Alter Bridge at the Albert Hall with a 52-piece Orchestra

Alter Bridge in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

Gemma and I were fortunate enough to be able to see both shows on 2nd and 3rd October 2017. I ran out of adjectives long ago to describe how amazing it is to see Alter Bridge live, but these two shows were even more special because of the venue and the marvellous Parallax Orchestra.

On our way to the Royal Albert Hall

The Parallax Orchestra conducted by Simon Dobson

After the first show, we were able to wander onto the stage and take a few behind-the-scenes shots.

Some backstage photos from after the last show.

Gemma and me with THE Myles Kennedy

It was a pleasure to meet Myles' parents. I told them they must be so proud! We also met the proud families of the rest of the band who had all flown over from the US especially to witness these Albert Hall gigs.

With Simon Dobson enthusing to each other about what a fantastic band Alter Bridge is

Couldn't help noticing Michael Palin in the mural of the foyer, from Not the Messiah in 2009 

Aren't we lucky?

My Monty Python Proposal: I proposed to Gemma in front of Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam!

My Monty Python Proposal

This happened during the VIP after party of AN ENGLISHMAN, AN AMERICAN & AN INDIAN WALK INTO A BAR on Sunday 5th Feb 2017 at The Roundhouse, London. The event was a fundraiser for the venue, where Sanjeev Bhaskar was interviewing Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam about their careers in a "bar" on stage that came complete with an actual barman.

AN ENGLISHMAN, AN AMERICAN & AN INDIAN WALK INTO A BAR

But my proposal nearly didn't happen! Gemma and I are with each other pretty much 24/7 so it was tricky having to call The Roundhouse to try and plan my proposal moment. There were weeks of secretly calling them whenever Gemma left the office.

I was asked not to propose during the performance, but it was OK to do it during the VIP after party (for which I paid £500 each for tickets!) But when the after party arrived, I was getting no help from anybody! What I wanted was for someone to take control of the situation for me; to tell Michael and Terry to stand next to each other, and the rest of the VIP guests to gather round in preparation for me going down on one knee.

With Michael Palin (the flash didn't go off!)

But when I asked someone to help me with that, they said: "We did ask you not to do the proposal!" I was so flustered, I didn't have the wherewithal to point out that I was actually given the OK to do it during after party. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was slipping through my fingers!

So I thought maybe Sanjeev could help me, but while asking his help (while somehow managing to get Gemma out of earshot), a fan would interrupt wanting a selfie.

The wedding party

Me, popping the question

Sealed with a kiss

 Then I tried Terry, sort of whispering to him about my problem with my back to Gemma. He almost said: "OK, we can do your proposal to Gemma now," in a loud voice. I had to shut him up! But at least he'd been primed. Then, on cue, a fan interrupted wanting a selfie.

But finally, as people were starting to leave, and started to get the idea that it was never going to happen, across the other side of the stage, I noticed that Palin and Gilliam were standing next to each other. So I went up to Gilliam and said: "Can I do it now?" And he said, "OK", then turned to Palin to explain what was just about to happen.

This group photo came with the VIP ticket

Then, highly relieved, I commanded Gemma to put her phone on Photos, to her surprise and told me to give me her phone. I then gave the phone to whoever happened to be standing next to Gemma, and told him: "You're doing the photos". Neither Gemma or the person now holding Gemma's phone knew what the hell was going on.

Then I put my phone on Video and gave it to the first person I saw and said: "You're doing the video." he also had no idea what I was talking about, but everyone could see something out-of-the-ordinary was about to happen. Because I couldn't say what I was about to do as it would have ruined the surprise, he started videoing me in landscape, not knowing I was going to kneel down half way through. So, in the same take, he rotates the phone 90˚ when I kneel down!

With everything finally in place, with it so nearly not happening at all, I get down on one knee and pop the question, in front of two of my idols. I don't think any Python fan has ever proposed in front of them before. A first! On saying goodbye, Michael Palin wished us a long and happy life together.

The proposal received a lot of media coverage!

• https://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2017/an-englishman-an-american-and-an-indian-walk-into-a-bar/

• https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/monty-python-fan-finds-wife-9823765

• https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/what-s-on/theatre/wife-of-brian-michael-palin-plays-role-in-monty-python-superfans-engagement-1-8391532

• https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/767755/Monty-python-superfan-proposes-girlfriend-michael-palin-terry-gilliam

• https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/15101905.monty-python-marriage-proposal-for-couple-who-look-on-the-bright-side-of-life/

• https://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/news/people/britain-s-biggest-monty-python-fan-meets-his-match-on-the-bright-side-of-life-1-7825256

As if the proposal wasn't enough, that night we also met Roger Taylor, Malcolm Dixon who appeared in "Time Bandits", Terry Gilliam's wife, Maggie Weston, son, Harry Gilliam and daughter, Holly Gilliam who appeared in Brazil as a little girl. I finally got her to sign my "Battle of Brazil" book. It was one hell of a night!

With Roger Taylor, the drummer of Queen

With Malcolm Dixon, of Time Bandits fame

With Harry Gilliam

With Holly Gilliam who signed my "Battle of Brazil" book!

An Englishman, An American and an Indian Walk Into A Bar...

Sunday, 5 February 2017, 7:30pm at The Roundhouse, London NW1

Fellow Monty Python members Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin come together, for one night only to talk about their life and work in a one-off fundraising event for the Roundhouse hosted by Sanjeev Bhaskar.

An unforgettable evening of storytelling, improvised skits, hilarity and possibly the trio’s own take on some iconic British gameshows.

The night, is in celebration of our 50th anniversary as an arts centre and 10th year since reopening as a charity. All proceeds from the event will go towards the Roundhouse’s work with young people. Each year thousands of 11-25 year-olds have the chance to develop their skills and confidence through creativity – in music, media or performing arts projects at the Roundhouse.

Creativity inspires young people to reach further, dream bigger, and achieve more. Especially those from backgrounds that can feel limiting – or even hopeless.

Buy your tickets here:

https://tickets.roundhouse.org.uk/booking/production/syos/21735?performance=

Writers & Illustrators of the Future Contest Winners Announced

MATT DOVEY OF LINCOLNSHIRE, UK AND ADRIAN MASSARO OF NEUQUEN, ARGENTINA NAMED GRAND PRIZE WINNERS OF THE 32ND ANNUAL L. RON HUBBARD ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS FOR WRITERS and ILLUSTRATORS OF THE FUTURE CONTESTS FOR SCIENCE FICTION and FANTASY IN LOS ANGELES ON APRIL 10, 2016

Los Angeles, CA (April 11, 2016) – MATT DOVEY, a writer from Lincolnshire, UK and ADRIAN MASSARO, an illustrator from Neuquen, Argentina were announced as the Grand Prize Winners of The 32nd Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards for Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests in Science Fiction and Fantasy held at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, presented by Author Services, Inc. and Galaxy Press on Sunday evening, April 10, 2016.

Joni Labaqui, Director of Contests for Author Services, Inc. said, “This year’s packed awards show marks a historic moment in our contests 32-year history, in that it is the first time ever that the Grand Prize winning writer and Grand Prize winning illustrator won for both the story and illustration of the same story simultaneously.  Matt Dovey’s story, ‘Squalor and Sympathy’ was illustrated by artist Adrian Massaro.”

Matt Dovey was presented with the Golden Pen Award and a $5,000 check by distinguished writers David Farland and Orson Scott Card.  Adrian Massaro was presented with the Golden Brush Award and a $5,000 check by distinguished illustrator Sergey Poyarkov and the Awards Show Keynote Speaker, Kellie Gerardi.

Writer Matt Dovey and Illustrator Adrian Massaro Named Grand Prize Winners of The 32nd Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards for Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests in Science Fiction and Fantasy

Matt Dovey said, “Moments like this are unique and life defining.  Write without shame.  Do what you do with confidence.  Ours is the greatest genre, that of science fiction and fantasy.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.  Speculative fiction is what we tell our children.  If we are the writers of the future, it is up to us write the future.”

Adrian Massaro said, “I didn’t plan to win.  I was surrounded by equals in this contest.  All of the other stories that were so vivid; I never thought I would win.  I tried to put the emotion into my illustration for ‘Squalor and Sympathy.’  I find it difficult to find words to express the profound feelings I am experiencing at the moment.  It’s beyond words.”

Joni Labaqui, Director of Contests for Author Services, Inc. presented illustrator Sergey Poyarkov with the Inaugural L. Ron Hubbard Silver Star Award for his excellence as a science fiction and fantasy illustrator for the last 25 years.  Poyarkov won the Golden Pen Illustrator Grand Prize Award in the 2011 Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests.  In his acceptance speech of this year’s first Silver Star Award he echoed what he said 25 years ago when he won the illustrator’s contest, which launched his career:  “Thank you America, thank you Los Angeles and thank you L. Ron Hubbard.”

John Goodwin, President and Publisher of Galaxy Press, which was emceed by
Gunhild Jacobs, Executive Director for Fiction Affairs at Author Services, Inc., unveiled the 32nd Volume of “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future” featuring the work of 24 award-winning new authors and illustrators from this year’s contests.  Edited by David Farland, with cover artwork by Sergey Poyarkov, the book also features stories written by renowned writers like Tim Powers, Sean Williams and Brandon Sanderson.

Kellie Gerardi, a Space Science Strategist and Media Specialist of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, served as the Keynote Speaker.  Gerardi is one of 100 people globally currently being considered for space settlement to live on Mars.
Kellie Gerardi was presented with a Special Flag from Gunhild Jacobs on behalf of Author Services, Inc.  A USB chip was sew into the flag containing all the stories and illustrations from the latest 32nd edition of the book, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future,” so that in the event she is chosen to live on Mars, she can take the flag with her to start a library and art gallery there.

Awards were presented by actress Jennifer Aspen; authors Brianna and Brittany Winner; actor Jim Meskimen and artist Irvin Rodriguez, the 2011 Grand Prize Illustrator of the L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards.

Writer Matt Dovey and Illustrator Adrian Massaro Named Grand Prize Winners of The 32nd Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards for Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests in Science Fiction and Fantasy

This year’s 12 Quarterly Awards Winners of the Writing Contest were each presented with cash prizes and trophies.  They included:  Stewart C Baker of Dallas, OR; Matt Dovey of Lincolnshire, UK; Julie Frost of West Jordan, UT; Heather Fullerton (Pen Name:  H.L. Fullerton) of Fishkill, NY; Robert Graves (Pen Name:  R.M. Graves) of London, England (who was unable to attend); Sylvia Anna Hivén of Lawrenceville, GA; Rachael K. Jones of Athens, GA; Ryan Row of Berkeley, CA; Jon Lasser of Seattle, WA; .Stephen Merlino of Seattle, WA; Christoph Weber of Reno, NV and James Williams (Pen Name:  J.W. Alden) of Hypoluxo, FL.

In addition, a 13th writer, K.D. Julicher of Fernley, NV was selected as a Published Finalist for this year’s contest.  She was in attendance at the event.

Krystal Grell (Pen Name:  Krystal Claxton) of Brooklet, GA, a writer award winner from 2015 was also in attendance at this year’s awards show.

This year’s 12 Quarterly Awards Winners of the Illustrating Contest were each presented with cash prizes and trophies.  They included:  Christina Alberici of Sewell, NJ; Camber Arnhart of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brandon Knight of Shawbirch, Telford, UK; Talia Spencer of Los Angeles, CA; Adrian Massaro of Neuquen, Argentina; Killian McKeown of Phoenix, AZ; Vlada Monakhova of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Paul Otteni of Kirkland, WA; Jonas Spokas of Kaunas, Lithuania; Preston Stone of Loveland, CO; Maricela Ugarte Peña of Monterrey, Mexico and Dino Hadziavdic of Bosnia and Herzegouina.

The Black Tie Optional/Steampunk Formal event was attended by 13 members of Star Wars Steampunk Universe as well as by celebrities like Catherine Bell, Jennifer Aspen, Jesse Kove, Jim Meskimen, Pepe Reyes, Irvin Rodriguez and The Winner Twins – Brianna and Brittany Winner.  The show was kicked off with a rousing Steampunk body percussion opening number.  The evening also included appearances by EMCirque, a Cyr wheel performance, a dancer/dinosaur puppeteer performance and an aerialist performance.

Writer Matt Dovey and Illustrator Adrian Massaro Named Grand Prize Winners of The 32nd Annual L. Ron Hubbard Achievement Awards for Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contests in Science Fiction and Fantasy – Page 4 of 4

Event attendees also include 24 world-renowned writer and illustrator contest judges specializing the genres of Science Fiction and Fantasy.  The 16 Writer judges included:  Kevin J. Anderson, Dr. Doug Beason, Dr. Gregory Benford, Orson Scott Card, David Farland, Eric Flint, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Nancy Kress, Todd McCaffrey, Rebecca Moesta, Larry Niven, Dr. Jerry Pournelle, Timothy Thomas “Tim” Powers, Mike Resnick, Dr. Robert J. Sawyer and Dr. Sean Williams.  The seven illustrator judges included:  Laura Freas Beraha, Echo Chernik, Larry Elmore, Ron Lindahn, Val Lakey Lindahn, Gary Meyer and Sergey Poyarkov.

Following the 1982 release of his internationally acclaimed bestselling science fiction novel, “Battlefield Earth,” written in celebration of 50 years as a professional writer, L. Ron Hubbard created The Writers of the Future writing contest (www.writersofthefuture.com) in 1983 to provide a means for aspiring writers of speculative fiction to get that much-needed break.  Due to the success of the Writing Contest, the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest was created in 1988.

The intensive mentoring process has proven very successful.  The 368 past winners of the Writing Contest have published 1,050 novels and over 4,000 short stories.  They have produced 32 New York Times bestsellers and their works have sold over 50 million copies.  The 298 past winners of the Illustrating Contest have produced over 5,000 illustrations, 360 comic books, graced 623 books and albums with their art and visually contributed to 68 television shows and 46 major movies.

The Writers of the Future Award is the genre’s most prestigious award of its kind and has now become the largest, most successful and demonstrably most influential vehicle for budding creative talent in the world of contemporary fiction.  Since inception, the Writers and Illustrators of the Future contests have produced 31 anthology volumes and awarded a cumulative $930,000 in cash prizes and royalties.  Last year’s anthology, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future – Volume 31” was recently selected by Publisher’s Weekly as a National Bestseller; in 2016 the volume received the Benjamin Franklin U.S. Award.  For more information please visit www.writersofthefuture.com and www.galaxypress.com.

Awards Show Media Contact: Steve Moyer Public Relations @ 818.784.7207; moyerpr@earthlink.net; @stevemoyerpr

Author Services, Inc. and Galaxy Press Media Contact:  John Goodwin @ 323.466.7815, ext. 1600; jgoodwin@galaxypress.com

My father, Belsen liberator, Leonard Berney, has passed away

Leonard Berney, 1920-2016
(Photo by Hy Money)

On 7th March 2016, my father, Leonard Berney, aged 95, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on the island of St Vincent in the Caribbean as a result of cardiac failure.

He was a highly intelligent man and lived a full and remarkable life. He served in WWII and played a significant role in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, and testified as a witness for the prosecution in the Belsen Trial.

After the war, he married my mother, Patricia Purser, with whom he had three sons: Steve Wood, Nick Berney and John Wood (that's me) and was grandfather to Chantal Berney, Zachary Wood and Harrison Wood. He was a very astute businessman, running highly successful fashion, property and investment businesses.

In his spare time, he traveled extensively and piloted his own Cessna aeroplane to many cities throughout Europe, and one time even to the USA! From the 1970s to 2009, he lived in Puerto Banus, Spain where we, as a family, enjoyed many very happy summer holidays with him. Since 2009, he lived aboard MV The World, the luxurious and unique residential cruise ship which continuously circumnavigates the globe. He enjoyed six very happy years there and was dearly loved by all crew and residents alike.

Dad, you were such rock to me - I'm really going to miss you!