Gosh, it was hot in London this afternoon. But, so far, we haven’t seen the temperatures and drought of the summer of 1976. In 1976, there were 15 consecutive days when temperatures reached 32C (89.6F) or higher somewhere in the UK, according to the Met Office. We haven’t managed that yet. As I sat in St…
If you missed the first installment, read this first: johnccmay.net/the-disgraceful-behaviour-of-green-star-energy/ Green Star Energy. Here’s where we’ve got to (in the company’s words): “As you discussed, Joanne (the CEO) instigated a full end to end review of what happened and as a result we have a clear and defined plan to not only address what happened…
This evening, I am probably more angry than I have ever been in my life. My mother turns 80 this year. She is active, feisty, articulate and, I am reliably informed, the Devil to beat at bridge. A leading print and broadcast journalist in her younger days, she broadcasts on Radio Gloucestershire regularly with Dominic Cotter….
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and so I had my arm twisted to join our supporters from across our global network in taking up the challenge of raising money, helping to deliver a life-changing experience to more young people as they find their purpose, passion and…
Looking at the news, I think it could safely be said that 2017 has been a troubled year globally. Trump. Terrorist attacks. The global refugee crisis. Plans (or lack of them) for Brexit. The growth of violent extremism. The threat of the use of nuclear weapons. Yet, my Facebook feed throughout the year has been…
A friend posted on my Facebook timeline the other day, “First you believe in Father Christmas; then you are Father Christmas; then you look like Father Christmas.” I am currently entering that third phase, even if I’m not as hirsute as the big man himself. But I am certainly getting older. I know this because…
This morning I stood in silence at a village remembrance service. Tonight, my Facebook wall is full of pictures of those friends, many in Scout or Cadet uniform, who also chose to pause and remember. Those pictures are not just from my own country, but from all over the Commonwealth. Conscripts and volunteers from across…
Day 5 – Gilsland to Brampton A very gentle walk today to finish the week. The landscape became more and more gentle as I walked into Cumbria – farmland that has been cultivated for generations, rather than the barren moorland of the previous days. I hadn’t planned on visiting the ruined Lanercost Priory, but I’m…
Day 4 – Twice Brewed to Gilsland Today was the day when, 33 years ago, one of the wheels fell off the cart. One of the team, Shep, had to drop out because he was “wimping about looking unfit”. (I clearly wasn’t quite as caring as I should have been.) I continued in my log…
Day 2. A gentle amble from Corbridge to Humshaugh with a visit to Chesters camp. The road out of Corbridge up to Port Gate follows the old Roman road that led to Scotland – it is straight, but undulating as it works its way up the hill, providing false brows and the opportunity to be…