Tales from the Enchanter

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #13

2011-12-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

So, as planned this week we went to The V & A to study a painting in order to evaluate colour content and proportion. After a short tour around the Indian gallery, and an introduction to the project, we set to with a picture of our choice. Here's the one I chose...

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #12

2011-12-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

Following our first venture into colour exploration, we are using 'saturation of hue' to evaluate colour percentages in an image. As if that weren't a difficult enough task for a duffer like me to grasp, there is no 'image' but we have to apply these theoretical gymnastics to a piece of prose!

This is challenging in the extreme to me... but amazingly I come up with something that I am mildly pleased with, and more importantly, seems to please my tutor. From here we will be going to The Victoria & Albert Museum to repeat this process with an actual picture... this is what is commonly known as 'taking it to a whole other level'.

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #11

2011-12-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

A new term starts, and we are studying colour as part of our second module; 'Language of Calligraphy and Design'. Hazel takes us through some basic colour preparation and instruction, and then its time to mix paint!I realise quite early into the session that colour is my achilles heel... a weak point whenever I approach a design project. I think I rather arbitrarily 'choose' a colour that I 'like', rather than thinking through the reasons and objectives of the project and selecting colour as a contributory element of the whole thing.Apart from learning about colour and how to use/apply it, we are making colour swatches in gouache so that when we study individual paintings later on, we can match the colours we see and reference them against our samples.
We're learning about Saturation, Hue and Value, and we prepare colour mixes to demmonstrate various combinations of these aspects. It's amazing how differently we all approach this, even though we are using the same basic pallette.For homework we'll be attempting to produce images that repesent colour percentage values in a piece of descriptive prose. This will be a real challenge for me. Thankfully I have some good reference from Paul Klee to help me along!

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #10

2011-11-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

I've been fininishing off my assignments this week and gathering all my final pieces together in readiness for submission next week. The Roman Capitals...The Foundational Hand...
My research book...

And the Monoline Roman Capitals and Miniscules, presented in two small concertina books...

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #9

2011-11-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Full steam ahead now with the Foundational text for this element of my assignment. The content is chosen and I've worked out the nib size, line spacing and layout, although I may change this later. I've made some notes to refer to as I write, and I'm always aware of the particular letters that continue to give me problems, including that pesky 'l'.
So... a few exercises to try and stamp out that stupid letter that I seem to have a mental block with....mmmm... that seems better, wonder how long it will last!
Other students are working on various tasks. Here Nathalie dampens a line on a sheet of paper to experiment in developing a decal edge.Meanwhile...I have been writing my text out in chisel pencil. I've decided to change the layout a bit and I'm trying the lines out with various indents and line endings to make the most appealing layout.
I've also made a decision to have a drop capital initial to the beginning of the piece. Again, I try different sizes in pencil only, and separate the top line of the text to see how that could work together with the initial cap.
I decide on this size for the cap initial and I'm much happier with the layout and particularly the line endings. I think I can get cracking now with the final piece!
Nathalie is busy preparing her Foundational piece too, working out the layout with strips of writing and placing them on a sheet of cartridge paper to get the position of each line just right.

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #8

2011-11-13T13:18:00.000-08:00

Plenty of time this week with the Foundational hand. Nasty habits need eradicating... that wrong 'l' without the serif; correcting the backslant; achieving the perfect 'o'... and 's'... and 'b'...

getting the 'arches' right.... I could go on....After learning how to sharpen a nib on an Arkansas Stone, Ivo gives it a whirl... a study in concentration...A little bit of fun with colour to end the day...

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #7

2011-11-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

After spending some time on the Roman Capitals we've been moving on to miniscules during this week. Using similar elementary exercises; monoline letters, double pencils, we finally get to study the Foundational Hand, and begin to practice with pen and ink.The usual feedback and critique session with our tutor help us to understand our approach and techniques on this basic hand.
Plenty of writing practice to get into a rhythm with the writing. Below is an axample of how it should look! We'll be producing another piece of text in this hand for our second assignment, so plenty of writing practice required over the next couple of weeks. (Note - these few blog posts are being written retrospectively).

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #6

2011-10-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

During this past week we've been working more on the Roman Capitals and preparing our pieces for the assignment. I chose the verse that I wanted and began at home to layout the page and begin the writing. I worked in pencil on layout sheets to establish the line breaks and spacing, and also spent quite a bit of time actually practising the letters with the pen.
Plenty of time this week during our classes to see what each other has been doing with their Roman Capitals assignment piece. Class critiques help us to affirm our approach to the layout and spacing.
The other thing we've been learning is how to analyse a historical script. In this case we were using pages from the 'The Ramsey Psalter'. The analysis helps us to understand how the original scribe actually wrote the letters, and we can research the pen angle, nib width, spacing etc. We can even decide the 'speed' of the writing and make a judgement about the style of the script.

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #5

2011-10-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Continuing on from the monoline capitals last week, the class has been working with the broad edged pen and drawing Roman Capitals. We'll be selecting a verse or text to write and this will make one of the element in our second assignment.
During the day we also present our work and offer critiques of each other's pieces. We also receive input and advice/direction from our tutor, Cherrell, who helps us to not only form the letters well, but to understand the importance of layout, balance and weight.

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #4

2011-10-09T02:10:00.000-07:00

We are working up our monoline capitals as an element of our first assignment. Eventually these will be drawn in ink on good quality paper, but for now we are using pencil on layout paper, concerning ouselves with the construction, weight, balance and layout of the written piece. As part of this process we present and comment on our work in progress, and also receive critique from our fellow students and tutor.We comment and make suggestions on each others work, and make notes to fine-tune spacing and balance etc, so that this informs what will be our final piece for the first assignment. Already we see some good quality work coming through from our group.

We have also returned to the pen this week, trying out various nib widths and heights. Working with a broad nib and taking care to form the serifs, with reference to the previous teaching about construction, weight, spacing etc.For the next weeks I'll be staying with my daughter in Romford. Nice to see the great job she has made of her kitchen makeover during the last few weeks!

Beach life!

2011-10-02T04:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone's been talking about the weather....so unusual for this time of year. It's been so warm that the heat went to my head and my mind began thinking crazy things....like actually going for a swim in the North Sea! This was an almost daily occurence in my youth; down to the beach at 8am and returning home at 9pm...then to be carefully lathered with 'Calamine Lotion' by my mother!

The water today was reasonably cold, but once I got in it was a lovely feeling. Gracie sat on the beach and looked at me as if I was mad. Later on my mind wandered again, back to wonderful beach days like these, and drying off with that great feeling of salt water in your hair and sand between your toes.

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #3

2011-10-01T01:21:00.000-07:00

After a couple of weeks working with the Roman Capitals, learning about geometric proportion, weight and spacing with the 'skeleton' letters, there is now an opportunity to work with the edged pen...and some ink. We've been using a fairly broad nib (2) to draw the letters at 2cm high, first trying individual letters and then words. Getting the pen working and the ink flowing give a good feeling, and the nuances of technique and the practicalities involved are noted and will hopefully be lodged in the brain!In the evening a lovely walk around Highbury Fields, near where I am staying with my son during some of these weeks. It's a very nice area of London, and the nice September weather has brought out the cyclists, runners and ice cream vans!During this weeks' session we have also been working to produce the same letters with 'double pencils'. Taping two HB pencils together and drawing the letters is a good way to get an understanding of their shaping and construction. You can achieve the same thick and thin strokes and also develop the serifs (the pointed ends of the vertical and horizontal strokes).The weather has been so good this week that lunch today was taken in the sunshine and warm ambience of Kensington Gardens. Then it was back to work with the double pencils.
On the way back to Kings Cross a stop-off at The British Library to meet up with eldest daughter for a coffee and catch up.

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #2

2011-09-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

This week we have been developing our skills with the Roman Capitals (monoline). That is, skeleton letters that follow the classical lines of the Roman inscription on The Trajan Collumn in Rome. Exercises throughout the two days in constructing the geometric letters at different heights, learning about the various widths/groupings of the alphabet, and then going on to word spacing and 'balance' of a specimen piece of writing, using the skeleton letters.A steady hand is required, as well as an increasing awareness of how the letters are constructed, and how they 'work'. These letters are like old friends to me, but they can still catch one out, with subtle differences in width and proportion. Homework involves plenty of practise, and working up final pieces to the standard required for the first course assignment.

On the second day a visit from course leader Professor Ewan Clayton, who introduced us all to the intriguing history, properties and applications of Japanese Sumi ink. Ewan pretty much knows all there is to know about not only this, but many other calligraphic and typographic wonders. We listened intently as he shared the finer points with us, then proceeded to demonstrate the ink, before allowing us to also try it out.

Throughout the days of the course I'm taking notes in a small notebook. I'll then be writing up a fuller version into my research book, one of the assignment elements for which my work will be marked. Here's a snapshot of my notes on the geometric construction of the monoline Roman Capitals.

Let's start at the very beginning...

2011-09-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

During the first session of the Foundation Degreee in Calligraphy, we have been learning about Roman Capitals. Studying in particular the classical letters in the inscription on Trajan's Collumn. These letters are pretty much the starting point for any reference or study of calligraphy, or typography for that matter. They are considered to be the finest example of Roman Capitals, and although there are others, these are the ones we are basing our study on, and which I will be exploring and disecting over the coming weeks.
It feels rather strange coming back to these Trajan letters, because this was actually my own starting point for design and typography forty years ago! My art teacher, Bob Lightfoot, trained us pupils in calligraphy. Girls practised sloping Italics and boys did Roman Caps. I realised some years ago that Bob must have been a pupil of Leonard Evetts at Kings College (now Newcastle University), as I remembered him wearing the KC blazer and badge! Evetts was not only a pre-eminent stained glass designer, but also a master letterer and calligrapher. He wrote books about the Trajan inscription, and his definitive book 'Roman Lettering' was the one we boys used in our art classes.

It is nice to think of the continuity there... Evetts researching the Trajan and presumably learning it from someone (perhaps a pupil of Edward Johnston?...note to self...must look into this!), Bob Lightfoot learning from him...and me learning from Bob. I can say with all honesty that this teaching sparked a flame in me which resulted in me studying typography and design forty years ago, and also finds me carving out time to study calligraphy more seriously at this time. [to be continued]

Foundation Degree in Calligraphy / week #1

2011-09-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

In the beginning was the train. And lo, the train was late. And verily, the travellers were vexed to a degree which begat emmissions of voice that sorely disturbed their fellow travellers.
And lo, other means of transport, even luxury coaches, were summoned, and they did convey the weary, the downtrodden, the despairing and broken humanity to the promised land of Darlington, for that place was beyond that which seers called 'the place of fallen trees' and was a place of true peace and joyful travel. And lo, after a period of time equalling that which was seven earth hours past that which had been promised, they did arrive at the Cross of Kings, there to rest and enjoy sustainance, and indeed, beer!

The joys of rail travel. So began the first journey of many which I will be undertaking over the next two years. Not a good start, but on the positive side, surely it can't get much worse!The Foundation Degree in Calligraphy with Design is being held at Kensington Palace, and here are the students and tutor who will be my companions during this calligraphic journey. After checking in together we made our way to our studio...
Our first morning was spent with Manny Ling, the programme leader, going through the student handbook and first module with us. We also covered registration and the all important in-house rules and regs which apply to our venue and to the University.

Then it was down to business with our tutor Cherryll Avery, who lost no time in introducing us to the first module of the semester - Foundations of Calligraphy. [...to be continued]

Bring it on!!

2011-09-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

I'm off to that London on Monday to begin my Foundation Degree in Calligraphy with Design. So little equipment you ask?...I know...crazy!! And why do you need the passport in London you ask?...all will be revealed in due course!

Steve Jobs...on dropping out... :)

2011-08-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

“If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do. Of course it was impossible to connect the dots looking forward when I was in college. But it was very, very clear looking backwards ten years later. Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.”

– Steve Jobs
Hat Tip... Swiss Miss

Pioneers

2011-03-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

Just back at the weekend from The Pioneer Network of Churches Annual Leader's Conference in Southampton. Here are just a few snaps of the event. Lots of exuberant and enthusiastic worship in all the sessions, led by a couple of bands, including Godfrey Birtill (this isn't him!) and The Psalm Drummers.Lynda checks out the conference programme while Jonathan and Baz discuss something very important.
Bren gets an opportunity to talk about her experiences taking part in and winning 'The Singing Pensioner' competition on The Alan Titchmarsh Show....
During the last session an amazing banquet table was prepared for all delegates to take communion together. A fantastic finale to a brilliant conference!

10 Lessons for young designers...

2011-02-23T00:23:00.000-08:00

I'm a designer but I'm certainly not young anymore. When I was though I would have really appreciated these top ten tips when I started, rather than learning them the hard way as I progressed.

These are some insightful and thought-provoking lessons from Wieden+Kennedy’s Executive Creative Director, John C Jay: 10 Lessons for young designers.

1: Be authentic. The most powerful asset you have is your individuality, what makes you unique. It’s time to stop listening to others on what you should do.
2: Work harder than anyone else and you will always benefit from the effort.
3: Get off the computer and connect with real people and culture. Life is visceral.
4: Constantly improve your craft. Make things with your hands. Innovation in thinking is not enough.
5: Travel as much as you can. It is a humbling and inspiring experience to learn just how much you don’t know.
6: Being original is still king, especially in this tech-driven, group-grope world.
7: Try not to work for stupid people or you’ll soon become one of them.
8: Instinct and intuition are all-powerful. Learn to trust them.
9: The Golden Rule actually works. Do good.
10: If all else fails, No. 2 is the greatest competitive advantage of any career.

AMEN!

h/t - Swiss Miss

Sheffield

2011-02-20T23:51:00.000-08:00

The third in a Trio of Travels saw me set off on Friday afternoon for Steel City. I was in the company of Lia and John, with Lia driving and 'Jane' manning the SatNav. The occasion was the gathering of Northern Forum, a collection of folk from a number of churches in the Pioneer Network, of which Bren and me are a part. Last minute grandson duties meant that Bren missed out on the trip though.Baz and Lynda had pulled out all the stops in terms of welcome and hospitality, and we were soon around a table creaking under the weight of Chinese food and bottles of wine. These 24 hour gatherings are a good opportunity for leaders of churches in the network and others, to get together and encourage, pray and support one another. The stories flowed as well as the wine and the good conversation continued the next morning, along with with a number of issues discussed and resolved along the way. They say good friends are hard to find... and these are surely among the best. Here's to the next time!

Hexham

2011-02-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday I took myself off up the Tyne Valley to Hexham to meet up with ministers and church leaders of the group 'Together Northumberland'. This is an occasional gathering for those involved in various denominations (and none) throughout the County. As usual it was great meeting up again and discovering what was happening around the region in individual contexts, and contribute prayer, support and encouragement for one another in our very different situations.
As I walked up through the town I noticed a plaque on a wall which intrigued me....

It was attributed to 'The Methodist Ranters'....! Well, I don't believe I fall into either of these categories but I couldn't wait to find out more when I got home via the wonders of the interweb... here's what I found out... Turns out this group was a breakaway from the 'Orthodox' Methodists (themselves of course a breakaway from the Church of England) in Hexham, and were marked out by their 'hellfire' style of preaching throughout the region.

As far as I know there are no such ranters among the Together Northumberland group (no doubt I'll be corrected on this score, and severely ranted at, if this is the case!) Our focus is more gentle hopefully, and more concerned with the journey of faith, the removal of religious barriers and the recognition of God-given individual freedoms, which should surely more closely be hallmarks of followers of Christ.

Borderlands

2011-02-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

Bren had a singing gig up at Paxton House, near Berwick upon Tweed, so I took the role of roadie for the trip and off we set through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. In a little over an hour I had deposited Bren at the venue and me and Gracie set off for a lovely walk through the woods that led down to the river.What a beautifully quiet and peaceful spot... apart from the occasional blast of the locals discharging their shotguns at the local wildlife!... and a bend in the river revealed that we weren't too far off the famous local landmark Union Chain Bridge.Bren and me had stayed in a cottage along this stretch of the river some years ago. These cottages were used for years by the salmon fisherman for which the Tweed is mostly famous.
Gracie loved all the smells in the nooks and crannies as we walked through the woods, and also stopped to admire the architecture from time to time.Lovely signs appeared along the path to give an exciting indication that Spring is not too far away!

Bacon Buttie with The Boss

2011-02-13T09:33:00.000-08:00

On Friday I took a trip out to Newbiggin by the Sea to see my friend and erstwhile collaborator Jason. Before any talk of projects, web sites and the like ensued we embarked on the serious business of scoffing a couple of nice bacon sarnies made by The Boss himself. He's one helluva cook that guy... brown sauce and everything!

Communitas - discovering future church and mission

2011-02-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

Albert Einstein once said that insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

Doesn’t church feel like that sometimes?

We do church like we have always done it; we expect revival but wonder why it never happens.

Maybe it’s time to look a fresh at what it means to be church in twenty first century Britain; to consider again how to be a witness for Jesus in a culture that increasingly considers our faith irrelevant.

Interested?

Then come and join the conversation at the Communitas conference taking place on Saturday 12 March 2011 at Storey Park Community Centre in Morpeth.
Its purpose is to question the status quo and explore what church could and maybe needs to look like in the future in order to survive and thrive, and transform our communities for Jesus.

Confirmed speakers on the day will be Roy Searle (Northumbria Community), Phil Togwell (24/7 Prayer) and Peter Farmer (UK Simple Church Network).

Come along and explore newer expressions of church and communities of faith with an emphasis on prayer and mission.
Invites are by word of mouth. If you are interested then come along. If you know someone who you think would want to come with you then invite them as well.

Everything kicks off at 10 AM - finishing by 5 PM latest. Bring something for lunch that you can share.
Unfortunately, space restrictions at the venue mean that we are not able to provide child care.

The cost for attending the event will be £10 per person. Let us know if you are coming, and pay in advance if you want to - but paying on the day is fine with us.
If you want to know more then ring Martin Luff on 0773 8866679 or Tim Sokell on 0794 0388610

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Cramlingtonvilleshire... this morning...

2011-01-31T03:28:00.000-08:00

Who Knows Where The Time Goes?

2011-01-30T04:20:00.000-08:00

Came across this from Fuchsia Macaree, which explains a lot about lack of productivity, low motivation and wasted time in general! As a result I am now highly motivated to be more productive in terms of this blog at least! Sure... I hear you say.

Typetastic!

2010-09-22T11:49:00.000-07:00

Back from a lovely holiday in Ireland (pictures soon), I was greeted with the news that my teaching services are required this term at Sunderland University. The module I'll be delivering?... Creative Typography... this pleaseth me more than words can say and it starts next Monday... yikes, better go and get prepared!

The Americana Festival

2010-07-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon I took time out to visit The Sage, where the Americana Festival was in full swing. Lovely warm sunshine and an outdoor setting made this a very enjoyable experience. Due to time constraints I only got to see two of the bands.... but they were both brilliant. First up was Rita Hosking, supported by multi instrumentalist Sean Feder, a husband and wife duo from the US, playing Rita's songs which are mainly based on her life and upbringing amongst the lumber camps in northern California. Lovely soulful singing from Rita, with tasty licks and fills on banjo, dobro and harmony vocals from Sean, set the scene for an afternoon of great music.

Next up were The Grass Mountain Hobos from Canada (2010 ECMA Bluegrass Recording Artist of The Year). A barnstorming collective of wonderful musicians with a mixed set of traditional and home grown material, all done in an exuberant, classy and technically brilliant style. They exploded into view with the wonderful 'Red Headed Woman', with dynamic frontman Josh Ellis on guitar and vocals keeping the whole thing moving along with his banter and superb singing (brilliant yodel on 'Cowboy's Lament). Star of the lineup for me was Gordie MacKeeman on fiddle. With a style reminiscent of the late John Hartford, he whipped up a storm and delivered new licks in just about every tune, with high energy, the occasional buck dance step and an obvious relish for the music. 'Turkey in the Straw' was simply wonderful!

I attended this event last year and thought this year's was much better. Generally the line up was imho better class, so perhaps the event is gaining some momentum and popularity. The weather helped of course, and there was a great crowd who were obviously loving the music, me included!

Double Trouble!

2010-07-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Two of our lovely puppies left home yesterday (not the ones pictured I hasten to add). Marley and Jasper went to their new owners in Leeds and Whitburn respectively, leaving their two brothers and two sisters behind. No tears were shed by them or their mother at this parting as far as we were able to tell, and soon these two cheeky sisters were snuggling up to one another as if nothing had happened. Three more go over the next three weeks and the last one (her on the right) is subject to discussions regarding her future abode... ie; either here in Cramlington or somewhere else!

Scribes Summer Exhibition

2010-07-24T05:32:00.000-07:00

The Society of Northumbrian Scribes Summer Exhibition 'Let Calligraphy Flourish' will be at Bede's World, Jarrow from Thursday 5th August until Wednesday 8th September. Hope you can try to get along and view some of the gorgeous work done by the Society. Here are my three offerings for this years' show...

Puppietastic!

2010-06-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

We've got puppies coming out of our ears up here. Well... six of them if truth be told. Gorgeous, fluffy little cuteness-on-a-stick cockerpoodles they are, all reared by the lovely Gracie, with a little help from The Lady Brenda. Sorry to disappoint you... they're all sold!

Labour of Love

2010-06-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here you see the product of a number of weeks work and stress as I prepare to submit pieces for my CLAS (Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society) Foundation Diploma before next week. Four calligraphic pieces plus two short essays will hopefully get me on this first step of the CLAS 'Ladder of Progress'. Intermediate level next followed by Advanced... probably a couple of years down the line. All a challenge and very good discipline, but thankfully critiqued, advised and overseen by the expert eyes of SM. Thanks Susan!

Sunset in Cramlington on The Longest Day 2010

2010-06-21T23:51:00.000-07:00

A family affair...

2010-05-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

I was at the christening of my niece's son today. Here are the lovely family with Lucas being pretty well behaved and big sister Eva helping out at certain important points in the ceremony

I made a keep-sake to mark the occasion for the little fella, and Eva got one too as I missed her dunking four years ago.

May 17th (syttende mai) Norwegian National Day

2010-05-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Norwegian National Day. A national holiday for the nation and the day when they celebrate the signing of their constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. All over the country people will be out with flags in their communities, processing in 'togs' (trains) through the town and generally having a ball. Lots of music, food and fun also mark the day, as I experienced in Kaupanger, Sogn some years ago with my friends Eivind and Astrid.

Norway must be one of the few countries where showing the flag by it's citizens with some pride is not accompanied by extreme or arrogant nationalism, but simply a love of their country and the ability to enjoy and share it.

Tech Support Guy

2010-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

She's Always a Woman - Billy Joel

2010-05-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

This beautiful song by Billy Joel has recently been revived by John Lewis as part of their marketing campaign. Great lyrics and a gorgeous melody make it a truly memorable song.

Paul Brady - The Island

2010-03-31T05:05:00.000-07:00

A brilliant song, beautifully sung by its author, one of my favourite songwriters. If you were thinking that you had a cause to fight and that it might be worth considering violence to achieve your ends, then you could do worse than listen closely to the words of this song.

Hello in there...

2010-03-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

My buddy Alan Scott sends me these funnies occasionally. This one particularly made me chuckle...

An elderly couple had dinner at another couple's house, and after eating, the wives left the table and went into the kitchen.
The two gentlemen were talking, and one said, 'Last night we went out to a new restaurant and it was really great.. I would recommend it very highly.'
The other man said, 'What is the name of the restaurant?'
The first man thought and thought and finally said, 'What is the name of that flower you give to someone you love?
You know.... The one that's red and has thorns.'
'Do you mean a rose?'
'Yes, that's the one,' replied the man. He then turned towards the kitchen and yelled, 'Rose, what's the name of that restaurant we went to last night?'

CLAS AGM in that London

2010-03-23T12:37:00.000-07:00

A trip a couple of weeks ago to the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society AGM at the British Library. I joined CLAS last year so this was my first experience of being at one of their events and getting to know a few people, see some superb work, and generally imbibe the atmosphere around a gathering of some top calligraphers.

First off was the business AGM, election of officers etc; all very capably led through by chair Janet Meghan, with a skilful mix of serious intent and humour.At lunchtime a wonderful exhibition 'Art & The Letter' with work submitted from CLAS members. I liked the fact that they mixed up the three elements - 'Beginner, More Experienced, Advanced' all over the exhibition. Some brilliant stuff as you can see. Managed to limit myself to one purchase from the book stall - Edward Johnston's definitive 'Writing, Illuminating and Lettering', a paperback bargain at £4!

After lunch a lecture with Professor Ewan Clayton and Dr Manny Ling, from the Sunderland University, Calligraphy Centre of Excellence. Fascinating sharing of their very different approaches to their craft, with lovely insights as to their backgrounds and also some spiritual influences.

Deer... right here... in Cramlington

2010-03-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Spotted these four lovely deer feeding on the field this morning across from our house in Cramlington. Country ways... country ways!

Happy 10th Birthday Leon!

2010-02-26T00:14:00.000-08:00

Our grandson Leon is ten years old today. Here's a picture of him with his dad just before they went on holiday to Finland earlier this year. Also here is a special track that his dad wrote for his big day. I have to admit it brought a tear to my eye listening to it. Happy 10th birthday Leon... hope you have a great day!

In the beginning was the Word... or in this case perhaps the Letter!

2010-02-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

I recently bought what many are coming to consider the closest thing there is to the 'bible' of typography. There are many books around which are written for designers and typographers, and are mainly to do with typographic design and how to arrange type in terms of graphic composition, but this book - The Elements of Typographic Style, by Robert Bringhurst - deals with much more than that. Go here for a good review of the book by Roy Johnson.

Half Term in that London

2010-02-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

A half term trip to visit the southern contingent of children and grandchildren. A mixture of busy-ness and chilling, travelling in the capital, plodging around in the rain, a gorgeous Thai meal with Aaron and Nicola, playing with the grandkids and a quick visit to the National Portrait Gallery!... listening to Angel play her violin, watching 'UP' with the Toggies.... oh.... and Emma died her hair red... beautiful!

Poppy plays the cello!

2010-02-12T03:07:00.000-08:00

Here is our eleven year old granddaughter Poppy, who was playing the cello last night and performing with 300 other children from Islington schools 'Music First' project. A cute picture... but nothing really remarkable about this I suppose you might say, except that Poppy has been profoundly deaf from birth, and has a *cochlear implant. Wow Poppy you are amazing!

(*A cochlear implant bypasses the damaged part of the ear and sends sound directly to the hearing nerve providing a clearer understanding of sound and speech).

Why we need good typographers...

2010-02-12T01:10:00.000-08:00

Chile mint boss pays the price of coin spelling howler
The general manager of the Chilean mint has been dismissed after thousands of coins were issued with the name of the country spelt wrongly...
More here

White on White at Higham Hall

2010-02-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a few of the pieces I produced on the calligraphy weekend at Higham Hall. The subject of the workshop was 'White on White', using Dr Marten's bleedproof white on chinese and other papers. Most of the time was spent experimenting and having fun with different mediums and tools. There were only five people on the course so plenty of individual tuition for us all. BTW if you've never been to HH it's well worth a visit, with plenty of courses to suite most tastes... and the food is truly wonderful!

Emmylou Harris and Albert Lee - Making Believe

2010-02-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite singers and a brilliant version of this great song by Jimmy Work.

Off to Higham Hall

2010-02-05T03:38:00.001-08:00

I'm off this weekend to Higham Hall, near Cockermouth in Cumbria. I'm attending a calligraphy course and Manny Ling is the teacher. I've been looking forward to it for ages and I'm hoping to put a few of my current worries aside to focus on learning new skills and producing some decent work. I'll let you know how I get on.

Snow Action at Crammy... Surf Action at Tynemouth

2010-01-31T07:56:00.000-08:00

Another six inches of snow on Friday night made everything look gorgeous again.

Today was also a fine one, with a nice walk on Tynemouth Longsands, with kayaks and surfboards akimbo! This guy got stuck on the beach as the tide continued to recede...
Eventually a kindly wave came by to get him afloat once more...
In time to join his mates who were already in the thick of the action...Whilst the serious surfer dudes strode purposely down the beach to enter the fray, or should that be spray!

Bishop Tom Wright at Durham

2010-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today I joined with a goodly crowd of folk from the Christian Leaders Forum at The Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham, to hear the bishop of that same city expound his thoughts [based on a new book he is currently writing] on 'Paul's Challenge to Tomorrows Church'. I could only stay for the morning session but what gems were heard from Bishop Tom Wright. He was of course delivering on his favourite topic and how neatly he proceeded to engage the gathered throng with his thoughts on the book of Galatians, the nature of the People of God, and the purpose of the church in the current and future ages.... all linked with a superb outline of the Abraham covenant and how this covenant embraces all people of faith today.

Bishop Tom is a prolific author and one of the 'better' theologians (imho) on the Anglican scene today. By that I mean he is neither liberal or stodgily conservative, but directs his material in a much more refreshing and engaging way, which has somehow had the effect of making the subject of bible study, and of faith itself much more interesting and approachable.

Helvetica Cookie Cutters by Beverly Hsu...

2010-01-28T11:01:00.000-08:00

One hundred and one things to do with Helvetica just went to one hundred and two...
Helvetica Cookie Cutters by Beverly Hsu...

[hat tip - Death by Kerning / Swiss Miss]

Recession.... what recession?

2010-01-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

I see that Sir Fred Goodwin (left), former boss of failed bank RBS, has been appointed in a consultancy capacity by RMJM - the world's fifth largest architecture firm. Perhaps the firms architectural and building expertise, combined with Sir Fred's whopping salary and previous £700,000 pension payout could go some way to providing a positive contribution in Haiti at this time? Full story here.

Chernikov reviewed on 'I Love 'Typography'

2010-01-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

James Puckett has a nice review on 'Graphic Masterpieces of Yakov G. Chernikov: The Collection of Dmitry Y. Chernikov'. Chernikov was one of the most accomplished Russian Constructivist writers and architects. From 'I Love Typography'. Go here to view the article.

Wicked!

2010-01-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

Our granddaughters went to see 'Wicked' at the Hammersmith Apollo and went backstage to meet one of the actors, Alexia Khadime (the Wicked Witch of the West), who is a friend of Aaron.

Ice Ice baby!

2010-01-10T11:48:00.001-08:00

Snow disappearing rapidly today... but not before we had snapped this massive icicle which had formed above the back door. Gracie had one last manic zoom around the garden, getting herself completely immersed in the white stuff!

January grinds to a start...

2010-01-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

We've had various amounts of snow over the last three weeks, which has given a stuttering start to 2010. Our trip to London tomorrow is now off, due to BA canceling flights from Newcastle to Heathrow. So no visit to the Toggies, Aaron and Nicola, no theatre visit, and no joining in with Pauline's 60th birthday celebrations. We'll have to get out for a 'nice brisk walk' in the snow (family joke!).The Christmas decorations came down on Wednesday... baubles back in the box... cards recycled... tree up in the loft... always more than a landmark as it is also Nicola and Megan's birthday.
We did manage to see our good friends Kate and Terry, and took Gracie for a bracing walk on the beach before going back to their place for lovely soup. Other pictures here show our field and environs in a lovely blanket of white. It's nice to look at but it's also nice when it melts. It does remind me of Norway though.... mmmmmmm yes, Norway.... perhaps time for another visit this year...?

New Year

2010-01-01T06:22:00.000-08:00

Bren was booked to sing on New Year's Eve at The Queen's Head in Cullercoats, where apparently she went down a storm. Here she is with her adoring fans.

After dropping her off at the venue I visited Roberta and Nathan and a quality gathering of friends for a couple of hours before going back to welcome in the New Year with Bren at the pub. Later on a struggle through the new snow to pop in on Paula and Al and friends.

This morning LOTS of new snow, which Gracie loved! A precarious drive down the A19 to PC World to discover that.... they weren't open! Back tomorrow to hopefully pick up a bargain lap top for Bren.

Christmas #2

2010-01-01T06:05:00.000-08:00

More festive fun from the Sokell household on Christmas Day...

Poppy and Grandpa took Gracie for a walk in the snow... while Emma preferred to stay in the warm and read her new book...

The Wii was a big hit with Grandma, Sari, Angel and Megan...

Matt 's competitive edge was channeled into Monopoly City...

Grandma applied the ceremonial flame to the pudding...

And then relaxed with her new massage machine.

Pure spine-tingling magic from Dick Gaughan

2010-01-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas #1

2009-12-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas is here once again, and here are the photos to prove it... Firstly the winter village scene made by me and Bren on Christmas Eve... (cut outs provided, in case I duped you into thinking we had constructed all those little houses from raw cardboard!). Then some mince pies, constructed by me - mincemeat courtesy of daughter Emma, pastry courtesy of Jus-Rol. Thirdly Leon (nine years old) using his new touch screen phone to call his friend whilst holding his Wii control in the other hand. I think when I was nine my Christmas present was The Kit Carson Annual... how times change. More family arriving tomorrow for continued festive fun.

Another party...

2009-12-24T05:09:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, despite the unpredictable weather, we ventured forth to that Romford to go to a party. Emma and Phil have a party every year before Christmas and we wanted to be there! Safe journey down, despite frozen screen washers, with a 5.5 hours journey as opposed to the usual 4.5. The journey was well worth it and we had a brilliant time and also got back safe and sound. Here are the ladies in the kitchen rustling up some goodies.... of which there were many and various... thank you Emma!

Celebrations included musical 'spots' by various individuals, including Megan (almost 13!) and Poppy. Her version of Silent Night, helped by grandma, were enough to bring a very large lump to my throat and a tear to my eye. You could have heard a pin drop from those assembled, as Poppy impressed her talents upon us. Beautiful!

Northumbrian Scribes Christmas party

2009-12-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I attended the Northumbrian Scribes Christmas party. Christmas card exchanges, a giant jig-saw, a quiz and raffle, as well as a sumptuous feast, were all served up by and for the assembled scribes. Great festive fun was had by all! Go here for more pictures.

CLAS submission

2009-12-18T01:36:00.000-08:00

I'm sending in my submission for the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society 'Certificate in Calligraphy'. This is a first level assessment and certification for those who would like their calligraphy assessed against national standards. It is the first step on the CLAS 'Ladder of Progress' which will lead on to three levels of the National Diploma in Calligraphy. For my assessment I had to write one whole alphabet and a piece of eight line prose in a large nib, and the same piece of prose with a small nib, which I chose to write in a Formal Italic script.

Stormy clouds over Cramlingtonvilleshire....

2009-12-18T01:33:00.000-08:00

A trip to the Toon....

2009-12-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

In Newcastle today for some time away from the computer and work. First stop lunch at The Coffee Rooms.... lovely mushroom soup and a bap. Not used to the old-fangled waitress service I finished up and then walked out without paying my bill! (I returned as soon as I realised my error, me being a lad with mother's honesty values solidly in place.) The Christmas Market was in full swing at Greys Monument...

Then, heading towards The Biscuit Factory to pick up a print I won in a prize draw, I spotted these gorgeous panels at a nearby building site.

This is the site of one of the earliest dispensaries in Newcastle. Now sandwiched between a jobbing printer and a computer accessory store I wonder about its chances of survival as the demolition progresses along the street. Further down I snapped this shot of a place I used to work, now due for demolition and redevelopment. New tat replacing old tat I should imagine!

And now for the WhitleyBUNIONS....

2009-11-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

A bracing trip down to the beach Sunday to give Gracie a stretch after being cooped up on account of the rain. Big seas and chilly winds were the order of the day.Popped in on T&K who were baby sitting for granddaughter Teresa before she departed to Germany with her parents.

Feet don't fail me now...

2009-11-29T05:14:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I paid a visit to Wansbeck hospital to get my feet assessed. Trevor confirmed that I did indeed have a couple of bunions, and after a few tests and a walk up and down he gave me a catalogue with a selection of what I'm going to call 'special' shoes.

The decision is simple... opt for a pair of these 'special' shoes and gain more comfort when walking, whilst looking like someone from a 1930's man's store advert, or buy regular, trendy looking but badly fitting shoes and damage my feet even more. There's also a third option which involves some anesthetic and a very sharp knife. The decision is mine... but perhaps you'd like to tell me what you think?

Poppy is eleven!

2009-11-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

Following the family theme of the last post, here is a photo of our granddaughter Poppy. It's her birthday today and she's eleven years old. What a wonderful girl Poppy is... lively and engaging, with a charm and smile that can knock you down from six feet. Mind you, she's not averse to the odd 'lip' when things aren't going her way! Poppy has had much to endure in her eleven years, and she has born it, as far as I know, with bravery and determination. I have no doubt that the next eleven years for her will also have their challenges, but I'm equally confident that she will rise above them all and become a young lady of talent and vitality. With that quick wit and disarming smile she's got it made!

Sokell's x4

2009-11-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

Bearing a slight resemblance to a police line up.... here are four Sokell blokes (three generations) in one shot. Bren managed to get this while we were all together this weekend.

I'm a CLAS act me...!

2009-11-19T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today I received my membership of CLAS - The Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society. Along with my membership came a couple of copies of 'The Edge' (CLAS magazine - the current magazine has information and a report about the Summer Symposium that I attended, and there was a picture of me in it!), a free 'Tools & Materials' brochure, an offer on a boxed set of Calligraphy gouache and various bits of information about what's going on in the world of calligraphy right now. I also got info about how I can proceed on the CLAS Certificate of Calligraphy and 'Ladder of Progress'. Can't wait to get started on it!

ASBO Jesus keeping it real again....

2009-11-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

http://asbojesus.wordpress.com/

She's back in town....

2009-11-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

Granddaughter Angel returned last week to stay with us for a few days (14 to be exact!) As usual her behaviour has been impeccable and I believe she has thoroughly enjoyed herself. Leon has been to stay this weekend too so they've had fun together, and also with Gracie, including a trip to Blyth beach this afternoon.

All Hallows Eve

2009-11-01T11:34:00.000-08:00

Bren was singing at a Halloween 'event' in Rothbury on Saturday. She managed to keep focused and professional while all manner of witches, ghouls and goblins paraded around in their 'celebrations'.

Whitleybunions #13

2009-11-01T11:17:00.000-08:00

Family visiting this weekend... so the customary visit to Whitley Bay for a bracing walk on the beach and an ice cream from The Rendezvous Cafe.

On the way to the bus station to catch the bus home, I stopped to snap the recently refurbished Playhouse... nice!

Tee for two...

2009-10-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening me and my buddy Phil expended a bit of energy by blasting a number of small yellow spherical objects from a patch of green with what I'm going to call a 'club'. This is known as golf, and I'm told that it IS possible to remember the 23 things that need to be remembered before actually hitting that small yellow thing. It turns out the two main things for me to remember are... swing slowly, don't lash at the thing... and keep your eye on it rather than turning your gaze to where the ball is going to (hopefully) go.

Sunset over Cramlingtonvilleshire...

2009-10-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

A Grand Day Out...

2009-10-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Bidding farewell to summertime and welcoming the winter months, we got the day off to a cracking early start by heading up to Netherwitton and Mitford. Gracie loved the freedom after being cooped up in the house for a couple of days because of the rain.

Later on we headed down to Blyth beach and later on to The Delaval Arms for a lovely roast lunch followed by Apple and Blackberry Crumble... with custard, as you can see! It was great to be in this pub again. It has hardly changed at all over the years apart from a spot of paint here and there and some new pictures. I used to meet my dad here for a pint sometimes on a Sunday morning after he had walked all the way from the High Point (Cullercoats), his weekend constitutional.

Songster Serenades Sand Dancers in South Shields... Shock!

2009-10-23T09:55:00.000-07:00

Resisting the temptation to blog about Mr Nick Griffin and his appearance on Thursday evening's Question Time, I bring you instead the lovely news that a rare visitor of another kind has been found lurking in a South Tyneside quarry. The eastern crowned warbler will not be alone this weekend, with thousands of twitchers due to arrive and keep him/her company. Come to think of it, NG did a fair amount of twitching last night too!

Humanist type on 'I Love Typography'

2009-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

A good type series on 'I love Typography'. The first one in the series is Humanist, aka 'Venetian'.

Ex-Nun in toon....

2009-10-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Our friend Jo was in Newcastle today. We happened to be browsing in a Jesmond shop and the owner said she thought Jo looked like an ex-nun(!)... "So, what DO you do then?" she said. "I'm a comedian" says Jo. Here she is. What do you think.... Ex-Nun or Comedian?

Fairground attraction...

2009-10-12T10:21:00.000-07:00

Annitsford hosted a fun fair during the weekend. We went with Leon yesterday and he enjoyed a few of the rides. I accompanied him - so that he wouldn't be scared - on something that went around and around and up and down (both at the same time mind!) at a great rate of knots. "This is great fun isn't it grandpa?" "Yes," I replied... through gritted teeth. I have hated these things ever since I was a child, and I never get used to them. After the ride finished and my feet were once again on Terra Firma, it took me a couple of hours before I stopped feeling sick. What a softie I am!

Typo Toast

2009-10-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

Jonny Baker explains 'bread suspension - worship trick 73' on his blog. Always looking to be creative and engaging, his community 'Grace' got the worship cooking by baking some alphabet bread shapes and then toasting them.

"...we came up with the idea of getting some alphabet cutters and cutting text into bread that was suspended on washing line across the front of the space saying i am the bread of life. we toasted it so it was less floppy - grace toast!"

ECG Northumberland

2009-10-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Today I was at the 'Encouraging Christian Growth' day conference at Morpeth. This is an inter-church initiative aimed at drawing together and encouraging people to engage with God and with their communities. I was there partly to help promote the excellent 'Kairos' missions course with colleague Andrea. Also in the resources/exhibitions area I bumped into fellow mischief-maker Julia and her hubby Paul, who were promoting the 'Hope UK' initiative at the conference.

Canny Newcassel!

2009-10-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

Into Newcastle yesterday for a meeting with The Tyneside Church Leaders network. Pleasant bus ride to the Haymarket and then a lovely walk down Northumberland Street... Grey Street, down The Side to the Quayside.... then to my final destination... The Copthorne Hotel.

Following my meeting a trip over town to visit buddy Paul Wright, (who has featured on this blog before). Paul hangs with the Toon creative elite at his studio in The Biscuit Factory and helped perform some dark magick over an illustration I am preparing for a book. Paul knows much that is hidden in the sinister world of Photoshop and other mysteries.

Cramlington.... tonight....

2009-10-06T11:07:00.001-07:00

Oops!

2009-10-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

The BBC web site currently has a 'LATEST' scrolling text headline which says this...

...but when you click through to the article it reveals this...

UPDATE: They've changed it now to this...

The Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair

2009-10-05T05:48:00.001-07:00

A visit to the above yesterday to see what was on offer from the north east's artists. Lovely stuff was the answer, although a reasonable percentage of not-so-lovely stuff too! Alan and Susan were scurrying around, talking to customers, doing deals and hopefully selling pictures too. Karen was in attendance... with her work on display courtesy of Alpha Arts. I also bumped into mate Paul who was lurking around to see what the competition had to show. Paul does the most amazing panoramas and is the only official Adobe 'expert' on colour balance in the north east.

A visit to Calderdale Scribes

2009-10-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Saturday I took a trip down to Halifax to visit The Calderdale Scribes. It was their AGM and there was also an exhibition of members work, including these two magnificent pieces from Jim Winstanley.
During the afternoon there was a lecture from Timothy Noad about his work as a heraldic painter and scrivener. He told us that as a twelve year old he had a dream to be a heraldic artist at The College of Arms, and that is exactly what he has achieved. Tim is a professional calligrapher and illuminator, Fellow of both the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society. While the majority of his work consists of formal commissions involving traditional skills and materials, he also introduces more experimental and innovative elements.

Lucas makes his entrance...

2009-09-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest addition to our family. My niece gave birth last week to this lovely little bundle of joy... Lucas Isaac Thompson weighed in at 8lb 12oz. Big sister Eva starts as she means to go on by letting Lucas know who's in charge around here! Little does SHE know that that role has already been taken by Granny!

Harvest.... Home

2009-09-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Autumn is truly getting a grip when the guys come to harvest the grass from the field across from our place. Perhaps we'll be living elsewhere when they come to do likewise next year?

Newcastle Mela

2009-09-28T04:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were at the Newcastle Mela with Matt and Leon. This is an annual event (Mela means 'gathering') and is organised by the Asian community in the city. It's always a bright, lively and colourful event, and one of the outstanding features, for me at any rate, is the wonderful range of cooking smells from all the terrific food stalls. Leon settled for Candy Floss (the packet said Cotton Candy but we knew what they meant, and in any case, when did they start to put it in a PACKET?!!) The Lady Brenda headed directly for the Chikken Tikka and Gracie loitered around, picking up any scraps. Perhaps it was the lack of sunshine, but we all agreed that this year's event wasn't so bright and lively as previously.

A trip up the coast... and some nuts!

2009-09-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

A nice trip up the coast yesterday. Firstly to do some panorama photography for JT at a lovely B&B, than a couple of hours all to myself relaxing on my favourite (secret) beach. Time to think and reflect, with warm sunshine on my face and peace and quiet all around.

Later on, as I was walking the dog, I stopped to pick some ripening nuts from a row of hazel trees over the fields from our place. A goodly harvest, with more to come hopefully, and ripening ready to eat towards the end of the year.

Northern Forum

2009-09-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

Bren and me were away this weekend at the Pioneer Northern Forum weekend at Swanwick, Derbyshire. A beautiful place, and a good time to catch up with old and new friends.

More Majorca pics...

2009-09-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Bren and her brother Graham at a Sushi buffet in downtown Palma...
...and me grabbing some shade and meditating on the meaning of life...

...our lush beach and secluded cove... ideal for lolling around on the Lilo!

... our hotel pool, early morning with many towels already in place on sunbeds...

... the sunrise each morning in front of our balcony...

...and the moonrise in exactle the same place each evening!

Majorca

2009-09-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just back from a lovely week in Majorca. Here are a few photos for now.... more to follow. We had a smashing time, some of it spent with Bren's brother Graham, who lives in Magaluf. Lots of sun and relaxing by the pool and beach. Good to get away and have some ME time.

In case you were wondering...

2009-09-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

Our house is still for sale. We're trying yet another estate agent to see if that produces anything more positive than the recent incumbents. In November it'll be one year since we put our house on the market. According to media sources... (hem...hem) things are allegedly improving in the housing market... let's hope so eh?

September already....

2009-09-05T05:22:00.000-07:00

I had just turned 16 years old when this great song by Carole King entered the charts on 25th August 1962. Somehow it never loses it's special magic in reminding me of those times. Apparently the track was submitted by King as a demo and released just as it was, although one wonders whether this is simply the stuff of urban myth.

Billy Liar

2009-09-05T00:19:00.000-07:00

Last week I borrowed three movies from my buddy Jason. During the past couple of days we have watched two of them - 'Volver' and 'Big Fish', both great movies. We were saving the third one to watch during this weekend, but then I read yesterday that Keith Waterhouse had died, so last night I watched the third film I had borrowed - 'Billy Liar' as a kind of little tribute to the great writer.

Pioneers...

2009-09-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended the Pioneer National Churches Forum at Harpenden. Bren and me have been part of Pioneer since the early nineties, and the church I led was then and still is part of the network. We haven't been around many of the network events for a few years, but I decided I wanted to go to the NCF as there have been some changes made recently, and it was a good opportunity to catch up with those changes and meet up with friends old and new. I travelled down to Leeds and enjoyed a good conversational journey with Toby, who did the driving.

Billy & Caroline Kennedy are the new leaders of the network. They have helped Pioneer through a three year period of transition following Gerald Coates pioneering and inspirational leadership from the early eighties. Billy guided us through the days proceedings with grace and sensitivity.

It was great to meet up with old friends John and Christine Noble (to the right). Both now in their seventies, they are father and mother figures in what has become the 'new church' (formerly 'house church') movement. Bren and me met them in the seventies and were impacted greatly by their friendship and vision. Amazing people.

Everywhere I looked in the room there were people who have and are going quietly about the business of being change-agents in their world. Adrian and Pauline are champions of foster care and building church across ethnic groupings. Dave is a stellar singer-songwriter.

Tony is a teacher par excellence... Pete has set up and is running one of the top year-out training facilities for young people in the UK. It was smashing to see them all again.