Month: December 2021

My Top 10 Movies of 2021

As with 2020 it’s been a weird year for film-goers. I only managed to go at all because Cineworld gave me a free annual pass. I definitely made the most of it and went to see dozens of films just as I did in 2020. I very much believe that if you like culture, arts… Continue reading My Top 10 Movies of 2021

How a dyslexic schoolgirl helped design the Spitfire!

With its graceful curves, elliptical wings and distinctive engine sound, the Spitfireis a British icon. A status solidified since its heroic efforts in the Battle of Britain in 1940. The Spitfire is the most famous fighter aircraft in British aviation history and has a fighting chance at perhaps being the most famous plane in history.  More than any… Continue reading How a dyslexic schoolgirl helped design the Spitfire!

Personal thoughts on the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

I was saddened to hear a few hours ago about the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Not because at 90 years of age he could be said to be short-changed on that account but because there are so few people in prominent positions who espouse his ideals on the world stage. I’ve often said I… Continue reading Personal thoughts on the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Coronavirus Diary 83 – The (lack of) joy at Christmas and discombobulated thoughts

I must admit that I don’t feel 1% Christmassy and that is 1% less than last year when at least I knew everyone else was to various degrees miserable and isolated but I’m 22.5 months now into being Excluded (15 months or more of that Shielding alone). It’s hard to get concerned about people having… Continue reading Coronavirus Diary 83 – The (lack of) joy at Christmas and discombobulated thoughts

It’s not exactly rocket science nor brain surgery come to that!

I remember a few years ago as I waited with anticipation for a tourist who was going to be the very first to experience a brand new tour. I had offered to meet him at his hotel but he insisted that he was happy using the London Underground and that he was only 3 or… Continue reading It’s not exactly rocket science nor brain surgery come to that!

Wooden Spools of times past outside a beautiful old Spitalfields House

I’ve written countless posts over the years about Spitalfields, Whitechapel and Aldgate and many of them have been on less than savoury subjects but recently when I was out and about walking through the area I decided to revisit one of the more upmarket districts. Of course at one point the whole area was very… Continue reading Wooden Spools of times past outside a beautiful old Spitalfields House

Fenstanton Man – A Victim of Roman Crucifixion in Cambridgeshire

Last week a rather interesting bit of news caught my eye relating to an archeological dig from 2017 but for reasons relating to Covid, the findings which have only just been released. As I’ve mentioned previously from time to time, it is common practice for archaeological work to be carried out in the UK before… Continue reading Fenstanton Man – A Victim of Roman Crucifixion in Cambridgeshire

Snooping around a Charnel House (House of the dead) in Spitalfields, London.

Whilst I was out looking for my beigel a few weeks ago in Spitalfields, I decided to do a bit of a detour to look for an old ruin which if not quite in plain sight then is at least walked over by thousands of people every day without their ever really knowing. I’ve written… Continue reading Snooping around a Charnel House (House of the dead) in Spitalfields, London.

Covid Diary 82: Warming up a 200 year old house

I’ve lived in my new house now for almost 2 years but due to being Excluded and without income or any government support, things that in normal times I could get done in weeks are currently taking years. My house is split into two sections. The original chuck of the house from about 1824 and… Continue reading Covid Diary 82: Warming up a 200 year old house