BACK IN THE STUDIO! HOW LOVELY TO SEE EVERYONE AND BACK DOING WHAT THEY ALL LOVE TO DO DANCE !
MEMORIES OF ROYAL EVENTS
I was very fortunate to work on some wonderful events for Her Majesty here is just a few highlights
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN
No words come to mind to describe how we are all feeling at the saddest news we never wanted to hear . A remarkable Women the real Queen of our hearts . Her dedication to our country and the commonwealth is heartfelt.
My thoughts are with her family at this very sad time and to us all who some of us have never known our lives with out her as our Queen …
She has touched so many , honoured that over the years worked on many of her Royal Pageants and Royal Galas …with such pride ..
The most professional person I have ever seen
With the most amazing complexion x
Hearing Beautiful tributes from around the world to such a iconic women … our Queen ..
I wish our new monarch all the very best, it’s going to be a huge change in our lives …. A new beginning…. I WAS VERY HONOURED TAKING THE PIC IN THE YELLOW HAT X
RAIN !
oh boy we needed it!
ICC EVENT WALES
WELL … with out boot I was able to choreograph my first show since I had my injury !
slightly nervous but all was okay !! phew!!!
Worked with a great group of dancers and artists and the event went really well ! Thanks to them all and David and tony of Impact artitsts
Dear Maureen
I pay tribute with all my heart to a wonderful lady who was such a huge part of the dancing world and my early days of dancing the wonderful Maureen Flenly so sad hearing the passing of this remarkable lady …
She captured through the lens so many of our child hood memories with dancers all over the uk … everyone knew Maureen !!
She has a been a life long friend to my family for over 68 years … she brought so many friendships together … she brought Dance schools together as friendships…remarkable …performances she knew everyone and we were introduced to so many people and star names in the industry … she followed our achievements and can’t remember a dance competition with out aunty Maureen
My first show Gypsy was indirectly through Maureen … she touched so many of our lives
Thankyou dearest maureen for all the memories on behalf of us all from Butler Horner !
Would like to Thank Norma Arnold and Vicky McDonald for all the care they have given Maureen these past years … Xxx
Just a few of some of the hundreds we have of pics that Maureen took ! Xxx
On thursday the 13th the celebration of Maureen’s life was held at Kingston, a beautiful service with Norma Arnold looking as beautiful as ever arranging a lovely service in memory of maureen …
lovely to see friends from days gone by, Jan Hunt, Brenda Last, Genesia Rosato… it was very special lovely to be with my sister Janet and dear Mum xx
Time flying !
I think I need a safety belt .. for time its just flying past and not getting ones breath ..
JULY did I blink ? lots of dry weather not good for the garden but a few days heatwave thrown in for good measure, I did get a paddle pool which really saved the day !
Had visits from Lisa and Pat which was very nice also my Mother and Janet and brother Paul
We went up north for a few days to see Reece and all, ( got Few rooms painted in the process! while we were away.
Oh Blackpool ….. what can I say …. Had nice trips around , and a walk along the beach and down the prom by PB which of course brought back memories of my time there …it looked rather sad … I know its been a hard time for everyone in business .
Reece and his company have done really well with their sister company STAYS BLACKPOOL , some amazing properties they have, ones they have done and some from landlords very stylish indeed in great locations
We had some lovely food especially Thai cafe in Highfield rd really good ! A celebration barbecue at the Campbells which was lovely to see everyone even in the rain… Don worked so hard they are superb hosts kind and generous its a very special family …
A quick trip to Manchester and stay at the Lowery one of my fav Hotels the rooms are so spacious … and full of style meet Simon and Ash for dim sum and talk about the wedding !
Then home … to a house all upside down because of the decorator … so has taken me a week to get it back to normal did a lot of sorting tho and got rid of clothes ! by no means not a easy task ….
but im sure I could do more ……..got a hot tub ordered just in time as we are on hose pipe ban ! for Reece’s visit but unfortunately he had to cancel due to work commitments so I didnt cancel it … I had it for a few days So my sister and brother could enjoy it when they came for lunch …it was fun…
now I need to get on with some work thats popping in ….
DAD ...
It felt very strange this year not buying a fathers day card or a birthday card for Ivan my dad …
but we celebrated his birthday by releasing his ashes in old Portsmouth, it was such a stunning day the sky the sea at its best … so it was touching farewell to Dad … with Mum Janet Paul and Joans Son’s Paul and Terry.. we went for a light lunch at the Canteen so it was a day Ivan would of liked … he would of found some thing to moan about lol …
Our dear friend Jenifer ....
Jennifer passed away sadly this week ..
A life long friend of Dougie and Jamie and was one the family ….
they met her when she was about 14, renting a flat from her grand mother , they become buddies
Jennifer was one of a kind just fabulous with a captitol F … SHE HATED TO TALK !!!1 LOL
She lead a remarkable career being the buyer for Fenwicks then with Jim such a partnership created a very successful Toy shops … She loved life to the full , loved her beloved Jim and daughter Adrienne AND FAMILY WORSHIPPED THE GRAND CHILDREN … BLESS …
Will miss eve dropping her phone calls with Dougie and will greatly miss her cards in her unique style with such flurish ! it took you awhile to read her writing … her support in everything we did was lovely….
dear Jen what a pleasure to have know you xxx
Lovely Weekend
What could be better than seeing friends at the weekend coming down from Blackpool with the best girls in the world … Molly and Bailey the two Beagles I adore ..it had seemed ages since I saw them, it had been .they were delightful as ever , actually better behaved they seem so very happy and content and are just adorable and loveable as ever ..they seem still like puppies but Molly is in her 8th year …
Lucky with the weather no rain over the weekend … they arrived Friday afternoon tea served at the cottage !
just slightly camp …moi ! a nice catch up… followed by a walk around Wherwell and popped in to see Michael and Emma around their beautiful garden its stunning .. then back to thatch and dinner or tea a in joke … sitting outside at night first time this year but it did get a bit chilly for Dougie but it was a fun evening..
Reece my friend has started a new chapter in his life, his past relationship had run its course earlier this year and it was time for them both to move on… with a little bit of match making from his his dear mum Terry he has met Danny ..
so it was great to spend time with them and welcome Danny to the country … we all had met in Windsor so it was a very nice to spend time with them both and of course the girls …. Saturday breakfast in garden then trip into Winchester for a walk about … Dougie in chair me and my boot what a couple … Reece and Danny a great help for me with help with Dougie, its been a little difficult with my boot getting dougie in sand out of the cottage i pray the ramp is on its way !!! They suggested i with my new look Beard that i needed it trimmed so I went off as they went for a walk around Winchester , On return back to cottage we went to the new local BLACK CHALK WINERY and did wine tasting and nibbles it was very pleasant and fun on our door step…
back to cottage for more nibbles for a relax before dinner /tea at the Fox in Crawley which was lovely I really like it there the food and service is so very good … home and well needed bed
Sunday morning I was up bright and early watered garden pottered around as I do… I did get up a bit to early lol .. We then went for a walk on the old railway track i so enjoy that walk … it was okay with boot and walking stick … back to cottage a light breakfast as we were quite bloated from eating to much yesterday and we were going for lunch at the Grosvenor in Stockbridge for lunch …. Lunch was fab sitting in the court yard which is stunning … A sunday roast what could be better just perfect it was delicious Roast Beef at its best
A drive back through Leckford and a trip to the Leckford Waitrose garden center before heading back to the thatch and time for them to drive back to Blackpool … it all went so fast I’m sorry to say …
So it was a really lovely weekend … and spending it with Reece and Danny was very special x
The cottage 1
Its been quite a week … What with my boot on… and I broke my front tooth … leg healing I pray slowly !!!
but doing too much I am sure … the garden was calling and I find it great to help me have some think time ..
so with summer coming upon us … needed to play with the garden
also the great news we have a birds nest right near the front door and its hatched with two newly borns cant tell you how sweet it has been watching them xx
BEST FRIEND DAY !
Well I am lucky to have a lot of lovely friends …. but I do have a special friend who in over the past ten years has become a very close friend to both Dougie and I, His Support,Kindness has been AMAZING …
I have watched him grow and become one of the best humans I ever the pleasure to meet . Through good times and and some not so good moments he has always been there and hopefully I for him .
in admiration of him … a wise young man with a old head on his shoulders … Thanks Reece for being there for us both .
JUBILEE !
Her Majesty’s 70 TH CELEBRATION ! what a amazing reign she has had … it lifted the spirits and by seeing the crowds in London supporting her was just amazing …. Nothing like a national celebration ! I wasn’t a great fan of the Party at the Palace although I thought lighting and graphics were amazing … think I’d better keep my thoughts to myself !!
nor did i think the parade was up to much, some good elements but it didnt do it for me ….
but the best thing of the whole weekend apart from Wherwell lol, was the amazing filming of the Queen and Paddington Bear …. just the best fabulous ….Hope the Queen gets a Bafta ! her timing was just brill..
I am pleased that Harry gate didnt over shadow any of the celebrations …
( I DO PUT SOME BLAME ON THE HYPE THE MEDIA GIVE THEM…. THEY WANTED TO BE OUT OF THE CIRCLE OF THE Royal Family .. then dont cover them … … they cant have there cake and eat it … its history repeating its self !!! no lessons learned .
Now to Wherwell celebration the street Party looked amazing i Popped down briefly while the party was in full swing a glam affair .. lovely food nice cakes and everyone had made a real effort bless them all ..
I did do celebration flowers in the church and had the flags out at the thatch …and of course the thatch was decked out !
My Dear Mum at 92
Mums birthday and this year she is 92 quite remarkable bless her , she looks amazing
We took her to the Grosvenor Hotel in Stockbridge for afternoon tea .. a lovely afternoon ..fabulous Tea the best sanis ever ….
Social media amazes me some times I put a happy Birthday message on there for my mum, and all my friends left her birthday messages how sweet …. then i posted pics of her and even more hits and on instagram over 500 messages and likes … ( MY MOTHER LOVED IT ) and was very touched by it all
At 92 amazing how her mind is just incredible… her knowledge is astounding … She is looked after by my lovely sister Janet who also cares for her husband Terry who has not been well at all for the few years .
My Mother is so proud of all of us and misses our brother Richard and Lynda who sadly have passed we tease her, well Paul does and gets away with it ! and she is a avid text writer … she loves the daily papers and reads it from cover to cover and what she reads is the truth !!! she has had quite a life loves the theatre as much as she loves watching sport … she worked worked very hard for us children giving us opportunities for life that we are all very grateful so bless our dear mum x
Jubilee of Music my first tv show
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0017wrc My young ambition was to be in the BBC ‘s Young Generation dance team popular in the 1960’s and 70’s firstly created by Dougie but by 1976 Dougie had created the Second Generation …. and Nigel Lythgoe was now choreographing the group. I was at Laine Theatre Arts only just started really and I was the only boy there which was actually very disappointing for me it was like being back in Portsmouth the only boy … I needed to be pushed and stretched , well there was a audition for the group so I went … and got it aged 16 a amazing experience and was so proud to have joined it was all I ever wanted to be in and then go into choreography !
The first show we recorded was Jubilee of Music a star studded variety programme Lead by Dame Vera Lynn .. low and behold it was on television on 29th May on BBC 4 I caught it by chance and sat there amazed as I had never seen it before, we had no video recorders in those days … it brought it all back so clear in my of many memories that I am lucky to have ….i was quite emotional sitting there with my leg in this boot thinking how lucky I was …
GYPSY 29TH MAY !
IT’S a date that brings back memories …its so vivid in my mind …
49 years ago Gypsy opened at the Piccadilly Theatre London starring Angela Lansbury it was my first job as a news boy, wonderful memories Im sure if I ever wrote a book I would fill it with stories of this time …
I chatted with Bonnie Langford and we cant believe its 49 years ago… what an amazing career Bonnie has had so talented … I’ve seen all the ladies take on the role of Rose but would would love to see Bonnie take on the challenge as it would be real…..
FLOWERS AT THE CHURCH
Since Windsor my achilles has stopped me in my tracks … learning to deal with it and trying my best to over come any difficulties …. is a learning curb and throw in looking after Dougie is no mean feat, but we are managing ….. you couldn’t flim what is like at the cottage ….
any rate resume normal activities … oh yes in the dairy … CHURCH FLOWERS ! Thank goodness for jill who helps me at the unit saved the day by taking me to get flowers for todays arrangements such a great help.. then she helped me in the church ….couldnt of done it with out her …
I did walk from the thatch to the church it was hard but I did it so thats good, the flowers hopefully people will like them xx there is a wedding there tomorrow so fingers crossed … and next week will turn them into jubilee celebration …
May....Platinum Jubilee Celebration Windsor
April vanished so quickly, where is time going to….its almost a worry ….
So now in the month of May, weather has cheered up a bit and luckily it stayed that way while we were away in Windsor ..for the Platinum Jubilee…Looking back now it flew past…
It was a busy time madness in fact in some areas … Firstly Dougie made great progress from the the 1st of May until we went on the 5th … he had been so poorly, but his strength and determination is remarkable and he got through Windsor being Dougie ….in admiration of him
I was so happy to see my dear Friend Reece a bonus in spending time together and always great to work together .. I miss him so much as he keeps in line lol … and is a good friend to me and Dougie so lucky to have him in our lives … although he did lead me astray for a couple of drinking nights … and boy did we drink …
for me who who doesn’t drink very often I certainly made up for it in Windsor …. There to work and we certainly did … it was a tough one , costuming the production all period stuff which has been a learning experience for me and enjoyable (most of the time) not a showgirl in sight . it was a honour to be part of such a event, we created a team of wardrobe and make up artist for the Pageant and live entertainment at the south lawn during the day so it was none stop.. A privilege to work with Louise Gold who played Elizabeth the 1st from the wednesday till the saturday and the Dame Helen Mirren for the royal performance in front of her Majesty The Queen …I have to say so proud of how we achieved his ….
The Team were fabulous so a huge thanks to all of them lovely to work with Joan,Jackie,Judy and Jill and all the Wimbledon graduates ..from the art course in costume of theatre and screen Costumes lead by the amazing Kevin Freeman … But all went okay and everyone seemed pleased with what we produced
At times it was quite emotional … being there and what it was all about honouring the Queen really made you think.. behind the scenes was madness, from our unit of costumes and make up we were in the middle of the secret drummers … the military Scottish pipers , The Norwegian brass band can you imagine the noise it really got to you .How much walking did one do …. thank god for Dougie’ buggy is all I can say…
We did manage a few sneaky nice meals in Windsor and had some laughs along the way …meeting new friends is always something nice we met Danny, who was so cool to be around easy going calm never flusters and charming … of course he saw me at my worst lol, dread to think what he made of me … will we see
The show itself was perceived well, the Sunday show was very different from the show we had been running all week, with it going live it had the ITV celebrity touch … I have watched since on tv and Spun Gold did a good job I thought , Sue Andrews producer and Chris Power director really had the work cut out …
my admiration does go to H Power who not only produce this mammoth event and at the same time run the Royal Windsor Horse Show during the day , Its a vast team lead by Simon Brooks Ward, so many people to thank … and merit but special thanks to Jo ,Nick, Maddie Harry
Nice to work with JOANNA SCOTCHER a talented designer… and of course Debbie Wiseman the composer of the original scores and Ken music production boy did he have a lot on his plate
A memory that will still in my mind on the last show Dougie was sitting in the Royal Box, All the audience left and I went to pick him up, there he was alone watching the dancers and performers till the last minute dance away as the audience left .. it took me back and lucky i had my camera and caught that special moment
Easter
Joyus weather over Easter …. had a nice nice time at the cottage, Dougie doing well,
Michael and Emma popped round, and on EASTER Monday went and picked my dear mum
went out to lunch with bruv Paul very nice indeed … but now it’d better get back to work the jubilee is eagerly awaiting !
the cottage will look flat when i take the eggs away lol!
April Already
Another month just flying by so quickly,
Such sad affairs in the world right now , my heart goes out to all in the Ukraine, It really is unbelievable …
what is the answer ? after all these years we haven’t learnt to live in harmony with each other …
what doe all the distraction do in the long run just one feels helpless .. I commend everyone who has gone out to help, and to people who have incredable things for the people of Ukraine
Well the month has had its up and downs …. Its been busy for sure , working on costumes for cruise ships and working on the Platinum Jubilee …. so much to organise and achieve but will get there oh its only a month away eek !
We have had some crazy weather some amazing weather full of sunshine and warmth then freezing cold
was able to get in garden which was lovely and the spring flowers always cheers one up as new beginnings …
My Bruv and neighbour the lovely Ali built a jezbo in the garden , will help so much in summer when Dougie is able to get out side …Dougie’s health has been a bit up and down bless him and trying to do my best in looking after him…, Paul started a new job so hope all that goes well for him… Bless my dear mum who is okay . and sister janet amazing in looking after her husband Terry … so its all go…
Enjoyed a few walks around the area… so love walking around Winchester
I am a lucky man xxx
