Mass desertion of the Daily Mail, an end to reality TV, UK’s patriotic acknowledgement of its own multiculturalism, continued smiling at strangers on the tube, a massive increase in community volunteering – and Wenlock to run for Parliament.
Similar Posts
Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence at RAF Croughton
ByJohn MayIt was a pleasure to attend this year’s American Independence Day celebrations at RAF Croughton. Although held a week ahead of the Fourth of July, the event marked a particularly significant milestone. This year sees the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence, a moment of profound historical importance that continues to shape…
A Carol Service at HMP Huntercombe
ByJohn MayThis evening I attended a carol service at HMP Huntercombe that I suspect will stay with me for a very long time. The hall was full – staff, prisoners and visiting volunteers – including Mark, Anne and me – gathered together in a way that felt both ordinary and quietly extraordinary. From the first moment…
Bupa London 10k
ByJohn MayMuch less wet than last year, this was a really wonderful run – even if I did only manage a time of 56 minutes. The route took us past the Palace of Westminster, along the embankment, into the City, through Leadenhall Market, past St Paul’s Cathedral and then back to Horseguards, Trafalgar Square and the…
Two sides (or more) of Tokyo
ByJohn MaySuddenly, “Lost in Translation” makes sense. This is a very, very strange city. (But then, I guess London could appear pretty bizarre to a foreigner who dropped in for three days as well.) I started the day with a 5k run and was delighted to discover that many local people do the same thing. Several…
Rejecting a False Choice
ByJohn MayI don’t often write directly about local political issues. When I do, I think it is important to be clear that these are my own personal reflections as an Oxfordshire resident. They do not represent the views of any organisation I lead or support, nor of any of the civic offices I am privileged to…
From Småland to Stockholm
ByJohn MayAfter yesterday’s rather special immersion in Göran’s Småland, this morning began with breakfast overlooking the water at our extraordinary Björn Ulvaeus-owned hotel in Västervik. Göran joined us before we finally said goodbye and set off on the next stage of our journey: Stockholm. Rather than heading immediately for the main road, we took the prettier…
