´óÏó´«Ã½

So am sitting in studio 8 of ´óÏó´«Ã½, Broadcasting House, Belfast watching the clock. It'sÌý5 toÌý8 and just after the 8 o'clock news I will present my last "Sounds Classical". I've been doing this show for over 4 years now. But about 2 months ago I realised that I had to make a decision. Working weekends, as well as during the week on "Arts Extra", 2 small children, family life,Ìýetc etc....something had to give. And reluctantly it is this show.

So I made the decision to quit, told my boss and gave him today's date as my last show.

As I left the house tonight I said to the two girls "I'm away, last show on a sunday night...mummy will be here now on sunday nights", expecting a warm rush of cheer.ÌýInstead theyÌýlooked miserable.

And then I saw why,Ìýon the tv, there she was, in her glass coffin, the dwarves crying, the woodland animals crying. Snow White. Dead.Ìý

At least I knew that the next frame would bringÌýPrince Charming riding into view,Ìýand, with a kiss, bring her back to life and give my two girls theirÌýhappy ever after.

And bitter sweet happy endings here too. Am not sure how I will be at the end of the show tonight at 10, especiallyÌýwith the last piece of music. It'sÌýmy all time favourite, the intermezzo from Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana.ÌýA piece I first heardÌýbefore I was even born. My mumÌýwas in a production of it in Birmingham when she was eight months pregnant with me!ÌýÌý So there is something about babies and the womb and classical music, becauseÌýit always hits the spot.ÌýIt's only right that it's the last piece of music for me tonight. Oh and for the next 7 days if you fancy listening again on the bbc iplayer!

ÌýÌýÌýÌý