MEARFEST - MEARFEST MUMBLINGS

STARS BY FALLEN MAFIA (SPOT MOLLY!)

11/1/2021

What an amazing new track from the legend that is Fallen Mafia.
“Stars” wow out of this World full of passion , colour, wonderment and depth
A celestial triumph
You can also catch a glimpse of Molly as worn by the mighty Duncan Emmerson.
A beautiful stunning track, filmed in 2020 lockdown.
Its a miracle that this has happened considering everything
This year we all need to support one another.
Mearfest are so proud to be linked to this amazing band
Please like there page, check out their music, but their merchandise and help all you can for these and all our bands. Thank you to Hannah Lia Neil and Adas Cowan
Lets keep the Faith!

£1000 RAISED FOR CRADLE IN 2020

11/1/2021

MOLLY AND MASSIVE WAGONS

30/10/2020

And in deepest Lancashire, the band Massive Wagons perform a live acoustic session from their HQ in Lancaster. Somewhere in the background Molly Smiles!
Thank you Adam Thistlethwait and of course our brilliant Mick Durnion for making this happen.
Still Breaking The Silence.

Molly captured in time- by glennis irish

30/10/2020

This is the new and beautifully crafted artwork from our dear friend Glennis Irish. Many of you will know and love her from our Mearfest North events, as she kindly donates her time to keeping me calm, and helping us to smoothly run the merchandise stand. She is one of our most treasured Mearfest family members. A good, honest, kind and trusted member of our Northern teams.

Glennis recently started to create things items in perspex, this is just a few examples of her work. I have asked her to create some Mearfest guitar pick key rings, which I can not wait to see.

If you need to know any more about her, please leave a message or comment below.

Glennis had one of our green and orange Molly shirts signed by all the bands from The Queen Vic event in 2018, which was one of our best events to date, with the Star Wars characters (thanks to Jas Fox & Paul DIxon) joining us in the hunt to capture the evil Abaddon!

We will raffle off in the next draw.

THANK YOU GLENNIS
WE LOVE YOU DEARLY.

TAKE A MINUTE-MIND MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY PROJECT

28/10/2020

Take a minute to take stock of all that is busy, noisy, crazy, chaotic, uncertain right now. Go to Take a Moment and upload a photo of you with your eyes closed, mindful and calm!
For Mind, the mental health charity devised by my inspirational friend RAY BURMISTON.
It costs £3.

I have been lucky enough to have known Ray since 1987, when I was a stylist and he was a photographer. We have been firm friends ever since. He has taken my picture over the years and when I saw this on his campaign facebook wall, wow, how proud did I feel.

2020 has turned into the year of giving selflessly to those less fortunate, Ray has a huge giving heart and this was the most perfect venture for him right now during all this Covid hell. He started to go through all the photos he had taken of celebs going back in time, where he uses a technique to calm people down before he takes their photos. He asks everyone to close their eyes and relax.

I started going through all the photos he has taken from both my weddings and inbetween, where I found this photo of Brian and I after we had just tied the knot. It says say much. Ray certainly captures the moment.

So, please can you spare £3 and upload a photo of yourself in black and white with your eyes closed. For MIND the mental health charity.

THANK YOU

MEARFEST UPDATES AND PLANS

28/10/2020

It's Exciting times here at Mearfest HQ
I shall be finishing off my 310,000 steps over the coming week for SANDS hopefully raising £1500 for the Charity.
Claires book "Rocker Bye Baby" has finally gone to print and we are starting to take pre orders on Mearfest.org
Our beautiful song for Molly "Born Sleeping"
Is now able to be viewed on YOUTube created and Sung by Ritchie Birnie and Conor Gaffney.
Also we have just announced our only event for next year.
'The Flame Still Burns' Festival will take place in Bromsgrove just South of Birmingham on the 1,2,3 of October 2021 and we are planning on it being a tremendous Classic Metal Festival for many years to come.
So there is loads to plan and look forward to.
Our Molly Backdrop continues on her UK 'Breaking the Silence Tour'
Currently being cared for by our Patrons
Dibs Hulme and Sam Hulme in Buxton Derbyshire she then goes to the Revd Carl Flynn Edwards and to his parish church for a remembrance service then on to the North East.
Although we have been unable to hold any gigs this year we should have raised at least £4000 for our charities SANDS, CRADLE and Down Syndrome North East by the end of the year.
We also aim to get to 6000 followers by December
We now have the support and backing of our PR and Press Team
Samantha Griffin and Jay Griffin who are incredibly driven, focused and highly professional in all they do for us all.
Its fair to say that we have not been busier and we have raised a huge amount of awareness in Preterm, Stillborn and Infant loss around the country and around the World.
All this in memory of Molly Mear
Thank you all for your continued Love and Massive Support.
The Heavy Metal Community is amazing when it is mobilised.
Mearfest.org Turning Darkness into light

MOLLY WITH MR & MRS HULME IN BUXTON 'BREAKING THE SILENCE TOUR 2020'

28/10/2020

Uncle Dibs and Auntie Sam Hulme are Mearfest patrons, they decided to do a daily Molly pic, with a different guitar, wearing a different Molly t-shirt each day.
Molly On BREAKING THE SILENCE TOUR 2020. Was a tad breezy, but they managed to stay grounded around Buxton Opera House and The Crescent. They met Karl Ampofo and Kath, who were coincidentally visiting Nutbox.
More was to come over the next week, as Molly hung up high in uncle Dibs music room, where many great memories of uncle Dibs proudly wearing her hand were made.
They took Molly up to Solomon's Temple in the hope of getting some pics from the top. Where they nearly lost Dibs to the strong winds of change while holding his giant Molly kite!
Molly mooched over with the pair to Corbar Cross which is at the top of ANOTHER enormous hill, but for a few brief minutes, Molly could see the whole of Buxton. I should imagine the people of Buxton were wondering what was going on up there?
Molly Breaking The Silence Tour 2020, Nutbox Division.
There part is now done, handing the baton over to the good Revd Carl Flynn Edwards for the rest of the Buxton adventure where Molly will be going to church for a rememberance service and other places. Dibs and Sam said "it was a real honour to be part of this fantastic Mearfest Family and play a small part in spreading the word and Molly's legacy far and wide".

Mearfest Thanks you both.

'What is it?' Whispered Soo nervously.
'That', declared Sweep, with some authority, 'is the hand of an Angel called Molly.'
'But it's HUGE' said Sooty.
'Has to be' said Sweep, 'to touch as many hearts as it does'
'WOW!' said Soo

By Sam Hulme

OCTOBER 2021 WE WILL NEVER SURRENDER

25/10/2020

We're coming down with fire
Lift our spirits higher
Come and make us Holy Again!

1.2.3/10/2021

IN MY NAME SING FOR ME

18/10/2020

This is my cousin Ian Thompson doing a real life live gig Friday night in the Sam Webbs in Douglas Isle of Man. He has Molly's backdrop with him, as he sang a classic Beatles song Oh Blahdi Oh Blada which has the name Molly in its lyrics.
Ian, you are a star, we love you and thank you so much for taking the time to do this.
We think he has another gig up his sleeve soon before Molly goes on her travels again to Buxton with Revd Carl Flynn Edwards.

WAVE OF LIGHT

15/10/2020

Last night at 7pm GMT we all lite our candles in memory of our sleeping babies.
Mearfest joined forces with Cradle and Angel Parents Uk to remember all our babies across the world.
During September I was sent a beautiful handmade card along with some little care packs from Luanne Rimmer, they had a knitted blue/pink ribbon and a tea light, and on each individual card was a baby or babies name and date of birth/death.
That morning walking around the supermarket I noticed blocks of icing sugar in the cake making isles, so I bought some blue and pink to mould into light holders. My magic box of bits and pieces came in handy, as i created some decoration to mirror how I felt about each name.
Here are the results.

CRADLE
We also received a lovely thoughtful package from Cradle, in memory of Molly.
Thank You to Louise Zeniou.

IAN THOMPSON-BREAKING THE SILENCE-IN ISLE OF MAN

12/10/2020

Today Molly will travel from Liverpool 85 miles across the Irish Sea to Douglas in the Isle of Man.
My talented Cousin Ian Thompson will be looking after her and playing live with her as the backdrop.
Yes live gigs are still permitted on the Island
Ian is a fine singer/songwriter and gigs regularly on the island
He is also family so along with Molly we send our Warmest wishes from ourselves to his family and friends on the island.
This will be the third date on the " Breaking the Silence Tour"
Molly will have clocked up 335 miles by the time she gets to Douglas.
We thank Montreaux and Troyen for their kindness and for the care they have taken with the image of our lost daughters handprint

One of Ian's songs is below press the link. Hear him sing!!

HOLD ON TO YOUR MIND (HERE)

BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK

12/10/2020

★ °☆*★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ ★:.　 . • ○ ° ★ ° ☾ ☆
Just remember...... ★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　　
★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　...somewhere　　　° ☾ ° 　¸. ● ¸ .　　★　° :.　 . • ° 　 .　 *　:.　.　¸ . ● ¸ 　　　★　　★☾ °★ . 　　　　.　 °☆ 　. ● ¸ .　　　★　° .　 • ○ ° ★　 .　　　　　　　*　.　 ☾ ° 　¸. ...in this universe* ● ¸ 　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　. * ¸.　　　★　★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .　　　★　° :.　 . • ○ °★　 .　 *　.　　　　　　. 　 ° 　. ● .　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸.● .　　★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ ....way up high　　　° ☾　★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .　　　★　° :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　　　　　　. 　 ° 　. ● .　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸.● .　　★　...near the stars　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ ★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　　　　° ☾ ° 　¸. ● ¸ .　　★　
°★ . 　　★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .° :....on fluffy warm clouds　 . • ° 　 .　 *　:.　.　¸ . ● ¸ ★　　★☾ °★ . 　　★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .　　　★　° :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　...our tiny babies
☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ .　　　★　° :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　
°★ . 　　★ ° . .　　　　.　☾ °☆ 　. * ● ¸ . ....are watching over us....always! Molly...　. 　 ° 　. ● .　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸.● .　　★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　　　　° ☾ ° 　¸. ● ¸ .　　★Baby Loss Awareness Month
. ● .　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸.● .　　★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　　　　° ☾ ° 　¸. ● ¸ .
.........Light A Candle 15th October. ● .°☆　　　　° ☾ °☆ 　¸.● .　　★　　★ ° ☾ ☆ ¸. ¸ 　★　 :.　 . • ○ ° ★　 .　 *　.　.　　¸ .　　 ° 　¸. * ● ¸ .　　　　° ☾ ° 　¸. ● ¸ .

BRIAN IS WALKING FOR S.A.N.D.S £1135.00 SO FAR!

12/10/2020

SANDS DONATIONS HERE

10TH October 2020
another 11,000 steps today
Me and Blue walked up to Cromer lighthouse and beyond through the gorse with the sun shining bright.
Then down to the beach which was really beautiful today and almost deserted
Blue ran his heart out chasing this way and that glorifying in the sheer joy of being alive.
I did a bit of beach combing enroute back finding another fossil and some nice Shells.
Back in Cromer we stopped in Beatnicks the little cafe come retro clothes shop for a coffee and a chat with the owner Jen.
A good day and this brings the grand total to 75,000 steps
Just 235,000 to go!!!
Never mind onward

9th October 2020
Walked 12,000 steps this morning
Wet, cold and Windy
It was tough today
With work and travelling to work
its going to be tough to get to 310,000 steps by the end of the month
But I'll do it.
Hope everyone else doing this is ok
I'm amazed at how hard it is mentally
Wasn't expecting that at all.
Thank you for all your fantastic donations
And Molly smiles

Troyen on the "Breaking the Silence" Tour 2020

7/10/2020

Molly arrived safely in Newton le Willows Merseyside near Liverpool
She is with New Wave of British Heavy Metal Band Troyen.
This is the second date of her "Breaking the Silence" UK tour having just left Wolverhampton and Montreaux.
The NWOBHM and Molly lives!

And Merseyside Smiles
Molly with Troyen on the "Breaking the Silence" Tour 2020

MOLLY STRUMMING BASS WITH TRACEY LAMB (GIRLSCHOOL)

6/10/2020

PICTURE OF THE YEAR GOES TO
TRACEY LAMB
NOSOTRAS TE AMAMOS!

TROYEN CELEBRATE 40 YEARS IN 2021.

5/10/2020

This is the first time Mearfest has been invited to be involved in promoting a gig rather than organising one ourselves.
This is a great idea we can both attend and enjoy the day, set up a stall and have a display explaining what we do.
Having nearly 6000 followers we are able to reach more people and assist all the bands in getting a great crowd and making this a brilliant event happen, despite Covid!
Troyen the amazing NWOBHM band are 40 years old next year
We have had tremendous support and help from troyen for four years now.
We are both honoured to be involved and really look forward to being a part of the celebrations. Our tent is up and ready for a night of music.
Thank you
Jeff Baddley
Steve Haslam

TROYEN AT BORDERLINE IN 2016

TROYEN AT TRILLIANS 2019

BORN SLEEPING-BABY LOSS AWARENESS WEEK.

5/10/2020

Today launches the start of baby loss awareness week.

The team, (Ritchie Birnie & Coner Gaffney) got together and created a wonderful song in honour of Molly and ourselves. Which is such a blessing to recieve.

This is their story of the song and how it came about.....

Several months ago I was feeling pretty low, just stupid things like life, work, no damned live music and I was feeling sorry for myself. In my stupid self pitywidget, I was scrolling through Facebook, and I was instantly ashamed. My good friend and organiser of charity Mearfest had put up his usual upbeat and very positive post asking all his friends to pull all their creative juices together and draw, write or make something for the upcoming Birthday of Molly Mear.For those that do not know Mearfest (www.mearfest.org) is a charity That Brian initially set up in memory of his mother. The idea was to put on a festival of music and all the proceeds to go to charity. This was based around Brian’s love of NWOBHM music. Everyone put their services forward for free, so every penny went towards charity, and that stands true to this day, and it is one of the reasons I support the festival and brand as much as I can.
In 2013 Brian and his wife Claire had what I can only imagine being one of the worst kind of news when they were told their babies (Molly) Heart had stopped at 39 weeks. I implore everyone to read Molly’s story on the website as I can never portray what can only be described as every parent’s worst nightmare.

I remember the first time I read the story and learning the fact that there are hospitals out there where mothers can give birth in an extraordinary, caring environment, where the most difficult journey is made with dignity, love and understanding, where the facilities provide parents with time after the birth.

After this, rather than being swallowed whole with despair, they decided Mearfest should celebrate Molly and that money raised should go to these amazing hospitals. From that day forth, Molly’s handprint has adorned posters, t-shirts and has turned their loss into legacy.

This was the reason I was so ashamed at my self-pity, my petty issues were just that, and Brian’s post slapped some sense of perspective into me, and I decided I had to do something. Musically I can just about play a triangle, so there was nowhere I could go with that, but I am a writer and many, many moons ago I used to do poetry(yeah, sue me) so I thought I would give it a go. At the same time, I was very aware Mearfest is entwined with music so I turned to Anchor Lane’s frontman Conor Gaffney to see if he would like to put whatever I came up with to music and without a hint of hesitation he said yes.

I went away, and within a few hours, I had my ideas written down and sent over to Conor with the considerable proviso. “If it’s crap, just tell me, you are the musician, and I won’t be offended”. Immediately Conor responded saying he loved it and was grateful for me in trusting he could do a good job (are you mental lad? The boy does not know his own talent). With the agreement he could adapt and move lyrics around off he went.
Unbelievably Conor got in touch the next night with the first draft of the song with just Conor and an acoustic, and I was gob smacked, within 24 hours an idea had taken hold and bore fruits, fruits that brought me to tears when I first heard it.

Since then Conor has worked and reworked the song to its final version within the video. A special thanks must go to Scott Hanlon also from Anchor Lane for the drum parts added. Within the video, you will see a small portion of the people who support this great cause. Due to Covid Mearfest was cancelled this year, so funds are down and even though they have kept up with raffles, etc. These good causes need our help.

Born Sleeping-Lyrics

A life of love lost it’s way
Before you ever saw the light of day
Forever a memory, forever a dream
Forever the strength of a lighthouse beam

Room 11 full of love and hate
Room 11 why do we wait
Room 11 where your body was blessed
Room 11 where you will rest

Born sleeping never hearing the birds
Born sleeping gone without words
Born sleeping here our paths part
Born sleeping forever in our hearts

Hero father one soul not saved
Loving mother no path to pave
As a family while the world still turns
As a family with pain that burns

Room 11 full of love and hate
Room 11 why do we wait
Room 11 where your body was bless
Room 11 where you will rest

Born sleeping never hearing the birds
Born sleeping gone without words
Born sleeping here our paths part
Born sleeping forever in our hearts

As the story unfolds
Let it grow
Of a child lost
Long ago
They will not stay down
They will proclaim
Remember Molly’s name

Room 11 full of love and hate
Room 11 why do we wait
Room 11 where your body was bless
Room 11 where you will rest

Molly’s has a journey that was meant to be hard
With a legacy in which she stars
From despair, heartache and tears
Molly’s grown over the years

Born sleeping never hearing the birds
Born sleeping gone without words
Born sleeping here our paths part
Born sleeping forever in our hearts.

REVIEWS

Connor Gaffney - Born Sleeping
Single Review - World Exclusive
Review By Darren McIntyre
Conor Gaffney is a singer / songwriter / guitarist from Glasgow, Scotland and front man of Scottish Rockers Anchor Lane. Today he takes on a challenging role to put his stamp on a piece of music penned by Jace Media's very own Ritchie Birnie. This is a very personal track dealing with loss and how best to move on and cope the best way you can. Please sit back prepare yourself to be taken on a journey of healing and how best to deal with it.
Born Sleeping - We kick off this very personal track with a cool snare punch that has a bass drum kick with a cymbal snap that really opens the rhythm section right up. We have a cool soothing vocals that have a real nice tone that reflects well in this arrangement as we get an electric strumming chord that moulds well to this rather punchy rocker track. There is a nice deep funking bass groove that is running freely through the main vein of this track, the percussion section is giving us crisp clean tones as it carries us through this moving and thoughtful track. We get lost in the lyrics as they unfold and reveal the depth of loss and how best to deal with it, the vocals are flowing effortlessly through and really capture the essence of a message we are trying to get across and how we can possibly help one another deal with tragedy but hopefully come through the other side stronger and more equipped going forward. Please take time to listen to this moving track and all the elements that come with it.
Conor Gaffney - Vocals / Guitar

JACE MEDIA LINK

PLEASE CAN YOU LIKE AND SHARE

MOLLY PATCHES ON THERE WAY!

4/10/2020

MOLLY IN WOLVERHAMPTON WITH MONTREAUX-NOTHING LOCKS US DOWN!

4/10/2020

This year has been just awful, for us at Mearfest having to postpone our june event, along with all bands and any performers across the world left twiddling their thumbs due to this Covid crisis.
Brian came up with an idea, that if we can not put on an event ourselves, that the bands who were going to play for us this year filmed a set in their practise rooms, with Molly's backdrop behind them.
So this is what we did.
I posted our backdrop to Rob Bryne from the amazing NWOBHM Montreaux who are based in Wolverhampton. They not only did they perform an excellent set, they took her all over Wolverhampton, including the famous Molineux Stadium! Very fitting.

Not only have they honoured our daughter and Mearfest, they have brought awareness to everyday people in the street. Telling them about who we are and what we do.

Thank you to Rob Bryne, Paul Hodson, Andy harper, Mark Smith.

Montreaux signing Molly's backdrop before being posted to Liverpool on the next part of her journey. A short piece of introduction music to a nine minute new song called The Ballad of Montreaux will be dedicated to Molly and we will know it as a 'Song for Molly'.

Biography 1981-1984Montreaux is a Wolverhampton based heavy rock band that was formed in 1981. The band was created by keyboard player Patrick Hatfield formally of Mafia, drummer Andy Harper formally of the Mick Hill Band and bassist Paul Hodson formally of Sabre and Hideaway! The line up was completed by the addition of Mario Janowski formerly of Tall Story and vocalist Rob Byrne who had played in various local bands in the Wolverhampton area. The band rehearsed original material and were ready to go on the road! Montreaux quickly became an active band in the local area, gaining a sizeable following through residencies at the Gifford Arms, The Queens Hotel, the Bushbury Arms and Archie’s Night Club and played at many more local venues! As they became more popular they appeared at the world famous Marquee Club supporting Stray, Birmingham’s Barrel Organ Pub and also a filmed performance at the Regal Theatre, Hitchen where they appeared with Tony McPhee of the Groundhogs! They made several demos and a recording of a live performance at the Wolverhampton University where they supported prog rockers Pallas was made! They always received positive feedback and support from the local press and their loyal fans! A fine live act, though sadly fame and fortune alluded them and they finally split in April 1984! Or did they?

THANK YOU MONTREAUX WE LOVE YOU.

Montreaux the band with more Vowels than Carol Vorderman. by BRIAN MEAR

MOLLY IS NOW ON HER WAY TO PLAY WITH TROYEN IN NEWTON LE WILLOWS, MERSEYSIDE....

TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY BABY.

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

2/10/2020

Footprints
310,000 steps to make
through each one I carry you
your memory is razor sharp
it cuts deep, lacerates
crashing waves fill my senses
the foreshore is endless
blackened skies roll
waves crash and die
hurling themselves endlessly
I walk on
bowed with incredible weight
the emotion bursts in me
the tears form but refuse to fall
the rain strikes hard
disguising my grief
anointing my face
so that passers by
cannot read me
I realise I am holding you
The enormity of your loss
rises in me
a leviathan from the depths
of my being
and all that was
all that should have been
now embedded
in the wet sand
will be washed away
again and again
as the moon
soars in the heavens.

FOR S.A.N.D.S

BY BRIAN MEAR

S.A.N.D.S WALK TWO: BABY LOSS AWARENESS MONTH

2/10/2020

Walk 2
I'm taking 310,000 steps for SANDS during October
Today I walked to Sheringham the next town heading north along the coast from Mundesley near Cromer. A much colder and windier day today. Me and Blue set off across the beach passing crab boats with Blue dashing in and out of the Wave. We pass two villages East and West RuntoN, along the North Norfolk Coastal Path.
West Runton a few miles from Cromer had a major Music venue The West Runton Pavilion until 1986 when it was demolished
Many famous bands have played there Trex, The Sex Pistols, Iggy Pop, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Budgie, Def leppard, Motorhead, Girl school, The Damned, The Clash to name but a few. I wish I had lived here when Cromer was on every tour poster and shirt.
I'm particularly disappointed to have missed Shag Conners and the Carrot Crunchers I must say.
Later the highest point in Norfolk comes into view Beeston Hill known as the Beeston Bump
It towers above us as we both scale its dizzy heights ("The tallest mountain in the world" apparently)
Home of the World Famous Norfolk Mountain Rescue Team I'm somewhat saddened to see not a sign of them.
We descend finally into Sheringham a very pretty little town which along with Cromer was initially just a small fishing village
I'm very cold by now and having covered 16,500 steps we call into the Dunstable Arms just for rehydration purposes of course. Blue enjoys his water and some bar snacks. Whilst I make do with a pint of real ale
Luckily Claire picked us up and I return home to a hot bath and a well earned rest
So in two days we have walked Thirty seven thousand and five hundred steps.
We are well on track
Thank you all for your continued donations
I've passed the £900 mark already which is amazing.

LINK TO SANDS HERE

THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING BY BRIAN MEAR

2/10/2020

Thank you for remembering..
She has a reach
that transcends nations
she has gripped the attention
of thousands
her touch
in all our hearts
Is magnifold
her light radiates
In the darkest of recesses
yet she has never gripped
my hand
so I could kiss
her tiny fingers

S.A.N.D.S. BRIAN'S WALK IN THE SAND!

1/10/2020

I've walked 21,000 steps today
Which is a good start.
I set off from the costal Town of Mundesley under grey skies
I chose to walk along the beach and although I'd checked the tides I couldn't help thinking that if the tide changed quickly I'd be a bit stuck with unscalable cliffs on my left.
Blue was in his element running up and down covering ten times the distance I was (about 8 miles)
The walking was tough being on shingle, soaked sand and in places grey clay where the cliffs have eroded bringing boulders and pieces of human habitation down from the cliffs above.
The coast has the remains of huge World War 2 coastal defences with pillboxes, gun emplacements and huge concrete blocks and rusting iron girders sticking out like broken teeth.
We walked 6 miles without seeing a soul
I became very emotional and I have no idea why.
Maybe the isolation or maybe I was focusing on my loss more than normally.
A strange sensation to be honest and something I wasn't really expecting
Maybe it's been seeing all the thousands of posts on the 320,000 step fb page
All those babies and all those lives unlived
Maybe it was just that I had time for nothing else but to remember that time and all that could have been.
The rain came in brief bouts
Blue got stuck in some thick yellow mud and I had to pull him out.
We saw no wildlife except for gulls and the occasional cormorant or shag (childish laughter) sat on the groynes fishing.
I kept my eye out for sea glass which is rare here and picked up the odd stone or fossil
Eventually we came across Overstrand a small fishing village with the crab boats coming in
The men stood around chatting as we headed to the Cliff top Cafe
After we had both had a sizable breakfast/lunch we headed along the cliff tops and eventually we saw the distant sight of the pier
Passing the lighthouse on the left I put Blue on the lead as the cliff tops were high and crumbling into the sea
Finally down into Cromer
A walk across town to pick up Amelie from Nursery and finally home.
She ran, jumped and gabbled away about her day whilst I hobbled along increasing aware of how old I am and how pitifully unfit I was
Still this is just day one
So many more days to come.
Thank you all for donating again today
I'm thinking a thousand pounds would be a great amount to raise by the end of the month

S.A.N.D.S. DONATION LINK

PLEASE DONATE TO THIS GREAT CAUSE.

OCTOBER-BABY LOSS AWARENESS MONTH

1/10/2020

This was Molly's Nursery
The lettering, the beautiful triangular set of draws. The stars the decoration
It brings back so many memories.
The hope, excitement, the expectation
Then the devastation, the loss
Returning home and having to take everything away. The stupid woman in the local charity shop refusing to take the brand new pram/ pushchair from me
Walking back home with it crying my eyes out.
The feeling that I had somehow let Claire down.
Feeling nothing but emptiness.
There were two owls transfers on the wall that eventually adorned Molly's tiny coffin.
This is all what nine couples a day go through
I'm surprised how shocking and emotive looking at this photo has been.
It makes the journey we have both undertaken since that time all the more remarkable
I really don't know how we have done it!

MEARFEST SLIMMER OF 2020!

30/9/2020

Breaking the Silence
Dibs Hulme, Patron, Frontman, Multi Talented Musician Space Lord, Master of the Universe, Slimmer of the year, Friend