Simon Campbell
A personal perspective of life, the universe and everything…
Blog
Posted at 2222 hours on 20/12/10 | Posted in Life, Music, Diving, Business
A Christmas Carol
In 1843 Charles Dickens wrote ‘A Christmas Carol” detailing the plight of brow beaten Bob Cratchit and family at the hands of money grabbing and heartless Ebenezer Scrooge. Following the supernatural intervention of Scrooge’s late business partner Jacob Marley, he reforms into a loving and caring individual. A happy ending…
Well, its Christmas 2010. According to Arthur C Clarke we were about to witness the creation of a new star following the discovery, nine years prior, we were not alone in the universe.
As an avid science fiction reader, I have been very disappointed that we failed to achieve the necessary technological advances to make this happen and, even though he is almost certainly out there, we haven’t found ET as yet. So, we are still confined to this planet that becomes smaller, more chaotic and inward looking every day.
Fortunately old Nostradamus was also proved incorrect about “Satan’s arch of fury” interpreted by many as the outbreak of World War III for this year. Of course the economic meltdown and destabilisation of the worlds banking system could be called by many as a catastrophe, but others, including myself, consider it an opportunity for radical change.
In ‘A Christmas Carol’ old Charlie Dickens took a pop at the those with wealth and status taking advantage, and sitting in judgement of, the poor and needy. Sound familiar?
Again, the plea I have is that we all get a little more involved with the management of Governments everywhere: we vote them in…
But before you all go off setting fire to Parliament, please think bigger.
The recent student protests about tuition fees and potential insurrection due to cuts in public services highlights the growing disquiet in the United Kingdom. But disquiet at what? As a civilised society its our duty to support the needy and those that are disadvantaged by circumstance rather than choice. Surely the rest is down to personal responsibility and not the Government.
My personal humanity dictates that excellent basic education for every child from an early age is the most basic of human rights. This is the only way to really sort the issues of the planet in the long term.
Having witnessed, first hand, some of the criminal waste in the public sector and the way many students (and I include myself in this) view their studies, I know where I would put my money.
But now, let’s move on to things more positive!
Friends
A lot has happened this year in the Campbell household. We are settled into Manx life and loving every minute; it is a great place to live.
In February I met Phil Kneen, one of the most charismatic and talented men I have encountered in a long time.
Angela and I have grown very close indeed with not only the buffoon himself, but his lovely family and circle of friends.
2010 has see us befriend a unusually large raft of talented, notable and excellent human beings from the Island, and beyond. Of course, you know who you are…
Diving
Like most men, I can only do one thing at at time, but me being me, I am involved in two major life projects at the moment: Erskine Design and releasing the album, ThirtySix. So, getting myself back up to speed with guitar playing, writing and organising the release, diving has taken a back seat.
Rest assured though next year (depending on the touring schedule) it will see a minor resurgence. Minor of course is relative, as I was engaging in 150+ dives a year :-)
In October, I sold my Sentinel rebreather, deciding that it would certainly kill me if I just piled into the water again without a period of retraining. Naturally, I will buy another when I resume in earnest.
Having said all that, with my SADS hat on, it is likely I will be joining my good friends Zebs Ebdy and Rich Powell next year for a little jaunt to Ascension Island.
Business
This year has also seen the departure from our firm, Erskine Design, my former business partner Simon Collison.
Many of our clients and the rest of the industry were at the time quite shocked but as the year progressed, it became clear that it was the right decision for both of us. Colly has gone on to great things indeed and we remain firm friends. We are all looking forward to supporting his conference in January with a special event to be announced later this week.
2010 has seen Erskine flourish, moving into large, very funky new offices and spending piles of cash on refurbishment / new kit in the process!
Four new chaps joined the team this year complimenting further the excellent existing team that produce some of the cleanest and most usable websites anywhere on the planet. It is wonderful to see the guys building on their natural talent as they grow in experience, knowledge and confidence with every project.
Of course, along with the growth, is the Quasimodo inducing burden of responsibility Angela and I feel for our colleagues…
Lord Swan of Beeston is buying a house, Jamie and the very pregnant Sarah Pittock (from Silsden, West Yorkshire) along with Garrett Winder (from Abilene, Texas) are moving to Nottingham. The question is, who will have the biggest culture shock?
Fortunately, I feel 2011 will be a great year.
ThirtySix
2010 has seen the my music career again gather momentum following a ten year break. In March I went in the studio again to record ThirtySix, my first solo album.
It has taken a great deal of time and effort and not just on my part, as it would not have been possible without the support of my family, a loyal band of superb musicians, artists, designers, film-makers and friends.
The album will be released on March 26th, 2011 at the Centenary Centre, Peel, Isle of Man. It’s bloody exciting for sure and am looking forward to touring around the UK and Europe again. So coming soon to a town/festival near you :-)
The Campbell’s
Jim is serving with the Royal Marines Fleet protection Group in Scotland and Joe is living in Edinburgh, contemplating (at some considerable length) his next steps in life.
One of the the greatest experiences I have had for very long time, was the three of us going for a ‘boys’ outing in Peel. It was mayhem and huge fun featuring an inebriating number of not only pints of the fearful ‘Green Goblin’, but those very special moments that really make the turbulent job of parenting truly worthwhile. Angela and I miss them enormously…
Joseph Campbell Snr.
Last year I did a personal review of the decade and can’t believe that neglected to miss the death of my father.
It’s amazing really as he was, and still is, a huge influence on my life.
I put it down to the fact that actually, I don’t consider him gone at all. Many things constantly remind me of him, mostly when I look in the mirror.
The honest, true, intelligent and understated gentleman who was Joseph Campbell died on his birthday, April 18th, 2002. Elegant and organised as ever.
“A man’s worth is measured by how he parents his children. What he gives them, what he keeps away from them, the lessons he teaches and the lessons he allows them to learn on their own. There is no measurement great enough to measure the worth of my father” – Lisa Rogers.
Merry Christmas
On the Isle of Man there has been a great deal of lovely Christmas activities that hark back to how I remember it. Carol singing and market stalls in Castletown Square, markets purveying the finest local produce and with the aid of the wonderful snow, amazing seasonal landscapes to die for.
As we are going ‘across’ for the festivities, we haven’t bought a Christmas tree this year: the first time this has happened in my 52 years and I have to say it has saddened me.
So, it will also be the first time Angela and I wake up on Christmas morning not in our own home, with at least one of the boys excitedly in attendance.
On the positive side, we will hopefully all be together on Christmas meeting up with Angela’s dad, my mum and over the following days, a host of our very special friends.
Angela, myself, James, Joe and Beavis trust you have had a great family Christmas, work hard to be lovely to each other (including your family :-) and have more than a fleeting thought of all those who are not as fortunate as you. We wish you all a successful (and of course it’s up to on how you define success), healthy and joyous 2011.
If you desperately interested in some further images of 2010, visit my Flickr stream!
Recent entries
View by category
View by date
RSS Feeds
View available feeds
RSS feeds allow you to see when websites have added new content. You can get the latest headlines and video in one place, as soon as its published, without having to visit the websites you have taken the feed from. More about RSS
19 comments
alex harris on 22/12/10 at 1521 hours
Great blog Si, Happy Chrimbo!
Colly on 22/12/10 at 1534 hours
A great year indeed. Happy Christmas to you, Angela, the boys, the Erskine gang, and Bevis.
Simonski on 22/12/10 at 1539 hours
Thank you chaps. Colly, looking forward to a few beers in January my friend!
Garrett Winder on 22/12/10 at 1556 hours
Merry Christmas and great post! P.S. If Nottingham doesn’t have a shop called “Beer, Bait & Ammo” then I may win the culture shock contest. #yeehaw
Phil Kneen on 22/12/10 at 1647 hours
Excellent stuff!
I have to say that,despite you being a lolly-gagger, I am proud and honoured to call you Angela my friends. XX
Ollie French on 22/12/10 at 1653 hours
See you Crimbo Day. X
Kris Fargher on 22/12/10 at 1705 hours
Ooo Mister Campbell, that is a Truely excellent Album cover if I say so myself ;-)
All the best to you and your good lady and see you soon if not Later , take care,
Hoss.
Simon on 23/12/10 at 0946 hours
Garrett, there may not be a “Beer, Bait & Ammo” store in Nottingham, but it would certainly go well in the Isle of Man.
Thank you all for the greetings and general luuuve…
E on 23/12/10 at 1023 hours
Top stuff Simon - love to all
I am still having nightmares from the ferocious ear bashing Mrs C gave me in September.
Debs & E
Jan Moore on 23/12/10 at 1024 hours
great to hear that you and Angie are thriving over the water. Will make it someday I am sure ........ unlessof course you get that booking at the Manchester Academy, the Deaf Institute, Band on the Wall or wherever first. Every best wish to you both for a manically happy but safe 2011
Jan xxx
Trevor on 23/12/10 at 1138 hours
All the very best to you and yours Mate. Really looking forward to catching up with you at some point in the future so keep us posted on the tour dates. Have a good ‘un.
Trevor and Pat
Tony & Jan Knowles on 23/12/10 at 1158 hours
And a very Happy Xmas to you & Angela and all your family, too! We’re also away this Crimble for the first time ever ...it’ll be strange…but nice!
Have a great one :)
Tony & Jan
dave mclean on 23/12/10 at 1332 hours
Simon and Angela veen, have a lovely time in Sostyn and we’ll look forward to catching up in the New Year! Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa voish yn caarjyn ayns Purt ny Hinshey, David and Lizzie
tim wright on 23/12/10 at 1535 hours
Great blog; Big Joe!! that snap captures the whole thing, good bloke your Dad, I treasure many happy memories of all our escapades overseen by the man with the purple head.
All of the Campbell’s young and old have a great Crimbo, can’t wait to get together in-between, so to speak.
we are warming the wine already, fruit based drinks for the ladies of course, and The Hopvine’s finest ale for the gents.
see you soon,
Tim, Joanne and the thugs
Yvonne Deane on 23/12/10 at 1816 hours
Merry Xmas to all the Campbells! Good luck with that album Simon - look forward to seeing you on the XFactor in 2011. After all, if Wagner can find a new career in middle age, so can you! ;-) Deano x
Angela on 23/12/10 at 2238 hours
I’m always wary when Simon posts his thoughts! It could contain anything! I worry! However I love this post; great comments, especially about JC (his dad).
I think I understand Dave’s comment and would like to send you the same wishes. - Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa voish yn caarjyn ayns Purt ny Hinshey.
A very happy Christmas. XX
Angela on 23/12/10 at 2240 hours
Ooow! And a great 2011 - I intend to have one! :0
Simon on 23/12/10 at 2256 hours
Hey! Great comments. Thank you!
Gill Haynes on 27/12/10 at 2244 hours
Really enjoyed spending time in the IoM with you in Sept. & so pleased to hear that life is treating the Campbells well.
Can’t wait to hear the album. Simon, checkout Holmfirth’s Picturedrome for poss. venue. Great location, free accommodation with us & PR !!!!!
Lots of love to you all.
Can’t wait to return on one of those little planes again & bring John! XX