its the behind the scenes stuff that makes anything good

The things we do eh. Just spent the weekend on a stage managers workshop course.

Why, well I know I am only a storyteller but I reckon that if you are to fully understand any performance you need to know all that went into it and its the behind the scenes bits that often make a performace great.

The course was run by a local theatre group and it was very interesting to see how a show happens. Got me thinking about how anything we see, whether a story, a show whatever is only as good as the sum of the parts.

water words

The other day while out walking I had a good look at the Guided busway stop at Oakington/Westwick.

The rear has what look like glass panels etched with a design and words about water. Given the amount we have laying around at the moment they could not be more accurate and appropriate.

a new year and some old memories

First day of a new year and the sun was shining down to help stave of a bit of the cool breeze. Another lovely day on which to be alive and outdoors getting some fresh air.

Went to St Ives and walked more of the guided busway, again lots of people out doing the same. Just as well the the guided buses were having a day off. 

Some lovely views over land I have walked many times before as a boy. And then the calls of birds to take me back to those times and back to the present. Wigeon, Teal, Gadwall and Golden Plover again. Happy memories of then and now.

Got back to St Ives as dusk was falling but just with enough light to go up to the town centre. I had to take the next picture for Dads sake as we grew up he would say to us, do you know what old Cromwell is pointing at, as you looked balnkly he would position you against the wall in just the right spot on the market place and tell you to look and see.

I hope Oliver will forgive the picture, from the look of things the local lads have been decorating him again.

vintage cracker mottos

You cant beat cracker jokes for making you go oooohhhh can you.Mind some are good well I think so anyway but then thats me.

Was helping to sort out some old christmas stuff the other day and came across some tree crackers that could have been 40 odd years old, they had lead charms in them as well as mottos that were a bit different to what we see now.

A couple of examples;
All is not beer that is bitter.
People who live in public houses, shouldnt throw glasses.

Finally a longer piece. When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, all is lost.

Bit different to those we see now eh.

The best I saw this christmas was;
Where does Tarzan buy his clothes...... A jungle sale, almost fit for Basil Brush that one.

A great to be alive day. Out walking today in the sunshine and breeze. Histon to longstanton on the buswayish then back via rampton about seven miles i think. Some lovely flat views typical for cambridgeshire. Not that many birds but did see red kite and golden plover again as well as a couple of smallish flocks of stock dove. A bit sticky underfoot in places but a lovely walk.

bit of a different story

I told a story to a group Friday evening. The local bird club a group I have belonged to for a while and supported for longer. It was there Christmas Social and I was asked to tell a story.

Well I had one I have been working on for some time, a written by me story of all things not that I write many at all, I have to be moved too. But this one sort of fitted to me well almost anyway.

The story is a sort of landscape history of an area I know well, since childhood in fact anbd it contains lot of descriptions/mentions of natural habitats and birds and animals as well as the historical detail. I cut it to fit the time available and told it.

Wasnt too sure how it would go down, but pleasantly surprised by the feedback afterwards, folk knew where it was set and could see the images I was describing. It needs mor work but I am happy with it almost.

A different Saturday

Definately a different Saturday for me yesterday. A couple of weeks ago, good friends Stewart and Maureen said do you want to be in our Mummers Play. I had a think and said yes send me over the script.

So there I was in March yesterday ( I know its December) where I was playing the part of The Fool, not hard to play for me really. We performed in three pubs; Georges, The Acre and The Ship.

I wont say I delivered my lines perfectly but it worked in the end and I had a bit of fun.