Opinion: Frankie Cocozza saint or sinner?

To be published in the Bournemouth Rock Feb 16. 
(Frankie Cocozza: anti-christ or all things nice?)

Frankie Cocozza – the name that will either leave your heart aflutter or fill your fists with fury.  

Please note: if you’re the latter you’re probably not going to enjoy this piece too much. 

I pose it to you that specimen F, mister Cocozza, is not anywhere near as bad as you are led to believe.  

First of all, women surely you should know better. There is no illusion whatsoever that our lady-loving lothario has any intentions of settling down and making an honest woman of you at all. Any sexual relations with him are simply that and little more than another tattoo on his bum. Frankly, let’s face it if you’re sat expectantly waiting for him to call you the next morning, you may want to bring snacks. Those delusional dozen who think otherwise are what a good friend of mine would describe as ‘oxygen thieves’. 

Well how about the cocaine ey, Frankie coke-up-the-nose-a? I hear you say. Guilty, while it’s not the best excuse, we’ve all made mistakes. I mean mine personally don’t include Class-A drugs on an every day basis, but surely being booted off the X-Factor and ruining an already tarnished music career is punishment enough!  

What about his dreadful music? Okay now, no need to get nasty. I’ll admit his cover of ‘I’ve got a feeling’ was torturous to listen too. Apparently scientists are in the process of implementing it as a replacement to the dog whistle next year. But in a world where Justin Bieber, Rebecca Black and Vanilla Ice can all be played on the radio a wannabe 19-year-old singer from Brighton is the least of our worries. 

To conclude, since being booted off X-factor and sadly ending as the runner-up in Celebrity Big Brother, I can hardly say he has been a reformed character or that he left his sordid stunts behind him. But at a time when dark clouds overhang our ‘broken society’ I cannot begrudge the lad a bit of ‘living like a rock-star’ fun.

Oyster-card twin set for Bournemouth for university

To be published in the Bournemouth Rock Feb 16

(Oyster-pass twin on the cards for University)

The frantic scramble for loose change may be a thing of the past for new students coming to Bournemouth University. 

A new ‘Smart card’ system would allow students unlimited access to the university buses throughout the academic year if given the go ahead.  

The potential deal that is still in being negotiated with university travel provider Wilts and Dorset, could be in place ready for September’s influx of new students this year.  

Suggestions ideas for the card include a combined fee for halls of residence and smart card for first years, alongside a separate termly pass or a pay as you go option for those living in privately rented accommodation. 

The passes are akin to the Transport for London’s Oyster card that allows people to travel using the bus, Tube, tram, DLR and London over-ground services. 

Student President Toby Horner has high hopes for the scheme despite plans being in their infancy: “I would hope that the new system is in place ready for the new academic year. 

“Buses have been one of those things that have continually cropped up because so many students are using the buses day-in day-out. 

He added: “Based on the student feedback the university is very aware that the current provision for the buses aren’t quite up to scratch with what the students are expecting. 

The passes are akin to the Transport for London’s Oyster card, which allows people to travel using the bus, Tube, tram, DLR and London over-ground services. 

But dissimilarly to the London scheme owners of the Bournemouth Smart card will be presently confined to using buses. 

Wilts and Dorset, who provide internal university bus services U1, U2, U3 and U4, recently unveiled their ‘Key’ system to the public earlier this January. 

Currently they offer their service in the Bournemouth, Poole and its surrounding areas on 10-day, 20-day, 30-day and 90-day travel passes 

Commercial manager for Wilts and Dorset, Leon Wellman said the company are still trying to improve the system: “We are still fine tuning this technology and will hope to come out with an effective pay-as-you-go system suited for this region.” 

With all Wilts and Dorset buses fitted with the pass readers that are currently used for concessionary passes, the university hopes it will mean shorter queuing times for students and the public alike.  

Pricing for a potential agreement will be discussed next month during a meeting between the Student Union representatives, Bournemouth University and Wilts and Dorset.  

Interview with Art Attack legend Neil Buchanan (opens exhibit in Bournemouth)

Neil Buchanan: The man who singlehandedly turned a whole generation of kids onto art spoke exclusively to Joshua Saunders about being a ‘failed rockstar’, spiteful rumours about his ‘death’, Art Attack and his new exhibition Hope Street.   

The moderately decorated Westover Gallery boasts Neil at the centre of the floor, his smartly dark suit and trimmed appearance hardly reflects that the childhood hero for many, myself included, has recently turned the big five zero. 

But it wasn’t just that Neil took centre stage, since burst onto our screens on No 73 in 1983, he has always been a charismatic character. Most famous for children’s television show Art Attack he encouraged a generation of indoor-dwelling youngsters to nurture their creative side by creating models and gifts with papier-mâché and PVA glue. The show ran from 1990 for 17 years where it was sold on to Disney Junior.  

“The loyalty towards Art Attack has been phenomenal and it has been great to meet the people who have made me who I am today,” he said. 

Back from ‘the dead’ with his new display of art work the Liverpudlian presenter spoke exclusively to the Bournemouth Echo about his life since taking a short hiatus in the shade.  

“Hope Street is not a place, it’s a state of mind,” he explains. The 12 limited edition prints are a collection of two faceless children living the joys of a ‘simpler time’. 

“I want the viewer to see people in their own head, not the ones I’ve painted. The most important bit is the stories my work evokes.” 

The BAFTA winner, from Aintree in Merseyside, remembered earlier exhibitions where he saw several people in ‘floods of tears as the happy memories’ of their past were brought back to life.  

“I’ve taken a trip through my nostalgic childhood to a time when there was more hope and I felt kids lived on Hope Street it was a state of mind. 

 

“Sadly I think a lot of kids now live on that street. Kids now feel a lot of stress from the real grown-up world.” 

The launch back into the limelight comes four years after a vicious Facebook rumour that Neil had died spread throughout cyberspace.  

“I can look back and laugh now,” he admits, but the lies were taken seriously back in March 2008. 

“I got back from the end of my holiday and there were 69,000 messages of condolence on my various mails.”  

Each year Neil and his family would travel to a remote cottage in the Welsh mountains, ‘away from television, mobiles and out of communication.’  At the time that the rumour flourished they were on holiday and his mother who, at the time, was in her mid-seventies, believed her son had died and had no way of verifying what was the truth. 

“There a lot of crackpots on Facebook who do that sort of thing.” 

“There were 69,000 messages, but I want to know where the rest of them were – Art Attack had over 6 million viewers every week, where were they?” he jests.   

One of the former TV star’s greatest achievements was resurrecting his band Marseille after being ‘cheated out of the business’ 20 years previously. 

The band originally formed in Liverpool under the name AC/DC, before they exploded onto the rock scene in 1976 rising to fame as the winners of the first ever UK ‘Battle of the Bands’ competition, that was judged by Brian May and Roger Taylor from Queen.  

Marseille toured alongside the likes of Judas Priest, Nazareth and Whitesnake travelling across Europe and the United States of America before their unexpected demise. 

Since returning the band has performed at the Cambridge Rock Festival amongst a few earlier sets this year: “I thought we’d get bottled off and people would go ‘what a bunch of idiots’ but it’s been absolutely positive.” 

The guitarist admits age is catching up with them: “It used to be ‘what shall we drink tonight lads’, but it’s all about drugs nowadays, we are all on drugs… albeit Anadins, sleeping pills and various medicines to be expected of middle aged men though.”  

The band that Neil initially launched during his young adulthood admits: “We are growing old disgracefully and we are happy doing it.” 

“I’ve got some great stories to tell my grandchildren one day, they either won’t believe me or will tell my kids and they’ll say ‘oh don’t believe granddad he’s senile’ ”.  

‘I’m not going to tell you a tale of debauched rock n roll,’ he reflects, ‘but I will tell you about reality.’   

“We lived the high life jetting around on private jets, riding around in stretched limousines and performing to crowds of between 20 and 30,000 people.”  

But their initial break on the music circuit was cut short not long after the record company went bankrupt and Marseille engaged in a two-year court battle with them. 

“One week I was sunning myself on a beach in Los Angeles, two weeks later I was back in Liverpool on the dole. And I remained there for years it was a real lesson,” the three years of them being rock-stars was over. 

The band now comprises of Neil (guitarist), Andy Charters (guitar), Nige Roberts (vocals) and Ace Finchum (drums) - their newly released ‘Unfinished Business’ album. 

Not until Neil had finished his paintings, did he realise that Hope Street DID EXIST. And in fact it was the street his primary school was situated on.

“Music runs through my veins, but I enjoy art it takes me away from seriousness. 

“I used to draw with my dad a lot, when I was about eight or nine, and the piece of paper would take me to places I couldn’t normally visit. It still does.” 

“From my memories of childhood there was a lot of harmony, a lot of peace, a lot of simple things going on and that’s what I’ve painted.” 

Hope Street will be open to the public throughout December at the Westover Gallery, for more information visit www.westovergallery.co.uk or call 01202 297 682. 

(C) Copyright Neil Buchanan 2011

Swearing: Why it's best to be secretive, whilst using an expletive!*@?!%!

It was a crisp Monday morning in the centre of Bournemouth’s Christmas market. Pine-cones and holly weave the roofs of the mahogany cabins lit by fairy lights, while ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ echoes through the gatherings of rosy-cheeked smiles. If you listen closely enough you can hear the sound of elves hammering at toys for good girls and boys from the grotto of the bearded-man trying to ready himself for December 25^th thousands of miles away.


In the midst of the market, standing next to a festively decorated merry-go-round a father in a blue striped tracksuit and another in a Del boy-style coat stand impatiently waiting. “Where the f*** is she” utters the father in his early-thirties, his baby daughter sitting - silently listening and learning. “What the hell is she doing?” the Scrooge of Bournemouth shouts.


With a lack of regard for the once heart-warming surroundings, the man continues to swear for another few minutes. Passersby frown as they disapprove of the foul language their ears suffer to hear.


Swearing even today is a controversial issue, despite the rise in ‘offenders’ the battle of traditional English versus modern expletives wages on...


It’s undeniable that from time to time we all accidentally swear, but some people are famed for incorporating at least one offensive word into their every sentence.  


Most notably celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay who once swore 243 times in one of his television shows ‘Gordon’s Great British Nightmare’ equating to one expletive for every 20-seconds onscreen. Have celebrities like Gordon Ramsay loosened our once stiff upper lip when it comes to the using the ‘f-word’ amongst others?


More recently, X Factor contestant Frankie Cocozza was in trouble for letting out a four-letter expletive on live TV.


Retired Bournemouth couple Terry and Geraldine Harper believe people pick up the bad habit at school and from there it becomes natural behaviour: “It’s relaxed - it’s an everyday language for some people. There’s a time and place for swearing, but that’s not on the streets or around children.”


Product design student Kieran Jackon, aged 26, admitted to dropping the ‘c-word’ earlier that day in public, but remembered he was quite different as a child: “Swearing around the dinner table was always a ‘big thing’ for my parents, now they are a little more relaxed. But you’d still receive a slap around the ear for it.”


A big issue seller who wished to remain anonymous, aged 35, said he typically hears people swearing mainly in the ‘evening after a few drinks’ and often hears people shout at him: “Get a f***ing job.”


Even councillors let out the occasional expletive, including Bournemouth councillor Penny Jackman who let a foul word slip out during a heated planning meeting to decide whether to relocate the Lymington Cricket Club (see page 12 for the full story).


At the Court of Appeal this week, Mr Justice Bean argued that foul language should no longer be considered offensive due to it being heard ‘all too frequently’. The statement comes in the wake of a man trying to revoke his conviction for verbally abusing police officers in Hackney last year. The Judge has believes that it’s unlikely to cause “harassment, alarm or distress” to the officers who find it ‘rather common place’.


The Home Office are also debating whether swearing at others is a legal offence. Discussions are being held over whether to remove the word ‘insulting’ from the description of the public order offence which currently reads as: “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.” Meaning that if given the go ahead police may be unable to act whilst being hit by offensive slurs.


However, Martin Baum, writer of ‘To Be or Not To Be, Innit, a Yoof-Speak Guide to Shakespeare’ believes that legalising swearing at public figures would ‘would eat away at the power of authority.’ And that swearing at officials is a blatant ‘lack of respect’.  


There’s an old British saying: ‘There is a time and place for everything,’ but perhaps in the case of swearing it should be confined to a hushed whisper in an empty house, or risk suffering the judgemental glances of strangers.

Online edition available on the Bournemouth Echo website: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/features/9377073.Are_we_too_relaxed_about_swearing_/?ref=rss

NIBS Echo day one

NIBS from my first day back at the Echo.

Frankie Boyle piece (click here)

Businesses call for a tax freeze

Hospitality and leisure executives’ plea for ministers to halt next year’s hike in business rates that would damage thousands of companies.

In a letter sent to cabinet ministers Eric Pickles and Vince Cable they hope to return to a position reminiscent of the late 1990s where ‘one in three jobs were created in the leisure and hospitality industry.’

The pub, hotel, restaurant and leisure industry trade bodies argue the rates rise of 5.6% would add hugely to the pressures to a wide ranges of businesses.   

Brigid Simmonds, Chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said: “Council Tax has been frozen by the Government – and rightly so. Given the benefits it could bring we need the same approach for business rates.

“Our leisure and hospitality sector is dominated by small businesses, like pubs, hotels and restaurants, and they are absolutely key to creating new jobs.”

Chief executive of British Hospitality Association, Ufi Ibrahim believes the rates should be frozen.

He said: “The VAT rise in January hit out businesses hard, with extra taxes on pub and restaurant food, while supermarket food remains zero rated.

“This is widening the gap between eating out and easting at home.”

 Every hour more than 100 people go into hospital through alcohol related conditions.

 

Father Christmas returns to Bournemouth

Santa Clause is coming to town a little earlier this year.

A Christmas fair is being held on Saturday 26^th November, at the St Christopher’s Church on Burleigh Road, in Southbourne.

From 12.00 noon until 3:30pm light lunches will be served along with, many stalls and children’s activities.

Including a visit from a special festive guest... get your wish lists ready.  

Thanks to supporters

Charity workers in West Moors would like to thank their residents’ friends and family for raising over £400.00 to support the cause.

Money amounting to £440.00 in total was raised through coffee mornings for McMillan Cancer Research charity.

Alcohol Awareness

"Every hour more than 100 people go into hospital through alcohol related conditions.Every day more than 40 people die as a result of alcohol.

Every week more than 100 children call Childline upset about their parent’s drinking – some as young as five."

These are the haunting facts plaguing England and Wales this Alcohol Awareness week.

In response, to these statistics Alcohol Concern is offering a local lifeline to people who are concerned about their drinking and need support.

The Solent NHS Trust’s Drug and Alcohol recovery service runs a drop in centre in Ringwood for New Forest residents.

And the Hampshire Operational Model for Effective Recovery (HOMER) facility located at Oaktree House, off Christchurch road, and is open Monday to Saturday.

Nikki Keeley of the New Forest Drug and Alcohol Reference Group said: “In the New Forest, we are geared up for providing the support and encouragement some people need to face up to their alcohol misuse and put an end to harmful drinking practices, which not only affect them, but often their families and friends too.”

Alcohol Awareness week starts today and ends on Sunday 20^th November.

It’s time to make a change. To contact HOMER call 01425 483352 or find out more on www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.  

Bankers work harder

Bournemouth bankers and those from the surrounding area will be working harder for their money from next Monday as opening hours are increased.

A statement released from NatWest states that some banks will have extended opening times and others that didn’t previously will open on Saturdays.

Targeted areas include: Bournemouth and Poole High Street - weekdays 9am-6pm, Saturdays 9am-4pm; Bournemouth Southbourne Grove, Boscombe, Broadstone, Upper Parkstone, Westbourne, Wimbourne, Winton, New Milton and Lymington – weekdays 9am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm; and, Poole 9am-5pm (bar Wednesday).

The decision comes as part of a movement to remain ‘Britain’s most helpful banks’ with them opening for an additional 6,000 hours across the UK