Category Archives: Random stuff

The Orchids at Kew Gardens

Posted on February 8, 2023 by John S

Kath and I went to Kew Gardens today to see the Orchids exhibition in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. It opened on 4 February and runs until 5 March. It’s an annual show, but it was the first time we’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Photos, Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

BP and solar power – a missed opportunity

Posted on December 7, 2022 by John S

I worked for BP for most of the 80s, first as an economist, then in mergers and acquisitions and finally in business planning in Paris. I had a great experience over the years and learned a lot that stood me … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and social, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

On re-reading “1984” – the Brexit connection

Posted on May 24, 2019 by John S

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 →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The “Put it to the People” march, central London, 23 March 2019

Posted on March 23, 2019 by John S

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 →

Posted in London, Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

Beauty in small things

Posted on January 4, 2019 by John S

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 →

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Reflections on retirement

Posted on September 15, 2018 by John S

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 →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

My novel: “The Decision”

Posted on April 28, 2018 by John S

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 →

Posted in Art, books, theatre, cinema, Random stuff | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Belfast Part Two: The City in Pictures

Posted on April 16, 2018 by John S

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 →

Posted in Photos, Random stuff | Tagged | 8 Comments

Belfast Part One: A Driver’s Story

Posted on April 10, 2018 by John S

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 →

Posted in Random stuff | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Love and Hope (for Manchester)

Posted on May 23, 2017 by John S

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 , , , , | 4 Comments