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HOVErheard*: The Tattoo

HOVErheard*: The Tattoo

Two very reasonable parents discuss the tattoo their student son has just got on his arm. You get the sense the parents have had some wild days themselves and are hardly prudish. Mother is doing most of the talking. Mum: It is very big though, isn't it? Boy: No, it's not. Mum: And well, it ... Read more »
Brighton's Indian Gate at the Pavilion and the Wounded Soldiers

Brighton’s Indian Gate at the Pavilion and the Wounded Soldiers

Plenty has been written about the astonishing tale of the wounded Indian soldiers who were cared for in Brighton, often at the Pavilion, during the First World War. It was a gesture recognised by the Indians themselves and in this week 90 years ago (October 26th 1921), the Indian Gate at the ... Read more »
A bridge below: the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe

A bridge below: the Ouse Valley Viaduct at Balcombe

I tramped across a cornfield to take a proper look at something I've travelled over countless times. The beautiful and stately Ouse Valley Viaduct, just outside Balcombe, is largely unknown by the people who use it every day. Many a London/Brighton commuter will tell you how lovely the view is ... Read more »
The peaceful, natural burial ground at Clayton Wood

The peaceful, natural burial ground at Clayton Wood

My friend Sue writes at London Cemeteries and described her visit to Epping Forest Burial Park recently and how it changed her view of burial. Like her, I previously favoured cremation (or even burial at sea, in my more eccentric moments) until I visited a natural burial site. Cremation ... Read more »
In praise of Christopher Hawtree

In praise of Christopher Hawtree

One of the great surprises of the City Council elections in Brighton and Hove in May (Yes, yes, the ones where I got absolutely thrashed by the Cllrs Kitcat), was the victory in Central Hove ward of our very own local eccentric Christopher Hawtree. Needless to say, when I call someone eccentric, I ... Read more »
Argus Apostrophe Ouch

Argus Apostrophe Ouch

I can't help thinking that this frankly awful error is the result of Newsquest cutting staff, especially those wonderful sub-editors who are fastidious as a class. Hear me now. You can't run a newspaper on a shoestring and maintain your reputation and readership. The cracks are showing at the ... Read more »
All not well at the Royal Alex

All not well at the Royal Alex

You can often hear me grumble in the saloon bar, or as I stroll past the place, that the Royal Alex hospital on Dyke Road in Brighton risks becoming “our next West Pier.” Despite the fact a plan is in place and development is supposed to start soonish, it’s still a discarded site with ... Read more »
Brightoniana: Beautiful Pedantry

Brightoniana: Beautiful Pedantry

I love this. Chortles galore. I think it's a boyish effort at flattery, attached as it was to a fence. I salute that. A reckless, rather romantic gesture. No? Then someone comes in and goes all Truss in a most amusing manner. It's like a Twitter row. But better. Look carefully for the biro ... Read more »
Some Regency buzzers

Some Regency buzzers

I could write a very long post about standing for election and getting beaten and what a Green council might mean for Brighton. But who really wants to know my ramblings about that? So instead here are the buzzers. Every candidate knocks on doors and Regency ward is tougher than most. So many ... Read more »
Brighton Fringe Festival: Kemble's Riot

Brighton Fringe Festival: Kemble’s Riot

If you’re looking for a Brighton Festival fringe tip, I suggest you get along to Kemble’s Riot. It’s running for three nights this weekend at the Old Courtroom. Let me declare my interest: it’s a new play by my friend Adrian Bunting and I’ve offered a few modest pearls of wisdom on the ... Read more »
Blogging 2011

Blogging 2011

I’ve been blogging in various forms, and on different sites and platforms, for pushing a decade now. I’ve blogged as myself, helped others blog and also ghost written bloggery (usually in a corporate context) too. This site has been my personal blogging home for more than a few years but I am ... Read more »
BHCC Budget: Why Labour abstained

BHCC Budget: Why Labour abstained

A few people have asked me why Labour abstained last night on the budget vote for Brighton and Hove City Council. Here’s my best stab at setting a context and explaining the decision. I must say though, that over the last few years, as I’ve learnt more about local government, there are lots of ... Read more »
Worst Royal Wedding? George IV and Caroline of Brunswick

Worst Royal Wedding? George IV and Caroline of Brunswick

(A little guest post I did for someone else as a favour. Shameless recycling) The prize for the worst Royal Wedding ever could easily go to the man who would become George IV. He was Prince of Wales at the time and later Regent. George married his first cousin, Caroline of Brunswick, in 1795. ... Read more »
Are the two things linked?

Are the two things linked?

An unfortunate juxtaposition? Or a clue? Spotted. Two Argus posters down my way. I think we should be ... Read more »