Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on September 7, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 48

A Croker for Katie

It’s Friday and the most eventful thing about the week so far is that it has been totally uneventful. Even the kids going back to school was like ‘whatever’. I’m so over ironing shirts now and I’ve only done two.

But fast forward to Saturday night and whoosh, an absolute shot of happy descended on the northside of Dublin as the nation hoisted up one of its most celebrated stars and cheered her on for one last time. That’s 88,000 in attendance and countless millions around the world.

I am of course talking about Katie Taylor, who for many years carried the hope and expectations of the Irish nation solely on her shoulders through every round of boxing she fought.

When she won, we all won. When she didn’t (and that was rare) we all shared a little bit of the disappointment.

In London 2012 where she won gold, her light shone as bright as the Usain Bolts, Jessica Ennis’s and Mo Farah’s. She did us proud.

So, a convincing win against France’s Flora Pili may have left her three-time undisputed world champion but the night belonged to the farewell with pomp and circumstance that she so deserved.

Enjoy your retirement Katie and don’t be a stranger.

National Cinema Weekend

It’s National Cinema Weekend in the UK and Ireland so most tickets are £4 or €4. I’ve re-typed this to say that I went to see a preview screening of Bad Apples starring Saoirse Ronan with my older son. It doesn’t come out for a couple of weeks so I’m going to save my review to next week. I’m seeing the Oasis movie as well so we can have a bumper filim section then.

My younger son has gone off to see Moana with his friends so as a family we have made the most of it. If you ask me there should be more screenings throughout the year at those prices but hey ho, we grabbed them while we could.

I forgot to mention in last week’s post that we went to see Toy Story 5 and it was worth the look. It was an out and out kids’ movie with little or no panto-style appeal to adults but on its merits it was very much appreciated. I think they went with this one because Disney themselves were disappointed with the last outing, so they definitely pulled it back with this one.

If you have kids of the right age, take them to see it or stream it when it comes online.

50 to 50 update

A big thank you to The London Irish Centre, Comic Relief, Trussell Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service who have kindly liked and commented on 50 to 50 posts so far. We’re past half way now, so there’s no going back :). Today’s post signposted to bereavement support services in the UK and Ireland and to connect the dots the ‘Do Good Well’ section will feature Suicide Prevention Day which is on 10 September.

Brimful of parkrun

I completed my 45^th parkrun on Saturday and I’m very proud to have gotten to the milestone. I will miss getting 50 by my 50th by a couple of weeks but that was a bit contrived anyway. I brought a friend along to the last couple who was doing his first two ever and I think he is converted. We will have to navigate it through an autumn and winter of kids’ football but where there’s a will…

As ever, if you’re tempted, look for your nearest one online.

Do Good Well – World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

I said above that I was featuring World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 in this section. The key information is on the Mental Health First Aid England website which says:

Thursday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day. It takes place globally each year to raise awareness of suicide, reduce stigma, and encourage action on suicide prevention.

The theme spanning 2024, 2025, and 2026 is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’. It’s about moving from a culture of silence towards one of understanding and support.

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 47

Lost Weekend

I’m leaning on the flexibility of it being a bank holiday to publish the blog a bit late this week. I was up at the crack of dawn for my annual 13-mile walk which was pleasant in the late summer weather but I’m aching a bit now and have discovered muscles in places I didn’t realise I had places.

I also have a corn on my little toe, which is inconvenient. I’ve never had one before and it’s bringing out the worst in me.

The bank holiday Monday is rounding off what was a great weekend, the highlight of which was seeing Maximo Park and The Libertines at The Priory in Hitchin, which is just a short taxi ride from my house.

To my shame I’m not familiar with the music of either so it was very much a new-music experience for me, albeit watching everyone else singing along. In truth I did recognise some of The Libertines songs and Pete Doherty and Carl Barrett have familiar faces, so I wasn’t totally lost.

Also on the bill was local up and coming musician Kit Bottomley who won a competition to open the show. I didn’t get down early enough to catch him but lo and behold The Libertines brought him on to play on their last song. What an experience for Kit, and he totally took it in his stride.

He’s one to keep an eye on. A star of the future for sure.

Wrong Coat Season returns – mini diary

Whatever the weather was last week it would seem I was committed to wearing inappropriate clothing for it. On Tuesday I wore a jumper and it turned out to be 25 degrees. I also had chinos on, so I looked like I’d lost my golf course. On Wednesday I wore a precautionary coat because of the threat of rain, but then having not needed it left it at the office.

Then of course the heavens did open on Thursday, and my coat was at the office, so I got somewhat drowned before dashing to the local shop to buy the worst umbrella in Christendom.

In all seriousness, the rain was very bad on Thursday evening and I was concerned for those affected by the flooding a couple of years ago. I was glad to hear everyone was ok.

On Friday, the weather acted like nothing had happened and butter wouldn’t melt…

I can’t wait for this week.

Good golly Miss Dolly

I think Dolly Parton was worth her weight in gold for the song ‘9 to 5’ on its own, and that only scratches the surface. She was also an extremely positive and very insightful person. She was a natural interviewee and was always uncompromising about her looks, which were of course defining.

We’ve lost so many famous people in 2026, but globally, Dolly’s loss must be the hardest felt.

We’ll be eternally grateful for the songs she left us.

The job bit

Q3 of the financial year is just about to begin so reminder that if any of your campaigns could do with a little extra communications or engagement support, I am still available at short notice. There are 47 weeks’ worth of copy on my website if you want to check the quality of my writing and of course there is much more video content on my Instagram if you want to see what I’m like in front of a camera or might be like facilitating an engagement session.

Here is my CV for consideration as well. Do keep it to hand.

Do Good Well

It’s blood cancer awareness month and this one is quite close to home as my mother had Burkitts Lymphoma in the late noughties which would ultimately shape the rest of her life and our lives as well. If you’re in the emerald isle, check out Blood Cancer Network Ireland and in the UK check out more about the campaign on the Blood Cancer UK website.

I’m looking to raise awareness with this one, but you can also donate some money if you are in a position to do so.

Goodbye and thanks

At the time of writing, we’re up to day 22 of the 50 to 50 mini charity plugs and a big thank you in particular to Trussell Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant and The Irish Blood Transfusion Service who have all engaged so far. It is much appreciated.

And of course, to everyone who has got this far, thanks for sticking with me. We’re getting ever closer to post 51.

See you next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 46

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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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 16, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 45

Eclipse of a kind

I’m starting this bit with a note on the kindness of a stranger who gave me their eclipse glasses on Wednesday as they headed home just after the peak. I got to experience most of it through the glasses which was great, and I am very thankful for that. Whoever you are you spread more than a little bit of happiness.

I have to say, there were a lot of expectations not managed well regarding the eclipse. There were so many people underwhelmed. The long and the short of it was that without the glasses the sun was never going to look much different. In terms of my experience both the light and the temperature dropped significantly in the open field where I was, creating a definite hue. As it ended, the temperature shot back up again and the blue sky returned. You can see the contrast at the top.

So in summary, I say eclipse 1-0 naysayers. I was less than impressed with the eclipse in ’99 myself, but now I say, ‘silly me’.

Open mic

Perhaps I need a personal eclipse or epiphany but I’m a bit disillusioned with the lack of music nights locally, places where singer songwriters can play their own tunes. So I was very happy that on Thursday I stumbled upon an open mic night where no fewer than five original songs were performed by two separate artistes. And good songs they were too.

I understand why covers are appealing. At the end of a hard day, we don’t necessarily want to sit in a pub listening to loads of songs we’ve never heard before, but I think there must be a platform that is explicitly and exclusively for original music. I know I should put my money where my mouth is so if anyone is up for collaborating on this, let me know.

50 days to 50

From one showcase aspiration to another, at the time of writing, I’ve done 5 posts in the 50 days to 50 series signposting to The Big Issue, The Best Before Cafe, Dementia and Parkinson’s charities in the UK and Ireland and Black History Month.

Viewing numbers are modest compared to some of my posts (I regularly get over 1,000 views) but the frequency will have something to do with that. However, I am not deterred. I am always learning and optimistic I can keep the momentum building, up to 29 September. Self-indulgence will not be dead while I’m alive. Again, if there is a good cause that you would like me to promote then get in touch.

The filim bit or lack there of

Talking about live entertainment, I haven’t been to the cinema for a while, which is unlike me, however I checked in with my brother and one or two others and The End of Oak Street should be the next one on the list. If you’ve seen it, let me know what you think. There’s also a Scorsese season on at my local cinema so I’m keeping an eye on what’s on for that.

Talking about turning 50, Taxi Driver turns 50 this year and so does Rocky. I was in good company in 1976. My Dad was a boxing fan and I’m hoping it’s just a coincidence that with Rocky coming out when I was born, that I was given the same name as his wife. Everyone in my youth thought they had the best Rocky impression. For years people thought my first name was ‘Yo’. We did love all the Rocky films, however. They keep coming and that’s no bad thing.

(The Graduate has just come on the telly and I’m quite enjoying it I have to say)

Do Good Well – Daffodil Day in Australia

The blog gets read all over the world and my search for a good cause this week has taken me to Australia. It’s the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day next Friday, 20 August. The campaign is asking people to take a cold dip in an ocean, lake, river, pool, or even a bath to raise vital funds for Australians affected by cancer. Similar perhaps to the ice bucket challenge we all did a few years ago.

If you don’t live in Australia (including those who are currently there for a year of debauchery), maybe consider donating to your local cancer charity.

Goodbye and thanks

Right now, even I’ve lost count of what issue we’re on now. I think we’re in the mid-forties. It’s possibly only my family reading at this stage so to each of you I say thanks. This blog and related projects remains the bridge to my next substantial role whatever that will be. As ever, do keep my CV on file and contact me if you need any extra capacity for your projects.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 44

50 days to 50

10 August marks 50 days to 50 for me as I build up to the big day on 29 September. I wanted to find a way to be even more annoying, so I’ve decided I’m going to do daily micro video blogs plugging each one of the charities or good causes that we have featured in Adrian’s All up to now.

I’ll start tonight and they’ll all be short, I promise. I will have space towards the end to squeeze in a few new ones so if you have a good cause that could do with a plug, get in touch.

I do like to be by it…

From good causes to good times. I’m writing this on my way back from Deal in Kent having spent two nights with an old college buddy.

It was very cool down there. The weather was great and there was a real buzz around the restaurants and bars by the seafront.

The ‘friends’ bit is a recurring theme in the blog and because of my friends down there I got to do a new parkrun (Walmer and Deal), visit a new football ground (Deal Town FC v Sutton in the FA Cup) and eat and drink in some of the nicest bars and restaurants in the southeast. Saturday night was rounded off with a glass of port and a bodhran lesson from local musician Stuart Smith. It really was a top weekend.

On the way back to Herts, I stopped off at a gig in North London being curated by an old friend and it was great. If you’re ever in the mood for a shot of Americana, check out Dave Sutherland and Dom Glynn. They put on a top show.

There’s more

From country music to a fellow countryman, I was sad to hear Jimmy Cricket has died, aged 80.

He stood out from other comedians of his time because his material was always clean, making him accessible and quite commissionable for TV. Part memory and part Google reminds me that his act regularly featured him reading humorous letters from his Mammy back in Ballygobackwards. His character may have been very much the bachelor but in real life he was married with four children. It also strikes me how different he was to Frank Carson, his fellow compatriot showing that resonance takes on many guises.

Have a GOD moment with Gary O’Donoghue

I’m getting through the backlog of Desert Island Discs and while I was out for a run the other night, I took a chance on the one with Gary O’Donoghue, the BBC’s North America correspondent. I have to say I found it very moving. His story is fascinating and his life journey very touching, from his relationship with his parents to the friendships he formed and how he rose to be one of the most recognisable journalists on TV despite being blind. He also had good anecdotes and a good mix of tunes too.

I think Lauren Laverne is the perfect choice of host for the show as well It was a great hour. Give it a listen.

Bingo

I stumbled on a small pub hosting a bingo night last Wednesday and although I was too late to join, in it was one of the most relaxing things ever listening to the guy reading out the numbers. I was mesmerised as they appeared on the big screen as well. It reminded me of being a kid at the local summer project when we had a rogue caller who would say things like, ‘All the sevens, 23’, which was hilarious when you were 12 but confusing at the same time. No one won anything. You couldn’t follow it.

I work next to a Mecca and I’ve never been in. I’m tempted now I have to say.

Do Good Well

Wednesday, 12 August is International Youth Day. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs says, “it raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world and celebrates their role as essential partners in achieving sustainable development.”

I’d never heard of the campaign before going rooting today, so I suppose the call to action is to read up on it and perhaps a new lens through which to view young people is on offer.

Goodbye and thanks

So I’ve launched 50 days to 50 and I hope the 50 good causes get a few clicks. To those returning to work from a summer break who might need extra capacity. Do keep me in mind. Here’s my CV.

As ever, thanks for sticking with me and I’ll see you next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 2, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 43

The .com generation

I’ve taken the plunge and bought my domain name which means you should no longer see random ads in these blog posts. I also have access to new features so as the weeks go on, I’ll look to continue to improve the look and feel. If anyone has any tips or expertise and you’re feeling generous then do share.

To all the other Adrian Phelans out there (now cringing and hiding their heads in shame), I will try and do our name proud. Chances are the domain will be up for grabs again in a year. I’ll let you know.

Falling Slowly – Goodnight Glen

I’m typing this just a few hours after the news broke about the tragic death of Glen Hansard. Non-Irish readers might remember him best as the guitarist in The Commitments, but he was far more than that to most across the Irish sea. I managed to listen to a bit of Liveline on RTE during my lunchbreak which was just one drop in an ocean of love that was outpoured for the Ballymun man throughout the day. It would be pretentious of me to say I was a fan of The Frames or his solo stuff – I was lukewarm on both – but I did view him as an elder statesman of Irish music, or maybe even just an elder statesman of Ireland. It is unbelievable that he has died so suddenly, so young, and I hope his family get all the love and support they need.

You led the sing-song Glen and for you the night will always be young.

The filim bit – does whatever a spider can

And so, to Spiderman – Brand New Day with Tom Holland in the lead role again which came out last week. The ages in our party watching were 49 (me) 15 (older son) and 13 (younger son). I thought it was good, younger son thought it was his second best turn as Spiderman behind 2019’s ‘Far From Home’ and eldest popped it towards the bottom of the ratings but still thought it was good.

There are some great characters in this one. Jon Bernthal as the very alpha combined friend and foe The Punisher is particularly good, as is Sadie Sink whose character Jean Grey is the nemesis whose unusual superpowers weave through the movie dictating the pace. Peter’s old pals Ned (Jacob Batalon) and MJ (Zendaya) return providing the friendship and romance that are key ingredients for the franchise.

It’s 2 hours and 25 minutes long which is not far off Odyssey proportions, but a lot is packed in.

For me, cinema was the winner with this one. Ours was full and I love that. Don’t wait for this one to come out on TV.

One and one

How good are fish and chips! We don’t have them very often because they’re not the cheapest on the takeaway menu, but my word we had them on Friday before the cinema and they were delicious.

Preferences tend to be different depending on where you live. For example, in Dublin, I would only ever have smoked cod; In Leeds – where I lived for four years – Haddock; and down here in the south of England, fresh cod.

Our local fish and chip shop here in Hitchin, Polcaros, nails it every time. The size can sometimes be modest, but when they taste that good, size doesn’t matter.

A quick look on Macari Google tells me, ‘Fried fish first arrived in Britain via Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Spain and Portugal, who prepared pescado frito — white fish coated in flour and fried in oil. This method was brought to English port cities as early as the 17th century, becoming popular in London and Manchester.

Sometimes fish and chips can taste quite good when you prepare it yourself so if you’re deciding what to have for tea tonight, perhaps I’ve decided for you.

Don’t be shy with the salt and vinegar.

Do Good Well – Love Parks Week

I spotted a post on my work intranet for Love Parks Week | Keep Britain Tidy and I thought it was a great idea. It’s an ‘annual campaign celebrating parks and green spaces, the people who care for them, and the countless benefits they bring to people, communities and our planet.’

Check your borough council website for events happening locally or perhaps just a simpler call to action is just to get out there and enjoy your local park, and keep it tidy.

This is one of my favourite campaigns this year.

Goodbye and thanks

It’s been a week of mixed emotions, lovely time spent with friends and family, but sadly saying a sudden goodbye to Glen Hansord, a national treasure.

Grief of course is the price we pay for love, and I have to say it’s a fair deal.

I hope like me you’re glad to see the back of the ads, and I’ll see you next week for more.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on July 26, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 42

Me mind’s been bent on rambling…

I have a saying, ‘It’s always Friday, it’s always Monday’, because the weeks pass by so quickly, and we always seem to be in one of those days.

We’ve just entered the summer holiday as well, marking the end of another academic year. Life continues to pass by in a flash.

So I think it should be savoured, which is one of the reasons I write this blog and do a few little pieces on social media. For me it sticks markers in the things that have been important in the week.

My family – and I’m sure yours too – fawns over rare old photos of ancestors. But we now have the technology to allow generations of our families to engage with each other and I want to make the most of that.

However, with AI there we will probably need a new TV show called ‘Who do you think you aren’t?’

I hope you enjoy this week’s issue.

The filim bit

I saw The Odyssey this week. I did a brief video blog on it and one or two reacted to say they’d heard it wasn’t that good. At the risk of sounding defensive, the filmmaking has been described as ‘extraordinary’ and I wouldn’t disagree with that; but I know that doesn’t mean everyone will enjoy it. I think you would be hard pushed not to appreciate it on merit, however. I knew little about the overall story before watching but that didn’t matter. It is a cinema ‘event’ not to be dithered over until it gets to TV at Christmas. I didn’t watch in Imax and I’m not sure how much that mattered, but in for a penny…

Whatever way you watch it, get down to the cinema before it goes.

I’d love to hear what you think.

Hurley Burghley House

We visited Burghley House in Stamford for a 50th birthday this weekend and it was a stunning spot to spend an afternoon. We live near Knebworth House and the architecture at Burghley House had similar vibes, but the surrounding setting was very different.

To add to the atmosphere the venue was hosting an Ibiza classics event that evening and throughout the afternoon concert goers arrived, dressed to the nines and wheeling trolleys full of refreshment to see them through.

Several of our good friends from Hitchin made the trip up, so for the day it was our home away from home.

What we saw of Stamford itself looked lovely; a monotone limestone medieval vibe. We popped to a hotel called The George, for a quick drink and it was a lavish setting. A great way to round off the afternoon.

I haven’t done a friends bit one for a while so glad to report on this.

Happy birthday Rosie. All the cool kids were born in 1976.

T’All Ireland

Every sports entry in this blog begins with the line ‘This is largely a sports-free zone’, but I’m writing on the morning of the men’s All Ireland football final between Kerry and Mayo. One of the most profound moments in my life was the first time I walked into Croke Park. It was 1990 and Meath were in the minor and senior Leinster finals on the day, so the ground was full early and the roar from the Hogan Stand was something I’ll never forget. The Dubs didn’t win that day, but for me the sport did. I don’t think I missed a Dubs match for the next five years, which is when I moved over to the UK.

I swung that back to me but want to wish Mayo and Kerry and all their supporters all the best for the final. I know that every Irish pub and cultural centre up and down the UK will have events to celebrate it. I hope everyone has a great day.

Update: Mayo certainly did. They won, ending a 75-year wait. There’ll be no work done in the wesht tomorrow. I would always want Dublin to win of course, but under the circumstances I am happy for them.

Parkrun at 40

I did my 40th Parkrun at the weekend. It was another toughy but I finished it, albeit in the modest time of just over 30 minutes. It’s exactly a year since I did my first sub-25-minute run (In Torbay in Devon) and I have done one or two since, but I am not precious about the times. The spirit of the parkrun is taking part, and it will take a lot to keep me from a start-line somewhere at 9am on a Saturday morning.

If you’re doing a couch to 5k programme, there is no better way to mark your achievement so do look for a parkrun near you.

Do Good Well

A quick one this week. I’ve dashed past the Great Ormond Street Charity stall at the station a couple of times this week to catch a train so if you can spare a few quid, do donate.

Goodbye and thanks

I don’t know why, but this has been the hardest of the 42 blogs to draft, making me a bit self-conscious about it. However, I got there in the end and as ever, I thank you for sticking with it. Do send my CV to all your contacts and I’ll see you next week.

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Past posts

19 July

12 July

5 July

28 June

21 June

14 June

7 June

31 May

24 May

17 May

10 May

2 May

26 April

12 April

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 July 20, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 41

Welcome to issue 41 of Adrian’s All. It’s been an amazing week with school fayres, scary movies and quite literally an out of world experience.

I hope you enjoy.

Jules Rimet still gleaming

At the time of writing (this bit anyway) it’s the hydration break in the first half of the World Cup Final. We watched the opening ceremony and first match in Luton Airport, and that seems like a lifetime ago. I would have given my eye teeth for Ireland to be in it. Alas it wasn’t to be. But we lived vicariously through Pico Lopez and Cape Verde and there has been great comedy in reaction to the England matches. I’ll reflect on the winner once it’s done.

Update: Spain has won it. Happy enough with that. I have close family ties there.

The fabulous Dr Fox

From Spain to space. On Friday I went to a Q&A with NASA’s Head of Science, Dr Nicola Fox who recently oversaw the high-profile Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon. You will have seen her on d’telly a lot during the mission as one of those who had to give the thumbs up before it could go ahead. She was also one of the mission’s main spokespeople.

At the event she told stories about growing up locally, her education and career and the pathway to the top job she now has. I don’t often meet people who are cleverer than me, but she certainly was. The Q&A was led by Sumit Paul-Choudhury, British writer, technologist, entrepreneur, and former editor-in-chief of New Scientist magazine and I am cleverer than him, but he was a welcome facilitator, nonetheless.

In all seriousness this was just one event that was part of this year’s Hitchin Festival and as Town Centre Manager Danny Pearson puts it, we regularly punch above our weight.

Wishing the team all the best for the remainder of the festival. Get down to what you can.

What the Wordle

Did anyone get Wordle last Wednesday? At the time of writing, I have two guesses left and have no clue. I was given a tip that it is some obscure word you might hear on a children’s TV programme, but that’s not helping.

So, for my sanity I must abort. I am going to look at the word and continue typing. Whether I know it or not is going to set the tone for the rest of this post.

It’s PSHAW. I mean come on. There must be something wrong with you if you know that word. PSHAW. Where can I complain? I’ve looked it up and ironically: Pshaw is an old-fashioned exclamation used to show impatience, irritation, contempt, disgust, or disbelief. Pshaw to pshaw is what I say. Wordle you are taking the pshaw.

The filim bit

My son turned 15 during the week, so I took him to watch his first 15s movie; the latest instalment of the Scary Movie franchise. I had the best will in the world but suffice it to say maybe there is certain viewing fathers and sons shouldn’t share, implements falling out of orifices being one of them.

But if I pretend he wasn’t there for a moment, if you’ve previously invested in the Scary Movie series you should see this one too. It had a low star rating, but it knows that and there are frequent references poking fun at itself. It’s centred around the Scream character again as expected but also gives nods to more recent horrors like Sinners.

It’s edgy but then what did we expect. It’s Scary Movie. A solid two stars from me, or five for good will.

Some of you might have seen Odyssey already. I’m planning for that to be my next one and I’ll write about it in the next post.

School shenanigans

I was master of ceremonies at the local school fayre again this year and once again it was a superbly run well-attended gig with great weather to boot. (I can’t take credit for any of it, even the weather). Like a mini festival there were six hours of live entertainment, inflatable rides for the kids, food, drink, games and stalls of every description.

Almost a year in the making, it should have made a pretty penny for the school, but more importantly underpinned the great community spirit we have in this area. I’m so happy my boys went there and even happier that they keep a door open for me to be involved in their endeavours.

The school head teacher is retiring this year, so I’ll end this bit by saying thanks for everything Mrs Hayes.

Do Good Well – Samaritans Awareness Day

We all pass by their signs on bridges and at railway stations and probably take them for granted, but on Samaritans Awareness Day (24 July) why not spare a minute to take a closer look at what they do and chuck them a few bob.

We all have mental health, and The Samaritans are there every hour of every day to reach out to when we need them.

They do incredibly important work. I wish the campaign every success.

Goodbye and thanks

I am sorry this issue is late. Much of it was drafted on time, but I was a bit poorly and couldn’t get it over the line. Anyway, thanks for sticking with me and I’ll see you in a few days for the next one.

As ever, I remain your potential future employee. Do remember to keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

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Past posts

12 July

5 July

28 June

21 June

14 June

7 June

31 May

24 May

17 May

10 May

2 May

26 April

12 April

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 July 12, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 40

(Sinner has just won Wimbledon!)

Life begins at 40

So we’ve got to post 40. That’s 40 posts in 41 weeks which must be worth a nod. That’s 40 weeks where we have promoted good causes and poked a bit of fun at my life as I transition through my career.

By hook or by crook I have put something out every week and I promise you they are all delivered mindfully and there is a bit of my heart and soul in each one.

I want to thank everyone who reads the blog – even if just occasionally – and those who have read it and clicked into the good cause links, and checked out my CV.

The plan is to get to post 51 so we have a full ‘Year in the Life’ and make a decision on it then.

The one post that was missed of course was the week my Dad died and in tribute to him, this first year will purposefully be one post down.

I hope you continue to enjoy Adrian’s All and if you do, say hello be a critical friend. It will help me to stop talking to myself, as intelligent and all those conversations are. 😊

Couples therapy – the filim bit

I went to see ‘The Invite’ on Monday, and it was certainly the ride that’s for sure. (No pun intended). The fact is a full review of the movie could take up the entire blog, so I won’t do one. But I have called this section ‘couples therapy’ for a reason. In one respect It’s one to watch with your other half from the back row and in other respects one to watch and then go out for dinner and have a chat. That’s a bit cryptic but go and see it and you’ll know what I mean. It stars Seth Rogan, Olivia Wilde (who also directs) Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. My brother (and movie correspondent) said it’s the best film he’s seen this year. What better reason to check it out. 🙂

Hitchin at the World Cup

I try where possible to live a life without envy, but a neighbour of mine will find himself at the World Cup closing ceremony next Sunday directing his musical compositions that will feature in the show. This just weeks after he did the same at The Aztec, and up in Toronto for the opening ceremonies there.

Little or no fuss has been made about this locally, but I’m massively impressed and he’s happy for me to give it a nod in this blog.

So, bravo, Andy Theakstone and Polyphonia music. I’m looking forward to seeing the closing ceremony next Sunday. If, through all of this you need to borrow milk or a cup of sugar, let me know.

I got two tickets to Iron Maiden baby…

So the Iron Maiden two-day festival Ed Fest took place at Knebworth this weekend and although not an avid fan I think it would have been a cool gig to go to. I saw the first of the Maiden fans gathering at Stevenage Station about 10am on Friday accompanied by a small amount of confusion around where to go. Apparently, logistics were not great but the one review I saw of the gig gave it 5 stars. And I have to say the one gig I have been to at Knebworth was the best outdoor gig experience I have ever had so I know an enjoyable time would have been had by all. There was a gaggle of what I would say proud fans around the hotels and bars where I live this morning looking happy, so that’s endorsement enough for me. It has been filmed for their latest movie, so I look forward to seeing that.

A quick mention for my musical godfather Tony Moore who opened the festival on Friday with his triumphant AWAKE show. What a treat for the arriving Iron Maiden fans. Check out more info and future dates for AWAKE shows on his website.

Do good well – Disability Pride Month

July marks Disability Pride Month, which is a time to honour the diversity, history and contributions of disabled people everywhere. For employers, it’s not just a chance to show support but a great way to create a more inclusive workplace.

I have to be honest and say that I have no personal connection to this cause, but it caught my eye and I am happy to promote.

Goodbye and thanks

Once again, I am very proud that Adrian’s All has reached 40 posts. Thanks so much for checking in when you can. To those observing England’s progress in the World Cup, I wish you the best possible outcome. I will see you all again next week.

Take a look at my CV when you have a moment.

Socially viable

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Past posts

5 July

28 June

21 June

14 June

7 June

31 May

24 May

17 May

10 May

2 May

26 April

12 April

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 July 5, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 39

Wimbledon — Summer personified

Wimbledon is like Christmas in the summer for me. I love it and it gives me all the childlike feels. Since I’ve lived in the south of England, I’ve attended more years than not, either with tickets or queueing up for a ground pass. The British love to queue and there’s nothing quite like the one at Wimbledon. It’s in quite pleasant surroundings and there’s always lots of freebies.

And despite perceptions, the day out is only as expensive as you choose to make it. The Stella is always cold mind. Just don’t have eight of them. 😊

Two years ago we saw Jannik Sinner play in the first round on Court One, so I tend to keep an eye on how he’s doing. He struggled through his first match but as of today he’s still in it.

The 40^th post of this blog will go out on the day of the men’s final. Wait and see how quickly the week will pass and it will be interesting to see who’s in it.

New balls please.

Craicing EU presidency

Ireland has begun its EU presidency, and I’ve been frantically trying to find out what that means, apart from closing off Dublin Castle for a load of meetings. I’m bound to be asked, and I don’t want to give the answer I’m dying to which is that we must act Like Donald Trump for a few months. (It’s actually, ’running the EU Council for six months and steering the political agenda of the entire European Union.’)

Either way I think it’s a big deal and I wish everyone involved the very best of luck, particularly those involved with keeping everyone safe (and sober).

I also hope it’s an opportunity to showcase what I consider to be the best walkable city in the world. Get down to the Guinness Factory if you’re visiting.

The filim bit

I brushed up on my French last week by going to see A Private Life starring Jodie Foster. Set mainly in Paris but with none of the cliched shots of the Eifel Tower et al the film is a wild goose chase where psychiatrist Lilian Steiner pursues the husband of a recently-deceased patient because she suspects he murdered her. Steiner and her estranged husband Simon, excellently played by Daniel Auteuil get caught up in a couple of sticky situations as they fudge their way to getting the proof they need to implicate their suspect. I found their capers and the film’s various twists quite amusing. There’s a side story of odd family dynamics as Lilian and Simon, spend some awkward time with their son, Julien and their newborn grandchild. This is woven through the film along with some intimate scenes between Foster and Auteuil where they don’t seem estranged at all.

The film is odd, but good odd and kept me interested throughout. It’s worth a look if you like either Jodie Foster, French things or mystery and suspense.

It’s not a must see in the cinema, however. It can wait for the TV.

The ants are back, Ted

This time last week there wasn’t an ant in the house. This time this week the kitchen is crawling with thousands of them. It’s getting to the point where I’m getting a taste for mass murder. I do not know what their incentive is. And where have they been all year? It must have been one hell of a party behind the appliances to produce that many. Or a gismo thing where they touched water or were fed after midnight (Contact me if you get that reference).

Anyway, I’ve tried everything from playing Snow Patrol on a loop to cooking fish and nothing’s working so if anyone has any tips on getting rid of them, email me.

Park tralking

One of my dad’s buzz words was ‘tralk’ which he defined as a cross between a trot and a walk. That pretty much sums up my Parkrun this weekend. It was my first back after a fair few weeks and it was tough. But when you’re going from nothing straight to 5k you can’t expect anything else.

I didn’t fall over which is a step in the right direction (for want of a better expression) and as I always say, it’s the best thing you could ever do.

A closer look at my results shows me it was run 39 and this is post 39 of this blog. A total coincidence but one very much a happy one.

Life begins at 40 as they say, so check in next week.

Do Good Well

While looking for something to include here I came across Action for Happiness. The name alone warrants its inclusion. What a positive movement. They describe themselves as a movement of people taking action to create a happier and kinder world, together. They also say they are completely non‑religious, non‑political and non‑commercial, welcoming people from all backgrounds.

There are free resources on the website to support your own happiness journey so perhaps take a look and then this week’s ask is to help raise awareness of their efforts.

This page looks good if you want to dive straight in.

Goodbye and thanks

So that was post 39. Quite an eclectic mix this week. I’m trying to learn something new each week, particularly around promotion, so if you think you can help, get in touch. And a quick plug for my CV. Do keep me in mind.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

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Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

28 June

21 June

14 June

7 June

31 May

24 May

17 May

10 May

2 May

26 April

12 April

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