Panorama Programme on BBC 1 – Tax, Lies and Videotape (Broadcast – 16 Sept 2013)

Had to write this as was so angry at the tawdry sensational journalism in tonights’s Panorama programme.  This clearly demonstrates that BBC’s journalists do not understand how government tax policy works and how the legislation is implemented.

The GAAR was not covered…And why pick on David Heaton, one of most respected and genuine tax professionals we have.  I know him well and he does not do abusive or egregious tax schemes.  What about all those promoters who are still out there selling their dodgy tax schemes.  They did not even get a mention…

Unfortunately we have one of the most complex tax codes in the world, and so unintended loopholes can easily arise.   99% of tax professionals help their clients to avoid walking into various tax traps which can snare the innocent and ill-advised.  Tax professionals also effectively help ‘police’ the tax system for HMRC, stopping clients making silly mistakes and prevent them doing all the dodgy stuff they hear about at the pub or golf club.  It’s about time we had some balanced media reporting on tax avoidance – please!

 

 

Radio 2 In The Park – 2013

For me this was the best ever BBC Radio 2 in the Park I’ve been to…probably because the line-up was an excellent eclectic mix and I really loved most of them.

All our guests enjoyed the lively up-beat performances by Jessie J, Jamie Cullum, James Blunt, Manic Street Preachers, Simple Minds, and Texas who all produced great numbers from their back-catalogues. Our hospitality providers also served up a sumptuous lunch and delightful snacks.  There was an endless supply of Pimms and Wine but most of our guests went for the hot tea and coffee!

My personal favourites were Josh Groban and Smokey Robinson. Josh’s haunting wonderful voice sent tingles on the back of my neck, particularly with his haunting rendition of Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Believe When I Fall In Love (It Will be Forever).  The headline act, Smokey Robinson, also showed that Motown still retains its magical quality. He completely blew us all away with his emotional reworking of Ooh Baby Baby and Tracks of My Tears. What a legend!

Again, the weather was kind to us – only a few odd showers that did not really rain on our parade!

A collection from the photo gallery…

Patricia, Sara, & Paul

Patricia, Sara, & Paul

Patricia & Me_Radio 2 In The Park

Patricia & Me – Radio 2 In The Park

Jo, Patricia and David...a small shower between the acts!

Jo, David and Patricia…a small shower between the acts!

Elaine Page & Me_Radio 2 InThe Park
Elaine Page & Me

Lunch time in the VIP Marquee

Lunch time in the VIP Marquee

 

PRTC’s second year at Proms In The Park

Promenader Patricia

Promenader Patricia

 

Our guests enjoyed a wonderful night at this year’s Proms In The Park, with a tasty dinner and an endless supply of Pimms in the VIP marquee.

We all had a great singsong as we joined in the staple diet of Rule, Britannia, Land of Hope and Glory, and Jerusalem. The sight of thousands Union Jacks being waived along with other colourful flags is always a real spectacle.

The headline act, Brian Ferry, performed some great alternative versions of Roxy Music hits, with a particularly evocative version of Jealous Guy. My personal highlight was Nigel Kennedy, who dashed over on a bike from the Royal Albert Hall to treat us to a beautiful rendition of his self-penned ‘Melody in the Wind’, accompanied by the highly talented 15-year-old Palestinian violinist Mostafa Saad.

The cast of ‘Let it Be’ (currently showing in London’s West End) also treated us to some great Beatles classics, finishing with their early cover of “Twist and Shout’.

All in all a great night, which finished with a breathtaking firework display. And thankfully the forecast rain did not appear!

All our guests

All our guests

The Stage setting

The Stage setting