This is a two-part series on “Where I Stand on Israel”. In this first part I want to lay it on the line what my understanding is and for that I offer, following this preamble, an extract from my forthcoming book: “It’s Not What We Were Told”.
Continue readingRacism, misogyny, standards – views of two leading, opposing Southend politicians
I have recently come across the postings of two Southend politicians from opposing camps – David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, who is also my MP, and Cllr Tony Cox, Reform UK, who is the Mayor of Southend for 2026/27 and leader of the Reform group in Southend.
Continue readingKeeping in my lane
Those who follow my forays into the blogosphere may have noted these have been a lot less frequent in recent months, especially when it comes to writing on serious subjects.
Continue readingBreakfast at Beaches Cafe
Today I met up with an old friend and we decided to go for an enjoyable leisurely walk along the Southend seafront, along what used to be called the Golden Mile. We parked in the Sea Life car park and walked along the promenade, past the pier, and a little further on, watching the world go by and observing familiar scenes, and then we turned back – nothing too taxing.
Continue readingImran Khan, cricketer, philanthropist, politician and prisoner
I have been blogging less these days and am increasingly mindful of the need to keep in my lane, verify anything that stirs me that is presented as fact and focus on my other writing.
Continue readingMy favourite five football players
I’ve been watching those YouTube clips where famous footballers are asked to name five players they particularly admired, with reasons. It’s harder than it looks. But here is my five.
Continue readingBreakfast at Morley’s
Some who read my blogs regularly will know that I I have an interest in reviewing new places for eating, including breakfast, and this one is one such along those lines but with a twist.
Continue readingRemembering Eve Christie
I would like to talk about a friend of mine, Eve Christie, who I’ve known for many years and was a nearby neighbour for most of those years. I moved from that neighbourhood nearly two years ago and I learned very recently, almost by chance, that Eve had died.
Continue readingThe Clacton By-election: Pantomime, Sleaze, and the Real Problem on the Right
The Clacton by-election has happened
In my view it was a pantomime. But it was a pantomime with consequences.
Continue readingThe Organ in the Country Church: Ben Maton, Bach, and why we mustn’t forget
It is lovely to come across something both surprising and enriching at the same time, but that is what happened to me recently.
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