When I was preparing this series, I did wonder how I would split it since 101 is a prime number. There was no way I was writing 101 articles of 1 item each or 1 item of 101 ideas! I eventually concluded that it would be best to have a series of 15 items and finish with the final 10. Many thanks to everyone who has commented on the series. It has been fun to write and a chance to share some of life’s exasperations. If the series producers of Grumpy Old Women happen to be reading this, I think I could make myself available! [Read more…] about 101 Things to Put into Room 101 – Part 7 – The Final Leg
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101 Things to Put into Room 101 – Part 6
Reaching the “home straight” on my 101 Things to put into Room 101 series, I am now at number 76. It’s probably a sad reflection of human nature that it is usually easy enough to find things to complain about rather than praise. Still on to some more of life’s irritations. [Read more…] about 101 Things to Put into Room 101 – Part 6
MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review
I went to the Dovetail Centre on 19th April to see Five Go Mad for Shakespeare. Being fond of the Famous Five stories by Enid Blyton and, much later on, the Bard of Avon, this was a production which had my name on it in a manner of speaking. This is my take on the show following on from Ben Williams’ excellent summary. [Read more…] about MDG Players and Romsey Players – Five Go Mad for Shakespeare – Review
Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players
The latest comedy from MDG Players from Chandler’s Ford, and the Romsey Players combines two very British writers – William Shakespeare and Enid Blyton. Shakespeare’s works are updated and refreshed for a modern age and hilarity ensues. Want to know what happens if Theresa May decided to quote Henry V? How about if Romeo and Juliet took place in rival retirement homes? [Read more…] about Review: Five Go Mad for Shakespeare by Chandler’s Ford MDG and Romsey Players
Part 5 – 101 Things to Put into Room 101
It is ironic that George Orwell’s Room 101, which rightly in the book is associated with oppression, is used for entertainment, even with a post like this one. It is to his credit though that (a) his work lives on after him and (b) his creations have passed into popular usage. I must admit I hope the latter has led to some people checking out where Room 101/Big Brother come from originally. [Read more…] about Part 5 – 101 Things to Put into Room 101
Part 4 – 101 Things to Put into Room 101
Now for the next section of the things I would like to see consigned to the Room of Doom created by George Orwell. (I wonder what he’d make of social media and cameras everywhere? Not much, probably). [Read more…] about Part 4 – 101 Things to Put into Room 101
Part 3 – 101 Things to Put into Room 101
So resuming the next batch of things to go into Room 101, George Orwell’s famous creation, I am going to make myself mightily unpopular with some by suggesting:- [Read more…] about Part 3 – 101 Things to Put into Room 101
101 Things to Put into Room 101
George Orwell (aka Eric Blair) has contributed so much to literature and has an accolade few other writers have (though whether he would welcome it is another thing). While it is not unknown for writers to have their sayings go into popular culture over centuries (think Shakespeare especially), how many have their phrases go on to become the titles for TV programmes? Orwell achieves that with Big Brother and Room 101. [Read more…] about 101 Things to Put into Room 101
Monty’s Acting Debut in Celebrity Showmance
Earlier this Summer we were invited by a ITV company to bring one of our Newfoundlands to appear in a programme which required a large dog, with sound temperament, who would work with strangers and be totally relaxed with people, crew and dogs. We chose our brown dog, Monty, who was then just over a year old and extremely friendly towards other dogs and people.
Although Monty’s father, Berkeley, has appeared in several TV shows this was Monty’s first appearance. [Read more…] about Monty’s Acting Debut in Celebrity Showmance
The Wonderful World of Radio by Allison Symes
I love radio. I rarely watch TV these days. It has to be something special to make me turn the box on and that’s usually a Doctor Who!
(And yes I am sorry Peter Capaldi is going – I’ve liked an older Doctor being in charge of the Tardis. That’s nothing against David Tennant, Matt Smith of Christopher Ecclestone, all of whom were great, but for a Time Lord meant to be over 900 years old, having an older actor playing the role fits). [Read more…] about The Wonderful World of Radio by Allison Symes
Give a Girl Some Graphite
For a pre-Christmas treat I took my wife on a special trip. She dressed beautifully in mainly white with her large sunhat and a pair of gold lame shoes. I like to give a girl a good time and I had heard of this place up in the hills near Kurunegalla in the centre of Sri Lanka. Not many girls get a chance to visit there.
We drove up a narrow lane through an attractive area of jungle to a small settlement with a couple of bungalows and installations of mining equipment. [Read more…] about Give a Girl Some Graphite
Room 235
What is special about this card key that occupies a prominent place in my museum of memories? The story may amuse you, but to me it is just one episode from a long list reinforcing my lifelong suspicion that I am the unsuspecting protagonist in a never-ending series of candid camera.
I was in South Tyneside College to attend a course on high voltage electric propulsion, in connection with an investigation. I had rung ahead to a nice hotel located by the sea and asked for a room with a sea view, but when I checked in, was told that all the rooms with sea views were taken. Nothing new there; I rarely got a hotel room with a view. [Read more…] about Room 235
British Etiquette: a Survivor’s Guide
Someone intending to visit the UK for the first time asked me for some tips on British etiquette. This is what I came up with.
Dear Raj,
Robert Burns, the famous Scottish poet once wrote A Man’s a Man for a’ That. My advice to you therefore is – be yourself and you will be fine. However, since you ask, I will jot down some thoughts accumulated over a quarter of a century on this island. [Read more…] about British Etiquette: a Survivor’s Guide
Memory: I am Sure I Knew What it Meant
My memory is leaving me.
This morning I packed a suitcase with clothes and my Hungarian goose down pillow ready for my next business trip. The intention was to leave the suitcase in the office, so I could travel at short notice. But then I met the crossword man on the platform and started chatting to him. We were soon joined by Jan, my colleague, and the three of us talked about heirlooms and how these were more valuable than Nikon cameras and so on. Generally shooting the breeze, but enough to make me forget all about my suitcase which I had stored on the luggage rack near the doors. [Read more…] about Memory: I am Sure I Knew What it Meant
How not to be a Party Guest
There is something quintessentially English about garden parties. They are rare events as many are washed away by our capricious climate.
Last year we did not have one. The memory of the year before was too strong. Everyone was indoors. Our BBQ chef slaved under the garage up-and-over doors to shelter from the rain. He did a good job but the garage still smells of sausages.
Always Read the Label
When you are at your most vulnerable, you need all the help you can get. Do you get it? No. I live in a house full of women and I am well looked after in the most part but these girls turn the bathroom into a minefield.
There you are, in the shower, naked, enveloped in steam, water streaming into your eyes. You need shampoo. Your groping hand soon knocks several plastic bottles down into the shower pan. [Read more…] about Always Read the Label
Travellers Need Brains
Are you a tourist or a traveller?
With the holiday season upon us, you have probably already decided. Travelling can be nerve-wracking. What’s the difference?
Shall we say that a traveller decides where to go and arranges it, but a tourist buys a dream sold by a travel company. [Read more…] about Travellers Need Brains
Glastonbury: Caption Competition
Roger Clark from Hiltingbury has just returned from Glastonbury.
Roger entertained us last year with his ramblings of Glastonbury 2014.
Today Roger is inviting you to take part in a Caption Competition of this photograph that he took at Glastonbury last week. [Read more…] about Glastonbury: Caption Competition
From The Vicar Of Dibley To The Ladykillers
The Chameleons’ Vicar Of Dibley production in July raised £255 for The Neo-Natal Intensive Care Baby Unit (NICU) at Southampton General Hospital.
We raised money from tickets sales, programme sales, audience contributions in the charity buckets and the raffle. [Read more…] about From The Vicar Of Dibley To The Ladykillers
Vicar Of Dibley By The Chameleons: Brilliant Show
Chandler’s Ford Chameleon Theatre Company did it again!
I saw the comedy The Vicar of Dibley with two teenagers last Thursday at The Ritchie Memorial Hall in Chandler’s Ford.
What a stunning show! [Read more…] about Vicar Of Dibley By The Chameleons: Brilliant Show