It was my absolute pleasure to be interviewed for the 'Artist First Radio Network,' and the 'Debra Rufini' show this week. Debra was engaging as ever, as we both spoke about the issues important to us. I was able to talk at length, for an hour, about my life, blogging, my campaign against bullying and my experience growing up gay in the 1970s/80s.

As a blogger, it is important to get my message across to my readership, so when the lovely Debra Rufini approached me for an interview, I was delighted to oblige. I have listened to her show numerous times and followed her radio programme with interest. Talking about a wide range of subjects, her interviews have always struck a chord with me. From spirituality, writing, narcissism and bullying, her topic of conversation, never fails to inform and entertain. My small contribution has allowed me to finally speak about subjects close to my heart, with a person who understands the mission statement of 'Roaming Brit.'

I felt relaxed talking with Debra, through a medium I have never used before. The radio is a great way for me to get my message across to others; expressing my feelings, vocally, has been an empowering experience. After listening to the broadcast yesterday, I was happy to have been given the opportunity to tell a small part of my story.

The original reasons for creating 'Roaming Brit' all those years ago, are still there and my passion about ending bullying and abuse in all its forms, is as important today as it was then. Debra and I have much in common; our shared values and beliefs come across in an interview that spanned nearly an hour. For me, it was a cosy chat with a friend, but it is also a programme that explored my character, sentiment and conviction. Debra made me remember why I blog, who I blog for, how it has shaped my life and, more seditiously, just how much trauma I have suffered throughout.

My sexuality is the common factor that linked every component in the interview. This is the one single theme, that has really been responsible for the decisions I have made and the challenges I have faced. This connection was at the forefront of my mind during my chat with Debra and continues to dominate my life, even today. From bullying and writing, to childhood and family, homosexuality has been the most tenacious obstacle to my sense of self-worth. It has controlled my life and has made me the person I am today. It isn't until you listen back to a conversation or, in this case, a dialogue on a radio show, that you realise, just what shaped your future direction. If only all of us were accepted for who we are, we wouldn't have to go through the terrible pattern of injustice, that many LGBTQ+ people suffer daily.

My sincere hope, is this interview will help others, who are suffering from bullying. I have written so much about the subject, that I was glad to be able to finally tell my story. Debra was wonderful at making me feel at ease and comfortable, so I felt in a position to tell my narrative, in a way I wanted to, not how others would have demanded. Bullying and abuse are serious issues that need to be addressed, and it is only by talking, that you are able to see through fog. The 'smoke and mirrors' effect, so often used by abusers to muddy the water and make you feel guilty, is a difficult method of manipulation to see through. Listening to other stories, is a great way of understanding the sinister processes at play.

Do take a listen to the podcast of the broadcast on YouTube, which I have included in the link above, and of course let me know what you think. I would of course like to thank Debra and all those at The Debra Rufini Show for their support and for the opportunity to tell my story. I have been amazed by the positive feedback I have received and hope it isn't too long before you hear from me again. Roaming Brit survives, because of its readership and I hope you will all take a moment, to sit and listen to my experiences, in this crazy World we all live in.

This radio interview is dedicated to all those who have suffered and continue to suffer abuse. Many of you helped me come to terms with my struggles, and for that I am truly thankful. Without your love and support, I wouldn't be here today!

I have met many wonderful characters since moving to Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca; today I have the pleasure of including the latest 'Luke Martin-Jones Interview,' featuring Steven Dale, someone I was introduced to recently, whilst working at LoungeD. Steven Dale is a character like no other, having recently achieved his ambition, securing publication of his first book, 'The Planet Mirth Adventures One!

Last month Steven Dale  featured in the Gran Alacant Advertiser, talking about his writing and I was interested to follow up his story with an interview for the readers of 'Spanish Views.' Gran Alacant is full of talent from many corners of the UK and it has been a pleasure talking with Steve; I can't thank him enough, for taking the time to answer a few questions for all of you.

In this interview, Steve talks about his life living in the UK and Spain; most importantly his love of books and writing. 'The Planet Mirth, Adventures One,' may well be Steve's first book published, but he has also self published in the past and has big plans for the future, with a second 'Planet Mirth book' on the cards. Steve also has many other upcoming ideas, which we will of course, keep readers of 'Spanish Views' up to date with.

As someone who enjoys writing myself, I am always struck by what motivates someone like Steve to not only write in the first place, but also have the desire to take his passion one step further and attain publication. As I know, this is no easy task and not an ambition to take lightly. Not only has Steve achieved his goal, but he has been good enough to encourage and offer support to all you potential authors, pointing you  in the right direction; words from a man who turned a love for his grandchildren into a tangible legacy, to leave them and all of us.  Doing what you love most in life, whether writing, painting or any other creative pursuit, is always a great place to start. Many of us have dreams and aspirations, but few of us achieve them. Hard work, perseverance and sheer determination are activities Steve employs to get to where he wants to go. I was struck by his motivation, I know you will be too!

 
1. Can you tell me you name and age please Steve?
 
My name is Steven Dale and I'm 59 years of age.
 
2. Steve, you have just had your first children’s book published; can you tell readers of ‘Spanish Views’ a little about your book ‘The Planet Mirth Adventures One?’
 
It's about a little girl called Mia who travels to the planet Mirth in her dreams and encounters the gnomes that live there and an array of strange looking creatures.
In the first story she goes on safari riding a rhinhorseros which is half horse and half rhino. She discovers the magical forest where toys grow on trees but the toys can only be picked if you've been a good girl on Earth.

In the second story, it's Jerome the gnome's burpday party which is celebrated on the anniversary of his first burp.

The third story is the Mirth games when she runs in the backwards race and wins a gold medal.

In the fourth story, Halloween, she rides a broomstick to the witch tree forest, where sweets grow on trees.

The last story is the Mirthmas dinner where she has a magic dish. Whatever food she wishes for just appears in the dish. The gnomes have a sprout eating competition with a comical finally.
​
The stories are aimed at five to eight year olds but the parents seem to be enjoying it just as much.
 
3. What gave you the inspiration to write your first book?
 
My grandchildren have been my inspiration from day one. I wanted to write something that would spark their imagination and something that parents could read with enthusiasm.
 
4. Have you written any others books, if so can you describe their subject matter?
 
About 2 years ago I completed a Science Fiction book called 'The Old Tin Box' which I self published on Amazon. It's about a mission to Mars. This was an amazing learning curve that I enjoyed immensely. The following is the synopsis.

Sharon Fox works as secretary to Jack Smart, head of the World Space Agency. A document meant for her boss, lands on her desk and disturbs her deeply. Its contents could have a catastrophic effect on her family.

She takes the document to her cabin at Yellowstone Park and hides it in an old tin box, under the floorboards.

What happens to Sharon?
Will the document ever be found?
What are the consequences for her family?
 
5. Apart from your own, what other books to you enjoy reading?
 
I like reading a variety of genres. Anything that's a little bit different to the norm. My favourite authors are Ken Follet (Pillars of the Earth) and Jeffrey Archer. I recently read a novel by a Swedish author called 'The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.' A very funny book, well worth reading.
 
6. What age were you, when you realised you had a talent for writing?
 
I discovered the talent for writing pretty late in life really, in my early fifties, although I used to write comedy scripts when I was younger which I used in my act. I used to work as a Vocal Entertainer with a few gags thrown in.
 
7. Steve, I know you from Gran Alacant but can you tell my readers a little about yourself; where you grew up and what ultimately made you decide to move to Spain?
 
I grew up in Port Talbot, South Wales. I worked for SONY UK in Bridgend. On my days off, I worked in the clubs in South Wales, singing and entertaining. Moving to Spain had been a dream for my wife and I since we were first married and we eventually moved here in 2,000.
 
8. How does it feel to be a published author? What motivated you to achieve such an ambition?
 
Being a published author is an amazing feeling. When you finally hold the book in your hands it's like a dream come true. My grandchildren were and still are my motivation. I wanted to leave a legacy behind for them. They've been my biggest critics because you know what kids are like. If they don't like something, they'll tell you straight.
 
9. What advice would you give any budding authors out there? Was the road to publication a difficult one?
 
It's been a difficult journey to publication but you have to believe in yourself and your book. You have to deal with rejection but if you persevere, the rewards will come. Just think of J.K.Rowling, her first book was rejected by a lot of publishers but she got there in the end.
 
10. Finally can you tell my readers where they can buy your book(s) and what plans you have for the future? Are there more books in the pipeline?
 
I've got a follow up book that I'm working on called 'The Planet Mirth Adventures Two.' Also some ideas for a spin off called 'The Planet Stupider.'
 
I have included the links for my book, but don't get put off if Amazon state that my book is out of stock. This is normal for new authors. You can still order and Amazon will send you an estimated delivery date, alternatively you can order my book directly off my publisher Austin Macauley.

In 'The Luke Martin-Jones Interview' today, I had the pleasure of interviewing Denise Snow (64).  I like to use the section of my blog, to interview my hero's; the people who have made me who I am today.

I am a firm believer in the work charities do, across the World and met Denise while working for Oxfam. Denise was one of my volunteers; a Lady who did much to help the good causes, we championed at Oxfam.

the end of my position at Oxfam was particularly difficult; despite my grievances with this charity, I am still a very strong supporter of the work volunteers do, especially in the UK. If one takes Oxfam out of the equation, one is left a group of dedicated individuals, who's selfless duty, helps generate billions of pounds a year for charities. In the spirit of empowerment, inclusiveness and accountability, I quickly promoted Denise to the position of Voluntary Deputy Shop Manager (VDSM). Unlike Oxfam itself, I always believed in uplifting people, putting them into positions where they would excel. Denise was a hard worker and has great potential ahead of her.

Denise and I became very close friends over the years. We had long conversations on everything from UFO's to politics. When you work for a charity, you are part of a family; it is the one thing that makes these organisations tick. Oxfam relied heavily on the good will of people like Denise, encouraging a family atmosphere of like minded individuals; at least they did at the beginning. Towards the end, when I left, their outlook, like so many others things at Oxfam changed. They wanted a more corporate image and an end to friendships; people were no longer important; no longer in keeping with their new business image.

Nevertheless we continued to run our bookstore, in the same way we always had; a happy band of volunteers, dedicated in their endeavours, in pursuit of 'Making Poverty History!' Our friendship continued, even when I was no longer at Oxfam. 

Denise continued to run my shop, during my absence and did a fantastic job. Despite her best efforts, she was not employed by the charity when I resigned. Despite the loyalty of volunteers, Oxfam sadly lack loyalty towards those who work for them, once again preferring to hire more banal, non controversial, routine, uninspiring, individuals, who really have no place working there. 

As a person, I am business minded, but also understand the importance of volunteers, within the organisational structure. The reports I hear now, about the shop I once looked after, are not great. Volunteers leaving in droves, treated with disrespect and income falling across the board. 

Denise was in all but name, family; she came to my house for Christmas in 2014. Looking after those who you value is important; Denise was important, a true character  and dutiful VDSM. In 2015, she also attended my Wedding to Darrell, with her son Matthew; one of the last times I saw this fantastic lady.

Luckily we have managed to contact each other again, difficult considering Denise doesn't have facebook, helped by Darrell when he visited her at her home in Southampton recently.

Spain doesn't have a tradition of volunteering in the same way the UK does, so for that reason I wanted to interview Denise about the importance of voluntary work. Maybe in time, Spain will adopt a more relaxed attitude, towards those who wish to give some free time, for a cause close to their heart. Employment law in Spain is very draconian, this also includes the unpaid sector. The Spanish authorities, just do not understand the importance of giving ones time for free; something Denise does, without hesitation!

1. Can you tell me you name and age please? Also readers, to my blog, ‘Spanish Views’, a little bit about yourself?

My name is Denise Snow in a few months time I will be 64 years of age, I was adopted but found my birth family when I was 40 making me feel more complete, I am divorced and have 3 grown up children, I worked in the Mental Health field as a trained nurse for nearly for nearly  33 years.

2. What made you decide to volunteer?

I hadn't worked for 5 years due to an ongoing back problem and was referred to a work program by the Benefits Office there I did a volunteer course and started working for a National/International charity as a till operator in a bookshop, my ideal place to work as I love books.

3. How long have you been volunteering for?

I volunteered at Oxfam for just over 4 years then after my back started playing up after a fall( not at work ) I went sick and was off for  5 months and had my volunteering job revoked when I asked to commence volunteering again. Recently  I have started volunteering for Age UK Southampton, a small local charity, funded by the council and donations, as a receptionist.
 
4. Can you describe to the readers of ‘Spanish Views,’ what you did in your voluntary position at Oxfam Books.

I started off as a till operator two afternoons a week, when I increased my hours I diversified into sorting book donations pulling them onto storage shelving, rotating stock in the shop, shelve and window displays, becoming a key holder cashing up the till at night and documenting it. Next I became a voluntary deputy shop manager and treasurer and was responsible for the day to day running of the shop in the Managers
absence ie meetings, holiday, sickness. I did the area accounts once a week for 20 shops and the day to day ordering for the shop as and when it was needed. I also did recruitment interviews of prospective new volunteers and ran the team of volunteers making sure the shifts were covered.

5. I remember you from my time at Oxfam. What aspects did you enjoy most and least whilst working in Oxfam Book Shop?

I enjoyed being part of an amazing group of people from many different walks of life giving up their spare time and using their expertise for the charity it also helped me retrain into the retail sector. I was part of an extraordinary team and we all enjoyed coming in to do a shift,  we excelled at customer service having many coming back at least weekly for chat and a couple of books, it was a privilege to be able to give to the local community, our shop was very popular and it was all for a good cause to boot.
I disliked customers being abusive to the volunteers luckily it only happened occasionally. I also disliked upper management the way they used people, exploited them, in some cases and then discarded them like a broken part.

6. Spain doesn’t have a great history of volunteering, the culture is very different here. Why do you think volunteering is important?

I believe volunteering is a way of giving back to the community you live in and being proactive in an ever changing society, you are part of something that is greater than yourself.
 
7. With your experience volunteering, what job would you like to do eventually?

I would like to have possibly a managerial position,  in a charity large or small so that I can continue to give to the local or national community.
 
8. What makes a good volunteer?

A person that enjoys life but acknowledges the needs of others, have a giving nature but not looking for self-gratification also to be a team player and work well with others.

9. What would be the one piece of advice you would give someone starting volunteering for the first time?

Do your homework research the charity and its ethos and overall goals, a charity that is close to your heart dependant of what is around or maybe just starting out locally to you and how much of a commitment you can offer.

10. What new volunteering opportunities are you looking forward to in the future?

As I said in Q3 I am now volunteering with a small local charity to learn how to be a receptionist it always looks good on a CV so is a good way of getting back into paid employment you can usually get a reference after six months so it can be a win-win all round.

In 'The Luke Martin Jones Interview,' today, I was able to interview Patty Scull, from 'That Cat Blog,' a great read, if like me, you love cats.

Patty has channeled her cat obsession, into writing across the internet and in various magazines and publications.

'That Cat Blog,' highlights cat related stories in the news and popular culture and is a must read on your blogging list.  One of my favourite sections is 'interviews with cats,' a charming and insightful look at life, from a cats point of view. Patty has included pictures and photo's, reviews on cat products, giveaways and interesting and enlightening information for the avid reader. 'That Cat Blog,' is a truly innovative blog and online magazine.  I have learned much from Patty's writing and knowledge, as I know you will.

In my fourth 'Luke Martin-Jones Interview,' I have had the pleasure of speaking to Don Bradshaw, from  'Bootleg Betty.'  This fantastic website is an online scrapbook, chronicling the life and career of one my favourite actresses, entertainers and singers, the wonderful Bette Midler.

I have been a fan of Ms Midler's, since I was a small child. Whilst growing up in the 1970s and 80s, coming to terms with my sexuality, Bette became a big part of my life. I remember going to clubs and pubs, frequently hearing her voice, as I finally began to discover who I truly was.

Don (62) has created an online archive, covering every aspect of Ms Midler's life. It is packed full of photographs, videos, quotes and words from the great lady herself and is an absolute joy to read. As a fan, I have discovered much about Bette, that I never knew before; a lady that isn't only a star of stage and screen and an accomplished singer but is also a devoted campaigner and activist.

Don would love the readers of 'Spanish Views,' to take a look at his online Scrapbook, 'Bootleg Betty;' (Click on the banner above to take you to his site) it comes highly recommended from me. All of you, young, old, curious or like me, a devoted fan, will enjoy what Don has built, over fifteen years of hard work and dedication. Leave comments and play a part in this archive of irreplaceable material, collected by Don, on display for all of us to enjoy. If you have any Bette Midler memories, stories and items, you wish to share with Don, he would love to hear from you!

Many thanks to Don Bradshaw for agreeing to take part in this interview. I wish you continued success in all your endeavours. Thank you for your innovative online scrapbook, I look forward to reading further stories, listening to more of her music and introducing my readers to the wonderful world of 'Bootleg Betty.'

What made you decide to start an online scrapbook and Bette Midler?

I have been a fan of Ms. Midler since I first saw her on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson when I was 14 years old. She sang a sad torch song called, Am I Blue, Something in that performance connected with me and I knew she was going to be a big star, so I started following her career. I started saving cllppings of articles and photos right away. When the internet came along it was just a natural progression to start my collecting online.

How long have you been writing ‘Bootleg Betty’ for?

I started Bootleg Betty in October 2002.

What is the best and worst thing about publishing an online scrapbook?

The best thing about publishing online is that you can expand from just articles and photos to videos and audio. All of this you can organize in one place online. You can make notes, comments, your own thoughts on the subject matter and also share all this with others who have the same interest. I don’t advertise, so people have to hunt me out because of their special interest. It keeps the fan base very organic.

The worst thing is that you’re really violating a lot of copyright rules. I’ve been lucky so far in my sixteen years that I haven’t been sued. A couple of times I’ve had someone ask me to take a photo or an article down. I really don’t know what would happen if I got sued since I’m on disability, I really don’t have much they could take. I guess they could take my site down. However, I don’t really see it as stealing. I see my site as a preservation of a unique talent that could be used for educational purposes. There just has to be a way where you can legally have an online scrapbook.

What is your favourite Bette Midler performance and why ?

Hands down, it would be any of her versions of the song Stay With Me from her movie, The Rose. It is a magnificent performance in its grandeur. Bette Midler puts her whole being in this song, physically and emotionally. It’s exhausting to even watch.

Do you have a favourite Bette Midler movie or role in a movie?

My favorite movie of hers is The Rose. It’s a film about the last several days of a rock icon who is on a destructive turn. It’s got music, drama, comedy, and a raw, emotional performance by Bette Midler that shows the highs and the lows of the performer that holds everything together. She was nominated for an Oscar for this performance and she should have won. She lost to Sally Field in Norma Rae. I dare your readers to compare the performances and not voting for Ms. Midler. The year was 1979;

I am personally a big fan of Bette Midler and would love to meet her one day; have you ever met the great lady? If yes, could you tell my readers about that experience?

Yes, I’ve met her several times and keep in contact through her personal assistant. She heard about my site during the Kiss My Brass tour and asked to meet me. I was so honoured. She turned out to be everything I thought she’d be. She was very kind, personable, attentive, We didn’t talk much about her career, She was more interested, at least with me, in talking about politics, the environment, and the educational system.

What is your most precious Bette Midler memory?

It would have to be the first time I met her, which was in Hollywood, FL for the Kiss My Brass tour. I met her backstage after the show. She acted as excited about me as I was about her. She told the people around her that I was the guy who was keeping her career alive when she wasn’t working. She wanted to know about me and she acted like she was interested. I hope she wasn’t acting. LOL No, she really came off genuine, excited, and caring. I’ll never forget that night

What was the one moment, that got you hooked on Bette Midler?

It really was her first appearance on Johnny Carson like I answered in the first question, Her subsequent appearances afterward just solidified my fandom. She represented all the things I wanted to be when I was 14. She was different, but accepted. She was funny, outrageous, vulnerable, and relatable. And when she sang it was like she inhabited each song. Just amazing,

Finally, can you tell readers, to my blog, ‘Spanish Views’, a little bit about your scrapbook and how they can get involved?
​
Well, my scrapbook has everything. Articles from the beginning of her career to the present, quotes, songs and lyrics, videos, reviews, etc, People can get involved by commenting on the posts, listening to the jukebox which I change out monthly; educate themselves on the rare and new audio I have posted, Take a look at all the performances I have put up. See what a great entertainer she is. Also they can send me things they see that I don’t have. I’m always looking for rare items or things I may have overlooked. I’m also open to suggestions. Just enjoy all the site has to offer. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to talk about my site.

Today I had the honour of interviewing Wayne Smith (50), currently Director of Music at Kings Chapel in Gibraltar and a Music Instructor for a local comprehensive school.

I have known Wayne, since the late 1980s, whilst working for the Civil Service. We lost touch over the years, but were reconnected by the wonder of facebook, rekindling a friendship that should have been nearly thirty years old.

Although I haven't seen Wayne in many years, he has been a great source of inspiration for me, as I started my new life, living in Spain. Wayne has always encouraged me to take the plunge and jump in; after all we only have one life. His words then, cemented my future now; he was one of the few, who only gave constructive advice; I thank him for that!

​Wayne currently lives in Spain and works in Gibraltar, travelling in everyday. I was interested to learn about Expat life from his point of view. All of us, who have taken the decision to move to Spain, have had different experiences, both positive and negative. Wayne seems to have settled in well to life in Spain and Gibraltar. If you are thinking about relocating to this part of the World, Wayne's words of wisdom, will help you on your way. Many thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Wayne, I will certainly be down to see you, very soon!

Currently working in Gibraltar, can you tell my readers, what your occupation is?

I work for the Education Department in one of the Comprehensive School as a Music Instructor.

 
As an Expat, what made you decide to relocate to Gibraltar and Spain from the UK?

I came out her on holiday 15 years ago, met my partner and moved back here for good 5 days after my holiday finished!

What is the best aspect of living in Gibraltar and Spain?

Definitely the weather....I prefer 2 months of winter compared to 9 months of it back in UK! Also the relaxed attitude towards life-nothing is worth stressing over.

What do you miss about home, living in Britain?

My family and friends-that's all.

Can you tell my readers, a little about your life in Gibraltar?

I cross the border daily to get to work. Working in Gibraltar is good although there are a few restrictions you have to follow. I pay my income tax & social insurance there BUT have to have a frontier workers health card otherwise Im not entitled to any healthcare in Gibraltar without it. Their health system is not like the UK so if you are ill and have an E111 they will see you otherwise it will cost you!

Morrisons is a great bonus as I can get the foods ive always liked from UK, admittedly a little dearer but its worth it for those home comforts!

Sometimes the queues can be horrendous at the border so always be prepared with a bottle of water/snack if you´re driving in!

Gibraltar is tax free but be warned you can only bring out 200 cigarettes/5 pouches of rolling tobacco and 1 litre of spirits. If you have more than this you will have to pay the duty on it or have them confiscated.

I have known you for many years Wayne, since the late 1980s, living on the South Coast of England. You were one of the reasons, I took the plunge and moved to Spain. What advice would you give anyone, thinking about moving abroad?

Look very carefully into every aspect before you leave! Check about healthcare and cover plus have a bank account set up too. All this can be done online at a cost but well worth it.

Remember to give yourself at least 2 years to settle before making any decisions about moving back. It can be tough starting a new life but there are ex pat communities out there that will help and support you.

Can you tell my readers a little bit about your passion? if I am right, music? When I last saw you in 1990, you were a piano tuner and an accomplished pianist in your own right. How has your interest flourished over the years?

I still tune the odd piano and play for weddings/shows etc when needed.

Music has always been a passion of mine ever since I was a child! I teach music daily in school plus privately in the evenings. Its a great way to relax plus I love seeing the progress that my pupils make.

Im the Musical Director for a choir of 45 members in Gibraltar. We meet and rehearse weekly and have great fun performing in concerts both in Gibraltar, Spain and abroad. This year I celebrated 31 years of conducting choirs!

Do you have a favourite restaurant in Gibraltar and Spanish dish? Or are you a fish and chips man?

There are loads of great restaurants in Gibraltar there of my favourites are Biancas and Charlies, which are situated in Marina Bay and The Clipper which is in Irish Town. Very good portions at great prices as well.

I love all types of Spanish stews....the meats they have here are delicious and I cant get enough of those olives either!

Finally Wayne, if any of my readers are thinking about visiting Gibraltar, where would you suggest they go? What should they see?
 
They definitely should take a tour of the Upper Rock Caves and Siege Tunnels. There are some wonderful sights to be seen there especially St Michael's Cave which is used for concerts.

Also visit the King´s Chapel which is one of the oldest Churches in Gibraltar steeped in Military History.

One word of warning....always check that the bank notes you are given back are sterling as the Gibraltarian Pound notes are NOT legal tender in UK and you will have to pay to change them into sterling.
​
Apart from that....come and visit this lovely little Britain in the Sun!

In today's blog entry, I have had the pleasure of interviewing a fellow blogger, Amanda Wren-Grimwood (46). Myself and Amanda go back a long way, we grew up in the same market town of Fareham, on the south coast of England, attending the same schools together.

Like most school friends, we lost contact, after exams in 1987; a long time ago; discovering one another again through the medium of facebook.

Amanda is an accomplished cook, blogger and writer, as you will see from our interview. I myself enjoy cooking and find Amanda's website Chez Le Reve Francais a joy to read, as I'm sure you will. Now living in France, Amanda kindly agreed to take part in an interview, that I know will be of interest to my readers. As a fellow Expat, who took the decision to leave the UK, she is well aware of the obstacles we all face while forging a new life in Europe.

I always enjoy talking to other bloggers, who understand what it is like to dedicate time, writing about subjects close to their heart; you can see the passion in their words! Amanda has always been supportive of me, through my blogging endeavours, both of us documenting important aspects of our life, for the enjoyment of others.  I have learned a lot about cooking through  ​Chez Le Reve Francais, as I know you will too!

Amanda has included links to her three favourite recipes in our interview, please click on the title of each one, to take you to her website, where you will find further deatails. 

Thank you Amanda for taking the time to share your thoughts with the readers of 'Spanish Views;' I wish you good luck for the future, in all you do!

​Roasted Asparagus Tart

​Nutty Chocolate Tiffin

Welcome to my first interview, in a new regular feature, on 'Spanish Views;' questions and answers from the good and great, who have influenced me and my writing; people who will be of interest to my readership, including the Expat community in Gran Alacant, where I live. Featured, will be, Bloggers, artists, writers and entertainers, both here in Spain and abroad, who have dedicated their time and creativity to bring a little happiness into our lives.

I have been lucky enough to speak to Graeme, owner of the popular blog, 'Carry On Blogging.' As the title suggests, this is a blog about the 'Carry On' films and the lives of those who played a part in creating a British institution. You can safely say that Graeme (34) is a devotee of these much loved, popular, British films, that defined a generation and more.

Like Graeme, I am a big fan of the carry on films.  In a previous life, I used to be a philographist, a collector of autographs. This hobby brought me into contact with ​​many famous people of the time. I even had the opportunity of meeting Kenneth Williams, just before his death in the 1980s.

As a child I was brought up on the 'Carry On' culture and have a similar sense of humour myself; comedy that never dates, which is why these films remain as popular today, as they were when they were made. It is important that people like Graeme. keep the memory of these cinematic greats alive.  Not only do they express the comedy of the era, but they also document our social history, from times, long since gone. ​

I would like to thank Graeme, for taking the time to answer my questions; I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your answers, as I know readers to my blog will. Do take a look at 'Carry On Blogging', I know for me, the memories came flooding back, the more I read. This is one of my favourite blogs; I know it will be one of yours too.

​Thank you to Graeme  also, for supplying photographs, of himself with some of the 'Carry On' stars, I hope you enjoy the interview below!
​

What made you decide to start blogging?

I started blogging on a completely different subject. I was brought up watching the soap opera Coronation Street and have always loved the show. I had started reading a blog on the show, the Coronation Street Blog and I saw a post looking for new contributors. I had never done anything like it before, but I sent in a piece of writing, the editor liked it and I joined the team. It has been a great experience, I’ve made some terrific friends through the Corrie blog and I’ve even been invited to attend some special press events at ITV in Manchester, meeting some of the cast and crew and getting onto the set. You can check out the Coronation Street Blog here: http://coronationstreetupdates.blogspot.co.uk/

How long have you been blogging for?

I joined the Coronation Street Blog team towards the end of 2012. I started up my own blog on the Carry On films in March 2015.

What made you decide, to start blogging about all things ‘Carry On?’

I have been a fan of the films since I was a child. I loved the pantomime element to the films when I was young, long before I understood all the innuendos! I’ve always been fascinated by the lives and careers of the team and have read lots of stuff about them and decided to have a go myself. When I started writing the blog I had no idea I’d still be doing it two years later, that I’d have met and interviewed several of the surviving stars and that I’d have nearly 10000 followers on Twitter!

What is your favourite Carry On film and why?

That’s a really difficult question! It tends to vary depending on my mood and of the 31 films there’s only one or two I really don’t enjoy. I did a blog series on my top ten Carry Ons about a year ago and my number one was Carry On Cabby. I love Hattie Jacques and Sid James in it, they are great together. I also love the “kitchen sink” feel to the film, I think it’s really well written and I have fond memories of it as a child as I was car mad and cars feature quite prominently! So probably Cabby, for nostalgic reasons.

Do you have a favourite Carry On actor/actress?

Always Joan Sims! I love them all but Joan was the best. Such a talented actress and incredibly versatile. By all accounts she was a lovely lady but lacked confidence and even towards the end of her life didn’t really believe in herself, which is a great shame. I wrote to her the year before she died and I got a lovely letter back and a signed photo which I’ll always treasure. I think she could have had a much wider career as she was capable of straight roles as well as comedy. I love her as Lady Ruff Diamond in Up The Khyber, Belle in Cowboy and Miss Allcock in Carry On Teacher. Wonderful. My favourite male actor in the team is Peter Butterworth. Under-appreciated, a complete scene stealer and a great performer.

I am personally a big fan of the Carry On films, having been brought up on them, as a child. I was lucky enough to meet Kenneth Williams, before he died. Have you met any of the original cast?

Sadly most of the original main team are no longer with us. Through writing the blog I have been lucky enough to meet or interview several surviving stars. One of my highlights has been meeting Fenella Fielding several times while she’s been performing excerpts from her new audio book of memoirs. She’s a fascinating lady and extremely kind, gentle and gracious. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting Anita Harris, Jacki Piper, Sheila Hancock and Amanda Barrie.

Somehow, despite not being a trained journalist, just a fan, I’ve also managed to secure interviews with several people who were involved in the Carry Ons. So far I’ve interviewed Angela Douglas, Valerie Leon, Jacki Piper, Fenella Fielding, Anita Harris, Amanda Barrie, Christine Ozanne, Sally Geeson and Madeline Smith. It was also a thrill to interview Hattie Jacques’ son Robin, who now lives in Los Angeles. He spoke very fondly of his mum and his dad, the actor John Le Mesurier. Earlier this year I also spoke with a lady called Tessa Le Bars who was for many years Frankie Howerd’s agent. It was fascinating to hear her memories of the great man.

Would you like to see the Carry On films, return to our screen?

A big NO from me on that one. There have been several attempts over the years to get the films up and running again, many of which were driven by the late producer Peter Rogers. The only time it came to fruition was Carry On Columbus in 1992. I saw that in the cinema as a 10 year old and hated it! I think we should really just enjoy the original classic films which just get better with age. You can’t replace the talented actors who made them and much of the humour wouldn’t work today if you made new films. There are so many funny people around today doing their own thing and that’s great but very few of them would work in a Carry On. There was only one Sid James, one Kenneth Williams and one Joan Sims, let’s just enjoy their fine legacy.

What was the one moment, that got you hooked on Carry On Films?

It’s really hard to pick one moment! I think the first Carry On I ever saw was Carry On Matron, on video tape bought from Woolworths (remember them?!) I think I just liked all the slapstick, outrageous performances and funny voices. It wasn’t threatening or violent, it was endearing, innocent and good fun.

Finally, can you tell  readers, to my blog, ‘Spanish Views’, a little bit about your blog


Carry On Blogging is an affectionate tribute to the Carry On films and their stars. It’s a fans take on the films and a mix of opinion pieces, interviews and classic clips from the archives. I love to share little known facts, turn the spotlight on some of the actors who don’t normally get the coverage they deserve and really just keep their wonderful legacy alive. It’s a real labour of love and I get a huge amount of pleasure from writing it and interacting with fans all over the world. ​