Today is the tenth anniversary of my father’s death. This photo was taken in 1982. He was a sprightly 63. Kasia was one and a bit. I am showing you this photo because it brings back so many memories. We were living in the flat above my godfather’s accountancy office which he rented out to […]Read Post ›
from KM What do you remember about your very first day in the classroom? My first proper teaching job, with a proper contract was in Esher College. I’ve written fairly recently about my interview there, and how surprised I was to get the job. But that hurdle over, my Head of Department, Helena Fotherby, then […]Read Post ›
This January my youngest daughter invited me to go to Barcelona for a couple of days so we could spend some quality time together, and sample some of the many delights of the city. We had a wonderful time, and I reminisced a lot, as I had been several times before and loved it every […]Read Post ›
Sorting through some books, this page fell out today. How apposite, I thought. But who was she? 17th century, I believe, but I don’t know any more. Do you?
I have always loved poetry and the sound of my own voice, so when I was asked to read a poem as part of a national poetry reading event I didn’t hesitate to agree. It was supposed to happen on my birthday in September, and I was tempted by the thought that there would be […]Read Post ›
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Amos6:1a, 4-7 Those who sprawl and those who bawl will be exiled The almighty Lord says this: “Woe to those ensconced so snugly in Zion and to those who feel so safe on the mountain of Samaria. Lying on ivory beds and sprawling on their divans, they […]Read Post ›
Poetry Magazine set up, developed, edited and printed by Miss Royle St Augustine’s Priory 1969/70 The front cover a little the worse for wear. My daughter found this on Wednesday and was a bit bemused why I was so thrilled to see it again. I had been looking for it for some time – after […]Read Post ›
Nail varnish. An extremely important part of my life. My mother had beautiful hands with perfectly painted fingernails. Always. One of my earliest memories is reaching for her hand and trying to find (unsuccessfully at first) the one without a cigarette in it. I took it, and held it and admired the shiny red. She […]Read Post ›
“You look so pretty/ In the dark.”/ Oh what a witty Deflating remark! “But you look pretty/ when it’s light.”/ Oh what a pity/ He is so polite. 2/6/78 Picture by Ben
Today is the 73rd anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising, one of the most momentous acts of collective bravery and passion born of inspired hope and unimaginable heroism, yet not destined to succeed. The first official memorial in the UK to the contribution made by Polish forces to the allied efforts in World War II was unveiled by […]Read Post ›
Life Through Basia's Eyes 