Hi!
Match reports on Bolton and Liverpool's midweek Premiership games are now live on the FansOnline network!
Liverpool 2-1 Wigan
Bolton 3-1 West Ham
Mark A.
Thursday 17 December 2009
Wednesday 9 December 2009
David Squires Feature
Hi!
My feature profile on David Squires- Poole's town crier has just gone live on Guide2Dorset!
David Squires feature
Mark A.
My feature profile on David Squires- Poole's town crier has just gone live on Guide2Dorset!
David Squires feature
Mark A.
Monday 7 December 2009
David Squires Feature Profile
Hi!
Below is a feature profile on David Squires- Poole Town Crier, and one of the longest serving criers in the world. Enjoy!
Mark A.
“The first thing children say is ‘Mummy! Mummy! It’s a pirate’, because of my hat, or at this time of year Father Christmas because of my uniform!”
Sitting in the cosy home of David Squires, sat stroking his white facial hair in front of his festively decorated log fire; it is puzzling to see how anyone could come to this conclusion.
Poole’s very own town crier lives in Parkstone Dorset, a suburb between the town centre and Bournemouth, a fittingly discrete location for a reserved and dignified man- whose job just happens to be shouting for a living.
“Officially speaking I am paid £1-a-week by the council, but in 1837 the man doing my job received one guinea so technically I’ve been de-valued,” David jokes.
Formerly a buying manager, the 67–year-old now lives at home with his wife and their cat Sparky- who is keen to get involved in the interviewing process as she leaves her paw print signature on my notepad.
David’s home is full of reminders of his calling- beside the door is a small church-like bell, prompting visitors do wonder whether it is this they operate to get inside or the more functional electronic doorbell next to it.
Inside in a room to the left through a door left slightly ajar the proud, protected uniform of the crier can be seen- the brilliant red obstructed only by the shine of the plastic covering it in the light.
“All-in-all I must have spent around £9,000 on uniforms. First you have to find a manufacturer and I was very lucky to find one locally for the last three uniforms- hopefully the next one will last until I retire.”
It is not just the uniform that makes David proud. He is a challenger for the title of the world’s longest serving crier- though it is not a title that is prolifically recorded.
“I started on April 2nd 1958, and have served under 50 mayors- though two of these served twice,” he notes.
“I shall be contacting the Guinness book of records after 60 years of service as I believe that is the current record, but it is still something I am proud of.”
Tony Evans is less supportive of David’s claim however- as chairman of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers he points out there are two other members of the guild who have served 61 and 53 years service respectively.
Evans says: “I have known David Squires for many years, but he is not the longest serving Town Crier in the world, I have recently had several enquiries from Town Criers hoping to claim to this title.
He claims: “David has been Town Crier of Poole for 50 years this year, a fine achievement, but the longest serving Town Crier in the world, and a member of the AHGTC, is still a Town Crier for the same town as was his father and grandfather before him, he was awarded the MBE for his services to Town Crying, and this year the AHGTC Meritorious Service Medal,” Evans went on.
Whether or not the record stands, Poole’s town crier still holds many titles and achievements, not least the 1992 National Town Crier Award, and as a result representing Great Britain in the 1993 World Championships in Canada.
For something that started as a hobby and has since seen him visit all parts of the world in his crying career David admits it has been a wonderful experience.
“I look back over the years and I’ve done all sorts- beauty pageants in Cherbourg, carnivals, fates- it’s been wonderful.”
The nature of crying may now have changed, but David now has a ‘horrendous amount’ of private functions, and is even asked to perform at weddings.
“I do quite a few weddings, one couple had around 150 guests and they went out onto the harbour on a barge- I gathered information about them, incorporated it into a poem then put it into a scroll with an ole-worlde font and in full costume read it on the day itself”.
David has had the morning off today, giving the voice a rest, and attended a planning meeting about Poole Town Football Club’s proposals to build a new stadium on the recreation ground close to his home.
Attending the meeting is a marked sign of a man very much involved in his community, and the role his work plays within it.
“It’s just a nice feeling, to be recognised by ones peers and the wider community. They stop me in the high street and say ‘still doing it then?’ It sounds pompous but the post commands a lot of respect.”
David’s afternoon shift lights up the high street with his shouting, bell-ringing and colour. Much like his personality, his uniform sets him apart from everyone around him, and looking on at the faces of shoppers passing by they are smiling and answering their children’s questions about the man in the hat.
David stops with two older ladies to pose for a photo- he gives one his bell and the other his mace and aptly strikes a photogenic grin. But his generosity in posing for photos or talking to children is very reminiscent of the earlier comparison once made by a child.
After 134 events attended as Crier in 2008 and an estimated 180 in 2009, surely only Father Christmas himself can be a more recognisable man in red around Poole this yuletide.
Below is a feature profile on David Squires- Poole Town Crier, and one of the longest serving criers in the world. Enjoy!
Mark A.
“The first thing children say is ‘Mummy! Mummy! It’s a pirate’, because of my hat, or at this time of year Father Christmas because of my uniform!”
Sitting in the cosy home of David Squires, sat stroking his white facial hair in front of his festively decorated log fire; it is puzzling to see how anyone could come to this conclusion.
Poole’s very own town crier lives in Parkstone Dorset, a suburb between the town centre and Bournemouth, a fittingly discrete location for a reserved and dignified man- whose job just happens to be shouting for a living.
“Officially speaking I am paid £1-a-week by the council, but in 1837 the man doing my job received one guinea so technically I’ve been de-valued,” David jokes.
Formerly a buying manager, the 67–year-old now lives at home with his wife and their cat Sparky- who is keen to get involved in the interviewing process as she leaves her paw print signature on my notepad.
David’s home is full of reminders of his calling- beside the door is a small church-like bell, prompting visitors do wonder whether it is this they operate to get inside or the more functional electronic doorbell next to it.
Inside in a room to the left through a door left slightly ajar the proud, protected uniform of the crier can be seen- the brilliant red obstructed only by the shine of the plastic covering it in the light.
“All-in-all I must have spent around £9,000 on uniforms. First you have to find a manufacturer and I was very lucky to find one locally for the last three uniforms- hopefully the next one will last until I retire.”
It is not just the uniform that makes David proud. He is a challenger for the title of the world’s longest serving crier- though it is not a title that is prolifically recorded.
“I started on April 2nd 1958, and have served under 50 mayors- though two of these served twice,” he notes.
“I shall be contacting the Guinness book of records after 60 years of service as I believe that is the current record, but it is still something I am proud of.”
Tony Evans is less supportive of David’s claim however- as chairman of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers he points out there are two other members of the guild who have served 61 and 53 years service respectively.
Evans says: “I have known David Squires for many years, but he is not the longest serving Town Crier in the world, I have recently had several enquiries from Town Criers hoping to claim to this title.
He claims: “David has been Town Crier of Poole for 50 years this year, a fine achievement, but the longest serving Town Crier in the world, and a member of the AHGTC, is still a Town Crier for the same town as was his father and grandfather before him, he was awarded the MBE for his services to Town Crying, and this year the AHGTC Meritorious Service Medal,” Evans went on.
Whether or not the record stands, Poole’s town crier still holds many titles and achievements, not least the 1992 National Town Crier Award, and as a result representing Great Britain in the 1993 World Championships in Canada.
For something that started as a hobby and has since seen him visit all parts of the world in his crying career David admits it has been a wonderful experience.
“I look back over the years and I’ve done all sorts- beauty pageants in Cherbourg, carnivals, fates- it’s been wonderful.”
The nature of crying may now have changed, but David now has a ‘horrendous amount’ of private functions, and is even asked to perform at weddings.
“I do quite a few weddings, one couple had around 150 guests and they went out onto the harbour on a barge- I gathered information about them, incorporated it into a poem then put it into a scroll with an ole-worlde font and in full costume read it on the day itself”.
David has had the morning off today, giving the voice a rest, and attended a planning meeting about Poole Town Football Club’s proposals to build a new stadium on the recreation ground close to his home.
Attending the meeting is a marked sign of a man very much involved in his community, and the role his work plays within it.
“It’s just a nice feeling, to be recognised by ones peers and the wider community. They stop me in the high street and say ‘still doing it then?’ It sounds pompous but the post commands a lot of respect.”
David’s afternoon shift lights up the high street with his shouting, bell-ringing and colour. Much like his personality, his uniform sets him apart from everyone around him, and looking on at the faces of shoppers passing by they are smiling and answering their children’s questions about the man in the hat.
David stops with two older ladies to pose for a photo- he gives one his bell and the other his mace and aptly strikes a photogenic grin. But his generosity in posing for photos or talking to children is very reminiscent of the earlier comparison once made by a child.
After 134 events attended as Crier in 2008 and an estimated 180 in 2009, surely only Father Christmas himself can be a more recognisable man in red around Poole this yuletide.
Wednesday 2 December 2009
Student Life
Hi!
My feature on student life in Bournemouth is now live on www.guide2dorset.com
Student Life In Bournemouth
Mark A.
My feature on student life in Bournemouth is now live on www.guide2dorset.com
Student Life In Bournemouth
Mark A.
Monday 30 November 2009
FansOnline and coming soon!
Hi!
Today on the FansOnline network- Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is not wanted by Bayern Munich:
Bayern: no Babel interest
And Kevin Davies has defended the team spirit at The Reebok:
Davies: We're in this together
Look out for some exciting new features soon- more on this later in the week!
Mark A.
Today on the FansOnline network- Liverpool winger Ryan Babel is not wanted by Bayern Munich:
Bayern: no Babel interest
And Kevin Davies has defended the team spirit at The Reebok:
Davies: We're in this together
Look out for some exciting new features soon- more on this later in the week!
Mark A.
Thursday 26 November 2009
Sunday 22 November 2009
Premiership reports now live!
Hi!
Match reports from this weekend's games now on the Liverpool and Bolton sites:
Liverpool 2-2 Man City
Bolton 0-2 Blackburn
Mark A.
Match reports from this weekend's games now on the Liverpool and Bolton sites:
Liverpool 2-2 Man City
Bolton 0-2 Blackburn
Mark A.
Friday 20 November 2009
Children In Need!
Hi!
No blogs or stories today because I am busy fundraising for Children In Need! Listen out on BBC Radio Solent between 3 and 4pm today where I'll be talking about our event in Bournemouth later: 'Children In Need- Joggers In Wigs'! We also have a few sweepstakes going on here in the University, there are loads of events organized by the student union- including a world record attempt! Will be back on tomorrow to let you know how it went- hopefully with pictures too!
Mark A.
No blogs or stories today because I am busy fundraising for Children In Need! Listen out on BBC Radio Solent between 3 and 4pm today where I'll be talking about our event in Bournemouth later: 'Children In Need- Joggers In Wigs'! We also have a few sweepstakes going on here in the University, there are loads of events organized by the student union- including a world record attempt! Will be back on tomorrow to let you know how it went- hopefully with pictures too!
Mark A.
Thursday 19 November 2009
MIsfits- AKA Ski-roes!
Hi!
Have caught up on E4's new 'teen drama comedy' Misfits this week with the second episode due this evening. I must admit I'm curious, and trying hard to refrain from using the phrase 'better than I expected', but there is still something not right about the programmes inception.
Anything in the superhero genre will automatically be linked to something else, as NBC's Heroes was with X-Men when it first hit our screens. And now Misfits has arrived and somewhat understandably similar comparisons have been made, with E4's previous smash hit Skins also mentioned. Misfits does seem a mixture of the two- 'Ski-roes' if you will- with its focus on the characters and how they interact rather than the superpowers they receive from a freak lightning strike.
The show is evidently aimed at younger audiences, if not just from its content than the nature of its marketing through the E4 website and social networking like Twitter and Facebook. The dialogue is littered with up-to-date references, including Jeremy Kyle and Argos in one of the pilot's funniest lines.
But where will the show go? This is the obvious challenge. We already see in the second episode preview that 'someone knows' and each character will be exploring what their 'power' means to them, whether it can sustain its current curiosity factor however remains to be seen.
Misfits episode 1 is available on 4OD now and episode 2 airs tonight at 10pm.
Mark A.
Have caught up on E4's new 'teen drama comedy' Misfits this week with the second episode due this evening. I must admit I'm curious, and trying hard to refrain from using the phrase 'better than I expected', but there is still something not right about the programmes inception.
Anything in the superhero genre will automatically be linked to something else, as NBC's Heroes was with X-Men when it first hit our screens. And now Misfits has arrived and somewhat understandably similar comparisons have been made, with E4's previous smash hit Skins also mentioned. Misfits does seem a mixture of the two- 'Ski-roes' if you will- with its focus on the characters and how they interact rather than the superpowers they receive from a freak lightning strike.
The show is evidently aimed at younger audiences, if not just from its content than the nature of its marketing through the E4 website and social networking like Twitter and Facebook. The dialogue is littered with up-to-date references, including Jeremy Kyle and Argos in one of the pilot's funniest lines.
But where will the show go? This is the obvious challenge. We already see in the second episode preview that 'someone knows' and each character will be exploring what their 'power' means to them, whether it can sustain its current curiosity factor however remains to be seen.
Misfits episode 1 is available on 4OD now and episode 2 airs tonight at 10pm.
Mark A.
Tuesday 17 November 2009
The Men Who Stare At Goats
Hi!
Apologies for no new posts recently, this is due to a family emergency. Hopefully the following review of 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' starring George Clooney and Ewan McGregor will make amends.
Mark A.
'The Men Who Stare At Goats'
By Mark Allaway
This was the second film I have ever been to see after seeing just one trailer- and as the first was Michael Mann's 'Miami Vice' remake I didn't have high hopes.
I was pleasantly surprised at this film which quite simply should be taken as seriously, or otherwise, as it takes itself.
The Men Who Stare At Goats, based on a novel by Jon Ronson, is a film seemingly about a war reporter looking for redemption from a failed relationship by burying himself in his job and getting the next big scoop from Iraq.
In the process he meets Lyn Sanders, a man who claims to have been part of a US military programme training soldiers as physic spies- or 'Jedi Warriors'.
Yes you read correctly, and with no sense of sarcasm, 'Jedi Warriors'. And yes this stars Ewan McGregor- Obi Wan Kenobi himself.
The Star Wars references are vast- from the blatant name droppings of 'Jedi' to a marvellously framed shot of Jeff Bridges looking like Qui-Gon Jinn and George Clooney looking like Anakin Skywalker.
There are other intertextual puns, including one of the greatest comedy lines McGregor must have ever produced- 'The Silence of the Goats' sounds corny but should have you in stitches.
Realistically I found myself asking what the film's plot actually was when I left the cinema, but to question this film is to drain it of its genius.
Director Grant Heslov directs some big names here, and gets a stellar comedy performance from Stephen Lang who as General Hopgood is my favourite character here- he can be seen in the trailer running into a wall.
Everyone here plays their role, from McGregor's surprising American accent, Clooney's turn between making his character seem crazy then deep, Hopgood's pure look of bedazzlement and Bridges' hippy character Bill just the icing on the cake.
The de-bleated goats, LSD and one-armed cheating bosses will no doubt have you raising an eyebrow or two in this film, at the ending in particular no doubt, but at the end of the day which do you prefer at the cinema- to laugh or to understand?
A surprisingly quirky film, with a feel of indie about it in its messages and plot devices, humorously brought to life by its fine cast.
4/5 ****
Apologies for no new posts recently, this is due to a family emergency. Hopefully the following review of 'The Men Who Stare At Goats' starring George Clooney and Ewan McGregor will make amends.
Mark A.
'The Men Who Stare At Goats'
By Mark Allaway
This was the second film I have ever been to see after seeing just one trailer- and as the first was Michael Mann's 'Miami Vice' remake I didn't have high hopes.
I was pleasantly surprised at this film which quite simply should be taken as seriously, or otherwise, as it takes itself.
The Men Who Stare At Goats, based on a novel by Jon Ronson, is a film seemingly about a war reporter looking for redemption from a failed relationship by burying himself in his job and getting the next big scoop from Iraq.
In the process he meets Lyn Sanders, a man who claims to have been part of a US military programme training soldiers as physic spies- or 'Jedi Warriors'.
Yes you read correctly, and with no sense of sarcasm, 'Jedi Warriors'. And yes this stars Ewan McGregor- Obi Wan Kenobi himself.
The Star Wars references are vast- from the blatant name droppings of 'Jedi' to a marvellously framed shot of Jeff Bridges looking like Qui-Gon Jinn and George Clooney looking like Anakin Skywalker.
There are other intertextual puns, including one of the greatest comedy lines McGregor must have ever produced- 'The Silence of the Goats' sounds corny but should have you in stitches.
Realistically I found myself asking what the film's plot actually was when I left the cinema, but to question this film is to drain it of its genius.
Director Grant Heslov directs some big names here, and gets a stellar comedy performance from Stephen Lang who as General Hopgood is my favourite character here- he can be seen in the trailer running into a wall.
Everyone here plays their role, from McGregor's surprising American accent, Clooney's turn between making his character seem crazy then deep, Hopgood's pure look of bedazzlement and Bridges' hippy character Bill just the icing on the cake.
The de-bleated goats, LSD and one-armed cheating bosses will no doubt have you raising an eyebrow or two in this film, at the ending in particular no doubt, but at the end of the day which do you prefer at the cinema- to laugh or to understand?
A surprisingly quirky film, with a feel of indie about it in its messages and plot devices, humorously brought to life by its fine cast.
4/5 ****
Friday 13 November 2009
Graduate employment exclusive!
Hi!
Read on for my exclusive story on graduate employment- which predicted figures will show is down for the third year running.
Mark A.
Graduate employment falls again
Graduates are finding it harder to get into employment after new figures expected this week show around 87% of University students are finding jobs- a decrease for the third year in a row.
The economic crisis has seen many companies cutting costs and workers laid off, making students who left in the summer the first year to tackle the credit crunch- but despite the decline experts say the numbers are still positive.
The latest figures from Bournemouth University show a predicted 87% of students are finding employment, with 67% getting into the sectors their degree dictated.
It is a drop of four percent on last year’s figures and eight percent on 2007, but Jackie Gush, head of the Graduate Employment Service at the institution, said this year’s figures were predicted to drop a little.
She said: “The most recent figures will be out in a few weeks time and we are relatively pleased they weren’t lower.”
“We are in line with national average percentages and as this is the first year to deal with the credit crunch we expected a similar drop from last year,” she continued.
Gush said jobs in teaching, building and general public sector jobs are becoming more popular, with graduates needing to be more flexible about their career paths.
“We’re hoping that they go away over the summer and work hard on getting themselves ready for work, they need to be flexible,” she said.
More and more companies are now said to be looking for degrees at 2:1 level or above in response to the increased demand for jobs, a previous standard only prestige jobs required.
And Gush says this can only be disruptive to students, stating: “Even if they aren’t going for their first choices the requirements are high but the numbers are positive.”
Government Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy visited the Graduate Prospects head quarters in June to discuss how to combat unemployment in graduates during the downturn.
He said: “Graduating from university is an exciting time but it can also be daunting as people consider their next steps in life after their degree.”
He went on: “In the current economic climate it’s natural that students are considering their options even more closely and that’s why we want to provide as much information as possible about the opportunities available to students including work, internships, further study or volunteering.”
Mark Allaway
November 2009
Read on for my exclusive story on graduate employment- which predicted figures will show is down for the third year running.
Mark A.
Graduate employment falls again
Graduates are finding it harder to get into employment after new figures expected this week show around 87% of University students are finding jobs- a decrease for the third year in a row.
The economic crisis has seen many companies cutting costs and workers laid off, making students who left in the summer the first year to tackle the credit crunch- but despite the decline experts say the numbers are still positive.
The latest figures from Bournemouth University show a predicted 87% of students are finding employment, with 67% getting into the sectors their degree dictated.
It is a drop of four percent on last year’s figures and eight percent on 2007, but Jackie Gush, head of the Graduate Employment Service at the institution, said this year’s figures were predicted to drop a little.
She said: “The most recent figures will be out in a few weeks time and we are relatively pleased they weren’t lower.”
“We are in line with national average percentages and as this is the first year to deal with the credit crunch we expected a similar drop from last year,” she continued.
Gush said jobs in teaching, building and general public sector jobs are becoming more popular, with graduates needing to be more flexible about their career paths.
“We’re hoping that they go away over the summer and work hard on getting themselves ready for work, they need to be flexible,” she said.
More and more companies are now said to be looking for degrees at 2:1 level or above in response to the increased demand for jobs, a previous standard only prestige jobs required.
And Gush says this can only be disruptive to students, stating: “Even if they aren’t going for their first choices the requirements are high but the numbers are positive.”
Government Minister of State for Higher Education David Lammy visited the Graduate Prospects head quarters in June to discuss how to combat unemployment in graduates during the downturn.
He said: “Graduating from university is an exciting time but it can also be daunting as people consider their next steps in life after their degree.”
He went on: “In the current economic climate it’s natural that students are considering their options even more closely and that’s why we want to provide as much information as possible about the opportunities available to students including work, internships, further study or volunteering.”
Mark Allaway
November 2009
Thursday 12 November 2009
Wednesday 11 November 2009
FansOnline stories
Hi!
Two new stories up on the FansOnline sites tonight. Andrea Dossena possibly on his way out of Liverpool and Jussi Jaaskelainen put club before country:
Dossena
Jaaskelainen
Mark A.
Two new stories up on the FansOnline sites tonight. Andrea Dossena possibly on his way out of Liverpool and Jussi Jaaskelainen put club before country:
Dossena
Jaaskelainen
Mark A.
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham
Hi!
My match report for Liverpool's contraversial 2-2 draw with Birmingham is now live on FansOnline:
Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City
Mark A.
My match report for Liverpool's contraversial 2-2 draw with Birmingham is now live on FansOnline:
Liverpool 2-2 Birmingham City
Mark A.
Monday 9 November 2009
Movember!
Hi!
Please sponsor me during Movember! I am putting down the razor for a whole month and letting the facial hair run wild in the name of Prostate Cancer!
Visit my MoSpace!
Thanks,
Mark A.
Please sponsor me during Movember! I am putting down the razor for a whole month and letting the facial hair run wild in the name of Prostate Cancer!
Visit my MoSpace!
Thanks,
Mark A.
Thursday 5 November 2009
Poole Fireworks
Hi!
Switched professions slightly this evening- playing photographer for Guide2Dorset.com down on Poole Quay for tonight's firework display- here's a sample above but the full selection can be found on this Facebook album:
Fireworks '09
Mark A.
Wednesday 4 November 2009
Lyon vs. Liverpool match review
Hi!
My match review of Liverpool's Champions League heartache at Lyon tonight is now live on Liverpool FansOnline!
Lyon 1-1 Liverpool
Mark A.
My match review of Liverpool's Champions League heartache at Lyon tonight is now live on Liverpool FansOnline!
Lyon 1-1 Liverpool
Mark A.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
'Mark My Words' returns!
Hi,
Check out my column on pompey-fans.com, part of the FansOnline network, 'Mark My Words' which has rebooted tonight.
Mystery men- Mystery money
This week I talk about the string of suspect owners the club has dealt with recently- and what it means for the future.
Mark A.
Check out my column on pompey-fans.com, part of the FansOnline network, 'Mark My Words' which has rebooted tonight.
Mystery men- Mystery money
This week I talk about the string of suspect owners the club has dealt with recently- and what it means for the future.
Mark A.
Welcome!
Welcome!
My name is Mark Allaway and this is my official site where from now on all my journalistic works and professional announcements will be posted.
I hope you enjoy the site and please feel free to contact me. Please note all work is property of Mark Allaway.
Mark A.
My name is Mark Allaway and this is my official site where from now on all my journalistic works and professional announcements will be posted.
I hope you enjoy the site and please feel free to contact me. Please note all work is property of Mark Allaway.
Mark A.
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