tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-141067042009-02-21T08:16:27.993ZThese articles are from <a href="http://www.26.org.uk">26</a>'s monthly newsletterDavidnoreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1156942430995315982006-08-30T13:51:00.000+01:002006-08-31T19:05:53.346+01:00

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, we now have a new co-ordinator in charge of membership. Here’s a message from the man himself...I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself to the members of 26. My name is Richard O'Connor and I’ve just finished a degree in music at Oxford Brookes University. Primarily, I work as a freelance musician and a Suzuki violin teacher and am extremely

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1156417365441189612006-08-24T12:02:00.000+01:002006-08-31T19:07:07.496+01:00

‘A Whole New Mind: How to Thrive in the New Conceptual Age’ by Daniel H. PinkCurrently selling like hot cakes – 100 copies a month via amazon.co.uk alone – this is one of those zeitgeist books in the tradition of Blink and The Tipping Point. It makes a compelling case for the importance of ‘right-brain’ skills in the new conceptual age, the successor to the left-brained ‘information age’ of the

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1156407082921505932006-08-24T09:09:00.000+01:002006-08-31T19:07:37.963+01:00

An eventful month for 26 is capped by tonight’s Common Ground launch at The Globe in London. All 26 members are welcome. If it’s anything like the Edinburgh launch, it should be a great evening.September is also set to be a busy month, with 26’s fourth birthday bash coming up on Wednesday 27 September at the Old Truman Brewery. Please bring along any friends/associates/long-lost cousins who might

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1156406979075272592006-08-24T09:08:00.000+01:002006-08-31T19:08:08.396+01:00

This month has seen a seriously exciting breakthrough for 26. The Arts Council has just agreed a five-figure sum to fund a series of events around the country linked to our Common Ground project. This is a really significant step in the development of 26. It means we’ll be able to go ahead with a series of high-profile talks and events, including Penny Williams on Bill Tilman in Falmouth in

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1156406933764029232006-08-24T09:07:00.000+01:002006-08-31T19:08:57.373+01:00

Still on a Common Ground note, this month saw the launch of the book itself at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The event was a spectacular success, selling out the 190-seat venue, with more eager punters waiting outside for returns. Chaired by Jamie Jauncey, the panel included John Simmons, Stuart Delves and Whitbread Prizewinner Ali Smith. With fellow contributors Richard Medrington,

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1156406872314497602006-08-24T09:06:00.000+01:002006-08-31T19:09:31.483+01:00

In a development that surely merits a newsletter all of its own, 26’s new website has recently emerged blinking into the daylight. Thanks to Jim Davies and Elmwood for their sterling work – it’s another big step forward for 26. The site is still a work in progress and there will be more news shortly, including advice on how to create and update your member page. In the meantime, feel free to have

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1155296208079361902006-08-11T12:34:00.000+01:002006-09-01T09:19:49.026+01:00

www.davidhughesillustration.co.ukGreat work, great website. Especially the ‘Private View’ section, which shows images from his ‘The Boy Who Was Cruel To Insects’ show, with some of the comments it inspired when it appeared in Charleston, South Carolina. ‘David, You must be very disturbed, if you are married I feel sorry for your wife and family.’ That made me laugh. And so did: ‘I think this

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1153904787120383582006-07-26T10:04:00.000+01:002006-07-29T17:59:14.290+01:00

Please excuse us, but we're in a period of transition. The wonderful Julie Potts, who has looked after subscriptions, the 26 members' database and much more, has left us to return to the hard-hitting world of commerce. So it's good luck and effusive thanks for her sterling efforts and firm but fair way with recalcitrant members.Richard O'Connor will be taking over the hot seat, and there will

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1153833264134489402006-07-25T14:12:00.000+01:002006-07-29T17:59:41.503+01:00

This month Cyan would like to offer 26 members all their current books at a 30% discount, and if we spend £20 or more then we also get free postage and packing. There's the unmissable 'FAQs on Marketing' by Philip Kotler, David Kean's guide to winning pitches 'How Not to Come Second', plus many and varied books by 26 members including one which you absolutely must read if you haven't already

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1153754233848847412006-07-24T16:16:00.000+01:002006-07-29T18:00:10.846+01:00

Whitbread prize-winner Ali Smith, as well as 26 stalwarts Stuart Delves, Jamie Jauncey and John Simmons will be taking the mike at the Edinburgh Book Festival, talking about their contributions to 'Common Ground', the latest book from 26, on 20 August at 4pm. If you're up that way, why not pop in to support the cause?There’s also a special launch of the book in London on 31 August starting at

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1153753967376341052006-07-24T16:09:00.000+01:002006-07-30T12:16:13.486+01:00

On 16 July, at least two 26 members took part in an around London photography quiz organised by Shoot Experience and supported by the Mayor's Office. The winning photographs will be part of a week long exhibition at County Hall from 31 July. Our team, The Famous Four, were awarded the Shoot London Lite 'Best Overall Photograph' which can be seen, top right, at the Shoot Experience Website.The

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1153752980580322242006-07-24T15:44:00.001+01:002006-07-30T12:18:18.756+01:00

26's London Design Festival event is on Wednesday 27 September at Truman's Brewery, kicking off at 6.30pm.On display we'll have the results of this year's collaboration between 26 and the London Design Festival, 26 Sayings, all designed and produced by Pentagram's Domenic Lippa, bless him. This is not just an exhibition; this is 26/London Design Festival exhibition with a massive get-together to

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1153751949805202212006-07-24T15:35:00.000+01:002006-07-29T18:01:39.816+01:00

A quick reminder about our summer special: Sarah McCartney, qualified in Mr. Iyengar's method of teaching yoga, will take two 90-minute classes this August to teach some basic asanas (yoga postures) and relaxation to help you to stay lively but focused as deadlines approach.If you have questions or injuries that Sarah should know about in advance, please contact her. The usual back, neck and knee

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1152869891250618602006-07-14T10:13:00.000+01:002006-08-31T16:50:40.936+01:00

'The Golden Gate' by Vikram Seth (Faber & Faber, RRP £5.99 or £4.79 on Amazon)A word to the quick in this faltering stanza;In the space of the lines left hereLet me attempt to convince you of a bonanzaTo be found in sheaves not so dear.A novel in verse, startling and boldFirst written in 1986, and yet not oldA meditation on what makes life pleasurable and trueAt first appearance flighty, and yet

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1151313892539959292006-06-26T09:59:00.000+01:002006-06-28T01:34:57.036+01:00

A warm welcome to this month's new members, Iain Dunn, director at Dunn & Co;Propaganda's Nicola David; Nicky Palamarczuk; and last but not least, Kit Marr from Blue Yonder.

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1150985662064276232006-06-22T15:09:00.000+01:002006-06-28T01:35:24.826+01:00

Chill out and get inspired at this carming stone house on Dordogne/Lot border with riverside swimming and canoeing. The writer's retreat has been sympathetically renovated to provide ample living space for six people. Fajoles is small with an historic Norman church and a Sunday morning market offering local farmers' fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread and a stall selling Sangria.Read more and see

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1150984979975773562006-06-22T14:58:00.000+01:002006-06-27T23:48:26.466+01:00

'Alas! Smith & Milton – How Not To Run A Design Company'by Howard Milton and Nick AsburyList price £19.99, discounted by 30% for 26 members to £13.99 (plus free p&p in the UK)Co-written by 26's own Nick Asbury, this is the entertaining and surprisingly honest tale of one design company's 25-year struggle to make sense of a notoriously fickle industry. Since launching in 1980, Smith & Milton has

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1150983177631303942006-06-22T14:32:00.000+01:002006-06-28T01:35:52.900+01:00

'Common Ground - Around Britain In Thirty Writers' is the latest collaborative writing project from 26, and will be published in August. Contributors include novellists Niall Griffiths, Ali Smith and Elise Valmorbida. Here's the idea behind it...Writers define places, places inspire writers. What would Dorset be without Thomas Hardy? Imagine the Scottish Highlands without Robert Louis Stevenson.

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1150740269096577542006-06-19T19:03:00.000+01:002006-06-28T01:41:08.990+01:00

This time last year a number of us were finalising the publication of 'From Here To Here', the book of 26's Circle Line project, written by 30 of our writers, including Simon Armitage. On 7 July, the day the book went for printing, other events hit the Circle Line and London Underground. To mark the anniversary, and to remember those who died and suffered, we reprint Simon Armitage's

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1150363988602263632006-06-15T10:10:00.000+01:002006-06-28T11:23:34.123+01:00

The Wordsworth survey's given us a reasonable idea how much you're all earning out there. And it would be fair to say that £26 represents the merest droplet in the widest of oceans. What's more, for this miserly sum you get all the benefits of membership to one of the most welcoming, unpretentious, writerly communities around. And, of course, the monthly treat of receiving this newsletter. Which

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1149860049686276392006-06-09T11:53:00.000+01:002006-06-29T15:50:30.770+01:00

PG tipswww.drones.com certainly couldn't be accused of style over substance. But for PG Wodehouse fans like me, it’s a little gem. What you get is a single quote, which is changed every time you refresh the page. Perfect for a quick pick me up.Here are two for size..."He looked haggard and careworn, like a Borgia who has suddenly remembered that he has forgotten to shove cyanide in the consomme,

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1148750648969577032006-05-27T18:23:00.000+01:002006-05-27T23:06:18.240+01:00

A big thank you for joining 26.We started meeting as a group in 2002. We were eight individuals in search of others involved in the daily business of working with words. We simply wanted to share our experiences and ideas, and learn from one another. You can find out more about us at http://www.26.org.uk/who.htmNews spread of our meetings, and it soon became clear that 26 could be, should be,

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1148462385233887982006-05-24T10:17:00.000+01:002006-06-26T10:27:26.426+01:00

Just the one this month, so an extra warm welcome to Fraser Southey. And may we take this opportunity to remind everyone of the joys of renewing your membership – indeed, the outright necessity. It’s a simple matter of posting your £26 cheque to Julie Potts, PO Box 8260, Nottingham NG9 7WY. In the past year, members have enjoyed a host of 26 talks, events and special offers – as well as the

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1148461022840955302006-05-24T09:45:00.000+01:002006-05-29T18:16:57.656+01:00

Our Wordsworth survey was completed by 63 members, which goes to show that it can't have been that hard. Thanks to all of you for making it statistically significant. (Note to the unscientific: this means that we can safely assume that it represents the views and situation of writers around and about the UK at the moment.)Who are we and how do we work?57% spend all their working hours writing.30%

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14106704.post-1148381577697582612006-05-23T11:46:00.000+01:002006-05-30T13:13:34.273+01:00

A chance for members of 26 to hold forth on the burning issues of the day. This month...The new Economist ads: inspired continuation of a legendary campaign, or a load of increasingly tired old puns?Jim Davies, WriterThe Economist poster campaign is from the ‘if it ain’t broke’ school of advertising – it’s been ploughing the same old furrow since 1984. The early ones, masterminded by David Abbott

jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10482832105301096504noreply@blogger.com1