From Riyadh to Rehab

Fourteen years ago in Riyadh, in June 2004, BBC reporter Frank Gardner was shot eleven times. The cameraman with him, Simon Cumbers, was killed but Frank survived.

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Categorised as Literature

Match Point

The EU Withdrawal Bill is proving a contentious piece of legislation. The Peers are flexing their pecs, making amendments to give the Commons a greater say on the outcome of the negotiations with the EU. The Bill shuttles between the two Chambers in a process known as Parliamentary ping-pong.

Wind in the Willows

This fine willow tree is beside the north bank of the Thames at Fulham Reach. In the plans approved for the new blocks of flats in this Conservation Area the tree was to be retained but the developer has had a change of heart.

Red Notice

In 1969 I saw a film I have never forgotten, Z. It was the first film I’d seen that had a serious political message. It is about the assassination of a left wing Greek politician in 1963 by his right wing opponents and the government cover-up that ensued. The film is based on a book… Continue reading Red Notice

Rolls-Royce

A few days ago Warren East, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, announced that the company plans to make 4,600 workers redundant; 3,000 in the UK of which most are in Derby.

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Categorised as Business

Tunbridge Wells

Last year this mural was installed on Platform 2 at Tunbridge Wells station. The jovial fellow in yellow leaping in 1606 is Lord North.

Art on the Underground

In 1908 the tube had got as far as Golders Green and Frank Pick wanted to be sure the public knew. It was I suppose the Crossrail of its day.

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Categorised as Art

My Shout

The Metro ran this advertorial on Tuesday about one of the studios in Barons Court that features here. A feature that goes unmentioned in the Metro is the outstanding views of a building site that it may enjoy until the middle of the next decade, when its light will be blocked by a new development.

Ninette

A friend went to an exhibition of photographs taken by Joan Leigh Fermor at the Benaki Museum in Athens. It looks like a little gem and I hope it may follow in the footsteps of Charmed Lives in Greece to the British Museum.

Royal Mausolea

There are a few things that can only be done at restricted times. One is visiting the Mansion House. I had hoped to advise you to turn up on any Tuesday afternoon for an hour long tour but these jaunts have now been cancelled until further notice.