, and then Formica. I love the lovely journalists I've met and still know. Recent meetings involved about 10 mins of work chat and then catching up with crazy PR stories and news of my kitchen and kittens! (Remind me to tell you the 'Captain Birds Eye with a lift phobia' and 'Paul Daniels cooking deskside' stories one day - neither mine I'm relieved to say).
The fact that I just have to take brochures, press releases and pics round means I am one of the more fortunate PR birds out there. PR bird tip: Pick clients whose products are way too big to lug around in bags (showers, doors, worktops, that sort of thing!).
The ghd gig did of course involve some great, great highs too. Fave trips included Stockholm with Miss Christina Elliott, Milan with Miss Karen Heras-Kelly (where I discovered I can still speak quite fluent Italian when drunk - also helpful in this year's holiday to Sorrento), and calling in to see the lovely Jennine Hannaway in NYC and the delightful Donoven Gloy in Capetown when on holiday there anyway.
The international conference in Porta Banus - where I was one of a few who presented to the global team of 200 - three years ago was not a bad bash too!!!
I'm very fortunate I know, and very grateful for the opportunities I've had too. Very.
So, I had a meeting with Mike at the Village Hotel just off the M66 near Bury yesterday lunchtime, to sort out handing things over. I gave him one of the calendars (I have 10 to give away, which I'm being very selective about, the rest of you can buy them!) to remember me by. He said "I don't think we'll forget you Clancy".
You may be wondering about the length of time working with them, compared to the nearly three years (29th November is anniversary time) I've been running Vital. They have - delightfully - stayed with me during three moves over the years. All done amicably I'm pleased to say. They are just used to me now!
'They' also includes the lovely Margaret (for those on facebook, she's the other one in the pic with me and Colin & Justin at the House Beautiful Awards a few years ago). Margaret is a lady - I don't know many but she is one - and a die-hard Bolton Wanderers fan to boot! I'm delighted to say that we will be ripping it up again at this year's awards on Thursday (soooo excited). Last year involved partying at Madame Tussauds then ending up in the Sherlock Holmes Hotel bar, along with my mate Michelle from Marshalls Building Products, and her mate too. We did chat to some other people too of course...!
Again, this is work?!
Mike will be sorting out a great reference, helping with referrals in 'the biz' and co-drafting a letter to send out to the journos so they know that I and Vital still 'rock', but global needs dictate changes.
As good an end to a client relationship as is possible I hope you'll agree...
So, back to the cellulite (I know you're all dying to hear about this one!). I went to Bodyline's Stockport clinic yesterday morning where four of us were covered with Emla cream (in the appropriate places). The only two not having treatments were Dr Anna and Dr Anna's Mum (she's 57 and looks stunning, she doesn't speak any English so I tried a bit of French, and then Croatian, which is remarkably similar to Polish really). I only speak a little tiny bit of Croatian of course - but would like to learn more. LOVE Dubrovnik. LOVE Mlini (little resort just outside)more!
Of course it's things (natural things - vitamins, minerals and natural Omega oils) being injected into your thighs and ass, so it was never going to feel like it was being kissed on by little woodland animals, but it wasn't that bad either, and it only lasts about 15/20 mins.
Bit sore today, but Arnica cream will help with the bruising, and it will soon pass. Next treatment in two weeks. I shall keep you posted as to the results, not really looked yet! You get inch loss as well apparently - I won't share my current circumference but will let you know of the reduction (in good old 'Slimming World' style!).
Any takers for models?! The things I do for my clients eh? I'm nothing if not dedicated aren't I?! I have to say it is a definite first for a meeting in my knickers - I would say it's the last, but I can't make any guarantees.
So, after a quick trip back home to collect clothes, wine and feed Connie & Squeak (and have a bit of a play too), it was over to Denby Dale for an evening with Lou and Ruben.
Ruben (Roo) is a proper little boy, and is big into the ladies too. "Aunty Clancy, do you have boobies?". Lou will kill me for sharing this, but it was soooo funny. She tried to say it wasn't funny and he mustn't ask anyone else that. He said "But Clancy's laughing Mummy". Ooops. I'm free for babysitting if anyone's interested, but somehow I doubt you'll be calling anytime soon!
This morning also involved me taking over (after he was waking from 3am onwards - he has a cough, I hope Lou gets a break this afternoon when Leigh returns) at about 7.45am for stories, listening (quietly, he only has little ears) to my ipod and chatting about Connie & Squeak. He likes them a lot - he was the one making sure they were OK in the carrier when we collected them from Diggle a few weeks ago.
Lou then showed me his nursery record of activities. He has one hell of an imagination (and I'm not just biased) and rather worringly has taken to walking round nursery with a clipboard writing down what the other children are doing and following the teachers "Very good tidying up, well done". Remind you of anyone? Wheels on the Bus?!
I was laughing at many of his other comments and antics (he has been to China apparently and when you ask him what planet he lives on he says Saturn, I love him, a lot!) and he kept saying "What are you like Clance". It's said in his Mum's ever so slight Brummy twang too, which makes it ever cuter really!
So, Fran has just arrived for a coffee and a chat, on her way back from a wedding in York, I need to see Dunc to give him some cash, then it's off to Nicky Clarke for a fringe trim from Thor - yes Thor - and a quick meeting with Astrid the manager, then a catch-up with Leah at Anthony's Patisserie in the Viccy Quarter, then a trip to Mint for a manicure and pedicure. Phew! Glad I'm in watching telly on the sofa tonight!
Enjoy your Saturdays too!
Clancy xxxx
p.s. Connie & Squeak's photo addition is purely to relieve some of my guilt for leaving them in their room so much over the last few days - and to show off a bit too of course!
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Happy First Birthday Joe Henry Thomas Craddock!
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I have had to go into 'essential items only' mode the last couple of days, so I just thank the Dear Lord for the wonder that is the lovely Leah Vigon (rhymes with Wigan, she's Jewish, but not practicing) and the lovely Laila Charlesworth (nee Samuelsson - I told you of her heritage!). Without these two lovely girls I'm not sure how I'd have got through the last few days, but yet again I have...
Things just have a habit of catching up with you I find. It's just very fortunate that I can deal with it is all...and have the friends and family to help.
Non-essential client meetings have been postponed, and non-urgent deadlines moved, and projects delegated (never had a problem with it myself) but if ever there was something you had to be at it's the first birthday party of the lovely little boy who has two of your very best friends as his parents. And all the better he will be too, because of them.
So, Mr Jake 'Jason' Craddock and Mrs Kate 'Katie P' Craddock (nee Pope), I would like to thank you for the many many many laughs I've had at your beautiful home this evening.
The photo of me and The Family Craddock was taken by Kate's very talented photographer brother (he does weddings mainly, but also press & PR stuff too - he's based in Weybridge, but can travel) Mr Simon J Pope (www.simonjpope.co.uk). Please don't take these as a reflection of his work, he's ace. And he looks a little bit like Dermot O'Leary if he doesn't mind me saying (which I'm sure he won't). Again girls, he's very very happily married. Sorry!
Not forgetting Katie P's lovely Mum, Jill. Never let anyone say that I am Northern-centric. Kate, Simon - thanks in no small part to Jill - and Jill are some of the funniest people I know - and they are from Hampton (and surrounding Surrey towns and villages)!
Jake and Kate (and now Joe) make me laugh like you wouldn't believe. Kate is also a very talented writer (and PR bird), but she's taking some much needed time out to spend with Joe. Good on you Katie P, you (and I) know it's the right thing. They are terribly self-sufficient now, and it's lovely to see.
When I arrived, late as usual, my friends were still there with their gorgeous children. (KIDS in CAPS for ease of reference). Deborah (with BUMP) and INDIA, George, SAM and IMOGEN, Lisa & Paul and BUSTER, Ellie and BUMP.
They are the most gorgeous kids, and I spent the first few minutes taking pictures of other people's children like a complete sad act. Their parents weren't exactly hit with the ugly stick either!
After children had gone, well the little ones that didn't live there anyway, we had time to play with toys. Joe got a wooden fire engine from Habitat, 'The Gruffalo's Child' and the 'Kipper Collection' from his 'Aunty' Clancy. I used to get books and wooden toys from some of my 'Auntys' as a little girl, so understand that affections can easily be bought, from children (as well as cats)!
Incidentally, as I was driving to buy Joe's presents this evening, something popped into my head about a boy's relationship with his Mum, so, yet again, please allow me to indulge...
Girls, a few dates in, it might be appropriate to ask your new 'squeeze' when he last spoke to his Mum...
I shall share two possible responses and a couple of recommended reactions:
RESPONSE ONE: "Oh, thank you for reminding me, I haven't called her to say I've arrived safely."
REACTION ONE: Let him move away to make the call and RUN, RUN, RUN for the hills!
RESPONSE TWO: "Oh that witch, she ruined my life. I've not spoken to her for years."
REACTION TWO: RUN, RUN, RUN for the hills!
Same can be said for brother/sister relationships too I fear!
Just my opinion again!
So, back to tonight..
Many many laughs and just what I really needed, when I needed it, tonight.
Thanks to the families Craddock and Pope for a wonderful evening. I could have stayed much much longer but Connie and Squeak were beckoning.
Love you loads guys, as always
Clancy xxxx
P.s thankfully these pics were taken before Jake felt the urge to dart by me to give a bike tyre to some departing guest, thus knocking my glass of red wine down my cheap, but still nice, cream jumper. Thanks Jakey Boy!
The Worksop Guardian pick up on the Worksop Film/Song Title Group - it's going to be in the paper!
Oh yes, be afraid people, be very afraid. The Walker Sisters are taking over the asylum!!!
Now, if this was a Mr Christian Spooner (another 'old' friend of mine, again in the length of time I've known him sense) then a bloody big thank you mate! Christian and I used to work together at the good old Worksop Guardian many years ago.
I know I'm only 31, but I've done a lot of jobs and started early - my Mum pimped and dragged me about places saying "But I know people who've started jobs at 15 because their National Insurance number was on its way". My first official job was at The Old Blue Bell in Worksop aged 16 (day after my birthday as I seem to recall), but I helped out a family friend with her business as office bunny from the age of about 12/13 I think! BIG work ethic in the family as you can probably tell!
I did a few placements at the Guardian (sounds so much better!) in editorial, but the summer between my first and second year at Uni saw me spending three months working in the advertising tele-sales department (can't share too much about this wondrous experience for pending copyright reasons I'm afraid!).
This is when I really got to know Christian. There were only two doors between the departments but it might as well have been the Red Sea - work nights out were the Moses really! Mostly boys in editorial, mostly girls in advertising - you start to get the picture!!!
Ssshhh Clancy, think of your material!
Anyway, it may just be an incredible coincidence, but as I DON'T BELIEVE IN COINCIDENCES, then I shall thank Mr Spooner again. If it's anyone else I apologise - let me know!
Mr Spooner and I became facebook friends recently so he could have been reading this blog (just not letting me know) - he went to work at Real Radio in Leeds a few years ago and is now News Editor at Century FM. Hello again Christian! It's nice to be back in touch.
GET TO THE POINT, you may cry!
My sister, as officer on said facebook group (above) had a request from the Worksop Guardian to join this morning. Jennie was incredibly inspired by last year's calendar and again by this one and has been harbouring a secret (or not with me) desire to do something similar with her hometown of The 'Sop. I have of course asked her permission to share this exciting news now.
Looks like her dreams might be coming true soon too!
She has spoken to the Worksop Guardian this afternoon and they want to do a feature - they are totally on board (they have a wonderfully cutting weekly column by a Mr AA Grundi. Mr Grundi (think about it) is not well-liked around the town as he often slags off things about it!
They have even suggested pulling together a choir to do a rendition of "Speedy Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band".
Good luck Jennie, Julia, John et al. My thoughts are with you - literally. I shall of course be stepping in as 'Big Sister' to share information on the pitfalls and peaks, and maybe Mrs Emma Bearman will too!
Whoo whoo!!!
Clancy xxxx
p.s. So you ARE still reading after all, my little cup of joy overfloweth gang! Thank you x
Radio Leeds interview link here! Listen with your eyes, listen with your eyes, and sing everything you see...
I blummin' love technology (most of the time). Here you go - follow the trail...
http://www.thearmleytouristboard.com/node/50#attachments
Also check out the news section - over £1200 raised in just over a week, blindin'. This is before it goes on sale at Pudsey Asdas (now Monday 19th), Impressions Gallery in Bradford and the Tiled Hall in Leeds.
Come on!
Clancy xxxx
I have the Radio Leeds interview as an mp3 if anyone wants a listen - I told you the power of coherent speech was eluding me
After nearly 20 hours away from my computer and a bit more away from this, it is returning though - phew.
If anyone read my posting just after the one about being on Radio Leeds on Tuesday you will be aware of my sleeping patterns, so please forgive my "Kitchens, chickens, kitchens, eggs" nonsense - it's not until right at the end though and Look North didn't think they wanted to feature the calendar until they heard this so it can't have been that bad I suppose!
Much sleep, rest and a bit of pampering later and I'm feeling much better placed to work, and go to a lovely little boy's first birthday party this afternoon/evening. If it's anything like my childhood parties - and yours I suspect - it will soon become about the grown-ups getting drunk, after cakes and candles of course! Hoorah!
There is an amusing picture of yours truly in a high chair hovering menacingly over her first (pink) birthday cake. My sweet tooth subsided somewhat and I moved on to cheese and tomatoes, but it was some years after that I stopped thinking that sweets were called 'one mores' - ask Fran if you don't believe me. I guess that's what glasses of wine, Magners, lager etc are called now...!
I also have some excellent news to report - SQUEAK IS BACK HOME! Again, hoorah! He was playful and friendly before, but I'm quite relieved to say his personality is even more amusing than before and he is now giving his big sister as good as he gets. I was a bit worried I'd got a wuss on my hands at one point. He is definitely the more adept climber, Connie has better ball-control skills. I might set her up with a little dribbling course at some point. Would it be wrong to do it round empty Corona bottles?!
Squeak seems to have responded well (it's not perfect, but a HUGE improvement) to his first acupuncture session at Aire Vets on Kirkstall Lane. Lovely place, but I'm a Durtnells customer for everything else. Very loyal I am.
Other new arrivals here recently included a 'Barcelona' cat climbing/scratching tower (has to be seen to be believed really), which I put together, so a bit has already fallen off. And, at live long last, my green recycling bin from dear old Leeds City Council.
After not getting one three years ago, I have been calling every couple of months to chase - apparently there was a shortage and not everyone was given one at first as they weren't sure every one would know what to do with it (whether this is true or not I don't know, but it's what I was told, several times - just in case any of my friends on the Comms Team are reading!).
I shall make no further comment other than to thank Leeds City Council for the fact that I no longer have to make monthly (weekly, daily) trips to the recycling depot and collect bottles, cans and papers around my home.
Any new things happen to you recently?
Oh well, Freda will be here soon and then I shall get many wonderful stories from her instead - we haven't seen each other for two weeks as I was out last Thursday so there's a lot to catch-up on.
I shall be working very hard too of course! I shall be living in a palace - albeit temporarily - again this evening
Just email me if you fancy a laugh and a listen - otherwise I think the interview will be up on www.thearmleytouristboard.com soon. I did try and put on here, but I don't have the technology to convert mp3s into mpegs, which are the files 'Blogger' accepts.
Clancy xxxx
p.s. nearly forgot, Look North, like my pending regular radio slot, I've been assured is a when, not an if, but something else came up yesterday. Might be at the the weekend or early next week. I shall, as ever, keep you posted!
Wednesday, 14 November 2007
Big up to Jennie Laura Walker - there's 'language' in this, just to warn you (it is quoted and used for humour, not to offend though!)
Just spotted your comment from yesterday Jen, thank you! I did of course know the 'Wallace & Gromit' story, which she was inspired to leave after my guilty, shameful confessions and the contact lens story, but had forgotten it.
Yes, if you fancy starting your day with hysterical laughter and tears - and not being able to breath - please visit the 'The perfect hostess?!' posting following last week's PRide Awards and check out her comment. She has inherited much more of my dear Dad's caustic wit than me, which is why she's won the most 'Christmas Comment' awards over the years. Hands down.
I shall explain:
"I got the tits, she got the height" - to an old school friend of mine in the Newcastle Arms on Christmas Eve, who said we didn't look much alike (I look like Dad, not a trace of Fran looks-wise, she has a bit of both. At 5ft 8 I'm the tallest person in my family bizarrely - even my dear Dad was just 5ft 7, so were several people on Mum's side - the rest are a bunch of short-arses really! Jennie has also relieved herself of any trace of her strawberry blondeness to much bleaching over the years too!)
"Fuck off, never mind Chekov" - an aside to our team during the many quizzes and games fun times we have at Fran's every Christmas day night (record for lunch stands at 18 I think, Mum? It's always a squeeze and juggling act, please don't be imagining a mansion, as lovely as it is). It was aimed at a young girl who is part of our gang and has been blessed with a private education thanks to her Dad being in the RAF. In the 'Who Am I?' game, Laura Walters - there is absolutely no point trying to hide who this is, is there?! - had chosen a character from 'The Importance of Being Earnest' which she had just starred in at school. We had drawn a blank, no-one was really on that wavelength by that time in the evening (usual suspects included people's pets, The Queen, Jeremy Clarkson - you get the gist), and she said "Oh, you people no nothing about plays."
One year it was however the dear, departed 'Uncle' Geoff Wilde (very close family friend and a former British Rail worker who was fiercely proud of it too - he worked at Worksop and was also one of many people I know whose Mother was driven a few miles down the road so that he could be born in Yorkshire, not that there's anything wrong with Nottinghamshire of course, far from it) who won.
It was with the perfectly timed, delivered, and staged "Merry Fucking Christmas Jen" - to alert my dear Mum to Jennie's use of foul-language in front of my Godmother who was giving us the usual 'pile into Pam's Taxi' lift home (someone always ends up spread across the back seat - I am grateful for my height that it's never me!) the night before (inadvertently). She was recounting the tale of the young chap she had been trying to 'play with' out in the Newcastle Arms on Christmas Eve, who was a little less than responsive shall we say. "Honestly, it was like getting blood out of a fucking stone".
There are many many more Christmas stories, too many for now. Bet you have some gems too - when you're ready please guys and gals! I love 'em all. What about 'I'm dreaming of a Worksop White Christmas' as a starting idea - come on those from back home...show this Leeds lot what you're made of!
Incidentally, until quite literally a couple years ago, my dear Mum was known for having only said the F word out loud once in her lifetime (she was pregnant with me at the time and it was directed at my 'Uncle' Geoff Battrum, Dad's best mate and partner in crime at the golf club, rugby club, pub club, you get the picture. Think Jim Royale in size, stature and opinions and you won't be far off. Touch more of Rolf Harris in there as well. Love him to bits though, but we've had our moments too!). I'm sure Fran would like to still claim that to be the case, but she'd be lying. Big time!
Jennie's prize consists of tickets to see Take That on 23rd December - watch out Gary, again - and tickets to see French & Saunders (now 3rd March, moved from 25th Feb, not sure if I got round to telling you this). You are completely off-the-hook from doing any work for me in return for these and can have a full Christmas present. Deal?
See, I did mean proper prizes!
Love ya Jen
Clancy xxxx
p.s. Neither of us have ever really got the concept of eyes OR lips when it comes to our make-up have we? We like blusher and bronzer too don't we?! This pic was also taken at last week's PRide Awards - before I snapped me new necklace!
Would you believe that someone once accused me of being a FEMINIST once. Shall I send them a link to this blog...?!
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Local pride...
Really quick one (I've copied and pasted much of this from facebook really) as I've just spotted my good friend Jake Craddock had made a posting on the facebook group 'Brighouselove'
"Brighouse is the best place to live in the world. There's a place called Hove Edge in it for frig's sake...which sounds like something women get downstairs, you know, to look 'neater'. Or in Hove Edge's case, maybe neat isn't the right word..."
"Jake Craddock wrote
at 3:50pm
Do any lads out there remember getting out of the swimming pool in the early 80's and shouting "KEYS" "KEYS RAYMOND" and this be-stubbled old dude would come and open your locker. Raymond was his name and opening your locker was his game. RAAAAAAAAAAYMOND!
The Prince of Wales was the pub of youth choice back in my day"
Not asked Jake's permission - but then he has made some slightly cutting (but bloody funny) remarks about some of my pictures on facebook from the album 'Judge all you like, I take pics of me with people off the telly' this week. Apparently Justin Colon make him shudder. I personally love them and can't wait to see them at the House Beautiful Awards in London next Thursday again...
I guess it's not about where you were born, grew up or even live now - you can have local pride in lots of different places. I certainly do.
My sister and her friends posted a while ago on another very entertaining facebook group called 'The Worksop Film/Song Title Group'. Officers of the group include Miss Julia Freeman 'Princess' and Miss Jennie Walker 'Queen of the World'...
"Worksop is so very versatile and can fit in to many a Film, Song, or Band Title.. 'Speedy Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band', 'Bridge over the River Ryton' and 'Charlie and the Sandwich Factory' to name a few...See if we can remember them all!!"
Yet again, I have NOTHING to do with this - I am the reporter/sharer, not the creator. Faves include...
Crouching Pikey, Hidden Druggie
Manton Rouge
Big Mr Straw's House
House of Flying Doggers (tribute to one of Clumber Park's main tourist attractions)
City of ASBOs
V for Vandalism
The 14 Year Old Virgin
James Bond: Licence to Kilton
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Ranbytraz
No-one Wears Prada
Around the Worksop in 80 minutes!
Assault on (Prospect)Precinct 13
Mystic River Ryton
(Smashed Up)Phone Booth
The Witches of Eastgate
Rock and Dole Star
You don't have to know much about my homeland to find these funny I hope, some of you may know a bit but I'm not about to start sharing my soapboxiness here - again, less is more...
Incidentally, I tried to run/walk 17 miles one Sunday last autumn round Worksop when preparing for the NYC Marathon. I'd got up to Worksop Golf Club (steady, getting DANGEROUSLY close to giving up where 'Smiling at Magpies' comes from) which used to seem like many more miles away when I was a little girl and got taken up there to be caddy for the day, for Christmas parties etc. It's actually approximately 4 or 5 miles (can't remember exactly but it's not much, maybe even three - I've slept since then) from my Mum's and I got a bit stuck from there on. The rest of my route included running into Shireoaks Village - and out again - to clock up some more mileage!
Reckon Armley is bigger - must investigate at some point!
Where do you have local pride about or in?
Clancy xxxx
Words a thousand tell pictures
Prize for the first to rearrange into a well-known cliché - it has to be posted here as a comment to quote. It's the best prize known to man...
If you get a second, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/20447812@N06/ for an overview of one of the more entertaining photo shoots I've been to in my PR life.
Just very very funny.
Feeling none too clever in myself and a bit exhausted now, so unfortunately cancelled plans to go to the Pavilion event at the Wardrobe. Sorry guys, not the best start to my role as board trustee, but I hope you understand. The term chocolate teapot springs to mind if I had come this evening - I'll be there with bells on to many other of the very very exciting events coming up as part of the 2007 Leeds International Film Festival. It's buzzin' here right now...as I will be again tomorrow now...!
"Intermix07
Film still from 'We all fade away', Nisha Duggal
City-wide screenings of artists' film
In association with Leeds International Film Festival, Pavilion is hosting a series of film screenings across the city of Leeds; drawing attention to incidental and staged happenings. Screenings will take place in bar and cafe spaces, shop windows and a public square.
This year we will also preview 'Frank', a short film written and directed by Lee Maloney and produced by Andy Watson. This film has been commissioned by Pavilion and supported by our Studio 12 programme.
Launch event & 'Frank' preview
Tuesday 13 November 2007, 6 pm - 8 pm
The Wardrobe Bar, 6 St Peters Square, Leeds
Film still from 'Frank'
Frank - Studio 12 film commission
The downfall of a northern loan shark - Kieslowski meets Ken Loach in a working mens' club. A film with community, fear and betrayal at its heart, this solid, insightful short unearths the destructive power of self delusion."
And much more besides.
Please look up and try and make it along to stuff - fingers crossed my involvement will be a bit greater next year...
Sofa is calling...
Clancy xxxx
If you get a second, please visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/20447812@N06/ for an overview of one of the more entertaining photo shoots I've been to in my PR life.
Just very very funny.
Feeling none too clever in myself and a bit exhausted now, so unfortunately cancelled plans to go to the Pavilion event at the Wardrobe. Sorry guys, not the best start to my role as board trustee, but I hope you understand. The term chocolate teapot springs to mind if I had come this evening - I'll be there with bells on to many other of the very very exciting events coming up as part of the 2007 Leeds International Film Festival. It's buzzin' here right now...as I will be again tomorrow now...!
"Intermix07
Film still from 'We all fade away', Nisha Duggal
City-wide screenings of artists' film
In association with Leeds International Film Festival, Pavilion is hosting a series of film screenings across the city of Leeds; drawing attention to incidental and staged happenings. Screenings will take place in bar and cafe spaces, shop windows and a public square.
This year we will also preview 'Frank', a short film written and directed by Lee Maloney and produced by Andy Watson. This film has been commissioned by Pavilion and supported by our Studio 12 programme.
Launch event & 'Frank' preview
Tuesday 13 November 2007, 6 pm - 8 pm
The Wardrobe Bar, 6 St Peters Square, Leeds
Film still from 'Frank'
Frank - Studio 12 film commission
The downfall of a northern loan shark - Kieslowski meets Ken Loach in a working mens' club. A film with community, fear and betrayal at its heart, this solid, insightful short unearths the destructive power of self delusion."
And much more besides.
Please look up and try and make it along to stuff - fingers crossed my involvement will be a bit greater next year...
Sofa is calling...
Clancy xxxx
Mrs Emma Bearman is too cheeky...
I don't actually think that it's possible really, but let me share if you aren't registered on thearmleytouristboard.com (if not, why not please?) site for emails, and yet again I quote:
"Spread the word! You can now buy the Charming Armley Cake Calendar online via Paypal.
That's right; take the strain out of Christmas this year and instead of buying goats or trees through Oxfam, reward your nearest and dearest with this year's must have present! What's more you will be contributing to the well being of the older people of Armley.
If you happen to be up and about tomorrow morning you can catch 2 very key contributors to the Calendar and the Kitchen Story - live on air BBC RADIO LEEDS from 7.45am
All proceeds go straight to Armley Helping Hands - registered charity 1076692"
I would therefore like to state for the record...
Last year I bought only six Christmas cards for my family and best mate Lou - everyone else - friends, acquaintances, colleagues and clients got an email letting them know that I personally had bought 1000 tree saplings to be planted in Africa and Vital had bought the same, and paid for a young woman in Romania to set up her own sewing business. It was through World Vision, not Oxfam!
Quite a few got last year's Armley calendar too - I'm not that tight or miserable.
Judge all you like (am course not angry, bitter or cross - it was hilarious Em - Laila and I laughed a lot), but I am a long way off creating a 'Rainbow family' or stealing African 'orphans'!!!
Or am I just a faux do-gooder who 'means well'?!
I'll leave you to decide...!
I do have to admit it was a move inspired by some material on the Ricky Gervais show and the actual genius that is Karl Pilkington. "What if they didn't want a goat?". Stephen Merchant's response was "Karl are you actually imagining some African family coming down to find a goat-shaped present under the Christmas tree?". I'm now about to burst...
Clancy xxxx
"Spread the word! You can now buy the Charming Armley Cake Calendar online via Paypal.
That's right; take the strain out of Christmas this year and instead of buying goats or trees through Oxfam, reward your nearest and dearest with this year's must have present! What's more you will be contributing to the well being of the older people of Armley.
If you happen to be up and about tomorrow morning you can catch 2 very key contributors to the Calendar and the Kitchen Story - live on air BBC RADIO LEEDS from 7.45am
All proceeds go straight to Armley Helping Hands - registered charity 1076692"
I would therefore like to state for the record...
Last year I bought only six Christmas cards for my family and best mate Lou - everyone else - friends, acquaintances, colleagues and clients got an email letting them know that I personally had bought 1000 tree saplings to be planted in Africa and Vital had bought the same, and paid for a young woman in Romania to set up her own sewing business. It was through World Vision, not Oxfam!
Quite a few got last year's Armley calendar too - I'm not that tight or miserable.
Judge all you like (am course not angry, bitter or cross - it was hilarious Em - Laila and I laughed a lot), but I am a long way off creating a 'Rainbow family' or stealing African 'orphans'!!!
Or am I just a faux do-gooder who 'means well'?!
I'll leave you to decide...!
I do have to admit it was a move inspired by some material on the Ricky Gervais show and the actual genius that is Karl Pilkington. "What if they didn't want a goat?". Stephen Merchant's response was "Karl are you actually imagining some African family coming down to find a goat-shaped present under the Christmas tree?". I'm now about to burst...
Clancy xxxx
Look North!
Oh, yes, we're gonna be on the telly.
It's just like I dreamed it.
I rarely break promises and I did promise Mrs Emma Bearman some telly this year...nothing is definite in this game as you well know, but possibly tomorrow. Eek!
I will be wearing some stuff from Laila's boutique (it's what her main vocation is, sorting out my shit is obviously her form of self-torture. I prefer bikini waxes and visiting Wedding Fairs when recently single). Who do I think I am eh?!
Visit www.mobarak.co.uk for more info - she has a boutique in Rawdon too. She serves wine to nice people and has a sofa for fellas to sit on.
She can tell you herself what Mobarak means when you meet her - she's of Swedish/Iranian breeding and grew up in Singapore, born in Iran, calls Stockholm her spiritual home. Lovely lovely girl.
I've been a BIG fan of Look North for many many years as has my dear Mum. Getting on it has been a bit of an ambition since I was about eight or nine and asked Harry Gration's autograph (the only bit of paper I had about my person was a chewing gum wrapper, unused of course - I have limits).
Lots of lovely thanks to everyone at the BBC in Leeds for their continuing support. We've sold a number (don't know so won't make it up) of calendars since our slot on Andrew & Georgey's show this morning. And we've been harrassing various folk - back doors, side doors and eventually front doors - for several weeks now. Patience no, persistance yes. Leah has to take the prize this time though. An email went along the lines of "Still no I'm afraid Leah, but you're very persuasive. Ever thought of getting a job in PR?". Well done lass!
Glad it was radio this morning - actually fell asleep about 5am, woke without an alarm or cat stirring at 7.01am, and was due to be picking up Casey at 7.10am to allow plenty of time to get there, park, carry in the Mike's Carpets Cake etc. We got there just fine and by the time we got into the studio I did have my make-up on. Don't know how we did it, but we did!
MJ is a lovely security guy who works there. He thought we were taking the piss when we said it was "Clancy and Casey to talk about the Mike's Carpets Cake and the Charming Armley Cake Calendar". Sometimes we wonder if it's all in our heads too MJ!
There's a fine line between reality and fantasy I fear...
Clancy xxxx
It's just like I dreamed it.
I rarely break promises and I did promise Mrs Emma Bearman some telly this year...nothing is definite in this game as you well know, but possibly tomorrow. Eek!
I will be wearing some stuff from Laila's boutique (it's what her main vocation is, sorting out my shit is obviously her form of self-torture. I prefer bikini waxes and visiting Wedding Fairs when recently single). Who do I think I am eh?!
Visit www.mobarak.co.uk for more info - she has a boutique in Rawdon too. She serves wine to nice people and has a sofa for fellas to sit on.
She can tell you herself what Mobarak means when you meet her - she's of Swedish/Iranian breeding and grew up in Singapore, born in Iran, calls Stockholm her spiritual home. Lovely lovely girl.
I've been a BIG fan of Look North for many many years as has my dear Mum. Getting on it has been a bit of an ambition since I was about eight or nine and asked Harry Gration's autograph (the only bit of paper I had about my person was a chewing gum wrapper, unused of course - I have limits).
Lots of lovely thanks to everyone at the BBC in Leeds for their continuing support. We've sold a number (don't know so won't make it up) of calendars since our slot on Andrew & Georgey's show this morning. And we've been harrassing various folk - back doors, side doors and eventually front doors - for several weeks now. Patience no, persistance yes. Leah has to take the prize this time though. An email went along the lines of "Still no I'm afraid Leah, but you're very persuasive. Ever thought of getting a job in PR?". Well done lass!
Glad it was radio this morning - actually fell asleep about 5am, woke without an alarm or cat stirring at 7.01am, and was due to be picking up Casey at 7.10am to allow plenty of time to get there, park, carry in the Mike's Carpets Cake etc. We got there just fine and by the time we got into the studio I did have my make-up on. Don't know how we did it, but we did!
MJ is a lovely security guy who works there. He thought we were taking the piss when we said it was "Clancy and Casey to talk about the Mike's Carpets Cake and the Charming Armley Cake Calendar". Sometimes we wonder if it's all in our heads too MJ!
There's a fine line between reality and fantasy I fear...
Clancy xxxx
Self-indulgence or pure gratitude?!
The 'thought for today' I arrived back into the office - albeit briefly (lovely Laila is now trying to make sense of the 'organised' chaos that has appeared since she last sorted out things last week) - was as follows...
Practice Gratitude
The intention and the action of gratitude is the inner symphony of the heart. It opens to sing with thanks for the smallest of things. To hear a bird sing, to see a child laugh, to receive a friend's affection - are all invitations to practise the attitude of gratitude. Gratitude is the kind of loving thanks which touches another's heart in a place where they will allow you to reside for a long time.
'bout sums it up in a nutshell really - much better than my long-winded 'pappiness' could anyway. Less is most definitely more sometimes. I am trying to learn this!
www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk if you're interested.
Andrew and Georgey did a lot of what many of you have done when seeing the calendar and 'The Kitchen Story' for the first time. Smiles all round.
We're hoping that they will be kind once more and send us a copy of the piece so if you have problems listening on the BBC website, it will soon be up on www.thearmleytouristboard.com (like the last piece is).
Thank you!
Clancy xxxx
Practice Gratitude
The intention and the action of gratitude is the inner symphony of the heart. It opens to sing with thanks for the smallest of things. To hear a bird sing, to see a child laugh, to receive a friend's affection - are all invitations to practise the attitude of gratitude. Gratitude is the kind of loving thanks which touches another's heart in a place where they will allow you to reside for a long time.
'bout sums it up in a nutshell really - much better than my long-winded 'pappiness' could anyway. Less is most definitely more sometimes. I am trying to learn this!
www.thoughtfortoday.org.uk if you're interested.
Andrew and Georgey did a lot of what many of you have done when seeing the calendar and 'The Kitchen Story' for the first time. Smiles all round.
We're hoping that they will be kind once more and send us a copy of the piece so if you have problems listening on the BBC website, it will soon be up on www.thearmleytouristboard.com (like the last piece is).
Thank you!
Clancy xxxx
Just a quickie...
I won't now be going to the new over 25s girl band auditions in Leeds, or Liverpool for that matter.
To quote Miss Casey Orr last Friday "I'd get in. And then where would that leave my photography career" - www.caseyorr.com (just stunning, esp the 'Maisy Mose' ones. Maisy is Casey and Boff's daughter. She likes my pink pumps (and most things girly and shiny) and says "Ahem" instead of "Excuse me" or "Oi", just gorgeous) - I have one of the 1m sq prints from her recent 'On Water' exhibition on the canal tow path at Armley Mills Musuem arriving soon.
An Amish guy at an antiques fair in Maryland.
I went to a very similar thing - could well be the same, not sure - when I was 18. My friend's Father was an antique dealer who went back to the States. We rode in a truck for several hours - from Wilton, CT - and also went to a place nearby to pick up old wood from a pulled-down wreck of a barn. Me and my friend then had to sit amongst the wood on the way home. It was then dropped off at his workshop where his 'Mexicans' would get to work making it into furniture to be sold to Americans with a great deal more money than sense as 'antiques'. Peter Paul & Mary were friends of theirs, Meg Ryan lived on the same 'street' (never saw her though). The wife of the guy who started CD One Stop was also spotted floating around the garden of their huge house, dressed only in purple. She only ever dressed in one colour at a time.
Anyway, now Casey, Cathie, Jennie and I are busy on Friday I think it's only fair we give the other girls a chance don't you?!
I still have my last birthday present from the 'Six and the City' girlies to use - cutting my own track in a recording studio (I cried when I opened it) - and have been thinking...
Casey, Cathie, Clancy and Jennie...
The CCCJs
We don't need a competition do we...?!
I'll keep you posted - as always ;)
REALLY signing off now
Clancy xxxx
To quote Miss Casey Orr last Friday "I'd get in. And then where would that leave my photography career" - www.caseyorr.com (just stunning, esp the 'Maisy Mose' ones. Maisy is Casey and Boff's daughter. She likes my pink pumps (and most things girly and shiny) and says "Ahem" instead of "Excuse me" or "Oi", just gorgeous) - I have one of the 1m sq prints from her recent 'On Water' exhibition on the canal tow path at Armley Mills Musuem arriving soon.
An Amish guy at an antiques fair in Maryland.
I went to a very similar thing - could well be the same, not sure - when I was 18. My friend's Father was an antique dealer who went back to the States. We rode in a truck for several hours - from Wilton, CT - and also went to a place nearby to pick up old wood from a pulled-down wreck of a barn. Me and my friend then had to sit amongst the wood on the way home. It was then dropped off at his workshop where his 'Mexicans' would get to work making it into furniture to be sold to Americans with a great deal more money than sense as 'antiques'. Peter Paul & Mary were friends of theirs, Meg Ryan lived on the same 'street' (never saw her though). The wife of the guy who started CD One Stop was also spotted floating around the garden of their huge house, dressed only in purple. She only ever dressed in one colour at a time.
Anyway, now Casey, Cathie, Jennie and I are busy on Friday I think it's only fair we give the other girls a chance don't you?!
I still have my last birthday present from the 'Six and the City' girlies to use - cutting my own track in a recording studio (I cried when I opened it) - and have been thinking...
Casey, Cathie, Clancy and Jennie...
The CCCJs
We don't need a competition do we...?!
I'll keep you posted - as always ;)
REALLY signing off now
Clancy xxxx
Seeing (and listening) is believing...(free offer - read on please!)
For those who note the time of posting and get concerned that I am fibbing about the fact that I am sleeping well again, please believe me that I am getting an average of six to seven hours a day now, which suits me just fine and dandy.
I am just operating on the time zone of some far away place or distant planet that has many sunrises and sunsets. I grab a few hours here and there - several times a day/evening. It's working though.
Connie seems to be on the same plane too, and have just had to move the grey fluff ball-shaped angel from the office, before her and her ball-playing fun disrupt the piles of carefully date organised papers on the floor. Organised chaos? Hope you can relate. Freda certainly can!
Not being quite six months old yet, she has yet to learn some valuable life lessons - not least the 'don't bite the hand that feeds you' one. It's more of a nibble than a bite though - sometimes a paw, pad or gentle scratch and it doesn't hurt. It's not always my hand either - nose, chin, fingers, toes - she doesn't discriminate. I don't need an alarm clock at the moment that's for sure!
She is obviously missing her little brother terribly isn't she - though of course I don't tell him that when I visit him at Durtnells. He is not pining too much either, he has made a lot of friends and I think they will be sorry to see him go tomorrow/Wednesday - but I doubt his little presents will be missed too much!
Anyway, now I have finally got my arse in gear and spent a few moments figuring out new cables etc, I have created an online photo album, so that hopefully you will start to see that I need no imagination for writing this stuff - or my scripts. Thanks to my lovely friends, family and people I meet, I just have to listen, watch and put virtual pen to virtual paper. Or take the pics and/or videos (You Tube is next).
Please find at http://www.flickr.com/photos/20447812@N06/ - am sure there is a way of getting a more memorable URL but can't be bothered to sort that out just yet.
So, to the listening. The Clancy & Casey slot is making a welcome return (for us at least) on Radio Leeds tomorrow. Find out more at www.bbc.co.uk/leeds - you can listen again until Wednesday morning at 6am. We're on at 7.50am, in case you didn't read yesterday's (what, you mean you don't have a spare four hours a day to read my idle mind meanderings...?!)
Back to the seeing...
Spent a very enjoyable few hours at Bodyline in Leeds (it's opposite the 'all you can eat' No1 Chinese Buffet, which tickles me enormously!). Thanks to my very good friend Sonia Hough for coming along (she ran the NYC marathon in just under two hours faster than yours truly last year - she's pretty nippy!). Me, Leah, Sally (owner), Linda (nurse and model for the night) and the wonderful Dr Anna were there too.
Sally has a policy of NEVER offering anything to her clients that she hasn't tried herself - and she looks pretty damn good on it too. She will also be back on the joy that is 'the market' soon, so I'll keep you boys posted about that one too! My pleasure Sally!
Some of you may remember my mention of a wondrous thing called mesotherapy (vitamins, minerals, natural acids injected into your skin - anywhere, not just ass and face). It is even more wondrous when combined with dermal fillers - not the bovine scary stuff either. Did you know there are no regulations on this stuff and there are literally 10s of different fillers and botox (Chinatox, Anytox) around? Would you think to ask? Bodyline uses only the stuff with safety data attached and Sally has scoured the country looking for the right person to deliver this - across her three clinics in Crosby (Liverpool), Stockport and now Leeds.
She's found her in the delightful Dr Anna (pic on flickr - she's married though, sorry!). Wonderfully Polish with a French dermatologist Mum, her English is better than most, probably mine included at the moment (the power of coherent speech is eluding me on a regular basis at the moment).
Radio Leeds may well be worth a listen tomorrow, though, like at the calendar launch I may have to do notes for a change again. Otherwise I will probably forget to mention something really important! Thank God Benedict Phillips won't be around to threaten to steal them this time. He's such a gem and a very good friend! Artists, don't you just love 'em - www.thebenedict.net - his 'Fake ID' birthday party on the 1st may well be a good evening I think!
Anway, I won't bang on about Anna's background, suffice to say it's top notch.
The most exciting part for you guys is that Sally needs a demo model for a training session on December 4th in Leeds - during the day, the time escapes me at the moment.
THIS IS AN OFFER TO HAVE IN THE REGION OF £400 WORTH OF SAFE AND EFFECTIVE NON-INVASIVE COSMETIC TREATMENTS ON YOUR VISAGE GUYS. Offers like this don't grow on trees!
Having seen the immediate results on lovely Nurse Linda this evening (and seen how Emla cream stops the pain of the needles)I can highly recommend. It has to be on your face and you have to be someone that will get some results that you can talk about - no photos in the paper of you though, that's just for shame-free zones like me. Without being too indelicate perhaps my friends in their twenties need not apply...!
Of course, you could also wait until after Friday when I've had my first session to learn more if you're still a bit unsure. I love Dr Anna even more given she has said that it will only take four - not eight - sessions to get me back in lap/pole-dancing shape (the kind I had before I discovered fags, booze and pizza). Things are never as bad as you see in the mirror really are they?
Incidentally, Sally told us a story of a famous party she held at her fab property in Glossop a little while ago - I keep suggesting me going over for tea, not just meetings, I think I need to be a bit more direct - where she had two poles (now she just has one in Dr Anna - sorry, couldn't give that one away!) installed for the evening. Two lovely girls were the entertainment (not too scantily-clad, Sally's a classy, stylish girl after all) and many of the men became incredible bores as they firmly rooted themselves to the floor in full view, not wanting to join in with any conversations in case they lost their place!
In a bar in Shoreditch - the name escapes me at the moment again - there is a wonderful sign on the back of the toilet door in the ladies. "Please excuse our mirror, we are having some work done and it should be back to normal soon. P.s. You look fabulous by the way!" Love it!
I also love 'I'm a Celebrity' and haven't quite managed to watch it all yet - doubt I will now, I nodded off for a few hours earlier whilst watching on V+. I have yet to pick a favourite, but reckon it's one of the better line-ups!
Many of you will relate to being in groups with clashing Alpha Females and some will even have personal experience of me in work-related groups (since Uni really) and thanking their lucky stars that me and my fellow Alphas have seen eye-to-eye, on the important stuff at least. They know who they are and it may be a longish list but for those who don't...in no particular date order...Lou 'Tonko' Tonkinson, Liza Hoeksma, Julia Mulligan, Erica Deeman, Emma Bearman (and all the Angels), Kate Craddock (nee Pope), Rachel Chapman, Karen 'Krazy' Heras-Kelly. Love you all girlies - a lot!
Also love love loving Ant & Dec again (I spotted the talents of a Mr Declan Donnelly years ago, even though he's way too 'wee' for me really, in the delight that was Byker Grove as one half of PJ & Duncan). Laugh out loud stuff again for me, was it for you? The 'talking to Malcolm Maclaren through the hotel door' skit was just pure quality I think. I have my opinions about his behaviours but as I hope there are a few anarchists amongst those of you reading (not least Boff from the Chumbas!) I shall keep those to myself for a change!
Incidentally, again, I once met the lovely 'Spuggy' from Byker Grove in River Island in Sunderland on one of my many pilgrimages to Macam-land. It was at the time she was on the telly too, so a few years ago. Lovely, friendly girl I seem to recall. Champion!
So, seeing is believing for me. Hope it is for you - and you bloody well listen to the radio tomorrow morning! Please.
VERY exciting meeting re 'The train now departing...' tomorrow too. Hope I will have some news about that very soon. It's my short film and had a different title before. Yet again, eventually, second opinions are welcomed and I do admit when I'm wrong. Albeit through gritted teeth!
Night night for now
Clancy xxxx
I am just operating on the time zone of some far away place or distant planet that has many sunrises and sunsets. I grab a few hours here and there - several times a day/evening. It's working though.
Connie seems to be on the same plane too, and have just had to move the grey fluff ball-shaped angel from the office, before her and her ball-playing fun disrupt the piles of carefully date organised papers on the floor. Organised chaos? Hope you can relate. Freda certainly can!
Not being quite six months old yet, she has yet to learn some valuable life lessons - not least the 'don't bite the hand that feeds you' one. It's more of a nibble than a bite though - sometimes a paw, pad or gentle scratch and it doesn't hurt. It's not always my hand either - nose, chin, fingers, toes - she doesn't discriminate. I don't need an alarm clock at the moment that's for sure!
She is obviously missing her little brother terribly isn't she - though of course I don't tell him that when I visit him at Durtnells. He is not pining too much either, he has made a lot of friends and I think they will be sorry to see him go tomorrow/Wednesday - but I doubt his little presents will be missed too much!
Anyway, now I have finally got my arse in gear and spent a few moments figuring out new cables etc, I have created an online photo album, so that hopefully you will start to see that I need no imagination for writing this stuff - or my scripts. Thanks to my lovely friends, family and people I meet, I just have to listen, watch and put virtual pen to virtual paper. Or take the pics and/or videos (You Tube is next).
Please find at http://www.flickr.com/photos/20447812@N06/ - am sure there is a way of getting a more memorable URL but can't be bothered to sort that out just yet.
So, to the listening. The Clancy & Casey slot is making a welcome return (for us at least) on Radio Leeds tomorrow. Find out more at www.bbc.co.uk/leeds - you can listen again until Wednesday morning at 6am. We're on at 7.50am, in case you didn't read yesterday's (what, you mean you don't have a spare four hours a day to read my idle mind meanderings...?!)
Back to the seeing...
Spent a very enjoyable few hours at Bodyline in Leeds (it's opposite the 'all you can eat' No1 Chinese Buffet, which tickles me enormously!). Thanks to my very good friend Sonia Hough for coming along (she ran the NYC marathon in just under two hours faster than yours truly last year - she's pretty nippy!). Me, Leah, Sally (owner), Linda (nurse and model for the night) and the wonderful Dr Anna were there too.
Sally has a policy of NEVER offering anything to her clients that she hasn't tried herself - and she looks pretty damn good on it too. She will also be back on the joy that is 'the market' soon, so I'll keep you boys posted about that one too! My pleasure Sally!
Some of you may remember my mention of a wondrous thing called mesotherapy (vitamins, minerals, natural acids injected into your skin - anywhere, not just ass and face). It is even more wondrous when combined with dermal fillers - not the bovine scary stuff either. Did you know there are no regulations on this stuff and there are literally 10s of different fillers and botox (Chinatox, Anytox) around? Would you think to ask? Bodyline uses only the stuff with safety data attached and Sally has scoured the country looking for the right person to deliver this - across her three clinics in Crosby (Liverpool), Stockport and now Leeds.
She's found her in the delightful Dr Anna (pic on flickr - she's married though, sorry!). Wonderfully Polish with a French dermatologist Mum, her English is better than most, probably mine included at the moment (the power of coherent speech is eluding me on a regular basis at the moment).
Radio Leeds may well be worth a listen tomorrow, though, like at the calendar launch I may have to do notes for a change again. Otherwise I will probably forget to mention something really important! Thank God Benedict Phillips won't be around to threaten to steal them this time. He's such a gem and a very good friend! Artists, don't you just love 'em - www.thebenedict.net - his 'Fake ID' birthday party on the 1st may well be a good evening I think!
Anway, I won't bang on about Anna's background, suffice to say it's top notch.
The most exciting part for you guys is that Sally needs a demo model for a training session on December 4th in Leeds - during the day, the time escapes me at the moment.
THIS IS AN OFFER TO HAVE IN THE REGION OF £400 WORTH OF SAFE AND EFFECTIVE NON-INVASIVE COSMETIC TREATMENTS ON YOUR VISAGE GUYS. Offers like this don't grow on trees!
Having seen the immediate results on lovely Nurse Linda this evening (and seen how Emla cream stops the pain of the needles)I can highly recommend. It has to be on your face and you have to be someone that will get some results that you can talk about - no photos in the paper of you though, that's just for shame-free zones like me. Without being too indelicate perhaps my friends in their twenties need not apply...!
Of course, you could also wait until after Friday when I've had my first session to learn more if you're still a bit unsure. I love Dr Anna even more given she has said that it will only take four - not eight - sessions to get me back in lap/pole-dancing shape (the kind I had before I discovered fags, booze and pizza). Things are never as bad as you see in the mirror really are they?
Incidentally, Sally told us a story of a famous party she held at her fab property in Glossop a little while ago - I keep suggesting me going over for tea, not just meetings, I think I need to be a bit more direct - where she had two poles (now she just has one in Dr Anna - sorry, couldn't give that one away!) installed for the evening. Two lovely girls were the entertainment (not too scantily-clad, Sally's a classy, stylish girl after all) and many of the men became incredible bores as they firmly rooted themselves to the floor in full view, not wanting to join in with any conversations in case they lost their place!
In a bar in Shoreditch - the name escapes me at the moment again - there is a wonderful sign on the back of the toilet door in the ladies. "Please excuse our mirror, we are having some work done and it should be back to normal soon. P.s. You look fabulous by the way!" Love it!
I also love 'I'm a Celebrity' and haven't quite managed to watch it all yet - doubt I will now, I nodded off for a few hours earlier whilst watching on V+. I have yet to pick a favourite, but reckon it's one of the better line-ups!
Many of you will relate to being in groups with clashing Alpha Females and some will even have personal experience of me in work-related groups (since Uni really) and thanking their lucky stars that me and my fellow Alphas have seen eye-to-eye, on the important stuff at least. They know who they are and it may be a longish list but for those who don't...in no particular date order...Lou 'Tonko' Tonkinson, Liza Hoeksma, Julia Mulligan, Erica Deeman, Emma Bearman (and all the Angels), Kate Craddock (nee Pope), Rachel Chapman, Karen 'Krazy' Heras-Kelly. Love you all girlies - a lot!
Also love love loving Ant & Dec again (I spotted the talents of a Mr Declan Donnelly years ago, even though he's way too 'wee' for me really, in the delight that was Byker Grove as one half of PJ & Duncan). Laugh out loud stuff again for me, was it for you? The 'talking to Malcolm Maclaren through the hotel door' skit was just pure quality I think. I have my opinions about his behaviours but as I hope there are a few anarchists amongst those of you reading (not least Boff from the Chumbas!) I shall keep those to myself for a change!
Incidentally, again, I once met the lovely 'Spuggy' from Byker Grove in River Island in Sunderland on one of my many pilgrimages to Macam-land. It was at the time she was on the telly too, so a few years ago. Lovely, friendly girl I seem to recall. Champion!
So, seeing is believing for me. Hope it is for you - and you bloody well listen to the radio tomorrow morning! Please.
VERY exciting meeting re 'The train now departing...' tomorrow too. Hope I will have some news about that very soon. It's my short film and had a different title before. Yet again, eventually, second opinions are welcomed and I do admit when I'm wrong. Albeit through gritted teeth!
Night night for now
Clancy xxxx
Monday, 12 November 2007
Shu ling Wang...
That's Clancy Walker in Mandarin apparently!
Before you get too concerned, I was inspired to double-check that my birth year was in fact the Year of the Dragon (it is - 1976), after a meeting with the wonderful Glen and Danny at my client Network Securities. Glen said he didn't know his, he guessed at Year of the Slug. I hope you begin to get the idea that I love my work - the PR stuff too. Fun is possible most of the time, though there is a time for seriousness too - very occasionally.
Tomorrow will see us at Headingley Stadium for a photoshoot with Glen, Danny and a couple of the guys from Leeds Rugby Limited.
It didn't take long to look this up - go to www.mandarintools.com - if you fancy checking yours.
Of course, it's just a bit of fun (I have my limits to my beliefs too of course) but you do put in your gender (good job given Clancy is a bloke's name really), your date of birth and you get options as to what area you would like your name search to focus on. I went for character. They do say you can get different options each time so it's just a database driven thing really, but still fun!
Anyway, Shu means 'art' and ling means 'spirit, soul, spiritual world'. Lovely!
Just fancied sharing quickly - you know where I am if you fancy the same...
Clancy xxxx
p.s. I hope you understand I'm hoping to get a column of some description somewhere. I couldn't do anything superficial or even 'Sex and the City'-style as I have to be true to me - and you lovely lot too - so I hope I've not made anyone wince with my compulsive honesty disorder recently. I'm just being me really, but by no means giving it all up in a few posts, and I do keep an awful lot to myself. I find you get to know more about folk if they know they can trust you with their secrets, which I never ever share.
Before you get too concerned, I was inspired to double-check that my birth year was in fact the Year of the Dragon (it is - 1976), after a meeting with the wonderful Glen and Danny at my client Network Securities. Glen said he didn't know his, he guessed at Year of the Slug. I hope you begin to get the idea that I love my work - the PR stuff too. Fun is possible most of the time, though there is a time for seriousness too - very occasionally.
Tomorrow will see us at Headingley Stadium for a photoshoot with Glen, Danny and a couple of the guys from Leeds Rugby Limited.
It didn't take long to look this up - go to www.mandarintools.com - if you fancy checking yours.
Of course, it's just a bit of fun (I have my limits to my beliefs too of course) but you do put in your gender (good job given Clancy is a bloke's name really), your date of birth and you get options as to what area you would like your name search to focus on. I went for character. They do say you can get different options each time so it's just a database driven thing really, but still fun!
Anyway, Shu means 'art' and ling means 'spirit, soul, spiritual world'. Lovely!
Just fancied sharing quickly - you know where I am if you fancy the same...
Clancy xxxx
p.s. I hope you understand I'm hoping to get a column of some description somewhere. I couldn't do anything superficial or even 'Sex and the City'-style as I have to be true to me - and you lovely lot too - so I hope I've not made anyone wince with my compulsive honesty disorder recently. I'm just being me really, but by no means giving it all up in a few posts, and I do keep an awful lot to myself. I find you get to know more about folk if they know they can trust you with their secrets, which I never ever share.
Bring in the old and new...
One of the joys of working from one's home is that working from bed on a Monday morning is possible, thanks to wireless router and cordless phone.
There's some good stuff on 'This Morning' too today. Love Philip and Fern, would like to invite them round to Clancy's Cantina one day, or go out on the lash somewhere - anywhere really!
Fern has just mentioned that once when she was not very happy, she got in her car and drove to the supermarket to do the weekly family shop. She actually drove straight past the supermarket and went and bought a new car. She did say it cheered her up though.
Simon Cowell's Mum - Julie Cowell - also shared a story that when she found out she had breast cancer, she went straight to Selfridge's and bought a new coat she'd had her eye on. She knew if she had that coat she could beat the cancer. Which she - and lots of modern and traditional medicine - did.
So, that's what this is about really. Taking full advantage of the good 'old as the hills' stuff (or older in some cases) and embracing the good stuff from the new. You do need to be a bit more selective with the new things though I find - and I refer back to yesterday's posting about BlackBerries and TomToms, that's just my opinion though I know.
Squeak is still improving and I have a lovely voicemail message from Mr Michel Joseph, the Frenchman (he doesn't work Saturday's which is why I saw Mr Durtnell), saying some things about the improvements that I don't want to inflict on you, but also saying he will probably be OK to come home tomorrow. His accent is incredibly thick, Squeak is 'Squik' - lovely!
That's fine, even if he's still not 100%, as I have now booked him in for a consultation at the Aire Vets Practice in Headingley - just a short drive from Armley (LS12 is twice as good as LS6 though! Can't take credit for that one I'm afraid, I am quoting again). This is a consultation for acupuncture though, am not switching loyalties.
Acupuncture is great - and not scary or painful otherwise I wouldn't have it - and has sorted out many a thing for me over the years. Including back pain and shin splints.
I have one last essential purchase to make - a DAB radio with record facility. Am at Radio Leeds (yes, the welcome return of 'The Clancy & Casey' slot to talk about the calendar launch) tomorrow AM (7.50am tuning in time again please, they like something light just before the 8am news) and then have another chat about the pending 'Out and About' slot. I had suggested 'Lass About Leeds' as a name, but it has to be WY-wide and am not keen on 'Woman About West Yorkshire' - any ideas greatly appreciated please.
'This Morning' also included a preview of 'I'm a Celebrity' - judge all you like, I'll be tuning in (or V+ing most likely), Curtis Stigers, Sinead O'Connor and the lovely Debbie getting a makeover after having lost weight. Debbie used to be a 20 stone welder, can't remember what his name was, but that doesn't matter. She's Debbie now.
Jack Dee was also on. I met the wonderful Mr Dee whilst at the civil wedding celebration of good mates Stuart and Sarah - and the naming ceremony of their gorgeous twins - about five/six years ago. Stuart and Sarah live in Canada now. I'm still a bit gutted I couldn't go to their leaving do.
Anyway, Jack wasn't a guest, he had been doing a gig in Halifax and had come back to his hotel to relax and chill out. Poor bloke didn't stand a chance really. Sarah was as bad - if not slightly worse - than me and asked him to sign the twins' book (everyone else had written messages). He was obviously mortified and said "Are you sure? I don't know you." But she insisted so he obliged. It's definitely a story they'll appreciate in a few years I think!
Ooh, 'Loose Women' is about to start, catch you later...Lesley Garrett & Anton Du Bec, Coleen Nolan's wedding update and Diarmuid Gavin. I am very busy and important today of course, but as am at a Bodyline event tonight it's a long'un so am just pacing myself really!
Clancy xxxx
There's some good stuff on 'This Morning' too today. Love Philip and Fern, would like to invite them round to Clancy's Cantina one day, or go out on the lash somewhere - anywhere really!
Fern has just mentioned that once when she was not very happy, she got in her car and drove to the supermarket to do the weekly family shop. She actually drove straight past the supermarket and went and bought a new car. She did say it cheered her up though.
Simon Cowell's Mum - Julie Cowell - also shared a story that when she found out she had breast cancer, she went straight to Selfridge's and bought a new coat she'd had her eye on. She knew if she had that coat she could beat the cancer. Which she - and lots of modern and traditional medicine - did.
So, that's what this is about really. Taking full advantage of the good 'old as the hills' stuff (or older in some cases) and embracing the good stuff from the new. You do need to be a bit more selective with the new things though I find - and I refer back to yesterday's posting about BlackBerries and TomToms, that's just my opinion though I know.
Squeak is still improving and I have a lovely voicemail message from Mr Michel Joseph, the Frenchman (he doesn't work Saturday's which is why I saw Mr Durtnell), saying some things about the improvements that I don't want to inflict on you, but also saying he will probably be OK to come home tomorrow. His accent is incredibly thick, Squeak is 'Squik' - lovely!
That's fine, even if he's still not 100%, as I have now booked him in for a consultation at the Aire Vets Practice in Headingley - just a short drive from Armley (LS12 is twice as good as LS6 though! Can't take credit for that one I'm afraid, I am quoting again). This is a consultation for acupuncture though, am not switching loyalties.
Acupuncture is great - and not scary or painful otherwise I wouldn't have it - and has sorted out many a thing for me over the years. Including back pain and shin splints.
I have one last essential purchase to make - a DAB radio with record facility. Am at Radio Leeds (yes, the welcome return of 'The Clancy & Casey' slot to talk about the calendar launch) tomorrow AM (7.50am tuning in time again please, they like something light just before the 8am news) and then have another chat about the pending 'Out and About' slot. I had suggested 'Lass About Leeds' as a name, but it has to be WY-wide and am not keen on 'Woman About West Yorkshire' - any ideas greatly appreciated please.
'This Morning' also included a preview of 'I'm a Celebrity' - judge all you like, I'll be tuning in (or V+ing most likely), Curtis Stigers, Sinead O'Connor and the lovely Debbie getting a makeover after having lost weight. Debbie used to be a 20 stone welder, can't remember what his name was, but that doesn't matter. She's Debbie now.
Jack Dee was also on. I met the wonderful Mr Dee whilst at the civil wedding celebration of good mates Stuart and Sarah - and the naming ceremony of their gorgeous twins - about five/six years ago. Stuart and Sarah live in Canada now. I'm still a bit gutted I couldn't go to their leaving do.
Anyway, Jack wasn't a guest, he had been doing a gig in Halifax and had come back to his hotel to relax and chill out. Poor bloke didn't stand a chance really. Sarah was as bad - if not slightly worse - than me and asked him to sign the twins' book (everyone else had written messages). He was obviously mortified and said "Are you sure? I don't know you." But she insisted so he obliged. It's definitely a story they'll appreciate in a few years I think!
Ooh, 'Loose Women' is about to start, catch you later...Lesley Garrett & Anton Du Bec, Coleen Nolan's wedding update and Diarmuid Gavin. I am very busy and important today of course, but as am at a Bodyline event tonight it's a long'un so am just pacing myself really!
Clancy xxxx
Typos R US?!
I could try and figure out how to the edit this thing, but telling you of my mistakes is funnier I find.
Deep-friend mushrooms?!!!
Freudian slips R US too I fear!
Must go now - busy Monday ahead again, and poor Connie is kipping on my island unit, on top of my fully-cast signed copy of the Brief Encounter programme from last night. It's the first time I've ever got the whole ensemble to sign a programme - though I frequently (always) manage to find a way of talking to the cast after a production in the West Yorkshire Playhouse bar.
Favourite signings include:
"We've still got a few minutes" Clancy. Love Tris X - Tristan Sturrock (Dr Alec Harvey)
To Clancy. Wishing you many happy encounters... - Naomi Frederick (Laura Jesson)
Clancy - glad u likey. - Tamzin Griffin (Myrtle)
To Clancy, lovely to meet you! Love Amanda Lawrence - Amanda Lawrence (Beryl)
To Clancy, great to meet you + delightful we didn't wreck your favourite film...! Love Pete - Peter Judge (Actor & Musician)
Really pleased we touched you, it touches us every night. Lots of love Alex Vann - Alex Vann (Actor & Musician)
There, bit of that off my chest too. Also have photos with them all too. Very very talented bunch of people.
Incidentally, Mr Barry Day shared an answer yesterday. That answer was "Love". The question was one posed to Noel Coward many years ago (obviously) when asked the question, "Mr Coward, if you could sum up your life in one word, what would that word be?".
Without getting terribly gushy or 'Love Actually' about it. It is the answer.
I need say no more for now, other than I am SO SO SO very excited about the forthcoming West End debut of Brief Encounter. I was so very wrong when I said the West End would ruin it to a friend. "Won't work on a Pros Arch" - who the hell do I think I am - sense-check time Miss Walker, this is Kneehigh we're dealing with here. Willing to be corrected again. They have some very very exiciting plans for the debut at The Haymarket in early Feb - before me birthday bash. Yes Tris, I will keep it a secret, for now. I will see you - and many others I'm sure - there.
Anyway, I have my accounts to do and I don't know to what you are referring (promise I don't do that in the performance, I keep my gob firmly shut or open-wide silently gasping. I do cry, laugh and whoop alot too though, sorry for those sat around us last night. Fran and Jennie are just as bad though.)
Clancy xxxx
Deep-friend mushrooms?!!!
Freudian slips R US too I fear!
Must go now - busy Monday ahead again, and poor Connie is kipping on my island unit, on top of my fully-cast signed copy of the Brief Encounter programme from last night. It's the first time I've ever got the whole ensemble to sign a programme - though I frequently (always) manage to find a way of talking to the cast after a production in the West Yorkshire Playhouse bar.
Favourite signings include:
"We've still got a few minutes" Clancy. Love Tris X - Tristan Sturrock (Dr Alec Harvey)
To Clancy. Wishing you many happy encounters... - Naomi Frederick (Laura Jesson)
Clancy - glad u likey. - Tamzin Griffin (Myrtle)
To Clancy, lovely to meet you! Love Amanda Lawrence - Amanda Lawrence (Beryl)
To Clancy, great to meet you + delightful we didn't wreck your favourite film...! Love Pete - Peter Judge (Actor & Musician)
Really pleased we touched you, it touches us every night. Lots of love Alex Vann - Alex Vann (Actor & Musician)
There, bit of that off my chest too. Also have photos with them all too. Very very talented bunch of people.
Incidentally, Mr Barry Day shared an answer yesterday. That answer was "Love". The question was one posed to Noel Coward many years ago (obviously) when asked the question, "Mr Coward, if you could sum up your life in one word, what would that word be?".
Without getting terribly gushy or 'Love Actually' about it. It is the answer.
I need say no more for now, other than I am SO SO SO very excited about the forthcoming West End debut of Brief Encounter. I was so very wrong when I said the West End would ruin it to a friend. "Won't work on a Pros Arch" - who the hell do I think I am - sense-check time Miss Walker, this is Kneehigh we're dealing with here. Willing to be corrected again. They have some very very exiciting plans for the debut at The Haymarket in early Feb - before me birthday bash. Yes Tris, I will keep it a secret, for now. I will see you - and many others I'm sure - there.
Anyway, I have my accounts to do and I don't know to what you are referring (promise I don't do that in the performance, I keep my gob firmly shut or open-wide silently gasping. I do cry, laugh and whoop alot too though, sorry for those sat around us last night. Fran and Jennie are just as bad though.)
Clancy xxxx
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Plans, they are for changing...
As you may know Sunday evenings usually find me at my meditation group. That's how I stay sane, in a nutshell!
Changing plans, second (third, fourth etc) opinions, changing minds, blurting out stuff (from my gob, via text and email) without really thinking about it first then apologising, admitting when wrong. Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep and yep. All of the above.
So, my afternoon involved a delightful drive down to my homeland of North Nottinghamshire, via South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire on the wonder that is the M1 motorway. It was really a rather pleasant drive in the Smarty Car (aka Vital Vehicle - midnight blue and silver, reg plate V4 VTL, gizza a wave or honk if you see me tootling around please - our PR biz is called Vital Communications for those who might not know). Smarts aren't for the faint-hearted either, things can get a little hairy on windy days, so wits all about you are most definitely required. However, they are also ace on fuel, low emissions, and surprising people by burning them off at traffic lights or roundabouts. They have the equivalent of a 1.6 engine in the casing of something the size of a large shoebox, so thrust isn't a problem. G-force sometimes is though!
Thankfully there weren't too many middle lane huggers around today either. My dear Mum is one so I can't have a go, and I do understand with most it's a nerves thing. My Aunty Patricia won't drive on the motorway - never has - and many people try and persuade her otherwise. I for one am very thankful that she doesn't and wish more people could have her honesty. There are definitely some lunatics out there. I don't drive when stressed, upset or angry. That's what cabs, trains and feet are for. Don't quite do buses though, not any more!
I'm going to have to take a short break, as my friend David Moore is just about to arrive for a much needed Sunday evening catch-up. Back soon.
OK back now.
David means 'beloved' if you're interested. Moore needs no explanation I fear - read yesterday's David if you're intrigued! He has promised to be the first person to post a comment, we shall see. I am offering prizes for the first, funniest and most poignant. Come on guys, you're a talented funny bunch, you must have something to share too!
So about David Moore, and he won't mind me saying any of this, cos I've asked his permission again. David Moore is interesting, good-looking (in a Marti Pellow-esque sense). He's single, a successful recruitment consultant and former journalist. He thinks he wasn't good enough to make it further. I said only he thought that. He might be re-thinking. He's into creativity, spirituality, culture, has his own recently-purchased new swanky flat. He's 37.
Would you like to form an orderly queue girls?! He's my friend - was an aquaintance, but we've bonded over going through some frighteningly similar situations recently - and that's more important. Defo.
He's nearly ready to go back on the joy that is 'the market' - send me an email if you're interested. I'd make a fantastic and ever-so-slightly romantic pimp I think you'll agree!
I also owe him for 40 fags, but then I did give him some lovely Chablis and a couple of nice, but belated birthday gifts, so I reckon we might be quits love!
So, anyway, back to earlier...
It was at the 'The Hostess' in Sookholme, just through Mansfield Woodhouse. I drove through and past many delightfully-named places - allow me to indulge myself for a short while if you will..
Miles of Smiles - Car Showroom
Wok Wonder - needs no explanation
Glapham - village
The Star - pub
Little Cherubs - nursery
Sure Start centre - which my dear Mum has been instrumental in getting off the ground on her turf
Royal Catch - chippy
I could go on, much much more, but I think you get the picture.
Incidentally there are few pieces of new technology that I don't own. One is a blackberry. I need a break sometimes. And so do you. The other is a TomTom. I prefer directions from The AA, maps, road atlases, my sense of direction (which I've got from Fran), and a sense of adventure. It does mean I'm frequently late, lost and in places I didn't intend to be in. But that only serves to make life more interesting I find.
I also love to follow signs - road ones this time - they are there for a reason and people get paid an awful lot of money for putting them there. Sometimes they are a bit rubbish, but generally they do a job of work. Not sure about the fairly recently additions to our motorway network. The ones that tell you how many miles and minutes it will take to get to a certain junction. Freaky biscuits. How do they know how fast I'm going?! Big Brother gone bonkers or people being too clever for their own good?
I drive a Smarty Car which tops out at 85 mph, it's to do with the length apparently. Isn't everything? Sorry, couldn't resist!
I did once, however, get my girly racer red Corsa - Ruby Tuesday (she was red and I got her on a Tuesday) - up to 127mph on a fantastically straight and flat stretch of the A1 just past Harrogate, but that's another story for another day. And it was before the days of our speed camera culture too.
Gosh, I don't half digress...
So, dear Fran's 'retirement' (she does still work part-time for North Nottinghamshire College as a Community Consultant, as well as being on various other committees - too many to mention now, she, like the rest of you, deserves her own individual posting) saw another key highlight this afternoon/early evening...
The bash was actually the eighth anniversary charter event for The Rotary Club of Worksop Dukeries, a club which my dear Mum is President of this year. Can you start to see why my fundamental need to 'get involved' comes from?!
The lovely chap who gave one of the many - funny - speeches referred to my Mum (as did everyone else who spoke publicly) as President Fran. Sometimes President Fan, when he fluffed his lines. This chap incidentally is know for wheeling out the same joke about an accountant and a shepherd at every gig he does, so my Mum presented him with a book 'A Man Walks Into A Bar...' - she had carefully researched and it only had two accountant jokes in it! Class.
So, me and Jennie, very childishly, got the giggles EVERY time 'President Fran' was quoted and thanked. You will be known as that for quite a while now Mum!
We had a lovely dinner - I arrived late and had to order very promptly on arrival. Choosing food is never a problem. Garlic deep-friend mushrooms, roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding (with horseradish that clears your nasal passages of course), and a cheese platter instead of a pud. It's a good way of making friends too I find - let them have their sweet fix, eat a bit of cheese, then pass it round!
Jen, as usual, got starter-envy and we shared a bit - she had a mushroom (they were big), I had a bit of her smoked salmon roulade. 'The Hostess' is fab and very well-priced to boot. Please drop in if you're ever out that way.
So, to my table-sharers...
David Fish has to take the prize for most entertaining. Jewish (I think I was in a former life, Oi Va Voi is a fave Jewish rock ensemble - KT Tunstall used to be their support act and I had a lovely chat with her a few years ago at Band on the Wall in Manchester. I also have a signed copy of 'Throw Me A Rope' "Dear Clancy, now you can play it all the time, love KT" X. Delightful. Big fan of La Tunstall - saw her at Leeds Uni a couple of weeks ago, she's still got it going on of course. Her chart stuff is fab, but you only get to see her true talent when you see her layering her own backing track by hitting her guitar, 'who-hooing' and clapping and clicking into a four-way. Then singing over it.
David Fish was to my left - he runs a few businesses and is a 'fingers in pies' person much like me. Jennie was to my right, and quite frequently made me nearly choke on my food! Through laughing of course. There were five other delights, but now is neither the time nor the place...
For anyone who thinks that Rotarians are just a bunch of faux do-gooders and sticky beaks (which I will freely admit I thought before) please allow me to share their values and 'sense-checks' before they get involved with anything...
"Of the things we think, say and do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned"
The use of CAPS is theirs this time, not mine.
Couldn't put it better myself really. I grew up with dear Fran as a member of the Soroptimists, which she was also President of at one point - think when I was about 10. It's not about being a pointless do-gooder or 'meaning well'. If you are in a position to help others, that's just what you do.
My dear Dad was much the same...
I remember him once coming home in a bit of a tizz and asking for help. One his football stars (Dad was big into English, History, Geography, Maths and PE - which was his last posting as Head of Boys PE at a school in a disadvantaged area of Chesterfield) hadn't been at school for a few days, so Bob called round one day on his way home to check everything was OK. The young lad didn't come down to the door but answered from an opened upstairs window "I'm fine Mr Walker, I just don't have any shoes to wear so can't come out at the moment. Mum should be getting some money next week though."
Dad needed our help to pull out clothes from his wardrobe and for us to check if we'd seen him wear them for work. If he had then he couldn't give them to the lad, because people might remember.
My dear Dad was also known for his legendary assemblies. One he told us of involved two skulls, I think they were Shakespeare's but am willing to be corrected. He stood up to an enthralled gathering as he showed them Shakepeare's skull as a young boy. He then got out Shakepeare's skull as an adult. Some kids got it straight away, others took a bit of clicking. How is your young boy's/girl's skull. Do you have it in a closet somewhere?!
Mr David Fish will be at my birthday bash. We are very similar but my dear Mum needn't worry. As lovely as he is and as into older chaps as I am, 61 slightly pushes my boundaries. Sorry David, hope you understand and aren't offended. Hope you will still come on February 16th too. You are delightful and someone I would like to consider as a friend. We both love cheese too!
So, speeches aside, the rest of the bash involved some stunning performances. I had intended to leave by 6pm to get back for meditation, but I soon realised that some of the acts I had seen before at 'Bassetlaw Showtime' which dear Fran organised last year. A cabaret evening - with local school kids as the stars. I just couldn't leave.
Robin Woodhead, who is the headteacher at the Priory School, reminds me a lot of Peter Faulkner - my fave teach of all time. He wears crazy waistcoats, plays many instruments and teaches recorder, but now to pop backing tracks. Though the girls did do a mean rendition of 'Amazing Grace' and 'Over the Sea to Skye' which were two of my faves in recorder club at school.
They also now do 'Reach for the Stars' by S-Club - quality stuff.
Bella Tennant, Harriet Rawson, Thomas Keogh, Natasha Austin and Liam Waterhouse were the names of our entertainers this evening. The latter three being at the Worksop Post-16 Centre (which before they ripped down the old stuff and built the new - which was long overdue, it couldn't be rescued I'm afraid - was known as Valley Sixth Form, where yours truly went).
Big respek to the post-16 crew. I stopped all creativity and culture for about five years - from the age of 13 to about 18, when I just couldn't stop myself again really. Before that - from the age of two (my parents asked special permission for me to go to Sunday School a bit earlier than most as I was a precocious brat too gobby for her own good and they needed a morning off) I was BIG into Sunday School (loved the stories and drawing), Brownies, Guides, piano lessons etc. Piano lessons then gave way - at about nine or ten - to Saturday Art School, Saturday Drama School - and then of course boys. I did really try with piano lessons but it was never my gift - unlike the rest of my family, yes all of 'em - and they didn't have clay, paint, theatre trips or other boys and girls at piano lessons. Katherine Chapman was a fab, and very patient, teacher though and I still do a mean 'Swans & Ducks' when prompted! I got to Grade One at practice and Grade Six at theory. My examiner at Grade One practice was called Ivor Keys. I absolutely swear this is Gospel. You can't make this stuff up!
I was in the chorus for 'Joseph' in my first year at Valley School - but then boys, fitting in and eventually fags and booze became much more of an attraction. I have learned my lesson now of course. The whole lot can be combined - as long as you regularly meditate, chill out and sleep. Which I'm doing again thankfully. This blog is fab therapy too. If anyone is reading it's a nice bonus really!
Got back into it all aged 18 when cast as first Patty Simcox in Grease then, thanks to Charlotte Smith (also a curly ginge) dropping out as her choir was touring Japan, as Frenchy. I dipped in and out for years after, but not so fussed about acting any more...!
So, the other peformances of tonight included:
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
A Whole New World - much better job than Peter Andre and Katie 'Jordan' Price/Andre (have a few IDs myself so not knocking)
Any Dream Will Do
Close Every Door To Me
Search for the Hero (recorders only)
And, drum roll..Miss Bella Tennant singing 'Castle on a Cloud' dressed as Cosette from Les Mis.
I blubbed, as did Jen, as did Fran when Robin said "that's a small thank you from the young people of Worksop for all that you do Fran".
I bet none of those kids were told "but you can't sing Clancy" when he heard that I'd asked my Mum to take me and my friend Alison Carlton to audition for the Mini Pops in Manchester. You couldn't get away with the Mini Pops these days could you?!
Please don't feel sorry for me - I was about nine or 10 when this happened and it obviously didn't stop me. Just slowed me down for a while. Bob Walker was not a bad Dad or person. He just really struggled to let his humour and writing talents shine without a drink inside him. He battled with his demons for many years and passed on aged 56 when I was 18 (nearly 19) and Jen was just 12 - the same age he was when he lost his father.
He just didn't want me to embarass myself is all. But he's taught me many a valuable lesson. Including helping me to realise that embarassment, like success and happiness, is an inside job.
Of course I like a drink with the best of you - and quite frequently do - but I don't NEED to. Like my dear Fran. I just enjoy it is all.
I'm not doing it for the sympathy, I just hope you can see I'm writing all this down to clear some head space, but more importantly to share and show you that there are many people who understand that life can seem very very hard sometimes; You've all got your own precious important stories and I know that. Mine aren't any worse or better than anyone else's.
I maintain I would love to know some of yours though. One sign I have noticed really and recently is all the stories I'm getting to hear about others' journeys means I have to write other people's as scripts first, before I write my own.
Another quick incidental, the Worksop Priory (which has Mr Woodhead's wonderful Priory School attached) is where Jennie Laura Walker was christened and where my dear Dad's funeral was held. Both days were packed to the rafters.
Sympathy no. Empathy and compassion yes.
Go on, you know you want to!
Clancy xxxx
Changing plans, second (third, fourth etc) opinions, changing minds, blurting out stuff (from my gob, via text and email) without really thinking about it first then apologising, admitting when wrong. Yep, yep, yep, yep, yep and yep. All of the above.
So, my afternoon involved a delightful drive down to my homeland of North Nottinghamshire, via South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire on the wonder that is the M1 motorway. It was really a rather pleasant drive in the Smarty Car (aka Vital Vehicle - midnight blue and silver, reg plate V4 VTL, gizza a wave or honk if you see me tootling around please - our PR biz is called Vital Communications for those who might not know). Smarts aren't for the faint-hearted either, things can get a little hairy on windy days, so wits all about you are most definitely required. However, they are also ace on fuel, low emissions, and surprising people by burning them off at traffic lights or roundabouts. They have the equivalent of a 1.6 engine in the casing of something the size of a large shoebox, so thrust isn't a problem. G-force sometimes is though!
Thankfully there weren't too many middle lane huggers around today either. My dear Mum is one so I can't have a go, and I do understand with most it's a nerves thing. My Aunty Patricia won't drive on the motorway - never has - and many people try and persuade her otherwise. I for one am very thankful that she doesn't and wish more people could have her honesty. There are definitely some lunatics out there. I don't drive when stressed, upset or angry. That's what cabs, trains and feet are for. Don't quite do buses though, not any more!
I'm going to have to take a short break, as my friend David Moore is just about to arrive for a much needed Sunday evening catch-up. Back soon.
OK back now.
David means 'beloved' if you're interested. Moore needs no explanation I fear - read yesterday's David if you're intrigued! He has promised to be the first person to post a comment, we shall see. I am offering prizes for the first, funniest and most poignant. Come on guys, you're a talented funny bunch, you must have something to share too!
So about David Moore, and he won't mind me saying any of this, cos I've asked his permission again. David Moore is interesting, good-looking (in a Marti Pellow-esque sense). He's single, a successful recruitment consultant and former journalist. He thinks he wasn't good enough to make it further. I said only he thought that. He might be re-thinking. He's into creativity, spirituality, culture, has his own recently-purchased new swanky flat. He's 37.
Would you like to form an orderly queue girls?! He's my friend - was an aquaintance, but we've bonded over going through some frighteningly similar situations recently - and that's more important. Defo.
He's nearly ready to go back on the joy that is 'the market' - send me an email if you're interested. I'd make a fantastic and ever-so-slightly romantic pimp I think you'll agree!
I also owe him for 40 fags, but then I did give him some lovely Chablis and a couple of nice, but belated birthday gifts, so I reckon we might be quits love!
So, anyway, back to earlier...
It was at the 'The Hostess' in Sookholme, just through Mansfield Woodhouse. I drove through and past many delightfully-named places - allow me to indulge myself for a short while if you will..
Miles of Smiles - Car Showroom
Wok Wonder - needs no explanation
Glapham - village
The Star - pub
Little Cherubs - nursery
Sure Start centre - which my dear Mum has been instrumental in getting off the ground on her turf
Royal Catch - chippy
I could go on, much much more, but I think you get the picture.
Incidentally there are few pieces of new technology that I don't own. One is a blackberry. I need a break sometimes. And so do you. The other is a TomTom. I prefer directions from The AA, maps, road atlases, my sense of direction (which I've got from Fran), and a sense of adventure. It does mean I'm frequently late, lost and in places I didn't intend to be in. But that only serves to make life more interesting I find.
I also love to follow signs - road ones this time - they are there for a reason and people get paid an awful lot of money for putting them there. Sometimes they are a bit rubbish, but generally they do a job of work. Not sure about the fairly recently additions to our motorway network. The ones that tell you how many miles and minutes it will take to get to a certain junction. Freaky biscuits. How do they know how fast I'm going?! Big Brother gone bonkers or people being too clever for their own good?
I drive a Smarty Car which tops out at 85 mph, it's to do with the length apparently. Isn't everything? Sorry, couldn't resist!
I did once, however, get my girly racer red Corsa - Ruby Tuesday (she was red and I got her on a Tuesday) - up to 127mph on a fantastically straight and flat stretch of the A1 just past Harrogate, but that's another story for another day. And it was before the days of our speed camera culture too.
Gosh, I don't half digress...
So, dear Fran's 'retirement' (she does still work part-time for North Nottinghamshire College as a Community Consultant, as well as being on various other committees - too many to mention now, she, like the rest of you, deserves her own individual posting) saw another key highlight this afternoon/early evening...
The bash was actually the eighth anniversary charter event for The Rotary Club of Worksop Dukeries, a club which my dear Mum is President of this year. Can you start to see why my fundamental need to 'get involved' comes from?!
The lovely chap who gave one of the many - funny - speeches referred to my Mum (as did everyone else who spoke publicly) as President Fran. Sometimes President Fan, when he fluffed his lines. This chap incidentally is know for wheeling out the same joke about an accountant and a shepherd at every gig he does, so my Mum presented him with a book 'A Man Walks Into A Bar...' - she had carefully researched and it only had two accountant jokes in it! Class.
So, me and Jennie, very childishly, got the giggles EVERY time 'President Fran' was quoted and thanked. You will be known as that for quite a while now Mum!
We had a lovely dinner - I arrived late and had to order very promptly on arrival. Choosing food is never a problem. Garlic deep-friend mushrooms, roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding (with horseradish that clears your nasal passages of course), and a cheese platter instead of a pud. It's a good way of making friends too I find - let them have their sweet fix, eat a bit of cheese, then pass it round!
Jen, as usual, got starter-envy and we shared a bit - she had a mushroom (they were big), I had a bit of her smoked salmon roulade. 'The Hostess' is fab and very well-priced to boot. Please drop in if you're ever out that way.
So, to my table-sharers...
David Fish has to take the prize for most entertaining. Jewish (I think I was in a former life, Oi Va Voi is a fave Jewish rock ensemble - KT Tunstall used to be their support act and I had a lovely chat with her a few years ago at Band on the Wall in Manchester. I also have a signed copy of 'Throw Me A Rope' "Dear Clancy, now you can play it all the time, love KT" X. Delightful. Big fan of La Tunstall - saw her at Leeds Uni a couple of weeks ago, she's still got it going on of course. Her chart stuff is fab, but you only get to see her true talent when you see her layering her own backing track by hitting her guitar, 'who-hooing' and clapping and clicking into a four-way. Then singing over it.
David Fish was to my left - he runs a few businesses and is a 'fingers in pies' person much like me. Jennie was to my right, and quite frequently made me nearly choke on my food! Through laughing of course. There were five other delights, but now is neither the time nor the place...
For anyone who thinks that Rotarians are just a bunch of faux do-gooders and sticky beaks (which I will freely admit I thought before) please allow me to share their values and 'sense-checks' before they get involved with anything...
"Of the things we think, say and do:
Is it the TRUTH?
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned"
The use of CAPS is theirs this time, not mine.
Couldn't put it better myself really. I grew up with dear Fran as a member of the Soroptimists, which she was also President of at one point - think when I was about 10. It's not about being a pointless do-gooder or 'meaning well'. If you are in a position to help others, that's just what you do.
My dear Dad was much the same...
I remember him once coming home in a bit of a tizz and asking for help. One his football stars (Dad was big into English, History, Geography, Maths and PE - which was his last posting as Head of Boys PE at a school in a disadvantaged area of Chesterfield) hadn't been at school for a few days, so Bob called round one day on his way home to check everything was OK. The young lad didn't come down to the door but answered from an opened upstairs window "I'm fine Mr Walker, I just don't have any shoes to wear so can't come out at the moment. Mum should be getting some money next week though."
Dad needed our help to pull out clothes from his wardrobe and for us to check if we'd seen him wear them for work. If he had then he couldn't give them to the lad, because people might remember.
My dear Dad was also known for his legendary assemblies. One he told us of involved two skulls, I think they were Shakespeare's but am willing to be corrected. He stood up to an enthralled gathering as he showed them Shakepeare's skull as a young boy. He then got out Shakepeare's skull as an adult. Some kids got it straight away, others took a bit of clicking. How is your young boy's/girl's skull. Do you have it in a closet somewhere?!
Mr David Fish will be at my birthday bash. We are very similar but my dear Mum needn't worry. As lovely as he is and as into older chaps as I am, 61 slightly pushes my boundaries. Sorry David, hope you understand and aren't offended. Hope you will still come on February 16th too. You are delightful and someone I would like to consider as a friend. We both love cheese too!
So, speeches aside, the rest of the bash involved some stunning performances. I had intended to leave by 6pm to get back for meditation, but I soon realised that some of the acts I had seen before at 'Bassetlaw Showtime' which dear Fran organised last year. A cabaret evening - with local school kids as the stars. I just couldn't leave.
Robin Woodhead, who is the headteacher at the Priory School, reminds me a lot of Peter Faulkner - my fave teach of all time. He wears crazy waistcoats, plays many instruments and teaches recorder, but now to pop backing tracks. Though the girls did do a mean rendition of 'Amazing Grace' and 'Over the Sea to Skye' which were two of my faves in recorder club at school.
They also now do 'Reach for the Stars' by S-Club - quality stuff.
Bella Tennant, Harriet Rawson, Thomas Keogh, Natasha Austin and Liam Waterhouse were the names of our entertainers this evening. The latter three being at the Worksop Post-16 Centre (which before they ripped down the old stuff and built the new - which was long overdue, it couldn't be rescued I'm afraid - was known as Valley Sixth Form, where yours truly went).
Big respek to the post-16 crew. I stopped all creativity and culture for about five years - from the age of 13 to about 18, when I just couldn't stop myself again really. Before that - from the age of two (my parents asked special permission for me to go to Sunday School a bit earlier than most as I was a precocious brat too gobby for her own good and they needed a morning off) I was BIG into Sunday School (loved the stories and drawing), Brownies, Guides, piano lessons etc. Piano lessons then gave way - at about nine or ten - to Saturday Art School, Saturday Drama School - and then of course boys. I did really try with piano lessons but it was never my gift - unlike the rest of my family, yes all of 'em - and they didn't have clay, paint, theatre trips or other boys and girls at piano lessons. Katherine Chapman was a fab, and very patient, teacher though and I still do a mean 'Swans & Ducks' when prompted! I got to Grade One at practice and Grade Six at theory. My examiner at Grade One practice was called Ivor Keys. I absolutely swear this is Gospel. You can't make this stuff up!
I was in the chorus for 'Joseph' in my first year at Valley School - but then boys, fitting in and eventually fags and booze became much more of an attraction. I have learned my lesson now of course. The whole lot can be combined - as long as you regularly meditate, chill out and sleep. Which I'm doing again thankfully. This blog is fab therapy too. If anyone is reading it's a nice bonus really!
Got back into it all aged 18 when cast as first Patty Simcox in Grease then, thanks to Charlotte Smith (also a curly ginge) dropping out as her choir was touring Japan, as Frenchy. I dipped in and out for years after, but not so fussed about acting any more...!
So, the other peformances of tonight included:
Can You Feel The Love Tonight
A Whole New World - much better job than Peter Andre and Katie 'Jordan' Price/Andre (have a few IDs myself so not knocking)
Any Dream Will Do
Close Every Door To Me
Search for the Hero (recorders only)
And, drum roll..Miss Bella Tennant singing 'Castle on a Cloud' dressed as Cosette from Les Mis.
I blubbed, as did Jen, as did Fran when Robin said "that's a small thank you from the young people of Worksop for all that you do Fran".
I bet none of those kids were told "but you can't sing Clancy" when he heard that I'd asked my Mum to take me and my friend Alison Carlton to audition for the Mini Pops in Manchester. You couldn't get away with the Mini Pops these days could you?!
Please don't feel sorry for me - I was about nine or 10 when this happened and it obviously didn't stop me. Just slowed me down for a while. Bob Walker was not a bad Dad or person. He just really struggled to let his humour and writing talents shine without a drink inside him. He battled with his demons for many years and passed on aged 56 when I was 18 (nearly 19) and Jen was just 12 - the same age he was when he lost his father.
He just didn't want me to embarass myself is all. But he's taught me many a valuable lesson. Including helping me to realise that embarassment, like success and happiness, is an inside job.
Of course I like a drink with the best of you - and quite frequently do - but I don't NEED to. Like my dear Fran. I just enjoy it is all.
I'm not doing it for the sympathy, I just hope you can see I'm writing all this down to clear some head space, but more importantly to share and show you that there are many people who understand that life can seem very very hard sometimes; You've all got your own precious important stories and I know that. Mine aren't any worse or better than anyone else's.
I maintain I would love to know some of yours though. One sign I have noticed really and recently is all the stories I'm getting to hear about others' journeys means I have to write other people's as scripts first, before I write my own.
Another quick incidental, the Worksop Priory (which has Mr Woodhead's wonderful Priory School attached) is where Jennie Laura Walker was christened and where my dear Dad's funeral was held. Both days were packed to the rafters.
Sympathy no. Empathy and compassion yes.
Go on, you know you want to!
Clancy xxxx
Crumbs Chiefs...
Goodness me guys. What a few hours - if you're still reading you deserve medals.
Nipped out to Woodlands with the newsletters. They will go down quite well I think. Was invited to have a look around the wedding fair, which for those of you who know about my recent change in circumstances you may think this to be some form of self-torture.
However, a waxing session sorted out that craving a few weeks ago, so this was nothing in comparison.
Yet again, not what I expected, lots of lovely smiling girls, not a bridezilla in sight and some very very interesting stands. Met a lovely girl called Susie, who I will be speaking to in advance of the February 16th birthday bash (again, pop in your diaries please). Some very very interesting ideas for catering. I'm crap at keeping surprises so no doubt you will find out before...but not just yet! I know, I'm a terrible tease.
So, I then called it at Currys at J27 (another favourite shopping Mecca) to get print cartridges, and walked out (well it will be arriving in a week) with a new telly. Gosh.
It is stunning and had been coveted the same model at Costco yesterday, but had tried to resist until after Christmas. Currys had slashed their price to significantly less, so it was a sign that I just had to follow.
The salesman was Vinnie, it was his first day and hour on the job. Vinnie is studying at Huddersfield Uni and is a semi-professional musician - drummer and percussionist. He has my card has he told me his girlfriend has found a website where you can rent designer handbags for an evening. Reckon I need that, instead of purchasing everything in sight.
I do hope you forgive me and what must seem like reckless spending. As my very very good and wise friend Tricia Clark - www.flyinghighcoaching.co.uk - said, I am actually attracting abundance, not debt.
Try it, gently does it though - am not encouraging debt of course, bad thing that. But I do encourage self-gifting and pampering and that doesn't have to cost a fortune. How much is a nice bath with some lavender oil in it, and a couple of candles?
You can also try attracting a parking space too - start small. Just ask, believe and receive. Take a deep breath, imagine yourself driving in to one. It works. Sometimes you might have to drive around once or twice, but it works. Believe me. Again www.thesecret.tv if you're intrigued.
One last thing before I get me glad rags on. Anyone know what it is about cats and paper? Why do they like sitting on it?
Squeak is improving at Durtnells - Mr Durtnell has nicknamed him 'Happy Shitty Kitty' and I can testify to the same as I visited him yesterday afternoon - I took a ball too, as the nurse said he was just wanting to play. He's free from FVL which brought about tears of relief and now on mega dose Metronidazole (anti-biotics). Failing that Mr Durtnell suggested a cork!
He could also be lactose-intolerant, which I'm slightly embarrassed to admit I am too. Tried to give it up, but the lack of cheese in my life made me so miserable and forced me to find other complementary supplements to help and can enjoy dairy again. Dairy free cheese is what evil must taste like - and it has about seven different, but increasingly repulsive, after-tastes. Wrong. Just wrong. It did make me discover soya milk though, which I actually prefer in coffee. Not in tea though. Yuck.
So, me and Connie have a lot in common too. Love of paper, pens, computers (oh yes, she's tried to assist with my writing quite frequently), tuna, things that are pink or purple. Her favourite toy is the 'Vibro-Mouse'. I shall say no more and leave you a punchline to knock in.
Lots of laughs
Clancy xxxx
Nipped out to Woodlands with the newsletters. They will go down quite well I think. Was invited to have a look around the wedding fair, which for those of you who know about my recent change in circumstances you may think this to be some form of self-torture.
However, a waxing session sorted out that craving a few weeks ago, so this was nothing in comparison.
Yet again, not what I expected, lots of lovely smiling girls, not a bridezilla in sight and some very very interesting stands. Met a lovely girl called Susie, who I will be speaking to in advance of the February 16th birthday bash (again, pop in your diaries please). Some very very interesting ideas for catering. I'm crap at keeping surprises so no doubt you will find out before...but not just yet! I know, I'm a terrible tease.
So, I then called it at Currys at J27 (another favourite shopping Mecca) to get print cartridges, and walked out (well it will be arriving in a week) with a new telly. Gosh.
It is stunning and had been coveted the same model at Costco yesterday, but had tried to resist until after Christmas. Currys had slashed their price to significantly less, so it was a sign that I just had to follow.
The salesman was Vinnie, it was his first day and hour on the job. Vinnie is studying at Huddersfield Uni and is a semi-professional musician - drummer and percussionist. He has my card has he told me his girlfriend has found a website where you can rent designer handbags for an evening. Reckon I need that, instead of purchasing everything in sight.
I do hope you forgive me and what must seem like reckless spending. As my very very good and wise friend Tricia Clark - www.flyinghighcoaching.co.uk - said, I am actually attracting abundance, not debt.
Try it, gently does it though - am not encouraging debt of course, bad thing that. But I do encourage self-gifting and pampering and that doesn't have to cost a fortune. How much is a nice bath with some lavender oil in it, and a couple of candles?
You can also try attracting a parking space too - start small. Just ask, believe and receive. Take a deep breath, imagine yourself driving in to one. It works. Sometimes you might have to drive around once or twice, but it works. Believe me. Again www.thesecret.tv if you're intrigued.
One last thing before I get me glad rags on. Anyone know what it is about cats and paper? Why do they like sitting on it?
Squeak is improving at Durtnells - Mr Durtnell has nicknamed him 'Happy Shitty Kitty' and I can testify to the same as I visited him yesterday afternoon - I took a ball too, as the nurse said he was just wanting to play. He's free from FVL which brought about tears of relief and now on mega dose Metronidazole (anti-biotics). Failing that Mr Durtnell suggested a cork!
He could also be lactose-intolerant, which I'm slightly embarrassed to admit I am too. Tried to give it up, but the lack of cheese in my life made me so miserable and forced me to find other complementary supplements to help and can enjoy dairy again. Dairy free cheese is what evil must taste like - and it has about seven different, but increasingly repulsive, after-tastes. Wrong. Just wrong. It did make me discover soya milk though, which I actually prefer in coffee. Not in tea though. Yuck.
So, me and Connie have a lot in common too. Love of paper, pens, computers (oh yes, she's tried to assist with my writing quite frequently), tuna, things that are pink or purple. Her favourite toy is the 'Vibro-Mouse'. I shall say no more and leave you a punchline to knock in.
Lots of laughs
Clancy xxxx
Can't believe I put an 'e' in Tracy Jesson's name - again
I loathe it when people put one in my name - and certain people from down south pronounce it 'Clarncy' - so really should know better by now!
Sorry Tracy - T R A C Y - it's not hard is it?
So, not wishing to be rude to anyone a bit posh or Southern. It's Clancy, as in Nancy, Fancy, Chancy etc.
I'll get off me soapbox for a bit now!
I do, when possible, gently point it out to people these days. Some take it on the chin, others think they are still right.
If you're tempted to start looking up the names of those nearest and dearest to you, my favourite site is www.behindthename.com - as well as origins and meanings it also reminds you of famous people who share the name.
Go on, I dare you!
Clancy xxxx
Sorry Tracy - T R A C Y - it's not hard is it?
So, not wishing to be rude to anyone a bit posh or Southern. It's Clancy, as in Nancy, Fancy, Chancy etc.
I'll get off me soapbox for a bit now!
I do, when possible, gently point it out to people these days. Some take it on the chin, others think they are still right.
If you're tempted to start looking up the names of those nearest and dearest to you, my favourite site is www.behindthename.com - as well as origins and meanings it also reminds you of famous people who share the name.
Go on, I dare you!
Clancy xxxx
Lest we forget...if we do it's all there in our names to remind us...
Sorry for the obvious choice of title on this Remembrance Sunday, but it just had to be done really. I hope you forgive me.
I also hope you forgive what is likely to be a VERY long post - if you make it all the way through then I shall buy you something pretty and/or alcoholic as a thank you. There's just a lot that's happened since yesterday evening is all.
So, my guests at Clancy's Cantina included:
Frances Walker (nee Wood) - aka Mum
Jennie Laura Walker - aka my favourite little sister (I'm her favourite big sister too - there's just the two of us siblings)
Patricia Storer (previously Jesson, nee Walker) - my Aunty, Dad's sister
Jonathan "Jonks" Jesson - aka Cuz (my very talented and only cousin is an Ad Agency Director by day, and is delightfully playing in a band again, they did Skeggy Butlins last week - in full 70s get-up. In one of his former bands 'Hooton 3 Car' - named after a train in Liverpool I believe, which is where they did their music degree a 'few' years ago - he took part in a number of sessions on John Peel's show, and, when the NME released the contents of Mr Peel's record box a little while after he left his body, many of us were thrilled, delighted and touched to learn that Hooton 3 Car's EP was in there.
Class, well done Jonks and the rest of you. They disbanded a while ago, but are still great mates. It's thrash metal, which might not be your 'thang' but is worth a listen. Just Google 'em - there's a lot out there
And last, but by very no means least, Tracey Jesson (nee Taylor) - Jonks and Tracey married in Cyprus last year and they looked bloody gorgeous. Congratulations yet again guys.
So, yet again, can you see why Brief Encounter is woven into the very fabric of my soul and family tree. Jesson, Hooton 3 Car (a train). Add to this the fact that much of my early childhood was spent at Dot's Station Bar in Worksop. Trixie the Yorkie Terrier ruled the roost really, but Dot Hoyland came a very close second in the ranks.
That's nearly it in my family now, so when we have rows and blips they never last for long. With so few of us we can't afford to have family feuds! There's my wonderful Aunty Margaret - Mum's little sis - in Sunderland, and their second cousin and his delightful wife - Andy and Gill Carr (and their family too) - who live in Leominster and who keep extending their hospitality to me, which I will take them up on soon. They do visit a bit more now, now they are thankfully retired from running their B&B in Stratford-upon-Avon, in their camper van.
That's it.
Until I crack on with researching where the rest of the family of Mary Ann Butterfield (my dear Nana) in Leeds have got to of course.
A few years ago I did book an hour at Leeds Library and found her birth certificate, and her parents' marriage certificate, but that's as far as I got. When, a couple of years ago, I registered on Genes Reunited, the one person who got in touch was my dear Uncle Jim Jesson (Jonks's Dad) and it was lovely to hear from him. I'll be in touch with him again soon too, as he has the contact details for Peter Faulkner - the best teacher I had - who now resides in NZ with his lovely wife, and - I'm assuming his three gorgeous children (I shudder to think how old they are now) - Liley, Noel and Daisy.
I'll be heading down under for the first time next year - I've got many people in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, NZ - North and South - that I want to see and miss terribly. Plus I reckon I need to stop by (and buy at) Peter Lehmann's vinyard & winery. It's where they make Clancy's red wine. Incidentally, Clancy is the name of the sheep drover in 'Waltzing Matilda', but he's not named in the song. Thank you again to Fran Walker for my name. My Dad laughed when Mum suggested it and I was known as Clanky in my family for years. Thankfully that one passed on, but Clancy Pants then took over - amongst friends and family. Thanks guys ;)
Another quick incidental, my middle name is Louise, which means 'famous warrior'. Red Warrior, Famous Warrior and Walker. Blimey.
What does your name mean? I know what most of my family's and friends' names mean, but would be very interested to learn more. Please get in touch - clancy@clancywalker.com - my eyes and ears are on, permanently.
I might have to do two posts to include last night's escapades at the West Yorkshire Playhouse - we did head out after an hour or two at the Cantina. Bugger, forgot Connie on the guest list, her full name is Princess Consuela Banana Hammock (it's a Phoebe-ism from Friends before you panic about my mental health) so she has a Mexican link too. Squeak's full name is Prince Squeaktipher Charming. Which is another Friends reference too I'm afraid, partly. Joey is filling in forms for Ross at the hospital and asks Ross, what his name is. "I know Ross, but what's Ross short for? Rosstipher? Rossell?"
Just had to have a short break, as Connie was trying to remove my bamboo blinds on my bay window with her teeth. Bless the little bugger eh?!
Back now.
So, I'll finish off this one with a tale or two about why I'm big into the remembering today.
My father's father, Captain Robert Walker, didn't fight in the Second World War, no, he was based in the Indian Army for about 10 years instead. Hardly the easy option I hope you agree. And it also means I have some family connections to 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum' too!!!
This the reason there was a 10 year age gap between my dear Father - also Robert 'Bob' Walker, it's a Northern Mining Village tradition of course - and my dear Aunty Patricia.
So he returned circa 1948, and Patricia was born on the 14 November 1948 - must remember to buy and post card tomorrow - which also happens to be the same birth date as Prince Charles's. Nana received a basket of congratulatory fruit and flowers from the Queen, as did every other mother who gave birth to a baby on the same day that our future King (really?) was born.
He then, as every self-respecting, honest, hard-working fella round those parts did, went to work to support his family down the mines.
Deep breath folks please...
He was one of the 80 out of 211 men who was killed in the tragedy that is now known as the Cresswell Pit Disaster on September 25th 1950. The worst bit is still to come I'm afraid...
He was one of those men who managed to get out initially. But, and it's a big'un...
...Went back in to try and rescue his friends.
Christ. Sorry Patricia - hope you will forgive my blasphemy.
What a brave, courageous, compassionate, caring man my paternal Grandfather was. But I bet that was very little comfort to my dear Nana who was left to raise a 12 year old son and a two year old daughter.
I'm so very very proud of him, and all of them really. I hope you forgive, and understand, my gushing.
I gush a lot as you've probably noticed, but often with very good reason.
I had to check whether this story was actually true, the bit about him getting out and going back in, with Mum a couple of days ago. I'd written about it in college years ago, and wasn't sure if I'd embellished for dramatic effect. But, to the best of everyone's knowledge it is true.
Please visit http://www.youandyesterday.co.uk/articles/Cresswell_Colliery:_Eighty_men_entombed_in_coal_mine
Captain Robert Walker isn't mentioned there, but it doesn't matter. We know.
I feel another visit to St John's Church in the village of Clowne, North Derbyshire, where his body is buried, and I was christened, coming on, don't you?
I'm not ignoring my maternal Grandfather Stanley Wood in all of this. He was a wonderful man too, again one I didn't meet unfortunately, and was in the Fire Service during the war, as well as continuing his vocation as a teacher (yes, another one - my Aunty Margaret was one too - so I learned from an early age that it is a calling, not a job. Big respek to anyone that's doing it for a living, even more so these days - but that's a whole other story).
Just phoned Fran, for a quick fact check, and, I quote, "For years after - it seemed - everytime we heard a fire engine we all had to rush to the window to see what was going on".
But my dear Gran, Edna Wood, made a life of standing in her bay window at 50 Inverness Street, Fulwell, Sunderland anyway I fear. She was the surveyor of her street, as my dear Mum does now with her new 'garden room' and French doors at 53 Hemmingfield Road (we think she's won the lottery and not told us, she says she's just spending our inheritance, good on ya Fran!).
I've already told you I have a bay window. Bamboo blinds do a great job of allowing me to see out, but others can't see in - until the light of the day fades and I put my lamps on, then curtains get closed.
So, I must go to drop off some of Bodyline's newsletters at a wedding fair at the Woodlands Hotel - bloody gorgeous place - then buy some print cartridges to enable me to print out press packs, call a courier to collect them to take them down to London for an exibition that my client Meesons is exhibiting at for tomorrow morning, then make myself look halfway respectable as me and Jennie are guests of Fran Walker at a big community/charity luncheon/performance event she's organised. I did say she was 'retired'. She's kidding herself yet again that she will retire after Christmas, she also said the same about the summer just past, last Christmas, the summer before that...you get the picture. She's 65, and will slap me for telling you that, but when I post a pic of her here soon, you'll see she could very easily pass for a young 53. And I'm not just saying that so that I get a nicer Christmas pressie either!
Happy remembering to you all. I'd love to know some of your family stories when you've got a spare few hours. Gizza buzz - email me first and I'll send you me number.
Clancy xxxx
I also hope you forgive what is likely to be a VERY long post - if you make it all the way through then I shall buy you something pretty and/or alcoholic as a thank you. There's just a lot that's happened since yesterday evening is all.
So, my guests at Clancy's Cantina included:
Frances Walker (nee Wood) - aka Mum
Jennie Laura Walker - aka my favourite little sister (I'm her favourite big sister too - there's just the two of us siblings)
Patricia Storer (previously Jesson, nee Walker) - my Aunty, Dad's sister
Jonathan "Jonks" Jesson - aka Cuz (my very talented and only cousin is an Ad Agency Director by day, and is delightfully playing in a band again, they did Skeggy Butlins last week - in full 70s get-up. In one of his former bands 'Hooton 3 Car' - named after a train in Liverpool I believe, which is where they did their music degree a 'few' years ago - he took part in a number of sessions on John Peel's show, and, when the NME released the contents of Mr Peel's record box a little while after he left his body, many of us were thrilled, delighted and touched to learn that Hooton 3 Car's EP was in there.
Class, well done Jonks and the rest of you. They disbanded a while ago, but are still great mates. It's thrash metal, which might not be your 'thang' but is worth a listen. Just Google 'em - there's a lot out there
And last, but by very no means least, Tracey Jesson (nee Taylor) - Jonks and Tracey married in Cyprus last year and they looked bloody gorgeous. Congratulations yet again guys.
So, yet again, can you see why Brief Encounter is woven into the very fabric of my soul and family tree. Jesson, Hooton 3 Car (a train). Add to this the fact that much of my early childhood was spent at Dot's Station Bar in Worksop. Trixie the Yorkie Terrier ruled the roost really, but Dot Hoyland came a very close second in the ranks.
That's nearly it in my family now, so when we have rows and blips they never last for long. With so few of us we can't afford to have family feuds! There's my wonderful Aunty Margaret - Mum's little sis - in Sunderland, and their second cousin and his delightful wife - Andy and Gill Carr (and their family too) - who live in Leominster and who keep extending their hospitality to me, which I will take them up on soon. They do visit a bit more now, now they are thankfully retired from running their B&B in Stratford-upon-Avon, in their camper van.
That's it.
Until I crack on with researching where the rest of the family of Mary Ann Butterfield (my dear Nana) in Leeds have got to of course.
A few years ago I did book an hour at Leeds Library and found her birth certificate, and her parents' marriage certificate, but that's as far as I got. When, a couple of years ago, I registered on Genes Reunited, the one person who got in touch was my dear Uncle Jim Jesson (Jonks's Dad) and it was lovely to hear from him. I'll be in touch with him again soon too, as he has the contact details for Peter Faulkner - the best teacher I had - who now resides in NZ with his lovely wife, and - I'm assuming his three gorgeous children (I shudder to think how old they are now) - Liley, Noel and Daisy.
I'll be heading down under for the first time next year - I've got many people in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, NZ - North and South - that I want to see and miss terribly. Plus I reckon I need to stop by (and buy at) Peter Lehmann's vinyard & winery. It's where they make Clancy's red wine. Incidentally, Clancy is the name of the sheep drover in 'Waltzing Matilda', but he's not named in the song. Thank you again to Fran Walker for my name. My Dad laughed when Mum suggested it and I was known as Clanky in my family for years. Thankfully that one passed on, but Clancy Pants then took over - amongst friends and family. Thanks guys ;)
Another quick incidental, my middle name is Louise, which means 'famous warrior'. Red Warrior, Famous Warrior and Walker. Blimey.
What does your name mean? I know what most of my family's and friends' names mean, but would be very interested to learn more. Please get in touch - clancy@clancywalker.com - my eyes and ears are on, permanently.
I might have to do two posts to include last night's escapades at the West Yorkshire Playhouse - we did head out after an hour or two at the Cantina. Bugger, forgot Connie on the guest list, her full name is Princess Consuela Banana Hammock (it's a Phoebe-ism from Friends before you panic about my mental health) so she has a Mexican link too. Squeak's full name is Prince Squeaktipher Charming. Which is another Friends reference too I'm afraid, partly. Joey is filling in forms for Ross at the hospital and asks Ross, what his name is. "I know Ross, but what's Ross short for? Rosstipher? Rossell?"
Just had to have a short break, as Connie was trying to remove my bamboo blinds on my bay window with her teeth. Bless the little bugger eh?!
Back now.
So, I'll finish off this one with a tale or two about why I'm big into the remembering today.
My father's father, Captain Robert Walker, didn't fight in the Second World War, no, he was based in the Indian Army for about 10 years instead. Hardly the easy option I hope you agree. And it also means I have some family connections to 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum' too!!!
This the reason there was a 10 year age gap between my dear Father - also Robert 'Bob' Walker, it's a Northern Mining Village tradition of course - and my dear Aunty Patricia.
So he returned circa 1948, and Patricia was born on the 14 November 1948 - must remember to buy and post card tomorrow - which also happens to be the same birth date as Prince Charles's. Nana received a basket of congratulatory fruit and flowers from the Queen, as did every other mother who gave birth to a baby on the same day that our future King (really?) was born.
He then, as every self-respecting, honest, hard-working fella round those parts did, went to work to support his family down the mines.
Deep breath folks please...
He was one of the 80 out of 211 men who was killed in the tragedy that is now known as the Cresswell Pit Disaster on September 25th 1950. The worst bit is still to come I'm afraid...
He was one of those men who managed to get out initially. But, and it's a big'un...
...Went back in to try and rescue his friends.
Christ. Sorry Patricia - hope you will forgive my blasphemy.
What a brave, courageous, compassionate, caring man my paternal Grandfather was. But I bet that was very little comfort to my dear Nana who was left to raise a 12 year old son and a two year old daughter.
I'm so very very proud of him, and all of them really. I hope you forgive, and understand, my gushing.
I gush a lot as you've probably noticed, but often with very good reason.
I had to check whether this story was actually true, the bit about him getting out and going back in, with Mum a couple of days ago. I'd written about it in college years ago, and wasn't sure if I'd embellished for dramatic effect. But, to the best of everyone's knowledge it is true.
Please visit http://www.youandyesterday.co.uk/articles/Cresswell_Colliery:_Eighty_men_entombed_in_coal_mine
Captain Robert Walker isn't mentioned there, but it doesn't matter. We know.
I feel another visit to St John's Church in the village of Clowne, North Derbyshire, where his body is buried, and I was christened, coming on, don't you?
I'm not ignoring my maternal Grandfather Stanley Wood in all of this. He was a wonderful man too, again one I didn't meet unfortunately, and was in the Fire Service during the war, as well as continuing his vocation as a teacher (yes, another one - my Aunty Margaret was one too - so I learned from an early age that it is a calling, not a job. Big respek to anyone that's doing it for a living, even more so these days - but that's a whole other story).
Just phoned Fran, for a quick fact check, and, I quote, "For years after - it seemed - everytime we heard a fire engine we all had to rush to the window to see what was going on".
But my dear Gran, Edna Wood, made a life of standing in her bay window at 50 Inverness Street, Fulwell, Sunderland anyway I fear. She was the surveyor of her street, as my dear Mum does now with her new 'garden room' and French doors at 53 Hemmingfield Road (we think she's won the lottery and not told us, she says she's just spending our inheritance, good on ya Fran!).
I've already told you I have a bay window. Bamboo blinds do a great job of allowing me to see out, but others can't see in - until the light of the day fades and I put my lamps on, then curtains get closed.
So, I must go to drop off some of Bodyline's newsletters at a wedding fair at the Woodlands Hotel - bloody gorgeous place - then buy some print cartridges to enable me to print out press packs, call a courier to collect them to take them down to London for an exibition that my client Meesons is exhibiting at for tomorrow morning, then make myself look halfway respectable as me and Jennie are guests of Fran Walker at a big community/charity luncheon/performance event she's organised. I did say she was 'retired'. She's kidding herself yet again that she will retire after Christmas, she also said the same about the summer just past, last Christmas, the summer before that...you get the picture. She's 65, and will slap me for telling you that, but when I post a pic of her here soon, you'll see she could very easily pass for a young 53. And I'm not just saying that so that I get a nicer Christmas pressie either!
Happy remembering to you all. I'd love to know some of your family stories when you've got a spare few hours. Gizza buzz - email me first and I'll send you me number.
Clancy xxxx
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Touched by Noel Coward?!
If you've read any previous postings you'll be starting to get the idea that I LOVE Brief Encounter- the film and the theatre production. Can't wait to see it again tonight.
You could, therefore, make the assumption that I'm a BIG fan of the true genius (and I don't use that term lightly) that is Noel Coward. You'd be right.
The book reading today was by the wonderful Mr Barry Day, who has written 20 books, six about Coward, from his new book 'the letters of Noel Coward'. Of course there are many such publications in existence, but this one is a bit different.
These are letters to and from some of THE most famous and talented names in our history - George Bernard Shaw, Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo (she wrote asking him to marry him, well it was a leap year), Marlene Dietrich, Ian Fleming, Graham Greene, Alec Guiness, Gertie Lawrence, David Niven, Lawrence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin, FD Roosevelt, the Queen Mother and many many more.
Absolutely, completely and utterly mind-blowing - and bloody funny to boot.
It's out on Monday, I shall say no more!
It wasn't just Barry reading though, oh no, this was a real treat. Two of the actors from Brief Encounter took their parts, as did a very good friend of Barry's. This friend was Coward's representative in New York, and was there with Coward when he left this mortal plane.
So, when, just after sharing this insight, Barry asked if there were any questions, I'm afraid mine was directed at his friend and "Can I touch you?" popped out. Sorry, Leah, it's a good job she's a strong girl with a sense of humour isn't it?!
I did touch him, and take photos and have my booked signed by Barry too. I may well be in touch with Barry's PR person - Susie - to sort out an interview with Barry too. He lives in New York, so what's a girl to do?!
More on this tomorrow, I need to tell you more (and write it down for my own personal therapy - I'm sure it comes as no surprise to learn that too) - as the family Walker has just arrived - well three of 'em anyway. The other two will be here soon.
I've created 'Clancy's Cantina' this evening - lights, music, nachos and Corona. Plus I've picked up some Clancy's red wine at Costco - I've not seen it in a shop for a while, so a case just had to bought really.
Buonas noches
Clancy xxxx
You could, therefore, make the assumption that I'm a BIG fan of the true genius (and I don't use that term lightly) that is Noel Coward. You'd be right.
The book reading today was by the wonderful Mr Barry Day, who has written 20 books, six about Coward, from his new book 'the letters of Noel Coward'. Of course there are many such publications in existence, but this one is a bit different.
These are letters to and from some of THE most famous and talented names in our history - George Bernard Shaw, Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill, Greta Garbo (she wrote asking him to marry him, well it was a leap year), Marlene Dietrich, Ian Fleming, Graham Greene, Alec Guiness, Gertie Lawrence, David Niven, Lawrence Olivier, Charlie Chaplin, FD Roosevelt, the Queen Mother and many many more.
Absolutely, completely and utterly mind-blowing - and bloody funny to boot.
It's out on Monday, I shall say no more!
It wasn't just Barry reading though, oh no, this was a real treat. Two of the actors from Brief Encounter took their parts, as did a very good friend of Barry's. This friend was Coward's representative in New York, and was there with Coward when he left this mortal plane.
So, when, just after sharing this insight, Barry asked if there were any questions, I'm afraid mine was directed at his friend and "Can I touch you?" popped out. Sorry, Leah, it's a good job she's a strong girl with a sense of humour isn't it?!
I did touch him, and take photos and have my booked signed by Barry too. I may well be in touch with Barry's PR person - Susie - to sort out an interview with Barry too. He lives in New York, so what's a girl to do?!
More on this tomorrow, I need to tell you more (and write it down for my own personal therapy - I'm sure it comes as no surprise to learn that too) - as the family Walker has just arrived - well three of 'em anyway. The other two will be here soon.
I've created 'Clancy's Cantina' this evening - lights, music, nachos and Corona. Plus I've picked up some Clancy's red wine at Costco - I've not seen it in a shop for a while, so a case just had to bought really.
Buonas noches
Clancy xxxx
Locked in?
OK, so I had planned on leaving 'Smiling at Magpies' alone until after tomorrow, but, to be quite frank for a second, I might effing burst if I don't write about the evening I've had. RIGHT NOW.
The folk thing that Chumbawamba (again, my sincere apologies for previous mis-spellings) actually turned out to be the main event in the 'Festival of Political Song', it was at St George's Hall in the delighful re-emerging city that is Bradford (and no, I'm not about to get 'all Linda Barker' about it either).
Like many of you I'm sure (and I'm so terribly ashamed to admit it) I only really knew one of the Chumbas tracks before - and knew of a previous escapade with a certain 'Two Jags/Jabs'. However, I hope you understand I am always open to a second opinion and always keep an open mind - about absolutely everything.
It turns out I do know all of the members of Chumbwamba, I just didn't know who they were and what they did. Phil, I'm so incredlbly sorry, given I was at your 50th birthday party on the night after the cake comp and brought several friends along (one of whom arrived and promptly fell asleep on a chaise for three hours) I should have at least asked when you so kindly invited me at the launch of Impressions Gallery back in early September.
So, what a night again. I've bought CDs and shall eagerly await the launch of the new Chumbas album. New tracks include:
(I wish I could) Sing About Love
Add me (my Mother said she wished she'd never 'ad me') - inspired by the crazy facebook and MySpace culture we live in.
My current favourites on 'Get On With It. LIVE' include:
Song On The Times
Hard Times of Old England - they updated it before Billy Bragg even thought of it
Homophobia - "the worst disease. You can't love who you want to love in times like these"
Learning to Love
and...
On eBay
Effing brilliant. Thanks guys.
I've always wanted to go to a gig and say "I'm with the band", which I know is pushing it a bit, but as I said I'm so incredibly starstruck by you all now. I'm just glad you were all still talking to me afterwards.
After I signed off earlier, Casey called to say that her friend Alice would call round via mine to collect me in a cab. The cab turned out to be a mini-bus and Alice turned out to be Alice Nutter - former Chumba and incredibly talented and successful scriptwriter. Her episode in Jimmy McGovern's 'The Street' airs on December 6th. This happens to be the same night as my big Thirsty Thursday bash that I'm orgainising - more to follow on that soon - but I shall certainly V+ it - please do the same.
My other fellow mini-bus riders to Bradford also included the ever-delightful Mrs Emma Bearman, Casey Orr and Danbert Nobacon - another incredibly talented musician.
Other artists tonight included the incredible Tracey Curtis, Oysterband and Dick Gaughan. Bloody wonderful.
I have offered to take on Alice Nutter as a client on a barter basis, she did say she can't inject my arse with vitamins to sort out my cellulite, but she has offered to blow vodka up my arse with a straw - eight sessions. I shall maybe take you up on that ever so kind offer one day lovely Alice!
Funny funny night.
So, the 'locked in' isn't just an astute and wise observation on our current, previous and future political nightmare, it also refers to the fact that I managed to lock myself in my cellar earlier today - I was still too traumatised by the experience earlier to talk about it.
There I was, having disinfected the cats' room, taking beds and soft toys down to the cellar to put on a hot wash. Because Connie is now allowed free-reign again, I shut the door between my kitchen and the cellar steps behind me, to prevent losing Connie for days in the junk yard that passes for my cellar. It wasn't until I'd done this - something I've never needed to do in my previous five and a half years of living here - that I realised there's no handle on the other side.
Fight or Flight?
There's just no other option than Fight when you live by yourself, and the only people who have your key are your Mum (who lives 50 miles away) and your Freda (who's not back until next Thursday). I shall thank my Mum for my upper body strength (she reckons she has arms like a navvy) and my Dad for my runners legs as I managed to kick, elbow and shove the door off the frame. So that's another job for my handyman when he comes round. And my kitchen was looking so fab!
More tomorrow I'm sure
Clancy xxxx
The folk thing that Chumbawamba (again, my sincere apologies for previous mis-spellings) actually turned out to be the main event in the 'Festival of Political Song', it was at St George's Hall in the delighful re-emerging city that is Bradford (and no, I'm not about to get 'all Linda Barker' about it either).
Like many of you I'm sure (and I'm so terribly ashamed to admit it) I only really knew one of the Chumbas tracks before - and knew of a previous escapade with a certain 'Two Jags/Jabs'. However, I hope you understand I am always open to a second opinion and always keep an open mind - about absolutely everything.
It turns out I do know all of the members of Chumbwamba, I just didn't know who they were and what they did. Phil, I'm so incredlbly sorry, given I was at your 50th birthday party on the night after the cake comp and brought several friends along (one of whom arrived and promptly fell asleep on a chaise for three hours) I should have at least asked when you so kindly invited me at the launch of Impressions Gallery back in early September.
So, what a night again. I've bought CDs and shall eagerly await the launch of the new Chumbas album. New tracks include:
(I wish I could) Sing About Love
Add me (my Mother said she wished she'd never 'ad me') - inspired by the crazy facebook and MySpace culture we live in.
My current favourites on 'Get On With It. LIVE' include:
Song On The Times
Hard Times of Old England - they updated it before Billy Bragg even thought of it
Homophobia - "the worst disease. You can't love who you want to love in times like these"
Learning to Love
and...
On eBay
Effing brilliant. Thanks guys.
I've always wanted to go to a gig and say "I'm with the band", which I know is pushing it a bit, but as I said I'm so incredibly starstruck by you all now. I'm just glad you were all still talking to me afterwards.
After I signed off earlier, Casey called to say that her friend Alice would call round via mine to collect me in a cab. The cab turned out to be a mini-bus and Alice turned out to be Alice Nutter - former Chumba and incredibly talented and successful scriptwriter. Her episode in Jimmy McGovern's 'The Street' airs on December 6th. This happens to be the same night as my big Thirsty Thursday bash that I'm orgainising - more to follow on that soon - but I shall certainly V+ it - please do the same.
My other fellow mini-bus riders to Bradford also included the ever-delightful Mrs Emma Bearman, Casey Orr and Danbert Nobacon - another incredibly talented musician.
Other artists tonight included the incredible Tracey Curtis, Oysterband and Dick Gaughan. Bloody wonderful.
I have offered to take on Alice Nutter as a client on a barter basis, she did say she can't inject my arse with vitamins to sort out my cellulite, but she has offered to blow vodka up my arse with a straw - eight sessions. I shall maybe take you up on that ever so kind offer one day lovely Alice!
Funny funny night.
So, the 'locked in' isn't just an astute and wise observation on our current, previous and future political nightmare, it also refers to the fact that I managed to lock myself in my cellar earlier today - I was still too traumatised by the experience earlier to talk about it.
There I was, having disinfected the cats' room, taking beds and soft toys down to the cellar to put on a hot wash. Because Connie is now allowed free-reign again, I shut the door between my kitchen and the cellar steps behind me, to prevent losing Connie for days in the junk yard that passes for my cellar. It wasn't until I'd done this - something I've never needed to do in my previous five and a half years of living here - that I realised there's no handle on the other side.
Fight or Flight?
There's just no other option than Fight when you live by yourself, and the only people who have your key are your Mum (who lives 50 miles away) and your Freda (who's not back until next Thursday). I shall thank my Mum for my upper body strength (she reckons she has arms like a navvy) and my Dad for my runners legs as I managed to kick, elbow and shove the door off the frame. So that's another job for my handyman when he comes round. And my kitchen was looking so fab!
More tomorrow I'm sure
Clancy xxxx
Friday, 9 November 2007
Women (and men) know your limits...
We all have tethers and limits - knowing where and what they are is the tricky part sometimes I find.
This thought popped into my head and I was reminded of one of my all-time favourite sketches - Harry Enfield's 'Women, Know Your Limits'.
You can find this on the joy and wonder that is You Tube (l love it, the cake comp and calendar launch video diary will be up there soon - as soon as I get round to returning Cath's call from the editing company that is).
Visit http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SjxY9rZwNGU to find the sketch - on the page you will also be able to watch other delights including 'Women, Don't Drive', 'Women, Keep Your Virtue' and Mr Grayson & Mr Cholmondley-Warner presenting 'The Conjugal Rights Guide'. "The whole business of conjugal activity is sordid and frightful, but it is, at least, short". Very very funny I hope you agree.
Much like Brief Encounter these films tap into something in my soul that craves for time when 'out' rhymed with 'right' and 'town' rhymed with 'fine'. Nostalgic, me? I haven't even got into 'The Marvellous Armley Tea Dances' that take place round here every two months or so. It's not just me.
While I remember, please pop Saturday 16th February in your new diaries as soon as you have them - it's my 32nd birthday and I fancy a bit of a bash, so have asked the tea dance ladies (Angie & Donna) to pencil me in. Venue TBC but probably St Barts Social Club as they have a bar as well as the Cava that the girls sell, and it's staggering distance from my house!
So, my limit with clearing up after poor little Squeak was reached at the vets this morning. I'm afraid it was coming out much faster than I could clear it up and was getting increasingly concerned for the sanity and health of both myself and Connie.
The vet was at first reluctant to keep Squeak in for observation and tests but when, after the third episode on the examination table, I burst into tears, the Frenchman saw he needed to help a damsel in distress.
Little Squeak is now an overnight guest at Durtnells, I phoned this afternoon and apparently "He's quite well in himself" but still not well on the outside I guess. He's having tests, so please keep your fingers crossed that he can be cured quickly and simply. Thank God I sorted out the pet insurance the day after they arrived eh?!
I felt terribly terribly guilty at leaving him and Connie cried all the way to the pet shop. I had to go and buy new toys and accessories (including two cat advent calendars for the treasures) to relieve some of my guilt and talk to the lovely ladies there who understand - and don't think I am barking (or meowing) mad for getting so upset.
However, we have had a lovely afternoon here together, and, as well as managing to meet lots of deadlines for work stuff, we have had a full sterilising, defumagating and washing session, so the entire house is habitable again. Connie is incredibly well house-trained - almost to the point of obsession - so fingers crossed when Squeak is better he can learn from his (slightly) older sister.
I am so grateful for everything that is Armley, not least at the moment having a Wilkos just down the road. You might think I've spent alot on cat accessories, but that's nothing compared to what I've spent on cleaning products, bin liners, rubber gloves and kitchen roll over the last two weeks.
My dear Mum happens to be friends with Tony Wilkinson - of Wilkos fame - and I know him too, nice down-to-earth chap really. It's a Worksop-based company in case you didn't know. When my Mum 'retired' five years ago, he gave her a bottle of red wine from his cellar. She naturally saved it for a special occasion, which I believe was one of her famous Easter Sunday Lunches. It was RANK. Tony Wilkinson is also a shrewd businessman who likes the finer things in life too, so it only stands to reason that he keeps the good stuff for himself!
Speaking of spending, HSBC also obviously has its limits too.
I couldn't use my company credit card when paying for two glasses of Rose champers yesterday for me and Cathie (Leah doesn't drink, although she had only been on the Vital team for two days when she had a sip of a cocktail at the calendar launch and enjoyed it. I give her a fortnight, what do you reckon...?!) and so had to use another card.
I had a call from the fraud prevention team at HSBC later on to check whether or not all the recent spending was me or not. I'm not sorry to say it was - Leah needed a laptop, I lost my camera back in July and have missed having one terribly, so bought a new one this week, plus other things needed purchasing too - like champagne, naturally. Am I just so PR or what?! Frightening really.
As I mentioned I'm off to see some folk music performances and the wonderful Chumbawumba this evening. I as yet have no idea where this is or what time it starts and as it's just past 6pm I think I better find out.
More from me over the weekend no doubt. Tomorrow involves cooking for the Walker family party, going to a book discussion at the Playhouse, taking stuff for recycling and to the tip (grotty old carpets that are making the 'Zen Courtyard' look more like Steptoe's Yard at the moment), hosting the family party and of course going to see Brief Encounter again tomorrow evening. Tissues at the ready again I fear!
Clancy xxxx
p.s. thanks so much to my lovely friends who I know are reading - I've had some lovely emails and facebook messages, so thanks for those too. If you could start making comments, sharing your thoughts etc on here too please that would be truly fabulous - then someone might think that other people are interested and give me a column somewhere. Fingers crossed again please.
This thought popped into my head and I was reminded of one of my all-time favourite sketches - Harry Enfield's 'Women, Know Your Limits'.
You can find this on the joy and wonder that is You Tube (l love it, the cake comp and calendar launch video diary will be up there soon - as soon as I get round to returning Cath's call from the editing company that is).
Visit http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SjxY9rZwNGU to find the sketch - on the page you will also be able to watch other delights including 'Women, Don't Drive', 'Women, Keep Your Virtue' and Mr Grayson & Mr Cholmondley-Warner presenting 'The Conjugal Rights Guide'. "The whole business of conjugal activity is sordid and frightful, but it is, at least, short". Very very funny I hope you agree.
Much like Brief Encounter these films tap into something in my soul that craves for time when 'out' rhymed with 'right' and 'town' rhymed with 'fine'. Nostalgic, me? I haven't even got into 'The Marvellous Armley Tea Dances' that take place round here every two months or so. It's not just me.
While I remember, please pop Saturday 16th February in your new diaries as soon as you have them - it's my 32nd birthday and I fancy a bit of a bash, so have asked the tea dance ladies (Angie & Donna) to pencil me in. Venue TBC but probably St Barts Social Club as they have a bar as well as the Cava that the girls sell, and it's staggering distance from my house!
So, my limit with clearing up after poor little Squeak was reached at the vets this morning. I'm afraid it was coming out much faster than I could clear it up and was getting increasingly concerned for the sanity and health of both myself and Connie.
The vet was at first reluctant to keep Squeak in for observation and tests but when, after the third episode on the examination table, I burst into tears, the Frenchman saw he needed to help a damsel in distress.
Little Squeak is now an overnight guest at Durtnells, I phoned this afternoon and apparently "He's quite well in himself" but still not well on the outside I guess. He's having tests, so please keep your fingers crossed that he can be cured quickly and simply. Thank God I sorted out the pet insurance the day after they arrived eh?!
I felt terribly terribly guilty at leaving him and Connie cried all the way to the pet shop. I had to go and buy new toys and accessories (including two cat advent calendars for the treasures) to relieve some of my guilt and talk to the lovely ladies there who understand - and don't think I am barking (or meowing) mad for getting so upset.
However, we have had a lovely afternoon here together, and, as well as managing to meet lots of deadlines for work stuff, we have had a full sterilising, defumagating and washing session, so the entire house is habitable again. Connie is incredibly well house-trained - almost to the point of obsession - so fingers crossed when Squeak is better he can learn from his (slightly) older sister.
I am so grateful for everything that is Armley, not least at the moment having a Wilkos just down the road. You might think I've spent alot on cat accessories, but that's nothing compared to what I've spent on cleaning products, bin liners, rubber gloves and kitchen roll over the last two weeks.
My dear Mum happens to be friends with Tony Wilkinson - of Wilkos fame - and I know him too, nice down-to-earth chap really. It's a Worksop-based company in case you didn't know. When my Mum 'retired' five years ago, he gave her a bottle of red wine from his cellar. She naturally saved it for a special occasion, which I believe was one of her famous Easter Sunday Lunches. It was RANK. Tony Wilkinson is also a shrewd businessman who likes the finer things in life too, so it only stands to reason that he keeps the good stuff for himself!
Speaking of spending, HSBC also obviously has its limits too.
I couldn't use my company credit card when paying for two glasses of Rose champers yesterday for me and Cathie (Leah doesn't drink, although she had only been on the Vital team for two days when she had a sip of a cocktail at the calendar launch and enjoyed it. I give her a fortnight, what do you reckon...?!) and so had to use another card.
I had a call from the fraud prevention team at HSBC later on to check whether or not all the recent spending was me or not. I'm not sorry to say it was - Leah needed a laptop, I lost my camera back in July and have missed having one terribly, so bought a new one this week, plus other things needed purchasing too - like champagne, naturally. Am I just so PR or what?! Frightening really.
As I mentioned I'm off to see some folk music performances and the wonderful Chumbawumba this evening. I as yet have no idea where this is or what time it starts and as it's just past 6pm I think I better find out.
More from me over the weekend no doubt. Tomorrow involves cooking for the Walker family party, going to a book discussion at the Playhouse, taking stuff for recycling and to the tip (grotty old carpets that are making the 'Zen Courtyard' look more like Steptoe's Yard at the moment), hosting the family party and of course going to see Brief Encounter again tomorrow evening. Tissues at the ready again I fear!
Clancy xxxx
p.s. thanks so much to my lovely friends who I know are reading - I've had some lovely emails and facebook messages, so thanks for those too. If you could start making comments, sharing your thoughts etc on here too please that would be truly fabulous - then someone might think that other people are interested and give me a column somewhere. Fingers crossed again please.
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Light and laughter
Well, what a day folks. I did try and get back to sleep, but there was just too much going on to go back to bed I'm afraid, not least cleaning up cat shit and actually washing some clothes so that the wonderful and lovely Freda had something to iron when she came round today.
'The House on the Corner' is yet again looking like a palace, but only because I've spent approximately 35 minutes here since Freda last touched it. We shall just repeat the cycle again next week I'm sure. Thanks Freda - or Ruby Pinwheel as she is also known, that's another story for another day though!
But I did have a bloody good day work-wise too. Two new VERY interesting new business calls, and at live long last, a meeting with the station editor at Radio Leeds to talk about my pending regular slot.
Apparently the two things they weren't quite sure about were that I didn't just go out and get drunk at free parties, and that my activities weren't just confined to Leeds - it's a West Yorkshire-wide thing Radio Leeds (kind of the opposite to the Yorkshire Evening Post, which is just Leeds really), as is my work and social life.
My escapades as many of you will know extend much wider - even to the North West and Liverpool quite regularly. A favourite spot on the horizon includes a sari demo at Bombay Stores in Bradford - at which I will purchase a purple sari - as well as the upcoming Northern Art Prize - thanks again to Mrs Emma Bearman (www.cultivateltd.co.uk) who for some reason keeps inviting me to these things and introducing me to people like Pavilion. I shall return the favours many times over one day Em. XXXX
Tomorrow night also includes a night out at a folk music festival in Bradford, which will see my good friend - and fellow budding scriptwriter - Boff performing with his band Chumbawumba and his good lady wife Miss Casey Orr and me no doubt getting drunk and a bit stupid. :)
So, today's loveliness, post Berocca-cured hangover, also included a meeting with Network Securities - a client - and as I never say anything behind the backs of people I care about, I shall share what I said to the MD. "You will be the f*cking death of me one day Mr Crosthwaite". I guess these are the joys of working with owner managers - I'm incredibly passionate and impatient about my business, so it only stands to rights that my clients are too. Which I absolutely love, and wouldn't have it any other way really.
This was followed by a meeting with the lovely Leah and my client Bodyline - mesotherapy is the NEWEST AND BEST thing to hit the cosmetic treatments market in half a century. Mesolift facials involve vitamins and minerals being gently injected into your skin, with incredible results.
Also, and my Mother will just brim with pride now, it works a treat on cellulite when adminstered to the hips, thighs and bum area. It takes about 8 treatments and costs about six hundred quid, but yours truly is getting it for nowt, in return for having before and after pics taken. Pride and shame have never been an issue for me, and as I said it will just get my lap dancing career off the ground now. Of course it's the only thing that's been stopping me before...!
This was hotly followed by a very important business meeting with my very very good friend Cathie Reuben at Jo Malone. She was running late so had asked one of her colleagues to treat me to a hand and arm massage while I was waiting. It's amazing how stressed one's hands get really. Blissful.
Our very important meeting took us to the Harvey Nics cafe in the wondrous Victoria Quarter, where I discovered why I bonded so very well with Mrs Reuben just over 12 months ago. She is one of THE funniest people I know, and delightful to boot.
We've decided, well I suggested, she agreed, that we are taking the morning off work next Friday to audition for the VH1 search for an over 25s girl band (I saw the poster when at a meeting with Audiences Yorkshire opp the BBC yesterday). Cathie, like her stunningly beautiful daughter Millie (got the spelling wrong before), loves to sing and dance and perform.
They are only holding auditions in Leeds and Liverpool, so reckon we should go up as 'Nuclear Puppy' - the slightly more mature Atomic Kitten tribute band - any joiners? Let me know!
I had to leave a decent tip, as the three of us (we were joined by lovely Leah after she'd been to take pics at Bodyline) just about cleared the cafe with our laughing and quoting of many favourite lines from 'Rita, Sue & Bob Too', Victoria Wood, French & Saunders and 'Life of Brian'.
I also shared a tiny piece of Cathie's pride when she showed me a letter from Millie's nursery school. As I mentioned, Millie is just three years old, but has been selected to appear - through her writing - in a book called My First Poem (www.myfirstpoem.com). I've not yet seen a copy, but it was about her favourite colour being pink and what a gem her Mummy is.
I reckon I have more in common with this three year old little treasure than anyone else at the moment, which I hope you don't think is either deluded or arrogant. Reckon when we finally meet she will be one of my best mates.
I'm also looking forward to meeting Danny Reuben, Cathie's husband and Millie's dad. He's a talented PR type who is just about to leave as head of PR for Bolton Wanderers (he was one of Sam's guys, so it was only a matter of time I fear) to join Charles Porter lifestyle management agency. The people that Danny, Cathie, Millie, Leah and I will meet through our work and social connections with them will just blow your mind. I will have to really keep myself in total check - as I'm sure you know I get terribly starstruck by anyone remotely famous!
So, after a quick visit to Mint for a nail paint, I headed home to clear up yet more cat shit - Squeak is back to the vets tomorrow, he is quite happy but not at all well - and then ventured out for the evening.
I've lived in Leeds for just over 12 years now - I'm one of those annoying types that came for Uni and stayed, though my grandmother (Nana) was born here in 1911 and told the most fabulous stories, and my dear Dad was a Carnegie boy here many years ago too, so I do have a bit of Tyke/Loiner heritage which I'm fiercely proud of - but tonight is the first ever time I've been to the switching on of Leeds Lights.
Of course Diwali is coming up, which is how I don't get annoyed with it being so damn early. I shall be adorning the 'House on the Corner' with many fairy lights to celebrate the festival of light.
Me and my friend greatly enjoyed watching Chico sing his new track 'Curvy Cola Bottle Body' - he likes 'em round apparently. But even us thick-skinned types couldn't quite hold out for the delight that is Shayne Ward. I know he's a bit chavvy and his Mum's house looks like it smells of chips, but he's quite dishy too I think. He has a sparkle in his eyes.
We then headed off to Sam's Chop House, where my good friend Paul Kevill, the manager. made us feel very welcome yet again. We then headed outside while I went for a ciggy and watched our council tax go up in smoke - literally. What a firework display. I'm not bitter really, I love fireworks (when I don't have to light them or pay for them directly) and they were truly fabulous.
Leeds was truly alight this evening and I'm so very glad I went.
I hope you can see where the laughter was in my day too.
Clancy xxxx
'The House on the Corner' is yet again looking like a palace, but only because I've spent approximately 35 minutes here since Freda last touched it. We shall just repeat the cycle again next week I'm sure. Thanks Freda - or Ruby Pinwheel as she is also known, that's another story for another day though!
But I did have a bloody good day work-wise too. Two new VERY interesting new business calls, and at live long last, a meeting with the station editor at Radio Leeds to talk about my pending regular slot.
Apparently the two things they weren't quite sure about were that I didn't just go out and get drunk at free parties, and that my activities weren't just confined to Leeds - it's a West Yorkshire-wide thing Radio Leeds (kind of the opposite to the Yorkshire Evening Post, which is just Leeds really), as is my work and social life.
My escapades as many of you will know extend much wider - even to the North West and Liverpool quite regularly. A favourite spot on the horizon includes a sari demo at Bombay Stores in Bradford - at which I will purchase a purple sari - as well as the upcoming Northern Art Prize - thanks again to Mrs Emma Bearman (www.cultivateltd.co.uk) who for some reason keeps inviting me to these things and introducing me to people like Pavilion. I shall return the favours many times over one day Em. XXXX
Tomorrow night also includes a night out at a folk music festival in Bradford, which will see my good friend - and fellow budding scriptwriter - Boff performing with his band Chumbawumba and his good lady wife Miss Casey Orr and me no doubt getting drunk and a bit stupid. :)
So, today's loveliness, post Berocca-cured hangover, also included a meeting with Network Securities - a client - and as I never say anything behind the backs of people I care about, I shall share what I said to the MD. "You will be the f*cking death of me one day Mr Crosthwaite". I guess these are the joys of working with owner managers - I'm incredibly passionate and impatient about my business, so it only stands to rights that my clients are too. Which I absolutely love, and wouldn't have it any other way really.
This was followed by a meeting with the lovely Leah and my client Bodyline - mesotherapy is the NEWEST AND BEST thing to hit the cosmetic treatments market in half a century. Mesolift facials involve vitamins and minerals being gently injected into your skin, with incredible results.
Also, and my Mother will just brim with pride now, it works a treat on cellulite when adminstered to the hips, thighs and bum area. It takes about 8 treatments and costs about six hundred quid, but yours truly is getting it for nowt, in return for having before and after pics taken. Pride and shame have never been an issue for me, and as I said it will just get my lap dancing career off the ground now. Of course it's the only thing that's been stopping me before...!
This was hotly followed by a very important business meeting with my very very good friend Cathie Reuben at Jo Malone. She was running late so had asked one of her colleagues to treat me to a hand and arm massage while I was waiting. It's amazing how stressed one's hands get really. Blissful.
Our very important meeting took us to the Harvey Nics cafe in the wondrous Victoria Quarter, where I discovered why I bonded so very well with Mrs Reuben just over 12 months ago. She is one of THE funniest people I know, and delightful to boot.
We've decided, well I suggested, she agreed, that we are taking the morning off work next Friday to audition for the VH1 search for an over 25s girl band (I saw the poster when at a meeting with Audiences Yorkshire opp the BBC yesterday). Cathie, like her stunningly beautiful daughter Millie (got the spelling wrong before), loves to sing and dance and perform.
They are only holding auditions in Leeds and Liverpool, so reckon we should go up as 'Nuclear Puppy' - the slightly more mature Atomic Kitten tribute band - any joiners? Let me know!
I had to leave a decent tip, as the three of us (we were joined by lovely Leah after she'd been to take pics at Bodyline) just about cleared the cafe with our laughing and quoting of many favourite lines from 'Rita, Sue & Bob Too', Victoria Wood, French & Saunders and 'Life of Brian'.
I also shared a tiny piece of Cathie's pride when she showed me a letter from Millie's nursery school. As I mentioned, Millie is just three years old, but has been selected to appear - through her writing - in a book called My First Poem (www.myfirstpoem.com). I've not yet seen a copy, but it was about her favourite colour being pink and what a gem her Mummy is.
I reckon I have more in common with this three year old little treasure than anyone else at the moment, which I hope you don't think is either deluded or arrogant. Reckon when we finally meet she will be one of my best mates.
I'm also looking forward to meeting Danny Reuben, Cathie's husband and Millie's dad. He's a talented PR type who is just about to leave as head of PR for Bolton Wanderers (he was one of Sam's guys, so it was only a matter of time I fear) to join Charles Porter lifestyle management agency. The people that Danny, Cathie, Millie, Leah and I will meet through our work and social connections with them will just blow your mind. I will have to really keep myself in total check - as I'm sure you know I get terribly starstruck by anyone remotely famous!
So, after a quick visit to Mint for a nail paint, I headed home to clear up yet more cat shit - Squeak is back to the vets tomorrow, he is quite happy but not at all well - and then ventured out for the evening.
I've lived in Leeds for just over 12 years now - I'm one of those annoying types that came for Uni and stayed, though my grandmother (Nana) was born here in 1911 and told the most fabulous stories, and my dear Dad was a Carnegie boy here many years ago too, so I do have a bit of Tyke/Loiner heritage which I'm fiercely proud of - but tonight is the first ever time I've been to the switching on of Leeds Lights.
Of course Diwali is coming up, which is how I don't get annoyed with it being so damn early. I shall be adorning the 'House on the Corner' with many fairy lights to celebrate the festival of light.
Me and my friend greatly enjoyed watching Chico sing his new track 'Curvy Cola Bottle Body' - he likes 'em round apparently. But even us thick-skinned types couldn't quite hold out for the delight that is Shayne Ward. I know he's a bit chavvy and his Mum's house looks like it smells of chips, but he's quite dishy too I think. He has a sparkle in his eyes.
We then headed off to Sam's Chop House, where my good friend Paul Kevill, the manager. made us feel very welcome yet again. We then headed outside while I went for a ciggy and watched our council tax go up in smoke - literally. What a firework display. I'm not bitter really, I love fireworks (when I don't have to light them or pay for them directly) and they were truly fabulous.
Leeds was truly alight this evening and I'm so very glad I went.
I hope you can see where the laughter was in my day too.
Clancy xxxx
The perfect hostess?!
Just in case anyone was getting any ideas that I have my life sorted, I would like to share a tale about my experiences of last night/this morning...
Last night saw me at the CIPR PRide awards - an annual bash for us PR types to get hyped up and/or bitter - depending on whether we win or lose!
Much like my regular visits to the wonder that is NYC, I never have the same experience twice at these gigs and this year was certainly no exception!
I was there last night in my new frock and heels - purchased from the wonder that is www.asos.com (my maxi print dress was in the style of Sienna Miller and my gold bag in the style of Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud apparently, cool!) - purely to enjoy myself and support my little sister who was up for an award with the rest of the comms team from Doncaster (Donny) Council.
It was in the crisis management category and I'm so very proud of my sis for the work she did to support the flood-stricken folk of Toll Bar - including being one of the staff who was out in lifeboats delivering food parcels. PR is such a glamorous game I find - one of my favourite experiences includes a recent event I hosted (I can't claim to have organised it, Laila put in the graft, I just tipped up in my pink pumps, chatted to guests, gave a welcome speech and buttered up the press).
The official title of the event was 'Park Tower Memories' as one of my dear clients - Tony Collins Developments - is a property developer who has lovingly (with a lot of help from the architect and contractor) restored one of the landmarks in the North East into fab apartments and retail outlets. Park Tower is a fabulous building, listed thankfully, in Hartlepool. It was built in the late 1800s but then in circa 1910 was transformed in to the Co-operative Headquarters in 'the town'.
Not being from Hartlepool myself (though I do have a half-Macam make-up, my dear Mum is from Sunderland originally) I was inspired to put on this bash after hearing so many different stories about the building every time I visited. Everyone in Hartlepool knows a story about Park Tower, whether that is the caretaker who was the last person to lock up when the Co-op closed its doors for the final time, or the fabulous ladies (approx 16) who still meet up several times a year to gossip and share - much like they did when they worked there. Imagine a cast reunion of 'Are You Being Served?' fifty years on and you'll start to get the picture...!
It was a great evening, but the unofficial title was 'Biddies and Building Sites' as the building was not, and still is not. quite finished. I feared that someone would get locked in overnight, fall down a lift shaft or worse. So in actual fact one dear lady being overcome by the cases of Cava I picked up at Costco and rich buffet food in a sink that wasn't yet plumbed in was a mere blip, not a disaster.
PR - not for the faint-hearted I think you'll agree!
So, back to the story...
My sister did win (Gold), so did my table-sharers - Joseph Priestley College and the wonderful Lee'ann Kaufman (nee Connell), who picked up the Outstanding Young Communicator award. I also happen to have won that award, two years ago, and think it should be named the 'Outstanding Award for Courage', because Lee'ann, like me, has had the guts to set up her own business pre-30. Bravery/Stupidity/Naivety - it's a tough call really, but I'm delighted to say it's paid off - for both of us.
Well done Jen and Donny Council Comms team (including the lovely Rebecca Curran), Joseph Priestley College and Lee'ann. You rock!
For those that didn't win just remember it's a load of pish really and nobody really remembers who won from one year to the next!
I was ever so proud of my little sis last night (I taught her to read in the 53 Hemmingfield Road school - our house - by the time she was three years old and of course I'm not trying to take any credit or glory, she's a bloody clever, talented, vibrant, beautiful young girl and always has been, the fact she's my sister is just a bonus really) and had let many of my good friends who were dotted at tables around the Queens Hotel ballroom know that they MUST cheer very loudly when she won. Which they all did - thanks guys. I was jumping up and down and managed to snap my new necklace. Another one bites the dust...
So it was all going quite well really. I managed to eat my dinner for a change as had no pre-awards nerves - unlike the previous six years - and enjoy the company of my table. Last year saw me pick up 'Best use of internal communications' for one of my client projects and managed to stay relatively sober as was being picked up by my good friend Esme at 6am the next morning to drive to Manchester Airport to board a plane to New York to 'run' the marathon. The inverted commas relate to my journey, not my friends'!
However, the fact I knew there was no danger of me having to get up on stage to collect anything did nothing for my pacing of drinking. White wine, red wine and G&Ts. Ouch, my head really hurts today.
I managed to get myself home, as I always do, but without my overnight guests of Jen and Rebecca, they were supposed to be sleeping in my super king size bed, I was taking the sofa, but unfortunately, like all the best laid plans...
I crawled into bed - sans clothes - and promptly passed out. Thankfully I had left the door open (thankfully, in Armley?!) which is something I never normally do and won't again, so Jen and Rebecca managed to find a place to sleep - my futon - in one of the spare rooms, next to Connie & Squeak's, so it's particularly fragrant right now.
I ain't sorted by a long stretch, but I did have a bloody good night and will be there again next year, maybe even with my fellow Charlie Cake's Angels as this year's calendar WILL be entered, into several categories.
Any drunken, debauched tales are always welcome here - please feel free to share if you fancy any of them making it into a TV programme, theatre production or film. Names will be changed to protect the ever so guilty. One of my all-time favourite stories - someone else's - is of a girl getting up in the middle of the night, parched, and drinking a glass of water in the bathroom. It wasn't until the next morning that she and her overnight host realised she'd drunk his contact lenses. Class!
Off to sleep for a couple of hours and then start work for the day...
Clancy xxxx
Last night saw me at the CIPR PRide awards - an annual bash for us PR types to get hyped up and/or bitter - depending on whether we win or lose!
Much like my regular visits to the wonder that is NYC, I never have the same experience twice at these gigs and this year was certainly no exception!
I was there last night in my new frock and heels - purchased from the wonder that is www.asos.com (my maxi print dress was in the style of Sienna Miller and my gold bag in the style of Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud apparently, cool!) - purely to enjoy myself and support my little sister who was up for an award with the rest of the comms team from Doncaster (Donny) Council.
It was in the crisis management category and I'm so very proud of my sis for the work she did to support the flood-stricken folk of Toll Bar - including being one of the staff who was out in lifeboats delivering food parcels. PR is such a glamorous game I find - one of my favourite experiences includes a recent event I hosted (I can't claim to have organised it, Laila put in the graft, I just tipped up in my pink pumps, chatted to guests, gave a welcome speech and buttered up the press).
The official title of the event was 'Park Tower Memories' as one of my dear clients - Tony Collins Developments - is a property developer who has lovingly (with a lot of help from the architect and contractor) restored one of the landmarks in the North East into fab apartments and retail outlets. Park Tower is a fabulous building, listed thankfully, in Hartlepool. It was built in the late 1800s but then in circa 1910 was transformed in to the Co-operative Headquarters in 'the town'.
Not being from Hartlepool myself (though I do have a half-Macam make-up, my dear Mum is from Sunderland originally) I was inspired to put on this bash after hearing so many different stories about the building every time I visited. Everyone in Hartlepool knows a story about Park Tower, whether that is the caretaker who was the last person to lock up when the Co-op closed its doors for the final time, or the fabulous ladies (approx 16) who still meet up several times a year to gossip and share - much like they did when they worked there. Imagine a cast reunion of 'Are You Being Served?' fifty years on and you'll start to get the picture...!
It was a great evening, but the unofficial title was 'Biddies and Building Sites' as the building was not, and still is not. quite finished. I feared that someone would get locked in overnight, fall down a lift shaft or worse. So in actual fact one dear lady being overcome by the cases of Cava I picked up at Costco and rich buffet food in a sink that wasn't yet plumbed in was a mere blip, not a disaster.
PR - not for the faint-hearted I think you'll agree!
So, back to the story...
My sister did win (Gold), so did my table-sharers - Joseph Priestley College and the wonderful Lee'ann Kaufman (nee Connell), who picked up the Outstanding Young Communicator award. I also happen to have won that award, two years ago, and think it should be named the 'Outstanding Award for Courage', because Lee'ann, like me, has had the guts to set up her own business pre-30. Bravery/Stupidity/Naivety - it's a tough call really, but I'm delighted to say it's paid off - for both of us.
Well done Jen and Donny Council Comms team (including the lovely Rebecca Curran), Joseph Priestley College and Lee'ann. You rock!
For those that didn't win just remember it's a load of pish really and nobody really remembers who won from one year to the next!
I was ever so proud of my little sis last night (I taught her to read in the 53 Hemmingfield Road school - our house - by the time she was three years old and of course I'm not trying to take any credit or glory, she's a bloody clever, talented, vibrant, beautiful young girl and always has been, the fact she's my sister is just a bonus really) and had let many of my good friends who were dotted at tables around the Queens Hotel ballroom know that they MUST cheer very loudly when she won. Which they all did - thanks guys. I was jumping up and down and managed to snap my new necklace. Another one bites the dust...
So it was all going quite well really. I managed to eat my dinner for a change as had no pre-awards nerves - unlike the previous six years - and enjoy the company of my table. Last year saw me pick up 'Best use of internal communications' for one of my client projects and managed to stay relatively sober as was being picked up by my good friend Esme at 6am the next morning to drive to Manchester Airport to board a plane to New York to 'run' the marathon. The inverted commas relate to my journey, not my friends'!
However, the fact I knew there was no danger of me having to get up on stage to collect anything did nothing for my pacing of drinking. White wine, red wine and G&Ts. Ouch, my head really hurts today.
I managed to get myself home, as I always do, but without my overnight guests of Jen and Rebecca, they were supposed to be sleeping in my super king size bed, I was taking the sofa, but unfortunately, like all the best laid plans...
I crawled into bed - sans clothes - and promptly passed out. Thankfully I had left the door open (thankfully, in Armley?!) which is something I never normally do and won't again, so Jen and Rebecca managed to find a place to sleep - my futon - in one of the spare rooms, next to Connie & Squeak's, so it's particularly fragrant right now.
I ain't sorted by a long stretch, but I did have a bloody good night and will be there again next year, maybe even with my fellow Charlie Cake's Angels as this year's calendar WILL be entered, into several categories.
Any drunken, debauched tales are always welcome here - please feel free to share if you fancy any of them making it into a TV programme, theatre production or film. Names will be changed to protect the ever so guilty. One of my all-time favourite stories - someone else's - is of a girl getting up in the middle of the night, parched, and drinking a glass of water in the bathroom. It wasn't until the next morning that she and her overnight host realised she'd drunk his contact lenses. Class!
Off to sleep for a couple of hours and then start work for the day...
Clancy xxxx
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
When I grow up I want to be...
Like I was when I was a little girl.
Not in some depressing "If I could turn back time" kinda way (though I do a mean rendition of Cher's version on karaoke/singstar!), but in the sense of "that's who we truly are and let's try and tap into it a bit more" way.
I shall explain...
Two of my very good friends and mentors Nicky Pattinson (www.hiyaitsnicky.com) and Dawn Breslin (www.dawnbreslin.com) use this concept in their work, but in slightly different ways.
Understanding who we truly are and what we are supposed to be and do, often involves a bit of soul-searching to get back to who we were when were little. More will hopefully become clear soon...
Tonight saw the launch of The Charming Armley Cake Calendar, which was the culmination of much sweat and tears over the past few months - on the part of many people, not least one of my closest friends Emma Bearman (www.cultivateltd.co.uk)
It suddenly became all so very worthwhile when we realised that the cake competiton day and one night's worth of calendar sales has brought in well over a thousand quid for the wonderful Armley Helping Hands. This alone buys one portable nebuliser that will enable people who are normally housebound to be able to ride out on one of their buses for a day or evening out - even if it's just for bingo!
If you know even a little bit about Armley, you'll know that there is a fantastic industrial heritage here, but that also brought about many other issues, not least asbestosis in many of our older residents.
So when I say that the calendar has done so much for community spirit I hope you begin to understand the sense of pride and purpose me and my fellow Charlie Cake's Angels feel about this project.
Visit www.thearmleytouristboard.com for more info about where to buy a calendar - info will be up at the end of the week, in the meantime you can buy at Armley Helping Hands, here estate agents and then Pudsey Asdas from November 17th. We're also hoping to get on the telly with it this week too, I shall of course let you know if we do!
Coming back around to be a little girl, I always knew that I loved to entertain, tell stories and talk. And I'm just so grateful that I get to do that for a living now - but it's more a way of life really.
I have the photos to prove it too. My favourite is a picture of me, deep in conversation with my nursery school leader about how impossible it would be to both drive the bus and conduct the rest of my playmates in singing 'The Wheels on the Bus'. This is closely followed by another pic which sees me opting for the conducting, rather than the driving role.
Of course I can't really remember this, but Pat Roberts could - as well as being my nursery teacher she was also a very good friend of my Mum's and this is just one of the many stories she told. Another involved me shoving bits of tissue paper up my snout, which is something of a Walker family tradition now. My Dad did it with dolly mixtures that had to be sucked out by a soldier and my sister did it with black peppercorns. I shan't even go there with what that said about my future habits...!
I've asked my good friend Cathie Reuben's permission to tell this other story, so thanks Cathie. Cathie works as the corporate co-ordinator for Jo Malone and is a blummin' lovely girl to boot!
She recently spent a few days at Disneyland Paris with her husband, in-laws and gorgeous little girl Milly. On the last night, at the Cinderella Ball, the Reuben family sat there enjoying watching Prince Charming and Cinderella sweep the floor. After a few dances, Milly (who was also dressed head-to-toe as Cinderella) got up and wandered over, bold as brass and soft as snow, to Prince Charming and said "Excuse me, will you dance with me now please". Milly is three years old, and her Mum promptly lost it at this wonderfully innocent, yet ever so confident, move.
After their dance - twirling and swirling - Prince Charming bowed and Milly curtseyed. On returning to her Mum, she said "Mummy, that was the best thing ever" and her Mum lost it again.
Being true to your inner child isn't about naiveity, disregard or selfishness. It's about knowing what makes you tick and what you truly love doing. It's what you used to do before the word 'should' enterered your vocabulary.
I love standing up and talking - as I did when welcoming and thanking everyone this evening. I love sitting down and talking too. I love telling stories. I love making people laugh and smile. I love writing. I love singing. I love dancing.
When I was 11 years old I left the comfort of junior school and moved on to a 'comprehensive' education, which never quite suited me really. Before I did my wonderful teacher (and again family friend, can you tell I was raised by two teachers?!) Peter Faulkner wrote (in green pen - he never marked work in red either, because he wrote to guide and help, not criticise) "Clancy is a natural-born story-teller and I have no doubt that one day I will walk into a WH Smith's and pick up a book by Clancy Walker".
It took a long time after that for me to have that kind of belief in me, but I'm almost there again I hope. I'll keep you posted!
What did you want to be when you grew up? Have you grown up? I hope not, but I equally hope you are doing what you want to truly do. Even for just a little bit of the day. That can make all the difference I find...
Clancy xxxx
Not in some depressing "If I could turn back time" kinda way (though I do a mean rendition of Cher's version on karaoke/singstar!), but in the sense of "that's who we truly are and let's try and tap into it a bit more" way.
I shall explain...
Two of my very good friends and mentors Nicky Pattinson (www.hiyaitsnicky.com) and Dawn Breslin (www.dawnbreslin.com) use this concept in their work, but in slightly different ways.
Understanding who we truly are and what we are supposed to be and do, often involves a bit of soul-searching to get back to who we were when were little. More will hopefully become clear soon...
Tonight saw the launch of The Charming Armley Cake Calendar, which was the culmination of much sweat and tears over the past few months - on the part of many people, not least one of my closest friends Emma Bearman (www.cultivateltd.co.uk)
It suddenly became all so very worthwhile when we realised that the cake competiton day and one night's worth of calendar sales has brought in well over a thousand quid for the wonderful Armley Helping Hands. This alone buys one portable nebuliser that will enable people who are normally housebound to be able to ride out on one of their buses for a day or evening out - even if it's just for bingo!
If you know even a little bit about Armley, you'll know that there is a fantastic industrial heritage here, but that also brought about many other issues, not least asbestosis in many of our older residents.
So when I say that the calendar has done so much for community spirit I hope you begin to understand the sense of pride and purpose me and my fellow Charlie Cake's Angels feel about this project.
Visit www.thearmleytouristboard.com for more info about where to buy a calendar - info will be up at the end of the week, in the meantime you can buy at Armley Helping Hands, here estate agents and then Pudsey Asdas from November 17th. We're also hoping to get on the telly with it this week too, I shall of course let you know if we do!
Coming back around to be a little girl, I always knew that I loved to entertain, tell stories and talk. And I'm just so grateful that I get to do that for a living now - but it's more a way of life really.
I have the photos to prove it too. My favourite is a picture of me, deep in conversation with my nursery school leader about how impossible it would be to both drive the bus and conduct the rest of my playmates in singing 'The Wheels on the Bus'. This is closely followed by another pic which sees me opting for the conducting, rather than the driving role.
Of course I can't really remember this, but Pat Roberts could - as well as being my nursery teacher she was also a very good friend of my Mum's and this is just one of the many stories she told. Another involved me shoving bits of tissue paper up my snout, which is something of a Walker family tradition now. My Dad did it with dolly mixtures that had to be sucked out by a soldier and my sister did it with black peppercorns. I shan't even go there with what that said about my future habits...!
I've asked my good friend Cathie Reuben's permission to tell this other story, so thanks Cathie. Cathie works as the corporate co-ordinator for Jo Malone and is a blummin' lovely girl to boot!
She recently spent a few days at Disneyland Paris with her husband, in-laws and gorgeous little girl Milly. On the last night, at the Cinderella Ball, the Reuben family sat there enjoying watching Prince Charming and Cinderella sweep the floor. After a few dances, Milly (who was also dressed head-to-toe as Cinderella) got up and wandered over, bold as brass and soft as snow, to Prince Charming and said "Excuse me, will you dance with me now please". Milly is three years old, and her Mum promptly lost it at this wonderfully innocent, yet ever so confident, move.
After their dance - twirling and swirling - Prince Charming bowed and Milly curtseyed. On returning to her Mum, she said "Mummy, that was the best thing ever" and her Mum lost it again.
Being true to your inner child isn't about naiveity, disregard or selfishness. It's about knowing what makes you tick and what you truly love doing. It's what you used to do before the word 'should' enterered your vocabulary.
I love standing up and talking - as I did when welcoming and thanking everyone this evening. I love sitting down and talking too. I love telling stories. I love making people laugh and smile. I love writing. I love singing. I love dancing.
When I was 11 years old I left the comfort of junior school and moved on to a 'comprehensive' education, which never quite suited me really. Before I did my wonderful teacher (and again family friend, can you tell I was raised by two teachers?!) Peter Faulkner wrote (in green pen - he never marked work in red either, because he wrote to guide and help, not criticise) "Clancy is a natural-born story-teller and I have no doubt that one day I will walk into a WH Smith's and pick up a book by Clancy Walker".
It took a long time after that for me to have that kind of belief in me, but I'm almost there again I hope. I'll keep you posted!
What did you want to be when you grew up? Have you grown up? I hope not, but I equally hope you are doing what you want to truly do. Even for just a little bit of the day. That can make all the difference I find...
Clancy xxxx
Monday, 5 November 2007
Soul-consciousness...and vinyl tiles
So, last night's meditation group brought up some really interesting points for discussion in the spiritual chit chat sesh we have at the end (after guided meditations, readings, lovely music and silence of course).
The theme of the evening was angels so I obviously had a couple of things to share about that - not least the first ever feather I've found indoors (have seen and collected more than I can count whilst outside over the last few months). Of course I don't believe that angels really have little feathery wings and the feathers I find come from them, but it's a sign and that's what counts.
David who was leading the discussion had, as ever, some interesting wisdom to share. Including that being truly soul-conscious isn't about being a 'Space Cadet' and not being affected by life's dramas. How dull would that be - and completely impossible if you want to live an interesting and fulfilled life?!
No, it's about being a detached observer when needed, and and active actor when required too. Not an actor in the false, pretend sense, but in the 'understanding your role' sense. Pretty powerful stuff I hope you agree. I also hope you know I'm not for a second claiming to be 'there' myself yet - but I'm definitely heading the right direction again.
So, about the vinyl tiles...
Sometimes it's practicalities that are required as well as spiritual reflection - the two together are a powerful force.
Again sparing you the gruesome details, this evening saw me ripping up old and unpleasant carpets from the room where Connie & Squeak now reside, and laying vinyl tiles. This is an interim measure until the cellar is cleared and they have their own space down there. As much as I love my new housemates, they ain't getting to keep a room within the house - I have my cat-loving limits!
Today has been another very good, yet very manic Monday. Starting with my first board/AGM meeting with the wonderful Pavilion. Their work is truly inspiring and I'm honoured to be asked to be a trustee. I can't wait to start supporting them - with a bit of help from Leah and a team of students I'm planning to recruit.
I also visited Armley Helping Hands to kick off a photoshoot - which was then ably taken over by Joan Russell (www.jr-photography.com - she rocks!) and lovely Leah - where the community team from one of our clients Farnell has started the final stages of work to transform the garden. This involves laying mosaics which have been created by the clients at Helping Hands (also known as recycled teenagers to the fabulous Dawn Newsome, project manager extraordinaire) to represent their lives in Leeds. Will post some pics here and on facebook this week now I've figured out how.
Other escapades of today included another trip to Durtnells vets - the Frenchman is now slightly less enamoured with Squeak Walker thanks to a little accident (I love that about vets, my very good friends Jo & Haydn Locke got a bit of a shock when they visited the vets for the first time with their lovely Staffy, Bo). Think about the name combo...?!
Connie & Squeak also accompanied me to B&Q and again attracted an awful lot of attention. They love it. And I'm even more glad that I've decided to have them as housecats (which as Persian/Norwegian Forest cross breeds they'll be more than happy with - plus they have more toys and accessories than most children now so boredom isn't an issue) because I dread to think what Miss Connie Walker would get up to round the streets of Armley. Though potential she could do a job of supplementing my income if I were to pimp her out, but I reckon she would break too many hearts so she's better off kept indoors!
'More Month Than Money' were fabulous as ever last night. I love their new song 'Empty Bed Bliss' (sorry for anyone who finds that slightly cruel) and was delighted to have 'Man vs Machine' dedicated to me. Thanks guys. You are on the brink of national and international fame. I just feel it in me bones.
Which I'm also feeling cold in at the moment, so am signing out for an evening of warming food, sofas and catching up on good telly stuff. Did the bonfire thing on Saturday and there's enough fireworks going on round Lower Armley to watch and listen too.
Hope your Bonfire Night is everything you want it to be too.
Clancy xxxx
The theme of the evening was angels so I obviously had a couple of things to share about that - not least the first ever feather I've found indoors (have seen and collected more than I can count whilst outside over the last few months). Of course I don't believe that angels really have little feathery wings and the feathers I find come from them, but it's a sign and that's what counts.
David who was leading the discussion had, as ever, some interesting wisdom to share. Including that being truly soul-conscious isn't about being a 'Space Cadet' and not being affected by life's dramas. How dull would that be - and completely impossible if you want to live an interesting and fulfilled life?!
No, it's about being a detached observer when needed, and and active actor when required too. Not an actor in the false, pretend sense, but in the 'understanding your role' sense. Pretty powerful stuff I hope you agree. I also hope you know I'm not for a second claiming to be 'there' myself yet - but I'm definitely heading the right direction again.
So, about the vinyl tiles...
Sometimes it's practicalities that are required as well as spiritual reflection - the two together are a powerful force.
Again sparing you the gruesome details, this evening saw me ripping up old and unpleasant carpets from the room where Connie & Squeak now reside, and laying vinyl tiles. This is an interim measure until the cellar is cleared and they have their own space down there. As much as I love my new housemates, they ain't getting to keep a room within the house - I have my cat-loving limits!
Today has been another very good, yet very manic Monday. Starting with my first board/AGM meeting with the wonderful Pavilion. Their work is truly inspiring and I'm honoured to be asked to be a trustee. I can't wait to start supporting them - with a bit of help from Leah and a team of students I'm planning to recruit.
I also visited Armley Helping Hands to kick off a photoshoot - which was then ably taken over by Joan Russell (www.jr-photography.com - she rocks!) and lovely Leah - where the community team from one of our clients Farnell has started the final stages of work to transform the garden. This involves laying mosaics which have been created by the clients at Helping Hands (also known as recycled teenagers to the fabulous Dawn Newsome, project manager extraordinaire) to represent their lives in Leeds. Will post some pics here and on facebook this week now I've figured out how.
Other escapades of today included another trip to Durtnells vets - the Frenchman is now slightly less enamoured with Squeak Walker thanks to a little accident (I love that about vets, my very good friends Jo & Haydn Locke got a bit of a shock when they visited the vets for the first time with their lovely Staffy, Bo). Think about the name combo...?!
Connie & Squeak also accompanied me to B&Q and again attracted an awful lot of attention. They love it. And I'm even more glad that I've decided to have them as housecats (which as Persian/Norwegian Forest cross breeds they'll be more than happy with - plus they have more toys and accessories than most children now so boredom isn't an issue) because I dread to think what Miss Connie Walker would get up to round the streets of Armley. Though potential she could do a job of supplementing my income if I were to pimp her out, but I reckon she would break too many hearts so she's better off kept indoors!
'More Month Than Money' were fabulous as ever last night. I love their new song 'Empty Bed Bliss' (sorry for anyone who finds that slightly cruel) and was delighted to have 'Man vs Machine' dedicated to me. Thanks guys. You are on the brink of national and international fame. I just feel it in me bones.
Which I'm also feeling cold in at the moment, so am signing out for an evening of warming food, sofas and catching up on good telly stuff. Did the bonfire thing on Saturday and there's enough fireworks going on round Lower Armley to watch and listen too.
Hope your Bonfire Night is everything you want it to be too.
Clancy xxxx
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Finally discovering how to get this blog customised...
Apparently I have to post a pic to my blog first, then set as my profile pic, I'm not sharing a pic of me for the fun of it or cos I think I look so bloody great, that's not me really!
Like most pictures I post of me on facebook, this one is a couple of years old - when I was still pre-30! It was taken by Paul Baxter (PB) on one of our many run club nights out - it's a drinking & eating club with running problem really! PB did do a version of this with little angel wings sketched in - if you could send me that PB if you still have it, that would be fab!
Clancy xxxx
That's strength, not strenth, of course - imagine proofing everything but the title!
Oh well, I've never ever claimed to be perfect have I?! Far from it, which only makes things more interesting I find!
Signs and strenth
My absence has not been without cause, and yet again things get more and more interesting as time goes on...
I'm sitting on my new sofa, which thanks to a now cleared room on the top floor (thank you Duncan, Paul and Matthew for your help with that today) is now safe from harm. Unfortunately little Squeak is still having issues so is prevented from roaming the hous, although the vet assures me "he is not stressed, or depressed and he obviously adores you" (imagine said a lovely French accent and you'll get the picture). What a great find Durtnells vets practice was.
It's just a few minutes up the road too. When at a lovely bonfire round at my friends Casey & Boff's last night, a few people said they wouldn't take their pets there, but once inside it's lovely. The exterior doesn't look that great, but I learned a while ago to be open to surprises, even from things that might come wrapped in the grubbiest brown paper packages.
We've also now realised that we are not just a bunch of cat lovers here in LS12, so the planned 'Pussy Parade' for March 29th next year will be expanded to include dogs, we're all about inclusivity here after all. Denise and Guy can enter Billy Bob (their gorgeous labrdoodle, one of my two favourite dog breeds, the other being greyhound) and I'm sure many others will get involved too.
So, if anyone has any suitably crass, double entendre or just plain funny names for the dog show please let me know - clancy@clancywalker.com
Friday saw another fun-filled evening at 'The House on the Corner', starting with my good friend Emily Carrie round for dinner (Emily runs Promise PR & Design), followed by my newly discovered neighbours Jo & Eric, who are theatre producers/directors (we're plotting stuff together now - big time) round for drinks, then my wonderful friends Walter and Steve popped round for a couple - drinks and songs on singstar - too.
A key sign had however sent me in a slightly different direction to what I had planned for Saturday. I shall explain in as short a tale as possible.
Brief Encounter is my all-time favourite film. I saw it for the first time when I was 17 and fell in love. It incorporated everything I loved - and still do - romance, passion, trains, journeys, stations, shopping, going to the cinema, powerful music, steam, humour. I think you get the picture. I love it!
Due to various changes and circumstances over the last couple of months I was struggling with the thought of going to see the current version - staged by the wonderful Kneehigh - which is on at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until next Saturday 10th.
However, an email popped in just after 3pm (I'm on the mailing list of new writers and frequently get news of exciting opportunities from Alex Chisholm) to say that free tickets were being given away in order to ensure the auditorium was packed full of enthusiastic people.
Which it was. But I don't think that had much to do with the type of people who were invited last minute.
It is without doubt the best piece of theatre I have seen in my life. So much so, that plans for my family party next Saturday evening have been adjusted to take them to see it first, followed by pizza and singing back here later on!
I'll write more about why it is so brilliant at a later date, but suffice to say I am so glad I was open to the signs and had the strength to go and see it. I'm also so grateful that my friends Tricia and Leah brought tissues and strong shoulders, but it definitely unblocked something and I'm feeling much more positive now.
I'm also reminded of what strength we all have within us as I watch the end of the New York City Marathon and the inspiration that is Paula Radcliffe. On this day last year I was running the same race, but of course my journey was very different to Paula's - not helped by my continuing penchant for fags, booze and pizza!
I, like Squeak, have a stress point in my stomach, and struggled the from the first two miles (I'll spare you the details). Mile 18 saw a forced break of 20 minutes, which included plenty of tears. Something inside me (again in my stomach - you'll get these feelings in your solar plexus too, learning to trust them and react takes some doing but things take on a different pace and direction if you do) just clicked and I said to myself "Come on Clancy, you can do this. There are only 8.2 miles left to go, you know you can do that, you've done it so many times before".
And off I went. Still to my run/walk plan as devised by Tom from Virgin Active Road Runners. My last mile was my quickest though and as I ran through the finishing yards in Central Park, 'my song' came on my ipod - unplanned - so I took the opportunity to belt it out to the still cheering crowds. 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen is THE best song in the world to shift your mood and run to. I highly recommend getting it if you don't already.
It's also one of the songs my CD alarm clock plays to me in the morning, along with 'Eye of the Tiger', 'Making Your Mind Up' and 'When Will I Be Famous?'. For those that know me, I made that change to what I wake up to about six months ago and I hope you can see the difference it's made. Much better than waking to depressing news, then once fully awake I put on GMTV, as I find BBC Breakfast a bit much for my morning brainwaves before a cup or two of coffee!
So, look out for the signs and have the strength to follow them. Listen to your solar plexus. It will tell you what's right for you. I wish you lots of courage and I'm here if you need to borrow some for a bit. Again, clancy@clancywalker.com - we rarely close.
I'm off out now for meditation group at Brahma Kumaris, followed by going to see the wonderful 'More Month Than Money' at Prohibition. My good friend Lesley is the lead vocalist and co-writer of all their stuff - fabulously funny, bluesy, jazzy and souly. My favourite track is 'Man vs Machine'.
Hope you've had a good weekend too
Clancy xxxx
p.s. Eastthorpe was fabulous too - Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Hand Treatments, wonderful food loving prepared as ever by Granville, feathers appearing for me to pick up, a Magpie joining me in the garden while I had lunch in the conservatory and a few lovely purchases to bring away - including some handmade fairies which now hang from my kitchen door handle and a wonderful new candle and room spray. Blissful. Thank you to Steph, Nic and the team for another wonderful half day there. I'll be back as soon as I can!
I'm sitting on my new sofa, which thanks to a now cleared room on the top floor (thank you Duncan, Paul and Matthew for your help with that today) is now safe from harm. Unfortunately little Squeak is still having issues so is prevented from roaming the hous, although the vet assures me "he is not stressed, or depressed and he obviously adores you" (imagine said a lovely French accent and you'll get the picture). What a great find Durtnells vets practice was.
It's just a few minutes up the road too. When at a lovely bonfire round at my friends Casey & Boff's last night, a few people said they wouldn't take their pets there, but once inside it's lovely. The exterior doesn't look that great, but I learned a while ago to be open to surprises, even from things that might come wrapped in the grubbiest brown paper packages.
We've also now realised that we are not just a bunch of cat lovers here in LS12, so the planned 'Pussy Parade' for March 29th next year will be expanded to include dogs, we're all about inclusivity here after all. Denise and Guy can enter Billy Bob (their gorgeous labrdoodle, one of my two favourite dog breeds, the other being greyhound) and I'm sure many others will get involved too.
So, if anyone has any suitably crass, double entendre or just plain funny names for the dog show please let me know - clancy@clancywalker.com
Friday saw another fun-filled evening at 'The House on the Corner', starting with my good friend Emily Carrie round for dinner (Emily runs Promise PR & Design), followed by my newly discovered neighbours Jo & Eric, who are theatre producers/directors (we're plotting stuff together now - big time) round for drinks, then my wonderful friends Walter and Steve popped round for a couple - drinks and songs on singstar - too.
A key sign had however sent me in a slightly different direction to what I had planned for Saturday. I shall explain in as short a tale as possible.
Brief Encounter is my all-time favourite film. I saw it for the first time when I was 17 and fell in love. It incorporated everything I loved - and still do - romance, passion, trains, journeys, stations, shopping, going to the cinema, powerful music, steam, humour. I think you get the picture. I love it!
Due to various changes and circumstances over the last couple of months I was struggling with the thought of going to see the current version - staged by the wonderful Kneehigh - which is on at the West Yorkshire Playhouse until next Saturday 10th.
However, an email popped in just after 3pm (I'm on the mailing list of new writers and frequently get news of exciting opportunities from Alex Chisholm) to say that free tickets were being given away in order to ensure the auditorium was packed full of enthusiastic people.
Which it was. But I don't think that had much to do with the type of people who were invited last minute.
It is without doubt the best piece of theatre I have seen in my life. So much so, that plans for my family party next Saturday evening have been adjusted to take them to see it first, followed by pizza and singing back here later on!
I'll write more about why it is so brilliant at a later date, but suffice to say I am so glad I was open to the signs and had the strength to go and see it. I'm also so grateful that my friends Tricia and Leah brought tissues and strong shoulders, but it definitely unblocked something and I'm feeling much more positive now.
I'm also reminded of what strength we all have within us as I watch the end of the New York City Marathon and the inspiration that is Paula Radcliffe. On this day last year I was running the same race, but of course my journey was very different to Paula's - not helped by my continuing penchant for fags, booze and pizza!
I, like Squeak, have a stress point in my stomach, and struggled the from the first two miles (I'll spare you the details). Mile 18 saw a forced break of 20 minutes, which included plenty of tears. Something inside me (again in my stomach - you'll get these feelings in your solar plexus too, learning to trust them and react takes some doing but things take on a different pace and direction if you do) just clicked and I said to myself "Come on Clancy, you can do this. There are only 8.2 miles left to go, you know you can do that, you've done it so many times before".
And off I went. Still to my run/walk plan as devised by Tom from Virgin Active Road Runners. My last mile was my quickest though and as I ran through the finishing yards in Central Park, 'my song' came on my ipod - unplanned - so I took the opportunity to belt it out to the still cheering crowds. 'Don't Stop Me Now' by Queen is THE best song in the world to shift your mood and run to. I highly recommend getting it if you don't already.
It's also one of the songs my CD alarm clock plays to me in the morning, along with 'Eye of the Tiger', 'Making Your Mind Up' and 'When Will I Be Famous?'. For those that know me, I made that change to what I wake up to about six months ago and I hope you can see the difference it's made. Much better than waking to depressing news, then once fully awake I put on GMTV, as I find BBC Breakfast a bit much for my morning brainwaves before a cup or two of coffee!
So, look out for the signs and have the strength to follow them. Listen to your solar plexus. It will tell you what's right for you. I wish you lots of courage and I'm here if you need to borrow some for a bit. Again, clancy@clancywalker.com - we rarely close.
I'm off out now for meditation group at Brahma Kumaris, followed by going to see the wonderful 'More Month Than Money' at Prohibition. My good friend Lesley is the lead vocalist and co-writer of all their stuff - fabulously funny, bluesy, jazzy and souly. My favourite track is 'Man vs Machine'.
Hope you've had a good weekend too
Clancy xxxx
p.s. Eastthorpe was fabulous too - Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Hand Treatments, wonderful food loving prepared as ever by Granville, feathers appearing for me to pick up, a Magpie joining me in the garden while I had lunch in the conservatory and a few lovely purchases to bring away - including some handmade fairies which now hang from my kitchen door handle and a wonderful new candle and room spray. Blissful. Thank you to Steph, Nic and the team for another wonderful half day there. I'll be back as soon as I can!
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Ask, believe and receive...
Sometimes you don't know what you want, but somehow it just appears in front of you. Well, for those who are familiar with The Secret, we know that's not strictly true. You can know you want to get somewhere, but just not know how you're going to get there and then suddenly an answer appears.
My uppy downy-ness continues, but probably due to my lack of sleep, rather than lack of direction and focus. I can't wait for my spa retreat at the fabulous Eastthorpe Hall on Saturday - www.eastthorpe.co.uk - in Mirfield of all places. I love the energy at Eastthorpe and in the hope that there are no inland revenue people subscribing to this blog, you can put a spa day down as 'Stress Management' and claim it back as a business expense. If anyone knows how I can do the same for my regular manicures and continuing shoe obsession please let me know!
So, after a great new business meeting and much needed catch-up with my good friend Kirsty (one and the same, we met through work so have always had that element to our friendship - normally I wouldn't advocate working with friends) I was wandering back through leafy Chapel Allerton to my SMART car, knowing I didn't feel like going home, but also not bothered about going out either. And then a vision of pure loveliness and colour appeared before me...in the form of my very very good friend Miss Karen 'Krazy' Heras-Kelly.
So a glass of Pinot Grigio later (just a small one as I had the car) and a good ole' catch up before she heads off to the Smoke for a fabulous new life working at Jackie Cooper PR, I was feeling much better placed to return home to Connie & Squeak and a night of peacefulness. She's done a lot of soul-searching and work on herself too, so despite us meeting at one of the more crazy times (too many naughty times to mention!) in our lives a few years ago, it's great that we can now compare notes on our journeys. Good luck Kazza, as ever, you're gonna rock the shop love!
I also knew I needed to sell my old sofas and having gone through a crazy time a couple of weeks ago having windows removed, old sofas taken away, new ones brought in and windows sealed back up again, I completely forgot to take some pictures of the damn things, so also knew it wouldn't be that easy to do! The wonderful Ed from Falcon Storage/Removals finally tracked me down to get his cash this evening and made me a very reasonable offer for them. Job done!
If something's right and ready and you want it enough, it will happen. Just ask, believe and receive. Also visit www.thesecret.tv if you're in the slightest bit intrigued! Please remember though, the law of attraction is an amazingly powerful one, but I'm an even bigger believer in the law of action.
Let's get this show on the road...
Clancy xxxx
My uppy downy-ness continues, but probably due to my lack of sleep, rather than lack of direction and focus. I can't wait for my spa retreat at the fabulous Eastthorpe Hall on Saturday - www.eastthorpe.co.uk - in Mirfield of all places. I love the energy at Eastthorpe and in the hope that there are no inland revenue people subscribing to this blog, you can put a spa day down as 'Stress Management' and claim it back as a business expense. If anyone knows how I can do the same for my regular manicures and continuing shoe obsession please let me know!
So, after a great new business meeting and much needed catch-up with my good friend Kirsty (one and the same, we met through work so have always had that element to our friendship - normally I wouldn't advocate working with friends) I was wandering back through leafy Chapel Allerton to my SMART car, knowing I didn't feel like going home, but also not bothered about going out either. And then a vision of pure loveliness and colour appeared before me...in the form of my very very good friend Miss Karen 'Krazy' Heras-Kelly.
So a glass of Pinot Grigio later (just a small one as I had the car) and a good ole' catch up before she heads off to the Smoke for a fabulous new life working at Jackie Cooper PR, I was feeling much better placed to return home to Connie & Squeak and a night of peacefulness. She's done a lot of soul-searching and work on herself too, so despite us meeting at one of the more crazy times (too many naughty times to mention!) in our lives a few years ago, it's great that we can now compare notes on our journeys. Good luck Kazza, as ever, you're gonna rock the shop love!
I also knew I needed to sell my old sofas and having gone through a crazy time a couple of weeks ago having windows removed, old sofas taken away, new ones brought in and windows sealed back up again, I completely forgot to take some pictures of the damn things, so also knew it wouldn't be that easy to do! The wonderful Ed from Falcon Storage/Removals finally tracked me down to get his cash this evening and made me a very reasonable offer for them. Job done!
If something's right and ready and you want it enough, it will happen. Just ask, believe and receive. Also visit www.thesecret.tv if you're in the slightest bit intrigued! Please remember though, the law of attraction is an amazingly powerful one, but I'm an even bigger believer in the law of action.
Let's get this show on the road...
Clancy xxxx
Freudian Slip?
It was Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes that sang "Who knows what tomorrow brings..."
Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville did "I don't much, but I know I love you..."
Ooops!
Clancy xxxx
Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville did "I don't much, but I know I love you..."
Ooops!
Clancy xxxx
Expect the unexpected. Better still, don't expect at all.
Some of the most powerful, life changing experiences I've had have been those for which I had no expectations from, or was just open-minded as to what they could bring.
Whether it was the Creative Circle's Role Reversal seminar three years ago that set the wheels in motion for me setting up my own business, or the people I've met over the last few years that have opened my mind to the possibilities that life can bring.
Take the time to look up, look down, look around. Talk to people you don't know. Talk to people you do, but in a different way.
So, today was not at all as I had imagined. And it's been all the better for it really.
Whether it's the openness of the lovely people I spoke to and met at the Leeds Media Breakfast Briefing (exciting opportunities ahead, including getting another opportunity to stand in front of a room full of people and talk - and this is work?!), the first visit to the vets with Connie and Squeak or my last minute change of All Hallow's Eve plans. Today has most definitely not been the day I expected.
Connie and Squeak did an outstanding job of making me look like a drama queen at best and liar at worst. You've never seen cats as relaxed and happy - and considering they were at the vets for the first time in their young lives that's quite an achievement!
The lovely French vet man was really quite taken with both of them - comments included "She's something else isn't she" - and I'm just sorry to say that was about Connie, not me!
Squeak was the most calm he's been since I first met him well over a month ago, just sitting there quite happily purring as he was examined and coming to me for some lovin'. Connie didn't flinch at all when given her first jabs either, I think she was still on a high from the attention she got whilst prancing around for the people in the waiting room inside the carrier before we went in. I did say to a friend of mine she was a tart, and she really came into her own today. Bless!
Tonight then found me, after a nap (I was up at 5am to finish my presentation), at a new writers performance evening - Halloween themed - at the fabulous Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds. I'd planned to be doing something else, but I know now I ended up in the right place.
Not only did I meet some talented writers, producers and directors, but also got to meet up with two people from a theatre group I used to belong to and hadn't seen for over five years. Hello Nadine and Lucy - Nadine works at the Carriageworks, Lucy is a fabulous actress.
We had great chats with everyone after the performances and in the bar and I know I've found even more people that will make Brief Encounters - my short film - even better. Bring it on!
Just need to secure the cash from a good friend - and incredibly astute businesswoman - and we're rockin' and rollin'.
So, a very different day yet again. In the words of the fabulous Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville...
Clancy xxxx
Whether it was the Creative Circle's Role Reversal seminar three years ago that set the wheels in motion for me setting up my own business, or the people I've met over the last few years that have opened my mind to the possibilities that life can bring.
Take the time to look up, look down, look around. Talk to people you don't know. Talk to people you do, but in a different way.
So, today was not at all as I had imagined. And it's been all the better for it really.
Whether it's the openness of the lovely people I spoke to and met at the Leeds Media Breakfast Briefing (exciting opportunities ahead, including getting another opportunity to stand in front of a room full of people and talk - and this is work?!), the first visit to the vets with Connie and Squeak or my last minute change of All Hallow's Eve plans. Today has most definitely not been the day I expected.
Connie and Squeak did an outstanding job of making me look like a drama queen at best and liar at worst. You've never seen cats as relaxed and happy - and considering they were at the vets for the first time in their young lives that's quite an achievement!
The lovely French vet man was really quite taken with both of them - comments included "She's something else isn't she" - and I'm just sorry to say that was about Connie, not me!
Squeak was the most calm he's been since I first met him well over a month ago, just sitting there quite happily purring as he was examined and coming to me for some lovin'. Connie didn't flinch at all when given her first jabs either, I think she was still on a high from the attention she got whilst prancing around for the people in the waiting room inside the carrier before we went in. I did say to a friend of mine she was a tart, and she really came into her own today. Bless!
Tonight then found me, after a nap (I was up at 5am to finish my presentation), at a new writers performance evening - Halloween themed - at the fabulous Carriageworks Theatre in Leeds. I'd planned to be doing something else, but I know now I ended up in the right place.
Not only did I meet some talented writers, producers and directors, but also got to meet up with two people from a theatre group I used to belong to and hadn't seen for over five years. Hello Nadine and Lucy - Nadine works at the Carriageworks, Lucy is a fabulous actress.
We had great chats with everyone after the performances and in the bar and I know I've found even more people that will make Brief Encounters - my short film - even better. Bring it on!
Just need to secure the cash from a good friend - and incredibly astute businesswoman - and we're rockin' and rollin'.
So, a very different day yet again. In the words of the fabulous Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville...
Clancy xxxx
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