An impromptu diversion took us to Ironbridge in Shropshire, possibly the heart of the Industrial Revolution. En route, I found a walk in the area that passed many of the places that were key to the industrial era. The walk itself quickly rose into Lloyd’s Coppice then continued to Coalport. We crossed the River Severn … Continue reading / view photos Ironbridge
The old normal — in Kew and Tate Modern
This was the first weekend that felt normal since the start of the pandemic last year. That’s not to say everything is back to the way it was or will be soon. Like our last weekend of freedom before the pandemic, we had a full weekend of activity. On Saturday, we started with lunch at … Continue reading / view photos The old normal — in Kew and Tate Modern
Squid Game
This Netflix thriller has become a global phenomenon. I watched the first episode to see what the fuss was about. It was compelling viewing and now I’ve finished the whole series. There has been much coverage about the violence in the show. This is a shame because the violence is of a particular sort (people … Continue reading Squid Game
A man gotta have a code
A friend organises film nights and, many years ago, an elderly member recommended the TV series The Wire to me. I was somewhat hesitant to start watching a five-season drama but he persuaded me to watch the first season, whilst simultaneously giving me the five-season DVD boxset. When I watched episode one, something wasn’t quite … Continue reading A man gotta have a code
Angelsey — Ynys Llanddwyn walk
This walk begins and ends in the Newborough Forest. This Site of Special Scientific Interest has sand dunes and mudflats that make you feel like you’re in another country. You also have impressive views of Snowdonia, which is just across the water. The forest has red squirrels, which we didn’t see, but there were a … Continue reading / view photos Angelsey — Ynys Llanddwyn walk
Anglesey — Aberffraw walk
Aberffraw is a popular place for sun seekers. There’s also some good walking to be done amongst the covered sand dunes. The highlight of the walk is “the church in the sea” — St. Cwyfan’s Church. This medieval church was once on a peninsula but erosion left the church stranded at high tide. A causeway … Continue reading / view photos Anglesey — Aberffraw walk
Anglesey
This was my first holiday since I went to the USA two years ago. Last year, for me and for so many, was a write off because of the pandemic. One of the few people I knew who did travel abroad found the whole experience stressful. It put me off even attempting to go abroad. … Continue reading / view photos Anglesey
Battle Cry of Freedom
When I was in the USA, I was exposed to parts of American history. It was mostly odd facts like California was once part of Mexico or the history of independence in Boston. I became curious, especially about the American Civil War, a pivotal event in American history. I’ve just finished reading Battle Cry of … Continue reading Battle Cry of Freedom
There’s a light beyond these woods
Like so much music, I think I discovered Nanci Griffith whilst listening to Whispering Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2 in the Nineties. Her voice, musical storytelling, guitar playing, and melodies instantly appealed to me. I think she’s classified as a folk singer but there was country in the music too. She’s probably the only … Continue reading There’s a light beyond these woods
Can we have two golds?
As the Tokyo 2020 Olympics ended, I was reminded of the London 2012 games . I remember how excited everyone around me was. And when the opening ceremony celebrated the best of British, it heralded what would be a wonderful Olympics. The demand for tickets at London 2012 was high. Of the tickets I applied … Continue reading Can we have two golds?