WOW! It's March 2023!

Wow I have been a long time not writing my blog !!! so a quick as possible catch up …..

just don’t know where time is flying by so fast I will need a safety belt at this rate.

November was quite a month, Dougie unfortunately was not too well and had a week at the Winchester hospital ,but got him home and was soon back at being Dougie , On the work front it was full swing ahead with the Christmas parties all over the south of England had a great team Joan Golden, Jackie Travers and Lisa Lee , Huge thanks to Wilkes Academy for the fabulous dancers I was able to work with .. they were terrific .with costumes galore !!! the biggest Thanks goes to the amazing Jill Bowyer who works with me at the unit the mad house of the costumes . she is just brilliant ! The Generation Christmas class was fun and joyous

Very sad news our dear friend and master of Events Sir Major Michael Parker passed peacefully after a short illness …. He was such a wonderful man, Funny, Hysterical , creative Kind ,warm I so looked up to him and marvelled at how amazing he was …. love ed so loved his stories … my heart goes out to dearest Emma and Ollie and family xxx god bless you dearest Michael

December flew by what with the christmas shows it was then producing the Finale at the International Horse show at EXCEL ! how many costumes not only that but a huge challenge in costuming the show jumpers in the sunday completition Dress up ( that was harsh no mean feast ) Again lucky to work with the students from BIRDS college who were just amazing I never want to hear I MADE YOU LOOK ever again !

Fab to work with Reece Campbell on such a hectic time he his the best at calm ….. the sunday night was pretty hectic but had a great team of dressers and make up who were all just the best …. SO A BIG THANKS TO Reece Danny, Lisa, Joan,Ali Trev and the face painting team so all went well

All this just finished just before Christmas so had a nice quite time recharging the batteries ..

Christmas Eve managed to got to midnight mass with brother Paul and Judy Christmas lunch with Dougie my brother Paul Judy and my dear Mum at the Grosevnor in Stockbridge …

The rest wasn’t to long as had a gala in Wales at ICC for New Years Eve Spent midnight chimes on the M4!

SO now it’s 2023 ! how did that happen …. crazy time horrendous the return of all the costumes from all over the place that all needed washing !!! added to that I filled the unit with extra costumes from Impact to go through … adding to that a refurb on Bor production Costumes so thanks to the amazing Jill we are getting there !!! and the unit has been freezing !!!! Lovely visit from Jeff and Robert to the cottage x

Had a lovely visit to the cottage Reece Danny and the best Molly and Bailey such a lovely chilled weekend with lots of missed cuddles from Bailey ….

A few meetings underway for fourth coming events in the year . which have stared well , the Jan Generation class went really well a great turn out … omg Im in to February I think i blinked and missed it , it seemed a very social Month … The lovely Pipkin,Kirsty and fab Sandy H came for a afternoon tea … great gossip afternoon that was .. always lovely to see Lisa lee when she pops down … then it was celebrations for Dougie’s 91st Birthday how many cakes did we go through hahah how long did that birthday last … that was never ending on the actual day had quite a quiet one … but the next day a surprise visit for lunch with Joan Sophie lynda and Donna really lovely … then it was the Generation Birthday class with the most amazing cake from all the dancers . Dougie was knocked out at all the lovely cards and presents and lovely messages … serval trips to see my dear Mum, my sister is incredible looking after her husband who is not well , bed ridden and nil by mouth for the past2 years and also looking after our mum … she needs a medal think she would prefer a crate of Wine lol x found time in fitting to do the church flowers for 2 weeks trust me to get Valentines week .. did I go over board lol xxx but i found sanctuary in being in the church I’m not religous but I believe in my God … laid flowers and pottered a few at Micheal’s side how he loved snow drops xxx

Move over Dougie it was my birthday too on the 26th 63 OMG 63 OMG 63 THATS HARD TO SWALLOW HAHAH it is a shock …. so amazed at all the lovely birthday wishes and cards ( although very exhausting reading and replying ) love it really… was very touched indeed lovely lunch at the fox with family But 63 this no joke !!!

Now its March 2023 ….. and on the catch up of things I let pass … I had found that I had moved my study around and never got to my desk never got round to keeping up with everything so have re arranged back and already i feel the flow for me to sit at my desk a whole lot better !

Had a lovely lunch with Emma she is doing really well …. a lovely lunch with Jackie Travers, A visit From Simon BOSS bless him going through quite a difficult time … time will heal … he is such a smashing man I feel for him …. let’s hope it all sorts its self out

So now its Generation class coming up this weekend and next week a few days away with Reece Danny and the 2 girls … Up to the peak district so looking forward to that … will be great for Dougie a change of scenery !

Happy days xxx make the most of it !

below is pics … in a bit all over the place xxx

CRAZY WEEKS !

As i have said before time is flying by… so much to do so little time …..

Just worked on two productions for BOR PRODUCTIONS FOR THE MSC line so they have all left the costume unit HOW MANY COSTUMES !!!… now its time to get ready for the Christmas Productions for Impact artists with shows in FREADING,MAIDSTONE ,ARDINGLY AND ICC CETIC MANOR and the THE ROYAL HORSE SHOW AT EXCEL !

Dougie hasn’t been to well but is much better after a short stay in Hospital and my dear Mum again has been in hospital so a lot of rushing about ! also managed to do a bit of filming will keep that under wraps until I know the release date …. but a pic of the shoes may give it away …

Halloween was fun in the village very sweet that the families did a walk around the village tricking and treating Mike G was brilliant bless him… of course i did a halloween decor !

i sent my two girlfriends a sweet present how cute Molly and Bailey seems so long since I saw them ….

We have had very wet weather of late cleared a lot of the garden … had a ramp built for Dougie .. it helps greatly .but has caused mayhem with the garden .. but when the sun did come out caught a few nice pics of Wherwell ! Remembrance Sunday….was very touching watching the BBC at the Albert Hall BEAUTIFULLY STAGED … oh Watched a couple of good things …. MRS HARRIS GOES TO PARIS ( sweet ) My POLICE MAN Harry styles I thought was very good ….. FIRST SCRATCH Balled my eyes out ! and watched in two sessions THE CROWN !!! emmmmmm

Happy Days !!!

Autumn

The blue skies crisp air … the ever changing colour the leaves is stunning at this moment, although Its a beautiful time of year …I hate the leaves falling …. ( MY OCD!)

From Wherwell to Leckford water gardens it really is quite stunning ….

Wilkes Academy Auditions...

Some one else im so proud of with college in performing arts is Jonathan Wilkes, know him since he was a keen enthusiastic young performer creating Jonathans first act at the star in Blackpool Jonathan Wilkes and the Space girls hahah … we worked together for a few years and then he did pantomimes in Scotland for me and then in Brighton .. His career then took off … recording with his best mate Robbie Williams then his own album , lead to numerous tv shows before starring in west end musicals and big UK Tours

all the while creating Wilkes Academy with wife Nicky and Suzanne Mole …. I have visited the college many times .. a fabulous facility… always a joy to walk in the studios in Swindon.

I have worked with the students over the past years and they are all so really nice to work with, its a great atmosphere there .. So today it was audition time for the christmas shows I am working on….

Oh I wish i could use them all …. it never gets easier choosing …. lovely that Dougie came along … with wise words for the students …

Generation Dance class October

Great to be back in the studio with a crazy bunch of lovely people , they are mad !

for 2 hours they danced their socks off .. but getting the camera out… was hysterical … they all went into their performing days …. love em xxxx

CARL ALAN AWARDS

Well this year i was nominated which i was truly honoured by for life time achievement award

It was awarded to the legend of Betty Laine a hands down winner of such a award . for all her devoted dedication to her college Laine Theatre Arts … Its a long story, but i was the first boy to go to the college in 1976 which I think was the 3rd year of the college opening so it was all very new…

incredible dedication and hard work has made the college one of the leading colleges in the uk for theatrical training , the thousands of students that have gone through the doors is quite remarkable and a number of well known stars in entertainment trained at Laine.

we messaged each other which has been very nice indeed…. Thank you Miss laine x

Miss Betty Laine OBE and Phil Winston AT THE CARL ALAN AWARDS 2022

The Legend Angela Lansbury

Sad to hear of the passing of theatrical Legend Dame Angela Lansbury, memories of my childhood appearing in my first West End show

With a fabulous cast starring Angela as Mama Rose … was truly a amazing experience…. One I hold close to my heart … the amazing thing we were treated as part of the company not left out of anything …

I will always remember the very first complete run through in the rehearsal room in Clapham cup final day May 1973 … watching her Roses turn even at my young age I knew how special it was … the company in full admiration of her performance rose to a standing ovation .. there were tears of joy from the

Company I knew it was a moment always to remember. Angela was so kind and caring to us children … I still have the notes she sent me on her blue headed embossed cards … and my last performance she gave me a beautiful Hollywood book and sang to the tune of narcissus written by John Blyth a song

Dear Antony we all hope that you will go far dear antony speak to us when your a star

Your taps are tops,we hope no flops

And we hope you will be as happy as we have to know you ….

Wow I can’t believe I remember that as I write …

So Thank You Dame Angela for making my very first show so magical and making my mum

So proud …

Your amazing career and performances in everything you performed is truly the legend you are …. Xxx

HATS!

BEEN A BUSY TIME WITH GETTING COSTUMES READY FOR BOR PRODUCTIONS AND IN THE MIDDLE HAD TO CREATE A PEACOCK HEADRESS FOR A BBC COMEDY AND A PANTO HEAD DRESS FOR PATSY KENSIT FOR LHK PRODUCTIONS …

MY BRUV BIRTHDAY!

My dear mum hasn’t been too well of late a week in the hospital then got cover bless her

but she was well enough to go to the Fox in Crawley near us for CELEBRATION dinner which was lovely !

the food and service is so very good !

GENERATION CLASS SEPT

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 …