Photo by Chris Humble Four years ago Chris Humble spent six weeks travelling around India. What started largely as escapism from a difficult time in his life turned into an extraordinary – and sometimes hilarious – pilgrimage. The very personal blog Chris wrote at the time was only sent toContinue Reading
It is well known that Cummings spent two years in Russia after university, but the nature and extent of his later Russian connections are scantily documented. Photo Nikolay Vorobyev on unsplash On ‘Central Asia’, science, ‘weirdos and misfits’ The development of Brexit from a fringe movement into a dominant politicalContinue Reading
Photo from deposit photos (licence held by editor) Authenticity creates a believable world; thus, quality TV period dramas, developed from detailed research, provide the viewer/historian with valuable first-hand information. This following example relates to my own family history. A storyline in the recent final episode of Call the Midwife depictedContinue Reading
Politics is a very transitory phenomenon. The change in focus happens very quickly. What was a major issue dominating the media suddenly disappears when something else takes over. Partygate, which looked like it might topple the government, has now virtually disappeared from public view. But just because they are notContinue Reading
HIGNFY Studio Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication Have I Got News For You has been on our screens for more than half my lifetime. Full disclosure: it is one of my favourite pieces of telly. If it’s on, I don’t miss it, and will happily watch a repeat onContinue Reading
War in Ukraine Photo from deposit photos (editor holds licence) We have read so much about the horror and difficulties of those who have been forced to flee Ukraine over the last few weeks. There has been much support from the UK and the international communities. But how does itContinue Reading
Support for Ukraine Photo by Sylvia Zamperini Generosity, empathy, and support are coming from across the UK in response to the sheer awfulness of the invasion by Russia into Ukraine. The desire is to help the people fleeing from war. Communities around the UK are getting together to support theContinue Reading
Ben Houchen (screenshot from facebook page) In the week that both the Gazette and the Northern Echo both finally ran the story of the imminent redundancies of South Tees Site company workers at Teesworks, we examine Houchen’s record on employment in the Tees Valley. The South Tees Site Company(STSC), nowContinue Reading
We are the Best Photo credit Live Theatre Live Theatre launches its new season on Thursday 26 May 2022 with an explosive world premiere stage adaptation of We Are The Best! a film described by the New York Times as “a joyous heart-swelling story of youthful rebellion.” Charged with the anarchic spirit of the North East, thisContinue Reading
Acceptance by Daria C Used with permission In its 60th anniversary year, the National Autistic Society has changed the name of its Autism Awareness week to Autism Acceptance Week which runs 28 March to 3April. So what is behind this name change? The National Autistic Society say: “Based onContinue Reading
