On first sight this looks like a lovely commemorative coin – it’s even roughly similar to that of the UK 50 pence piece – but on closer inspection there are so may problems it is hardly believable. It’s supposed to … Continue reading Equal marriage celebrated across the UK, er GB, and Ireland…
For years, I have often felt at a disadvantage. The crazy thing is that this perceived disadvantage was in fact because I was very fortunate. You see, all around me at school and later at college, there were friends who … Continue reading Eric Pickles says that all of us have some connection with the Great War – even me.
Ed Vaizey MP, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, has placed a temporary export bar on the seven hangings which lasts until 20 May 2013 but may be extended to 20 August 2013 if … Continue reading £120k needed to stop Jewish religious silk hangings from leaving the UK
In the last days and weeks Northern Ireland has been hit by many bomb alerts and security alerts, many of which have turned out to be hoaxes. I doubt that many people living in the rest of the United Kingdom have any idea what this is like. Imagine a family with young children, who are asleep at the time of the alert, being roused by a knock on the door from the Police. No, we don’t want to speak to anyone here – but there is a bomb alert at the bottom of your street. We need to evacuate you. … Continue reading There’s a knock at the door, it’s the Police… what next?
Despite all the coverage of the Ulster Covenant this weekend, it seems that at least one British political party wants not to recognise the Irish in the Union Flag. They have fallen into a similar trap as Hawes & Curtis … Continue reading Team GB did it, then Hawes & Curtis, and now Labour…
Worried for the welfare of a friend, Michael tells of his own period of being missing, and urges the public to contact police if they see Michael Hurman in or near Hemel Hempstead or anywhere else for that matter. Continue reading A missing friend: please read and if you see him, tell the police.
Just some of the stories that caught my eye this morning when reading The Times. Continue reading Secret trials, women bishops, Cornish pasties, the Vatican, and a judge’s son with cocaine
Once again, the BBC has equated the UK with England…. To mark her Diamond Jubilee, the Queen handed out money to people from all of the UK’s 44 Christian dioceses. – BBC News I think that this should read, from all of the Church of England’s 44 dioceses. There are many more dioceses in the whole of the UK, listing only the Anglican ones you get 19 more: Church of Ireland (Dioceses with territory in N. Ireland) Armagh Clogher Connor Derry Down & Dromore Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh Scottish Episcopal Church Aberdeen & Orkney Argyll & the Isles Brechin Edinburgh Glasgow … Continue reading Maundy money reporting goes awry at the Beeb.
The Tyddyn Bach Trust respite centre in Penmaenmawr in Wales which has provided much-needed respite care for over 2,000 individuals and families affected by HIV since 1997 closed its doors. As a former trustee of Northern Ireland’s leading HIV charity, The HIV Support Centre, I have some idea of how difficult it can be to get funding from health authorities and others to support your work. The MP for Aberconwy, Guto Bebb, said that it was a tragedy the centre had to close. He suggested that the closure is an unintended result of devolution within the United Kingdom. Clients coming … Continue reading HIV Charity closure seems to be result of devolution
Being in Bedford for another week, Michael approves of Dave Hodgson’s plans to open up the River Great Ouse to more users. If it can be done in Oxford and ‘another place’, why not in Bedford as well. Continue reading Time for punting in Bedford? @davethemayor says yes
Gyronny Herald 