Author Archive
Film review: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry starring Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton
May 09 2023- Madeleine
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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is a new movie starring Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton out now.
Don’t be put off by ‘pilgrimage’, our hero is not religious at all, although my neighbour at the cinema certainly was. ‘Are you a Pilgrim?’ she asked straight out. She did Canterbury last year and St Jean de Compostelle is next. I hike once a year? If there’s a pub at the end.
Excessive overcrowding at St Pancras Int’l
May 07 2023- Madeleine
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The cream of Franco-British collaboration and torch-bearer of the legacy of Concorde! Yes, I’m waxing lyrical, I bloody love Eurostar going from St Pancras Int’l, wouldn’t dream of going to Paris any other way. It’s mad that flying costs less, when we’re supposed to be targeting carbon-neutral. In fact, cut the pussy-footing, we should ban all flights under 1 hour, including international.
But my loyalty has been severely tested this Bank Holiday Saturday, by-jimminy, not because my Beloved Eurostar broke down. No, the engine is purring blissfully just as it should. My full cup of tea on its perch is rippling just as it should. Not because of the breakfast which was light and odourless. Not because of the in-flight personnel who are relighting my will to live. I asked my one about the cattle market situation and he looked pained. ‘It makes it hard for us, the passengers arrive all riled up’.
Childhood adventures with Daphne Guinness
Apr 29 2023- Madeleine
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As Daphne Guinness adds a new album to her portfolio of achievements, I was reminded of some enjoyable weekends away with her when we were 11 years old. She had a pretty face, sparky eyes and good nature, which you can see in her wedding photos. We were in the same class from 8-12 years old, then she went to boarding school and we have not been in touch since. Her nickname was Digit – for DG.
Exhibition review: Style & Society, Dressing the Georgians at Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Gallery 21 April – 8 October 2023
Apr 25 2023- Madeleine
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The joy and surprise of the Style & Society, Dressing the Georgians exhibition is the inclusion of the intimate along side the grandiose. I was expecting ranks of Coronation and ceremonial robes. This is an exhibition curated by the Royal Collection Trust, in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces, at Buckingham Palace no less. And it does not disappoint, with Princess Charlotte’s wedding dress, complete with gold threads of six different thicknesses. And the sumptuous court dress that juts out like a riot barrier.
Concert Review: National Youth Choirs of GB, Royal Albert Hall
Apr 23 2023- Madeleine
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The opening song, with all the choirs assembled.
A tsunami of young people, banked up higher than the organist, produced the most enjoyable, eclectic, powerful choral concert I have seen, as the National Youth Choirs NYCGB celebrated its 40th year. One of them was our friend E who had been practising for months, and we were there to support them. If your child has a great voice, this is where to approach for online auditions.
