Hussein Al-alak
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husseinalalak.bsky.social
Hussein Al-alak
@husseinalalak.bsky.social
Here to be creative, thoughtful and to share some personal interests. A big fan of nature, films, photography, #books and international affairs. I look forward to meeting you ❤️
Will the sound of the AMAR Yazidi Women's Choir featuring the Laidlaw Highlanders, filter through on your Burns Night supper on the 25th January? What a great way to kickstart the 'Year of Reading', than with poetry, music and haggis.

#booksky #books #yearofreading
Yazidi Pipe Band EP - YouTube
youtube.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:49 AM
I got a little excited over Christmas, knowing that 2026 is the 'Year of Reading' across GB. In a conversation on New Years Day, the first book I recommended to someone was the fabulous 'Spies of the Balkans' by Alan Furst. Have you read it?

#booksky #books #yearofreading
January 3, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Here's wishing you a very Happy New Year! I hope you're having a peaceful season and if you listened to my recent interview on the AMAR Foundation's Yazidi Women's Choir, please check out their latest album with the Laidlaw Highlanders 🎶🎶

#youtube #music #artists
Yazidi Pipe Band EP - YouTube
youtube.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:15 AM
As patron of the AMAR Foundation, back in 2020 Prince Charles was the first member of the British Royal Family to meet and hear AMAR's Yazidi Women's Choir.

Their story is currently number 2 in the global Mixcloud charts: www.mixcloud.com/RadioOffbeat...

#news #usa #uk #iraq #music
December 29, 2025 at 4:30 AM
"If books could only talk!" I didn't know the story of the audiobook dates back to WW1 and a crossover between St Dunstan's (now Blind Veterans UK) and the RNIB. This article makes for fascinating reading, as 2026 will mark the 'Year of Reading' across GB.

#books #booksky #history
Celebrating the history of Talking Books
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you
www.rnib.org.uk
December 27, 2025 at 9:01 AM
It was a delight to include Circle Music tracks on this #Christmas episode of Radio Offbeat, especially when discussing the AMAR Foundation's Yazidi Women's Choir.

If you like good #music and a good story, then this will certainly brighten up your Boxing Day: www.mixcloud.com/RadioOffbeat...
December 26, 2025 at 8:38 AM
Have you ever sat back and listened to Circle Music? Circle are an Oxford based group who normally sing folky choral #music, with a twist of Jazz.

Their new album ‘December’ is truly haunting, creating an atmosphere that will enchant you throughout the Winter. Listen to circle.hearnow.com here.
December 26, 2025 at 8:28 AM
It's a huge achievement that over 2,602 children across #Manchester received gifts through Wood Street Mission's #Christmas Appeal, ensuring that no child missed out on the festive magic.

Listen to their story here: www.mixcloud.com/RadioOffbeat...
December 26, 2025 at 8:17 AM
“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." From this #photograph of Bethlehem, taken in 1944, I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) Peace be with you🎄
December 25, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Here is some good news to see you through these cold Winter's nights! As Wood Street Mission reports, through 2025, over 14,710 books have been distributed to young people across Manchester and Salford.

#books #booksky🎄
Celebrating a Year of Impact: Wood Street Mission in 2025 - Wood Street Mission
Celebrating a Year of Impact: Wood Street Mission in 2025 As 2025 draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the incredible difference Wood Street Mission has made in the lives of children and families acr...
www.woodstreetmission.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 9:58 AM
“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.” ― Norman Vincent Peale

#christmas #booksky #books
December 21, 2025 at 8:42 AM
“Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.” ― Calvin Coolidge

#christmas #books #booksky
December 21, 2025 at 8:40 AM
'The Eye in the Door' is the second book in Pat Barker's 'Regeneration' trilogy and is an excellent story which explores the wider impact of WW1 trauma. Barker's books are also historic, as they illustrate why organisations like Combat Stress were established.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ #books #booksky #history
December 20, 2025 at 10:04 AM
After a #radio interview with Wood Street Mission's CEO Des Lynch, he presented me with a certificate of thanks, for help given to their Christmas Appeal.

As the big day draws closer, it's worth remembering www.woodstreetmission.org.uk also provides assistance with clothing, toiletries and books✨
December 20, 2025 at 9:50 AM
This 1945 classic was republished for the VE Day anniversary in 2025. 'Three Men in New Suits' brings back a forgotten gem by the author of 'An Inspector Calls'; reflecting on the legacy of the Second World War and questions civilian relationships with the Veteran community.

#booksky #books #uk
December 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Many people know the story of the WW1 Christmas Truce and Pat Barker's Regeneration trilogy provides deeper meaning to the now famous story. Regeneration is the classic exploration of how the trauma of war brutalised a generation of young men.

#books #booksky #history
December 14, 2025 at 8:55 AM
After recently winning the ‘Most Loved Charity’ at the 'I Love Manchester Awards’, Des Lynch of Wood Street Mission popped into the ALLFM studio and spoke to Radio Offbeat about a Wood Street Christmas.

Listen here: www.mixcloud.com/RadioOffbeat...

#manchester #booksky #radio
December 11, 2025 at 6:40 PM
“Melancholy were the sounds on a winter's night.” ― Virginia Woolf

#books #booksky #winter
December 11, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Like the story of Saint Nicolas and with your help, www.woodstreetmission.org.uk can make sure that thousands of families wake up to something special on Christmas Day🎄

#christmas #books #booksky
December 10, 2025 at 9:35 AM
“You think of outside your room, of the streets of the town, the lonely little squares over by the station, of those winter Saturdays all alike.” ― Marguerite Duras

#photography #booksky #books
December 10, 2025 at 9:30 AM
In an interview with Radio Offbeat, on Manchester's @allfm.bsky.social, Des Lynch of Wood Street Mission explained how choice is a powerful tool for ending poverty and that www.woodstreetmission.org.uk empowers parents by providing them with choices.

#manchester #christmas
December 8, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Late on Christmas Eve in 1914, men of the British Expeditionary Force heard German troops in the trenches opposite them singing carols and patriotic songs, and saw lanterns and small fir trees along their trenches. The Christmas Truce has become one of the most famous events of WW1.

#books #booksky
December 8, 2025 at 6:40 PM
On Thursday, it was wonderful to join Sile Martin and Des Lynch of www.woodstreetmission.org.uk on Manchester's Radio Offbeat. Along with a fascinating conversation about Wood Street's Christmas Appeal, Des gave some thoughtful insights into Wood Street Mission's history in the city.

#christmas
December 6, 2025 at 10:04 AM
In Iceland, people have a beautiful tradition of giving books to each other on Christmas Eve and then they spend the night reading. Could this explain why “reading brings us unknown friends”?

#books #booksky #christmas
December 4, 2025 at 6:28 AM