A way out

In recent years, as the democratic process has fallen into worsening odour with its constituents, one increasingly-adopted solution has been to hive off truly dreadful problems to royal commissions and the like.
The advantages of such an approach, for a politician:

First: Someone more respected than you are ends up making the call

Second: Once an independent investigation has begun, you can fold your hands earnestly and say that it wouldn’t be fair to the investigative process for you to say anything further at this time.

Annabel Crabb ABC Australia

A Night with MADCAPS

It’s hard to believe it has been getting on 2 years since the last MADCAPS production ‘Welcome Home’ was staged at the newly refurbished Martinborough Town Hall. There was discussion amongst the MADCAPS faithful, due to the success of the 2019 show that a 2020 show might be possible but then the Covid-19 pandemic hit putting a hold on any large gatherings. 

Now it’s 2021 and Covid-19 still hangs over us but with an improved outlook, MADCAPS has decided to put on a two-night show in August called ‘A Night with MADCAPS’. This will be a review style show in keeping with performances of the past decade, with an eye on keeping it minimal to avoid any large cost outlays with the threat of a Covid-19 cancellation still possible.  … Continue Reading

10-for-10 – Jazz in Martinborough 2021

The annual festival of Jazz in Martinborough will be held from 2-5 September this year.  “It’s ‘ten-for-ten’” says Marketing Manager Martin Lewis. “Ten concerts for our tenth festival.”

The full line-up of acts has yet to be confirmed, but the team can announce one act already – the sensational Miho Wada Orchestra, for the Saturday evening concert at the Martinborough Town Hall. … Continue Reading

Ageing with Attitude 

“Life isn’t about how you survived the storm, but how you danced in the rain”

In our daily lives, we all encounter people whose burdens are heavy: poor health, family woes, financial stresses. Some of those people cope no matter what, they have something inside them that keeps going. Sunshine or rain, they will make the best of what comes. 

Other people feel ok about asking for, or just accepting a helping hand or a listening ear. From somewhere under their troubles they instinctively know they probably could get through the situation alone, but weathering the storm will be easier if they let someone stand beside them. … Continue Reading