On 22nd June 1984, I was on my way to Gatwick Airport to board Virgin Atlantic’s very first flight, bound for Newark Airport in New York. Virgin Records founder Richard Branson had leased a Boeing 747 and launched an airline that aimed to put its customers first. But this maiden voyage wasn’t filled with paying customers – it was packed with musicians, celebrities and journalists who were all on a … [Read more...] about Forty years ago, I was flying high on Virgin Atlantic’s maiden voyage
My Personal Stories
Celebrating my ‘book wedding day’
On the morning of 13 March 2024, I received a text from my friend Robin, wishing me a ‘happy book wedding day’. Why? Because my official book launch party was happening that evening and he knew how important it was for me to celebrate this landmark event with my family and friends. To be honest, it took about as much time and energy to organise as my wedding did. There aren’t many occasions … [Read more...] about Celebrating my ‘book wedding day’
You wait for a podcast… and three come along at once…
In the past couple of weeks, I’ve had the rare experience of appearing on three different podcasts. The first was with my old friend Rachel Allan on her podcast 40 for Tea; the second was an interview with Dale Hurst on his podcast (recorded at the Bournemouth Writing Festival), The Dale Hurst Writing Show (yet to be released); and the third was with my new friend Amy Rowlinson on her podcast … [Read more...] about You wait for a podcast… and three come along at once…
A tale of two total solar eclipses
On 8 April 2024, I watched NASA's live feed as the total solar eclipse tracked its way across the US and thousands of Americans were able to experience a sense of togetherness and community in the shadow of this awe-inspiring event. It brought back memories of 11 August 1999, when I was in Cornwall to witness the last total solar eclipse to cross the UK. I knew it was a once in a lifetime … [Read more...] about A tale of two total solar eclipses
The wordsmith returns
It came as something of a shock when I realised that I hadn't posted a blog here for more than two years. What happened? Well, the blog I posted in January 2022 will give you a clue. In those two years I have been focusing on working and reworking the chapters of my book, which at the time had the working title Night Night Washing Machine: A Life in Words. Two years and a publishing journey … [Read more...] about The wordsmith returns
A birthday greeting from the past
Ten years ago, when I turned 55, I wrote a letter to Future Me. The website that hosted the letter promised to email it to me on my 65th birthday. And indeed, there it was, in my inbox. Reading it back was a bittersweet experience. During that decade, many unexpectedly good things have happened, but there have been sad and shocking surprises as well. That’s life. Here’s what Past Me said to … [Read more...] about A birthday greeting from the past