Book planely disliked

There was unprecedented wind last night, a great deal of it probably caused by over indulgence in the Christmas diet, at least that was what the nice lady decorator claimed. The mistral blowing outside was as strong as anything I have seen in the seven years I have lived in France. I suspect I may have to rescue some of the garden furniture from the swimming pool this morning.

Of course wind is an important element in flight and I had some sympathy for some Brits who were due to take off to return to England last evening. I say some, because I have absolutely no sympathy for those people flying back who were responsible for tearing pages out of my book and making paper planes from them during the festive season. In fact I have a picture today of the Wingco in just that despicable act of sacrilege, and although he has remained here in the Cote d’Azur, others are on their way back to the UK in fierce winds. I do hope their flight was comfortable.

The Wingco adjusting pages of my book to suit his purpose

I have decided not to mention Mr Clipboard, Blind (drunk) Lemon Milsted, Master Mariner Mundell, even the smooth Mr Anthony Bay, all of whom may be disturbed to know that I have in my possession damning evidence of their involvement in literary aviation hooliganism at the Auberge St Donat just before the new year. Even the rather less than smooth Paul Thornton “mad professor” Allan now has form in this area.

The South of France English Theatre (SET) has a new sponsorship manager in the form of my good self which is a wonderful piece of luck for them, however they have had some very bad luck as their rehearsal studio in Antibes burned to the ground last week in a fire. This means they are currently scurrying around looking for some where locally to rehearse and to build their set, so if anyone has any ideas, let me know asap! Ideally they need about 100 square metres and they can pay a small rent.

If you know me in any official capacity then expect the sponsorship email today. I have compiled a long list of people and organisations that can benefit from being a sponsor so you have been warned. There is no escape.. The first production launches on Valentines Day, 14th February at the Pres Des Arts in Valbonne after which there will be a musical event. The production will have a second night in Valbonne before moving on to Cannes, Menton, Nice, Fayence and Monaco and I have high hopes that the first sponsor will be Currencies Direct.

I am also in the early stages of preparing for The France Show at Earls Court at the end of next week where I have been asked to sign copies if my book. One hopes that they mean I should sell them first but I have realised that this was not implicit in the invitation. There is the added problem of weight, but with the new diet…I mean of course with the books. 60 books weighs about as much as my luggage allowance, so limited clothing can accompany that nice lady decorator to London, as have she will have to shoulder most of the burden. I need to look my best for my public.

She does not quite see it this way though, and there is the clear danger that she will decide she needs a shopping spree in London. Such are the downsides when one is scaling the heights of successful authorship.

Chris France