Whoops. I have made others aware that a blog is not a confidential diary and is in the public domain. I have squirmed at reports of Cherie Blairs contraceptive antics, or lack of them, at Balmoral. Looking back over some of my ancient entries I noticed that, broadcast worldwide, though I hope, barely read by anyone, were sentiments that should never have been aired in public. They have since been wiped.

My cold is slowly lifting. I hardly coughed once at last night's milonga or at the birthday meal for Lynn at 'Iguanas' which preceded it. St. Mary's Church Hall in Wollaton is a beautiful venue. It looks like 1920s Arts and Crafts - if indeed there is such a style.

I might even feel fit enough tonight for salsa - the first time in a fortnight. Meanwhile must get dressed and cut some nettles. I have heard of the nutritious properties of nettles all my life. A feature on some Radio 4 programme mentioned their use as a spinach substitute.

Then I shall continue the revised 'Jesus' chapter before preparing for all those visits arranged last Friday during a promising session at Bulwell Market. Two fat books had been on my shelves, unread, for years. Have just finished Vol. 2 of 'God's Playground' - part of a history of Poland by Norman Davies. It puts Dad's background into a fuller perspective. His mixed Polish/Russian/Jewish identity was typical for many of his generation and several before it. The 'sciences' of race and class, two scourges of the 20th century made such multi layered identities untenable. Have ordered Volume 1 and meanwhile am reading my last Christmas present to Mum, the autobiography of Nelson Mandela. After Stalin and Poland and the politics of East Central Europe the world of the Thembu and the Xhosa in the 1920s is quite a contrast. Many of the issues though, are similar.

To the nettle patch by Sherwood Community Centre, armed with the shears and a Tesco bag. A sickle would be better, but do not have one.

Slowed down a little by a cold, but not daunted by incomplete UWDC applications or mind changes. No Hyson Green market yesterday - I felt too groggy, but will, barring a downpour, try Bulwell tomorrow. At least I am yet more conversant with energy and other rules now.

It was good to hear from Olly - hopefully he will pass by over the w/e en route to Catterick. Friday's choir practice and its parade of potential Assistant Organists was most interesting. Whoever is chosen should provide us all with a great musical education.

Saturday's milonga should be a test of how many, if any, of the recent moves have been sufficiently internalised for me to feel sufficiently confident of deploying. Looking at last week's blog, one or two things have been achieved. Daniel has been revised - the garden is a little tidier and some seeds have been planted. The plan for 'Jesus' is being delivered.

By the time of my next blog (next week?), I shall have revised the Jesus chapter and be grappling with 'Astrology' - my accounts will be up to date, my tax return for 07/08 complete and there will be at least two new signed up customers.

Should report too on dancing - back to salsa after the cold and Saturday's milonga.

One filled UWDC form ready to post is one more than I had at last entry. Should have several visits tomorrow and two more are arranged for next week. I'll do Hyson green Market again on Wednesday and take a look at Bulwell tomorrow.

The garden is a little tidier and I'll plant some herbs and flowers at the weekend. Carlo's tango is useful, though he has an irritating habit of spending so much time demonstrating what he does not want that it is not always easy to remember the new move he has shown us. 'Phoning and visiting prospects is now normal and does not produce anything like the original fear. Income will grow.

I must address my fear of accounts and the Book of Daniel at the weekend or both will vaporise. Norman Davies on 'Poland' provides some interesting thoughts for July's 'nationhood' lecture.

Several days since my last entry. Loads of UWDC contacts but no specific sales. Fortunately MAD Day was a reminder that success is possible - the stress was on persistence and persist I will. I have enjoyed some Bilborough sessions, particularly history and performance studies where I can make some real contribution in the form of dance steps or family experience of the holocaust.

Last night's tango was bizarre - fortunately it was a warm night for being locked out of the Hermitage Centre in Sneinton; local authority employees do not work on Bank Holidays. We danced al fresco on the old church 'balcony' while the inmates (or outmates) of the Bendigo mocked our efforts. The Bank Holiday do at Isis was a marathon, dancing from 8pm till 2.30 am. Some superb whirling with a range of partners.

'Young Stalin' is a weird tale - a violent upbringing, and an informer filled young manhood produced a monster - none of us can ever escape our formative years. Fortunately I had more than filth, cold, Armageddon and Britphobia - though all four have continued to resonate down the years.

Dancing simply gets better. Last night the Comfort Hotel was not available and the ballroom at the Strathdon had a minute floor and low ceiling. Despite some carpet dancing and the close and sweaty atmosphere I stayed till 2am. It was Alison's birthday and we had a lively spinning bachata together early on. Last dance was with Lynn and her completely contrasting manic staccato style of movement.

With Public Liability insurance I can now work the Nottingham Markets with UWDC. I started on Wednesday at Hyson Green and secured 3 appointments for Monday, with 2 more possibles later on. Am at Bilborough this Wednesday so may try Bulwell on Friday. Tomorrow is MAD Day in Northampton. I am a little more clued up this time round. At least Ron got me into the business, for all that his advice and influence thereafter was useless and negative.

Monday's tango is now in Sneinton and is as compelling as salsa. George Monbiot's 'Heat' was a great read; thanks for the recommendation Peter. Must address myself later this week to the Daniel Chapter. Maybe the strike days of Tues. and Wed. will provide an opportunity. I will forward the text to 'regcover' right now.

A weekend of unhurried chores, with a liberal dose of music and dance is in progress. With domestic decks clear by tomorrow morning I should be ready to assault the accounts and UWDC prospects' estimates.

We sampled at Southwell last night the genius of William Byrd, and at the Comfort Hotel I enjoyed again the magical experience of whirling round the dance floor with Anna. Her flying fluidity is exceptional, even in a room full of accomplished and exciting dance partners.

Tariq's old school friend has kindly sent me a selection of tango music, downloaded from Argentine Radio on to CD. I will listen tomorrow when refreshed and alert. It is gratifying, reading Geza Vermes' books on Jesus, that in my modest reading and study I have reached, independently, some of the same conclusions as this lifelong, Jesus obsessed scholar.

Friday morn at Bilborough was interesting, an opportunity to introduce the students to my family's direct connection with the bad guys on their syllabus. Little Louis was rather tired during his lesson but gamely persevered. An ex Bilborough student called round at teatime and persuaded me to donate regularly to a deaf children's charity. If nothing else she was a great example of successful salesmanship. She worked regular door knocking hours and had learned to make the best of every eventuality. What's more she provided an interlude of interesting conversation. Her middle name of Quetzal, the Mexican bird of paradise, I certainly do remember.

Time now to finish both the ironing and Geza Vermes on the Changing Faces of Jesus.

Plod..plod..plod on all three fronts, but downhearted I am not. Dancing and singing continue to provide me with superb company and help me retain my sanity and faith in humanity. Carlo, the Christian Arab from the Uni. has a very different style of teaching from Njaal and Cidinha. He likes big, purposeful strides and imparts sequences of half a dozen steps as opposed to moves requiring but two or three. Further he is very particular about the maintenance of the line of dance.

Maria's party at Edin's last Friday was a reminder, as if I needed one, of the warmth of association built up with Nottingham's dancers over the years. The conviviality in that back room, the laughter, conversation and indeed, the dancing was sheer joy. Maria is one of the warmest hearted people I know. It was her energy and thoughtfulness that gathered us all together that night. To see the smiling faces of Alison, Chinty, Federico, Tranen (?), Lynn, Sasha, Roy, Anya and Michael was uplifting. As for the dancing at the Comfort Hotel that followed, that was the usual wonderful experience. Sunday's early morning Southwell service was the first of many; I look forward to the others. There is space for tasty music of a greater variety, but with no sacrifice of quality.

Am off to Farndon tonight to see a potential UWDC client. Regular reading and talking re. the bus. is helping to build my confidence Today I am applying for insurance whereby to work the Nottingham markets. Some people are more at ease door to door, or talking with work colleagues. I am happiest as a stallholder. At last, with Andy Maile, I seem to have met a local Distributor who means business and is easy to work with. I have been very slow thus far at distinguishing the serious from those who merely dream.



I enjoyed playing host over the last week to Olly and then to Mr. L. Although I will not seek a paying guest I shall be open to requests. Olly's success with Fatladysingh is a tribute to persistence and a serious sense of mission, as well as the intrinsic musicality and excitement of their performance. If their Sheffield show was anything like what I have heard at Junktion 7, I can well understand why they came first.

I have not heard from Olly since he went to Chevenor. The map indicates there is a large area of flat estuarine marshland or pasture whereon to drive a whole range of vehicles. Whatever else transpires, Olly's organisational and technical skills will increase still further. Fortunately he will have the company of several other Dartmouth musicians and will be able to repeat his last summer's triumphal ska band performance on the bandstand at the finale of Dartmouth Carnival week.

Last week's English lessons at Bilborough were quite rewarding. I had never realised that the 'unspeakable/uneatable' reference to foxhunting came from Oscar Wilde's 'A Woman of no Importance'. I wonder what tomorrow's history will bring.

Must sign off now and apply myself to accounts and preparation of a presentation for my farmer from Farndon.