Just Emma

Hello, lovelies. The first of February marks Strike action day. Teachers, civil servants, Border Force staff and train drivers are out of strike, hoping that their voices will be heard. But with so many demands by so many people, is there really any chance that they can all get what they are asking for? Is the only choice by the big bosses and government to stonewall them, in hopes that the public will tire of all the disruptions and demand that the strikes must come to an end? But that leads to a very interesting question. What will the fat cats do if we collectively stand behind those on the picket line, adding our voices to the throng, and demand, once and for all, that this out of touch and crass ruling body stop and listen and make our lives liveable again. I am so fortunate to live and work in London. To me it is the most alive and beautiful city in the world. Growing up I would always hear people say that London never sleeps, and I can now see what they mean. When I’m ...

       Hello, lovelies.              I am just minutes away from finishing a local community pantomime that I had the pleasure of working on. And now with a large cup of coffee in hand, I’ve had just enough time to reflect on my weekend. Apart from being exhausted and having no idea where my handbag is, I find myself asking the question – What have I learnt from all of this? But is it important to learn anything, as taking part should be enough. Or is taking part in what is quintessentially a very British tradition important, as a good old-fashioned panto is a gateway show that allows those who would not normally go to the theatre a way to see, join in and maybe, just maybe, take part in themselves.                  I am a founding member of a fun local community theatre group. The aims are quite simple, it’s open to all, to make local theatre affordable and accessible as possible, and ho...

        Hello, lovelies.            A new year can bring a fresh start and new opportunities, and by the look of it, 2023 is set to follow in the path as all the others. But as we celebrate and usher in the Chinese year of the rabbit, what can we learn from the past to bring forward, and maybe, just maybe, change the coming year into something more.             The year of the rabbit is the fourth in the twelve-year cycle. The 22nd of January starts one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture, the dawn of the Luna New Year. Chinese New Year, known as the spring Festival, is celebrated with food, meeting up with family and friends as well as a whole plethora of festivities. This is not only celebrated in China, but many countries across Asia. It even touches the far-flung corners of southwest London. Anyone walking through China Town, in London’s Leicester Square, would be hard hit not to be d...

     Hello, lovelies,             I have never been so happy to leave a year behind and march, firm footed, into a new year. Normally, I get ever so sentimental and nostalgic over the passing year, but not this time. A new year means that I’m going to be a year older, which is no longer a fun event. My birthday falls just before payday, so I very rarely receive presents. I’m getting to the age where cake causes a massive sugar spike and a rounder tummy, so I can only really look and not eat. And with the past two years, no one knows what we should expect, making a new year a daunting time. So why this year, am I running into the unknown, desperate to get rid of the past and ready for the fight ahead? And believe me, there is going to be a fight. So, the question is, which side are you going to be on?                 As most people know, last year was not one of my finest. Who knew that a simple t...