Fish and chips, now who can resist them? Crisp, golden batter covering delicious flaky white fish, served with hot, steaming chips, wrapped in newspaper. (Well not exactly newspaper any more, but Brits of a certain age will remember that) They are practically an institution in the UK; the original fast … Show more
Big Ben is an iconic London landmark, synonymous with all things British. Often when watching the news, journalists can be seen standing in front of the Houses of Parliament delivering their reports with the obligatory red London bus or black cab sailing behind them. Big Ben is not a building … Show more
As a Lancastrian, born in the shadow of Pendle Hill, I was raised knowing the story of the ‘Lancashire Witches’ very well. I have trudged up Pendle Hill on scores of occasions, including some scary night walks up there at Halloween. During the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly during the … Show more
POLLY NICHOLLS The first woman to be murdered by Jack the Ripper on August 31st, 1888, was Mary Ann Nicholls, known as ‘Polly’. Polly struggled with drink and relationships, ending up in Lambeth Workhouse. In August, 1888, she was lodging in Thawl Street in Whitechapel. On the night of her … Show more
A couple of weeks ago I was coming home alone late at night via the tube. (London Underground) When I walked into the station, I found it to be eerily and unusually quiet, with not a soul about. A YouTube film I had recently watched about a ghost filmed in … Show more
The cup of tea is a quintessential part of life in England, certainly in my family and for the majority of my British friends. The first thing people often ask when you visit their home is, ‘Would you like a cup of tea?’ Tea is cheap, cheerful and refreshing and … Show more
I love lighthouses and reading about their history, as well as the many stories connected with them. One of the most well-known lighthouses in the UK is Longstone Lighthouse, off the coast of beautiful Northumberland. It looks over the treacherous Harcar rocks, the scene of many shipwrecks over the years. … Show more
Life is like an Ocean LIFE IS LIKE AN OCEAN Life is like an ocean, it ebbs and flows. Great tides of wrath; heavy, foamy Crash on the shores with their relentless surge, Bringing their sorrow, pain and blows. Life is like an ocean, its boundless power Ceaselessly lapping, edging … Show more
What is the connection between Anthony Trollope and our iconic red post boxes? We have had The Royal Mail in the UK since around 1516 and for most of its history, it has operated as a public/government service. Our famous, iconic letter boxes are recognised the world over. You seem … Show more
What are you working on? Currently I am working on some poetry, which I love writing, but don’t often have the time I really would like to devote to it. I love the changing seasons, so these often act as great inspiration for me. One day I may publish them, … Show more