Singing

There are many things said about singing. One of the most impressive claims is that, while it does not cure, it seems it opens up patients with Alzheimer's. One patient, who was previously unable to communicate with his wife, before singing, can now communicate better. If this is proven, this is wonderful news!

I've been singing in a choir since 1994, one of the first things I did when I joined this university, was to join the choir. I have no doubt of the therapeutic value of singing, even though I can't point to any scientific proof. I have epilepsy. I am sure that the trick with epilepsy is to make sure you don't have seizures. The longer you can do that, perhaps the pathways, that were damaged, become clearer and work more normally?

Part of my therapy is drugs. Perhaps without knowing it, another part is singing?

Drawing Florence

This is a sketch of Florence that I did, while I was in Cromer, Norfolk, of course!

Drawing

How many of us, I wonder, buy into this silly idea that drawing is somehow juvenile? All the art competitions I see here in England, seem to aimed at children. This doesn't seem to be the case in other countries. Drawing and writing here, seem to be things you do at school.

Perhaps I'm still a kid then, and here's some proof!

This is Bath, which was inspired from a drawing in an art book, by Adrain Hill. Drawings I try from photos seem to turn out differently. It's all learning!

St. George's Day

You'd never believe it, but today is England's national day, Saint George's Day. So significant, that of course, I'm typing this at work and not at home! A card shop has jumped onto the bandwagon and started printing St. George's Day greetings cards.

It's ironic that in England you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day, which has had nothing to do with England since 1916! I am glad though that the Irish have a very strong commitment to their nation's culture and ethos. I just wish we did about England too....

Hospital Radio Chelmsford

One passion I've always had is radio. Hospital Radio is a great way to realise the dream of doing real radio. Hospital Radio stations often have state of the art studios and equipment which rivals the local radio stations.

My hobby being turned to help someone's stay in hospital to become more pleasant is wonderful.

Many household names like Ken Bruce, Mike Smith have made careers which sprang from Hospital Radio. Your commercial or BBC local station most likely have many presenters who started in Hospital Radio.

Have a look at www.hrc.org.uk