My Mother-In-Law
Marianne Hall tells of monumental mother-in-law problems.
Home | Open Features
Marianne Hall tells of monumental mother-in-law problems.
...birds of every description, most of which seem to live in our garden which, in October, is ablaze with brilliant red bottle-brush trees...
Jacqueline Dowling is keeping a friendly eye on neighbours of the feathered variety.
...birds of every description, most of which seem to live in our garden which, in October, is ablaze with brilliant red bottle-brush trees...
Jacqueline Dowling is keeping a friendly eye on neighbours of the feathered variety.
...There is a kind of miracle for me in holding a piece of paper that someone wrote on centuries ago, to read their thoughts and discover through their eyes, the times they experienced...
Mary Pilfold-Allan relishes a lecture on Sir Frank Whittle, the pioneering designer of the jet engine.
Derek McQueen's story tells of a bitter rivalry - and its dire consequences,
Derek McQueen's story tells of a bitter rivalry - and its dire consequences,
Kul Bhushan records the death of Kenya's motor rallying legend, Joginder Singh, the first Kenya Indian driver ever to win an international rally.
Kul reported on some of Joginder's greatest rallying triumphs.
Jacqueline Dowling brings the sights, the sounds, the scents of South Africa in this vivid tale.
Derek McQueen's story tells of disappointing days in court.
Chaarvi Modi, an intern with Kul Bhushan, shares her experiences of the vibrant Navratri festival from the very heart of Gujarat!
Continue reading "Nine Garba Nights: Dancing Round A Goddess" »
"I confess, faced with such waste, I do occasionally stoop to retrieve a recently fallen fig and taste its delicious flesh. The moment I savour the flavour I am instantly transported back to childhood,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan.
Martin Rother concludes his sci-fi tale.
...There are some 3000 wrecks along the Southern African coast and, after shivering through our present and extended winter, it's not difficult to imagine why...
Jacqueline Dowling writes about the Cape of Storms.
Karen Wilson tells of a visit to enchanting grottos.
Karen Wilson tells of a visit to enchanting grottos.
Marianne Hall brings us the latest disaster experienced by Petronella.
To read more stories in the hugely entertaining Petronella series please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=marianne+hall
"Why is there such an upsurge of interest in the - let’s face it – rather boring bun?'' muses Mary Pilfold-Allan in this tasty column.
Martin Rothery continues his sci-fi tale.
Martin Rothery continues his sci-fi tale.
Noted Former Kenyan Newspaper Editor, Kul Bhushan, reviews this heritage calendar with exultant memories of his 45-year stay in Kenya and his personal relations with many of the outstanding Sikhs pictured on its 12 pages.
Continue reading "Sikh Calendar - Enjoyed By President Obama?" »
Marianne Hall vividly and memorably writes about her days as a volunteer in an old people's home.
"Pheasants are one of the pure delights of the countryside, an imported species that has thrived and added colour to many a drab winter’s day,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan.
But what about shooting the birds for sport?
Do read on...
"Pheasants are one of the pure delights of the countryside, an imported species that has thrived and added colour to many a drab winter’s day,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan.
But what about shooting the birds for sport?
Do read on...
Most young people are in love with themselves, writes Kul Bhushan.
...The garage doors swung open. Out rushed my father, frantically rubbing his eyes. He was covered in flour, from top to toe...
Marianne Hall tells a tale that is sure to please.
In the past 10 weeks Alfred Mielacher has been telling the story of a young man who went to sea in search of adventure.
Today there is a shocking conclusion.
...I looked straight up into the clouds. The monster under my feet was on a balancing act on top of a huge wave. In slow motion we tilted over it and a short distance away I saw the next wave rolling towards us...
Alfred Mielacher continues his tale of a young man who went to sea in search of adventure.
Ninety-five-year-old Elizabeth Kay launches into the story of her life.
Ninety-five-year-old Elizabeth Kay launches into the story of her life.
...The majestic Chao Phraya river curls like a giant brown python through the City of Angels...
Winston Ash brings a vivid word portrait of life in Thailand's capital city, Bangkok.
...Drinking coffee on the quayside that early morning, while watching the passing parade of boats, it was easy to drift back down the centuries to when Vikings ruled and traded; their longboats facing relentless Atlantic furies...
Jacqueline Dowling visits the Faroes.
...Life had turned into an unforgettable adventure since I had left for Hamburg. My time on board the vessel was exiting and enriching...
Alfred Mielacher continues his tale concerning a young man who went to sea in search of adventure - and found it!
Fred Tidball
Kenyans have a special interest in the Royal Family despite 50 years of being an independent country. After all, the Queen became the Queen in Kenya! Prince Charles visited Kenya umpteen times on safari and remembers that William proposed to Katie on a farm near Nanyuki, Kenya. Kul Bhushan had an eclectic exchange of mails with his Kenyan friends as soon as the big Katie wait was over.
...Sannie rushed to the phone.
“Willem, you must come quickly, man. Your mother is changing into a hippopotamus!”...
Marianne Hall bring us another chuckle-filled Petronella story.
A vivid impression of the sights and sounds of daily life in the African port of Mombasa in the olden days is recalled by Kersi Rustomji, the author of Jambo Paulo, Jambo Mikhali.
A vivid impression of the sights and sounds of daily life in the African port of Mombasa in the olden days is recalled by Kersi Rustomji, the author of Jambo Paulo, Jambo Mikhali.
Chaarvi Modi, an intern with journalist and author Kul Bhushan, recalls a US trip during which she challenged the misconceptions of non-resident Indians about India and discovered that settling abroad is not for everyone.
...Finally the 4 hours came to an end. Four hours in a stinky, hot and deafening engine room were as much as I could handle in a single stretch. All I wanted to do was eat something and go to sleep. To be honest, I cannot remember what my first dinner consisted of or what it tasted like! My first sleep in that strange bed however I do remember clearly – restless and uncomfortable at best!...
Alfred Mielacher continues his story of a young Austrian man who goes to sea in search of adventure.
...Finally the 4 hours came to an end. Four hours in a stinky, hot and deafening engine room were as much as I could handle in a single stretch. All I wanted to do was eat something and go to sleep. To be honest, I cannot remember what my first dinner consisted of or what it tasted like! My first sleep in that strange bed however I do remember clearly – restless and uncomfortable at best!...
Alfred Mielacher continues his story of a young Austrian man who goes to sea in search of adventure.
Jacqueline Dowling recommends a great place for Cape folk to meet.
...On Monday with a pounding heart in my chest and right on time, I introduced myself to the receptionist at Deutsche Shell. She acted very pleased and cheerful for a Monday morning. Pleased because I would fill-in for the engineers assistant who had an unexpected emergency and could not take the pre-booked ride...
Alfred Mielacher continues his novel concerning a young man who leaves his homeland seeking a chance to go to sea and find adventure.
Marianne Hall recalls her rocky entry into the world of work.
... As we head for home on Saturday morning via Marble Arch tube station and the Central Line, the up escalator is awash with aged fans wearing garish T-shirts and vest tops emblazoned with vivid tongues, huge pouting lips or silhouettes...
Mary Pilfold-Allan says the Rolling Stones will always be number one in her book - though her admiration of aging Stones fans is distinctly lacking.
Derek Mcqueen tells a ghostly theatrical tale.
Alfred Mielacher continues his story of a young man who decided to go to sea in search of adventure - only to find himself in the midst of a bigger adventure than he had bargained for.
Jacqueline Dowling's story tells of apocalyptic events at the annual nativity play.
Alfred Mielacher continues his story concerning a young man who wanted to go to sea in search of adventure, then found himself in deeper waters than he could have imagined.
Jacqueline Dowling tells of an inspirational group of friends who are encouraging children to read books.
In Marianne Hall's latest Petronella tale the lady is planning for her final event.
Continue reading "Petronella. The Priest And The Undertaker" »
Alfred Mielacher continues his tale of a young man who leaves home to go to sea, only to find himself involved in a muder mystery.
...Late summer throbbed and hummed all around as our ship nudged the harbour wall, shuddered gently, and was still. Iceland, at last, with Ìsafjarđardjúp bay stretching out calm, silken and misty before us...
Jacqueline Dowling brings a shining word portrait of a magnificent country and its wildlife.
...How does one experience virgin nature? What do you feel after pushing yourself beyond your endurance and exhausting yourself after a death defying adventure?...
Kul Bhushan interviews an intrepid young Indian woman who travels the world alone.
...The sky in the West, was alive with beautiful yellows, pinks and reds only to be seen when the sun set in the Highveld. Jack looked around carefully to see if there was any sign of activity in the areas he could still see. The place he had selected would soon be dark, so he set off from his hideaway at an angle, and made his way slowly down the hill, careful not to disturb any loose material he came across. Once he reached the area he had reconnoitred, he moved quietly across to the nearest building: a burnt out hardware store, and knelt down among the charred remains...
Jack decides to make a momentous journey.
Jake van der Wilden continues his novel concerning a man struggling to survive after the collapse of civilisation.
...Whenever Karl wasn’t looking Candice sent me one of those ice-berg-melting glances accompanied by a wink. Luckily I was sitting because my knees felt like jam ready to be smeared onto a croissant!...
Alfred Mielacher continues his story of a young lad who goes in search of adventure and encounters the beautiful Candice.
...Whenever Karl wasn’t looking Candice sent me one of those ice-berg-melting glances accompanied by a wink. Luckily I was sitting because my knees felt like jam ready to be smeared onto a croissant!...
Alfred Mielacher continues his story of a young lad who goes in search of adventure and encounters the beautiful Candice.
Single Indian Woman ventures where hard-boiled, hardy types do not tread. Wanderlust addict Anjaly Thomas, takes you deep into tropical jungles, up in the rare mountain air and far-out destinations no normal woman has ever been , writes Special Correspondent Kul Bhushan.
Alfred Mielacher continues his tale of a young lad whp, having left home in search of adventure, finds himself in Holland, looking for a blond girl he once met.
"Bible Camp is a good place to make new friends, meet up with old ones, and it’s a good time for everyone,'' writes Pamy Blaine.
...“Good Heavens,” said Terry to Petronella. "I didn’t realize you had such big feet.”...
Marianne Hall tells what happened when Petronella decides to go hiking.
Alfred Mielacher begins a most inriguing tale concerning a lad who is determined to go to sea.
"The main thing I've learned about life is that I still have a lot to learn about life,'' writes Pamy Blaine.
Yvonne Trunkwald reminds us of how lucky many of us are.
"A feeling of relief, joy and freedom pervaded. It had been such a long time...''
Aloysius Joosten tells of the ending of the German occupation of Holland.
...'How do you know when to yield?' I ask.
'It's simple' he replies. 'Fella comin' down make way for fella comin' up. Ye jus' gotta hoot plenty.'
And 'plenty' is exactly what happens...
Jacqueline Dowling concludes her wonderful word-portrait of the island where Napolean spent his final years.
..."There were children who were homesick. It was very traumatic at that young age to be placed with strangers during the German occupation. They had to adjust from city to rural life. They were used to running water and sanitation.''...
Aloysius Joosten continues his account of life in rural Holland during the war years.
...“This job will make you grow,” said Mr Havenga, Secretary of the Germiston School Board.
The position of school attendance officer was vacant and I had decided to transfer from that of administrative officer at Jeppe High to one at the school board...
Marianne Hall tells of the astonishing experiences she had in he job.
... A short walk along the sea-front and we cross a narrow bridge over the dry castle moat, through an archway set in massively thick stone walls, into the most perfectly preserved replica of an eighteenth century colonial town...
Jacqueline Dowling paints a gorgeous word-portrait of St. Helena Island.
Aloysius Joosten was nine years old when the Germans invaded Holland in World War Two. He still has vivid memories of those times.
This is the second article in a five-part series.
...During the winter everyone gathered in the living room. There was only one lamp on the table so all activity centred around it. Those who had to study did so by lamplight...
Aloysius Joosten continues his account of what life was like in Holland during the German occupation.
...Days went by without as much as a single spark of contact from Sir Log. I was starting to wonder if that whole thing about having spoken to fire wood was just a figment of my imagination. Perhaps I have gone cuckoo...
Alfried Mielacher concludes his highly imaginative story.
Aloysius Joosten was nine years old when Germans invaded his homeland, Holland.
Holland had declared itself neutral. The Germans had other ideas. As the Dutch were unprepared they virtually had no resistance to offer, and when Rotterdam and Utrecht were threatened with bombing they surrendered.
This is the first of five articles by Aloysius about his wartime experiences. The second article will appear next weekend.
Ed Hootstein of Gloucester, Massachusetts, has stared death in the face so many times its amazing he has survived to celebrate his 70th birthday!
Ed today tells us of some of his adventures - and misadventures.
Settle down for a long edge-of-your-seat read.
Alfred Meilacher continues his astonishing tale.
...“My friend, we consider you as unrefined when you are under the influence of alcohol and only then! Otherwise, in an un-inebriated state of consciousness you are a great human being. About your second question, we forgive you for being in a state of tipsiness!”...
Alfred Mielacher continues his astonishing tale.
...She kissed him back, but soon pulled away and said urgently, “Tom mustn’t see us together. He’s vowed to kill you again, -if you ever come near me. But as we’re soul mates, we’re destined to be together. So hopefully one day we’ll break through the time barrier that’s keeping us apart and then we’ll be together, forever.”...
Joy Bassetti Kruger tells a time-spanning tale of love and murder.
...The mania about this communication with logs is the discomfort one suffers by knowing one’s thoughts are not private. This at the best of times is not a superior position to find one-self in...
Alfred Meilacher continues his astonishing tale.
...As it surged up to the eighteenth floor Petronella felt her stomach do a sudden drop and a wave of nausea swept over her. Then, suddenly, with a tremendous bump the lift came to a stop.
"Damn!” swore Willem irritably. “It looks as if the bloody thing is stuck.”...
Marianne Hall brings us another of her delicious Petronella sories.
Alfred Mielacher continues his imaginative tale.
Alfred Mielacher brings us the fifth part of his astonishing tale.
Marianne Hall tells movingly of nursing her husband Bob through his final days.
...“Are you saying that you know what I am thinking before I am actually thinking it?”
“Not before you start thinking a thought.”
“Start thinking a thought? Are you saying you know the full extent of it before I do? That is hellishly scary, you know!” I replied.''...
Alfred Mielacher continues his highly original tale.
Alfred's story was edited by Anne Coetzee. Watch out for further episodes in Open Writing on forthcoming Sundays.
" I looked down at the skeletal face of a stranger, wisps of hair on a head practically bald, desperate eyes devoid of emotion. Was this the man I had married thirty-five years ago?''
Marianne Hall tells of confronting the situation we all dread.
Kul Bhushan brings a report on the Kenyan elections.
Continue reading "Kenyan Indians Voting In General Elections" »
Liz Thompson, a regular columnist in Open Writing, wrote this history of the Anglican church in Bright, a beautiful village in the hill country of Victoria, Australia.
...“It is only fair for you to know that it has been a very long time since Master Smoke had chosen another Earthling to open up to!”
“What do you mean by Master Smoke? Who is this guy? What is going on here?”...
Alfred Mielacher continues his highly original tale.
Alfred's story was edited by Anne Coetzee. Watch out for further episodes in Open Writing on forthcoming Sundays.
Here is a link to St. Matthew's Choir Ealing's performance of Bach's Christmas Oratorio.
The orchestra was brought together by David Marsh from friends and a few Royal Academy of Music students. David okays the viola in the orchestra.
Sit back and give yourself the time to enjoy some of the finest music ever composed.
...The craft was not difficult for someone of Helen’s artistic ability; what she found much harder was learning to talk naturally, to show an interest in the other students’ work, to admire their techniques, to ask Julian for advice, and generally to appear as a member of the human race...
There's a reason why painfully shy Helen has become a recluse as Judith Power reveals in this intriguing story.
...As we approached the cottage we heard the sound of someone singing and we were able to make out the words of “The Rose of Arranmore” which happened to be one of Jim’s favourites. “Boys o”, he said but Mrs Dorian has the gramophone going early this day.” Hardly had the words left his mouth when the good woman herself appeared at the door.
“Ach, it’s yourself Jim and the caddie. Willie, isn’t it? Sure you’re stretching up. I’ll warrant you you’ve grown a few inches since I last saw you. Come away on in the both of you. It’s a good drop of tay and a bite to eat you’ll be ready for after your journey and your work at the turf bank.”...
Alan McConnell brings us another delectable slice of life as it used to be in rural Ireland.
Continue reading "A Party And A Visit To The Turf Bog - Part Two" »
Wendy Ogbourne has plucked up the courage to combat the supermarket self-service checkout.
...Throughout my childhood I nurtured a deep held grievance against my parents. I loved them dearly but could not forgive them for landing me with a double barrelled name – and a silly one at that....
Wynn-Dawes was mocked because of his name but there came a day of sweet revenge, as revealed in this tale by Jean Cowgill.
Was Petronalla a "hit'' when she went to the Kareoke?
Mariannce Hall brings us another choice tale involving her unforgettable fictional character.
"So, my favourite king of all time, the last Plantagenet Richard Crookback aka Richard III, has been found. Three feet under, sans crown, sans horse, sans feet. Sans everything actually. The final ignominy of this discovery has surely to be the nature of the latters' disappearance: to wit the erection in the 19th century of a privy, right over his noble remains, in the process,severing his feet.Hall's Croft, Stratford upon Avon, sometime in the 20th century,'' writes Jacqueline Dowling.
...“Stop looking so worried and confused! Look into the fire and you will stare right at me!”...
Alfred Mielacher begins a most intriguing tale.
Alfred's story was edited by Anne Coetzee. Watch out for further episodes in Open Writing on forthcoming Sundays.
Wendy Ogbourne asks the big question.
Jacqueline Dowling takes us to hot and humid Buenos Aires.
Jacqueline Dowling tells of unexpected guests at the craft fair.
Derek Mcqueen's tale concerns a lady who sought revenge with a cup of tea.
"Far too many children are Apping instead of reading. How do we fix it?'' writes Jacqueline Dowling, who is engaged in helping to fix the problem.
With snow and ice holding Britain in their freezing grip columnist Mary Pilfold-Allan asks a pertinent question: "Have those born after 1980 been blessed with a central heating gene that the rest of us have been denied?''
"Science changes matter to such a state that one can know the unknown. Spirituality transforms an individual to such a state that he/she can discover the unknowable. Science focuses on matter. Spirituality on individual. Science explores matter. Spirituality enlarges awareness. Science searches outside. Spirituality digs inside,'' writes Kul Bhushan.
...I was a "pick-up". I was standing at a bus stop when a car stopped in front of me. All I remember clearly was a pair of brown eyes asking me if I wanted a lift...
Marianne Hall brings a deeply moving account of love...and loss.
"Leave alone an autobiography, even Osho's biography presents immense challenges - for how can you fill or even distill an ocean into a tank? If you want to drink Osho, savour him in pegs and sip him neat,'' advises Kul Bhushan, a follower of Osho.
Brian Lockett brings us a matter-of-fact tale about end days.
...Yet all wasn’t quite as it should have been. The people he passed were dressed in the style of the 1950s and the traffic on the road was decidedly thinner. Usually at this time of day, the cars were nose to tail coming out of town as the offices closed early on Christmas Eve...
John Waddington-Feather tells a timely tale.
"The male reproductive organ is meant to make love, not war. It contains the most potent and the most powerful human energy of sex. So when this energy goes berserk, all hell breaks loose. Or, rape. This is happening with sickening regularity in India especially in Delhi,'' writes Kul Bhushan.
Jacqueline Dowling brings a wonderfully uplifting Christmas story from Western Cape, South Africa.
"Mine was a magical childhood. One spent running wild with ponies on Dartmoor, exploring Cornish lanes and hearing everywhere the music of the wind, gulls wheeling, eagles
soaring over crags and, on long summer nights, nightingales in the woods,'' writes Jacqueline Dowling.
"Wellness spas are all the rage,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan "or should that be, a sign of the age?''
Petronella finds herself involved in high drama when she takes her small change to the bank.
Matianne Hall brings us another choice tale about a very special character.
...We are a bit of a pack, the neighbour's magnificent, pure white husky, my son and I. We have spent six years pounding the suburb's pavements together on our daily walks...
And the husky could be a life-saver, even in sunburnt Australia, as Jean Cowgill's story reveals.
"An ominous cloud swirled in from the north. Thunder rolled and lightening zig-zagged across the sky. The wind came up. Then the rain came down …….in sleets! This was followed by hail, first small but then increasing in size to that of large golfballs! All hell broke loose!.''
Marianne Hall brings a dramtic account of a violent storm which wreaked a huge amount of damage upon areas in South Africa.
"Despite condemning Black Money, non-resident Indians have helped to increase it,'' reported Kul Bhushan.
Sonia Noble writes of lost love.
"How many lessons the weaver birds could teach some of us?'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan, having observed a colony of the bright yellow nest-builders during a recent soporific sojoun in the southern hemisphere.
"I have always been interested in aircraft. As I child I read all the “Biggles” books. When other girls were playing with dolls, I was building model aeroplanes.''
In this wonderfully engaging feature Marianne Hall recalls her airborne years.
"How many lessons the weaver birds could teach some of us?'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan, having observed the bright yellow nest-builders during a recent sojourn in the southern sun.
Derek McQueen tells a horticultural tale with a gruesome concclusion.
Kul Bhushan writes on the dilema of migration.
Jacqueline Dowling, writing from South Africa, brings a vivid portrait in words of the snoek fishing season.
The property experiences of Non-Resident Indians in the land of their birth can put any horror film to shame, wrote journalist Kul Bhushan.
Kul Bhushan reports on a rise in cybercrime in India.
Marianne Hall brings us another Petronella story. This time Petronella blunders into a job for which she is totally unsuitable.
"'May I have your attention please?' cooed the airhostess, 'We have landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi….' The bleary-eyed passengers perked up to grab their handbags and deplane. “India, my love,” mumbled Jackson Shermann reminding himself to respond to his real name Jaikishen Sharma for the next two weeks,'' writes Kul Bhushan.
Kul Bhushan says Indians living outside their own country face many hurdles in buying property in their homeland.
"Indians settled in Britain are sometimes called 'coconuts' by some of their own social commentators. Brown from outside, e white inside,'' writes Kul Bhushan.
"Though I am sad, contentment and acceptance settle over me as I remember years of love and laughter, happiness and fulfillment, and the remembrance keeps me warm,'' writes Miriam McAtee.
“Paaaammmmmmyyyyyy, come home!” my Mother would sing my name loudly as she stood in the back door to call me home. Her song started on a low note and slowly made it's crescendo to at least an octave higher. You better believe I came home quickly not only because I was taught to come but because the whole neighborhood, and possibly the whole town, would soon know that I was missing, writes Pamy Blaine.
Mirror, mirroron the wall
Who is the most beatiful of all?
Kul Bhushan writes "The problem today is that nine out of ten times you want the mirror to respond 'You. Yes, you'.''
Derek McQueen tells of bleak times in a 19th Century northern industrial city.
Kul Bhushan, journalist, editor and author, highlights scandalous fraud which is ruining thousands of lives.
"While we have sophisticated equipment that monitors and records earthquakes and helps experts narrow down locations that are more susceptible to earthquake occurrences; it is still very difficult for experts to precisely predict when an earthquake will strike a particular region. It is not a question of if what happened in Japan will happen in North America. The question is when,'' writes Deanne Robichaud.
Continue reading "The Hugely Underestimated Earthquake Threat To North America" »
"The gap between a western and an Indian lifestyle has narrowed dramatically in the last five years,'' advises Kul Bhushan addressing Indian emigres who are thinking of returning to their homel;and.
"Professionals returning to India have special concessions under the Customs rules. Used household articles that have been in his possession for at least six months abroad can be brought in custom free up to a value of Rs 75,000,'' writes Kul Bhushan.
Australia’s federal government is to consider permitting the hunting of saltwater crocodiles for a trial period as their numbers soar in the country’s tropical north. The salties - which can grow up to seven metres in length and weigh more than a ton - have been protected since the 1970s, with their population estimated at over 150,000. Derek Hudson recalls a 1986 visit to salty territory.
"As a veteran of six Olympic Games, which have stretched over four continents, it seems surreal that London 2012 is so close to home,'' writes sports journalist Tony Bugby in this exclusive report for Open Writing.
"If we search our hearts, most of us would not change places with any of the people who are in need of the money the various charities raise,'' writes Shirley Stow.
Kul Bhushan reports that Indians around the world have high expectations of their team competing in the Olympic Games which open in London on Friday.
"I am proud to be British, English and Yorkshire born,'' declares Shirley Stow.
"Faced with looking after three children for a morning, all of them under four years old, I drew on my armour plating and sallied forth,'' writes Mary Basham.
"The house had corrugated iron roof and the rain on it was very loud which I loved. Every evening or some nights even, a strange thing occurred in the roof. The ceiling was made of thick compressed paper pulp. During the heat of the day the roof tins and the timbers expanded. In the cool of the evening or the night as these contracted, there were very loud rumbling noises in the ceiling.''
Kersi Rustomji vividly and entertainingly recalls his early days in East Africa.
"On sixth of January 1936, my Mummy, your Grandma Jeroo, was taken to the Mulago hospital in Kampala, Uganda. It was late in the evening and I had started mischief in Granny Jeroo’s tummy. At exactly five minutes past six on the morning of the seventh I was born and cried a lot because I had my bottom smacked,'' writes Kersi Rustomji, recalling his early days.
Today Open Writing introduces you to a new author, Kersi Rustomji.
Kersi was born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1936. He spent his early childhood in Mwanza, Tanganyika, now Tanzania.
As a child, he grew up with a man of the Sukuma tribe, who mentored him in the magic of the wilderness, its flora and fauna.
Here are some words of introduction by journalist and author Kul Bhushan, then some introductory words by Kersi himself.
“Life is the journey not the destination so we should never confine ourselves to only one level of thought, there is a little bit of truth in everything. But we do need to give ourselves goals or challenges to keep us on course. In the end I think our only rewards are brief moments of enlightenment.''
Marianne Hall brings us an interview with a fascinating character, Baroness Joan Elizabeth von Memerty.
Baroness Joan Elizabeth von Memerty
Former Yorkshire Post chief reporter Derek Hudson, later publishing editor of Writers’ News and Writing Magazine, concludes his account of experiences with British troops during the Falklands Campaign which ended on June 14 1982 when Argentine forces on the islands surrendered.
Former Yorkshire Post chief reporter Derek Hudson, later publishing editor of Writers’ News and Writing Magazine, continues his account of experiences with British troops during the Falklands Campaign which ended on June 14 1982 when Argentine forces on the islands surrendered.
Former Yorkshire Post chief reporter Derek Hudson, later publishing editor of Writers’ News and Writing Magazine, recalls his experiences with British troops during the Falklands Campaign which ended on June 14 1982 when Argentine forces on the islands surrendered.
Derek McQueen tells a future tale of a sporting business trip to Australia which goes disasterously wrong.
"We were taught camouflage, using mud, cork or burnt grass. My most embarrassing moment was my inability to cross a high mine dump with a full pack. 'Walk sideways!' shouted the Sergeant Major. Finally, two men hauled me to the top and I rolled down the other side,'' writes Marianne Hall, telling of her time in the Commandos.
Nilam Ashra-McGrath brings entertaining thoughts on how to use your public library in this modern age.
Continue reading "Three Unwritten Rules I Think You Should Know About Using Your Library" »
A writer called Firecracker sends this sobering tale from South Africa.
Dan Bloom reports that American and British newespapers are now going global in print.
"For almost a year I have been researching a woman with a unique place in history yet there is little trace of her existence,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan. "That woman, or more precisely, nineteen-year old girl, became the mother of the first English child to be born on North American soil.''
Derek McQueen tells the tale of a load of top soil delivered into the wrong garden.
...Life is a happy game that begins at the crack of dawn and only improves as the day goes on...
Mary Pearl conveys the joy and responsibility of looking after her grandson Eden - but does a two-and-a-half-year-old fully understand all the words he uses?
"I hope when we catch a glimpse of one of God’s wonders we stop and accept the offering and give ourselves up to the moment and the release that is there for each of us,'' writes Ellie Braun-Haley from Western Canada.
Derek McQueen's tale tells how quizzers Ken and Graham decided to go treasure hunting.
...Just before a route march I seriously sprained my ankle, but found that once the ankle was strapped firmly into the heavy boot I felt no pain. We marched with full pack for nearly three hours and, to this day, I have never had problems with the ankle...
Marianne Hall recalls her days as a commando.
Mike Wood, a writer who has delighted Open Writing readers week by week with his thrilling stories, has had another book published - Somali Kiss.
This story was first serialed in Open Writing under the title A Court Of Fowls. Mike has extensively revised the work.
In this tale by Marianne Hall Petronella gets sweet revenge on a troublesome neighbour.
...Frank sat at the head of the of the beautifully, and specially, laid table and when we were all settled, bowed his head and prayed thanks for our safe arrival and the meal to come...
Derek McQueen sheds tears for a wonderful man he only met once.
Huddersfield Recorded Music Society members had a special treat this week.
Jim Bostwick introduced them to the first complete cycle recorded in stereo of Richard Wagner's four "Ring'' operas - some say the best ever recordings of these monumental works.
Jim told how the recordings have remained "hidden'' for more than 50 years, then, with wit and humour, outlined the "extravagent'' plot of the Ring saga.
The four operas comprising the "Ring'' cycle - Das Rheingold,
Die Walküre, Siegfried and Götterdämmerung - take some 15 hours to perform.
Jim, in a talk laced with musical highlights, summed up the tale in 105 enjoyable minutes.
Dan Bloom, a freelance writer based in Taiwan where he blogs for the Polar Cities Research Institute, profiles a new ecological term coined by Michael Adzema in Oregon.
...Arthur knew he would only be able to steal one of the thirteen paintings in the room. Size would be all-important...
Derek McQueen brings us another tale.
Dan Bloom, a freelance writer based in Taiwan where he blogs for the Polar Cities Research Institute, issues a wake-up call about gobal warming.
Petronella's detective work has disasterous consequences.
Marianne Hall brings us another choice tale.
...Petronella began to feel quite dizzy. Her heart threatened to pound right out of her body. She collapsed on to the floor...
Marianne Hall tells another choice tale.
"Disaster! It’s the week before Christmas and the central heating boiler gave up the ghost. One minute it was chugging along nicely, providing comforting background warmth to every room, the next it had developed a loud and persistent ticking noise and refused to deliver anything resembling heat,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan.
Last summer, writer and researcher Nilam Ashra-McGrath (www.nilamashramcgrath.co.uk) completed a writing-residency at Huddersfield Library, UK, and is now writing a non-fiction book about her experiences. The book will be out in 2012, and you can read the prologue here:
Colin Fisher tells a Christmas tale.
Marianne Hall tells of the origins of the Boy Scouts’ song.
Marianne Hall tells of a battle fought on this day in 1838.
"Is it any wonder we feel like marriage is doomed to fail? If we look around, we see divorce everywhere.,'' writes Shannon Appleby.
...“Ahhhh. Yes, definitely the air smells of wolves today.”...
Anne Steward's tale is filled with love, and the imaginative wonder of childhood.
"‘An der schönen blauen Donau’, better known as ‘The Blue Danube Waltz’ has ingrained itself into my subconscious and whenever I hear it, visions of a snowy Vienna come to mind with all the fun of the festive season eddying around it streets. Waltz tents, buskers, mulled wine and ice cold champagne, braziers for warming hands and roasting chestnuts, fir boughs decorating the streets, market stalls twinkling with lights, the visual memories flood back,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan.
"The Highveld in South Africa is particularly vulnerable to electrical storms. One such storm happened this week. A violent wind blew up, followed by pelting rain. A swirling and circulating electrical storm cell rolled across the landscape. I watched the lightening, zapping from cloud to cloud, illuminating the sky.
"Suddenly, a massive bolt of lightening struck!'' writes Marianne Hall.
... “Would you mind saying something at my funeral?” he said.
For once in my life I didn’t know what to say. So I followed the usual bantering line...
Brian Lockett tells a choice tale.
Is Fred the seets salesman really a nice man? Derek McQueen brings us another surprising tale.
"I can’t really remember when my interest in pilgrimages and pilgrims started. Perhaps it was way back in Sunday School when we read about the most famous pilgrim of them all – John Bunyan’s ‘Valiant’,'' writes Sally Codman, bringing details of the new 65-mile St Paulinus Way which follows the footsteps through Yorkshire of a famous 6th Century Saint.
Continue reading "To Be A Pilgrim In The Footsteps Of St Paulinus" »
Derek McQueen tells of a terrible French meal and a wonderful chateau.
Hariharan Balakrishnan has an "encounter'' with J B S Haldane, an incorrigibly optimistic English scientist who abandoned his native land in protest and emigrated to India.
"By nature I am quite perky about the festive season, the whole shebang. I love the smell of it, fir trees and frost outdoors, spices and warmth indoors. I love the preparation for it, the buying of presents, wrapping them, writing the cards, sending and receiving them. I love the intangible magic of Christmas, but it takes a lot these days to conjure it up after having my senses mauled by the major stores,'' writes columnist Mary Pilfold-Allan.
...Ugh. Mom and Dad’s annual Fourth of July boating party is coming up. Boating’s great, but it requires a bathing suit. And mom uses this festivity as her annual opportunity to put my full figure and lack of procreation in front of the jury....
Shannon Appleby tells a deliciously funny tale of daughter-mom friction. Settle down now. Enjoy a good long read.
Mike Shaw tells of home-made war-time treats.
...In those days an unsprung cart was not the most comfortable way to travel what with none of the minor roads having yet attained the luxury of tarmac. Nevertheless, however uncomfortable the mode of travel I was being borne away from the numerous chores mother invariably found for me on a Saturday and I considered a ride of a few bumpy miles a fair exchange...
Alan McConnell brings us another wonderful, flavourful tale of old Ireland.
Continue reading "A Party And A Visit To The Turf Bog - Part One" »
"Now that it’s official—the war in Iraq is about to come to an end, at least for American soldiers—I have resurrected something I wrote this past Memorial day. When I wrote this piece, my thoughts were directed not to those soldiers who died in battle, but to those young men and women who came back (and are continuing to come back) from Iraq and Afghanistan—only to discover a battlefield far more relentless and infinitely more lonely,'' writes Steve Shear in this brilliant article about the true, and on-going, horrors of warfare.
Marianne Hall brings us another story featuring that extraordinary character, Petronella.
...It was a thirty-minute walk into Sheffield, over the fields and the two friends, neighbours and work-mates set off briskly down Alma Street, past 'The Fat Cat' pub. Both were in working clobber; cloth caps, white scarves, waistcoats and rough jackets. Joe was thirty-six, Jim thirty-three. They looked at least fifty...
Derek McQueen bases his tale on real events which were harsh beyond the imagining of 21st Century man.
...For years I have wanted to visit that bit of southern England from Hastings to Folkestone taking in Romney Marsh and some of the Cinque Ports, principally Rye...
Mary Pilfold-Allan fulfills a dream.
Poet and story teller John Cooper brings us a tale to be read to children. It features Rumple, a golden labrador, and delightful creatures such as Heavylump, Terroducktail and Pider.
Print out this story! Perfect bedtime or any time reading!
...Aboard ship I had an intense curiosity and fascination with everyone and everything, entering areas forbidden to passengers. My mother had great difficulty in keeping me under control, and I spent a lot of time over her knee in tears...
Marianne Hall vividly recalls a sea passage from Europe to South Africa.
...Norman managed the drawing office and sat at one end, behind a windowed partition. He shared the space with his deputy, Arnold Worsman. Arnold was hard of hearing. He wore a large, brown Bakelite deaf aid and played games with it. Sometimes he turned it down and heard nothing. Most times he heard but pretended he didn't...
Derek McQueen, with a vividness as though it occurred yesterday, and not decades ago, recalls the characters he met on his first job interview.
...There was not much time for socialising, so I can’t tell you much about Eric’s private life or even if he had one. On the few occasions when we chatted I learned that he had quite a few well-known, even important, friends. For instance he knew Bill Gates quite well. And Richard Branson. And Alan Sugar - as well as several senior government ministers and religious leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury...
Is Eric For real, or is he a Walter Mitty dreamer?
Brian Lockett brings us a deliciously entertaining tale. If your read a better story than this before 2012 comes around we'll be surprised.
Ellie Braun-Haley has positive thoughts on coping with grief.
...“Hey, sit close!” shouted Andrew. Then, with a loud crash the wagon overturned and hit a large boulder. The impending darkness added to the confusion.
“Anne, where are you? Are you hurt?” Andrew had been thrown clear...
Marianne Hall weaves a tale from true events set in what is now South Africa more than 200 years ago.
Derek McQueen's sci-fi tale tells of disaster on the hour-long rocket flight to Perth, Australia.
...‘Writing is a trade just like woodworking or plumbing, and just as difficult to do. The writer must assemble all his tools and materials, then fit them carefully together as a master carpenter constructs a cupboard or a set of bedroom furniture’...
Marianne Hall brings a vivid word portrait of the South African author, Lawrence Green.
"Three words leapt from the paper, hitting me like a kick to the stomach 'Borderline Personality Disorder'. I was alone at the time and it sent me into a panic.,'' writes Sharon Howard.
Continue reading "Who Am I? - An Introduction To MY BPD World" »
"Food is indeed a very uniting ingredient in our lives, something comforting and familiar that can instantly make us feel ‘at home’. The smell of baking bread for example, always takes me straight back to childhood, reproducing in a moment Mr Child’s bakery that once occupied premises in the neighbouring street to ours,'' writes Mary Pilfold-Allan in this deliciously tasty column.
Catherine Moore tells an uplifting story concerning a four-legged angel who saved a life.
...Petronella went up to collect a packet of Brooklax. “Indigestion?” asked the auctioneer.
“Oh, no,” she whispered into his ear. “I am going to bake my daughter-in-law a chocolate cake. She was very nasty to me the other day.”...
There's fun and games in abundance when Petronella goes to the auction in this high jinks tale by Marianne Hall.
Ellie Braun-Haley brings advice to the worried.
...The old man looked up. A young White woman stood before him. She held out to him a pair of brown leather shoes. He was mystified. These were obviously new, and did not need mending.
“These are for you,” she said.
He became very suspicious and uneasy...
Marianne Hall tells a story you are never likely to forget.
...Fair Day brought a great buzz to the village. From early on the streets would be a mass of people and livestock and by midday the buying and selling would have reached fever pitch. I always enjoyed the spectacle of two men haggling over the sale of one or more animals. There would first be the asking price, answered by a pretended look of disbelief on the face of the prospective buyer who would then quote a price lower than that asked...
That wonderfully evocative writer Alan McConnell conjures up mental pictures of Fair Days in the Ireland of yesteryear.
Derek McQueen's sombre tale makes you glad to be living in the 21st Century.
“A teenage life more than half a century ago presented clean cut options. Some of my classmates chose drink and boys. Most of us followed the activities of earlier generations,’’ writes Jean Cowgill.
John Powell takes a "stroll'' over the mighty arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
There are three candidates for the specialist driving job - but who will get it?
Derek McQueen tells a most intriguing tale.
...Where strong waters were concerned the nature or brand was of no concern to Mary Ann. She loved them all. When she had imbibed what she deemed to be a sufficient quantity her feet took over and she would dance a jig with incredible agility...
Maintaining the great tradition of Irish tale-telling, Alan McConnell introduces us to Mary Ann and her sister Biddy.
Here's hoping that Alan brings us another hundred of his unforgettable tales.
In this powerful article Derek McQueen tells of a true hero.
William Ruleman, Professor of English at Tennessee Wesleyan College, reviews John Waddington-Feather's play Edward, which highlights "a scandal that shook the foundations of mid-twentieth-century British society: that of the Prince of Wales’s dalliance with an American divorcee he later renounced the throne for and married.''
The play has been performed in London, and may soon be staged in New York.
Edward was serialised scene by scene in Open Writing and can be read by click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/feathers_miscellany/
To read some of Mr Ruleman's poems visit http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=william+ruleman
Continue reading "John Waddington-Feather's Edward: A Review" »
...n opening that door the unexpected took the breath away, a Doom, so colourful on a grey day, but at the same time, so weighty in its message, stared at us from the north wall...
In this fascinating article Mary Pilfold-Allan tells of her family's chance "discover'' of the Wenhaston Doom.
...I suppose as a former freelance journalist who during his career often exposed the wrong-doings of others, I should be in favour of total transparency in society. But frankly I am sick and tired of the dishonest ramblings of columnists and commentators, furious at being prevented from naming footballers, entertainers and others in the public eye who are accused of acting immorally...
Stan Solomons vigorously argues the case for privacy.
To read more of Stan's articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=stan+solomons
...Barney McGreevey has always maintained that his narrow squeak with the Revenue man would never have happened if Michael” Yankee” Murphy had been more discreet. You see, Barney has a rare skill in the manufacture of Poteen...
Ace storyteller Alan McConnell tells a fine Irish tale.
...A tattooed weightlifter grunts,
her mirror image ego boosts.
Weights, defined by colour,
spur her to new records...
Jean Cowgill is no fan of exercising in Stygian gloom.
...The history books will tell you that this was written for him by Paul Anka and was based on a French song called Comme d’habitude. The facts are, however, quite different, and the time has come to give credit where it is due...
Brian Lockett brings us the results of fascinating musicological research into how the song My Way came to be written.
(Note to editor: should this have appeared in Open Writing on April 1st?)
Jean Cowgill suggests that recalling lost pleasures is in itself a pleasure.
...There is an enormous dash of pride too as I trace the line back and discover the daring of some of my past kin. One in particular, a pioneering great-great aunt, packed up her few worldly goods, husband and six of her children and travelled to America in 1872. Not only that, she didn’t let them stop long in New York but also carried on to Nevada. What drove her? What is it that I don’t know? Within a few generations, her great grandson had made it to be Governor of the state and then a Senator...
Mary Pilfold-Allan finds that the whole structure of her life seems stronger as a result of delving into family history.
Continue reading "Tending To The Roots, Nurturing The Shoots" »
In this story Jean Cowgill poses the most difficult question of the week...the month...the year....
Continue reading "How Can I Tell My Grand-Daughter That She Looks Like Wayne Rooney?" »
"Spring has nearly sprung! We are seeing beautiful spring flowers bursting into life in our parks and gardens, a sure sign that the dark winter months are nearly behind us,'' says Sally Airey, bringing information on the National Trust's top spring gardens in the UK.
...Last year my birthday fell on a Sunday. It was also Thanksgiving Weekend for Canadians. I was in church that morning and when I saw the hymn we were about to sing I got very excited because it was a favorite of mine. Oh how I wanted to be able to sing it...
Ellie Braun-Haley brings us an uplifting personal story.
...July 10th 2010 brought our 65th Blue Sapphire wedding anniversary with a card of congratulations from Her Majesty the Queen...
Eileen Perrin continues her life story.
The National Trust is now carrying out a survey to find out of British people are losing touch with the great outdoors, reports Stephen Field.
"Love is in the air and for romantic inspiration this Valentine’s weekend, look no further than the National Trust. With tales of royal newly-weds and historic love affairs, our houses, castles and outdoor places continue to provide the perfect backdrop for love to blossom,'' says Sally Airey.
Half term is just around the corner: the kids are off school, there’s 5 extra days to fill and the great British weather is unpredictable, to say the least. So what to do?
''The National Trust is here to help, with a whole host of ‘weather-proof’ days out for the school holidays. Below are some top destinations, complete with sunny activities (for the optimists) and rainy day activities (for the rest!),'' says Sally Airey.
"Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the National Trust has plenty of special events on offer to share with a loved one,'' says Sally Airey. "There are also events the whole family can enjoy, proving Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples!''
Derek McQueen wrote this queasy tale as an excercise in using only single syllable words.
Laura is a people person - helping others to solve their problems on her radio show. But can she solve the problems in her own marriage?
Sharon Boothroyd tells an all-too-believable tale.
...‘The Banyan resembles a large lady with many legs as the tree sends down aerial roots from its branches. Once these aerial roots find earth they seek to establish their own roots while remaining attached to the parent!...
Mary Pilfold-Allan presents a word portrait of a special tree which thrives in a sunny clime - perfect read for a chilly winter's day in northern lands.
To read more of Mary's articles on a wide variety of subjects please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
"Fitness fanatics now have the chance to beat the January blues whilst shedding the Christmas excess by booking a National Trust holiday cottage to make the most of the great ‘outdoor gym,'' says Jane Travis.
Continue reading "Fitness Holidays With The National Trust" »
"After all the festive indulgence, the National Trust has the perfect solution to beat the bulge in the New Year,'' says Sally Airey.
"Throughout January, as part of our month-long Outdoor Gym Challenge, National Trust places are hosting activities to help the nation shed those extra Christmas pounds in the great outdoors - all that fresh air and beautiful scenery is proven to be better for you than exercise in an indoor gym. From trim trails to military boot camps, we have something to help everyone kick-start their 2011.''
There's a wonderful warm feeling to the house which is on offer for £700,000. But why is it £100,000 below market value?
Derek McQueen tells another intriguing tale.
To read more of Derek's well-told stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Derek+McQueen
Sally Airey suggests that you jump-start your New Year with a walk through National Trust places to burn off those Christmas calories. There are many frosty landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, waiting to be explored.
"Blow away the cobwebs and enjoy a refreshing walk in a frosty National Trust garden,'' says Salley Airey.
"From exotic colour to spectacular landscapes that seem to look their best stripped to their bones with a sprinkle of Jack Frost, we’ve tons of great places to explore during the cold winter months.
Here’s our pick of some the best places to enjoy the crisp winter weather.''
From Christmas theatre to tree dressing days, Christmas Markets, Santa's grottos and winter walks. There's lots to put you in the festive mood at National Trust properties around the UK, reports Sally Airey.
Ellie Braun-Haley heeds her own advice.
"With Christmas fast approaching Santa is bound to be getting busy, but he’s promised to make some special stop-offs in his hectic festive schedule and help make family visits to the National Trust extra magical this December,'' says Sally Airey
...There is something altogether wrong about being out-smarted by a furry creature not much larger than a rat, whose only claim to being cute is to stand on its back legs and put its paws together, as if in prayer....
Mary Pilfold-Allan is at war with squirrels - and she is in need of reinforcements, or a secret weapon.
...He didn’t yell at all but he did release his grip on the ladder and allow himself to slowly peel off backwards - like a leaf detaching itself from a tree in the autumn winds. But fat men don’t flutter. They plummet and Ted took to plummeting like gravity was a close friend....
John Cooper tells a story with a chuckle in it's tail.
John recently published a book of poems, Unreliable Judgements, some of them series, some rich in his very special brand of humour. The book can be purchased at http://www.poetissimus.com/page8.html
Jane Travis says that following the success of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, the latest film to transform historic National Trust places is Burke and Hare – a dark comedy about the true story of 19th century body snatchers starring British actors Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis.
The Daily Spittle's special correspondent Jason Argonus (Jean Cowgill) brings us today's hot exclusive story.
Continue reading "VERTICALLY CHALLENGED MARXIST FOILS ATTACKER !" »
Sally Williams tells spine-tingling of ghostly goings-on in National Trust properties around England.
Ellie Braun-Haley finds an antidote to cabin fever.
...Research is one thing, a book is quite another. What seemed like a good idea after a couple of gin and tonics whilst sitting under a Filao tree in the tropics, a velvet sky dotted with a million stars blanketing us in the balmy euphoria of possibility, is a different matter in the reality of England...
Mary Pilfold-Allan persisted with her plan to write the story of Britain's takeover of Mauritius in 1810, telling of the island's first British Governor, Sir Robert Townsend Farquhar.
Mary's book ''The Man And The Island'' will be launched in Mauritius in early December. It will go on sale in selected bookshops in England early in the new year.
Jean Cowgill found Hades and Elysium in Yorkshire's Holme Valley.
Continue reading "From ‘The Last of the Summer Wine’ to ‘The Magic Flute’" »
Sall Williams issues an invitation to visit National Trust gardens, parks and woodlands which are now alive with the colours and scents of autumn.
"So why not join a colour walk and take in the Technicolor displays?'' Sally asks.
Peter Johnson sends us the following tale.
Sally Williams invites us to visit the National Trust in October and celebrate the great British apple. "From Slack Ma Girdle, Pig’s Snout to Hoary Morning we’ve hundred of brilliant varieties in our orchards and gardens.''
So who was this George Formby who came charging out of the party into the rainy night?
Derek McQueen tells another intriguing tale.
For more of Derek's stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Derek+McQueen
"As I sit with my Ovaltine, or sometimes even a gin and tonic, before I go to bed, I like to prepare for the next day,'' says Joyce Worsfold.
...A website called Weekly World News reported in 2002 that the sun was overheating and would blow up within 6 years, taking the earth and the rest of the solar system with it. They have also reported that scientists plan to blow up the moon, in order to stabilize the earth’s climate...
Wendy Ogbourne tells of some of the hoaxes which speed their way around the world in this electronic age,
Sally Williams brings news of how the National Trust is helping to support British Food Fortnight.
Stephen Field announces the results of the National Trust's crumble rumble competition, along with a most enticing recipe.
While heading home for England in a coach Ray Harman composed this poem to celebrate his holiday in Switzerland.
Liza Peiffer in forms us that on October 4th Habitat for Humanity will join efforts around the world to mark World Habitat Day - a day the United Nations has set aside to call attention to the dire need for affordable, adequate housing.
Sally Williams informs us that visitors to many National Trust properties on certain dates this month can experience the drama of past times.
Heritage Open Days celebrates England’s architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee. Heritage Open Days also includes tours, events and activities that focus on local architecture and culture.
Organised by volunteers - usually property owners or managers - for local people, Heritage Open Days is England’s biggest and most popular voluntary cultural event. Last year the event attracted around 1 million visitors. English Heritage gives central co-ordination and a national voice to the event.
Heritage Open Days provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy these sometimes hidden, often curious and always interesting places in English cities, towns and villages - and completely free of charge.
This year, Heritage Open Days run from 9-12 September. For full details visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Some folk simply have to smoke a cig, no matter what the conse;quences.
Derek McQueen tells a deliciously addictive tale.
To read more of Derek's stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Derek+McQueen
Sally Williams says the National Trust is playing its part in making road journeys less painful this weekend.
Continue reading "National Trust Relieves Bank Holiday Getaway Stress" »
Peter Wintersgill outlines the short life of tenor Fritz Wunderlich.
Dianne Hill brings a profoundly sad account of the last days ofr a family relative.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Jennifer Vyvyan who created roles in Benjamin Britten operas.
Britain's National Trust is using modern tehnology to bring orchards back to life.
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of trial by chopsticks on a recent flight.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Frederica Von Stade who made her New York Met debut in 1970.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of singer Johann Vogl, a friend of Schubert who wrote songs for him to sing.
...“Our neighbour’s got a parrot in the kitchen,” I told my husband.
“Don’t be silly. No way. Not in Pearl’s kitchen.”
“Well it looks like a parrot to me. It’s too big for a budgie or a
cockatiel. It must be a small parrot.”...
Barbara Adams tells a tale guaranteed to make you grin.
Ellie Braun-Haley finds herself in a situation which almost compels the building of an ark.
Peter Wintersgill presents an outline of the career of outstanding Wagnerian tenor Heinrich Vogl.
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of a day which brought both pain and joy.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Russian opera star Galina Vishnevskaya.
...In due course, when I'd made it to grammar school, I found that basically education was still a matter of, Learn these chunks of information, Give this sort of answer, Write in this sort of style. But, after a while, it seemed that I was expected to do thinking. Oh dear. I didn't know how to do that.
Some of the other girls could do it. They knew how to study, how to assemble facts, how to ask questions. I didn't wonder how they could do these things. They were just different. They were clever and got right answers and high marks. I got, Explain this! written in my margin or just a straightforward, No! I didn't get the hang of thinking but I learned to get by...
But it’s a fair guess that none of those “conformist’’ girls can now write as entertainingly, as distinctively, as vividly as Jacqueline Finesilver.
For more of Jacqeline's brilliant stories and articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jacqueline+finesilver
Peter Wintersgill brings a brief biography of Ramon Vinay who made his operatic debut in Mexico in 1938.
A £35,000 overspend on the Mystery Trip to Greece for privileged customers. And now a £95.000 overspend on the San Diego Mystery Trip!
No wonder the company owner is annoyed. And he ain't seen the end of it!
Derek McQueen brings us another deliciously entertaining tale.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Jon Vickers, a tenor with a ringing tone and fine enunciation.
...It’s sheep farming country with sparse vegetation and low, flinty hills, but Sutherland has a special secret that is only revealed when the sun goes down.,,
Jon Minster tells of one of the coldest places in South Africa.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Pauline Viadot-Garcia who had an illustrious career as a singer and writer.
Peter Wintersgill brings brief details of the life of Giovanni Vellutio, the last of the great castrato singers.
...Kevin put his head on the desk, one arm draped over the dog.
‘We need a plan.’
Sam laughed nervously. ‘Maybe we should invade somewhere. You know, external threat, unite the voters, wave the flag. Wartime leader, that sort of thing.’...
Ian Arkill's tasty tale will leave you half-believing that this really is what goes on in the Prime Minister's offiuce.
This is Ian's first story for Open Writing. We hope to bring you more of his work.
...The groom’s mother, Sylvia Midas, put my sister-in-law to shame. I was embarrassed when the group photographs were being taken. Sylvia was dressed in a shimmering fabric suit, her hat sported a gold feather and her jewellery was to die for. She could never have passed through a shop security without setting off alarms...
Jean Cowgil admits that she “shamelessly purloined ‘’ the idea for this story from Carol Ann Duffy’s collection of poetry “The World’s Wife”.
To read more of Jean stories and articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jean+cowgill
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Astrid Varnay who made her operatic debut at the New York Met in 1941.
Will that scamp David Langton be a success at Sainsbury's? Read Derek McQueen's account of what happened on David's second day at work - then judge for yourself.
To read more of Derek's hugely entertaining tales please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Derek+McQueen
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Viorica Ursuleac, Richard Strauss's favourite soprano.
Adrian Plass is a writer and speaker who has produced over thirty books in the last twenty years. The best known of these is probably The Sacred Diary of Adrian Plass, a gentle satire on the modern church, which has sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide. This and other books have travelled to other countries and are translated into a number of foreign languages.
Other books include biography, novels, short stories, a fictionalised account of the author's experiences as a residential child care worker, and collections of poems and sketches.
Adrian has been in demand as a speaker in venues as varied as prisons, schools, churches, festivals, literary dinners and theatrical settings. His work also includes contribution to national and local radio and television. Live presentations combine humour, poetry, and story telling, largely revolving around his own inadequacies and struggles as a Christian and a human being.
Here is a poem read by Adrian and his wife Bridget at recent public performances.
Adrian readily gave permission for the poem to appear in Open Writing.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Caroline Unger who sang in the first performances of Beethoven's Missa Solemnis and Ninth Symphony.
In this inspirational article Ellie Braun-Haley tells how a group of American students learned a great deal about the human spirit during a visit to the slums of a Mexican city.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the illustrious singing career of Dame Eva Turner.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Therese Tietjens, a singer of power and authority who died all too young.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Lawrence Tibbett who made is name as an opera singer in Verdi's Falstaff.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to opera singer Maggie Teyte who was coached by Debussy.
...I thought, I knew who I was. Everybody knows who I was – Dan Leno, born in a tenement in St Pancras, who can stand on a stage and keep people amused for twelve or fifteen minutes. Now there's this Dan Leno who has his own carriage and has got a tie-pin from the King. What are people going to make of that?
So I pawned the tie-pin. Well, no, I didn't really. But I made it part of my act for a while – said I show them all the famous tie-pin, then I'd do the business of patting all my pockets, before owning up that I'd had to take it to the pop-shop. That got a laugh. They knew all about that and they knew where I was coming from.
Then, after a bit, I lost that diamond pin. I really did. Dropped it or got drunk and gave it to a barmaid or a tramp. Doesn't matter. It was gone.” He lets out a long breath and eases his collar...
No introductory words can do justice to Jacqueline Finesilver's wonderful story about one of the "greats'' of old-time Music Hall.
Just read it - and enjoy!
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Milka Ternina, one of the greatest singers of her day.
...Of all the people I have met I suppose none of them can compare with a tiny Yorkshire housewife who might easily have been burned as a witch had she been born two hundred years earlier...
Freelance journalist Stan Solomons tells how he almost had a world exclusive story on a possible cure for cancer.
Ellie Braun-Haley tells an inspirational story.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Dame Kiri Te Kanawa who sang at the wedding in 1981 of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in St. Pauls Cathedral.
...Fascinated and at the same time appalled, I watched as we drew nearer and nearer. The lightening was the sort that lights up the entire sky and sends shivers down your spine. Were we really going to head into that?
Almost an hour and a half late we crept into Perth airport to be met by looks of amazement...
Mary Pilfold-Allan flies through one of the worst storms to hit Western Australia in 30 years.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Robert Tear, a man with a voice of great clarity and precision.
...The midwife asked me if I wanted to cut the cord. Although I was not keen to start with, I reasoned it was now or never, so taking my courage in both hands, I severed the link from mother to child and physically and symbolically set Theadora free. Or is she?...
Mary Pinfold-Allan, pondering our present-day situation after the birth of her eleventh grandchild, says we now shackle our lives with Red Tape, Health and Safety issues, rules and regulations and fear from the cradle to the grave.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Richard Tauber who made his operatic debut in Mozart's Zauberflote.
...Beech and I like similar terrain but that bossy old thing takes all the best spots. My woodland only reaches parts beech can’t – a bit like lager in television adverts. Truth to tell I prefer isolation: corners of fields, edges of moors...
The ash tree may not be the best-looking kid on the block but it can help you find true love, as Jean Cowgill reveals in this delicious piece of writing.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Antonio Tamburini who made his opera debut in 1818.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the singer Francesco Tamagano who made his opera debut in 1873.
Peter Wintersgill gives brief details on the life of Eugenia Tadolini who appeared in the premieres of two Donizetti operas.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Guiseppe Taddei who made his opera debut in Rome.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Fanny Tacchinardi Persiani who created the role of Donizetti' s Lucia di Lammermoor
...The midwife asked me if I wanted to cut the cord. Although I was not keen to start with, I reasoned it was now or never, so taking my courage in both hands, I severed the link from mother to child and physically and symbolically set Theadora free. Or is she?...
Mary Pilfold-Allan thinks we are putting our children and ourselves into modern-day shackles by smothering our lives in fear and dread.
...A carton of orange juice, a couple of tiramisu, two slices of gala pie, a beetroot salad, a tube of toothpaste, a Daily Telegraph, a pack of toilet rolls, a bottle of tomato ketchup.
This was his life.
Pathetic...
But if you're lucky you find something far more important than groceries in your local supermarket, as Brian Lockett's deliciously satisfying tale reveals.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Set Svanholm, regarded in his day as the leading Wagner tenor.
A holiday in the Lake District and North Yorkshire inspired Eileen Perrin to write poetryl.
...Billy watched enchanted, mesmerized, caught in the magic of the sight before his eyes.. The thought came to him again that she looked like an angel, a wood nymph, a fairy, a ballerina all the beautiful beings in his sisters’ books combined together, unearthly but perfect...
Miriam McAtee tells a mysterious and magical story.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Susan Sunderland, Yorkshire's Queen of Song.
William James Symons tells a Christmas tale to warm the hearts of readers at any time of year.
...soldiers carried the coffin into church on their shoulders and the family followed in deep grief. He was just nineteen years old. His life had barely begun.
The scene in our village has been repeated in towns and villages throughout the nation. We are not used to it. Since World War II ended there have been other wars but in the last few years the evidence of the latest conflicts has been coming home in body bags. ..
As another British victim of warfare returns home in a coffin, Mary Pilfold-Allan calls on politicians to search their consciences and speak the truth about our reasons for being at war.
Continue reading "Every One Is A Mother’s Son Or Daughter" »
Margaret Dunn recalls her sudden and dramatic decision in 1967 to leave Edinburgh and live in Zambia.
"Even a zany idea can have the germ of something great,'' says Val Yule, continuing her persuasive demand that thinkers should be encouraged rather than being laughed at.
...Miss said, Now, first of all, put up your hands, all the girls who do ballet, because I shall choose some of you for a Dance of Spring. Straight away some of the boys made a rude noise but Miss gave them a look. Some of the girls put up their hands and I put up my hand. Susan Jones saw me. Her eyes went like a fish, like the eyes in the whiting that Mum gets for our cat to eat. Susan whispered, You don't do ballet. I said that I did. You don't, you're a liar...
In this brilliant and compellingly readable slice of autobiography Jacqueline Finesilver takes herself back to her childhood and teen years.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the professional life of singer Giuseppina Strepponi who married Verdi.
Peter Wintersgill tells of a singer whom Handel invited to sing in his operas.
...Finished ceramics were awaiting delivery to the tourist flesh pot. At least I would be spared that job later in the week. Only a couple of miles but a nightmare journey on our uneven track. I had always been unnerved by this pottery room. I had never liked the atmosphere; my dog refused to venture down this end of the yard. Thankfully I closed the door for the last time.
All was quiet in the yard. No sign of Keri. Since I’d told her about my new job she had been frosty...
Jean Cowgill's atmospheric tale concerns the relationship of two people in charge of a youth hostel in remote Lakeland.
John Kilburn's story tells of the the ghastliest of all honeymoons.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to singer Julius Stockhausen who gave the public premiere of Schubert's Die Schone Mullerin in 1856.
Yvonne Lumb brings further news of the greatest natural disaster of our times.
Yvonne works for the United Nations in Haiti.
This article by Dmytro Drozdovskyi's article appeared recently in the Ukranian literary journal 'Svesvit'.
Last summer Dmytro stayed for three days in Shropshire with his friend John Waddington-Feather who has contributed many thousands of outstanding words to Open Writing. John has also contributed to 'Svesit'.
Yvonne Lumb brings a first-hand account of the Haiti earthquake.
Yvonne works for the United Nations in Haiti.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the musical life of Eleanor Steber who made her New York Met debut 1940 as Sophie in Der Rosenkavalier.
...When he got home the door was locked. Mum was out. He sat on the back step, his back to the wall and his hands in his pockets. He waited miserably. The porch kept most of the rain off. After ages, his mum came home with Paul. The fire was alight, and she had got some fish fingers. After tea he went down to the shops. He got some chewing gum and some pretend cigarettes. He went over to the field where the kids play football, but there were some big 'uns there and a police car. So he went home after a bit. Uncle Tom was sitting on the settee with mum...
John Kilburn's unforgettable story tells more about the sad, hopeless lives of some British children than a dozen lengthy Governmental reports.
Here is a new hymn written by Shirley Stow.
Peter Wintersgill lists significant dates in the career of Hans Sotin, who has sung in the world's greatest opera houses.
John Brian Leaver recalls a bleak seaside holiday in the hungry wartime years.
...When we went in, the specialist called him Michael. That's always a problem. Of course Michael is his name but he only gets called that when he's in trouble. I agonised for a bit but thought I'd better mention it. The specialist nodded when I explained, but carried on calling him Michael. Mike hung his head...
John Kilburn’s 39-year-old son Mike is a Down’s syndrome man. John is now wondering whether medical specialists are sometimes ascribing symptoms which are indicative of something curable to Down's syndrome.
“Because of my own experience I have begun to be vigilant,’’ he says.
...at my retirement party it was affectionately said they would always remember me as the one who would always help a one-legged Afghan over a stile...
Eileen Perrin and her husband Les both retired in the same year, 1986.
Eileen continues her account of her life and times.
“It’s time everyone was issued with a pair of trainers along with their pension book,’’ urges Mary Pilfold-Allan in this passionately-argued column which emphasises that older citizens should not be air-brushed out of society.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Henriette Sontag who created the title role in Weber's Euryanthe
...My workroom was at the back of the garage, buses requiring adverts were often parked out at the front. So, I'd often be seen flying along, with flapping lengths of new pasted posters draped across me, getting them from A to B, up and on, before the paste dried out....
Jacqueline Finesilver, relating chapters of her father’s life story, tells of the time Sid was fixing adverts to buses.
Rhonda Hall of Indianapolis, Indiana, sends us a selection of puns.
Anne Steward brings a story to match the mood of this special day.
John Kilburn’s seasonal story reminds us that the fraught business of buying Christmas gifts started long, long ago.
...Anyone who knows about the old trolleybuses will know about the ‘de-wirements’, those times when, at a junction or going over a breaker, one of the trolleybus booms would detach itself from its power cable. Once free it would wave about like Toscanini. There was a certain sharp corner near Hammersmith Broadway which was a kind of miniature Cape Horn. I remember a small furniture store on that corner which used to get its window smashed by the wildly flailing boom of a number 630...
Sid picks up a "guzzler'' and goes into action as a trolleybus cleaner.
Jacqueline Finesilver brings us another wonderfully entertaining episode of her father's life story.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to Oda Slobodskaya, one of the leading interpreters of Russian songs of her time.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Leo Slezak who was engaged by Mahler for the Vienna Opera.
....She could well have been a very famous pianist but one act of horrific cruelty by her sister stole her talent away, and, having found the love of her life, he was taken from her after just one year. Disowned by her family and ignored by her former friends she found herself consigned to a life of extreme poverty...
Tim Mcaffrey tells a story which you will never forget.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Giulietta Simionato, winner of the Bel Canto competition in Florence.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Margarethe Siems who made her operatic debut in Prague.
...Unless you are fortunate enough to have the capacity of a camel, the one thing that everyone needs when they are out is a WC, toilet or loo, call it what you will...
Mary Pilfold-Allan raises a subject that is rarely talked about but is a matter requiring prompt legislation.
To read more of Mary's telling articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Amy Shuard who made her operatic debut in Johannesburg.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Senesino who sang with Handel's company in London in the 1720s.
...“I bet you never get any trouble from them, do you?” he said. “The Chinese revere their teachers, as they do their elders. They see teachers as the font of all knowledge and knowledge is everything.”...
Mary Pilfold-Allan is compelled by a Chinese visitor's profound remark to appreciate the paramount importance of education.
Joyce Worsfold’s poem focuses on people in dire need – and things WE can do to help them.
Peter Wintersgill presents an outline of the career of Renata Scoto, who made her opera debut in Milan in 1953.
Tim McCaffry tells of cruelty and compassion in an Irish classroom long ago.
Peter Wintersill presents an outline of the career of opera singer Graziella Sciutti.
Great’ma, now spending most of her time in bed, derives amusement and pleasure from her storehouse of memories.
Jackie Mallinson continues her novel of family relationships and secrets.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the musical career of Elizabeth Schumann, one of the best-loved singers of her day.
Owen Clement tells an intriguing tale about an old grandfather clock.
Amazing, the thoughts which occurred to those ancient Egyptians, as Ron Pataky’s poem reveals.
Do visit Ron’s fun-filled Web site http://worlds-premiere-ransom-note-factory.us/
Peter Wintersgill presents an outline of the career of Elizabeth Schwarzkopf, a lyric soprano who made her operatic debut in Berlin.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Austrian born Ernestine Schumann Heink who spent a large part of her career singing in the USA.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the singing career of Robert Radford, a founder member of British National Opera.
Monica Howard's tale concerns the secret revealed by the bequest of a painting of the walled garden at Hampton Court Palace.
Marjorie Upson is haunted by peculiar dreams.
Do look for Marjorie's wonderful photographs in the Open Writing Gallery.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Wilhelmine Schroder Devrient who made her 0pera debut in Vienna 1821 as Pamima in Die Zauberflote.
Owen Clement tells a story of a chance meeting that brought enlightenment.
Ken Holmes was serving as an Ord/Telegraphist on H.M.S.Warwick in 1944. Here he he brings a vivid account of what happened when the Warwick was attacked on Sunday, the 20th of February in that year.
William Burkholder brings us a brilliantly funny story about what happened when two young men went to bury old man Pike who had been kept in the well shed for some months because the ground was frozen too hard for a grave to be dug.
Bill's tale will leave you longing for more "Lonnie and I'' stories - and the good news is that he promises there will be more.
Do read Bill's poetry in Open Writing http://www.openwriting.com/archives/north_american_dreaming/
...So enthusiastic was public response to the Hammersmith Palais that soon similar establishments were glowing and vibrating all over the country. The new ballrooms were the places to show off your clothes and your dancing, to listen to feel-good music, perhaps to meet the partner of your dreams...
Jacqueline Finesilver recalls the glamour, pleasure and out-of-the-ordinary experience of Palais de Danse days.
To read more of Jacqueline’s highly-entertaining articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jacqueline+finesilver
Cyril never expected this to happen when he went in search of a marriage partner.
Brian Lockett brings his 14-part tale to a shocking end.
To read earlier episodes, and other stories by Brian, please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
Muriel discovers that in Cyril's life controlling file the section marked The Future is empty. She decides to make her own plans.
The fourteenth and concluding part of Brian Lockett's story will appear in tomorrow's Open Writing.
...I have been hanging on to a story for more than twenty years, waiting for just the right platform to launch it upon the world. It has been difficult to resist the urge to reveal all, especially when tempted by words like ‘it would make a good film’ but resist I have. Then I discovered close to the deadline that there was an award for the best unpublished biography and I pulled out all the stops. The midnight oil was well and truly burnt...
But Mary Pilfold-Allan was downcast when her biography did not make the shortlist.
However wise words from a former colleague revived her optimism, and she is now tackling the tale she has to tell from a different angle.
To read more of Mary's invariably entertaining words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Muriel and Cyril kiss for the first time - a brief kiss.
Another episode of Brian Lockett's intriguing story will appear in Open Writing tomorrow. To read earlier chapters click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
Liza Peiffer wishes all Open Writing readers to be aware that the United Nations has chosen the first Monday in October to be World Habitat Day - a day to stand up and let it be known that affordable, adequate housing should be a priority everywhere.
Liza, on behalf of Habitat for Humanity http://www.habitat.org wishes to raise awareness of the desperate world-wide shortage of adequate housing.
"Raising awareness about this global problem is the first step in making sure that everyone everywhere has a safe and decent place to call home.''
...Mrs Snaps would be a full-time, traditional housewife. She would cook, clean and generally cater for her husband’s needs. In return her husband would provide her with a very generous sum of money every month. She would follow closely the routine worked out over many years and now set out in detail in the folders....
Muriel finds out what life would be like with Cyril.
Brian Lockett's serialised story will continue in Open Writing tomorrow.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the Hungarian singer Friedrich Schorr.
Muriel hears that she will have her own bedroom.
Brian Lockett continues his tale of an unconventional courtship.
To read earlier episodes click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
A further episode will appear in tomorrow's Open Writing.
...I am suited up in the dark blue, lead-heavy body armour and a huge helmet with a full visor. It’s hard to breathe and sweat is seriously trickling...
Anne Veronica Steward brings an unforgettable account of mine clearing operations in a Cambodian village.
A picture of Anne wearing the heavy body armour is displayed in the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, England.
To read earlier articles about her experiences as a VSO worker in Cambodia please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2009/08/bangkok_and_bey.php
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2009/08/colourful_cambo.php
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2009/08/_up_country_whe_1.php
And here is a powerful poem prompted by that minefield visit
..."Do you mind if we have some background music?”
With a straight face Muriel said “That would be lovely. What do you usually have on Sundays? Mozart?”
“How perceptive you are, Muriel.” He seemed childishly delighted...
Muriel sees the orderliness in Cyril's home.
Brian Lockett continues his story of an unconventional courtship.
Another episode of the tale will appear in tomorrow's Open Writing.
...So she had joined Executive Match, which had now thrown up Cyril Snaps. An odd-ball if ever there was one. A kind man, as far as she could judge, who may have left his search for a life partner a little late. Perhaps he spent all his time making money and had suddenly realised that there was (or should be) more to life than that...
Muriel is on her way to see Cyril's house.
Another episode of Brian Lockett's tale will appear in tomorrow's Open Writing.
Cyril invites Muriel to Sunday lunch.
A further installment of Brian Lockett's story about an unusual courtship will appear tomorrow.
Cyril Snaps surprises his colleagues with mention of a fiancée.
Brian Lockett's serialised story of an unsual courtship will be continued tomorrow.
Muriel cannot make up her mind about Cyril Snaps.
The next episode of Brian Lockett's story in installments will appear tomorrow.
...He looked relieved, she thought, as she took him in. Fifty-something, perhaps even sixty. Dorky glasses which no-one had ever bothered to tell him about, she suspected. A slightly musty smell about him. A ridiculous moustache. Probably not used to or comfortable with women. She had met similar before. The important thing was: why wasn’t he used to women?...
It's not exactly love at first sight when Muriel sees Cyril.
Brian Lockett's story continues tomorrow.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to Paul Schoffler who created a number of Twentieth Century operatic roles.
Cyril, desperate to find a wife, arranges to meet Miss Muriel Embling, a nurse.
Brian Lockett continues his story concerning a man who must marry to further his career.
The way to the top for Cyril Snaps is barred becuase he is not married. Is he prepared to do something about that?
Brian Lockett continues his intriguing story.
Brian Lockett introduces a most orderly busineesman, Cyril Snaps. But there is one thing holding back Cyril's career advancement.
Brian's well-told tale will appear in daily episodes over the next two weeks. You are in for an entertaining ride, and a stunningly unexpected conclusion.
...Whilst chickens can never be taught to ‘speak’ on command like a dog or watch motionless from the gatepost for the return of their owner, like a cat, hens do have personality. I refuse to believe they are birdbrain or without feelings. Oust one from a picnic spread or barbecue table and make no mistake, that hen will display a real flash of temper....
Mary Pilfold-Allan points out that keeping chickens is now officially chic.
To read more of Mary’s ever-interesting columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Peter Wintersgill tells of the great Wagner singer Ludwig Schnorr, who died at the age of 29.
Dan the Man sells more than ice cream. Some of his clientele as for special 'pick me ups'. But what will he do when he finds an old mate's wallet?
Jean Cowgill tells a tale from the real world.
...The track led us over a real wood slatted suspension bridge that swung high over the swift flowing river as the motorbikes trundled across. The spirit of ‘Indiana Jones’ was with us. I think it was Kay who uttered a little whimper as we realised that we really were going across, but it could have been me...
Anne Veronica Steward continues her vivid and engaging account of working as a VSO volunteer in Cambodia.
To read two earlier articles by Anne about her time in Cambodia please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2009/08/bangkok_and_bey.php
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2009/08/colourful_cambo.php
Continue reading " Up Country: Where French Provincial Meets Buddha." »
Paul Smith writes about one of the great mysteries of modern times.
Paul runs a vdery lively Web sitepacked with good reading. Please visit kiwiboomers.com
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Tito Schipa, a superb lyrical tenor with impeccable phrasing.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Charles Santly who was knighted for his services to music.
... Our ride back to Phnom Penh was another adventure over the cratered roads and through bustling small towns. We saw pigs trussed up in wicker baskets on the backs of motorbikes, pink bottoms getting pinker in the hot sun. Our gentle feelings were soothed when it was explained that they have an idyllic piggy life rooting about and under the stilted houses and in the family lotus pond. On market day, they are given a whopping dose of the local ‘herbal remedy’ so they go out on a ‘high’. It certainly beats factory farming, bottoms up!...
Anne Veronica Steward paints a vivid word picture of life in Cambodia where she served as a voluntary teaching advisor.
Valerie Yule hopes the thousands of visitors to Open Writing will read the following books - then tell her what they think of them.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of singer Giovanni Rubini who was a sensational success in Paris.
Anne Veronica Steward, who served as a voluntary teaching advisor, shares her first vivid impressions of colourfful Cambodia.
...The playground was officially opened a few days ago. It has, of course, been unofficially open throughout the entire works project. Every evening, once the workmen had gone, boys scaled the high metal fencing or squirmed under it, or they climbed on top of the equipment store and took a flying leap. Then they larked about. On one occasion they got the cement mixer going and made a play of man-handling each other into its mouth...
The new playground compels Sid to delve back in memory to the 1920s, when he and his mates were enjoying themselves on the Brick Heaps, their self-created play area.
To read more of Jacqueline Finesilver’s wonderful articles about Sid and his memories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jacqueline+finesilver
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the singer Anthony Rolfe Johnson.
Winning the lottery may not bring the joy you anricipate, as Graeme McLeod's brilliant short story reveals.
Patrick Hopton tells the hilarious tale of an urn bearing ashes that was left behind in the Avalon Hotel.
Peter Wilkinson provides information onopera singer Anastasia Robinson who created several Handel roles in the early Eighteenth Century.
David Marsh presents an enthusiastic review of a performance of “Hello Dolly’’ by the amateur music-making group GLOC Musical Theatre, formerly Greenford Light Opera Company.
David, himself a musician, is a maker of ani8mated cartoons. To see some of the click on http://www.openwriting.com/archives/david_marsh_cartoons/
...Through salt and pepper, dead mouse and badger’s behind to pewter bordering on galvanised zinc bungalow bath...
Resilient Mary Pilfold-Allan is determined to continue to resist the changes that Nature, and the passing years, wish to make to her hair.
To read more of Mary’s entertaining columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Peter Wintersgill provides some details of the life of Russian bass Mark Reyzen.
Margie Clough's delicious tale tells of sweet revenge in a retirement home.
Elizabeth Harper tells of an escape attempt which failed.
An annual charity art ehibition is held in Holmfirth - the small Yorkshire town at the centre of BBC TV's longest running commedy show The Last Of The Summer Wine.
Julz organised a fringe art show The Balls Are Back In Town! The works of 45 artists were exhibited.
The following photos and videos bring the flavour of a very special event,
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Elizabeth Rethberg, a singer with a pure style and beautiful tone.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Regina Resnik who made her operatic debut as Lady Macbeth.
Elizabeth Harper tells a brief and memorable ghost story.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Polish singer Rosa Raisa who made her operatic debut in Verdi's Oberto.
“It cannot be denied that huskies are the Ferraris or supermodels of the dog world and Zac certainly attracts a great deal of attention wherever he goes,’’ says Sandy James, introducing us to a most lovable dog.
...In an age when there is a tendency to think new is always better than old and genes are something you wear not inherit, Cambridge continues to maintain an air of respect for knowledge and those who act as reservoirs for it...
Mary Pilfold-Allan says that one of the world’s leading cities of learning has been at the centre of her life for almost four decades.
To read more of Mary’s brilliant columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
In this imaginative and original story/play Jacqueline Finesilver tells what went into the first London production of perhaps the greatest of all operettas, The Merry Widow.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the singing career of Robert Radford, a founder member of British National Opera.
…They were fey these two and inseparable. They were philosophers who studied the red, crackling embers of the burning wood in the fire place, their thoughts taking them away from the small room away into the world beyond. Bridget sat on his knee and listened to the engine room of his heart, his stories of the voyages he had made in the first big war and she would question him until his ears could take no more of her….
Four-and-a-half-year-old Bridgid’s grandfather takes her on a proper voyage on which she will be Queen of the pirates.
But will they see mermaids? And is there a disaster waiting to happen out there on the waves?
Anni Leppin tells a vivid remember-for-ever tale set in Ireland.
Settle down do, and enjoy a long, luxurious read.
....As many of the farms were getting cut-off with snow, myself and another telegraphist were taken by helicopter to set up a temporary communications base at Wick, further north. We had walkie-talkies and could communicate with the helicopters that would take supplies to farms. It was an interesting time, but I can remember it being very very cold as we were housed on a small disused airfield where there was very little heating....
Bob Boyd was posted to a Navy Air Station in Scotland.
This is the concluding episode of Bob's account of his service in the Royal Navy. To read earlier episodes please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=bob+boyd
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Margaret Price who made her operatic debut in Cherubino.
In this brilliant article Jean Cowgill chooses a time of day as a focus point from which to consider harsh realities in bleak times.
Peter Wintersgill summarises the life of American singer Leontyne Price.
Ellie Braun-Haley has sound advice for those with elderly relatives who are beginning to lose their faculties.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of French singer Lily Pons, who made her opera debut as Delibes' Lakme.
Miriam McAttee was filled with wonder and sadness when she found a small egg under a tree.
...Whoever claims the credit or discredit for our meteorological obsession has vanished into the mists of time. Maybe it was the Romans, trudging up the Great North Road and stopping off to dry out their sandals around the campfire at night...
Put two Britons strangers together, and inevitably the conversation will turn to the weather.
Mary Pilfold-Allan muses in her customary fine style about the Great British Obessession.
To read more of Mary's column please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
…Another story is that one of her gang spread the story that someone was poisoning possums in the mountains. This was highly illegal and the police went to investigate. While they were gone from town, Jessie and a few of her gang rode in and stole the cattle from the police holding yard. With such impudent exploits, it is little wonder that the local people of that area gave her the title of 'The Lady Bushranger' and she is still known by that name there today…
Di Moore tells of the turbulent and fascinating life of her bushranger grandmother.
Continue reading "Elizabeth Jessie Hickman - My Bushranger Grandmother" »
Peter Wintersgill summarises the life of Manchester-born Anna Pollak, formerly principal mezzo soprano at Sadlers Wells.
...The past began to capture her again, taking her back to before Judith and Albert had married.
"Mother and Father so against her; she had seemed to me so strong because of the way she stood up to them. I took hold of her hand and she smiled at me. Mother ordered me from the room.''...
Jackie Wearing's novel concerns a family which harbours secrets. At the centre of the story is Great'ma, and her fund of memories.
To read earlier chapters of Great'ma please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=great%27ma
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of the day the hamburger meat fought back.
Dominic Ryland-Jones introduces us to a new cartoon character, Spud.
We hope to see more of Spud in future editions of Open Writing.
...Jenny would tell people that her husband had killed her at regular intervals for thirty years. Playing many roles, ranging from beggar to duchess, she was murdered countless times, always taking a bow afterwards....
Jacqueline Finesilver tells of the Newcastle-born actor Tod Slaughter, famous for his interpretation of the Demon Barber Sweeny Todd - and of his actress wife Jenny Lynn.
To read more of Jacqueline’s words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jacqueline+finesilver
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Peter Pears for whom Benjamin Britten wrote a number of operatic roles.
,,,An Ofsted Inspector, while satisfied with what she saw of David's educational provision, asked the Head why he was in this school? Surely he would be better off in a Special School? The gist of the answer was, 'His mother wants him to be here. He's happy here. We are happy to have him.' In fact, his mother had not found a suitable 'special school' within reach of their home. And she was worried about what would happen when the time came for him to go to secondary school. In the meantime everyone did their best within the limitations.,,,
Jacqueline Finesilver concludes her inspirational account of the education of a very special boy.
To reads the first part of this story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jacqueline+finesilver
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Adelina Patti who made her singing debut in New York in 1850 and was recognised as the leading soprano of her day.
...In The Hut we could play music, dance, spread ourselves around and 'work big'. Dance – there was tap, flamenco, Latin American, Irish... whatever David was currently taken up with. But mainly there was ballet. David was already a classical ballet buff. Not me. Until I met him I didn't care for it. But I just had to buckle down to my homework so that I could partner him in his greatest roles: Romeo, the Prince in Swan Lake, and various other princes, heroes and show-offs. I was happier as the bumbling Ginger Rogers to his Fred Astaire....
Jacqueline Finesilver tells of the education of a very special boy.
This story will be continued next Friday.
In this story based on an hisorical event, Mary Clemons tells of the discovery of the most famous of all Paleolithic cave paintings.
To read more of Mary's words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+clemons
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of singer Giuditta Pasta who created roles of Amina in Bellini's La Somnambula.
John Brian Leaver tells of the saga of a missing teacake, a saga that has echoed down the decades of his life.
To read more of Brian's words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=john+brian+leaver
...Rats really liked our warehouse and the warehouse manager had various ways of trying to deal with them. He set traps, some home made from lengths of cardboard spread thickly with glue and baited with cheese. He also encouraged his men and lads to turn bounty-hunters and stalk vermin in their lunch break...
When he was 14 Sid went to work for Derry and Toms’, the big Kensington department store.
To read earlier vivid accounts of Sid’s life by Jacqueline Finesilver please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=jacqueline+finesilver
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Nellie Melba, a singer valued for her beautiful tone and perfect technique.
...There is no disputing that girls and boys learn in different ways and at different paces. Putting them all together within one environment surely leads to a levelling on all fronts? Can that be right?...
Mary Pilfold-Allan wonders whether we are not dumbing down our childrens’ education by officially insisting that boys and girls should be educated together.
Continue reading "Single-Sex Education – The On-Going Dilema?" »
...George wasn't too well so one Tuesday morning when he had given us both a very restless night I phoned for the doctor to come. About 11:50 am he cleared his throat and said “Oh Lucy”. Then he collapsed. His life was over....
Lucy Oates tells of the day she lost her beloved husband.
To read earlier chapters of Lucy's life story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
Continue reading "Family Life: Eleven- A Date I Can Never Forget" »
...Vancouver feels to me like a sister city to San Francisco. Good natured and shining. The sea is a constant, framing gleaming buildings with fingers of land interlinking and interweaving, the light a fusion of blue and silver. But Vancouver has the jagged icing sugared mountains as a backdrop...
Anne Steward is enthralled by Vancouver, one of the world’s most spectacular cities.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Richard Mayr who sang at the Vienna Opera for 30 years.
...Two nights later the baby woke and needed attention. I sat with him in the dark of the living room nursing him and then burping and rocking him. So exhausted I felt tears burn my eyes, I sat in the middle of my own personal pity party, aching for some kind of help and knowing there was none...
But there was help at hand from a surprise quarter for Ellie Braun-Haley, as she reveals in this heart-warming story.
....The next four days across the Baltic Sea in the overcrowded ship were not pleasant. With no hygienic facilities whatsoever and still under almost constant enemy attack from air and submarines, every moment was lived in terror. One night I went on deck to get fresh air when the alarm sounded and I witnessed two ships in our convoy being torpedoed and sunk in the icy waters with all on board, underlining our perilous state more than ever.
Finally we docked in Copenhagen, exhausted, filthy and lice-infested...
After almost five decades Ruth Kriszanowsky returns to Kaliningrad, formerly known as Königsberg, the city from which she fled in terror.
In this wonderful story Judith Jacks tells of a concert given by the most famous singer of her age, Clara Butt, in aid of the war wounded.
Judith brilliantly evokes time, place and setting. Here's a story you wont't forget.
Lucy Oates marries and then raises a family.
To read earlier episodes of Lucy's engaging life story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
Marsh Kaminsky presents a primer on life insurance for women.
To read more of Marsh's well-informed words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=marsh+kaminsky
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Victor Maurel, the author of four books on singing.
Author and motivational speaker Ellie Braun-Haley tells of the day she risked arousing the scorn and hostility of her school friends.
Tresor Kabeya brings us a slice of South African life.
Lucy Oates tells of a family tragedy.
To read earlier episodes of Lucy's life story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
Continue reading "Family Life: Nine – As Plain As a Pint Pot Handle" »
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Maria Malibran who made her Paris opera debut 1828 in Rossini's Semiramide.
...My friends and I were a bunch of amphibians; we liked to be in, on or along the river whenever possible....
In this marvelously evocative article Jacqueline Finesilver tells how Sid and seven other river lads hired a boat to compete in the Thames Head of the River race.
Tresor Kabeya brings us a story from South Africa about a wicked which is determined to have a chicken dinner.
Mary Clemons tells of a turning point in life.
...When we’d finished the painting, the owner took us for a stroll down his large garden and pointed out where he thought of having a swimming pool. Then George put on quite a performance. He paced out the area, narrowed his eyes, surveyed the lie of the land, puffed on his skinny roll-up and nodded sagely, just as if he knew what he was about...
Are George and Sid about to get involved in something beyond their competence?
Jacqueline Fines recounts another true tale.
Women were called up to work in factories, as Lucy Oaters reveals as she continues her life story.
To read earlier chapter's of Lucy's autobiography please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
…He watched a raptor circling high overhead. After hovering the bird swooped in pursuit of prey. Rob took out his binoculars but failed to discover the site of carnage. In a desultory manner he continued a sweep of the upper part of the river. A snatch of colour on a ledge half way up the higher waterfall caught his eye. His skin crawled. With trembling hands he refocused and trained the binoculars on an area where the uniform lichen gave way to a tangerine coloured ‘T’ shirt. ..
Rob is out walking on the Isle of Arran when he spots a damsel in distress.
Jean Cowgill tells a story with a surprise in its tail.
A book of short stories reminds John Brian Leaver of a calm crossing of the Irish Sea.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of singer Benjamin Luxon, who created the role of Britten's Owen Wingrave.
...I found the writing gave me peace and the intellectual activity of trying to refine my work kept me wanting to do more....
Anne Steward's words will encourage others to write.
Lucy Oates recalls a time of gas masks and ration books.
To read earlier episodes of Lucy's story please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
...It is exceptional quiet where we live. Our house is opposite a small wood that engulfs an area of former clunch workings. Well away from the main road through the village, any noise after dark echoes in an eerie way, hence the first time I heard the inhuman ‘cough’ it was unnerving. Night after night the same ‘coughing’ broke the stillness and eventually I sought wise counsel of the village elders. My enquiry was an experience I do not wish to repeat. They enjoyed the opportunity of baiting a townie...
Ah, but who or what was doing the coughing? Mary Pilfold-Allan brings us another intriguing and entertaining column.
To read more of Mary’s words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of singer Robert Lloyd who made his Covent Garden debut in 1972.
Lucy Oates, continuing her life story, recalls family ills at the outset of World War Two.
To read earlier episodes of her story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Edward Lloyd who was the first to sing the leading roles in two of Elgar's greatest works.
...For those uninitiated in the ways of Irish livestock fairs in the fifties and early sixties I should explain that with so many people in town for the monthly fair there was one moneymaking enterprise in which some of the villagers indulged. This was the setting up of what became known as “eating-houses.” Simply put it meant that anyone with a reasonably sized front room could enter into the restaurant business for the day and serve meals to all and sundry...
Alan McConnell wonderfully reawakens memories of life in rural Ireland half a century ago.
This is the third and concluding part of a series. To read the first two parts, and other articles by Alan, please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=alan+mcconnell
Continue reading "Salmon Poaching And Cattle Markets - Part Three" »
...I was just about old enough to run errands and had been sent by my mother to fetch a pennyworth of pickles for my father's tea. On my way back from the shop, eyes glued to the saucer, nose twitching at the sharp smell, full of anticipation of being offered a little taste for myself, I fell down a hole...
Jacqueline Fines serves up a tasty plateful of gustatory memories.
Lucy Oates recalls her father's gardening achievments.
To read earlier chapters of her life story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=lucy+oates
Continue reading "Family Life: Five - Green Tomato Chutney" »
Bob Boyd continues his account of his Royal Navy service. To read earlier episodes of his story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=bob+boyd
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Jenny Lind, known as the Swedish nightingale.
Stanley Solomons brings this chuckle-filled account of how his long career in journalism went to the dogs from day one.
To read more of Stan's articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=stanley+solomons
...While my father was a devotee of the buttermilk I made it my business to steer clear of that particular beverage. It is very definitely an acquired taste. The only time I willingly came in close proximity to the brew was on an occasion when my Great Aunt Mary told me that it was just the thing for removing freckles...
Alan McConnell’s words conjure up life in rural Ireland in a quieter age. Watch out for the concluding part of Salmon Poachers And Cattle Markets next Sunday.
Continue reading "Salmon Poaching And Cattle Markets – Part Two" »
Lucy Oates tells of a time when Whit Monday was the highlight of the year.
...The next incident, perhaps I should call it disaster, was the state of the ground. Snow and rain had reduced a normally green and pleasant land to quagmire. I watched my charges slip and slid (with glee) through ankle deep mud. By the time we arrived at the duck pond I would seriously have liked to have dunked them in and wash them down....
Mary Pilfold-Allan records her mud-spattered day as an unwilling conscript in the roll of child-minder.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Manchester-born Richard Lewis, who sang in the first performances of major Twentieth Century musical works.
…‘They’ll not get you, son. I’ll take your life and then my own before their wicked boots come through that door.’..
Judith Jacks bases her dramatic story on the shelling of a North Eastern town by German battleships at the start of World War One.
An abundance of knowledge between hard covers is not necessarily a good thing, as reading enthusiast Brian Lockett reveals.
...Artie, now settled in my father’s chair over by the fire said, “Troth and didn’t I hear that the two river watchers got into a right handlin’ last night over by the mouth of the river.”
I pricked up my ears upon hearing this and paused by the pantry door to hear more. I knew that there was a deal of salmon poaching going on and that Ben Byrne and Rob Diver were watching the river at night on behalf of the owners of the fishing rights. Their official title was that of Water Bailiffs but around our part of the country they were known as “river watchers.”...
Artie the postman brings news when he calls at the farm to deliver a letter.
Alan McConnell brings another slice of life in the rural Ireland of yesteryear. Watch out for more from Alan next weeks.
To read more of his richly evocative articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=alan+mcconnell
Continue reading "Salmon Poaching And Cattle Markets - Part 1" »
Wendy Ogbourne voices an impassioned (tongue-in-cheek?) plea for the return of the golden days when the pen truly was mightier than the sword.
Continue reading ""There's Less In This Than Meets The Eye''" »
The old man has left his house to his granddaughter – a bequest that comes as a shocking surprise to his daughter. But has granded left an even bigger surprise?
Judith Jacks tells a splendidly atmospheric tale.
...I had a very bad cold then which turned into laryngitis and for three month's I could only whisper, and looking back, the funny thing was, every one whispered back to me...
Lucy Oates, who grew up in the small Yorkshire town of Holmfirth, continues her life story.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Lotte Lehmann, one of the leading sopranos of her time.
A writer's mind is never at rest, even in the bustling cheeseburger environs of Luton Airport. But should this writer really have been devoting his time to Flaubert's Parrot?
Brian Lockett presents a delicious travel log.
Judith Jacks tells of a young lady called Lily who liked hats.
Do keep a lookout for more of Judith’s engaging words in future editions of Open Writing.
Judith Wallis tells the most satisfying story of Orlando, a teenager going to the bad, who is saved by blond curls, a dimpled smile and an unexpected offer.
...Like Alice, I had Scarlet Fever when I was eight and spent six weeks in the Isolation Hospital at Meltham. Visitors were allowed on Saturday afternoons, but they could only speak to us through the windows, and any sweets or toys had to be left at the office for us and we got the sweets two at a time after lunch...
Lucy Oates, who grew up in the Yorkshire township of Homfirth, a place made famous in the BBC's longest-running comedy TV programme The Last Of The Summer Wine, records her early life in fascinating detail.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Magda Laszlo who created the role of Cressida in Walton’s Troilus and Cressida.
Linda McLean tells of a wonderful New Year’s Eve and Day experienced on a quiet Scottish isle.
Marsh Kaminsky brings a hugely inspirational account of how he taught his young son to read and spell.
Imagine a world in which every parent followed Marsh's lead!
Few people owned cars in the 1930s. Now the street is bumper to bumper with parked cars. Are their owners any better off than the folk who struggled to survive seventy and more years ago? John Brian Leaver thinks not.
Lucy Oates was born and raised in Holmfirth, the tiny Yorkshire mill town made famous world-wide as the setting of BBC Television's longest-running comedy programme Last Of The Summer Wine.
Here Mrs Oates tells what life was like when she was a girl. This is the first of twelve articles telling her story. Further episodes will follow on succeeding Saturdays.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Lilli Lehmann who sang at the first Bayreuth festival in 1876.
A hug can save a life, as Ellie Braun-Haley reveals.
...Little boys have a teapot and little girls have a teacup” was her way of getting out of giving me a lesson in anatomy and the birds and the bees before I had hit my fourth birthday...
Mary Pilfold-Allan muses upon that magical ingredient which makes the world go round – love.
For more of Mary’s varied and always entertaining columns please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Peter Wintersgill summarises the life of singer Luigi Lablache, who made his debut in Milan in 1817 as Dandini in Rossini’s La Cenerentola.
...One day I got the chance to take a trip in one of our own submarines. Most carried two Telegraphists. If one was off sick or on leave a volunteer was requested from the surface ships. I had to sign a notice saying I was volunteering at my own risk, This was because I had not taken the deep sea underwater escape test all submariners had to go through...
Bob Boyd continues his story of serving as a Royal Navy telegraphist on HMS Woodbridge Haven.
To read the earlier articles in this series please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=bob+boyd
"This essay is about what it takes to create the most highly intelligent and capable children....''
Marsh Kaminsky is eager to launch an educational experiment that would revolutionise the world by hugely increasing the nunber of people of high intelligence.
David Hammond recalls the day of days - a time of special celebration.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of singer Otakar5 Kraus who created the role of Tarquinius in Britten’s Rape of Lucretia.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Maria Jeritza. the Bohemian-born opera singer.
William Ruleman, whose excellent poems appear regularly in Open Writing, had a telephone conversation with Harold Bloom, the American author, intellectual and renowned literary critic. Here is a record of what was said.
To read William's poems please click on www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=william+ruleman
David Hammond tells of a chap who was not amused when he saw his trousers fluttering atop the flag pole at a Boys’ Brigade camp.
...I have walked across Westminster Bridge at least a hundred times and she never fails to take my breath away. I have seen her glow with dark majesty in the sunshine and found her an inspiration when it’s raining and the world seems a dreary place. But she is at her most impressive when a November fog engulfs her or Old Father Thames gives off a soft summer mist at the start of a warm day...
To find out the identity of this redheaded lady you really must read this inspirational column by Mary Pilfold-Allan.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of New Zealand singer Joan Hammond.
David Hammond enjoys the ascent of Great Gable.
Bob Boyd contindues his account of his service in the Royal Navy. To read the opening chapter of his story please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=bob+boyd
Frank Healy remembers the magical fun of cinema=going during his boyhood days.
To read more articles by Frank please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=frank+healy
Peter Wintersgill sketches the career of Gaetano Guadagni, an 18th Century Italian singer.
All young Mary wanted for her birthday was a new name.
Brian Lockett tells a story with a happy chuckle in its tail.
Journalist David Hammond recalls a World War one battle in which many young men from the Yorkshire town of Huddersfield lost their lives.
David Hammond tells of an artist who was invited to paint a portrait of Prince Charles.
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of the healing powers of forgiveness.
John Powell finds that volunteering to be a Christmas Day helper can be a heart-warming experience.
Ellie Braun-Haley has some sound advice for those who may be feeling lonely this Christmas.
Peter Wintersgill presents the career details of Beniamino Gigli, one of the greatest singers of all time.
A writer with the pen name Pitter-Patter tells of two highly significant porcelain, then charts the course of recent human history.
Journalist David Hammond recalls in rich detail his National Service days in the Royal Air Force.
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of help from beyond the grave.
...There is a funny sort of reasoning among the young that if it comes pre-packed and jointed so that they cannot recognise it as an animal, then its OK to eat it. Likewise, even vegetarians may avoid meat like the plague but still take to wearing leather shoes or a suede jacket.
I was brought up with a very different philosophy altogether. If you eat it, that’s fine. If you waste it, then it’s not. Consequently, my children grew up to eat almost anything put before them and it is only in later years that ‘fads’ set in...
Mary Pilfold Allan, who savoured the delights of growing up in rural surroundings, introduces us to tasty treats such as Perkers and rabbit brawn.
To read more of Mary's engaging words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
Peter Wintersgill tells of singer Mary Garden who created the role of Debussy’s Melisande.
So what did Stanley Porter say to delight Her Majesty?
Brian Lockett tells the best tale of the year.
David Hammond recalls the days when trams trundled along the streets of a Yorkshire industrial town.
Frank Healy recalls how he flooded a big department store with a bedlam of musical sounds.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to Manuel Del Populo who founded a singing school to establish Italian Opera in New York.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Marya Freund, one of the first to sing 12-note works.
Frank Healy reflects on hair styles down the centuries.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Olive Fremstad, a singer who specialised in Wagnerian roles.
...“Special delivery,” repeated Mohammed to his son. “They do that to make sure it arrives safely. It could be an armed guard, you know, security boxes, code names, all that sort of thing. It must be very valuable indeed.”...
Mohammed, a trader living in a Persian village, has won the lottery. Will the prize change his life?
Brian Lockett presents a modern fable.
To read more of Brian's first-class stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
John Brian Leaver tells a deliciously disturbing tale of boyhood enterprise.
Mary Pilfold-Allan has particular reasons to value the five senses, especially the gift of being able to hear.
Frank Healy recalls the days when the centrepiece of many a Yorkshire home was the kitchen range.
Peter Wintersgill brings a pen-portrait of the Norwegian singer Kirsten Flagstad, a famed soprano soloist in Wagner operas.
Frank Healy recalls the days of oilcloth, linoleum and rag rugs.
...Wanting fame leads me on nicely to the cult of the celebrity. I don't know whether to be amused or amazed by this (perhaps a bit of both, with disgust somewhere in the mix). Take one gobby little no-nothing, stick her on the telly, et voila! The latest sensation. No looks, no talent and only half a wit – but hey! She's famous!
Cult-of-celebrity magazines foster this strange desire. (I sometimes flick through them when at the doctor's.) Hello, OK and the rest. Full of stick insects with topknots, falling off their designer shoes as they lurch, three-quarters-cut, out of some nightclub or other. Very odd. I could think of some more suitable names for these daft publications – NitWit, Dingbat Monthly, Greed!...
The wonderful Jill Grant takes a horrified look at the Philistine horrors of modern-day Britain. Read this splendid column and be informed of life’s true values.
Do visit Jill's Web site www.grantidge.com
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau who has a repertory of over 1000 songs.
Peter Wintersgill tells of the famous opera star Kathleen Ferrier, who began her working life as a switchboard operator.
A message from Peter Hinchliffe, Open Writing Editor.
My wife, Joyce Hinchliffe, died suddenly last week at the age of 68.
Joyce worked alongside me, helping to put out Open Writing every day.
She attended her weekly Spanish class in the Yorkshire town nearest our home, At lunchtime she walked back to her car in a multi-storey car park with Sheila, an 84-year-old friend. She was happily chattering away.
When they were in the car she asked Sheila if she had fastened her seat belt. She then started the engine. Half-turning, she said “Sheila I feel...’’
She collapsed, dying in the instant of a massive brain haemorrhage.
Today Joyce, who was born and raised in Texas, is being buried in a small churchyard in the Yorkshire hill village where we live.
Joyce was a loyal Christian. She tried every day to help others.
Part of my therapy in coping with an almost unbearable loss will be to try to ensure that Open Writing continues.
The following is an unsolicited article by that thoughtful and compassionate columnist John Merchant, who writes regularly from the USA.
Journalist and art critic David Hammond tells of the birth of one of the Twentieth Century’s most famous songs.
Continue reading "A 5 Shilling Bet That Helped To Win The War" »
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the singer Geraldine Farrar who appeared in many films.
Joseph Meakin tells of his convoluted sex education.
A service was being held today in the parish church of the Shropshire village of Annscroft to celebrate the ministry of John Waddington-Feather.
John is a regular contributor to Open Writing web magazine. We are serialising his trilogy of novels, Illingworth House, concerning the complicated lives of a Yorkshire mill-owning dynasty. There is also a weekly short story or article by John appearing under the title Feather’s Miscellany.
We hope that John has a very happy and memorable day.
Here is the sermon he delivered at the celebratory service.
Violet Wagner was born in South Africa in 1944, and started her working life as a teacher there. In 1970 she moved to the United Kingdom and has lived there since in various parts of England. Currently she lives in Essex.
Her last job was a chief executive post in a National Health Service organisation. It was the culmination of a career which spanned 19 job changes. In preparation for retirement she trained as a genealogist, with additional courses in oral history and history methods.
Since 2004 she has spent up to six months a year in South Africa, researching and spending time with her brothers and sisters who live there.
"Getting back into life in South Africa has been a roller coaster experience fueling many stories,'' says Violet.
And here is one of them.
Ellie Braun-Haley could never have guessed where she would end up when she started down that Canadian ski slope.
...The afternoon was wonderfully autumnal, with a mild southerly wind chasing the first fall of leaves around my feet. Despite the financial gloom in The City, just a mile or so down the road, the world felt calm and full of endless possibilities....
Mary Pilfold-Allan goes hiking through history in the great city of London.
Carmen Fitzgerald describes the ceremony which admitted a young man to the ancient order of Melchisidech.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Carlo Farinelli who sang at the royal court in Madrid in the eighteenth century.
Steph Spiers brings inspirational news for all writers, everywhere. If you want to get into print, or see your words on the Net, JOIN A WRITING GROUP!
Continue reading "How An Over 50s Writers’ Group Became A Publisher" »
...Five orders of tripe, she reads as she leafs through the pages, followed by rhubarb and apple custard...
What is happening in Ruby’s gourmet restaurant?
Carmel Fitzgerald tells a tasty tale.
Peter Wintersgill details the life of opera singer Geraint Evans, the son of a Welsh coalminer.
A visit to a ruined mansion in Scotland fills Linda McLean with sad thoughts of decline and decay.
To read other articles by Linda please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=linda+mclean
When a family Christening sends Mary Pilfold-Allan back to the exploration of her family tree she finds herself in the age of the first Tudor monarch.
...Once the crew were on board, usually two pair of oars and a skipper on the tiller, the orders would be given; "cast off bow and stern", "fend off bow", "backwater starboard" then "give way together". At first it would be anything but "together" as the bow oar would clash with the stroke oar and "crabs" would be caught when, with an enthusiastic pull on the oar the water would be missed completely, the hapless oarsman ending up on his back on the bilge boards...
Glyn Lloyd Evans recalls happy days in the Sea Scouts.
Peter Wintersgill provides an outline of Willi Domgraf, at one time the principal baritone at Berlin State Opera.
…When the war started, I was a wide-eyed, wondering child. By the time it ended I was a teenager, altered by the experiences of living in fear, and of “getting by” without the toys, books, clothes, vacations and the other treats of the childhood I might have had. My adult life has been characterized by those experiences, mostly for the good…
John Merchant concludes his account of his wartime experiences.
To read the first four parts of this absorbing series please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=john+merchant
Linda McLean concludes her four-part account of going on holiday in France with two friends in wheelchairs, a holiday fraught with unexpected problems.
To read the first three sections of this account please click on
http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=linda+mclean
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Mattiwilda Dobbs, the first black singer to appear at La Scala, Milan.
…It was the likes of Bernard Miles, and other radio comedians such as Gillie Potter, with his weekly monologue, “The News From Hogsnorton, Spoken in English”; Rob Wilton, with his opening line, “The day war broke out, my Missus said to me ‘What are you going to do about it?’; and Tommy Handley with his fast talking weekly radio show, that brightened our lives in the darkest of times. I was such a Tommy Handley fan that I would sneak out of bed to sit on the stairs, even on freezing nights, to listen to his broadcasts. The very satire of their performances made the serious reality of the war seem ridiculous…
John Merchant recalls radio comedians who helped to boost British morale during World War Two.
This is the fourth in a series of five articles.
Linda McLean and two friends are heading for the ferry terminal after a holiday in France when they are forced to an unwelcomed halt.
To read earlier chapters of Linda’s story, along with more of her articles, please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=linda+mclean
Peter Wintsersgill summarises the life of Czech singer Emmy Destinn.
So who were those Brits the American tourists met on the train? And who were those Americans?
Brian Lockett tells an intriguing tale.
To read more of Brian's stories please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
Barbara Tregonning's poem suggest Women's Lib was launched by a lady on a bike.
…My prize find was a bazooka with its anti-tank missile in place. Much to my chagrin, the conductor wouldn’t let me on the bus with it, and it was too far to walk home…
The war years provided boys with exciting opportunities for new games, as John Merchant reveals.
This is the third in a series of five articles presenting John’s vivid memories of growing up in wartime.
Linda McLean continues her inspiring account of going on a camping holiday in France with two friends in wheelchairs.
To read more of Linda’s words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=linda+mclean
...The table being cleared of the card playing accessories was soon laid and in no time at all a little mountain of Margaret Mary’s treacle scones, generously slathered with butter and complemented by a similar stack of plain scones hiding beneath an overlay of both butter and jam, began to disappear accompanied by appreciative remarks directed to their hostess...
Ah but you’ll wish your were right there with the boyos, eating a treacle scone, joining in the craic, as you read Alan McConnell’s tale.
To read more of Alan’s amiable words from rural Ireland please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Alan+McConnell
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Jean De Reske, one of the greatest operatic tenors.
“When my son moved into his own cottage 24 years ago, he told me it was supposed to be haunted,’’ says Marjorie Upson, “I was attending a U3A writing class at the time and thought I would write a story about the supposed haunting. Using some tenuous links to my own family here it is.’’
To read more articles by Marjorie please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=marjorie+upson
And do take a look at her excellent pictures in our Open Writing Gallery.
Sonia Noble tells of a monumental effort to save one small feathered life.
…We lived about eight miles from the center, but the blaze created by incendiary bombs was clearly visible from our bedroom windows. My grandfather looked out over the burning city and immediately collapsed with a heart attack. All public transportation was destroyed or disrupted, so the following day my father attempted to walk to his office at the gas company. When he returned that night he collapsed, his hunched body wracked by sobs. The sights he had seen that day led to him having a nervous breakdown…
In the second of his five-part series recounting his wartime experiences John Merchant tells how German bombing raids devastated the city of Sheffield.
Linda McLean begins an account of a holiday in the Dordogne with two companions in wheelchairs.
Peter Wintersgill introduces counter tenor Alfred Deller, founder of the Stour Music Festival.
Brian Lockett's delicious tale proves that being alone can be fun - if you have a telephone.
To read more of Brian's words please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
While abhorring the brutal regime of Robert Mugabe, Stan Solomons points out that Zimbabwe was run as a virtual dictatorship when whites were in charge.
…Early in the war, the air raid sirens that warned of approaching enemy aircraft seemed to wail almost every night, but more often than not they were false alarms. Either the raiders were heading for some other target, or the alert was simply a mistake. Real or not, we still had to get out of bed and wait under the table until the “All Clear” siren had sounded. But on nights when Sheffield was the target, the experience turned into a scary adventure for us kids, but a terrifying experience for the adults…
John Merchant was six years old when World War II began. Those years of austerity, excitement and terror were to have a major influence on the rest of his life.
This is the first of a five-part series presenting John’s vivid memories of that time. Watch out for his second article next Saturday.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of Joan Cross, principal soprano at Sadlers Wells for 15 years.
An elderly man's musings on life and death are dramatically interrupted in Brian Lockett's short story.
To read more of Brian's stories and articles please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=Brian+Lockett
Despite trials and tribulations in Paris, Linda McLean and Shand return to their home in Scotland with a real sense of having achieved something special.
The unwrapping of sweets, whispered conversations, the slurping of drinks, the checking of text messages and the occasional ring of a mobile phone...
Mary Pilfold-Allan is disturbed by the noises off that have become part of theatre- and opera-going.
To read more of Mary's columns please click on http://www.openwriting.com/cgi-bin/mt-search.cgi?IncludeBlogs=1&search=mary+pilfold-allan
...I was the one feeling a bit handicapped. I approached a colleague at the college where I was teaching and suggested I sign up for classes to learn more about disabilities.
His response was both revealing and surprising "No, I wouldn't do that if I were you!” He said, "If you come to my classes I am going to tell you all the things these individuals can not do. But if you go forward and attempt to teach them what you know, in your own area of expertise, with an expectation for them to do it, many of them will succeed. "...
The inspirational Ellie Braun-Haley tells of teaching dance to people with developmental disabilities.
Peter Wintersgill summarises the life of Susannah Cibber who sang in the first performance of Handel's Messiah.
Linda McLean and Shand enjoy a holiday in France, but all too soon it’s time for the journey home...
This story will be concluded next Monday.
...Labradors can be such blatant hussies when it comes to the mating game....
In this gloriously funny column Mary Pilfold-Allan tells of the frustrated desires of certain four-legged females.
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of a Niagra Falls sing-song.
Peter Wintersgill presents a biographical sketch of Fyodor Chaliapin, regarded as the greatest singing actor of his day.
...Great'ma just laughed... “Are you ready for some rather difficult news? Well difficult for me to tell you."...
Jackie Wearing continues her intriguing tale concerning a family with secrets. At the centre of the story is an old, frail lady in a wheelchair - Great'ma.
To read earlier chapters of this intriguing novel please type the author’s name in the search box on this page.
Linda McLean and Shand find their holiday journey to France is not easy.
Look out for the continuation of this story in next Monday’s Open Writing.
Sherillanne, though believed by her friend to be dead,emerged from her hiding place to tell how she had been systematically stealing from her partner Skip’s drug trafficking proceeds. Skip has been sent to jail for drug offences.
Sherillanne seeks refuge in Mexico, there to open and run a successful bar.
Eight years pass by. Then she hears that Skip is free, and looking for her…
John Merchant brings his three-part tale to an unexpected conclusion.
(If you are coming to this story for the first time, you should first read the earlier episodes.
Part One
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2008/07/sherillanne_1.php
Part Two
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2008/08/sherillanne_the_1.php)
Ellie Braun-Haley tells of being forced to start stripping off by surprise attackers.
Open Writing will bring you reports from the Beijing Olympics, which get under way within the hour.
Journalist Tony Bugby is in the Chinese capital, there to report on the world's greatest sporting feast.
Tony is covering his fifth Olympics. "I still find the Olympics as spell-binding as I did in 1992 when making my debut in Barcelona.''
Here is his first report from Beijing.
Continue reading "The Olympics - A Report From Our Man At The Games" »
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of one of the greatest singers of all time, Enrico Caruso.
Linda McLean and Shand set off for a holiday in France - electric wheelchair, battery charger and all.
Linda begins a a three-part account of a very special holiday.
...If you are a mother dealing with BPI, take heart. As Rowan has become more independent, my worries and false guilt have lessened to some degree. I must accept that I cannot be in control of every movement she makes, and I cannot use every playtime as a way to sneak in therapy exercises. I have to let her be a normal kid in spite of her injury and hope that other children will accept her as she is....
In this deeply moving and hugely encouraging article Julie Blaine Morris tells of the progress of her daughter Rowan, born with nerve damage - Erb's palsy.
In the previous episode of John Merchant’s story http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2008/07/sherillanne_1.php Sherillanne had disappeared under sinister circumstances after giving her friend Trisha a sealed letter to be handed to the police in the event of her death. Skip Bowman, the man Sherillanne had been living with was seen driving away from his empty apartment, alone.
Jean Cowgill’s story tells of an unwelcomed journey.
For more of Jean's stories please click on:
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2008/02/ats_and_a_sinki_1.php
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2007/08/the_watford_gap_1.php
JJJ
Marjorie Upson recalls the day the drummer came to stay.
Peter Wintersgill summarises the life of Maria Callas, La Divina, the singer who changed the face of post-war opera
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to the singer Clara Butt who spent most of her career on the concert platform.
Linda McLean tells of a man in dire circumstances who still had many a laugh in him.
…The bar where she worked was mainly patronized by crews from the lobster and clam boats, and sport fishermen who were well practiced in the art of luring their prey. Sooner or later one of them would wear her down like they played the fish; giving her scope then reeling her in, until she succumbed, ready to believe that this time it was “true love.”…
Will Sherillanne ever find the right guy?
John Merchant tells a real-life tale.
Linda McLean tells of a remarkable and unforgettable woman minister whose faith inspired a congregation and helped the needy.
You don't need lots of words to tell a good tale, as Melissik proves admirably with this story from South Africa.
...The Spanish still do what we once did so well in this country, cook from the heart and soul. They use what comes from around them, wasting nothing; everything has a value, if only to make stock...
Following the news that the average British household throws out £420 worth of perfectly good food every year, Mary Pilfold-Allan recommends that we should make the most of home-grown food.
Continue reading "Second Helping Of Lord Wooton's Pie Anyone?" »
Peter Wintersgill brings details of Marie Brema, an opera star who mainly sang Wagner roles.
Linda McLean concludes her account of a trip made by a group of Scottish people to Assisi in Italy, there to perform a canticle written by their parish priest.
To read earlier episodes of Linda’s excellent account of the journey please type her name in the search box on this page.
Peter Wintersgill introduces the singer Inge Borkh, renowned for her dramatic Strauss roles.
Ninety Scottish folk are in Assisi there to perform a canticle written by their parish priest.
And Linda McLean, who made the arrangements for their journey to Italy, finds herself worried to distraction.
To read earlier episodes of Linda’s account of the musical adventure please type her name in the search box on this page.
...Shortly after this we drew back from the table and the women folk fell to clearing up. While they were engaged in this worthy task, my grandfather addressed me, “Well, caddie, it’s milking time. We’ll have a wee dander as far as the back meadow and bring Daisy in. The exercise will help to sack down some of that grub you’ve been putting away.” So saying, he lifted the scoured milking pail from its resting place beneath the little back table and we set forth...
Alan McConnell continues his engaging account of what life was like in rural Ireland decades ago.
Continue reading "An Outing with Great Aunt Mary - 6 – Teatime Conversation" »
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to Hildegard Behrens, who studied law before becoming a professional singer.
...With optimism running high in my blood I made a momentous decision a few months back and took the matrimonial plunge again on 11 June. With six grown-up children and more than a dozen grandchildren between us, my future husband and I wondered what the reaction would be when we announced our intentions. On a scale of one to ten I would say about seven and a half for enthusiasm. Shock factor among the offspring, much higher. I suspect one or two would have liked to have uttered the words ‘aren’t you getting on a bit for that?”...
But Mary Pilfold-Allan (formerly Basham) had difficulty in finding a suitable outfit for the big day.
She invites Open Writing readers who may have experienced similar problems to share their experiences.
Linda McLean tells of the fraught day when a teenager lost his way after being given the key to “freedom’’.
....Of more interest to me was the plump apple pie sitting in the middle of the table, flanked by two bread plates, one holding my grandmother’s home baked plain soda and the other current soda, my favourite.
Those bread plates still live in my memory today. They had a fretwork pattern around the edges and seem to have gone quite out of fashion nowadays....
Alan McConnell continues his delightful account of life in rural Ireland in bygone days, introducing us to a taste sensation – the two-eyed steak.
Continue reading "An Outing with Great Aunt Mary - 5 – The Two-eyed Steak" »
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to Josephine Barstow, whose operatic appearances ranged from Mozart to works by Tippett.
Critics of British newspapers say that journalists are now merely churnalists - processors of "news" delivered to them by press officers. But Claire emphasises that press officers can supply information which is for the greater good.
Linda McLean continues her story of the trials and tribulations she faced when organising the visit of a Scottish choir of adults and children to Italy to perform a canticle written by their parish priest.
To read earlier episodes of Linda's account please type her name in the menu on this page.
…It was in this barn that I found a small brass telescope, the origins of which I never discovered. In my youthful day I derived much pleasure from its use and I must have been the only boy in the area with such an instrument. I still have it in my possession. It was my delight to stand at my grandparents’ door and focus on the clock in the church tower situated on a hill about three quarters of a mile away…
Alan McConnell recalls with delight visits to the home of his grandparents.
Continue reading "An Outing With Great Aunt Mary - 4. Time In Our Grandparents’ House" »
Peter Wintersgill tells of John Braham, a singer admired by George IV.
...Three eagles glide overhead daily and we observe one another with fascination...
Ellie Braun-Haley relishes life in a quiet valley in southern Mexico.
Julie Drew, on her first day as a visiting professor in the English Department at a Beijing University, anticipates and relishes the comedy of conversation.
...Picking up a newspaper or listening to the local news these days seems to consist of a catalogue of crime: murder, rape, knifings, beatings, muggings and sheer antisocial behaviour. The ages of those carrying out the crimes gets lower by the day. Successive governments have attempted to curb the rising number of incidents involving young people, to find a solution to juvenile crime and to force parents to control their children. So far a lot of money has been thrown at the problem with little or no effect....
Mary Basham suggests that good behaviour begins in the home.
To read more of Mary's columns please type her name in the search box on this page.
Continue reading "Bullying - From Small Acorns Large Oak Trees Grow" »
At last the Scottish party who are to perform a canticle written by their local priest reach their destination – Assisi, Italy.
But organiser Linda McLean’s problems are far from over.
...Kit stood up, walked over and gently held her hands. "Janey Grant, you're not going anywhere just yet. I feel as if I've known you all my life. We grew up together. It isn't only the house that brought me back; you were part of my dream too. You can't walk out of my life again, I won't let you."...
Betty McKay brings the story which she began last week to a most satisfying conclusion.
…We found the café deserted, and Aunt Mary ushered us to a table and left us there in suspense while she approached Miss Warke who had emerged from an inner room upon our entry.
Having given her order Mary returned to the table and said, “There’ll be some ice cream and something else you’ve never seen before.”…
What was the great surprise? All is revealed in the third episode of Alan McConnell’s account of life in rural Ireland in bygone days.
Continue reading "An Outing with Great Aunt Mary Part 3 - Something Never Seen Before" »
Peter Wintersgill tells of the Valencia-born singer Lucrezia Bori.
The maiden name of Mollie Mercer's mother was Browning.
Every year the Browning family held a reunion in Twin Lakes, Georgia. Mollie wrote this moving tribute to the "early'' Browning for the 40th of these re-unions.
To read more of Mollie's words please type her name in the search box on this page.
...There is no room in his universe to doubt that he will, indeed, triumph. He is a roaring siren, a marching band, a banquet of obscene indulgence, a bloody boxer with gloved hands raised...
In this marvelous piece of writing Julie Drew gets inside the head of a 13-year-old boy - and of the mother who walks the fine line between being protective and allowing freedom.
Watch out next Monday for another fine article by Julie.
Jane Cranham returns to Little Blessant where her father was once vicar, the village where she grew up. And there she meets...
To find out who you will have to wait until next Monday to read the second part of Betty McKay's engaging story.
A party of musicians, singers and dancers set out from Scotland, bound for Assisi in Italy, there to perform a canticle written by Father Francis. But frustrations galore lie in wait.
Linda McLean’s patience, language skills and organising ability are tested to the limit.
The fourth part of this story will appear in next Monday’s Open Writing.
Failure can be good, says Claire. Embrace it.
..."Everything that happens is a reminder of some past experience," she thought. "Now where is everyone?"...
Great'ma sits in the garden, unaware of passing time, lost in musings upon past times and her family.
To read earlier chapters of Jackie Wearing's novel please type her name in the search box on this page.
…Upon her arrival Aunt Mary fell to and helped with the egg cleaning. As each egg was cleaned it was placed in a wooden egg crate. This crate was collected by Jimmy who left another in its place to be collected the following Saturday. In those days the eggs formed a significant addition to the farm income. The humble hen more than paid for her keep in those days.
In our house, and I presume in many others, the egg money was my mother’s and was used to help meet our weekly grocery bill. My mother had a well-deserved reputation for thrift and in some weeks managed to squirrel away a few shillings from this money, and thus she was able to delve into the accumulated sum to procure little presents for us children and our father at birthdays or other special occasions…
In telling of the visit of a great aunt who lived in the United States Alan McConnell paints a wonderful picture of a "lost’’ time in rural Ireland.
Watch out for further episodes in this vivid sequence.
Continue reading "An Outing With Great Aunt Mary - 2 – What Surprise?" »
Peter Wintersgill gives details of the life of Elizabeth Billington who made her opera debut as Polly in the Beggar's Opera in Dublin in 1783
...Visitors were always a special treat to us. When we saw somebody headed up that old dusty dirt road, toward our house, we knew they had to be coming to see us. No one else lived for more than a mile or more in either direction...
In this wonderfully evocative article Mollie Mercer tells of friendlier times.
...I often visit churches because they are such an important part of Britain's architectural heritage but I rarely donate money to renovation funds. This is despite the fact that I'm well aware that such old buildings cost thousands of dollars to run.
Seeing poor little St. Clement's gave me a bit of a shock, so I will be putting my hand in my pocket more often in future...
Claire is moved to thoughts of charity by a run-down church in the university city of Cambridge.
Betty McKay tells a tale based on a novella by William Trevor.
...The girls hunt in the yard, where Kate and Lindsey know every bush, every blade of grass, every kind of skink and chameleon, and it is here, under a flowering yellow hibiscus, that they find the tiny eggs. And suddenly lizards are both more and less than they were: babies. Kate scoops up the eggs in their dirt with a spoon and lays them down with care in a potted fern on the front porch...
But lizards can have a deeper, lurking significance, as Julie Drew suggests in this wonderful multi-layered story.
…Mary had arrived the previous week. For the first time she had crossed the Atlantic by air flying into Shannon, which was then in those early post war years commencing its role as a major transatlantic destination. She justified the additional expense of the flight when compared with sea travel by the fact that she would have ten additional days in Ireland.
Her journey from Shannon had been by way of Francie Meehan’s ramshackle taxi. Now when I think back to those days, I consider that what with the state of both the roads and Francie’s vehicle the journey must have seemed quite as long as that over the Atlantic and considerably less comfortable…
In telling of the visit of Great Aunt Mary Alan McConnell vividly evokes the rural Ireland of his boyhood.
Further episodes of this story will appear over the next six weeks.
Continue reading "An Outing With Great Aunt Mary - 1 – A Strange Expression" »
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to John Beard, a singer who helped to establish the importance of the tenor voice.
Mollie Mercer tells of old-time natural aroma therapy and a way of life that could cure todays's modern ills.
...So I emptied out my pocket onto the table. Contents of said pocket were:
1 tennis ball
12 pieces of string
7 elastic bands
2 pieces of shrapnel (given me by a solder from Dunkirk)
4 small keys (that I found and don’t know what they’ll open)
Half a stick of Edinburgh Rock (raspberry flavour, which I gave to Helen and she threw on the fire)
1 threepenny bit (the remains of my pocket money)...
Betty McKay concludes her story in diary form concerning a 12-year-old boy.
...You'd think in this age of electronic wizardry that renewing a driving license wouldn't be a headache. Alas, migraine has struck with a vengeance. For I'm the holder of a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) license with the word "Malawi" prominently displayed...
Mike Wood enters a bureaucratic nightmare.
Mike is the author of 'Warm Heart' - a novel about corruption, aid and treachery in a Southern African country. Copies can be ordered from the publisher at http://www.justdone.co.za/index.php
Peter Wintersgill tells of Britain#s beloved opera star, Yorkshire-born Dame Janet Baker.
...A very weird thing has happened and I feel compelled to tell you about it. A strange old lady has moved into my house...
Mollie Mercer is puzzled and tormented by the actions of an "intruder''.
In this story Betty McKay gets inside the head of a 12-year-old diarist.
Continue reading "James McNeil, aged 12 – His Story - Part 1" »
...I thought the worshippers would be like the enthusiastic Christian teenagers I met at university. They were nice enough but I didn’t appreciate their insensitivity towards non-believers. There was one girl who hissed like a cat whenever anyone said a rude word. It was great fun winding her up...
Lucy Nom de Plume tells of attending an Ascension Day service.
Peter Wintersgill presents a brief portrait of the noted oratorio and lieder singer Isobel Baillie.
Ken Patterson tells a tale of a chance meeting in the Olde Worlde cafe, which is followed by a great surprise.
Father Francis has written a Canticle which he wishes to have performed at the Edinburgh Festival.
With some reluctance Linda McLean agrees to raise funds to help him achieve his goal.
But now Father Francis comes knocking on the door with a further request for help. The organisers of a World Wildlife Fund want the Canticle to be performed at a festival they are organising in the Italian town of Assisi...
For the first part of this narrative please type Linda's name in the search box on this page.
Betty McKay tells of the village atmosphere in the Square - and of a very important midnight announcement.
Peter Wintersgill introduces us to Desiree Artot who made her Paris debut in Meyerbeer's Le Prophete.
...I can be drenched in warm sunshine and surrounded by sub-tropical flora and fauna, enjoying the best that luxury holidays have to offer, when, hey presto, into my head will pop the vision of rolling green fields under a vast East Anglian sky....
Readers will identify with Mary Basham's conclusion that the sense of belonging is as much a part of us as our own genes.
To read more of Mary's engaging columns please type her name in the search box on this page.
Margaret Clough offers the very best advice on how to be happy in old age.
Ken Patterson's tale offers the soundest of sound advice of a happy and fear-free life.
Betty McKay concludes the theatrical tale which she began last week.
Mollie Mercer tells of the day of Ms. Hattie's funeral - a day when she felt shame and hate, and understood the meaning of real love.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of Marian Anderson, who sang at the inauguration of President Kennedy.
The writing group got much more than they bargained for when they visited the old house in search of inspiration, as Ken Patterson's tale reveals.
...Unpacking, Fran said, "You know, I feel I've seen him somewhere before."
"Yes, I thought so too. I've a feeling that his double had a stateside accent, not an English one." She yawned, "I'll take a shower; it will make me sleep better."
Five minutes later, Fran popped her head round the shower curtain, saying, "Bates Motel! That young man's a dead ringer for the guy that played Norman Bates in 'Psycho.' Same lean and hungry look."
Alice laughed and switched the shower off. "Yes. A much younger Anthony Perkins, but he's got the same reticent look. What a laugh. Wait until we tell Bob."...
And if that doesn't persuade you to read Betty McKay's tale, nothing will.
The second and final part of this story will appear in Open Writing next Monday. Can you manage to wait until then to find out what happens?
Mollie Mercer's story brings the warning that searching for true love on the net could put your life in danger.
It pays to have a sense of humour when fits occur, as Linda McLean reveals.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the life of the famous opera singer Sir Thomas Allen.
In Ken Patterson's musical tale a formidable teacher is backed up by a feathered adjudicator.
Can you tell a good honest man just by looking at him?
Mollie Mercer Hewett tells a fine South Georgia tale.
This is Mollie's first contribution to Open Writing. We hope to bring you more of her well-crafted stories.
Absent-minded Father Francis comes knocking on the door with a canticle and a request.
Linda McLean tells of a fascinating Edinburgh Festival challenge.
Peter Wintersgill outlines the career of the New Zealand singer Frances Alda.