Traditions

02 Thursday Jan 2014

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My Grandmother would always insist on the Christmas decorations being taken down before or on 12th Night.  She would tell stories of how bad luck would come to those who flouted this rule by means of Goblins jumping from the picture rails and bringing mayhem to the New Year. If one decoration was left up by accident it had to stay there all year then the Goblins would be appeased, somehow.  Whether as a consequence of this from my childhood or because the weak winter sun makes things look grubby after the festivities I don’t know but I have always taken my decorations down on the day after New Year, perhaps just to be on the safe side!

Whatever you do with your decorations I wish you a peaceful and joy filled 2014.  Should misfortune attend you I wish you the inner strength and familial love to cope with it.

Denny Bradbury

Christmas Music

20 Friday Dec 2013

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Within one week I went from Winchester Cathedral and the splendid Cathedral Chamber Choir to the Cadogan Hall last night and the Rat Pack at Christmas.  The first concert, Advent sacred music including the rather wonderful Taverner ‘Magnificat’ and the beautiful Godlschmidt ‘A tender shoot’ lifted the soul to a special place.  The second musical experience touched the innate sense of fun and release of Christmas tension.  The portrayal of Dean Martin was especially good although ‘Sammy Davis’ rendition of Mr BoJangles was electric. Both ends of the musical spectrum have their place and I enjoy the wide variety, much as I hope we can all fit in the love for the fundamental idea of Christmas as a time of peace and goodwill.

While we were fixated on Frank and friends we were unaware of the tragedy unfolding at the Apollo Theatre.  I pray that the people injured will all make a full recovery.  Thanks emergency services, what would we do without you all.

Whatever your preference I hope you have a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Very best wishes

Denny Bradbury

Nelson Mandela

07 Saturday Dec 2013

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My tribute will be lost among so many others, I am sure.  But one drop of recognition is like a drop in the ocean, they all combine to make a huge sea of thanksgiving.  What an amazing epitaph he has,

“He left the world a better place, he made a difference.”

If only we could all aspire to such a truth.

Denny Bradbury

Rilke’s Gazelle

06 Wednesday Nov 2013

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Some days have random moments of discovery.  Today is such a day.  Idly I picked up my book of Rilke and it fell open at ‘The Gazelle’.  The following is a snatch of his poem and for me captures the wonder of the animal.

Enchanted thing …only to look upon you: so impelled

as though each limb of yours with leaps were laden,

and held its fire but while the neck upheld

the head in hearkening: …

Very best wishes

Denny Bradbury