There's been a bit of competition in the foodie scene in Marple. I would hazard a guess it isn't anything like as acrimonious as the store wars in Rose Hill.
Toast deli has opened a new shop on the corner of Derby Way, just along from All Things Nice, itself a recent opening. Both are run by lovely passionate people who want to serve new and interesting food. I've been enjoying some bacon butty banter with the owner on Twitter and he's taken up a suggestion to punt his wares on a daily basis on the social networking site.
I do love All Things Nice. The owner, who also runs an outside catering business, The Travelling Gourmet very kindly shares recipes and tips. There's a lovely buzz in the cafe and the deli whenever I go in, which is too infrequently.
Also good news is that Toast has turned the Market Street shop, which was always too pokey for my liking, into a lovely, moody wine emporium. The staff also seem to know what they're talking about. I enjoyed a aromatic Barolo 1994 from there last week. They also stock the wine that defied the infidels - Chateau Musar, from Lebanon. Beautiful.
One casualty appears to be that Deli Select on Hollins Lane has closed. Does anyone know what has happened here?
PS - Update 4/11/2010 - The guy at Deli Select is in business with the guy at Toast.
Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Get well soon Danny Baker
This blog wishes Danny Baker all the very best of luck in his battle with cancer. His statement was full of the wit and wisdom we've come to love him dearly for: "Once the quacks have soundly thrashed this thing I shall return like a rare gas and as if out of a trap."
North face - Spooks in far fetched shocker
As the current series of Spooks drives headlong into a dramatic conclusion can I confess to feeling a little out of patience with the script writers. It is a ludicrous complaint to level at a series built on the very foundation rock of preposterous flights of fancy, but I just can't buy into the current Lucas North story.
Let me explain. Spooks is essentially a character-based drama set in a workplace. As it's a domain that deals with issues none of us have any experience of, we have to suspend any sense of realism or believability. No, that's not my issue. I just can't get my head around the simple identity theft of Lucas North's life by "John". It doesn't square with any of the actions and desires and sacrifices hitherto made by the same character. Or MI5's vetting procedures. As a storyline it has lost its way completely.
This is shame, I like Iain Glenn's character Vaughn Edwards, good murky wheeling and dealing at the fringes of Spookdom. Glenn is also superb at the bluff and double bluff he brings to each scene.
So, I'm still hooked, still buzzing from it and can't wait for next week's episode.
As for Harry and Ruth. Get a room. Please.
Let me explain. Spooks is essentially a character-based drama set in a workplace. As it's a domain that deals with issues none of us have any experience of, we have to suspend any sense of realism or believability. No, that's not my issue. I just can't get my head around the simple identity theft of Lucas North's life by "John". It doesn't square with any of the actions and desires and sacrifices hitherto made by the same character. Or MI5's vetting procedures. As a storyline it has lost its way completely.
This is shame, I like Iain Glenn's character Vaughn Edwards, good murky wheeling and dealing at the fringes of Spookdom. Glenn is also superb at the bluff and double bluff he brings to each scene.
So, I'm still hooked, still buzzing from it and can't wait for next week's episode.
As for Harry and Ruth. Get a room. Please.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
That's why they're champions
There really will be very little to stop Chelsea this season. Blackburn Rovers out played them and harried them for the first half, but lost a lead. In a more even second half, a winner looked more likely from Rovers than the champions. But they have Anelka, Drogba and any number of sharp eyed attack minded midfield players. Rovers had Jason Roberts. I've said before that several passages of Rovers match reports can be written before the game - Grella limps off injured, Pedersen ineffective, Robinson brilliant, Roberts misses one-on-one with keeper and blasts wide.
My eldest lad plays at left back and we both kept a close eye on Ashley Cole today. He was incredible. When Chelsea attack he plays very far forward; more an out and out winger than an overlapping left back. The other player for them that stood out was Mikel. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy, but he passes so well.
My eldest lad plays at left back and we both kept a close eye on Ashley Cole today. He was incredible. When Chelsea attack he plays very far forward; more an out and out winger than an overlapping left back. The other player for them that stood out was Mikel. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy, but he passes so well.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Parc Life revisited
At the risk of sounding like I repeat myself, my verdict on Center Parcs is pretty much the same as it was this time last year after our half term break. The link is here, but I said the staff are great, the other people are nice, but it's starting to get a bit tatty. Well, it's even more in need of love and attention and a bit of investment. On the plus side it has universal wi-fi now, but the other changes were all cost cutting measures. The canyon slide in the pool is now an unmanned free for all, which is fine.
Ironically, the news over the weekend was a hint that the Forestry Commission would sell off land to leisure developers like Center Parcs. Ecological vandalism, it has been called. Honestly, I think the Whinfell Forest is pretty well looked after. But it seems like an odd idea.
Ironically, the news over the weekend was a hint that the Forestry Commission would sell off land to leisure developers like Center Parcs. Ecological vandalism, it has been called. Honestly, I think the Whinfell Forest is pretty well looked after. But it seems like an odd idea.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
An open letter to Balaji Rao and the Venky's people
Let's go round again. In June I wrote an open and welcoming letter to Saurin Shah, one of the supposed bidders for Blackburn Rovers. In August, I wrote a slightly updated one to Ahsan Ali Syed. Even then I had a natural suspicion of anyone who blabs before a takeover is complete and felt something wasn't right. Bizarrely, he has been probed, prodded and investigated and looks like he has not been able to complete the deal afterall. However, he has made some very generous donations to Blackburn charities.
Here's an open letter to the latest bidder, reported as Venky's, an Indian-based poultry company. And here is Alan Nixon's story in the Mirror, detailing the strategy. There is talk of a tie up with an international agency. This is a worry. But, hey, forever positive, here goes.
Good luck in your efforts to buy our wonderful football club! I just wanted to mention a few things that might not pop up in your commercial due diligence.
First of all, thank you for conducting your negotiations with grace and privacy. The other lot made a mockery of our club by sounding off. Your interviews have also been polite and respectful, without bravado. That is the way of our club and I think it puts a positive marker down.
Fans are realists, we know football is changing. We know football is a global industry with television audiences expanding in your home country. But don't be fooled into thinking anyone will want to come and play in front of empty seats. Make sure the club is looked after too.
Our fans are the future of this club. Their loyal support has kept this club in a special place. To make it work for you, you need to engage with them and help that support grow even more. That doesn't mean walking round the pitch shaking hands and signing autographs, it means involving supporters in the running of the club as a community asset. Be open to any positive suggestions that may come your way on this.
The fans are frustrated at the moment because there haven't been any new signings. The manager is frustrated too. But make sure we sign the right players.
Exciting young players connected with an emerging sports agency are one thing, players who play with pride are another altogether. Don't let agents and middlemen turn your head. And please don't use this club as a feeder club or be used as a commission earner for these sharks.
Be patient. Our local talisman, David Dunn, is an injury prone genius. Our goalkeeper was a reject who was written off but has missed out on the World Cup because he plays for an unfashionable club. But they are stars. Our stars. So is Phil Jones - a teenager from Chorley. They are adored. And Steven N'Zonzi, our player of the year, is a young man plucked from obscurity, who has just signed a new contract.
Our fans are usually right. When Jack Walker owned the club he didn't like a certain type of flash player and blocked some transfers. There are players who just aren't Rovers players, learn about that and treasure it as a core value. Rovers fans like a solid centre pair, a free scoring forward and attacking football. We're not getting that at the moment, which is frustrating the fans.
The season can seem long and a grind. When we lose at Liverpool, draw at home to Sunderland and lose at Stoke it tests your faith. We're fourth from bottom. So, you will look at these wealthy players who don't seem to be able to perform and despair. But you have to stick with it. Form can dip, the manager can seem negative and grumpy, but at heart he's a good man. There are voices amongst the fans who want him out, Don't listen to them. Stick with it. He has a good scouting network, he finds gems, like our player of the year. Don't get your head turned by younger managers with fancy methods, something good is building at Rovers. The Academy at Brockhall is a treasure trove. Extend it. Make it the place the best kids want to come to. That's the place where investment is needed.
Blackburn is a multi-racial town, but Rovers supporters are mainly white working class men. This has changed a bit over the years, but don't expect to see much of an affinity with the local Asian population without a long hard effort to win hearts and minds and don't expect them flocking overnight. The current marketing and management team have been focused on shoring up what we have, but with your help greater links with India, with Asian communities and with other sports can expand Rovers as a brand.
You will have seen other owners of football clubs in the Premier League see their dreams shattered because they splash the money and lose it. Rovers have a heart and soul and a family spirit that is very much in touch with the roots of East Lancashire life. But it is just one aspect of our community. Build on that, extend deeper into that, and build the links with your own heritage - it could well yield commercial rewards and enable this club to move further forward.
Be realistic about what that could be. Be modest, be strong, value quality and there is a good chance that in the future there could be a statue of you next to the one of Uncle Jack.
Here's an open letter to the latest bidder, reported as Venky's, an Indian-based poultry company. And here is Alan Nixon's story in the Mirror, detailing the strategy. There is talk of a tie up with an international agency. This is a worry. But, hey, forever positive, here goes.
Good luck in your efforts to buy our wonderful football club! I just wanted to mention a few things that might not pop up in your commercial due diligence.
First of all, thank you for conducting your negotiations with grace and privacy. The other lot made a mockery of our club by sounding off. Your interviews have also been polite and respectful, without bravado. That is the way of our club and I think it puts a positive marker down.
Fans are realists, we know football is changing. We know football is a global industry with television audiences expanding in your home country. But don't be fooled into thinking anyone will want to come and play in front of empty seats. Make sure the club is looked after too.
Our fans are the future of this club. Their loyal support has kept this club in a special place. To make it work for you, you need to engage with them and help that support grow even more. That doesn't mean walking round the pitch shaking hands and signing autographs, it means involving supporters in the running of the club as a community asset. Be open to any positive suggestions that may come your way on this.
The fans are frustrated at the moment because there haven't been any new signings. The manager is frustrated too. But make sure we sign the right players.
Exciting young players connected with an emerging sports agency are one thing, players who play with pride are another altogether. Don't let agents and middlemen turn your head. And please don't use this club as a feeder club or be used as a commission earner for these sharks.
Be patient. Our local talisman, David Dunn, is an injury prone genius. Our goalkeeper was a reject who was written off but has missed out on the World Cup because he plays for an unfashionable club. But they are stars. Our stars. So is Phil Jones - a teenager from Chorley. They are adored. And Steven N'Zonzi, our player of the year, is a young man plucked from obscurity, who has just signed a new contract.
Our fans are usually right. When Jack Walker owned the club he didn't like a certain type of flash player and blocked some transfers. There are players who just aren't Rovers players, learn about that and treasure it as a core value. Rovers fans like a solid centre pair, a free scoring forward and attacking football. We're not getting that at the moment, which is frustrating the fans.
The season can seem long and a grind. When we lose at Liverpool, draw at home to Sunderland and lose at Stoke it tests your faith. We're fourth from bottom. So, you will look at these wealthy players who don't seem to be able to perform and despair. But you have to stick with it. Form can dip, the manager can seem negative and grumpy, but at heart he's a good man. There are voices amongst the fans who want him out, Don't listen to them. Stick with it. He has a good scouting network, he finds gems, like our player of the year. Don't get your head turned by younger managers with fancy methods, something good is building at Rovers. The Academy at Brockhall is a treasure trove. Extend it. Make it the place the best kids want to come to. That's the place where investment is needed.
Blackburn is a multi-racial town, but Rovers supporters are mainly white working class men. This has changed a bit over the years, but don't expect to see much of an affinity with the local Asian population without a long hard effort to win hearts and minds and don't expect them flocking overnight. The current marketing and management team have been focused on shoring up what we have, but with your help greater links with India, with Asian communities and with other sports can expand Rovers as a brand.
You will have seen other owners of football clubs in the Premier League see their dreams shattered because they splash the money and lose it. Rovers have a heart and soul and a family spirit that is very much in touch with the roots of East Lancashire life. But it is just one aspect of our community. Build on that, extend deeper into that, and build the links with your own heritage - it could well yield commercial rewards and enable this club to move further forward.
Be realistic about what that could be. Be modest, be strong, value quality and there is a good chance that in the future there could be a statue of you next to the one of Uncle Jack.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Enron - How?
Doing what I do, the story of Enron and its collapse like a house of cards into a sea of oil was the most incredible story of our times. It was all the more remarkable that it took business magazine journalist Bethany McLean to first ask the question that no-one else would - is Enron overpriced?. Not an analyst, a regulator, a bank, or even a whisteblower from within, but a magazine journalist from Fortune.
The story has been made into a feature length documentary and a stage play. I saw it at the Lowry last night and it's terrific. A brilliantly staged production with some powerful devices to tell the story - the monsters in the cellar to represent the off balance sheet SPVs that Andy Fastow set up, for example.
It's a test for us as storytellers to make these tales compelling, but a test too to keep asking questions. Ironic that one of Enron's slogans was "Why?" the question that keeps being asked retrospectively is "How?"
The story has been made into a feature length documentary and a stage play. I saw it at the Lowry last night and it's terrific. A brilliantly staged production with some powerful devices to tell the story - the monsters in the cellar to represent the off balance sheet SPVs that Andy Fastow set up, for example.
It's a test for us as storytellers to make these tales compelling, but a test too to keep asking questions. Ironic that one of Enron's slogans was "Why?" the question that keeps being asked retrospectively is "How?"
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The first cut is the deepest
There's nothing to celebrate about the government's deficit reduction plan. The billing that this was the moment that the public sector workers would learn their fate was always fanciful - it's not government by Radio 5 Live. There will be much to work through now, and much more detail to implement. But there is some comfort in the fact they're getting on with it. It had to happen. Every party supposedly understands the need to make the cuts. The question the Labour Party can't answer is which departmental spending cuts would they support now, and which ones they wouldn't implement. That's the beauty of opposition though. It's not a privilege afforded to the Liberal Democrats, many of whom aren't naturally inclined to govern, just to make speeches.But they're now going to have their resolve tested.
Speaking of which, these set piece occasions always skim the surface and lead to pundits uttering the inevitable - "the devil is in the detail."
Science budgets are protected, but the projects that were named were all in the South. It hopefully tilts the argument towards carbon capture and other green technologies being centred on the North.
There was a nod in the direction of rail improvements, but with price increases for tickets. The projects that have been identified initially were for electrification. I'm not sure that's the best use of resources. What about the Todmorden Curve, or the small improvements for massive gain that the Northern Hub will deliver? Details, details.
And what about those exciting plans for Local Enterprise Partnerships? They must have been in his speech when the sound went down. Or maybe not.
Speaking of which, these set piece occasions always skim the surface and lead to pundits uttering the inevitable - "the devil is in the detail."
Science budgets are protected, but the projects that were named were all in the South. It hopefully tilts the argument towards carbon capture and other green technologies being centred on the North.
There was a nod in the direction of rail improvements, but with price increases for tickets. The projects that have been identified initially were for electrification. I'm not sure that's the best use of resources. What about the Todmorden Curve, or the small improvements for massive gain that the Northern Hub will deliver? Details, details.
And what about those exciting plans for Local Enterprise Partnerships? They must have been in his speech when the sound went down. Or maybe not.
Monday, October 18, 2010
A sorry lot
AA Gill in the Sunday Times (behind the paywall) has re-ignited the Manchester Food Is Crap debate again. He reviewed Rosso, Rio Ferdinand and Mahmoud Kamani's Italian restaurant at the top of King Street, chosen one assumes, because it's a living breathing symbol of that blingy, WAG, faux gangsterish side of the city centre. "A sorry lot," he observed. First, I've not been to Rosso, so I'm in no position to defend it. Second, he's clearly a bit of an arse, but he plays the role well and would therefore have enjoyed the backlash in the Manchester Evening News, here and on Manchester Confidential, here.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Pendle prepares
Rachel's home town features in the Observer today. Nelson's demise is charted with some trepidation as the government prepares cuts. Despite Housing Market Renewal, the efforts of Ant and Vet to offer a bright future for Pennine Lancashire, jobs haven't been created and the place hasn't found a fresh purpose in the modern age. Re-reading the report seems apt now. It spoke of bottom up community action to revitalise the area as much as top down large statements and icons. More than ever it needs bold thinking.
My mate #8 - Jon Johnson
Another of our "crew" back in the day in Perth was an amazing character called Roy Jopson, who I shared a house with. Roy died in 2004. As I've chatted to JJ on Facebook this weekend he's recounted the detail of Roy's demise. It must have been a painful experience for Jon and other friends as they watched Roy bewildered in hospital as he reeled from brain cancer. Memories are one thing, but staying in touch with friends is much better and makes it more real.
Back on Facebook
I've registered with Facebook again. I got round to thinking I couldn't ignore it any longer. Anyway, it was instantly proven to be a good decision. I'm back in touch with an old pal now living in Tasmania. We had failed to find one another using other social media and searches, but bang, there he was. Another mate has started a new job in Dubai, and clearly uses Facebook to keep in touch much more than he uses email.
I also had a couple of chats last night with a mate in Morecambe and a bloke I know in China.
I'm going to keep it very social, much as I do with this blog I suppose. But look forward to staying in touch.
I also had a couple of chats last night with a mate in Morecambe and a bloke I know in China.
I'm going to keep it very social, much as I do with this blog I suppose. But look forward to staying in touch.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Some random October links
Tony Blair and Christopher Hitchens to debate the future of faith.
Finnish news reader gets sacked for this. Harsh.
There's a very excellent music video website I've discovered. Muzu TV.
I remember the RCP. This is where they went. Nutters.
Truly great interview with Gore Vidal in the New Statesman.
A magnificently stupid polemic by John Pilger in the New Stateman.
A website that is so brilliant it defies description. But look.
Norman Geras on leftish miscalculation.
Philip Blond interviewed by Ed West in the Catholic Herald.
Finnish news reader gets sacked for this. Harsh.
There's a very excellent music video website I've discovered. Muzu TV.
I remember the RCP. This is where they went. Nutters.
Truly great interview with Gore Vidal in the New Statesman.
A magnificently stupid polemic by John Pilger in the New Stateman.
A website that is so brilliant it defies description. But look.
Norman Geras on leftish miscalculation.
Philip Blond interviewed by Ed West in the Catholic Herald.
The Marple underworld - car causes obstruction
I was rather taken with the stunt from Greater Manchester Police to highlight EVERY incident that is reported over a 24 hour period. Apart from learning that a car caused an obstruction in Marple, we were able to sleep in our beds safely here in leafy land.
Here are the stats:
"Between 5am on Thursday 14 October 2010 and 5am, today, Friday 15 October, the force has dealt with 3205 incidents and posted details of every single one on Twitter."
The cops reported it had been a success too. Here's the MEN report. Here's the BBC.
It ticks a lot of boxes about accountability and accessibility. More of that, please. It also gets across a harsh truth that the "hard working taxpayers" don't always like to confront. Not only are there a small and irritating number of horrible people out there doing a lot of horrible things, there are also a lot of very stupid people wasting time.
But I also noticed that the chief constable mentioned the decline of local media as a reason to use new technology like the social media channel Twitter. This is a good point. The facts bear it out too. I'm sure there was a heyday when the local daily paper, the local BBC and Granada would touch everyone. All the chief had to do was make a statement and it would be reported. Everyone would share the experience, most people would have a view. It's just not like that now. There may be many more outlets, including the daily news service in our office where a hive of activity spreads a dozen or more regional business stories every morning. But overall, we know so much less.
Knowledge and engagement about public services, indeed, anything that goes on around us has never been poorer. In a world where we supposedly can know everything about a bunch of rescued miners in Chile, or the takeover of Liverpool Football Club, we are surprised and outraged at what our local police have to do on a daily basis. There have never been as many ways to tell us stuff, but there actually seems to be less understanding of more things.
Here are the stats:
"Between 5am on Thursday 14 October 2010 and 5am, today, Friday 15 October, the force has dealt with 3205 incidents and posted details of every single one on Twitter."
The cops reported it had been a success too. Here's the MEN report. Here's the BBC.
It ticks a lot of boxes about accountability and accessibility. More of that, please. It also gets across a harsh truth that the "hard working taxpayers" don't always like to confront. Not only are there a small and irritating number of horrible people out there doing a lot of horrible things, there are also a lot of very stupid people wasting time.
But I also noticed that the chief constable mentioned the decline of local media as a reason to use new technology like the social media channel Twitter. This is a good point. The facts bear it out too. I'm sure there was a heyday when the local daily paper, the local BBC and Granada would touch everyone. All the chief had to do was make a statement and it would be reported. Everyone would share the experience, most people would have a view. It's just not like that now. There may be many more outlets, including the daily news service in our office where a hive of activity spreads a dozen or more regional business stories every morning. But overall, we know so much less.
Knowledge and engagement about public services, indeed, anything that goes on around us has never been poorer. In a world where we supposedly can know everything about a bunch of rescued miners in Chile, or the takeover of Liverpool Football Club, we are surprised and outraged at what our local police have to do on a daily basis. There have never been as many ways to tell us stuff, but there actually seems to be less understanding of more things.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Celebrate 25 years of Marple Athletic at our Gala Dinner
I'm involved in organising a 25th anniversary dinner for Marple Athletic Junior Football Club.
The basic idea is it's a reunion dinner for players and managers from over the last quarter century in November.
The evening will be a chance for players to get together from over the years, as well as managers and coaches and anyone who has been involved in the club since Alan Rainford and Geoff Ryan started it all in 1985.
One of the players from the first ever line up is Tim Ryan, now the player-assistant manager at Stalybridge Celtic, who has enjoyed a career in professional football.
The guest speaker will be Fred Eyre, local football legend, BBC Manchester broadcaster, manager of many clubs in Greater Manchester grass roots football.
We've also got Justin Moorhouse, star of Phoenix Nights, Key 103 radio and a top stand up comedy performer.
The dinner will be held on Friday the 12th of November 2010 at Stockport County Football Club. Tickets are priced at £35, with discounts for a table of 10. There will also be a memorabilia auction, a DJ for dancing and hopefully a few other special guests.
You can download a form on the club website.
The basic idea is it's a reunion dinner for players and managers from over the last quarter century in November.
The evening will be a chance for players to get together from over the years, as well as managers and coaches and anyone who has been involved in the club since Alan Rainford and Geoff Ryan started it all in 1985.
One of the players from the first ever line up is Tim Ryan, now the player-assistant manager at Stalybridge Celtic, who has enjoyed a career in professional football.
The guest speaker will be Fred Eyre, local football legend, BBC Manchester broadcaster, manager of many clubs in Greater Manchester grass roots football.
We've also got Justin Moorhouse, star of Phoenix Nights, Key 103 radio and a top stand up comedy performer.
The dinner will be held on Friday the 12th of November 2010 at Stockport County Football Club. Tickets are priced at £35, with discounts for a table of 10. There will also be a memorabilia auction, a DJ for dancing and hopefully a few other special guests.
You can download a form on the club website.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Three cheers for Jimmy Armfield
I've always liked him. He always talks sense and is always fair minded. I remember him being linked with the Rovers job once and was quite excited, but he packed it in after spells at Bolton and Leeds. The only bad word I ever heard about him was at Bolton, where it was alleged by an ex player that he got rid of old photos as the club was living in the past.
Anyway, I could only find one link to the award as a story, here, in the Blackpool Gazette.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Who Let the Dog Out?
So here are the boys and Martha, in the foreground, at one of our local marvels.
What a view, eh?
Real ale, the Lakes and a ramble round Ambleside
There's a cracking blog post from a pal, over here. Just as it says in the header.
And some belting photos...
And some belting photos...
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Downtown - everything's waiting for you
There's a feature on the Downtown Manchester in Business newsletter called Who Are Yer. Anyway, it's my turn this week. Nothing revealing, but it's here.
In praise of Bowers and Wilkins
I think I have discovered the company with the best customer service in the world, Bowers & Wilkins. My speakers were making a humming noise. I tried everything to fix it, but it wouldn't go away. I contacted them and they have made it right. More than that though, they were delightful to deal with. At every stage I've been kept informed and updated. And the speakers are bloody brilliant as well. I can't account for musical taste, but as I type Tom Petty's Free Fallin; has never sounded so gorgeous.
Nobel prize winners at University of Manchester
Two scientists who discovered graphene at The University of Manchester have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. There's some news here, from Wired, as to why.
Professor Andre Geim and Professor Konstantin Novoselov got the highest accolade in the scientific world for their pioneering work with the world’s thinnest material. Graphene was discovered at the University in 2004. It has rapidly become one of the hottest topics in materials science and solid-state physics.
This is great news. A real boost to this fine institution. I'm just ever so slightly sad that Professor Alan Gilbert didn't live to see this day. He'd have been so proud.
Professor Andre Geim and Professor Konstantin Novoselov got the highest accolade in the scientific world for their pioneering work with the world’s thinnest material. Graphene was discovered at the University in 2004. It has rapidly become one of the hottest topics in materials science and solid-state physics.
This is great news. A real boost to this fine institution. I'm just ever so slightly sad that Professor Alan Gilbert didn't live to see this day. He'd have been so proud.
Monday, October 04, 2010
An open letter to...
There is chatter at the Rovers that a new bidder is soon to emerge. This time it's the Mahindra Brothers. I'll polish off that open letter again, but maybe I'll wait until they've actually done a deal. Happily, they won't comment on speculation.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Why local papers are in decline
I buy the Stockport Express most weeks. I believe in local media. I want to support it too.
Now, last week, in Marple there was a festival. No-one got glassed, there wasn't a fire and no animals were harmed in its making. It was just a load of people eating food, listening to music and enjoying a fine community spirit. In fact, the week before the paper got into the mood by plugging it, here.
Would you know this from reading the local weekly paper this week? No, there is no mention. Surely this is a good story, a source of pictures, feel-good district news? The pie competition had a brilliant outcome - the winner was made from crayfish caught in the local canal. That's a good story on lots of levels.
And there is hardly any local junior sports coverage now. I'm beginning to wonder if it even exists in Stockport, and yet I know it is thriving.
Critics from the blogging fraternity will argue that this void will be filled by bloggers and citizen journalists. It won't. I'm a local blogger but I haven't written about it. I was away on a lad's trip to Munich. It has to be part of a systemic, organised and disciplined news organisation with values and priorities. And resources.
There is also a school of thought that says that community organisations, through the internet, will disseminate their own information through their own channels. Well, they haven't done so here. The Marple festival website is a guide to something that has happened. It's over. There are other sites promoting it, but not covering it.
Discuss.
Now, last week, in Marple there was a festival. No-one got glassed, there wasn't a fire and no animals were harmed in its making. It was just a load of people eating food, listening to music and enjoying a fine community spirit. In fact, the week before the paper got into the mood by plugging it, here.
Would you know this from reading the local weekly paper this week? No, there is no mention. Surely this is a good story, a source of pictures, feel-good district news? The pie competition had a brilliant outcome - the winner was made from crayfish caught in the local canal. That's a good story on lots of levels.
And there is hardly any local junior sports coverage now. I'm beginning to wonder if it even exists in Stockport, and yet I know it is thriving.
Critics from the blogging fraternity will argue that this void will be filled by bloggers and citizen journalists. It won't. I'm a local blogger but I haven't written about it. I was away on a lad's trip to Munich. It has to be part of a systemic, organised and disciplined news organisation with values and priorities. And resources.
There is also a school of thought that says that community organisations, through the internet, will disseminate their own information through their own channels. Well, they haven't done so here. The Marple festival website is a guide to something that has happened. It's over. There are other sites promoting it, but not covering it.
Discuss.
Choked at Stoke
Three times in 18 months I've been to the Britannia Stadium to see Rovers play Stoke. Three times I've seen us fail to score. Three trips, three defeats. If it wasn't for the fact that the hospitality is so good and the trip is a relatively short one, I'd not bother next time.
It was frustrating, again, because I just don't think Stoke are much cop. The margin between victory and defeat can be narrow, yesterday it was too. They were there for the taking and at times Rovers were well on top in the first half. But Sam seems to think we have to compete with teams like this on their terms. So he drops the skillful Kalinic and goes for more hoofball.
Andy Cryer in the Lancashire Telegraph blog talks about the need for investment being crucial. He says the signing of Kenwyne Jones is proof that Stoke have a narrow edge over Rovers. I disagree. It's not about money, it's about tactics and attitude. You could pass around Stoke for fun, a few balls to feet and the likes of Huth and Shawcross would be in knots. Kalinic doesn't play, new Diouf is invisible. Old Diouf is our best threat. He gets taken off. We try more hoofball.
There's also this second half thing going on. Kevin Gallacher was in our lounge before the game and said pretty much the same thing. I don't know if it has anything to do with Sam being in technical area in the second half, but the difference in performance and tactics was noticeable.
Amazingly, it wasn't last on Match of the Day.
It was frustrating, again, because I just don't think Stoke are much cop. The margin between victory and defeat can be narrow, yesterday it was too. They were there for the taking and at times Rovers were well on top in the first half. But Sam seems to think we have to compete with teams like this on their terms. So he drops the skillful Kalinic and goes for more hoofball.
Andy Cryer in the Lancashire Telegraph blog talks about the need for investment being crucial. He says the signing of Kenwyne Jones is proof that Stoke have a narrow edge over Rovers. I disagree. It's not about money, it's about tactics and attitude. You could pass around Stoke for fun, a few balls to feet and the likes of Huth and Shawcross would be in knots. Kalinic doesn't play, new Diouf is invisible. Old Diouf is our best threat. He gets taken off. We try more hoofball.
There's also this second half thing going on. Kevin Gallacher was in our lounge before the game and said pretty much the same thing. I don't know if it has anything to do with Sam being in technical area in the second half, but the difference in performance and tactics was noticeable.
Amazingly, it wasn't last on Match of the Day.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
EXCLUSIVE: Rose Hill Spar owner speaks out
The owner of the Spar shop in Marple, Mel, has commented exclusively on this blog about the intense competition his family have faced from the Premier shop opening next door. He has responded to comments on his smoking, his treatment of kids and the vicious price cutting by his competitors. More than anything though he has thanked his loyal customers saying his future lies in the hands of the people of Marple.
NB: MT quoted below is not me.
The original blog, with comments, is here.
His comment is here:
As the owner of the Spar store in question, can I first say a huge THANK YOU for your overwhelming support. The last few months has been the most stressful period we have ever been through but your kind comments and words of encouragement have kept us going.
I have been monitoring blogs, forums and people kindly setting up support groups, but I shall limit my response to the comments raised on this blog. I accept my smoking may offend, and as my wife is a non smoker I have always done it outside. Point taken. Feelings have been running quite high with next door trying to accost passing customers, offering to undercut our prices. Me being outside seemed to put a stop to it the outburst that MT witnessed was a result of them taunting and laughing at my wife. My sincere apologies.
As to the outstanding fare,our shop is very small and while we try our best to cater to everybody's needs, space does not allow. Can I take the opportunity to thank you for overlooking our shortcomings and offering your support and rest assured we will do better.
I have come across a couple of remarks about us selling wine next to Wine Rack and you're right we never intended to do so. The decision to do so was only taken when we knew that First Quench (the parent company for Wine Rack, Threshers and The Local) was heading for failure and the store closure was imminent.
The decision to limit the number of kids into the store was only taken after huge losses through theft, the majority of the kids are great and a credit to their parents. I accept I spend a lot of time outside but it's not to intimidate. I have not only my family, my home and my business to look after but also the jobs of five local people to protect. I need to know what next door are selling, to who and why, to see if we can adapt to survive, this we can only do with the continued support from the local community. As to it being cheaper, you can easily sell at a loss for as long as it takes when you have fifteen other stores to spread the losses, which we can't do. As you can see our fate is in your hands.
Thank you one and all.
Kind Regards Mel
NB: MT quoted below is not me.
The original blog, with comments, is here.
His comment is here:
As the owner of the Spar store in question, can I first say a huge THANK YOU for your overwhelming support. The last few months has been the most stressful period we have ever been through but your kind comments and words of encouragement have kept us going.
I have been monitoring blogs, forums and people kindly setting up support groups, but I shall limit my response to the comments raised on this blog. I accept my smoking may offend, and as my wife is a non smoker I have always done it outside. Point taken. Feelings have been running quite high with next door trying to accost passing customers, offering to undercut our prices. Me being outside seemed to put a stop to it the outburst that MT witnessed was a result of them taunting and laughing at my wife. My sincere apologies.
As to the outstanding fare,our shop is very small and while we try our best to cater to everybody's needs, space does not allow. Can I take the opportunity to thank you for overlooking our shortcomings and offering your support and rest assured we will do better.
I have come across a couple of remarks about us selling wine next to Wine Rack and you're right we never intended to do so. The decision to do so was only taken when we knew that First Quench (the parent company for Wine Rack, Threshers and The Local) was heading for failure and the store closure was imminent.
The decision to limit the number of kids into the store was only taken after huge losses through theft, the majority of the kids are great and a credit to their parents. I accept I spend a lot of time outside but it's not to intimidate. I have not only my family, my home and my business to look after but also the jobs of five local people to protect. I need to know what next door are selling, to who and why, to see if we can adapt to survive, this we can only do with the continued support from the local community. As to it being cheaper, you can easily sell at a loss for as long as it takes when you have fifteen other stores to spread the losses, which we can't do. As you can see our fate is in your hands.
Thank you one and all.
Kind Regards Mel
An audience with Rod Aldridge
I'll post a link on here when I write it up a bit more in a wider piece I'm putting together on what this "big society" might look like. Is is it a gimmick, or the radical alternative to bloated state?
In the meantime, there's some good things about him here.
Munich, a very smart city
The occasion? Dom Coupes (pictured) had his birthday bash and we visited the celebratory festival of Northern Europe's premier cultural binding pastime - Oktoberfest. Highly recommended. I even liked the food.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
That musical journey
I'm still chipping away at my top 1000 songs, dropping odd bits of dross, adding new gems. The latest burst of brilliance, courtesy of The Word, is CW Stoneking, and a gorgeous rendition of an old calypso track Brave Son of America.
Bandwagon sectors and Manchester's creative ambition
Pumped with excitement from a few different media events about the ambition of Manchester's creative sector, I did a talk to a networking event this morning.organised by the delightful team at Barnardos.
There's plenty of competition for Manchester; places purporting to be great centres of creativity. Like these:
"With its 950,000 inhabitants, the area boasts a high standard of living, a specialised and markedly international production system, qualified human resources and a close-nit and vibrant creative community."
That’s Bologna.
"The partial transformation of the harbor into a modern business and residential district is an important urban planning project to position the city as a center for the creative industries, including advertising, art and media, in Europe."
That’s Dusseldorf.
"Creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of our regional economy. Our council works with our partners on a project called Creativity Works which offers advice, support, information and networking opportunities. There are annual Creativity Works awards raising the profile of this valuable economic sector."
That’s Blackburn.
And then there's London. I couldn't help myself, but I ended with this again:
"In the North West it rains and it rains. And yet we managed to produce the industrial revolution, trade union movement, the Communist Manifesto and even the computer. And Joy Division, Oasis, M People, The Smiths, Elbow and the Happy Mondays. Down south, where the sun never sets, you took all our money and what did you produce? Chas and Dave."
Tony Wilson. Gone, but never forgotten.
There's plenty of competition for Manchester; places purporting to be great centres of creativity. Like these:
"With its 950,000 inhabitants, the area boasts a high standard of living, a specialised and markedly international production system, qualified human resources and a close-nit and vibrant creative community."
That’s Bologna.
"The partial transformation of the harbor into a modern business and residential district is an important urban planning project to position the city as a center for the creative industries, including advertising, art and media, in Europe."
That’s Dusseldorf.
"Creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors of our regional economy. Our council works with our partners on a project called Creativity Works which offers advice, support, information and networking opportunities. There are annual Creativity Works awards raising the profile of this valuable economic sector."
That’s Blackburn.
And then there's London. I couldn't help myself, but I ended with this again:
"In the North West it rains and it rains. And yet we managed to produce the industrial revolution, trade union movement, the Communist Manifesto and even the computer. And Joy Division, Oasis, M People, The Smiths, Elbow and the Happy Mondays. Down south, where the sun never sets, you took all our money and what did you produce? Chas and Dave."
Tony Wilson. Gone, but never forgotten.
What have I been up to this week
Spooks is back, Spooks is ace
We really enjoyed the new series of Spooks this week. Sir Harry Pearce, as ever, was the star of the show. His wise counsel, his depths of self doubt, his love for Ruth and his razor sharp judgement completely overshadowed some real shortcomings.
Let's deal with these first. The new girl was wooden, the non-speaking extras made the tense scenes with the Somali terror cell seem calm. The tight shots on the tanker seemed to highlight the constraints of the budget - they never even pretended they were at sea. And the rubbish CGI of the submarines going up the Thames were far inferior to what my 8 year old can create on his Nintendo DS.
But it's still ace. So much action. Contemporary politics, undercurrents of mystery, and how can you fault a programme with a line like this. Asked if an interruption to the internet in the South of England was a price worth paying for interrupting the terrorists Sir Harry said this: "So the country will have to struggle on without pornography and Minesweeper for a couple of hours. Do it."
Or this:
"This is my ‘I want some good news’ face."
Let's deal with these first. The new girl was wooden, the non-speaking extras made the tense scenes with the Somali terror cell seem calm. The tight shots on the tanker seemed to highlight the constraints of the budget - they never even pretended they were at sea. And the rubbish CGI of the submarines going up the Thames were far inferior to what my 8 year old can create on his Nintendo DS.
But it's still ace. So much action. Contemporary politics, undercurrents of mystery, and how can you fault a programme with a line like this. Asked if an interruption to the internet in the South of England was a price worth paying for interrupting the terrorists Sir Harry said this: "So the country will have to struggle on without pornography and Minesweeper for a couple of hours. Do it."
Or this:
"This is my ‘I want some good news’ face."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Oi ref!
So, yesterday I watched Rovers get a goal that wasn't because that horrible scrote El Hadji Diouf deliberately cheated. Fulham get away with a handball and Rovers concede a free kick the players were still whining about as Clint Dempsey rose to equalise. Seen again from several angles on Match of the Day (last again, I notice), the referee is dismissed as an idiot.
Earlier I watched the eldest son in an Under 12s match. The referee was a 15-year old lad, brightly turned out in his new kit. He was being monitored by one of the local veteran refs from these parts and did well. He will have missed a couple of things, he will have had an obscured view of marginal offside decisions - he doesn't have linesmen for these, just a Dad spotting throw ins - but he did well. Blissfully, the morning went without rancour, but in the future it will. He's one of 40 lads coming through the system, of which most will give it up within two years because of abuse from parents and gobby managers and, depressingly, players. Despite the Respect campaign, and the tabloid press seeming to support initiatives like Ray Winstone's excellent video, the problem is endemic.
The reason lies on the Match of the Day sofa and in the manager's interview. It all feeds a terrible sense of entitlement to appeal each decision a referee makes. So, while I saw a fantastic game in the morning, full of all the drama and endeavour which makes football a beautiful game, by the end of the day the ugliness comes crawling through.
Earlier I watched the eldest son in an Under 12s match. The referee was a 15-year old lad, brightly turned out in his new kit. He was being monitored by one of the local veteran refs from these parts and did well. He will have missed a couple of things, he will have had an obscured view of marginal offside decisions - he doesn't have linesmen for these, just a Dad spotting throw ins - but he did well. Blissfully, the morning went without rancour, but in the future it will. He's one of 40 lads coming through the system, of which most will give it up within two years because of abuse from parents and gobby managers and, depressingly, players. Despite the Respect campaign, and the tabloid press seeming to support initiatives like Ray Winstone's excellent video, the problem is endemic.
The reason lies on the Match of the Day sofa and in the manager's interview. It all feeds a terrible sense of entitlement to appeal each decision a referee makes. So, while I saw a fantastic game in the morning, full of all the drama and endeavour which makes football a beautiful game, by the end of the day the ugliness comes crawling through.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Britain's Got the Pope Factor On Ice
I've been hovering over the keyboard intending to glumly reflect on the Pope's visit to Britain. I did fear the worst, a lot of sniping, defeatism from Catholics and spiteful triumphalism from the Dawkins mob, not that I care. There's also been a wrong headed stubborn trench mentality - like this - which misjudges the deep anger over the cover-up of priestly abuse.
But listening to what the Pope has to say about Britain, tolerance, modern Christianity, reason and aspiration, rather than what the circus has to interpret, is very refreshing. That's all I have to say.
But listening to what the Pope has to say about Britain, tolerance, modern Christianity, reason and aspiration, rather than what the circus has to interpret, is very refreshing. That's all I have to say.
On inspirational leaders
I've been honoured to spend time this week with some towering figures in British life, Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Terry Leahy.
The Tesco boss was speaking at a finance conference in Liverpool this morning, which I chaired. Fergie was the guest at the office opening of Morson's new headquarters in Salford, organised by my good friend Paul Horrocks. There were only business press invited and we kept a respectful distance. I did see the FT man Andy Bounds hovering around him, but that was to get him to sign his son's birthday card. Anyway, the story is here.
I did sit next to Leahy though and introduce his speech. I can't claim that he's my new best mate or anything, in fact I suspect he thought I was a chippy pain in the arse. I asked him, in front of 350 people, about the Everton stadium, which he seemed a bit bored by. He also wasn't that enamoured by one of the other people on the panel talking too much and made a swift exit at the end of the session.
So, one learns from such experiences. One also cannot fail to be impressed by Leahy's observations. Irrespective of his dry delivery, he's inspirational. Despite his position as boss of an all conquering retail brand, he seems empathetic to the issues facing fast growing companies of much smaller size. It might seem obvious, but he says if you want to succeed in business, then you set out to be the best, and if you do, then you get big. That brings its own challenges.
Both men have been successful in their own walk of life. People hang on their every word, what they say matters. What they feel matters too. The good news from Leahy is the recovery seems real. He'd know.
Neither try too hard to play it for laughs either. They don't need to. A mild anecdote brings the house down. Leahy's was that his speech would be like the Everton game v Man United - all the best bits will be at the end.
My biggest laugh of the day came after I introduced the very nice man from the Bank of England, John Young. Insider named him the 100th most powerful man in the North West, which I mentioned. He said he ought to point out that the person at 99 is in fact dead. He is, it's him.
The Tesco boss was speaking at a finance conference in Liverpool this morning, which I chaired. Fergie was the guest at the office opening of Morson's new headquarters in Salford, organised by my good friend Paul Horrocks. There were only business press invited and we kept a respectful distance. I did see the FT man Andy Bounds hovering around him, but that was to get him to sign his son's birthday card. Anyway, the story is here.
I did sit next to Leahy though and introduce his speech. I can't claim that he's my new best mate or anything, in fact I suspect he thought I was a chippy pain in the arse. I asked him, in front of 350 people, about the Everton stadium, which he seemed a bit bored by. He also wasn't that enamoured by one of the other people on the panel talking too much and made a swift exit at the end of the session.
So, one learns from such experiences. One also cannot fail to be impressed by Leahy's observations. Irrespective of his dry delivery, he's inspirational. Despite his position as boss of an all conquering retail brand, he seems empathetic to the issues facing fast growing companies of much smaller size. It might seem obvious, but he says if you want to succeed in business, then you set out to be the best, and if you do, then you get big. That brings its own challenges.
Both men have been successful in their own walk of life. People hang on their every word, what they say matters. What they feel matters too. The good news from Leahy is the recovery seems real. He'd know.
Neither try too hard to play it for laughs either. They don't need to. A mild anecdote brings the house down. Leahy's was that his speech would be like the Everton game v Man United - all the best bits will be at the end.
My biggest laugh of the day came after I introduced the very nice man from the Bank of England, John Young. Insider named him the 100th most powerful man in the North West, which I mentioned. He said he ought to point out that the person at 99 is in fact dead. He is, it's him.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Danger: genius at work
I was handed the dubious honour of introducing Rory Sutherland at a dinner in Manchester tonight to relaunch the MPA (the Manchester Publicity Association). I have to say, the man is a force of nature, a true genius of his field. I know all this because I read his Wikiman column in the Spectator. But tonight I saw him as one of the best business speakers I've ever seen. His energy, wit and ideas are mesmerising enough, but ability to weave a thread of a theory for an hour was very impressive indeed. However, he spoke for an hour, before dinner, and the technology broke. Twice. It was tough to keep the audience through that, but he did it.
One of the ideas he shared was framing. How different products sell in the context. Stick a Rolls Royce in a car showroom and it's a tough product to shift. Put it alongside Lear Jets and yachts at a luxury goods fare and it will.
Rather like a speech from a creative advertising man. At a conference, just before lunch, after a gentle build up - I'd pay to see that.
One of the ideas he shared was framing. How different products sell in the context. Stick a Rolls Royce in a car showroom and it's a tough product to shift. Put it alongside Lear Jets and yachts at a luxury goods fare and it will.
Rather like a speech from a creative advertising man. At a conference, just before lunch, after a gentle build up - I'd pay to see that.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Smash the state
With the TUC in Manchester calling for action, and the BBC siezing on every outpouring of protest, there's very little sensible debate in the news about what the alternative is, or whether this is actually a good idea irrespective of the need to cut the deficit. It called to mind a comment by Ferdinand Mount at a Conservative Party conference fringe debate on the need for public sector cuts: never let a good crisis go to waste. Julian Glover in the Guardian today makes a good point: The coalition government has been accused of trying to reduce the state, and that is good. They should just say so. Everything I see and hear tells me the public are up for this and ready to take the medicine required.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Shopping in Marple - an update
There's nothing like competition to get trade moving. I mentioned here that two virtually identical shops were now trading next to one another, pictured, just opposite Rose Hill train station in Marple. A Spar, which has been here a while, and a Premier convenience store which opened in August.On the face of it the opening of such direct competition couldn't have come at a worse time for the family that opened the Spar. For the last 6 months Marple has been locked down in the evenings for essential work on the main road in and out, thus cutting off passing trade. A bigger store, offering half price newspapers, free energy drinks and incredible discounts on milk and bread looks formidable.
We've already established that this is not a planning issue, it's a free market one. The winner takes all and the fight is very much on.
Well, I've never seen Spar the shop as busy as it is now. There seems to be a groundswell of loyalty, with punters declaring loudly and proudly they are boycotting the Raja Brothers store. The Spar owners also go out of their way to thank people for their custom, even standing outside having a cigarette, making a few punters unlikely to then swerve into the competition.
The Spar have also got the support of a Facebook page, here, and the balance of the positive sentiment on the Marple website here.
I'm less impressed with the tactics of the Premier store. The tacky dayglo handwritten posters offer schoolkids a "free energy drink" with lunch and sweets. That's not right. In fact it's horribly wrong on every level. They even make a claim that they're doing their half price paper offer for "customers" and "not profit".
There's a third effect that this stand off is having. More than a few people I know have avoided both.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
City v Rovers - great day
Me and the youngest lad went to Man City v Rovers today. We were with a few other media people as guests of City's corporate hospitality team. We had to sit on our hands when Niko Kalinic took the lead for Rovers in the first half. We also had to be restrained at the final whistle when we celebrated a point won.Sometimes there is joy to be had from a decent defensive performance, especially after two defenders go off injured. But some solid goalkeeping and, at times, some heroics and hardy jostling in the midfield from Phil Jones and MGP saw us through.
I still think City can win the title, but they will need to be more ruthless and direct. I thought Adam Johnson was going to rip us apart, but he didn't, thankfully. SWP was clueless. But who knows who they'll buy, or who the best eleven is. What I do sense is they missed a Bellamy today. And Roque Santa Cruz must be very out of favour if Jo keeps him out of a game. He was rubbish.
But there's only one story for Match of the Day tonight: Dirty negative Rovers thwart luckless City. Don't believe a word of it.
Keyboard warriors
I have a thing about messageboard etiquette and the posting of anonymous comments.
Earlier this week Simon Binns of ManCon got the owner of the Britannia Hotel to speak about the threat of a compulsory purchase order on the Old Fire Station, a building that could be a civic treasure, but is in a shocking state. Owner Alex Langham has his say, Manchester City Council reply. Context is provided, but comment is not. It's called reporting.
The story is here.
In the comments underneath there's one from Anonymous, as follows:
"Hardly the most illuminating of interviews. Has someone cut mancon's claws? Where's the demands for an explanation of how this company has allowed a building like this to rot for 25 YEARS!!! pardon the shouting, but come on - this reads like Trevor macdonald interviewing the queen. I hope you asked "is there anything else mr langsam would like to add?". Brittannia's actions have been shameful and the sooner this landmark site is taken off them the better."
Is it just me, but doesn't this display in one paragraph the delicious irony of an anonymous poster lecturing an experienced journalist on matters of courage? And doesn't it also show the value of honest balanced enquiry as opposed to shrill demanding outrage. Afterall, who got Langsham to speak and raise the issue again? Exactly.
Earlier this week Simon Binns of ManCon got the owner of the Britannia Hotel to speak about the threat of a compulsory purchase order on the Old Fire Station, a building that could be a civic treasure, but is in a shocking state. Owner Alex Langham has his say, Manchester City Council reply. Context is provided, but comment is not. It's called reporting.
The story is here.
In the comments underneath there's one from Anonymous, as follows:
"Hardly the most illuminating of interviews. Has someone cut mancon's claws? Where's the demands for an explanation of how this company has allowed a building like this to rot for 25 YEARS!!! pardon the shouting, but come on - this reads like Trevor macdonald interviewing the queen. I hope you asked "is there anything else mr langsam would like to add?". Brittannia's actions have been shameful and the sooner this landmark site is taken off them the better."
Is it just me, but doesn't this display in one paragraph the delicious irony of an anonymous poster lecturing an experienced journalist on matters of courage? And doesn't it also show the value of honest balanced enquiry as opposed to shrill demanding outrage. Afterall, who got Langsham to speak and raise the issue again? Exactly.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Rovers takeover latest - Ali comes out fighting
Following the allegations in the Radio Five Investigates programme on Sunday Mr Ahsan Ali Syed has responded with a statement.
The full text is here on the Lancashire Telegraph site, no doubt with the usual mindless babble in the comments box underneath.
As I've gone on record in expressing my doubts, here, and comparing him to Michael Knighton, here, it's only fair to include the relevant points stand as a reply here too.
So, in response to allegations made on the BBC Radio 5 Live Investigates broadcast on 5 September 2010, Western Gulf Advisory (WGA) dealt with the flat, the unpaid council tax and where he comes from in India. I always thought this was tittle tattle. As for whether he studied at the London School of Economics, well, he doesn't address that point.
The statement does address the probity of WGA and the analysis on the programme of the annual report:
"The conclusions drawn in the programme regarding WGA B.S.C (Bahraini Shareholding Company)’s accounts are false and misleading and have been independently audited by BDO. Like any similar financial institution, WGA does not need to keep significant cash positions as it does not have large liabilities or operating expenses. Furthermore WGA’s Bahraini business is a separate entity to its European businesses, which are responsible for executing all of its investments."
Introducing BDO into the mix is important and ups the ante for me. I still think 7 days is a very short period to audit a business of such size and complexity, but then I'm not as familiar with local audit law.
The statement ends with a fairly sturdy defence and a restatement of intent.
"WGA is a well capitalised business and has the sum of $850 million available in liquid assets for investment purposes. As previously stated, WGA remains committed to expanding its investment activities in the UK.
"Any attempt to suggest that Mr Ali has a questionable track record in business and is therefore unsuitable to take over Blackburn Rovers is a false and damaging allegation.”
Wow. That's fighting talk. Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough, as they used to say on the Blackburn End.
But none of this should ever have got to this stage. It has created a circus around our football club. Again, in my experience deals are done in private and major statements are not bandied around for public dissection before a deal is done. The same goes for sheep stations in Australia and property companies in Ireland. Certainly the long list of deals that WGA lists on its website were conducted well below any radar I have access to. Having had a taste of the British press, maybe Mr Ali wishes he'd kept this one low key too.
The full text is here on the Lancashire Telegraph site, no doubt with the usual mindless babble in the comments box underneath.
As I've gone on record in expressing my doubts, here, and comparing him to Michael Knighton, here, it's only fair to include the relevant points stand as a reply here too.
So, in response to allegations made on the BBC Radio 5 Live Investigates broadcast on 5 September 2010, Western Gulf Advisory (WGA) dealt with the flat, the unpaid council tax and where he comes from in India. I always thought this was tittle tattle. As for whether he studied at the London School of Economics, well, he doesn't address that point.
The statement does address the probity of WGA and the analysis on the programme of the annual report:
"The conclusions drawn in the programme regarding WGA B.S.C (Bahraini Shareholding Company)’s accounts are false and misleading and have been independently audited by BDO. Like any similar financial institution, WGA does not need to keep significant cash positions as it does not have large liabilities or operating expenses. Furthermore WGA’s Bahraini business is a separate entity to its European businesses, which are responsible for executing all of its investments."
Introducing BDO into the mix is important and ups the ante for me. I still think 7 days is a very short period to audit a business of such size and complexity, but then I'm not as familiar with local audit law.
The statement ends with a fairly sturdy defence and a restatement of intent.
"WGA is a well capitalised business and has the sum of $850 million available in liquid assets for investment purposes. As previously stated, WGA remains committed to expanding its investment activities in the UK.
"Any attempt to suggest that Mr Ali has a questionable track record in business and is therefore unsuitable to take over Blackburn Rovers is a false and damaging allegation.”
Wow. That's fighting talk. Come and have a go if you think you're hard enough, as they used to say on the Blackburn End.
But none of this should ever have got to this stage. It has created a circus around our football club. Again, in my experience deals are done in private and major statements are not bandied around for public dissection before a deal is done. The same goes for sheep stations in Australia and property companies in Ireland. Certainly the long list of deals that WGA lists on its website were conducted well below any radar I have access to. Having had a taste of the British press, maybe Mr Ali wishes he'd kept this one low key too.
Sunday, September 05, 2010
That Tony Blair book
The Tony Blair book A Journey is fascinating. Rachel has grabbed it first and is rattling through it. I keep dipping into the index and randomly looking at it. I can't believe how he's approached it, writing in a laid back, "gosh, look at me" style.
There's a good review, or mention, from Norman Geras here. And a reference to the fact that it's selling very well, here, on Harry's Place.
There's a good review, or mention, from Norman Geras here. And a reference to the fact that it's selling very well, here, on Harry's Place.
The Indian Michael Knighton stalks Rovers
I just don't feel good about the proposed takeover of Blackburn Rovers by Ahsan Ali Syed.
I make the comparison with Michael Knighton here.
And we cast a sceptical eye during the Blackburn Rovers unofficial podcast here.
Tonight's BBC Radio Five Live Investigates has done a good job of picking through the evidence. I'm sure Rovers fans will be listening in a state of anger and confusion.
Here's what concerns me now: not that there is truth in the allegations and that the deal can't go through. I don't like the cut of his gib so far; it's all wrong. My instincts tell me this is doomed. But if he's successful and loaded, I still don't see a good outcome. If he's successful and isn't as wealthy as he makes out, then the humiliation will be complete.
I make the comparison with Michael Knighton here.
And we cast a sceptical eye during the Blackburn Rovers unofficial podcast here.
Tonight's BBC Radio Five Live Investigates has done a good job of picking through the evidence. I'm sure Rovers fans will be listening in a state of anger and confusion.
Here's what concerns me now: not that there is truth in the allegations and that the deal can't go through. I don't like the cut of his gib so far; it's all wrong. My instincts tell me this is doomed. But if he's successful and loaded, I still don't see a good outcome. If he's successful and isn't as wealthy as he makes out, then the humiliation will be complete.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Tony Blair knew
I'm looking forward to reading Tony Blair's book which I bought today, and watching the Andrew Marr interview this evening.
Here's where I was the day he left office.
Now, I knew Gordon Brown would be a terrible prime minister and I'm just a bloke from Marple who watches the news. But so, it appears, did Blair. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I remember his clunking fist speech at David Cameron and thought at the time: "nah".
But doesn't it show a lack of leadership that he didn't try to stop Brown?
Here's where I was the day he left office.
Now, I knew Gordon Brown would be a terrible prime minister and I'm just a bloke from Marple who watches the news. But so, it appears, did Blair. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I remember his clunking fist speech at David Cameron and thought at the time: "nah".
But doesn't it show a lack of leadership that he didn't try to stop Brown?
Support your local teams
This Saturday has been designated Non-League Day.
"WITH ENGLAND PLAYING THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE PREMIER LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONSHIP TAKING A WEEK OFF, I URGE ALL FANS OF THE BIG CLUBS TO GET OUT AND WATCH THEIR LOCAL NON-LEAGUE TEAM INSTEAD ON SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER. GIVEN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CLIMATE, CLUBS OUTSIDE THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEED ALL THE SUPPORT THEY CAN GET, SO YOUR PRESENCE AT A GAME WILL BE GENUINELY APPRECIATED. WITH TICKETS AND REFRESHMENTS AT A FRACTION OF THE COST, WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?"
We've already embraced this with visits to Woodley Sports and Droylsden this season, making them my 128th and 129th grounds on which I've watched football. I'm going to try and take in matches at Stalybridge Celtic, Curzon Ashton, Glossop North End and Salford City in the next few months.
The organisers get it bang on when they say: "There is a richness and depth to the non-league game that should be experienced while we have the chance, and with more and more clubs facing hardship or folding every season, there has never been a better opportunity to "adopt" a second team."
Do your bit for semi-pro and grass roots football, and get out and support your local team. Who knows, you may even enjoy the experience enough to return again...
There's a link to a very helpful website on the day here.
"WITH ENGLAND PLAYING THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE PREMIER LEAGUE AND CHAMPIONSHIP TAKING A WEEK OFF, I URGE ALL FANS OF THE BIG CLUBS TO GET OUT AND WATCH THEIR LOCAL NON-LEAGUE TEAM INSTEAD ON SATURDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER. GIVEN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL CLIMATE, CLUBS OUTSIDE THE FOOTBALL LEAGUE NEED ALL THE SUPPORT THEY CAN GET, SO YOUR PRESENCE AT A GAME WILL BE GENUINELY APPRECIATED. WITH TICKETS AND REFRESHMENTS AT A FRACTION OF THE COST, WHAT'S STOPPING YOU?"
We've already embraced this with visits to Woodley Sports and Droylsden this season, making them my 128th and 129th grounds on which I've watched football. I'm going to try and take in matches at Stalybridge Celtic, Curzon Ashton, Glossop North End and Salford City in the next few months.
The organisers get it bang on when they say: "There is a richness and depth to the non-league game that should be experienced while we have the chance, and with more and more clubs facing hardship or folding every season, there has never been a better opportunity to "adopt" a second team."
Do your bit for semi-pro and grass roots football, and get out and support your local team. Who knows, you may even enjoy the experience enough to return again...
There's a link to a very helpful website on the day here.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Rewriting history
The moronic left still manages to find new barrels to scrape the bottom of. I can't be bothered to dignify this with commentary, but have a look at this attempt to re-write the history of the second world war.
Marple festival - looking good
The 2010 Marple festival kicks off in a couple of weeks.
The real coup has been securing the Hallé orchestra to perform on Sunday 12th September at Marple’s United Reformed Church with musical director Sir Mark Elder presenting and conducting. He's agreed to do it because of the support from the Peter Cunningham Memorial Fund for the Hallé, which gives money for education work.
The event has grown out of the successful food festival in Marple, including the prestigious Samuel Oldknow Pie Competition, and will have a whole load of events over a fortnight, not just a weekend. Here is some more information:
"Heritage is the theme of the first weekend. St Martin’s Church on Brabyns Brow is a gem of the Arts and Crafts Movement displaying magnificent architecture and embellishments which were designed by the masters including William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne Jones, whilst the organ was built by ‘Father’ Henry Willis, the greatest of 2 the Victorian organ builders. During the fortnight there are talks on the canals, waterways and rise of Victorian Marple, all explaining the heritage of the area.
"For a town with over 25,000 population, Marple is proud to boast its own cinema and
theatre, diverse shops, 6th form college and secondary school, and a thriving cultural sector. It offers a mix of urban and rural, nestling on the edge of the Peak District yet only 12 miles from the bright lights of Manchester.
"The Festival programme is inclusive and promises great variety, all showcasing Marple, with something for all ages. Foreign film, drama, dance, poetry and literary events will appeal to art buffs. Music and song feature strongly with jazz, pop, swing, brass, classical, symphony, opera, folk…plus choirs, barbershop and youth bands at an open air Gig in the Park.
"There is art in the park one Sunday; children’s story times; author’s workshops; comedy and talent nights; painting and photography exhibitions. Then the Festival offers a wonderful array of events for gastronomes…and drinkers – a beerfest, wine tasting, cookery demonstrations and the popular Food and Drink Day on 25th September where local shops and tradespeople display their produce.
“The objective of the Festival is to showcase Marple and bring the community together” comments Chairman David Sumner MBE. “We want residents to realise what talent there is on our doorstep, whilst also raising awareness of the town, its heritage and culture, and what it can offer to a much wider audience.”
The real coup has been securing the Hallé orchestra to perform on Sunday 12th September at Marple’s United Reformed Church with musical director Sir Mark Elder presenting and conducting. He's agreed to do it because of the support from the Peter Cunningham Memorial Fund for the Hallé, which gives money for education work.
The event has grown out of the successful food festival in Marple, including the prestigious Samuel Oldknow Pie Competition, and will have a whole load of events over a fortnight, not just a weekend. Here is some more information:
"Heritage is the theme of the first weekend. St Martin’s Church on Brabyns Brow is a gem of the Arts and Crafts Movement displaying magnificent architecture and embellishments which were designed by the masters including William Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Edward Burne Jones, whilst the organ was built by ‘Father’ Henry Willis, the greatest of 2 the Victorian organ builders. During the fortnight there are talks on the canals, waterways and rise of Victorian Marple, all explaining the heritage of the area.
"For a town with over 25,000 population, Marple is proud to boast its own cinema and
theatre, diverse shops, 6th form college and secondary school, and a thriving cultural sector. It offers a mix of urban and rural, nestling on the edge of the Peak District yet only 12 miles from the bright lights of Manchester.
"The Festival programme is inclusive and promises great variety, all showcasing Marple, with something for all ages. Foreign film, drama, dance, poetry and literary events will appeal to art buffs. Music and song feature strongly with jazz, pop, swing, brass, classical, symphony, opera, folk…plus choirs, barbershop and youth bands at an open air Gig in the Park.
"There is art in the park one Sunday; children’s story times; author’s workshops; comedy and talent nights; painting and photography exhibitions. Then the Festival offers a wonderful array of events for gastronomes…and drinkers – a beerfest, wine tasting, cookery demonstrations and the popular Food and Drink Day on 25th September where local shops and tradespeople display their produce.
“The objective of the Festival is to showcase Marple and bring the community together” comments Chairman David Sumner MBE. “We want residents to realise what talent there is on our doorstep, whilst also raising awareness of the town, its heritage and culture, and what it can offer to a much wider audience.”
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Fair play to Arsenal
Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that supporting Blackburn Rovers has its benefits, even when we lose. Seeing Arsenal yesterday was one of them. I thought we gave them a game, we could have grabbed a point, which I would have been thrilled with, but if being in a league like this is to mean anything it is to take defeat on the chin. It sounds defeatist, but yesterday I enjoyed how the game unfolded and it should make certain Rovers players better for the experience. Take Phil Jones, he can tackle, he can pass, but he will have learnt a thing or two about movement and passing from Cesc Fabregas. You also have to appreciate a talent like Theo Walcott. This theory that he lacks a "footballing brain" is idiotic. Even when he's quiet his positioning and looming threat created a headache for Gael Givet.
My eldest lad confessed yesterday that he quite likes Arsenal. I hope it was for an appreciation of that style of football.
I think over the last couple of seasons we've established the fact that our season tickets are value for money and a decent investment, so I won't bother with calculating quite how much value they represent. Yesterday, however, was also a reminder of how lucky we are to be able to watch such great players.
My eldest lad confessed yesterday that he quite likes Arsenal. I hope it was for an appreciation of that style of football.
I think over the last couple of seasons we've established the fact that our season tickets are value for money and a decent investment, so I won't bother with calculating quite how much value they represent. Yesterday, however, was also a reminder of how lucky we are to be able to watch such great players.
Friday, August 27, 2010
White Powder, Green Light by James Hawes reviewed
I enjoyed James Hawes' earlier book Rancid Aluminum, so did lots of people, including people who turned it into a film. But they didn't just make any film, but "the worst film ever made". In so doing they took Hawes from the status of "hot author of Brit lit" to a co-creator of this disaster. To be fair, I haven't seen it, but it must have hurt. White Powder, Green Light is his sweet revenge on the cocaine consuming tinsel Nero's of Soho and a sharply observed satirical swipe. There's nothing subtle about it, but I liked it for the savage portrayal of the film industry types, but also for some cheap shots at the Welsh media Taffia.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The club I supported as a boy
During an interview with Young Boys of Berne footballer Scott Sutter I gasped at the lack of awareness of many sports news journalists about how footballers think. Sutter, to recap, is a Londoner with a Swiss father who now lives in Switzerland and plays in Berne. He has been said to have uttered the dreaded seven words spoken with such disingenuous opportunism by so many players - "the club I supported as a boy".
The interviewer asked him who his "heroes" were and this gave the game away. He didn't have them, he said, but mentioned that Klinsmann and Ginola were playing at the time. That's it, you see, professional footballers just don't support teams the way you and I do. Their loyalty has to be transferable. Sometimes they get the dream move and the cliches come out - but how many clubs did Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy support as kids? Sometimes they'll kiss the badge and look ridiculous when six months later they're playing for another team (HMHB reference alert).
But as the question goes deep into childhood, there's something else at work here. A professional footballer will have been playing lots of football from a young age. They are unlikely therefore to have been a regular attender of matches. There are kids who play and kids who watch. I was always a kid who watched. Even those who do get to matches have a different way of watching and appreciating football. If you aspire to play to a serious level you have a more respectful, less partisan outlook. So no, I don't buy the loyalty thing at all.
The interviewer asked him who his "heroes" were and this gave the game away. He didn't have them, he said, but mentioned that Klinsmann and Ginola were playing at the time. That's it, you see, professional footballers just don't support teams the way you and I do. Their loyalty has to be transferable. Sometimes they get the dream move and the cliches come out - but how many clubs did Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy support as kids? Sometimes they'll kiss the badge and look ridiculous when six months later they're playing for another team (HMHB reference alert).
But as the question goes deep into childhood, there's something else at work here. A professional footballer will have been playing lots of football from a young age. They are unlikely therefore to have been a regular attender of matches. There are kids who play and kids who watch. I was always a kid who watched. Even those who do get to matches have a different way of watching and appreciating football. If you aspire to play to a serious level you have a more respectful, less partisan outlook. So no, I don't buy the loyalty thing at all.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Why Orwell Matters by Christopher Hitchens reviewed
George Orwell was right about the three great issues of the last century: empire, fascism and communism. So argues Christopher Hitchens in this terrifically well argued and pacey defence of one of the best known British political writers.It seems remarkable to think that so many left wing activists defended the Soviet Union and were blind to its brutality right up until the collapse of the Berlin Wall. I remember a fellow journalist in 1989 mulling over the demise of a "fascinating experiment" in economic planning.
As a teenager I devoured everything he wrote. We studied 1984 for A Level, but it was Homage to Catalonia and his collections of articles that stirred my youthful spirit. I was always taken with his direct style and his independence of mind. I'm not sure if Hitch is a true heir to Orwell or not, I rather suspect he'd like to be, but this is a fine tribute nonetheless.
Shopping in Marple
One of the strengths of Marple is definitely the number of shops catering for pretty much everything you need - butchers (2), car parts (2), hardware (1), grocers (2), banks (4), delis (3), bakeries (5). There are a few gaps - we could do with a shoe shop, I'm not struck on any of the Chinese takeaways or the men's clothes shops and the only off-licence beyond the supermarkets is a Bargain Booze, but it is a down-to earth suburban location afterall and the British high street is under pressure like never before.
Other than that, if anything, the issue is oversupply. There are four barbers on Stockport Road, two petrol stations and soon to be a third convenience store. This is really poor planning and stretches my faith in the free market.
So, a new Spar opened opposite Rose Hill train station. The guy who runs it seems like a nice bloke. It's what it is - a small Spar. Next door was a large Wine Rack which closed down when Thresher went bust. Now it is to be a convenience store, not a Spar but another branded store selling food, sweets and chocs and milk. I'm not sure who's served best by this, but it must be galling for the people that opened the Spar. The talk on the train tonight is of loyalty to Spar.
Other than that, if anything, the issue is oversupply. There are four barbers on Stockport Road, two petrol stations and soon to be a third convenience store. This is really poor planning and stretches my faith in the free market.
So, a new Spar opened opposite Rose Hill train station. The guy who runs it seems like a nice bloke. It's what it is - a small Spar. Next door was a large Wine Rack which closed down when Thresher went bust. Now it is to be a convenience store, not a Spar but another branded store selling food, sweets and chocs and milk. I'm not sure who's served best by this, but it must be galling for the people that opened the Spar. The talk on the train tonight is of loyalty to Spar.
A great face for radio
The BBC Radio Manchester Business Podcast is one of the most downloaded programmes on regional radio. I'm very proud to be part of the team who take it in turns to come on and talk every Monday night. The presenter is Steve Saul, a smashing lad and a first rate broadcaster. He runs the desk flawlessly, is ultra-professional and always manages to judge an item perfectly. Our studio hand signals and eyebrow movements when a phone interview or a guest in the studio is coming to the end of their useful contribution get more subtle as we go on.
The strange thing about the programme, however, is the music. We're interviewing some local business about how he's made a fist of it in the recession before we cut to travel and then on comes some Phil Collins or Coldplay.
Anyway, you can download it here.
Friday, August 20, 2010
They paved paradise
I had a full and busy day in London yesterday. I'm always amazed how things change in any place I go to and London is as fast changing as anywhere I know. I remember playing football in what is now the trendy Spitalfields market. There used to be a street market area behind Bishopsgate, which now looks like a very modern central business district. Shoreditch has come on some, the tube extension towards Stoke Newington is nearly there. The food court outside Euston station is a massive improvement - anyone remember Casey Jones Burgers?
But trendy media Soho was remarkable for how much it hasn't changed in the ten years since I regular stalked its streets. There are still newsagents and coffee shops that have always been there. I saw many of the same names of post-production houses and film labs too, which is a good thing. It's an area that could have gone like anytown, but London's position as a capital on the edge of the new has kept a very sharp and unique identity - where being different isn't just about shops and brands, but the industrial ecology of our capital city.
I like to trumpet the Manchester rhetoric as much as anyone. And I love my adopted home city like nowhere else. But it is always useful to get a sense of perspective and yesterday I did. For energy, ideas and innovation there is nowhere quite like London.
But trendy media Soho was remarkable for how much it hasn't changed in the ten years since I regular stalked its streets. There are still newsagents and coffee shops that have always been there. I saw many of the same names of post-production houses and film labs too, which is a good thing. It's an area that could have gone like anytown, but London's position as a capital on the edge of the new has kept a very sharp and unique identity - where being different isn't just about shops and brands, but the industrial ecology of our capital city.
I like to trumpet the Manchester rhetoric as much as anyone. And I love my adopted home city like nowhere else. But it is always useful to get a sense of perspective and yesterday I did. For energy, ideas and innovation there is nowhere quite like London.
Occupational Hazards by Rory Stewart reviewed
This is a terrific book. A real eye-opener and quite a unique portrayal of Iraqi in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. Rory Stewart was a deputy governor of two provinces and found it hard work. His biggest challenges were the anger and distrust of the locals. The coalition officials never quite got their heads around the fact they weren't greeted as liberators. Despite his well meaning interventions, in the teeth of corruption and hostility, Stewart was never accepted by the people he was trying to help. Were Saddam to have been ousted by a coup, or a civil war, or invasion of the provinces of Maysan and Basra by Iran then there is every possibility the outcome would have been bloodier and nastier. But that is supposition, the fact of the cock-up by the US Army and the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is not.Now a Conservative MP for Penrith, he maintains warmth, humanity and good humour throughout, which he's finding he'll need in politics. My favourite passages were his account of the siege of Nasiriyah and his dealings with the preposterous Italians. But there were lighter moments too, such as the special forces stakeout of a disused factory, frequented by small groups of furtive men in the dead of night. An Al Qaeda bomb factory? No, a secret location for gay sex.
In the week that we've seen US combat troops leaving Iraq and rather tastlessly whooping that they've "brought democracy" to the country, it serves to remind you how much has changed since Stewart's account, but also how little. His major conclusion is that peace can only come to such a troubled land when western forces leave and let Iraqis, for all their baffling differences and bitter rivalries, to get on with it themselves. Let's hope so.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Uncle Jack - never forgotten
For all Blackburn Rovers fans today is the day we remember the passing of the great Jack Walker. It coincides with the early moves of the takeover by a man from India, who now lives in Bahrain and Switzerland who we know nothing about. I've written a business piece about it on the Insider In Focus blog.
But someone on the Rovers Mad site has found the poem written 10 years ago that was read out at Ewood at the following home game.
Uncle Jack's Poem.
I have never written a poem before; I don't see any point in rhyme.
It never appeals to us working class; It's just a waste of time.
Well now is a bit different, I need to tell you how I feel.
And in some small way pay tribute to the Blackburn man of steel.
It's vital not to miss the point; football is not a bit of fun.
It's pride and passion, skill and strength all rolled into one.
It's not about Man Utd, Chelsea and some foreign fancy Dan.
It's Blackburn, Preston, Burnley, that's where it all began.
Where what you see is what you get, but don't show how you feel.
But I'm making my exception for the Blackburn man of steel.
I really need to thank him for the pride he gave us back.
Just for a while we were the best, thanks to Uncle Jack.
Few people have the vision to make a dream come true.
For the beauty of Jack Walker's was - we got an invite too.
Some saw him as a rich old man who bought a winning team
But for me they miss the point; he bought us all our dream.
I think it's maybe true to say it could not last forever
But then again I'm certain that it's better once than never
And even if those winning ways never do come back
They can't take away the memories, thanks to Uncle Jack.
Hendry, Sutton, Batty, Shearer, the names roll of the tongue
But "There's only one Jack Walker" is still the Rovers' song.
So forget the players' agents in their smart Armani suits,
And raise a glass to Uncle Jack, a man who knew his roots.
But someone on the Rovers Mad site has found the poem written 10 years ago that was read out at Ewood at the following home game.
Uncle Jack's Poem.
I have never written a poem before; I don't see any point in rhyme.
It never appeals to us working class; It's just a waste of time.
Well now is a bit different, I need to tell you how I feel.
And in some small way pay tribute to the Blackburn man of steel.
It's vital not to miss the point; football is not a bit of fun.
It's pride and passion, skill and strength all rolled into one.
It's not about Man Utd, Chelsea and some foreign fancy Dan.
It's Blackburn, Preston, Burnley, that's where it all began.
Where what you see is what you get, but don't show how you feel.
But I'm making my exception for the Blackburn man of steel.
I really need to thank him for the pride he gave us back.
Just for a while we were the best, thanks to Uncle Jack.
Few people have the vision to make a dream come true.
For the beauty of Jack Walker's was - we got an invite too.
Some saw him as a rich old man who bought a winning team
But for me they miss the point; he bought us all our dream.
I think it's maybe true to say it could not last forever
But then again I'm certain that it's better once than never
And even if those winning ways never do come back
They can't take away the memories, thanks to Uncle Jack.
Hendry, Sutton, Batty, Shearer, the names roll of the tongue
But "There's only one Jack Walker" is still the Rovers' song.
So forget the players' agents in their smart Armani suits,
And raise a glass to Uncle Jack, a man who knew his roots.
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Youth of St Ives
On a very special day of our holiday in Cornwall we went to St Ives. It was one of those days where a good feeling permeated everything that happened to us. We agreed to meet friends who were staying down that way, and even though it took us the thick end of two hours to get there, everyone was in good spirits.We also met, by chance, my favourite living artist - Liam Spencer. He wasn't exhibiting in the Tate or anything, or painting by a cliff top, he was heading out to surf with one of his sons. One of the sons featured on Watching Pingu, one of his gorgeous paintings which adorns our home.
After a day of fun and seaside frolics at Gwithian Beach we headed for St Ives. The evening light and warm air made it feel positively Italian. Loads of families meandering the shops and the harbour. We ate posh fish and chips as we walked and fought off the interests of seagulls.
Along the harbour wall about a dozen or more local lads in wetsuits were enjoying high jinks of the highest order: jumping off the lighthouse, the jetty and into the sea below. They were boisterous and hearty and clearly this is what local teenagers did in this part of the world. Some could do somersaults, backflips or just dive bombs, but all seemed so full of adventure and joy.
As the father to a pack of lads of my own I admire such courage and spirit. We liked too that they were friendly and keen to impress our brood with their daring. Capturing these memories is important and I saw in our boys and my friends' daughters a suitable admiration.
I have some good photographs to remember the day, but imagine my surprise when I found a painting of three lads in wetsuits called Jumping off Rocks. I have to have it. The artist? Yep, Liam Spencer.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Football predictions 2010/11
Having poured over the Guardian Guide, FourFourTwo and various websites I've tried to get my head around the new season.
I must say, the Championship looks much more exciting and looks much harder to predict. I can't see Burnley coming back up with a manager like Brian Laws and the Trevolution at Preston is still in its early stages so it will be a mid table season in Lancashire. I fancy Leicester to do well, but as outsiders alongside the likes of Norwich and Coventry. The top two will be Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
As for the predictable Premier League I have to at least hope something new and fresh can happen, so here goes.
1. Manchester City
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester United
4. Liverpool
5. Arsenal
6. Tottenham
7. Everton
8. Aston Villa
9. Bolton Wanderers
10. Sunderland
11. Blackburn Rovers
12. Fulham
13. Newcastle United
14. Birmingham City
15. Wolverhampton Wanderers
16. West Bromwich Albion
17. Stoke City
18. West Ham United
19. Wigan Athletic
20. Blackpool
Other predictions: Real Madrid to win the Champions League, Liverpool to win the Channel 5 Thursday night cup.
Manchester United to win the FA Cup and Chelsea to win the Carling Cup.
Morecambe and Accrington Stanley to be mid table, but Stockport County will do well to stay out of the bottom two.
I must say, the Championship looks much more exciting and looks much harder to predict. I can't see Burnley coming back up with a manager like Brian Laws and the Trevolution at Preston is still in its early stages so it will be a mid table season in Lancashire. I fancy Leicester to do well, but as outsiders alongside the likes of Norwich and Coventry. The top two will be Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest.
As for the predictable Premier League I have to at least hope something new and fresh can happen, so here goes.
1. Manchester City
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester United
4. Liverpool
5. Arsenal
6. Tottenham
7. Everton
8. Aston Villa
9. Bolton Wanderers
10. Sunderland
11. Blackburn Rovers
12. Fulham
13. Newcastle United
14. Birmingham City
15. Wolverhampton Wanderers
16. West Bromwich Albion
17. Stoke City
18. West Ham United
19. Wigan Athletic
20. Blackpool
Other predictions: Real Madrid to win the Champions League, Liverpool to win the Channel 5 Thursday night cup.
Manchester United to win the FA Cup and Chelsea to win the Carling Cup.
Morecambe and Accrington Stanley to be mid table, but Stockport County will do well to stay out of the bottom two.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Rainy days
I have long subscribed to the optimistic view that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes. Maybe it's to do with being a Mancunian for most of my adult life.
The theory is tested to its limits on a day like today in Cornwall when it has hurled it down. According to the BBC weather the rain would stop before hitting North Devon. Well, it didn't, it got worse. Driving so far in the rain along winding roads made me feel queasy, but still, we found a nice pub with a thatched roof for a spot of lunch. And then stumbled on the Saltrock outlet, which the older lads liked. We then stopped at a bowling alley and arcade, my idea of complete hell. Sadly for the kids plenty of other people had the same idea for a wet weather day and it was full.
The theory is tested to its limits on a day like today in Cornwall when it has hurled it down. According to the BBC weather the rain would stop before hitting North Devon. Well, it didn't, it got worse. Driving so far in the rain along winding roads made me feel queasy, but still, we found a nice pub with a thatched roof for a spot of lunch. And then stumbled on the Saltrock outlet, which the older lads liked. We then stopped at a bowling alley and arcade, my idea of complete hell. Sadly for the kids plenty of other people had the same idea for a wet weather day and it was full.
The private village of Clovelly
We've joked for a while that Marple is cut off from the world due to a curfew at night caused by the one main route being closed from 7pm.
Heading back from a day out today we saw signs for the village of Clovelly. Optimistically, we thought we might round the day off with a meander around a lovely coastal village just as the rain had receded. We may even have bought a few things for tea later. We didn't, as it would have cost us £23.40 just to enter the village and it was 4.30 in the afternoon. I'm sorry but this is just appalling.
The owners justify this by saying the following:
"It has cobbled streets" - so does Nelson.
"It is famous for its donkeys" - so is Blackpool.
"It is privately owned" - is it? The houses might be, the nasty looking visitor centre may be too, the car park may be as well. But the roads down to it aren't.
A quick search into the background to this found a fairly strident view that this amounts to a rip-off. Like this from Devon Link.
Then there's this from Wikipedia:
Visitors are told that revenues raised from the entrance fee are used to fund the constant maintenance of the village's cottages and cobbled street. However, there are discrepancies to these claims, and indeed to the justification of charging a fee to walk down the village street. The street is owned and maintained by Torridge District Council, therefore the claim that funds from the village are used to maintain the street are questionable. Additionally, critics of the post-1988 management claim that the Clovelly Estate Company has no legal basis in imposing a charge for visitors simply wishing to walk down the street (and not to visit or make use of other facilities such as the museum or film show), because it is a public street owned by the council. Likewise, visitors are stopped from walking down the road to the harbour in order to avoid using the visitor centre and paying for admission. This practice is legally unenforceable as it is a public road and any person may therefore use it free of charge.
So the owners want people to enjoy the village but pay for its upkeep, but they haven't had it protected through the National Trust, which we're members of. Maybe we'll go back for a guerrilla raid tomorrow.
Heading back from a day out today we saw signs for the village of Clovelly. Optimistically, we thought we might round the day off with a meander around a lovely coastal village just as the rain had receded. We may even have bought a few things for tea later. We didn't, as it would have cost us £23.40 just to enter the village and it was 4.30 in the afternoon. I'm sorry but this is just appalling.
The owners justify this by saying the following:
"It has cobbled streets" - so does Nelson.
"It is famous for its donkeys" - so is Blackpool.
"It is privately owned" - is it? The houses might be, the nasty looking visitor centre may be too, the car park may be as well. But the roads down to it aren't.
A quick search into the background to this found a fairly strident view that this amounts to a rip-off. Like this from Devon Link.
Then there's this from Wikipedia:
Visitors are told that revenues raised from the entrance fee are used to fund the constant maintenance of the village's cottages and cobbled street. However, there are discrepancies to these claims, and indeed to the justification of charging a fee to walk down the village street. The street is owned and maintained by Torridge District Council, therefore the claim that funds from the village are used to maintain the street are questionable. Additionally, critics of the post-1988 management claim that the Clovelly Estate Company has no legal basis in imposing a charge for visitors simply wishing to walk down the street (and not to visit or make use of other facilities such as the museum or film show), because it is a public street owned by the council. Likewise, visitors are stopped from walking down the road to the harbour in order to avoid using the visitor centre and paying for admission. This practice is legally unenforceable as it is a public road and any person may therefore use it free of charge.
So the owners want people to enjoy the village but pay for its upkeep, but they haven't had it protected through the National Trust, which we're members of. Maybe we'll go back for a guerrilla raid tomorrow.
Saturday, August 07, 2010
It's Not What You Think by Chris Evans, reviewed
About ten years ago I read a nasty hatchet job about Chris Evans. My anonymous One Star Amazon review is still there.But here are ten things I learnt from Evans' own book - It's Not What You Think.
1. If you want to write a BEST SELLING book then write it so it will be accessible to people who don't normally read books. Make it lite, easy, full of celebrity anecdotes and LOTS OF TOP TEN LISTS!!!!
2. He's made his peace with his daughter, who he didn't have anything to do with for most of her life. I was genuinely wondering about that. There have been some withering tabloid splashes about that over the years.
3. He admits he was a bit of a tosser for large periods of his life.
4. The book ends before his marriage to Billie Piper and just as he's about to buy Virgin Radio.
5. In his quest to be a GREAT GUY he doesn't name people who took over from him - Mark and Lard, people who come across badly in anecdotes - Dave Lee Travis, or even old friends.
6. Radio people are slightly nicer than TV people and more technically minded.
7. TV people don't half fanny about. In entertainment TV every effort has to be directed towards making the presenter look brilliant - anything that doesn't is dealt with ruthlessly. You just know he reduced dozens of people to tears.
8. Danny Baker is a genius.
9. Commercial radio has been destroyed by the advertising sales people.
10. Top Ten lists are BRILLIANT!
Thursday, August 05, 2010
What would Jack Walker have wanted? - an open letter to Ahsan Ali Syed
In June I wrote an open and welcoming letter to Saurin Shah, one of the supposed bidders for Blackburn Rovers. Takeover talk is in the air again. This time the bidder is being touted as Ahsan Ali Syed. His investment business confirmed their interest to Insider today. I have a natural suspicion of anyone who blabs before a takeover is complete. And I still have the lingering fear of the Portsmouth scenario.
Here's an open letter to anyone else sniffing round.
Good luck in your efforts to buy our wonderful football club! I just wanted to mention a few things that might not pop up in your commercial due diligence.
Our fans are the future of this club. Their loyal support has kept this club in a special place. To make it work for you, you need to engage with them and help that support grow even more.
They are frustrated at the moment because there haven't been any new signings. The manager is frustrated too. But make sure we sign the right players.
Be patient. Our local talisman, David Dunn, is an injury prone genius. Our goalkeeper was a reject who was written off but has missed out on the World Cup because he plays for an unfashionable club. But they are stars. Our stars. So is our centre half - a teenager from Chorley. They are adored. And Steven N'Zonzi, our player of the year, is a young man plucked from obscurity, who has just signed a new contract.
Our fans are usually right. When Jack Walker owned the club he didn't like a certain type of flash player and blocked some transfers. There are players who just aren't Rovers players, learn about that and treasure it as a core value. El Hadji Diouf should have no place in our club.
The season can seem long and a grind. When we lose at Everton, Man City and Stoke it tests your faith. You will look at these wealthy players who don't seem to be able to perform and despair. But you have to stick with it. Form can dip, the manager can seem negative and grumpy, but at heart he's a good man. He has a good scouting network, he finds gems, like our player of the year. Don't get your head turned by younger managers with fancy methods, something good is building at Rovers. The Academy at Brockhall is a treasure trove. Extend it. Make it the place the best kids want to come to. That's the place where investment is needed.
Blackburn is a multi-racial town, but Rovers supporters are mainly white working class men. This has changed a bit over the years, but don't expect to see much of an affinity with the local Asian population without a long hard effort to win hearts and minds and don't expect them flocking overnight. The current marketing and management team have been focused on shoring up what we have, but with your help greater links with India, with Asian communities and with other sports can expand Rovers as a brand.
You will have seen other owners of football clubs in the Premier League see their dreams shattered because they splash the money and lose it. Rovers have a heart and soul and a family spirit that is very much in touch with the roots of East Lancashire life. But it is just one aspect of our community. Build on that, extend deeper into that, and build the links with your own heritage - it could well yield commercial rewards and enable this club to move further forward.
Be realistic about what that could be. Be modest, be strong, value quality and there is a good chance that in the future there could be a statue of you next to the one of Uncle Jack.
Here's an open letter to anyone else sniffing round.
Good luck in your efforts to buy our wonderful football club! I just wanted to mention a few things that might not pop up in your commercial due diligence.
Our fans are the future of this club. Their loyal support has kept this club in a special place. To make it work for you, you need to engage with them and help that support grow even more.
They are frustrated at the moment because there haven't been any new signings. The manager is frustrated too. But make sure we sign the right players.
Be patient. Our local talisman, David Dunn, is an injury prone genius. Our goalkeeper was a reject who was written off but has missed out on the World Cup because he plays for an unfashionable club. But they are stars. Our stars. So is our centre half - a teenager from Chorley. They are adored. And Steven N'Zonzi, our player of the year, is a young man plucked from obscurity, who has just signed a new contract.
Our fans are usually right. When Jack Walker owned the club he didn't like a certain type of flash player and blocked some transfers. There are players who just aren't Rovers players, learn about that and treasure it as a core value. El Hadji Diouf should have no place in our club.
The season can seem long and a grind. When we lose at Everton, Man City and Stoke it tests your faith. You will look at these wealthy players who don't seem to be able to perform and despair. But you have to stick with it. Form can dip, the manager can seem negative and grumpy, but at heart he's a good man. He has a good scouting network, he finds gems, like our player of the year. Don't get your head turned by younger managers with fancy methods, something good is building at Rovers. The Academy at Brockhall is a treasure trove. Extend it. Make it the place the best kids want to come to. That's the place where investment is needed.
Blackburn is a multi-racial town, but Rovers supporters are mainly white working class men. This has changed a bit over the years, but don't expect to see much of an affinity with the local Asian population without a long hard effort to win hearts and minds and don't expect them flocking overnight. The current marketing and management team have been focused on shoring up what we have, but with your help greater links with India, with Asian communities and with other sports can expand Rovers as a brand.
You will have seen other owners of football clubs in the Premier League see their dreams shattered because they splash the money and lose it. Rovers have a heart and soul and a family spirit that is very much in touch with the roots of East Lancashire life. But it is just one aspect of our community. Build on that, extend deeper into that, and build the links with your own heritage - it could well yield commercial rewards and enable this club to move further forward.
Be realistic about what that could be. Be modest, be strong, value quality and there is a good chance that in the future there could be a statue of you next to the one of Uncle Jack.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall
"Margaret Attwood's the Handmaid's Tale, meets Cormac McCarthy's The Road. In Cumbria."That's what I reckoned The Carlhullan Army was trying to be like before I got stuck in. And it's not far off my assessment now I've finished. Set in the future with an oppressive government, food shortages, war, environmental disaster and the forced sterilisation of women, the book is based on a statement from a nameless woman prisoner "Sister" on her experience on a women's commune on a farm in the northern Lake District. And while the world she's escaped from is bleak and oppressive, she thinks Carhullan will offer a freer idyllic release. Obviously in a post-apocalyptic world morality is a sharply subjective concept.
So yes, there's plenty of sisterhood and bonding in Sarah Hall's creditable addition to a steadily growing body of futuristic horror literature. There are lingering accounts of what an unimaginable life could in fact be like. She conveys effectively the power of its charismatic leader Jackie Nixon, and how she manipulates the community she has established (recalling Alex Garland's The Beach). She also builds a picture of how zealotry for an ideal ultimately destroys it.
But much as I enjoyed The Carhullan Army, and much as I stuck with it through its 209 pages, I thought it fell down in two aspects. First, it suffers from the restrictions of an odd structure - seven sections of a statement, which doesn't read like a statement at all, with chunks deliberately missing. And until the very sudden and rushed and utterly unsatisfying ending, the second big failing, it added nothing to the way the story hung together.
Yet another reason for enjoying this book was the location. My mother grew up in Penrith (where the book starts and changed to "Rith") and knows the setting of Carhullan very well - the range of peaks from Penrith to Ambleside which the Romans called High Street.
With a bit of a polish it would make a good TV series (but they've probably been there already with Survivors). It has been made into a Radio 3 play - with some excellent casting.
East of Eden
We first went to the Eden Project in 2006. It was an enjoyable enough day out, but not so good we made a trip back last year. We went yesterday and my first overwleming impression was how much it had grown. The plants were thicker, taller, fuller. There also seemed more things to do that connected kids like ours with its creative, ambitious ethos. Like a dome devoted to building a den out of sticks, rope and fabric.
I looked around in awe at the detail and thought that has gone into this incredible site. Each dome, each nook and each cranny has something to offer and to stimulate young minds. We probably only touched the sides of what the whole experience has to offer.
All the staff seemed delightful as well. Most of the punters were a cross section of the British middle class - we bumped into two families we knew and therefore they were gentle and polite.
Yet there is a massive, massive but coming up here. Firstly, I kept thinking the place is crying out for a nasty piece of attack journalism from the Daily Mail or Daily Express, sneering at the piety of it. Secondly, lovely though it all is, it isn't as commercially aggressive as, say, Legoland, another sprawling theme park of differing hue. Thirdly, and this is the big doubt that gnawed at me, it's a product of a passing era, the age of public sector largesse. European grants, lottery money, Regional Development Agencies and the other pots that its energetic and charismatic founder Tim Smit has plundered and prised open over the last 10 years. Good luck to him, it is a triumph. And long may it survive in these austere new times.
I looked around in awe at the detail and thought that has gone into this incredible site. Each dome, each nook and each cranny has something to offer and to stimulate young minds. We probably only touched the sides of what the whole experience has to offer.
All the staff seemed delightful as well. Most of the punters were a cross section of the British middle class - we bumped into two families we knew and therefore they were gentle and polite.
Yet there is a massive, massive but coming up here. Firstly, I kept thinking the place is crying out for a nasty piece of attack journalism from the Daily Mail or Daily Express, sneering at the piety of it. Secondly, lovely though it all is, it isn't as commercially aggressive as, say, Legoland, another sprawling theme park of differing hue. Thirdly, and this is the big doubt that gnawed at me, it's a product of a passing era, the age of public sector largesse. European grants, lottery money, Regional Development Agencies and the other pots that its energetic and charismatic founder Tim Smit has plundered and prised open over the last 10 years. Good luck to him, it is a triumph. And long may it survive in these austere new times.
Itching for football, even on holiday
Our attempt to sample a bit of Cornish non-league football came unstuck tonight. To start with, I got the date wrong for Launceston's midweek friendly against Ottery St Mary. I mean, it's not on their website or anything. Bude Town's friendly against Halwill was on though, according to this website. Sadly it was called off. Me and the lads had to settle for chip cones and the Bude brass band in the town square as the sun set over the Atlantic Ocean. Lovely.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Voodoo Histories by David Aaronovitch reviewed
David Aaronovitch is on a hiding to nothing with a book like this, which seeks to explain how conspiracy theories take root. Or as the sub-title rather teasingly hints - how they in fact "shaped modern history".Part rebuttal of all manner of loony theories, part sociological analysis of how and why certain tales capture widespread imagination when they do. He manages to pull it off because he's a witty and lively writer, but the proximity to such dense and turgid source material make it tougher going than it should be.
The essence of it is summed up when, exhausted, he pauses in the chapter Holy Blood, Holy Grail, Holy Shit, and asks: "Why do we read bad history books that [are badly written as well as being junk] and not buy in anything like the same numbers history books that are often far better written and are far more likely to give us an understanding of who we are and where we came from."
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