Tuesday, January 11, 2005

Back to the Future


Hi, fellow bloggers and interested passers-by. Well, that was a hectic Yule. But a very nice winter break. A very nice visit to meet our old pals and fellow bloggers Michael, Hazel and Archie (see flobberlog blog) – then to other very nice old pals (not quite as old – that is old in the sense of having known them a long time of course) near Manchester – and then a few days in Liverpool which was very nice. We went to an Everton FC match – and watched them win in the last minute of extra time, I got a special hug from the Everton supporter sitting next to me – then we did the tour of Anfield which is, in case you didn’t know, home to the greatest soccer team of all time – L I V E R P O O L . There I touched the precious sign as I walked through the players’ tunnel to the ground and sat in the managers seat in the dug-out. Very nice.

We also visited the two cathedrals, both built last century – so very new. The Anglican cathedral is the second largest in the world and built along traditional lines and the Catholic cathedral looks a bit like a large concrete space capsule from the outside – but is very atmospheric inside – with lots of stained glass and coloured light.

But for me the best bits were the Beatle-related touristy fan-type things. Saw the Fab Four’s birthplaces, went to the Cavern, went on the Beatles tour – stuff like that. It was magical. It was mysterious. It was fab.

So now it’s back to work. Band rehearsal last night where we were filmed for Hungarian TV. It was for Ken, of course, to publicise his new book. They did get a nice shot of my fingers, tho', whizzing up and down the keyboard. It's the Creative Writing course tonight. And at this moment I’m busy trying to gather my working life into some semblance of order. Sort out a few poems for the blog. Sort out what I’m going to be doing over the next few months. But more of that anon – no doubt.
In the meantime – hope everyone’s new year is off to a great start - those of us lucky enough to have that privilege of course.
See you soon.

11 comments:

Jonathan said...

Roger... Welcome home and Happy New Year...

amiethinggoes said...

Hi Roger! Welcome back! And Happy 2005! It sounds like you really had fun!

Wastedpapiers said...

Did you manage to get a ferry across the Mersey , or was it too windy? Was that old tug boat still there in the dock? Did you go to the Liverpool Museum of Scouse?
Good to see you back on the blog. Looking forward to your future projects.

Roger Stevens said...

No, didn't manage the Museum of Scouse - nor the Ferry 'Cross the Mersey - although that was on the intinery. It was a bit cold, wet and windy on the scheduled ferry day.

We did visit the Tate Gallery, which was very enjoyable - and the Walker Gallery. There was an exhibition by the Stuckists. They were formed by Billy Childish when Tacey Emmins told him his work was stuck in the past. He left them soon after, tho', and you can see why. The exhibition was total crap. It reminded me of that Tony Hancock film - the Rebel.
I'm amazed that the Walker fell for it.

Yes, nice to be back. Still playing catch up, though.
How's Archie getting on with the new Poetry Zone animation?

Ed Giecek said...

Hay Roger... Good to see the old blog scrolling along again. Didja see that ol' taxi cab out behind the Cavern where Bob introduced the Beatles to Mary Jane? I herd it'z got a flat tire now. But then, don't we all? Many happy return'Z an a merry New Year'zZ. Keep yer Jilly Jaggin' an yer jelly joggin'.(wink, nod...)

sylviasometimes said...

Hello, Roger...and so the new year starts...
and what are YOUR new resolutions, plans, dreams
for the year?

Wastedpapiers said...

Talking of all things Beatlish, the childrens home Strawberry Fields which was the inspiration for the song of the same name is to be closed by the Salvation Army who run it. No plans for the wall or gates that are covered in beatfitti ( a kind of graffitti made by beatle fans). Did you see them on your tour?

amiethinggoes said...

hi roger!
regarding your songs. do you have the link for it? it'll be interesting to hear them :)

sylviasometimes said...

Oh, man...I hate when old things and places are torn down in the name of "progress" or whatever. Reminds me futuristic film...all looked like one giant factory...nothing green or growing...people mechanically lining up for their "cardboard" wafer for food. I must be old-fashioned, but I love all those interesting little shops!

Roger Stevens said...

Yes, we visited Strawberry Field. No S on the actual place. I'll put a picture with the second of my little Beatly Pomes. The first Beatly Pome Pic is myself, cleverly captured mid gait by Jilly.

And yes, I think there are lots of us, Syl, who like a little variety and individuality in shops and buildings.
That's surely not being old fashioned.

Wastedpapiers said...

I don't know if i dreamed it or imagined it but I seem to remember someone some where proposing a Beatle sTheme Park with all their houses and the places in liverpool taken their brick by brick and reassembled and rides like the Yellow Submarine, Octopuses Garden, Maxwells Silver Hamster, A Helter Skelter and the center peice would be the Circus with all ther acts from the Benefit of Mr. Kite, the Hendersons, the Pablo Fankes, Lovely Rivita, Polythene Spam etc. Any thoughts about this?