My Predictions for 2019 (& how'd I do last time?)

It's been a busy month with funerals and suchlike, so this is coming in late, but it has to be done. So, let's look at last year's wild and crazy prediction, see how wrong I was, and make some more for the year ahead.

Last year I suggested Ten Things That Could Happen in 2018 For Better Or Worse:

The Republicans do well in the mid-terms, strengthening Trump's power
 - WRONG, but I can see the reverse psychology I was employing there, glad to be wrong.

Theresa May clings to power and even wins a byelection
 - CORRECT I guess. There were by elections but no big swings.

The new Doctor Who sees its best ratings successes of the decade
- CORRECT, I'm on a roll.

Strictly contestants include Steph off of BBC Breakfast and a former Doctor Who
- WRONG, I think I'll roll those suggestions over again.

Brexit gets softer as the year progresses, and its deadline gets moved
- Probably CORRECT, but honestly who can tell?

Flying car goes on the market
- Ha ha. WRONG.

Netflix suffers major financial blow and cuts lots of programmes
- WRONG, unless the words "Netflix is fueling its ballooning cash burn with $2 billion in new debt" has a double meaning

Price of litre of petrol goes up (from £1.20 to £1.30)
- CORRECT-ish. It bobs up and down but seems to have remained the same.

Average house price falls (from £225K to £215K)
- WRONG. They too remained flat.

Old TV show revivals: Rainbow, El Dorado, Catweazle, Quatermass 
- WRONG. Not that I've seen.

So, if anything it would seem nothing happened in 2018. Let's have some wild stabs in the dark for 2019.

Eurovision winner - Portugal

Trump's wall gets built, Mexico pays for it

House prices soar

Petrol prices plummet

Second Scottish referendum happens

Frontrunner in 2020 Presidential election is Will Smith

The drones in airports story has a surprise revelation about who's behind it

Surprise Doctor Who spin-off goes straight to Netflix

I pitch a TV show to Netflix, it doesn't get made

The Beano start publishing a series of graphic novels, including my Desperate Dan book

Brexit goes ahead and the country doesn't suffer in the slightest

Marvel superhero movies prove unpopular and they stop making them

Surprise revolution in European country

New Labour leader by Christmas

There you go, let's have fun with that nonsense.

Kev F Sutherland, as well as writing and drawing for The Beano, Marvel, Doctor Who et al, runs Comic Art Masterclasses in schools, libraries & art centres. email for details. Facebook, Twitter. Promo video here. 

The Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre return with a brand new show in 2019. Stay tuned.

Sun Jan 27 Dumfries Fringe 4pm Big Burns Supper

Feb 15/16 - Kayal Leicester 

Mar 20/21 - Dram Glasgow 

Mar 22 - Britannia Panopticon Glasgow

April 5 - Chorley Little Theatre 90 min (Superheroes)

April 6 - Rondo Bath 90 mins (Superheroes)

April 12 - Ropewalk Barton 90 min (Superheroes)

April 13 - Artrix Bromsgrove 90 min (Superheroes)

May 24 - Victoria Halifax Roll Up 7pm

June 1 & 2 - Brighton Komedia

July 30 - Aug 25 - Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh Fringe 

Mum's funeral

Mum's obituary made the Leicester Mercury, in proper print and everything. With a Kibworth Chronicle spread on the way soon, and already featured in The Harborough Mail, she's had pretty good coverage all round.

Her funeral was a resounding success. A tribute to the work put in over the last two weeks by Jude, Hev and myself, we had an astonishing turnout. Standing at the podium you could see it was standing room only at the back, so well over a hundred, maybe 120 people had come to see Mum off. From Pat and Lynn in Montrose and Irene and Diana from Glenrothes on down. Smashing.

Shona gave a beautiful reading of the Laetitia Barbauld poem that had also been at Dad's funeral; Betty Byrne sang Loch Lomond; the congregation sang Auld Lang Syne; there were tributes read out by the Kibworth Chronicle, the High School, and the Gold Club; I did my bit about Mum's life; the celebrant covered everything else; and we went out to the sound of Dancing by Kylie Minogue. All Mum's choice, and all spot on.

That photo of Mum, taken on the staircase of Jude and Doug's house back in 2015, has certainly had good mileage, and I'm glad she chose it, to save us the bother of finding one more perfect. What we did find was boxes of old photos which went on the TV screen at the Golf Club and ran throughout the afternoon do. Of which I wish I'd taken more photographs. I really didn't capture how many people were there, only remembering to take pictures when it had thinned out slightly. So here are just a couple of classics from the big screen and snaps from the day.

There were so many people who've gone uncaptured by the camera, which is such a shame given the great history of getting people on film, which Mum & Dad achieved over the past 60 years.

This was further attested to at night when Pam (above) gave us a DVD of Mum & Dad's Hogmanay party from 1987-into-88 which featured dozens of people performing. A gem to treasure. Here, with the only glimpse of Pat & Lynn, is us all watching it.

Tributes to Mum

Mum's obituary has made the Harborough Mail, and apparently been seen in The Courier (though I can't find that online yet). I posted her obituary on the Facebook page Montrose Memories, provoking these responses

Moira Swailes I remember Corral. She was a couple of years ahead of me. But ran around with Helen Pert who lived next door to me. Helens Dad had the furniture store across from the Old church. Corral lived in one of the houses above the store I think. Donald Buick took over the store. He was Helens cousin. Donald was same year as me. We all went to the Little Academy in Montrose.

Christine Usher I remember the very unusual name. Almost sure she went to school with my sister Annabel

Helen Atkinson Corral was a member of the 2nd Montrose Guides and she was an inspiration to us younger girls especially when we went camping up Glen Esk . Part of growing up I never forgot. Her brother Bill was ages with me and one of the crowd who went to the YMCA. A lovely family.

Gwen Kenward I remember Corral and Bill ,,,, she was friendly with my cousin Norah Ley ,lovely looking girl ,,, so sorry !

Phyllis Paterson Kent Did she have a brother Bill?

Margaret Webb Yes Bill was her brother, but he died a few years ago. I remember Corral , a beautiful girl

Avril Morna Simpson Coral was in the class above me at school.

Joyce Davidson Moira Swailes...I too remember Corral well and her husband who worked in the bank. I too lived on Rosie Island and was a few years younger than her and Helen. I met Helen Pert in Arbroath recently. Her brother Brian is dead too.

Doug Baxter I spoke to Coral lately on Facebook as I was a Good Friend of Bill, was surprised she lived in Kibworth as we now live in Corby as well as Few others from Montrose so sorry to hear the Sad news.

The original Facebook post has received 196 reactions and 132 comments, of which this is a selection

Mark AP McIlmail Brilliant words, Kev. God bless to her and your family.

Sharon K. Arthur Peace to you and your family during this time of loss...will lift a glass to your mum 💔🥃💔

Becky Fawcett Lovely words from a loving son.

Declan Hill I didn't know your mum, but she raised a wonderful son

Mark Buckingham So sorry to hear your sad news that your Mum has passed away, Kev. Sending lots of love and sympathy. xx

Irma Page Sending you lots of love Kev. It doesn't matter how old you/they are: losing a parent is terribly hard xx

John Inglis I will most certainly be raising a glass for the braw lassie that was Catherine Corral Sutherland who will stay long in the memory 🥃

John Earwaker So sorry to hear of your loss Kev. My thoughts are with you and all the family. 💐🌠

Lynne McGregor  So sorry to hear this Kev, thoughts with you. She sounded like a great lady. When my mum died a couple of years ago I asked you if you were the 'KevF' who wrote the attached. We used it on my mum's Order of Service. I never found the actual author. Perhaps it might be of similar comfort at a sad time for you all.

Melanie Berman I'm so sorry to hear this awful news. I remember your mum as a lovely, welcoming woman, humorous, talented and kind. Much love to you and your family xxxx

Darren Hoskins Aaaaaw ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Lisa White Sorry to hear your sad news Kev. What a wonderful inspiring woman. Much love xx

Jim Wheelock Sad to hear. My condolence to you and your family, Kev.

Bennett Arron So sorry xx

Annette Tweed Lanckmans Sending love and hugs Kev and Jude xxx. Thinking of you all 😇

Al Pitcher Big ❤️ x x

Mike Collins So sorry to hear this Kev, love to the family

Lew Stringer I'm sorry for your loss, Kev. My condolences.

Steve Noble I love your Mum to bits Kev. She was a really inspirational woman.

Gillian Carole Tosley Nash Very sorry to hear about your mum Kev. Always hard at this time of year as I know. 💐💮🌹

Louisa Gummer I’m so so sorry Kev. Much love. ❤️❤️

Regie Rigby So very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and yours.

Helen Stead Sorry to hear this Kev. We’re both thinking of you. x

Charity Trimm Sorry to hear this news Kev. Sending you and the family lots of love xx

Barbara Turner Thinking of you all xxx

Paul James Sorry to hear your sad news Kev. Lovely photo, she looks the spit of you in it.

John Nichol All my love x

Gaynor Smith I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sure you will have happy memories as a comfort in the time ahead xx

Susan Murray Sorry to hear that Kev x

Sue Grant Sorry to hear the news Kev x

Tim Pilcher Deepest condolences to you, Kev, and your whole family. 😢❤️

Clive Greenwood I am so sorry for your loss Kev, my sincere condolences to you and your family.

Pete Renshaw My thoughts for your loss Kev.

Brad Shaw Sorry for your loss mate x

Simon Winkler Kev thoughts are with you. So sorry to hear the news. Much love. Simon and Tammy xxx

Tim Perkins So sorry to hear this, Kev. My deepest condolences.

Stuart Robinson Sorry to hear that Kev

Phil Baber Kev. Hev. Much condolences. Make all happys from your loss.I lost my mum in 2006. She'd never want me to be down about that. But she woulda wanted me to put the joy back into everyone I ever would meet. Siempre Avante!

Paul H Birch My condolences.

John Freeman Sorry for your loss, Kev. All the best at this difficult time.

Ian McRobert Condolences at this sad time, hugs all round.

Tim Read That's very sad. My condolences.

Jonathan Edwards Sorry to hear that, Kev. Love to all your family.

David Chapple I never met her, but she must have been amazing going by how you turned out. Condolences and lots of love and good wishes from us.

Simon Ward Sad news Kev. 

Happy new year to you and a raised glass to your Mother.

Vince Stadon I'm really sorry for your loss, my friend.

Stuart Mitchell Sorry to hear of your loss Kev, best to you and your family

Phill Taylor-Eardley We send our condolences Kev from the Taylor-Eardleys. Thinking of you at this hard time!

Nathaniel Tapley Sorry to hear that, Kev.

Davy Francis Sorry to hear your news Kev , she sounds like a real lady.I lost my Dad 3 months ago and think about him and miss him every day, which when you think about it; us as good a tribute as any. Thinking about you all.Davy

Ian Ellery Very best wishes Kev.

Fats Harvis Condolences to you and the family

Doug Segal Sorry for your loss Kev xxx

Simon Coleby I'm very sorry for your loss, Kev. My sincere condolences and all kind wishes to you and yours.

Remy Clarke Kev Sutherland and Jude Sutherland, really sorry to hear of your loss.

Let me know if there's anything I can help with.

Janet Eardley Sending lots of love your way from the Holland's. Thinking of you at this sad time. 💜xxx

Anita Bigsby Really sad to read this Kev. Lots of love to you and your family. 💜 Xxx

Roland Moore So sorry to hear this news Kev. We're thinking of you all and if there's anything we can do, please let us know. Rx

Gordon Southern Sorry for your loss mate. A beautiful obituary x

The Obituary has had 815 views on the blog already, here are some of the Facebook posts that followed

Vince Stadon That's very lovely. I hope Sean Connery enjoyed her sketches of him.

Kev Sutherland He was shaken but not... well, you can see where that was going.

Simonetta Carvell Omg Kev, I am so very sorry to hear about your mum. I will always remember her as such a happy lady and lovely to be around. But I have just read the summary of her life and wow!!! What an utterly amazing woman. I feel so privileged to have known your mum and dad. Xxxxx

John Inglis Brilliant Kev, the energy and talent your mum showed throughout her life was amazing- a very special lady.

Lara James (((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))

Audrey Tweed Such a wonderful word picture of Corrals life, I can almost hear her laugh as she adds a little embellishment to each section. Lovely lady,lovely Corral.

Louisa Gummer That is such a beautiful piece of writing. ❤️

Peter Crocker What a lovely piece x

Sajeela Kershi Oh Kev I’m so so sorry for your loss! But by golly your mum sounds like she led a life and a half and reading this can see where your wonderful creativity comes from ❤️❤️❤️

Lucy Madison Lovely obit Kev xx

Pam Wells That was brilliant Kev. She was a dear friend and talented artist and led a wonderfully full life. I will miss her. I have a dvd of one of their legendary New Year’s Eve parties for you, showing her skill at tap dancing amongst her other talents. Lovely lady x

Heather Tweed A wonderful mother-in-law, friend and woman who lived a fabulous life and will be much missed. She wanted wanted everyone to be happy, continue enjoying life and to try not to be sad. 💐🌞💖

Jamie Neil An amazing woman of gale force energy and wonderful talent, and a mother to be rightly proud of x

Felicity Harper A lovely obituary. A very full life. And I can see her reflected in you, Kev.

Doug Adamson There is nothing more saddening than to read the obit of someone you never knew but wish you had met.

Thats a great obit of a life well lived.

Ian Pinkney really nice obit Kev, sorry to hear of your mum's passing, she clearly lived a full and fruitful life

Corral Sutherland 1936 – 2018

Corral Sutherland 1936 – 2018

Corral Sutherland, who has died just ten days after her 82^nd birthday, is remembered by friends and family around the world, particularly in her birthplace of Montrose, Scotland and in Kibworth, Leicestershire, her home for the past fifty years.

Corral Findlay was the first of her family to go to University, studying at Edinburgh College of Art in the 1950s where, legendarily, her life model was Sean Connery. Sadly none of her drawings of the ginger haired milkman in a posing pouch had survived her mother’s tidying up by the time she had met and married Ian Sutherland and set up home in Aberdeen.

With their two kids, Kev and Jude, the family moved to Leicestershire, living first in Evington then settling for the long term in Kibworth. (All four of the family, by the way, share an apparent dislike for their given names. Ian’s name was officially John, Jude was Judith, Kev was Kevin, and Corral’s name on all the paperwork is Catherine. Her middle name Corral is an old family surname. For 82 years nobody has known her as anything else.)

Having put her art college training to good use as a graphic artist, while simultaneously raising the two kids, Corral’s work as an illustrator would be familiar to the aficionados of such tomes as the Wolsey knitwear catalogue, and her draughtswomanship captured the details of machine parts and shoe patterns long before computer aided design was dreamt of.

Corral’s design work included the original packaging for a product made by Invicta Plastics of Oadby in 1971, which children of the day will remember fondly, the knuckle-shattering hi-tech conkers they called Clackers. Legend tells that the original working title for this toy, when Corral designed its first wrapping, was Knackers. And that sentence won’t make the Montrose Review.

Many friends and relatives will be familiar with Corral’s home made Christmas cards, a tradition that began with her solo card in 1957, continued with Corral and Ian’s first joint effort in 1958, and appeared in an unbroken run until her last card in December 2018. Long before everyone had a home printer, Corral’s family cards were printed with letterpress, litho and latterly laser copier to universal acclaim, her final card being the 12 Days Of Christmas which she finished drawing in her care home bed at The Knoll in Kibworth in October.

In Kibworth, Corral and Ian made the Golf Club the centre of their social life. As well as her calligraphy and cartoons gracing the posters for every event from the Whist Drive to the Donkey Derby, Corral was a star player, and became a very popular Lady Captain.

Having seen her kids progress successfully through Kibworth High School, Corral became a School Governor, eventually sitting on the board for 23 years. And as if she wasn’t busy enough, she got involved with the Kibworth Chronicle from its inception in 1978, and participated in the production of almost every issue for the next forty years.

Corral’s designs of mastheads, adverts, and incidental illustrations adorn nearly every Kibworth Chronicle in the archives, and she remains one of its longest serving contributors.

In recent years she took to passing on her skills in a series of art classes, and has exhibited her work, including watercolours of many of the denizens of Kibworth and the county, regularly. Were there room enough to mention Corral & Ian’s legendary Hogmanay parties, her participation in the local choir, her many art commissions, her dancing, her international travels, and much more, then it would be included here. Suffice it to say she kept enviably busy, long after she got first notice of breast cancer at the time of her 80^th birthday, and was spreading joy continuously even after she had to move into the care home in the latter half of 2018.

She leaves two children, two grandchildren Shona & Kirsty, and hundreds of friends and relatives with nothing but fond memories of a talented artist with a mission to make people happy.

Corral Sutherland (nee Catherine Corral Findlay), born Montrose Dec 20 1936, died Kibworth Dec 30 2018.

Tributes on Facebook