Brexit

I hadn't heard the news about Boris which Tregear Vean mentions: does anyone really think he stands a chance of replacing Mrs May?

I now trust very few politicians - they effectively took No Deal off the table which was surely a bargaining chip. I do support my local MP who always votes as I think he should: this leaves me with a problem. How do I register my discontent with the Conservatives and not vote for the MP I like? I have written to him to explain my current feelings on Brexit.

What I'll do at the next election I do not know.

Ignored again

I have blogged before about the way people seem to treat me in social occasions.

This evening it happened again. What a waste of my time!

I had gone out to ring church bells prior to a branch meal which had to be pre-booked. The ringing was OK and we went to the pub.

As I was on my own I waited to be seated so that couples could sit together; I took a seat near two people I know. Once seated the starters were brought out for those who had ordered them - some of us had not. While people were eating I tried to strike up a conversation with three people: this lasted 15 seconds and then I was ignored.

Eventually the mains came and I had decided to leave once I had finished mine as I did not order a dessert. So from arrival at the pub to me completing my meal was a whole hour. At that point the chap on my left did strike up a conversation, but why did he wait an hour to do so?

Anyway, I made a few comments out of politeness and left.

As it is I dislike eating too late as I often t do not sleep well after a late meal. I shall not go again.

I did not enjoy the evening and the food was over-priced. £13.00 for a Steak and Ale Pie - RIP OFF

Ash Wednesday - Incense

I was called in - at the last minute - to play for a service at a church a few miles away. It was yesterday, hence an Ash Wednesday service.

I had forgotten that there might be incense. My experience with this is not good. When I was organist at a town church they would always park the thurible (when not in use) near the organ and, hence, near the console. I put up with it but I don't know why.

To me, incense is just smoke because that is what people want to see. Totally pointless and downright unhealthy IMHO.

Exhausted

We had 19 music exams at school yesterday and I accompanied all but two of them. I am exhausted.

I planned to go ringing today but wonder if I actually shall; far easier to stay at home. I do need to go shopping, though. Suffice it to say I lack motivation but I take the view that my Saturday off is a chance to recharge my batteries. I am at work again tomorrow from 0800 to 1245.

I do find I check my email far too regularly. I need friends but only have one close one at present. Oh misery me.

What is wrong with society?

There is plenty wrong with society, but here are a few things I think are plain wrong.

1. Naked Attraction - which cretin thought up this programme and which bunch of people actually thought it would be appropriate viewing?
2. The increasing amount of Halal Slaughter of animals in the UK. How can the RSPCA turn a blind eye?
3. The inability of young children to cook and the way supermarkets offer pre-prepared food.
4. The ineptitude of politicians.
5. Political correctness gone mad which means people cannot express an opinion for feat of having some label attached them.
6. Health and Safety gone mad.

Vocal Range

I have a concert at school next term. I usually manage to find a suitable song for up to 60 pupils to sing together: however the task is getting harder.

People think that children can sing anything: this is not so. They can TRY to song anything and children are good mimics. The fact remains that a lot of the songs children hear - and like - are not within their vocal range. The image below (click to enlarge) illustrates the problem: it is driving me mad!

A = Too low for children
B = A good vocal range for children up to 13 (and girls beyond that)
C = Most children will not wish to sing up here unless they have individual singing lessons.
D = The range of most adult pop artists. Some pop songs are at the top of a tenor's range and, if the song fits within B will be good. However, a tenor's range is a good 12th but pitched a 5th below the 12th range of children. Thus, it is no good singing a song displaced by an octave. The current craze for songs from "The Greatest Showman" is extremely unhelpful.

Try telling that to colleagues, parents and children!

Stedman

I loath Stedman.

I have been a bellringer since 1973. My ringing took off in 1976 and I had a lull at university from 1977-1980 (As the Bristol University Ringers were not a welcoming lot back then!) but made huge steps on my PGCE course in the Reading area.

When I moved to the place where I now live I had ring a fair bit of Stedman but was no expert. There is one high-powered tower round here where I went to ring (back in the 1980s) and I joined in some Stedman. I went wrong and was reprimanded by another ringer for having spoilt their evening: it was practice night! I did not return to that tower for 20 years. These days, I would have given that chap a piece of my mind. I think he is now dead!

Anyway, I often go to towers where they insist on ringing Stedman: some claim it is a musical method. However, it is also one in which it is easy to lose one's place. Actually, it is very simple to ring - until calls are made. One can then forget whether to go in quick or slow. Good ringers are able to look around and find clues: I used to use the 4-5 rule but it does not seem to work for me these days for some reason.

In my experience, Stedman is a divisive method (actually a Principle) and it is used - I feel -to show off or make others feel less able.

However, some people seem to think they MUST ring it at all costs and so it gets rung badly, mostly at practice nights: seldom is it rung for services at my tower.

Here it is, rung nicely.