BEST FRIEND DAY !

Well I am lucky to have a lot of lovely friends …. but I do have a special friend who in over the past ten years has become a very close friend to both Dougie and I, His Support,Kindness has been AMAZING …

I have watched him grow and become one of the best humans I ever the pleasure to meet . Through good times and and some not so good moments he has always been there and hopefully I for him .

in admiration of him … a wise young man with a old head on his shoulders … Thanks Reece for being there for us both .

JUBILEE !

Her Majesty’s 70 TH CELEBRATION ! what a amazing reign she has had … it lifted the spirits and by seeing the crowds in London supporting her was just amazing …. Nothing like a national celebration ! I wasn’t a great fan of the Party at the Palace although I thought lighting and graphics were amazing … think I’d better keep my thoughts to myself !!

nor did i think the parade was up to much, some good elements but it didnt do it for me ….

but the best thing of the whole weekend apart from Wherwell lol, was the amazing filming of the Queen and Paddington Bear …. just the best fabulous ….Hope the Queen gets a Bafta ! her timing was just brill..

I am pleased that Harry gate didnt over shadow any of the celebrations …

( I DO PUT SOME BLAME ON THE HYPE THE MEDIA GIVE THEM…. THEY WANTED TO BE OUT OF THE CIRCLE OF THE Royal Family .. then dont cover them … … they cant have there cake and eat it … its history repeating its self !!! no lessons learned .

Now to Wherwell celebration the street Party looked amazing i Popped down briefly while the party was in full swing a glam affair .. lovely food nice cakes and everyone had made a real effort bless them all ..

I did do celebration flowers in the church and had the flags out at the thatch …and of course the thatch was decked out !

My Dear Mum at 92

Mums birthday and this year she is 92 quite remarkable bless her , she looks amazing

We took her to the Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge for afternoon tea .. a lovely afternoon ..fabulous Tea the best sanis ever ….

Social media amazes me some times I put a happy Birthday message on there for my mum, and all my friends left her birthday messages how sweet …. then i posted pics of her and even more hits and on instagram over 500 messages and likes … ( MY MOTHER LOVED IT ) and was very touched by it all

At 92 amazing how her mind is just incredible… her knowledge is astounding … She is looked after by my lovely sister Janet who also cares for her husband Terry who has not been well at all for the few years .

My Mother is so proud of all of us and misses our brother Richard and Lynda who sadly have passed we tease her, well Paul does and gets away with it ! and she is a avid text writer … she loves the daily papers and reads it from cover to cover and what she reads is the truth !!! she has had quite a life loves the theatre as much as she loves watching sport … she worked worked very hard for us children giving us opportunities for life that we are all very grateful so bless our dear mum x

Jubilee of Music my first tv show

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0017wrc My young ambition was to be in the BBC ‘s Young Generation dance team popular in the 1960’s and 70’s firstly created by Dougie but by 1976 Dougie had created the Second Generation …. and Nigel Lythgoe was now choreographing the group. I was at Laine Theatre Arts only just started really and I was the only boy there which was actually very disappointing for me it was like being back in Portsmouth the only boy … I needed to be pushed and stretched , well there was a audition for the group so I went … and got it aged 16 a amazing experience and was so proud to have joined it was all I ever wanted to be in and then go into choreography !

The first show we recorded was Jubilee of Music a star studded variety programme Lead by Dame Vera Lynn .. low and behold it was on television on 29th May on BBC 4 I caught it by chance and sat there amazed as I had never seen it before, we had no video recorders in those days … it brought it all back so clear in my of many memories that I am lucky to have ….i was quite emotional sitting there with my leg in this boot thinking how lucky I was …

GYPSY 29TH MAY !

IT’S a date that brings back memories …its so vivid in my mind …

49 years ago Gypsy opened at the Piccadilly Theatre London starring Angela Lansbury it was my first job as a news boy, wonderful memories Im sure if I ever wrote a book I would fill it with stories of this time …

I chatted with Bonnie Langford and we cant believe its 49 years ago… what an amazing career Bonnie has had so talented … I’ve seen all the ladies take on the role of Rose but would would love to see Bonnie take on the challenge as it would be real…..

FLOWERS AT THE CHURCH

Since Windsor my achilles has stopped me in my tracks … learning to deal with it and trying my best to over come any difficulties …. is a learning curb and throw in looking after Dougie is no mean feat, but we are managing ….. you couldn’t flim what is like at the cottage ….

any rate resume normal activities … oh yes in the dairy … CHURCH FLOWERS ! Thank goodness for jill who helps me at the unit saved the day by taking me to get flowers for todays arrangements such a great help.. then she helped me in the church ….couldnt of done it with out her …

I did walk from the thatch to the church it was hard but I did it so thats good, the flowers hopefully people will like them xx there is a wedding there tomorrow so fingers crossed … and next week will turn them into jubilee celebration …

May....Platinum Jubilee Celebration Windsor

April vanished so quickly, where is time going to….its almost a worry ….

So now in the month of May, weather has cheered up a bit and luckily it stayed that way while we were away in Windsor ..for the Platinum Jubilee…Looking back now it flew past…

It was a busy time madness in fact in some areas … Firstly Dougie made great progress from the the 1st of May until we went on the 5th … he had been so poorly, but his strength and determination is remarkable and he got through Windsor being Dougie ….in admiration of him

I was so happy to see my dear Friend Reece a bonus in spending time together and always great to work together .. I miss him so much as he keeps in line lol … and is a good friend to me and Dougie so lucky to have him in our lives … although he did lead me astray for a couple of drinking nights … and boy did we drink …

for me who who doesn’t drink very often I certainly made up for it in Windsor …. There to work and we certainly did … it was a tough one , costuming the production all period stuff which has been a learning experience for me and enjoyable (most of the time) not a showgirl in sight . it was a honour to be part of such a event, we created a team of wardrobe and make up artist for the Pageant and live entertainment at the south lawn during the day so it was none stop.. A privilege to work with Louise Gold who played Elizabeth the 1st from the wednesday till the saturday and the Dame Helen Mirren for the royal performance in front of her Majesty The Queen …I have to say so proud of how we achieved his ….

The Team were fabulous so a huge thanks to all of them lovely to work with Joan,Jackie,Judy and Jill and all the Wimbledon graduates ..from the art course in costume of theatre and screen Costumes lead by the amazing Kevin Freeman … But all went okay and everyone seemed pleased with what we produced

At times it was quite emotional … being there and what it was all about honouring the Queen really made you think.. behind the scenes was madness, from our unit of costumes and make up we were in the middle of the secret drummers … the military Scottish pipers , The Norwegian brass band can you imagine the noise it really got to you .How much walking did one do …. thank god for Dougie’ buggy is all I can say…

We did manage a few sneaky nice meals in Windsor and had some laughs along the way …meeting new friends is always something nice we met Danny, who was so cool to be around easy going calm never flusters and charming … of course he saw me at my worst lol, dread to think what he made of me … will we see

The show itself was perceived well, the Sunday show was very different from the show we had been running all week, with it going live it had the ITV celebrity touch … I have watched since on tv and Spun Gold did a good job I thought , Sue Andrews producer and Chris Power director really had the work cut out …

my admiration does go to H Power who not only produce this mammoth event and at the same time run the Royal Windsor Horse Show during the day , Its a vast team lead by Simon Brooks Ward, so many people to thank … and merit but special thanks to Jo ,Nick, Maddie Harry

Nice to work with JOANNA SCOTCHER a talented designer… and of course Debbie Wiseman the composer of the original scores and Ken music production boy did he have a lot on his plate

A memory that will still in my mind on the last show Dougie was sitting in the Royal Box, All the audience left and I went to pick him up, there he was alone watching the dancers and performers till the last minute dance away as the audience left .. it took me back and lucky i had my camera and caught that special moment

the pic says it all x

Easter

Joyus weather over Easter …. had a nice nice time at the cottage, Dougie doing well,

Michael and Emma popped round, and on EASTER Monday went and picked my dear mum

went out to lunch with bruv Paul very nice indeed … but now it’d better get back to work the jubilee is eagerly awaiting !

the cottage will look flat when i take the eggs away lol!

April Already

Another month just flying by so quickly,

Such sad affairs in the world right now , my heart goes out to all in the Ukraine, It really is unbelievable …

what is the answer ? after all these years we haven’t learnt to live in harmony with each other …

what doe all the distraction do in the long run just one feels helpless .. I commend everyone who has gone out to help, and to people who have incredable things for the people of Ukraine

Well the month has had its up and downs …. Its been busy for sure , working on costumes for cruise ships and working on the Platinum Jubilee …. so much to organise and achieve but will get there oh its only a month away eek !

We have had some crazy weather some amazing weather full of sunshine and warmth then freezing cold

was able to get in garden which was lovely and the spring flowers always cheers one up as new beginnings …

My Bruv and neighbour the lovely Ali built a jezbo in the garden , will help so much in summer when Dougie is able to get out side …Dougie’s health has been a bit up and down bless him and trying to do my best in looking after him…, Paul started a new job so hope all that goes well for him… Bless my dear mum who is okay . and sister janet amazing in looking after her husband Terry … so its all go…

Enjoyed a few walks around the area… so love walking around Winchester

I am a lucky man xxx

Old pics of our cottage

I was sent old pics from the 1920’s of our cottage and pics of the village

how lovely to see them, the cottage has stand its time i believe built around 1667!

the first two pics are our cottage x

Old Pics show up!

Love it when old pics of memories show up … always nice to remember …. the good and the bad lol !

The Fox Crawley Hants

In a village which is charming and lovely not far from us is the Fox Why I haven’t been before is crazy

friends of James Martin he always mentions it on his tv programmes they also have a fish and chips place in Winchester under the Town Hall so will have to try that too now … just excellent place for dinning…. the food the atmosphere the staff were all fabulous !

62!

62 well did that happen….. celebrated my birthday with family and dear friend Reece who came down from Blackpool, we went for a lovely lunch at the Peat and Spade in a nearby village ,very nice indeed !

relaxed in afternoon before going out to EAT again at MR SO in Winchester love the food there!

So a really nice chilled day

I was over whelmed by the lovely cards sent and the amazing amount of messages on social media, very heart warming and touching, feel very humbled

Also the lovely gifts and flowers is just so kind and really appreciated… im a lucky man to know such kind generous people that are dear friends

Storm weekend !

Well that was a storm and a half ! supposed to teach at Champneys Liphook on the Saturday

But our Rds were down with trees and we had a POWERCUT for 30 hours that was a shock to the system !

but fortunately went to Champneys on the Saturday night which was heaven ! HEATING lights ! a god send ..

classes went well the next day but glad to get home to warm house with lights !

DOUGIE 90!!!

Dougie marked his 90th birthday ! amazing … it was a week long birthday ! and all the surprises he knew nothing about ! and actually ran all very smoothly…. it started on the 11th Feb Tea at the Ritz with Biggins and Neil just fabulous … its everything thats so English dougie loved the surprise then trending to go the wrong way found our selves outside the Beauchamp Hotel in Bedford place to be greeted by Reece and Don and Taerry another surprise , Reece treated us to the weekend how fabulous … had a lovely room and I do love that hotel , Brings back fond memories , we then went to Imperial China in lyle street for Chinese with Judy joining us, food was fab we had so much of it ! So a fun night , next day breakfast in Covent Garden beautiful blue skies but cold … Lunch at Joe Allans then surprise party at Geoffs and Richard’s, who kindly hosted a surprise party for his lord ship… lovely friends there Judy, Freddie Maggie,Joe,Billy,Paul,Robert,Pat,Lisa,Nic,Simon,Sophie,

Reece ,Terry and Don a lovely evening with nice food and drinks so a special Thanks to Geoff and Richard ..

next day Breakfast at Balthazar and on to dance attic for a Generation Class All still a surprise to Dougie

Lovely to be back in a studio with our chums and we celebrated with a fabulous cake from Sandy HSamilton Benttes and champagne from Keeley Scott …so a fun day day

On his actual Birthday 16th went to The Grey Hound in Stock Bridge with Emma and Michael excellent food

then the 17th met up with GEORGES /BISHOPS at the May fly for a great get together …

so the celebrations were fun … just exhausted !!!

Hello February !

The month of February already upon us ! it is flying by, this week has been as crazy as every

Monday started

Hospital visit with DOUGIE for check up in Basingstoke , all good news on that front !

then the fab Izzy came and we went through work projects , So started getting the ball rolling !

Dentist on Tuesday , then met Judy in Winchester for Lunch at the Ivy , lovely but froze my butt off sitting out side .. Didnt warm up for the rest of the day … worked on costumes for Bor productions , Nice long chat with BF… I treasure our friendship… put me in good stead and a good place … Wednesday flowers arrived how that puts a smile on my face I love flowers ! Got Dougie ready for Zoom meeting re the platitium Jubilee

Lisa popped around and we worked on the Bor productions .. Thursday went to Kingston see Steve Bor and Sara went through costumes and orders for the ships so that was good…

Friday upon us and told Dougie we were going out … but Sara,Sandy and Kirsty popped down to see us lovely afternoon…armed with flowers LOVE IT ! the girls are just fabulous … Sandy prepared Dougie’s cake the big one is upon us he will be 90 ! ..

Caught up with” AND JUST LIKE THAT ‘ well Im a fan … love the style and fashion and love SJP that dress on the bridge in Paris just stunning …. the end of the season of it was just perfect for me .. although I knew that was going to happen from episode 1…. he is just to handsome for words …. lol… please I hope they make a season 2 !!!!

Watched all the creative presentation of winter Olympics some lovely beautiful and really creative moments technology is just mind blowing with what you can do …

So its Saturday a beautiful dawn, and a catch up day !

CHAMPNEYS TRING !

JUST HAD A FABULOUS WEEKEND AT CHAMPNEY’S IN TRING !

I WAS INVITED TO GIVE FOUR CLASSES OF DANCE OVER THE WEEKEND …

THE CLASSES WENT WELL AND THE LADIES HAD A GOOD TIME !! ( WELL THEY SAID THEY DID !)

FAB STUDIO TO DANCE IN…. FROM THE STAFF,THE FOOD THE AMBIENCE THE TREAMENTS IT REALLY LIVES UP TO ITS NAME …