Last night Mike Peters played at Central Station as part of his Red Poppy Tour and despite the fact I was only 9 days post surgery I honestly could not miss this event. I knew the venue, I knew the layout and I knew that if I got there early enough I could get a seat which would protect my tummy and rest it too.
The fact that I had promised to take my son Joe who had just turned 14 to his first Mike Peters gig was something I didn't want to miss.
Picture by Sue Owen via FB
The evening was made even more memorable by meeting other members of the Alarm family.
Picture by Sue Owens via FB
Joe was a little shell shocked and shy but he thoroughly enjoyed his first Mike Peters gig. A couple of months ago his dad took him to see The Wombats in Delemere Forest and he was quite worried that there would be fans throwing cans and bottles...... No fear of that at a Mike Peters gig, the fans are too in awe of this incredible musician and appreciate his music to detract from the atmosphere with such antics.
The set list was awesome A New Chapter, Without a Fight, Breathe, Majority, Unsafe Building, Deeside, Spirit of 76, Without a Fight, One Guitar, Blaze of Glory, Moments in Time, Love Hope and Strength, Hallowed Ground, Second Generation ..............a m a z i n g
The aim of this world wide cancer charity is to provide cancer resources in every country. It also has a huge bone marrow donor drive and Mike is campaigning to reduce the donor age of people in the UK. At the moment you have to be 40 or under whereas in USA its 60. If you follow this LINK you can read a bit more about what the charity is about.
Fighting cancer one concert at a time.
So thats what we did yesterday, me and Jason.... we joined Love Hope Strength to climb to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales to raise lots of money for this great charity.
We set off in the morning starting with a few words from Mike Peters and some tunes.
It started to rain and soon it was belting it down. By the time we got to the Halfway House we were completely drenched. A sandwich and a drink soon helped lift my mood and then I was amazed as Mike and Chris Summerill and Matt all did a song each.
I had to laugh at Mike and Jules young son, mimicking his dad behind him and when he was asked was he going to be a rock star when he grew up he said very firmly "a footballer".
I found that first trek very difficult mainly because I was over heating and yet having to wear waterproofs to keep me dry. Many times I saw that train on its merry way to the top and I wished I was on there!
It was lovely to see mini versions of Cola on the way up. This little chap was quite happy sleeping whilst being over looked and watched by the rest of his pack.
I especially liked meeting up with friends, Sue O, Shirley G, Joff N, Nigel and Sue A and their daughter, Chris S and his wife and lovely dogs not to mention Dave S! The man with the flag!
People were so friendly going up, it was inspiring to see young and old all going up with one aim in mind - to climb that summit and raise money for this cancer charity.
When we got to the top we were treated to more songs and then a well deserved hot chocolate and a warm before we went out into the elements again.
Mike Peters pictured here singing in the rain and yes he DID climb that flippin mountain with a knee injury!
Do you need inspiration? Do you need a heroe or mentor? Look no further than this man here!!!
Singing at the top - walkers who didn't know what we were about did look rather puzzled. Note to self.... next year - yep you heard me correctly - next year I am going to take some leaflets with me about the charity and when I get talking to people - which we did yesterday I will pass them on to spread the word. Its not just about the money its about raising awareness and getting people to register for bone marrow donorship.
The way down was alot easier and quicker plus the sun came out and by the time we got to the bottom our clothes were bone dry. Apart from my feet which were soggy and I feared a case of trench foot when I took my boots and socks off!
It was nice to be greeted by our mini Cola at the end.
Many people took their dogs up to the summit and thats a great idea, lovely day out for them but one woman (from a different party to LHS) took her 8 month old golden retriever up there and he was refusing to walk down, she had to go and get some food for him to encourage him.
NOTE: Dogs under the age of 1 years old should not be subjected to strenuous exercise which includes running with you, mountain walks or anything lasting a considerable amount of time. The reason for this is simple.... they are still growing and their bones are forming. Any exertion can cause skeletol problems later on in life. Always consult your vet before taking your dog on a walk such as this.
I didn't take my dogs for these reasons:-
Pickles - she is just over 8 years old and has always been stiff she isn't suited to such walks
Wilbur - is recovering from the back infection he had and is not fit enough as yet
Snowy - is only 9 months old and too young to tackle it
It was a great day and an achievement for me with the fun I have had this year so far !!!!
Money raised from this walk will be going to the North Wales Cancer Unit to improve the lives of cancer patients in this part of my country.
And on that note, I leave you with Chris Summerill - his next CD is out soon so he tells me!!!! Can't wait!!
Music has always been a part of my life from the age dot! My first memory is the old piano my mum had. What a beautiful piece of furniture it was too..... Walnut with patterns, real ivory and ebony keys - I loved to sit and play on that but was always wary of the lid shutting on little fingers!
I liked it when the man came to tune the piano and I could look inside. I don't think he was interested in little children, I think I used to get in the way.
My last memory of that beautiful piece of furniture was sacrilage! My mum chopped it up - don't know why but she did. So sad.
I always remember Andy Williams on the radio and I hated it, still do now.... Great tune, nice voice BUT I always associate that music and his voice with rainy days when I was confined to the house, colouring in stupid pictures while mum did housework.
My friends and I grew up in the 70's and early 80's the days of Fame, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. We decided to have our own little dance routine to Needles and Pins. We would rehearse in my garage away from the teasing of the boys. The vinyl single would be put on the old fashioned player and off we would go on our routine.
The Funky Gibbon by the Goodies was one of the first singles I ever bought. My brothers and I clubbed our pocket money together to buy it. Boy that record got played and played and we knew all of the actions! It still makes me smile to think about it.
Depeche Mode were always my favourite band to dance to at the DISCO!!! I loved their albums which were forever on my turn table.
Ooh early 80's Depeche Mode were the first band I ever saw live, I think it was in Manchester Apollo....
