The Hairy Bikers Go North For Christmas(C) South Shore Productions – Photographer: Jon Boast The Hairy Bikers have set their sights on dishing up the ultimate Christmas dinner, inspired by Northern producers who are revolutionising the British food scene. From Turkey Doner Kebab starters and gourmet marshmallows to award-winning ChristmasContinue Reading
We’ve seen one of the timeless rituals of British politics played out yet again this month. The death of a young boy trapped in an effectively dysfunctional family, young Alfie Labinjo-Hughes, sparks a call for heads to roll in the local Solihull Council Children’s Services Department. Meanwhile MPs call forContinue Reading
…and Andy McDonald came to the rescue… Photo from wikimedia commons Not much in the news this week, apart from the ongoing threat of further covid restrictions, investigations into Christmas parties last year in Downing Street, ongoing investigations into the financing of the renovations for Johnson’s Downing Street apartments, andContinue Reading
Photo from creative commons There is nothing quite so grey as the wintered backstreets of a shutdown seaside town pulled up its sheets against the day. There is nothing quite as cold as yesterday’s fish and chips laid around sleet-shocked ground, skittered by seagulls embittered, emboldened. There is nothing quiteContinue Reading
Image by focusonmore.com from Creative Commons Boris Johnson declared a victory against Covid on a few occasions. He did so in July 2020, when he announced a return to normality by Christmas. He did it again in July 2021, on what he called ‘Freedom Day’, with the lifting of virtuallyContinue Reading
Gary Barlow If you are going to see Gary Barlow at the Newcastle Arena later this month you are in for a great evening. I went along to the Sheffield show, here is a taste of what to expect. Barlow arrives on stage at Sheffield Arena dressed in a cherryContinue Reading
John Marshall was Lord Mayor of Newcastle, 2002 John Marshall, my dad, was born in 1935 in the east end of Newcastle. He was evacuated for some of World War 11 to a big house on the outskirts of Carlisle. I remember my granny (his mam) telling me that sheContinue Reading
Downing Street has responded to the death of little Arthur Labinjo-Hughes with the usual, “we will do all it takes to find out what happened and make changes to the system”. Yet more blah blah. This is fast becoming the response to most of what the government says about anythingContinue Reading
Protestors sing ‘You are not alone’ at the demonstration in Consett today Photo by Sylvia Zamperini Vulnerable women who are seeking sanctuary should be helped and supported, not locked up. In Consett today there is a demonstration against the opening of Derwentside (Hassockfield) Immigration Removal Centre (IRC). This demonstration isContinue Reading
Advent is on my mind. The period of time where Christians prayerfully await and anticipate the celebration of the birth of Christ. A time when they reflect upon the prophecies of his birth in Isaiah and the gospel accounts of his birth in Matthew and Luke. Many of the ‘people’Continue Reading
