Dear Fellow Humanists

Welcome to the September edition of the Coventry & Warwickshire Humanist Newsletter. It was good to see so many people who attended the AGM at Waverley Day Centre and the Social Event on Saturday 23^rd September at Kenilworth Cricket Club. It was good to see new members and some familiar faces. I felt that there was a very positive vibe at the AGM and at the Social Event. Hopefully, this positivity will continue throughout the forthcoming year.

It was disappointing to read that the Prime Minister has decided to announce a ‘U-turn’ on climate change commitments and key green targets. It is confirmed the UK would push back the deadline for selling new petrol and diesel cars and the phasing out of gas boilers, prompting furious condemnation from the automobile and energy industries. This comes at a time when most of the world suffered scorching heatwaves – including Siberia and Northern Canada. It is assumed that the hot sun will be followed by torrential wind, rain and floods similar to those in Libya. That the climate is changing – and the planet heating – is a scientific fact, and it is human activity that is the overarching cause. Climate change is a human problem. It must have a human solution. Just as our historic systems of science, technology, industry, and politics have enabled us to pollute our planet, so we must look to using and reforming these tools to preserve it. As Humanists, we can all play our part, because we must.

Brian Goredema-Braid
Chair of Coventry & Warwickshire Humanists
Tel:        07977996363                    Email:    briangb@sky.com

Annual General Meeting Thursday 21^st September:
We had our Annual General Meeting at Waverley Day Centre. I was very pleased that the meeting was well attended and was an all-round good event with a good level of debate. I have attached my report on our work from 2022-23 at the end of this Newsletter.

The election of officers is as follows:
Chair                                 Brian Goredema-Braid
Secretary                          Jane Sault
Treasurer                          Adrian Davis
Social Secretary                Andrew Ireland
Executive Members:        John Gainer, John Goodfellow and Geraldine Tsakirakis

Subscriptions:
One of the items discussed in the regular meeting after the AGM was the membership fee for the group. Membership of Coventry & Warwickshire Humanists runs from the 1st September to 31st August every year.  We are asking for an annual subscription of £10 per person.  If you feel able to contribute more, then any additional donations would be welcome.  We do not want to exclude anyone, so if you cannot afford £10 then whatever you feel able to contribute would be fine.  If you can arrange a standing order to our bank account that would be great, otherwise a cheque made out to Coventry and Warwickshire Humanists can be sent to our Treasurer Adrian Davis. Or if you are going to be at the meeting on Thursday 19^th October, you can give Adrian a cheque or cash.

Social Event Saturday 23^rd September at Kenilworth Cricket Club:

Many thanks to Andrew Ireland who organised an excellent social event at the Kenilworth Cricket Club. A pleasant venue with good food and company. A welcome our new member, Rhiannnon Jones-Price and John Goodfellow’s partner, (Penny). A big thank you also to Audrey Raishbrook, who organised some light entertainment with some debatable assistance from Bob Jelley and participation from Andrew and Mo. It was also noted that there were some very fine accompanying male voices in the audience! (Questionable??) There was a selection of different quiz’s pictorial, written and verbal for amusement and fun.  

Next Meeting – Thursday 19^th October: Charlotte Hockton from Hope at Home:
‘Hope at Home’ is a voluntary organisation that runs a hosting service for people escaping from modern slavery. At Hope at Home, we believe that no survivor of slavery should ever have to sleep on the streets. The organisation train and support volunteer hosts to welcome a survivor into their homes, preventing homelessness and re-trafficking. Hope at Home believe that everyone deserves the chance to find a hope and a future.  This should be a very interesting meeting

Remembrance Sunday Wreaths:

Remembrance Sunday is on 12^th November. As many of you know, we request Humanists to volunteer to place a wreath at their local Memorial Statue or Monument in the various towns and districts in Coventry and Warwickshire. Previously, we have been indebted to Bob Jelley for delivering wreaths to Humanists across the County. Whilst Bob did an excellent job, we did feel that someone driving across the area was not environmentally effective. Like last year, we are suggesting that members contact their local British Legion office to request a wreath. We will discuss this issue and the arrangements for laying wreaths at the AGM on Thursday 19^th October.

Humanist Statement: – Kurt Vonnegut

We usually start each meeting with a Humanist Statement from any of our members. I took it upon myself to start the Social Event with this comment from one of my favourite authors Kurt Vonnegut who was the President of American Humanists. I read most of his books in the 1970’s and 80’s and I keep promising myself to revisit his books – especially ‘Slaughterhouse Five’, ‘Cat’s Cradle’ and ‘God Bless You Mr Rosewater’.

In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write to a famous author and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut was the only one to respond – and his response is magnificent:

“Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta: I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances anymore, because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana. What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.
Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.

Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six-line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?

Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacles. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.

God bless you all!”

Kurt Vonnegut

I have decided to use this excellent comment as a Humanist School Speaker whenever I visit a school. 

Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy

The 2023 World Humanist Congress, gathered in Copenhagen, adopted the following Declaration on Democracy: a humanist value:

Humans are social animals, formed by evolution and culture to live together with others in society.

For society to function, it needs norms, laws and regulations. As society changes, these need always to be open to challenge and updating as the result of an ongoing ethical conversation and rational debate.

Democracy, which is founded on the principle of the equal value, dignity, and right to participate of every individual, is a humanist way of organizing that conversation and debate.

As humanists, we maintain that democracy should be a fundamental value upheld and protected by all societies and governments. Everyone should be heard with equal dignity and respect, and the democratic process provides a framework for ensuring that this principle is upheld in practice. It guarantees that there can be no legitimate government anywhere without the fully informed consent and participation of those being governed.

Democracy is not just a political process. With its emphasis on equality and participation, democracy is a powerful tool for the realization of social justice, human dignity, and the common good.

Democracy is not a static situation. It is a dynamic process that requires constant engagement, informed participation, and adjustment.

Democracy is not the tyranny of the majority. It must go together with human rights protections, the rule of law, and a commitment to social progress.

In light of these principles, we affirm the following:

1. Democracy is a universal fundamental value that is essential to the realization of humanist principles worldwide.
2. Democracy must be broadly inclusive, transparent, accountable, and secular, with institutions and practices that are responsive to the changing needs and aspirations of citizens.
3. Citizens must be empowered and the right to exercise citizenship must be protected without prejudice.
4. Democracy as a culture must be actively defended against all threats, including those from regimes, movements and political parties that embrace authoritarian principles, from those with unaccountable economic and social power, and from all other forces that seek to undermine democratic values and institutions.

We commit ourselves to working for a more democratic world.

We call on all governments, institutions, and individuals to uphold and protect democratic values as a cornerstone of human dignity, justice, and freedom.

We call on all humanists around the world to stand in solidarity with those who are struggling to defend and promote democracy, and to work together to build a world in which democracy flourishes and the dignity and rights of all people are protected.

General Assembly Resolution on Democracy

The General Assembly of Humanists International noted the Declaration of the 2023 World Humanist Congress on Democracy: a humanist value and made this resolution:

“This General Assembly notes that democracy faces many challenges globally. These challenges include the rise of authoritarianism, the suppression of human rights and civil liberties, the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation, the weakening of democratic institutions, the continued harassment of and intimidation of civil society activists, NGOs, and others working for human rights, civil engagement, and environmental sustainability, and the exacerbation of social and economic inequalities.

We call on humanist organizations to play their part in confronting these threats to democracy of today in whatever ways they can. We should all consider meaningful ways to advance democracy and democratic values in our current context, to act in the best interests not just of people today but for future generations, for whom democracy should be an inheritance”.

Source

• Copenhagen Declaration on Democracy: a humanist value, Humanists International, World Humanist Congress, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2023

Poetry Corner from Audrey Raishbrook

Audrey is possibly hinting that the coming winter might be a bit severe? Her choice for this month is ‘Stopping by the woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though; 
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake 
To ask if there is some mistake. 
The only other sound’s the sweep 
Of easy wind and downy flake.  

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.   

Robert Frost

COVENTRY & WARWICKSHIRE HUMANISTS – CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Annual General Meeting September 2023

It has been an interesting year in many ways. In particular an opportunity for some reflection as to where we are as a group. With Covid now hopefully behind us now, we have managed to combine the hybrid of using both in-person meetings and online meetings. We have had some interesting and thought-provoking meetings throughout the year as well as enjoyable social events.

In September last year was the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth ll which affected a lot of events and activities around that period. The coronation of Charles lll took place in May and was officially attended by Humanist Chief Executive Andrew Copson – which was quite a breakthrough for Humanist representation. News also came available of statistics from the 2021 Census and other sources outlining the decline of the Anglican church and the growth of those with no religion, which should be comforting for many Humanists.

Unfortunately, we heard of the sad death of Roy Saitch who was a co-founder of Coventry & Warwickshire Humanists with his partner George Broadhead. They established a formidable reputation as gay activists and humanists, not just locally but also on a national level. In the June Newsletter, I posted a tribute to Roy by John Marshall, Trustee of the Pink Triangle Trust. We also learned of the sad death of Joy Gardiner. I don’t believe that she attended many meetings. Joy lived in Kenilworth. I only know Joy by way of delivering her Newsletter by hand. I would like to hear from anyone who knew Joy. Her son informed me that she had a non-religious funeral.

In September we had a social event at Kenilworth Cricket Club which was well organised by our Social Secretary Andrew Ireland. The event was quite well attended. In October we held the AGM at Waverley Day Centre in Kenilworth. The November meeting was an informal online event.

In December we held another social event with everyone bringing an item of refreshment. Bob Jelley had printed off a selection of seasonal songs including White Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Winter Wonderland etc. Everyone joined in for a good communal sing song. However, I am not too sure about The Mistletoe Bough as a happy song for the festive season? But it was well sung by Bob. Jane Sault provided some exercise with a novelty race game. Again, the event was well organised by Andrew Ireland. 

In January and February, we had further online meetings where we discussed issues including the war in Ukraine, sexual and religious discrimination against women in Iran and Afghanistan. In March we invited Bob Jelley to open a discussion on his role as a Humanist Celebrant. He was ably assisted by Moira Pendlebury with this enlightening discussion. Bob provided some useful anecdotes.

We had a very well attended meeting in April. The main speaker was Debbie Hill with some assistance from me with a discussion on Transactional Analysis or as it is often referred TA. The TA Model, developed by Dr Eric Berne in the 1950’s and 1960’s, is one of the most comprehensive and-useful tools available for dealing with interactions between two people. Eric Berne’s most famous book is ‘Games People Play’ TA is a useful tool for us as Humanists and free-thinkers and rationalists – especially when we are in a discussion with someone who does not necessarily agree with our position on religion or faith.

In May, we had an excellent presentation from Jeremy Rodell the Humanists UK Dialogue Officer. Jeremy provided an enlightening presentation. Firstly, on the up-to-date statistics from the 2021 Census and other sources outlining the decline of the Anglican church and the growth of those with no religion. Jeremy then moved to discuss the need for a positive dialogue with those of religious faiths. Jeremy suggested the need for a values-based approach for a way forward. Yet, it is difficult for a positive conversation or coalition of the reasonable while Church leaders continue with their ‘state of false consciousness’. A fascinating and excellent presentation. 

In June, 3 of us, Jane Sault, Adrian Davis and myself attended the Humanist Convention in Liverpool. One of the benefits of the Convention is the opportunity to mix and mingle with Humanists from the length and breadth of the United Kingdom. However, one of the drawbacks is that with a busy programme, opportunities for networking are limited. Overall, it was a good Convention with a good level of stimulating debate with some inspiring speakers. Generally, a good camaraderie amongst among some very committed and enthusiastic Humanists. I would definitely recommend any Humanist to attend at least one Annual Convention. The 2024 Convention will be held in Cardiff in June of that year. For the June meeting Adrian and I gave a presentation of our own perspectives of the convention.

For the July Meeting, the main issue centred around where we are as a group. To question whether we are happy and content with where we are as a group and if there is a need to develop? The main talking point is how we should attract more people to our meetings – existing and future members. In the August Newsletter I reproduced an article by David Warden of Dorset Humanists on Humanist groups: how to deliver that endorphin high and some lessons that we in Coventry & Warwickshire can learn from. This is an issue that we will keep coming back to.

In May, Andrew Ireland led a very good ramble around Binley Woods. Even the weather was kind to us with a nice warm sunny day. Andrew also showed us the many improvements that the Friends of Binley Wood had developed since our last visit in November 2021. Binley Wood has many features that need further exploration, including the variety of different trees and the natural ponds. An excellent walk for a sunny Sunday morning. After the walk we met with fellow Humanists at The Cocked Hat for a lovely Sunday lunch. I have the feeling that we should be doing more of this type of activity?

We have some interesting meetings planned for the forthcoming year. In October we have a visit from Charlotte Hockton from Hope at Home which is a voluntary organisation that runs a hosting service for people escaping from modern slavery. Hope at Home believe that everyone deserves the chance to find a hope and a future.  This should be a very interesting meeting. We are also further discussions with Humanist national officers including Ann O’Connell a Humanist Trustee, Clare Elcombe-Webber who is responsible for Humanist Pastoral Care and also Madeline Goodall the Humanist Heritage Co-ordinator. We will confirm these dates for 2024.

The Coventry & Warwickshire Humanists are still actively supporting the work of Steve Hurd and Ugandan Humanist Schools. We do send regular donations to this excellent organisation, particularly now that they are being presented with further tax demands. We continue to campaign for the release of Mubarak Bala who is still in prison in Nigeria on the charge of blasphemy. As with Humanists UK, we continue to support campaigns for human rights and for climate change.

I was very pleased to receive a telephone call recently from Andrew Copson to have a conversation about our group. This is a new initiative as Andrew is keen to become more involved with Humanist groups around the country. Jane Sault and I have also been invited to attend a meeting of Humanist Representatives in October in London. This is very good news, as I sometimes feel that as group we can often feel remote from the main central hub of the Humanist movement. Jane and I will report back on the outcome of this meeting.   

Apart from the regular meetings and social events, we have many Humanist Celebrants and Humanist School Speakers amongst our membership. This is a healthy aspect. I can only speak as a School Speaker, but it is heartening that we get a lot of revisits to many of our regular schools each year as well as invitations for new school enquiries. I also know that Celebrants are regularly performing their duties. There is always a positive feedback from people who have attended a Humanist funeral or naming or wedding ceremony. I would personally like to thank all of those who are Celebrants and School Speakers for the work that they do each year.

Each year Humanists in various parts of Coventry and Warwickshire attend the ceremonies each year on Remembrance Sunday. I would also like to thank those Humanists who volunteer to place a wreath at local Remembrance ceremony.      

I would like to thank members for their support during my tentative first year. Especially the members of the Executive Committee for their continued support. In particular, I would like to thank our Secretary Jane Sault and Treasurer Adrian Davis for their guidance and wise counsel.

Thank you

Brian Goredema-Braid – Chair of Coventry &Warwickshire Humanists – September 2023

Film Review – ‘Tokyo Story’ and ‘Past Lives’

During September I managed to see two films from the Far East that I would totally recommend. They were made in 1953 and 2023 – a 70-year difference. But both with a similar theme. Human interest with both understating excess emotion. Just capturing the mood of the moment and leaving the viewer to address their own conclusions.  ‘Tokyo Story’ directed by Yasujiro Ozu was made in Japan in 1953. ‘Past Lives’ directed by Canadian based Celine Song was made in South Korea and United States in 2023.

‘Tokyo Story’ is a profoundly stirring evocation of elemental humanity and universal heartbreak.  The film, which follows an aging couple’s journey to visit their grown children in bustling post-war Tokyo, surveys the rich and complex world of family life with the director’s customary delicacy and incisive perspective on social mores.

Featuring lovely performances from Ozu regulars Chishu Ryu and Setsuko Hara, ‘Tokyo Story’ plumbs and deepens the director’s recurring theme of generational conflict, creating what is without question one of cinema’s mightiest masterpieces. Their journey to Tokyo to visit their adult children who appear too busy to entertain them. More wrapped up in their commercial careers the aging parents appear neglected. The only relative to show any warmth is the wife of their deceased son who died in the war.

Regardless of her poverty, the daughter-in-law makes very effort to respect the aging parents-in-law. She is often ridiculed her in-laws because of her poverty. A charming view of family relationships, humility and humanity. Despite the film’s age it has a timeless theme.

I have been a keen admirer of the developing film industry of South Korea. The excellent comedy drama ‘Parasites’ directed by Bong Joon-Ho deservedly won the Oscar for best picture in 2020. ‘The Handmaiden’ directed by Park Chan-Wook and based on the novel ‘Fingersmith’ by Sarah Waters won rave reviews at every film festival.

‘Past Lives’ This is a story of lost love and childhood crush, the painful and dangerous access to the past given by digital media; the roads not taken, the lives not led, the futile luxury of regret. And it’s a movie that speaks to the migrant experience and the way this creates lifelong alternative realities in the mind: the self that could have stayed behind in the old country, versus the one that went abroad for a new future.

Featuring lovely performances from Ozu regulars Chishu Ryu and Setsuko Hara, ‘Tokyo Story’ plumbs and deepens the director’s recurring theme of generational conflict, creating what is without question one of cinema’s mightiest masterpieces. Their journey to Tokyo to visit their adult children who appear too busy to entertain them. More wrapped up in their commercial careers the aging parents appear neglected. The only relative to show any warmth is the wife of their deceased son who died in the war.

The pair reconnect over Facebook, and soon, their lives revolve around regular Skype calls, regardless of time differences. However, with no sign that either one of them is willing to upend their early careers, the stream of video calls stop. Nora and Hae Sung’s lives continue over another 12 years before they reconnect again. A gentle but beautiful film of two people whose lives intertwine again after years apart is delicate and sophisticated, but also simple and direct.

Film Preview:
A selection of films being released over the next few weeks

The Old Oak: A new film from Ken Loach and possibly his last ever film? As usual, Loach hones in on a controversial and sensitive subject. A pub landlord in a previously thriving mining community struggles to hold onto his pub. Meanwhile, tensions rise in the town when Syrian refugees are placed in the empty houses in the community. Starring Dave Turner and Elba Mari

RMN: Another politically controversial subject from this award-winning Romanian film. A man returns to his parents’ mountain village in Transylvania, longing to see his ex-lover again. He notices the unrest caused by her offering two foreigners work in her bakery despite no-one else having applied for the jobs. The townspeople come together to express their racist anger.

Brother: The sons of Caribbean immigrants, two brothers face questions of masculinity, identity and family during Toronto’s early hip-hop scene. Starring Lamar Johnson and Aaron Pierre.

A Haunting in Venice: A Haunting in Venice is a 2023 American mystery film produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh loosely based on the 1969 Agatha Christie novel Hallowe’en Party. It serves as a sequel to Death on the Nile and is the third film in which Branagh portrays the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. With an all-star ensemble cast. Personally, I am not too keen on Branagh’s approach of turning Poirot into a James Bond type character?  

Dumb Money: An American biographical comedy-drama film based on the 2021 book The Antisocial Network by Ben Mezrich and chronicles the GameStop short squeeze of January 2021. The cast includes Paul Dano, Pete Davidson and Vincent D’Onofrio.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3: The third instalment in the franchise with the familiar format of a romantic comedy film. Starring its director Nia Vardalos, John Corbett. An entertaining and charming romantic comedy

The Lesson: An aspiring young novelist, is hired to tutor the son of revered author JM Sinclair played by a deliciously acidic Richard E Grant and a formidable art dealer But he finds that the Sinclair inner circle is a place where nobody but JM is permitted to thrive, and that the ownership of stories is a contentious matter. Also starring Daryl McCormack and Julie Delpy.

The Great Escaper: This film is bound to be a big hit with many people. Based on a true-life story. In the summer of 2014, a World War 2 veteran ‘breaks-out’ of his care home to attend the 70^th anniversary commemoration of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson. It is hinted that this will be Caine’s last film. Jackson died within days of completing the film.

The Miracle Club: A comedy-drama film starring Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Maggie Smith, and Stephen Rea. The film’s plot involves a group of working-class women from Dublin on a pilgrimage to Lourdes in France. The film explores the themes of faith, friendship, family, and forgiveness as the women face their personal challenges and secrets.

Golda: A biographical drama film that depicts the life of Golda Meir, the 4th Prime Minister of Israel, particularly during the Yom Kippur War. It stars Helen Mirren, Camille Cottin and Liev Schreiber.

Killers of the Flower Moon: An epic Western crime drama film directed and produced by Martin Scorsese, based on the book of the same name by David Grann. Its plot centres on a series of Oklahoma murders in the Osage Nation during the 1920s, committed after oil was discovered on tribal land. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.

Foe: A science fiction psychological thriller film based on Iain Reid’s 2018 novel of the same name. It stars Saoirse Ronan, Paul Mescal and Aaron Pierre.

The Killer: A neo-noir action thriller film based on the French graphic novel series of the same name written by Alexis “Matz” Nolent and illustrated by Luc Jacamon. Starring Michael Fassbender and Arliss Howard. Its plot follows the titular assassin who gets embroiled in an international manhunt after a hit goes wrong.

Daliland: A biographical drama based on the true story of surrealist painter Salvador Dalí and his tempestuous marriage to muse and wife Gala during the 1970s. The film stars Ben Kingsley, Barbara Sukowa and Christopher Briney.

A Little Life: Based on the novel by Hanya Yanagihara, follows four classmates from a small US college who move to New York to pursue their careers. It deals with complex themes – ambition, racism, addiction, privilege, sexuality and pride as secrets of the past come to light. Starring James Norton (of Happy Valley fame), Elliot Cowan, Omari Douglas and Luke Thompson.

Still on the Circuit:

Oppenheimer: Oppenheimer and a team of scientists spend years developing and designing the atomic bomb. Their work comes to fruition on July 16, 1945, as they witness the world’s first nuclear explosion, forever changing the course of history.

Barbie: Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colourful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. Yes, it is still there – but no queues now!

Scrapper: A British comedy about a dreamy 12-year-old girl who lives happily in her London flat, filling it with magic. When her estranged father turns up, he forces her to confront reality. Starring Harris Dickinson, Lola Campbell and Laura Alkman. Still at some independent cinemas.

TV Programmes and Films:

Saturday 30^th September: It is a good night for fans of Tamla Motown on BBC2!

18.20 – BBC1: Strictly Come Dancing – Another week of the entertaining dance show

21.00 – BBC4: Black Snow and at 22.00 – Episodes 3 & 4 of this intriguing and haunting Australian drama

22.00 – BBC2: Smokey Robinson in Hyde Park – The soul and Motown legend performs a rousing headline set, which took place in 2013. With a little help from the crowd in London’s Hyde Park,

23.00 – BBC2: Marvin Gaye Live at Montreux – From a live appearance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in July 1980.  In this highly energetic concert he performs many of his timeless classics,

00.00 – BBC1: The Witches of Eastwick – Excellent Comedy drama starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer. Three bored, independent women make a wish for a dynamic man to enter their lives. So, when a charismatic and mysterious man arrives on the scene, strange things start to happen.

00.30 – Channel 4: The Spy Who Dumped Me – A great action comedy starring Mila Kunis and Kate McKinnon. A woman’s boyfriend dumps her on her 30th birthday.  She and best friend burn all of his belongings. However, it turns out that he is a CIA agent and, he needs to retrieve an important item. The women are plunged into the thick of a high-stakes international incident.

Sunday 1^st October:

19.15 – BBC4: Hamlet – David Tennant is in the title role in this adaptation of the RSC’s award-winning production, with Patrick Stewart as Claudius, and Penny Downie as Gertrude.

21.00 – BBC1: Boiling Point – A TV spin-off from the excellent 2021 film, starring Stephen Graham. In a new restaurant, head chef Carly battles personal demons, while chaos in the kitchen pushes her staff to boiling point. If the TV series is as good as the film, it will be brilliant!

21.30 – BBC2: Miriam Margolyes: Australia Unmasked – Miriam Margolyes embarks on a journey Down Under to explore the unique Australian ethos of ‘the Fair Go”, a core value that promotes opportunity for all regardless of background or wealth.,

22.00 – BBC3: Stronger – Biographical drama starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany, based on the inspiring true story. Boston worker Jeff Bauman loses both his legs during a devastating attack on the 2013 marathon.

22.30 – BBC2: Ali and Ava – An excellent drama starring Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook. Amiable, Ali lives in Bradford where his marriage is coming to a painful end. By chance, he meets widowed teaching assistant Ava and the two get close. But their own insecurities and family opposition threaten to stand in the way of their burgeoning relationship. You will love these characters! Well worth recording.

Monday 2^nd October:

21.00 – BBC2: Union with David Olusoga – The historian examines the relationship between the UK’s four constituent countries, uncovering a long history of union and disunion that goes back centuries.

21.00 – ITV1: The Long Shadow – Episode 2 of the drama into the investigation of Peter Sutcliffe

22.00 – BBC4: Andy Warhol’s America – Episode 1 of the documentary looking at the history of 20th-century America through the life and career of Andy Warhol.

22.40 – BBC1: The Exorcist – It must be getting near to Halloween? Classic horror starring Ellen Burstyn and Max von Sydow. Repeated Thursday 22.20 on BBC4

23.15 – BBC2: Selma – Drama based on a true story, starring David Oyelowo and Tom Wilkinson. It is still the era of segregation in the United States. Dr Martin Luther King goes to Selma, Alabama, and initiates a series of demonstrations and marches that will change the face of America.

23.30 – BBC4: David Hockney: The Art of Society – A Culture Show special. The artist, at his home in Bridlington and at the galleries of London’s Royal Academy.

Tuesday 3^rd October:

21.00 – BBC2: Rise of the Nazi’s: Manhunt – The final episode of the diehards committed to hunt down thousands of Nazi war criminals, some of whom were living in plain sight. 

21.30 – Channel 4: Partygate – Factual drama telling the story of the Covid-19 pandemic through the portal of what was happening inside 10 Downing Street including the lockdown-breaching parties. Based on the findings of the Sue Gray reports. John Culshaw as Boris Johnson – a must see film!

23.15 – BBC2: The Place Behind the Pines – Crime drama starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper. A motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks. An ambitious cop is determined to bring him to book. Their actions rebound on both their families in the years to come.

Wednesday 4^th October:

21.00 – ITV1: Payback: Money and Power – A business titan and affluent financial capitalist, has been living a life of a recluse in Mongolia. He returns to Korea when his nephew and his late benefactor’s daughter enlists his help. He prepares for war against corrupt powers to protect his beloved family and to avenge the death of a dear old friend.

22.40 – BBC1: Alien – Sci-fi horror thriller starring Sigourney Weaver.

Thursday 5^th October:

21.00 – Channel 4: Taskmaster – A new series of one of the funniest shows on TV

21.00 BBC2: Picasso: The Beauty and the Beast – The second episode on the life of Picasso

Friday 5^th October:

A good night for fans of Elton John with various programmes on BBC4 from 21.00 to 00.30

20.00 – BBC1: Would I Lie to You? This week Rob Brydon, Lee Mack and David Mitchell are joined by Victoria Derbyshire, Rhod Gilbert, Rosie Jones and Jamil Maddix

20.30 – BBC1: Ghosts – Another episode of the popular comedy series

21.30 – BBC1: Have I Got News for You – Victoria Coren Mitchell is tonight’s chair with Carol Vorderman and Ignacio Lopez joining Ian Hislop and Paul Merton

22.40 – BBC1: Graham Norton Show – Tonight’s guests are Elton John’s lyricist Bernie Taupin, Catherine Tate, Ashley Walters and Bill Bailey. Music from Christine and the Queens

23.05 – BBC2: Official Secrets – Fact-based drama about a leaked GCHQ memo in the run-up to the Iraq war. Revealing the devastating consequences for whistle-blower Katharine Gun, who was put on trial for breaching the Official Secrets Act. Starring Keira Knightley and Matt Smith

Saturday 7^th October:

18.20 – BBC1: Strictly Come Dancing – Another week of star-spangled dancing

21.00 – BBC4: Black Swan – The final episodes of this mysterious and haunting Australian thriller

23.05 – Channel 4: Minority Report – Futuristic action thriller from Steven Spielberg, based on the Philip K Dick short story, starring Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell and Samantha Morton. In the mid-21st century, a man in charge of a Precrime unit, an elite force that can predict offences and make arrests before the crimes are committed. But his life falls apart when he is labelled a future murderer and forced to go on the run to clear his name.

01.05 – BBC2: So Long My Son – Drama about two married couples adjusting to the vast social and economic changes in China from the 1980s to the present. Starring Jingchun Wang and Mei Wong. In Chinese. Well worth staying up for or recording.

A Few Funnies to Cheer You Up:

I was walking past a farm the other day and I saw a sign that said ‘Duck, Eggs’

I thought that’s an unnecessary comma – and then it hit me!

Boss: ‘Where are you?’

Me: ‘I am on a train heading for the south coast’

Boss: ‘But you should be here at work!’

Me: ‘But you told me that you wanted me in Brighton early tomorrow morning!’

Mick walks into Patrick’s barn and catches him dancing naked in front of a tractor

Mick says, ‘What’s going on Patrick? What are you doing?’

Patrick says, ‘Well me and the missus have not been getting on well in the bedroom lately, and the therapist recommended that I do something sexy to a tractor.’

English is hard to Learn?

The bandage was wound around the wound

The farm was used to produce produce

The dump was so full that it had to refuse my refuse

We must polish the Polish furniture

He could lead if he would take the lead out

The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert

Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present

When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes

I did not object to the object

The insurance was invalid for the invalid

There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row

They were too close to the door to close it

Some Thoughts to Ponder…….

Why isn’t the number 11 pronounced onety-one?

If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhoea…does that mean that one out of five enjoys it?

Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren’t they just stale bread to begin with?

If people from Poland are called Poles, then why aren’t people from Holland called Holes?

If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, then doesn’t it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked, and dry cleaners depressed?

Why, Why, Why do we press harder on the remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee due to insufficient funds; when they already know you’re broke?

Why is it that when someone tells you that there are one billion stars in the universe you believe them, but if they tell you there is wet paint you have to touch it to check?

Why did Kamikaze pilots wear helmets?

Whose cruel idea was it to put an “s” in the word “lisp”?

If people evolved from apes, why are there still apes?

REMEMBER, A day without a smile is like a day without sunshine!

And a day without sunshine is, like………..night!!!!

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