Pufuleti

“Few of us are aware of how much … we eat – because we tend to consume it indirectly. … oil is used for cooking and can also be found in margarine, chocolate, ice cream or baked goods, as well as in cosmetics or soaps. … production has more than doubled over the last two… Continue reading Pufuleti

A Tale of Two Hotels

These two novels have a common theme – they are set in a time of turmoil in 1919 at the end of the Great War. Both tell their story through the guests at an hotel: conveying the mood of the whole country under this microscope.

Irish Endurance

An interesting if arcane topic that may be of interest. I must declare an interest: I am a trustee of this charity founded in 1783. Tickets can be bought at the Society’s website. On the Fourth of July, 1806We set sail from the sweet cove of CorkWe were sailing away with a cargo of bricksFor… Continue reading Irish Endurance

Between the Sheets

I feel rather guilty when I finish an enjoyable, lightweight thriller. I ought to have been reading something more improving.

1988 and All That

I don’t hoard, there isn’t room for that indulgence in a small late Victorian terraced house; so it is giving me immense pleasure to read a copy of The Spectator dated 27 February 1988.

A KGB Vassal

Yesterday Greville Wynne was caught by the KGB stealing Soviet nuclear secrets. I suppose the KGB received a tip off from the Cambridge spies.

Alert for Vexillophiles

“College of Arms flag-flying news 2024 UEFA European Football Championship: On Sunday 14 July 2024, Departments of His Majesty’s Government are encouraged to fly an England flag – the Cross of St George – to celebrate the England Men’s Football Team reaching the final of Euro 2024, in addition to the Union flag. Where both flags… Continue reading Alert for Vexillophiles

A Stately Home

Houses open to the public usually fall into three categories: owner occupied, National Trust and English Heritage.