It’s a tricky one. What’s the best known poem in the English language? And how do we prove it? Does it depend on what you were taught at school, or something else? And are we talking about an entire poem, … Continue reading Paths of glory: the best known poem?
“The name’s Bond, Basildon Bond. I’ve got letters after my name,” was the quip Russ Abbot used to introduce his 007-parodying character on TV in the 1980s. But the real reason for this brand’s choice of name involves opposite ends … Continue reading Licensed to… print?
Reality TV regularly shows us the results when competitions challenge people to be creative against the clock, whether that means implementing a business plan or baking a cake. Along West Street at the top end of Marlow, heading towards Henley-on-Thames, … Continue reading Poetry… it’s the word on the street
A few years ago, in a book which wasn’t really about Sherlock Holmes, I read an assertion that (to paraphrase slightly) The Hound of the Baskervilles was commonly believed to be set in the 1870s. As there are clear indications in … Continue reading Careless writing and an Eton mess – UPDATE
If it weren’t for the risk of being bumped into, or run over, it would be tempting to wander round Hitchin with one eye shut. The town isn’t ugly – quite the reverse, with over 200 buildings being Grade I, … Continue reading A sight for sore eyes, or an eyesore?
Before we go any further… if you’re a Shakin’ Stevens fan who has stumbled on this post by chance, I’m sorry it isn’t meant for you. If you want to find out what was behind the green door Shaky sang … Continue reading Behind the green(e) door…
Some years ago, in a little market town on the cusp of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, a lady used to go shopping. Her house was set back from a road just outside the town, and she used to take that road … Continue reading Wallingford: why they didn’t ask Agatha
In the village of Halton, just outside Wendover, sits a historic house which opens, Brigadoon-like, just once a year, as part of a national initiative called Heritage Open Days. Despite having lived in the area for the past 25 years and … Continue reading The Chilterns Brigadoon: Halton House
“So clear you see these timeless things that, like a bird, the vision sings.” These words from a John Arlott poem, which now adorn the late broadcaster’s gravestone on Alderney, could just as easily describe the act of watching a … Continue reading An American in the Chilterns
Wing, Tring and Ivinghoe Three churches in a row I have known this couplet* since childhood, but have never actually visited any of the three churches until now. My attempt to remedy this with the church of St Peter and … Continue reading That Name Rings A Bell….
Slow Travel: The Chilterns and Thames Valley 