http:// Chris Renwick / filmsforaction.org / May 30, 2017

 I've ever heard from people, for years, is:

"bloody bankers and their bonuses"
"bloody rich and Here's what I'm really struggling to understand.
 Allnd their offshore tax havens "
"bloody politicians with their lying and second homes"
“bloody corporations paying less tax than me”
"bloody Establishment, they're all in it together”
“it'll never change, there's no point in voting”

And quite rightly so, I said all the same things.

But then someone comes along that's different.
He upsets the bankers and the rich.
The Tory politicians hate him along with most of the labour politicians.
The corporations throw more money at the politicians to keep him quiet.
And the Establishment is visibly shaken.
I've never seen the Establishment so genuinely scared of a single person.
So the media arm of the establishment gets involved. 
Theresa phones Rupert asking what he can do, 
and he tells her to keep her mouth shut, don't do the live debate, 
he'll sort this out. So the media goes into overdrive with:

“she's strong and stable”
“he's a clown”
“he's not a leader”
“look he can't even control his own party”
“he'll ruin the economy”
“how's he gonna pay for it all?!”
“AND he's a terrorist sympathiser, burn him, burn the terrorist sympathiser”

And what do we? We've waited forever for an honest politician
to come along but instead of getting behind him we bow to the establishment
like good little workers. They whistle and we do a little dance for them.
We run around like hypnotised robots repeating headlines we've read,
all nodding and agreeing.
 Feeling really proud of ourselves because we
think we've came up with our very own first political opinion.
But we haven't, we haven't came up with anything.
This is how you tell. No matter where someone lives in the country,
they're repeating the same headlines, word for word.
From Cornwall to Newcastle people are saying:

“he's a clown”
“he’s a threat to the country”
“she's strong and stable”
“he'll take us back to the 70s”

And there's nothing else, there's no further opinion
There's no evidence apart from 1 radio 5 interview
that isn't even concrete evidence,
 he actually condemns the violence of both sides in the interview.
There's no data or studies or official reports to back anything up.
Try and think really hard why you think he's a clown,
other than the fact he looks like a geography teacher.
 (no offence geography teachers) because he hasn't done
anything clownish from what I've seen.
And you're not on this planet if you think the establishment and the media 
aren't all in it together.

You think Richard Branson, who's quietly winning NHS contracts,
wants Corbyn in?
You think Rupert Murdoch, who's currently trying to widen his media
 monopoly by buying sky outright, wants Jeremy in?
You think the Barclay brothers, with their offshore residencies, want him in?
You think Philip Green, who stole all the pensions from BHS workers
and claims his wife owns Top Shop because she lives in Monaco,
 wants Corbyn in?
You think the politicians, both Labour and Tory,
with their second homes and alcohol paid for by us, want him in?
You think Starbucks, paying near zero tax, wants him in?
You think bankers, with their multi million pound bonuses, want him in?

And do you think they don't have contact with May? Or with the media?
You honestly think that these millionaires and billionaires are the sort of 
people that go “ah well, easy come easy go, it was nice while it lasted”?? 
I wouldn't be if my personal fortune was at risk, I'd be straight on the phone 
to Theresa May or Rupert Murdoch demanding this gets sorted immediately.

Because here's a man, a politician that doesn't lie - he can't lie -
he could have said whatever would get him votes anytime he wanted
 but he hasn't. He lives in a normal house like us and uses the bus just like us.
He's fought for justice and peace for nearly 40 years.
He has no career ambitions. And his seat is untouchable.
That's one of the greatest testimonies. No one comes close to removing him
from his constituency, election after election.

His Manifesto is fully costed. It all adds up, yes there's some borrowing
but that's just to renationalise the railway, you know we already subsidise
them and they make profit yeah? One more time…
 WE subsidise the railway companies and they walk away with a profit,
just try and grasp the level of piss taking going on there.

Unlike the Tory manifesto with a £9 billion hole,
their figures don't even add up.And it benefits all of us, young, old, working, 
disabled, everyone. The only people it hurts are the establishment, the rich, 
the bankers, the top 5% highest earners.

Good, screw them. It's long overdue. 

#VoteLabour #ForTheManyNotTheFew! 

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Added May 30, 2017 by

 Andrew Butler

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Martin Shaw

Martin Shaw is 70 today

I first saw Martin in Doctor in the house, but it was his role in the professionals that I have stronger memories of.  I watched it initially as the new vehicle for Gordon Jackson as my mum had me sitting through Upstairs, Downstairs and I soon grew to love the dour scot.  However in the professionals he had real competition in Martin as Doyle and Lewis Collins as Bodie, (which has to be said in a dour scot's accent even now).

Martin was a theatre actor first and continued with that but he has given us some enjoyment when he has ventured into TV, Judge John Deed, Inspector Gentle, Cranford he has played Dalgleish twice, it would have been nice if he had given us more, but he seems to come across as an actor who wants to keep moving on, trying new characters and switching between stage and TV. He has given us voice overs and even done a music video, not bad for an old Thespian. 

My favourite was when he was Chauvelin in the Scarlet pimpernel, with his long hair, very handsome. I am slightly biased as it is also one of my favourite books, I have a very old tatty copy that I picked up at a jumble sale years ago. 

           Happy Birthday Martin       

Alan Rickman

"That's it then. Cancel the kitchen scraps for lepers and orphans, no more merciful beheadings, and call off Christmas."

Truly Madly Deeply, is how much I will miss Alan Rickman. All the films he has been in.  I know he has become  known for his role in Harry Potter, but (Shock Horror) I haven't  seen any of them yet.  Not actually sat down to watch them purposely for my own enjoyment that is. When  there is so much coverage of  films it actually puts me off watching them I dare say I will get there eventually.  Rick like David has been battling cancer privately and was also 69 when he died. 

 He has such a mesmerising voice, I can totally see why he became a  Shakespearean actor, fortunately for us he moved into television and films, I loved the deliciously over the top Sheriff of  Nottingham in Robin Hood, and as Hans Kruber in Die Hard. I love Jane Austin so to have him in Sense and Sensibility was to me perfect.

He has been in so many films  and is just wonderful to watch, he also did  voice over  work, and as his voice is so distinctive, that crooked little smile, and that wonderful personality  shines through, you always know it's him. Goodbye Alan Rest In Peacexxx

David Bowie

I was gutted this morning to hear that David Bowie had died, days after celebrating his 69th birthday.  He has been suffering with cancer for the last 18 months and only his family and close working friends knew about it. and that is how it should be.  Too the rest of us he was working on a new album Blackstar, released on his birthday, this is obviously his swan song his parting gift to us.

At school in 1972 - 74, everybody loved Mark Bolan, these fitted in well with the long hair and flairs of the 70's, then their was Bowie, with his styled short hair and his Oxford bags style trousers and the slim fitting jackets that barely hit the waist line. Not very flattering for chubby teenager girls, but none the less it was a look soon adopted by many.  In our school it was very much Bowie or Bolan and you couldn't sit on the fence as the styles in fashion as well as music was wide apart. 

I loved Bowie he was so individual and was not afraid to try out different musical genre and fashion styles, different persona's, and as soon as I started working I was able to buy his albums Hunky Dory Aladdin Sane, and others. They are still in my collection so I will be dragging out the old turn table for a crackle and a sing a long with 'The man who ruled the world', at least my world. 

Bowie's producer Tony Visconti wrote:

He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way.  His death was no different from his life - a work of art. He made Blackstar for us his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.

The legend that is David Bowie R.I.P

8th January 1945 - 10th January 1947

George Cole died 5th of August 2015

 George Edward Cole was born 22nd April 1925 and was adopted by George and Florence Cole. He left school at 14 to be a butchers boy, wanting to join the Merchant Navy but got the part in a touring musical and his acting career began.

His first film was A Cottage to let in 1941 where he played a long side Alistair Sims. Sims took a liking to George and began mentoring him. They did 15 films together George went to work with Laurence Olivier.

He joined the army during WW11 and was in the Air force as a Radio Operator, when he returned home he started acting in comedies with Sims. 

^]He took over from David Tomlinson in a radio comedy A life of bliss which he did for 6 series before adapting it to the small screen.

He was Flash Harry in the St Trinian films along side Alistair Sims who played the head mistress and her brother. 

He played the lovable rogue Arthur Daley in Minder, and starred in Mid Summer Murders which was his last appearance in 2008. He has recently made a film Road Rage at the age of 90 which is about to be released.

Wiki states that he has done 65 films and TV spanning 8 decades, and 75 years what a wonderful achievement.

I remember him has Flash Harry playing alongside Alistair Sims in St Trinians absolutely loved it. I was one of the long skirted hockey playing hoodlums of course, much more exciting then lying around smoking cigs drinking and wearing make up.

So I will pay my respects by take a trip down memory lane with George a bit of Sweeney, Minder or Blot on the landscape, or a film perhaps. Which ever I decide to dip in to he has left me plenty of choice.  

Thank you George 

Alvin Stardust

Bernard William Jewry born in 1942 he became Shane Fenton in the 60's and then when the band broke up did small gigs until the 70's when his new persona Alvin Stardust appeared.  I saw him twice once at a solid gold weekend in Yarmouth the other at the Grove Dunstable.  One of my hero's, growing up, and one I actually got to meet. Smashing!!

http://www.alvinstardust.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Stardust

                         Alvin died today after a short illness 
                                          R.I.P Alvin

Lyndsey De Paul

The tragic news of  Lyndsey de Paul passing at the age of 64 years of age.  She had headaches, but carried on as normal, she died of a suspected brain haemorrhage. 

She was a wonderfully talented woman, very witty and funny. She will be sadly missed especially round London where she was known.

 Lynsey De Paul and Mike Moran

  A Panto Programme I picked up recently from a car boot.  She was in Jack and the Beanstalk 1988/89 at the Apollo Theatre Oxford.  She played Jill and Alvin as her Jack.

Robin Williams

It was great sadness that I heard the news of Robin Williams tragic death.  He was a  wonderful actor and  fun to  watch.  He  had  the kind of funny face that could make you laugh when you saw it, but he could also turn it into a face that was creepy and scary when he needed  to.  From the  time he leapt on to our screens in  Mork and Mindy  to  playing  president  Rosevelt in the  Night at the Museum series, he  has made us laugh,  he has made us cry, and occasionally shudder. He has done over 80 films, drama, comedy, thriller, he has done  stand up  and  is  one of  our most  versatile  actors. There  is another  Night at  the  Museum  due  out  this  year,  I hope  he  has completed his bit so that  they don't have to change actors.  He  has such a unique voice you always know it is him. 

                   

Depression, is a mental illness that effects millions, no matter how good your life is.  NEVER EVER tell anyone to 'get over it', or to 'buck up, it may never happen'.  There is no rhyme or reason to it, it is just a terrifying illness. One minute you are on a high enjoying life, coping with your illness, the next you are spiralling downwards.

It is when you are in black despair, that tragedy can strike, and it is all over.  Anyone suffering from depression, manic, bi-polar what ever the label, are vulnerable.  If you know of anyone or think it may be a possibility, talk to them and get them help. DO NOT ignore them or tut and say get over yourself.  HELP THEM.

Add caption

Happy Birthday Thomas

Happy Birthday Thomas

http://tomjonesintl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/this-tom-jones.jpg

I used to watch him with my mum on television, and have always loved his sexy voice.

Sir Thomas Jones Woodward born the 7th June 1940. A singer and entertainer who has found success all over the world, after also doing his stint in Las Vegas, and is now chief judge on the BBC 1 The voice. He has had 107 singles and 63 albums from 1965 to 2012.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Jones_(singer)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Jones_(singer)

Happy New Year

Another year has finished and we are now in 2014, the years are flying by and another birthday is just around the corner.  I will be seeing Chris and Laura who got married last April, they will be coming down at the weekend for the pantomime.  It is Dick Whittington, with Lesley Grantham as Ratty and Toadfish from Neighbours as idle Jack.  The reports from chatting to people is that it is excellent, the best yet at the Grove, so I am really looking forward to it.  The 8 of us will be there so I can't wait.  We were going out to eat first but as it will be in the afternoon of Saturday most  restaurants are shut between lunch and dinner.  We will properly have a buffet at home before we go and we can always have a take out when it is finished.  Mind you I reckon Kevin and I will be going home on our own as the kid's will be properly be off to see friends and to go clubbing I expect.  I will tell you all about it next week.

I have managed to maintain my weight to around 11-11.5 stone, for over a year now so I am really pleased with that, I am a lot happier and have the added pleasure of virtually a new wardrobe, an excellent excuse to buy new clothes.

I wish you all a Happy Peaceful and contented New Year, and when life's trials come your way you will be able to cope with them with a peaceful determination, knowing that you are not alone, and that there is someone else in a worst situation than you.  So when you are at your lowest pray for others, and the burden will be lifted.

Happy Christmas

Happy Christmas Everyone I hope you are all having a brilliant day.  Where ever you are, and whoever your with.  I have had a good Christmas spent with Kevin and 2 of my 4 kids. We opened our pressies watched lots of TV and listened to Robbie Swing Both Ways.  Such a lovely relaxing day, no work, no hassles, just doing what you want for a few days, absolute heaven.  I hope to do a little more blogging during the next year, and try not to leave it to long between blogs.

Sir Colin The Fourth

A Happy birthday to Colin Firth, the above is a nickname Kevin uses for him.

Colin was born in Grayshott Hampshire to Shirley Jean Rolles a lecturer in Winchester University, and David Norman Lewis Firth a History lecturer also at Winchester. Colin has a sister Kate an actress and voice coach and brother Jonathan who is an actor.  

Their early years where spent travelling over seas both sets of grandparents where over seas missionaries, and they spent time in Nigeria and St Louis.  When they came back to the UK he went to Alamein Secondary School in Winchester, he was an outside and was a target for bullies so he adopted the local accent and showed a disinterest to schoolwork.  At fourteen Colin wanted to become an actor, after attending acting workshops.  At sixteen he went to Barton Peveril Sixth Form College in Eastleigh, where he fell in love with English Literature. These two years where the happiest of his life.

Colin moved to London and joined the National Youth Theatre, where he got a job in the wardrobe department at the National Theatre, and studied at the Drama Centre London.

After leaving the Drama Centre Colin's first play was as Tommy Judd in Another Country, by playwright Julian Mitchell. His film debut was in 1984 he played Tommy Judd in the film adaptation playing opposite Rupert Everett.

In just under 30 years, Colin has starred in over 70 films, television films, and mini series not forgetting the wonderful Pride and Prejudice or PaP as my irreverent Kevin would call it.  I have many of his films, and have enjoyed Another  Country, Tumbledown, Trauma, Shakespeare in Love, Mama Mia, Relative Values, Easy Virtue, The English Patient, Fever Pitch, A Single Man and The Kings Speech Genoa and others.  Yes my favourite is and always will be Pride and Prejudice but then it is also my most favourite book and Jane Austin my favourite Authoress enough said.

Front cover of the 1997 Radio Times

Happy Birthday Colin

A Blast From The Past

Peter and Gordon, a photo by Dunstabelle

Peter and Gordon were a British pop duo, comprising Peter Asher and Gordon Waller, who achieved international fame in 1964 with their first single, the million-selling transatlantic No.1 smash "A World Without Love". Started in 1964 split up then came back together in 2005, until the death of: Gordon in 2009 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_and_Gordon Photograph from photoplay August 1964.

Ollie Vee's

Ollie Vees is a vintage and Retro emporium in Leighton Buzzard.  It is a lovely little shop which I love going in. It's popularity I feel is because it doesn't just sell clothes like some retro shops in the areas, it sells anything and everything vintage, it is a mini emporium.  You can rummage through draws of buttons, lace, stockings, bags, belts, records, newspapers and magazines, etc you get the picture I am sure.  They have a juke box in the corner of the room playing all the hits of the day. They have recently put in a little counter and table and chairs, so while your browsing you can stop for a cup of tea and some cake.  Kev and I often go in and while he looks at the old records and Magazines, I enjoy looking at the dresses.  They do sell new ready made retro dresses, as well as some original items.  It is not just a shop, and they don't just have an interest in the past, It is a real labour of love and you know it from the minute you walk through the doors and get a warm welcome from the owners.  They also have a basement where they have started playing life music. There is always something different happening there, and I wish them all the best for the future.  If your ever in Leighton Buzzard, then pop in and say hi.  Make sure you take some money with you because you will not leave empty handed,  have fun browsing this delightful little shop. They are on Facebook and they have their own web address  http://www.ollievees.com/.

Quick Catch Up

Hi again haven't been around for a while been busy with life. I have taken lots of pics and picked up a few more interests during this time away, so will hopefully start sharing them with you.  I had my son's wedding in April, and met up with my brothers and sisters who I haven't seen for years.  We had a brilliant time, although I will not be putting up pictures of the wedding it was in Leek Staffordshire and I have some wonderful pictures of the surrounding areas, not forgetting leek itself. 

 

I have started researching my family tree I have actually been doing it for sometime now, but since last year we have started to travel to key places, and visit cemeteries and buildings if they are still there. I have started contact with a few distant cousins who I didn't know existed so it  has been great fun.  This photograph is the family of my Great Grandfather born in Ireland in 1854.  His parents John Hill and Johanna Brennan where married in Cork in February 1854, it is virtually impossible to go further back.  However they moved to Oxford, and had 5 more children there.  Robert married Jane Sophia griffin and this is their family portrait. They ran a book shop for the Jesuit priests in Woodstock Road Oxford, the shop was partially in front of the Catholic Church St Aloysius.

Standing: Francis, Kathleen, my Grandfather Ernest William,
Sitting: Mary Ellen My Great Grandfather Robert,
 My Great Grandmother Jane Sophia Griffin, Celia Jane and
Agnes Winifred dated early 20th century.

Flickr is going well and I am now also on Ipernity  another photo sharing site.  While trawling around graveyards I decided to put some up on Flickr and was introduced to an American based web site called find a grave, the numbed  of graves and graveyards there have listed on there is amazing so I have joined that as well and I am putting up gravestones. We have several churches with graveyards and a large cemetery.  

Most graveyards seem to be ignoring the older and more interesting graves and keeping the newer graves tidy, which is fair enough, I suppose, but it is sad to see them turned into a nature reserve, or just ignored.  There are large expanses of green in between where the headstones have gone and over the years the grass has grown even, some stones are worn and damaged, but it is still interesting to read them, as you have to remember when they where laid to rest they where somebodies loved ones, and the headstone would have cost them a lot of money, to buy at the time.  

I am still hard at work, feeling old and achy, and being told that my retirement age is 66, it is a bitter pill to swallow.  I would actually like to spend sometime retired, but giving the hard work and emotional stress that care work can be, I will be surprised if I am in any fit state to enjoy it.  Never mind eh, I still go to the gym a couple of times a week to swim and do some Zumba fitness, I don't do much more than that as I fit it in around work, but it has made a huge difference to me, so I will definitely be keeping it up, and with all the walking I do as well I don't do so bad. Well that's enough for now, will post some more soon.

Me and my family out for a post wedding ramble.

One For The Ladies

Bob Hope

1903-2003

                                                 Bob Hope Film Star Parade 1943, a photo by Dunstabelle on Flickr.

Bob Hope was born in Eltham in Kent, in 1903. he was a comedian, vaudevillian, actor, singer, dancer, author, and athlete who appeared on Broadway, in vaudeville, movies, television, and on the radio. 

Over a career spanning 60 years (1934 to 1994), Hope appeared in over 70 films and shorts, including a series of "Road" movies co-starring Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour. In addition to hosting the Academy Awards fourteen times, he appeared in many stage productions and television roles, and was the author of fourteen books. He participated in the sports of golf and boxing, and owned a small stake in his hometown baseball team, the Cleveland Indians. He was married to his wife, fellow performer Dolores Hope (née DeFina), for 69 years. he died in 2003 two month's after reaching his 100th birthday.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Hope

The Mini Skirt in Advertising

The Mini Skirt

Dannimac, a photo by Dunstabelle on Flickr. Via Flickr: 

She October 1969

Laird Portch Sportswear, a photo by Dunstabelle on Flickr. 

She October 1969

Mabel Lucie Atwell Postcards

Mabel Lucie Atwell was born in Mile End London, on the 4th June 1879. She went to a private school, and went to Coopers Company School and to the Regent Street School. She studied art at Heatherley's and St Martin's school of Art, but left as she preferred working from her imagination instead of still-life and classical subjects. After she sold work to the Tatler and Bystander, she was taken on by the agents Francis and Mills, and did magazine illustrations. Around 1900 she began receiving commissions for book illustrations.

In 1908, she married painter and illustrator Harold Cecil Earnshaw, with whom she had a daughter Marjorie and two sons. She illustrated children's classic such as Mother Goose (1919), Alice in Wonderland (1911), Hans Anderson Fairy Tales (1914), The Water Babies (1915) and Peter Pan and Wendy. She continued to illustrate magazines, she did advertising, and greeting cards.

In the early days her work was along the same style as other artists ant the time, her friend Hilda Cowham and Jessie Wilcox Smith and others. From 1914 onwards, however, she developed her trademark style of rotund cuddly infants, which became ubiquitous across a wide rang of markets: cards, calenders, nursery equipment and pictures, crockery and dolls.

In 1921 J.M.Barrie personally requested her to illustrate the gift-book edition of Peter Pan. The Lucie Atwell Annual was published from 1922 to 1974, its continuance ten years after her death being possible by extensive re-use of images, a practice established in the 190's picture books of her work.

In 1926 Shelley Potteries commissioned Mabel Lucie Attwell to produce designs for children’s china ware, following the successful sales of china decorated with designs by Hilda Cowham. Atwell’s first six designs portrayed scenes involving children, animals and small green elves in green suits - these were called ‘Boo Boos’ and used on cups, mugs, bowls etc.

She died at her home in Fowey, Cornwall, in 1964, and her business was taken over by Marjorie. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabel_Lucie_Attwell

                                                 Mabel Lucie Atwell Postcards, a photo by Dunstabelle on Flickr.

Margaret Tempest

His First Suit 


His First Suit, a photo by Dunstabelle on Flickr.

signed by artist Margaret Tempest

One for the ladies.

As you may be aware especially those that follow Kevin and I on Flickr, that Kevin's blog and some of his flickr tend to be vintage advertising and ephemera.  So over the last few month's some of the make up, toys, clothes, plus the hunks, have come my way so I am hoping to do some blogs around these.  So I thought I would start with 'One for the Ladies'

Micheal Craig, was born Micheal Francis Gregson on the 27th February 1928 in Maharashtra India, to Scottish parents.  At the age of 3 his family came back to England, before going to Canada at the age of ten, where he acquired his North American Accent.  Micheal joined the British Merchant Navy at 16. 

In the late 1940's Micheal started working in the theatre as a stage hand but soon started obtaining small roles. It took a few years before he had a major role. When Peter Hall of the Oxford Playhouse cast him in Man about the House in 1954.  When he signed up with Rank he changed his name to Gregson.  He made twenty films with them, but in 1961 changed to Columbia Pictures but only made two films.

Micheal has appeared on stage many times and some of his notable films are the 1960 The Angry Silence, which he co-wrote, a 1961 adaptation of Jules Verne's Mysterious Island where he played the lead role, and 1966's Modesty Blaise. By the mid 70's Micheal lived and worked in Australia, and he played both comedic and dramatic roles. As a screen writer he has written for and created several British TV series. He has always worked and is familiar in both London and New York Theatre.

A face we all know  and love, but I bet, not many people could tell you what films he had been in.  I reckon he would be pointless, in Pointless Hee Hee. 

      

The Smallest Giant 'an actors life'

A town called hell

     Drop dead gorgeous when he was younger and is still a good looking man in his mature years. 

Micheal Craig