PR report

The PR agency, Kindred, with whom I closely work on behalf of the MU, delivered a quarterly report on the coverage secured in the first quarter of 2023 to the Union’s Executive Committee today. This featured the extensive coverage delivered on the proposed closure of the BBC Singers and the Union’s campaign and negotiations to reverse this shocking decision.

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Sour Kix

I picked up photographer Jonathan Stewart in Ham, Richmond, this evening and we headed over to the Boileroom in Guildford to catch Sour Mix headlining a storming gig, which also featured enthralling sets from support acts Eloise Carter and Holmes.

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NEU Conference

A busy few days on the road in preparation for the MU’s involvement in the NEU Conference at Harrogate. Mark and I drove to Warminster on Thursday to collect our stand furniture from Neil Davies, our long-term stand installer, before organising and loading the promo and merchandise at HQ in Snowsfields.

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Petition to the BBC

I joined Naomi Pohl, MU General Secretary, conductor Jack Apperley and photographer Joanna Dudderidge at BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place in central London at midday, to support the presentation of the petition calling for the secure future of the BBC Singers.

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Sian and Sean

Over the last decade I have arranged for the production of framed covers of The Musician magazine in partnership with our published, Future Fusion. These were hung in the MU’s offices in Clapham Road and provided an ideal backdrop for our workplace.

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Waterloo storyline

The idea of the same characters running through the songs on my new album is an intriguing possibility. So far, I have the following in mind. Four males and four females, most of whom are either in relationships – Luke and Sara, Courtney and Jade, Kevin and Carol – and a former couple, Kathy and Ethan. Not set in any particular era, yet!

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Maida Vale

A fascinating yet mood-settling visit to the BBC’s historic Maida Vale Studios in north west London today in the company of MU National Organiser for Orchestras, Jo Laverty, and photographer Jonathan Stewart. We were there to support the BBC Singers who received the devastating news last week that the BBC were axing the entire group after ninety-nine years of top class performing and recording.

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