-
Recent Posts
Archives
Categories
- A Thames Journey (6)
- Art, books, theatre, cinema (62)
- Canal and River life (4)
- London (64)
- Music – concerts, lists, reflections (250)
- Music – Have You Heard? (90)
- Music – Top Tens (36)
- Photos (74)
- Photos – lovelondonscenes (171)
- Photos – Scenes from Berlin (16)
- Poems (3)
- Politics and social (3)
- Random stuff (53)
- Sportsthoughts (171)
- Uncategorized (1)
Blogroll
- My photos on Flickr Check these if you like the selections on the blog
Twitter comments
- RT @springsteen: Meet me in a land of hope and dreams #CelebratingAmerica youtu.be/fW_Vny_aXNM 14 hours ago
- My top twenty albums for 2020, and a few reflections on music in this strangest of years. tfw5.com/2020/12/24/my-… 4 weeks ago
- Vauxhall Bridge, 2.40 today. #thames https://t.co/AuJ4DmDBjX 1 month ago
- Part six of my Thames Journey series: Marlow to Hampton Court. Ranging from the Magna Carta to the Profumo Affair..… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 2 months ago
- Hampton Court yesterday morning. #thames https://t.co/ikOBWB3Ct5 2 months ago
Meta
Category Archives: Random stuff
On re-reading “1984” – the Brexit connection
Over the last few days I’ve done a fair bit of travelling. Memphis to Chattanooga by bus, then back to Nashville, and the flight home via Detroit. Amongst other things I took the opportunity to re-read George Orwell’s dystopian classic … Continue reading
The “Put it to the People” march, central London, 23 March 2019
Like a million or so other people, I went to the Put it to the People march in central London today. Ostensibly a march for another referendum, the mood was much more about cancelling the whole Brexit thing right now. … Continue reading
Beauty in small things
Back in the early 2000s, when I’d recently become a senior civil servant, I went on a two week leadership course. It was brilliant, and one of the highlights was a day on creativity (yes, in the civil service!) where … Continue reading
Posted in Photos, Random stuff
Tagged Aldeburgh, Photography, photos, plants, Suffolk coast
Leave a comment
Reflections on retirement
Yesterday was my last day at IPSA – the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which regulates MPs’ expenses and decides their pay and pensions. I was the Director of Policy and Communications there. I’d been there since its creation in early … Continue reading
My novel: “The Decision”
I’ve written a novel. It’s called “The Decision”. It’s now available for sale – direct from me at the moment. Like to know what it’s about? Here’s a summary; “The Decision” is a novel about politics, the environment, relationships and … Continue reading
Belfast Part Two: The City in Pictures
Part two of my Belfast trilogy. Mainly photos, but putting them together reminded me how much I loved this city. Even though I’d never looked properly around it before, I felt it was part of me. My second city – … Continue reading
Belfast Part One: A Driver’s Story
My wife, Kath, and I have just been to Belfast and environs for a few days. It was a brilliant trip. For me, the first proper visit to the the place that my mother is from – I’ve had a … Continue reading
Love and Hope (for Manchester)
Last night’s atrocity at the Manchester Arena is beyond words, as many, including the singer Ariana Grande in the aftermath, have said. Beyond senseless. Pure evil. I have nothing I can add to that – just my heartfelt best wishes … Continue reading
Posted in Music - concerts, lists, reflections, Random stuff
Tagged Alex Petridis, Coldplay, love and hope, Manchester, music
4 Comments
In Manchester
On 24 and 25 March I spent some time in Manchester, one of England’s great cities, but one I don’t know terribly well, other than for its football and music. I’ve been there quite a few times in the past, … Continue reading
Leaving London – just for one day
London, Euston Station, Friday morning 24 March. Waiting for my train to Manchester. From one great city to another. Going to see Car Seat Headrest tonight. I’ve been to Manchester quite often, but only on work trips or stag-dos. I’ve … Continue reading