Trainspotting

From last night at Reading Station; it made the train being ten minutes late worthwhile.

Bumble Bee

Saw my first bumble bee of the year this morning and it put an enormous smile across my face. Coupled with the happiest bus driver ever known in the existence of man, the glorious sunshine and a decent day at work has resulted in a bloody good mood this evening.

I myself have been and am going to be a busy busy bumble bee. This week's plans (in addition to lovely but hectic week at work) include a visit to the school I work with, a leaving do in Reading on Thursday, a pub quiz in honour of the charity I work for on Friday, a night out with my old work colleagues (also on Friday), Saturday in Henley with my friends and their kids followed by my parent's 30th wedding anniversary celebrations and then the Reading Half Marathon on Sunday followed by a comedy event in Bramley in the evening. And breathe.

Things are moving swiftly with my departure to Reading; hopefully I'll be there by the summer. We're also moving office at work and I am likely to have the joint responsibility of ensuring "staff engagement" (third sector bollocks talk for making sure the staff are happy) is excellent throughout the whole process. To be honest I'm more concerned about the new furniture I want to get for my flat than the bloody colour of the staff room, but hey ho it keeps them happy.

The idea of the music festival was incredibly well received by all and I'm starting on the networking and hobnobbing that goes with this type of event... I'm really not good at that shit, but alas, I shall learn as the reward massively outweighs the burden.

Spring

Spring is in the air and in my step.

Latitude

Whilst undertaking some research; I have just spotted the 2012 Latitude Festival... Which is give or take a few acts, has my dream line up; with the lovely lovely Laura, Elbow, Metronomy, Paul Weller, Tim Minchin and M83 being the highlights. Although I'm only familiar with three or so names; the poetry tent is a mega bonus and is something which I'd like to include in our soiree next year.

Always remember..

A poke in the eye is better than a packet of giblets.*

(*Drunken advice from my friend Swanny. Can't argue with that.)

Reality

Having discussed the idea of a "fantasy festival" (which is a festival of your own creation with your ultimate line up of musicians / comedians / performers) to many friends; I'm going to try to make it partially a reality.

The Forbury Gardens is a wonderful space in the centre of Reading town. It is also; in my humble opinion the perfect venue for a small-scale, one day festival of music, art and comedy next summer. This will be a festival in Reading, created by the people of Reading, for the people of Reading. All the acts will have an affiliation with Reading and the surrounding area. The proceeds of which will go to Reading charities; especially the one which employs me. I have just had this idea, so I've no idea how they'll feel about this. What has to be considered is that we're currently preparing for four days of work on a short film based around a group of Elvis impersonators (the original idea of making a Zombie slasher film didn't sit well with our Trustees)... So, it's a pretty safe bet that this isn't too far fetched.

Being in possession of a cheery and positive disposition can occasionally lead to great disappointment; but  it also invokes a fuck-it-this-can-be-done spirit and high aspirations. This will work.

SARCs

A sobering topic; but one which I feel strongly enough to blog about. Reading, Berkshire, has an estimated population of 232,000 people and it is without the support and co-ordination of a local Sexual Assault Referral Centre - the closest being in Slough. A SARC is a `one stop shop’ co-ordinated by the Police and NHS. The centres provide victims of rape or sexual assault options, immediate crisis support, forensic medical examination, access to emergency contraceptive, sexual health screening, and access to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. 

In event of a rape or a sexual assault; it is unlikely that a victim will - a) be aware of the existence of  SARCs, b) be unable to travel to their "closest" SARC (which may be some considerable distance) or c) be confident that they are going to be treated with dignity or empathy by local services (e.g their GP or Police). These influences lead to disgustingly low levels of detection and conviction for perpetrators of these audacious crimes. The psychological trauma (often resulting in PTSD; amongst many other mental health issues) and impact of victim's lives cannot be measured. The early intervention of SARC staff with victims may result in reductions in the after effects of the crimes and increase the likelihood that charges will be made against the perpetrators.

If you have one minute spare (and you do; if you don't - make it spare); sign the following e-petition to join the campaign for legislation to be brought forward compelling the government to provide a SARC to each town or city with a population of 120,000 or more.

I WANT ONE. NOW.

Good citizen

Never under estimate the power of cheeriness. Support your local coffee shop; they provide an incredibly valuable service.