How’s retirement going? A question I get asked a lot from most friends and ex-colleagues alike. Well, its going ok! As many folks who have retired before me will attest there is a period of adjustment and acceptance. However, having worked in a stressful environment for most of my adult life I am finding it strange to have come down from that position to stresses of differing kinds i.e. how to make ends meet on a state pension and using public transport due to walking away from a collision with a truck and having my beloved car written off. That said, I would rather be in the position I am in now than the one that I was in whilst I was employed in a job that I came to detest. In fact, the time I spend doing the things I am passionate about is helping me to fight some with some success the lack of confidence and self loathing I have encountered for many years. Not to be too much of an ageing hippy (which is what I suppose I am?) I am starting to find peace with myself and take ownership of the hideous mistakes I have made throughout my life. Reflection is a brilliant tool to help with inner feelings just as long as you reflect positively as well as negatively in equal measures and not wallow in self pity. Though I have been an irritant to many folks over the period of my life thus far, I honestly believe I have done more good than bad allowing me to become comfortable in my own skin.
Since retiring I have been fortunate enough to pursue the things I am the most passionate about. I now have more time to listen to and promote music via my on-line radio show/Podcast and connect with the people in my life I hold dear. I have started to write poetry and started reviewing new music again. I was recently been asked to join the management team at Progzilla radio where I am a DJ, something I found quite humbling. I am also Manager/promoter for my dear friend Tony Patterson and his partner in crime Doug Melbourne, something that keeps my mind ticking over and brings me into contact with some great people in the music industry. In addition to these positive actions in my life I have been encouraged to volunteer at a steam railway once a week doing unskilled but rewarding tasks there. It is a privilege to be around the wonders of the golden age of steam and feed off the enthusiasm of the many skilled and welcoming volunteers there.
I have some busy months ahead. Having attended my son jimmy’s wedding I have another one to attend in the Scottish highlands (Nethy Bridge) so my good lady Helen and myself are planning a road trip on the way back to England and many more in future. September will find me promoting the hell out of a gig I will be presenting by Tony Patterson & Doug Melbourne supported by Canacraig accommodated my my old pal Paul Rogers at St Georges venue in my home town Hartlepool. October is likely to be my busiest month in 2025 as I will once again be hosting NEBO, an annual event for audio enthusiasts, a musical road trip to South Wales to visit my old rally driver pal Caron Jones and of course presenting the gig mentioned above. There is still a lot I have planned, though I need to work out how to get the resources to do them. Retirement and the constraints it has imposed on me really make me appreciate the things I have and I am able to do and even what I eat sometimes. I am grateful and very lucky to be where I am at the moment, though I miss having access to instant transport to get to gigs a little further afield. Public transport from my location is poor and I am still in the process of travelling by coach and trains. Something this previously spoilt old sod will have to overcome. Now, where did I put me colouring book?
