Prof Reg Whelk
@profregwhelk.bsky.social
An academic in an illiterate world.
I was at the IMEX last night for the first time. The BMI were showing a new cut of the Newport Folk Festivals docs from the early 60s. Introduced by the evergreen Joe Boyd, who actually was there. Great print, super sound, and the chance to see rare footage of Richard and Mimi Farina amongst others.
Finished the new Mike Craven, and very good it is too.
For the final time this summer, the Waverley chugs past our gaff. It's deep thrum reminding us of the changing seasons.
The Bamburgh lighthouse seemed surprised to see us this evening.
"What would you do if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?"
Spending a week at Budle Bay, Northumbria. Being welcomed by a Harvest Moon (sadly does not include Neil Young).
Apparently, all the British government had to do to stop this pernicious and destructive dry spell, was to schedule a cricket test match at Headingley (Leeds). Here in London it's been raining for at least two minutes, with no signs of it ever abating. Oh, it's stopped. As you were.
Currently in Gloucestershire at the source of the Thames. Here's Mrs Whelk pointing to the precise spot where water emerges during moister times.
Just finished 'Fibber In The Heat ' by Miles Jupp. The perfect summer read. Funny, poignant and charming, it's not only about cricket but the sub-continent and a young man's impetuous dreams. Highly recommended.
Today is Roger McGuinn's 84th birthday. Not just the voice of The Byrds, but much much more. He's also the reason I bought a Rickenbacker 12 string.
Canterbury library being as classy as you'd expect.
I'm currently watching 'For A Few Dollars More' and I've realised I've never seen it before. And yet, if you'd asked me, I would have sworn I'd seen it lots of times.
Happy Birthday to my pal Seven Pitches. Have a great day Jo. xxx🤩
On 20th Feb 1985 I went to see The Bangles play at The Marquee based solely on this photo I'd seen that day in the listings magazine Time Out. They were sensational. #TheBangles
To celebrate the second screening of THE TURKISH DETECTIVE on BBC4 at 9pm Saturday 21 February I am giving away one copy of an Ikmen first edition. RT and follow for a chance to win. Winner revealed next week.
As I'm sure everyone knows, the 16th Sept 1400 is the day that Owain Glyndwr declared himself 'Prince of Wales'. We visited the memorial to his daughter, Catrin, which is in St Swithin London Stone Church Garden just off Cannon Street. (BTW we are not Welsh, just seemed like a fun thing to do).
The Oval, yesterday, 16th September 2025. It was a bit chilly.
It only took 3 days to read the latest Poe and Tilly. I think it's MW Craven's best yet. Terrific read. Loved it.
It's 50 years since the Born To Run LP was released. The album cover on the right was taken off the wall display at the Hammersmith concert in 1975, the one on the left is our original copy. Just played it and it still sounds fresh and new.
Currently in Carlisle for eldest daughter's coronation as Alumni of the Year; just when you think you couldn't be any prouder.
Great reverb in this abandoned railway tunnel on the way to Keswick.
A lovely walk this afternoon on the old Keswick Railway Trail.
Today's the 4th of July. Aimee Mann got it right the first time when she wrote this; ‘Today's the fourth of July Another June has gone by And when they light up our town I just think What a waste of gunpowder and sky’.
