Tim from Middlesbrough writes:
"you mad nutter ....put me down for £20 ......i'll times it by 5 next year if you do it on a uni cycle,,twanging and strummin all the way !!!!!!"
Maybe Tim, just maybe.
Monday 31 August 2009
Sunday 30 August 2009
Three weeks to go and about my Mam.
Hello Strumpets,
I would like to tell you some stuff about my Mother, whose battle with Cancer was the main reason for getting up and doing something to try and help supporting those caring for people affected by this awful illness.
Mary Lydia Davies was 73 when she died, but if you`d met her up to six months before she died, you would have put her early sixties, definitely. She was born in Blackpool, and as a result we were brought up understanding Lancashire phrases such as "raight Gradely" (really good), "jedabong" (lovely), and the acronym G.Y.P.H, which meant time for bed, (she never knew what the acronym stood for, her Mother had just always said it to her).
She`d met Dad, a Boro lad who was on a jolly boys, in Blackpool, and they were married within three months. They had Four children, I was number 4, and were married for forty seven years. This year would have been their Golden Anniversary.
Mam was a talented artist, who always encouraged me to explore any field I could. She told me the fable of the wind and the sun at an early age, and would often remind me that bluster would get me nowhere, and just to be myself. When i told her I was thinking of becoming a nurse, she just said learn about the game, not just the rules. Advice I still give to students assigned to me.
She was the type of person who never wondered whether the glass was half full or half empty, she just enjoyed the drink. She was the person who made me feel safe, who made me believe there was a Santa Claus and a tooth fairy, and the person who at the end, needed me to change roles and become the parent. She was and still is, along with my Dad, my inspiration as a parent. And I know she would have been so proud watching Harry and Grace grow up.
This is why I`m doing this. As my ever pragmatic wife has mentioned to me, it`s not what she would have wanted (another twenty years would have been the answer to that), it`s what she would have done.
Mary Lydia Davies. 2/12/1932 - 7/11/2006.
Well I`ve just completed a 20K walk with the banjo on me back, in it`s case of course. Thats about half a mile short of the 13.1 miles required for the Great North Run. I now really believe that I can do this. I`m recovering quite well at the moment and not walking like an incontinent John Wayne for three days following.
This Blogspot business is quite the thing. It`s getting quite a global viewing. People from Countries visiting the Blog include, America, New Zealand, Australia, Dubai, Spain, Canada, The Netherlands, and Germany. A massive thank you, and greeting to the overseas visitors. Hope you`re enjoying it.
Till the next one, keep smiling,
Mark.
Friday 28 August 2009
Music as painkiller.
Tobias from Texas writes:
"Great blog GNS, I'm a fiddle player and it's taken me the better part of the last 6 months to nail Foggy Mountain Breakdown, so be warned, Bulegrass is like crack I inherited my fiddle, and a recently restored Gibson mandolin, which I'm slowly teaching myself to play, from my mother and I do understand how much that banjo means to you. We must feel to play well and that kind of provenance intensifies those feelings in such a way that words simply cannot express.
As for knees going "pop" I can tell you that I had to stop myself from reaching down to rub mine when I read your post lol. I am also a runner and last September I had to put my running on hold for about 5 months to have ACL surgery on my knee. That was no picnic, so take proper care of that knee!"
Thanks for the support and encouragement Tobias,
Mark.
"Great blog GNS, I'm a fiddle player and it's taken me the better part of the last 6 months to nail Foggy Mountain Breakdown, so be warned, Bulegrass is like crack I inherited my fiddle, and a recently restored Gibson mandolin, which I'm slowly teaching myself to play, from my mother and I do understand how much that banjo means to you. We must feel to play well and that kind of provenance intensifies those feelings in such a way that words simply cannot express.
As for knees going "pop" I can tell you that I had to stop myself from reaching down to rub mine when I read your post lol. I am also a runner and last September I had to put my running on hold for about 5 months to have ACL surgery on my knee. That was no picnic, so take proper care of that knee!"
Thanks for the support and encouragement Tobias,
Mark.
Foggy Mountain breaking down.
And here`s what happens when it goes wrong, and nobody notices for about twenty seconds.
Ooops.
Mark.
Ooops.
Mark.
Bluegrass, we don`t need no steenking bluegrass.
Michael from Oklahoma writes:
" wow, that sounds like quite a test!
great job learning those tunes. i have a banjo and love it to death. i haven't learned bluegrass songs (which kinda shocks people because i do like it...i just haven't been good at learning them.i make up stuff on my own a lot or play along with folks okay though.)
am making a new commitment this winter to retry the songs i couldn't do. i'd love to have lessons. i'd love to learn clawhammer stuff. i'd love to learn some ralph stanely songs. *slow down LOL*
there's something about learning music that can take our minds off tough stuff, isn't there?"
Thanks Michael,
Mark.
" wow, that sounds like quite a test!
great job learning those tunes. i have a banjo and love it to death. i haven't learned bluegrass songs (which kinda shocks people because i do like it...i just haven't been good at learning them.i make up stuff on my own a lot or play along with folks okay though.)
am making a new commitment this winter to retry the songs i couldn't do. i'd love to have lessons. i'd love to learn clawhammer stuff. i'd love to learn some ralph stanely songs. *slow down LOL*
there's something about learning music that can take our minds off tough stuff, isn't there?"
Thanks Michael,
Mark.
Cripple Creek
This is really good fun to play. Hopefully that comes across.
These vids also appear on Northern Banjo Boys Blogspot.
http://northernbanjoboy.blogspot.com/
Go visit it. It`s great!
Mark.
These vids also appear on Northern Banjo Boys Blogspot.
http://northernbanjoboy.blogspot.com/
Go visit it. It`s great!
Mark.
A friend from way back.
Stewart from Darlington writes:
"I'm flicking through the Evening Gazette and see an old college buddy looking back at me.
Anyway, as the subject says, good on you. I lost my father to cancer in 2003 and have done a few things since then to raise money for Cancer Research etc. Just recently ran the Darlington 10km road race (see attached photos). I'm doing the Middlesbrough 10km next weekend. And planning to run the Great North next year with Chris Barwick.
So, I'll happily sponsor you. "
Anyway, as the subject says, good on you. I lost my father to cancer in 2003 and have done a few things since then to raise money for Cancer Research etc. Just recently ran the Darlington 10km road race (see attached photos). I'm doing the Middlesbrough 10km next weekend. And planning to run the Great North next year with Chris Barwick.
So, I'll happily sponsor you. "
Nice one Stewart. Thanks for the encouragement and sponsorship.
Mark.
Thursday 27 August 2009
August Jam.
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Couple of pictures from The Uke of Cornwall of last nights jamming session with Northern Banjo Boy (AKA Andy), The Uke Of Cornwall (AKA Bruce),me and Carlos the Jackal (AKA Carl). I`m not sure what those cans of lager are doing there!
Hopefully there will be some audio, and possibly video of the night to come. I particularly like the shot where Jimi Hendrix is looking through the window at us.
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The Magnificent Moores. Sent in by Ben from Middlesbrough.
Thanks to Jeannie and Ben.
If you have any images or songs/videos you would like me to post on the blog, just drop me a line at
Encouragement is really appreciated.
Gary from Stockton-on-Tees writes:
Mark
I'm dead proud of you mate - Put me down for a definite £50 sponsorship.
Good luck!
I have an Auntie who works at the Butterwick Hospice, and they have recently provided treatment to 2 members of my family.
Thanks Gary.
Mark
I'm dead proud of you mate - Put me down for a definite £50 sponsorship.
Good luck!
I have an Auntie who works at the Butterwick Hospice, and they have recently provided treatment to 2 members of my family.
Thanks Gary.
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Evening Strumpets,
It is late in the evening, and I have so much to tell you all. The article was on page 5 of the Evening Gazette, and had, frankly, a huge picture of me playing an F chord (the "chord of death", an in-joke for a friend on my behalf) followed by a really sweet article about this crazy adventure. A massive thanks to John Sutton for writing a great article, and Andrew gray for turning up in the pouring rain and managing to get a picture where (nearly, Hal you are a bugger)all of my family are looking at the camera. a big thanks for all the facebook mentallists who have sent messages of encouragement following reading the article.
Which leads me onto my first point.
Before I was a nurse I was a labourer. And one of the jobs I was working on was a hospital for adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. I was a hod carrier at this job, which entailed, daily, lugging a thousand bricks via a hod
(twelve bricks at a time, a torture device designed to be carried on the shoulder)to bricklayers daily, and also responding to the cries of "MUCK" whenever the bricklayers required cement. It was during the Summer of 1996, England were hosting the European championships, the lightning seeds and Skinner and Baddiel released "Footballs coming home", Gascoigne scored that goal, (American strumpets, Youtube Gascoigne goal against Scotland 1996, honestly, bliss), I was twelve and a half stone, and had just moved in with a person who turned out to be my wife and Mother of my two children. Basically it was a good Summer.
But, the Hospital manager, informed his staff to not talk to the builders. We were perceived to be a bad influence. One member of staff ( a care assistant at the time)said balls to that when she saw how hard we were working during times when the temperatures were almost Continental. She brought out glasses of lemonade, freezing cold (Christ i can almost taste them now) and spoke to us. She`s called Teresa Hannaway. Tree. She`s now a fully qualified nurse, and a massive supporter of The Great North Strum, and I want her to know how much i appreciate all of her efforts. Thanks Tree. you Mental Sparky loving singer.
Secondly,
I`ve completed a half Marathon.
On Tuesday Night I walked for 13.1 miles. it took me 3 hours eight minutes (a time I will never begin to get close to in the GNR) and along the way i encountered many magical things. Young Goth girls trying to make a "Tarzie" in a tree on Marton Road, and wetting themselves laughing when one of them snapped the rope landing on her backside. A guy who knows me from years ago, and saw me in London outside Harrods two weeks ago. Upon going to greet me discovered that the fella was in fact Jack Black! and this rainbow. my filming of which cannot begin to give justice to the natural beauty that occurred at about quarter to Six at Ladgate Lane,
So now I know i can do it. I can`t begin to tell you how that feels. And by the way Ian Golden aka my good mate Iggsy, I managed to run the last half mile.
Till the next one keep smiling and learn something new.
P.S.
Patrick Costello can now hear!
It is late in the evening, and I have so much to tell you all. The article was on page 5 of the Evening Gazette, and had, frankly, a huge picture of me playing an F chord (the "chord of death", an in-joke for a friend on my behalf) followed by a really sweet article about this crazy adventure. A massive thanks to John Sutton for writing a great article, and Andrew gray for turning up in the pouring rain and managing to get a picture where (nearly, Hal you are a bugger)all of my family are looking at the camera. a big thanks for all the facebook mentallists who have sent messages of encouragement following reading the article.
Which leads me onto my first point.
Before I was a nurse I was a labourer. And one of the jobs I was working on was a hospital for adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. I was a hod carrier at this job, which entailed, daily, lugging a thousand bricks via a hod
(twelve bricks at a time, a torture device designed to be carried on the shoulder)to bricklayers daily, and also responding to the cries of "MUCK" whenever the bricklayers required cement. It was during the Summer of 1996, England were hosting the European championships, the lightning seeds and Skinner and Baddiel released "Footballs coming home", Gascoigne scored that goal, (American strumpets, Youtube Gascoigne goal against Scotland 1996, honestly, bliss), I was twelve and a half stone, and had just moved in with a person who turned out to be my wife and Mother of my two children. Basically it was a good Summer.
But, the Hospital manager, informed his staff to not talk to the builders. We were perceived to be a bad influence. One member of staff ( a care assistant at the time)said balls to that when she saw how hard we were working during times when the temperatures were almost Continental. She brought out glasses of lemonade, freezing cold (Christ i can almost taste them now) and spoke to us. She`s called Teresa Hannaway. Tree. She`s now a fully qualified nurse, and a massive supporter of The Great North Strum, and I want her to know how much i appreciate all of her efforts. Thanks Tree. you Mental Sparky loving singer.
Secondly,
I`ve completed a half Marathon.
On Tuesday Night I walked for 13.1 miles. it took me 3 hours eight minutes (a time I will never begin to get close to in the GNR) and along the way i encountered many magical things. Young Goth girls trying to make a "Tarzie" in a tree on Marton Road, and wetting themselves laughing when one of them snapped the rope landing on her backside. A guy who knows me from years ago, and saw me in London outside Harrods two weeks ago. Upon going to greet me discovered that the fella was in fact Jack Black! and this rainbow. my filming of which cannot begin to give justice to the natural beauty that occurred at about quarter to Six at Ladgate Lane,
So now I know i can do it. I can`t begin to tell you how that feels. And by the way Ian Golden aka my good mate Iggsy, I managed to run the last half mile.
Till the next one keep smiling and learn something new.
P.S.
Patrick Costello can now hear!
From The Evening Gazette, 26/08/09.
Outcome from the gazette stuff.
Linthorpe banjo dad set for Great North Strum
A MIDDLESBROUGH dad is fine-tuning his fitness regime for this year’s Great North Run - but there’ll be a notable difference between him and other participants.
Mark Davies, 38, will entertain other runners during the half marathon on September 20, by playing the banjo en route.
He hopes the crackpot idea, “part of my midlife crisis”, will make cash for the Butterwick Hospice.
Raising money for the hospice on Middlefield Road, Stockton, has been on Mark’s agenda since November 2006, when he lost mum Mary to cancer aged 73.
Mark, who works with unemployed people with health problems, said: “I’m helping out the Butterwick because they treated my mum and they need people to raise money so they can carry on caring.
“I’ve done other runs, like the Tees Pride 10K to raise money, and did plan to run this one, but had a problem with my knee.
“I was regularly running about eight miles but then in March I just felt something go in my knee. I’ve rested it, but it’s still not 100% for running.”
Keen jogger Mark, of Orchard Road, Linthorpe, didn’t want injury to rule him out of the money-raising opportunity, so he plucked up the idea of taking his banjo with him.
He said: “I was disappointed when I realised I couldn’t run in the race, mostly because it would mean letting people down who had sponsored me.
“But I realised I could still do the race and raise some money, I just needed something to go with it.”
And although he’s no George Formby, Mark is hoping picking and strumming modern pop songs on the five-string instrument will encourage other runners.
“I’ve not been playing very long - I tend to get an instrument every Christmas, and last year it was the banjo.
“I’ve played in public, and it always goes down well - especially modern stuff like S Club 7 and The Jam,” he said.
Cheering him on in Newcastle will be wife Louise, 37, a school manager, and children Grace, six, and two-year-old Harry.
And while Mark is confident he can walk the 13.1 miles in the North’s biggest road race, now he has to work on his repertoire.
“I’ll be playing a 50-year-old junior banjo a friend lent me - I just hope I can learn enough tunes to last me out!”
And as far as Mark is concerned, this is just the beginning.
“Why stop at the Great North Run? There are countless places and events I could take part in,” he said.
Linthorpe banjo dad set for Great North Strum
A MIDDLESBROUGH dad is fine-tuning his fitness regime for this year’s Great North Run - but there’ll be a notable difference between him and other participants.
Mark Davies, 38, will entertain other runners during the half marathon on September 20, by playing the banjo en route.
He hopes the crackpot idea, “part of my midlife crisis”, will make cash for the Butterwick Hospice.
Raising money for the hospice on Middlefield Road, Stockton, has been on Mark’s agenda since November 2006, when he lost mum Mary to cancer aged 73.
Mark, who works with unemployed people with health problems, said: “I’m helping out the Butterwick because they treated my mum and they need people to raise money so they can carry on caring.
“I’ve done other runs, like the Tees Pride 10K to raise money, and did plan to run this one, but had a problem with my knee.
“I was regularly running about eight miles but then in March I just felt something go in my knee. I’ve rested it, but it’s still not 100% for running.”
Keen jogger Mark, of Orchard Road, Linthorpe, didn’t want injury to rule him out of the money-raising opportunity, so he plucked up the idea of taking his banjo with him.
He said: “I was disappointed when I realised I couldn’t run in the race, mostly because it would mean letting people down who had sponsored me.
“But I realised I could still do the race and raise some money, I just needed something to go with it.”
And although he’s no George Formby, Mark is hoping picking and strumming modern pop songs on the five-string instrument will encourage other runners.
“I’ve not been playing very long - I tend to get an instrument every Christmas, and last year it was the banjo.
“I’ve played in public, and it always goes down well - especially modern stuff like S Club 7 and The Jam,” he said.
Cheering him on in Newcastle will be wife Louise, 37, a school manager, and children Grace, six, and two-year-old Harry.
And while Mark is confident he can walk the 13.1 miles in the North’s biggest road race, now he has to work on his repertoire.
“I’ll be playing a 50-year-old junior banjo a friend lent me - I just hope I can learn enough tunes to last me out!”
And as far as Mark is concerned, this is just the beginning.
“Why stop at the Great North Run? There are countless places and events I could take part in,” he said.
Monday 24 August 2009
Evening gazette and doubts, doubts, doubts.
Evening strumpets.
I did an interview for the local newspaper today (The Evening Gazette), and a really nice lad came round and took some pictures of me with my gorgeous family and the banjo, and a couple of weirder shots of me holding me banjos like a couple of machine guns, and playing one like a fiddle! That was fun, whilst the kids and Louise danced behind the photographer pullnig funny faces and singin "Daddy looks daft".
Here`s the thing.
I`m starting to wonder if I can pull this off.
I did a seven mile walk yesterday, and man alive to complete twice as far as that, with a banjo, well It`s a big ask. I have to remain focused and remember why I`m doing it. If any of you good people have been affected by losing a loved one to the terrible bastard that is cancer, or experienced a loved one receiving treatment for cancer, or God forbid, had a scare yourself, you`ll know what I`m thinking when putting the hours in. I need to be strong. Can I do this? There really is only one way to find out. Please feel free to send any comments either to me on markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk, or in the comments section of the blog. It may sound daft, but knowing there are people looking out for me is the biggest boost I can receive (well that and a brand new set of knees, and the loss of four stone, and a natural athleticism) Until the next one, this is why I`m doing this.
Mark.
I did an interview for the local newspaper today (The Evening Gazette), and a really nice lad came round and took some pictures of me with my gorgeous family and the banjo, and a couple of weirder shots of me holding me banjos like a couple of machine guns, and playing one like a fiddle! That was fun, whilst the kids and Louise danced behind the photographer pullnig funny faces and singin "Daddy looks daft".
Here`s the thing.
I`m starting to wonder if I can pull this off.
I did a seven mile walk yesterday, and man alive to complete twice as far as that, with a banjo, well It`s a big ask. I have to remain focused and remember why I`m doing it. If any of you good people have been affected by losing a loved one to the terrible bastard that is cancer, or experienced a loved one receiving treatment for cancer, or God forbid, had a scare yourself, you`ll know what I`m thinking when putting the hours in. I need to be strong. Can I do this? There really is only one way to find out. Please feel free to send any comments either to me on markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk, or in the comments section of the blog. It may sound daft, but knowing there are people looking out for me is the biggest boost I can receive (well that and a brand new set of knees, and the loss of four stone, and a natural athleticism) Until the next one, this is why I`m doing this.
Mark.
Sunday 23 August 2009
The Ashes, a hangover, and some Duelling Banjos.
Afternoon strumpets,
I am dying on my backside. We had a couple of friends over for food and drinks (Mrs Strum made a fantastic 3 Course banquet),which resulted in them leaving at two thirty this morning. Trust me, after you hit thirty, hangovers are a living hell. I did that awful thing this morning where I woke and thought "Woohoo i`ve got away with it, no hangover", but I was wrong, I was just still drunk. Which meant that i had to be conscious for that awful half hour where I stopped being drunk, and began feeling hungover. With Harry playing with his Yo Gabber Gabber toy, in my face.
Luckily The Ashes are on, and Daddy could slope off to the kitchen with a big Glugg of Diet Coke to watch the (hopefully) collapse of the Australian second innings. How did we exist without Sky Multi-room? Or Plus?
When hungover I, for some bizarre reason really enjoy playing instruments. Can`t explain why, probably for distraction reasons. So here`s a clip of me attempting duelling banjos and amazing grace. I am fully aware that I appear to be auditioning for the part of Bilbo Baggins for the upcoming Hobbit Movie.
Right I`m off for a 10K walk, try and blow away the cobwebs, and listen to the Ashes on me Phone thingy.
Till the next one, keep smiling and learn something new.
I am dying on my backside. We had a couple of friends over for food and drinks (Mrs Strum made a fantastic 3 Course banquet),which resulted in them leaving at two thirty this morning. Trust me, after you hit thirty, hangovers are a living hell. I did that awful thing this morning where I woke and thought "Woohoo i`ve got away with it, no hangover", but I was wrong, I was just still drunk. Which meant that i had to be conscious for that awful half hour where I stopped being drunk, and began feeling hungover. With Harry playing with his Yo Gabber Gabber toy, in my face.
Luckily The Ashes are on, and Daddy could slope off to the kitchen with a big Glugg of Diet Coke to watch the (hopefully) collapse of the Australian second innings. How did we exist without Sky Multi-room? Or Plus?
When hungover I, for some bizarre reason really enjoy playing instruments. Can`t explain why, probably for distraction reasons. So here`s a clip of me attempting duelling banjos and amazing grace. I am fully aware that I appear to be auditioning for the part of Bilbo Baggins for the upcoming Hobbit Movie.
Right I`m off for a 10K walk, try and blow away the cobwebs, and listen to the Ashes on me Phone thingy.
Till the next one, keep smiling and learn something new.
This is very interesting!
Rob from Middlesbrough read my rant of the week regarding X factor and sent this in. If you get a chance do read it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8209429.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8209429.stm
Saturday 22 August 2009
Tonight Matthew i`m going to be Ringo Starr
Hello Strumpets,
So here is my daughter showing her talent. We have extremely understanding neighbours. Notice the moment when Gracie realises the bass pedal has come away from the bass drum.
So here is my daughter showing her talent. We have extremely understanding neighbours. Notice the moment when Gracie realises the bass pedal has come away from the bass drum.
Friday 21 August 2009
31 days to go, Simon Cowell and TV themes
Afternoon strumpets.
So the X Factor is almost upon us. And millions of the nation will be laughing as people with borderline personality disorders, and quite obvious learning disabilities come out of the woodwork professing a dream to be the next Mariah, Whitney, or Leona. Funnily enough none wish to be the next Michelle Macmanus, or Steve Brookstein. they`ll stand there with their families, all as deluded as them, and sing "Puff the Magic Dragon", or "When a hero comes" (or whatever that song`s called), and the camera will pan back so we can see Louis laughing, or Cheryl crying, and we may Even get that nan`s trapped her tits in the mangle look on the face of the Modern PT Barnum himself. Mr Simon Cowell. Three things will be discussed when mentioning the earlier stages of the Twenty first Century, by future Historians, of this I am sure of my friends.
Firstly, These people used to go to tanning Booths and bombard their bodies with UV, just to get a nice tan. Secondly, they also used to put food into "microwave ovens" and bombard their food with God knows what, so they could have their beans done the same time as their toast. And thirdly, Simon Cowell pulled off the biggest con in TV history.
Am I the only kid at the back of the room shouting "the Emperors not wearing any clothes"! Am I the only one who can see the Con. Tell enough people how talented you are at spotting other people`s talent, throw in a few nasty insults, make a few kids cry, and what have you got, TV (fools)Gold. And yes I am aware that I am turning into a grumpy old get, but, dear strumpets, Can anyone name (apart from Leona Lewis, a truly remarkable talent who anyone could have guessed was destined for a fantastic career)anyone this man has actually nurtured and made into bona fide long lasting stars. Michelle Macmanus? Gareth Gates?
The only saving Grace for this time of the year is that Strictly Come dancing will be starting soon, which will lead the way nicely for I`m a Celebrity, now THAT`S a programme (Oh dear now I`m thinking about Ant and Dec)!
Following all that nonsense, here`s a couple of TV theme songs. See if you can guess them.
Till the next one, keep smiling, and learn something new.
So the X Factor is almost upon us. And millions of the nation will be laughing as people with borderline personality disorders, and quite obvious learning disabilities come out of the woodwork professing a dream to be the next Mariah, Whitney, or Leona. Funnily enough none wish to be the next Michelle Macmanus, or Steve Brookstein. they`ll stand there with their families, all as deluded as them, and sing "Puff the Magic Dragon", or "When a hero comes" (or whatever that song`s called), and the camera will pan back so we can see Louis laughing, or Cheryl crying, and we may Even get that nan`s trapped her tits in the mangle look on the face of the Modern PT Barnum himself. Mr Simon Cowell. Three things will be discussed when mentioning the earlier stages of the Twenty first Century, by future Historians, of this I am sure of my friends.
Firstly, These people used to go to tanning Booths and bombard their bodies with UV, just to get a nice tan. Secondly, they also used to put food into "microwave ovens" and bombard their food with God knows what, so they could have their beans done the same time as their toast. And thirdly, Simon Cowell pulled off the biggest con in TV history.
Am I the only kid at the back of the room shouting "the Emperors not wearing any clothes"! Am I the only one who can see the Con. Tell enough people how talented you are at spotting other people`s talent, throw in a few nasty insults, make a few kids cry, and what have you got, TV (fools)Gold. And yes I am aware that I am turning into a grumpy old get, but, dear strumpets, Can anyone name (apart from Leona Lewis, a truly remarkable talent who anyone could have guessed was destined for a fantastic career)anyone this man has actually nurtured and made into bona fide long lasting stars. Michelle Macmanus? Gareth Gates?
The only saving Grace for this time of the year is that Strictly Come dancing will be starting soon, which will lead the way nicely for I`m a Celebrity, now THAT`S a programme (Oh dear now I`m thinking about Ant and Dec)!
Following all that nonsense, here`s a couple of TV theme songs. See if you can guess them.
Till the next one, keep smiling, and learn something new.
Thursday 20 August 2009
Harry-The Duke of Uke
As posted earlier we like to encourage the kids, and as he was watching a brilliant Video from The Moore family (similar to The Carter family, but prettier) he felt inspired to write a couple of classics.
Take a look.
Can you begin to imagine how proud I am of the Halster?
Take a look.
Can you begin to imagine how proud I am of the Halster?
New Poll
Go on, vote for what you consider to be the greatest Gangster movie EVERRRRR!!!!!! Do you prefer the gritty realism of Scorses`s masterpiece, the Grandeur and Operatic intensity of Copolla`s Godfather Trilogy (yes I said Trilogy)! Maybe you`re not averse to the cockernee `ardness that oozes from Hoskins Harold Shand. Or do you just like the crappy Bugsy Malone. My name is Tallulah indeed.
32 days to go and International recognition for the Strum!
Morning Strumpets,
Patrick Costello is an amazing musician, who runs a major Blog in America called Tangier Sound. He and his D.O.D. (Dear Old Dad) post lessons on his blog, and on You Tube, to help people learn various instruments. He also runs camps helping people with learning disabilities come into contact with making and listening to music. He is also deaf (or extremely hard of hearing), and is about to have an operation which will restore his hearing. That must be quite the thing!
I sent him an e mither about what I`m aiming for, and he has very kindly posted it onto his blog. Visiting figures have already gone through the roof.
Thanks Patrick and D.O.D. It`s quite a feeling to know that people in Sydney, Texas, and even Libya are watching me play S Club 7 on a banjo, sideways. No doubt thinking, I like the banjo, but does he need to sing and look so serious.
Here`s Patrick showing how it should be done.
Till the next one, keep smiling and learn something new.
Patrick Costello is an amazing musician, who runs a major Blog in America called Tangier Sound. He and his D.O.D. (Dear Old Dad) post lessons on his blog, and on You Tube, to help people learn various instruments. He also runs camps helping people with learning disabilities come into contact with making and listening to music. He is also deaf (or extremely hard of hearing), and is about to have an operation which will restore his hearing. That must be quite the thing!
I sent him an e mither about what I`m aiming for, and he has very kindly posted it onto his blog. Visiting figures have already gone through the roof.
Thanks Patrick and D.O.D. It`s quite a feeling to know that people in Sydney, Texas, and even Libya are watching me play S Club 7 on a banjo, sideways. No doubt thinking, I like the banjo, but does he need to sing and look so serious.
Here`s Patrick showing how it should be done.
Till the next one, keep smiling and learn something new.
Wednesday 19 August 2009
33 Days to go, the darkening nights, and Dylan the tramp.
Afternoon Strumpets,
Last night i went out for what i was hoping to be a pleasantly brisk ten-twelve mile brisk walk. I set off at six thirty in the evening, and it was a beautiful evening. I set me radio on me phone (we are officially in the future folks, there`s blade runner type I-phones, and the President of America is "of colour", these in all
sci-fi films which I have seen, means it`s the future) to Radio 4 (yeah I know, but i like to listen to talking whilst walking as opposed to AC/DC when running), and set off with a spring in my step and a song in my heart.
All was going well until seven miles in, and I realised i was walking in the dark, and it was cold, and it was night. It was also ten past eight at night, and September is two weeks away. I had to cut short my walk, and head on home. WHERE HAS THE SUMMER GONE? I mean did I blink and miss it? Two sunny days in June doesn`t make a summer in my books.
On another topic, Bob Dylan was arrested for walking around a City in America, because the police officers arresting him didn`t recognise him and thought he was an old Tramp. Brilliant. Northern Banjo Boy (seriously now read his blog http://northernbanjoboy.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html)recently saw him in concert and noted that his voice is shot to bits. But he has written some great songs. Here`s me murdering a couple of his early songs.
And here is a truly great American Storyteller song. If you get a chance listen to the original, one of the best darned songs written, in my humble opinion.
Till the next one, keep smiling.
Last night i went out for what i was hoping to be a pleasantly brisk ten-twelve mile brisk walk. I set off at six thirty in the evening, and it was a beautiful evening. I set me radio on me phone (we are officially in the future folks, there`s blade runner type I-phones, and the President of America is "of colour", these in all
sci-fi films which I have seen, means it`s the future) to Radio 4 (yeah I know, but i like to listen to talking whilst walking as opposed to AC/DC when running), and set off with a spring in my step and a song in my heart.
All was going well until seven miles in, and I realised i was walking in the dark, and it was cold, and it was night. It was also ten past eight at night, and September is two weeks away. I had to cut short my walk, and head on home. WHERE HAS THE SUMMER GONE? I mean did I blink and miss it? Two sunny days in June doesn`t make a summer in my books.
On another topic, Bob Dylan was arrested for walking around a City in America, because the police officers arresting him didn`t recognise him and thought he was an old Tramp. Brilliant. Northern Banjo Boy (seriously now read his blog http://northernbanjoboy.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html)recently saw him in concert and noted that his voice is shot to bits. But he has written some great songs. Here`s me murdering a couple of his early songs.
And here is a truly great American Storyteller song. If you get a chance listen to the original, one of the best darned songs written, in my humble opinion.
Till the next one, keep smiling.
Monday 17 August 2009
Results of the poll.
So this is what you have voted for (in your twelves) as the tune I`ll be playing as I cross the finish line. May God have mercy on my soul.
Thanks for that, everyone who voted, new poll coming soon.
Thanks for that, everyone who voted, new poll coming soon.
Keep on Strumming
Mark Dent writes:
"If you can do 13 miles with a banjo, dodgy knees and, lets face it, a hardly sparkling athletic history (No offence!!) you deserve it! I don’t think I could do a half marathon in the car at the moment I feel that unfit!
Some suggestions for the “Over the finishing line tune”: -
Keep On Running – Spencer Davis Group (or is that Davies!?)
Runaway – Dion / Slade
Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden
Da Doo Run Run (I ran it on a Sunday and my heart stood still…..!!)
Puppet on a (Banjo) String – Sandie Shaw
Born to Run – Bruce
Movin’ – Supergrass
Don’t Stop til you Get Enough – Jacksons
Whats that coming over the hill (is it a monster?) – don’t know who sang this!!
(Sponsorship) Money Money Money - Abba
25 Miles – Edwin Starr (or was it Junior Walker and the Allstars?) – I know its not 25 miles but if you think it is then when you get to 13 and a bit it will be a nice surprise to see the chequered flag!!
Dance little blister – Terence Trent D’Arby
Blisters (are doing it for themselves) – Eurythmics
All good songs, all learnable on the banjo, all good for finishing a half marathon with!! (I’d still rather have a half snickers)"
Thanks Mark, anyone think of any others?
"If you can do 13 miles with a banjo, dodgy knees and, lets face it, a hardly sparkling athletic history (No offence!!) you deserve it! I don’t think I could do a half marathon in the car at the moment I feel that unfit!
Some suggestions for the “Over the finishing line tune”: -
Keep On Running – Spencer Davis Group (or is that Davies!?)
Runaway – Dion / Slade
Run to the Hills – Iron Maiden
Da Doo Run Run (I ran it on a Sunday and my heart stood still…..!!)
Puppet on a (Banjo) String – Sandie Shaw
Born to Run – Bruce
Movin’ – Supergrass
Don’t Stop til you Get Enough – Jacksons
Whats that coming over the hill (is it a monster?) – don’t know who sang this!!
(Sponsorship) Money Money Money - Abba
25 Miles – Edwin Starr (or was it Junior Walker and the Allstars?) – I know its not 25 miles but if you think it is then when you get to 13 and a bit it will be a nice surprise to see the chequered flag!!
Dance little blister – Terence Trent D’Arby
Blisters (are doing it for themselves) – Eurythmics
All good songs, all learnable on the banjo, all good for finishing a half marathon with!! (I’d still rather have a half snickers)"
Thanks Mark, anyone think of any others?
Sunday 16 August 2009
35 days to go and how to sponsor me.
Hello Strumpets,
I have looked into online sponsorship stuff, and I`m mightily disappointed that the main one, and as far as my research has lead me, the only one, Justgiving.com charges to use them. So I`m going to go Retro, like if I`d done this mental adventures in the Eighties. If you would like to Sponsor me, then tell me how much you are willing to (massively appreciated) sponsor me for, with an e-mail address, and I`ll send you my home address to send a cheque to, written out to Butterwick Hospice if you so please.
All e-mails to markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk please. Till the next one here`s a couple of Pet Shop Boys tunes. The first You Tube posting I did, when I could only balance me Mobile on it`s side to film me. Half way through I make a sharp glance to my right as I thought Louise was coming home. Great pop songs which lend themselves well to the sound of the instrument.
Till the next one, keep smiling.
I have looked into online sponsorship stuff, and I`m mightily disappointed that the main one, and as far as my research has lead me, the only one, Justgiving.com charges to use them. So I`m going to go Retro, like if I`d done this mental adventures in the Eighties. If you would like to Sponsor me, then tell me how much you are willing to (massively appreciated) sponsor me for, with an e-mail address, and I`ll send you my home address to send a cheque to, written out to Butterwick Hospice if you so please.
All e-mails to markdavies23@hotmail.co.uk please. Till the next one here`s a couple of Pet Shop Boys tunes. The first You Tube posting I did, when I could only balance me Mobile on it`s side to film me. Half way through I make a sharp glance to my right as I thought Louise was coming home. Great pop songs which lend themselves well to the sound of the instrument.
Till the next one, keep smiling.
Saturday 15 August 2009
the next generation.
Hello Strumpets,
We ridiculously have the policy in our house that all instruments are fun and should be played regardless of age, or ability. The instruments include: Acoustic guitar, two Electric guitars, Fender Strat 40th Anniversary serial numbered, and fender Bullet bought for £169 in 1984 by my Dad from Guitarzan`s in South Bank. Never the most beautiful instrument, but the one I learnt the whole of Led Zep IV, and Electric by the Cult on. On top of that we have the Uke shown, an upright piano also shown in me YT vid`s, the two banjo`s, an acoustic given to me from a special friend,a Nineteen Fifties Fiddle, a Drum Kit, a Blues harp, and a penny whistle.
Of all these brilliant instruments, not one is off bounds to the kids. Now listen, I`m the most precious of adults when it comes to respect for property. But I also had a Mother who taught me "go on out there and learn about the game before you learn the rules" I have to tell you, that is one of the main reason`s I`ve set up this blog in the first place. So if you can, encourage them, like My Mam and Dad did with me. Til tomorrow, keep smiling.
Mark.
We ridiculously have the policy in our house that all instruments are fun and should be played regardless of age, or ability. The instruments include: Acoustic guitar, two Electric guitars, Fender Strat 40th Anniversary serial numbered, and fender Bullet bought for £169 in 1984 by my Dad from Guitarzan`s in South Bank. Never the most beautiful instrument, but the one I learnt the whole of Led Zep IV, and Electric by the Cult on. On top of that we have the Uke shown, an upright piano also shown in me YT vid`s, the two banjo`s, an acoustic given to me from a special friend,a Nineteen Fifties Fiddle, a Drum Kit, a Blues harp, and a penny whistle.
Of all these brilliant instruments, not one is off bounds to the kids. Now listen, I`m the most precious of adults when it comes to respect for property. But I also had a Mother who taught me "go on out there and learn about the game before you learn the rules" I have to tell you, that is one of the main reason`s I`ve set up this blog in the first place. So if you can, encourage them, like My Mam and Dad did with me. Til tomorrow, keep smiling.
Mark.
36 days to go, Spongebob, and the ukulele
Afternoon Strumpets (see what I did there),
I have received the Great North Run guide to the big day, and it has an elevation profile which has made me a little nervous. It looks like quite an incline at around five miles, which may be a bit tricky (what with the knee and all that). I can`t write this without smirking in a Finbarr Saunders type way but i may have to put a strap on, fnarr fnarr. Time to get walking up some hills I think.
A friend at work asked me the difference between a ukulele and a banjo. The uke is a great instrument, and ideal for kids as either an instrument in it`s own right, or as an introduction to guitar. Gracie and Harry (my kids) love playing with it, hitting all the right notes, (but not necessarily in the right order Sunshine). Something that always makes me laugh is when Louise (me wife) bought me my Uke from Middlesbrough Music, Tony asked her "Now you do know this isn`t a toy guitar don`t you?" She just looked at him. Fantastic.
Tuned to GCEA, (with, similar to the five string banjo, the first string (G) being the highest in pitch, unlike guitar which has pitch in ascending order from 1st to sixth string) chords can be played very simply. I always think of Laurel and Hardy in I think Sons of the Desert, singing "Honolulu Baby" when I look at mine. It also features prominently in Spongebob Squarepants, and Lilo and Stitch so that`s an angle to come at the younger kids with.
Here`s a little something which lovers of the Davies voice may want to watch on mute!
We have my daughters "boyfriend" sleeping over tonight, so i doubt whether I`ll get anything else posted, so until the next one, Keep smiling.
I have received the Great North Run guide to the big day, and it has an elevation profile which has made me a little nervous. It looks like quite an incline at around five miles, which may be a bit tricky (what with the knee and all that). I can`t write this without smirking in a Finbarr Saunders type way but i may have to put a strap on, fnarr fnarr. Time to get walking up some hills I think.
A friend at work asked me the difference between a ukulele and a banjo. The uke is a great instrument, and ideal for kids as either an instrument in it`s own right, or as an introduction to guitar. Gracie and Harry (my kids) love playing with it, hitting all the right notes, (but not necessarily in the right order Sunshine). Something that always makes me laugh is when Louise (me wife) bought me my Uke from Middlesbrough Music, Tony asked her "Now you do know this isn`t a toy guitar don`t you?" She just looked at him. Fantastic.
Tuned to GCEA, (with, similar to the five string banjo, the first string (G) being the highest in pitch, unlike guitar which has pitch in ascending order from 1st to sixth string) chords can be played very simply. I always think of Laurel and Hardy in I think Sons of the Desert, singing "Honolulu Baby" when I look at mine. It also features prominently in Spongebob Squarepants, and Lilo and Stitch so that`s an angle to come at the younger kids with.
Here`s a little something which lovers of the Davies voice may want to watch on mute!
We have my daughters "boyfriend" sleeping over tonight, so i doubt whether I`ll get anything else posted, so until the next one, Keep smiling.
Thursday 13 August 2009
This could be a good night.
As pointed out by Northern Banjo Boy. these are playing at the Sage In October. Anyone fancy going?
37 days to go and our brave new world.
There is a certain amazement which engulfs me when exposed to rank idiocy of the highest order. Whether it`s Sarah Palin stating on American TV that Stephen Hawking is American because of his accent (Think about it), or the time someone asked a colleague how old their son was, and when informed that the little lad was eighteen months old that day asked "oh so it`s his Birthday then?"
At times I do feel we are breeding a nation of idiots, and increasingly aggressive idiots. And none more so as whilst out either walking or jogging, the compulsion these hairless apes feel to lean out of windows and shout insults is breathtaking. Now in my time whilst out jogging on the streets, I have had a football kicked (with force) in the direction of my face, countless people almost falling out of car windows to tell me to "Get your legs up you fat " you can guess the rest, and on more than one occasion had someone push their mate into me causing me to come off the pavement into the road.
But nothing compares to the story a fellow "runner" was telling me today. He was jogging along a road, when a kid who could have been no more than 6, walking towards him, flicked an elastic band at him, hitting him in the eye. When the fella confronted the little charmer, His older brother stepped out of nowhere and punched him calling him a "F*&$*&G Paedo". The guy running got out of there as quick as he could, but Jesus, is it me? Are there any answers that don`t involve long walks and short cliffs. People are out running trying to make themselves better people, they`re not out there wanting any trouble, they`re not out there being the big man, they`re just out running.
So if you do see a big person out running, just think, before they reach their destination, there is a high likelihood that they will be the victim of verbal or physical aggravation, most likely from someone they`ve never even met, just because they`re trying to get a bit fitter.
Here`s Tom with the Weather. (It`s a Bill Hicks thing)
At times I do feel we are breeding a nation of idiots, and increasingly aggressive idiots. And none more so as whilst out either walking or jogging, the compulsion these hairless apes feel to lean out of windows and shout insults is breathtaking. Now in my time whilst out jogging on the streets, I have had a football kicked (with force) in the direction of my face, countless people almost falling out of car windows to tell me to "Get your legs up you fat " you can guess the rest, and on more than one occasion had someone push their mate into me causing me to come off the pavement into the road.
But nothing compares to the story a fellow "runner" was telling me today. He was jogging along a road, when a kid who could have been no more than 6, walking towards him, flicked an elastic band at him, hitting him in the eye. When the fella confronted the little charmer, His older brother stepped out of nowhere and punched him calling him a "F*&$*&G Paedo". The guy running got out of there as quick as he could, but Jesus, is it me? Are there any answers that don`t involve long walks and short cliffs. People are out running trying to make themselves better people, they`re not out there wanting any trouble, they`re not out there being the big man, they`re just out running.
So if you do see a big person out running, just think, before they reach their destination, there is a high likelihood that they will be the victim of verbal or physical aggravation, most likely from someone they`ve never even met, just because they`re trying to get a bit fitter.
Here`s Tom with the Weather. (It`s a Bill Hicks thing)
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Sing like you mean it.
I`ve had a couple of comments passed onto me concerning the quality of my singing. So here`s how I see it. As a singer, I`m a half decent banjo player. (Cymbal crash Bdumtisch Aaaythenkyew).
But that`s not what playing music is really about to me. Trust me there is nothing stranger than watching a banjo player playing the chords to a song (and the more contemporary songs RRREEAAALLLYYYY apply here) whilst looking at his left hand, occasionally looking to the camera. Go on Youtube (God bless you, all my banjo playing brother and sisters for putting your stuff out there),and view the millions of people looking like they`ve broken into someones house, tied them up and placed them just out of the shot, waiting to kill them after they`ve played "Duelling Banjo`s".
I enjoy singing these songs, and I hope that comes across, as that`s the point. So unfortunately there may be times when the singing is more Bianca Jackson than Michael Jackson, I promise I`ll always be trying me best.
But that`s not what playing music is really about to me. Trust me there is nothing stranger than watching a banjo player playing the chords to a song (and the more contemporary songs RRREEAAALLLYYYY apply here) whilst looking at his left hand, occasionally looking to the camera. Go on Youtube (God bless you, all my banjo playing brother and sisters for putting your stuff out there),and view the millions of people looking like they`ve broken into someones house, tied them up and placed them just out of the shot, waiting to kill them after they`ve played "Duelling Banjo`s".
I enjoy singing these songs, and I hope that comes across, as that`s the point. So unfortunately there may be times when the singing is more Bianca Jackson than Michael Jackson, I promise I`ll always be trying me best.
39 days to go and the case of the schizo public house.
So I was driving back from Darlington listening to TalkSport discussing tonights international friendly football match between England and Holland, when suddenly.....OH TURD... I realised that The Princess Alice Pub in Boro is no place to be stood holding a banjo when Football is on Television. It has a multiple personality, most evenings it`s a canny place to have a pint, but when sport is televised there, mushroom cloud time. The last time i was in there watching live music whilst an international match was on in the background resulted in a mass fight that rivals anything you`ve seen in The Blues Brothers (my abiding memory of the night is of the lead singer of the Band wiping the blood off his Mic lead with a beer soaked Bar Towel). Soooo I won`t be playing there tonight, but that means I can bring me walk forward 24 hrs and listen to the match on me Mobile. So if you see me, give me a toot!
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Forty days and counting.......
Took the Windsor Whirle into work this morning (I have pretty cool bosses), and managed to show it to, and play it for the fella whom gave it to me. He was genuinely impressed, and seemed actually touched when I told him of this mental idea that I`m working on. He just said, "I`m so glad it`s going to a good home", and that it is my friends. I`ve actually been neglecting me Godman five string over the past week, and as I get up in The Princess Alice Pub in Boro on a Wednesday night, I thought I `d better have a bit of a play when I got in. Feels really weird and long after playing the Windsor (I wonder if Wallis Simpson ever thought that). Anyhow, I`ll be there tomorrow night if anyone fancies a trip. It`s an open Mic, so if anyone fancies coming along and getting up, it`s a really nice atmosphere, with no pressure. Then On Thursday, I might go for a walk with the Windsor on me back (in a case of course, I can only imagine the reaction I would get walking down Cargo Fleet Lane playing the Banjo, so if you see me, give me a toot. Till the next one, keep smiling,
Mark.
Mark.
Monday 10 August 2009
Any suggestions?
So now you know the plan, any ideas for future adventures? I`m thinking a Peak in the Lakes (I`d look like Slash in that Godawful November Rain video, well I think so anyway). What about on top of a Cathedral (insert your own Quasimodo joke here). Any suggestions will be massively appreciated. And whilst you`re here, why don`t you have a little vote on the poll for which song i will play when, fingers crossed, I cross the finish line at the Great North Run. It`s over there below the blog list.
The Great North Strum.
So this is how it is. I`m rapidly reaching Forty, and there`s a couple of things I want to be able to say that i`ve achieved by that milestone. One is to have completed a half marathon, and another is to learn to play the banjo (there are others, but I wont bore you with Playing the Albert Hall, with the Pixies as my back up band).
As Wham might have put it, last Christmas (08), my wife presented me with a lovely Godman 5 String Banjo, and away I went. By mid January I was informed that if I didn`t stop playing a dodgy version of (and I quote) "Duelling F*$!*&g Banjo`s" that I would be acquiring a banjo shaped colonoscopy. But by then it was too late, I had heard Cripple Creek, Wildwood Flower, Wabash cannonball, Foggy Mountain Breakdown and so much more that I`d previously been aware had existed, but never really listened to. I wanted to get into that place. I told my wife that there were other ways I could be having a mid-life crisis, she said she`d take them!
Around this time, my weight was also becoming a concern. So i started walking, which led to jogging,which led to some weight going (it`s not lost, i know exactly where it is, it`s in the off licence and the fridge) which led to a 5K run in my hometown of Middlesbrough (So good they named it once). I clocked in just over thirty minutes, which I was pretty pleased with, and immediately set my sights on attempting the Great North Run. I was running for Butterwick Hospice. My Mother died of Brain cancer, which had spread from her bowel two years ago, so it`s a cause that`s close to my heart. All was going swimmingly, regular 8-10 mile jogs, interspersed with the odd 2-3 mile runs, when in May I felt something go pop in my knee. After seeking advice I was informed to rest it for a couple of months.
During this time a friend of mine was informed that he had late stage aggressive Lung Cancer. This man has in the past and continues to be an inspiration to me in so many ways, professionally, and personally. I wont bore you with how, but here`s an example of this guy. We were discussing in the office whether Jaffa Cakes were biscuits or cakes. People were mentioning tax duty,ingredients, but no definitive answer was forthcoming. When asked, your man just said "they`re cakes. Cakes go hard if you leave them out, biscuits go soft". Simple as that.
He knew that I`d been messing about with the banjo, and as he is getting a few things ready for when the train reaches the final station, he gave me a battered Windsor Whirle 5 String Junior, which he had bought a few years back meaning to restore. You can imagine what this beautiful instrument means to me. So I had it restored (Nigels guitar Workshop in Richmond North Yorkshire, amazing fella, with the best job in the world) and it sounds great.
So there I am, the knee`s not brilliant, but I reckon I can at least walk the Great North Run, but that`s not really good enough is it. I needed a way to be able to raise money for a couple of Hospices, and Cancer Research. I started training again, and whilst walking I had an epiphany. Carry that Banjo throughout the Great North Run!!!!! Play it at the start, stop (there`s only so often people can listen to the Ballad of Jesse James), and play it as I cross the finishing line! I laughed this off, but the idea stuck. It would be fitting to use the Windsor, and why stop at the great North Run? There`s countless places and events i could take part in with it. i mentioned it to the Wife, and a couple of people (Northern Banjo Boy being one, great blogsite incidentally), and was surprised to hear positive reactions.
So this is the start of it. I`m in the process of setting up an online sponsorship thing, so i`ll post that when I`ve got it up and running. Please feel free to send any suggestions, or comments about any aspects of the site, music, training, anything at all. Until the next time, keep smiling.
Mark.
As Wham might have put it, last Christmas (08), my wife presented me with a lovely Godman 5 String Banjo, and away I went. By mid January I was informed that if I didn`t stop playing a dodgy version of (and I quote) "Duelling F*$!*&g Banjo`s" that I would be acquiring a banjo shaped colonoscopy. But by then it was too late, I had heard Cripple Creek, Wildwood Flower, Wabash cannonball, Foggy Mountain Breakdown and so much more that I`d previously been aware had existed, but never really listened to. I wanted to get into that place. I told my wife that there were other ways I could be having a mid-life crisis, she said she`d take them!
Around this time, my weight was also becoming a concern. So i started walking, which led to jogging,which led to some weight going (it`s not lost, i know exactly where it is, it`s in the off licence and the fridge) which led to a 5K run in my hometown of Middlesbrough (So good they named it once). I clocked in just over thirty minutes, which I was pretty pleased with, and immediately set my sights on attempting the Great North Run. I was running for Butterwick Hospice. My Mother died of Brain cancer, which had spread from her bowel two years ago, so it`s a cause that`s close to my heart. All was going swimmingly, regular 8-10 mile jogs, interspersed with the odd 2-3 mile runs, when in May I felt something go pop in my knee. After seeking advice I was informed to rest it for a couple of months.
During this time a friend of mine was informed that he had late stage aggressive Lung Cancer. This man has in the past and continues to be an inspiration to me in so many ways, professionally, and personally. I wont bore you with how, but here`s an example of this guy. We were discussing in the office whether Jaffa Cakes were biscuits or cakes. People were mentioning tax duty,ingredients, but no definitive answer was forthcoming. When asked, your man just said "they`re cakes. Cakes go hard if you leave them out, biscuits go soft". Simple as that.
He knew that I`d been messing about with the banjo, and as he is getting a few things ready for when the train reaches the final station, he gave me a battered Windsor Whirle 5 String Junior, which he had bought a few years back meaning to restore. You can imagine what this beautiful instrument means to me. So I had it restored (Nigels guitar Workshop in Richmond North Yorkshire, amazing fella, with the best job in the world) and it sounds great.
So there I am, the knee`s not brilliant, but I reckon I can at least walk the Great North Run, but that`s not really good enough is it. I needed a way to be able to raise money for a couple of Hospices, and Cancer Research. I started training again, and whilst walking I had an epiphany. Carry that Banjo throughout the Great North Run!!!!! Play it at the start, stop (there`s only so often people can listen to the Ballad of Jesse James), and play it as I cross the finishing line! I laughed this off, but the idea stuck. It would be fitting to use the Windsor, and why stop at the great North Run? There`s countless places and events i could take part in with it. i mentioned it to the Wife, and a couple of people (Northern Banjo Boy being one, great blogsite incidentally), and was surprised to hear positive reactions.
So this is the start of it. I`m in the process of setting up an online sponsorship thing, so i`ll post that when I`ve got it up and running. Please feel free to send any suggestions, or comments about any aspects of the site, music, training, anything at all. Until the next time, keep smiling.
Mark.
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