Jan Leeming - The Official Website

THE WIZARD OF OZ ETC.

30th July 2008

The Wizard of Oz was most enjoyable and they made the transition, from that well known and much loved story on film, to a very acceptable stage version.

There wasn't a single weak link in so far as the acting was concerned - they were all excellent and some of the choreography was stunning - the March of the Winkies had me mesmerised - I couldn't make out how they did it.  The Tin Man, Scarecrow and Lion were every bit as good as the originals in the film.

They say never work with children and animals - and there may be some truth in it - for the little chap who just about stole the show was Toto - the dog - an absolutely gorgeous Westie ( I think or he may have been a Cairn - Standard Poodles are my dogs so I'm not up in the little breeds)

I didn't have time to get a paper today as I had a meeting with a Radio Station (watch this space) and also  lunch with the Chief Executive and also the Fund Raiser of 'Orchid'.  But I understand the crits weren't brilliant - So Who Cares what they say - many a show has gone on to be a huge success after being damned by the Critics.  The late Jack Tinker always seemed to be a fair critic but I get the feeling nowadays they are just out to condemn - bit of The Emperor's New Clothes methinks.  I saw Menopause the Musical in Capetown and haven't laughed so much in years.  It was a lousy title and I gather the critics here murdered it - it died an early death.  But then the critics are also running down Mamma Mia which apparently everyone is thoroughly enjoying.  My maxim is that if I want to see a show I will go whatever the critics say!!!!

Poor old critics - I am giving them a hard time.  But what do they do productively - they don't write plays or musicals, they don't act or sing - they are largely negative and condemning.  It's the same with Art Critics.  How many artists in the past died in poverty and yet today, because Homo Sapiens puts a value on their work, they change hands for millions.

Apparently The Wiz is sold out for it's six week run at the Southbank and so it should be - it's magic for the children and the Grown-up kids amongst whom I count myself.  Incidentally my Red Shoes were more of a hit than I - a few folk took pictures on their mobiles of my shoes!!!!!!!

So, if you've children or grandchildren and you can get seats, then go and have a thoroughly lovely time - Just Follow the Yellow Brick Road.  One small word of caution, do warn the little ones that there will be some very loud bangs in the show - I nearly jumped out of my seat the first time the Wicked Witch appeared.

And if Toto is ever up for adoption, I want to be first in the queue.

At the Orchid Lunch we discussed the Kilimanjaro Trek next June.  Jonathan and I very much want to take part but whether I, in particular, can get fit enough remains to be seen.

In my visit to the Radio Station I bumped into my 'Jungle' Buddy - who nearly fell off his seat seeing me outside the window of his Studio.  I'm talking about Toby Anstis - my chum in the Jungle and the one who shouldn't have been voted off when he was - I think there was a bit of genuine button trouble - there were others who deserved to be voted off long before Toby.  And no, I am not being considered as a Presenter on Heart FM but there may be something in the pipeline.  Watch this space.

Must go as I've a very early start tomorrow - going off with friends for a Day trip to Ma Belle France.  Then the next day, even earlier to go off with Doreen and another couple to Bruges for four days.  A few weeks ago, I'd nothing in the diary for the rest of my life, now August is totally full and September is filling up too.  Don't know how I ever found time to work Full time.

Au revoir maintenant - E Bientot.  Jan

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FARNBOROUGH - RED ARROWS - BLADES

26th July 2008

FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW

 I love Aerobatic display flying and if you want to see  little planes doing all sorts of 'Magic' in the air, then you don't go to Farnborough.

Farnborough is much more of a Trade Show with Big Boys Toys but the show is big enough to have some aerobatics from accomplished pilots in some pretty fantastic Aeroplanes. 

The Red Arrows were there, of course, but with low cloud they had to do a rolling display  and for effect they doubled their smoke - still absolutely magnificent and brings a lump to my throat for all sorts of reasons.  I was fortunate enough to fly with them in display in 1983.  Can't believe that is a quarter century ago.  Apart from the birth of my son, I think I'd rank flying with the Arrows as the best experience of my life.

I also paid particular attention to The Blades - a four ship team of Ex Red Arrows flying a different but equally fantastic display.  I was particularly interested because, all being well, I will be flying with them at the Shoreham Air Show Press Day on 14^th August.

Last year at Shoreham I wingwalked for the RAFA Charity and the Blades offered me a flight. Sadly during a re-enactment of a Battle of Britain dog fight, a Hurricane went into the ground and we felt that, in deference to the pilot, we shouldn't go ahead with the flight.  So it has been postponed till this year.  The Blades run a company which offers Corporate hospitality and the chance, for a fee, for anyone to experience the thrill of flying with these personable and accomplished pilots.

Also last year  I was  offered a flight in one of the few two-seater Spitfires.  That really is something and an experience many men would give their eye-teeth to have.  So far we haven't managed to arrange a date and again the flight will be undertaken to promote a charity.

So why was I at Farnborough?  I was wearing another hat.  I am, to give me my Grand Title - Director of Communication and Media for a Company called INSPIRE.  John Baker and David Cheney have been building the business and working very hard.  Matters are coming to fruition and I hope soon  to be able to fulfil my role.  Inspire offers Bespoke Training and strategic planning for people right across the spectrum of Aviation and is a member of FAC - Farnborough Aerospace Consortium.

Just in case you are interested - Inspire's Website  -  inspiretraining.org                emails inspiretraining@aol.com

Still loosely on the subject of Flight, I went out to lunch with a friend today and we happened to come back on the A20 so I made a slight diversion and took her to see the Battle of Britain Memorial and the Wall bearing the names of almost 3000 pilots who lost their lives in the last war.  And of course I paid my respects to Rene Mouchotte - the pilot whose name I've sponsored on the Wall.  My friend was very impressed with the memorial which, although she's lived in this area for years, she didn't know existed.  It was a gloriously sunny day and she commented on the serenity and wistfulness on the face of the sculptured pilot.  If only the weather had been better two weeks ago - it poured with rain and the Flypast was cancelled.

A FEW CATCHUPS

I'm sorry I forgot to remind you that there was going to be a Big Article in the Health Section of last Sunday's Mail.  Apart from the usual reference to age and other personal details, it was an excellent article about Jonathan's Testicular Cancer and carried the message loud and strong that you men must Check Yourselves Out.  Orchid were very pleased indeed.

Have just checked and the site is still operative.  The link is http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1036519/How-Jan-Leemings-beloved-son-conquered-killer-cancer-dare-speak-name.html

Am having lunch with the Orchid people on Wednesday when we'll discuss the way forward and whether I might be fit enough to do the Kilimanjaro Trek planned for next year.

Also forgot to tell you that, if you'd like to see a picture of me in a swimsuit at the age of seven with front teeth missing, get a copy of the August Edition of Woman and Home - p.48.  Come to think of it, I could put the picture into the Gallery which I might do.

Have just received a copy of this Month's Higher Nature magazine in which I talk about lifestyle and the supplements I take.

I've also got another project on the go but I'll tell you more about that in the coming weeks.

Bye for now 

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WANT TO HEAR A CHEETAH PURR!!!!!

17th July 2008

AT LAST.

Thanks once again to the genii at SAV, you can now hear a Cheetah purr and get the Ahhh! factor from seeing some adorable 2 month old Cheetah cubs.  Just click onto the Gallery.

I'll tell you more about Cheetah Outreach and Oudtshoorn but at the moment I've got to get ready to go to the Farnborough Air Show at which I will be wearing my other hat about which I will also tell you more.

On my journey, it is only a short detour to Capel le Ferne and the Battle of Britain Memorial - so I shall be stopping off to pay my respects to Rene Mouchotte and looking for the names of the other French pilots who were killed fighting for our freedom.

Bye for now, Jan

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ORCHID ARTICLE - RENE MOUCHOTTE DIARIES

16th July 2008

 ORCHID ARTICLE                      

Jonathan and I subjected ourselves to an Interview about his Testicular Cancer in order to publicize Orchid and it is to be published in The Mail on Sunday this coming weekend - 20^th July.  I wouldn't usually advertise the paper - they've done the dirty on me too often along with most other newspapers.  BUT we did it so that Orchid will get that much needed publicity.  It should be in the Health Section of the paper.  Anyway, if they publish them, there should be some 'embarassing' pictures for Jonathan as he was as a baby.  Poor thing - he will get awfully teased.

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RENE MOUCHOTTE DIARIES

I received the Copy of  The Mouchotte Diaries 1940 - 43 and can hardly bear to put it down.  I expected a dry tome listing engagements, wind speeds and other Flying information.  Instead I've received  a book which almost reads like a novel.  Rene never intended for his diaries to be read by anyone but himself.  However someone must have realised their potential and they were translated from the French by Philip John Stead.  They read beautifully and I don't know if this is due to the literary style of Mr. Stead or whether Rene Mouchotte had a natural gift for words. There is so much humanity in his writing.

It is an exciting story of how he got away from France after it was overrun by the Germans, how he stole a plane to get to North Africa and how he finally realised his wish to  reach England and fly with the Airforce.  He became a very valuable part of the Free French Movement and was the first Frenchman to be given a Squadron to Command.  He writes about his fears for his mother (whom he obviously loved dearly) and his frustration at not being able to tell her that he was 'safe' in the UK.

He writes with a great deal of humour and love for many of his fellow flyers both French and English.

I am not a reviewer and simply cannot do him justice but if you are interested in the 1940 - 45  2^nd World War  written about by a very brave combatant, then I strongly suggest you get hold of a copy (I got mine off Amazon).

 I have made some notes which I will write down next week when I have time and point you to the pages which touched me for various reasons.

I've done an Internet search and found out where  his Tomb is situated in Pere Lachaise Cemetery outside Paris, and have actually got a picture of it.  Now Doreen and I are planning a visit to Paris specifically to go to Pere Lachaise.  I've been there before - last time it was to see the Tomb of Heloise and Abelard the 12^th Century lovers - this time it will be to pay homage to a very brave man who died on August 28th 1943.  His body was washed up on the beach in Belgium on September 3^rd and he was buried in Belgium. In 1949 a determined search was made by the French and British Air Ministries and the U.S. Air Force to find the bodies of their flyers killed in action and among others they found and identified Rene Mouchotte buried in Grave 87 and marked as unknown.  His remains were taken to Paris and formally identified then he was buried in the family vault in Pere Lachaise,.  I am only précising the full story of the recovery of his body which in itself is fascinating.

I would dearly love to find out if he has any family left in France.  He didn't mention any siblings only that Suzanne would remain with his mother (a girlfriend or fiancée perhaps) so unless his mother had siblings who married and had families, he may have been the last of the line. 

In his diaries he recounts meeting Churchill and de Gaulle.  He was also highly decorated with both French and British honours.

Next time I am passing Capel Le Ferne, I shall visit the Memorial Wall again to see if any of his French colleagues also have their names inscribed there.

************************************************************************

I have been fortunate enough to fly with the Red Arrows, Wingwalked for the RAFA Charity last year at the Shoreham Air Show and may be going up with the Blades this year at Shoreham (4 Ex Arrows).  I was made to do a Tandem Jump as one of the Trials in I'm a Celebrity, Get me out of Here.  I've flown in many light aircraft, helicopters and even a Chinook and might be going up in a Spitfire (one of very few two seater Spitfires and owned by John Romain based at Duxford )  So you  could say I have more than a passing interest in Aviation!

I'm going to Farnborough this Friday with another member of a Company with which I am associated  - in fact to give me my grand title I am Director of Communication and Media Relationships for Inspire (you can look them up on the Web).  So I might just see you there if you are a Flying Afficionado.

God Bless, Jan

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CHEETAH VIDEOS - ORCHID - RENE MOUCHOTTE

10th July 2008

Good news.  The incredibly brilliant young man, who constructed my website, is going to enter some Cheetah and Cheetah cub Video clips taken in South Africa.  So they should be on the Website within the next week.

More Good News.  The Orchid Web Site hits shot up on Tuesday and Wednesday after Cash in The Attic and I've been told I had 600 hits.  This is marvellous.  These days, so many cancers can be cured if they are diagnosed in time.  We women are far better at admitting something is wrong and going to the Doctor.  You chaps are strangely reluctant to discuss your 'bits below the belt'.  It is far better to be safe than sorry.  I read in yesterday's paper the terribly sad case of a man who ignored a large mole on his back despite his wife begging him to go to the Doctor.  When he finally did pay a visit, it was too late.  He had a particularly aggressive melanoma (Skin Cancer) and the cells had spread all over his body.  Had he gone in time, he would probably still be with his wife and children.

So please Chaps - do check yourselves.  Jonathan was 23 when he discovered his Testicular cancer and I was horrified to learn that so many young boys and men are afflicted by the condition.  Cancers are so much more aggressive in the young.  In the period of time that Jonathan was forced to wait for a scan (because the Doctor thought it was just a fatty cyst) his cancer had metastazised and he had two growths with sedimentation for a third.

I don't think any Doctor should take chances if there is a possibility of Cancer.  I'm glad to say that Doctor was struck off the Medical Register - not for his misdiagnosis of Jonathan but for other improprieties.

Anyway, enough of sad things.  I've ordered the Diaries of Rene Mouchotte (the pilot whose name I sponsored for the Battle of Britain Memorial Wall) and can't wait to receive the book.

Bye for now,  Jan
 

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CASH IN THE ATTIC - If you missed it - chance to catch up

9th July 2008

CASH IN THE ATTTIC - ANOTHER CHANCE TO SEE OR SEE AGAIN

My son pointed out that if you missed CASH IN THE CELEBRITY ATTIC which was broadcast on Tuesday 8^th at 5.15pm on BBC 2, there is a BBC Website on which you can view programmes for up to 7 days after the event.

As the transmission time would not have been good for those of you working and commuting, I thought I'd share this with you.

 Go to: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ckcx7

If ever I watch anything in which I've taken part, I usually end up digging my fingernails into the palms of my hands with tension.  Must say, I think the Programme Producers and Editors did a very good job.  I actually enjoyed the programme which is quite rare for me as I'm my own worst critic.  However, I didn't think the lighting was kind to any of us.  I had to look in the mirror to see whether I really did look that bad!!!!!  Seriously though, when one is in a studio and properly lit that's OK but on these outside broadcasts they have to do the best they can and it's not an easy job.

My biggest pleasure was in the constant mentioning of Orchid who must have got the kind of publicity they couldn't pay for - Terrific.

Bye for now, Jan

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BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL SERVICE - RENE MOUCHOTTE

6th July 2008

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL SERVICE.

This was the 68^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain ( and 2008 marks the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the RAF)  The Ceremony takes place at Capel Le Ferne  about halfway between Folkestone and Dover. This is the area over which much of the Battle of Britian was fought from July to October 1940.  There is a very impressive Memorial. It takes the form of an immense three bladed propeller, each blade 38 metres long, cut into the cliff top.  In the centre, the stone figure of a lone pilot is seated on a sandstone base on which are carved the badges of the squadrons and units who fought in the Battle of Britain.

The Service is a glittering affair with not only the top Brass from the UK but also representatives from the Armed Services in Australia, America, Canada etc.  Those who have them wear their Decorations and the Ladies are invited to wear hats.  I bought one yesterday but the weather forecast was such, and the hat so big, I thought I could have been swept away by the wind and landed in France!  So I went comfortably clad and hatless.  Many of the women in attendance looked very glamorous.

Sir Donald Sinden, Nick Owen, Diane Keen - to mention a few of the personalities - were in attendance and of course, the stars of the occasion were the few remaining veterans and, like last year, I was fortunate enough to be sitting next to a 93 year old.  OK, he sometimes lost the thread of his stories but he was very interesting.

The heavens opened at the end of lunch, just before the Service began and for a while it was a possibility that we would have stayed in the luncheon marquee and had the service there but in the end it all took place outside.  The Service is relatively short and very moving but, for me, the event which brings the tears to my eyes is the old veterans marching so proudly.  When you think of the thousands of young men, some hardly out of their teens, who were killed, maimed, blinded and burned, in doing their duty for their country, and you look at so many of the 'feral' youth of today, you wonder where it all went wrong.  But, I suppose the War was so long ago that it is an irrelevancy to the modern youth.  Few of them would even stop to think that, had it not been for the deaths of brave servicemen, England would be a very different country - a conquered nation.

Better not get me on to the subject of the lack of morals, shame, respect and basic  honesty - or I'll 'tub thump' all day.

At the Memorial Site there is also an impressive Granite Memorial Wall listing the names of almost 3000 who fought in the Battle of Britian.  Donations towards the cost of the wall are still being sought and members of the public are invited to sponsor a pilot for a minimum donation of £30.  Last year, I filled in a form, sent a cheque, and thought no more about it.  Then I received a letter asking if I had any special request.  Being of Huguenot extraction I replied that it really didn't matter but if there were a French pilot's name which needed sponsorship then I'd be very happy with that.  So I sponsored Rene Mouchotte  - the First Frenchman to command a squadron of the RAF.  He was shot down over Belgium in 1943 and his body was washed up on a Belgian beach.  Later his family had him re - interred in France in the Pere Lachaise Cemetery NE of Paris.  I've visited that incredibly interesting Necropolis but my purpose many years ago was to see the tomb of Heloise and Abelard - 12^th Century Lovers with an amazingiy romantic  story - even more amazing because it was true.  You will also find the tombs of such illustrious people as Chopin, Bizet, Oscar Wilde, Edit Piaf, Jim Morrison and the list goes on and on.

Now I want to go back and find the tomb of Commandant Rene Mouchotte.  

If you look him up on the Internet, there's masses about him and you will find that there are many streets in Paris and other cities named after him just as there are streets named after Jean Moulin.

Many years ago we visited the War Museum at Caen and I was fascinated to learn more about Jean Moulin - the French Resistance Fighter.  The reason being that we had our holidays in Provence for a decade and on the road into Salon we travelled along the Rue Jean Moulin.  On the side of the road was a very haunting sculpture in memory of him and I could never decide whether it was a figure parachuting down to earth or a figure being tortured and hanging from chains.  Jean Moulin was betrayed and died at the hands of the Germans.  (A little note of interest, I thought he looked like the film star James Mason)

Anyway, if you want to know more about these two brave men, who fought for our freedom, then do a Google search on the Internet.

Better sign off now.  Take care,  Jan

P.S.  I am beginning to get a little feedback through the Website, so I repeat if there are any questions, about my life in Television and Theatre, or work with Cheetahs etc. please press the Contact button and Simon will always pass on requests.  If you don't  get in touch, I'm going to run out of subjects about which to write!!!!!

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CASH IN THE ATTIC and BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL DAY

4th July 2008

CASH IN THE ATTIC TRANSMISSION

And

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL DAY           

Finally got a transmission date for my edition of Celebrity Cash in the Attic.  It's now going out on Tuesday, 8^th July at 5.15 pm on BBC 2. 

I've no idea how it will look - they took absolutely reams of tape and one never knows how they will cut it.  I do hope they will leave in my plug for Adult Education classes because two of the items I gave to the Auction had been made by me at Silvermaking and Jewellery making classes.  I made the point that at low points in my life (and there have been a few!) I've taken refuge in Adult Eduction classes.  Not only does one make something and feel a sense of achievement but there is a lot of camaraderie as well.

In our very first term of Silvermaking, Owen had us all make a silver pill box.  It took a complete term and we probably covered every aspect of the silversmith's art in that term.  I'm still very proud of my little box.  Another item we chose to make was a copy of the bracelet that Owen wears.  Part of his ancestry lies with the Sangaan tribe in Africa and I've seen similar bangles in South Africa.  I hardly ever take it off and could have sold it dozens of times.  In fact, I'm a bit tired of making them as presents but am back making another one for my son Jonathan.  I've just finished a pierced silver biscuit carrier and next term want to get my teeth into something challenging.  Because I frequently miss out on classes, I tend to take two steps forward and one step back but I do love the sense of achievement when an object is finished.

I've had many failures and quite a few successes in both Silversmithing and Jewellery classes but rather stupidly have not taken photos and have given away most of the pieces.

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL DAY

I've been invited again this year to attend this very special ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Britain.  It takes place at Capel Le Ferne near Dover.  Although I'd been invited before I wasn't able to make it until last year and found the whole occasion very moving and uplifting.  Next week I'll tell you more about it and the Pilot whose name I sponsored on the Granite Memorial but for the moment I must dash and get the flat tidied up and preparations done for tomorrow when I'm having seven friends to lunch.  I  love  cooking and entertaining and find it a bit sad that some of my friends are now feeling that the entertaining they used to do regularly and so well is becoming a bit too much for them.

Till next time.  God Bless.  Jan

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