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  • This was to be our first time on the African continent and after managing to lose my glasses in the haze of the very earlier morning flight we arrived without further incident in Marrakesh. We were stopping in what transpired to be the beautiful ‘Riad Les Oliviers’. Such places are often located in the narrow back streets away from taxi drop offs. It’s then a tricky business dodging the various mopeds flying past on the walk before you reach them.… Read

    2–3 minutes
  • A gentleman called Mark Hodkinson has written a fantastic book called ‘No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy’. Amongst many other things in its pages he ponders the impossibility of actually being able to read the number of books he has lovingly collected in the amount of time he has left on the planet. Taking that thought as my guide I have tried to be as selective as possible in deciding the books I still want to read. Given that, rather… Read

    1–2 minutes
  • The narrative reflects on the decline of British Leyland and the resultant long-term unemployment faced by the author’s father. It highlights struggles with mental health and social isolation, as well as the burden of financial hardship during a bitter job crisis in the 1980s, ultimately leading to his early death from undiagnosed cancer. Read

    6–9 minutes
  • The evolution of collecting since 1977 is stark. While nostalgic items like cassettes and vinyl see minor resurgences, digital alternatives dominate. Birmingham Museum challenges traditional collecting ethics, focusing on sensitive histories. Personal reflections reveal disappointments in the current value of collections, with football programmes and books losing their appeal to younger, digital-savvy generations. Read

    3–5 minutes
  • The author reflects on similarities between their working-class upbringing and Mark Hodkinson’s book, ‘No One Round Here Reads Tolstoy.’ They share experiences of limited access to books, reliance on libraries, and a passion for reading that shaped their education. The piece concludes with a tribute poem to their father’s struggles and missed opportunities. Read

    3–5 minutes
  • John Paul Flintoff’s book “Comp – A Survivor’s Tale” explores the realities of comprehensive schooling in the 1980s. This article contrasts Holland Park’s reputation with that of more typical schools like George Eliot. The narrative reveals discrepancies in educational quality based on socio-economic backgrounds and the lasting impact of such disparities on students’ academic trajectories. Read

    8–12 minutes
  • The writer describes a memorable cruise experience in Qaqortoq, Greenland, characterized by stunning scenery and local culture. Despite its remote location and small population, Qaqortoq features amenities like supermarkets, a Thai restaurant, and even a nightclub. The author’s exploration includes a tranquil lake, stone carvings, and local cuisine, showcasing life in this unique territory. Read

    3–4 minutes
  • The author reflects on a lifelong aversion to gardening, stemming from childhood experiences. Despite efforts to avoid it, a recent attempt to grow sunflowers marks a tentative step forward. Although some plants survived, the author doubts long-term gardening projects, anticipating a return to their previous discontent with gardening. Read

    2–3 minutes
  • The author describes a trip to Lithuania to participate in a park run event, detailing travel logistics, initial observations about local culture and cuisine, and sightseeing in Vilnius and Kaunas. The weekend included experiencing local traditions, traditional dishes like cepelinai, and culminating in successful participation in the park run. Read

    4–7 minutes
  • In 2014, a father and son began participating in park runs, traveling to various locations. Their recent visit to Pegwell Bay revealed the course’s shortened length, impacting personal bests but still enjoyable. Read

    3–5 minutes

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