Fylde Coast February 2012

Just back from a short break for three days on the Fylde Coast of the North West UK, anyone who knows me will know the fascination of the sea and the tranquillity is really gives me, it shocked me to see that I had never posted anything on my Blog for so long, so sorry.

Such lovely places on the Fylde Coast starting off with Lytham-St-Annes a real conservative respectful area and peaceful, a lovely pier, but sadly for me the flow of the what is only a river is not what I look for.

Blackpool built up a real cheap image full of small B&B's and was stuck in the 50's image for far too long, some amazing piers, a large pleasure beach fair ground and some rough sea's to be seen and especially at this time of the year. Slowly the town is dragging itself into this century and the long promenade is getting a real update but it will take time for the many small hotels and B&B's to follow. There has been a superb tram system all along this seafront and promenade with both single and double decker trams, lit up so well for the annual illumination show of the resort which takes place from late August to early November, but time is moving on and the council wish to see the tram system become faster and more modern which will see the population of the area use it more and not see it as a tourist attraction, it re-opens at Easter will be interesting to see how it progresses.

The 4 Star Hotel we stayed in is in such a lovely setting part of the DeVere Hotel group, in it's own large grounds, I would not like to guess what the land must be worth now. It offers such a large drive way from the main road and then you are in a real peaceful setting, 18 hole golf course, spa, swimming pool inside and out & gym everything you need. It has just been completely re-furbished to be a DeVere Village Hotel while keeping it's original name of The Heron's Reach. A friend and myself differ on the new look, they have gone for what I would call a modern perhaps chic/boutique look which some may seem dark? but you sleep in the dark! haha still good food and service and we received an offer which is just unbelievable cost wise.

We visited Cleveleys a little further along the coast, such childhood memories as one of my Aunts had a big caravan looking towards the sea and beach and we used to go every October half term for the illuminations, now it is a modern Esplanade gone is the caravan park for a new cinema, pizza restaurant and pub with food. The day we visited I have never seen waves so big, in fact the foam produced made you think it was snowing.

The last place of a visit was Fleetwood once a big fishing port, we used to always visit when children as they had a large inside market on Monday and Thursday's and it was also a nice tram ride. Across the estuary is Knott's End and there is a winter hourly ferry, up to now I had never taken the ferry, it as either been cancelled/closed or the weather not good enough, but this time we did make the trip and the photo above shows the ferry coming into land as we stood on the jetty, when we arrived it pulled close to the top but by the time we returned you can see how the water had gone out with the tide.

A great restful break, one day I know I wish fulfil my wish and live facing the sea!

ISLE OF MAN

Just back from a weeks break in the Isle of Man a place that I have loved since my first visit as an eight year old on a family day trip taking a steam boat trip on what seemed like a ocean going Liner from Fleetwood sailing three and a half hours over the Irish Sea.

After that first visit we started to return for two weeks each year on our family holidays, this even continued when I started to go on holiday with mates when aged 15. There was a gap once I started to travel all across the world for holidays but in the late 90's I made several visits again but that was the last time until this year.

There is something "magic" about the Island which just has around 76,500 population (which can be doubled during the summer months with visitors) These days you are most likely to travel to the Island from England by the modern Isle of Man Steam Packet Mannanan which holds up to 200 cars and 480 passengers which cuts over an hour off the journey by this fastcraft. The photograph above is one I took of Mannanan leaving Douglas for its sailing to Liverpool.

Going to the Isle of Man is like going home for me and now I am sure it is a place that I want to live and not just holiday there, I have never felt so relaxed, now I just need to win the lottery?

The Royal Wedding - William & Catherine

It seems so long since I last posted a Blog, why? I am not sure but the happenings of the weekend seemed the right time to out down some thoughts!

Currently not only the UK are going through difficult times with the financial crisis and cuts this is bringing about, also the many wars and conflicts with sad loss of innocent life and especially those who sacrifice their lives to bring about peace.

But this May Bank Holiday here in the UK not only the weather has brought sunshine into many peoples lives but Friday one of the biggest television audiences for a long time and billions also worldwide were able to share in the Wedding of Prince William to then Catherine Middleton, identified as a commoner. It was a gift to be able to share in the Wedding Service which reflected the wishes of the young couple, the fine music and words expressed all were totally right for the occasion.

A few people outside of the UK have said why was this wedding given so much coverage, here in the UK it is because the majority still respect The Royal Family and especially currently Her Majesty The Queen who has given her life to public service.

William and Catherine now become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, many feel that the Prince has had a sheltered life but like his brother Prince Harry they have followed the fine example of the late mother Princess Diana, the way they have given so much service to charity work and both boys serve their country well. Prince Harry went off to Afghanistan and served, The Duke of Cambridge William had qualified as a helicopter pilot and currently serves on the Isle of Anglesey off Wales in the rescue service, not a sheltered life. Instead of going off on honeymoon both The Duke and Duchess will return to Anglesey tomorrow (Tuesday 3 May) and William back to serving in the RAF, it is also being reported that it is expected that William will also serve in The Falklands for around two months to complete his training away from his Wife like any serving officer.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge identify with the young people of today and this is returned with respect, there are many young people from successful families worldwide that do not work and give no service, this is not the way life will be for William & Catherine, one day he will become King with Catherine as his Queen Consort.

I like many wish The Duke and Duchess William and Catherine every happiness together, Friday they stood like any young couple do before God and made their vows may this carry them through the life of service they will carry out willingly.

LADY GREY IN LONDON - DIOR - RUSSELL TOVEY

I have a real love for short film and how dynamic it can be in such a short period of time, but never did I feel an advertiser/product could be the same and have real impact.

During 2010 DIOR have used a campaign which has taken in places such as Singapore but today Wednesday 8 December was the worldwide premier for the latest and last in the series "Lady Grey in London" never was a short so anticipated and I have seen such a strong promotional pre campaign and then a taster.

"Lady in Grey" by John Cameron Mitchell contains the talents of SIR IAN MCKELLAN, MARION COTTILARD & RUSSELL TOVEY, I have so much respect for Russell and also Sir Ian to see them in this short and for it to be so amazing is so tremendous. Check out the full crew in the credits and you just wonder how much such a production will have cost? so well done DIOR!

The short film industry is so Vibrant at present here in the UK, another much anticipated film comes from PLATO FILMS titled "Six Minutes of Freedom" featuring a superb upcoming young actor NICO MIRALLEGRO it is written and directed by KEITH MACKIN & JOHN RECK produced by JACK SUCKLING. I just wonder what producers like this could do with the money that DIOR will have spent?

Birthday Boy - Russell Tovey

One actor I really admire and have followed his career for many years is Russell Tovey, be it classic BBC Drama and "Little Dorrit" or his latest series on BBC3 "Him & Her" or the award winning "History Boy's" both on stage in London, Honk Kong, Australia and New York along with the hit movie of the same title with Russell you get a really sincere portrayal of the character he is playing.

Today is Russell's 29th Birthday and a personal photo taken opening his birthday presents for me sums him up and his amazing warm personality, the gift is a badger calender which was featured in the comedy series "Him & Her"

Whitby Winter Break November 2010

It was only late August that I visited Whitby in North Yorkshire for the first time and sadly it was just for three days and in that time I just fell in love with the area and the North Sea coast line.

So last week I just had to take another break and visit Whitby once more and even though during the week there were some strong winds it never took away the enjoyment it gave me. I just love the sea and rough waves as the photo above shows on Whitby Pier are such beauty as long as you are well wrapped up to keep warm.

This time I also visited Saltburn which is north from Whitby travelling into the Cleveland area, I had seen this old resort on the truly amazing BBC2 series "Coast" Saltburn was developed by an industrialist at the time for a place of relaxation for his hard workers, he even built an Hotel specially for them (now developed into Apartments) and a pier with the oldest remaining water balance cliff lift. The town was developed around the railway which enters along the coast and the streets were built on a grid system as used in The States.

As you may guess I am really into coastal areas and the sea but especially those with rugged cliffs, I wonder where the next visit will be to?

DAVID OSMOND - NEW ALBUM - ROAD DELIVERED

Great news that DAVID OSMOND is set to release his second album this year titled "Road Delivered" and even better still this time around the album is Inspirational and the digi-pack even has a bonus CD with many favourite Hymns done in David's own way.

The album is released on August 10 and this time as well as being available in all Deseret Stores you will find it on all popular major music websites such as Amazon, CD Universe, CD Wow etc.

* UK Fans can order from;

www.cdwow.com/CD/david-osmond-road-less-travelled/dp/15439313#=4229

CLINT WALTERS - HOPE YOU ARE IN PEACE DEAR FRIEND!

Back in 2000, after working for a commercial radio station all my career, I was approached by a new Record Company to join them and be general manager and in charge of A&R youth development. I had only been in charge a short while when one day I received a call from a young guy called Clint Walters, to see if we could assist him some fund raising for his Charity HIFY.

Yes I had heard of Clint but in the 10 years that followed I got to known him close and we were a support and strength for each other, sadly just over a week ago following a heart attack at the young age of 31, that Light in my Life and many others of Clint was taken away from us, leaving me devastated and still upset.

Clint had been diagnosed as HIV Positive just prior to his A Level exams at the tender age of 17, to be given such tragic news say with your Mother must have been devastating to Clint, but No he was determined to fight and also ensure that young people would have better access to information and health guidance that he felt he had. He immediately started to campaign and in no time he launched his Charity "Health Initiatives for the Young" HIFY - his Dream was to have a 24 Hour Clinic in central London which would be a place young people could go to and call for confidential advice and help. Even though Clint had his own health problems to compete with it did not stop his giving all his time for this important cause, at times when we would speak he would be so tired and you could tell he was not well, but that was not going to stop him.

In 2001 Clint was used in a poster campaign for World Aids Campaign with MTV, his image was used on posters and an advertising campaign. Clint spent time in the USA supported by The Winston Churchill Charity Trust, following the work being done with HIV so as to be able to bring it back and introduce it to the UK. However his health affected him he never stopped fund raising doing such as The London Marathon, a Challenge on TV which featured many fit athletes taking on some really big challenges of fitness around the world and being sponsored. Clint also did many tours visiting both Universities and Colleges and Schools in the UK to discuss HIV.

Clint and myself also shared a love for Soul Music, but he did also move into real Dance/Trance music and left me way behind at times. One project we discussed that many times was to write a book, I felt Clint was the complete right age and image that young people would be willing to read and listen, see what he had gone through, help raise awareness and at the same time give them strength to fight and be strong. But with Clint the book was always going to be started tomorrow, as he was always too busy, but tomorrow never came, something we laughed many times about.

So Sunday 4 April 2010 Clint was taken away from us, when I heard the news in an email I felt as I said as if a Light has been Turned Off in my Life and there was a real empty feeling. Never did I meet someone so genuine and dedicated to what they believed in, Clint was a True Inspiration and his passing will not affect this for many others and myself, it just saddens me that though Clint received so many big business promises and the 24 Hour Clinic got so close, it never did happen, neither the book!

I Hope Clint is in Peace now and that Light in my Life is an Angel looking down on us all, his Mother Wendy.

EASTER 2010

Maundy Thursday and the start of Easter 2010, tomorrow Good Friday and then the celebration with Easter Sunday.

But how many will take time out to remember the true meaning of Easter, will it just be Easter Eggs, a chance to visit a garden centre or go out to the shopping mall?

John II: 25-26 gives us real thought, inspiration and strength.

ANDREW LLOYD-WEBBER'S - AMOR NUMQUAM MORITUR

Amor Numquam Moritur - Love Never Dies

At one time if anyone had ever said to me I would like musical I would have laughed at them, in my huge music collection it was mainly Soul, Gospel and Chart Pop. The the radio station I worked for decided to run listeners Theatre/Hotel trips to London's West End and on tour someone had to represent the station.

My first visit was to see The Phantom of the Opera and I had such doubts, but I came away loving it and currently I have seen this magic show sixteen times more since, now I would love to see it in Las Vegas in the specially developed theatre. I did many more theatre trips with listeners, Les Miserables, Miss Saigon bit it was the music of Andrew Lloyd-Webber that always reached out and touched me of course Phantom, but also Sunset Boulevard and Aspects of Love.

Now the latest production from the pen of Andrew Lloyd-Webber is a sequel to The Phantom of The Opera and it opened with The Premiere in London's West End last week LOVE NEVER DIES with the story moving to New York and Coney Island.

Listening to the two CD soundtrack of the musical, which has just been released along with a bonus DVD showing both the studio production of the album and rehearsals, along with amazing footage of Coney Island. Two tunes are simply outstanding and says so much about the talent of Andrew Lloyd-Webber. I have managed to get hold of a copy of the souvenir programme and the sets look fantastic.

Some of the critics reviews are knocking this new production but many more also knocked The Phantom of The Opera and they were wrong then, now I want to get to see Love Never Dies as soon as I can, no way can I wait until it tours the provinces of the UK.

REFLECTED REVIEW!

YES! The debut album from DAVIS OSMOND - REFLECTED arrived at the weekend (Thanks Valerie) and it has never been off the CD player since!

It is as Good as I expected and knew it would be from David, I know of no one who puts so much "Soul" in their vocal and singing, you know that it comes from straight from the heart, the lyrics are so strong and mean so much, the album is full or warmth and sincerity, anyway a little about some of the tracks that stand out so far to me and I can tell you it is still growing more every day on me.

I have to be honest and admit that I am a typical Brit and we are not into some of the American rock produced music, but that does not deter from the quality of the tracks.

"You Wanted Me" this is David at his best for me and he lets the vocal do all the talking, I would dare anyone to doubt this can only come straight from the heart and every word in the lyric is truly meant.

"In My Life" once more the vocal is so strong and the lyrics so meaningful.

"Needle and Thread" just grows more on me with each play, the lyric just have to be listened to, no one could carry them through with such warmth and soul as David does.

"To a Girl" just has to be heard, the lyrics just roll of David's tongue and vocal.

You must now be tempted, go on order a copy of the CD today, from David's Online Exclusive Web Store, you can pay by PayPal and by the way the photo above is a full size poster of David also available.

http://www.davidosmondstore.com/

DAVID OSMOND - REFLECTED DEBUT SOLO CD

At last and after a lot of dedication both by David and his wife Valerie it is Great News to announce the release of DAVID OSMOND'S DEBUT SOLO CD - REFLECTED.

Many of you who read my Blog regular will know the respect I have for David and admiration for the amazing vocal full of soul and warmth that he has. Now everyone has the opportunity to listen to a full album of David's work.

You are not going to see it in your local record store at present and neither on music websites, but you can get a copy today straight from The Office David Osmond Store Website and here you can also get the CD autographed by David and even personalised if you wish, you will also find posters and photo's of David which again can be signed if you so wish.

http://www.davidosmondstore.com/index.html

My copy of the album was mailed from the USA, the moment David received the first copies in time for The Launch Party Concert that was held for both the media and fans in Utah on the 1 March. The moment I receive my copy, I will let you know more about the album and tracks, meanwhile if you want to listen to a sample of tracks from the "REFLECTED" album you can now on;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDjrEZPOoXY

Then go on order your copy today and I will let you into a secret there could be more good news from David in August!

Snow Cripples the UK

Just days in the new year and the news is that snow cripples the UK, each year so often we seem to face the same problem, we do not get enough snow to invest in equipment to keep the country moving as in the USA, but it does cause serious problems.

Schools in the small village I live in are closed again today, there is very little sound of traffic and the car park at the rear is completely blocked, cars can neither get in or out, and the forecast is for the temperature to drop even more tonight and over the next few days with more snow forecast for the weekend. It is about the most serious I have seen since I have lived here.

Now they are telling us that we are having to import even more gas from Europe as the calls for power to keep us warm increase. It's funny the long term weather forecast from the UK Meteorological Office was for a mild winter, but then again they told us we were were going to have a barbecue summer and that never really developed!

Blame it all on the Global Warming!

2010 - YEAR FOR CHANGE?

Well here we are at the start of a new decade and the end of what has become known as "The Noughties" and a chance to wish all who reads my blog a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!

At the start of a new year it is always the time to reflect and look back and sadly many memories are sad, 9/11 - The Iraq War - Afghanistan and The Financial Collapse of the Banks worldwide! so perhaps it is better to instead look forward.

Here in the UK it is a General Election year and after a decade of so many missed chances and waste with public money is it the YEAR FOR CHANGE? - in 2009 it came to the USA with Barack Obama and though many people have expected far too much in his first year of office, only time will tell if he will deliver. Now perhaps is the right time for CHANGE, that we so badly need in the UK, far too many politicians in office look tired and weary with nothing to offer, so lets see what the UK voters decide. Let's just HOPE it does get better for everyone .

The Christ of Christmas

Help us reach a million people with the Gospel this year The Christ of Christmas

Winter Break 2009

First day back after a four day break by the coast and the opportunity to do some things I have never experienced since a very young boy on holiday with my Parents.

Up to the age of seven we used to holiday each year at Bispham in Blackpool for two weeks late June early July, then later in the year October at my Aunties caravan in Cleveleys for a week. As well as the annual street or Sunday School coach trip to see the Illuminations.

The trip to the caravan always allowed us to visit the world famous Blackpool Illuminations and a ride on one of the trams which are decorated in the lights. The Illuminations run from the end of August until the second week in November and are widely known as the greatest free show it has run since 1879 and attracts millions of extra tourists each year as the summer season draws to a close. The lights’ cable and wiring stretches more than 74 miles (120km) and there are more than 400,000 lamps of various types and styles. Electricity consumption has been reduced by nearly half in recent years with the introduction of the latest technology low voltage neon, lamps and micro processor controls.

So this year we decided to do an open deck double decker bus trip through through the lights, well on a cold November evening, just four of us did! but it did keep dry and the high winds of the previous days calmed.

The visit also allowed us to visit The Blackpool Tower, it was opened in 1894 after the Mayor had visitited the Great Exhibition in Paris. The Tower is 518 feet 9 inches tall and can be seen from a 30 mile radius, it features a lift which takes you to the glass windowed observation level at 380 feet in just 90 seconds. This level also features a glassed floor looking to the base of the Tower called the "Walk of Faith" many visitors refuse or do anything to avoid walking across it. You also have the opportunity to climb circular stairs for another three levels and the platforms are open to the elements but offer you an amazing view as far as The Lake District. I remember going up the lift when I was very young, but this time I braved also the stairs and wind to the top! If wind speeds go above 45mph The Tower lift is closed for safety reasons. The building itself also features a circus, aquarium, 3D cinema, entertainments, three restaurants and the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The ballroom floor is 120ft x 120ft and is made up of 30,602 blocks of mahogany, oak and walnut. Above the stage is the inscription, "Bid me discourse, I will enchant thine ear" from the poem Venus and Adonis by William Shakespeare. Each crystal chandelier in the ballroom can be lowered to the floor to be cleaned which takes over a week. From 1930 until his retirement in 1970 the resident organist was Reginald Dixon known affectionately as "Mr. Blackpool". The first Wurlitzer organ was installed in 1929, but it was replaced in 1935 by one designed by Reginald Dixon.

So you could say a bracing four days by the sea and a chance to relax bringing back some happy memories.

Stephen Gately 1976-2009 - Rest in Peace

It is sad the passing of anyone you may know and respect, but even so when they are just young and in the case of Stephen Gately a member of the Irish Band Boyzone just aged 33, but yesterday's Funeral in his home city of Dublin was most fitting to share grief but also celebrate the life of this young guy and what he loved so much music.

The Service was full of Music and also real words of comfort some from readings but also in the Eulogy from band member Ronan Keating, though his voice broke several times it was easy to see his words came from the heart and showed the love and respect they had for each other, describing Stephen as "a man, a friend, a brother, a son, a hero".

What is sad is the personal intrusion at such a time of grief from the media and one UK daily newspapers and a named regular columnist, who chose the day before the funeral to draw her own conclusions and to dissect Stephen's life and make judgements, even differing from the official post mortem which took place on the island of Majorca were he died, stating death was due to "natural causes". If anyone is going to Judge I accept that will only be One Person!

Having managed a Boy Band at the same time as Boyzone I also identify strongly even as a manager how you become Family and Brothers, that was shown with Stephen's mangers Louis Walsh and the four remaining band members, Ronan, Mikey, Shane and Keith yesterday. Boyzone featured in a TV documentary with the band I managed and we appeared with them in concert dates several times, two normal group of lads from similar backgrounds of Dublin and Liverpool.

Stephen clearly enjoyed life, in the latter years he seemed to also find the happiness that he searched for, may he now find an even deeper Peace and Joy, may he now Rest in Peace

Virus?

VIRUS? and this time we are not talking about the "Swine Flu" last Thursday afternoon I turned on my laptop only to find I kept getting a warning that my system was going to close down in 60 seconds due to "NTAUTHOIRTY.SYSTEM" this it did only to show the warning once again.

Friday morning I took my laptop into my computer dealer and he said he had never seen this warning before but he should have it resolved later in the day. I called back around 4.30pm to be told it seemed to be fine now and nothing had been lost, but they would run and test it overnight.

Saturday morning I went to collect my laptop, £35 which was more than I expected, but I was so glad to have it back. Until I powered it up and found that all my computer had been wiped, documents, photographs, birthdays, addresses and to even make it worse my PC which is made by HP keep all software on a divided hard drive had also been lost, including Microsoft Office and Word that I use daily.

It took me all day to get back onto line with my broadband ISP provider and to get my wireless set up working, then hours of updates and installing such as McAfee security.

I suppose the lesson is to backup, but how many of us do that daily?

Fitting, Reverent, Dignified Memorial

What a most fitting and reverent Memorial & Celebration for Michael Jackson was staged last night at The Staples Centre in Los Angeles. Dignified as I hoped it would be.

It was a Memorial Service and a Tribute, not as so many of the media this morning are calling it, a Concert.

There has been much discussion if it was right to allow his three children to attend, in my opinion it was, I missed the Funeral of My Grandad as it was felt I was too young at 12, it is something I have regretted since. I don't honestly believe Paris was pushed to speak, but it was so poignant and moving.

The above picture with Janet hugging Paris, with Prince Michael resting his head on her shoulder is what it is all about Family. Added to that the innocence of young Prince Michael II (Blanket) holding his doll of his Loving Father.

All I want to see is Michael Now in Peace and I Pray that The Jackson Family will soon be able to be once again a True Family with legal matters all completed.

Michael Jackson - 1958-2009

My Prayers and Thoughts today are with the three young children of Michael Jackson, as they grieve the loss of a Loving Father. I Trust the day will be dignified and a fitting memorial of the life and great contribution Michael made - May He Rest in Peace.