Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 26
September 11, 2017
I've never changed a nappy...
No, not me. I've changed plenty. More than I care to remember.
But Jacob Rees-Mogg has never changed a nappy. Not one. Ever.
I know, shocking isn't it.
There are probably plenty of other people out there who haven't. But perhaps not many who've got six children.
But then, who among us with six (or even my own total, three) children can afford to pay staff to do it for us?
And even if we could...
Yes, you see. That's not really the point, is it?
I mean, I'm not suggesting nappy-changing is a measure of 'new' manhood or parenthood or any other 'hood'. Changing nappies doesn't make you a better dad. Or a dad at all, for that matter.
But... But... What?
I don't know. There's just something about the not having done it at all - and the slightly boasting tone in which such information was divulged - that makes me think, perhaps, that changing a nappy - at least one nappy - might actually be a good thing for a dad.
After all, someone's got to do it. And although Rees-Mogg's nanny might disapprove of him doing it I'm sure an Eton and Oxford education qualifies him to... at least, attempt it.
I'd have thought any self-respecting father would have wanted to have a go at it, these days?
But then, Rees-Mogg - by his own definition - isn't of 'these days' is he?
Which rather begs the question...
Which days is he 'of'?
But Jacob Rees-Mogg has never changed a nappy. Not one. Ever.
I know, shocking isn't it.
There are probably plenty of other people out there who haven't. But perhaps not many who've got six children.
But then, who among us with six (or even my own total, three) children can afford to pay staff to do it for us?
And even if we could...
Yes, you see. That's not really the point, is it?
I mean, I'm not suggesting nappy-changing is a measure of 'new' manhood or parenthood or any other 'hood'. Changing nappies doesn't make you a better dad. Or a dad at all, for that matter.
But... But... What?
I don't know. There's just something about the not having done it at all - and the slightly boasting tone in which such information was divulged - that makes me think, perhaps, that changing a nappy - at least one nappy - might actually be a good thing for a dad.
After all, someone's got to do it. And although Rees-Mogg's nanny might disapprove of him doing it I'm sure an Eton and Oxford education qualifies him to... at least, attempt it.
I'd have thought any self-respecting father would have wanted to have a go at it, these days?
But then, Rees-Mogg - by his own definition - isn't of 'these days' is he?
Which rather begs the question...
Which days is he 'of'?
September 3, 2017
High Force waterfall
Charlie's been making a video diary of our summer hols this year, so grab the popcorn - here's the first instalment!
It's all his own work, you know. Ok, well, dad holds the camera now and then... But these directors - they're a beggar to work for!
It's all his own work, you know. Ok, well, dad holds the camera now and then... But these directors - they're a beggar to work for!
August 29, 2017
Ready when you are, Mr de Mille...
'The all-new Crossland X' says the Vauxhall website, 'raising a family and some eyebrows.'
Although the concept of a family car and SUV crossover seems unlikely at first glance, it's proved a popular market addition (think Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008). And although Vauxhall has already successfully added to the range with the Mokka X, the new Crossland is a crossover of a crossover if you like, combining space and style with a more family-friendly price-tag*.
We took one for a test drive last weekend. Charlie was immediately impressed with the in-car infotainment systems (Apple and Android compatible) and I was impressed with the drive. It's also got a decent sized boot for a weekend away:
And that (above) is without using the hidden 'under floor' storage compartment (under which is the spare wheel - yes, it has one. A real one!)
The family found it comfy to ride in and I found it easy and pleasant to drive. I've read reviews complaining about 'poor cab comfort' and 'stiff steering' but I had no problems. The steering, in fact, was among the highlights of driving and the only problem I experienced was a stiff gearbox - especially when changing down to second.
So did it raise eyebrows?
Well, it certainly raised Charlie's. Raised his inner Steven Spielberg, too, inspiring him to make his own iPhone infomercial. Ready when you are, Mr de Mille...
* Prices range from £16,555 for the Crossland X SE 1.2T 81 S&S 5-speed manual to £21,380 for the top-of-the-range Crossland X Elite Nav 1.6DT 120 S&S 6-speed manual.
Although the concept of a family car and SUV crossover seems unlikely at first glance, it's proved a popular market addition (think Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008). And although Vauxhall has already successfully added to the range with the Mokka X, the new Crossland is a crossover of a crossover if you like, combining space and style with a more family-friendly price-tag*.
We took one for a test drive last weekend. Charlie was immediately impressed with the in-car infotainment systems (Apple and Android compatible) and I was impressed with the drive. It's also got a decent sized boot for a weekend away:
And that (above) is without using the hidden 'under floor' storage compartment (under which is the spare wheel - yes, it has one. A real one!)
The family found it comfy to ride in and I found it easy and pleasant to drive. I've read reviews complaining about 'poor cab comfort' and 'stiff steering' but I had no problems. The steering, in fact, was among the highlights of driving and the only problem I experienced was a stiff gearbox - especially when changing down to second.
So did it raise eyebrows?
Well, it certainly raised Charlie's. Raised his inner Steven Spielberg, too, inspiring him to make his own iPhone infomercial. Ready when you are, Mr de Mille...
* Prices range from £16,555 for the Crossland X SE 1.2T 81 S&S 5-speed manual to £21,380 for the top-of-the-range Crossland X Elite Nav 1.6DT 120 S&S 6-speed manual.
August 22, 2017
Tempus fugit!
We were on the radio earlier. Well, I say 'we' but it was me, really - talking about crowdfunding my new novel. But I took Charlie along too, for the ride.
After all, he's been there before...
Time certainly flies!
But if you've got a moment and you'd like to, you can hear the interview here:
After all, he's been there before...
Time certainly flies!
But if you've got a moment and you'd like to, you can hear the interview here:
August 17, 2017
Aldi baby
The much-anticipated Aldi Baby & Toddler Event is back!
In stores across the UK from today, discount supermarket Aldi’s hugely popular Baby and Toddler Event returns for the third time this year with an amazing range of established products plus new launches, all at unbeatable prices.
Set to fly off the shelves this time is the beautifully designed Baby Snuggle Nest.
This cushioned nest gently recreates the feeling of being cuddled, so your little tot can drift off into a peaceful nap, and you can relax knowing they are getting much needed sleep. Aldi’s Baby Snuggle Nest is an affordable alternative to the popular Poddle Pod, and is a brilliant 60% cheaper at £19.99. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to own the hottest baby product on the market, at an unbeatable price!
Other offers include baby wipes at just £1.49; Nurofen for Children (£2.99) and Mamia Change Mats
as low as £2.49.
But that's not all!
There are tots (Play-Doh single can £0.79), Feel and Fit Board Books for £2.99 and baby bath toys for the same price. And with bedding, clothing, feeding stuff and furniture the range is comprehensive.
But as with all Specialbuys – when it’s gone, it’s gone!
So hurry down to Aldi!
In stores across the UK from today, discount supermarket Aldi’s hugely popular Baby and Toddler Event returns for the third time this year with an amazing range of established products plus new launches, all at unbeatable prices.
Set to fly off the shelves this time is the beautifully designed Baby Snuggle Nest.
This cushioned nest gently recreates the feeling of being cuddled, so your little tot can drift off into a peaceful nap, and you can relax knowing they are getting much needed sleep. Aldi’s Baby Snuggle Nest is an affordable alternative to the popular Poddle Pod, and is a brilliant 60% cheaper at £19.99. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to own the hottest baby product on the market, at an unbeatable price!
Other offers include baby wipes at just £1.49; Nurofen for Children (£2.99) and Mamia Change Mats
as low as £2.49.
But that's not all!
There are tots (Play-Doh single can £0.79), Feel and Fit Board Books for £2.99 and baby bath toys for the same price. And with bedding, clothing, feeding stuff and furniture the range is comprehensive.
But as with all Specialbuys – when it’s gone, it’s gone!
So hurry down to Aldi!
August 13, 2017
Seated one day...
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we present...
Not quite the 'lost chord'. These chords were all very much known and at home and are here played for you by Charlie on the organ of St Botolph's (Boston Stump) this afternoon.
Right, over to you now...
Name that tune!
Not quite the 'lost chord'. These chords were all very much known and at home and are here played for you by Charlie on the organ of St Botolph's (Boston Stump) this afternoon.
Right, over to you now...
Name that tune!
Jurassic Park
... as played by Charlie on the organ of St Botolph's (Boston Stump) this afternoon.
Well, the blog IS called 'Bringing up Charlie'.
And this is how we're doing it!
Well, the blog IS called 'Bringing up Charlie'.
And this is how we're doing it!
August 12, 2017
Help Your Kids with Growing Up by Robert Winston
Soon after taking over the teaching of PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Ed.) at the local grammar school I was having a new patient medical at the GP's. The nurse asked what I did for a living and I told her I was a teacher. But 'PSHE' always required a bit of explaining, so I went on to say that a significant part of the subject I taught was sex education.
'About time!' she said. 'The boys at that school know nothing. So make sure...' she went on, while holding a hypodermic rather threateningly, 'that you get it right.'
I've no idea if I did. There are no exams in that subject. And even if there were we all know exams aren't necessarily a guarantee of success.
Someone who undoubtedly has (got sex ed. right) and has also passed a lot of exams (but not, I assume, in sex) is Dr - nay, Professor - Robert Winston. And his new book Help Your Kids with Growing Up is the only guide to cover contemporary issues such as internet safety, whilst also tackling key topics such as sexuality and body image.
Professor Winston says: ‘Growing up, the transition from being a child to becoming a young adult, is one of the most amazing stages in a human’s whole life... By encouraging communication between parents and their children, we hope that many teenagers can approach this exciting stage in life with confidence and enjoyment, while feeling supported and understood.’
Winston's book offers a straight-forward, accessible approach with specialist chapters by Dr Radha Modgil as well as stunning graphics and illustrations. It really is an invaluable resource for tweens and teens alike, whether as a quick-reference guide or cover-to-cover read.
The nurse will be well pleased.
'About time!' she said. 'The boys at that school know nothing. So make sure...' she went on, while holding a hypodermic rather threateningly, 'that you get it right.'
I've no idea if I did. There are no exams in that subject. And even if there were we all know exams aren't necessarily a guarantee of success.
Someone who undoubtedly has (got sex ed. right) and has also passed a lot of exams (but not, I assume, in sex) is Dr - nay, Professor - Robert Winston. And his new book Help Your Kids with Growing Up is the only guide to cover contemporary issues such as internet safety, whilst also tackling key topics such as sexuality and body image.
Professor Winston says: ‘Growing up, the transition from being a child to becoming a young adult, is one of the most amazing stages in a human’s whole life... By encouraging communication between parents and their children, we hope that many teenagers can approach this exciting stage in life with confidence and enjoyment, while feeling supported and understood.’
Winston's book offers a straight-forward, accessible approach with specialist chapters by Dr Radha Modgil as well as stunning graphics and illustrations. It really is an invaluable resource for tweens and teens alike, whether as a quick-reference guide or cover-to-cover read.
The nurse will be well pleased.
August 10, 2017
First Night of the Proms...
If you'd been in the vicinity of the old Queen's Hall (destroyed by a bomb in World War Two) in Langham Place 112 years ago today, chances are you'd have been going to the First Night of the Proms. The very first night. Because it was on the 10th August 1895 that the first ever Promenade Concert took place, under the baton of Sir Henry Wood.
They were the brainchild of impresario Robert Newman, whose declared aim was to 'educate the public by easy stages' - popular pieces first then slowly introducing more challenging repertoire as the public (who were allowed to eat, drink, smoke as well as 'promenade' as the music played) grew accustomed to the concerts. A sort of 'Classic FM' if you like. But live. And without the ads.
They proved hugely popular and there can't be many people in the country unaware of the fact that they're still going. Going strong, in fact. As the BBC Proms the current season is now approaching the half-way point of its annual eight-week run. Other 'Proms' might be available - especially the ubiquitous 'last night' - but the BBC season is among the real jewels in the crowd of classical music. And not just in the UK.
My first direct experience of the Proms was as a performer with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir back in 1990. We did Janacek's Glagolitic Mass and the thrill of taking part in such a fabulous event completely made up for the fact that the concert was on a Sunday and the coach didn't get back to Liverpool until 2am. I finally got to bed about three in the morning. And I was at work the next - the same - day.
Here's a clip. I'm standing underneath Sir Henry Wood's statue. You can just about see me if you look really closely. But don't. Listen to the music instead. And imagine being there, singing it!
They were the brainchild of impresario Robert Newman, whose declared aim was to 'educate the public by easy stages' - popular pieces first then slowly introducing more challenging repertoire as the public (who were allowed to eat, drink, smoke as well as 'promenade' as the music played) grew accustomed to the concerts. A sort of 'Classic FM' if you like. But live. And without the ads.
They proved hugely popular and there can't be many people in the country unaware of the fact that they're still going. Going strong, in fact. As the BBC Proms the current season is now approaching the half-way point of its annual eight-week run. Other 'Proms' might be available - especially the ubiquitous 'last night' - but the BBC season is among the real jewels in the crowd of classical music. And not just in the UK.
My first direct experience of the Proms was as a performer with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir back in 1990. We did Janacek's Glagolitic Mass and the thrill of taking part in such a fabulous event completely made up for the fact that the concert was on a Sunday and the coach didn't get back to Liverpool until 2am. I finally got to bed about three in the morning. And I was at work the next - the same - day.
Here's a clip. I'm standing underneath Sir Henry Wood's statue. You can just about see me if you look really closely. But don't. Listen to the music instead. And imagine being there, singing it!
July 28, 2017
What's on at Warwick Castle 2017
In the second of Charlie's guides to getting the most out of your summer hols, here he is enjoying the delights of Warwick Castle...
