Did you know London begins on the A22 just outside Whyteleafe? Unless you’re on the train, and then it’s probably somewhere like Purley Beeches. This is when you’re travelling from Sussex. Of course that’s just my opinion. There are actual … Continue reading Boundaries, baldness and the art of listening carefully
‘Even Michael McIntyre never had to perform for 6 hours solid,’ says Fran Hill, author of new book Miss, What Does Incomprehensible Mean? released tomorrow, 21 May. But can teaching really be that hard? Charting the life of a secondary … Continue reading School – the best days of your life?
I’m walking like a cowboy, my knees are socially distancing from each other and my back aches. But I’m happy. I hadn’t cycled for at least 20 years, probably more. I have a friend who is a veteran cyclist. She … Continue reading Pedalling like a believer
When I was little there were only two occasions when someone might say ‘Bless you’. The first was when you sneezed. The second was when someone wanted to indicate compassion or affirmation, the blesser always being someone of indeterminate age. … Continue reading Aw, bless…
So many questions: – What are social distancing procedures on pavements? Should I tint my own eyebrows? Shall I grow a beard? As far as pavements are concerned, I think there should be a very clear rule that the person … Continue reading Digging up daisies
Once upon a time, many moons ago, when the earth was young, a lighthouse rose tall and strong near cliffs surrounded by rocks. The rocks were large and sharp as jagged teeth. They guarded a narrow channel through choppy and … Continue reading The lighthouse
Like you, at this (*Do not use the word unprecedented! DO NOT use the word unprecedented!*) unprecedented time (sorry), I’m noticing the mood swings. I guess we all are. Some days I feel sad and pensive, weepy even. News of … Continue reading Why rainbows?
I am never going to be the kind of person who cleans the cutlery drawer. I would rather write an essay/sit an exam/retake my driving test (I might have to by the time this is over). The only thing I … Continue reading Revelations in isolation
So it came after all, she thinks, staring out of the window at the rain. It falls in heavy handfuls, flicking fingers at the glass. She’s not thinking about the rain but about the millennium bug that they prepared for … Continue reading Millennium Bug
‘Future Polly’s going to love past Polly…’ My daughter first said this when she was quite small. ‘What do you mean?’ It was Sunday afternoon and she led me to her room. Always tidy, with everything in its place, her … Continue reading Living backwards or forwards?
