Arts
The tale of John Barleycorn
Whilst listening to some 70’s era music – the time when music demanded competence – I came across a track by Traffic. I listened and remembered hearing it many years ago and that it was [more…]
Arts
20th Century
The Front Line Reporter
In this extract from his book* my uncle describes his time as a war correspondent with the Army’s official newspaper Union Jack in the latter stages of World War II. Jerry F. In World War [more…]
Arts
Coffee – Five Manual Brewing Techniques
This article is about different coffee brewing techniques that don’t require plug-in machines. Many people swear by expensive espresso makers, pod machines, or electric percolators, but I prefer the simplicity of manual devices. These are [more…]
20th Century
Film Review: Bridge Over The River Kwai
David Lean’s The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) is not just a great film, it is a nearly perfect one. Even better, it was recognised as such from the start by virtually everyone. [more…]
Hobbies
A short walk in the Cymraeg Kush, Part Four
Previously we have had Part 1 (Planning), Part 2 (Days 1-5), Part 3 (Days 6-9). Welcome to the final instalment. Day 10 — Careg-y-Big to Llandegla (20 miles) The day started easily enough with some [more…]
20th Century
Nostalgia Album, Part Nineteen
Parador Torremolinos As we near journey’s end (can Puffins tell where we’re going to yet and why?), the final photo from the previous edition of Nostalgia Album is reproduced below. Depicted, is an unprepossessing single-story [more…]
Arts
Always Worth Saying’s Question Time Review
Question Time 16th June 2022 The Panel: Robert Jennrick (Conservative) Matt Vicars (Conservative) Thangham Debbonaire (Labour) Ella Whelan (Commentator) Richard Walker (Iceland Foods) Alison Thewliss (SNP) Venue: Newcastle Upon Tyne Your humble reviewer once lived [more…]
Hobbies
Wildfowling: Tools of the Trade part one
A few people have asked me since the last article to write a little bit about a fundamental part of the sport, which would be the guns themselves. I have touched briefly on this previously, [more…]
20th Century
Lake District Memories
On Christmas Morning 2021 I was taken by ambulance to hospital suffering from a clot on the lung brought on by Covid (Covid Pneumonitis). It was to be the beginning of ten days there, most [more…]