Blog
A lady can never have too many shoes …
I have a pile of colourful shoes to choose from for every occasion and outfit, and I am sure I am not alone. So it is good news to hear that shoes will now be cheaper, thanks to the ending of the so-called 'Shoes War' which my MEP Robert Sturdy has campaigned against...
How to Make a Blog Book Review
Blogging is still very much a buzz word for 2011. If you need any convincing, you can learn from those who have made a success of it in a new ebook, How To Make A Blog Book, by Murray Newlands which is now available for free download. This is how social marketeers...
The King’s Speech
I absolutely loved The King's Speech, which has been nominated for a host of screen awards. It made me realise how fortunate we are today to have supportive public speaking organisations like Toastmasters, which I belong to in Cambridge. Although none of our members...
EastEnders, cot deaths and and baby swaps
My friend's neighbour in Cambridge is an EastEnders' scriptwriter. I was told that he heads off to Cambridge University Library each day to draw on his creative juices, away from the distractions of his demanding young kids, where he sits in the midst of one of the...
Supporting charities with funding
One of the new professional services I am offering this year is assisting charities by completing their funding applications to various trusts and the lottery. As many charities struggle in the present economic downturn, there are potential pots of gold which I could...
Why new authors should never give up
I was thrilled to hear about new children's author Jason Wallace whose debut novel, Out of Shadows, won the prestigious Costa Children's Book Award. What makes this victory so sweet is that Jason was turned down by 100 literary agents and publishers; I bet they are...
Rooting for Johnson Beharry VC
IÂ must admit I have never watched Dancing on Ice before, but I shall tune in for latest series starting this weekend as one of the celebrities include war hero Johnson Beharry VC, who is an ambassador for Headway, the charity I support which provides rehabilitation...
The Welney Swan Feed
I count myself lucky to have the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Welney right on my doorstep, and paid my regular visit to their swan feed this week, one of the highlights of my winter. It was sad to see a couple of dead swans trapped in the ice. A warden informed my...
In tribute to Pete Postlethwaite
I was saddened to hear of the unexpected death of Pete Postlethwaite, one of our finest British actors, and a favourite of mine who I was lucky enough to see in his one man show, Scaramouche Jones, at the Arts Theatre, Cambridge, a few years ago. He was only 64 and...