Jan Leeming - The Official Website

ROME

27th August 2008

ROME

The long weekend in Rome was superb.  Having never been there before, the sights exceeded my expectations - and that's always so much better than the other way around.  I remember how far short of expectations fell Venice when I visited some 10 years ago.  It might have been the weather - wet and with the duck boards out in St. Mark's Square but I remember being so disappointed.

After settling into our hotel, and a lunch which was rather more than most of us required, we set off on our first Tour which was to encompass the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Piazza Navone and a few other noteworthy squares.  Our guide had an incredibly thick Italian accent and we struggled to keep up with her explanations.  However, that aside, I let out a gasp at my first sight of the Trevi Fountain. As was to be expected the square was thick with tourists packed into a relatively small square which makes the fountain look even more massive than it is.  But it is a huge and incredibly beautiful fountain.  Of course, we all threw our coins in with the right hand over the left shoulder.  I couldn't help remembering the film 'Roman Holiday' which starred Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn who happens to be one of my icons.  I'd love to see the fountain with no people around it, but I suppose one would have to visit at some ungodly hour of the morning - perhaps next time!

The Pantheon looks rather austere and unexciting from the outside but when you enter and have explained the marvels of the architectural design, you really do appreciate what a wonder it is.  And of course centuries ago, the walls would have been clad in marble with the inscriptions picked out in bronze.  It started life as a Pagan temple and then was modified to embrace the Christian Religion.

Dinner was held in a small and atmospheric square but, having arrived at 8.15 and not getting any food until 10.30 was a little past a joke. We were divided up into three tables and I can only say that on our table we had a tremendous amount of fun and laughter, much of it occasioned by a misunderstanding between one of the chaps and myself - he was talking about a Musical Group AC.DC  and I thought he meant something else.  I leave the rest to your imagination!

Next morning we took a coach to the Villa d-Este - built by Cardinal Ippolito d'Este in the 1500s. You might know it better by the name - Tivoli Gardens with some of the most fantastic fountains and fountain displays I've ever encountered.    I won't even attempt to give you the historic background as it is all so complicated with the various popes and all their nepotism.  We had an absolutely superb guide - Shane Harnett - an Irish guy living, working and writing in Rome.  He was steeped in the history of the area and there was no question you could ask to which he didn't know the answer.  I think he said he had a degree in political science and then studied Art History.  He is now an aspiring writer and has already completed a Musical  called  Leo's Dead Elephant (well it's certainly an intriguing title) which he is valiantly trying to get staged.  It was a joy to be in his group as we didn't have to struggle to understand him and he seemed to be genuinely interested in sharing his knowledge with us.  

After lunch we visited the Villa Adriana or Hadrian's Villa - that is an understatement and a half - the remains demonstrated a small city - small but opulent.  But then the Romans once ruled the known world and were remarkably civilized.  The upper classes bathed but so did their servants and slaves at a time when we Brits were still in animal skins and wode. 

We had a slightly better and less pretentious dinner but  the prices were inflated and the wine prices were ridiculous.  We all know that restaurants load wine prices but when you multiply the original cost of a bottle by some six times the amount, I see that as highway robbery.   Some of the group went off to paint the town pink but I returned to the hotel.  Knowing my interest in both the World Wars, a friend lent me  a remarkable book written by Sebastian Faulks called 'Birdsong' much of which is set in the First World War.  I love reading at night and in bed so that's what I chose to do.  I think some of the group were a little the worse for wear the next morning.

Our next tour was of the Vatican (or a small part of it) and the Sistine Chapel.  Thank goodness we were booked on a tour. The queue extended all around the external walls of the Vatican City and we were told that the wait for entry was approximately three hours.  So, be warned, if you are in Rome and want to view the Vatican, it is best to pay the extra and book a guided tour.  Again we had an excellent guide Simone de Filippis (although the name is spelt with an 'e' which would denote someone of the feminine gender, Simone was definitely all male - an incredibly good looking Italian man.  His English was almost faultless and his knowledge extensive.  He also had a good sense of humour and told us quite a few amusing anecdotes.  One of which was about the male statuary, which during a puritanical period, had to have the genitalia covered by fig leaves.  Simone asked us why we thought one of the Statues appeared to be laughing - Why - because he had the biggest fig leaf!!!!!   The Sistine Chapel is a truly remarkable work of art but we were only allowed to stay in there for about five minutes and that simply is not enough time to truly appreciate it's splendour.  It doesn't help that the Chapel is jam-packed full of tourists which didn't add to one's  enjoyment - or, at least, that is how I felt.  We must have been on the tour for over two hours and we'd only scratched the surface of the Vatican treasures.  I think it is rather sad to see such opulence when one remembers not only all the poverty in the world but also the poverty in so many Catholic countries.

By an unfortunate oversight (or misunderstanding) the Basilica was not included on the itinerary although it was only a stone's throw away from the Sistine Chapel. Had we taken the Right exit instead of the Left we would have been on the Doorstep of the Basilica.  I think it had something to do with us being met by our coach.  Then, after getting into it and being driven for about ten minutes (purely because of the one-way circuits) we passed the Basilica and thought the queues would take a long time to clear, like those at the Vatican.  Those of us who don't like queuing took ourselves off to a café in a square close to the Coliseum and had a deliciously thin and tasty pizza with a decent glass of red wine at a very reasonable price.  We found out afterwards that in fact the Basilica queue was only for security and moved very fast.  Ah well! It will be an excuse to return to Rome for another visit.  At least from the coach we saw St. Peter's Square and the Basilica and very impressive they are too. 

The Coliseum and the surrounding ruins are simply awe-inspiring.  I hope it doesn't sound too gauche but, having seen 'Gladiator' the whole film came alive when we saw the Arena, the seating and the underground rooms in which the animals were kept and the Gladiators waited their turn to embrace either death or glory.

All in all we must have been on our feet for about five hours and it was extremely hot.  Touring the sites of Rome is not for the fainthearted.

That evening was our last so the whole group stayed together for 'The Last Supper' at the Radisson Hotel.  The venue was idyllic - on the roof of the hotel next to two swimming pools.  It was all beautifully lit and very romantic.  But the food and drink were ridiculously over-priced.  I like good food and wine but I also like 'value for money' which one gets a'plenty in Capetown where I spend a lot of time.  Both my starter and main course were little above tepid and the main course of my neighbour was a joke.  She'd chosen a Scallop dish boasting a bed of wild rice and the flavours of six curries.  When the dish arrived we laughed - I kid you not - there were five small cubes of scallop on a small bed of rice and we don't know where the advertised curry flavours were hiding.  I don't like big meals but this main meal was little more than starter size.  And again the wine prices were ridiculous. Still I suppose that is what one gets if you eat in an hotel.

Frankly, most of us agreed that we'd come to Rome for the architectural wonders and not for a gastronomic holiday.  The restaurants had not been chosen by our organizers who had put together a most enjoyable holiday - rather they had been picked by some tour guide. 

Funnily enough, a few of us declared that we'd enjoyed our simple pizza and glass of wine more than the pretentious food we'd been offered in the three 'posh' restaurants.  The other weird experience was not having a single cup of coffee which was anything above tepid.

However, I must say that this was my first outing with the Club and it was immensely enjoyable.  There were some very interesting people, friendships were made and Rome was simply HEAVENLY.  I do hope I can go back again before too long.

So, if you are thinking of going to Rome, I do strongly advise that you pay the extra and get a guide.

shaneharnett@hotmail.com  

and if Shane is busy try simonedf@virgilio.it

Must close now.  Take Care.  Jan

THE BLADES

22nd August 2008

THE BLADES

Like everyone else, I've had my fair share of ups and downs in life but I do count myself very fortunate to have been offered experiences which aren't offered to everyone, purely because of my work in television.

On Friday last week, as part of the Press Day to publicize the Shoreham Airshow, I flew with THE BLADES.  WOW, what an experience.  They are a four-man team of Ex Red Arrow Pilots who do a spectacular Aerobatic Display - very similar to that of the RAF Red Arrows. 

I flew with Andy Offer (Blade 1) the Team Leader.  Although I was privileged to fly with The Red Arrows many years ago, I have to say that my experience with The Blades was even more exciting probably because they fly at a lower level and you feel like part of the plane.  Andy was incredibly considerate and repeatedly asked if I were OK.  Not only was I OK, I simply wanted to go on and on forever.  We did 4 Loops (and may I be presumptious enough to correct a common misconception - one doesn't 'Loop the Loop' - one flies A Loop), 2 Barrel Rolls, a Half Corkscrew and flew Upside Down.  Words fail me as to how wonderful it felt - I really did feel like a bird and simply wanted to take off into the sky and fly forever.

Back to earth - let me tell you a little more about the Blades.  You too could have the experience I had if your Company, Business, Corporation would like to spoil you with a Bespoke Corporate day out.  The Blades' home is at Sywell Aerodrome near Northampton where their top quality hospitality suite is just a few feet from the Airfield.  When you aren't flying you'll be able to watch other guests take to the skies and even watch them in the cockpit in real time through the state of the art in-cockpit camera system.  (Ladies beware - the G force pulls your face and you don't look your best but What the Hell ........) There are other treats in store for you if you choose a day out with the Blades so why not investigate their website -  Google The Blades Aerobatic Team - and you'll get all the info.

I hope I'm not infringing any copyright if I type out the words of an absolutely beautiful poem written by Pilot Officer Gillespie Magee Junior (412 Squadron) - killed on December 11, 1941.

HIGH FLIGHT

OH! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth

Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung

High in the sunlit silence.  Hov'ring there

I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung

My eager craft through footless halls of air.

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue,

I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace

Where never lark nor even eagle flew -

And while with silent lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched

The Face of God.

Just typing that has brought me out in goose-bumps.  Had he lived one wonders if he would have earned his living as a poet, author or writer of some description.

Rene Mouchotte, the pilot, whose name I sponsored on the Memorial Wall at the Battle of Britain Memorial, also wrote in a poetic and literary style.  How tragic that they all died so young.

SHOREHAM AIR SHOW - 29^th - 31^st August

If you live in the vicinity and have an interest in Aviation and Aerobatics, this is a must for all the family.  I went last year and felt it was one of the best shows I've ever attended.  To my way of thinking, Farnborough and Fairford are selling 'Heavy Metal' but the smaller air shows actually demonstrate the marvel of Flight.  At Shoreham, there's something for everyone - Static displays of old aircraft, aerobatic displays, entertainment for the children.  It is a wonderful day out.  And you will see The Blades in Action amongst a line up of some of the best the Aerobatic World has to offer.

UPDATE

THE BLADES

I'm not sure if there was an article  in the printed version of the Daily Mail about my flight with the Blades but there certainly was a Video on the Internet.  It's of about 15 minutes duration but I don't know how long it will remain on line.  If you google Daily Mail - TV Showbiz and then Search under Jan Leeming - the Blades - hopefully you'll find the piece.  It really was an incredible experience and when I watch it, I can feel myself back in the air again.

CHRISTIAN THE LION

13th August 2008

CHRISTIAN THE LION

A while ago I was sent an email attachment by a friend who knows of my love for animals and in particular 'Cats'.  When I watched the video on You tube, I couldn't believe that it was the same John Rendall that I know who, with a friend, had bought in Harrods a Lion Cub which eventually grew too big and through the auspices of Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers had the Christian the Cub, reintroduced into the wilds of Kenya.

I was trying to find the clip for a friend and googled 'Christian the Lion' - and to my surprise there were pages devoted to this lovely creature.  There's some very grainy footage but it's well worth watching, particularly the reunion, in Africa with the grown Lion and his London friends, John and Berg.  If you haven't seen it, do have a look - its' absolutely gorgeous.

SHOREHAM AIR SHOW

Last year I wingwalked at the Shoreham Air Show Press Day and helped raise funds for the RAFA Charity.  This year I hope to be flying with the Blades - a four ship team of ex Red Arrow Pilots - on Friday to publicize the Shoreham Air Show to be held later this month on 29^th - 31^st August.  I say 'hope' because if the winds are anything like they were today, I doubt very much that the display will go ahead.  Apparently down here in Kent the winds were reaching 50 - 60 mph.  The trees were bent double and I almost did a Mary Poppins down Deal High Street.  Short of a tornado, I've never experienced winds like it nor the weirdest of weather where it would be brilliant sunshine one minute and then teeming with monsoonal rain the next.  You couldn't put up an umbrella or it would have blown inside out. I gave up with my hair and looked like a good companion for Worzel Gummidge.

RENE MOUCHOTTE

Rene  is the French Pilot who flew with the RAF in World War 11 and whose inscription I sponsored on the Foxley Norris Wall at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel le Ferne.  I've just discovered that he was born on August 21^st 1914 and sadly died on 27^th August 1943. He was awarded the Legion d'Honneur and the Croix de Guerre and there are pages and pages devoted to him on the Internet.  I'm trying very hard to find out whether he has any living relatives. So if  you can thrown any light on the subject, I'd be very grateful.

Talking of the Battle of Britain, the Memorial Trust is staging a 'Glamorous Evening of Musical Nostalgia - Fly with the Stars (A Tribute to the Few).  It will be staged at The London Palladium on Sunday 7^th September.  There will be a vast line up of stars including Roy Hudd, Millicent Martin, Su Pollard, Claire Sweeney and Robert Hardy just to mention a few.  I'm not part of the line up but have been persuaded to join them on stage to do 'The Lambeth Walk'.  So if you fancy a good evening out filled with Nostalgia where the Stars of Today recreate the Hits of 1940, either phone the London Palladium on 0844 412 4657 or book tickets through the Internet.

ROME

A while ago I joined a London Club which arranges Dinners, Outings and Holidays and my first foray is to go with some of the members on a short trip to Rome.  I've always wanted to go there and had planned to go with my son Jonathan but he's now been hit by Cupid's arrow and I'm sure would rather be with his beloved than his mother!  As I wouldn't entertain the idea of going to Rome on my own, I thought I'd grab the opportunity (Carpe Diem and all that)  to go with the club and I must say the organisers have put together a superb programme for the few days of our visit.  I'm really looking forward to the trip and Tamby my cat is going to be brassed off with me again as he goes into the Cattery.  Mind you Kate looks after him so well, I think he regards the place as his second, third, fourth or fifth home - the neighbours tell me he is always inviting himself into their sun-rooms, gazebos, gardens etc.

Will close for now and do have a look at the You-tube clip of Christian and think about an Evening of Nostalgia on Sunday 7^th September.

Jan

 

BRUGES and IEPER (YPRES)

6th August 2008

BRUGES and YPRES

Went with friends for a few days to Bruges.  What a beautiful city it is - wonderful architecture at every turn, canals, lace and chocolates!!!  I think Belgium is regarded as being the home of the best Chocolate in Europe.  I'm not a great chocolate lover but cannot resist Leonidas.  Fortunately, down here in Kent we don't have any outlets so I'm saved from myself. 

Although we loved the city and the sights, we couldn't get over how expensive it was to eat out.  On our first evening we made the mistake of dining just off the Main Square.  Doreen and I fancied Beef Stroganoff - the beef was OK but it was not Stroganoff which should be made with strips of beef in a mushroom and sour cream sauce.  Ours was a lump of beef covered in the next best thing to a Provencale sauce.  We had four main courses, two desserts and one bottle of wine and the bill was best part of £160.  The music, which attracted us to the restaurant in the first place, was too loud and pretty awful. The next night our meal was slightly better and also less expensive.  But I have to say I had the best cake I've every tasted in a wonderful Tea Room called Detavernier and it was worth the cost.

We felt the boat ride on the canal was good value (especially compared with the food prices) and we had a good guide.  However the Carriage ride was a rip-off. 

On Sunday we went to Ypres (now called Ieper) to visit the Tyne Cot Memorial to the Dead of the First World War.  Tyne Cot is only one of many cemeteries in and around Ypres but it is the largest British War Cemetery in Mainland Europe. It was designed by Sir Herbert Baker and inaugurated in 1927.  There are more than 170 smaller cemeteries in the area.

At Tyne Cot there are buried 11,956 soldiers of the Commonwealth and on the Screen Wall at the back of the cemetery there are the names of a further 34,957 missing soldiers.

There is a new Visitor Centre and a very moving exposition of photographs of the dead - and a youngish voice reads out the name and age of the deceased.  This recording is broadcast in the background as one makes one's way to the Visitor centre.  It is all highly emotional.

My friend Doreen found out only a few months ago that her Grandfather died in The Great War and she had the reference number for his gravestone in the Reservoir Cemetery actually in the town of Ypres.  It was a relatively small cemetery but very well kept and we found her grandfather's engraved stone.  Doreen thought that probably no one in the family had ever visited the grave and it was an emotional moment as she laid a red rose against the stone.

We stayed in Ypres for the rest of a very rainy afternoon in order that we could have an early dinner and attend the Ceremony of the playing of The Last Post at the Menen Gate.  The Gate has inscribed on it  a further 55,000 names of the missing dead.

The Last Post had been played at the Menen Gate every evening at 8.00 pm since the end of the First World War and throughout the Second World War.  A crowd of about 400 gathered for this moving but simple ceremony.

I cannot tell you how drained we all felt on our return to Bruges.  You simply cannot begin to imagine the carnage of that war - men were simply slaughtered like animals and the conditions in which they lived were appalling.  We visited the Passendale Museum and experienced a 'Dug Out' - tunnelled under the ground - insanitary and primitive  conditions and the constant boom of guns.

At the Tyne Cot Visitors' Centre a New Zealander told me how a whole company of Kiwis were killed.  Apparently they were sent down a Trench but they couldn't get out and over because the end was barred with barbed wire and they were just mown down.

It was meant to be the War to end all Wars - What a sick joke - yet only two decades later there was another World War and there have been wars somewhere in the world right up to the present day.  Will men never learn!

At the Menen Gate, I was pleased to see several wreaths laid by School children - one from the Technical School just up the road from me in Sandwich.

I read that even today, 90 years after the war, remains of approximately 30 men are unearthed annually.

I'd always been aware of the dreadful loss of life in the 1914 -18 War but nothing brought it home to me like the endless white stones in the Cemetery at Tyne Cot - many bearing the inscription 'Known only to God' and the thousands and thousands of names of the missing posted on the Wall at Tyne Cot and the Menen Gate.