AofA's Hot To Trot Talking Points

Every Friday

1. We were unanimous this week about the Pet Shop Boys on Strictly firstly in their silver space wear and then leather wear, they were brilliant. Great to see 70 year old Neil Tennant and 65 year old Chris Lowe strutting their West End Girl stuff on both Saturday and Sunday. They were the top of our Hot To Trot list!

2. I asked this question because several offers had happened to me unexpectedly. I accepted the offer of a tube seat. Yes, it does happen occasionally. Sometimes, I accept and on other occasions, I refuse gracefully, I hope. It depends how I am feeling energy-wise. Most of AofA agreed. No-one admitted to the defensive bit. Lots of people said they accept graciously, some said they’d never had one offered. Others said they were often fitter than the person offering. And I also explained that a young woman offered to carry my bags up the steps at Willesden Junction, I was a bit shocked, I refused humorously, I think. I did say that I usually run up those stairs just to counter any possible ideas of frailty she might have!

3. I thought we’d mention International Men’s Day as we usually mention Women’s Day! And honoured two men in my life, partner Asanga Anand and son, Marlon Rouse Tavares. The poster was created by Chris Crawford from the Brighton abandofbrothers’ group, I word with this charity and they do great work with troubled young men.

4. Anyone for mushroom coffins, I asked? And quite a few were.

‘This is the first "living coffin" made from mushrooms. It's designed to decompose your body within 3 years so you can become one with nature. Mushroom coffins, like the "living coffin" made from mycelium, represent a groundbreaking step in eco-friendly burials. Mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, is a natural decomposer in ecosystems. When used in coffins, mycelium accelerates the breakdown of organic material, including the human body, reducing the typical 10-20 year decomposition process to just 2-3 years. This faster rate of decomposition means that individuals return to nature much more quickly, allowing nutrients from the body to enrich the soil sooner. This approach is a direct alternative to traditional burials, which often rely on chemicals like embalming fluids and non-biodegradable materials.

Another incredible aspect of mycelium is its ability to detoxify the surrounding environment. Mycelium has been shown to break down and absorb harmful substances, such as heavy metals and synthetic chemicals. When incorporated into a coffin, it not only aids in the body's natural decomposition but also purifies the soil. This is particularly significant considering the environmental impact of conventional burials, where chemicals from embalming and non-biodegradable coffin materials can leach into the soil over time, polluting groundwater and ecosystems. Mycelium actively works against this, making it a cleaner, greener option.

Additionally, mycelium-based burials can promote the regrowth of plant life. After the body decomposes, the enriched soil left behind can support healthier vegetation. As the fungi break down organic matter, they release nutrients that nourish plants and trees, enhancing biodiversity. In this way, the mushroom coffin creates a more sustainable cycle of life, transforming a burial site into a thriving ecosystem.’

5. What remarkably warm friendly evening at the Ideas Party last Monday night near Euston at the Old Diorama Arts Centre. I set off in rain and dark thinking that this was going to be six people in a room...that most people wouldn't come out. And I was so wrong. I opened the door and could hardly get in, it was so brimming over with people. And so many AofA people! Utterly gorgeous to see Poppy Altmann Sue Walters Kate Fiona Cartledge Debbie Golt Becca Leathlean Melissa Kelly Aurora Amos John McGinn Don Pepper Archan James Andrew Rea Lydzia. Thanks so much for inviting us Meg Lee Chin - we loved what you have created with the Temple of Ideas. Ideas were discussed - technology and AI - and then there were a series of acts from jazz singer Julie Dennis to comedian/poet Fran Isherwood and more and us. Suzanne Noble (in the photo above) sang a couple of her enticingly filthy blues songs, I did a couple of poems and read from Sex, Death and Other Inspiring Stories...And we sold all the books I brought with me. What a gorgeous evening. Next one December 16th.

6. This photo is from London photos and Ann Cator informed it was Camberwell in about 1950. So I asked the group if they had a tin bath in their childhoods. And many of them did. One had a zinc one. Others had grandparents with one. We had a bit of wandering across the past.