‘Learning in War-time’

I begin where I must, with a disclaimer: ‘Learning in War-time’ is a title coined by the great Irish writer … More

Creative Conversations … with Hazel Southam

It’s that time of year when the days are longer and brighter, and the spring flowers and sunshine are inviting … More

Creative Conversations … with Jonathan Rea

I know that many of you were inspired by the first Creative Conversation featured here on Writing Home, when I … More

‘Unspeakable Gift’ – a new poem

After all the preparations, after the slow waiting of Advent, Christmas Day has arrived. For some, this Christmas will be … More

Heaven’s song

Somehow, back in January 2019, I missed the posting of a video by the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Somehow, this morning, … More

Autumn at home iii – Telling an untold story

November has been remarkable this year. For one thing, the foliage on the trees, now just beginning to gather in … More

Autumn at Home II: ‘Heritage of our Isles’

As far as dilemmas go, having to decide whether to take a short trip to Grasmere in the English Lake … More

Autumn at Home I: ‘Still by the water’

‘It’s you, blackbird, I love.  I park, pause, take heed. Breathe. Just breathe and sit’ Seamus Heaney, from ‘The Blackbird … More

Windows

As I write, it is the first day of October. One year ago exactly it was National Poetry Day, celebrating … More

On reading Tolkien (finally)

The secret is out: it has taken me a very long time to pluck up the courage to read Tolkien. … More