Friday, May 30, 2008

I remember adapting my mum's old mangle. She didn't need it for the washing any more because she had bought a new spin drier. I used the mangle as a printing press, although I must admit nothing memorable was achieved.

I remember a Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee EP I had - probably given to me by Mr Townsend next door. It had The Key To The Highway on it - can't remember what the other three tracks were.

I remember a workshop that Stefan Grossman gave - I think at Farnham Maltings. He said something that has stuck with me ever since. You should never keep your guitar in its case when at home. It should always be out. Always ready to play. Although I confess I am not in a position to follow that advice...

I remember the bit in Of Mice And Men where they fill up with petrol and he wants to get every last drop out of the hose. I think of that every time I fill up - and stretch the hose out and give the gun a little shake.

I remember helping clear up after a fair or pig roast or something similar at Nonsuch Girls' School - of which I was a PTA stalwart. We looked round and realised Eliot had just stepped down on to the open-air swimming pool cover - indeed had slipped down between it and the side of the pool. He was probably about four years old. We rushed over and dragged him out, and no lasting harm was done. But as well as being soaked, as we pulled him up he got stung by a wasp. Loads of them used to hang around the pool. He wasn't very happy. But when you think what might have happened...

I remember the sterling effort made by our church organist with Widor's Toccata for our wedding. Quite a challenge. John I think his name was. Quite tall.

I remember having a seebackroscope.