This week, I am reposting a blog in memory of Terry Wogan.
Five years ago this week, the BBC Airwaves stilled to silence. The falling tears of listeners were heard throughout the United Kingdom Island and the world.
Rest in Peace, Sir Michael Terry Wogan. We miss you. Thank you for being my friend.
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I am often asked, as I travel around promoting Amelia’s Prayer, to discuss who and/or what events inspired me to write Amelia’s Prayer.
Many things inspire me as a writer. I am fascinated with words, stories, and people. Some of my greatest sources of inspiration are singers and songwriters. Some intrigue me with their ability to tell a heartfelt story through music, all in the space of three or so minutes. In some cases, the music and lyrics are so moving that it can bring me to tears.
Other sources of inspiration have come and gone, however, I would like to share with you one person in particular that has always been a tremendous source of inspiration to me throughout the years.
Sir Michael Terry Wogan first caught my attention in 1968.
I used to listen to him on my little transistor radio, while under my blankets in bed late at night. I was 14 years old, and was supposed to be asleep.
I heard him on BBC, with his lyrical, singsong voice, and his brilliant humor. I did not really understand it, yet, something about him completely captured me. I was hooked!
I followed him through his 1970s BBC Radio. It was called “Afternoons with Wogan’‘. Who remembers “fight the flab” and “blindfold the goldfish”?
“Blindfold the goldfish, gag the cat, and give the Bab a biscuit” was his opening line!
Millions of women across the United Kingdom panted and stretched to his humorous exercise instructions for 10 minutes. It came on before the kids came home from school, and believe me, it had a lot more laughter than exercise!
When I emigrated to Canada in 1980, I was often asked, “What do you miss the most about England?” My answer always was, “Family and Friends, the North Sea, and Terry Wogan!”
Sadly, earlier this year on January 31 2016, Terry passed away.
The tears that fell from the English, and Irish, came in such a deluge. I could hear them in Canada.
What a sad day!
As for myself, I wept!
This week, to give thanks to Terry’s life, a Thanksgiving Memorial Service was celebrated at Westminster Abbey in London, England.
Family, friends, fans and numerous stars, came to honor him and pay tribute. Of course, they also came to bid him farewell. Well deserved!
Singer-songwriter Katie Melua sang “The closest thing to Crazy”. This was one of Terry’s favourite songs. Terry championed Katie through his radio show.
Peter Gabriel performed, “That’ll Do”. This is the song Terry chose for his favourite Desert Island discs in 2012.
As I listen to my podcast through my earphones under my blankets in my bed 50 years later, the sound of Terry’s giggles echoing throughout the Abbey of Westminster were indeed bittersweet.
As Joanna Lumley proclaimed in a poem specially composed by her for this sad occasion…….
“Oh, lucky cherubim and seraphim,
With breakfast hymns forever linked by him!”
As a closing to this blog, I leave you with my own gentle words…
How lucky can the heavens be, as they still, to listen and rejoice!
In the morning, when they awake, to hear his Master’s voice!
So long, farewell, goodbye, Sir Terry.
Sadly this is the end.
One more whisper towards the sky!
Thank you for being my friend!
– Christiane Banks
Welcome, and Happy Holidays to everyone.
For the Christmas blog this year I wanted to post something unique, engaging, and memorable.
It came to me that I might be able to use the experience I was fortunate enough to receive by participating in a play called “Calendar Girls”. This play is produced by Erin Theatre Group and directed by Kathryn Delroy.
“Calendar Girls” a touching true story about a courageous group of middle-aged British women raising funds for a cancer clinic. They did this by posing nude for a charity calendar. Erin Theatre was the first Canadian amateur theatre group to perform Calendar Girls. Erin Theatre also produced a calendar with all the proceeds going to a local hospice, Bethell Hospice. Bethell Hospice allowed us to take our December photo in their Lounge; they also kindly organised a private tour for the Erin Theatre group.
The things I learned and witnessed opened my eyes and heart.
In understanding dying is a part of living, I gained insight into how hospice provides a loving, caring, dignified end-of-life experience for both patients and families. There was incredible attention to detail. For example, all rooms are private and follow themes of distinct flowers, such as roses, irises, and daffodils. Each room had a perfect view of the five-acre garden.
No mirrors hung anywhere, and the floors were made of cork to keep a peaceful ambience throughout. The kitchen was open twenty-four hours a day for loved ones to share a meal at any time. A toy room provided for children to play, allowing loved ones to have final precious moments together. I was humbled and moved to be part of this fundraising effort.
I am sharing this story with you today for two reasons: one, to raise awareness around our community’s hospice. The second reason I am sharing this story to express the pride, privilege, and honour I felt taking part with the other girls. I know it took a certain amount of courage to pose for the calendar and perform in the stage production.
When I first saw the calendar, I spontaneously wept, as I could see a vulnerable beauty surrounding all the girls.
We raised $8,000 for Bethel hospice. We sold out of all eight performances, which was an outstanding achievement for the Erin Theatre Group. If you would like to view the calendar, you can see it on Erin Theatre’s website.
I learned a poignant lesson: a hospice is an intricate part of any community with a multitude of whispered blessings. One might feel this to be a rather sad tone for a Christmas-time story, however, for me, the experience was an unexpected gift!
Hello everyone, and welcome to my new website!
You will see it has a contemporary look and is also more user friendly.
Happy Thanksgiving and welcome to my first blog post I am writing in 18 months.
As this is Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to speak to some of the gifts I am thankful for. I am thankful for many things, the first of which is the launch of Amazing Grace, which is my second book, and the sequel to Amelia’s Prayer. I am excited to share this with you over the next few months.
It is impossible to write a blog without addressing the COVID-19 virus. Many of us are struggling and going through very challenging times in our history. Understanding, wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing my hands as I follow simple instructions not only keep myself safe but also those I cherish and the people I love.
Thanksgiving this year will look very different for most of us smaller family gatherings, and we may not see some of the family members. I intend to make the best of the season. I hope to enjoy the splendour of October, my personal favourite season.
I love walking through the local woods and seeing the glories of the trees as they show off the many different shades of autumn, some with delicious local apples, sweet and juicy! The light this time of the year is warm and beautiful. The evening light is magical, and the October harvest moons are magnificent. October will bring us two full moons, October 1st being a harvest moon, and October 31st, a blue moon. Make sure you see it as it occurs only every fifty years!
I wish you all a Thanksgiving we can remember as simple, joyful and most importantly, safe.
Blessings to everyone, and keep smiling.