I used to go to auctions all the time, initially dragged along by parents, I was a reluctant bystander, but I grew to enjoy these excursions and in later life enjoyed a positive buzz about the whole scene. Last craze of collecting was more than a decade ago – Art Deco ceramics Shelley, Myott, Burleigh […]

Tulips have a dark and distant past – for many long forgotten. Tulips are still Vogue – an expression of love, voluptuousness, indulgence, art and fashion and they are just about to fire our imaginations again as Spring awakes from its slumbers. A member of the sprawling Liliaceae (Lily) family I was hooked several years […]

Rooks, are a member of the Corvidae family, one of the first bird to nest and raise their young, a sure sign of Spring’s eventual arrival even in mid-winter. In February, they rebuild their twig fortresses high in the tree tops, eggs arrive at end of the month or early March and youngsters hatch 16 days later. So why […]

I love the Suffolk countryside I live in, but some despair has set in with the ruinous nature and blight caused by solar panels on roofs. The government set up a policy pinned around the premise that solar energy must be good for us all, and sold as a must have, a “Sid” share bargain […]

Recently, I found myself in the notorious Flowton Channel watching the swirling dirty brown waters, from the safety of my car, with the certain knowledge I would have to turn back and take a long detour to work. I was intrigued to see the extent and depth of the frothing waters, so I got out […]

At an affordable price with some chic styling? Why not try one of the new wave of ‘cube hotels’ that accentuate the better aspects of ‘student style’ accommodation but with a few extras for the urban hotel market –  a difficult pitch – as they must be clean, hygienic and appealing – and most importantly […]

I had a letter arrive in the post today, at work, in a pink envelope with a hand written address marked for my attention and on the back a note, “Do not open until the 14th!” How intriguing.  Sure enough it was a Valentines card, but not quite what I was expecting. “Be my Valentine” was […]

Trials and tribulations can be just around the corner.  On Wednesday afternoon, the not so unexpected happened, the Orwell Bridge was closed because of high winds – and yes indeed safety is a concern to take seriously, but with a little thought and some planning the ‘total grind to a halt carnage’ that resulted could […]

I found this note written by my daughter which sums up rather neatly requests, reward and concern for others in the season of goodwill. Merry Christmas to one and all.  Click on note to read.