• Spring

Am I Scary For You? 

My blog, which is a labour of love, saw 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 an accessible style and I encourage (sensible) comment.  I often lack the time I would love to devote to the blog but we have a small community of readers who 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.

  • Summer 

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.

In 2009 I profiled 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 Plc and hairdresser/salon owner, Graham Cass.

  • Autumn 

Call to Klezmer

Wrote a press release about a Klezmer evening for Lancaster & Lakes Jewish Community. I knew nothing about Klezmer (a type of Jewish music) but I went along to the evening. I bumped into an old friend who I had not even realised had Jewish ancestry. We did some Klezmer dancing.  It was wonderful!  The press release was used widely in the regional media (Lancashire, Cumbria) and drew some new people to the group.

The Hannah Frank Archives

I turned detective when I compiled 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 who helped to realise this dream.

Writing the archive was 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.
  • Winter

Lancaster's flynnthedog Knows About Pet Nutrition 

I wrote a leaflet about pet nutrition for flynnthedog Pet Supplies. The proprietor, Katie Jenkins, has made this leaflet available to customers (free) in the shop (Alfred Street, Lancaster) to help people work out just what they are feeding their beloved furry friends. The research 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!  

See  http://www.flynnthedog.com