Arvon is a charity that runs creative writing courses, events, and retreats both in-person and online. Courses are tutored by leading authors and include a powerful mix of workshops and individual tutorials, with time and space to write, free from distractions of everyday life. Grants and concessions are available to help with course fees. See … More Writing Courses
Music plays an essential role in my life. Without it life feels a hollow space. As a child, while living in the tropics, I spent a considerable amount of time going to the cinema. This was usually to see big epics like ‘Ben Hur’ and ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’. However, I was also an avid fan … More The Emotional Charge and Benefit of Music.
An exploration of writing, literature, and much more. Hello and welcome. Eager to share my thoughts, experiences, and passion for the arts, my motivation for writing this blog is to generate a wealth of ideas for others to enjoy. Do you like writing; reading; music; theatre; art, or walking? For many people, a significant amount … More About Time
Writing is a solitary occupation and while I’m working on my novel, I should like to share three short pieces of prose with you. The first one is drawn from a childhood memory spent in Malaysia. A Sentimental Recollection. I stoop to light a joss stick and stare at the burning tip; smell the sweet-earth … More On Writing
Exhibition at the V & A Museum Throughout history, there have been extraordinary individuals. People whose talent and philanthropic gestures have left a legacy that benefits the world we live in. Beatrix Potter is one of those people. Educated at home by a governess, she endured a solitary childhood with long holidays in the country, … More Drawn to Nature – Beatrix Potter
Recently, I attended the “Bob Marley One Love Experience” Exhibition at The Saatchi Galley, London. A multi-sensory experience, featuring a wide range of Marley photographs and memorabilia, the exhibition provided a fascinating insight into his life. And his love of sport. I knew Marley was a Jamaican singer, songwriter, and musician who left a lasting … More Bob Marley
Open Garden Event, Buntingford In 2021 the National Garden Scheme donated over £3 million to beneficiaries, providing critical support to nursing and health charities following a year of crisis. Yesterday I paid a visit to Alswick Hall, a listed Tudor House, that has a fascinating history. Seemingly, the original building was constructed in the mid … More Alswick Hall
& Community Garden, Haringey, North London N22 Are you aware that London has the largest concentration of city farms and community gardens of any UK city? Most of us already know that nature-based activities can improve our lives. Recently, I paid an unexpected visit to the Wolves Lane Centre in Haringey, the former 3-acre plant … More Wolves Lane Centre
A few years ago, my daughter took me on a surprise outing to a house located in Folgate Street, London E1. The American artist, Dennis Severs, had purchased the property in the ’70s, when the former Huguenot district of Spitalfields was neglected and of little value. He described the museum he had created as “a … More The Huguenots and the Courtauld Gallery
I’m sure like me, many of you will be saddened by the latest developments in Ukraine and it’s devastating humanitarian impact. My thoughts are with the millions of Ukrainian people currently affected, including the anguish caused to their families and friends living in UK, and around the world. My hope is that those who wish … More Conflict in Ukraine
Snowdrops (Galanthus) For those of you who enjoy breath-taking spectacles, please grasp the opportunity to visit Benington Lordship in Hertfordshire during the snowdrops season. What you will witness is a vast white carpet of species planted in drifts. With over 2,500 named varieties, it’s a challenge to determine which ones are the favourites. My personal … More Snowdrops at Benington Lordship
About Time 