Monday, 30 November 2009

My announcement!

I announced on air today that I intend to move on from BBC Radio SOlent at the end of the year. It has been a really difficult decision to make, and when I was on retreat earlier this year it gave me the space to think what is next. I would like very much to do some more theatre, and continue broadcasting in some form. When you are doing a five day a week show that is more difficult. I have had the most brilliant time at Solent because you listeners are very special people. The stories you have told me have moved me, but most of all made me feel incredibly privileged that you have shared them with me. The funny times, the sad times and the laugh out loud times are all down to you.
Thankyou so much!
Mr M has been driven mad I am sure whilst I have been making this decision so I would say to anyone waiting for Mr/Mrs Right they are out there and I just feel so blessed that he came and found me!
Join us on BBC Radio Solent 96.1/103.8FM weekdays 1-4pm or on the BBC iPlayer anytime at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7rv

Friday, 27 November 2009

Switching on the Christmas lights!

Some of you may be doing exactly that this weekend so I am going to be joining you by switching on the lights at Byron Road in Barton on Sea on Saturday at 6.30 - they have a fabulous display so I am very much looking forward to it and to meeting you there. Wrap up warm and come and join in!
My daughter has just sent a photo of India going to meet Father Christmas - she is 3 now and just at that age when she understands more about FC> But the look on her face is priceless!!! She is obviously not quite sure and there is a sense of 'I'm a toddler get me out of here'!!! I am sure she will warm to the jolly man in a red suit once she sees the presents under the tree!

Join us on BBC Radio Solent 96.1/103.8FM weekdays 1-4pm or on the BBC iPlayer anytime at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7rv

Friday, 20 November 2009

Children in Need Day

has been great fun and I started the day by going to Bournemouth University and joining them in their 24 hour Jugglathon. I am the most uncoordinated person but with a little practice managed what could be loosely described as a juggle. I then met the boys doing the rowathon and very unfairly interviewed one who had just done hundreds of miles on the rowing machine and expected him to talk! Hundred of people today are making sure that a lot of people raise as much money as possible for this very worthy cause.
Tomorrow morning I am opening the Shop til you Drop Christmas Fair at West Hill Park School at Titchfield, so if you are around come and say hi at 10 o'clock. Looking forward to it!
Mr M and I are then going to see Min and Indie in Brighton - India has promised we will get to ploay dolls houses again!
Have a great weekend
Join us on BBC Radio Solent 96.1/103.8FM weekdays 1-4pm or on the BBC iPlayer anytime at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7rv

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

We shall remember them

I stood in Watts Park opposite the studiotoday with many others to commemorate the eleventh hour of the eleventh month proudly wearing my poppy. I felt really sad that today my father would not be able to do the same, so I did it for him too. I am very proud of what he did in the war, and now he has dementia the time for him strangely has gone back to those days and he will occasionally come out with memories of Bomber Command. Isn't it odd how this disease means that the present is not available but the past comes flooding back. Many of the old soldiers standing there proudly today you could see in their eyes were doing the same. As two children from a local school placed the poppy wreath down, their memories will be of the more current war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The outcome sadly the same, and like you I am sure that you shed tears when we saw the news and six more brave soliders came home.
If you didn't get the chance at 11 o'clock today maybe just take two minutes after reading this
Lest we forget
Join us on BBC Radio Solent 96.1/103.8FM weekdays 1-4pm or on the BBC iPlayer anytime at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7rv

Thursday, 5 November 2009

We are on a long weekend!

So lovely ALina Jenkins will be here tomorrow. We are going to London for a long weekend. I really want to see the Christmas windows and the lights. I always think that if you leave it any later than this you can hardly move on the streets. I also really want to see an exhibition at the National Photographic Gallery and as I haven't been since I was a child maybe get to to the Natural History Museum too.
Have a fab weekend and see you on Monday - I'll let you know if I got any bargains.
Join us on BBC Radio Solent 96.1/103.8FM weekdays 1-4pm or on the BBC iPlayer anytime at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7rv

Monday, 2 November 2009

So what do you think?

Dr Robin Pauc joined me in the studio today to talk about debunking the myth of dyslexia - he feels that it is something that if caught early on in a child's life can be changed and dramatically alter the child's difficulty with learning. He is endeavouring to ensure that each child is given the right eye test including looking for convergence insufficiency which means that looking at the written word is difficult. He reckons that parent power should do it but he is also lobbying government to have things changed. He is always a fascinating guest and perhaps you have thoughts on this?
We had a lovely weekend and visited a friend in Sussex and then saw Min and India. India is now at the age where she loves playing in her bedroom and each time I arrive she will drag me upstairs to play dolls, or bricks or to read. This weekend we cleared out the dolls house and gave it a spring clean and she rearranged the funiture which ended up flat against each wall of the house - well, left lots of room for dancing!!!
Sunday rained and rained so I did some more clearing out and put away the summer clothes whilst Mr M did some work. Ho hum - thermal vests soon!!!
Join us on BBC Radio Solent 96.1/103.8FM weekdays 1-4pm or on the BBC iPlayer anytime at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7rv