Michael Eavis can look after himself, but I have had cause to defend him several times in recent weeks against criticism from readers.
First he was accused of “making huge sums out of the Glastonbury Festival”.
My response was: “Why shouldn’t someone make money out of a good idea and a lot of work? Also, he does not live like a pop tycoon, with muscle-bound minders, Armani suits, Bentley cars and a glossy yacht in the Caribbean.”
Then there were complaints that festival three-day ticket prices had risen to £175 this year with the Glastonbury Extravaganza costing £30 a night.
I replied: “That is cheap. If you want to see U2 at Cardiff on Saturday night (August 22), the mid-price tickets cost £85 (£96 with booking fees and postage), plus travel costs.”
Some people don’t realise how lucky they are to live in mid-Somerset with its wealth of good-value music.
Dizzee Rascal headlines at the Pilton Party on September 4. Tickets cost £20.
On September 25-27 the Big Gig brings James Morrison, Boyzone and Katherine Jenkins to the Bath and West Showground, with tickets costing £28 or £30.
Then there are a range of band contests, free gigs in pubs, the concerts at Wells Cathedral and Strode Theatre.Perhaps the whingers should be sentenced to six months in less favoured places, such as Scunthorpe or Skelmersdale.
Philip Welch
Monday, August 24, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Would Harry Patch have agreed with the general?
In 1916 Harry Patch was an ordinary 18-year-old with no idea how extraordinary he would become.
He joined the army and went to fight in the Flanders trenches because that was what most of his generation did.
Harry was still only 20 when the armistice came in 1918 and the young plumber locked the nightmare memories of the horror of war in the back of his mind for the next 80 years.
Then he started to talk about what he had seen and spread his messages about peace and reconciliation tirelessly with public appearances and interviews despite his great age.
“Let us remember our comrades who fell on both sides of the line,” said Harry.
“The most important thing is don't go to war. Settle it over the table.”As the last surviving fighting Tommy, blessed with charm, humour and humanity, Harry Patch became a national and international icon. The last man with first hand memories of the First World War trenches.
He did not want the fuss of a state funeral but Harry would have been pleased on Thursday last week that so many young people had demonstrably taken to heart his message of peace and reconciliation.
They have learnt that war is grim not glorious.
“Harry would have agreed that sometimes force has to be used,” said the head of the army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, after the funeral service at Wells Cathedral.
The general had Iraq and Afghanistan in mind, but would Harry the pacifist soldier really have agreed? I think not.
Philip Welch
He joined the army and went to fight in the Flanders trenches because that was what most of his generation did.
Harry was still only 20 when the armistice came in 1918 and the young plumber locked the nightmare memories of the horror of war in the back of his mind for the next 80 years.
Then he started to talk about what he had seen and spread his messages about peace and reconciliation tirelessly with public appearances and interviews despite his great age.
“Let us remember our comrades who fell on both sides of the line,” said Harry.
“The most important thing is don't go to war. Settle it over the table.”As the last surviving fighting Tommy, blessed with charm, humour and humanity, Harry Patch became a national and international icon. The last man with first hand memories of the First World War trenches.
He did not want the fuss of a state funeral but Harry would have been pleased on Thursday last week that so many young people had demonstrably taken to heart his message of peace and reconciliation.
They have learnt that war is grim not glorious.
“Harry would have agreed that sometimes force has to be used,” said the head of the army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, after the funeral service at Wells Cathedral.
The general had Iraq and Afghanistan in mind, but would Harry the pacifist soldier really have agreed? I think not.
Philip Welch
Monday, August 10, 2009
Marriage and the need to compromise
Money is tight in a recession but we believe a wedding is a time to bring all your friends and families together.S
o we pushed out the boat and were delighted that everyone was there apart from my mother, who sadly was too frail for the journey, and a couple of cases of flu.
We used local suppliers for the food, drink, wedding cake, car, flowers and invitations. Every one came up trumps and we owe them a debt of thanks.T
he Bishop’s Palace catering staff – for fine food and excellent service.
Adam from Goodfellows restaurant in Wells – his cake was so tasty that it had all been eaten before the bride could try a slice.
John Moore from Compton Bishop – your offer of sherry as we gently left Wells Town Hall in your vintage Rolls-Royce was appreciated.
Geraldine North from Shepton Mallet – the flower arrangements were delightful.
But particular thanks must go to Bishop Peter for a warm, memorable and inspiring blessing service.
However we did not go local for our honeymoon. I suggested Weston-super-Mare but Caroline said that although she likes fish and chips, somewhere different from her place of work would be better.
So after a brief discussion I agreed to two weeks in Italian and Swiss lakeside resorts.
Compromise is necessary for a successful marriage.
Philip Welch
o we pushed out the boat and were delighted that everyone was there apart from my mother, who sadly was too frail for the journey, and a couple of cases of flu.
We used local suppliers for the food, drink, wedding cake, car, flowers and invitations. Every one came up trumps and we owe them a debt of thanks.T
he Bishop’s Palace catering staff – for fine food and excellent service.
Adam from Goodfellows restaurant in Wells – his cake was so tasty that it had all been eaten before the bride could try a slice.
John Moore from Compton Bishop – your offer of sherry as we gently left Wells Town Hall in your vintage Rolls-Royce was appreciated.
Geraldine North from Shepton Mallet – the flower arrangements were delightful.
But particular thanks must go to Bishop Peter for a warm, memorable and inspiring blessing service.
However we did not go local for our honeymoon. I suggested Weston-super-Mare but Caroline said that although she likes fish and chips, somewhere different from her place of work would be better.
So after a brief discussion I agreed to two weeks in Italian and Swiss lakeside resorts.
Compromise is necessary for a successful marriage.
Philip Welch
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