No! Daddy! No!” The squeal could break glass. Heads turn. What kind of child abuse is being committed in these lavatories? I only suggested to my dear daughter that I pick her up so that she could dry her hands in the machine. I can feel unspoken tutting and a “for God’s sake get that … Read more
“This is a rubbish idea, Dad,” Michelle moans. I hear ‘rubbish’ and ‘Dad’. As ever. I thought this setting for social media posts to promote my guitar lessons was a cool spoof. But this is not a crossing of red dirt tracks in Mississippi, where blues legends might be made. We are standing under a … Read more
It’s a lush mess of dark-green, splattered over mossy gravestones. I jump from my van, sighing to see the mighty yew tree uprooted and split by last night’s gale. A fallen giant. Its limbs are still groaning from its fall, and the giving up of its secret. The woman in an anorak standing by it … Read more
You only know how good a product is when you have to use it in extreme circumstances. Most products you use straightaway, and you get some reassurance. Some…some, you hope never to have to use. It was ten years ago that I—or, I should say—the company of which I am the major shareholder—bought rubber-covered, steel-framed … Read more
Alice stepped on to the tube train. It was a new one. Without the usual jostling of people and fug of cigarette smoke, she noticed the varnished floors, stylish lights, grab handles and cushioned seating covered in brightly patterned fabric. At Embankment Station, she hurried up the steps into London’s dirty air. The late summer … Read more
Here I come! Floating down aimlessly. You think I’m a white blob because I’m touching other water crystals. Light reflects off us to make you think that. But we are all transparent, and all unique! It’s a miracle enough that we have formed this far south. The right combination of bitter cold and water vapour … Read more
This item was written for a writing workshop in Marlow library. We had a selection of photos to choose from. We had to choose three and weave them together into the opening of a novel. See if you can guess what my three photos were! : She had been dreading it. But she had promised, … Read more
: Seaman John Norris staggered along the stony track that led home, but he was still only on the first leg of his journey. Dark clouds had rolled in, throwing down persistent rain. Daylight was fading, and his backpack was heavy. John stumbled and cursed. As he righted himself, he noticed a faint flicker through … Read more
When I was visiting my cousin in Edinburgh a few years ago, she told me about the unusual swan behaviour on the local pond. I was immediately hooked on the swan saga of Craiglockhart Pond! This story is based on the true story of Brighid, one of the Craiglockhart swans. With thanks to The Friends … Read more
