BBQ's and Music. July 17

 Dylan’s school enjoyed a full and busy school fete at the beginning of July on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon in the school playground. The school grounds were packed with present and past families as one of the school rooms had been converted into a ‘pop-up’ museum of years gone Rocklands. Nanny Pat was able to find a picture of Dylan’s Great Grandmother sitting outside of Rocklands School to show him, quite remarkable. The fete was opened with the children maypole dancing, which is always fun to watch as little faces are concentrating so hard to get right remembering where they fit into the routines and listen intently to the instructions, all without strangling each other with the ribbons! Enjoy a quick glimpse of my video below.

I was taken on a trip to Bluewater, which is just 15 mins away from where I am staying. It is a ginormous shopping/entertainment complex built in an old gravel pit. It felt like I had stepped into the Wild West being impressed at the dramatic back fall of the old gravel pit, sharing its space with a bright expanse of different shaped buildings.

I went to the cinema to see ‘Dunkirk’ at Bluewater. Wow what a movie! The powerfulness of the story line enhanced by the emotionally charged music made the watching experience both exhilarating and exhausting. The reality of the Dunkirk event was horrifying particularly when it was shared Grandad Charlie had a connection to the event. If you have not seen this yet it is one not to be missed!

In the same week I took myself off to the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall and brought a ‘Promming’ ticket for just £6 and stood in the gallery, looking down upon the awe-inspiring spectacle. I was supposed to meet a friend but she dropped out as was poorly so I was very brave and went by myself! I know nothing about classical music and quite embarrassingly did not know what I was watching but found I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I enjoyed the storytelling element of the music as each piece was played the thread of the tune led to the turning of the page and the next chapter of the story, it was beautiful. As I closed my eyes there was a feeling of being engulfed by the music as it was so easy to be absorbed in the moment. The final music pieces were played by a 90+ strong orchestra, I marvelled as from on high it was like watching a vast machine at work as each section were absolutely synchronised in their movements. I did find out what I had listened to being:

• ·         Liszt – Hamlet
• ·         Julian Anderson – The Imaginary Museum by Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra and Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
• ·         Liszt – From the Cradle to the Grave.
• ·         Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition by BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra & Ilan Volkov conducting,

When I had shared at work my adventure those avid followers of the Proms shuddered describing my approach as ‘too much of a free spirit’, with my just turn up and see what happens. So definitely going to see if I can get to another Prom performance before this 123^rd Proms finishes!

July has been a month of lots of barbequing being both the norm, getting together with Roger, Rachel, Fraser and Brett with the lovely Milly, then another date with my dear friends Libby, Maz and Masie, when Vanessa and Lauren came along with children entertaining us. And partying as we celebrated Sara’s 50^th birthday in her garden. Jerry has mastered skill in his own tasty burgers, absolutely scrumptious and filling, with the frequency in which they are presented he is getting better and better at them. My pictures share the really enjoyable BBQ occasions.

Fraser Roger Brett with Jerry and Dylan

India, Esmae Lucia and Dylan BBQ picnicking

Not sure what Libby is in control of - not dog or children!!!

Sara;s Party 

Jerry enjoying his sister-in-law cuddles!

Cousins Finley & Dylan

Celebrating Sisters with Mum. X