Culture
Profession? Northerner!
Last time we looked at the early career of Jimmy Tarbuck. We noted his success hinged upon – or was at least boosted by – a cheeky-chappy persona, quick wit, smart suits and a mop-top [more…]
Blog
Fiction
Jinnie’s Story, Book Seven – Chapter Twelve
It was when Willie was being handed over to Barnet General’s Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department when Jinnie heard the paramedics say, “suspected appendicitis”, which was what she feared. Willie was taken into a cubicle [more…]
Economics
The work ethic
It was made very clear to me at an early age that work is good and that work is necessary. I never questioned this, rather I was brought up to snub those who were workshy [more…]
20th Century
My Uncle David
My dad was one of eight brothers. The oldest of these, born in 1915, was called David. I can remember him from the 1950s but he was always a bit distant, a bit odd in [more…]
21st Century
Building on Sand? The Perils of Peacemaking in Sudan
After 16 months of civil war, Sudan increasingly resembles a ‘failed state’, with displacement and man-made famine driving one of the ‘worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory’. Following early setbacks, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) [more…]
Arts
Review: Grace
I watched ‘Grace’ last night. New series. Mainly because it was shot where I live. I recognise all the scene settings which makes it jar a bit when they walk down a street and turn [more…]
20th Century
European Journey 1953, Part Three – Hamburg
You climb into an aeroplane at Amsterdam Schiphol and as soon as you are comfortably airborne, you order an excellent dry sherry and nibble at a picnic lunch which you don’t really need. You try [more…]
Politics
Local Gummint
Local government in England is a mess. I have recollections of films from the 1940s where there was an insignificant looking little man called the Town Clerk who used to run the show. These days [more…]
Hobbies
Rossendale
It takes a week to cycle from Penzance to Berwick. It took me 40 years. Because on the way, I wanted to include every town in England, in what amounted to some two years of [more…]