by Maggie Fogarty | Sep 1, 2016 | Uncategorized |
You know the summer is coming to an end when west Cornwall gets even busier – and this year we’re talking mega busy.
The late August Bank Holiday is always the most popular time for visitors, a chance to get in that last break before the schools go back and the start of autumn. Yikes, our mixed weather summer seems to have flown by and judging by the crowds of holiday makers, Cornwall will have another record breaking year for tourism.
All good news for the local economy and in this neck of the wild west, the newly refurbished Jubilee Pool in Penzance has had over 30,000 visitors since it re-opened in the spring. A great success story and a tribute to those who campaigned to get it repaired after the terrible storm damage suffered in 2014.
Of course summer is the best time to meet up with friends and I must admit that mine are a talented bunch. Recently I saw a couple of friends who I haven’t seen for nearly three years which is way too long.
Tim lives in the Midlands and was an adviser for my debut novel ‘My Bermuda Namesakes’. He works with people who have traumatic brain injuries and the main character in the book has memory problems caused by a head injury. It was great to see him and his wife and to enjoy their enthusiastic reaction to west Cornwall – they usually don’t venture this far down but somehow I think they’ll be back.
A few days before they arrived, I met up with another talented friend, Sue Kittow, who has just finished a great book ‘Walks In The Footsteps of Winston Graham’s Poldark.’ (Cover picture below and details on www.sigmapress.co.uk). Although we’re in regular touch through social media, it was lovely meet up face-to-face for a proper catch up. Hubby, me and dog Bonnie are going to try some of the featured walks – rest assured that Sue’s well written book and clear walking maps will be coming along with us! I’ll certainly be recommending the book to friends and family heading down this way.
Meantime, having completed a magazine feature on film and TV extras, I’m looking forward to visiting Charlestown Harbour which has become a national and international filming hub. Cornwall is certainly magnet for film makers and the new Poldark series will show it off again in all its glory. Some of us really are lucky to live here.
Now over to Bonnie dog for her latest take on things…
‘Hiya folks,
Been a while since you’ve heard from me but hey – I’ve been doing some summer chilling and getting out and about.
I love it when we can go in the open top car, with the wind in my hair and the smell of sea air. Well sometimes there’s the odd pasty and other mutts thrown into the mix, but this gal doesn’t mind one bit.
It’s been great to try out some new pubs and to sit outdoors. My rents have been listing the number of – er – ‘drinking places’ I’ve visited, and trust me it’s quite a long one. I have my favourites but pretty much like them all. There’s always people to say hello to and if I’m lucky, I’ll bump into my little handsome Havanese pal Tui.
He’s well on the mend now after his back injury but we still haven’t got together for that doggy ice cream treat we’ve been promised.
Come on you rents, summer’s nearly gone.
Oh and one more thing. We’re having a new room built onto the house – something called a Conservatory – and I plan to make the most of it. In fact I think I’ll claim it as my own, a sort of Bonnie doggy base. When it’s finally finished, maybe I can celebrate in there with Tui over a tub of that mutt friendly ice cream?
Hint, hint – just saying.
Woof and out.’
by Maggie Fogarty | Jul 26, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Last week the summer weather arrived and for a few days it felt like we were back in sunny Bermuda – that special place where we stayed for a year in 2011/12.
In the hotter weather living by the sea has distinct advantages. The cooling sea breeze is welcome but with it comes a rise in humidity. Still, nobody is complaining least of all the Cornish ice cream sellers who are doing a roaring trade. There’s even a special ice cream for mutts which Bonnie dog has yet to try – though we’ve promised to put that right soon.
Recently I’ve been involved with a friend in setting up a Media Club in west Cornwall aimed at all those working in the print, broadcast and on-line media. Last Thursday evening we met at the fantastically refurbished Jubilee Pool in Penzance and our brilliant hosts were Rebecca and Robin who run the Poolside Indulgence Cafe. Our plan is simple – to get people in our industry socialising and maybe to bounce a few ideas around.
With many people working as freelancers, it’s a great chance to get to know each other and I’m a great believer that some of the best ideas come out of these informal get togethers. So watch this space and here’s to all the lovely people I’ve met so far.
West Cornwall has a real buzz about it at the moment, with plenty of holiday ‘stay cationers’ heading down here along with the usual mix of foreign visitors. This year seems busier than ever with Cornwall getting plenty of attention on the big and small screens. I’ve just finished work on a fascinating magazine feature looking at how Cornwall’s TV and film industry is involving local people both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Haven’t met Poldark’s Aidan Turner yet but it’s on the wish list!
Bonnie has combined her regular Pets As Therapy dog visits, with a supermarket stint collecting for our local Leonard Cheshire Disability care home. A sure fire way to get shoppers to make a donation has to be a cute dog. People can’t resist giving her a pat and then dropping some coins in the collection box. A win-win and Bonnie did us proud.
Now over to madam for her take on things….
‘ Hiya folks,
Well I have to admit to gaining a few brownie points this week. There was yours truly, the centre of attention, at our local Morrisons supermarket. Can you believe that people were actually putting money into those boxes my rents were holding?
Apparently, a lot of this was down to little ol’ me.
Well, if you’ve got it flaunt it, that’s what I say, especially if it’s for a good cause.
The thing is, the rents keep promising me some doggy ice cream but I haven’t seen any of it yet. I mean, come on – how hot does it have to get before a gal gets to taste it? That pair need to get their act together and bag me some so I can share it with my little Havanese pal Tui. He’s actually already tried it, the lucky boy.
Still loving my occasional longer stays with my lovely minder Leda. She’s teaching me lots of new tricks which might come in handy if I get that TV walk on part. I’ve already hung around a film set with my rent Maggie and I have to say I quite like it.
Now which camera angle suits me best?
Woof and out…..’
by Maggie Fogarty | Jun 19, 2016 | Uncategorized |
It’s been a week of highs and lows, stunning beauty tainted with images of mindless violence.
Hubby and me had a fantastic five day trip to the historic city of Porto, famous for its incredible architecture and – of course – the Port vino that goes so well with cheese.
We stayed close to the Douro river and witnessed European Cafe society at its best. Lots of nationalities enjoying the summer vibe, relaxing over delicious food and drinks and celebrating the good things in life.
What a stark contrast to the images on BBC World News once we got back to our new and stylish hotel. English and Russian supposed ‘fans’ rampaging through the streets of Marseilles, throwing chairs and punches, with no regard for families dining out nearby. An insult to genuine football supporters who – shock horror – just want to enjoy a sporting event. To say it makes you ashamed to be British, is putting it mildly. The hatred, violence and lack of respect shown by this sad bunch is both frightening and sickening.
Fast forward just a few days later and one of our brightest and best female MPs was gunned down in her Yorkshire constituency. Her senseless death has sent shock waves across the world and has deprived us of a political talent based on genuine humanity and compassion. It has left her family bereft and her husband’s dignified words will have reduced many of us to tears.
Such a waste and you are left wondering what on earth drove her killer to commit such a heinous act? Doubtless more will be revealed over the coming days but the story emerging seems to be one of obsession with extreme right wing propaganda fuelled by social isolation and neglected mental health issues.
Somehere along the line, the common sense of humanity that drives most of us was lost by this murderer and the world is all the poorer for it.
Despite these examples of vitriol and savagery, it is the images of awe inspiring architecture, enjoyment and happiness that we take back from our trip to Porto. If you let the hate images dominate, then those who have lost all sense of what it is to be human become the winners.
You only have to see a dog greet you after a few days absence to understand the unconditional love that these gorgeous creatures give. Dogs live for the moment, don’t judge and are always delighted to see you. Not a bad take on life – ‘be more dog’ as the saying goes . On that note, now over to Bonnie for her latest thoughts….
‘Hiya folks,
Well I had another great stay at my minder Leda’s place over in Praa Sands. While the rents were living it up in Porto, I stayed here in Cornwall basking in the sun and enjoying my training lessons with the lovely Leda.
I overheard the rents saying that Leda’s place is a bit like boarding school for me. She makes me work for my treats and I’ve now sussed out how to sit and stay until she calls me. As long as I get a choccy drop, I’m happy to play along with this. When she tried to get me to do it without a treat, I decided that life was too short if you get my drift. No choc, no tricks.
I’m loving my weekly Pets As Therapy dog visit to the Leonard Cheshire care home just down the road. I’m starting to get used to all the residents and I do have a few favourites, though I’m not saying who. The rents are talking about getting me to visit the local school too – I’ll enjoy that because I’m always being stopped to say ‘hi’ to children on my regular walks.
The rent Maggie has got a new open top car, so I’ve been taken out for lots of rides and I love it. OK, the ears flap about a bit but who cares? Cruising along in the open air suits this gal just fine.
Anyway, that’s it from me for now. Off for a good sniff around the garden and to root out those rabbits who keep coming onto my patch, running around and leaving their droppings. Bad manners, that’s what I say.
Woof and out…’ 
by Maggie Fogarty | Apr 24, 2016 | Uncategorized |
It’s the question that always comes up whenever someone asks: ‘And what do you do?’
With a combo of journalist, TV producer and writer, this reply is then followed by: ‘Have you worked with any celebrities then?’
Truth is, yes. Quite a few well known on-screen TV reporters/presenters along with actors and writers. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people over the years and most of them have been great to work with.
Of course, there are always a few whose friendly on-screen image bears little resemblance to the real person. It would be wrong to bandy about names but the people who work behind the scenes – in an incredibly gossipy industry – know only too well who they are.
Dealing with difficult people and fragile egos is a big part of the job. That’s why I always tell students who ask about the most valuable skill needed to work in print journalism or broadcast, that the answer is simple. It’s ‘people skills’ and by that I mean the ability to get on with anyone whether they are a member of the House Of Lords or a person living rough on the streets. You can have all the technical ability and professional qualifications in the world, but it is those important softer skills that will make the difference.
Which brings me to the sad news about the recent death of Victoria Wood, a brilliant writer and performer. Shy by nature – perversely a lot of performers are – she had those incredible people skills by the shed load. It was precisely because of her ability to communicate across the board, that everyone felt that they knew her.
2016 has already seen the deaths of a number of fantastic artists and performers, many of whom, (like the musician Prince), have died way too young.
Whenever this happens, it reminds us that life really can be short and that it’s important to make every day count.
I’ve heard that there’s an old Irish saying ‘ Sure you’re a long time staring at the lid’ -meaning coffin lid! – and it’s a line that could have been written by Victoria Wood. So if there’s anything you want to do, there is no time like the present. Then you can wear a tee shirt with the slogan ‘Just Did it!’
On the subject of ‘doing’, the proof copies of my latest novella ‘Dilemmas and Decisions’, (the follow-up to ‘Dear Mr DJ’), have just arrived. As you’ll see from the photo, it’s got a ‘dummy’ cover – the real one is being designed by the talented Spencer Smart.
Proof reading is the final stage and having a proper physical book copy is the only way to do it. If you try to proof read on-line, it’s not the same and errors will creep in.
Assuming I get a quick response from my test readers – the people who will read it and give me their feedback – this latest book will be out at the end of May. Yeh!
Now over to Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, for her views and news…
“Hiya folks,
Guess what? After six months apart, I finally got to reunite with my handsome Havanese pal, Tui. One happy mutt then!
He’s finally getting over his back injury and from what I could see, he was pleased to clap his gorgeous brown eyes on little ‘ol me.
As the two legged lot were chatting away, we had a bout of play boxing – though Tui’s rent Russ kept reining him in the rotten spoil sport – and shared some delicious doggy snacks.
Afterwards Tui nibbled my ear and I just love it when he does that. Aah bliss.
Next time we’re heading out to the beach for a romp in the sands and to sample some of that special doggy ice-cream I’ve been hearing about.
If he plays nicely, I might even let him have one of my favourite Smart Bone treats – but only if I’m feeling in a really generous mood. (Not that often as far as yummy Smart bones are concerned).
Off now for a walk with the rents to one of my favourite local pubs. See pic of me waiting on the stairwell and impatient to be off! I’ll be doing another mutt friendly pub review soon, so watch this space!
Woof and out...”
by Maggie Fogarty | Mar 29, 2016 | Uncategorized |
Well, it’s finally done. The follow-up Novella to ‘Dear Mr DJ’ is now written and after getting proof copies printed, it will be off to my three test readers for their verdicts.
If all goes to plan, it should be out by the beginning of May. In the meantime, after a lot of playing around with the storylines and structure, work will begin in earnest on the crime novel I’m writing with another author.
Co-writing is a potentially tricky business but in our case it has been a smooth operation – so far at least. It’s partly down to the fact that our writing styles are different but somehow gel together. We’ve developed the characters around our individual strengths and given that a lot of work has already gone into the planning, the writing should be a relatively quick process. Let’s see but we’ve given ourselves a month to get the first draft done, each writing different chapters.
It’s a steep learning curve but a fascinating one and there’s an exciting ‘twist and turn’ story in the making.
After recently spending 9 days in the beautiful island of Madeira – one of several planned trips abroad this year – it has brought home the importance of taking time just to chill out. It’s good for the brain (and the soul) to get a change of scene, even if – like us – you are lucky enough to live in a stunning part of the country.
It also helps having a trusted minder for our dog, Bonnie, who also got her very own ‘holiday’ at Praa Sands. Of course, she was delighted to see us when we got back but staying with her minder, Leda, gives her someone else to bond with and a different local beach to frolic on. A win/win for everyone then.
Now over to Bonnie for her latest thoughts….
“Hi ya folks,
OK I did miss the rents – a little bit anyway – when they went off to somewhere called ‘Madeira’ but I still had a blast with the lovely Leda.
She loves long walks which suits me fine. She also teaches me new tricks in exchange for treats and I can veg out on the sofa just like at home.
Once the rents were back, it was straight down to my own beach – I see it as all mine you see – to re-acquaint myself.
I keep looking out for my Havanese pal, Tui, but word has it that he is still recovering from his back injury.
At this rate it’ll be the summer before we get our next play date. I’ve already got it all mapped out. A long run on the sand and then some of that special doggy ice-cream I’ve heard about. It’s peanut flavour for me by the way.
Afterwards a snooze on the balcony, sun beating down, light summer breeze. As I’ve said before, a gal can only dream.
Oh – and before I sign off, it’s my birthday this Wednesday March 30. A full two years old and take it it from me, I expect some decent pressies. Just saying….
Woof and out.”
