[Originally posted in June 2008 and now updated]   I have been a member of Yarm Writers Group (YWG) for just over 2 years.   The group meets once a fortnight in the library at Yarm. The group aims to be fun and I can vouch for the fri... Read more

Next week the RSPB are running a survey where they want you to record  what crawls, hops, flutters and flies in your garden.   Details on how to take part can be found on www.rspb.org.uk/nature count.   I already record birds on a ... Read more

Al Khatun, the Fearless Archaeologist, linguist, mountaineer, soldier, spy, map maker, kingmaker. Not a bad list of accomplishments from a woman born in County Durham in 1868. Gertrude Bell spoke 16 languages and once survived 53 hours hanging on ... Read more

Introducing Samwin who sits next to my computer screen when he is not out with my golf clubs.    

I have just opened a letter from HM Revenue & Customs. Subject = Estate of the late MR B M Scotney. Any rumours you have heard about my demise are untrue, although that is not the word I used to the tax office in Glasgow. I assume I am not allow... Read more

Today was the tenth aniversary of the weekly Books and Banter sessions at Stockton Library. The event was marked with a party to celebrate. I was attracted to the event about 2 years ago when I saw a session advertised on American Literature. Since ... Read more