Drovers Barn, Whitney-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR3 6EU, GB
Still a star in my eyes
My dear late mom Sheila (see here) was for all of her life a huge Deanna Durbin fan. For those of a certain generation who never heard of the lady, Deanna Durbin was a movie phenomenon in the 1930s and '40s and at one time was the highest paid star in Hollywood. Just listen to her voice even now and you'll understand why. She is the nearest thing you will hear next to an angel, and bear in mind in those days there was no Dolby or magic mastering, she was sheer natural talent personified. Suddenly and unexpectedly, after just a few years of fame, she became disillusioned with the industry ('I retired in revenge for all of those crap scripts they gave me' she once remarked in a rare interview), shunned the limelight, moved to France and never sang publicly again except in her local church. A true enigma.
Mom often told me the tale about when, as a very young girl, she was a member of Deanna's fan club of the era and had a poster on her wall showing the tiniest bit of cleavage; her own mother was a 19th Century prude (frankly, as I recall, an awful woman in many other respects too, but that's another tale) who insisted my mom placed a little sticker over the offending bit, but that didn't put her off. In later years as my tastes in music broadened, and although still at heart a 'rock' man, I, too, became a fan of the songstress and I enrolled us both in what was by then the Deanna Durbin Appreciation Society. It was one of our greatest pleasures in her later years when, in the summer of 2015, on what proved to be mom's final visit to her parents' grave in Wakefield, we stopped by on the way back at the Deanna Durbin Appreciation Society AGM that was being held in a rather nice hotel in Stoke on Trent . By coincidence I had recently broadcast a 'radio special' on Deanna and, with mom's first visit to a meeting too after years of membership, we were treated like royalty.
It was fortunate we went, because shortly afterwards and with Deanna having reached well into her 90s before dying, thus denying the Society's raison d'etre, the Society folded. So, when my own mom followed suit shortly before Christmas, what was I to do with the her collection of ephemera and memorabilia? The accompanying image shows just a small selection which I felt was simply too intrinsically valuable to go unappreciated. So, after a few emails and exchanges of details, I am delighted to say that mom's collection has been snapped up by no less than the museum and archives section of AMPAS, otherwise known as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and perhaps even better known as the home of the Oscars.
Henceforth mom's collection and lifelong enthusiasm can be enjoyed in perpetuity with millions of visitors. Great stuff; I can't help thinking that even in death my beloved mom can still leave her mark.
International Slingshot Day 20th February
Our friends at SimpleShot (a USA-based company specialising in, and promoting the responsible use of, high quality slingshots and slingbows) have designated February 20th as International Slingshot Day.
Example above (for target use with personal choice of bandset) hand-made by author.
Through companies like SimpleShot the humble slingshot (or catapult, as they are known in the UK) is becoming increasingly respected as a bona fide target sport. In addition to an upsurge in regional affiliations there is now a World Slingshot Association (plus other groups) and moves are afoot to include slingshots in the Olympics alongside archery.
Example above (for dispersing fishing bait) hand-made by author.
SimpleShot have requested submissions for enthusiasts to contribute their own tales of how they became involved in slingshots and who inspired them.
This is my submission. Read it at the download below (A year in the life; the journal of a slingshot rookie) and the significance of the example above made for me by a dear friend, sadly no longer with us, becomes self-explanatory.
Some more examples of the author's hand-made 'naturals'
see also Blog What did you do during lockdown? 24th August 2021 by clicking here.
Launched on 18.2.22 to celebrate Simpleshot's 10th anniversary, here is their stunning limited edition Axiom-X. Crafted in anodised CNC-engineered aluminium it is adjustable for fork width and orientation and incorporates a fibre-optic sighting reference. My gunmetal version (it also comes in black) is being held by my other half Mary (Sparrow, click here). Oh, she also asks me to mention that she just had her nails done. Nice.
Learn more about this beautiful slingshot madness by clicking here.
The author letting rip on an unsuspecting bean can in his garden at competition distance of 10 metres firing 9.5mm clay balls using 0.7mm black flat-band. Backstop and safety equipment just out of shot, but note use of safety glasses. (Protective glove advisable if using darts.)
Rig is a SimpleShot Scout LT (stock bands and pouch) black frame with orange handle carrying optional internal handle-weight. See www.simple-shot.com
And finally, the most delicate puddy-tat you ever did see
This is the delightfully diminutive Charlie, a blue British Short Hair who has lived here longest so she really is an integral part of it all. Originally named Charles Henry Arthur (pedigree puss = pedigree name) she had to be rapidly renamed Charlotte Henrietta Arabella after a few weeks of uncertainty as a kittie-puss when we noticed various important little bits hadn't dropped into place. It doesn't seem to have affected her psychologically to any great degree and she is universally adorable. And actually runs the other cats and dogs ragged; she is definitely Missie Boss Cat!
And that just about concludes our intermittent meetings with the GFEnts & Sparrow Website Cats Collective. We hope you have enjoyed them unexpectedly popping up as you browse; certainly your feedback suggests as much, for which many thanks. It all adds to the mix, does it not? Some websites can be so very serious!
NOW, ON WITH THE 'BITS' (DON"T FORGET THERE'S MORE AFTER THIS SECTION TOO) AND THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR INTEREST ...
'New horizons ...'
LOCAL WRITER & BROADCASTER GRANTED FELLOWSHIP
Extract from Media release dated 15.2.21
An award-winning writer and broadcaster is celebrating following his appointment as Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG).
Graham Fisher MBE FRGS, formerly living in the Black Country area of the West Midlands but now based on the Welsh border near Hay-on-Wye, has received the accolade in recognition of his work with the RGS (with IBG) on the Midlands inland waterways network and the Stourbridge Glass industry together with his wider involvement in social, environmental and educational matters over many years in both the professional and voluntary sectors.
Quotable quote:
Graham says: ‘I am immensely proud to have been elected to such a distinguished group. Many Fellows are household names and all of them are eminent in their chosen fields so my admission to their ranks is a great honour’.
The RGS (with IBG)
The Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers) is ‘the UK’s learned society and professional body for geography.' www.rgs.org
Founded in 1830 the society’s aim is to advance geography and support geographers in the UK and across the world. It reaches millions of people across the globe each year in advancing its cause. Its prestigious medals and awards ‘recognise excellence in geological research and fieldwork, teaching and public engagement.’
This all-encompassing catchment allows for a broad base of membership.
Fellows of the society come from a wide range of professional backgrounds from all over the world and across a range of disciplines from academia to experienced specialists. Their contributions may support the society’s work by diverse ways of field-work, exploration, research, education and the media.
GF celebrates following news of his appointment as Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers).
'A complete surprise ...'
LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Extract from Media release dated 19.10.18
A Black Country writer and broadcaster now resident on the Welsh border in Herefordshire has been recognised for his contribution to the airwaves with a certificate for ‘outstanding commitment to voluntary service in Dudley Borough’. Graham Fisher MBE was given the accolade on Thursday 18th October at the annual Dudley CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) awards held in Brierley Hill Civic Hall, where a selection of nominees and organisations representing a wide spectrum of activities across the Borough were acknowledged.
The accompanying citation reads: ‘He is a former Chairman of Stourbridge Radio Group Ltd, the operating company of 102.5 The ‘Bridge, where he also presented the flagship Breakfast Show. In addition to conducting is own independent podcasts he currently broadcasts on Black Country Radio, the successor to 102.5 The ‘Bridge and is ‘the voice of the Black Country’ for History West Midlands’.
LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
Since moving to the Borderlands Graham’s Tales From the Barn (available as a free download from his website) have proved increasingly popular in offering a sideways glance at life in his native Black Country from the perspective of his adopted land.
His work with History West Midlands (free download at www.historywm.com) offers a picture of people and places around that area, whilst he can also be heard daily undertaking community announcements on Black Country Radio (BCR) together with ad hoc live appearances on both BCR and other stations.
Graham, who contributes to both commercial and community-based radio, says: ‘This came as a complete surprise. Being more usually associated with inland waterways and Stourbridge Glass it is really gratifying to have my long-standing broadcasting work acknowledged in this way. It is a great honour and I am much indebted to those who saw fit to nominate and select me'.
LOCAL AUTHOR RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD
GF at Brierley Hill Civic Hall and his certificate for outstanding commitment to voluntary service in Dudley Borough. (see also Pics).
A heartbreaking tale, posted 27.5.18
We are saddened beyond measure to learn of the loss of mv Oliver Cromwell, the largest hotel boat operating on the inland waters of the UK, which tragically sank on the afternoon of Friday 25th May 2018.
The former barge was being towed from Gloucester Docks, having served 25 years as a floating hotel, to a new home in Ireland when she we
We are saddened beyond measure to learn of the loss of mv Oliver Cromwell, the largest hotel boat operating on the inland waters of the UK, which tragically sank on the afternoon of Friday 25th May 2018.
The former barge was being towed from Gloucester Docks, having served 25 years as a floating hotel, to a new home in Ireland when she went down about 12 miles off Anglesey.
Erstwhile owners English Holiday Cruises Ltd (EHC) have issued a statement clarifying the situation thus far, pending investigation into the incident by the relevant authorities.
GF was engaged with EHC for several years and so this devastating loss is particularly profound to all of us here at GFEnts.
mv Oliver Cromwell 1922 - 2018.
Farewell, ol' friend.
mv Oliver Cromwell at her mornings in Gloucester, 2009.
A clip of this magnificent vessel's final moments - be warned, it is quite distressing - can be viewed at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-wales-44263757/paddle-steamer-sinks-into-irish-sea-off-anglesey-coast
'Captain GF' at the bridge of mv Oliver Cromwell on her berth, Gloucester, 2007.
GF would like to express his shared sadness with anyone touched by this event, particularly the Clements family and staff at EHC, the new owners and, of course, all who sailed in her and inevitably enjoyed a wonderful time in her company.
A fulsome tribute
'Captain GF' at the bridge of mv Oliver Cromwell on her berth, Gloucester, 2007.
GF would like to express his shared sadness with anyone touched by this event, particularly the Clements family and staff at EHC, the new owners and, of course, all who sailed in her and inevitably enjoyed a wonderful time in her company.
A fulsome tribute to Ollie can be heard at TFTB, Episode 22 Goodbye ol' friend.
From the archives
Montgomery Canal Walk
St. David's Day (1st March) 1986
St. David's Day (1st March) 1986
A sponsored non-stop walk along the entire length of the Montgomery Canal, at that time virtually completely derelict and abandoned since 1936. Commencing from the disused basins in Newtown, Powys, and heading northwards to Welsh Frankton, a distance estimated at 36 miles 120 yards, it was undertaken, fittingly on St. David's Day in bitingly cold late-winter weather. A larger legible image is in Pics.
St. David's Day (1st March) 1986
St. David's Day (1st March) 1986
St. David's Day (1st March) 1986
Personally sponsored by HRH Prince of Wales , at whose request the amount he donated has never been revealed, the walk established a record in perpetuity that, in view recent restoration work , is unlikely to be replicated under the same conditions. Monies raised amounted to one of the largest single donations ever made to the Trust. A larger legible image is in Pics.
The Circumnavigation Project
The Circumnavigation Project
The Circumnavigation Project
The follow-up project to the walk of 1986, this sought to establish the possible link between Wales and the Black Country in a circular route. With no records of it being attempted previously or since, the event is, as with the walk of '86, unique. A token 'cargo', a lump of coal mounted in a display case, was carried along the entire journey and subsequently gifted to Stourbridge Navigation Trust. A larger legible image is in Pics.
May 1989
The Circumnavigation Project
The Circumnavigation Project
Supported again by HRH Prince of Wales, who has a stretch of the 'Montie' named after him, the event was intended to raise awareness of the waterways, which, at the time, did not enjoy the level of support that they do today and so it was felt on this occasion the generation of interest was more appropriate than raising cash. Whilst the journey received extensive coverage, some finances were also raised. A larger legible image is in Pics.