An Uncle in the Strand

My maternal grandmother is a Cator. If you’d like a thumbnail sketch the Cators are genetically rich and pathologically mean. There is probably no connection, although …  My paternal grandmother is a Jameson – less rich and wildly generous.

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By-Elections

Following the death of Sir Gerald Kaufman a by-election was supposed to be held yesterday for his seat, Manchester Gorton. It has been deferred until the General Election next month.

British Boxers

British Boxers supply good quality clothing – I am a customer. Another British boxer is Tony Bellew. He has more titles than Prince Charles and he has made a small but significant difference to the lives of Bellews living in England.

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Big Bang et cetera

I had a shock on Friday morning. Walking past Knightsbridge barracks I noticed two white vans by the entrance. There were three uniformed soldiers on the pavement and after I had passed I thought of going back to make sure they had checked the vans. Maybe I was over-reacting so I did nothing. At the… Continue reading Big Bang et cetera

Tringle Time

In the Lyttelton, Hart-Davis letters, which I continue to relish, Rupert H-D reveals that he is a crossword fiend and wins many a prize. I have twice (non-swank) won the top prize from The Spectator.

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Dum and Dee

If you went to Eton you know what beaks are – if you didn’t, it is what the teachers are called. In 1959, in Bud Hill’s house, there were two extra beaks.

Are Brokers Human?

When I lived at Barmeath I was a young dabbler in the stock market using my grandfather’s broker, Dudgeon, in Suffolk Street, Dublin. They were an old-fashioned firm whose partners were all known to my grandfather as friends or relations. On important occasions such as the Irish Derby there would be no partner in the… Continue reading Are Brokers Human?

Get me to a Nunnery

A recent comment reminded me that I was a vendangeur in 1972; cue for me to ramble on a bit about my “gap year”.

Ear to the Ground

If you are under fifty you may want to skip today’s post – perhaps saying “what a saddo” on your way out.

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