Cutbacks reducing cut-backs

Presumably cutbacks are responsible for the trees and bushes obscuring the fairly important No Entry signs at the exit to the Queen Mother Theatre car park.

I've seen a couple of people drive in and narrowly escape accidents. Wonder how long it'll be before there's no escape.

I tweeted this picture to Herts Highways, but who knows if it'll make any difference. There's probably some silly problem like the road being owned by them and the car park by North Herts District Council and the trees growing one side but obscuring the other and neither one is taking responsibility. Heaven forbid that someone should just go out with a pair of loppers and tidy it up.

Beauty beneath Blackfriars Bridge

I love what you can see when you look up and around.

Someone has considered this view, as people walk along the South Bank between Tate Modern and the OXO building. It's quite, quite beautiful and I was so pleased that I'd taken the trouble to look upwards.

Cambridge Folk Festival - better than expected

Ruthie Foster, performing live on stage 1 at this weekend's Cambridge Folk Festival. She was certainly one of the highlights for me, although I also liked Joan Armatrading (what's not to like?)

Proud of my boy (but wish he wasn't a drummer!)

Freddie (centre, with the hat), playing drums at the final concert for his music camp. Cleo Laine was in the audience.

Another 'Rhythms of the World Presents' gigs

Friends old and new

Dinner this evening with some people I've known a matter of months, some a couple of years and one - Mike O'Neill - I've known for more than 30 years. I first played in his big band at the age of 17 and the meal tonight was a social event for his current band. A lovely night.

Magic Alex

I had the rather strange experience this evening of seeing - nay, enjoying - watching the son of a friend strip. On a huge screen at the Empire Leicester Square.

Alex Pettyfer (seen here in 'Magic Mike') is the son of Richard, who I know quite well. He's a local Hitchin boy and it's certainly strange to see what looks like his younger self getting naked.

The film itself was a great deal better than I had expected. I'm not really a 'chick flick' type of girl, but there were elements of this (not the obvious ones) that I liked. I have to say, the partial nudity became somewhat repetitive but the writing was definitely above the norm for the genre. Some real humour in evidence.

All in all, not a film I regret seeing, but probably not one that I will buy on DVD. It would appear that the 'Kid' has some good movies coming up and a couple of them sound much more interesting.

London warms up for the Olympics

It was just SO hot today and London was teeming with tourists. I had an amazing day at the Bond exhibition at the Barbican, tehn a bit of shopping, a bit of writing and a lovely evening out with a new girlfriend.

All in all, a good day, but the streets were heaving with people - I don't think I have ever seen so many people in London. Bring on the Olympics!

The sun shining over Tate Modern

Not all youngsters cause trouble

This made me happy: http://www.thecomet.net/news/hitchin_youngsters_show_off_skate_park_plans_1_1453694#

Then had some good news that Freddie is off to Edinburgh in August to perform with Big Spirit Youth Theatre. It was in the balance, but it's all okay. Hurrah! He needs to work a bit harder, but I think he's got that in him.

Motivated. Tired, but feeling good

A good session at the gym. Toning up, slowly but surely. Shame I'm so tired. Night out with daughter on the cards, so can't be all bad.

Another project up for an award

The team at FTF Worldwide Events is up for an award for its work on the P&O 175th Anniversary Grand Event I helped with.

A proud moment. If they win, that'll make three of my clients this year winning awards on work I've been involved with.

That makes me very good at picking my clients, probably!

Simply amazing sky over Tate Modern today

Happy Birthday Nelson Mandela

There are not enough words to express the dignity of this man. To have gone through so much and achieved such change (albeit not single-handedly) is extraordinary.

He doesn't put down other people. I don't think he swears loudly or online. He just says what needs saying.

An inspirational man.

The lurgy hit me today

Every intention of going into London, but the best laid plans and all that.

Awoke feeling decidedly shivery and unwell. Headache you could land a plane on.

Nothing for it but to retreat with paracetamol.

Me and Captain Sensible - 26 years on

He sat down to eat his lunch on Saturday. We started chatting. I remembered UK tour with Max-A-Traxion when we supported his solo stuff. Good times.

Little Roy closes a busy weekend of music at Rhythms of the World

An amazing weekend at Rhythms of the World ended with reggae star Little Roy on stage in front of the packed crowd.

One of my highlights - nothing to do with the music

The music at Rhythms of the World today was awesome, but one of my highlights has to be Nick Coffer broadcasting live from a Bucking Bronco onto BBC three counties radio.

A bizarre day - a bit of everything

Managed some work, some exam marking (nearly finished!), a boiler repair man, a 45-minute stint on Three Counties radio (this is me about to go on), three hours' helping set up Rhythms of the World and then a quick trip to see a friend.

Strange day.

Tate Modern IN THE SUNSHINE!

I admit it, I am a little obsessed with watching the building of the extension at Tate Modern. Love the architectural splendour of the turbine hall and can't wait to see the new phase completed at the side.

A productive day at my desk, disturbed by a parental visit

I don't mind them visiting. Really. But they just hang around and I feel duty-bound to entertain them. It used to be easier, when they could get around more easily, but they're ageing and it's definitely more difficult now. Still, you do what you gotta do. And, actually, I am very glad that they are still around to get on my nerves.

I love Tate Modern

The skies above may be grey but Tate Modern remains magnificent. You can just see the tip of the massive Shard building in the far distance.

Sam Gray - good voice

It may only have been a few seconds of stardom, but Sam Gray appeared on Hollyoaks today, just as his new single is released. Nice management!

I know I'm not the only one, but the rain is getting dull

I would really like it to stop now. A bit of sunshine in my day would definitely help.

I keep expecting this to go wrong ...

Another great gig with The Iconics, this time at The Plough and Harrow in Harpenden. I did make some mistakes, but overall, it went very well. I remembered more this time than I did last time. It definitely feels like progress and so much FUN.

Bravery rewarded

Good to see that the subject of one of my stories earlier in the year was nominated for a Chairman's award from the Royal Mail. Bravery recognised.

Saying farewell to Betty

A sad day.

Betty Robertson was more than my ex-mother-in-law. We had stayed in close touch since my divorce in 2000 and she was an active Grandmother to F&F.

It was sad to be at her funeral today, but lovely to join with all of her family to bid her farewell.

One of my favourite pictures

Not a terribly sharp image, but considering I took it on my BlackBerry in the rain yesterday, not at all bad.

A really Grand Event for FTF and P&O Cruises

The P&O Cruises celebration of 175 years doing what they do best went extraordinarily well yesterday. The team from FTF worldwide Events, who I was shadowing, put on a fabulous series of confestti bombs, cannons and fireworks to celebrate the departure of all seven of the P&O fleet.

It was an exhausting day, but great fun to be part of it.

A busy day and a long drive in the rain

Lots achieved at my desk and then a long drive down to Southampton in preparation for tomorrow's Grand Event for P & O Cruises.

Today, I shall mostly be sleeping

A tiring few days behind me and a busy few days ahead.