The Bank Holiday List - 10 books you should read before you die

As we are now doing the top ten tweets in Barnet on a Saturday, I've been neglecting my lists. So as it's bank holiday here is my list.

1. The New Testament - Various
2. Behold the Man - Michael Moorcock
3. The Rise and Fall of the British Empire - Lawrence James
4. It's dicey flying Wimpeys over Italian skies - Maurice Lihou OBE
5. Shoulder to Shoulder - Midge MacKenzie
6. Pete Frames Rock Family Trees
7. Vulcan 607 - Rowland White
8. Anti cancer a new way of life - David Servan-Schreiber
9. The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer - Siddhartha Mukherjee
10. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep - Phillip K. Dick

 And here's why

1. The New Testament - Various

So much of our culture has been influenced by this book. Whether you are an Atheist seeking to understand the world we live in, a member of a non Christian religion or simply someone with a curiosity as to why Western Civilisation has taken its current form, the contents of this book explains many of the reasons for the way our customs and traditions have formed. One aspect of the new testament that is much overlooked is that it is perhaps the only book from that period, explaining the views, superstitions and customs of ordinary people, living in an outpost of the brutal Roman Empire under a vicious religious regime. Whether or not you believe any of it, I happen to think that it is interesting to understand the motivations of the Jewish people at the time, waiting for a Messiah to deliver them from the oppressive Roman military machine. It is also interesting to note the collaboration between the local religious leaders and the Roman military government. In effect the book tells how a bunch of fishermen from Gallilee were influenced by a charismatic leader. Depending on your beliefs it all has either a very happy ending and we're all saved or a very tragic ending, which has had rather strange consequences for the world ever since.


2. Behold the Man - Michael Moorcock

This thought provoking science fiction novel takes a different slant on the story of the New Testament. The hero is a man who builds a time machine and goes back to biblical times. He is a committed Christian and he wants to meet Jesus. On arrival he finds that Jesus is not what he expected, so he takes on his role. He realises that without the character of Jesus, the world he lived in would never come to be. As he knows all the bible stories, he is ab;e to convince his followers that his reality is the truth. Considered by many Christians at the time of its release to be blasphemous, I found it a hugely entertaining and thought provoking read. To the blasphemy brigade, I say this. If your faith can't survive reading a sci fi book or watching the Life of Brian, you probably didn't have much faith in the first place.

3. The Rise and Fall of the British Empire - Lawrence James

This book is the definitive history of the British Empire. As we head toward Euro elections, where UKIP, an isolationist party look likely to win, I think we should remind ourselves just why Great Britain is such a wealthy country, and how we came to have such fabulous wealth. We should also seek to understand why London has become such a cosmopolitan city. The main reason why a damp, cold island off the European mainland has evolved into this fantastic place is largely explained in this book. Sadly my friends, the main reason is because we spent a couple of hundred years exploiting those far less well off. This book tells the story of little international crime spree (although not in those terms). Whatever you think of Imperialism, a great book.

4. It's dicey flying Wimpeys over Italian skies - Maurice Lihou OBE

Maurice Lihou OBE was a pilot in the RAF, based at Foggia Main airbase in Italy in 1944. This book tells the story of how these brave pilots flew obsolete aircraft to bring the end of fascism and nazism. This book details the privations of living under canvass, the pain of seeing colleagues not come back and the sheer bravery and commitment of the pilots. Perhaps the most interesting thing I learned was how the mining of the Danube by 39 & 40 Squadron brought the German war machine to an almost grinding halt, as this was the main freight channel. I spoke several times to Maurice Lihou before he passed away. A truly magmificent man and an inspiring read, if you can get hold of it.  It was disgusting that Maurice Lihou died without a campaign medal from Bomber Command.

5. Shoulder to Shoulder - Midge MacKenzie

Midge MacKenzie directed a TV series for the BBC in the 1970's called Shoulder to Shoulder, about the Suffragette campaign. These brave women brought the vote to over 50% of the British population who were disenfranchised. This book tells the story. If you care about justice, then you should read this book.

6. Pete Frames Rock Family Trees

If you love rock and roll, this book tells the story of all the most significant bands in a unique way. Absolutely fascinating. This is the definitive chronicle of the rise of Rock and Roll music.

7. Vulcan 607 - Rowland White

The story of how the RAF bombed Port Stanley airfield during the Falklands war. A magnificent and true tale. This operation was without precedent and made me feel very proud to be British. 

8. Anti cancer a new way of life - Dr David Servan-Schreiber

This book could  change your life and could save your life. Since beiong diagnosed with prostate cancer in November 2011, I have tried to adhere to the lifestyle recommended. My PSA count was lower last time I had a test than when I first read this book. Sadly, by the time you get Cancer, you have already left it too late, read this toady, regardless of your cancer status.

9. The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer - Siddhartha Mukherjee

This book explains what cancer is, what causes it and how the treatment of the disease has evolved. I would make every school child in the world study this book. It is a fascinating read.

10. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep - Phillip K. Dick

This book was turned into a film called Blade Runner with Harrison Ford. It is an eerie bleak book, which in some ways is a warning of just how badly things could go wrong for us, unless we start behaving as responsible citizens of Planet Earth. It is also a damn fine read

Just remember this before you criticise "Protestors"

Who would you say was the best Prime Minister of the last 50 years? I suspect that if you are a Tory, you'd say Margaret Thatcher. Just suppose Lady T had been born 100 years before, would she have done so well in her chosen career? The answer to that is NO. The reason? Women didn't have the vote. Why did this change? Because of the Suffragette movement. My sadly missed cousin & film director Midge MacKenzie made a documentary series about these inspirational women which was shown on the BBC in the 1970's called Shoulder to Shoulder. At the time, the suffragettes were dismissed rather harshly in the same tones as the G20 protestors. Who was right?

Let me ask you a different question. Do you think that Ireland (the south, not the north) should be under British rule? I don't think we'd find too many takers for yes these days. My cousin, Kevin Barry would be 107 if he was still alive today. The British Government executed him when he was 18 years old for his part in the struggle to free Ireland. He's fondly remembered by the family and by millions of Irish across the world.


Was Kevin right to oppose the British Occupation? I'd say that most people these days would agree that he was.

What about the US involvement in Vietnam? Were the anti war protestors right to campaign against the awful US policy. Here's a clip of Country Joe MacDonald singing his famous anti war song "The Fish Cheer" at Woodstock. I don't know how often a bloke on his own with a guitar had such a seminal effect, but every time I watch this clip it sends shivers down my spine. Joe MacDonald had served with the US army in Korea, so he knew. This song is, in my humble opinion, the greatest ever protest song.



Lets look a bit closer to home, in Barnet. Several leading members of Barnet Council are "out" Homosexuals. In this day and age that is fine, they are chosen on their merits and righly their sexuality is not an issue for the voters. Rather like Margaret Thatcher, had they been born 100 years earlier, they would have had a rather different life. They would have been faced with the choice of living a secret life or facing jail. Why has the situation changed? Because of protest groups such as Stonewall. It is worth remembering that it was only in the 1980's that Peter Tatchell lost a safe Labour seat, purely because he was gay. How many people in 2009 think that Homosexuality should be illegal? Why has it changed? Because of protestors.

I saw a comment from some Barnet politician, who's name escapes me right now, that the majority of right thinking people were repelled by the G20 protestors. Time will tell as to who is right about this one. I've no idea what a right thinking person is, but by I suspect that by the definition he uses, it is probably someone who events prove to be wrong. I'm rather happy to be a wrong thinking person !

A productive day - sheltered housing warden cuts

The campaign against the cuts Barnet want to impose on wardens for sheltered accomodation is really taking off. What is rather funny is the news that there is a covert group working behind the scene's for the architects of these cuts trying to besmirch and undermine the Community campaign by any means. I've been tipped off as to some of their shenanigans by one of our more decent and honest Tory Councillors (they aren't all bad guys you know).

It appears that a group has been set up. Lets call them the "Sheltered Housing Information Team" to use the web to try and derail the project. It's a bit sad that this is the only way they think they can win the argument. You may see a few comments left here and on other sites from members of this team. I'm happy to let them post as they really haven't got any serious arguments for their proposal, so they actually help us.

Anyway, enough of the paranoia, on to the good things. I've spoken to a whole host of councillors from across the spectrum in the last few days. We have developed a really exciting strategy for putting pressure on Barnet. I've also spoken to a few old friends in the world of music, film, TV and radio. My good lady wife worked for many years for Central TV in the department that makes documentaries, for one of the countries top producers, Richard Creasey. I'm developing a great proposal and when it's ready we know all the right doors to knock on. My cousin, the late, great director Midge MacKenzie was also a prolific maker of documentaries, founding the Sheffield Festival. At her wake I had a long chat with Helena Kennedy QC, who was one of Midges greatest friends.

From the feedback I've been getting it I'd say that the subject of the warden cuts is one that lends itself to a documentary. Through our campaign we have some great source material. My only worry is whether my liver will stand up to all of the meetings I've got lined up. I spoke to a couple of old friends yesterday about the project and we're going along to see Stiff Little Fingers at the Forum tomorrow night and a few interesting discussions will be had, so I've already got one positive result.

Anyway, I'll leave you with this parting shot. If I had the choice between the "Sheltered Housing Information Team" or the team I'm putting together, put your house on my team !

Midge MacKenzie - Sadly Missed

Wednesday 28th January was the 5th Anniversary of the passing of my cousin, Film Director Midge MacKenzie. Midge was the eldest daughter of my mothers eldest sister Margo. She shot to fame as the producer of "Shoulder to Shoulder" - The BBC Drama series about the Suffragette movement. Midge was born in 1938, spent time with family in Ireland during the war, returning to London and leaving school aged 16.


She started work as a secretary, working her way up the ladder. Amongst her many achievements was the last interview with film legend John Huston. There is a great obituary in the Times - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article1008786.ece.

What the obituary doesn't tell you is how inspiring it is to have such a wonderful cousin. She's buried in Highgate Cemetary and has one of the best plots. At her wake Helena Kennedy was heard to say "How did she wangle that?".

I'll be cracking open a bottle or two of red wine tomorrow night in her memory, along with a few guinness for my Dad who died on the 31th January 1987 and Midges mum Margo, who died three days before my Dad (the stress of flying back from florida for the funeral killed him). As my mum passed away last year, wherever the four of them are, I hope they crack open a few bottles for me as well !!!!!

Why does the Daily Mail hate women?

Sometimes I read something and I just have to respond. Some things are just so completely out of order that they cannot be let pass without comment. There are many things I dislike, but pretty near the top of the list is the Daily Mail. There are many things I don't like about the Daily Mail, but the way it portrays women is disgusting.

I can remember spending an evening discussing the awful rag with sadly missed cousin, film director Midge MacKenzie. The highlight of Midge's career was the BBC drama "Shoulder to Shoulder" about the suffragette movement. Midge was a self made woman, who started her life sharing a bed with my mum (her auntie) in a run down Oldham slum. She was sent to Dublin during the war, to escape the bombings and started her career as a secretary in an advertising agency. By the time I was old enough to appreciate her she was an established director and amongst other things set up the Sheffield Film festival. Midge had a great intellect and a way of seeing things as they were. That is one reason why Director John Huston chose her to make the last documentary about his life.

Over a bottle of wine a few years ago, I happened to mention my dislike of the Daily Mail. She spent the next hour explaining how disgusting the paper was and how it had done more damage to women and their self esteem than everything else put together. She explained how the Mail's agenda was aimed at keeping women suppressed and concerned about their appearance, rather than their rights and their careers. Midge explained that the Mail had a systematic editorial policy of ridiculing anyone who didn't confirm to their view of a perfect woman (ie a stay at home mum lovingly kowtowing to their husband).

I'd fogotten this conversation until just now. I got an email from my sister with a clip from the Mail concerning Kate Nash. Now my sister has lived in Florida for the last 30 years. She's married to an eminent retired doctor, once responsible for the emergency health care provision for the US senate. A couple of years ago, whilst visiting, she came with her husband to watch a gig I was promoting for MacMillan Cancer relief. The support act was a then unknown Kate Nash. Kate is the daughter of one of my best friends. She put on a storming show at the Mill Hill Jazz Club, donating all her fees to charity. Within a few months she was number 1.

My sister has followed Kate's career from afar and sent me a clip from todays Daily Mail online entitled "Spotty Kate Nash Braves the Cameras". This disgusting little story shows a blown up picture of Kate's face with a spot on it. The audacity of the girl.

Well I'm sorry Daily Mail, 21 year old girls get spots. It is normal. To put a story like that in you paper just shows what a bunch of lowlifes you are. What message are you sending to girls? Don't go out unless you are perfect. What will my 13 year old daughter think if she has acne? She'll think she's disgusting. She'll feel undermined. She'll feel worried. To be honest, this story makes me sick.

Well Kate, we're four square behind you. It would make more than a few spots before you were anything other than fantastic. You have talent, unlike the cowardly Daily Mail reporter who didn't even have the guts to put his name on his masterpiece.

I'm sorry to say that I had almost forgotten my conversation with my amazing inspirational cousin. I just wish the thing that made me recall it was something more inspiring than that horrible little story in the awful rag.