Update: I first posted this two years ago and in checking out on who reads my blogs I find for some strange reason this is one that has proved particularly popular. Today is Halloween and even after going out earlier today it seems clear that “celebrating” the occasion is as popular as ever. While I do not wish to be a party pooper, I do have reservations and would like to offer some positive alternatives. What I wrote back then is still pertinent I feel. I hope folk will find these thoughts helpful – ed 31/10/16 Continue reading →

When I mentioned to someone close to me that I was going to blog about the NHS, I was advised DON’T as I did not know enough to speak authoritatively on the subject Continue reading →

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in 1918, hostilities ceased in World War 1. Continue reading →

“A Huddersfield doctor is on the front line in the fight against the deadly ebola virus. Dr Geraldine O’Hara has flown out to Sierra Leone to join a dedicated team of medics trying to halt the spread of the terrible disease“. Continue reading →

While I have no doubt in a few days it will all be forgotten, unless of course there is an escalation of violence that certainly can’t be ruled out, one of the main news stories of the day was that of combat British troops leaving Afghanistan after having a presence for 13 years Continue reading →

It is significant that there is an important connection between work and retirement, even if it is generally not well enough recognised. Continue reading →

One of the regular e-mailings I receive is from Andre and Jeremy, who are involved with an organization called All Out, which they say is about securing “equality everywhere”, particularly when it comes to gay people. Continue reading →

Dear Matt

Thank you for your offer to help when it comes to bringing together mental health services and those front line staff and volunteers who engage with homeless folk that have mental health issues, who do so on a daily basis. Continue reading →

According to Wikipedia “The Apprentice is a British reality television series in which a group of aspiring businessmen and women compete for the chance to work with the British business magnate Alan Sugar. In series one to six, the prize was a £100,000-a-year job as an “apprentice” to Sugar, and winners went on to work at Amstrad, an electronics manufacturing company founded by Sugar…” Continue reading →

“I was asked to make a 5 minute video for an Evangelical on-line church leadership conference called The Nines http://thenines.tv/speakers/. The conference is centered on “culture clash” – including what is called “the issue of homosexuality”. I conceded my time to a bunch of queer folks at church. Here is the result.” Continue reading →