To the Stars with Jocelyn
Space Astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell was born in Belfast in 1943 which makes her a contemporary of mine and a much admired one. She was a living role model to use in the promotion of equal…
Impressions of Kesteven
If Oxford is the city of dreaming-spires then this part of Lincolnshire is its rural equivalent. Elegant church spires of great height, stretch gracefully up into the sky, their tops disappearing into oblivion. It seems…
Stamford
Stamford is a wonderfully attractive place that allows no encroachment from the modern world. There is no Tesco Express, no Weatherspoons, no Superdrug, no Co-op, no Costa Coffee. All the architecture is Medieval or Tudor…
Shakespeare’s Day 2022
Today is Shakespeare's birthday and, after two years of restrictions due to Covid-19, the people of Stratford-upon-Avon are celebrating in fine style throughout the weekend. The statue of Shakespeare that was gifted to Stratford by…
Lake Windermere in March
When visiting the Lake district at this time of year four words spring to mind and they are water, wood, walls and wool. Here are four collages of photos, one for each word: There's nothing…
November in Warwickshire
Since I last wrote a blog we’ve had Halloween, a Climate Change Conference, Bonfire Night and the return of Worzel Gummidge to the BBC. All this and we’re only half way through November! Mackenzie Crook…
October in Stratford-upon-Avon
Yesterday this swan on the River Avon in Stratford was paddling towards me at a very rapid pace. He must have thought I had some food to offer and I was sorry for any disappointment…
Michaelmas
Asters, known in the UK as Michaelmas daisies, bring vibrant colour to gardens and parks as summer changes to autumn. They help to provide some of the valuable pollen and nectar sought by the last…
The Journey to Honey Mountain
Illustration by Emily Taylor February in Warwickshire This week Boris unveiled his “roadmap” to guide us out of lockdown. It’s a timetable really but people will feel happier with a roadmap. A map suggests going…