Author Archives: John

2016 – the grounds for optimism….
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Democrats versus Republicans….. In the last hundred years or so there have only been three occasions when an incumbent Party has won three Presidential elections on the trot – Harding, Coolidge and Hoover for the Republican Party (GOP) between 1920 … Continue reading

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A matter of debate
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The end of January and still the fog persists: There are lots of sights that will give the latest polling figures for the forthcoming election. There are many more that provide a forecast of the election result. I cannot compete … Continue reading

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Provocative – Hilary and the Wolf –

The Tudors & Wolf Hall – or who’s afraid of Hilary Mantel’s wolf? Below a Rood Screen – in Brittany – these were also typical of northern European church interiors before the Reformation – before the art, the stained glass … Continue reading

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From Je suis to J’accuse in one short week
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Murder most foul in Paris Ghost : Murder most foul, as in the best it is; But this most foul, strange and unnatural. Hamlet: Haste me to know’t that I with wings as swift as meditation….may sweep to my revenge. Shakespeare seems a … Continue reading

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Attention Readers
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Attention Readers – I have received a couple of enquiries about my history pages but the emails inadvertently have been deleted before I replied. If you wish to contact me please use the email under contacts and i will get … Continue reading

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Creena – on her anniversary
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Creena   There’s always a moment before I open my eyes when I can see her – always smiling – and I can hear her lilting voice singing its own song in her gentle brogue – ‘Ah, John, don’t…don’t make … Continue reading

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Tudor Chronicles: III Friends In Deed

Tudor Chronicles, III –  Friends In Deed…..                                  Christmastide 1598     The sky is ice blue. The hills are amethyst. Shafts of winter sunlight fleck the moor gilding the scrub and heather before passing on. Their cool light warms … Continue reading

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Gunpowder, treason and plot……
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 A few thoughts before Rochester & Strood has its last word 8th November is a little late to awaken to news of an assassination attempt against HM the Queen. Terrorists it seems are always plotting and history since the time … Continue reading

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Mid Term Blues for Democrats as GOP turns US Red or does it?
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Mid-Term for Blues Mid Term elections may mean a great deal. Generally in a two party system they have been taken to indicate the turning of a tide from one party towards the other. This was most certainly the case … Continue reading

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After the Balls is over…..or another conundrum for the Misters Ed…

Divide and Rule? The main party Conferences have been and gone. The great and good have spoken and the wise and foolish have had their say. The received wisdom is that Labour – still reeling from the shock of the … Continue reading

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