Spoken Word in Hoyland

Happy Monday everyone! Well, it's a bit grey and drizzly in Birdwell this morning, not a good drying day, as they say, but yesterday was lovely and it wasn't only the weather. I had a leisurely morning with Valentino (my cello) and then I donned my glad rags and tripped off on the 66 bus to Hoyland for an afternoon of spoken word and music. 

What a laugh! Lee Pollard, a natural Barnsley comedian with his unique spoken word delivery, was a perfect antidote to all the Brexit bafflement that's going on. I especially liked his Exploding Pies and the scenario of home life when the money collector comes round and all the family lay low. Even though we were warned of swearwords the odd 'f' word was contextual and perfectly natural. I am glad he kept away from the 'c' word because I'm still not at all easy with that one. Then again, that's just me. The audience were divided, some preferring to chatter away over their pint instead of listening. But those of us closer up enjoyed every word. 

And in between the words came the music of Matt Bilby, a swarthy singer guitarist with all the right gear, mixer deck, mike, electric wires, pedals and of course a very robust voice. His sound was very 90s, add that to a full pub and the cacophony of happy people, and no wonder people in the street had to stop to see what was going on.

I was lucky to get a good comfy seat on one of the leather sofa's in the bar, and I was in good company. It was great to meet Sue and Brian, Lisa and Andrew, who I hope to bump into again sometime, maybe at a future reading.

Just in the nick of time I caught a number 2 bus back and was home for 7 pm. Let's have more spoken word and music afternoons. I might even take to the floor myself before too long. Watch this space. 

Of course I gave Higgs Bottom a bit of an airing; got to get the word out there.

Higgs Bottom gets about

Higgs Bottom on the train

I am definitely on the promotion trail, well it is coming up to Christmas and what better present could you wish to give than an entertaining book. Whether it is for a twelve year old, his parents or his/her grandparents, Higgs Bottom is a read for everyone.

Right! I'm off to do my cello practice and then it will be lunchtime. Where does the time go?

Love you lots dear reader, thanks for your support by peaking at my blog from time to time.

Talk again soon,
Love Jane x

Whitby Folk Week 17-23 August

Yeah! What a hill climber's holiday! Forget the long promenade walks, the flat easygoing constitutionals, the leisurely evening stroll to the sea. Whitby is a hill walker's paradise of a seaside town with its cobbled snickets, its winding ginnels, its half hidden courtyards, and of course the 199 steps up to the ruined abbey that dominates the cliff top. Yes, there was a lot of up and down involved during our three day stay in Whitby.

But for those not so agile, don't let this put you off. There are hotels on the harbour side from where you can saunter to the end of the pier and enjoy the full flavour of the town's attractions - shops, amusement arcades, pubs, fish and chips, candy floss, the band stand area, the replica Endeavour ship, and boat trips out to sea and back. It's all there in one little gem of an English seaside resort, and I for one had a whale of a time (excuse the pun).

To top it all, last week was Whitby Folk Week, and there was music and dancing throughout the town, day and night. We were entertained by musicians who had travelled far and wide to attend workshops and put their skills to the test in front of lively audiences. The outside spaces were full of Morris dancers with bells jingling, and happy feet skipping and hopping to a plethora of squeeze boxes, and tambourines. And if poetry was more your thing, then the famous Angela Topping was on hand to encourage wordsmiths at her poetry workshop.

All in all, David and I had a great time. We stayed at a little B&B called The Smugglers' Rest which was just lovely, and we travelled to Whitby from Barnsley by bus, (the X10 to Leeds then the 840 Leeds to Whitby) a journey that didn't cost us anything because we were able to use our pensioner bus pass. And the route was fantastic, through the centre of York, on to Pickering and over the moors to Goathland before dropping down a steep hill into Whitby.

Have Hats travel through York

Old York building

Andy Martin and Nick Moorland from Derbishire

It was great to meet you guys, and we thoroughly enjoyed our dance on the harbour. Thank you for the music. And thanks to all those musicians who performed in the street and in the pubs.

In the Black Swan

David dipping a toe in the North Sea

Music in the Elsinor Pub

Meeting an old friend from Crete, Mandy, it was so good to bump into you.

And a night out with Pauline and Tony

Look! I'm right!

In The Arch and Abbey 

The famous whale bones that dominate the west cliff.

It was a whirl of a break, and the sun shone, and the seagulls squawked, and we ate fish and chips, and drank cider. And now we are home to gather ourselves in readiness for our next little adventure. We've got to keep those feet moving, I don't want to seize up now I've got my health sorted out.

I hope you have had a whizz of a Bank Holiday, and oh, if you haven't read my new novel, Higgs Bottom, yet, you can get a copy here. It is also available as an e-book. Go on take a look for nothing!

Love and best wishes to all,
Jane x

And Now in Paperback - Higgs Bottom

The perfect holiday read!
Higgs Bottom - A Sillysophical Romp in Time
Just click this link and get your copy today.