Jimmy Buffett: Margaritaville
Beginning a salute to Jimmy, who has died at the age of 75, here is the song that turned him into a billionaire by spawning a business empire including clothing, … Continue readingJimmy Buffett: Margaritaville
Recent Posts
Married . . . with malice
A WHILE ago I waxed lyrical about Nearest and Dearest, a prime example of the ‘so bad it’s good’ school of TV comedy. From across the Atlantic, here comes another, the toe-curlingly … Continue readingMarried . . . with malice
What price the great outdoors?
A COMMON sight in this area of the Ribble Valley is groups of teenagers weighed down with backpacks gathered round a map and looking puzzled. They have come from Waddow … Continue readingWhat price the great outdoors?
‘Ain’t you got no ’omes to go to?’
OF all the words I would associate with the top bar of the Harrow, charm would not be one of them. Reached by a flight of stairs to the rear … Continue reading‘Ain’t you got no ’omes to go to?’
Terry Melcher: Just a Season
Son of Doris Day, mate of Charles Manson, and a not untalented lad.
Back Door: One Day You’re Down, The Next Day You’re Down
Back Door, a Yorkshire-based jazz trio, were a real curiosity in that bass guitar, played by Colin Hodgkinson, was the lead instrument. This track, which I heard on a John … Continue readingBack Door: One Day You’re Down, The Next Day You’re Down
Ron Freethy, country gent
AS I may well have observed before, there have been certain teachers over the years whose enthusiasm and knowledge lit up their lessons, inspiring pupils to love the subject and … Continue readingRon Freethy, country gent
A full house of martins
IN the ten years or so we have lived in Lancashire I don’t recall seeing any house martins locally, but this year there are many. I know of at least … Continue readingA full house of martins
The Wilberforce Oak
ONE sunny Sunday morning about 15 years ago, I went for a walk with the dog and as we ambled along a wooded path I found myself at a crossroads … Continue readingThe Wilberforce Oak
How green is our compost?
I’M not sure why, but last week’s column (about cricket, motor racing and sheep) prompted reader ‘Mozzy’ to comment: ‘I’ve lived in my London house, small garden a long time. … Continue readingHow green is our compost?