Lambeth Palace Library

My maternal grandfather read Theology at St John’s College, Durham and was ordained. He was appointed junior chaplain to the Bishop of Bombay in 1906. Much later he became vicar for West Malling in Kent. 

Palace Garden

This view of Victoria Tower is taken from an unusual angle.

Published
Categorised as Nature

Empire Terminal

Some years ago, I would need to check an old passport to be more precise, I flew on an airline that had an unfortunate history. In one day in 1968 they lost three Comet 4C’s, two Caravelles, a Boeing 707, and their only Vickers VC10 and Viscount.

Published
Categorised as Travel

Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet is a mid to late 18th century house built by the 1st Earl of Carrick in Co Kilkenny. It was sold to the McCalmonts in 1914 and a ballroom was added in the 1920s.

A Golden Goose

North Sea oil, not much left and we don’t even have a Sovereign Wealth Fund to show for it. Up to a point, Lord Copper.

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Categorised as Business

St Matthew Passion

If you are at a loose end in London this coming Sunday evening this performance of JS Bach’s St Matthew Passion might appeal. There is no charge but there will be a retiring collection to recover some production costs.  

Published
Categorised as Music

Charing Cross

Oh dear, my local Council (Labour) seems to have been caught with its pants on fire. 

Published
Categorised as Politics

Dolce Vita Confidential

The title of this new book by Shawn Levy continues “Fellini, Loren, Pucci, Paparazzi and the Swinging High Life of 1950s Rome”. La Dolce Vita, as you will not need reminding, is Federico Fellini’s 1960 masterpiece.

Perfidious

You read “perfidious” and append Albion. Yup, there’s been plenty of dirty work at the crossroads but the UK does not have a monopoly in this department.

Published
Categorised as History

Consultations

Like Sherlock Holmes I am often consulted. These consultations take many forms.

Published
Categorised as Politics