Author Archives: northumbrianreflections

I was asked recently what a typical day looked like in my new part time role to which my answer was that there is no typical day or even a week. “Well, could you not give us a snapshot of … Continue reading →

  I went to bed last night disturbed by so much of what is happening in the world. The seeds of war, sown in the attitudes, policies and actions are now beginning to surface. Orwellian “alternative truth” is being deployed … Continue reading →

As I contemplate the potential consequences of a renaissance of nationalism across Europe and the wider world, fuelled significantly by Brexit, the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, Putin in Russia and the fearful prospect of … Continue reading →

No serious thinking person could surely doubt that we are  living through some very turbulent times. I cannot recall a period in my lifetime that has been so disturbing or threatening. Like the prophet Jeremiah, we cannot speak peace, peace, … Continue reading →

The world has woken up to the news that Donald Trump has indeed ‘trumped’ his opponent, Hillary Clinton, many within his own Republican party, political pundits and pollsters and will be the next President of the USA. Using similar methodology … Continue reading →

One of our grandchildren rushed into the kitchen to report that he’d heard someone on a childrens television programme using a swear word. He was shocked and felt we needed to know. “He shouldn’t have sworn should he Grandad?”. “ … Continue reading →

I’ve never been to Canada but know plenty of people from our own Community and other friends who live or have visited the country. It’s vast landscapes, unique and tolerant blend of cultures and multifaceted history make it a really … Continue reading →

Summertime and the living is easy or in my case, with holidays and the need of a break from blogging, it’s summertime and the writer has been lazy. My last blog on the day after the Referendum signed off on … Continue reading →

A terrible day. A European tragedy, which like a Greek tragedy will wreak its revenge on human folly and weakness .   We have detonated an historic political and economic ‘earthquake’, fuelled further a divided Britain that will trigger the breakup … Continue reading →

I watched with disgust and impending fear the news from Marseille, where scenes of fighting, mob violence and a disregard for any respect for the rule of law is evidenced on the streets of the city. I am ashamed and … Continue reading →