text:
On her deathbed, St. Clare of Assisi blessed God
Her radical final words confounded me for years.
by Wendy Murray
(Illustration by Daniel Richardson)
"You, Lord, are blessed for having made me." St. Clare of Assisi spoke these curious final words. After exploring Clare's unusual spiritual vision for many years, these words continued to confound me. The boldness of this medieval saint suggesting that God blessed himself by having made her, along with the audacity of actually saying so, seemed both extraordinary and beyond the pale. Add to that the seemingly contradictory fact that St. Clare, in the sequence of her days, suffered one loss upon the next as the terms of her life were turned upside down more than once. Yet, at the end of it all, she proclaimed that God had blessed himself by her existence, strained and sorrowful though it was.
Wendy Murray is author of ten nonfiction books and one novel. Her blog is hosted by Patheos.
My spiritual landscape, as a Protestant, was recalibrated under the watchful care of the saints, and of Clare in particular. This came about through a sad part of my story. My marriage ended after 24 years, and one of the most traumatic aspects of this for me was the role of the church where my husband served as pastor. When I needed the church's help and asked for it, they did not respond. The end result was that they kept their pastor and I lost my marriage. For a long time after that I left the church, at least in my heart. I thought it was fake. Having been married to a pastor for a very long time, I understood the nuances—and the occasional duplicity—that attends church ministry, and I felt I was justified in drawing that conclusion.
Jul 28, 2021 issue
In the aftermath of this trauma, I went on a walking tour in Italy. As I wandered through the town of Assisi, I began to be inexplicably drawn to St. Francis and desired to learn more of him. He told his followers, "We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has fallen apart, and to bring home those who have lost their way." This sentiment captured the mysterious draw I experienced in Assisi. St. Francis—in his Franciscan way—found me at a time when the apparatus of my own faith tradition had collapsed. He usurped my despair, rerouting my faith journey in a way that landed me in the stark, bewildering, sometimes forbidding landscape of the saints who, through their ministrations, have given me a reason to keep living and to keep believing. Clare, who was Francis's lifelong companion, lent a particularly meaningful element to this struggle.
In the course of research for my book about St. Francis, I spoke with a Franciscan friar who said, "You cannot dream of Francis without Clare, and you cannot dream of Clare without Francis." At the time my work focused on Francis, and the person of Clare felt elusive to me. I could not grasp her writings that spoke of such things as spiritual matrimony and beatific poverty. As a result, there always came a point in my research beyond which Clare seemed inaccessible, and I abandoned hope of really understanding her. Yet ten years hence—at a different stage of my own life and vocation—my thoughts returned to Clare. I revisited her life and writings.
My curiosity was spurred by her bewildering dying words. I felt hounded to explore her story until I could understand what she meant.
Clare (1194–1253) was the eldest daughter of a family of high nobility in Assisi, and she was also the town beauty. As such, she was being groomed by her father for a marriage of rank, and numerous suitors sought her hand. She could have had her pick of them. Instead she rebuffed them all and abandoned her life of privilege to follow Francis, who himself had renounced his rank and family. Together they vowed to live out their lives in penitence and poverty according to the mandate given by Jesus when he said, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven" (Matt. 19:21).
Clare's flight from her family home was a high-spirited gesture, and she embraced it devotedly. By worldly standards, she made an unreasonable choice to give up power and station to land instead in the insecure territory of living as Jesus did.
Her intentions were wild and brave, and she pictured herself active: ministering to neighbors, serving lepers, tending her garden, offering prayers for the sick. She also imagined the sort of mendicant life that defined the male members of Francis's order—traveling around with the message of the blessedness of gospel poverty and, if need be, being martyred for that message. She was free—unconstrained by social obligations and detached from political schemes. Granted, she was poor, but that only brought her into closer intimacy with the Lord, whose example she longed to emulate.
Yet life's brutal realities upended her dreams of high-spirited action. By the time Clare was 32, Francis had died a lingering and tortured death due to multiple illnesses, while she herself had contracted a malady that left her unable to walk. From that time until her death, she was confined to her bed and animated her duties and longings from within the walls of her small dormitory. Even so, she changed the landscape of her world and forged an alternative picture of female empowerment that, in an upside-down way, rendered a kind of power sufficient to shut the mouths of popes and turn advancing armies on their heels.
From where did such power arise? More to the point, what was the nature of such power given Clare's limiting circumstances? The answer comes through a series of letters Clare wrote to Agnes of Prague, a young woman of royal descent who similarly had given up a life of privilege to live out Franciscan poverty. From these letters, themes emerge that defined Clare's spiritual vision and kept her hopeful and empowered even as her own life took unexpected turns.
Clare affirms Agnes's vow of poverty, her choice to leave behind a world of defined roles and political wrangling in exchange for freedom and, more importantly, utter dependence upon the faithfulness of God to provide for every need. She salutes Agnes's choice to give up her regal crown in exchange for such a life, leaving the would-be queen free to live boldly and fearlessly, which (Clare asserts) is where true power lies. "One clothed cannot fight another naked, because she who has something to be caught hold of is more quickly thrown to the ground." Clare calls this the "glorious exchange," swapping worldly station for the fleetness and liberation of a higher allegiance.
Beyond this, Clare exhorts Agnes to remember her calling—Franciscan poverty—and not to waver from it. She is to live her life of service and to execute it actively, consistently, unswervingly, and with a light step. Her choice of metaphor is ironic, given Clare's own physical constraints. But what she means here is that in all of Agnes's undertakings, as she establishes a mission for Franciscan women in Prague, she is to assert her program with gentility, humility, and deference, even as she combats forces—in this case, the pope himself—trying to pull her off course. Clare exhorts Agnes to remain hopeful and to dismiss anything that would distract her: "May you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness, believing nothing, agreeing with nothing that would dissuade you from this commitment or would place a stumbling block for you on the way."
Perhaps the most telling glimpse into the spiritual vision that informed Clare's final words comes in the third letter to Agnes. She writes, "Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!" Clare exhorts Agnes to picture her life (as she herself did) as if through a mirror in which the image looking back does not resemble the one gazing into it. Clare's earthly visage was drawn and pale, but in the mirror she beheld a face of glory and beauty as an adorned and beloved bride of Christ himself. The exercise held transformative power for both Agnes and Clare (and countless other female penitents). As Clare reminds Agnes, "the King himself will take you into the heavenly bridal chamber."
Clare's spiritual vision culminated in its grand and final assertion, uttered on her deathbed on August 11, 1253. She first whispered to herself, "Go securely and in peace, my blessed soul." Then she concluded, "And you, Lord, are blessed because You have created me."
Not many of us reach the place in our spiritual journeys where our testimony is about the singular glory that God imparted to himself by creating us. Not many understand that our true mission is to give back to God this unique glory and to bless him by it.
I've heard testimonies that involve a picture of divine actions moving earthward from heaven, coming down, and landing in a way that brings new hope in the landscape of human sorrow. Clare's spiritual vision, at its pinnacle, went in the opposite direction. Her testimony arose from earth to reach heaven until she saw herself as she was meant to be seen, taking her singular place in God's saving activity. "Glorify yourself" is the prayer Jesus prays on the last night of his life. Imagine a human being so emptied of self-consciousness and filled with beatitude that one's prayer is to see one's life as God sees it. Then imagine giving thanks for the gift of rendering back to God a life that blesses him.
Clare, of all possible messengers, carried it to perfection. She embodied Christian truth—not dogmatic truth but mystical truth, poetical truth—as one who inch by inch was stripped of self-importance and earthly contrivances until there was nothing left except the skin and bone of her life lived out on an uncomfortable bed. That was it. That was the place of perfection, where God's light found its fullest effulgence.
I am a flower farmer. Interestingly, that vocation has also enabled me to better grasp Clare's final words. When you put a seed in the soil, if the basic necessities for growth are present (water, light, nutrients), the life inside the seed will do its appropriate work and it will sprout. Then, assuming that the needed elements are operative, the growing plant will continue to do what it was created to do: sprout more shoots. The shoots then—with the work of time—will come into full bloom. The seed that was sown and subjected to the operation of time and other necessary elements will inevitably bloom into full flower. It will become what it was destined to become and will be fully, wholly a flower.
The natural growth cycle of the flower can be thwarted, of course, by disease, drought, a predator, or some unforeseeable horticultural catastrophe. Otherwise, assuming all laws of nature abide in their normal courses, the seed will become a flower, and the flower will be upright, beautiful, perfect, and irreplaceable.
It could be said that Clare's life—with its twists, losses, and struggles—was the planted seed that, with the movement of time and the workings of Spirit, became what was its destiny, a flower in bloom. And at the end of her life's journey, God crowned her days with a picture of who he had made her to be, a perfect flower.
A version of this article appears in the print edition under the title "An empty and full life."
CommentShare Tweet
St Clare
Get Century articles in your inbox. SIGN UP
In Review:
A Mended and Broken Heart/Conversations with St. Francis
reviewed by Jon Sweeney November 17, 2008
The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, edited by Gianfranco Malafarina
In The Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, the darling among splendidly artistic cathedrals is stunningly brought to life.
reviewed by James C. Howell May 19, 2015
CCblogs Network
Following Francis of Assisi today: Who are our lepers?
This is the 785th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. He is beloved by so very many people the world over. Christians and non-Christians, believers and non-believers all admire the man who sought simply to follow in the footprints of Jesus Christ, living out his baptismal promise as one committed to living the holy gospel.
by Daniel P. Horan
The Dancing Francis and St. Francis and the Birds
reviewed by Richard A. Kauffman
CC recommends
By %1 December 12, 2005


Continuing in our series of Migrants Tales, first hand accounts of the migrant experience of New Zealand taken from places around the net.
Today's tale was first published on the forum at the not for profit site Expatexposed.com, the only uncensored emigration site on the net where people are able to talk honestly about their experiences of New Zealand.
I left new zealand because I was targeted by a gang and a religious cult.
I came to NZ with the impression that it was a middle class clean green island/s with fluffy sheep and rugby. We brought our savings, our plans, hopes and expectations, excited and naive.
I left fearing for my life, traumatised having been drugged, raped and filmed and I had death threats.
I only remember a part of what these people did to me over a period of four years. What drugs they used, Whether they were hired to do this to me specifically or whether this is what they do to foreigners. I am unsure.
What I was told when I questioned someone as to 'why me?' was this: 'because you are green, because you walk around thinking that nothing bad will happen to you'.
This was from a young New Zealander.
All I can say is that this country has a nasty hidden underbelly. One which crept up on me and my family without my knowledge and without us being able to do anything about it. We had no help, no support, we were told 'this sort of thing does not happen here', 'you are making it up' etc.
I have included a link on the problem this country faces with regards to this and it is something which should be highlighted to immigrants to New Zealand and not brushed under the carpet.
The theme was chosen to highlight the rapidly growing threat posed by sophisticated, internationally linked organised crime networks in New Zealand. Concerned at the risks posed not only to New Zealand society, but also directly to members through the corruption potential of unchecked organised crime, the Police Association has been pushing for action.
The threat had earlier been identified by Association members, through the Members' Survey conducted by Nielsen and completed by more than 5,500 serving Police employees, as the "most significant threat to law and order emerging in New Zealand".
A massive forty-one percent (41%) identified gangs, organised crime, and/or the gang-controlled methamphetamine and drugs trade as the most significant threat.
Concern amongst CIB staff was even higher (50%). These numbers far outstripped the next biggest concerns, which were the effectiveness of the courts and justice system (12%), and increasing violence (6%).
At the end of last year, frustration at the lack of official efforts to understand the true nature of New Zealand's organised crime problem led the Police Association to begin its own investigation.
Keynote speaker Detective Inspector Bernie Edwards, head of Victoria Police's Purana Taskforce, was invited to address the conference because the Police Association's investigation showed New Zealand is rapidly approaching the alarming levels of organised crime in Australia.
Public concern still tends to focus on traditional patched gangs and the violence and intimidation they inflict on the community.
The Police Association's investigation showed these are largely yesterday's issues. New Zealand now has a true organised crime problem. The 'traditional' gangs are merely one part of complex organised crime networks involving overseas crime groups, apparently 'legitimate' businesses and businessmen, and multiple inter-linked holding companies and trusts.
An army of professional directors and expert advisers, including the best lawyers, accountants, and financial advisors that money can buy, support these networks.
Organised crime has evolved beyond the traditional gang structure. The gangs are no longer at the top of the organised crime tree, instead being used by organised crime networks mainly as distribution mechanisms, and as 'muscle' for the more easily detectable criminal acts such as stand-overs and violent debt enforcement.
Wealth is generated not only from drugs but also from crimes like large-scale organised fraud and identity theft, and criminality affecting a wide range of industries and sectors including fisheries, forestry, property development, banking and finance.
The following are extracts from Police Association President Greg O'Connor's opening remarks to the conference.
"The breadth of expertise and experience our membership brings to the Association, matched with our network of offshore contacts, means the Police Association is uniquely placed to recognise emerging crime trends long before they are officially acknowledged or come to dominate the public consciousness.
I believe we are obligated to give New Zealand the benefit of that intelligence, even though others do not always want to listen. If I can take a moment to present our credentials.
In September 2006, the Police Association raised a red flag over the lack of resources available to investigate child abuse.
We highlighted the Wairarapa problems but warned it was a nationwide issue.
Now, three years later, Police are struggling to deal with the consequences through Operation Hope and the Independent Police Conduct Authority has launched a major investigation into lack of action in this area.
In May 2004, the Association released alarming findings from our own investigation into the pressures facing Comms Centres.
We predicted that if urgent action was not taken, tragedy would result.
It took the disappearance of Iraena Asher, nearly six months later, before Police admitted the problems and asked Government for more than $45 million to fix them.
From as early as 1997, the Police Association warned about the rising threat of methamphetamine.
We showed the alarming move of the established gangs to organise and professionalise to trade 'P'.
We predicted what would happen to crime, violence, and society when 'P' took hold.
We were largely ignored, and 'P' was dismissed by the Police administration of the day as nothing more than "PR for the Police Association".
Unfortunately, the political masters of the day accepted those official assurances.
It wasn't until more than five years later that Police and Government slowly started to appreciate the problem, and belatedly take action.
We're now reaping the consequences of that delay.
Organised crime has been a popular theme on New Zealand television screens recently, with many viewers glued to three series of the Australian drama 'Underbelly'.
The first series touched on the New Zealand connection in the Mr Asia story – events nearly 30 years old – but other than that,this has been engaging drama about the big bad world of organised crime "overseas".
Few New Zealanders – including many police – want to acknowledge that we have our own 'Underbelly' alive and well here in New Zealand.
The penetration of organised crime into New Zealand society, at all levels, is frightening.
It's no longer just about traditional patched gangs. It's not even just about methamphetamine anymore. 'P' was the number one issue 10 years ago.
But organised crime today is very much more than 'P'.
Police estimate the 'P' trade is worth $1.5 billion a year. The money available from 'P' has driven the old gangs to get smart, to get professional, and to organise. It's big business, and has been a massive source of investment capital for criminal enterprise.
The trade has driven them to link up with 'businessmen' in New Zealand and overseas.
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been laundered offshore and moved into apparently legitimate front businesses.
Divisions between the serious gangs, like the Head Hunters and Hells Angels, have been erased when it comes to business and the line between the underworld and high society has, in many places, blurred beyond recognition.
While New Zealanders continue to equate 'organised crime' with anti-social outcasts on noisy motorbikes, our real organised criminals are doing international business not just with the best organised, and most dangerous, crime groups in the world – they are also doing business with 'respectable' citizens who could be our neighbours, friends, or family members.
It's not that Police are ineffective. On the contrary, New Zealand Police are as good as anyone in the world, if not better. Police are more than busy enough solving homicides, rapes and robberies, and picking up burglars, drug dealers and other criminals along the way.
A good number of them are gang members. Just look at our jails – they are full of them, to the point where the gangs effectively run New Zealand prisons.
But the reality is, it is mostly low-hanging fruit. Nobody is going higher or attacking the problem from the top.
It's no one's job to go looking for yet another problem to have to deal with.
Everywhere in the world where organised crime takes hold, corruption goes hand in hand with it. Organised crime controls such wealth, that if we do not act to protect our members, it is unfortunately inevitable that, sooner or later, we too will face a major corruption scandal, as so many Police services overseas have.
The first step in dealing with this threat is to acknowledge and understand the serious problem this country faces.
Since 2003, the Police Association has been calling for a Commission of Inquiry into organised crime.
We were concerned that Police and Government did not know enough about the problem to target it effectively.
At the end of last year, we got sick of waiting and conducted our own inquiry into organised crime. Even with the limited resources we could commit, what we have uncovered is frightening.
New Zealand's organised crime problem already shares many of the same chilling characteristics uncovered by Victoria Police's Purana Taskforce.
We shouldn't be surprised – every global trend makes its way to New Zealand eventually. If anything, we should be surprised it has taken so long.


This coupon was added about 10 days ago, will expire on 2019-04-30. Verified by LovelyTD.
You will fall in love with the way your face looks without makeup thanks to this First Care Activating Mask. The special mask helps to gently wipe away dead skin while improving the new layers of healthy skin.
Ditch your basic facial wash when you have this Gentle Cleansing Oil EX. This special oil works to remove makeup without stripping your face of its natural oils.
You will fall in love with the way this Gentle Cleansing Oil EX cleanses your impurities away. This amazing cleanser doesn't use chemical based foams to clear away makeup and grime, which makes it gentle on the skin.
This coupon was added over 2 years ago, never expire. Verified by ednagirl.
This coupon was added over 3 years ago, never expire. Verified by Angel6.
My daughter is definitely an outdoorsy-girl. She loves to play soccer, softball, and run track. I'm so happy in this day and age that one of my kids still wants to spend time outside. With the electronic revolution, it's really difficult to get my other kids motivated to get outside. They are perfectly fine staying inside on the computer or in front of the TV screen to watch a show or play games. Anyway, the one thing that I've emphasized for any of my children whose skin actually gets exposed to the sun is to protect it. I feel like once the damage is done, it's tough to undo. I know there are many processes one can undergo in order to remove sun damage to the skin. It's difficult to know whether the process is merely cosmetic or really creating molecular change in the low-lying skin cells. The same question appeals to those touting skin "renewal". Can skin condition be reversed? It's clear that less sun-exposure won't make it worse. Turning back the hands of skin-time seems like a gargantuan challenge. Sulwhasoo.com sells products with herbal ingredients claiming to restore "energy essential for youthful skin." Perhaps their Ginseng Renewing Cream can revive damaged skin, as they claim. I cannot contradict the claim because: 1) I wouldn't spend over $200 for a facial cream I haven't sampled, and 2) I wouldn't spend one penny on a product that contains basically gas fuel, hydrogenated oils, and phthalates. If it works, who cares?


text:
Q: Different look and feel of java application from the look and feel of Operating System I've been asked to modify a java desktop application (I've never worked on java desktop application).
I have been gaven the project that I opened with Netbeans 8.0.2.
Something weird happens.
If I launch the app from Netbeans (after doing "clean and build") with right click on the project - > run I get this look and feel:

If I launch the app from command line with java -jar C:\Users\...\NetBeansProjects\Clean\appaName.jar I get this look and feel (that is the correct one, since it is the look and feel of my OS, windows 10):

As you can see from the pics below, on Netbeans the Runtime Platform and JRE seem to be correclty set.

Does anybody know why? Be patience, I've never worked on desktop aplication.
Thank you

A: Initialize the look & feel to the System one. (Though I like "Nimbus" more.)
This should best be done in the beginning.
public static void main(String[] args) {
    UIManager.setLookAndFeel(UIManager.getSystemLookAndFeelClassName());
    ...
}

Look in the NetBeans generated code for a main; as look&feel code might well be generated too.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
William Wilkinson
Companion of The Most Honorable Order of the Bath
Distinguished Service Order
Military Cross
1914-1915 Star
British War Medal 1914-1920
Victory Medal 1914-1919 with MID Oakleaf
Defence Medal 1939-1945
King George VI Coronation Medal 1937
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal 1953
William Dale Wilkinson was born on the 13th July 1893.
He served with the 7th Battalion and left for France on 1 June 1916. On the 21st June 1916, eight 2nd Lieutenants joined the Battalion in Heilly in France and two were posted to 'A' Company. An attack was to have taken place on Fricourt on the 29th June, however this was postponed for 48 hours. During the attack 2nd Lieutenant Griffith was wounded and replaced by 2nd Lieutenant Wilkinson from the Reserve Officers at Ville. 'During the heavy fighting that followed the Battalion was met by 'murderous' machine gun and rifle fire, Officers and men were literally mown down'.
13 Officers and more than 300 men became casualties in 3 minutes. The battalion was withdrawn after dark on the 1st July 1916 and relieved by the 6th Battalion Dorset Regiment. For his action William Dale Wilkinson was awarded the Military Cross – and on the 26th August 1916 the Middlesbrough Daily Gazette reported: 'Temporary Second Lieutenant William Dale Wilkinson of the Yorkshire Regiment: Awarded Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his platoon with great dash under heavy machine gun fire. When further advance was impossible he lay for several hours close to the enemy and dispatched a clear account of the situation to his Commanding Officer'.
On the 6th November 1916 Wilkinson was made a Temporary Captain and attached to the Indian Army. On the 12th March 1917 he was mentioned in Despatches and was awarded the DSO in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field. The London Gazette reported: 'Temporary Captain William Dale Wilkinson MC, Yorkshire Regiment, on entering the captured position he sent back clear and concise information superintended the consolidation and blocking of the flanks and remained complete master of the situation. It was mainly owing to his gallant leadership that the enemies' trench was captured and 2 Officers and 78 other ranks taken prisoners,'
He was mentioned again in Despatches on the 9th April 1917 and on the 16th March 1922.
William met Mary Devas Marshall during the war. Mary was a member of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry in 1912 and served in hospitals in Calais, Port Binson and Marquise as a 'driver'. They married in 1934 in Reading.
The 1939 Register records William as working as Assistant Secretary to the War Cabinet. In 1942 he was awarded the CBE.
William died on the 31st January 1973 in Taunton. He and Mary are buried together in 'Curry Rivel', St Andrew, Somerset.
He had donated his medals to the museum on the condition that Mary's would also be displayed. Read more about Mary here.
Companion of the Bath
Defence Medal 1939-45

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Home > News & Alerts > Environment
Help Shape the Future of the National Wildlife Refuge System: Deadline — Friday, April 22
By BOB ORABONA on 04/19/2011
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking for our input-and it's crucial that animal advocates weigh in on...
Hands Around the Lake
Saturday, March 26th, 12:30pm, Prospect Park Lake, Brooklyn NY — Enter at Vanderbilt Street & Prospect Park SW Call...
How to Say No to Chemical Soup:
For Immediate Release: 12 May 2010 Contact: Parker Lewis in San Francisco or Dustin Rhodes in Washington, DC parker@friendsofanimals.org;...
FoA Tells Environmental Leaders – Put Your Carbon Credits Where Your Mouth is – Urges leaders to make a New Year's resolution to "Go Vegan" for the planet
Darien, CT "" A prominent international animal advocacy organization sent a strong message to environmental leaders on Friday: "Put...
Friends of Animals Urges Obama to Consider All Causes of Climate Change
For Immediate Release: 03 December 2009 Washington, D.C. "" Friends of Animals, an international advocacy organization founded in 1957,...


Made my way to 'Rose Morris' in Denmark St, to buy some Tympani Sticks for a few QSP songs.
I then made my way to Brent Cross to get my mobile phone fixed, I also found a hardware store nearby to get tape for my drumsticks.
I met Andy at the Radisson and we went to eat together.
In my hotel got locked out of my bathroom with the shower still running! I had to get dressed and wait for the maintenance man to open the bathroom door.
I met Andy for breakfast before we drove to 'Stag' rehearsal studios. Suzi arrived with Dionne and Louise (our backing vocalists). Jez, our keyboard player, arrived spent all day going over the Australian set.
We all went back to, Suzi's to get ready to go and eat.
Came back to her house, sat around chatting before I went to bed 23:00.
I was up at 07:15. Cleaned up and relaxed downstairs with some tea.
We all had breakfast together before Andy and myself drove to the rehearsal studios.
We spent all day rehearsing the Australian set.
A GREAT DAY. Hopefully we are all ready!
We've got a set worked out. NO DOUBT, that will change once we get going…..
Dave Hill fit again - back to doing gigs - gig at Butlins, Skegness.
I was up at 09:00.
Met, John Rossall from the 'Glitter Band' we had a little chat before I made my way to 'Centre Stage' where we were to play that night.
I then went to Centre Stage (where we were playing) to sort my kit out.... Spent all afternoon there.
I went with, Tim and Robin to the gig to sort my drums out before we did our soundcheck. We did our check first as, Sweet would be opening the show….
Andy Scott and myself spent a while reminiscing about Australia as this was the first time I've seen him since we returned home….
We had a, great show to about 2,000 people. Our good friends Malcolm and Fran were there from England…. Ilpo Bister was there from Finland with two friends… And also our great friend Bernard was there from Munich. Finally a couple from Vancouver, Canada were there too. The guy's wife surprised her husband with this trip for their 25th Wedding Anniversary. They used to see our concerts in Canada back in the 70's…..Also a lot of our dear and loyal Danish fans and friends were there. It really warms my heart that people are SO VERY loyal to us, 'specially, to travel like they do….
We all drove to Nykøbing Mors, about an hour from Viborg…..
Checked into our hotel….. I went with, Tim and Robin to sort my drums out before we did our soundcheck…..
Phil Bate's ELO were also on.
Amazing, at both shows…. How many people had fantastic comments about QSP's CD and our Australian tour…..
We then made our way to Andy and Jane's place, relaxed a while before making our way to have a look at the gig site. We all went out to eat together and went back to the, 'King's Arms' for a few drinks.
Drove back to, Andy and Jane's to get a good night's sleep.
Andy, Jane, Hanne and myself all had breakfast together… Bruce, his lady Tina, Tony, Pete, the guys from SWEET arrived.
Made our way to the site, Jamie Moses (guitarist who sometimes plays with Queen and 'trillions' of other acts) joined us all so we could 'acoustically' rehearse the Slade songs I was going to play with them. 'Mama' and 'Noize' were the choices…..
It was a great concert for a great cause…… It was great playing on stage with Sweet and Jamie Moses.
I was in touch with,Terry ( drummer with 'Colonel Bagshot' and later 'Bunny' - signed by Chas in the 70's)……. Terry met us at Liverpool Lime St station with his lady, Christine. We drove to her house were Hanne and myself would stay. We relaxed before we all ate dinner together… Relaxed and reminisced when 'Bagshot' and 'Bunny' toured with, Slade…..
Terry and Christine took us to the Beatles museum in Liverpool, Something I've always wanted to see….
We were greeted by, Martin King, the head of the Beatles Museum. He called for Dave Milner who took photos of myself in front of the 'Cavern' and around the museum also by the new, life size, bronze statue of the Beatles….
Drove to Ringo's local 'The Empress 'it's near where he used to live.(MANY, MANY YEARS AGO.) AND is the front cover on one of his solo albums….…. Mal McNulty joined us. Also, Lou Rosenthal (drummer with 'Export' who toured with, Slade on one UK tour), Alan Lynch, one of Terry's old roadies - who later joined Slade for many tours, I reminded him about the, time he was going to punch Jim Lea out…. Also, Louise, one of Suzi Quatro's backing singers from our Australian tour together, was there. She was telling Hanne, I used to sneak in to her and Dionne's dressing room and 'nick all their sweets…… Freda Kelly, she was the Beatles fan-club secretary during their heyday was there…. She was SO much admired by them all because, she never told any secrets or stories about them to the newspapers for lots of money…. She is still friends with Ringo and still sees him when possible, (Now there is someone I admire).
WHAT A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS….
I eventually got to Helsinki after delayed flight and running through Airport terminals to make connections…..…..
I was met by a, driver to get me to our hotel, checked in my room and relaxed there, I ate in my room and had an early night.
I managed to speak to my dear friend Swinn's lady as it would have been his 70th Birthday today, No doubt he would have had a big party…..
Would you believe I was in bed by 21:00.
Made tea and started to clean up.
I went for breakfast everyone joined me.
Nazareth and Suzi Quatro were also on the show. Backstage I had a, chat with Jez who was on keyboards with us in Australia. I also had a, great chat with Suzi and Rainer (her husband) mainly about Australia, Great news - the QSP CD is being released in, Europe during September this year.
Slade had a great show to about 4,000 people in the 'Hamina Bastion' stadium in Hamina…..
I also had a great chat with Nazareth before driving back to our hotel at the airport in Helsinki.
I was up at 04:45 ?????????
Cleaned up and made my way to the West-End.
The McDonalds was open on Tottenham Court Rd - I relaxed there with some tea….. It was amazing how many people I passed 'dossing' in doorways around there - BUT they all had mobile phones OR Ipads. Mmmmmm.
I then made my way to RADA on Chenies St - bumping into my old dear friend Bob Young - who was 'Quo's tour manager back in the '70's when Slade and Quo toured together a lot.
We walked to John Pidgeon's memorial service. Many of the Barnes lunch goers were also there (but not Nod ???). Bob, Ed Bicknell and myself sat together for the 'cabaret show' for dear John.
The last thing at the service was, Tom McGuiness (ex-Manfred Mann & McGuiness- Flint) singing McGuiness-Flint's big hit" When I'm Dead And Gone". Quite SAD - but it was a lovely 'send off' for dear John.
After the Memorial Service, Ed Bicknell, Bob Young, myself and Sandi (who used to be married to Ian Mclagan, keyboard player from The Faces) all went to a have a pizza.
Bob and myself were telling, Ed and Sandi about Slade and Quo's touring days together - especially having Police escorts during internal flights on our Australian tour together in 1973 - along with food fights, stripping off and walking round the plane - mind you the other passengers loved it!!!!!
We said our cheerios saying 'See you all next week for the Barnes Lunch'…..
I only had a small breakfast (cause of the impending lunch).
Made my way to Piccadilly Circus to go DVD shopping in 'Fopps' All I got was the new CD with Christine McVie and Lyndsey Buckingham together… ( from Fleetwood Mac).
I was sitting on the steps around the EROS statue (the fountain wasn't on!!!) with a cup of, tea when a lady came up for my autograph saying,:" You'll soon be singing that song again." I looked at her puzzled - and then realised that of course she meant 'Merry Xmas Everybody'!
I then got as far as Hammersmith by the underground system - I was wandering around the bus station being sent all over the place for my bus to Barnes….. When I bumped in to Clem Cattini (session drummer from the '60's who's played drums on over 200 Hit records, 55 No 1's. WOW.!!!) He was confused as well - as he always uses this route. We eventually found the right bus and got to the luncheon venue - we were one of the first to arrive anyway! Suzi and Rainer arrived shortly after… Nod also arrived at the same time.
I sat on a table with Gillie Coghlan (wife of original 'Quo'drummer John - he was left at home, dog- sitting!) Tom McGuiness, ex Manfred Man and McGuiness Flint guitarist and Norman Jopling (writer) who was telling me he saw Slade at the 'Academy Of Music' in New York in 1972 - supporting the J Geils Band.. Also, Bruce Welch from The Shadows was telling us all how they (with,Cliff Richard) toured the, States in the late'50's travelling round the US with Dion & The Belmont's / Frankie Avalon using Greyhound Buses!……. A lovely afternoon as usual - when most of the, guests had left, Ed Bicknell, Chris Charlesworth and a few others were mesmerised at some funny Slade on the, road stories being told by Nod and myself…..
I said my goodbyes and made my way back to my hotel. It was pouring with rain AND I got soaked to the skin (bloody summer)….
I was in bed, 21:00… WONDERFUL DAY.
I went to baggage claim on arrival, anticipating no suitcase. You can imagine my relief when it came round on the conveyor belt….. I know lots of people missed their connections to Toronto, New York and China…..
The promoter met me at Zurich Airport - we drove about two hours to our hotel to pick Robin and Tim up to go to the gig to sort the equipment out….
We left for the gig. It was a great crowd AND they stayed in spite of the pouring rain. It was an open air show to about 1,000 people….
We got back to the hotel after an early show, we all had something to eat and drink. I was in bed, 22:15.
I was up 06:00. Cleaned up and went for, breakfast….
I got my things together and went to the gig ( Nr. Graz).
I met Pete Agnew ( riginal bass player from Nazareth) there - he is the only original member left - his son, Lee, now plays drums. Daryl Sweet, original drummer, died some time ago. Pete and myself had a nice chat about working together - Nazareth & Slade -during the '60's.
We had a great open air gig - played to about 2,000 people….
We drove back to our hotel more or less straight after we finished.
Cleaned up and went for tea.
Everyone else was there having breakfast.
I relaxed before going to the gig with Tim and Robin.
Very well organised, I stayed there the whole day.
The others came for our sound check.
We had a, great open air gig to about 2.000 people.
'H', Mal and myself came back to the hotel.
Mal and myself had a drink together.
Cleaned up, packed my case and went for breakfast.
Suzanne drove me to Dusseldorf Airport - to find my flight to Frankfurt (aargh) had been cancelled ?????
At least I didn't have to race around being pushed and shoved as is the norm at Frankfurt Airport (argh)……….
I flew to Brussels, our driver met me. Mal arrived, then 'H'..
We drove about an hour to Leper - checked in our hotel.
I unpacked and went for a walk round and had something to eat in town.
We all went to a Second World War Memorial and met a few of the town's dignitaries.
I stayed in bed 'till 10:15.
Went downstairs to see what was going on.
I walked to the gig… The crew were still building the stage.
I spent all afternoon at the gig.
Had a great open air show to about 3,000 people.
I was up at 07:00. Cleaned up and finished my packing.
Made my way to the airport to fly to Berlin Via Amsterdam.Nice flight to Amsterdam - amazing how big Schiphol Airport is now. Back in 1971 'Get Down And Get With it' was a hit in Holland before the UK - and we were flying to Amsterdam nearly every week for TV shows - Schiphol was only one small building then…..
I then flew to Berlin. The promoter was waiting for me, H arrived just after.
We were driven to Lubbenau / Spree…. Checked in our hotel - everyone else was there except Mal.I found out my nephew John and his wife have had a little boy Oliver…….
I stayed in bed 'till 09:30.
Cleaned up and went downstairs - had tea with Robin beforeTim, Robin and myself left for the gig. We had about an hour's drive - we set all the equipment up.
The others arrived so we could do our soundcheck. We relaxed at the venue.
Had a great show to about a1,000 people in the town square.We all drove back to our hotel and had a, drink in the, hotel bar before I went to bed 01:30.
I was awake 07:00am went to the fitness centre for my usual session.
I left for the airport to fly to Oslo.
Spent time in the lounge before my flight making sandwiches for the day.
When I was going through security the 'sniffer' dog made a move on me sniffing around - he didn't stay long, must have been the old socks I was wearing……. Ha.
My flight was delayed an hour - I let everyone know.
I eventually met Suzanne and Mal at Oslo airport. We had a short wait for the others to arrive.
We all drove to Fredrikstad. Checked in our hotel - I relaxed in my room and was in bed by 23:00.
I stayed in bed 'till 09:45.
Relaxed in my room before walking to the gig via a short river ferry….
We had a, great show to about, 1000 people.
Got back to the, hotel and was in bed by, 00:15.
Cleaned up and packed ready to fly to Bodo first then,another flight to Svolvaer.
Drove to our hotel, checked in.
I went to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort the equipment out.
Came back to my room to clean up.
Found out H had moved hotels (something he does nearly every day on tour).
Had a great show to about 2,000 people.
I watched a bit of 10CC before going to bed, 12:00 midnight.
I was awake at 07:00.
Checked out of the hotel to drive to Haarstad and fly to Oslo - then to Copenhagen (to go to the Robbie Williams show at the National Football Stadium).
I had a message from Pete Williams (Robbie's Dad) to tell me their hotel details and what rooms they were in).
Our dear friend Marianne met me - we then caught the metro system to her place.
I then made my way to Robbie's hotel to have tea and biscuits them….. Spent time having a great reminisce….
I got back to Marianne's around midnight.
Hanne, Marianne and myself got ready to go to the Robbie Williams concert at the National Stadium in Copenhagen.
When we got there, I gave Pete (Robbie's Dad) a call. He came out to meet us with our passes etc, and to take us through to the backstage area.
When we got there, Robbie was doing a filmed interview BUT he stopped it and came over to welcome me with a big hug. I then told him to go back to work.
We (family and friends) were greeted SO warmly, everyone made us SO VERY welcome.
Just before it was time for Robbie and his band to go on stage they all got into a circle for their warm up ritual. Robbie insisted that I get in their circle and join in with them…….
We said our goodbyes to them as they went on stage - as afterwards Robbie and the band would drive straight to the airport to fly to Finland…..
What a fantastic show AND how warm and welcoming they all were to all of my family and friends…..
I met everyone at Stansted Airport as arranged.
Drivers met us and we had an hour's drive to Chaunay in France.
Checked in our hotel and I relaxed in my room.
Tim and myself texts each other a few times to sort out a schedule for tomorrow's gig.
I was awake, 08:00. Cleaned up.
We all met for breakfast, Robin and myself went to the gig together.
Jill from " Louder Than Words" came with her husband. We had a nice few hours together just talking 'bout anything…..
We had a, great show to about a 1,000 people outdoors It reminded me very much of the place were Andy Scoot organisers the " Rock Against Cancer " gig.
I got all my things together to meet the others at Copenhagen Airport so we could drive to Sweden.
We had about a four hour drive to our hotel in Nassjo.
I told Robin I would not go to the,gig with,Tim and him in the,morning.
Checked in my room and. Was in bed by 00:45.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast Everyone was there.
We all left for the gig……….. We had a great early show to about 6,000 people.
I was up at 06:00……..
Made my way to Gillingham to check in our hotel.
Spoke to John Berry, he would pick me up later to go to the gig to check our equipment out.
Before we left, I checked my lotto ticket, the guy in the shop said, it looks like a 'biggy' mate.
When I did check it properly. I found out I'd won a free lucky dip for this Wednesday……..( once again, false hope).
It was a great open air setting to about 3,000 people.
Great weather AND a great gig.
'H', Mal and myself drove back to our hotel - I was in bed by 22.30.
I was awake at 04:15 (before my alarm 05:00).
Cleaned up and finished packing to meet Suzanne for, breakfast.
Robin, John and Graham (our road manager) arrived so we could all drive to Newcastle Upon Tyne together so we could check into our cabins on the MAGELLAN ship - our home for the next four days!
Met Tom McGuiness from Manfred Mann (he is also a regular at our lunches in Barnes) and the Troggs.
We all had to have a safety demonstration - in case of an emergency on board! And H can't swim!
Also it was great to find out that our old roadie, Will, and friend Janet were onboard! I spent a great deal of time reminiscing with them.
I made myself-familiar with the boat (very big).
I watched a bit of the Troggs play.
Met an American couple, Eric and Tracey who'd travelled all the way from New York to see us play! They were big fans from the '70's…….
Also dear friends Glenn and Gwen were also on the trip….
Went to a restaurant to have breakfast.
I then went to the gig to sort my drums out. The others turned up so we could do our soundcheck.
I went for lunch before watching, Manfred Mann. Rob Townsend was on drums for them, he used to play with the group 'Family' (he also goes to the Barnes lunches). Mike D'abo was singing (he replaced Paul Jones in the '60's).
We left Newcastle to sail all round the Scottish Coast.
Manfred Mann went on before us.
We had a great full gig. Last time we played a similar boat trip from Sweden, it was a very bumpy trip AND I threw up all over my drums! Not a nice spectacle when I hit my drums - everything was sent 'spraying' into the air!….. Ha, should have got a photo!
Tonight, we went on before the Manfred's…. Another great show.
I flew to Brussel's and met H, his wife Jan and Mal.
We drove to the festival site to get something to eat before checking into a very nice hotel.
I just relaxed in my room and was in bed by 20:00.
Cleaned up and made tea before meeting everyone for breakfast.
I went to the gig early to sort my drums out and to do our sound check.
We all went to eat together before I went back to the gig with Tim and Robin.
Had a great gig to about 3,000 people.
At the end of the show, our great friends from Belgium, John-Louise and his wife Brigitte, wheeled on a massive cake made like a drum and all the crowd sang 'Happy Birthday' to me….
We all got back to our hotel where I shared the cake out (I had the biggest piece).
I got to Brussels Airport, carrying what was left of my cake.
Security did a stringent check on it, before they all shouted 'Happy Birthday' and told me to 'clear off' !!
When I got home, Hanne had invited her Mom and her partner and her Father over…… We all ate what was left of my fantastic cake from Belgium!.
I woke at the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport at 07:30.
Made tea in my room before cleaning up, went for a late breakfast.
We drove to, Lincoln. It was an open air show to about 1,500 people. We had a great show, we went on after the Bay City Rollers…….
Tour manager Graham drove us to stay at a Premier Inn in Scunthorpe, I was in bed by 00:50.
We checked out of the hotel. Graham dropped me at the station for me to get the train to Manchester.
Met session drummer Tony Cannelli on the same train - he came over talking, he was going to the same show.
We made our way to Manchester Central together. Met Craig Fenney who owns the 'Music Shipping Co.' he supply's my sticks for me (and lots of equipment).
Had a great afternoon meeting lots of people I know and deal with from Ludwig, Zildjian cymbals, Aquarian Drum Heads…….
Terry McCusker, dear friend and drummer from Liverpool (he used to play drums with 'Bunny' and 'Colonel Bagshot' (bands that Chas Chandler signed up during the '70's - and they toured with Slade in Europe and the UK).
A great end to the day was watching Simon Phillips play at a drum clinic.
Made my way to my hotel and was in bed by 21:00.
Hanne, myself and our dear friend Marianne had a 90min drive to Aabenraa.
We went straight to the gig to sort my drums out… Robin, Brendon (on loan from Smokie as our toadie Tim was away with The Hollies) were there.
We did our soundcheck, relaxed and ate at the hotel before a great show to about 500 people at a brandnew rock venue called 'Gazzaerket'.
Hanne, Marianne and myself drove back to Silkeborg….
I went early to the Kedelhuset in Silkeborg to sort my drums out.
Went to eat with everyone at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Silkeborg (where they were staying).
We had a great sold out show to about 500 people. Apparently people outside were trying to buy tickets from people for exuberant prices.
I had lots of family and friends there.
Bent, the promoter, was there. He invited Hanne and myself to any of his shows that he promotes……….
Went straight to the gig (at a big hotel complex), We also played here last year…..
I set my drums up - we did our sound check.
We had a great show to about 500 people. Torben, the promoter for this show, was also there.
Hanne and myself drove home for a reasonably early night.
Checked out of the hotel and was driven to Paul's house for lunch.
Made tea before cleaning up.
I relaxed, John called back to say, they were stuck in traffic. I made my way to the gig..
Met all the PA guys before Jon " Now Hire" arrived..... I sorted my kit out before the others arrived to do a soundcheck.
Got back to our hotel,. I was in bed by 11:30.
Packed my case and went for, breakfast. We checked out of our hotel and drove to, Guildford.
Robin and Tim went straight to the gig. I checked into my room before making my own way to the venue.
After I'd sorted my drums out, I stayed at the gig.
I did some book signing AND sold all my books! Amazing. I am hoping to get some for the Xmas UK dates and do the same again.
We had a, great gig to about 300 people.
I was awake at 05:30!
Made tea and packed before cleaning up.
Went for breakfast before we drove to from Guildford to Kings Lynn.
I was awake 07:00 before my alarm went off.
I made contact with Andy Richardson from the Express & Star in Wolverhampton. Said that we'd speak later.
Spent all afternoon at the gig here in Worthing (my old hunting ground).
We did our soundcheck and relaxed before sitting with Suzanne selling my biography at the merchandising stand….
When Mud went on stage - I went back to the dressing room to relax before our show.
We had a great first show of the Xmas tour everything went SO well - lovely feeling.
Martin & Sally (old friends from Wolverhampton) were at the gig).
I checked into my hotel and was in bed by 11:15 - that's one good thing about being on a UK tour - at least you get a, reasonably early night.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast before driving to Nottingham….
I went straight to the, gig with Robin & Tim to sort my drums out. I stayed there.
We had another great show to about 300 people - including my old friend Richard Cox who came along to see the show.
Lars Daneskov (DR journalist) who "Interviewed Don at the Q&A Dinner with Don in Copenhagen on 22nd November . Photo: Marianne Jensen.
I was awake at 08:00. Cleaned up and went for breakfast before going to DR to record a radio interview with top Danish presenter Jorgen De Mylius…. Great interview he's SO knowledgeable about music….
From there I went to have a look at the music shop Andreas works in.
Came back to our hotel to have tea and a sandwich before making my way to the gig Amager Bio - where we are playing tomorrow.
I did another interview over a dinner with people asking questions. From there I went to watch a bit of Little Stevie's (Bruce Springsteens' guitarist) solo concert…..
I stayed at the gig….. Great show to an almost sell-out crowd 900 people….
I sold lot's of my biography's before and after the gig…..
Went back to our hotel - Robin was still up - also promoter Thomas Helmig. We had a drink with him before I went to bed 23:00.
I stayed in bed 'till 10:00. Cleaned up and made tea in my room.
Went for breakfast before going back to Andreas's music shop "4 Sound" to record a message for their chain of shops all over Scandinavia.
I stayed in bed 'till, 09:30 - made tea. H called to say our crew are not wanting to drive at night on the upcoming UK tour ?????????????
Sorted my equipment out before our soundcheck, Had a great show to a sell-out crowd.
I walked back to our hotel with H and his wife Jan.
I got up when my call came through at 09:00. I cleaned up and packed, checked out of the Radisson Hotel, Stansted Airport to drive to Vauxhall Holiday Park. We checked in our hotel near the site.... Went to the gig to soundcheck, stayed there. Had a great show.
I got to bed at 01:00.
I was awake at 04:45, cleaned up and packed.
Met everyone for breakfast. I gave my laundry to John Berry to sort out for me!
Made my way to my hotel in Hammersmith, went out to eat before having an early night.
I spoke to Andy Scott who said he wasn't feeling good and wouldn't make it to the lunch today in Barnes.
We had a great afternoon. Suzi Quatro and her husband Rainer were also there. I sat with John and Gillie Coghlan.
I managed to get an earlier train to Sheffield.
Checked in my hotel and went shopping. Won £3:00 on the, lottery!??????
Came back to the hotel to relaxe before eating there.... (too cold to go out).
I went to bed..... 21:30..
I was awake at 09:30. Made tea before cleaning up.
From there I went to the gig to sort my drums out - spent the afternoon there.
Good gig to a few hundreds people, Sold a few books at the show - before and after.
Came back to our hotel and was in bed by 23:15..
I was awake before my alarm went off 08:00.
We then drove to Wakefield. Checked in our hotel. I had tea with Mal.
We had a great show - sold lots of, books.
Stu told me he'd arranged for me to play the Otis Reading Classic song 'Mr Pitiful' with the Otis Reading Band on a TV show..
I got up when my alarm went off at 07:00.
Cleaned up and packed to go for breakfast.
I then drove to Norwich with Robin, Tim and Suzanne.
From there I went to the gig to sort my drums out.
Great gig to about 300 people..... Sold lots of my Biogs..
I relaxed in my room before going to Mick's 'One Stop Music' shop in Wolverhampton.
I had a, great day meeting my old school friends from Etheridge Secondary Modern Boys School.
A reporter and photographer were there from Wolverhampton's Express & Star newspaper, lot's of photos were taken.
I then did a radio interview with a Manchester radio station Canal Side Radio to promote our Manchester show at the Academy 2 on the17th December.
SAM FM were the first to call promoting the Salisbury gig on the 14th.
Sandgrounder radio were next to promote Liverpool on the 22nd..
Mike from One Way Music called to say my photo was on the front page of Wolverhampton's 'Express & Star' - also an article inside.
Geoff from, Manchester North radio called for an interview to promote Academy 2 in Manchester on the 17th.
Then Radio Yorkshire to promote Hull on the 23rd.... Hull Kingston radio then also called for an interview.
I then had a couple of hours break - and went to post some more Christmas cards and one of my Biogs to Amanda Thomas, a concert promoter in Australia.
Came back to my room to carry on more interviews.
Jon Jessore from, Coast FM called to start the afternoon interviews off promoting Liverpool.
Phil Kennedy for Radio Berkshire was next and last interview.
I was awake at 08:30 before my alarm went off.
Had a great show to a sold out crowd.
Tich, John and Beaky were there from Dave Dees band were there.
I was awake 08:00 before before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed . Went for breakfast then drove to Bilston.
Checked in our hotel and relaxed. Paul Burgess (drummer from 10CC) called to swap his night from tomorrow to tonight..
Great gig to a sold out crowd. I had tea at our hotel with Terry (Colonel Bagshot) his lady Christine and Alan Lynch (old Slade roadie).
I went to bed 00:30.
I was awake 08:00 before my alarm went off at 09:00.
I cleaned up and packed went for breakfast. Before driving to Manchester.
Checked in our hotel and relaxed. Rob and myself had tea together before going to the gig.
Came back to our hotel and was in bed by 11:30.
Got up when my alarm went off at 07:00.
I gave John Berry my laundry to do for me.
'H' and myself caught the train for a short journey to Wolverhampton.
Brother Derek picked me up to have something to eat with him and Chris.
We then went to see Sweet at the Robin.
Lovely evening, all the guys made us feel SO welcome.
I was in bed by 11:30.
Spent all day with Derek and Chris.
Wrote some diary pages for Dave then cleaned up.
Walked into town and got some more DVD's + CD's….
Brother Derek and his wife Chris picked me up - we spent a few hours at Mom & Dad's grave….
We also found Granny Caroline's grave - she died in 1962 - cousin Dave is buried with her….
Popped to see sisters Carol and Mash.
I was up at 08:00 - made tea and cleaned up.
Checked out of the hotel and met 'H' at the rail station to get the train to Oxford.
Great show to a sold out crowd.
I was in bed by 23:10.
Got up at 08:45 - cleaned up and packed to drive to Liverpool.
I went straight to the gig to sort my drums out.
Great gig - Lou from Export and Brian from Colonel Bagshot were at the,gig.
Great sold out last gig.
'H' and myself came straight back to our hotel.
I came straight to bed…..


text:
Günther Wyschofsky (Bischofswerda, 1929. május 8. –) német kémikus és politikus. 1964-ben lett az NDK-t vezető SED elnökségi tagja. Több mint két évtizedig vegyipari miniszterként dolgozott.

Jegyzetek

További információk
Életrajza

1929-ben született személyek
Élő személyek
KPD-tagok
A Német Szocialista Egységpárt politikusai
Német kémikusok

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Access arts developments in Australia
Developments across the Tasman in arts for people who have lived with experience of mental illness, prison art, and the emerging concept of creative ageing were among topics discussed when Australian community cultural development worker Neal Price visited Arts Access Aotearoa this month.
Neal, who has worked in the sector in Australia for 25 years, held discussions with new Arts Access Aotearoa executive director Richard Benge in Wellington.
He said there is emerging interest in Australia at the moment about creative ageing.
"We're at a period where we've had one or two lots of baby boomers hit retirement. Coupled with growth in the number of residential homes for the elderly has come demand for greater lifestyle choices and an interest in how technology can assist entertainment and creativity. More and more older Australians are wanting access to the arts, whether it be theatre, music, dance, visual arts."
Neal has been working on creative ageing projects focusing on oral histories and reminiscences.
"Everyone wants to tell their story when they are older. Many have a whole lot of old photographs about their particular suburb sitting in boxes, and the local history society down the road isn't tapping into that resource.
"I'd like to help elderly people document their lives so when they go to a new environment such as a retirement home they've still got access to their family treasures and memories."
Neal has worked with a company called Feral Arts on an online digital storytelling project – using self-publishing to help older people and community members engage with computers and document their own personal histories.
"I've set up a reminiscence library which next year hopefully people will start using. From that I want to run oral history workshops and reminiscence workshops – all with an online component."
Neal is currently working on a project for the Queensland Prisoners' Legal Service, organising an exhibition and auction of prisoners' art.
The exhibition is titled Last Works, because the 23 paintings and drawings on display are the last artworks exempted from new legislation in Queensland that bans the exhibiting of prison art.
"Prisoners in Queensland are no longer allowed to sell their art or receive any benefit from it. This has shut down a lot of activity around art in prisons."
All the works in this month's final exhibition are for sale, and the proceeds will go to the Prisoners' Legal Service to extend their services to indigenous and non-indigenous prisoners.
Neal is concerned for the future of prison art in Queensland.
"With the shift towards privatisation of prisons in Australia, the emphasis seems to be moving from rehabilitation to punishment. People in the sector are telling me it is increasingly difficult to find opportunities or new approaches in prisons. It is all very reductive."
Art and mental health
For the last six years Neal has been involved in a mental health art initiative with a hospital in Brisbane.
"We recently did a project called The Ripple Effect, which was 12 digital advertising images based on mental health issues – designed by mental health consumers in a collaborative process with two visual artists.
"It was taken to Melbourne where it won the mental health award at the Art of Good Health and Wellbeing Conference. The project is now ready for touring."
Funding challenges
Neal says Australia's community arts sector is "still feeling the fallout from the demolition of the Community Cultural Development Board of the Australia Council five or six years ago".
"The Howard Government decided the board wasn't making the funding decisions it wanted it to, so the board was turned into a committee of the Australia Council called Community Partnerships. The focus shifted from directly funding individuals and arts organisations to only funding bodies that could find 50 per cent of the cost of a project from another partner."
Community arts organisations are still getting funding through the new arrangement, but Neal says the amount of money available hasn't grown, and several philanthropic trusts have frozen funding because of the world financial crisis.
"Communities change and respond in different ways. A lot of smaller to medium organisations that used to be able to access funding directly have disappeared or are struggling. Others come up with innovative ways to continue, whether they are funded or not. That has been the resilience of a lot of community arts groups."


to the song to get the rhythm.
"M Ward" "Ill Be Yr Bird" "39380752"
for Guitars #2 was released by Howe Gelb on his Ow Om record label.
Bright Eyes' singer Conor Oberst yelled out "M. Ward for President!"
TASCAM 4-Track Recorder, which he uses to start every song he writes.
with Yo La Tengo) on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on April 22, 2008.
Ill Be Yr Bird Tab!