Most of my friends will be aware of my penchant for cinematic works showcasing the panoply of talents of a certain Mr Jason Statham. Not quite sure why I approve of his oeuvre to such an extent - I think he has the same kind of thing as Michael Caine - he's likable, you like … Continue reading Statham & TUI’s Mystery Film Selection
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Leonardo da Vinci
This exhibition was at the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace, which was a first for me, and also my mum, who came along. Leonardo was a heck of a polymath, although one can't help feeling he must have had access to, and cut up, really quite a lot of animals and people, in a way … Continue reading Leonardo da Vinci
Royal Academy
I've been a member of the Royal Academy for a couple of years, and I find the ability to pop along on spec, indeed on a whim, for the exhibitions there thoroughly agreeable. I've been going to the Summer Exhibition for much longer, and it really is a compelling show - this year as good … Continue reading Royal Academy
Building Work Begins
At the end of last year, our downstairs neighbours extended their property into their garden. The suggestion arose that we could extend our balcony on top of it. Fortunately, they were very understanding when we proposed this in detail, and added in an extra steel beam to be able for us to do so as … Continue reading Building Work Begins
Afternoon Tea at the Barbican
It was several years of attending events at the Barbican (theatre, and multiple iterations of IAB Engage) before I learned it had a Conservatory. It's only open at the weekends, and even offers Afternoon Tea, if you book ahead. It's not the best afternoon tea in the world, but it's affordable, enjoyable, very suitable for … Continue reading Afternoon Tea at the Barbican
Holiday in St Hilaire des Loges
As usual, Summer saw the annual pilgrimage for the family to spend time with my folks in France. It's a very restful area, with a great beach at a nearby lake which the kids are now getting old enough to enjoy.
London Mithraeum
Whilst we are on our slightly odd six-week work "holiday" on Eastcheap, I wanted to make sure I visited the area as well as I could reasonably manage. It's odd, as I've been to this area on occasion over the years, but don't feel I know it at all. A stone's throw from Moorgate and … Continue reading London Mithraeum
Time to put childish things away
It's a bit overblown to invoke this line from St Paul's letter to the Corinthians about my old piggy banks, but I certainly wanted to mark this moment. The piggy banks in question date from the first opening of my Natwest account, and are a set of five which you received as you achieved increased … Continue reading Time to put childish things away
History of Gilmorton
While I was doing my Ancestry-powered research into the Sleath family tree, I learned that the Sleaths spent several generations in the town of Gilmorton. The wiki page for Gilmorton mentioned a book, "A History of the Parish of Gilmorton in the County of Leicester" published in 1918. I found I could buy this via … Continue reading History of Gilmorton
First Born’s Graduation
It's not quite 6YO's last day at Les Petits Lutins, but it was the end of year performance and "graduation" for the pre-schoolers, of which she is one. We haven't quite unlocked the secret to 6YO being in front of a crowd of near-strangers. It's not so much confidence, but control, I'm convinced. So while … Continue reading First Born’s Graduation
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