The Chumly Test

I failed the Chumly Test when I came to live in London and mentioned Cad O’Gan Square and continue to fail it, most recently at Kenwood.

Gadhus Morhua

When my Jameson grandmother was in hospital in Dublin in the early 1970s she was in a public ward and found the food excellent.

Guys and Dolls

I am across the river with two broads on a sunny afternoon – in fact, it is forever sunny when I am with these particular dolls.

The Way We Were

It surprises me how ignorant I am about the 20th century history of the country where I was born and bred.

Lord Waldegrave’s Sermon

On the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Sermon delivered by Lord Waldegrave of North Hill, Provost of Eton College College Chapel – 11 September 2022 Lord , now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace.

Queen Elizabeth II

I never met Queen Elizabeth II but I know many who have and a handful may read this.

It’s Saturday it’s …

“It’s Saturday, It’s Lemons Day” was a sponsored programme on Radio Eirann when I was a child. I think it promoted sherbet lemons, a nourishing boiled sweet.

Hangman’s Holiday

I plucked this slim vol of shorters to read on a train because it fitted into a pocket of my top coat.

Good News, Bad News

Only one chick hatched this year (again) and is thriving; just twelve days old and growing like Topsy.