Jazz legend

Acker Bilk died today. Apparently the bowler hat he always wore was left over from an Edwardian photoshoot. The rest of the band ditched their outfits afterwards but Acker loved the hat so much that it became his ‘thing’.

John Humphries (on Radio 4) told a story about how, when he interviewed Acker many years ago, he asked about his young son, Pete. Acker was a bit obsessed with the boy and went into a long story about how Pete had a toy tip up truck which he would fill with his own poo and push down the stairs. Acker found this hilarious and, I think, probably enjoyed reciting it on the radio. John Humphries wondered how Pete felt about it now – he’s probably about my age. A bit embarrassed, I’d venture.

There was no jazz for me though. Tonight was the Volunteer Awards at the Science Museum and, of course, I just had to be there. Mirinda was working from home so, after lunch (and a goodly bit of faffing about to get her booked onto a test to become a British Citizen) I left her in charge of the dogs and set off, up to town.

While it rained most of the day, it helpfully eased off at just the right time for me to walk up to the station. As the clouds cleared, I realised that the weather had suddenly changed. I think the shorts might get packed away now. Though it may excite some reaction in the park, given the amount of people who have commented on my insistence at still wearing them.

Going to the Awards Night is always a bit of fun and a chance to meet up with people who I only see once a year. Sally, the organiser, for one. Last year it was all about her Am Dram wedding while this year she’s pregnant with twins. (When she complained about having to stand too much, I reminded her that she was standing for three.) She’s due in January and is already huge.

When I left, I asked if I’d see her next year. She said she might pop in but she wouldn’t be organising it.

I also sat and had a natter with Kevin (whose desk I sit at on Fridays) and Howard (who I see every Friday as he volunteers on the same day). Kevin has recently been to Beijing and Shanghai so we compared notes. I told Howard he should go at least once. This was after both Kevin and I had complained vociferously about the ghastly pollution being life threatening.

I think I convinced Howard when I told him about the duck skin in caster sugar.

As for the awards…I was nominated in one category but didn’t get it, Howard won the Team Award and Caroline (who never recognises me though we were at the same indoctrination day and have worked on Shipping together and won the Team Award together with Edoaurd) won a researching award. Naturally, I don’t mind. If the awards get spread around and it encourages participation then I’m all for it. And, anyway, I know I’m appreciated.

Nick at Work didn’t attend this year (he’s on holiday) which was a shame as Emma was in Barcelona so she wasn’t there either. They were missed, by me at least.

My trip home was pretty uneventful though long because of nattering (me) and delays (South West Trains).

At home, Mirinda told me all about her night at the Yvonne Arnaud, seeing Jung Chang, a Chinese writer we both love. She wrote Wild Swans, an amazing book about growing up in China and how her grandmother had her feet bound. According to Mirinda, she was excellent. All her books are banned in China.

She lives in London. Her Wiki page is here. An amazing writer.