Village Disco Preservation Society

Fanfare / 9th May, 2014

I had a great evening at my local boozer last weekend, crowned by a chap belting out an acoustic version of The Moody Blues ‘Nights in White Satin’ followed swiftly by a rollicking ‘Hey Ho Silver Lining’. In my slurred slumber I mentally cued up (and subsequently requested) Lynyrd Skynyrds Freebird next, but sadly …More»

The great Bob Hoskins

Fame / 1st May, 2014

The real inspiration for the magnificent film The Long Good Friday and this web site sadly passed away this week.

He also had more than a hand in some other classics including Dennis Potters, Pennies from Heaven, Mona Lisa and Hook.

Born in Bury St Edmunds, you can read …More»

Lovejoy still rules in Suffolk

Fuse / 1st May, 2014

I used to go to auctions all the time, initially dragged along by parents, I was a reluctant bystander, but I grew to enjoy these excursions and in later life enjoyed a positive buzz about the whole scene.

Last craze of collecting was more than a decade ago – Art Deco ceramics Shelley, Myott, …More»

A Horse… Chestnut

Furrow / 25th April, 2014

My very Favourite Tree. Why, because as a boy I can remember (from 6 or 7) I would hear the Autumn storms sweep in and be anxious to get out in the morning and scout the ground collecting conkers. I would watch fascinated as bigger boys would hurl large sticks high into the tree …More»

When does 4 = 10 ?

Fanfare / 17th April, 2014

Foreigner Unplugged

Entering the intimate arena of Shepherds Bush Empire I sniff the scent in the air and note the warm and welcoming sweet smell of pot!

So a relaxed audience and as it proved, a relaxed and polished acoustic set delivered by a magnificent seven, led by Mr Foreigner himself, Mick Jones, on guitar – the man who composed …More»

I-SPY with my little eye

Furrow / 17th April, 2014

Do you remember the beloved I-SPY series? Pocket sized travel boredom cures from yesteryear, guaranteed to drive your navigating parents to dispair and only second in effectiveness to Barley Sugars.

I-SPY Birds, Castles, Classic Cars, Wild Flowers, On a Car Journey, Flags, even On the Pavement… I must have had the lot (thanks Mum). …More»

Tulips are a Powerful Drug

Fuse / 10th April, 2014

Tulips have a dark and distant past – for many long forgotten.

Tulips are still Vogue – an expression of love, voluptuousness, indulgence, art and fashion and they are just about to fire our imaginations again as Spring awakes from its slumbers.

A member of the sprawling Liliaceae (Lily) family I was hooked several years …More»

That tape you did me

Fanfare / 10th April, 2014

Bring on the confetti, it’s my Wedding Anniversary this week. Sitting in my bedroom some 21 years ago, in a slightly bizarre pre-marital musical brainwashing courtship ritual I produced a ‘I think you’ll like this’ style cassette compilation for the future Mrs Forté (I remember her being slightly less impressed with volume 2 …More»