April 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. The 30 years before that was marked by bitter violent conflict. In the closing days of 2018 there is renewed verbal animosity, not from the province itself, but from politicians in Westminster over the status of the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish… Continue reading
Browsing Category Travel
1066 Country and all that – Hastings battles up the South Coast rankings
President Macron has announced that the Bayeux Tapestry will be loaned to Britain. This will be the first time in 950 years that it is left France, although it’s likely to be five years before it arrives here. It is not known where the tapestry will be displayed in Britain, although the British Museum must… Continue reading →
Bamboos and balms in the Hertfordshire hills – how Champneys corners spa appeal
Updated, Jan 2018. Once the standard dress in this lesser stately home in the Hertfordshire hills would have been the morning suit and the crinoline. Today the everyday garment in Champneys is the fluffy white dressing gown with fur collar. After early misgivings, I decided to wear mine around the place too, taking heart from… Continue reading →
How to beat the redeye airport morning blues
I never had to get up seriously early until I was into my 20s. Then the redeye mornings started in earnest. These days, as a species, we –children included–are now doing more getting up at unearthly hours to set off on long journeys than probably any people since our distantly wandering ancestors. Although I also… Continue reading →
Anguilla – Caribbean gem struck by Hurricane Irma
By grim coincidence, I was editing this piece yesterday (September 6, 2017). I’m still setting it out in full here because this wonderful island deserves all the support it can get. Its people were extremely hospitable to me on my visit last November (2016) and, although one little article isn’t much, perhaps it will help… Continue reading →
Celebrating England’s Michelangelo on London’s leafy fringe
Surrey is easily missed, as we rush through by rail and road. Yet the first county to the west of London offers much to detain and reward the visitor. There are many pretty little villages and market towns, fine old buildings, tranquil countryside and river walks, including rambles along the Thames. Treasure trove So, a… Continue reading →