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annespooky · 2 years ago

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7th November 2023

No travel today as I'm already in Newcastle, yeah!

Woke up to find a paper had been slipped under my door, just to let me know there'll be no hot water for 2 hours later on today, okay...

The fire alarm rang while I was putting my nail varnish but it was probably just a test as the cleaning people proceeded with their activities.

Arrived too early at the venue as I thought doors were at 7 so got a drink in the meantime. Too bad I wasn't hungry as the food looked great!

Had a slight moment of panic at doors when my Dice ticket didn't scan, the lady had no list and I couldn't find my confirmation email... Luckily, the man behind me had a spare so I could enter.

The venue itself was ill-shaped but a correct size. Once again I was quite on my own for the Ciel set but I met a photographer who was also in Leeds so we talked a bit and I took his Instagram so to check his photos later.

PBE were great as always but I was off as I was thinking about my brother's funeral which took place the day after so I struggled to sing and dance freely...

Had another little chat with Michele before my friend Grahame gave me a lift back to my hotel, sparing me 30 minutes climbing back the slopes!

8th November 2023

Another day off today, off to Edinburgh! Well, if I can... All trains as delayed due to a landslip on the route down in Yorkshire but they accept any ticket on the next train approaching so I hop in! Great idea as in the end, my original ticket arrived almost an hour late!

My legendary sense of orientation brought me to my hotel with some diversion and found out that I got half of my ticket fare refunded by LNER, yeah!

Got some food and miserably fell asleep in front of the telly...

9th November 2023

Went to the National Museum of Scotland in the morning after breakfast in a virtually empty room. Wow, really like it! There's a part on the story of the Scots people with Mary, Queen of Scots, which really interested me. Checked the Egypt part as well and other parts (discovered the fashion wing on my way out and wow!)

Went back to the hotel for another hotel room picnic and getting prepared for the gig. Found the venue without too much hassle contrary to last time PBE played Edinburgh. My friend Gillian arrived just after me and we queued on our own in the stairs.

Got in and oh, there's a barrier, boo! And what the hell, it's miles away from the stage! We were on our own again until Ciel came on stage. As always for gigs in Scotland, the vibes are great, although the man to my right to literally stuck to my arm (get the hell off me!). Some man got Michelle's setlist and asked me if I wanted it, given it was handwritten I took it! Aubs gave me Matt's and his to Gillian.

Got a lovely chat with Michelle and Tim and got them sign the setlist. Jorge had to rush to Glasgow so he wasn't there. Gillian got her setlist and CD signed and was quite happy. Went back to the hotel quite quickly, although I almost slipped on my way!

10th November 2023

Off to Glasgow today, less than an hour by train and managed to check in at the Ibis by the venue on the spot so I could rest a bit.

Went to the venue too early so came back to the hotel. When I went back later and had a long chat with a guy in a wheelchair who wouldn't let me alone...

We were let in while Ciel were still soundchecking so waited for them to finish to get to my usual spot. The venue is as crap as last time but the audience was as excellent (although my friend from the day before followed me and stuck to me again...). A lady recognised me from February too! Got another Ciel setlist because it was lying there and no-one seemed bothered to take it... Was pissed off as some lady loudly talked during Chelsea...

11th November 2023

Long journey today, 8 hours and 40 minutes by coach to Nottingham! Luckily no one sat next to me and I mostly slept or listened to music the whole lot. It felt like doing the tour backwards as we stopped at cities previously visited with a long stop at Leeds.

Got a free cookie in my room and watched a bit of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which eating and getting prepared.

They opened the backdoor from inside before the outside door so almost didn't get my spot, but my friend Nigel knew the people who were already there, including an Informer who wanted a picture with me (WTF?).

I busted both my knees against the stage during Dr Pong but otherwise this was yet another fab gig! Talked about PSB with Tim, who told me that they were his fave band so gave him an account of all my adventures with them!

12th November 2023

Off to Sheffield today, Lucy's home town and where she and Matt have moved earlier this year so this is a kinda home town gig. Got a train ticket valid the whole day so not in a hurry and I reach Sheffield station a few minutes past 1pm. It's pissing down and I'm struggling to find my Premier Inn but made it! (Well, I slightly damaged the handle of my suitcase when it fell while I was crossing a road by it's still okay). Got a room immediately without having to pay extra, yeah!

Given my hotel is by a roundabout, it takes me about 10 minutes (still under the rain), to find the right way to the venue (last time I was there was 8 years ago for PSB and I was staying at the Ibis), so that's 25 minutes later that I reach the venue and oh, it's closed because it's Sunday after 6pm! After waiting under the rain for about half an hour, someone puts me out of my misery so I'm queuing inside.

This is actually not the same venue I've seen PSB, I didn't know there were actually two rooms here! There is a barrier by its middle is replaced by a huge box where I lay my stuff.

There is a second support band tonight, called City Parking, from Sheffield too. They were a bit different in the way that the singer delivers more spoken words than singing, but they were very enjoyable.

Ciel have slightly changed their set tonight, switching Somebody with Far Away, which was great to hear. Jorge has a stroll on the box in front of me during their set.

PBE did another great and powerful set. After the gig, I thanked Michelle for playing Far Away, she replied that they wanted to change their set a bit so that I don't have to listen to the same set every night. Had another surrealist and weird chat with Aubs and when I was feeling the security was kicking us out, I was on my way. While saying bye to Matt, I reminded him that tomorrow is my 50th PBE gig, then Lucy introduced me to her sister Jessica and asked how many times I've seen them so she got a reminder too!

While putting my coat back in the lobby, her mother introduced herself to me, fully knowing who I am (hmm, feels like déjà vu with the PSB parents lol) and managed to get back to the hotel in 15 minutes (there is a tunnel underneath the bloody roundabout!).

13th November 2023

Taking two coaches today and the first one is slightly delayed... But got the second one without any problem, changing at Birmingham, where I'll be back the next day.

I have to walk half an hour to reach the venue, where I ask at the bar where the exact entrance is, it is actually outside so I go there and of course it's starting to rain! The band goes out for dinner and Matt doesn't like me queueing in the rain so checks with the security, who tell me to queue where it's covered, and they know I'm the first one anyway. Obviously, the rain stops and I'm back in the queue.

I leave my stuff with Doug at the merch as there's a barrier and I don't want to step on it while I'm dancing and jumping.

Ciel keep Far Away in their set tonight :) and Matt looks at me while singing More then at the end of the song proceeds with telling everyone that this is my 50th PBE gig and they have a gift for me! What?! Aubs hands me a bottle of prosecco and I didn't get that I had to wear the tinsel (sorry Lucy!), oh and there's a card too! I have absolutely no reminiscence of Heating's On afterwards as I was so stunned! (I'm used to PSB's discretion where they give me stuff after gigs). Matt hands me his setlist after the gig :D and I walk back to the hotel with the bottle, which I will chug for the rest of the tour back home!

14th November 2023

Day off today. Just a coach to go to Birmingham, where the gig is tomorrow. Managed to check-in earlier so got plenty of time to do some more laundry before meeting my friend Sarah for drinks and dinner.

15th November 2023

The gig is in a pub in the suburbs of Birmingham, which I reach after about 20 minutes by bus. Bumped into Doug inside the pub so had a drink with him until I joined (I mean, started) the queue outside (there are three venues in this pub, PBE are playing Venue 1).

Got to my spot and bumped into so many friends there! They include two ladies I met at a wedding earlier this year, who came just because I was coming, luckily they loved both bands! Came back to Birmingham with my friend Paula, who I met 5 years ago in Margate for PSB!

16th November 2023

Biggest headline gig for PBE to date! At Village Underground in London. Got another coach and checked in at the local Hub by Premier Inn early afternoon. It's pissing down (again!).

Arrived far too early to queue but you never know with London. At the end, I knew most of the people in the queue, who ended up front row inside.

Ciel are once again very well welcomed. They went back to their original setlist since the day before.

Matt is clearly very happy (well, even happier than usual) and states that there are so many people from so many periods of their lives in the room. Aubs gives me Matt's setlist and afterwards, when Matt comes back on stage and see the setlist has gone, he looks at me and I show him I got him, he looks relieved, bless him!

At the end, I manage to grab one of Rough Trade bonus CD (which prevents me from buying a sixth copy of the album to get it), which includes a new song called Green Eyes and the Radio X session they did earlier this year.

I then bump into J. Willgoose, Esq. from PSB and we talked a bit. When I mention that I have no idea what to do if PSB and PBE are clashing next week for gigs/tours, he replies to follow my heart, which doesn't really help because my heart wants to see them both! Remembering what Tim told me in Nottingham, I ask J if he met him, he didn't. I therefore called him from the merch and introduce him to J. Sadly J missed Ciel and apologises for this. J goes backstage, I'm chucked outside by the security...

17th November 2023

Back to Victoria Coach Station to get the coach to Bristol, which is slightly delayed but the Premier Inn is just by the station so this is fine.

After checking-in, I go to Rough Trade to collect my order for the Smoke Fairies album, which is out today and stop by Tesco for another hotel room picnic.

Once again I'm first in the queue and I actually arrive while PBE are soundchecking! Bonus! Then Ciel proceed with another lengthy soundcheck. We enter and find out that two steps are placed in front of the stage, okay, I'll try not to fall! I meet more people seen at other PBE gigs and they joke that I'm becoming more famous than the band! (Mind you, I've been mentioned in two live reviews so far!).

Matt screws up the lyrics of Simmering and I shake my head, which makes him laugh, oops sorry! It really feels likea home town gig for them as this is the closest to Devon we will get on this tour. the "Pear Lady" gives Matt butter biscuits, which another lady opens at the beginning of Dr Pong (what the hell is going on lol). The singing on More was exceptional too!

I meet the Spanish couple who were by my side during the gig afterwards and they wonder how many setlist I have lol. I thought they were friends of Jorge from Ciel, but no they just came because their original planned gig has been cancelled and they managed to find tickets from the waiting list. I get my bonus CD signed and Lucy says that she's glad I got one. Then I talk with Tim, who thanks me for introducing him to J :)

On my way to the hotel, I bump into the Spaniards again! They ask me how come I speak English so well, as this is kind a private joke that French and Spanish people are bad at languages, so I give them my best French accent impression. "Oh you can fake it, clever!". Fun fact, they were staying in the room next to mine at the Premier Inn!

18th November 2023

Almost the end of the tour, boo!

Off to Manchester today so two coaches to take, changing in Birmingham (again!). It's pissing down (again!) when I reach the hotel. Just realised I didn't buy any thank you card for the band and as tomorrow is Sunday, I'd better buy it today, find one with balloons in Tesco, perfect!

I reach the venue and there are people queueing... Wait there are two gigs today, Callum Bowie downstairs and PBE upstairs, and even a private birthday party in the basement! We organise ourselves into two queues, which the security was impressed with!

Having already been here two years before to see Haiku Salut, I was glad to see this beautiful venue again. The gig was awesome and there is an actual video of the whole lot on You Tube!

I buy all the Ciel merch, that is the brand new double EP, the former EP on CD and a lovely tote bag. Aubs tells us of all the stuff they've forgotten in venues (including the bloody mixing desk, for Christ's sake) and we leave.

19th November 2023

Last date of the tour... First an early coach back to London where I take the train to Brighton before checking-in at the Premier Inn.

I write the card then cry the whole afternoon... Well, maybe this way I won't be crying during the gig this way?

No surprise, first in the queue again, under the rain again...

There's a barrier, an ugly one as Michelle and Tim told me the day before, but we're still pretty close to the stage! Well, I was almost in Michelle's face during the Ciel set!

Matt thanks Doug for manning the merch, and I thought he wouldn't talk about me because he did in Oxford, but no, he chose the moment I was crying my head off after Chelsea to thank me again for coming to all the shows, bless him (again!).

After the gig, I meet Tim's girlfriend, who thinks this was so sweet what I did for him, because apparently, he talked about it for hours afterwards, well I like to be kind with people and I guess would our positions be switched, I would also have appreciated it :)

Well, that's another wrap on another great PBE tour! Who knows where and when I'll be seeing them again! At least I'm seeing Ciel in February!

#pbemusic #pbe #ciel #tour diary

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onenettvchannel · 1 month ago

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BALITANG NASYONAL: DepEd's Brigada Eskwela sweeping up with BAN Toxics at Payatas B for Toxics-Free Classes

QUEZON, METRO MANILA -- Environmental group 'BAN Toxics' had recently partnered with Payatas B Elementary School (PBES) in Quezon City, Metro Manila to campaign for a toxics-free and waste-free opening of classes during the nationwide kick-off of 'Brigada Eskwela' (BE) for the school year of 2025 to 2026. About 1,500 Quezonian students, as well as locally in the National Capital Region (NCR), teachers, parents, local officials and community partners, who were participated in a community parade and clean-up drive to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers and school personnel.

Citing from Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd) Memo #042 - Series of 2025, this year's BE carries the theme "Sama-sama Para sa Bayang Bumabasa", which highlights the spirit of Bayanihan and community collaboration.

The programme also includes a focus on ensuring that all schools are well-prepared for the new and upcoming school year by providing a clean, safe and conducive learning environment for both learners and teachers: "School is like a second home for our children, so it is crucial to protect their health and safety. Proper management of chemicals and waste must be an integral part of the school system to prevent harmful exposure to students and staff", said Thony Dizon, who is an Advocacy and Campaign Officer of the said environmental group.

BAN Toxics gave a short presentation on their Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Programme (TFSP) and conducted screenings of paints, surfaces and cleaning materials on the school premises using an X-ray Fluorescent (XRF) handheld analyzer to ensure they are free from harmful toxic substances.

Antonio P. Miranda, School Principal of PBES agrees that collaborating with such organization as BAN Toxics plays an important role in supporting the well-being of students and teachers: "We greatly appreciate the support of BAN Toxics and other partners in helping our school provide a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone", Miranda said.

In late-July 2024 last year, BAN Toxics and PBES have joined forces to introduce the Toxics-Free and Waste-Free Schools Programme (TFSP), an awareness-raising and campaign initiative to pursue the goal of eliminating hazardous chemicals, ensuring good chemical and waste management practices, and establishing learning modules to safeguard students and faculty against hazardous substances in educational institutions. The programme also encourages zero-waste practices and supports the implementation of national policies on environmental awareness, chemical safety and sustainable school practices.

Meanwhile in our locals at Piapi High School (PHS)… Students, teachers and school personnel in 'Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental' have taken part in Brigada Eskwela to be cleaning up the whole school establishment as classes will start next week on Monday morning (June 16th, 2025). 'BAN Toxics' pointed out that programs such as the TFSP were add-ons to the DepEd initiatives in promoting safe and supportive learning environments. The group urges the Department to take further steps in ensuring a toxics-free and waste-free schools by embracing a more systemic approach to chemicals and waste management in all learning institutions.

PHOTO COURTESY: BAN Toxics via PR BACKGROUND PROVIDED BY: Tegna

SOURCE: *https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DM_s2025_042.pdf and *https://www.facebook.com/61554232785263/posts/122207445674141092

-- OneNETnews Online Publication Team

#national news #quezon #manila #PBES #BAN Toxics #brigada eskwela #schools #OneNETnews

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