20th Century
Christmas Past
If you think I can remember 1924, you’re wrong. One relies upon our friends at the British Newspaper Archive. Ten decades ago some newspapers did publish on Christmas Day. The Sutton & Epsom Advertiser was [more…]
History
20th Century
What’s in a Street Name?
Do the street names in Kenya’s cities still serve the purpose of memorialising those who have made significant contributions to our country? November 22, 2024 I’m a flâneur. Every time I visit a new town, [more…]
Arts
Basilica Santuario Santo Stefano – The Seven Churches of Bologna
It is a short walk from the twin towers, past the oldest house in Bologna, to Via Santo Stefano. For the most part the journey is under a colonnade of stone, cast in cool shadow [more…]
19th Century
Postcard from Birmingham, Part Six
In recent weeks we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by summer riots, 1980s football matches and pop concerts, the Falkland Islands and even the delivery of mail to the South Pole at Christmas. Puffins [more…]
Arts
Postcard From Birmingham, Part Two
There should be a law against circular railway stations, especially those with exits at each point of the compass. The danger is, once outside, visitors don’t know where they are or in what direction they’re [more…]
19th Century
Moving the Talai
August 14, 2024 The evidence of colonial Britain’s attempt to eliminate the Talai a century ago is only now coming to light, as the last of the survivors seek justice. Above: Kibore Cheruiyot Ng’asura, 102 [more…]
History
Postcard From Birmingham
Myself and my wife fussed over our Kitkats and coffees and peeled off the Standard Premium antimacassars to make it look as though were travelling First Class. Little did we realise our day trip to [more…]
Arts
Book Review: The Shortest History of England
‘The Shortest History of England’ by James Hawes is not too short and tops the scales at 272 pages. A bright chap, the 64-year-old writer graduated in German from Hertford College, Oxford, and studied for [more…]
Arts
The Origins of Terms and Phrases
There are terms and phrases which remain in use today, despite the fact they were coined many years or many centuries ago. In some cases it is quite remarkable that they have survived and stand [more…]