Hello 2025

Here we are, the final day of 2024, and looking ahead to the new year. 

I’ve had some great times this year, but 2024 leaves me rather sad as some of the fizz and pop have gone flat in these last weeks. 

A nagging pain has caused health concerns recently, though recent tests and scans look hopeful. More investigations to come in the new year. And my relationship has entered a “on a break” phase, just short of two years, which had me feeling quite low over the Christmas period. So there’s been lots of comfort eating. My traditional Christmas tarts disappeared quickly. Diet and steady walking begin next week.

I’ve been lucky to have some travel in 2024. A wonderful short trip to Essaouira in Morocco in April. An amazing place and I hope to return some day. 

And more recently a trip to Canada in October to be part of Esther Fest in Amherst, Nova Scotia, thanks to my wonderful friend Charlie Rhindress. We had a reading of Guilty! The Story of the Great Amherst Mystery, a play I was in over 30 years ago. It was a delight to catch up with so many old friends whilst I was there.

And I had a more local, but equally delightful, trip this past week. Went to visit Jon near Skegness, with Kim and Linda, and we caught up on over 50 years of friendship. 

Work-wise, I finished the year with a nice voice job, reading a smashing story for the GeoStories app, Professor Graveling’s Last lecture. Download the app and see if you can find me within some of the other episodes. 

In the new year I take to the stage again – I was in The Boys are Back In’t Tarn as aging Rock Guitarist Briggsy in March – and we return as part of a double bill evening at The Lamproom Theatre in Barnsley on February 7th. Tickets and details here…

So, it’s almost time to hang the new calendar. With one last look back…
Today marks 14 years since my Dad passed away. A lovely, generous, friendly man who I see every time I look in the mirror. He loved Christmas and New Year celebrations, though his loss leaves an annual sadness over mine. 

So, tonight I will raise a glass to him, something alcoholic – though I mainly drink 0% beers these days.
And I will raise a glass to you too. 

May your New Year be full of joy and goodness, despite all the bad stuff going on in the world. 

And please, let’s have Peace in Palestine.