A crucial win
Ben starred as Beckenham CC 5th XI scored an important away victory this afternoon in Dulwich over league rivals Streatham & Marlborough CC.
The Musician (June)
The summer 2023 issue of The Musician is scheduled to be dispatched in print format to members from today. The 74th edition for which I have been editor. In line with members’ requests, the journal will also be available in audio, from the MU website as a pdf, and as a large print file in 24 point.
Boot Alley
After many years as a Beckenham resident, I am starting to truly take in those little tucked away corners that can be found in and around the town centre.
Farewell cocktail
I am hardly a heavy drinker, but I thought it would be good to abstain completely for a while. So I enjoyed a final cocktail this afternoon in town (at the Coral Room, WC1).
Friday blast
A raucous evening at the Oval as Surrey hosted Kent in a T20 Blast fixture. We were blessed with spring sunshine, a party atmosphere and some special cricket.
Music Week Awards
I met up with highly-respected producer James Reynolds in Battersea last night, as we joined over 1,400 guests at the Music Week Awards.
Otford tea
While Ben was playing for Beckenham CC in Otford, Julie and I strolled around the area, which proved a very pleasant way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Cumberwell Park
A regular date in my relatively slim golf calendar is the charity event hosted by Neil and Sarah Davies at Cumberwell Park in Wiltshire.
Inside front cover
My thanks to Guy Meredith at Future for the opportunity to promote the MU’s work in royalty collection and distribution in the June edition of Music Week.
Park Regis
A day trip with my colleague Amy to Birmingham to visit the venue for the MU Delegate Conference in July.
Eurovision up West!
It’s Eurovision week! A joy to meet the wonderful Sandie Shaw and Katrina (of the Waves) this evening.
Mastering sign off
My thanks to the excellent Mike Thorne at Rimshot Studios, as the mastering of my album – Waterloo Sunrise – has been completed. Recording began on 20 February 2020 and it has certainly been a long, but very enjoyable journey. Mike’s attention to detail along with his professionalism and patience have made this particular stage extremely rewarding.
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.
Stockholm spring
A very rewarding few days in Stockholm with long-term friend Mark Batchelor, as we took the opportunity to visit the ‘Venice of the North.’
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.
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.
Photo of the Year
Jonathan Stewart and I met up in Soho this evening to attend the inaugural ‘SO.CO Music Photographer of the Year Awards’, an international competition – sponsored by Affinity Photo – to celebrate the best music photographers.
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.
IBC Studios
So many important sites in the development of the contemporary British music scene remain unheralded.
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!
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.
Album notes 2
Here is the second write-up of the ideas and influences behind the songs on my forthcoming album, plus details of the remaining seven tracks and what they mean to me.
Tribute to Horace
A marvellous afternoon at Casa do Frango, a Portuguese restaurant in Borough Market, London Bridge, in the company of MU colleagues and partners.
Conference comms
The MU has announced the details of the summer’s Delegate Conference today, following the distribution of a printed brochure to all 33,000 members.
No to visa increase
The Musicians’ Union together with other music industry bodies has signed a joint letter from UK Music to Kemi Badenoch MP (Secretary of State for Business and Trade), setting out our serious concerns for the future of US touring should the proposed increases in the US become law.
Guitar Show
I travelled up to Birmingham on Friday to oversee the installation of the MU stand at this year’s Guitar Show, organised as ever by Jason Hunt and his team. Joining me during the two-day weekend event were the excellent duo of Stephen Brown and Benson from our Midlands office.
Education Expo
Following the customary build up day, when Mark Batchelor and I joined Neil Davies at the Business Design Centre in Angel, Islington, this year’s Music and Drama Education Expo was fully underway this morning.
