Movember goings on.....

Greetings Frock Fans!

I havn't grown a moustache for Movember but well done to those that have.  I saw a particularly spiffing example at work the other day.  I would've taken a photo for the blog but thought it a tad rude!

This month seems to have flown by - with me working hard but then playing hard to make up for that.

Last Thursday saw another "Carnaby Street Discount Night".  Yes folks, you know the one - where everyone goes and spends their money on things they don't really need.  As I've mentioned before, if truth be known, everyone actually goes to see what they can get for free....well that's what we did anyway.  Champagne in the Levi Store, Beer in Ben Sherman, more champagne in the Levi Store, and red wine thanks to lovely Andy Lewis (old friend, musician, dj, and he of Paul Weller band fame).  We listened to some good music courtesy of said friend in the Pretty Green shop, tried to avoid the midget handing out sweets in a suspicious manner, and went into shops we wouldn't normally go in to get more free things! A trip to new favourite place, Trisha's, afterwards, where alsorts of interesting folk were out.....definite gangsters, definite prostitutes, and us.  Never a dull moment in Trishas.  Finishing up in Bar Italia for coffee & cake, a fun Thursday had been had.....and not a single penny spent.

A disappointing Saturday in Crouch End at a couple of "pop up markets".  I'm allowed to complain after having gone to vintage markets for many a moon and having earnt my "vintage stripes".  Firstly to a pop up craft market which consisted of 3 stalls.  This is not good Crouch End.  I've also noticed being back in North London that there is no sense of urgency by stall-holders at these markets - if something is meant to start at a certain time, everything should be ready at that time.....I can't be doing with late comers - things to do, people to see....and in the 15 mins you're late, you've lost out on my custom & my money.  Next to a vintage fair over the road, in a basement of a pub which was so dark that you couldn't see anything.  I found one dress that I could figure out was yellow (in the darkness), took it upstairs and found it was covered in stains.  This just isn't good enough guys.  Sort it out or people like me will be advertising your rubbish-ness on social media sites.

Finally, on this week's social calendar - a nostalgic night out to see The Lambrettas and Secret Affair.  I think I must have been out when The Lambrettas were around in the mod revival years or else I've got a mental block on their records - I only remember two of them!  As anyone who knows me or reads this knows, Secret Affair were the first band I ever saw....in 1980 or so at Chippenham Gold-diggers....they were the start of my mod years.....thanks to them I donned ski-pants & anoraks for many a moon!!!!  Good to hear all the old stuff again, plus a few covers....have a dance & a cider or two.  The gig was ruined a bit however by old bald annoyances who insisted on pushing and shoving when "Time for Action" came on.  Dear old baldies - you are no longer 16 & if you knock me over...ever....you will require new testicles.  Consider this your warning.  Love Cath.  I can't be doing with all the "We are the Mods" stuff either but I knew it would happen.  Anyways, a good night and "Glory Boys" still sends shivers down my spine - memories of a time past.

Bye for now Frock Fans.  Only another 5 days of moustache growing and then you can shave it off again!

xx

Bye October....

Hello November....and hello long dark days, soggy shoes and crumpets.

It's been a while since I wrote my ramblings down.  Since the last time, the clocks have gone back an hour, I'm back on the Slimfast and I've gone orange on the hair front.  Orange it seems isn't as popular with black women or homeless men as red is....but I like it.

So....what's been going on that I can write about and not get into trouble for.....?

A surprise sudden visit from my Newcastle friends saw a lovely Wednesday in Soho.  Days like these are the reason I chose to go freelance (or one of them).  We went to the now refurbished Photographers Gallery where they had a couple of nice exhibitions on (particularly Tom Wood - Men & Women, and Shoot!) and a odd cat projection in the foyer called "For the LOL of cats".  Thank you Justin for the free entry!  The French House next for a very civilised glass of rose' or two.  I'm not a pub fan but I do like this place - it's quiet, drunk-free, with interesting clientele.  No wonder they chose to film some of "The King of Soho" in there....a proper old boozer at it's best - no pints & no mobile phones (although most people forget that rule!).  Bar Italia after - where we sat outside watching the world go by - one of my most favourite things to do in Soho on any day of the week.  An introduction to Trishas for my friends next.  As I've mentioned a few times, if you really want to experience vintage Soho, this is the place.  Finishing up at Pollo for cheap but cheerful pasta.  Job well done.

Another visiting friend - another trip to Soho, unfortunately this time in the pouring Autumn rain.  The plan was to check out the recently apparently extended Groupies exhibition on Beak Street but it seems hardly any exhibitions at all open on Mondays, much to our annoyance.  Over the road instead to the Penny Slinger exhibition.  A locked door and no sign but we made it past the very uninterested staff and down some craggy old wooden stairs.  Penny Slinger is apparently a surrealist artist.  I don't know what this really means.  I'd describe her work as bizarre or erotic probably.  Definitely not everyone's cup of tea but there were a couple of black & white collage-style 70s pictures I particularly liked.  I must read more about her.  Food consumption that day was thanks to my old favourite The Mediterranean Cafe' on Berwick Street (if you havn't been there yet, why not?) and Bar Italia.

Back to my old haunt of The Sanctum Hotel in Soho on Friday for a viewing of "The Performer", a Ragged Crow film about Robert Pereno  - a complex, fascinating individual.  Robert:  If you're reading this, I hope that description is to your liking!  Appearances from Gaz Mayall, Adam Ant & the lovely Eve Ferret.  The film explains a lot about Robert & his life....and I think I understand him a little bit more after it.  Roof top bar afterwards for a cheeky mojito and a catch up.  In connection with this little trip to the Sanctum, I'm ecstatic to report that the very missed film club is returning on 12 November.  Life just hasn't been the same since it!

Finally, Wills Moody Rock & Roll Jumble Sale has returned too.  No longer called that but instead Jumble Sale at the Lexington.  Who cares what it's called - it's back, there's jumble and bargains, and this makes me happy!

Oh...and finally, thinking of lovely Jonnah this week.  4 years since she took her life in such an awful way and at such a young age.  Miss you Jonnah - RIP sweetie.

Back to my diet of Slimfast and dust....