I’ve been a bit late posting, but yes, I did complete the Big Half 2025, despite the curveballs thrown such as tube strikes and er.. the heat, and maybe being a bit quick for the first few miles. It was a great atmosphere on the day, organisation was smooth, despite being a bit worried I might be late due to having the extra distance to walk and less frequent trains etc I made it to my starting pen on time.…
The Brass Foundry – Pinner Show – September 6th Pinner Memorial Park, Chapel Lane, Pinner, Middlesex, United Kingdom The Brass Foundry will be kicking off proceedings at 11:30am, performing two sets of popular tunes. Come along and enjoy the fun! Details Hitchin Band – Leighton Buzzard Proms – September 13th Parsons Close Recreation Ground Leighton Buzzard Proms & Picnic 7:15pm to 9:15pm Details Hitchin Band – Swing Concert – October 4th Hitchin Town Hall, 15 Brand Street, Hitchin, SG5 1JEIntroducing…
In brief, it’s going well, almost to plan (of course, I’m behind training plan…) Can’t thank those who have sponsored me to date enough, you are marvellous people! Still time to sponsor if you wish on this link . Training Higlights Most training has been on paths & trails around Biggleswade, with one long easy trail run with my chums from Run2Drink. We ran from Royston to Baron Brewery (well, we’re affiliated to Drink Tasting room and bottle shop in…
Since posting my spring / summer concerts post, a few more have come in. London International Orchestra – St. Jude’s Last Night of the Proms – Sunday June 29th. LIO are featuring this year for the popular last night of the Proms at St. Jude’s Church in Hamstead. I’ve previously played as this prom finale with North London Symphony Orchestra. It is a very popular and well supported summer Prom season – check out their website for more information. Last…
Quite a few concerts in the diary already! April Royal Orchestral Society Saturday 5th April 2025, 7.00pmDuke’s Hall, Royal Academy of MusicConducted by Rebecca Miller Elgar – In the South (Alassio)Machonchy – Bassoon Concertino (Amy Harman)Holst – The Planets Probably only involved in the Holst, but couldn’t resist the call to play this work again after so many years, in the RAM too. Regent Brass – 40th Anniversary Celebration Regent Brass are celebrating their 40th Anniversary on Saturday April 26th. I was a…
Today I had my 6 month consultation with my haematologist – almost 2 years after I finished treatment for my Hairy Cell Leukaemia relapse. The news is all good, as normal as can be – next check-up in 6 months. So, in addition to a consultation in September, I will be running The Big Half in London, raising funds for Blood Cancer UK. This is my second time doing this particular half-marathon, having previously completed it in (checking Strava…) in…
A busy start to the year, several concerts already in the calendar, playing with new groups and some interesting and nostalgic repertoire! A few challenges also! BBC Ariel Orchestra February 2, 2pm, BBC Maida Vale Studios, Delaware Road, London Conductor: Mark Eager My first concert with BBC Ariel Orchestra, playing repertoire that I’ve not played since my Junior National Youth Orchestra of Ireland days! I last played Bolero in the final concert of our tour in Cyprus in Summer of…
I’ve been pretty poor this year at website updates! Getting into the busy season, have a few concerts with some interesting repertoire that I’m very much looking forward to. November Sunday 3rd – Weekend Opera Workshops – Bruckner Symphony No. 5 This is a repertoire day with WOW. I’ve not played a Bruckner symphony yet, so looking forward to this. There is a concert listed here on my blog from 2017 showing Bruckner No. 4 – but that is one…
It’s been 2 years now since finding out my Hairy Cell Leukaemia had relapsed. I’ve blogged about this previously in more detail, basically, not the news we wanted at the time. Looking back the treatment and recovery journey was very different to the first episode. Long story short, my recent haematology results (last week) came out all pretty much in normal expected ranges, nothing that the consultant is worried or concerned about – next check up in 6 months. I’ve…
We are delighted to share that “A time to say Bocelli and Brightman” will be coming to the fabulous Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade on Saturday 17th August at 8pm. A musical tribute to classical singers Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, performed by Howard Ellis and Helen Power. Enjoy beautiful music from Italian opera, film, and theatre to classical chart hits. In Time To Say Bocelli & Brightman, Howard and Helen explore the stars’ solo careers and their famous duets. Click…
