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July 09
BLOGGER
My blog, which is a labour of love, has seen a marked increase in visitor numbers and interest in the aftermath of Michael Jackson's death. Although it has quite a high falutin' title: Am I Scary For You? Minstrelsy, Metamorphosis and Michael Jackson, I write it in a very accessible style and I encourage (sensible) comment. I haven't always got the time to devote as much to it as I'd like but we have developed a community of readers who want to muse and swap ideas on the inspirations and influences on Michael Jackson's life and work, exploring transformation, beauty, gender, the Gothic, minstrelsy, and whatever happens along.
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August 09
IN PROFILE
I really enjoy writing profiles for Business Matters, the magazine of the Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster District. I'm a volunteer on the editorial board (we're all volunteers - people who have a real passion for our city and district).
This year I wrote three profiles: Joe Buglass from CREATE, an entrepreneurial organisation at Lancaster University; Penny Towler, a wonderful acupuncturist who has a clinic at Harpers' Mill, Lancaster, and lastly, Jane Richardson of Arteria, a gorgeous shop and gallery here in the city. Some 'profilees' are really responsive and you build up good relationships with them while others barely say thank you! Favourites, apart from the above three, include entrepreneur Martin Higginson, interior designer James Mackie, Alison Bargh of CityBlock (student housing) and hairdresser/salon owner, Graham Cass.
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October 09
CALL TO KLEZMER
I did a press release about a Klezmer evening for Lancaster & Lakes Jewish Community. I knew nothing about Klezmer (it's a type of Jewish music) but I went along to the evening where I bumped into an old friend who I had not even realised had Jewish ancestry. We ended up joining in some of the Klezmer dancing. It was wonderful! The press release was used widely too in the regional media (Lancashire, Cumbria) and drew some new people to the group.
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November 09
THE HANNAH FRANK ARCHIVES
I've turned detective for a while... I'm compiling an archive of all the work done over the last five years to bring the art of Hannah Frank to a larger audience. The project was spearheaded by Fiona Frank, Hannah's niece, and she collected a small team (that included me as press and PR person) who helped to realise this dream.
Writing the archive has been emotional as every month seemed to bring new landmarks. Hannah died in 2008 at the age of 100, secure in the knowledge that her name - and her art - will continue to be celebrated and sought after.
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December 09
FLYNNTHEDOG KNOWS ABOUT PET NUTRITION
I wrote a leaflet about pet nutrition for flynnthedog Pet Supplies. The proprietor, Katie Jenkins, will put this free leaflet in the shop (Alfred Street, Lancaster) to help customers work out just what they are feeding their beloved furry friends. The research I did was a real eye-opener; it definitely made me think about what we feed our own hound.
Katie, along with Steve Pendrill Photography, also ran a Pet Portrait competition last month. I wrote and distributed the press release. We were delighted to get lots of local coverage and a total of 44 pets turned up to be 'snapped' - despite the rain! You can see all the pics of all the pets at http://www.flynnthedog.com