Adrian Phelan

Post 46

Blog milestones| Trip up north| The End of Oak Street| The job bit| North Herts Pride festival| Grief Awareness Day| Goodbye and thanks| Social links| Links to past posts

Stoney mile 

The good folk at WordPress have sent me through some stats and including this post I have clocked up 53,500 words for the blog, and nearly 3,500 different people have popped by. If I was being harsh on myself, I could probe other stats but instead I’m choosing to be proud of my efforts, particularly the volume of content I have produced.  

If you are two or 200 people reading this, it doesn’t matter, you are very welcome and I hope you enjoy post 46.  

It’s far from grim up north 

The highlight of the last week is undoubtedly the trip up north with my two boys, taking in Liverpool, Blackpool and a quick hop to Lytham St Annes. The driving was long, with traffic and road closures but the rewards were worth it, with a Liverpool win, first visit to a couple of Beatles sites and a maiden voyage to Blackpool.  

We had a stroll around The Albert Dock. It has some nice bars and restaurants and a huge Harry Potter-style wizarding shop if your kids are into that sort of thing.  

And what can you say about Blackpool? It’s everything people say it is and more, and from our experience I would say good value for money. There are other seaside resorts like it, such as Southend, but there is nothing on the same scale. The trip to the top of the tower was great quality (they have a swish 4D cinema and a glass floor) and a must if you visit.   

15 minutes away is Lytham St Annes, and we popped there for tea. I went once when I was a student and I never forgot it. I thought it was very nice. I was glad to take the boys there for a quick look.   

Overall, it was a great two days up north. We packed a lot in and had lots of fun. There was a lot of driving, but it was a small price to pay.  

We will see you again soon.  

The filim bit – The End of Oak Street  

Well, what can I say about The End of Oak Street other than it must be seen to be believed, as in you’ll never believe how terrible it is. That the actor (Ewan McGregor) from one of the most iconic movies of all time, Trainspotting, would lower himself to this, is mind boggling. Same goes for Anne Hathaway.  

They play Denise and Greg, the parents of two kids in 1980s suburban America. Overnight, a cosmic wormhole teleports their neighbourhood into the Mesozoic era, forcing them to battle feathered dinosaurs for survival. After Greg sacrifices himself, the rest escape through a time portal back to 1982, creating a time loop where Denise saves Greg.  

I promise I didn’t make that up. It is as far-fetched as it sounds and to me a complete mystery that it was ever made. It’s trying to be an homage to Stephen Spielberg and Stranger Things all at once but fails miserably. Add to that a random scene of dinosaur ‘loving’ revelled in by McGregor’s character and I can’t give this film more than one star.

Now, I’m nothing if not fair and balanced, and some friends of mine did enjoy it, and my 13-year-old son thinks I’m being a bit harsh. As ever, you must make up your own mind, but I thought it was awful.  

The job bit  

September is almost upon us. It’s a new quarter and people are arriving back after the summer holidays. I’m still here if you need me, ready and willing to lead or support your communications and engagement projects.  I’m available at short notice and can be flexible to your needs. Look at my CV, and if you fancy a chat, pick up the phone. I’m on 07974669338.  

North Herts Pride  

There were great vibes in Hitchin at the weekend for North Herts Pride festival. There was live music and cabaret acts throughout the day, roaming performers and lots of stalls selling baked and other goods to add to the festive fayre. A big shout out to @themissfroufrou who rounded off the day with an epic performance in the Osinsky’s space on the square. At one stage I got my own private dance. You can check out the video on Instagram.  

I’m already looking forward to next year.  

Do Good Well – Grief Awareness Day 

National Grief Awareness Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about grief and loss, encouraging open dialogue and highlighting the need for bereavement support.  

I stumbled upon this and I’m glad I did. Having lost a parent this year I will be interested to see what resources are available and I hope this signpost helps others too.  

Goodbye and thanks  

It is late and I am very tired, so a quick plug for my 50 to50 series. I continue to post daily. Please like, comment and share and I will see you next week.  

Thanks for your support.  

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