Friday 31 December 2010

To those in 2010 who struggled with loss & heartbreak and those lucky enough not to. I wish you all an amazing 2011 & a very Happy New Year
Watching the DVD of Frank Kapra's "It's a Wonderful Life" ensures perfect end to a London Christmas, thanks to all who made it so special.

Thursday 30 December 2010

Working towards big news story on January 1st 2011 & hoping technical team behind the comedy website deliver it on time & fully functioning.
Impromptu visit from my friend & first love Lisa Evans joins Amanda Paul for a lunch-time soiree in London-hope 2011 continues in same vein.

Wednesday 29 December 2010

Sony PS3's new video game, Call of Duty Black Ops is not for faint hearted. Half day with friend David Williams reminiscent of our childhood
Proper London Christmas completed by gentle walk down the Thames, followed by Champagne at Tate Members bar with dear friend Cristina Keech.

Sunday 26 December 2010

After Walking alone through ice covered Richmond Park, sit drinking hot chocolate as the sun sets over the grazing deers. Good Boxing Day.

Saturday 25 December 2010

A perfect end to a fabulous Christmas day, a great dinner thanks to Suraya Gaeta and Louis Hayward followed by drinking, dancing & Red Dwarf
Never felt more loved in my life, over 100 Christmas messages landed on phone this morning. Thanks to all dear friends, just what was needed
Well done to Vintage swimmers who braved the ice covered Serpentine, to doff to the Peter Pan Cup Christmas Morning, as ice prevented race.

Friday 24 December 2010

Back in Brixton. Violent black youth attacks my car after running in front of me. The expletives didn't seem very, well - Merry Christmas!
Champagne in Harvey Nicholl's, a yearly custom, shared for the first time with my son Charles Atherton-Laurie as our final farewell together

Thursday 23 December 2010

Charles Atherton-Laurie cooks wonderful hosts Robin Das & Gillian Wheeler farewell meal, as thanks for putting us up for another Christmas.
Seeing Tron Legacy 3D at Imax Cinema in Waterloo, London with son, Charles Atherton-Laurie who saw the original Tron on YouTube last night.
Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie, joins his Uncle Richard Toy for Japanese Bento his Camden & exchange Christmas presents for his Aunt Margaret.

Wednesday 22 December 2010

Battersea Arts Centre finally comes through for son Charles Atherton-Laurie, with promenade performance, The Great Escape: A borrowers Tale.
Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie, gathers an appreciative female audience in Harrods whilst singing Johnny B. Goode on latest Karaoke machine.

Tuesday 21 December 2010

Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie meets choreographer Matthew Bourne after his ballet Cinderella at Saddler's Wells Theatre & asks great question
Charles Atherton-Laurie goes to a story telling & snow globe making session at Discover in East London - One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth
Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie goes Christmas shopping in the Toy department of Harrods and discovers that buying presents is really expensive

Monday 20 December 2010

Singing Christmas Carols under the Norweigan Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square with my son Charles and a choir called rethink charity choir
Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie discovers Santa is in fact a time traveling android, after visit to Illumini, Crypt-mas at St. Pancras Church.
Decorating Gingerbread Men and House at Royal Festival Hall as part of the Hansel & Gretel performance with son, Charles Atherton-Laurie.

Sunday 19 December 2010

Sledging down a snow covered Primrose Hill with my son Charles Atherton-Laurie. A fantastical London Christmas fantasy come true - awesome!

Saturday 18 December 2010

In Tring having a traditional Christmas of playing family games with my son and David. Snowed in, warm drinks, good company and very happy.

Friday 17 December 2010

Cardiff snow bound, but son Charles Atherton-Laurie & I made it out just in time to start our London Christmas week together - tough drive.
Christmas drinks, Crypt in St. Martins in the Field Church, Trafalgar Square, snowing outside, mulled wine inside, perfect start to season.

Thursday 16 December 2010

The Vigilia screenwriters Christmas dinner with Rhianna Prathcett & Amanda Baker at Cafe des Amis in Covent Garden was a roaring success.
"Waffles" Christmas party at "The Heights" bar, Regent Street. Great crowd of the press, music industry, film & TV thanks Christina Jensen.

Wednesday 15 December 2010

A Ponni Arumugam night, Champagne in the Cork & Bottle, Leciester Square, film Social Network in the Odeon & Dinner at Woodlands Restaurant.
Did I miss a student protest in London yesterday? Never seen so many police lining the streets around Westminster but not a banner in sight?

Tuesday 14 December 2010

Charles Wahab has done an amazing job with the specification of A Thousand Voices for a Broken System. A first, a self editing documentary.

Monday 13 December 2010

Hoping that Sara Fazlali runs for Prime Minister. Intelligent, beautiful, insightful and honest. We need her clarity of thinking and heart.

Sunday 12 December 2010

Extremely touched by Karolina Gburczyk's generosity and tenderness. Julia Biel's band @RitzyCinema, good wine and a Christmas card in Polish
Thanks Robin Das & Gillian Wheeler for an amazing home cooked meal, a chance to catch up with Kim Heggland & an intelligent informed debate.

Friday 10 December 2010

Apparently a copy of Reginald D Hunter live in London, performing "F**k you in the the Age of Consequence" is available online somewhere?

Thursday 9 December 2010

A Christmas dinner with Cristina Keech at Mediterraneo Restaurant in Notting Hill. Good Italian fare, great wine and excellent company.
TV news images of the student protesters reminiscent of the closing scenes of film V for Vendetta? Expect a big bang in Big Ben at Midnight?

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Contented Limited meeting - Gerard Davies Joana Carew & Hugh Hobson. Changing attitudes to UK education are reverting to traditional values.

Tuesday 7 December 2010

An impromptu visit to the club Quintessentially Soho with Anita Liammari resulted in fortuitous meeting of friend Ponni Arumugam & guests.
Wishing son Charles Atherton-Laurie a good trip to Cologne in Germany. Educational trip that involves Christmas Markets & chocolate tasting.

Monday 6 December 2010

Kenitsh Town studios doing 4Thought interview for Channel 4, my views on White parents adopting Black children, transmission date to follow.
I have a new denim man. Thanks to Greg at Liberty's, Regent Street for taking the time to replete me with a new pair of japanese made jeans
A Sunday running around the Welsh Valleys and Cardiff with son Charles Atherton-Laurie delivering our first Christmas cards of the season.

Friday 3 December 2010

Thanks Photographer, Christina Jansen for the invitation to the new casting agency launch & Christmas Party "The Green Room" good luck Patti

Thursday 2 December 2010

Lambeth One Support the only organisation supposedly helping me get new accommodation, has dropped me for complaining about their service.

Wednesday 1 December 2010

Finishing touches to Reginald D Hunter's online video Bootleg project, filmed in Soho Theatre, London. Available next, week links to follow.
Carole Stone's Christmas Party at Quintessentially Soho, a gathering of the great and the good. Interesting conversation with Robert Powell.

Monday 29 November 2010

Another day of public and third sector failures. Add to that, the frost, a tube strike and a head cold and you know it's a Monday morning.
A glimpse of normality with walks on Hampstead Heath, visit to the Freud Museum, Sunday Brunch at Wet Fish Cafe and a film at Vue Westfield.

Saturday 27 November 2010

Is unimpressed that this inclement weather (Snow & Ice) has prevented me from seeing my son Charles Atherton-Laurie in Cardiff this weekend.

Friday 26 November 2010

MP, Chuka Umunna (Streatham,Labour) fails dismally at defending me from Lambeth Council & DWP anyone know a good lawyer for Judicial Reviews
MP, Chuka Ummuna (Streatham,Labour) fails dismally at defending me from Lambeth Council & DWP anyone know a good lawyer for Judicial Reviews

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Interesting conversation with a researcher for Channel 4 about my current and previous situations. Hoping to do interviews early December.

Tuesday 23 November 2010

Caroline Heatlie brought first ray of sunshine to a very dark week. Dinner at RootMaster (top of double decker bus) & entertaining company.

Monday 22 November 2010

Rekindling my respect for USA show creator David E Kelly by exploring the TV series "Boston Legal" - Superbly written and brilliantly acted.

Sunday 21 November 2010

Bill Bailey's Dandelion Mind at Wyndham Theatre made more entertaining by heckles from Hadron Collider Physicist during joke on the subject.
Enjoyed Drews portrait work at La Galleria (Pall Mall) part of the "Lust" Exhibition. Thanks Elizabeth Quinones-Callen for the invitiation.

Saturday 20 November 2010

Working on comedian Reginald D Hunter's "Bootleg Reg" secret online video project being produced with Boulder Creek International - due soon

Friday 19 November 2010

Dear friend and first love Lisa Robinson discusses her Train protest against football hooligans on @BBCWomansHour http://tinyurl.com/2vxey2b

Wednesday 17 November 2010

Friend Steve Moore takes appointment as temporary Director of The Big Society - hope my experiences of public service failure will help him.

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Surrounded by the greatest people in London, taking in views of the city at Paramount Club, Centre Point, energized me to continue my fight.

Monday 15 November 2010

Thanks to Karolina Gburczyk for trip to see film RED with Bruce Willis, a surprisingly entertaining ride, that I wouldn't have normally seen

Sunday 14 November 2010

Pleased to celebrate friend Bart Williams' performance in the play "Legacy Falls" at the New Players Theatre & his Birthday in the bar later
Congratulations to the new Lord Mayor of London, Michael Beer, for reintroducing the floating pageant for the 795th year parade & fireworks.

Saturday 13 November 2010

Wondering how many of his friends are going to the Lord Mayor's show today and the fireworks later - a celebration of why London is so great
Wondering how many of his friends are going to the Lord Mayors show today and the fireworks later - a celebration of why London is so great!

Friday 12 November 2010

Thanks to Ponni Arumugam for bubbly at The Waterloo Brasserie and Lisa Evans for an excellent night out in Russell Square - safe journeys.

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Whilst I've been quiet on the subject, feature film Vigilia script has been progressing well thanks to Rhianna Pratchett and Amanda Baker.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Pizza Man, Brixton, showed brilliant initiative when I lost my mobile signal before completing my order - they sent their driver to take it.

Monday 8 November 2010

A nostalgic weekend playing traditional Back Gammon & a revised video game "Golden Eye" whose PR was handled by Harvard when I worked there.

Friday 5 November 2010

Brixton sounded like a war zone tonight. Difficult to separate the explosion of fireworks with the usual hail of gunfire on a friday night.

Thursday 4 November 2010

Car illegally clamped, Hostel manager ignoring written evidence for hearsay, taking NHS to Judicial review, can't I just send the boys in?

Tuesday 2 November 2010

My son Charles Atherton-Laurie's video diary of his October half term trip to see me in London - a week in 4 mins http://tinyurl.com/36zq394

Monday 1 November 2010

Involved in a minor car crash this morning (rear ended in stopped traffic), still light headed and shook up. Not the best start to November
After lovely week with my darling son, now return to the inertia and incompetence of battling with the the Public Sector - Anybody ever won?

Saturday 30 October 2010

My son Charles Atherton-Lauire has returned to Cardiff. Thanks to everyone who made his trip as special as ever. Especially Dave & Amanda.

Friday 29 October 2010

Son Charles says "we went to a film in The Prince Charles Cinema "A Town Called Panic" (with the cravendale guys in) French with subtitiles"
British Museum's CBBC Relic: Guardians of the museum trail 2 had Charles running around "ancient artefacts" to get the right answers to win.
Son Charles says restuarant Inamo, is fun for all the family especially the video games on the tables. Surprised me by eating Nigiri Sushi!
Charles Atherton-Laurie makes illustrator @SarahMcIntyre's blog after drawing event at Foyles Book Shop, London http://tinyurl.com/34ozldz

Thursday 28 October 2010

Charles Atherton-Laurie showing off his graphic artist skills with children's illustrator @SarahMcIntyre at Foyles http://tinyurl.com/l4zl55

Wednesday 27 October 2010

Son Charles, proves his ambition to be an inventor by building automated road bump at the British Library as part of 21st Century Inventions
My son Charles and I go to the Puppet Barge in Little Venice to see play "Town Mouse, Country Mouse" performed on a vessel on Regents Canal.

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Chalres met the Author of the Scream Street series, Tommy Donbavand at Foyles Bookstore, he bought a copy of book 2 & completed it in hours.
My son & I celebrate a grand farewell at club Quintessentially Soho, to our friend Dirk van der Velnden, who is returning to the Netherlands

Monday 25 October 2010

My son Charles Atherton-Laurie in London for his half-term, already enjoyed the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden, many thanks to David.

Friday 22 October 2010

It's unquestionable, Nick Clegg has become the reincarnation of Norman Tebbit. Where's Spitting Image when you need it. Get on your bikes.

Thursday 21 October 2010

One Support, Chief Exec., Mick Sweeney, Improves services as Government Cuts (well with your help, please share) http://tinyurl.com/35j8jap

One Support, Chief Executive, Mick Sweeney, Improves services as Government Cuts announced

Below is a copy of an email thread sent to my so called support worker, Matt Schutz at One Support, part of The One Housing Group.

It clearly shows that the Government needs to concern itself less with cuts and more to do with the quality of services it pays for.

Why are tax-payers paying for another group of individuals when it's the civil servants that should be doing their jobs correctly in the first place.

And if we are, surely they should be able to do it?

From: Paul Atherton
Date: 21 October 2010 12:23:05 PM
To: Matt Schutz,Paul Joghee,Raymond Koker, Thompson,David X, Chuka Ummuna MP for Streatham, Private Eye Magazine
Subject: Paul Atherton - One Support Failures - Chief Executive Mick Sweeney

Matt,

You've offered me a meeting in September when I was seriously ill (and doing nothing to assist) and a meeting in October when you
knew my child would be with me for half-term (as you were supposed to be helping me with accommodation and funding in order to do so - but clearly haven't).

You have consistently ignored request for updates and status reports (I still haven't received a report from the last multi-disciplinary meeting you had in September) and ignored the contents of emails, as this thread of communications below clearly demonstrates.

In September 2009 a plan was laid out and agreed with One Support to what needed to be accomplished in order for me to progress and regain my independence.
Not one of those items has been addressed over a year later in October 2010 all of which are required to ensure my health, well being and accommodation.
The continual drive for meetings for meetings sake, is, and has been, constantly proven to be pointless, unproductive and a complete waste of everyones time.
At every meeting nothing is accomplished, I'm merely informed of what hasn't been done and that nothing will happen until the next meeting where we go through the same cycle.
You are now the organisation that is supposedly assisting me with finding accommodation but have shown no interest in doing so.
One Supports Mission Statement is
"One Support uses choice, innovation and technology in providing top class accommodation, support and care that delivers real life improvement and independence to our customers. "
http://ping.fm/2tTYM
"We offer specialist and professional services and work with our partners to find solutions for our customers, providing a link between housing, social care and health agencies."
http://ping.fm/OcA2I
Where can you prove that in our dealings?
You refuse to use email, ignore my needs, have completed not one thing that was agreed over a year ago in terms of benefits, social care and are now not even attempting to find me accommodation.
I have been driven further into debt by your failings to organise benefits, you haven't assisted with getting Physiotherapy or CBT for well over a year, you don't challenge incorrect thinking within your own organisation when proven to be wrong and you haven't even negotiated with housing to ensure my current environment is safe and applicable to my needs.
Time and time again, I've struggled with the very people who are supposed to be assisting me and rather than providing solutions you have created yet another layer of useless bureaucracy.
And it is for these reasons and following on from the recent research One Housing Group did on customer service, that I contacted your Chief Executive, Mick Sweeney, in order that others in Lambeth, who I know suffer the same poor service, are given the much better respect and service in line with the company's own ethos of excellence, it so proudly boasts on its website.
I'm sure you will be hearing from him very shortly.
Paul Atherton
07812 639121
paul@simpletvproductions.co.uk




On 21 Oct, 2010,at 10:35 AM, Matt Schutz wrote:


Hello Paul,

We have offered a meeting both in September, and now October. Paul Joghee and David Thompson have busy diaries but have shown willingness to make a time to meet with you. I have asked for a commitment to meet with them, to address your needs, and you could suggest a time when this would be appropriate. Our Support Agreement stipulates that regular meetings to agree a support plan are needed. If you are unwilling to agree to a meeting we can only assume that you not longer need our service and will proceed to with draw our service as we have indicated.

Matt Schutz
Support Worker
Lambeth Tenancy Support Services

represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. OHG accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

Violation of this notice may be unlawful.

E-mail: administrator@onehousinggroup.co.uk
***********************************************************************************



From: Paul Atherton [mailto:theballetofchange@me.com]
Sent: 20 October 2010 17:37
To: Matt Schutz
Cc: Paul Joghee; Raymond Koker; Thompson,David X; chuka.umunna.mp@parliament.uk; Amanda Paul
Subject: Re: RE: Paul Atherton - One Support

As I said, I'm sure you will hear from your Chief Executive in due course.

A meeting wouldn't be appropriate at this juncture (nor as you would know, would it be possible during half-term, as I have my son).

If you have made any progression please forward me any status or update reports.

Many thanks

Paul
Paul Atherton
07812 639121
paul@simpletvproductions.co.uk




On 20 Oct, 2010,at 04:45 PM, Matt Schutz wrote:

Hello Paul,

It is good to hear from you after so long – I think you last mailed me in August.

Paul Joghee and David Thompson need to meet with you to provide an update, and have been awaiting a response to their email invitation sent you 9th September. Paul and David have allocated time to come and visit you at Leith House at 3pm on Thursday 28th October. Please confirm that you will be at home for this meeting. They will be happy if you wish a friend, such as Amanda Paul to attend with you.

If we do not have confirmation that you will be able to attend this meeting, by 26th October we will assume you no longer need our support, and exit you from our service. If you disagree with this decision you may appeal using our Appeals Policy. If you intend to appeal you must do so within 28 days of 26th October ( the end date of your support). Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this or if you would like a copy of the Appeals Policy.

If you have been unhappy with the service you received from One Support you can make a formal complaint using our Complaints Procedure. Please contact me if you would like to receive a copy of the procedure.

You may be able to receive support from us again if your circumstances change. Please call 0800 707 6615 to discuss a re-referral.

Matt Schutz
Support Worker
Lambeth Tenancy Support Services

represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. OHG accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

Violation of this notice may be unlawful.

E-mail: administrator@onehousinggroup.co.uk
***********************************************************************************



From: Paul Atherton [mailto:theballetofchange@me.com]
Sent: 18 October 2010 17:11
To: Matt Schutz
Cc: Paul Joghee; Raymond Koker; chuka.umunna.mp@parliament.uk; chuka.umunna.mp@parliament.uk; Amanda Paul
Subject: Paul Atherton - One Support

Having heard nothing from you in regards to your progress following on from your last multi-disciplinary meeting (though the MP's office said it was handled appallingly as nobody from Housing Benefit or Leith House was in attendance and since then, they have constantly pursued you for information that was never forthcoming) or about any advancements with finding me appropriate housing, I am unclear what more input I can give.

As you know, I am in communication with your Chief Executive, Mick Sweeney and will await the outcomes of his deliberations, which I assume will be passed down to you in due course and which should address how we progress.

Paul Atherton
07812 639121
paul@simpletvproductions.co.uk




On 18 Oct, 2010,at 03:07 PM, Matt Schutz wrote:

Hello Paul,
We have endeavoured to contact you since the beginning of September . I have enclosed a letter which will be posted to your address.
If we do not hear from you by 26th October, we will have to assume you no longer either need or want our service. I understand from the Hostel service, that you remain at your room in Leith House.
Matt Schutz
Support Worker
Lambeth Tenancy Support Services

represent those of the company. Finally, the recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. OHG accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.

Violation of this notice may be unlawful.

E-mail: administrator@onehousinggroup.co.uk
***********************************************************************************



One Housing Group (OHG) reserves the right to monitor and review the
content of all messages sent to or from this email address. Messages sent to
or from this email address may be stored on OHG's email system.

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If
you have received this email in error please notify the system manager.
Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the
presence of viruses. OHG accepts no liability for any damage caused by
any virus transmitted by this email.


Violation of this notice may be unlawful.

Email: administrator@onehousinggroup.co.uk

One Housing Group is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies
Act 1965 No. 30236R and is registered with the Tenant Services Authority Registration No.L4451.

Registered address: 100 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH


One Housing Group (OHG) reserves the right to monitor and review the
content of all messages sent to or from this email address. Messages sent to
or from this email address may be stored on OHG's email system.

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If
you have received this email in error please notify the system manager.
Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the
presence of viruses. OHG accepts no liability for any damage caused by
any virus transmitted by this email.


Violation of this notice may be unlawful.

Email: administrator@onehousinggroup.co.uk

One Housing Group is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies
Act 1965 No. 30236R and is registered with the Tenant Services Authority Registration No.L4451.

Registered address: 100 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH


One Housing Group (OHG) reserves the right to monitor and review the
content of all messages sent to or from this email address. Messages sent to
or from this email address may be stored on OHG's email system.

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If
you have received this email in error please notify the system manager.
Please note that any views or opinions presented in this email are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
Finally, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the
presence of viruses. OHG accepts no liability for any damage caused by
any virus transmitted by this email.


Violation of this notice may be unlawful.

Email: administrator@onehousinggroup.co.uk

One Housing Group is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies
Act 1965 No. 30236R and is registered with the Tenant Services Authority Registration No.L4451.

Registered address: 100 Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH
Finally a journalist whose talking in the language I've been using for the past 2 years in regards to #Benefits. http://tinyurl.com/2wlt3u4

Wednesday 20 October 2010

My MP, Chuka Ummuna on BBC, commenting on the Government's #spendingreview. If he takes rhetoric and applies it, real changes can be made.

Tuesday 19 October 2010

Two young German boys (15) stopped me in the Apple Store, asking to have their photographs taken with me. Apparently I'm a famous Producer?

Monday 18 October 2010

After 18 months waiting for compensation to replace stolen Laptop whilst in hospital, told by Health Ombudsman they won't get involved.
The Play, "Yes Prime Minister" prove that
Jonathan Lynn & Antony Jay haven't lost their scripting talents. Big thank you Ponni for tickets.

Thursday 14 October 2010

The #SavoyHotel's American Bar is stunning in being left untouched in refit. The staff have got until Friday to get standards back to normal

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Dinner at amazingly high tech Asian Fusion restaurant Inamo. You order food through pictures projected onto table. Thanks to Alison Gaumont

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Film "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" was not the nostalgic journey I was hoping to take. "Greed is no longer good, it's legal" says it all

Monday 11 October 2010

Baba ganoush, cherry tomatoes, freshly baked foccacia, champagne picnic on Primrose Hill in the sun thanks to friends Tamara, Dirk & Ponni.

Sunday 10 October 2010

The Savoy re-opens today and the American Bar looks reformed back to its former glory, is this the start of my life getting back to normal?
The play Blood & Gifts at the National Theatre with actors Chris Lambert and Emily Davis, was a tour-de-force in performance and a must see.
Today is the 7th Anniversary of my Fathers death. Please raise a glass for the homophobic, misogynist who despite his faults I loved dearly

Saturday 9 October 2010

A Thousand Voices for a Broken System meeting with Charles Wahab (following appearance on BBC News about his Twitter Bus timetable genius).

Friday 8 October 2010

Dear friend & first love, Lisa Robinson (formerly Evans), proves action rewarded by the media, an example for all http://tinyurl.com/33x56wx

Thursday 7 October 2010

Council failures told to me via A Thousand Voices for a Broken System makes news like this the tip of the iceberg http://tinyurl.com/3836plf
Filming first #Apprentice winner, Tim Campbell being "Grilled" at The London Press Club by deputy chair David Selves, thanks Dirk on Camera.

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Lee Jasper and I got into a Facebook debate about the statistics in relation to racism I thought it worth posting http://tinyurl.com/33ajb8r

The Mythologies of Statistical Racism A Facebook Debate Between Lee Jasper (former Mayor Ken Livingstone's Race Adviser) and Paul Atherton

A Facebook debate about racism was sparked by Dr. Tony Sewell's appearance on BBC London Tonight, discussing the demise of the term "institutional racism" and suggesting that Black children are failing because of their own problems and not because of race.

This led to a much wider debate on race and the use of statistics an extract is contained below:

LEE:

"How many mixed area developments in a single ward do you know? There a simply thousands so its entire possible to suffer white flight in the way I describe."

PAUL:

"White Flight" in the UK was researched by the Institute of Community Cohesion in their report published in July 2009 (3,000 participants) .
(http://www.cohesioninstitute.org.uk/Resources/Toolkits/Health/TheNatureOfCommunityCohesion)

It covered 13 areas, all in the heartlands of working class environments. All the schools involved, were failing, underperforming and showing poor results.

The report shows that most parents were concerned of the impact of non-english speaking students in the schools and how it would impact on their own children's education.

And it was for that reason that they moved them to different schools.

This isn't racism. This is good parenting.

Other research, that shows "White Flight" in the middle-classes is born out of residents moving to richer area's and as I rightly contended has nothing to do with race and everything to do with money

(Prof Ceri Peach, of St Catherine's College, Oxford, author of a study of ethnic geography based on the 1991 census to date.
http://www.geog.ox.ac.uk/staff/cpeach.html

&

Moveme Study (20,000 participants)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-561311/Mass-exodus-families-leaving-crime-ridden-cities-white-flight-countryside.html)

What is most important here, is the overwhelming evidence that we all self segregate. People move to places where people like them live.

That's why Southall is predominantly Indian, Brixton (at least until recently) predominantly afro-caribbean.

Again, I reiterate that I am not contesting that racism exists merely proving that certain factors often blamed on racism are in fact something entirely different.

And there is a danger of playing the victim to racism where none actually exists at the cost of fighting on the fields where it actually does.

To use a football analogy, you'll get penalised for diving in the penalty box and trying to claim a foul and overlooked by the referee the next time your legs are actually taken out from underneath you.

LEE:

Secondly we know exceptions that does not change the objective facts. The figures for black and white people in the same economic groups are not as you say comparable.

PAUL:

I think Harriet Seargent's conclusive report for the Centre of Policy Studies, "The betrayal of white working class and black Caribbean boys" would be a good place to start to counter that.
http://www.cps.org.uk/cps_catalog/Wasted.html#a1206

She shows that both groups are suffering from a poor education, which by the age of 14, are worse for the White working classes than for the Black:

"...at the age of fourteen, 63% of white working class boys and 55% of black Caribbean boys has a reading age of seven or less"

The National Union of Teachers report "Opening Locked Doors" 2010 says much the same thing:

"While white working class children are not the only underachieving group, they are the largest in number and by many criteria the greatest under-achievers. Thirty years ago a 14 or 15-year-old working class young person could walk out of school and into a decent working class job. That is no longer the case."

http://www.teachers.org.uk/node/10746

"Social class has the greatest effect on educational achievement. It is still the case that how much your parents earn and the quality of their own education has the greatest influence on the achievement of their children."

In 2009 Exam results proved that White working class boys were performing worse than their Black Counterparts in primary schools:

"There are almost 200,000 white British boys, of whom 31,237 (16%) were from homes poor enough to qualify them for free school meals.

In the past, poor black boys have tended to have the weakest performance.

But this year 51.6% of black boys on free meals made the grade and the gap in their attainment compared with the national average, 20.2, was down from 21.8 in 2008.

Attainment was 49.7% among the weakest group of black boys, those from Caribbean backgrounds.

This left the white British boys on free school meals at the bottom."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8368240.stm

And the Runnymede publication

Who Cares about the White Working Class? edited by Kjartan Páll Sveinsson, Runnymede Perspectives, 72 pp, January 2009,

"Thus the primacy of anti-discrimination not only performs the economic function of making markets more efficient, it also performs the therapeutic function of making those of us who have benefited from those markets sleep better at night. And, perhaps more important, it has, ‘for a long time’, as Wendy Bottero says in her contribution to the recent Runnymede Trust collection Who Cares about the White Working Class?, also performed the intellectual function of focusing social analysis on what she calls ‘questions of racial or sexual identity’ and on ‘cultural differences’ instead of on ‘the way in which capitalist economies create large numbers of low-wage, low-skill jobs with poor job security’. The message of Who Cares about the White Working Class?, however, is that class has re-emerged: ‘What we learn here’, according to the collection’s editor, Kjartan Páll Sveinsson, is that ‘life chances for today’s children are overwhelmingly linked to parental income, occupations and educational qualifications – in other words, class.’

http://www.lrb.co.uk/v31/n16/walter-benn-michaels/what-matters

LEE:

"Black graduate unemployment, the fact that research tells us that blacks are usually over qualified for their job. Talk to African here and they tell you they are doing cleaning jobs whilst holding a Master's degree."

PAUL:

The research in this area is incredibly spurious and much debate is being played into its accuracy. Not least, where the degree was obtained (in the UK or elsewhere), what kind of degree held and the subsequent competition of entry levels for entry into the required profession etc. the grasp of English, the ability to network etc.

In the Sheffield University Paper "Labour market job matching for UK minority ethnic groups. January 2007"

The author explains the problems:

"More recent approaches to measuring over education have started to combine data from different sources. Green and McIntosh (2006) pointed out that less than half of those defined as over educated reported having skills they were not using in their job. This has led to the recognition that the use of only one of the above definitions will lead to the spurious and over classification of over education. Chevalier (2003) combined several measures to define over education and the skill level of graduates to create 6 possible outcomes including defining a category of ‘apparent over education’. A later paper also incorporated workers’ job satisfaction scores (Chevalier and Lindley, 2006)."

http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/9960/1/SERP2007003.pdf

However, another study acknowledges the problems with race, but not down to ethnicity alone:

Ethnicity and graduates' early outcomes Study 2004 concludes:

"ethnicity is almost certainly making a contribution to the relative labour market disadvantage some individuals experience, but the causes are more complex than ethnicity alone….It is a combination of a number of indirect effects, rather that direct ethnic effects that have the greater significance, though in different ways for different ethnic groups"

http://ww2.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Labour_market_information/Graduate_Market_Trends/Ethnicity_and_graduates__early_outcomes_Winter_05_06_/p!edcbFXe

And anecdotally, I know as many Black People woefully under qualified for their roles as I do being overqualified for them.

LEE:

"The most telling statistic is that black boys who are not get free school meals do just as badly as those who do. Damming evidence if ever there was. How about the ethnic pay gap in the UK that results in black being paid on average £7,000 pa less than their white counterpart or the fact that racial attack on blacks are more in frequent majority white middle class wards than in mixed working class wards."

PAUL:

The only statistics I could find in relation to the academic achievements of black boys who did or did not receive free school meals came from Warwick University

"Strand, Steve (2010) Do some schools narrow the gap? Differential school effectiveness by ethnicity, gender, poverty and prior achievement. School Effectiveness and School Improvement"

And in an abstract reads

"The results show that Black Caribbean boys not entitled to free school meals, and particularly the more able pupils, made significantly less progress than their White British peers. There is no evidence that the gap results from Black Caribbean pupils attending less effective schools. There is also no evidence of differential effectiveness in relation to ethnic group; schools that were strong in facilitating the progress of White British pupils were equally strong in facilitating the progress of Black Caribbean pupils."

http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/2717/

Which would imply this again, wasn't a race issue.

But if you could point me in the right direction for other evidence, will address this in more detail at a later date?.

But the Times Education Supplement makes my point about statistical imbalances of using a national average to measure a minority outcome in education:

"The reason white children as a group perform at or around the national average is simple: in statistical terms they determine the average."

http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=2227510

In relation to your pay gap, I think your referring to the headline grabbing report published by The Ethnic Minorities Employment Task Force back in 2004.

But a quick glance at their methodology immediately eliminates any results:

"The figures are based on average wages for each ethnic group, rather than comparing salaries for those in equivalent jobs, which means part of the gap is likely to be rooted in under-achievement at school, leading to low-paid, dead-end jobs."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2004/nov/21/race.immigrationpolicy

Clearly not comparing like with like.

However the TUC report "BLACK WORKERS IN EMPLOYMENT 1997 - 2007" acknowledges how the bangladeshi contingent skews the results even further:

"In important research for the Ethnic Minority Employment Task Force and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Lucinda Platt has pointed out that Bangladeshi men have outstandingly low pay"

http://www.equality-ne.co.uk/downloads/220_tenyearsafter.pdf

Which is of course a language issue, with the vast majority of Bangladeshi's unable to speak English.

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/socsi/resources/wrkgpaper-93.pdf

As for racially motivated crime:

'"The British Crime Survey reveals that in 2004, 87,000 people from black or minority ethnic communities said they had been a victim of a racially motivated crime. They had suffered 49,000 violent attacks, with 4,000 being wounded.

At the same time 92,000 white people said they had also fallen victim of a racially motivated crime. The number of violent attacks against whites reached 77,000, while the number of white people who reported being wounded was five times the number of black and minority ethnic victims at 20,000.

Most of the offenders (57%) in the racially motivated crimes identified in the British Crime Survey are not white.

White victims said 82% of offenders were not white."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6128466.stm

And as for more attacks in middle class wards (again I couldn't find any research on this per se) it could be caused by

"Middle-class girlfriends are highly prized by violent gang members because they can stash weapons, drugs and cash under the police radar, a study warned today.

Young women attending private schools and living in the Home Counties are being drawn into crime by their "bad boy" boyfriends, academics said.

...The findings were contained in a report into the impact of youth violence on girls by social policy think tank Race on the Agenda."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/middleclass-girlfriends-prized-by-gang-members-1909374.html

LEE:

How about the offense driving whilst black Michael Eboda former editor of New Nation can testify to that or the fact that black youth are still 7 times more likely to be stopped and searched by the police than their white working class counterpart?

PAUL:

I'm sure most of us have a stop and search story.http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2003/feb/23/race.ukcrime
I certainly have a couple most of them in Cardiff (one in Streatham - none in Central London).

Though whenever I got pulled over in my early twenties because I drove a sports car, the officer would approach my window and be confronted with the chorus of Carl Orff's Carmina Burana or some other piece of classical music emanating from it, he would immediately profusely apologise for having inconvenienced me and withdraw almost as quickly as he had arrived.

I love the notions of stereotypes.

I was cultured therefore I couldn't possibly be a criminal.

As for the 7 times figure, whilst recognising stop & search as a problem (as does the European Court of Human Rights), this really doesn't tell the true story.

If we take the 2005/6 figures. 878,153 people were stopped and searched. 77% or 684,959 were White, 15% or 131,723 were Black and 8% or 70,251 were Asian.

If we use the demographics of London in 2006 (as most stop and searches took place there) the population breaks down to 69% White, 13.1% Asian, 10.2% Black and 7.7% Chinese and other.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7069791.stm

Suddenly the figures look more in keeping with the demographics of the population, don't you think? With bias being shown more to White than Black, whilst Asian, Chinese and others are entirely under represented.

LEE:

"Its a fanciful dream that you can rebuild community and family whilst not tackling racism and poverty. What is ludicrous is this the acute denial I hear about the reality of racism All this aspirational community building stuff only works in the context of a equal society . One where racism is not a feature and opportunity abounds - to urge people to strive against the odds whilst not tackling the disproportionate economic exclusion they face is to entertain a dangerous illusion."

PAUL:

I am always bemused about people's notion of equality.

We are not all born equal in any real sense.

Some have greater intelligence, others greater physical prowess, some are born healthy others born sick, some are born into wealth, others into poverty, some are born into caring loving families others abandoned to fend for themselves.

No one is equal.

There is no level playing field, there never has been and there never will.

Even communism proved unsuccessful with the famous quote from George Orwell's "Animal Farm" encapsulating the problem:

"We are all equal. But some are more equal than others".

A top down approach can never be successful, to much resistance from those requiring to change.

The only place change can ever be affected is with the individual, then the family, and only then society at large.

LEE:

"Its an act of political and moral cowardice , its a betrayal of our struggle for freedom and justice, its dillussional and dangerous. Im sorry but I feel that strongly about it"

PAUL:

As do I, about how important it is to accept personal responsibility for your successes or failures with or without the problems of perceived or actual racism.

I genuinely think, that you can't blame anything on others until your own house is in order and I think as a community we are a long, long way from that.

The full debate can be found on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1275452798&v=wall&story_fbid=156552304370118&il=0
#LisaRobinson (formerly Evans) makes TV debut BBC News about standing up to football hooligans on Cardiff train http://tinyurl.com/2wn4w5f

Monday 4 October 2010

My dear friend and first Love, Lisa Evans (maiden name) shows amazing courage in taking on antisocial behaviour http://tinyurl.com/354mkde

Saturday 2 October 2010

Welfare reform that appears to make sense, abolition of M4 bus lane, Big Society ideas to replace overpaid public servants - good weekend.
Non-existent traffic crossing the Severn Bridge to go and visit my son in Wales, what happened to the hordes of visitors for the #RyderCup?

Friday 1 October 2010

Who didn't see this coming? Major event in Wales, outdoors, its going to rain, #Rydercup golf beaten by downpour http://tinyurl.com/2dpwb95
Beat sheets for Vigilia laid out & almost complete thanks to writer Rhianna Pratchett & director Amanda Baker the story is looking stunning.

Thursday 30 September 2010

#QuintessentiallySoho great location to celebrate Elizabeth Block's Birthday. New popup members bar at House of St Barnabus helping homeless
Matt Jeschelnik of Boulder Creek International assisting in online comedy project with Reginald D Hunter, to be announced - watch this space
Interesting meeting with Gerard Davies as part of the education consortium, Contented Ltd. Great changes afoot in how we educate in Britain.

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Is disappointed that he's having to chase his MP, Chuka Ummuna's office on a daily basis to discover what their doing in relation to the DWP
@PoliticalInnovation London launch courtesy of Paul Birch, Paul Evans and Steve Moore. Changing the way the country thinks about politics

Monday 27 September 2010

Celebrating David Williams' Birthday in Hertfordshire. Reminiscing over reruns of television series Yes Minister-nothing changes in politics

Friday 24 September 2010

Great meeting with Steve Moore from www.thebigsociety.co.uk about A Thousand Voices for a Broken System - definitely a Man for the people.
Les Ballets Trockadero De Monte Carlo at Peacock Theatre, amazing balletic performances by all male cast, mixed with pitch perfect parody.

Wednesday 22 September 2010

The play "Danton's Death" at National Theatre, lacks the depth of its leads speeches but was greatly appreciated, thanks to Ponni Arumugam .

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Dear friend & author, Anne Sebba's excellent radio 4 programme about the late pianist Joyce Hatto on BBC iPlayer http://tinyurl.com/33dfyvs

Monday 20 September 2010

Anniversary of Lambeth One Support's complete failure (Matt Schutz & Paul Joghee) costing Tax Payer £1 million per annum & assisting no one.

Sunday 19 September 2010

Revisiting Nick Broomfield's great documentary "Tacking Down Maggie", reminded me what a formidable and great oratory politician she was.

Saturday 18 September 2010

Another London Open House event. Visits to the Blue Fin building, the Kirkaldy Testing Works Museum and architects Allies & Morrison.
Wendy Perriam's book Broken Places gets a great review in the Independent Newspaper http://tinyurl.com/39oj9xu, become a fan on Facebook.

Thursday 16 September 2010

Feel into London Fashion Week at Somerset House whilst meeting friends Ann Wilson & Tanja Coetzee at Tom Aitkens, overlooking the Thames.

Wednesday 15 September 2010

Finally statistics prove what I've been shouting about for years:Public Sector workers get paid more than Private http://tinyurl.com/ybegavb

Tuesday 14 September 2010

After nearly two weeks housebound, I'm very grateful to friends for taking me out, Marigold N at Woodlands, Vegetarian Restaurant, superb!

Monday 13 September 2010

A week in January dealing with the public sector http://tinyurl.com/2vumezp and a month later http://tinyurl.com/3333r6y nothing has changed

Sunday 12 September 2010

Thames Festival is what Nottinghill wishes it could be. Fabulous carnival & best fireworks ever seen in London. Thanks to John Odell & crew.
Film "Tamara Drewe" proves countryside bad. A film that closes with a song called jailbait has to worth a watch. Immense thanks to Liz Block

Saturday 11 September 2010

Congratulations to Roger Wright, Proms Organisor & controller BBC Radio 3. Spectacular season & splendid finale. Pleased to have been a part
Huge thank you to Executive Producer Rob Doherty from "Seed Animation" for his assistance on animation scenes in Vigilia (think "Kill Bill")

Friday 10 September 2010

Gerard Davies' Contented Limited is set to change the way we think about economies. Measuring value and talent rather than monetary reward.

Thursday 9 September 2010

Can't believe his friends are now getting in trouble with their employers, for trying to get the Public Sector to do their jobs properly.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

On a quest to find a compatriot to help me fight the war against the Third and Public Sector. Bright, courageous & with tenacious conviction

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Amazing talents of composer Patrick Savage & director Amanda Baker at meeting about feature film Vigilia, in stark contrast to public sector

Monday 6 September 2010

Rhianna Pratchett makes Screen International's front page about appointment to write our feature film Vigilia. http://ping.fm/OHCn0

Saturday 4 September 2010

Thanks again to Lisa Evans, I am in Cardiff visiting my Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie. A city where nobody needs to get anywhere but to shop

Friday 3 September 2010

Great to see my friend Inua Ellam's will be reading his poetry in the Apple Store and David Campbell-Bannerman running for UKIP Leadership.

Thursday 2 September 2010

There's hope for British customer service, staff member Kunal at Covent Garden Apple Store missing Birthday Drinks to ensure my iphone works

Wednesday 1 September 2010

take Sophia Khan on a tour of London in the Mini Convertible. Taking in the last Art Deco pub - The Black Friar and crossing Tower Bridge.

Tuesday 31 August 2010

Charles Wahab's excellent work on the back end computer technology for A Thousand Voices for a Broken System brings it closer to launch day.
Rod Abouharb saves me from a life inside with a lunch at The Hoxton Apprentice. Excellent value £10 for three courses and a charity to boot.

Sunday 29 August 2010

Appreciated the amazing support I've got from Deborah Collin's, Liz Block, Sophia Khan and Tamara Thomas during this very difficult time.

Friday 27 August 2010

Feeling appalled that the news of a Cat in a Bin, who was unharmed, swamps the news that humans are dying daily, due to Council incompetence

Thursday 26 August 2010

Saw a great live band, Polystyrene Hat, at Upstairs in Ritzy with Karolina Gburczyk, shared bottle of red wine. A great release from the day

Tuesday 24 August 2010

Camilla Moutaadi saved me from a day of more incompetent bureaucracy. Champagne on the balcony, Oxo Tower, watching the sunset on the Thames

Monday 23 August 2010

Is extremely pleased to be acknowledged in Wendy Perriam's new book "Broken Places" for helping her understand a life brought up in care.

Sunday 22 August 2010

Weekend in sunny Hertfordshire with friend David Williams. Driving through countryside with the roof down, great beer & home cooked food.

Friday 20 August 2010

Daniella Pellagrini discovers even making the cover of a national magazine, doesn't get you better service at Automat, we went for brunch.

Thursday 19 August 2010

The line "Sweating like a whore in a church" sums up the film "The A-Team", watched with Cola Bling, made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening

Wednesday 18 August 2010

Caroline Heatlie rejuvenated me with a trip to The National Portrait Gallery to see the excellent BP Portrait Awards Exhibition then dinner.

Tuesday 17 August 2010

Thanks to Ponni Arumugam and Dirk van der Velden for the excursion to The Duke of Clarence, Chelsea, for a Bar Quiz (too posh for a Pub)!

Sunday 15 August 2010

Huge kudos for friend Bart Williams, after watching his directorial talents through the play The Philanderer, at the Greenwhich Playhouse.

Saturday 14 August 2010

Marion Giesler's Birthday party at Butlers Wharf, rekindled fond memories of living there and her great friends, why I love living in London
Private Eye Magazine "Hostel Takeover" continuing saga of Lambeth Council's failures - this time they lock me out http://tinyurl.com/393tycy
Private Eye was right about time to get my compensation from Lambeth Council for locking me out - still not paid
http://ping.fm/VIETn

Friday 13 August 2010

The most amazing desert I & Ponni Arumugam have ever eaten, Passion Fruit Souffle on Blackcurrent Jelly at L'etranger, South Kennsington.

Wednesday 11 August 2010

Fabulous Suraya Gaeta entertains, delights, and agrees the worst food in London is in 'Sway'. The Lowlander Bar however, is a great venue.

Tuesday 10 August 2010

Interesting meeting with Marg Macneil, another CFS sufferer who is having to battle with councils even though he's trying to support others.

Monday 9 August 2010

Wishes all friends performing in Edinburgh (Reginald D Hunter, Rachel May Snider, Brendon Burns, Lizzie Roper & Chris Lambert) a V.good run.

Sunday 8 August 2010

Good to see Dirk van der Velden getting back up on his feet after a really difficult year. Rose wine in the sun, always helps the soul.

Saturday 7 August 2010

In the new Apple Store in Covent Garden, getting my Son's iPad set up. Ignoring the american style launch (Whoops etc.), staff very helpful

Friday 6 August 2010

Charles Atherton-Laurie stars on BBC Proms Website after his performance in the Family Orchestra http://ping.fm/IOQ3j

Thursday 5 August 2010

An entire day writing emails to Social Services, One Support, Leith House Hostel & DWP, yet again spelling out everything they already know!

Wednesday 4 August 2010

A lovely Britxon evening in the rain with the actress Katarina Korbelova. Hoping to gain the chance of working with her in the near future.

Tuesday 3 August 2010

Wish every Vigilia script meeting with Rhianna Pratchett & Amanda Baker could go as smoothly and as funnily. La Senza has lot to answer for

Monday 2 August 2010

Back to chasing bureaucrats. Does #David Cameron's #The Big Society realize that people paid to care don't do so, so what hope for the rest?

Saturday 31 July 2010

Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie, ends his holiday by getting his haircut before heading backstage to weekend Music Festival with his A&R Uncle.

Friday 30 July 2010

Son, Charles Atherton-Lauire, spends day Kayaking along the Regents Canal with Matt from Pirate Ship in Camden & finishes with capsize drill
Never ever insure with Sheila's Wheels, either hugely corrupt or vastly incompetent. Tried to charge me an extra £90 for mistake they made

Wednesday 28 July 2010

Charles Atherton-Laurie sees Toy Story 3D at Imax, Terrible Trenches at Imperial War Museum (with Julie Dobson) & Ice-cream in Regents Park

Tuesday 27 July 2010

A Private Guided tour of the Saatchi Art Gallery for Son Charles Atherton-Laurie by head of the education department. Then personal workshop
Play day with son Charles Atherton-Laurie. Amanda Paul visited, Meccano toys were built and dinner was Venison Sausages with Red Wine Onions

Monday 26 July 2010

London Birthday Celebrations for my Son Charles Atherton-laurie, Private Pod on the London Eye & The Railway Children at Waterloo Station.

Sunday 25 July 2010

Performing in the BBC Proms Family Orchestra & attending Dr.Who Proms in the Royal Albert Hall - Charles made me coolest Dad in the Universe

Friday 23 July 2010

Travelled on the top of a London double decker bus for the first time in 15 months, ridiculously exciting. With my Son for his London week.

Thursday 22 July 2010

Caroline Heatlie never ceases to amaze, introduces me to the work of Artist, John Latham, in a gallery in Peckham http://tinyurl.com/2bog3n3

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Vigilia meetings with Screenwriter, Rhianna Prathcet, Director, Amanda Baker & Storyboard Artist Angel Viladiego. Images to be released soon
IT specialist Charles Wahab set to devise groundbreaking software to deliver A Thousand Voices for a Broken System's online editing system.

Tuesday 20 July 2010

As my personal story with the state unfolds, so does my documentary A Thousand Voices for a Broken System, Cameron's "Big Society" take heed

Monday 19 July 2010

Spent day in the Apple Store & discovered iPhone technology can't do basic tasks figured out over 20 years ago. You're expected to lose data

Sunday 18 July 2010

Tate Britain's art exhibition "Rude Britannia: British Comic Art" reminds us nothing has changed in 400 years http://tinyurl.com/n9y5l4
Satirical cartoon depicts poor Man chained to rock with vultures picking at his clothes with the words National Debt. Published in 1823!
Film "Inception" is a return to Christopher Nolan's roots. Memento like but stunning in its ideas and delivery. Why Cinema was invented.

Friday 16 July 2010

Music meeting in respect to feature film Vigilia with Cinetiks' Composers Holeg Spies and Patrick Savage (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter)
Dinner with the very much missed Julie Dobson at friends bar, The Queens Head, catching up on all her travel adventures from the past year.

Thursday 15 July 2010

Wishing my Son, Charles Sebastian Atherton-Lauire, a very happy 11th Birthday & looking forward to celebrating in London with him next week.
At BFI on Southbank with Executive Producer Leo Wurm, discussing marketing strategies for my feature film Vigila, watch out for the T-Shirts

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Dinner with the lovely Marion Giesler at Grace, just off Piccadilly Circus. £10 for two courses. The Opera in the rain at Trafalgar Square.
Matt Jeschelnik of Boulder Creek International and I, discussing global distribution deal for upcoming DVD release. Details to follow.

Monday 12 July 2010

Storyboard Artist, Angel Villadiego, doing a great job producing images for the pitching documents for the feature film Vigilia.
Hoping Public Sector cuts will mean I don't have to deal with three separate departments and then go to the post office to fill in one form.
Champagne lunch on the Kings Road with Ponni Arumugam & then onto beers in Brixton with Dirk van der Velden. Both sides of London' culture.

Saturday 10 July 2010

Thanks to the company of Suraya Gaeta and Louis during our London Night-time drive in the convertible, roof down and cool. Perfect!
The play "Welcome to Thebes" at the National's Olivier Theatre, seemed more of a revival of a 70's script than a newly written modern piece

Thursday 8 July 2010

Private Eye article about the bureaucratic failures by Lambeth Council against me, Pg. 28 "Wheels of Misfortune" http://tinyurl.com/2f6joj7

Wednesday 7 July 2010

As promised, news story about my current bureaucratic nightmare, published in Private Eye Magazine Page 28, entitled "Wheels of Misfortune".

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Thanks Dirk van der Velden for help to regain access to Hostel. Unfortunately, Rockey Singh fails to bring remote control to open door AHHH!

Monday 5 July 2010

Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie makes his father very proud, by playing his flute in performance with County Orchestra at City Hall in Cardiff.
The film, Shrek Forever After, final part of franchise is far more akin to the original with cinematic in jokes & music cues - a fitting end
Battling with the burueacracy still continues. Now Lambeth Council have locked me out of my own establishment. Cock up with a lock change.

Friday 2 July 2010

Catching up with dear friend Samantha Hardy (now lives in Australia) after 3 year absence, at New Zealand Tappas Restaurant, The Providores.

Thursday 1 July 2010

You couldn't make this up. Discovered car had been clamped today, for non payment of a parking fee, that I have texts to prove I did. AHHH!

Wednesday 30 June 2010

Enjoying the Wimbledon Tennis, Mens Quarter Finals. A stark contrast to this time last year when I watched it on the TV from my hospital bed
Wish I could tell you all what has been happening past few days. Unfortunately sworn to secrecy until the story breaks - hopefully next week

Monday 28 June 2010

Drive with the roof down to Greenwich Park, watched the Sunset on London Skyline & enjoyed a glass of wine on the grass. So love this city

Sunday 27 June 2010

Weekend in the Countryside, barbecue, beer and driving in a variety of convertible cars - the new Mazda MX5 that David has, is a real joy.

Friday 25 June 2010

After over year in the wilderness, my lovely convertible Mini is back on the road & the wind is back in my hair, off to see David in Herts

Thursday 24 June 2010

Can't understand why Car Insurance seems to be going up everyday, paying more now, with 4 years NCD, than I was when I didn't have any, why?
Rockey Singh, Hostel Officer, epitomises all that is wrong with the public sector. Rude, unhelpful and ignorant. Cuts, one way to cure this.
Play "Sucker Punch" at the Royal Court Theatre with Karolina Gburczyk was an excellent examination of the clashes of Black Culture in London
Thanks to Michael Kearn for tour of Kids Company and for their involvement in A Thousand Voices for a Broken System
www.kidspeaceofmind.org

Tuesday 22 June 2010

Big Thank you to Beatrice Aidin for tickets to see play 'The Late Middle Classes' at Donmar Theatre, for me & Marigold, dinner at Maxwells.
Power of Rosie Waterhouse, The Independent Newspaper & Private Eye magazine may just be enough to wake the public sector up to common sense.

Sunday 20 June 2010

Daphna Baram's graduation from The Comedy School, a stand-up comedic performance hugely funny and reminiscent of an early Jerry Seinfeld.

Saturday 19 June 2010

Loves the world-cup, restaurants less busy but entirely full of women. Dinner with friend and investigative journalist Rosie Waterhouse.

Friday 18 June 2010

"London Calling" Exhibition, a collection of work by Ray Lowry at the Idea Generation Gallery then drinks in Finsbury Square with Cola Bling

Thursday 17 June 2010

Looking forward to joining Cristina Keech & Lada Luks at the Mens Singles, Tennis Wimbledon finals on Sunday 4th July 2010. Thank you dears.

Wednesday 16 June 2010

Dinner at The Cinnamon Club, Westminster, (3 Courses and a Glass of Champagne for £22.00) amazingly good food and company in Alison Gaumont.

Tuesday 15 June 2010

Meet with composers Patrick Savage & Holeg Spies, after their arrival from LA, for collaboration on feature film Vigilia, proved promising.
Disappointed Anna-Mi Fredriksson was unable to perform William Orbit inspired piece for Camera. But thanks to all who volunteered services.

Monday 14 June 2010

Sanne Windericks leaving do in East London put pay to any myths that London is unfriendly place. A mix of the most interesting and welcoming
A weekend visiting my Son Charles Atherton-Laurie in S.Wales and a long over due visit to my Mother all thanks to my first Love, Lisa Evans.

Friday 11 June 2010

Wishing my Mother, Betty Toy, very happy 84th Birthday. Even suffering with Alzheimers & residing in a nursing home, I hope she feels loved.
The play "After The Dance" at the National Theatre, with Janine Roebuck, a dear friend & although deaf, an amazingly talented opera singer.

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Director, Amanda Baker & I, interviewing talented storyboard artists to work on our feature film Vigilia. Looking forward to seeing results.

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Me & Suraya Gaeta prove how to be posh with no dosh. Drinking Champagne under the arches of Somerset House in the rain from plastic glasses.

Monday 7 June 2010

Impromptu showing of my film "Colour Blind" in Brixton, to an intimate Black Audience, terrifying & pleasing! http://ping.fm/kdGpM

Saturday 5 June 2010

Saw friend Anna-Mi Freidrickson's balletic performance of "Wings of Cantum in Memoriam" at Great Western Studios, W9. Beautiful & Moving.
Normal Day, Shopping in McQueen on Bond Street, first Pimms of the season on Regents Canal with great friends Ponni Arumugam & Tamara Thomas

Thursday 3 June 2010

Impressed with Tom Aitkens Bar on Terrace of Somerset House. Early evening drinks with French Model, Alison Gaumont, perfect end to the day.
In October 2009 I had blood tests taken via the NHS, I go to an appointment this week (7 months later) to discover results are critical.

Tuesday 1 June 2010

Dinner at Restaurant, 5 Cavendish Square with the. adorable Victoria Peaples. Good deal £26 for 3 courses and 2 glasses of champagne.
Lunch with the delightful Gabrielle Tierney at the Barbican Centre. My kind of left wing political thinker, advocating a UK dictatorship.

Sunday 30 May 2010

Adore Karolina Gburczyk as a film buddy, Werner Herzog's "Bad Lieutenant" turned out to be the perfect hangover cure for both of us.
Strong political debate with Dirk van der Velden & Ponni Arumugam Dutchman whose lived with coalition government, staunch Labour voter & Me

Saturday 29 May 2010

British Museum's exhibition "Kingdom of Ife" with Liz Block. Britain protected African Sculptures by not letting them be taken from Africa!
John Odell saves the night. Just The Tonic Comedy Club, Leicester Square Theatre, Nina Conti, Jared Christmas, Robin Ince, just the ticket!

Friday 28 May 2010

Ever wonderful, Spanish, Suraya Gaeta struggled with Olde English in play "Women Beware Women" at the National Theatre, but enjoyed the wine
Looking at footage of the Emily Wilding Davison documentary with Barbara Gorna & Leah Stipic. Story of suffragette killed by Kings Horse.

Wednesday 26 May 2010

Meeting with friend & Co-Producer Leopold Wurm, proved very promising in respect to the next round of fund raising for feature film Vigilia.
Great lunch with dear friend Colin Ngan, the £15 for three courses offer at Eastway @ Andaz (just near Liverpool Street Station) is stunning

Monday 24 May 2010

Thanks comedian Chris Rock for taking a DVD copy of my film Colour Blind following his screening of "Good Hair" at the Brixton Ritzy Cinema.
Hope friend Robert Cohen's superb one man play, The Trials of Harvey Matusow, comes to London after closing in Brighton Festival last night.

Saturday 22 May 2010

Champagne Picnic in St. James's Park with adorable Cristina Keech followed by Peader Kirk's "I Was there..." in ICA with Christopher Lambert

Friday 21 May 2010

Summer drinks and Dim Sum on the Southbank with dear friend, author & journalist Daphna Baram. Watch out for her comedy "Sick in the City".

Thursday 20 May 2010

Theatrical day full of love, first the amazing Valerie Channel owner of the Haymarket Theatre then Musical Director of Chicago, Tom Wakeley.

Wednesday 19 May 2010

Spent the day filming former Independent MP Martin Bell being Grilled by London Press Club Chair David Selves at the Constitutional Club.

Monday 17 May 2010

Celebrated 10th Anniversary of Tate Modern with Deborah Collins, before film about Cameraman, Jack Cardiff, at the NFT and Dinner at 1882.
Enjoyed sharing stories with Director Michael Raeburn following screening of his South African film Triomf, examination of poor white trash
Wishing new found friend Kathy Hill all success with finding a place to screen her film about homelessness in Cannes (@Downandout Incannes)

Friday 14 May 2010

Thanks to John Odell for tickets to the Royal Festival Hall to see London Philharmonia Orchestra performing Holst's, The Planets, Opus 32.
The Russian Film "Dogtooth" is surprisingly powerful. The absence of any music enhances the realism & makes the random violence, terrifying.
Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" almost as bad as a film can get. Torturously long, pointless plot, bad script and phoned in performances, Why?

Thursday 13 May 2010

V.Pleased award winning writer, Rhianna Pratchett has agreed to write screenplay for Vigilia http://ping.fm/MxDzZ

Tuesday 11 May 2010

15 minute meeting with Oona King at Channel 4 about short film Colour Blind, was positive but felt like an episode of the TV Series 30 Rock.
Took 3 Hours just to explain the problems I'm having with the DWP to solicitor from Duncan Lewis. Let's hope it's the start of my come back

Monday 10 May 2010

Ironic, that as the CFS/ME awareness campaign week kicks off, that I've been laid up (mostly in bed) for the past 3 days due to the disease

Saturday 8 May 2010

Thanks to the talented and lovely Cola Bling for the film The Infidel (smart idea but sadly poorly delivered) and dinner at Satay in Brxton.

Thursday 6 May 2010

The chaos created by the Electoral Commission tonight highlights the problems I've been trying to bring to a UK audience for the past year
Taking great pleasure in absteining to vote today. Stand against a system that erodes my civil liberties I remain off the electoral register

Wednesday 5 May 2010

Surprised that film "How To Train Your Dragon" in 3D, was so entertaining. Though think company of Naomi Kenton & son Charles may of helped.

Monday 3 May 2010

Cardiff continues to amuse. Anouncement at train station "next train is request stop only; please inform Guard when you want to get off"!
Horrored to discover that a small screen Odeon multiplex in Cardiff, costs more to enter than the world famous Odeon Leicester Square!

Sunday 2 May 2010

Felt empowered getting behind the wheel of a car for the first time in over a year. Thanks to the generosity of Anne & Malcolm Williams.

Friday 30 April 2010

Is off to "Sunny Cardiff" to spend the Bank Holiday weekend with my Son, Charles Atherton-Laurie. Trying to find some cultural things to do?
Ironman II shows us just what a Blockbuster film ought to be. Tight, humorous, intelligent script with masses of special effects and chases.
As we roll into last week of the election, just revisited the film "V for Vendetta" any hope we could educate the British Public in time?
Thanks to Jessica Medling of Media Trust's Community Voices Project, for her assistance with "A Thousand Voices for a Broken System"

Thursday 29 April 2010

Discussing variety of projects The Grill, Davild Sevles, Emily Davidson documentary, Barabara Gorna and Short film CAKE, Daniella Pellagrini

Wednesday 28 April 2010

Drinks on the Southbank watching a Waterloo Sunset with the darling Suraya Gaeta. Reminded why I need to be back living on the river soon.

Tuesday 27 April 2010

Saddened that Roman Polanski's film "The Ghost" was such a poor representation of his work. Ewan McGregor's accent is probably worst ever.

Sunday 25 April 2010

Henry Moore at Tate Britaiin, Pinic in Wetminster Palace Gardens, London Marathon & film Repo Man in Leicester Square with Anita Liammari.

Saturday 24 April 2010

Working in the sunshine with Amanda Baker on the plot for Vigilia. Out of which has come a great idea for a new type of pornographic film.

Friday 23 April 2010

Overjoyed that a dear, thirty-something female friend, has been given the all clear for breast cancer after finding a lump & a recent biopsy

Thursday 22 April 2010

My legendary, trademark, Panama Hat (handmade in Ecuador) has been on my head 3 days in a row now. Spring has definitely arrived my friends.
Evening out with actress Karina Cornell at Movida night club for the launch of the Sahara Film Festival was just what the doctor ordered.

Wednesday 21 April 2010

At EI breakfast was mightily impressed with Kids Company, charity which provides support to vulnerable inner-city children www.kidsco.org.uk

Tuesday 20 April 2010

The DVD image for Colour Blind on Flickr, What do you think, too PC for UK? http://ping.fm/EEmJn

Sunday 18 April 2010

Is looking forward to Collaborating with ballerina/dancer Anna-Mi Fredriksson on art film project http://ping.fm/XW3Er

Friday 16 April 2010

This Paul Atherton has not been Executive Producer on the Horror Films "Not Alone", "Scar Crow" & "Kill Keith" though they are cited on IMDB

Thursday 15 April 2010

A big thank you to Nick Franco of 1185 films and the PostHouse for producing short film Colour Blind on DVD. It Will be Available next week.
Apple has reconnected my iPhone to O2 telephone Network and I can again receive text messages and phone calls. Sorry for the interruption!

Wednesday 14 April 2010

In Apple Store trying to get iPhone reconnected to O2 network after it decided to drop off at 19:00 Tuesday night. No text or calls please.

Monday 12 April 2010

Very pleased, although still ill, that I was able to celebrate dear friend's Daphna Baram's 40th Birthday Party. An excellent event.

Sunday 11 April 2010

Reasserting idea UK electorate should be made to take exam to prove they understand political system & manifestos before being allowed Vote

Friday 9 April 2010

Struggling through my illness to get docudrama Silent Voices on DVD & VOD in USA & A Thousand Voices has assistance from http://ping.fm/TGVLK

Thursday 8 April 2010

Dragged myself from my sickbed to honour a lunch appointment at Wheelers of St.James's with Fashion TV's director, Irv Margolis. Promising!

Wednesday 7 April 2010

Documentary film "Starsuckers" on More4 last night cited one of my most used quotes "they actually printed my press release word for word!"

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Unhappy about being laid up with virus today. Especially as support network paid for by the public sector is currently non-existent.

Monday 5 April 2010

Film "Changeling" should be compulsory viewing for anyone working in the public/third sector to prevent them from making the same mistakes.

Saturday 3 April 2010

After week with son Charles involving museums,galleries,restaurants,theatres & cinema, I never want to hear London is no place for children
My son Charles Atherton-Laurie met Director, Mike Leigh at the Cartoon Museum & Photographer Storm Thorgerson at the Idea Generation Gallery
I have a new Google profile http://ping.fm/KA0m5

Friday 2 April 2010

Son Charles, chose Itsu for lunch, picked the awesome play "War Horse" for theatre & had his first private view at Ideas generation Gallery.

Thursday 1 April 2010

Over the moon that 10 year old son Charles took advice to use Wikipedia with total disdain "Don't you realize that anyone can change that" !

Wednesday 31 March 2010

Charles enjoyed the exhibition of Ronald Searle at the Cartoon Museum & Dinner with Uncle, Aunt & Suraya Gaeta at Teachi Restaurant, Camden

Tuesday 30 March 2010

Charles went from Camden Market too Michaelangelo at the Courtauld Gallery, film "Nanny McPhee & The Big Bang" too Gourmet Burgers at Hache

Sunday 28 March 2010

Son Charles begins Easter Holiday by demonstrating making Chocolate on The Southbank, London http://ping.fm/SP8j4
My Son Charles in London until Good Friday. Great start at Chocolate Festival, he demonstrated making some, thanks to Gallia http://ping.fm/fwNmp

Saturday 27 March 2010

I suffer with an illness called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) and was interviewed for a documentary on the subject. See http://ping.fm/C5ycd
Lunch at Thai Soho, drinks at The French House, then Sophia Khan's 30th Birthday party at the Players Bar, Charring Cross, not a bad Friday.

Friday 26 March 2010

Many thanks to Nick Franco. Open House at his Edit Suite in Shoreditch not only proved professionally useful but turned into a great party.

Wednesday 24 March 2010

Thanks to Mick Davies for invitation to private viewing of Originals10, at Mall Galleries. The best of leading and emerging British Artists
Paul Greengrass film "Green Zone" was surprisingly entertaining,not his best but watchable. Matt Damon even demonstrated some acting talent

Monday 22 March 2010

Appearance of Alexia Khadime (currently playing the lead in musical Wicked) at my Birthday Party has made me V.Cool with friends' daughters

Sunday 21 March 2010

A 06:00am finish in Balan, Soho, thanks to Flynn Jones, Cola, Alexia, Denzel and Jemilla. A perfect finish to a brilliant Birthday party.
Had an amazing night with his wonderful friends, a huge thanks to everyone who made the effort to attend photos to follow (thanks Alan Miah)
Thanks documentary maker Nick Broomfield and guest Paula for dropping by to my Birthday. It was a great surprise to see him after so long.
Haircut by Carlo Annichini, hat freshened up by Locks on St. James's, trip to Fortnums for my fragrance, then on to my birthday party.

Friday 19 March 2010

Trying to get the final arrangements finalized for my Birthday Party on Saturday. Amazed, currently expecting over 160 guests, Party time!

Thursday 18 March 2010

Birthday Dinner treat from University friends Colin Ngan and Emma Daw at Rotunda Restaurant. The Irish Tart with a candle, perfect finish!

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Meeting with reformed journalist Gerrard Davies has great promise. We both want to rekindle the spirit of education to the youth in the UK.
Thanks Ciara Morrin for organising tickets to see the Investigative Journalism talk at the Bishopsgate Insititue delivered by Eamonn O'Neill

Tuesday 16 March 2010

CFS weekend from hell, a moment of bliss came in drinks with Suraya Gaeta, then discovered that my favourite McQueen T-Shirt has been stolen

Sunday 14 March 2010

Hoping my son Charles Atherton-Laurie is taking good care of his Mother, Alex Laurie & that my Mother, Betty Toy is enjoying the sun today.

Saturday 13 March 2010

A journalists lunch at The Gay Husaar in Soho with friend Rosie Waterhouse (The Independent), Deborah Collcutt (Evening Standard) & others.

Friday 12 March 2010

In debt to Denis Nowlan (BBC Radio 4) for his time today in discussing the short film "Colour Blind" & how it could assist platforms on race

Thursday 11 March 2010

Early Birthday Lunch at Oxo Tower Brasserie courtesey of Cristina Keech, development with Smita Joshi & film "A Single Man" with Anja Breit

Wednesday 10 March 2010

Georgina Sherrington's Birthday present, to see "London Assurance" at the Olivier Theatre was just the hysterically funny remedy needed.
Thanks to everyone for well wishes and prayers. My Mother has had her operation but remains in hospital under observation for foreseeable.

Tuesday 9 March 2010

Is sending all best wishes, as his 83 year old Mother goes for major surgery in a Cardiff Hospital today. She deserves far better than this.
The film "The Prophet" is a tour de force in acting and directing. The two and a half hours flies by as you get more engaged with the story.

Sunday 7 March 2010

My school biology teacher, KT Thomas, died last week. Few lines in local paper doesn't feel impactful enough for all the good she did.

Thursday 4 March 2010

Inua Ellams in "The 14th Tale" at the National Theatre is stunning & the best value seat in London at £10. Short run, book now or miss out.
The astoundingly good "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" Novelo Theatre and a meeting with the star, James Earl Jones backstage, thanks to Flynn Jones

Wednesday 3 March 2010

Enjoyed the hospitality of Richard Lindley & the amazing, most connected woman in London Carole Stone at her famous Salon, The Stone Club

Tuesday 2 March 2010

Life saving Suraya Gaeta, cheered me up at the 1st performance of play "Sweet Nothings" Young Vic & drinks with Willem Dafoe in the interval
Twitter has been hacked, do not open messages allegedly sent directly from me, I never use them and it contains a link which may be a virus

Sunday 28 February 2010

Very pleased his domestic violence docudrama Silent Voices (DVD), is still in strong demand. Being used as a training aid for SSAFA http://ping.fm/FH29w

Saturday 27 February 2010

SA Actress, first time producer and friend Daniella Pellagrini (love to help developing talent) discovering how competitive UK industry is

Friday 26 February 2010

Meeting with Raga Woods the founder of Ginger Bread (support group for Single Parents) assisting with A Thousand Voices for a Broken System

Thursday 25 February 2010

Dinner at The Italian Kitchen, on New Oxford Street with the very patient (with me at least) Nuria Leon. An hour late due to film premiere.
In debt to the enchanting Vicki Peaple for dinner on the Southbank. Looking forward to her return from Indonesia and our next theatre visit
Peter Jackson's latest film "Lovely Bones" has some lovely moments, but was let down by the fact it was based on a badly written book.
Amused the Ritzy staff when friends, Dirk van der Velden (Art Director) & Damian Coldwell (Composer) became first male visitors in Brixton.

Tuesday 23 February 2010

Me and Amanda Baker Finally completed the first draft of the plotline, for our feature film Vigilia. Rape, anal buggery, love and community.

Monday 22 February 2010

Another great night with Christopher Lambert. Gavin Bond:Music at the Idea Generation Gallery followed by Dinner and drinks at Cafe Raj.

Sunday 21 February 2010

A London day, Chris Ofili at Tate Britatin, Chinese Dragons on Gerrard Street (LeeAnn Marchant) & Poetry on Blakes Steps (Niall McDevitt).
Pleased that I've just finished my third book this year. Legends of a Suicide, David Vann; Disgrace, J.M. Coatze & The Road, Cormac McCarthy

Saturday 20 February 2010

I've found a place in Brixton that my Son Charles would love. 2nd Avenue in Brixton Village exists thanks in part to my friend Julia Shalet

Friday 19 February 2010

Lunch at Med Kitchen with dear friend Margaret Abouharb. Then celebratory drinks with actress friends Karina Cornell & Sarah Whitehouse.

Thursday 18 February 2010

So pleased Anja Breit is able to walk after her operation, albeit with her foot in a plastic bag & the addition of Anita Liammari - perfect.
Day at the Broadcast Video Expo at Earls Court with Amanda Baker, checking out the new 3D TV. Followed by recovery drinks with Julia Shallet

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Whilst I remain pro-active and positive for 2010, it's hard to sustain against the failure of the Third/Public Sector http://ping.fm/vromN

Monday 15 February 2010

ANOTHER PUBLIC SECTOR WEEK

As you may recall, about a month ago, I posted snippets of my weekly diary, showing what it's like to deal with the Public/Third Sector when you're in need. (http://ping.fm/ZTlCR)

Things have not improved.

Monday 9th February 2010

One Support – Josh Decarli and Manager Quirina Oduwole argue that we have to have a meeting.

They have no agenda, can't explain why they need a meeting and in essence, are just coming to tell me, that their only task of the past 3 months, i.e. to ensure I was paid my DLA (Disability Living Allowance) correctly, has still not been successfully completed.

Good use of Tax payers money then.

Tuesday 10th February 2010

NHS Trust Kings College – CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) Unit – informed me that they only have two physiotherapists and one is off on maternity leave.

The pregnant therapist hasn't been provided with any cover and the other therapist only works 2 days a week and can only handle 2 patients every 3 months.

So I will have to wait a further 3 months for treatment.

Making the entire wait 9 Months in total....if it ever happens.

No chance of walking again then!

Wednesday 11th February 2010

Direct Payments – Manager Margaret Farrell failed to notice, until last week, that the document that she needed to complete her task (enabling me to employ my own carer and PA) had not been returned by Social Services even though I've been chasing her for over a month.

Glad people in the sector are on the ball and assisting with eliminating stress.

Thursday 12th February 2010

Hostel Manager, Rocky Singh after an unexplained absence of 2 weeks (with just one phone call from his office staff to say he wouldn't be visiting but no explanation why), reissues me another eviction notice based on the fact I haven't been in touch.....How, exactly, should I have done this?

This, after he'd supposedly spoken to my Social Worker Margaret Kykoyi to be reminded of the reason for the problems had been caused by the DLA, Housing Benefit, One Support, Every Pound Counts, Lambeth Legal Services, Lambeth Housing, Disability Support Team, Allied Healthcare, Meals-on-Wheels, Morrison support services, ICAS and Incapacity Benefit (and trust me, that's not all the ridiculous initiatives dreamt up by the Labour Government to plug the holes of failure in the Social Services/DWP, you have to deal with).

Friday 13th February 2010

Lettings First - John Armah who was supposed to be handling my case to find me private rented accommodation, but as yet, has failed to offer me a single viewing in 5 months, has quit.

Only discovered this from an auto-reply to an e-mail when inquiring what had been done in respect to my case.

Comforting to know they're on top of things and communicating well with their clients.

It's ironic that the private companies like Access Storage, O2 and Apple are all showing more compassion than the Public/Third Sector people who are actually paid to.
Liz Block and I thought film "Food Inc." & the subsequent Q&A with the Soil Association did the cause no good, playing the worst stereotypes

Sunday 14 February 2010

Happy Valentine Day my wonderful friends. I hope you find the best ways to celebrate or completely ignore this Hallmark moment. Love you all

Saturday 13 February 2010

Complimentary afternoon tea at Fortnum & Masons and bottle of champagne at Harvey Nicholl's 5th floor bar, courtesey of Ponni Arumugam.
Play "Really old like 45" at The National Theatre was very painful as it dealt with Alzheimers & reminded me of my mothers current suffering

Friday 12 February 2010

Ciara Morrin at Tate Modern to see Van Doesburg & The International Avant Garde (was more impressed with his influences like Piet Mondrian)

Thursday 11 February 2010

Wearing my Alexandra McQueen Jeans when I heard the news. A great talent sadly lost. Suicide of someone with much to give, a sad day for UK

Wednesday 10 February 2010

Cola Bling & I decided Clint Eastwood's film Invictus was so awful because it was designed to annoy Spike Lee, after his claims of racism.
Georgina Ashdown's poster designs to recruit interview subjects for documentary A Thousand Voices for a Broken System were truly excellent.

Monday 8 February 2010

Dinner with the adorable Marigold Nunes, in a Vegan restaurant, in a converted Routemaster Double Decker Bus in Soho. http://ping.fm/9XueU

Sunday 7 February 2010

Overwhelmed by the generosity shown by Lisa Evans in assisting with visits to see Son in S.Wales. Stops New Labour making me a deadbeat Dad

Saturday 6 February 2010

Even with the Sun out, Architecturally, Cardiff is one ugly city. Seeing my Son Charles Atherton-Lauire for the weekend back Sunday Night.

Friday 5 February 2010

Just met with Sue Walker, a dear friend from my school days, who looks after her husband, Ken, paralysed from the neck down for 11 years.

Thursday 4 February 2010

Back to Back Drinks with the devilishly funny Juliet Lopez, the angelic Anja Briet and the ever engaging Julia Shalet. It's a hard life!

Wednesday 3 February 2010

The wonderfully generous Janine Roebuck just shared some appalling stories about mistreatment of friends, for documentary A Thousand Voices.
The wonderfully generous Janine Roebuck just shared some appalling stories about mistreatment of friends, for documentary A Thousand Voices for a Broken System

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Spent the day describing a rape in finite detail - harrowing experience. Opening scene in Vigilia is graphic novel, flip book and anime.

Monday 1 February 2010

Amazed that 40 friends, with only a weeks notice, braved the cold & Brixton to attend his annual Christmas Party. Thank you I felt V. loved.

Saturday 30 January 2010

Sam Fyson's Birthday was a stunning affair, met with friend the generous Liz Block & new friends Charlie Coe, Michele Ho & the lovely Anita
Dinner with the darling Suraya Gaeta on Friday night then a Saturday working with Amanda Baker on Vigilia.

Friday 29 January 2010

Researcher Georgina Ashdown invaluable to the Documentary A Thousand Voices for a Broken System & hopes Jodie Gravett is Assistant Producer

Thursday 28 January 2010

Enjoyed proving to Sanne Winderickx that you can have a great night in London very cheaply. Free wine tasting & a free bottle of wine each.

Wednesday 27 January 2010

Over the moon that I dragged myself from my sick bed to see my friend Zena Edwards perfom her poetry at the Soho Theatre, uplifting & joyous
Very dissapointed by the film "Brothers" though worth seeing for child actors stunning performances. Met with Karolina Gburczyk & Maz Khan.

Tuesday 26 January 2010

One meeting that should have happened yesterday, another cancelled on the way & a third that was scheduled for tomorrow but took place today

Monday 25 January 2010

The play "Six Degrees of Separation" at The Old Vic (not bad) with the delightful and entertaining Cola Bling (her stage name - obviously)!
Working with Amanda Baker on the plotline for film Vigillia. 4 hours & we've laid out the first 10 seconds. You know It's going to be good!

Sunday 24 January 2010

Tom Stoppards play "Every Good Boy Deserves Favour" in the National Theatre with, the ever bondage clad, Caroline Heatlie. Then tea & cake.

Saturday 23 January 2010

Opening of friend Jospehine Tremelling's Bar, The Queens Head, on Stockwell Road. Dancing with Nichola Hartwell (wheelchair no obstacle).

Friday 22 January 2010

Is off to see the film "Precious" and then discuss with Director Lee Daniels why he decided to launch his film in Brixton - Duh!!!!

Thursday 21 January 2010

Enjoyed watching his dear friend Karina Cornell perform in "Bedtime Tales" at the Pentameter Theatre Hampstead, accompanied by Liz Block.
Spent the afternoon with Amanda Baker, talking to talented potential screenwriters, to assist in the writing of the script for Vigilia.
The film "Nowhere Boy" with the delectable Ponni Arumugam. Character Mimi's costumes reminded me of my amazing Mother, Betty Toy.

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Amazed by the exhibition "Moctezuma:Aztec Ruler" in the British Museum. One of the best I've ever seen! Thanks to Cristina Keeech (& Lada).

Tuesday 19 January 2010

Off to the Private Viewing of Nat Finkelstein: From One Extreme to the Other @ The Idea Generation Gallery in Shoreditch, better be bubbly?

Monday 18 January 2010

Appreciated lunch in Siam Central, whilst brainstorming ideas with Emma Harrison for a documentary idea to cover the work of the RNID.

Sunday 17 January 2010

Thinks George Clooney's Character at the start of the film"Up in the Air"proves his own life philosophy, by the end it's emphatic I'm right!

Saturday 16 January 2010

Was so pleased to be able to catch up with Deepa Amrat, Marianne Alapini, Marigold Nunes and Nic Careem at Deepa's Birthday in Club "Motion"
Dinner at Flame, Leicester Square, with Nike Komolafe, Dirk van der Velden and Caroline Silk. £15 for 3 courses and a 1/2 bottle of wine.

Friday 15 January 2010

For those of you who think I'm criticising the Third & Pubic Sector unfairly take a look at this week http://ping.fm/v6sN1
For those of you who think I'm criticising the Third & Pubic Sector take a look at this week http://ping.fm/X41RL

A Week of Dealing with the Public Sector

Monday 11th January 2009

NHS Trust St. Thomas Hospital – Physiotherapy (already 5 months late), receptionist forgets to book me in, then they discover I should be in a location in Brixton. Assured that someone will call me back from the Pulroos Centre in Brixton tomorrow (by Friday nothing heard).

Tuesday 12th January 2009

Lambeth Social Worker, Margaret Kukoyi, comes to Hostel with sole purpose of getting me to sign a contact. Forgets to bring it.

Direct Payments Manager, follows that appointment, assures that documents will be sent and I will get a copy by email (tomorrow) and Post (Friday and nothing heard).

Wednesday 13th January 2009

Disability Living Allowance – Nigel Harris of the finance department at the DWP informs me that the 9 months of money I'm owed have been sent to a dormant account by mistake. Ownus of responsibility is on me to get it back for some reason.

Claims that over £40,000 was paid mistakenly into Barclays Bank alone on Monday as their computers were down for 2 days.


Thursday 14th January 2009

Hostel Manager, Rockey Singh, who took over on 18.12.09, writes to say I cannot communicate with him through email (my only means of communication) as it creates to much work.

Issues me with a written warning for not having been in touch with him.

And sends me eviction notice because Housing Benefit have failed to pay them properly, DLA has not been paid (See Wednesday), Incapacity Benefit which got lost last year still not sorted out.

Friday 15th January 2009

Meals-on-Wheels fail to deliver
Mobile phone is cut off due to non-payment
One Support Worker – Josh Decarli – doesn't call me back as promised – can only spare me 1 hour a fortnight to give me support.

I wish I could say this was an unusual week for me. An exception. An annomolie. Or even something out of the ordinary. But sadly none of those ephithets apply. This, like every week in the past 10 months is the norm when dealing with the public sector.
I am unable to call out or send texts at the moment. I can though Receive calls, texts and emails (when in a Wifi enabled environment).
More research & the film based on McCormack book "The Road" fair adaptation. Before a lovely home cooked dinner with Cristina Keech & family

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Mightily impressed with the St Pancras Grand Restaurant whilst celebrating with Suraya Gaeta, £15 for 2 Courses and a glass of Pink Bubbly
Harriet Olaleye's visit today reminded me that 2010 is going to be an excellent year. Regardless how hard the Public Sector tries to ruin it

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Film "Disgraced" no match for the Book by J M Coatze which Amanda Baker & I watched for research purposes.Then dinner with Marion Giesler
Alan Bennet continues to write great works "The Habbit of Art" at the National Theatre is a must & dinner with Ponni Arumugam made the night

Monday 11 January 2010

Physiotherapy was meant to begin today (Monday), 5 months late, receptionist forgot to book me in & was sent to the wrong location. Love NHS

Sunday 10 January 2010

Is grateful to South East News employee, Deborah Collins, for explaining current journalist thinking. Not pleasing, but it helps with PR.

Saturday 9 January 2010

Audience feedback forms from the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) show that "Colour Blind" was well received; lots of 5/5. Thanks Emanuel.
Andy Serkis as Ian Dury in the film "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll" a wonder to behold. Reminiscing with Burlesque Artist Josephine Tremelling.

Friday 8 January 2010

Hopes to have more opportunities to work with Matt Jeschelnik of Boulder Creek International in 2010. The most honest person in distribution

Thursday 7 January 2010

Hopes to have more opportunities to work with Matt Jeschelni of Boulder Creek entertainment in 2010. The most honest person in distribution.

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Is wondering if singing heartily "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" in the middle of Brixton was such a good idea, even with the snow?

Tuesday 5 January 2010

wants to be fully recovered and not have to deal with the mechanics of the Third & Public Sector, who are not full of 2010 positivism.

Monday 4 January 2010

Back to London, back to work. Virgillia (developing first feature film) & A Thousand Voices for a Broken System (the groundbreaking doc)

Sunday 3 January 2010

Blue Skies, Sun shinning, Frost and the countryside. Finishing my Christmas with my dear friend David Williams in Tring in Hertfordshire.

Saturday 2 January 2010

Managed to walk unaided for the first time since leaving hospital, then given assistance by a "FRENCH" Couple stunning start of the year.

Friday 1 January 2010

New Years Day tradition continues - The Parade, followed by Lunch (Boulevard Dining Room) a film (Sherlock Holmes) & Theatre (Enchanted Pig)
Watching the fireworks live on the Southbank, a glass of champagne & being inundated with good wishes ensured 2010 started with a "Bang"