Category Archives: The North

On the buses

Posted on February 6, 2011 by brian

Don’t worry, no mentions of Reg Varney, or even Stephen Lewis, coming up.  Today, I decided to leave the car at home and have a day out on the bus.  There’s a little known bus pass up here called an … Continue reading →

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Ed Miliband’s ‘fresh ideas’ – they’re not fresh, and they’re not his

Posted on December 22, 2010 by brian

I stumbled onto the Labour website today – always a mistake – and was intrigued by the link to their ‘fresh ideas‘ site.  Now, don’t get confused – this isn’t a range of supermarket ready meals, or even a soft … Continue reading →

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A letter to the Echo

Posted on December 16, 2010 by brian

It’s been about 10 years since I was last moved to write to the letters page of the Sunderland Echo.  That letter was about tuition fees, so I guess it’s fitting that my latest one – published on Friday – … Continue reading →

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Walking in a Christmas Sunderland…

Posted on December 6, 2010 by brian

I haven’t always got good things to say about Sunderland City Council, but they do deserve tremendous credit for the illuminated Christmas Wonderland they’ve put on in Mowbray Park this year. The ‘late night opening’ is on Thursdays, Fridays and … Continue reading →

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Durham flag flying at Communities and Local Government

Posted on November 25, 2010 by brian

I have to say, I do like the fact that the Department for Communities and Local Government are now flying county flags outside their HQ. This week is Durham’s turn: Northumberland make a lot more of their county flag than … Continue reading →

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But where are Kate Middleton’s great grandparents from?

Posted on November 17, 2010 by brian

I have to say, when news of the Royal Wedding broke, my first reaction was to wonder where Kate Middleton’s great grandparents were from.  Wherever it is, it’s sure to become a place of pilgrimage, nay, a tourist mecca over coming … Continue reading →

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