Adrian Phelan

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About Adrian Phelan

I'm a 49-year-old chancer living in North Hertfordshire. I'm trying blogging for the first time so I hope you enjoy my posts.

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 28

Wrong Coat Season update

I won’t complain about the weather this week. I’ll take the colder ending to it for the 25C we had on Wednesday. Although in the spirit of Wrong Coat Season I was totally over-dressed. The queue in Gregg’s was like that bit in Notting Hill when Hugh Grant walks through all four seasons in the one scene. The temperature plummeted again on Thursday mind, when I did wear the lighter clothes, so I looked silly then as well. You can’t win.

Late development: I’ve just bought a new coat, which is designed for better weather. I promise not to give it its own blog section, but I can’t promise there won’t be regular updates.

Welcome home Artemis 2

Talking about a team who must wear the right clothes, I stayed up to watch the Artemis 2 crew return to Earth on Friday night. I’ve totally bought into the mission. Everything about it was cool and I agree necessary. The team were a PR dream as well. They looked great. The picture of the mission for me is the one I’ve used for this piece. The moon has clearly been used for target practice suggesting we’ve had it easy.

It does look like we will see a team take a visit to the moon over the next couple of years and I do hope it is another opportunity for us to learn more about our planet and ourselves.

I also hope we will see opportunities for our children to get involved. It might be worth keeping an eye on the UK Space Agency’s website for developments in that area.

The friendly bit

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday and Monday, spent with friends who did us amazing spreads and were great company; even their cats. We’ve been very lucky to meet like-minded people at the time when our kids were very young and then to share our lives as we watched them grow up together. Friendships like that can seem seamless, quite frankly because they are.

Reading that back it reminded me of the lyrics to an Aerosmith Ballad from the 90s. As I’m in danger of becoming over-sentimental, I should say they can also be very annoying. That’s not true.

New music

Talking of friendships, new live music has always been my friend, but it’s been years since I’ve been to a new music showcase. However I had a rare Thursday window this week and popped to see one at our local band venue. Despite being at least 20 years older than most of the people there, it was brilliant. I saw three of the four bands and was impressed by all of them (Decorum, Slumber, Kontra, Give me your teeth); in particular Kontra who had everyone in the palm of their hand. I would describe them as palatably heavy. They threw in a Korn and a Muse cover, which might give you an idea of their influences. But all of the bands are worth a Google. Other search engines are available.

The filim bit

I was in two minds about doing the filim bit this week as I saw the movie Fuze and there will be little for anyone to gain by me doing a review. It wasn’t very good. With a few twists and turns, it’s about the discovery of an unexploded supposed WW2 bomb at a building site in Paddington, just outside central London and the army/police drama that unfolds around that. Simultaneously, a bank heist is taking place in the area (which is naturally evacuated) and the film works towards showing how both are connected. It has a relatively unknown cast. You might recognise Gugu Mbatha-Raw from Dr Who back in the day or Theo James from The Inbetweeners Movie. The film is far-fetched, disjointed and the conclusion completely implausible. The only positive thing I can say is that it is not boring. For that reason I give it two stars. You can wait until it comes out on TV, however and if there’s nothing else on, give it a whirl.

Do Good Well

I posted last month about a fundraiser for the London Irish Centre and as the half marathon Gary Dunne is undertaking is this weekend I’m posting a link to his page again. Please support him and the centre if you can.

Saturday was also World Parkinson’s Day. Check out the website for more information.

Goodbye and thanks

Thanks for reading. A slightly more modest length this week, but we keep going. Here is a link to my CV. If you have any projects you think I can support, get in touch for a chat.

Socially viable

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Past posts

5 April

29 March

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 27

The week that was

If you’re reading this you’ve survived April Fool’s Day, the first week of losing an hour in bed and you’ve probably smudged your phone screen with chocolate having opened your first Easter Egg early. That’s ok. You’re among friends.

We’re posting on Sunday, so Happy Easter, particularly to my Christian friends and family. Enjoy your services and so far so good for the weather. I hope you get out for a few nice walks as well.

I had a three-day working week this week. I spent Thursday in Coventry, taking in a trip to the cathedral which I think is one of the most historically significant sites in the UK. We also went to Kenilworth Castle which I’d barely heard of but really enjoyed. I give it a section below.

I briefly mentioned in last week’s blog that I fell over doing Park run, and it’s a humdinger. Left ribs done in. I can’t grab enough breath to sneeze, or sleep on that side. It’s a right pain, ironically; and will most-likely linger for a few weeks. It really is one for people who don’t like me. You can enjoy a chuckle. Not you, Mam.

But let’s park the self-pity for now.

We have a winner

The winner of the half-year comp was Jonathan Bown. He is now the proud owner of a £20 book token (as he is UK based). The answer to the question (What was number one on 29 September 1976?) was of course Dancing Queen, by ABBA. If you haven’t heard of the song, it’s one of those weird avant-garde numbers that graced the charts very briefly and was never heard of again.

Up, up, and away

It was very exciting to see Nicola Fox, who grew up in our town doing the comms for the Artemis II mission which successfully launched during the week and is heading to t’other side of the moon as I write. I’m not a deep space person but I like close space stuff like this and always try and catch the International Space Station when it passes over. I once had the pleasure of meeting Tim Peake, so I have shaken the hand of someone who has done a spacewalk.

I hope the Artemis crew have a safe and successful mission and I’m looking forward to following along and seeing what the legacy is over the coming weeks and years. It will hopefully inspire some more local kids to consider a career in the space industry.

April Fools

There weren’t many April Fools jokes this year but one of the best was a fake picture of the Beatles in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin in 1964. I fell for it hook, line and sinker, and in my head was planning to go and find the spot, as it’s near my parents’ house. Then realising it was a hoax, I did feel like an idiot but thought, as long as I don’t tell anyone my credibility should remain intact.

Castles in the air

We went to Kenilworth Castle on Thursday, and it was great. I’d scarcely heard of it but I’m glad we took a punt on it. We were in Coventry anyway and it was in the right direction for heading home. There was lots to take pictures of and cool castle walls to climb which offered great views of the surrounding area.

It’s run by English Heritage, and it might be the poor relative to Warwick Castle, but it was packed with foreign tourists and that was no surprise. It’s also not that expensive, so check it out.

The filim bit

I went to see what must have been the first showing of ‘The Drama’ on Saturday and it was very good. It stars Zendaya (Emma) and Robert Pattinson (Charlie). Zendaya, you should remember from Spiderman. The third star really is the direction and editing. I haven’t seen other Kristoffer Borgli films but he ekes every drop of talent out of each of the actors in this, both lead and supporting.

The film is based around a bombshell that is dropped just days before Emma and Charlie get married, with the drama unfolding from there. I can’t say much more than that without giving too much away but I would say it’s worth the ticket price. We can debate the ending at another point but it’s a very good film. Go see it.

Do Good Well

I know cancer charities get more than their fair share of coverage, but it is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month which is a dedicated health awareness campaign that runs annually. It aims to break down the stigma and embarrassment that often prevents young men from checking themselves or seeking medical advice.

I hope, at 49 I’m in still in that ‘young men’ bracket but suffice to say if I did find a lump, I would act.

Do spread the key messages where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

That’s everything for now. Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who entered the competition.

You can view my CV online and as ever, do keep me in mind for any projects or campaigns you have that need a lead for comms and engagement.

Socially viable

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Past posts

29 March

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 26

50 to 50

I’ve re-edited this week’s post a couple of times, the last being because I’m reminded by the calendar on my phone that it is now exactly six months to my 50^th birthday. Half a year; one hundred and however many days. Those over 50 won’t care. Those with a while to 50 will have a little smirk. But the key message is, you need to start thinking about what you’re going to get me. Everyone who has turned 50 so far this year has gone home from their dos with 100 bottles of wine. I don’t drink it, or whiskey, so you need to be more imaginative. Think, stuff I can sell on 😊. Nonetheless, a big six months ahead. Lots to achieve I hope and a good summer.

Competition: I said I would mark six months of blogs with a competition, so the question this time is what was number 1 in the UK on 29 September 1976. Answer by 23.50 on Thursday, 2 April for a chance to win. Email adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Parkrunning with friends

In the second of recent remissness’s, it was remiss of me not to mention that I went back to the Parkrun last Saturday for the first time in ages, and what a tonic it was. Saturday mornings are busy, but I should have made sure I got to more of them this year. I loved it. I’ve said in previous posts that I won’t pass up the opportunity to acknowledge friendship and it was two very good people who nudged me back into it, so thank you very much. I shall go again on Saturday for sure. (And I did and fell over and won’t be going back for a while).

Out and about – two different kinds of theatres

I got out and about this week. I saw a local youth theatre production of The Crucible, and it was excellent. I did have the film at the back of my mind when I was watching it, (no pressure) but that just made it a great juxtaposition. There wasn’t a bad performance from any of the young actors, and it was extra special that a couple were the children of friends of ours.

I also went to Zippos Circus, which was great fun. There aren’t too many young people around me anymore so I’m making the most of these opportunities. Our parents used to take us to the circus when it was in town, so it was nice to do the same with my own.

The filim bit

There’s only one place to go this week and that’s The Magic Faraway Tree. Like the circus, this brilliant adaptation of the much-loved Enid Blyton stories brought some technicolour into our cold day, for a couple of hours anyway. The AI one-sentence description is ‘A group of children climb a magical tree whose branches lead to ever‑changing, fantastical lands filled with wonder, danger, and unforgettable characters. This is topped and tailed with the story of a family of five who must relocate from their modern city life to a much slower-paced rural existence and all that that might bring, including the cliches.

It’s good and to make a connection, has a cameo from one of the kids that was in The Crucible I cover above. What a start to their film career.

Because this is a fantasy, it’s one for the cinema, so do take the younger kids over Easter, although kids of all ages and their parents/grandparents will also enjoy it.

The job bit

Job chats continued this week, and I had a nice conversation with an old friend who should prove very helpful with networking. They say that’s the way most jobs are found and if that’s the case then I’m coming for a few more of you so brace yourselves.

Again, this is my last blog post of this financial year so if you’re accruing a few bob and have room for a small one, do keep me in mind. I’m equally at home with being behind a computer processing data as I am with being out and about engaging with people. And I am a loyal advocate. I would get fully-behind your projects.

Here is my CV to read and share.

Do Good Well

I had a look around online to see who I could raise awareness for this week, and I’ve decided to go with the Dash Charity who provide refuge accommodation for women and children who are not safe in their own homes. Help me raise awareness and donate if you can.

Goodbye and thanks

Short and sharp this week as we reach a full six months’ worth of posts. The clocks have changed and I’m hoping the tides will change too in terms of job opportunities. Thanks for getting this far and I’ll see you next week for number 27.

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Past posts

22 March

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 25

Mama Mia

It was remiss of me last week not to pay tribute to my amazing mother who has been the rock of our family our whole lives; even from the wheelchair she has been using since 2009. The song Tub Thumping by Chumba Wumba could easily have been written for her. She really is a true inspiration and is deserving of every day being Mother’s Day. My bloody card still hasn’t arrived yet either so I’m grovelling slightly as well.

Hi Ho Silver

Now that we’ve got to 25 posts, I feel a bit silly having made a song and dance about post 10, but hey ho. I was young and needed the clicks. I’m going to run a competition at post 26 instead as that will mark a full half year of posts. Make sure you check back in next week for a chance to win

Shamrocking

So, I survived St Patrick’s Day. It turns out most of the places in our town including our one Irish bar did the bulk of their celebrations at the weekend, so there wasn’t much going on. It just meant I got to bed at a reasonable hour. The one place that did step up (and I’m not usually one for a plug) was our local, The Anchor. They had back-to-back Irish groups and didn’t run out of Guinness. We met a few friends in there and had a lovely time.

This blog is mainly apolitical, but I have to say I was impressed with Taoiseach Micheal Martin’s Whitehouse visit on the day. What he said made a lot of sense and it was a nice touch for him to remind Trump that his once-close relationship with the UK, could be close again. I thought he represented Ireland well and hope the Irish Americans enjoyed having him over.

If music be the food of love

I went to the spring music concert at my sons’ school this week, and boy what a treat it was. It was a school gig, so par for the course it felt like there were105 performances (we were in there for four hours) but they had amazing talent on show. One of the kids who performed is going on to The Brits School following his GCSEs and another to another top music college in London’s East End which gives you an idea of the standard. But no one was outdone with everyone giving a good account of themselves, and there was a great mix of styles to keep us all interested.

I have grade 6 piano and classical guitar myself. I was on the cusp of the Grade 7 exams before I gave them both up which was a bit heartbreaking for my parents. But what these school music experiences teach us is that kids don’t need classical music to learn their instruments. There is plenty of music to take them to the same level. And if the truth be told, it probably makes music more accessible which is great.

The Job Bit

I’ve been in and out of love with LinkedIn over the last year, but I have to say it is helpful when it informs you that recruiters have viewed your application. I’m experimenting with being a bit more liberal with applying.

I’ve also added my bridging role to my CV, which I wasn’t sure about. But on advice it is better to have it on there than have a gap. Why not take a look and bear me in mind for any relevent projects. Here’s the summary from my CV to give you a flavour of what I offer:

Communications and engagement specialist with 20+ years’ experience across the charity, NHS, and central government sectors. Skilled in strategic campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and crisis response, with a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Proven ability to lead impactful public health campaigns and foster collaboration across complex systems.

My full CV is here.

The filim bit

I’m literally just back from seeing Project Hail Mary. It’s a 12A and an ideal movie to take your older kids to over Easter. It’s a mish mash of movies like The Martian and Wall-e so it is very cute and has a sci-fi edge. It’s also entirely shot in England so you can have fun spotting the locations. Ryan Gosling is in every scene so if you’re a fan, this is also for you. He is very watchable either way.

So thumbs up and it is one for the cinema. Put it in the diary for the school holidays.

I have to say I’m enjoying The Apprentice yet again as well so if you have the time of a Thursday, it’s worth catching up on.

Do Good Well

This week there’s an easy choice as Friday was Red Nose Day. Comic Relief should need no introduction so here’s a straight link to donate if you can spare the cash.

Goodbye and thanks

So that’s a quarter of a century of posts done. Again, thanks for getting this far. Be it one or 1,000 of you it’s worth it for me, nonetheless.

See you next week when we’ll have another competition and do connect with me on socials.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

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Past posts

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 24

A receding hare line

Welcome to this week’s blog. Post 24 no less; like an angsty Keifer Sutherland. Don’t forget I promised another prize at 25 so make sure you keep coming back.

I’m starting off with the serious job bit so as a trade-off I’ll give you a joke. ‘What do you call a line of rabbits walking backwards?’ A receding hare line.

The Job bit

As we’re about to enter a new quarter and financial year, I want to open with a request that wherever you are in the world you continue to keep me in mind for your projects that need extra capacity. Securing my next substantial role remains crucial. So if you’re accruing some of your budget or have just secured funding for new projects, I could be a valuable piece of the jigsaw. My CV is here and I’m also on LinkedIN.

Wrong Coat Season

Following on from my clothes confusion piece when we had unexpected warm weather, someone else (cleverer than me) has hilariously coined this phase of spring as ‘Wrong Coat Season’. It simply is a roughly six-week period when anyone can be wearing anything; even the Costco guy. I still need all the pockets in my big coat, or I risk wearing a bumbag and that’s too close for comfort to socks and sandals and then you‘d have to call the police, fashion or otherwise.

But remember you are forgiven for whatever you wear over the next few weeks, to a point.

The ‘wha’ of march?

It’s the Ides of March, whatever that means. I knew it was a filim from about fifteen years ago but never questioned what it was all about.

It turns out it (15 March) is the day in 44 BCE when Julius Caesar was assassinated and so it’s considered a bad omen. I’m not superstitious myself but having it two days after Friday the 13^th is a bit much. And this year it’s two days before St Patrick’s Day so by the 19^th there’ll be no hope left. Shakespeare is responsible apparently for keeping it lit in his play of the same name. He liked a pint of the black stuff on St Patrick’s Day as well apparently. It inspired some of his best work.

Physical jerks

I had another physio appointment this week. My ankle is the best it’s been for years but that might be down to the fact that I’ve not been doing a lot of running. I’m not torn by the choices mind. I’d rather get back into running with a bit of discomfort than carry on the hiatus. The Bourbon Creams are winning the battle at the moment, and I can’t let them win the war.

But I mention this again because I am so grateful to the NHS for the support, they are giving me to make my ankle better, and all signs are there that it’s working. I will aim to be a good patient and do my home exercises to keep it strong.

The filim bit

Even if it’s not totally the same, The Bride gave me similar feels to Poor Things (Emma Stone, Willem Defoe) and I also thought there was some resonance with the last Joker movie. Both contain dance routines and other eccentricities. It’s not easy to describe but it’s a kind of road movie that pauses in various places to facilitate some whacky and violent capers involving our co-leads. Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley star as Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s Bride and the rapport between the two is spot on. You would think they had been acting together for years. The story is possibly secondary to the point which is, If you thought Jessie Buckley was good in Hamnet, wait and see what she does in this. It is one for the cinema so go and see it.

Jumping to the TV briefly, the next series of The Capture kicked off on Sunday, and it went off with a bang. You don’t need to have seen previous series to get into it, so give it a go. You have nothing to lose.

Happy St Patrick’s Day/Week/Year

I mentioned in a previous post that St Patrick’s Day was the one respite day from Lent for most kids, so sweets will be had. In my case you might replace sweets with pints but nonetheless there is lots going on over the next few days and with the finale of the rugby as well there will be great craic.

To round off this bit with a nod to friendship, I’ll be welcoming a good friend to town to watch proceedings in the Six Nations unfold. Come on Ireland. (Last minute insert – it wasn’t to be)

Do Good Well

As it is St Patrick’s Day this week, I’m going to share a link to the fundraising page of Gary Dunne, who is running a half marathon in aid of the London Irish Centre who do great work to support the Irish living in London. If you have a few quid, do donate.

Goodbye and thanks

So, thanks for getting this far. We’re almost at 25 which is another milestone. I’ll round off as I began with an ask to consider where your projects might need capacity and keep me in mind as a plug for that gap.

See you next week.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

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Past posts

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 23

Double-inn

First things first, I spent about 36 hours in Dublin at the end of the week and have to apologise again for not fitting more people in. It was a flying visit for my dad’s birthday which was on Wednesday. Because of his situation I was keen to get to see him in and around the day. I took him for a coffee and cake which was nice, but as he got up to leave, his legs went from under him and he had a fall. He was a bit shook but no bones broken and I was glad I was there to support him. A steady walk home and a snooze on the sofa and he was right again. After spending the day together, I popped out to see my boyhood team Shelbourne play in the Irish Premier League. It was a big crowd considering the rugby was on, and a five-goal thriller, but alas they were on the wrong side of the odd goal. At full time it was straight home to bed, to be up at 5am to catch the ferry back to blighty.

Ferry good

My passport expired on Friday, and my new one hasn’t arrived yet. Because of that (you now need a passport to fly between the UK and Ireland) I had to rail sail back to London, which was long, but a novelty. The weather was lovely and the sailing very smooth. For those who might be passing through Holyhead, a new pub has opened right next to the terminal and it’s just £4 for a pint. There are worse places you could go if you have time to kill before or after your train. It’s been many years since I’ve travelled to the UK by ferry, but when I do, I always think that for most of our existence, this was the only way you could leave. One day James Joyce got on a ferry and never came back. Oscar Wilde and GB Shaw probably came back a bit more often and would have walked the same route under the shadow of Skinner’s Monument on top of the hill. My grandad made the journey once and then onward to Birmingham where he met my Nana. So it’s an important part of my own personal history as well.

The first leg of the journey between Holyhead and Chester is stunning. I’m not sure what the mountains are called but they were snowcapped and looked amazing.

Everything was on time and the wi-fi worked a treat, so happy days.

50/50

Another week, another 50th and this time it was the turn of someone I possibly met on the first day I moved to the UK. We were in halls in Leeds together. The room was full of people I’d known for 30 years or more, one of whom flew from New York just to be there. Others travelled down from up north and of course I had trekked across from Dublin.

It was again a top night. My wife and I even had Tequila (get us). I’ll never pass up an opportunity to mark how lucky we are to have good friends, and the do was another reminder of that. It also served to remind how quickly kids grow as well. Their eldest must be over six foot now and he was in his mother’s tummy at our wedding. Time and tide as they say. In early May we go again and I’m looking forward to it already.

Do Good Well

Sunday, 8 March is International Women’s Day. The theme this year is ‘Give to Gain’. The website says, When we give, we gain. Together, let’s help forge gender equality through abundant giving. The IWD 2026 ‘Give to Gain Campaign’ encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Read more on the website and donate where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

This week’s post has been a bit of a ramble and slap another tardy on me for being late. It also hasn’t been a laugh a minute but sometimes weeks go that way. The blog is a largely sports-free zone but I think all my teams won this week (apart from Shels) so that is something to smile about any way.

I started this blog to help me find work so as ever take another look at my CV and keep me in mind.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social

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Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 22

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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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 21

Welcome to this week’s blog

Happy weekend everyone. This couple of days off have felt a long time coming so now it’s here, let’s make the most of it.

Tony’s award

First things first, congratulations to Tony Cockburn who won the £20 book token for answering last week’s 20 competition question correctly. Most have suggested the blog is best described as ‘Fairy tales of a right eejit’ but of course the original strapline was ‘Fairy tales of a job seeker’.

As the entries started to come in, I thought, ‘I know all of these’ and of course I do as the blog currently stays within the borders of my own social media. But I’d love for you to share it with your own friends and if they do ask what I’m like, I’ve given you the line already, ‘He’s a right eejit.”

If my maths is correct, in five weeks we hit six months, so I’ll do another competition then. Well done again Tony. Happy reading.

Key to the door

We are 21 and can have that drink in America. I once spent a summer in New York (J1) when I was still 20 and had to grow a Forest Gump-style beard to get served. I looked ridiculous but had some great nights out. As much as the drinking was illegal the hangovers certainly weren’t. You learn what humidity is when you’re hungover in New York in June, I tell you.

But you learn from your mistakes. I never get that drunk now. Really!

Pancake Tuesday (Be warned I go down a rabbit hole)

I called this section Pancake Tuesday because who actually knows what ‘shrove’ means. I’m nearly 50 and I didn’t until I looked it up. AI says: Shrove comes from the verb “to shrive,” which means to confess your sins and receive absolution from a priest. So Shrove Tuesday literally means “the Tuesday on which people were shriven.”

So the link: Before Lent, people would go to confession (be “shriven”) and use up rich foods like eggs, butter, and sugar before the fasting period began. Hence pancakes; a practical, delicious clear‑out of the cupboards before 40 days of restraint.

We had ours courtesy of Mrs P and I stuck to the traditional lemon and sugar. There was mixed success with the tossing, but they all tasted delicious.

40 days and 40 nights

But it means Lent has started and it was Ash Wednesday on, well Wednesday. When we were kids, respite from Lent was granted on St Patrick’s Day which is almost a whole month away. I’m not sure I would have the resilience to give up anything I enjoy now for that long, especially not sweets. Some of you will remember Trocaire Boxes. We never knew we were so rich until that was full at the end of lent and we completely resented handing it over to someone else, even if it was a starving child in Africa. Although now I am grateful we did.

Talking of which, did anyone else have Geldoff thrown at them when they wouldn’t eat their dinner? He has a lot to answer for, although I think Midge Ure was the mastermind behind it.

The job bit

I put in a couple of applications this week so let’s see what happens. If I keep drinking from the glass that’s half full there’ll be nothing left. But I’ll keep filling it for as long as it takes. Again, here is my CV and continue to keep me in mind.

The filim bit

I saw Man on the Run, the Paul McCartney/Wings film and it was excellent. You could argue it’s one for the fans, but I think it is worth a watch whoever you are, when it comes out on Amazon Prime at the end of the month. You can relax into it, and you can forgive yourself for being lulled by Mull of Kintyre. There’s lots of previously unseen footage and we are respectfully given a deeper insight into the personality of Linda McCartney who was a lovely, lovely person. A definite thumbs up from me.

Passports please

I’m applying for my new passport. It’s one of those times when you think, ‘where has ten years gone?’ I will be taking the picture this evening, so I’ll be battering my hair with Pantene Pro V volume and body shampoo in advance. It looks quite thick on my picture from 2016. It’s not anymore.

But it’s been some ten years. My then almost three and almost five-year-olds are now at secondary school, I have a new nephew and came out the other side of the coronavirus pandemic relatively unscathed. The big birthday is coming up as well, so I say here’s to the next ten years, passport or otherwise.

Do Good Well – Helplines Awareness Day

23 February is Helplines Awareness Day which has caught my eye. The website says:

Helplines Awareness Day is a national campaign that shines a spotlight on the incredible work of helplines across the UK. Each year on 23 February, we celebrate the dedicated employees and volunteers who make a difference every day, and ensure their vital work is recognised, valued, and heard.

So not looking for your cash this week but do spread awareness where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

Once again, thanks for sticking with me.

See you next week

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on February 14, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 20

Welcome to this week’s blog

Violets are blue

Before I start rattling on about this being blog post 20 (Yay), a word on Valentine’s Day. For me there’s only one poem/ditty that cuts it, and it goes, ‘Roses are red, violets are blue, most poems rhyme but this one doesn’t.’ If you ever sent me that, I know it’s true love.

St Valentine was from Terni, Italy, but believe it or not, some of his remains now reside in White Friar Street Church in Dublin, with many lovers making the pilgrimage each year.

We will spend Valentine’s evening celebrating the 50th birthday of a good friend in a very cool restaurant/bar. I am always grateful that we get invited to such occasions, particularly as I’ve lost half my friends since starting this blog. I’ll let you know how it goes in the next post.

Mad Dog 20/20

Well well, we’ve got to number 20. Not quite old enough to order a drink in America but can vote and be arrested for crimes against online content.

I’m glad I’ve honoured the commitment (mainly to myself) to get these weekly posts out. I’ve set myself this comms task in the absence of having a structured role that tells me to do so, and I hope that proves that I am a self-starter, and sustainable at producing regular content over a substantial period. (Potential employers take note). My CV is here.

Win a £20 or €20 book token

To mark reaching 20 posts I’m giving away a voucher for either Waterstones or Eason’s. If you win and you’re outside the UK or ROI I’ll send a voucher for a popular bookstore in your country. Enter by 23.55 on Thursday, 19 February with the answer to the following question:

The strapline for this blog is ‘Fairytales of a beta male.’ What was the original strapline?

A Fairytales of a right eejit

B Fairytales of a middle-aged Mick

C Fairytales of a jobseeker

Send the answer to adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk See all the legal bits at the bottom.

The filim bit

I went to see 100 Nights of Hero on Tuesday after a match I had a ticket for was called off. It was a whole heap of odd, including random appearances by Richard E Grant and Charli XCX. It’s described online as ‘Julia Jackman‘s beguiling feminist fairytale’, and I suppose it was. The story was nothing new; frustrated princess married to disinterested prince seeks comfort in the arms of – in this case – one of the maids. But the principal actors were very watchable, particularly Emma Corrin (She was Princess Diana in The Crown) and Nicholas Galitzine (I have no idea what else he was in).

It was also filmed mainly at Knebworth House which as we know from films like Tim Burton’s Batman is a compelling gothic setting. That helps its cause too.

It is one you can watch on TV, however. You don’t need to dash to see it at the cinema.

Physio update and bravo NHS

I saw my physio on Wednesday, (See last week’s blog) and she was lovely. I didn’t get too much of a ticking off for not doing my exercises and I have promised to do them over the next month.

I must pay tribute to those who work for the NHS. Anyone who comes to work to put their hands on my 50-year-old trotters is worth their weight in gold. And unlike many other countries, I didn’t have to hand over a penny. I’ve decided I’m going to have a pedicure before I go to the next one, so if you know a good pedicurist, send me an email.

Do good well and do a grouch a favour

When looking for a charity to support this week I came across National Do A Grouch A Favour Day and although it’s American, I thought it was too good not to share. The site says, “It is a call to kindness on February 16th. Everyone knows a grouch, and some of us may even be guilty of being one. On February 16th, maybe you can be the one to find the sweeter side of a grouch.”

I think that’s genius. If you, yourself are a grouch, maybe buy yourself something nice.

Another place you might donate this week is the Marie Curie Great Daffodil Appeal which is helping people to die with the care and support that they need.

Goodbye and thanks

So that’s 20 down, which is tweaking the nose of my whimsical personality. Thanks so much for staying with me and as ever, do keep me in mind if you need any extra capacity.

Competition terms

Anyone anywhere in the world who is over 18 can enter.

You enter by emailing your answer to adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

The competition is open now and closes at 23.55 on Thursday, 19 February

Each entry will be given a unique number and the winner will be chose at random out of a hat

The prize will be delivered by email or post

Anyone outside of my immediate family can enter

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on February 7, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 19

Welcome to this week’s blog

I’m forever connecting scenarios to music, so I have to say welcome to blog post number n n n n nineteen. A nod to Paul Hardcastle’s 1985 anti-war song. Just one more to go to the ripe old 20. I’m going to be reflecting a bit next week because I want to talk about where we go from here, now we have thousands of words of content under our belts. Anyway, for now, welcome again and come on in.

Hope springs from Bridie

It was remiss of me not to acknowledge St Brigid’s Day last week, which was on Monday. I know everyone loves a bank holiday, but I also love the fact that Ireland now celebrates its most prominent female saint in the same way it does St Patrick. I’m not sure The Hudson gets dyed green for the day, but it’s a step in the right direction. I read in a book (yeah right) that St Brigid’s Day aligns with Imbolc (your word of the week), one of Ireland’s ancient fire festivals marking the first signs of spring. Imbolc symbolised hope, renewal, and the return of light after winter. I’ll take that all day long.

A half century break

The first ‘50^’th gatherings of the year are coming this February. A flurry of 50ths as you were. I’m only 49 and a third so a whippersnapper compared to some of this old lot. I get to see one more World Cup in my 40s and that will do me. Here’s hoping Ireland will go on and win it for me.

I’m however looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family over the year and regretting somewhat my decision to go modest with gifts, given most of the recipients will be invited to whatever I do in September. I’ll need new runners/trainers by then, just saying.

The heading for this section wasn’t by accident and as we’re reflecting for a moment, I want to mention snooker player and commentator John Virgo, who passed the other day. I met him once and he was lovely. He was somewhat of an institution and will be missed. I hope he’s now found out where the cueball is going.

That’s what friends are for

One of my friends turning 50 is an old university friend who I met on Thursday. We don’t see each other very often but an hour and a half passed by like 5 minutes. We had a lovely chat. This is a short section but I’m doubling down on my piece from a few weeks ago. A meaningful friendship doesn’t need reassurance to last. It will survive on its own. If you’re thinking about it, do it. See that old friend for a few hours. You’ll thank me for the nudge, I promise.

Do good well – The Bloody Big C

I gave blood again this week, getting my fix of post-donation Seabrook cheese and onion crisps. I was told it was my 31st donation so that’s not bad going. I should find out in a few days where it will go; a good home no doubt. My type is B- which is rare, so they’re always happy to have me along. I was a big baby (Hello Roy) again with the finger prick and needle insertion though. I’m in danger of slipping below beta male status if I’m not careful. But it was worth it Find out more about donating if you’re interested. You won’t cry taking the big plaster off in the evening, I promise.

It was also World Cancer Day this week, and I know cancer charities get the lion’s share of coverage and funding, but I have close and not so close family members affected by it so I’m giving it a nod. The strapline is ‘united by unique’ which is pretty cool. And remember, like me you might not have the cash to donate to everything, but you can help to raise awareness.

Physio exercises ticked I promise

So, does anyone else have a ‘how many units of alcohol do you have a week’ poker face? I’m not a prolific liar, but I’ve mastered this.

I have a third physio appointment imminent, and I’m supposed to have been doing exercises every other day to strengthen my tendon. This includes a balancing thing where I stand on one leg while I rotate my head from side to side. Try it. It’s impossible. I have two choices; fib and say I’ve been sticking to the routine or be honest and say I haven’t and my ankle is still occasionally very painful. I’m not going to open a poll but let me know what you would do. The future of the NHS could depend on it.

Goodbye and thanks

So that’s post 19 done. I remain on the job trail so I’m still pedalling my CV. Take a look. And thank you thank you. The readership stats are encouraging so I roll on.

I hope you enjoyed this post and I’ll see you next week for milestone 20.

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