Mixed bag

What with the weather undecided and our politics in turmoil, is it any wonder that I can't settle at the moment? It's been a funny old couple of days.

Good news: one of my clients has won a national award! 

Brightkidz has been listed in the highly acclaimed 2019 NatWest SE100 Index, a national scheme that celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of successful UK social ventures. Brightkidz is a company that I've watched grow over the last 15 years. I've been involved with it from the beginning and have done various writing jobs for the team there, as well as a fair bit of cheer-leading. I'm a huge fan of what they're trying to achieve. It's a social enterprise that promotes safe, active, sustainable everyday travel for children. It provides information and quality resources for schools, local authorities, businesses and parents to support walk-to-school, cycling and road safety initiatives. Please pop over to its website here to learn more. 

Bad news: our independent bookshop is closing

Defeated by low footfall and general apathy, Bookcave Limited in Wellingborough is closing its doors for the last time tomorrow. This is very sad. I went over today to collect the few copies of my books they still had in stock and had a word with one of the owners. Part of the problem has been that people had been coming into the shop (and others in the same development) to browse while waiting for someone before going to the next-door deli for lunch. Who are these strange people who can afford coffee and an an overpriced sandwich, but can't find a couple of quid for a second-hand book? 

Could-go-either-way news: feedback on my current WIP

'It's beautifully written, but...' Oh.

How's your week going?

Please welcome the judges!

It was real privilege to be a judge at the Open Stage Performing Arts Company Performance Awards today, where I was one of a panel of three sitting in awe of the talent of children from under five years old to 16 and adults, too, dancing, singing and performing dramatic monologues. Rachael, the wonderful woman behind the company, is doing a Good Thing here and has created a place with such warmth and creativity that it would be a cold heart that wasn't moved - and yes, there was one singer who brought a lump to our throats with his fabulous performance.

In her opening remarks, Rachael said that one of the aims of the organisation is to create 'brave people who can be brave for the rest of the lives' and that Open Stage is a bubble of creativity that can spread out into the world. All I can say is that I came home inspired.

The photo shows a selection from my judge's goodie bag (there was also some chocolate, but it wasn't available when this picture was taken). I was particularly pleased with the wand! And the red rose? That came from Exotic Dining who served us a lovely meal last night and who always give the ladies a rose on their way out. Nice touch.