Parrot Power

After two weeks of the horrible lurgy cold which every other person I speak to is suffering from, I`m at last feeling a little more human again. Our parrot has copied my guffawing sounds, but it`s not my fault that he is now asking "Where are the controls?" I can`t take the blame for that as I hardly watch TV, except for Mock the Week and a couple of other favourites. D will watch anything, gets withdrawal symptoms if there is nothing on he likes and will trawl up and down the channels until he does find something and if I suggest maybe just turning the set off he just about takes to his bed.

I`ve managed to fill in an application form for a new job, did my first slide show for around 200 people, a puppet show and drawing activities with a group of kids at the library. Going to be involved in a project by Richard Bliss called Journeys Home which will result in a short film to be screened in the old Miner`s Institute building in town. It will be a mix of poems, stories, singing and music. Also Tyneside Associated Drama are staging a short film, I`m probably chosing to do a monologue for that.



I`m quite keen on writing monologues at the moment and poetry has been given the elbow for the time being. But my obsession with writing books, note pads and stickits is driving me mad. I have so many things on the go at the moment and trying to put them in order is a nightmare. Went into Stationery Box and noticed 5 folders, buy one pack get one free. So now I have 10 more folders which I have split various writing projects into. Now I find myself scratting around for one and wading through all of this crap to find the one I need. I watched Sky Arts, The Book Show, an author who was ambling through her 17th century home which looked out onto a stream and ancient trees. She wandered into her study which was got up with wall height book cases, computer desk fitted around two walls and LOADS OF SPACE. However in my rabbit hutch house I have things stuffed under a coffee table and dozens of those jute bags stuffed to capapcity. I`m going mad. It doesn`t help that eldest son G has moved house, but left bags of stuff and a wardrobe full of clothing that he "hasn`t got space for." so he craps our gaff up.

This morning, as I was feeling a little better, I gathered all of G`s stuff up into bin liners and intend dropping them off at his place before the weekend. I have a Benwell reunion this Saturday to go to and friend K is here from Suffolk and will be staying with us. P & B are home too and will be at ours also. G has left a home fitness contraption with weights on the back in our spare room and has promised to take it away, but it doesn`t look like it`s going anywhere fast either!!

Halloween falls on the reunion this year so I have white table cloths to put out with black lace over the top, spookily decorated paper plates and bowls, a couple of green bowls with spider motifs etc. I`ve laminated lots of old photos and scenes from the old area where we were brought up. I`ll get down to the venue earlier to put them on the walls. Some people are getting dressed up, so needless to say I`ll be there with the camera. Watch this space.

Benwell Remembered

A two page spread in the Evening Chronicle for my book. Photos of the old buildings, Victory Tea Party, Clara Street, Jimmy Forsyth and Peace Tea. I`m really pleased with the way it has been done. They mentioned our Benwell Reunion, so hopefully we`ll see more old faces. Both me and Andrew, the publisher have been busy dishing out fliers to promote the launch.

D came in from work and settled down in the chair to read the Chronicle. He kicked his shoes off to relax. Chico was duck toeing around the floor and pecked his big toe. D nearly jumped out of his skin. Usually if Chico is being destructive we shout Hey. So he drops himself in each time he has a go at the curtains he`s chirping Hey, hey, so we know that he`s up to something. Is he learning something else?

D watches Britains Best Dish where cooks compete for best starter, main course and pudding. Jilly Goolden says that she is anyones for a square of chocolate.

D "I`d rather have the chocolate!"

I have a streaming cold and have three meetings lined up with a possible chance of a job. Dozing myself up with endless glasses of water, hot lemon and honey, overdozing on pastilles that taste like creosote. I`m anyone`s who can find a cure for the common cold.

Jessica Johnson (Director/Actor)

National Poetry Day (Week)

Gerard Rudolph read from his new book Orphaned Latitudes to a packed crowd at Gallery North at University of Northumbria. He was supported by other fine poets. His work is able to conjure up the images of the places he speaks of. Published by Squirrel Press "This is a mature and complex autobiographical work full of music, movement and with a flawless sense of sound and drama." His wife looked stunning. Everything was great, but I heard that some random woman berated him for the use of one word Fuck, in the text. Get a life, didn`t you listen to the beautiful words, didn`t you listen to anything else? It`s fortunate that we can disregard the opinions of those that matter little to us. But all the same, to spoil a fabulous night is so uncalled for.

Just joined Tyneside Associated Drama Group. I think I`ll receive support and inspiration here. It`s going to be really informal and will meet every week at 2.00 which suits me fine as I`ll still be able to work in the photo group.

Managed to get a ticket to see the fabulously funny Craig Bradley. I`ve seen him before taking a group of kids for rap sessions when I`ve been in Benwell Library. He usually does workshops with primary aged children. But a group of adults had the good fortune to listen to him. He`s big on audience participation which had us in stitches. And don`t think that if you sit at the back you`ll be exempt. I had to buy the book Dancin George, hilarious.

Pink Lane held another fabulous event, Heroes and Heroines on Thursday 8th October for National Poetry Day. I read a short story and two poems. Ira Lightman (aka Peter Cook reincarnated) was amazing as usual. Props were a computer and perspex umbrella accompanied by his resonant words. Viv Wiggins gets better each time I hear her and she really got into the theme by dressing as Wonderwoman. Catherine Graham and Degna Stone performed great sets. Richard Hardwick read another great set with music from Simon on his hang drum supporting the words.





Also went to the book launch of Martin Bell. He spoke of Iraq, Afghanistan and the scandal of politicians dipping into the coffers. He wore his trademark white suit. The place was packed, he can certainly entertain, he should be on Live at the Apollo.

Fred and I went to a local school to give out some local history packs that have been compiled especially for schools. So only 26 left to go. Fred spoke for 5 minutes to the assembly on the buildings in the area and their history and I spoke of my memories from school.

On Saturday attended a meeting,at St Mary`s Heritage Centre in Gateshead.

"To look at key challenges for promoting and supporting spoken word and live literature in the region."

Spoken Word Forum co-ordinated by Claire Morgan of Apples and Snakes and Monkfish Productions.Jeff Price represented Ten by Ten, Robbie Hurst for Pink Lane, Sheila Naughton from City Libraries and Christine from the Arts Council. There were other supporters who are keen to suggest ideas to support performers in the northern region by offering venues, equipment loan and advertising.
Claire will keep us posted.

And so ends a very productive National Poetry Day and Week.

It`s My Life (Tyne Bridge Publishing)

Around ten months ago I noticed an ad in a local paper. To commemorate the opening of the new library in town, they were asking for memories of the 60`s. I sent in a piece of around 500 words, then thought no more about it. I was chuffed to receive an e mail invitation to the launch event which began with the words "Dear Contributor." The book is very well put together and a thoroughly good read.

I really enjoyed the Tyne Bridge Publishing book launch of "It`s My Life." Guest speakers and contributors, John Steel from The Animals (The first record I bought was House of the Rising Sun) and Ray Laidlaw from Lindisfarne. They both gave amusing accounts of their bands and the times. A constant slide show of images from the book and popular music played, there was wine, olives and nibbles. I met some great people and caught up with others, Annie Moir was there. She has had success with her poetry book Prague Soup.






Had a great night at the Lamplight Centre at Stanley. Steve Urwin organises spoken word events and slams here. A really good mix of styles in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Will be going here again.

I`m going off on one, sorry!! Regarding shit shuvelers!

Last week I looked out from my window to see a couple with a dog.They were meandering around the field in front of my house. She had a carrier bag in her hand. Pretending that she was a considerate pet owner. She watched her shit machine crap on the grass, did a couple of corkscrew movements to check that no one was watching, then walked off with her unused carrier bag!!

Today, on my way to the bus stop I walked past a dog dropping all neatly tied up in an orange nappy sack. Is this pet owner any better than the first. Actually picking it up, again pretending to give a shit about their environment, then "Oh, oops, I`ve dropped it by MISTAKE. Ah well, I didn`t really have any intentions of putting it in my own wheely bin." So, now, some poor sod on his way home from the pub will go his length on a plastic covered plod. But, am I any better.....I should have shouted at the first couple? Or should I have been a responsible, green, environmentally friendly citizen and put it in my own bin? Sorry about that, but now that`s done, back to civilised conversing.


Thursday at 6.00 p.m. at Central Library, Craig Bradley (That Poetry Bloke) will be entertaining to celebrate National Poetry Day. Then I`ll be dashing down to the Jazz Cafe` for Pink Lane Performance. I`m reading a couple of poems and a short, short story.

Pink Lane Performance at the Jazz Cafe` on Thursday 8th, great place to be.

Benwell Remembered

I`m well chuffed with the cover of my book. The launch will be on Monday 2nd November at the old Carnegie Building on Atkinson Road at 11.00 a.m.