Adrian Phelan

Post 22

March springs| The BAFTAs| BRITS and and other musical bits| Job reflections| HPV Awareness Week| Goodbye and thanks| Links to previous posts

Marching on 

And that was February. Who’d have thunk it. This is the first year for a while that I haven’t fawned over the first sightings of daffodils by now, such has been the poor nature of the weather in 2026 so far. It’s hard to spot them through the drizzle.  

As such, random days of sunshine like we had on Wednesday are very welcome. They’re also a source of natural comedy because people don’t know what to wear. You have the Costco guy (who’s been wearing shorts all winter anyway) next to the old lady in a duffel coat. I’m known for my chunky jumpers, and I didn’t disappoint, even though it was 18 degrees. And I needed my big coat for the pockets as well, so it was a sticky day. I ended up sweating my decision.  

On Thursday, even the COSTCO guy had long trousers on. The brief glimpse of Spring was short-lived. 

Beautiful BAFTAs 

I was really chuffed for Robert Aramayo who won not one, but two BAFTAs last Sunday including ‘Best Actor’ for his turn in I Swear. I’ve seen all the nominated movies except Frankenstein and although it was a surprise to some, I think he was the clear winner.  

The movie hasn’t been released in the US yet so isn’t up for Oscars but hopefully 2027 will be its year over there. It comes out on Netflix this month so don’t miss it. Maxine Peake and Shirley Henderson were also very good in the movie, although for some reason they didn’t make the BAFTA shortlist. But well done again Robert. Well-deserved.  

Brits hits  

One of the reasons I held off this week’s post was so I could cover the BRITS. However, I fell asleep half an hour in. It was a long day and the couple of half-time beers at the football didn’t help.  

However, I did see Noel Gallagher’s acceptance speech, and I was chuffed that he name checked every member of the group both past and present. It was proper order that after all that has been said and done, Tony McCarroll got a nod. There are good reasons why he was asked to leave the band but the opening drum riff to Live Forever on its own, justifies any acknowledgement he is due. Fair play to you Noel. Well done to Olivia Dean as well, who was the big winner on the night.  

My Man Friday 

Sticking to music for a moment, Gavin Friday was on The Late Late Show this week performing a track (quite masterfully) from his album Ecce Homo.  

He went to my school so I will always champion him. He was in a band in the 1970s called The Virgin Prunes. The Virgin Prunes consisted of a bunch of mates who dared to be different. They had a post-punk attitude and delivery that was probably frowned upon at the time but would be embraced and celebrated today. They disbanded in the mid-eighties but you can check out their music online.  

Incidentally, the vinyl copy of Ecce Homo that was in stock in HMV Stevenage has gone missing. If you’ve nicked it, bring it back.  

The job bit 

So the job I took to see me through Christmas rolls on into March. I have huge respect for all my teammates for the help they provide to our callers and wonder if it is fair that such a job is banded at a low grade. I have faced challenges in this role that I would have never come across in jobs that pay twice as much and more. But that is the way of things I suppose.  

I’m in touch with an agency currently who are filling an NHS role they think I might be a good match for. It’s a role I’m very much interested in so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.  

As ever, don’t forget to check out my CV.  

Do Good Well 

4 March is International HPV Awareness Day. I’m a vaccination advocate and have been lucky enough to work on HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine campaigns over the last couple of years with the NHS and partners. The day itself, ‘serves as a beacon, rallying the global community to raise awareness about HPV, its associated risks, and the measures we can adopt for prevention.’ 

If you’re in a position to tell people how important this vaccine is then please do, and if your child is due their HPV vaccine at school (usually Year 8) make sure you sign the consent form.  

Goodbye and thanks  

Sorry the blog was late this week, but I had to prioritise one or two other things. My Dad is continuing his fight against cancer, and it is his birthday on Wednesday so a big Happy Birthday to him. If my passport arrives on time, I’ll be there to celebrate with him.  

That’s it for now. Have a good first week of March and I’ll see you next weekend.  

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Past posts

21 February

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

14 February

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

7 February

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

1 February

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

23 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

16 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

9 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

2 January

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

26 December

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

20 December 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

12 December 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

5 December 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

28 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

21 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

14 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

7 November 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

31 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

24 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

17 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker  

10 October 

Adrian’s All – Fairy tales of a jobseeker

3 October 

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker