I recently joined the Derby branch of the U3A (University of the Third Age)  (http://www.u3a.org.uk/).  

The idea is that the 'first age' is when we're in education as children/young people; 'second age' is when we're working; so 'third age' is now we're (in theory) retired    

To quote their site: 'the University of the Third Age is a unique and exciting organisation which provides, through its branches, enhancing and life-changing opportunities.  Retired and semi-retired people come together and learn together, not for qualifications but for its own rewards:  the sheer joy of discovery!'

'Members share their skills and life experiences: the learners teach and the teachers learn, and there is no distinction between them.'

Today was my first visit to the Classic Music Appreciation group and I thought it would be a good idea, over the coming weeks, to document music to which we're introduced.  

This was today's programme:

'An American in Paris' (1928) 

by George Gershwin (1898 - 1937) 

This was when Gershwin was studying in Paris, and what jumped out at me was the sounds of the city:  car horns, bustling people and much traffic, as well as a slight melancholy at one time due pehaps to his being so far away from home.
  
For more information see: http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/An_American_in_Paris.html
and Youtube sample: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeEMlYpGJzs

Swedish Rhapsody No 1, Op19 'Midsommervaka' 

by Huga Alfven (1872 - 1960)

This is a lively, jolly piece of music I'd always though had been written by an English composer, so quite a surprise when it was by a Swede: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrUFF8MM2RI.  Now we know there's more to Swedish music than Sibelius, wonderful though his music is.

Toward the Unknown Region (1907)

by Ralph Vaughan Williams 

(1872 - 1958)

I imagined that this music and words referred to beyond life itself and it succeeded in putting over the majesty and awe.  It was the sort of music which would be heard the occasion of a state funeral.   Having said that, I wasn't quite so struck on this piece of music as other Vaughan Williams although may change my mind having heard it a few times.  See: http://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/dw.asp?dc=W2997_GBAJY9365510&vw=dc

This is set to words by the well-known American poet Walt Whitman (http://www.recmusic.org/lieder/get_text.html?TextId=17431).

Apparently Vaughan Williams was arguably England's best composer; but see also Britten, Dowland, Elgar, Delius, Bliss, Rutter and others! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronological_list_of_English_classical_composers) (by the way, the pic above shows Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Michael Tippett, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Ursula Vaughan Williams at a recording of Tippett's Second Symphony at the BBC in 1958).

Tod und Verklarung Op 24 

(Tone-poem for large orchestra) (1889) 

by Richard Strauss (1864 - 1949)

Written when Strauss was only 24, it shows an incredible depth of feeling for one so young and is well worth listening to.

Fantasy in C minor for piano, chorus and orchestra Op 80 (1808)

by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)

Grand and inspiring, giving shades of his 9th Symphony (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choral_Fantasy_(Beethoven)).  As I was sat listening I was trying to think what else was composed at about that time, to see how this piece would compare with what else was going on (http://www.classissima.com/en/people/early_19th_century_classical_composers/).  If I could only take one composer to my desert island it would have to be Beethoven, so here's one to add to the collection.

How to play music with your child

Music is such an important part of life and I'm keen to introduce new grand daughter to music as much as possible.  I already sing songs to her, any songs, not just nursery rhymes, but what else would she like?
Babies (under one year)

• Your baby's brain is quickly developing  the capacity for language at this time.  It has been shown that a great familiarity with musical notes and scales can improve a child's ability to understand speech, and this can in turn later enhance his or her reading aptitude.
• Try to introduce your baby to a range of musical concepts.  Typically, nursery rhymes tend to be in a major key and with a 4/4 rhythm, but also sing songs from folk or other traditions that have a more varied range, and can provide a sense of contrast.
• Exercise with your baby: lying on a mat, clap your baby's hands according to the different note lengths.  Hold your baby's hands together throughout the length of each note.  You can also try bouncing your baby on your knee energetically during a song with a 4/4 beat; and rocking your baby from side to side during a 3/4 song.

Preschool (under four years)

• During these years, children are thought to be at their most receptive.  Singing in tune is a developmental milestone that may still be some way off, but listening to music and singing along can have beneficial effects.  Rhythmic skills, however, develop sooner, and most children of this age will be able to clap and move to the music.  Activities along these lines have been shown to be linked to enhanced mathematical ability, and also correlate with general intelligence and problem solving.
• Exercise: clap long to the beat, making the first  clap louder than the other claps.  This develops your child's intuitive understanding of time signatures.  You can also introduce basic percussion, either with pots and pans or must by tapping different body parts, producing a range of sounds.

Schoolchildren (aged four to seven)

• Music can  be a great mood-booster and it has been shown to increase performance by enhancing feelings of happiness.  Although the school day can be long, a bit of music in the morning can perk up your child and give him or her a good start to the day.
• Introducing a musical instrument, even at this early stage, can be extremely beneficial.  Half an hour per week of musical engagement can be all that it takes to activate benefits to all areas of your child's life.
• Exercise: standing up, encourage your child to tap his or her right and left legs on alternate beats.  Depending on the speed of the music, you can also introduce an exercise that involves a clap on the back beat, thereby introducing the concept of syncopation - rhythms that start off-beat.

For more information see: moosicology.com; The Music Miracle by Lisa Henriksson-Macaulay (£16.99, Earnest House)

Also: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-25811913


Five of the best for young music-lovers

1. Baby's first birthday band set: This musical instrument set (by Halilit) is a great way to get your baby into music from an early age. The pack comes with a range of instruments, from maracas to bells, and it includes a CD so parents can play along too.  Suitable from the age of 12 months (£19.95 John Lewis).
2. Wooden musical instruments: A charming, colourful set that includes a mini guitar, tambourine, pair of castanets, flute, tambourine and harmonica.  It will get your little one turning their hand to producing something tuneful - or at least enthusiastic - in no time. (£59.90, notonthehighstreet.com)
3. Mini ukulele starter package: This mini ukulele is perfect for children of all ages and will allow them to get a grasp on a small musical instrument before moving on to a bigger guitar (£29.99 Amazon).
4. Xylophone with music book: A vintage-style xylophone to provide your toddler with hours of musical fun ("18.99, notonthehighstreet.com).
5. Music maker table: A mini music table that will allow your buzzing Mozart to get a feel for all types of sounds.  It includes a drum, xylophone, miniature cymbals and rhythm sticks (£39.00 notonthehighstreet.com).

From the Sunday Telegraph, 23/2/2014, Caterina Zarzana and Jake Wallis Simons.

Little Black Book for Derby

Builder (1) - John Bareham, expensive but good and very congenial, 07779121632.
Builder (2) Richard Duval, 0785 2325 384.
Builder (3) Mark, Allestree Joinery. Good and friendly, although a little laid-back time-wise.

Carpet supplier and fitter - Kris 07786 377593, excellent, very much a 'can do' person.

Car Repairs and MoTs - Frank Brown, a friendly garage in Allestree run by a woman! - and why not.  Duffield Road, Allestree, Derby DE22 2DJ, tel 01332 557185.

Car Valeting - Efficient, reasonable and friendly, but beware the price we were quoted did not include VAT, MCV, Lodge Lane, Derby DE1 3WD, tel: 0800 9881302, mobile 07875 296094 (http://www.mobilecarvaleting.co.uk/).

Conservatory, fascias, gutterings, downpipes and windows:  Roger at Needhams 01509 264066.

Dentist: Duffield Road Dental Practice (tel: 556222)

Electricians:
(1) Alan C Garbett, helpful and conscientious, 143 Western Road, Mickleover, Derby DE3 9GS, Tel: 07973 600238.
(2) Brian from Park Lane Electrical: 557705.

Electrical Repairs - Chaddesden Electrics (Pete) has been recommended; 15 St John's Avenue, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6SE, Tel: 01332 417730.

Fireplaces (1) - Fireplace Supplies Ltd, 345 Duffield Road, Allestree, Derby DE22 2dg, so not far from our home.  01332 541407.
Fireplaces (2) - Kedleston Fireplace Centre - Five Lamps, 34 Duffield Road, Derby DE1 3BH, 01332 200303.

Gas and Plumber - 07957 986002, not met him but he did a good job.
Plumber (2) Flywheel Plumbing (tel: 07957 986002).


Hairdresser: Smiths, Duffield Road, Allestree, Tel: 01332 557434.

House Agent - Paul (and Jackie) at Oh! (Our House, is the real name), Mickleover, 01332 650300, for sales and for lettings.  He has found us suitable tenants in less than a week.

House Insurance - Aviva 01603 320 8863, no hanging on to speak to someone, I got straight through and was able to make alterations to the policy in double-quick time.

Man and a Van: Mickleover Removals, Lodge Farm, Willington Road, Etwall, Derby DE65 6NR. Tel: 01283 732327.

Painter and Decorator - Unfortunately I've removed the painter we've been using for the past three years as the last job was expensive and not good for the price.  Am looking for another one. 

Plastering and Damp-proofing:  J Robinson 01332 512042 or 07854077793, see www.ajrobinsonservices.co.uk.  Friendly and efficient - what more could you ask for?!

Sheds, summerhouses and garages: Derby Shed Co, Unit 1 201 Siddals Road, Derby DE1 2QE, tel: 01332 299099. These people are very organised and the quality of the shed we've had fitted is excellent - but their skills at keeping the customer informed fall far short, being reactive rather than proactive.  Ask for Tom.

Reclamation and timber: Fletchers at Spondon, 28 Station Rd, Derby DE21 7NE
01332 673965 (http://www.fletcherstimber.com/index_files/Page489.htm)


Roofer -  Frank 07983 991701, he was recommended to us but the verge he redid now has cracks, which he assures us is not a problem.

Shoe shop: CushionFlex, Westfield Centre, Derby (Tel: 01332 361255).

Skips: Andy Potters Skips, 07850 380425

Surveyor (1) - Spencer Birch (http://www.spencerbirch.co.uk/), 0115 941 3678.  Martin/Gill, both are very helpful people.
Surveyor (2) - Tim Stubbs 01332 780939.  Another very good surveyor.

Window Cleaner - Andy's Window Cleaning Services, 01332 842293/07885861413. 

Replacement panes in double glazed windows: paulmable@ymail.com (gmail?)

and
The Cathedral Quarter (http://www.derbycathedralquarter.co.uk/LaFanfinette)

Fine French food - La Fanfinette Ltd, Deli in the Guildhall Market Hall, right next to a lovelky vegetable stall.  (07961 617260, lafanfinette.co.uk).

Derby Pyclet Company - also in the Market Hall.

Keys cut, shoes mended/cleaned/stretched: A tiny shop called Little Cobbler and Keysmith, 4 Albert Street (opp HSBC Bank), Cathedtral Quarter, Derby DE1 2DS (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Little-Cobbler-Keysmiths/353231644810266)

For garden centres, see the page on my EdVis gardening blog: http://edvisgardening.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/review-of-garden-centres-and-farm-shops.html

I fell over recently and hurt my wrist, not badly but, having recently moved, wasn't sure where to go to get it checked out.

This looks very useful*, it gives advice on which local health services are available to you, when and how to use them and how to find out more information.



Self-care: treat minor illnesses at home such as; a sore throat, cough or blocked nose.

Pharmacy: high temperatures, diarrhoea, emergency contraception, cystitis, medicines review.

GP:  any worrying health problems, such as persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, high temperatures (children), rashes.

Walk-in Centres: strains or sprains, cuts or bruises that can't be treated at home, infections.
Derby Walk-in Centre, 8am til 7.30pm, with appointments available out of hours (6.30pm til 8am) by telephoning your GP surgery out of hours.  You will be assessed on your symptoms. Osmaston Road, Derby DE1 2GD.

Call 111 free: when you need medical help fast and it's not an emergency.

* http://www.derbyshire.nhs.uk/ccg/Choose-Well-Guide-Southern-Derbyshire-CCG.pdf

When Granddaughter Alba was born last June I made her some bootees.  But the weather was so gorgeous (one of the top ten summers in the past 100 years) so she didn't even need a babygro, let alone the booties - or the cardigans which David knitted for her.  

Being a loose knitter the bootees were far too big anyway, and they weren't very practical, having loose tops and fiddly ribbons.

So, I've been searching for a more useful sort of bootee, one with ribbed top to make it more difficult for her to pull them off - the sort of game which babies tend to enjoy.

At last I've found a really good pattern so am sharing it here.  I'm a really loose knitter so, although this pattern fits Alba at 8 months, it would fit a much smaller baby if knitted by someone with tighter tension.  

Regarding colour:  Alba's mum isn't keen on baby pink so I've made these booties in oatmeal, brown and the latest pair is Royal blue, colours which will go with any outfit.


Using double knitting wool and size 3.25 needles:

Cast on 36 stitches.  (Note; all rows are knit until rib at top is reached)

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Increase one stitch in first stitch, knit 13 stitches, increase one stitch in every other stitch four times, knit to end, increasing one stitch near the end.
Row 3; Knit.
Row 4; Increase one stitch in first stitch, knit 16 stitches, increase one stitch in every other stitch four times, knit to end, increasing one stitch near the end.
Row 5: Knit.
Row 6: Increase one stitch in first stitch, knit 19 stitches, increase one stitch in every other stitch four times, knit to end, increasing one stitch near the end. 

Knit 7 rows.

Row 15: Knit 24, sl 1, k 1, psso, k2, k2 tog, k4, k2 tog, turn.
Row 16: sl 1, k12, k2 tog, turn.
Row 17: sl 1, k3, sl 1, k1, psso, k2, k2 tog, k4, k2 tog, turn.

Repeat rows 16 and 17 above x 3 times.

Row 24: as row 16.
Row 25: knit to end across worked and unworked stitches.
Row 26; knit to end across all stitches (34 stitches).

Variation on a theme ...

Rows: 27 to 52 rib.
Row 53: cast off in rib.

Sew sides together on wrong side, but sew top 1" or so in rhs (this will be folded over).

... and you will have one happy baby - and a very happy mother who won't be constantly picking tiny bootees up off the floor.

Ever heard of the film 'Impromptu'?  Me neither, but any fan of Hugh Grant will no doubt enjoy this film, one of the 10 hilariously awkward films chosen by Classic FM. http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/elements/2013/09/we-need-computers-that-fix-our-brains-not-break-them.html