Jake Oldershaw

Recent news about the future of Dartington College of Arts (where I had the privilage of studying) has prompted me to write this open letter.

In short the college may have to relocate.

Anyone who has been involved with this landmark institution will know what a drastic measure this would be.

As a former student, working in the field for which i studied, i must express a huge sadness on hearing the current news.

For me the location of the Dartington college of Arts is all. In the 11 years since leaving i have advocated the teaching, facilities, and above all inspiring surroundings.

To let the heritage of such a well loved and highly regarded institution disappear because of an internal dispute seems thouroughly short-sighted.

I understand the current situation is the result of two years of discussion but must strongly urge you to reconsider the future of the college. There is and never can be a Dartington in another location.

Jake Oldershaw
Former student 1992-5

Posted by Jake at 01:36 PM | Permalink

Just finished the recording sessions at BBC Mailbox for 'Dr Pfeffer's Lonely Hearts Club', the radio version of 'Intimate History'. All being well the 15 minute shows will be broadcast on Radio 4 every wednesday at 11pm from the 21st February, and if i do say so myself should be corking!

It was a tight schedule with only three days to record all four episodes but it was a blast. Fantastic new arrangements from Derek added percussion, accordion and cello - it was a pleasure to be recording with such accomplished musicians.

The new format meant a pretty big re-write and re-think from Craig and myself, his words being brilliantly brought to life by Simon Munnery (as the mc), Ali and Saikat.

Kate and the recording crew were very friendly and efficient even in the midst of a lot of overworking, all in all a great few days. I couldn't help feeling very lucky to have got such good people working on the project - and get paid for it.

Anyway, enough of the sickening affirmations, I'm off to Brussels for a few days to see old friends and old haunts, can't wait to hear the results.

Posted by Jake at 08:56 PM | Permalink

Travelling between Birmingham and London a lot at the moment has confirmed a few suspicions of mine that i'd rather weren't true.

It's no secret that cities harbour constantly clashing cultures - Sitting on the No.76 bus watching two vacuous Hoxtonite girls get into a seat that had just been vacated by a bloke who was smoking crack is just another scene you would find hard to make up as you battle through yet another excruciating cross-London journey.

What's slightly more sinister is how news agencies choose to report urban violence. Recently there was a firearm death in the Lozells district of Birmingham. It was well documented in the national press. During the same week there was a drive-by shooting on Stoke Newington's trendy Church Street. It was only 2am, prime chucking out time, still very busy. Last I heard one person was dead, another seriously injured. There was little or no coverage.

So why does Birmingham gangland violence continue to be reported at the expense, in this case, of a London district? Could it be that Lozells is a conveniently ghettoised area where adverse 'publicity' isn't going to affect house prices, leisure industry etc. Reporting on crime there is hardly going to discourage investment, there isn't any.

On the other hand, 'Murder? In Stokey? Where I roll my bugaboo buggy with little Tarquin and Flossy down for a hopi ear candle ceremony? Oh my God!'

Worry what news reaches you.
Get a bike
Get out of the city while you still have a chance!

Posted by Jake at 10:07 AM | Permalink