Argentine Tango with a Labrador

You Should Never Do A Tango With An Eskimo, Or A Labrador

Thank you for watching...

Ellen Dean

Jane McDonald - 20 Year Anniversary Tour 2018

I've followed Jane McDonald since I saw her on the BBC documentary 'The Cruise' in 1998. Well, after all these years I finally got to see her live at Darlington Hippodrome last night which was her opener for The Anniversary Tour.

I hadn't been to the theatre for over four years due to having a vestibular disorder. Lights, loud audio and crowds set off my symptoms and my balance goes awry. Not to mention the drive up the motorway which is hugely problematic for me, so I wasn't at all sure I'd actually make it. But I did and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I'm suffering today, but it was well worth it.

Jane is a truly gifted performer. You'll note I say 'performer' because that's exactly what this wonderful lady is. Not only is she an amazing singer (and songwriter) she exudes love into the audience and in turn they love her back. It's like sitting in your living room chatting to her, her audience interaction is amazing. This down to earth performer with her huge singing voice had the crowd on their feet all beautifully wrapped in a wonderful Jane McDonald bubble complete with her fab band and backing singers.

                   

The last song was very appropriate for me - 'Dance Yourself Dizzy' - oh I had to laugh! I have to say going to the theatre was a big deal for me as it is for many people suffering with a vestibular disorder. I did need to close my eyes when the lights flashed and wore my hat for extra protection. The audio was so loud the seats vibrated so next time I will make sure to sit in the stalls instead of the Dress Circle. I think it will make a difference. But this does not detract from the fantastic show and the fantastic renovations at Darlington Hippodrome.

If you are able to get tickets - grab them!


Ellen Dean Absolutely Recommends

Glastonbury Festival June 2015

It's that time of year again and Glastonbury Festival 2015 is already under way.

For nearly twenty five years Glastonbury Festival has supported Green Peace, Oxfam and WaterAid.

The line-up this year includes Florence + The Machine, The Who and Lionel Richie. And, for the first time actor and director Faye Morrison is managing the Banjo Stage right at the heart of the Green Futures Field.

Faye Morrison left with Aniela Zaba

He's behind you...

Wind Power performing Banjo Stage

Antipoet taking the Banjo Stage by storm

Looks like it's going to be a fabulous festival. I for one am looking forward to watching it on BBC tv.

Ellen Dean Recommends

NEW BOOKS: How to Live Your Dreams (non-fiction) and Sam and Diana's Musical Jaunt (fiction)

Available in all Formats from
Smashwords

They say that everyone of us is capable of creating and living our dreams.
But how come so many of us struggle with how to get started?

It's identifying the starting point that baffles us.And because we can't figure out where to start what do we do?
Nothing!

We give up. We don't bother trying.
In other words we make do.

But it doesn't have to be like that.
Using this book can help you change your life - if you let it.

In Live Your Dreams both Ellen and Olivia help you sow the seeds to kick start your
unique and powerful imagination on how to channel your thoughts into creativity 

using your deliberate intent to achieve the success you've always wanted.

You will gain an understanding of how vibrational energy works, 

the amazing power of thought, and how Like Attracts Like 

also known as the Universal Law of Attraction.

There are helpful sections on that old devil we call confidence, 

self-belief and what makes you You.

There's a bonus section too.

Live Your Dreams also contains practical advice and information to help 

you create a supportive living and working environment.

The clue is in the title . . .

Masham Musical Society - Forthcoming Annual Concert 4th December 2010

Masham Musical Society will be performing their annual concert 'A Miscellany of Song' in the Town Hall, Masham, North Yorkshire, on Saturday 4th December 2010 at 7.30pm.
Tickets £5 on the door include a light supper after the performance.

Come along and enjoy music from Rogers & Hammerstein, Mercer & Mancini, Lennon & McCartney. And Christmas Carols that you can join in with.

Amy and Sat Nav sing with the sopranos :-) Not to be missed!

Conductor Jonathan Heitler  

Secretary Liz Whelan, Jonathan, Treasurer Anne Gregg 

Chairman Mr. Jim Heaton

Ellen Dean with Amy Addison

Photos taken at the June 2010 society fundraiser 

MashamMusicSociety

New members always welcome

Masham Music Society Annual Concert December 5th 2009

On Saturday 5th December Masham Sound Hall rang with the sound of music when Masham Musical Society performed their annual concert of Victorian songs and traditional carols to a full house. The conductor Jonathan Heitler invited members of the audience to join in with the carols, and many did.

Jonathan Heitler conducted the choir for the second year, and together they produced another superb concert. The choir has grown in size this year, and they sang beautifully.

There were several excellent individual performances, and Jonathan himself performed a solo from Patience. Caroline Heard played two pieces on the violin, accompanied on the piano by her mother - an outstanding performance. What a talent this twelve year old has. No wonder she has been selected for the Under 13's National Children's Orchestra for the fifth time.

I have heard that the choir will be performing at a fundraising event in June 2010. Saturday's audience were asking where and when they could buy tickets! This reflects the quality of the performance - first class.

Congratulations to my niece Amy on her first major singing performance with the Music Society. And, of course Sat Nav who sang with the choir for the second year. You sang like angels. I'm proud of you both!

EMI Music Site

I checked out the EMI website www.emi.com today, and what a great site it is.

I loved the design. It's free sign up. So easy. It only takes a few seconds, and then you're listening to some great artists. Plus, you can watch videos, although the videos did tend to buffer a little. Maybe it was the time of day when everybody was on the net.

I clicked on Artists, and there were so many I didn't know who to listen to first. I finally chose Pat Benatar.
A list of her albums appeared on the left side of my screen offering me a choice. So, I clicked on the album I wanted, selected a track and that was it. I could click to create my playlist, or just play the song. I played the song.

I even found the Indie group Bat for Lashes, who I hadn't heard of until last night when I watched them on the television performing at Glastonbury.

Next, I clicked on Charts, and discovered a list of the most played videos/audio over the last thirty days.

EMI have thought of everything with this site. A great plus is that they have made it very user friendly. It's a brilliant site, which I'll continue to use. Oh yes, there were a couple of competitions to enter too!

So, if you're a music boff like me then this site is definitely worth checking out.

North Yorkshire Fillies - Slappin' Leather

We do have fun in North Yorkshire.

Butlins Skegness

Hi-de-Hi!
Morning Campers! (Sorry, couldn't resist)

I last visited a Butlins holiday camp when I was three or fours years old. I have black and white photographs to prove it.

Last weekend I returned to Butlins in Skegness, and dragged Gloria, kicking and screaming, along with me. But she was just overtired, once she got there, she was fine.

I didn't know what to expect, and was pleasantly surprised. Although it is geared for children, there's plenty for adults too.



We stayed in a Gold Star apartment, and ate the good food in the Yacht Club Restaurant.
All of the staff, without exception, were absolutely marvellous, nothing was a trouble to them.
Mark and Cliff, you are stars.



The Red Coats entertained everyone.
Wish I had half of their stamina - they are unbelievable!



We enjoyed a 'chill out' visit to The Spa and had a dip in the Hydrotherapy Pool, but declined the offer of a drenching with freezing water from the Cold Bucket Splash. Can't understand how folks can enjoy that kind of thing.

We ventured to the fairground where we watched (notice I say watched) the scary rides whiz past at the speed of light.




The sun shone so we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beach. I asked Gloria if she wanted a bucket and spade. She settled for a candy floss.
The security was amazing. Even to go onto the beach we had to show our key card to go out of the complex, and again on return. Children had to be accompanied by an adult.



There is something for the whole family at Butlins www.butlins.com
You can be entertained all day, and night. There is a great choice. It's perfect for water babies too. There is an outdoor pool and a great, and very popular, indoor Splash Waterworld.

We spoke to people who returned year after year.
Many regarded it as a safe environment.
Others - including me - loved the entertainment especially the Rock The Country Live Music Show, and Crossfire.

It's Official - I'm Losing The Plot!

I wanted to blog about this last week, but I couldn't, or I would have blown a nice surprise.

I have a lot of cousins!

One of them, Jackie, telephoned with an invitation to her sister Pauline's surprise birthday party. Very nice, I hear you say. We thought so too. I arranged to collect my sister on the way there and we duly arrived at the venue in Frosterley in Weardale.

Nothing wrong with that, is there? Except the place was almost empty. Where were all the friends and relatives?

So, we asked the landlady where everyone was, only to be told . . . we'd got the wrong week - we were a week early!
How embarrassing is that? It was my sister and I who got the surprise, not Pauline.
But all was not lost...we met up with Pauline anyway and enjoyed 'gate-crashing' a 40th birthday party! I think our mistake has been the best kept secret in Weardale over the past week, lol! Hence the blog title - It's official...I'm losing the plot!

So, last Saturday night (the right night) Sat Nav and I drove back up north to Frosterley for The Surprise Birthday Party. Of course, all eyes were on me as we walked through the door.
'You've got the right night then,' said the landlord, grinning widely.

The party was absolutely fantastic, and Pauline enjoyed every minute. There was karaoke. My friend Anita and I belted out a few songs. I'm not sure whether I saw people putting earplugs in, or not!
The DJ played great music, and a good night was had by all. As ever, Sat Nav was handy with her camera.

Happy Birthday Pauline :-)



Anita and Ellen singing!



Ellen and Alison (Pauline's sister) dancing!



Ellen, Pauline (birthday girl) and her sister Jackie.



My sister Judith, Jackie, Pauline and Ellen at the gate crashed party.

Masham Musical Society 2008 Annual Concert

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending Masham Musical Society's Annual Concert. The concert was billed as Now and Then.


This year they had a new conductor Mr. Jonathon Heitler and a new accompanist Mr. Anthony Rudd. Not only that, but they also had four new members. One was Sat Nav (Gloria) who had been practicing not only at rehearsals, but also at home for weeks. Of course she had me singing along too. We Gathered Lilacs in the kitchen, Ruled Britannia regularly. Razzle Dazzled Katie (our horse) in the stable, and were sure our neighbours were wondering Why Must The Show Go On? But they must have been relieved to hear that Christmas is Coming.


But seriously . . . that should give you some idea of the content of the night.

I wish I had taken my Union flag to wave when they sang Rule Britannia, but never daunted Brian and I waved our programmes ;-)

Their performance was absolutely fabulous! If you were in the audience you should Consider Yourself very lucky indeed.
And I'm not just saying that because Sat Nav made her debut with the society - it's true!

Congratulations and well done to everyone.

Beyonce and her hairy armpits.

I simply couldn't let this one go by without a comment.

Why on earth were people so shocked and horrified because Beyonce hadn't shaved her armpits?

Maybe she hadn't shaved for a reason. There are important lymph glands in the armpit, maybe she had a medical reason for not shaving. And if she didn't, surely it's up to her whether she shaves or not.

What if every woman in the world had hairy armpits, and one celebrity shaved? Would the media then photograph the shaven armpit? No! I don't think so.

Why should a fuzz create such a buzz?

Cherish - Macmillan Charity Fundraiser

Last night I put on my glad rags and headed up north to the Slug and Lettuce in Durham City. They were holding another fundraiser. This time it was for the Macmillan Nurses.

This charity is close to my heart because I know how hard Macmillan nurses work, and how vitally important their work is.

The entertainment for the evening was provided by the fabulous, and fashionable, Miss Kitty Lit-teur. Miss Kitty is very supportive of the Cherish fundraisers. I was delighted that this time you included your brilliant Shirley Bassey routine complete with your dancers fresh back from the cruise liner. Hope they enjoyed life on the ocean waves.

Sat Nav (Gloria) couldn't make it this time ;-( she had to look after Katie (our horse) as there was to be a fireworks display close by, and Katie is scared of fireworks! So she stayed at home with her.

So, my niece came with me, and once inside we met up with Ken (Kitty's son, and my dancing partner) and Rolly (Kitty's partner).

Karaoke is part of this fun night, and there were plenty of singers keen to take the stage. Well done all of you for taking part. It takes guts to get up there and strut your stuff.

Sheila from Brandon - I promised you a mention - sang 'Lipstick On Your Collar'. You were a great sport, and it was good to meet you.

Ken you were right - it was a 'Kind of Magic' and you sang just for me like you promised. Thanks ;-)

It must have been good music because my niece was actually dancing with me. Where's the video camera when you want one?
Usually she says I show her up, and pretends she's not related.
Can you believe that?
No - I thought not ;-)

Abigail it was good to see you again, next time I expect to see you dancing ;-)

Mercury - Queen Tribute Band - Rocks Masham

'We will, we will, Rock You', and you did guys.

You are 'The Champions' my friends.





What a super show Sat Nav and I went to see last night. It was the first time we'd seen this brilliant band . . . but it won't be the last. Even Sat Nav was up on her feet dancing, and that takes some motivation ;-) Ouch!

Mercury absolutely rocked Masham. Fantastic, brilliant, terrific musicality. I could go on and on. Lee you even look like Freddie - an uncanny likeness. Thanks for letting me wear your crown. Gosh! Isn't it heavy!

The band played to a full house, and we all got down and dirty. The atmosphere was electric. My feet are still sore, probably due to the fact that I wore heels to dance. Will I never learn?

Sorry you only got one piece of cake Andy, but the band ate it all. It wasn't me - honest. I only had two pieces ;-)

Shaun, you've done it again. You always bring the best tribute bands to Masham.

'Oh What a Night' - Darlington Civic Theatre

Last night Sat Nav and I went to see Kid Creole (without his coconuts) at Darlington Civic Theatre in a show called 'Oh What A Night!'

We were to meet up with my sister and her friend. We were traveling to the theatre from different directions.... Sat Nav and I heading North while my sister and her friend headed South. We were to meet in the middle, at Darlington.
Sis and friend had decided to have a meal before the show, so when we arrived I phoned her. They were in the Indian restaurant beside the theatre and were told that if they presented their show tickets then they would receive a 10% discount!

I could see the Indian restaurant as we walked towards the ticket office. After collecting our tickets we came out of said Ticket Office and went into the restaurant. Or so we thought!

I looked around and couldn't see my sister anywhere.
A waitress said 'would you like to come this way' I said 'yes, but I'm looking for my sister'. By that time a waiter carrying pizza's walk past us - strange in an Indian restaurant - the penny should have dropped then really. By that time everyone had turned to look at us, probably wondering why we were looking so blank.

I said to the waitress 'is this the Indian restaurant' she said 'no this is the Italian....the Indian Restaurant is next door' lol!!!
How embarrassing is that?

In my defence even though they are next door to each other they do appear to merge into one.. lol!!! That's my excuse anyway...

So we eventually found my sister and her friend enjoying a curry next door in the Indian Restaurant, and they got their 10% off. And the very nice guy in the Indian restaurant brought Sat Nav and I a couple of After Eight mints. How sweet is that ?

On with the show.....The curtain went up at 8pm and the audience were on their feet and dancing in the aisles from then on.

Kid Creole (without his coconuts) but with some great dancers, absolutely rocked. I just love 70s disco music. Now...I know that some may call me sad, but I don't care....you can't beat it.

Here's a taste of the tunes, Celebration, We Are Family, Young Hearts Run Free, Oh What A Night, YMCA and I Will Survive, that we - the audience - took over......bloody marvelous.

The show had a fab finale with terrific audience participation. I doubt if Darlington Civic has rocked so enthusiastically before.....not since The Rocky Horror Show, at least!

That's two nights we've had out on the trot and we are 'in the doghouse' with our lovely dog for leaving him twice!!! Just to make us feel extra guilty he has refused to eat all of his breakfast this morning :-(
He'll have to have lots of special attention today to get us back into his good books. In true doggy fashion he is extremely good at making us feel guilty.....

Rock and Roll meets Physiotherapy!

I'd been looking forward to seeing this band for weeks, and to catching up with Andy and Shaun. And as you might already know I love to put on my dancing shoes and make an exhibition of myself.

However...I've had a slight hitch as a couple of days previously I was attacked by the wind!

Again, it's no secret that my daily chores include cleaning up after our lovely Katie (horse) - and I'm a proper little Trojan because I do this in all weathers.
For those of you who are familiar with picking up after horses you will know the tools of the trade. For those who are not I'll try to describe them.... a rake that's hard to describe, but very light, and a scoop that resembles a hood on a stick.

I was working away, I'd emptied several scoops into the wheelbarrow in the field, and was carefully picking my way back through the mud into the top paddock when whooooosh...the wind howled around the corner and picked up the scoop - and me - with such force that I became a kite!
I was momentarily swept off my feet in what seemed like slow motion then dumped down hard right onto a boulder. Would you believe I was surrounded by grass, and mud, but I had to bang my hip on the only sodding boulder!

It didn't hurt at the time, so I got up, laughed about it, and carried on. The wind tried to get me again, but I was ahead of it. It wasn't going to catch me out a second time.
Katie looked somewhat amused by it all - but didn't come to offer any help, but did leave me another deposit!

Yesterday was a different story. I was in pain aaaaaarrrrrrrgggghhhhhh!
But...I was determined I wasn't going to let it spoil my dancing, and it didn't...I had waited too long to see this band.

T-Rex had a support group, so we got an unexpected treat.
And I say treat because you don't always know what you're going to get with a support band. But this group rocked!
They are called 'Helter Skelter'. I understand they come from Huddersfield...look out for them, they deserve bigger things. In fact they could have carried the night.

The Town Hall was packed, standing room only. So, I had to keep dancing to give my hip some physiotherapy. Naturally the T-Rex Tribute band were great.

I nearly forgot to tell you, our friend Brian (my Fling it Here, Fling it There co-star) had been pressured into local village hall duties. Of course being the good friend that I am, I rang his mobile phone and let him here the music. Within fifteen minutes Brian appeared in the doorway with a big smile on his face.

During the interval we all enjoyed yummy chocolate cake courtesy of Andy.
Thanks Andy! It was delicious.

Needless to say I am suffering today with my hip, and am in agony sat here typing this! But it was well worth it ;-)

Blood Pressure!

Well . . . I have been back to my GP for my results today.

You will all be delighted to learn that my heart is beating just as it should. My bad cholesterol level isn't too high; I just need to keep a watchful eye on my diet. The muffins are still off limits though ;-(

As for the smoking . . . well, I will try my very best to stop!

There is one little irritation that needs some attention - no, not Gloria (or Sat Nav as some of you will know her) . . . how could you all think that lol!!!
It seems my blood pressure is misbehaving, and very soon I will have to use a monitor for a week. And then yet another visit to my doctors . . . but what chance do I stand when they insist on playing such awful music in the waiting room! Bring on the rest and relaxation cd's PLEASE!

U2 UK

Last Saturday night Sat Nav and I, along with our friend Brian, went to see U2 UK and what a performance they gave. It was the first dance night I'd had in ages and my feet were screaming for mercy at the end of it . . . in fact they are still screaming, which means I had a good night ;-)

The audience was with this band all of the way and if you get a chance to see them . . . GO! They have a terrific sound and are not to be missed.

It was great to catch up with our friends Andy and Shaun - thanks Andy for taking the pics . . . you're getting better ;-) I hope the ones I took on your camera came out well, fingers crossed eh!

ELO Experience at Masham Town Hall

Due to the earlier book signing we missed the first half of the ELO Experience at Masham Town Hall, but what we did see was very good.

There was a great crowd in who obviously enjoyed and appreciated this band's performance. I had a few dances after borrowing my friend's husband - thanks Mandy you know he's safe with me lol!!! It was good to catch up with Shaun and Andy, albeit briefly.