Last Thursday and Friday (6 November) we had Simon van Booy, 34, from New York talking to us and giving us a workshop. He had just been announced as the winner of the prestigious Frank O’Connor Short Story Award for his collection, Love Begins in Winter. Simon’s funny and interesting talk was also attended by the Dartington Campus – commonly known as the ‘wacky’ campus – mainly because one girl once turned up in a coat made from Parma ham (how expensive - especially for a student – not to mention smelly) and our lecture confirmed this. One attendee, a rather well-built chap turned up in boxer shorts and socks. We at Falmouth assumed that it was a bet, but I have been since informed that this was to do with ‘performance art’ as this was his course. Get thee to a gym that’s what I say. Although we were fortunate in that his lecturer persuaded him not to turn up in the buff – his usual attire – that or ladies’ undies. How we laughed.
Back to Simon though. He was utterly brilliant and apart from saying that it was better to be miserable to write made he me feel that anything it possible! I sadly admit that I have written several his ancedotes and jokes down purely because they are something far more brilliant than something I could ever attempt myself.
I’m officially a ‘surf chick’, well that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. On Saturday night (7 November) I went to ‘Board Shorts’ – puns intended, a series of short films on surfing, which was part of the Cornwall Film Festival which was this weekend.
So what on earth was I, a self-confessed shirker of most physical activity if ever there was one, doing at this event? Well truth be told, my neighbour, a bona fide surfer, was reviewing it for a local magazine, ‘The Stranger’ and he had a spare ticket. That and the promise of lots of fit, Greek god like youths. I was not disappointed. Many sported what I thought was very dodgy facial furniture in the shape Magnum style ‘taches but these were all for a good cause, namely Movember a month long charity event for men’s health and particularly Prostate Cancer. So all for a brilliant and worthwhile cause (and they all still looked cute…).
Knowing nothing about surfing I was in for a treat. The eight films were truly inspiring, both visually and emotionally. None more so than the ‘Beach Boys’, a film about three young autistic boys who had been brought out of themselves by the experience. It was humbling in the extreme to watch these children and their parents. One father said that he would ‘wear a blue hat on Thursdays’ if it would have made a difference to his son’s development – and surfing certainly did that. To watch these children, who previously did not communicate with the world around them, come to life reduced me to tears.
This week has mostly been overshadowed by having no internet access in my room – which may sound trivial, but when you have to run backwards and forwards in torrential rain and howling gales to the library to post work (yes, the weather forecasts were very accurate) it’s not much fun. I didn’t think it was possible to get so get soaked to the skin in such a short space of time – even with an umbrella. I also have no phone and no light and no television aerial. Suffice to say the maintenance department are not keen on me right now and the feeling is entirely mutual.
On a lighter note I have been accepted on a bursary placement for a screen writing workshop run by the BBC next weekend. I am slightly dubious about their criteria but I’ve been accepted so I can’t be that bad. We shall see.
I will report back on the film festival this week, but I wanted to get something up for you lovely people sooner rather than later.
Still to come….
Don’t forget Pastywatch is on going…..and now I have my camera there will be photographs (ooh!)
Sushi night at the Star & Garter (ahh!)
And much more besides…..
Monday, 16 November 2009
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Tooting Wurzel is very wet and cold
Hey me again, back already....missed me yet?!
As you can guess from the above title - it is wet and VERY cold here. Made it to Truro today - Cornwall is very lovely - even in the relentless rain! Truro is a city as it has a cathedral - a prerequisite for that definition - but is tiny nevertheless - and beautiful.
Sadly no pasties were tasted, but I did find out that Cornish pasties should NEVER have carrot in them, as you can't grow carrots in Cornwall due to the carrot fly - *tootingwurzeltrufax*.
I bet you're glad I'm here, eh? This a short update I know and it's posts like these that make me wonder if I've made the right decision to follow this dream......your feedback is appreciated - you are my readers as I'm constantly being told, and your opinion counts!
Big love x
As you can guess from the above title - it is wet and VERY cold here. Made it to Truro today - Cornwall is very lovely - even in the relentless rain! Truro is a city as it has a cathedral - a prerequisite for that definition - but is tiny nevertheless - and beautiful.
Sadly no pasties were tasted, but I did find out that Cornish pasties should NEVER have carrot in them, as you can't grow carrots in Cornwall due to the carrot fly - *tootingwurzeltrufax*.
I bet you're glad I'm here, eh? This a short update I know and it's posts like these that make me wonder if I've made the right decision to follow this dream......your feedback is appreciated - you are my readers as I'm constantly being told, and your opinion counts!
Big love x
Monday, 2 November 2009
The Tooting Wurzel has been working hard
Sorry these have been sporadic. Sadly work has been getting in the way! Pastywatch continues....
Oggy’s still rates as the best.
Rowe’s are rubbish – minced beef – for those not 'au fait' with pasties it has to be chopped steak!
I also have to dispute Morris’s Pasties claim to be the best pasty (as voted for by the Times and Telegraph) – and it was tasty but a very poor amount of filling – not enough meat (story of my life!). I’m sorry I haven’t got any pictures up yet.
I hasten to add that this is only my humble opinion and no way should be used a benchmark in pasty-tasting.
I was also going to include the links for the companies above, but apparently cornish pasties companies are big into franchises, and as such, the only notable things their websites show is how to get a pasty franchise. But hey - if that's your things there's plenty out there!
I should also explain that they have a delightful version called a ‘cocktail’ pasty. This immediately makes me think of Ferrero Rocher – ‘with these pasties monsieur, you are spoiling uzzzz’ – it is in fact a mini pasty! A scaled down version if you will. I can’t wait to have a party to serve these little treasures. They are fabulous.
I am visiting Truro tomorrow, so if you're really lucky I may have some fresh pasty news.
I am also now a member of the allotment society (membership - humans: 45 collies: 1) and on Saturday I (mostly) planted purple sprouting broccoli, little gem lettuces, broad beans and peas - so I will be including updates on this too - providing the slugs don't get there first.
Before I sign off I thought you might like to see where I sat last weekend, whilst supping a pint of fine Cornish cider:
We were at a lovely pub called the Boathouse, this is the view, and here's the map
As well as doing this I also have to do a professional blog as part of my course, along with a website, so this is why it's taking me so long! I will, of course, add links to them here....
Oggy’s still rates as the best.
Rowe’s are rubbish – minced beef – for those not 'au fait' with pasties it has to be chopped steak!
I also have to dispute Morris’s Pasties claim to be the best pasty (as voted for by the Times and Telegraph) – and it was tasty but a very poor amount of filling – not enough meat (story of my life!). I’m sorry I haven’t got any pictures up yet.
I hasten to add that this is only my humble opinion and no way should be used a benchmark in pasty-tasting.
I was also going to include the links for the companies above, but apparently cornish pasties companies are big into franchises, and as such, the only notable things their websites show is how to get a pasty franchise. But hey - if that's your things there's plenty out there!
I should also explain that they have a delightful version called a ‘cocktail’ pasty. This immediately makes me think of Ferrero Rocher – ‘with these pasties monsieur, you are spoiling uzzzz’ – it is in fact a mini pasty! A scaled down version if you will. I can’t wait to have a party to serve these little treasures. They are fabulous.
I am visiting Truro tomorrow, so if you're really lucky I may have some fresh pasty news.
I am also now a member of the allotment society (membership - humans: 45 collies: 1) and on Saturday I (mostly) planted purple sprouting broccoli, little gem lettuces, broad beans and peas - so I will be including updates on this too - providing the slugs don't get there first.
Before I sign off I thought you might like to see where I sat last weekend, whilst supping a pint of fine Cornish cider:
We were at a lovely pub called the Boathouse, this is the view, and here's the map
As well as doing this I also have to do a professional blog as part of my course, along with a website, so this is why it's taking me so long! I will, of course, add links to them here....
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Tooting Wurzel goes to the Oyster Festival
First of all, sorry for the latest of this blog.
I’ve actually had to do some work – it’s certainly shocked me I can tell you!
First criticisms today, (apart from you lot, please carry on - all constructive) on a positive note – it can only get better – and I mean that most sincerely folks! *music please*.
Aristotle has a lot to answer for. I’m sure that’s bad English but give me time...please.
Luckily, Falmouth is still delightful and we had the Oyster Festival to enjoy this weekend. On Friday afternoon (no lectures on Friday, I hasten to add) I bought smelly cheese, lavender fudge (okay – it could be vile but I had to try it - will report back) and I tried Vintage Reserve Cider (matured in whiskey barrels) and lots more besides.
I enjoyed it so much that on Friday night I spent some time trying to get into the wrong block of flats, once realised, the conversation went something like this (screenwriting practice too you see?!):
Me [to my neighbour on mobile] Chris, Chris, my key’s not working can you come out and help?
Chris: Of course, be out in a sec.
Me: Great thanks, you’re a star.
Chris: I’m outside, where are you?
Me: Yeah?
Chris: But where?
Me: Oh...Block D?
Chris: You live in Block E [laughter]
Me: Oh yeah [sniggers, hic]
Saturday continued with friends from London and friend from course SJ – lots of champagne (Cornish, natch) and oysters (ditto, natch), sea shanties, etc and laughter. Ending with a climb up to the Jacob’s Ladder pub – so called because of the ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ of steps. SJ ‘poo-pooed’ the climb, although was heard to say to a descendee ‘would I be stopping if I was on the way down?’ A good point, well made wouldn’t you say? Although that could have had something to do with champagne.
Sunday lunch was at The Falmouth Townhouse which was lovely. Food divine: Slow Roast Pork Belly and Roast Beef with all the trimmings. Service impeccable, so much so that the chef gave us - unasked for - olives, bread and vodka, infused with chilli, vanilla and horseradish – with oysters – yum. Kathryn asked me if I had chewing gum (negative) – and yeay, suddenly it appeared. Suffice to say my doggy bag is still half full and to be ditched, purely because, for a change, I am not piggy enough.
I have to admit Sunday evening was a little flat – so much fun and then back to work – but I do love the work – never thought I’d say that!
Sorry this is short and hopefully sweet, but I wanted to make contact sooner rather than later, friends have pointed out that I have to changed the setting on my blog to enable you all to make comments if you wish – will try tomorrow. I have missed out far more than I intended which will appear in a later blog.
Sleep well.
PS still miss you all x
I’ve actually had to do some work – it’s certainly shocked me I can tell you!
First criticisms today, (apart from you lot, please carry on - all constructive) on a positive note – it can only get better – and I mean that most sincerely folks! *music please*.
Aristotle has a lot to answer for. I’m sure that’s bad English but give me time...please.
Luckily, Falmouth is still delightful and we had the Oyster Festival to enjoy this weekend. On Friday afternoon (no lectures on Friday, I hasten to add) I bought smelly cheese, lavender fudge (okay – it could be vile but I had to try it - will report back) and I tried Vintage Reserve Cider (matured in whiskey barrels) and lots more besides.
I enjoyed it so much that on Friday night I spent some time trying to get into the wrong block of flats, once realised, the conversation went something like this (screenwriting practice too you see?!):
Me [to my neighbour on mobile] Chris, Chris, my key’s not working can you come out and help?
Chris: Of course, be out in a sec.
Me: Great thanks, you’re a star.
Chris: I’m outside, where are you?
Me: Yeah?
Chris: But where?
Me: Oh...Block D?
Chris: You live in Block E [laughter]
Me: Oh yeah [sniggers, hic]
Saturday continued with friends from London and friend from course SJ – lots of champagne (Cornish, natch) and oysters (ditto, natch), sea shanties, etc and laughter. Ending with a climb up to the Jacob’s Ladder pub – so called because of the ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ of steps. SJ ‘poo-pooed’ the climb, although was heard to say to a descendee ‘would I be stopping if I was on the way down?’ A good point, well made wouldn’t you say? Although that could have had something to do with champagne.
Sunday lunch was at The Falmouth Townhouse which was lovely. Food divine: Slow Roast Pork Belly and Roast Beef with all the trimmings. Service impeccable, so much so that the chef gave us - unasked for - olives, bread and vodka, infused with chilli, vanilla and horseradish – with oysters – yum. Kathryn asked me if I had chewing gum (negative) – and yeay, suddenly it appeared. Suffice to say my doggy bag is still half full and to be ditched, purely because, for a change, I am not piggy enough.
I have to admit Sunday evening was a little flat – so much fun and then back to work – but I do love the work – never thought I’d say that!
Sorry this is short and hopefully sweet, but I wanted to make contact sooner rather than later, friends have pointed out that I have to changed the setting on my blog to enable you all to make comments if you wish – will try tomorrow. I have missed out far more than I intended which will appear in a later blog.
Sleep well.
PS still miss you all x
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Tooting Wurzel becomes a Radio Star!
Well, the first week is over and it feels like a month!
Last week saw us write, record and produce a comedy radio show from scratch, having never met each other before – it was meant to be a bonding exercise – and at the risk of sounding twee, it certainly was that! It was broadcast on Source FM on Friday afternoon and I’m going to try and get a copy to post so you can all hear it.
Don’t worry my efforts only made their way onto the cutting room floor......so you won’t have to pretend you found it hilarious. Although you will hear my voice shouting ‘murderer’ – funny huh!?
There’s a real mix of ages group, the youngest is 21 and the oldest in their 60s so it’s a real mixed bag and all with different backgrounds and reasons for being here.
Friday night was the Freshers’ Ball – I am afraid I cannot give you a first-hand account, as although I’m technically a ‘fresher’ (or should that be ‘refresher’ – not sure!) I couldn’t bring myself to travel back in time to witness pimply youths puking in bins, punching inanimate objects and peeing on their own shoes; or girls hoiking up their strapless dresses and/or extracting their skirts from their knickers.
At least that how I remember it.....instead I thought this would be a prudent time to do my laundry as it would be empty.
In my brief time here I have decided that, for the greater good of mankind, it is only right and proper that I give you a taste of Cornwall and in one word that means PASTIES.
I will be trying one from every pasty vending establishment in Falmouth – and will be reporting back on their quality – pastry, filling etc., and where possible they will be photographically illustrated.
So far I have tested three pasty purveyors:
Warren’s, Oggy’s and Presto Pasty.
Pastry and filling all good and tasty (pastry hand-crimped, natch) although a *little* too much swede in Presto’s for my liking.....
Pastywatch will continue next week.....
Today I ventured to the Learning Resource Centre – or for those of you born post 1980 – the library. All what one would expect until you reach the Visual Reference section – or DVD borrowing library.
They are catalogued and numbered sequentially – but in no order whatsoever, in terms of genre, i.e. completely randomly. For example number 10559 is ‘What the Industrial Revolution Did for Us’ and number 10560.....anyone, anyone.....well it’s obviously ‘Shaving Ryan’s Privates’! Genius. Although ‘The Joy of Curry’ (I am not kidding) *is* next to ‘Making a Fortune – the Asian Way’.
I did toy with the idea of borrowing ‘My Penis and I: Extended Version’ but decided against it.
Next week seminars begin in earnest so I will report back on that, ‘cocktail' pasties, alcoholic ginger beer (weapon grade strength) and more besides.....
Last week saw us write, record and produce a comedy radio show from scratch, having never met each other before – it was meant to be a bonding exercise – and at the risk of sounding twee, it certainly was that! It was broadcast on Source FM on Friday afternoon and I’m going to try and get a copy to post so you can all hear it.
Don’t worry my efforts only made their way onto the cutting room floor......so you won’t have to pretend you found it hilarious. Although you will hear my voice shouting ‘murderer’ – funny huh!?
There’s a real mix of ages group, the youngest is 21 and the oldest in their 60s so it’s a real mixed bag and all with different backgrounds and reasons for being here.
Friday night was the Freshers’ Ball – I am afraid I cannot give you a first-hand account, as although I’m technically a ‘fresher’ (or should that be ‘refresher’ – not sure!) I couldn’t bring myself to travel back in time to witness pimply youths puking in bins, punching inanimate objects and peeing on their own shoes; or girls hoiking up their strapless dresses and/or extracting their skirts from their knickers.
At least that how I remember it.....instead I thought this would be a prudent time to do my laundry as it would be empty.
In my brief time here I have decided that, for the greater good of mankind, it is only right and proper that I give you a taste of Cornwall and in one word that means PASTIES.
I will be trying one from every pasty vending establishment in Falmouth – and will be reporting back on their quality – pastry, filling etc., and where possible they will be photographically illustrated.
So far I have tested three pasty purveyors:
Warren’s, Oggy’s and Presto Pasty.
Pastry and filling all good and tasty (pastry hand-crimped, natch) although a *little* too much swede in Presto’s for my liking.....
Pastywatch will continue next week.....
Today I ventured to the Learning Resource Centre – or for those of you born post 1980 – the library. All what one would expect until you reach the Visual Reference section – or DVD borrowing library.
They are catalogued and numbered sequentially – but in no order whatsoever, in terms of genre, i.e. completely randomly. For example number 10559 is ‘What the Industrial Revolution Did for Us’ and number 10560.....anyone, anyone.....well it’s obviously ‘Shaving Ryan’s Privates’! Genius. Although ‘The Joy of Curry’ (I am not kidding) *is* next to ‘Making a Fortune – the Asian Way’.
I did toy with the idea of borrowing ‘My Penis and I: Extended Version’ but decided against it.
Next week seminars begin in earnest so I will report back on that, ‘cocktail' pasties, alcoholic ginger beer (weapon grade strength) and more besides.....
Monday, 5 October 2009
Welcome to Falmouth!
I've finally made to from the Big Smoke to Cornwall, it has been quite a journey - stressful but fun and now I'm finally here I know just how worthwhile it has been. Phew!
Having decided (last minute admittedly) to follow my dreams I am now pursuing an MA in Professional Writing at University College Falmouth. Let's face it Cornwall is a million miles from SW17, in every shape and form - for a start people say hello in the street and that itself is enough it put a huge grin on my face everyday in itself.
First of all, an apology, this blog has been a long time coming, all talk and no action as per usual....
My initial plan was to build up to the big move, but circumstance over took me, but thanks to the sterling http://www.rightmoves.co.uk/ from Wandsworth (highly recommended - John is a star!) I made it down in one piece - having worked up until 6pm on Thursday night, by 6pm on Friday I was in Pastyland.
On the down side I am at the arse end of the campus - and I mean the arse end. Am living in the further possible place from anywhere. On a building site. In the basement. Next to the main road. No reception - of any kind - bar this. No laundry - it's not built yet and the nearest one is 0.5k away (I am not ready to share my smalls with strangers - I don't care in what capacity.) If I was a dominatrix (think dungeons) fixated with Bob the Builder, I'd be thrilled, but I'm not.
I also think leaving a digger near student accommodation is asking for trouble - although many 0f the student appears to be more interested in sitting in the road playing guitar. Yes really.
Application in today to move, although my course leader said that she has got people out of the contract (which I am signed in for 40 weeks) before - 'but it helps if you're mad, or something' - that'll be a 'can do' . Wibble.
Two of my saviours have been Tim (mining computer whizz - fixes everything, has a proper beard and plays guitar) and Rich (surfer - who knows everything about Falmouth) - more to follow...
We also have 'Celtic John' - who is retaking his first year of Celtic Studies (me neither, I will find out, and also how do you muck up something that must involve drinking Guinness?), who was making his own pasties last night - not handmade pastry, but a good effort.
Tim thinks he is a serial killer, so if this is my only blog you know why.
Falmouth on the other hand is delightful and I have already been 'window shopping' - hopefully with a winning lottery ticket in the other hand. Food, very important to me as you know is amazing - big fat scallops are just the beginning - can't love it enough and the window at the back of M&S looks over the harbour - how brilliant is that!
Sailing and surfing are on the agenda, as is the trip to the local hospital when I eventually knock my self out, doing something stupid.
Going to sign off now as our first project we have to write, produce and record a radio comedy sketch show to be broadcase on Source FM (Falmouth's local radio station on Friday afternoon) - wish me luck!
Wish you all were here - one pasty down, hundreds to go.......
I've finally made to from the Big Smoke to Cornwall, it has been quite a journey - stressful but fun and now I'm finally here I know just how worthwhile it has been. Phew!
Having decided (last minute admittedly) to follow my dreams I am now pursuing an MA in Professional Writing at University College Falmouth. Let's face it Cornwall is a million miles from SW17, in every shape and form - for a start people say hello in the street and that itself is enough it put a huge grin on my face everyday in itself.
First of all, an apology, this blog has been a long time coming, all talk and no action as per usual....
My initial plan was to build up to the big move, but circumstance over took me, but thanks to the sterling http://www.rightmoves.co.uk/ from Wandsworth (highly recommended - John is a star!) I made it down in one piece - having worked up until 6pm on Thursday night, by 6pm on Friday I was in Pastyland.
On the down side I am at the arse end of the campus - and I mean the arse end. Am living in the further possible place from anywhere. On a building site. In the basement. Next to the main road. No reception - of any kind - bar this. No laundry - it's not built yet and the nearest one is 0.5k away (I am not ready to share my smalls with strangers - I don't care in what capacity.) If I was a dominatrix (think dungeons) fixated with Bob the Builder, I'd be thrilled, but I'm not.
I also think leaving a digger near student accommodation is asking for trouble - although many 0f the student appears to be more interested in sitting in the road playing guitar. Yes really.
Application in today to move, although my course leader said that she has got people out of the contract (which I am signed in for 40 weeks) before - 'but it helps if you're mad, or something' - that'll be a 'can do' . Wibble.
Two of my saviours have been Tim (mining computer whizz - fixes everything, has a proper beard and plays guitar) and Rich (surfer - who knows everything about Falmouth) - more to follow...
We also have 'Celtic John' - who is retaking his first year of Celtic Studies (me neither, I will find out, and also how do you muck up something that must involve drinking Guinness?), who was making his own pasties last night - not handmade pastry, but a good effort.
Tim thinks he is a serial killer, so if this is my only blog you know why.
Falmouth on the other hand is delightful and I have already been 'window shopping' - hopefully with a winning lottery ticket in the other hand. Food, very important to me as you know is amazing - big fat scallops are just the beginning - can't love it enough and the window at the back of M&S looks over the harbour - how brilliant is that!
Sailing and surfing are on the agenda, as is the trip to the local hospital when I eventually knock my self out, doing something stupid.
Going to sign off now as our first project we have to write, produce and record a radio comedy sketch show to be broadcase on Source FM (Falmouth's local radio station on Friday afternoon) - wish me luck!
Wish you all were here - one pasty down, hundreds to go.......
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