Monthly Archives: April 2017

The writing was on the wall when Ian learnt classical clarinet at school and kept getting told off for playing the bass line of a Bach fugue in swing style. They said, “That’s not how it’s written”. He told them, … Continue reading →

My grandson and I are walking round the garden at dusk after his third birthday party, searching for lost toys with a torch. Suddenly he says, “What’s that little dot?” “Which dot? Where?” I ask. “That little shiny dot up … Continue reading →

This day, thirty years ago, was my last day as a teacher. On the final day of Term 1, 1987, I walked out of my classroom for the last time after 17 years as a teacher and Head of English, … Continue reading →

“How would you like to earn a few quid for a couple of hours work?” I’ve always liked those words. And having gone back to study after a year in the foundry they were especially welcome. “Sure. What do I … Continue reading →