Tempus fugit!

We were on the radio earlier. Well, I say 'we' but it was me, really - talking about crowdfunding my new novel. But I took Charlie along too, for the ride. 

After all, he's been there before... 

Time certainly flies!

But if you've got a moment and you'd like to, you can hear the interview here:

Aldi baby

The much-anticipated Aldi Baby & Toddler Event is back!

In stores across the UK from today, discount supermarket Aldi’s hugely popular Baby and Toddler Event returns for the third time this year with an amazing range of established products plus new launches, all at unbeatable prices.

Set to fly off the shelves this time is the beautifully designed Baby Snuggle Nest.

This cushioned nest gently recreates the feeling of being cuddled, so your little tot can drift off into a peaceful nap, and you can relax knowing they are getting much needed sleep. Aldi’s Baby Snuggle Nest is an affordable alternative to the popular Poddle Pod, and is a brilliant 60% cheaper at £19.99. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to own the hottest baby product on the market, at an unbeatable price!

Other offers include baby wipes at just £1.49; Nurofen for Children (£2.99) and Mamia Change Mats
as low as £2.49.

But that's not all!

There are tots  (Play-Doh single can £0.79), Feel and Fit Board Books for £2.99 and baby bath toys for the same price. And with bedding, clothing, feeding stuff and furniture the range is comprehensive.

But as with all Specialbuys – when it’s gone, it’s gone!

So hurry down to Aldi!

Jurassic Park

... as played by Charlie on the organ of St Botolph's (Boston Stump) this afternoon.

Well, the blog IS called 'Bringing up Charlie'.

And this is how we're doing it!

Help Your Kids with Growing Up by Robert Winston

Soon after taking over the teaching of PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Ed.) at the local grammar school I was having a new patient medical at the GP's. The nurse asked what I did for a living and I told her I was a teacher. But 'PSHE' always required a bit of explaining, so I went on to say that a significant part of the subject I taught was sex education.

'About time!' she said. 'The boys at that school know nothing. So make sure...' she went on, while holding a hypodermic rather threateningly, 'that you get it right.'

I've no idea if I did. There are no exams in that subject. And even if there were we all know exams aren't necessarily a guarantee of success.

Someone who undoubtedly has (got sex ed. right) and has also passed a lot of exams (but not, I assume, in sex) is Dr - nay, Professor - Robert Winston. And his new book Help Your Kids with Growing Up is the only guide to cover contemporary issues such as internet safety, whilst also tackling key topics such as sexuality and body image.

Professor Winston says: ‘Growing up, the transition from being a child to becoming a young adult, is one of the most amazing stages in a human’s whole life... By encouraging communication between parents and their children, we hope that many teenagers can approach this exciting stage in life with confidence and enjoyment, while feeling supported and understood.’

Winston's book offers a straight-forward, accessible approach with specialist chapters by Dr Radha Modgil as well as stunning graphics and illustrations. It really is an invaluable resource for tweens and teens alike, whether as a quick-reference guide or cover-to-cover read.

The nurse will be well pleased.

First Night of the Proms...

If you'd been in the vicinity of the old Queen's Hall (destroyed by a bomb in World War Two) in Langham Place 112 years ago today, chances are you'd have been going to the First Night of the Proms. The very first night. Because it was on the 10th August 1895 that the first ever Promenade Concert took place, under the baton of Sir Henry Wood.

They were the brainchild of impresario Robert Newman, whose declared aim was to 'educate the public by easy stages' - popular pieces first then slowly introducing more challenging repertoire as the public (who were allowed to eat, drink, smoke as well as 'promenade' as the music played) grew accustomed to the concerts. A sort of 'Classic FM' if you like. But live. And without the ads.

They proved hugely popular and there can't be many people in the country unaware of the fact that they're still going. Going strong, in fact. As the BBC Proms the current season is now approaching the half-way point of its annual eight-week run. Other 'Proms' might be available - especially the ubiquitous 'last night' - but the BBC season is among the real jewels in the crowd of classical music. And not just in the UK.

My first direct experience of the Proms was as a performer with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir back in 1990. We did Janacek's Glagolitic Mass and the thrill of taking part in such a fabulous event completely made up for the fact that the concert was on a Sunday and the coach didn't get back to Liverpool until 2am. I finally got to bed about three in the morning. And I was at work the next - the same - day.

Here's a clip. I'm standing underneath Sir Henry Wood's statue. You can just about see me if you look really closely. But don't. Listen to the music instead. And imagine being there, singing it!

STOP PRESS!

In response to an overwhelming post bag of at least one request to make myself more visible, I am adding a screenshot of the offending frame. As I said, I'm pretty much directly underneath Sir Henry, next to a chap with a rather splendid ginger beard and beside another rather follicly challenged (then) member of the BBC Singers (as I recall)...