Greenbelt 2013

Greenbelt reached it 40th edition this year. If you're not familiar with Greenbelt, it's an arts festival at Cheltenham race course, with a Christian background, but by no means limited to Christian input. Music, drama, literature, and talks addressing matters of faith and justice all feature, along with a good dose of silliness and fun. There are always several venues functioning, so there is plenty of choice as to how to spend the time. There are also plenty of stalls, (organic/fair trade/responsibly sourced) catering vans and displays to browse if you want to take a bit of time out. So what were my picks for 2013?

Jazz Church

Andy Flannagan and friends

There is usually some opening worship so we went along to Jazz Church in the Big Top. Some classic hymns to new arrangements mixed with a jazz take on more contemporary ones, including "Heaven" by Gungor. Not something you could sustain very often, but a great idea and a fresh take on some familiar tunes. I also got along to Ben Cantelon on Sunday doing set of contemporary worship songs in a (dare I say) more conventional way. Andy Flannagan closed things off on Monday with an interesting mix of him, a DJ and a man on a trombone. Somehow it worked.

Other options over the weekend, apart from the main worship on Sunday morning included eucharists from Blessed, an alt-worship sacramental community, another used music from Les Miserables, there was a U2charist and a goth mass. You could get close to nature with Forest Church, of you prefer it quiet, Quakers and Franciscans offer alternatives!

The range of music on offer is always a highlight for me. You can usually find a good selection of singer-songwriters around the place at the Performance Cafe (this year changed to a venue not a cafe!), the CD tent, the Christian Aid tent and the Shed - the youth venue. Martyn Joseph is usually on the list and he also hosts a session (The Rising) with musicians each day to talk about their work and share songs. We caught him talking to old-timer Garth Hewitt and two newer artists, Carrie Rodriguez and Blair Dunlop. The latter 2 were so good we spent 2 hours sitting on the floor of the Performance cafe for their afternoon sets. Blair Dunlop is a great guitarist and writes interesting songs; Carrie Rodriguez is more country influenced but avoids the country cliches. Ably assisted by Luke Jacobs on guitar and sometimes singing and playing the violin at the same time, she had real quality. Also caught Stylusboy from Coventry and Andy Howie from Scotland, but missed plenty more.

The Boxettes at The Performance Cafe

The word 'box' seemed to dominate music on Saturday. Boxes is a solo project by Carey Willetts of the band Athlete (who headlined our first Greenbelt in 2009). Playing solo with a variety of backing effects he did a good set. Later The Boxettes appeared. 4 singers and world champion beat boxer Bellatrix with no instrumentation or backing track, they delivered a great energetic set. More followed at the Performance Cafe, including an improvisation using three words from the audience. They're still unsigned and have far more talent than most 'girl groups', so somebody get them a contract! Also caught Black Rebel Motorcycle Club for some serious rock.

Panel discussion featuring Jim Wallis
and Richard Coles

The talks programme is always interesting, usually challenging, often inspiring and rarely without something controversial in there somewhere. Caught a nice little session with Martyn Joseph speaking about songwriting. Graham Cray spoke about what kind of church seems to be emerging for the future. Maybe I've been to too many sessions and read too many books on this, but I didn't find this very inspiring. However, Jim Wallis gave a very challenging, inspiring and yet very accessible address on 10 personal decisions you can make for the common good. I missed most of Steve Chalke, but I gather he was very good, but I did catch Rachel Mann on being a trans lesbian priest in the church today. that's not a talk I'd heard before, and it had a lot of insights.

Comedy from Paul Kerensa

The Christian Aid tent had a comprehensive programme. regular live music from Harry Bird and the Rubber Wellies, Paul Field and others. Interviews and panel discussions took place throughout and we also got some poetry from Harry Baker and comedy from Paul Kerensa, who writes for Miranda and other radio and TV shows. Meanwhile the cafe team made it a place to take a break and get some refreshment.

What else? Well there's always something going on. Giant puppets, a stage where anyone can have a go at a song, art installations, book launches, a beer tent (The Jesus Arms) and bumping into people you haven't seen for years.

This year there was little rain, no mud, and a new layout to avoid the quagmire of 2012. They did well, given the constraints, and we're sure to be back in future years.

Greenbelt 2011 Diary: Monday

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeAlways feel a bit wistful on the last day of something like this. Just as you're getting used to camping, and have worked out the good food vans, and also have a clear idea where the decent loos are, it all comes to an end. Also tends to be the day when you bump into friends you were hoping to see all weekend, but somehow didn't.

The final Greenbelt day kicked off with a session led by Nadia Bolz-Weber (from House for all Sinners and Saints in Colorado) on the process of preparing a sermon. I've heard plenty of talks on how to preach - most of them very sound and very dull - and given a few myself. This was much more interesting, as she talked us through her week. Starting with reading the text for Sunday on Tuesday morning, and then processing all the things that happened and trying to discern the gospel - the good news - for her community. Having done that, she then preached the sermon. She used a fantastic image of wrestling with the text all week, preaching the sermon, and walking away limping. Despite being associated with the 'emergent' movement, she doesn't go in for tech or trendy presentation. She quite likes the idea of chuch being a bit odd.

As a recovering addict (clean 20 yrs) and having had quite a life, some of that colour comes out in her speaking and language, but the Lutheran theology that helped her embrace the possibility of faith still runs through her thought in a very compelling way.

Then it was an opportune moment to deconstruct the tent - didn't want to be doing that a) in the rain, b) in the dark, c) during something I really wanted to go to. Tent down and packed and lunch eaten, it was off to hear Andy Graystone's talk: Parts of me are dying. Andy is director of the Church and Media Network, which seeks to resource both the Church and the media in relating to and understanding one another. He has worked for BBC religion and produced radio and TV programmes.

Andy has an early diagnosed cancer, and spoke in a very amusing and engaging way about his experiences, the choices before him, and how he understands what is happening to him. One point particularly stood out - the terminology about cancer. He is uncomfortable with the fighting/battling talk, along with hero/victim terminology. As he put it, he sometimes feels an unwilling conscript in a war, not that he wouldn't want to be clear of cancer - it's the culture and mindset those terms imply. He also talked through how it focusses the mind on whether you actually believe in life after death or not.

The it was off to mainstage for a bit of Ahab. 'folk flavoured country-rock' was the description - an American influenced Uk band. Good fun and great live. They will soon be supporting Bellowhead on tour. Bit more Iain Archer on mainstage, but having already seen him twice, had a last look around. Then back for Kate Rusby. I'm not a full-on folkie, but she's very accessible, her voice is great, and I've rarely seen someone enjoy performing live quite so much. Apparently her first Greenbelt experience was as a teenager in 1990!

Then it was time for us to leave. Ron Sexsmith and Mavis Staples were to follow, so it was a strong line-up, but the M5/M6 called and we wanted to get home on Monday. Whether you're a camper or go for the soft option of an off-site hotel, whether you like it loud or quiet, whether you're a Christian or not, there'll be something somewhere in a Greenbelt festival that will make it worth your while coming.

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Greenbelt 2011 Diary: Sunday

Image via WikipediaSunday started slowly, which was nice, as it usually starts with a painful alarm at about 6.50 to get me awake enough to be showered, dressed, ready and set up for 8am communion. There are advantages in being a morning person, so any tips on converting to one would be welcome!

Back to Greenbelt. First appointment was with "the Rising", a session in the big venue (Centaur) where singer/songwriters talk about and perform some songs. Martyn Joseph was host, and the line up included Duke Special, Gordon Gano, Cathy Burton and the remarkable young talent that is Luke Jackson. Duke's idiosyncratic songs always tell interesting stories, and he sang one he had written inspired by old pictures. Cathy writes both worship songs and others that convey something about her faith. Gordon strummed his violin, and led us in an old song that he had adopted/adapted.

The memorable moment, however was Luke. He has a great voice, a striking guitar style, inspired by a number of other acoustic/roots players (he even refers to Richard Thompson as an inspiration. A 17 year old who has heard of RT?) Perhaps the most remarkable thing is his own songwriting - his song about children leaving home, told from a parent's point of view is a song he shouldn't be able to write yet. He hasn't lived either side of that experience. He's hanging out with Martyn Joseph and Steve Knightley (Show of Hands), so watch out for this one. This sampler was so good, we made sure we caught his set in the Perf Cafe. His own songs, plus a couple of great mixes of others, a genuinely original cover of Blowing in the Wind and cracking version of I Need a Dollar. Covering all age groups in the audience nicely there. Luke.

The paella van was good, as was their mint lemonade.

The CD tent 'G-Music' hosts small gigs, and always provides some variety. Rodent Emporium were unforgettable, especially their final song I'm a Man. More intriguing was Andy Hunter, who equipped with Macbook, small keyboard and some more kit, provided 30 mins of dance music inspired by his faith. It wasn't really something I had experienced before, and although the genre isn't my home territory, it was fascinating to seem him at work, and also to try and understand how the sound landscape he produced was expressing his spirituality. It would have been interesting to see him at work at his Big Top gig, but I was elsewhere.

A regular feature of Greenbelt (Glastonbury and others) is the Tiny Tea Tent, a wonderful structure with rich colours, lanterns, wood-burning stove, and a constant supply of great music. This year was the first time Debbie and I had ever got a seat inside. We met up with friends who assured us they always got seats, and sure enough going with them we did. Must be a bit like Diagon Alley in Harry Potter - you need to know where to knock. Fantastic warm apple and cinnamon - the perfect drink on a cool evening.

Day was rounded off with a bit of the Idlewild gig on mainstage. Don't know much much the Scottish indie-rockers, but they seemed on good form. They said it was the nicest festival they'd been to, which was encouraging!

Greenbelt 2011 Diary: Saturday

Image via WikipediaIn a rare burst of energy, we all got up, breakfasted and got across to the Big Top for some morning worship with Rend Collective Experiment. Contemporary worship band, but from Northern Ireland and with a more open-minded view of theology and what worship should be. Slightly crazy shindig finish, and a nice update of the lyrics to Be Thou My Vision. (They felt a fresh translation into English was due, and coming from the island of Ireland felt they were entitled to do one!)

Next up in the same venue was a fascinating interview with Billy Bragg about Jail Guitar Doors, an initiative he started to help rehabilitate prisoners through music, and also use music to process issues in their lives. He also brought along Leon Walker, a former inmate who is now making his way as a singer-songwriter. Billy spoke passionately about the importance of resources for rehabilitation, not out of being 'soft' on crime, but ensuring all is done to prevent further crimes being committed, more victims created and more lives ruined. Leon was even more compelling. He spoke very movingly about how music helped him to express himself, work through his issues, and have some hope at the end. It helped him find a positive focus in prison and a contructive outlet when he got out. Now he's playing gigs.

Part of Greenbelt is the wandering around, bumping into people you used to see more often and hanging around in one of the venues with seating and a coffee stall. The Performance Cafe is one such place. Acts are mainly acoustic, the volume is set well and you can sit further back if you want more conversation. It's good just to be there and see what happens while munching a nice cake and having a coffee. Likewise the CD tent and Christian Aid tent also host music.

At 2pm I went along to an event launching a new study guide and to hear a couple of songs by Gareth Davies-Jones. The tent was nicely filled but not packed, yet we were treated to a Brian McLaren interview, a resource launch and half a dozen songs from Gareth. I think this was the best kept secret all weekend. On to the Performance Cafe for 3.15pm where Yvonne Lyon played a set with her husband, David backing her. Her new album More than Mine had been out one day, so I got a copy later. More piano and quite wistful, it showcases Yvonne's voice superbly. Good to hear some older tracks too.

After a quick tea break, it was off to the Big Top to hear a talk by John Bell of the Iona Community. Titled Ubiquitous Gayz, I wondered what we were in for, but I knew he would be challenging and interesting. This was one of the few big talks I attended, but I'm glad I did. We were taken through a journey of how we make decisions, and what determines the issues that we hold important. It was a characteristically different take on a recurring question for Anglicans, coming from a person who isn't involved in Anglican politics. Challenging, humorous, candid and always taking seriously and grappling with the Biblical text. Well worth a download if you only buy one.

After a delicious crepe from a beautifully restored classic Citroen van and a bit of time with a socket in the grandstand to charge my phone, there was time to chat with friends, catch Iain Archer in the Perf Cafe, have a final drink and finally head back to get some sleep.

Greenbelt 2011 diary: Friday

This year's Greenbelt Festival is definitely the best I have been to yet. I'm quite a latecomer to this August arts festival held at Cheltenham Racecourse. Friends went Greenbelting back in the late 70s and early 80s, but I never got round round to tagging along with them, which was a shame as a young U2 played a 25 minute set on borrowed instruments in 1981!  Coming late to the party in 2009, I've been very impressed.

Greenbelt is organised by a Christian trust, but its content isn't confined to input from Christians, and it doesn't limit itself to one particular standpoint. There's lots here to challenge, inspire, amuse and entertain. That's what I like - other Christian gatherings tend to focus on one particular theology or style of worship and therefore attract people from that background. It can end up being an exercise in confirming everyone's prejudices. Greenbelt is different.

Image by fidothe via Flickr
This year's programme had an impressive line-up of music and speakers. I started Friday at a special event for people who support Greenbelt through the year. Iain Archer came along to play a few songs amongst the presentations. I glimpsed the end of Blesséd - a eucharist in the Big Top which was both Anglo Catholic and hi-tech. That left time to grab some food from the many and varied outlets (often organic/Fairtrade etc and much better than most places!) before Milton Jones. Milton did a short routine and then talked a bit about a new book, being a Christian and a comedian and some of the issues around that. The rain discouraged me from going to mainstage for Martyn Joseph, but luckily Jono found Largo Embargo (a ska band from Bath!) doing a small gig somewhere warm and dry. Great musicians, one or two strong language moments, completely contagious rhythms and a great cover version of Message to You Rudy.

After some more music in the Performance Cafe, including Duke Special, we adjourned to the late night Last Orders event. More from Milton, music and comedy from Folk On and more took us well into the early hours. Being later and better equipped for cold nights meant the best night's sleep I remember at Cheltenham.

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Yvonne Lyon & Gareth Davies-Jones (with David Lyon)

Last night was a brilliant evening of live music at Morecambe Parish Church. Having heard great reviews for a couple of years, I eventually saw Yvonne & David Lyon at Greenbelt 09 in the Performance Cafe. It seemed good to try and get them to the north west, so when the opportunity came up, I took up a slot in a tour that Yvonne and Gareth were doing. As things turned out, they were fitting Morecambe in between Glasgow and Edinburgh, so a lot of travelling involved. We times the gig to happen just before the Poulton Heritage open days, so there were other things going on around the buildings too.

On the night we had about 100 people there, which was above our target, and they gave us a wonderful gig with songs telling stories, painting pictures and expressing feelings. Squeezed on to our modest stage (thanks to Poulton-le-Sands C of E Primary) the quality of the musicianship, vocals and performance was superb. The church's acoustics proved to be excellent too.

A lot of folks there were new to the music, so hopefully that's generated quite a few new fans and followers and certainly some CDs sold. Also plenty of Fairtrade stuff went in the interval, which has been a big interest for Yvonne and Gareth - they toured together as part of the Make It Fair campaign.

We'll try and do this again sometime. Quite a few people had to miss it, and performances this good are well worth seeing again.

Yvonne's website http://www.yvonnelyonmusic.com/

Gareth is at http://www.garethdavies-jones.com/

On this tour, David provided a wide range of additional musicianship and backing vocals. Hear his work at http://www.myspace.com/davidlyonmusic

All available on iTunes too.

Greenbelt 2010

Just back from my second Greenbelt. Around 1979/80, various friends told me I should go, and sure enough I should have gone - U2 played. But having come to it late, the festival certainly continues to deliver at all sorts of levels.

Richard Rohr - who manages to be innovative, Franciscan, Emergent, spiritual and still lead retreats gave some inspiring words. Stanley Hauerwas provided a fascinating analysis of 'America's God', and the music, comedy and talks all could have filled the days.

An extra treat was when an unbilled Tom Hollander turned up for the day and joined in the 'in conversation' with James Wood, the writer of "Rev". 900 of us watched 12 mins of clips first, and that was the first time they had experienced audience reaction in that way. Lots of real Revs there and we liked it. The big surprise for them was the cheer for Colin.

All this and the best range of food stalls I have ever seen - including the fabulous Tiny Tea Tent. Nights were cold, but the experience was great.

Greenbelt 2010

The lineup for this year's Greenbelt is taking shape nicely. As an arts festival with Christian roots, it's never been afraid to take some risks in who it invites along. Eye-catching names already on the bill include Clare Short, Peter Tatchell and David Morrisey, although I think a lot of people will also know Simon Mayo and Janey Lee Grace from Radio 2. Oh and Roger McGough will be sharing poetry. Christian speakers include Richard Rohr, Rob Bell (he of the Nooma videos), John Bell from the Iona Community, Lucy Winkett and Stanley Hauerwas.

The headline musical acts aren't yet announced, but Athlete and Royksopp last year show the standard they aim for. Having said that, the smaller gigs are also excellent, so it's worth checking the lineup page regularly.

All this plus creative worship from all points of the Christian compass and comedy from Milton Jones. Well worth checking out

Chain Saw Sculpture

For the last couple of days we have been watching Tim Burgess, a chain-saw sculptor, transform two tree stumps into the figures of a fisherman and fisherwoman.

The stumps were of two dead elm trees at the lower end of Morecambe cemetery, and it was felt that they ought to be turned into something which said something about the history and heritage of the local area. This is all part of the work going on to improve the general condition of the cemetery and to enhance it. Wild flowers, a conservation area and a guide to some of the more interesting gravestones is all part of the programme of improvements.


A lot of the carving is done with two petrol chain-saws, with some detail done with electric tools. It's quite extraordinary how he does it, and the quality of the results he has managed to produce. The finished products will look even better when the wood has been treated with the appropriate oil.

Meanwhile, I gather Tim himself will soon be competing for Britain in a chain-saw carving competition against German opposition. We wish him all the best with that. As long as there isn't a penalty shoot-out he'll be fine.

Here's a quick bit of video of Tim in action this morning.

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Local Accent

Cover via Amazon

I find regional accents fascinating. At a funeral the other day, the undertaker checked that I had been saying 'Joan', as he thought I might have said 'Jane'. He confessed his hearing wasn't what it was, but I worked out the problem. I say Joan, to rhyme with 'cone', whereas in Lancashire a lot of people say Joan to rhyme with 'corn'.

My native Nottingham accent is a tricky one for people outside the region to get right. I noticed that it was announced today that Alan Sillitoe had died. Famous for his gritty realist 'kitchen sink' dramas, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning was probably his most famous, along with The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. Set in Nottingham, depicting events in the life of a worker at the Raleigh bike factory, Nottingham people could spot when the accents drifted a little from Nottingham to Yorkshire. Depictions of D.H. Lawrence books suffer the same problem.

Anyway, I just thought I'd tell you what was goin' off, before I head off down the twitchell to go to church. Wouldn't want you gettin' mardy about it.

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Wolf Hall

I have finally got round to reading the prize-winning Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Historical novels can often be rather stodgy affairs, feeling it necessary to fill you in with lots of history in a way that blocks the action. A strategy adopted by some is to make this palatable is to create a whodunnit - in very different ways the Shardlake series by C.J. Sansom and Ellis Peters' Cadfael books do this.

In Wolf Hall, Mantel majors on the rise of Thomas Cromwell, during the time of Henry VIII without having to resort to either of these methods. She portrays Cromwell more sympathetically than other accounts, and to some extent tries to explain his flaws and attitudes. She doesn't overdo the gruesome or the primitive aspects of Tudor London, but still manages to place the reader in a world that is very different from ours. Crucially, the people involved seem very real. They speak an English we understand, although the occasional Tudor word or phrase drops by, and they have feelings and instincts we can relate to.

If you are one of the few people left who haven't got round to it yet, it's well worth a fiver or so to get hold of a copy.

Lent Blog 19: Obesity and the Last Supper

In a story that would have looked good for April 1, Cornell University reports that depictions of the Last Supper have had increasingly large food portions over time. In a, perhaps predictable, "life imitating art" story, they have studied 52 paintings and detect a significant increase in portion size over time.

The USA Today coverage notes the Gospels "mention only bread and wine, but many of the paintings have other foods, such as fish, lamb, pork and even eel, says Craig Wansink." Well, if it was Passover, then there would be quite a lot of other stuff on the table - bread and wine alone don't make a meal...

I think it was John Bell of the Iona Community who noted that Jesus is often depicted as thin, but he must have been well-built, as he was always at meals and parties.

Not sure any of that gets us anywhere with contemporary obesity problems.

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Reel Issues

Enjoyed tonight's discussion at our Reel Issues session. This was an evening using

Image via Wikipedia

clips from a movie to prompt conversation about social, ethical or other questions. This week used Pleasantville - a movie from 1998, which followed two 1990s kids who get transported back into the world of a 1958 sitcom, where everything is safe, predictable and ...pleasant. We touched on racism, gender roles, maturity, creativity, empowering people and more. Not what you might expect from a movie that, on the face of it, seems based on quite a silly premise.

Next week's film (Thursday) is more obviously challenging: Hotel Rwanda, which follows the true story of a hotel manager who saved many lives by sheltering them in his hotel during the genocide. Daunting material, but an excellent film to engage with

Belated chat about Greenbelt Music

I realise that I never fulfilled my promise to go back to the music we enjoyed at Greenbelt 2009. It's old news, but hey it's good news.

Mainstage enjoyed some big names. Lots of people raved about Röyksopp. As their website states, "Röyksopp is an electronic and chillout music duo based in Bergen, Norway." As I said to my old friend Tim (who I met after a mere 20 year gap) it was very impressive, but I just didn't get it.

Other mainstage acts included Cornershop, who are making a comeback, long after their big hit with a Fatboy Slim remix of Brimful of Asha. Indie and Indian mix together. Did a great version of Norwegian Wood [in Hindi?] with a real sitar player!

Duke Special, who I saw supporting Crowded House, did a great set in his eccentric style. Vaudeville extravaganza was one description. There were moments of rock, folk-rock, Edwardian music hall and more. Great theatre. Apparently he used to do music for YWAM!

We stayed the distance to see Athlete on Monday evening. Much better mix than their Radio 2 gig from Blackpool, so well done the Greenbelt crew. Good new songs from the new album Black Swan, as well as favourites such as El Salvador, 24 Hours, and of course Wires closed the show. Well worth staying for.

In smaller venues, it was possible to catch some great sounds. Martyn Joseph doing a little gig in the CD tent was brilliant as ever. The Performance Cafe provided a space with food, good coffee and some warmth on a cold wet day. Eddie Johns sang folky/acoustic songs which felt from early 60s folk revival era, especially with his slightly fragile voice. Lyrics harked back to another era too - crossing seas and talk of streams and fields. I liked it. Jazzelation gave us late night mellow jazz, which was a bit weird around 5pm. Quality sound, and great vocals though.

Big highlight for me was Yvonne Lyon. Scottish singer-songwriter wih a voice to fall in love with. Bought her latest album and intend to get the set. Well worth checking out.

That was only scratching the surface. I have to say that the quality and range of music was fantastic - I only checked out the acoustic and rock stuff (but then I would). Best value music festival of the summer (and then there's all the other stuff!!)

Cartoons are back

Good to see Dave Walker back on the air

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Ban Religion

...said artists Gilbert and George in the recent Manifesto Marathon held at the Serpentine Gallery near Speakers Corner. It's not new for them to have a go at religion (especially Christianity) as they have created their own versions of religious imagery many times.

What interests me when people are so vehement is what they are really saying. Are they militantly atheist, or are they against specific institutional expressions of a faith that should be more pure or personal, or is the anti-religious message actually indicating other hurts, perhaps at the hands of the Church or representatives of religion.

In G & G's case it appears to centre a lot on church teaching about sex - especially the Catholic Church's teaching on homosexuality and contraception.

Maybe Christians need to think again on what they say and how they say it, and although we may never win Gilbert and George over, I wonder how many more people are out there ignoring Jesus because of how his followers behave.

Books

If you're looking to buy (or sell) books and have a bit of a green conscience, why not check out http://www.greenmetropolis.com? It's a simple idea. All paperbacks and hardbacks cost £3-75 (including free delivery on standard sized paperbacks). A small additional postage charge can be levied by the seller for hardbacks and larger books. The seller gets £3 out of the £3-75 and the Woodland Trust gets 5p.

Why not check it out for a bargain, or use it to sell some books - listing is free and I think they last 6 months. All you have to do in most cases is provide the ISBN, and an image and description automatically load. It also knows whether to allow you to charge additional postage. If, for some reason, you don't feel your book is worth £3, there is also a discount option, where you can knock 50p or £1 off the standard price.

Sales go into a credit account that you can use on the site, or you can let it build up and make a withdrawal, much like Paypal. You can also put your holidays in a calendar, so that listings get suspended for a period and people don't get frustrated waiting for a book or for you to respond when you are not actually at home.

Very simple to use and I shall certainly be adding a few books. Take a look.

John Bratby

There's a controversial painting in the chapel on our Lancaster campus, painted by John Bratby. It's a crucifixion, depicted in what was then contemporary dress (early 1960s), with every person life-size . In fact, here is part of it © 2008 Andrew Whitehead:

It turns out that Bratby would have been 80 this year, so a book has been written about him. He was a 'Kitchen Sink' artist with a troubled life and there is clearly some interest in him again.

He's interesting to us, as he once taught at the art college in Carlisle (forerunner of our Brampton Road campus) and his Golgotha is in our Lancaster chapel.

It's not a picture you would want in front of you when getting married, or when celebrating some other joyful occasion in chapel. However, some people love it. I just think it should be in a gallery where people could appreciate it.

Dissolution

Just tried out the first of this series of books by C.J. Sansom. Murder mysteries in the middle of the English Reformation sounded kind of interesting when I heard the latest story reviewed by Mark Lawson a few weeks ago. Canterbury seemed a good place to buy one and make a start.

Inevitably you get a bit of history lesson in the narrative and conversations, at least at the beginning. Nothing would make sense without it. But they keep you turning the pages, and end up being intriguing and engaging.

Just started the second Dark Fire, so I'll keep you posted.

PS to Passion

Just to say that the BBC website for the Passion has some fascinating interviews with the cast. Joseph Mawle has a hearing impairment and has to wear aids all the time, which makes his interaction with people around him fascinating.