Simon Campbell
A personal perspective of life, the universe and everything…
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Posted at 1427 hours on 22/12/11 | Posted in Life
A season to be merry
I am totally sick and tired of everyone telling me how bad things are and that world is going to end any second in horrendous scenes, straight out of Dante’s Inferno. So in this years Christmas message, let’s put all this a side and take a positive look forward, because no matter what people are telling you, the future is bright.
From a geological perspective I haven’t been around all that long, but have experienced a fair few depressive years where a kind of mass hysteria takes over the country. This time, it’s not just one country, but the whole world seems to be intent on selling itself depression, disbelief and negativity.
“In an increasingly interdependent world our own welfare and happiness depend on many other people. Other human beings have a right to peace and happiness that is equal to our own; therefore we have a responsibility to help those in need. Many of our world’s problems and conflicts arise because we have lost sight of the basic humanity that binds us all together as a human family” – His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama
Great words by the Tibetan badass and you could do a lot worse than check out his website.
It seems to me that a growing number of people are realising that every privileged person on the planet has a very individual and personal responsibility to care for themselves, their family, friends and yes, even people that they don’t know who have literally, nothing.
Reading the daily news fills us all with gloom, but there must be something good out there?
Well, many people, specifically in the UK, see that if we borrow money it has to be paid back and that it’s more wholesome to earn money by creating, rather than through mere ownership of shares, or property, which has driven capitalism to near catastrophe.
Every day it seems we are making scientific breakthroughs. Discoveries in physics are changing forever the way the human race understand the universe. Recently, huge leaps in stem cell technology allows the body to grow new cells to cure itself. Totally amazing.
Instant access to information and news, via the internet, allows the people of the free world to make it their decisions on how history should be written. Deceit in Governments and the global media have been exposed.
All this is good and perhaps we are now commencing a time where we rediscover the real values of family, friends, inner reflection, creativity, truth and care for the planet. But is still our duty to continue to challenge those that we have elected to run our countries.
Let’s not become cynical, there are good politicians and journalists out there, let’s just sort the wheat from the chaff.
Anyway, on to news of 2011!!!
FAMILY
The Campbell family are usually very busy, but this year has been exceptional, so I fear the next section is pretty long. Bear with me please!
James
For the last six months, James has been serving as a Landing Craft operator with the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines in the Gulf of Aden fighting pirates following a period where he was based at HMNB Clyde guarding the UK strategic nuclear deterrent.
If only they knew. I wouldn’t trust him to use a stapler, never mind a rocket launcher!
There have been a couple of pictures (one featured below) of his team on the BBC website. We are naturally, very proud indeed.
Joe
Due to the work permit system in the Isle of Man, Joe has had great difficulty in finding a job on the Island, but we have kept him busy maintaining the house, gardens and helping fit out the new studio (see below). Under my tutelage (smiles) he has become a very fine handyman indeed! Fencing, joinery, design and construction of chicken coops, electrical work – is there no end to this man’s talents?
In the spring he decided to join his brother in the Royal Marines and is currently going through the arduous selection process.
Yesterday we found out he has bagged a job with the National Trust at world heritage site Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire. Fantastic!!!
Meanwhile, back at the farm…
James’ girlfriend Holly-Ann has been doing great things. She left Edinburgh University with a good Degree in Chemistry but was unable to secure a job. So, she started her own business, Holly’s Peak Produce making amazing quality Scotch Eggs.
It’s fantastic and I take my hat off to her by getting off her arse and rocking out as an entrepreneur (see my comment above about personal responsibility).
The eggs are also ace, so order now!
Angela
Has also has been busy in her spare time. 2010 was the year of knitting and wool spinning.
This year is all about quilting and felt making. She recently won a competition held by Sweet Ginger, the premier craft and vintage haberdashery shop on the Island and now is currently engaged in making a quilt that will take five years. FIVE YEARS – the mind boggles.
Finally in January, Angela’s new Volkswagen California Camper Van arrived and she has been spending more time in it than in the house.
During the summer I often searched the house only to find her in the camper, on the drive, awning, table and chairs out, overlooking the sea with the ubiquitous glass of red win in her hand.
It is superb and in the summer we drove to Eire’s answer to Glastonbury Electric Picnic. Good times.
Yoga
Earlier in the year, in a bid not to dissolve into middle aged inflexibility and anxiety, Angela and I again took up yoga. We had given it a good go when we moved over to the Isle of Man.
Following a chance meeting with a naked burlesque dancer and proponent of Ashtanga Yoga in our living room, we decided to get into it again. This ‘power’ yoga is fantastic and we feel physically and spiritually better for it.
Madonna is a big fan so I keep looking in the mirror to see if my ass is looking better. It may take some time…
Hummock
In February 2011, our lovely faithful companion Beavis left us and the family were devastated. However I know in her very serene and purposeful mind she was ready to move on and like me, getting old didn’t really suit her.
We quickly gained a new hairy Princess and she is truly, truly magnificent.
FRIENDS
This year we have been particularly remiss in visiting our friends off the Island but really want to get out the UK and US in 2012.
We miss you, but the wonders of Skype, Facebook and Twitter seem to keep us all connected.
Angela, Joe and I seemed to be very busy all year and have made many new friends becoming regulars in a worrying number of pubs. Notably the excellent Albert – Port St Mary, The Sidings – Castletown, The Whitehouse – Peel and The Bay – Port Erin.
Due to our convenient geographical location on the island, we have a constant stream of visitors which, depending on the time of day, indulge in a variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. My new coffee machine is certainly getting some hammer…
ERSKINE DESIGN
Again Erskine has gone from strength to strength and have secured a number of fantastic new clients.
2011 has seen the company move into a new phase. A phase of maturity and an even more fanatical desire for excellence above and underneath the hood.
In January we are joined by Director of Business & Strategy Iain Harper plus ace front end developer Chris Rowe and later in the year will see us open an office in the USA headed by the mighty Texan, Garrett Winder.
Iain’s story is particularly cool as he was one of Erskine’s first clients when working for Business in the Community.
As his career has developed, we have worked together on many major projects finally resulting in him joining the team!
I am very much looking forward to 2012.
MUSIC
This year saw the launch of my first solo album which has been very exciting indeed and am really delighted as it has received some great reviews and sold a fair few copies. On the back of this Supertone Records are releasing a limited vinyl edition early next year. If you are really interested, take a look at the pictures on my flickr stream.
In addition to the launch, I have been pretty busy live playing at every Isle of Man festival with a variety of different bands such as Truman Falls, ‘Starlite’, Anna Goldsmith and one of the Isle of Man’s greatest musical exports Davy Knowles. The two Davy gigs were totally excellent, the first being The Garden Party and then the finale of the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games.
Angela became tired of the enormous amount of gear sitting in the house, and the increasing amount of racket I was creating, so in November I decided to move out to a studio down the road. This has really given me space to write for the new album plus recording guitar for a new ambient dance project with Andy Otten which will be released, on vinyl, in January.
My big pal and award winning photographer Phil Kneen has also moved in so we have a fridge full of high quality beer, cider, coffee and of course herbal tea.
Radio
Following a live session before the album release, Manx Radio’s Program Director Marc Tyley said I had ‘a perfect face for radio’ and in September, I co-hosted a show with Ed Oldham. It went down so well we have been asked back and are presenting again on January 7th and 15th, 2012
So, in short 2012 is looking very busy indeed, with a production job for a US artist (I can’t tell you who yet), starting to record my new album and a potential tour.
If you want to read more, why not visit my music site.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Last night in Port St Mary, Santa’s sleigh was pulled down the main street by a farmers tractor, from the local school to a festive cornucopia of stalls purveying the finest local produce at Paddy’s Market. The market was packed full of smiling people and carefree kids. Lovely.
The house is decked with all things Christmas, but sadly no snow!!! We are keeping everything ‘as is’ and having a second Christmas in early January when Jim returns home form the Middle East!
We are off to see my mum and Angela’s dad over the break, then back to the Island for a New Years Eve party, hosted by the lovely chaps at Ballagroove Records.
Angela, myself, James, Joe and Hummock 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 you how success is defined), healthy and joyous 2012.
If you are desperately interested in some further images of 2011, visit my Flickr stream!
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21 comments
Simon TW on 23/12/11 at 0950 hours
Have a good Christmas and I wish you a fantastic 2012.
Regards to all the family.
Simon
Malcolm Melling on 23/12/11 at 1002 hours
Hi Simon,
Glad all is well with you and yours, hope you all have a fab Christmas and 2012.
Best wishes with all your future endeavours.
Malc.
Trevor on 23/12/11 at 1022 hours
Here’s hoping the Campbell Clan have a brilliant Christmas, and well done Joe. I always knew he had it in him from the day he pulled on that Newcastle United jersey!!
Thanks for a great time on the Island this year, can’t wait for the next launch.
All the best
Pat & Trevor
Bill & Wendy Allpress on 23/12/11 at 1048 hours
Hi Simon & Angie, good to hear from you.
I, Bill am retiring tomorrow Christmas Eve so looking forward to starting to enjoy my spare time a little more, (I have been at the shop in Ramsbottom 35 years)
Wendy will continue with her part time job at Bury college (3 days).
Good luck with all of your plans for the future,
Love to you all from
Bill & Wendy Allpress
Carol (Quine) on 23/12/11 at 1050 hours
To the wonderful Campbell family
Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa xxx
Pauline Levy on 23/12/11 at 1057 hours
Indeed, it is the season to be merry and I am glad that the Campbells have had much to celebrate this year.
Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and a splendid New Year.
Much love to you all
Pauline, Jez, Joshua and Holly
Gyp'n'Jo on 23/12/11 at 1140 hours
A very happy Christmas to the Campbells too, been really nice getting to know you all this year. Have a great trip ‘home’ for christmas and look forward to seeing you New Years Eve, all the best, Nollick Ghennal as Blein Vie Noa Gyp’n'Jo xx
JOHN DYSON on 23/12/11 at 1149 hours
Great to see that in difficult times life is very positive Simon and still ambitious. life is for living and you my friend are achieving that goal.
Have a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2012.
John & Marjorie Witchwood owners 1987 to 95
NADINE on 23/12/11 at 1301 hours
hey Simon and Angela
what a great way to catch up! You seem to be living your dreams, and to have a blast! Fantastic!
I hope to have a chance to see you sometime…
Merry Christmas, lots of kisses
nadine
George on 23/12/11 at 1436 hours
Glad to have met you !
Take care and God bless !
Simon Campbell on 23/12/11 at 1440 hours
Thank you for your kind words. Onwards to 2012!!!
Andy Smith on 23/12/11 at 1513 hours
Hi Simon,
Nice one…..have a great Christmas and Happy New Year!
All the best, Andy, Lorraine n Josh (hiking in the Grand Canyon at the mo)
John Illingworth on 23/12/11 at 1747 hours
What a wonderfully uplifting blog. More power to your elbow Simon. I love the first album and look forward to hearing the second. It was a pleasure to meet you on the island last summer and I hope to return as soon as it’s possible, to photograph that beautiful place. As I live close to Fountains Abbey, I may even bump into Joe sometime!
We wish you and yours a great festive season and look forward to meeting you again. John I.
Dot Jasch {nee Calder} on 23/12/11 at 2147 hours
Snow ...What’s snow…...........here in good O’l Aussie land it’s 33oC and raining…........that’s the best we’re gonna get….but we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy , healthy and prosperous new year Loved hearing all the news from your place in the world…........ Luv to all
The Event Lighting Team (ELS) on 24/12/11 at 0141 hours
All the very best Simon and family from Justin, Ricky, Charlie, Andy, Jimmy & Greg @ ELS.
Hope to be lighting you up on a stage somewhere in 2012.
Hashen Appalraju on 24/12/11 at 0458 hours
Hi, Simon & Campbell family
Lots happened during the year. I wanted to wish you all best for Christmas & the New Year from all in Johannesburg, South Africa. Have an amazing 2012.
Hashen
Dianne on 24/12/11 at 1629 hours
To the Campbell’s I hope 2012 is even better than 2011. Eat, drink and and be merry. Love & Kisses from Dianne from Bonnie Scotland x x x x
LuBaby on 25/12/11 at 0340 hours
Merry $$mas to you all. Hope it’s a fantastic 2012 too. Happy to hear you’re both practicing yoga, I started myself several years ago too, <3 it…
No snow here either, but freezing my balls off ;-)
Lots of love LuBaby & Harper xxx
Yvonne aka Deano on 28/12/11 at 0831 hours
Lovin’ the Campbell optimism - perfect antidote to the current economic gloom!
Happy New Year to you all.
Yx
Ps. Am very jealous of Angela’s campervan!
Sue, Dave, Charlie and Amy Griffiths on 28/12/11 at 1858 hours
Hope the Campbell family had a wonderful Christmas. Love to you all from the Griffiths! xx
Simon Campbell on 04/01/12 at 0024 hours
Thanks to everyone who has contributed!!!