rumbling in the jumbling

I am so ashamed. As a lifelong east-ender, born and bred and this was my first trip to the famous St Joseph's Hospice Jumble Sale. They are the feared date in the diary for all organizations in East London: the mantra goes- check when the St J's jumble is on before organising any event that draws in the working class en masse. You will never beat St Joes Jumble which has legendary status

I am showing one of my prized buys- new union jack shoelaces for 20pence. They had hundreds of pairs, books and DVDs for 20 pence- so many people, so much friendliness and jostling - absolutely recommended. Do try to go - if, like me, you have had friends die in the hospice the atmsophere is so different at the sale- you will not be sad.

The mystery of the shoes

Coming past Strada in Commercial Street last night I came upon loads of single shoes, scattered randomly. All left foot. They had attracted quite a crowd. It was funny as some weeks ago I had found again loads of single shoes in (I think) Princelet Street. I am wondering what it is all about-does anybody know?

The New Hanbury Project

This is one of the lovely, varied paintings for sale by members of the New Hanbury Project

This one is very large and costs £200. I was thinking of buying it myself but the artist is making another one without the big swathe of brown (excuse my technical terms) I will consult with the main art buyer in our house - John of course. The exhibition is at the Rectory in Fournier Street and is open to the public on Sunday afternoon. There are postcards to buy if you can't afford the paintings

Stoke versus Arsenal

And, thanks be to God, Stoke have stuffed the mighty Arsenal. Stoke on Trent will be rejoicing

Nick Drake

Went with Joan to see concert of Nick's songs at the Barbican. Some of the songs were very moving. I am trying to update my music- still stuck in the early seventies. but Joan is teaching me

Coach Tour around the Olympic Park

Fay organised the trip round the Park. It lasts an hour and is a guided bus tour of the site and the surrounding area. I strongly recommend it and to book you need to see the web site of the Olympic Delivery Authority. The trips are free and very informative.

Highlights of the tour by group acclamation were obvious- the sniffer dog and the Ghurkas employed as security guards who came aboard the bus and gave a cursory glance in our handbags. Both were greeted with cheers!

George Clooney 'Up in the Air'

This is a really great film. We wen to to Genesis to view it- only £3 for OAP anytime - and thats one bit of information you will not get from other more 'genteel' blogs. This is a 'must see' - and its for the time now. Don't wait till it comes out on DVD or you can get a cheap pirate. And who hasn't got £3 to spare? By the way Genesis has a 'no food' policy - you must buy all snacks and drinks inside the cinema. There are even bouncers/ticket collectors to search you before you go in. That used to get up my nose but really that's mean of me. At these prices they have to make a living. Do go to Genesis- far more authentic really than 'Rich Mix'

Whitechapel Art Gallery

With Fay to see the wonderful cheerful film of a day in the summer in Cyprus Street Bethnal Green. This has always been one of my favourite streets and reminds me of Bruges rather than London. A large screen shows the local people in party, almost carnival mood on one of the loveliest days of the year. This photo does not do it justice.

The film was worth seeing at the Gallery and is there til the end of March. Not to my mind worth making a special trip for though- unless you know this street. Look out for the appearance of some pearlie kings and queens- and a little girl dressed as Snow White. They steal the show

Spitalfields What's On Guide

Spitalfields What's On Guide

Bid to keep gold treasure in region | News

Bid to keep gold treasure in region News

Poor Stoke on Trent are anxious to keep the treasure recently unearthed near Lichfield. Lets hope they do, this wonderful area is so neglected and its people deserve to have more visitors

Pat, practising for the Winter Olympics

Could not resist this snap of Pat- on the Suffolk slopes today with her grandchildren!

Melanie Manchot : Celebration (Cyprus Street)

Melanie Manchot : Celebration (Cyprus Street)

I shall be going to this next week if anyone is keen. Pat knows Cyprus Street and our little family lived opposite for many years. The film is free. I shall blog about it next week. Hoping to get out soon but Puma Court is like an ice rink and after two breaks I am too cowardly to venture out. If anyone want to come please email me

New- and outside Allen and Overy

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brilliant film in 3D at Odeon Leicester Square. A great film, funny in parts as they try to make up a different language- it has shades of Pocahontas, the Bible, and theories about Imperialism. But in 3D it was a real achievement.

The Sacred Made Real

The Sacred Made Real

Happy New Year

To all my followers and readers!

How to avoid next year’s hangover | Hugo Rifkind - Times Online

How to avoid next year’s hangover | Hugo Rifkind - Times Online