I’ve been a bit late posting, but yes, I did complete the Big Half 2025, despite the curveballs thrown such as tube strikes and er.. the heat, and maybe being a bit quick for the first few miles. It was a great atmosphere on the day, organisation was smooth, despite being a bit worried I might be late due to having the extra distance to walk and less frequent trains etc I made it to my starting pen on time.…
Bloomsbury Chamber Orchestra – Autumn Concert – October 11th LONDON: St Saviour’s Church Saturday 11th October, 2025 Time: 7:30pm Programme BRUCKNER, Symphony No. 6WEBER, Concertino for ClarinetBORODIN, Prince Igor Overture Details St. Pauls Sinfonia – Strauss II Bicentenary | Philip Cashian & Sibelius Symphony No. 1 Greenwich – St Alfege Church Friday 17th October 2025 at 7:30pm Johann Strauss II | Die Fledermaus overtureSibelius | Karelia Suite*Philip Cashian | Violin ConcertoSibelius | Symphony No. 1 Oliver Gibbs baritone*Michael Foyle violinAndrew…
In brief, it’s going well, almost to plan (of course, I’m behind training plan…) Can’t thank those who have sponsored me to date enough, you are marvellous people! Still time to sponsor if you wish on this link . Training Higlights Most training has been on paths & trails around Biggleswade, with one long easy trail run with my chums from Run2Drink. We ran from Royston to Baron Brewery (well, we’re affiliated to Drink Tasting room and bottle shop in…
Since posting my spring / summer concerts post, a few more have come in. London International Orchestra – St. Jude’s Last Night of the Proms – Sunday June 29th. LIO are featuring this year for the popular last night of the Proms at St. Jude’s Church in Hamstead. I’ve previously played as this prom finale with North London Symphony Orchestra. It is a very popular and well supported summer Prom season – check out their website for more information. Last…
Today I had my 6 month consultation with my haematologist – almost 2 years after I finished treatment for my Hairy Cell Leukaemia relapse. The news is all good, as normal as can be – next check-up in 6 months. So, in addition to a consultation in September, I will be running The Big Half in London, raising funds for Blood Cancer UK. This is my second time doing this particular half-marathon, having previously completed it in (checking Strava…) in…
A busy start to the year, several concerts already in the calendar, playing with new groups and some interesting and nostalgic repertoire! A few challenges also! BBC Ariel Orchestra February 2, 2pm, BBC Maida Vale Studios, Delaware Road, London Conductor: Mark Eager My first concert with BBC Ariel Orchestra, playing repertoire that I’ve not played since my Junior National Youth Orchestra of Ireland days! I last played Bolero in the final concert of our tour in Cyprus in Summer of…
It’s been 2 years now since finding out my Hairy Cell Leukaemia had relapsed. I’ve blogged about this previously in more detail, basically, not the news we wanted at the time. Looking back the treatment and recovery journey was very different to the first episode. Long story short, my recent haematology results (last week) came out all pretty much in normal expected ranges, nothing that the consultant is worried or concerned about – next check up in 6 months. I’ve…
We are delighted to share that “A time to say Bocelli and Brightman” will be coming to the fabulous Bigg Theatre in Biggleswade on Saturday 17th August at 8pm. A musical tribute to classical singers Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, performed by Howard Ellis and Helen Power. Enjoy beautiful music from Italian opera, film, and theatre to classical chart hits. In Time To Say Bocelli & Brightman, Howard and Helen explore the stars’ solo careers and their famous duets. Click…
This day last year I started chemotherapy for my relapse of Hairy Cell Leukaemia. It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 months but thankfully, here we are! At the time, my calendar was filled with chemotherapy appointments and blood tests, every two weeks running until end of May, but in our minds, we were taking it one day at a time. Looking forward at the time, all we had to go on was what happened during my initial treatment, neutropenia,…
Long overdue a post on my blog – will start with some upcoming concerts! It does appear to be a mini-tour of “St James’s” Churches… 🙂 London International Orchestra St James’s Church, Piccadilly Thursday 23rd November – 7:30pm Conductor: Alexander Walker Tickets from Eventbrite London Euphonia Orchestra St James’s Church, Sussex Gardens Saturday 25th November – 7:30pm Conductor: Dario Peluso Tickets on Eventbrite Hitchin Band – The Snowman Saturday 2nd December Performances at St Mary’s Church, Hitchin at the following…
