He was immediately likeable, pure and funny. The Luton background escaped using stepping stones of Bruce Springsteen, to University and Chanel 4 now Guardian writer and critic, appearing on Radio 4 and TV Any Questions. As a Muslim post 9/11, he’s expected to have a view on everything. As for Bruce, from the start he was… Continue reading Sarfraz Manzoor at The Cut
August 2012 Poetry prom Snape
My wellington boots were complemented by fellow walkers taken by surprise by the fast incoming tide, that spread over the manicured footpath. By chance, I reply. Imatz reads her Bombay tiffin poem. I close my eyes. I am there at VT station, can see the food carts the ragged skinny stiffing men, I can taste… Continue reading August 2012 Poetry prom Snape
Controlled Ruination
Controlled RuinationDownload Controlled Ruination 2012, Orfordness with Mendham Poets, Tamar and Rochelle Nesting birds and unexploded bombs: Beware,Take care, to keep to the tracks. Do notDeviate. We are the National Trust in us To keep, preserve this heritage of oursWhich in this case is all to do with LAND This Ness or Nose, this vegetative spit… Continue reading Controlled Ruination
London 2012
London August 2012 The disappointment was biting: it fired and soured my friendship with Barry. Barry, who’d spent serious money and time making a flat in his commerical showroom above the Romford Road carpet shop, clearing out, adding a shower, beds from Halesworth, and that final touch - an Arab carpet centre piece. All… Continue reading London 2012
The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs
Two uninterrupted hours, Mike Daisey, performed, solo on a bare stage, desk chair as furniture, glass of water a few pages of scribbled notes as props. The big man in the Hawai shirt. Weaving the story of his visit to a Shenzhen, where Foxconn made our beloved hardware, with the life story rise of Steve Jobs. Beginning… Continue reading The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs
Gardening
Gardening at Tom's - my neighbour. Imagine if I'd been in Tunstal forest now, doing my own garden, in a polytunnel. Why did I turn it down? What is it about other peoples places that I'm drawn to rather than this nest of my own? Hoeing, old fashioned, timeless. Ground elder always.
Suffolk spring
A day with Ann Wolfe and Kit, first to Jason's launch of Alde valley spring fest. Of course she said yes. Rest? Plenty of time for rest when I'm gone. As I walked beside her, I watched people's faces soften seeing this frail lady white hair, bent back, grown men inclined their head. Little do… Continue reading Suffolk spring
Thailand fast with Bob (2012 March)
The Sanctuary Dear Tom I lost and found your card so many times, but now I have it, I’m writing. So here I am, looking out to sea, breeze arriving through coconut fronds, a scene or two unfolding on the sand beach, far enough away for it to be a movie, of some long legged… Continue reading Thailand fast with Bob (2012 March)
Launch of Fishy Tales
Talk given by Rachel Kellett, representing the Book group who co-ordinated the project Here I amOne of my fantasies or dreams when I was at New Hall, was to read the reading at the mass on a Sunday, in front of the whole school. It was an impossible dream for one with a stammer. So… Continue reading Launch of Fishy Tales
Raveningham Garden
A jaunt into the landscape under my nose. With John, (and Kali naturally) we drove to Ravningham gardens. The luxury of high walled gardens, figs and peaches on south facing red brick, vegetables to keep an army in produce, tiered glass houses glass painted in chalk white to stop the sun from burning, Woodland amid… Continue reading Raveningham Garden
Kalikellett 