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Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments" - Episode 14 Life Outside Ambridge Have a seat and let's chat.
MrsP Ambridge April 16, 2020 at 11:18 PM
ReplyDeleteMy Desert Island Discs
All of my eight could be taken up by Bach, Handel, Purcell, Byrd and endless baroque.
I've tried instead to take something from each chapter of my life, but Gary might I suggest that when we've all had our first choice, that we have a second opportunity to engage with the pieces we had to leave out on the first round.
1: Jewels of the Madonna - Intermezzo 2 - Wolf Ferrari ( must be the second never the first)
I was dancing to this as soon as I was stable on two feet as a toddler. I still dance to it in my head, and this piece will open my funeral service. It is the essence of me.
2: Kathleen Ferrier - Blow the wind southerly -
Sublime and with me since the age of 12. Looking back I suspect our music teacher was very progressive. We were introduced to amazing pieces of music that later in life I discovered that others didn't come to until much later in their lives. And this was a secondary modern in south London.
3: Dave Brubeck - Blue Rondo a la Turk
So much to choose from my teenage years, this one wins.
4: Shostakovich 5th - Mravinski - Leningrad Phillamonic
The next chapter, an intense period of reflection as a resident in a therapeutic community. Russia's pain mirrored by mine.
5: Gershwin playing Gershwin- Rhapsody in Blue
Timeless ecstasy
6: The Hallelujah Chorus - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Too much Bach and Handel to choose from so the Ultimate Glory to represent all the work.
7: Elgar Cello Concerto - Jacqueline Du Pre - Daniel Barenboim
Shared with great love in my first significant relationship and the balm to the grief at the end of my second.
8: Purcell- Dido's Lament - Jeff Buckley
Why this version ? So raw.
To be played as I am laid in bare earth in a simple shroud.
My book
Sarah Dane by Elizabeth Gaskell
Inspirational
My luxury
A double bed, duvet and feather pillow, please.
The music I would save - Jewels of the Madonna. I will always be able to dance if only in my head.
Thank you for allowing my indulgence
Thanks MrsP!
DeleteSuperb selection Mrs P!
ReplyDeleteI was close to choosing Dave Brubeck (but ‘Take Five’) and Rhapsody in Blue myself
I love the Shostakovich and Elgar cello concerto (another close choice)
I look forward to discovering and listening to your other choices too ( apart from the Kathleen Ferrier as her voice and that song always made me feel depressed ....sorry!)
On the old blog I wrote a big thank you for your very descriptive bath-exiting instructions and agreed with OWiaS’s description of how she does it - which is exactly what I normally do, but now can’t because of the artificial knee.
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t let me post as I hadn’t realised that blog had finished so all my typing was wasted!
If only we hadn’t had our bathroom refitted 5 years ago! I could be managing perfectly well with our old avocado bath whitch had low sides and handles. The new one is very deep side-sided and doesn’t have any hand grips. We didn’t think to future proof the bathroom for when we got older and had mobility problems. The only thing I wanted was to get rid of the avocado suite! 🙁
Re baths .
ReplyDeleteHaving read your most recent post Archerphile I realise my suggestion is not going to be of any use since you recently had your bathroom re done.
I was going to suggest having the bath taken out altogether
We live in a small house with only one bathroom and before I came to live here the bath had already been taken out to be replaced by a shower cubicle.
I thought I would not get used to that but I have.
Yes I would love a bath .
I would also love another toilet.
Actually I would really like my own personal bathroom if truth be told.
I am surprised however at the number of people who say they can’t remember the last time they had a bath.
Coincidentally we were to have had a new cubicle fitted before the lockdown .
Something to look forward to.
Mrs P, merci for your choices, interesting /lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love a bath so relaxing however as our shower is over the bath I always shower any bubbles off afterwards 🤣 I also take a straight shower other times. The shower was fitted some years back at the time to help Mr R but getting into the bath to shower (along with an angled grip bar on the tiled wall - also helpful along with the bath handles for getting in and out of bath) has become too much and he prefers to use his perching stool and have a complete wash down everyday. Bathroom is small so no chance of a separate cubicle and there is no way he says that he would want the upheaval of any work going forward.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile I agree how easy it was for you not to anticipate any physical downturn in health 5yrs ago- ce la vie ☹️
LJ “own bathroom” a lovely dream! Of course as a Lady I should really have my own bathroom, walk in wardrobe and a dressing room 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Oh to have a walk in wardrobe, it would be the height of luxury.
DeleteI am lucky enough to have a dressing room - I cannot stand having anything else in a bedroom other than a bed! (well, I do allow a tree in mine...)
DeleteAnd I can attest to the old joke about one of the keys to a happy marriage is having 2 toilets being completely true.
Same here GG, nothing in my bedroom other than a super king size bed - some of the best money ever spent!! Dressing room next door. Only thing missing in own bathroom which would be wonderful!! 😉
DeleteMrs P haven't listened to them all yet, in fact I have still got lots from previously to listen to, but just wanted to say I really like the way the instruments seem to be talking to each other in the rondo.
ReplyDeleteStasia thanks for info. re. the Cavolo Nero. Will get some on line. I put in a few kale plants late last year , name unknown, and they did well lasting right through the Winter. The last few I gave to our chicken lover next door for her hens. She hangs them up so they swing around and the hens seem to like playing with them as they reach for the leaves.
Archerfile if your bath doesn't have grips and if it is alongside a wall why don't you have rails attached alongside on the wall. Years ago I had 2 put in for my mother, one going along horizontally close to the rim of the bath and the other vertical which was good for steadying herself before stepping out of the bath. I never had them removed and found them very useful myself last year.
I remember Michael Caine on Desert Island Discs saying that the secret of a happy marriage was separate bathrooms.
DeleteFor many years we went on holiday to South Africa and we stayed in a cottage with two bathrooms.
Bliss.
I don’t think Mr LJ ever used his bath.
By gum,I certainly used mine.
I am looking forward to start listening to your choices this afternoon,Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteWhen I have finished reading “Fair stood the wind for France” by H E Bates ,I plan to reread Sara Dane.
I wonder if I will like it as much as I did when I was a lot younger?
I am certainly enjoying the HEBates book just as much.
The best thing about the books I read years ago in my opinion is that the term “Creative Writing” hadn’t been thought of .
Surely if one writes a book one is being creative anyway .
LJ, I've read Sarah Dane at least once each decade since my teens.
ReplyDeleteIt still inspires me and I'm sure will certainly do so again when on my island.
OwiaS - your method for exiting the bath is fine, but not when you have had knee surgery. Two years on I can now kneel on a bed but certainly not on the hard surface of a bath. Some people are never able to kneel again after knee surgery I was told.
ReplyDeletePtbY - I warn you, some of my choices will certainly give you cause to ' slit your wrists '.
I did laugh when you used that phrase for some of the musical choices recently.
Some of the pieces that I couldn't include would most certainly make you feel that way.
Mrs P. ..I had already given my thumbs up👍👍to Gershwin, Elgar (isn't he the popular one and no wonder). and Handel.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of this young man Jeff Beckley but that is a lovely interpretation of the the aria.
When i was at high school in the early 70s our music teacher (a woman who I will always admire as an inspiration..you know the story..who was your favourite teacher..well she was..I truly loved her ). I'm rambling ..well she had great expectations for our little choir and while all the other bigger schools were all putting on Gilbert and Sullivan productions (which I love) she wanted to do something different and so our first school opera was Dido and Aeneas, followed by Hansel And Gretel by humperdink . So Mrs P this really brought back memories.
Just to explain photo, got rid of me, and substituted a Stay Safe and Smile rainbow for the NHS and care workers and Capt. Tom and will leave it there until the crisis is over and we arevlet out again. Then it will be a great big sunshine!
ReplyDelete😭😭😢😢
DeleteTears of nostalgia archerphile
DeleteWhat wonderful choices by Mrs. P.
ReplyDeleteSome I know (but not the chosen version) and others I don't.
It is so lovely to being introduced to unknown pieces.
I so enjoy this.
As to our bathing preferences:-
I am a long soak in the bath, person. I have a bath, (20
yrs now) but love it, soaking then putting the jets on...but I need to remember, not to add too much bath soak, as can quite easily "bubble" over!
I am another, who has another list ready for DID "Take Two".
ReplyDeleteIt is not a "B" list, by any imagination, just music that I love, as much as when I was castaway, the first time.
I am so loving All the music lists + choices, from everyone.
It certainly helps, in this strange time.
My bedroom is also very simple, as it is so small!
ReplyDeleteI have a built-in wardrobe, which is in the bedroom wall, so all I see is 2 doors.
I don't have a dressing room, as such, but bedroom #2, has a unit with drawers in, and this is where I dry my hair, put the "slap" on etc.
MrsP.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your selection.
As far as I’m concerned the Jacqueline Du Pre is the only version for me. Unless our own in house cellist gave us her rendition.
The Kathleen Ferrier took me back to primary school. I just love anything she sings. Phenomenal voice.
I had never heard Jewels of the Madonna. Very relaxing.
Love the Gershwin’s Rhapsody.
Am sorry but I gave up on the Jeff Buckley.
A very comfortable bed, bliss.
Thank you for a pleasant afternoon.
My preferred version of the Elgar Cello concerto is by Paul Tortellier.
DeleteWe once watched a programme where he was tutoring a student playing the piece and his explanation of the technique required, the fingering, timing and phrasing was eye (or should I say ear) opening and made me love the work even more. He is a superlative cellist and I love his performances.
I had the priveledge of meeting and chatting to, Julian Lloyd-Webber, another well known, cellist player.
DeleteHow the days seem the same now. I wake up and think, what day is it??
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, for the DID choices, as it helps to have something to focus on.
I am working hard in my garden, which needs it, and is good to do, keeping me occupied.
Mr + Mrs Robin, (whose nest is nearby), are hating my Puss Cat, when she joins me in the sunshine + garden, though she has no interest in them.
Mr + Mrs Robin, sit on the washing line, the hedge, my wonderful Hibiscus and make a loud vocal noise..
What worries me, is that both are off the nest at the same time. I hope that the eggs will still hatch. 🐦
A green bird was the best, I could find...😂
DeleteI have started to listen to your choices,Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteI thought that the part of Jewels of the Madonna you chose would be the theme music for the radio serial on Children’s Hour in (I think) 1950 of “Ballet Shoes” by Noel Streatfeild but now I realise that the piece I associate with the programme was in fact the Serenade .
With your obvious love of ballet did you listen as a very young child to Ballet Shoes ?
The person, I have liked all along (and so was my "favourite"), has just won Mastetchef.
ReplyDeleteI am saying, no more, as I don't do spoilers.
Nothing to watch on the tele so just starting to re read Mrs P’s book choice Sarah Dane which I last read well over 50 years ago I reckon.
ReplyDeleteYes LJ loved Ballet shoes and was intending to call a child, if a girl, Posy ( Posie ? )
ReplyDeleteExcept I never wanted children, so don't know why.
Will have to google Serenade. Can't recall it but know I will recognise it.
I still miss Children's Hour and Uncle Mac, seventy odd years on.
Well now Lancashire Janet, you've set me off down memory lane.
ReplyDeleteI've just found a website that will delight you - Radio and Television from the 1950, and found a thread about the music from Ballet Shoes and much else.
And you are correct, ' jewells' was the signature tune for BShoes.
So something in my memory has become mixed up.
I certainly remember as well as always being told that I was dancing as a toddler, and for me this was always the piece of music. I do know from other sources that this was a very popular piece of light music in the forties and fifties, but in recent decades had completely forgotten that it was also used for B Shoes.
None of this of course detracts in any way from my heart singing to this piece, but you have now added a dimension that had been lost, so thank you.
I hope your enjoying Sarah Dane as much this time.
Mrs P, I am absolutely certain that your favourite piece of music was used to introduce Listen with Mother. I remember that after the programme was announced it always started with a piece of classical music, very often ballet music and I danced and danced around our dining room to whatever was being played. Marching with some pieces, dying like a swan with others!
DeleteThen a nursery rhyme, a story read by Julia Laing or Daphne Oxenford, another nursery rhyme (marching up the hill/dining room with the Grand Old Duke of York) and closing with the Berceuse from The Dolly Suite by Fauré. Oh, happy days!
What memories. Thank you for reminding me.
Well remember the Paul Tortelier masterclasses, absolutely fascinating, totally fell in love! The Elgar has always been there, of course Jacqueline du Pré, without a doubt, but the Barbirolli recording for me.
ReplyDeleteAutumnleaves, we were also very lucky growing up in Grimsby (I know!!) in the 60's & 70's, the amateur music scene was very strong, our school music teacher (also Y Orch) v charismatic. School performances of Nabucco, Macbeth, William Tell... major roles imported soloists, but minor roles, chorus & Orch all home - grown. All long gone.
Parsley16. I have always been intrigued by the number. If you are 16 who are the other 15? Are you The flat, curly or coriander variety?
DeleteHope you don’t mind me asking?
🌿🌱🍃
Not at all! 16 for Charente, & definitely flat, better flavour, but getting curlier 😕by the day... I'm a very friendly lion, really.. 😙
DeleteGary - forgive me if I have a short memory , but have we heard YOUR Desert Island choices yet?
ReplyDeleteIf not, will you please put your name in the hat so that you (or Mr GG) can select it one day.
(I was going to say ‘pull it out’ but that sounded a bit dodgy!)
I’m sure we should all like to hear the music, book and luxury you would take with you.
Thanks - and I AM in the hat Archerphile! And it is indeed MrGG that performs the ceremony every other day...
DeleteThere are still NINE names in the hat!
DeleteI'd better get a move on then because I am still catching up on the previous choices. My tablet doesn't work in the garden and I have been staying out in this lovely sunny weather as much as possible.
DeleteI have to keep reviewing mine as some of my choices have already come up!!🤔😁
DeleteI would only finalize my choices when, if, my name comes up as I'm constantly revising and second guessing myself. If someone else has chosen one of my choices then I will still keep it if it's a favourite. Hope that's acceptable.
DeleteWell Mrs P. you have introduced me to a singer, Jeff Buckley, of whom I had never heard. I found his an unusual voice but with an incredible range. With people who die young I always wonder what else they would have gone on to achieve.
ReplyDeleteJanice - I think I had heard his name but knew nothing of him until I found this version of the Dido, then I read up on him and remembered the sorrow from other musicians at his accidental death. I believe it is his incredible range that he is celebrated for, but for me it is the quality of the voice. I am very engaged by the counter tenor, and as you will realise a true contralto too, and have been since childhood.
ReplyDeleteI am not well enough musically educated to know where one might place Jeff Buckley 's voice though. Others with greater knowledge might enlighten me.
Archerphile - sorry but I don't think so. I still hear, in my head, the opening chords of music that introduced Listen with Mother at 2 o'clock every afternoon.
I will see if I can find it.
LanJan - did you look at the site I mentioned ?
Berceuse from The Dolly Suite by Gabriel Faure.
DeleteArcherphile - it is Faure Dolly Suite
ReplyDeleteYou have started me on something now Mrs P.
ReplyDeleteI have discovered that the lovely music which introduced the 1951 version of The Railway Children on the television is the first part of Symphonic Dances No2 by Greig.
The music for the wonderful Jenny Agutter “Daddy ,oh my daddy” film version was composed by Johnnie Douglas.
Lovely.
Apparently 'Daddy, oh my daddy' was due to be re-recorded and dubbed in the edit. But she did it so perfectly the first time it stayed as it was.
DeleteSome years ago we saw the theatre production at the National Railway Museum in York. Audience lined up on the platforms either side of the stage. Lots of weepy eyes spotted at that moment : )
Small shoe-dwellers woefully underwhelmed. But they liked the steam train.
I would urge all to Google - introduction music to 'Listen with Mother'
ReplyDeleteThere is the most satisfactory little montage of a British childhood of the forties and fifties.
Utterly captivating !
Googling all this stuff has solved one little mystery for me.
ReplyDeleteI had no memory of sitting with my mother, or on her knee, listening to ' Listen with Mother ' yet had many memories of it, and particularly of the music.
Now I know why.
It started in January 1950 when I would have been close to eight.
My sister would have been five, and she was still sitting on my mother's knee at twenty five.
I think I remember the music because it was ' attached' to the start of ' Woman's Hour'.
Although of course it is frequently heard today and is still very popular I believe.
It's very dull outside today, so indoor amusements....even looked in on the above, Mrs P, but not so enamoured of backward glances to that era, everyone playing happily, beautifully behaved, with well groomed stay at home mummys.( It really wasn't quite like that...) Prefer the satirical ladybird takes proliferating these days, on all manner of current subjects, but illustrated in that 50s style, with the bland - but barbed - language to match !
ReplyDeleteCaught up with a little of the music today : loved the Mozart, Hilary, & the Chopin.
Also, fron Mrs P, the Elgar & Purcell.
It's a real treat to listen to some people's favourites. Much more still to hear !
Would you kindly add me to the DID list, Gary ?
ReplyDelete( Some choices have already emerged, & don't want to repeat, but can cobble sonething together)
You are now in the fabled hat carolyn! And i think it's perfectly ok to have the same song choice as someone else!
DeleteMrs P..... I like Jeff Buckley. Got a couple of his cd’s. But.....yes your choice of his is deffo a tune to slit your wrists to. 😉
ReplyDeleteHaven’t had chance to listen to the rest yet.
I kind of group Jeff Buckley with Nick Drake, an acquired taste!
If anyone wants to see a very short video, which is emotional, yet so motivating,
ReplyDeletesearch for :-
adam salisbury tom moore.
This will link into You Tube.
All I can say, that it is worth watching, but have a tissue or two, near to hand.
I for one, will celebrate his 100th birthday on April 30th.
DeleteThis, little video, has boosted my morale.
My last post + extra - are "off topic" - but it is so lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes well done to Major Tom
ReplyDeleteIt is very easy to donate to this worthwhile cause by using the “Just Giving “site.
Where would most of us -if not all of us - be without the NHS Service?
The thing that does annoy me (and apparently an MP who has mentioned this) is that by donating on the Just Giving page ,Just Giving take a percentage of the money
I think they may have been shamed into giving most of it back .
I hope so.
Also if one is a tax payer the Good Cause gets extra money.
His 100th birthday is on a Thursday. I will be banging my saucepan + cheering, so much louder, if that is possible, on that night.
DeletePS I donated £250 to "Captain Tom's NHS fund raising.
DeleteI thought all the monies were for just that.
I am appalled, that this is not so.
Still, any contribution, is better than nothing.
I am a non-tax payer so this should help.
To be fair, Just Giving has its own running costs to cover. They will also have to pay fees for credit card and paypal payments. There are no adverts on the site so they have to cover these costs somehow. They've recently made changes so they take a very small percentage and give the option for you to top up with a donation towards running costs.
DeleteWe have an account with Charities Aid Foundation. They too take a small percentage of each donation to cover their costs. We're happy with this because it makes it very simple to set up regular or one-off charity payments.
All charities use a certain percentage of funds donated to cover running costs and advertising (which brings in more donations).
Amazon, on the other hand, will pay up to 11% fees to associates who direct people to their site, but only about 2% to sites such as easyfundraising which direct these fees to charity.
Of course, Captain Tom's amazing total is way above the average for Just Giving. Perhaps they will consider an adjustment to their charges in this case. Time will tell.
Good for you,Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI think it was in a celebration concert for the Queen’s diamond jubilee that a male opera singer sang an Elvis Presley song after an aria. I suddenly realised that Elvis had a remarkable voice and could have been an opera singer himself. Shoot me down if I am wrong! I never was a great fan of his in the day but sometimes years later you do appreciate the talent of yesteryear!
ReplyDeleteMr P went to put on the film of Tinker Tailor with Gary Oldman.... so here we are 1/2 way through the original series with Alec Guinness.. wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMrs P - re Listen with Mother.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t describe the running order very clearly in my earlier post.
The programme started with the same introductory tune everyday and children were welcomed by the host for that day
After that
there was always a piece of classical music, which as I said, often included ballet music which is when I am certain I heard your favourite piece played occasionally. There were often various dances from The Nutcracker too, encouraging different types of dancing up and down the room. This part of the programme was my introduction to classical music and I have loved some of the pieces ever since.
The Berceuse from The Dolly Suite by Fauré always closed the programme, not opened it.
I remember clearly having missed Listen with Mother one day as we were late back from shopping. I was very upset and grumpy so Mum thought she’d appease me by playing the Dolly Suite on the piano for me.
It didn’t work! I wanted to hear the story and sing the nursery rhymes, not just hear the closing music. I’m afraid I was a very ungrateful little girl!
LanJan, Miriam.
ReplyDeleteI was announced yesterday that Just Giving will not be taking their usual percentage of funds raised for Captain. Tom but will add it to the amount raised.
If you like countertenors Mrs P. have you listened to Greg Pritchard ? a stunning voice. I didn't even know what a countertenor was before listening to your Jeff Buckley piece. Extraordinary, it threw me completely to begin with as I thought it sounded like a woman singing.
ReplyDeleteThere's a stunning counter tenor on the Kate Bush song "Lake Tahoe" too. I love Kate Bush. Struggling badly trying to work out if she has a place on my DID list! Speaking of which....
DeleteMy favourite is Andreas Scholl. Wonderful baroque countertenor.
DeleteOld Woman ,regarding “Just Giving”
ReplyDeleteThey originally charged 5% which I think was extortionate.
Now there is a “voluntary “ contribution box.
However ,I diid not realise that it is set at the default position.
I didn’t tick that box because I didn’t know there was a drop down option which one had to use to avoid paying the voluntary contribution.
I therefore had to pay it.
They also take a percentage from tax payers’ gift aid contributions and a fee for card processing.
I appreciate that possibly more staff may have had to be drafted in on this particular occasion but most staff will be paid a fixed amount I would think.
They need to be more open about how much money they are making and in this particular case and they should definitely not make any extra profit but just enough to cover their costs.
As I said above, Just Giving announced yesterday that they will not be taking *anything* out of Captain Tom’s donations. This may have been done after some questioning and initial criticism but nevertheless, on this occasion they will not profit an any way from the fundraising and will cover costs themselves.
DeleteThat is how I interpreted their announcement anyway.
Delete*** DESERT ISLAND DISCS ***
ReplyDeleteAnd the next name out of the hat is....... Anneveggie! Enjoy!
I just noticed that a programme I missed the first time around but would very much like to see, is being shown again on Channel 5 at 6pm this evening.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of those slow, minute by minute TV journeys on the West Highland railway line from the foothills of Ben Nevis to Mallaig. Two hours of bliss on a line I would dearly love to travel.
Steam railway and Scottish scenery - perfect!
We recorded it 1st time round & watched it without the ads.
DeleteIt truly is spectacular.
It's a wonderful show! Welcome to my country....
DeleteIs it on YouTube and if so what's the name?
DeleteHave just checked, and sadly it's not on YouTube Autumnleaves. The programme is called "Britain's Most Scenic Railway Journey : Minute By Minute" and it's on Channel 5 in the UK.
DeleteThanks for trying Gary..it sounded like just what I needed at the moment.
DeleteListen with Mother - I have a very early memory of being told to sit and listen very quietly. I was three when my brother was born and I suspect she was having a doze while sitting with me while the baby was asleep. I saw the montage suggested by Mrs P and was straight back there.
ReplyDeleteBarbie - my best friend's father brought her a Barbie from the USA - I was fascinated, had never seen anything like it.
Yesterday Carolyn mentioned Ladybird books - I don't know if any of you are on Facebook but on one of the Archers sites there has been a series of wonderful posts featuring Archers characters with pictures (not of the actors) and Ladybird style texts - very funny and clever.
Yes Minty ...the exact words were.."are you sitting comfortably, then l'll begin."
DeleteSimple words that I used with my own children and my students...funny how little things just stick in your head.
Minty - think you must be referring to the Archers Addicts page of which I am a member.
DeleteI thought the first one or two of those posts were amusing but I’m getting a bit fed up with them now - they take up so much space on the site.
And I have wondered if the lady that creates them has had permission from the famous people to use their photos or may be contravening copyright! One has to be so careful what one publishes on FB!
re the ladybird books the thin beautifully illustrated ones we always received as birthday presents ?
DeleteI remember getting one about the life of Charles Dickens and Brahms.
Yes, they are but the current ones for adults are subversive !
DeleteListening as I usually do on Sunday to ' the Food Programme ' this weeks edition is all about how chefs, restaurants, social enterprises and the food industry are facing up to the challenge of feeding those who are self isolating, on the streets, or needy because of losing work, as well as the new hospitals.
ReplyDeleteReally interesting.
And uplifting.
Yes, I listened and it started with the few notes from Gimme shelter which I rediscovered one sultry summer and find very atmospheric and emotional, not my DID.
DeleteArcherphile, the phrase - are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin - has become universal I believe and used by many who have no idea of its origins.
ReplyDeleteAutumnleaves,
ReplyDeletethe instruction to sit and listen quietly came from my mother, and was then confirmed by the wireless with the famous words!
Yes we often had Ladybird books for birthday presents, also the Oberver series - the Observer Book of Horses and Ponies was my bible for many years. They Ladbirds were still going strong in the 1970/80s ans my children had an enormous collection.
Archerphile, I too wondered about copyright, but they did make me giggle.
I could feel your frustration Archerphile 9:56am in response to the post I had written at 9:06am. but in my defence I was replying to Owais about my experience of using the “Just Giving” website
ReplyDeleteHave you seen that Michael Ball, an NHS choir and Captain Tom have made a recording of “You’ll never walk alone?”
What a heartwarming and uplifting story it is.
.
Oh my goodness it's me!! Here I go:
ReplyDelete1. Nimrod - Elgar
I think it is beautiful and so English.
2. Any Colour You Like - Pink Floyd
Have always loved this track but had a job to pick just one PF.
3. Won't Get Fooled Again (extended version) - The Who
My theme song since the sixties. Saw the Who in 66 or 67 and they were so loud but at the time it was so exciting.
4. Afterglow - Genesis
Again I had a hard time choosing just one Genesis track from their earlier days. When I saw them it was the first time I'd seen a light show with the music and it was fantastic.
5. Going to a Go-Go - Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Always loved dancing to this one - happy days.
6. Zadok the Priest - Handel
Love the majesty conveyed in this.
7. Abide With Me - sung by a football crowd (back in the day when they'd do that)
This makes me emotional, love the words.
8. Arrival of the Queen of Sheba - Gert van Hoef
Always enjoyed this and Gert plays so beautifully.
My book - complete works of Alan Bennett
My luxury - bag of toiletries containing sun lotion, anti insect cream, plasters etc etc
My music - Pink Floyd
I hope that some of you like some of what I've picked but if you don't that's fine. We all have sch different tastes and I could change this list quite easily if I had to pick again tomorrow.
Thanks AV! Nice mix on first perusal....
DeleteThank you Gary and to everyone else who may enjoy some of my choices. I'd suggest listening to Any Colour on the Dark Side of the Moon album although this version is good too.
DeleteAnd quick as a flash I have put that version at the top of the page!
DeleteNo sooner said than done! You're a star Gary!
DeleteI also spotted the C5 programme about the "train journey" in Scotland.
ReplyDeleteI have a very new, daily, "lockdown" routine. This is looking at my TV/Radio guide (not RT, as I have found a cheaper alternative, to suit), whilst having my first coffee of the day. I then know what to watch or record.
Weather is "heating up", so I am hoping for some wonderful time, in the garden, over the next few days. This is, provided I (+ Puss Cat), don't disturb the nesting Robins, too much.
Are you a member of your local library? Most have online subscriptions to various magazines so you can get digital versions for free.
DeleteI'm subscribed to Radio Times that way - 'though mainly for the crossword. As I've since started doing the Evening Standard crossword instead, I rarely bother to download the RT, even to see what they've got to say about The Archers.
Annieveggie.
ReplyDeleteYou are a "gal" with similar musical tastes.
I Just love your choices.
Genesis, The Who, Zadok the Priest, Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, Abide with Me
but I was never a Pink Floyd fan. Sorry, 😭
Thank you Miriam. I so glad you love some of mine.
DeleteAnd Zadok and Sheba would also be on my extended list, Annieveggie
ReplyDeleteI love Abide with Me, but can't abide football crowds, or the noise emanating from them. Comes from living on the doorstep of the Chelsea ground I suppose plus match of the day on Saturday evening in my married years.
I so love "The Kop" at Anfield, singing "You'll Never Walk Alone"
DeleteThen there is Cardiff Arms Park, when Wales are playing a home game of rugby there, singing the Welsh National Anthem.
I have also experienced, at rugby matches at Murreyfield, - "Flower of Scotland" being sung with a pipe band.
These "anthems" mean so much, to so many and to experience them, 1st hand, is just Amazing.
We lived nearly a mile away from Cardiff Arms Park for about 10 years, and could hear the singing (and the Welsh can really sing) on Saturdays and knew when every goal or try happened.
DeleteLooking forward to listening to your choices tomorrow Annievegie.
ReplyDeleteCan’t buy new summer clothes so plan to do a spot of dyeing and altering whist listening.
Plan to coninue Reading Sara Dane this eviening.
We watch very little television now that there is no sport to watch.
Rightly or wrongly ,I listen to the news first thing in the morning and that is that.
I take no notice of scaremongering when we are told “we could or we might etc.etc
No point in worrying about something that may not happen.
Even I am too young to remember the “wartime spirit” but there iIS something out there that does feel good in spite of the dreadful pandemic.
So agree LJ. ✔✔
DeleteGreat musical choices Annieveggie. I especially like your choice of Alan Bennett's book.
ReplyDeleteCheers Gianna!
DeleteAfter several days of warm sunny weather we are now getting a spectacularly noisy thunderstorm. Still we need the rain.
ReplyDeleteWe realised yesterday that we haven't had any rain to speak of for at least 3 weeks - been watering the garden and pots a LOT!
DeleteLove the Pink Floyd Anneveggie. .reminds me of one of my favourites Santana..oh no there I go changing my mind again for my DID list..th i is unbearable😡😡
ReplyDeleteI could have included Santana too. So hard to choose.
DeleteIt is difficult, isn't it - just choosing 8.
DeleteEvery-one has done so well, with such wonderful choices.
I am so enjoying this DID.
I am also am loving listening to, re-runs of Desert Island Discs on R4ex, in the evenings.
Anneveggie. What an excellent list of DID’s
ReplyDeletePink Floyd , obviously I live it.
Love The Who
Genesis....love that one. Love all their stuff really. Just couldn’t pick one out for my list. Nearly picked cinema show, then jibbed are the last minute.
Even like your classical picks.
Had to look up going to a go-go. That was good too.
10/10 from me. 👍
AnneVeggie 👍
ReplyDeleteThank you so much PtobeY and parsley16 too. How lovely that you liked my choices.
DeleteI have been so behind with the DID music I haven’t managed to comment on the excellent choices along the way. I have just listened to Pink Floyd - this album I used to play practically every weekend at college when I got back from lectures and I still love it. I would take the whole album if it didn’t stop me taking anything else. This is so hard!! Eighty records might just cover it...
ReplyDeleteMrs P, the Jeff Buckley is achingly beautiful.
I think a good idea for DID2 would be 8 albums you would take. Might make the decisions easier
ReplyDeleteI (and others -namely stasia!) were thinking that for our next project we could have a think about what 8 people (living or dead) we would invite to our fantasy dinner party - and what 3 courses we would treat them to! Good idea?
DeleteDinner parties completely freak me out... 😱😱
DeleteMe too ,Parsley.
DeleteBut these fantasy ones would be perfect! The food would be perfect, no arguments or awkward silences ( unless you wanted them for your own amusement!) and everyone would leave whenever YOU decided. There are caterers if you wish, and it doesn't have to be in your own home - it could be held in the Sistine Chapel or atop Blackpool Tower!
DeleteBrilliant idea Gary! And perhaps we could leave a place set at the table for an uninvited guest, and name the one person we wouldn’t want to fill it. At the Passover Seder night dinner a place is always set for an unexpected guest, which is what gave me the idea.
DeleteThough I suppose this could lead to upset/controversy?
And I’m miffed, because I wrote several things on the site yesterday in reply to DID choices and other topics and none of them have appeared! Can’t be bothered to rewrite now except to say I very much enjoyed Anneveggie’s excellent mixed bag of record choices.
Annieveggie. I will listen to your choices the afternoon on return from the allotment.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t usually go every day to tend to the veg. But I consider it my daily exercise along with the occasional housework.
Keep safe everyone, especially those with underlying health issues.
Spicycushion how are you?
Lanjan, you have reminded me of my doll, Mary, who also had a porcelain head. When I dropped her she had to go to the dolls’ hospital, a very dark old shop that also sold second hand 78s.
ReplyDeleteAutumn leaves, do you know about Transponder.tv to be able to watch British tv channels abroad?
Spiceycushion, I hope you are getting better.
Today I look forward to listening to your Desert island discs today, Annieveggie
Fantasy dinner party - great!
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit worried about naming an uninvited guest, so I would uninvite a category, which might be controversial enough in itself....actually, I'll have enough to think of with those that I would want to see, so perhaps the empty chair could be for un-named departed loved ones? (My maternal grandfather, died when I was 12, I remember fascinating snippets of his stories, I would love to hear him properly with an adult ear.)
That’s a much better idea Mistral.
DeleteI think my idea of who you wouldn’t want could be a bit controversial, especially if it was a political figure, a television personality or, heaven forbid, a Royal!
So please disregard my suggestion Gary!
But please do go ahead with the original idea when all the DIDs are done and dusted.
Mixed feelings from me about fantasy dinner party.
ReplyDeleteHorror and delight !
I had an idea of our ten best or favourite films.
I couldn’t join in that one Mrs P as I haven’t been to the cinema for over 30 years and hardly ever watch films on TV either!
DeleteBut could well suit others, of course.
I also dislike real dinner parties but I would enjoy a fantasy get together. Much more fun than the real thing! I could slip away any time I like🤫
ReplyDeleteOh, I don't mind being invited! It's the hosting thingy... I just long for the coffee & digestif(s), followed by Really Loud washing - up music (cue Pink Floyd et al..)
ReplyDeleteI'll have a think..
Just a suggestion,Gary .
ReplyDeleteWould it be an idea to have your idea of the fantasy Dinner Party in two parts?
I think it is great idea to say who one would like to have at a Dinner Party and why and I think that would be very interesting but there is no way I would have any interest in what we would have to eat.
I have never given a Dinner Party nor want to and would have no idea of what I would give any guests to eat.
I may be alone in this of course
We could always call Jenny daaahling for advice.
DeleteTagine for Eight - actually, isn't that the name of a long lost Noel Coward play...???
DeleteThank you to everyone who's made such complimentary comments about my choices. I am touched. Re the dinner party idea - I think this would be interesting although I might find it far more difficult than music choices and that was hard enough! Food for thought though.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't have to have food! You wouldn't have to do a thing - just 8 people who you would like to spend a few hours with. No cooking, no washing up, no guests outstaying their welcome, no hassle - unless you wanted to do it! I love cooking and having people up for dinner.
ReplyDeleteI think the idea of an "un-wanted" guest is fraught with danger for the reasons you gave AP!!! (AP, I have absolutely no idea of why posts go AWOL - wish I could help you, it must be infuriating...)
There you go we could gather our guests around the table and announce in true Pat style "im sorry everyone..it's only soup" then we would have to say what soup we had chosen...which would also be difficult for me because i love homemade soup.
ReplyDeleteIf you were inviting Casanova for example then a piping hot bowl of cock-a-leekie would I think be much appreciated.
Matron!!!!!!!!
DeleteAutumnleaves. Cock-a-leekie wonderful, I would place on his lap. That would stop the leekie and no more?
DeleteI listened to Annieveggie’s choices whilst doing the ironing.
ReplyDeleteA good mix.
Many thanks Av
The music didn’t quite last out so I played two different extra versions of Nimrod.
I enjoyed your choices too, Annieveggie. Genesis was new to me except for the name. Lovely so I listened to more by them.
DeleteI have just finished listening to Anneveggie’s choices and after lard days labour allotmenteering it was very relaxing and emotional, especially the Nimrod.
DeleteI didn’t really know Abide with me, I have never been to a football or rugby match. So I listened to a woman with a folksy voice singing with the words coming up on screen. The words are great and I prefer it as a hymn. I really liked it.
The Queen of Sheba, I know as an orchestral piece. The young person playing the organ was very talented.
SRatM’s reminded me of living in Oxford when a few of us had serious games of scrabble with them and Otis Redding playing in the background. Those were the days.
Alan Bennett is a brilliant playwright, I saw him acting in one of his own plays when I lived in London.
Thank you very much.
'SRatM’s reminded me of living in Oxford when a few of us had serious games of scrabble with them and Otis Redding playing in the background'
DeleteWhy was poor old Otis left on his tod and not allowed to join in the Scrabble with the rest of you ? ; )
Lanjan. Re the fantasy dinner party, I know (myself included) a lot of people who order a takeaway for a dinner party. It’s more about why that person and what it is that appeals to you. They don’t have to be alive, in fact I suspect all mine will be dead. Of course I might change my mind by then.
ReplyDeleteYou might be able to order from your favourite restaurant.
I can't think about a "fantasy" dinner party.
ReplyDeleteAll I want, is to have, many family members and friends, sitting around my dining table again, having a wonderful meal together, eating a home cooked meal, which I have done.
It is wishful thinking, but I hope that this, will happen again.
It is still, don't know when...😣
I just wondered if having the food and drink plus the guests might make each post rather “bulky”by the time we have explained who each person is and why they would be interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have read about the idea about who one would invite and it not mattering whether or not they were still alive and why one would choose them and (I suppose because I don’t care about the food input I thought that might be something that could be done at another time by people who know a bit about drink{like P tb Y with her cocktails and those who enjoy cooking (most people but me).}
But ,gosh,I don’t mind what it desided.
I know some people who go to “Cook “ when they have a Dinner Party
We were given vouchers for Christmas one year for their frozen food
At that time nearest shop was at Barnes - miles away.
We were so disappointed.
Not a patch on M and S in our opinion and more expensive.
Someone I know always gets their food and passes it off as her own .
Can’t think why.
I do wonder at this 'sorry it's only soup line' as I'm a soup lover and consider it one of the best comfort foods. I enjoyed a lovely lentil/veg soup last night with home made bread - tasty.
Delete"Off Topic" as to the current discussion. I just want to warn you all about a fraudulent "scam"...it is to do with Ad Block, wanting donations re costs. This popped up, while I was ordering a prescription on-line.
ReplyDeleteI removed it immediatly, and on researching later - it was fraudulant.
Sorry - to interupt the current talks + chats....😨
Another thing I wondered if this lockdown carries on is whether anyone would like to write down the one most important thing on his or her “Bucket List”.
ReplyDeleteThat might be interesting.
I can tell you the thing on the top of my bucket list straight away Lanjan - because it’s the only thing on it.
DeleteBeing taken for Afternoon tea at Betty’s in Harrogate, with unlimited supply of cakes!
Such a wonderful place. I loved my "afternoon tea" there.
DeleteLuckily, I wasn't paying..😅
I am just looking forward to a lunch, or an afternoon tea, out somewhere.
DeleteI don't mind where it is - as long as it not in my home, in Lockdown!
Yay to that Miriam 🤗🤗🤗
DeleteHad a fright yesterday lost the net on all my devices as they are connected not sure how I managed it tried a number of things then rang IOW sis and b-i-l and somehow we got it back but when I tried to get on here nothing 😱 saw a few dots at top of page and thankfully a short menu dropped down - history was one item so I hit that and there you all were again. PHEW!
Well if you really like Betty’s ,Archerphile, you would absolutely love Botham’s Tea Rooms.
ReplyDeleteSimilar to Betty’s but in my opinion much better.
What say you Cowgirl ,P to be Y and Seasider?
I have been to the one in Pickering but prefer the one in Whitby.
I really don't like bucket lists I prefer to take life as it comes ..the more spontaneous the better. I said to Mr 🍁🍁 the other day that when we can go around freely I want to go to Riva on lake Garda..it's very close to where I live about 40 minutes drive and i 've been so often....it's beautiful and all I want to do is enjoy the sunshine and have an aperative in one of the outdoor cafes.
ReplyDeleteVery italian..i miss being very italian
DeleteBless!
DeleteI don't like Bucket lists either, mostly because I know I would never get to achieve any of them.
ReplyDeleteI do however like afternoon tea, my favourite meal and am lucky to have been to a number of special places to partake of said meal, including, Betty's but cannot remember which one.
I particularly like afternoon tea in an hotel and took eldest daughter to Kensington Palace Hotel for sixteenth and youngest to the Ritz for hers. Granddaughter was taken to the best hotel in Tetbury for her sixteenth. My best ever was a first date at Browns in Mayfair. The potential girlfriend was very concerned to impress. The worst was the Ritz.
It's very easy where I live now to do afternoon tea, from cheap and cheerful to the very best of country Hotels with lots in between.
Never heard of Bothams but will look forward to trying it on my next trip to Yorkshire.
AutumnLeaves, my daughters favourite hotel ( she's very 'into' hotels) is on Lake Garda.
I think they spent part of their honeymoon there.
Oh I am like Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteThere is only one thing I want to do .
I plan-when I am an old lady - to travel up to Scotland (first class of course) and revisit the many places I went to when I was much younger-by train of course.
I think it is good to have something to look forward to in the future that you are sure will happen one day and therefore you can start to look forward to it now..
I will be staying in the best hotels in Edinburgh,Glasgow and Inverness although I will be going up on a sleeper for the start of my trip so I will probably start up in Inverness .
I did the sleeper trip from Crewe to Inverness years ago.
Wonderful.
Anneveggie, especially liked the Nimrod, and I nearly chose Abide with Me for my list but with Harry Secombe singing it. Going to a Go Go I found great fun, the Queen of Sheba lovely and was very impressed by the way that young organist could coordinate both his hands and his feet.
ReplyDeleteHave done very little listening today, but did tune into the Queen of Sheba - so grand, so much going on - thank you, Anneveggie !
ReplyDeleteBeen for afternoon tea at Betty’s York. Was nice but I’m a savoury rather than sweet person so really wasn’t my cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteBeen to harrogate Betty’s. Lovely position and building. Had a scone and coffee. No better than an ordinary cafe.
Been to bothams in Whitby. Very busy and just as nice as Betty’s.
The best spot for me is “penny Claire” at newholm a couple of miles out of Whitby. The cakes are to die for. Lovely cafe, friendly staff and a wonderful homeware shop attached.
Much better than Betty’s any day. 🍰
I must admit that the cakes in North Yorkshire are excellent wherever I have eaten them.
ReplyDeleteI really love Botham’s vanilla slices.
Oh, you’re making me homesick. I should have been up north right now, and I missed Mum’s birthday last Saturday. Mind you, she’s just told me on the phone that one neighbour brought her a basket of fruit from the local greengrocer who knows all her customers and what they like, and another came to her gate with a cake with a candle lit on top.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Betty’s and Botham’s - fond memories of the Skinner street cafe in Whitby with my Gran who loved Whitby and Bothams. Mr S is a fan now and we will definitely go again when we can. It’s still got old fashioned charm and their roast dinners are as good as their cakes.
I went to Betty’s in Northallerton at Christmas with Mr S. unfortunately his meal wasn’t great but mine was lovely. I have been to the York Betty’s but not Harrogate.
I have to agree with PtbY about Penny Clare as well, our Yorkshire meet up venue. It’s excellent.
I have to ask - what is a bucket list?? I have heard of it but I don’t know what it is, probably a bit dim.
I thought it was things you wanted to do before you kick the bucket but may be wrong.
ReplyDeleteJust to make it clear, I have never actually been to Betty’s tearooms but have seen programmes about them and read of their reputation.
ReplyDeleteThat is why I am keen to go.
The nearest I have been to a posh tea is on board Fred Olsens cruise ship Balmoral . Twice a week they do posh tea up in their Observatory Lounge.
White-gloved waitresses serving up a delicious selection of mini sandwiches, scones with cream & Jam and pretty little cakes all served on one of those 3- tiered cake stands. Several different tea blends to choose from and wonderful views to enjoy while sailing along.
But I want to do it on dry land, at Betty’s, with fat rascals, hot buttered tea cakes, scones and lots and lots of different types of cake, in luxury! 😋
I think that is what a bucket list is Janice
ReplyDeleteI have every intention of doing my trip .
Not yet a while though.
I was fortunate enough to go to a Northern meet up and yes Penny Clare is lovely too..
Plus when you go up north you get Yorkshire Tea.
In my opinion the best there is.
In the poshest places down here the tea is very weak.
In a complete change of subject, I am currently watching a huge bush fire on the outskirts of Glasgow! Utterly bizarre to say the least...
ReplyDeleteJust googled this, how? I know you’ve not had much rain but it’s not been that hot, could some idiot have dropped a cigarette, or could it have been deliberate?
DeleteDon't know as of yet how it started KP - 04:51 and it's still going strong. I can see the flames from here all along the top of The Kilpatrick Hills.
DeleteIt did lead to an amazing sunset last night.
At the risk of repeating myself, Thank You for all your kind remarks about my music choices. I am so pleased that others have enjoyed listening. Cheers.
ReplyDeleteThis is what I hoped would happen AV!
DeleteI do agree with you on the point of weak tea LanJan.
ReplyDeleteThe posher the venue the weaker the tea.
I've got friends who like their tea so weak I call it brown water. I think waving the teabag above the cup gave about the right strength for them. I'm sure they'd be amused to know this makes them posh ; )
DeleteMy father-in-law drank Yorkshire Tea by the gallon. Eldest child in a shoe has inherited his tastes. Mind you, ECiaS recently bought some jam doughnut flavoured beer (!) something Dad would never have touched in a million years.
I recently ran out of tea bags and can't get to.my Asian shop for more. My son suggested ordering them online which I did and now have a giant bag of Yorkshire tea to last me beyond the lock down. I have a feeling from listening to our mayor that us oldies will have to stay in lockdown beyond the present one due to end on the 3rd May.
ReplyDeleteI like my tea strong, and though living down south, we only ever buy Yorkshire Tea. I started getting it because they do a blend, in a green box, for hard water areas. We are in the hardest water area possible so it was great. But since having a very efficient water softener installed we can now buy the red box. Hooray!
ReplyDeleteTalking about weak tea, we often have ( had, before virus) an afternoon cuppa with our next door neighbours. They serve what I would call milk with a dash! The weakest tea imaginable, I can hardly drink it. When they come to us, I have to pour out their teas seconds after the hot water hits the tea in the teapot! Hardly worth the effort of making it!
LanJan 7.36 20th April
ReplyDeleteI have to confess, that although I live in Whitby, I have never been to Botham's, these days due to dietry restrictions (health ) I rarely eat out.
I do remember Bettys as a child and their wonderful chocolate cake, mainly Harrogate, though there was one in Leeds at one time.
I often look in Botham's window on my way to the dentist and long for a Jap fancy, one wouldn't be enough though.
I have to admit I don’t like strong tea and Mr S drinks the Yorkshire tea in our house. I am part of the waft the tea bag from the next room brigade. Can’t stand milk either so it’s weak earl grey (preferably Taylor’s/Betty’s) or lemon tea for me. However offer me an espresso and I am in heaven☕️ Definitely not posh either.
ReplyDeleteGary, not good news about the fire in Glasgow. Hope they are able to put it out soon.
Just occurred to me that there is something else I’d like to do before I expire.
ReplyDeleteTravel on the Orient Express! Not just down to the south coast but the full journey down to Venice (if that’s where it goes these days)
A bit of supreme luxury, lovely scenery, steam railway nostalgia, fine food etc accompanied, of course, by a copy of Agatha Christie's famous book. 🤩😍
OWiAS. Re Otis In the background. I don’t think he would have been allowed to play. The Americans can’t spell.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 7yrs old my lovely teacher Miss Bell took myself and school friend to afternoon tea in the city. Lots of frilly aprons and posh tables. The tea was wonderful, cream buns, sandwiches, toasted pancakes and scones. All layered up, it was heaven. I continued this with my sisters but not today, it’s not the same quality. Have been to Betty’s and thought it was overrated and over priced. The tea was awful and I pointed this out to the waitress.
Annieveggie. Soup glorious soup. As a veg grower I make lots of soup. Leek, tomato 🍅 cauliflower, squash, onion, all with fresh bread. What could be better even at a dinner party.
ReplyDelete