Archive for January, 2012

Hugo Nominated!

January 24, 2012 - 6:37 pm 1,065 Comments
Hugo

Hugo

The Geckos went to our lovely local arts theatre to see the magical “Hugo” – a children’s film (?) filled with beautiful cinematography, wonderful sets, gorgeous vintage costume, fabulous acting and an intriguing plot. Although we only saw it in 2D – like Mark Kermode we don’t think 3D is necessary or would’ve added anything.
http://www.hugomovie.com

It’s a simple story about a boy who is an orphan, trying to unlock the secret of a mechanical toy which his father was trying to mend with him when he died in a tragic accident. There are some lovely characters (like the Station Inspector played by Sacha Baron Cohen who owes much to ‘Allo ‘Allo and Frances de la Tour’s Madame Emilie who is nurturing a romance with a man who are dachshund doesn’t like) who draw you into this tale of a young boy and an old man finding their place in the world.

We thoroughly enjoyed the film, have recommended to friends since and are looking forward to the DVD coming out – so that we can watch it at home with a glass of wine! So, we are delighted that it has been nominated for 11 Oscars, including Best Picture.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2012/jan/24/oscars-2012-nominations-hugo

And, as with all the best children’s stories the film ends happily ever after… !

West Berks Mencap Fights Cuts To Children’s Services

January 17, 2012 - 5:17 pm 1,016 Comments

WBM Petition Against Cuts

Gecko braved the freezing weather outside West Berks Council offices today, looking after the media and supporting West Berks Mencap as they handed in a petition and protested against the proposed 50% cuts to the funding of their Children’s Services.

WB Mencap hand over the petition to West Berks Council

WB Mencap hand over the petition to West Berks Council

All the local media, including Meridian TV news, BBC Radio Berkshire, Newbury Weekly News, Newbury Sound and Newbury Chronicle have been following the story, and will be including editorial.

BBC Radio Berkshire conducted interviews this morning and Newbury Sound has already posted the story on its website:
http://www.newburysound.co.uk/petition-handed-in-i-12032.php

A small new story was read out on the Meridian lunchtime news and there will be a longer piece on the 6pm news!

A good day for Gecko – and hopefully WB Mencap!

When Gecko Met Woody

January 16, 2012 - 5:44 pm No Comments

Gecko went up to London, and who should we meet but…

In the office we are big fans of Toy Story, we watched the films again over Christmas! So, we couldn’t resist getting a photo with one of the team and the superb Woody!

When Gecko met Woody

When Gecko met Woody

Woody was charming, polite and a very happy chap!

Happy New Year

January 12, 2012 - 3:36 pm 1,031 Comments

Better late than never … we wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2012.

Well what did Christmas bring… The John Lewis Christmas ad with Slow Moving Millie singing a fabulous Smith’s song: “Please Please Please, Let Me Get What I Want”… which apparently Morrisey fully approved of.

Slow Moving Millie, Rendition

Slow Moving Millie, Rendition


We understand the ad made people cry! You can buy a number of the covers used by John Lewis in their TV adverts on ‘Reworked’. John Lewis will give a £2 donation to Save The Children for every purchase of the cd.
http://www.johnlewis.com/Magazine/Feature.aspx?Id=993