20th Century
Return To The Jernbanemysterium
A phrase lingers in the mind. In passing, Mr. DH — my colleague, a fellow Puffin to us all, and master of that mysterious gift known as the turn of phrase — once summed up [more…]
Travel
Hobbies
Northumberland, Part Two
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…]
Holiday
Yet Another Caribbean Christmas And New Year, Part Four
Wednesday 1st January 2025 – At Sea As usual, I was awake just after six, as seems to be the habit this cruise. I lay in bed for a bit and messaged “Happy New Year” [more…]
Holiday
Yet Another Caribbean Christmas And New Year, Part Three
Saturday 28th December – Antigua (mid-cruise changeover day) I really don’t know why, but as usual, I woke just after six a.m. as it was just getting light, and we were heading into port. It [more…]
Holiday
Yet Another Caribbean Christmas And New Year, Part Two
Tuesday 24th December (Christmas Eve) – St Kitts Breakfast today was in the MDR as my excursion wasn’t due to leave until 09:30 I was in no hurry. Once again it was a sharing table [more…]
Hobbies
Yorkshire Coalfield
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…]
Holiday
Yet Another Caribbean Christmas And New Year, Part One
Friday 20th December – Home to Barbados My alarm woke me at five, and I got up immediately—no lie-in, as I would probably go back to sleep, and that could be a disaster. Shave, shower, [more…]
Holiday
Yet Another Caribbean Christmas And New Year, Part Zero
Being on my own, I have taken to going on a Christmas cruise. The only problem is that single accommodation goes very quickly and isn’t cheap. I booked this year’s trip before going away last [more…]
20th Century
Every Button is a Bit of France
18 August 1944 Ten minutes ago the shock-headed young signalman came swaying across the signals deck and grinned at me. He made a noise like a dive-bomber and his hands mimed an Focke-Wulf Fw 190 [more…]