Look forward to reading, hope the launch went well. I've been intrigued about Eileen since reading Anna Funder's 'Wifedom' - during the fall of Barcelona she held down the POUM(?) office & risked arrest to get travel docs, none of which Orwell mentions. Unbearable that she died so young & why

A gallery of British character actors playing gentry & senior officers.

Did you catch Amanda Root as Foyle's old flame formerly Persuaded not to marry the penniless policeman? -- he declines to do a Captain Wentworth.

Nice, though maybe next time some provision for wheelchair users? We've just managed that in our local park, led by the users' group.

Could be 'thinking' of the fictional Highbury in Jane Austen's Emma which is in Surrey.

As 'Rosa' explains, the #spycops were 'fabrications by the state'. Deceived into a relationship by Jim Boyling, Rosa gives evidence to next set of inquiry hearings which begin Monday 2nd February. Don't miss it.

"Though I am native here / And to the manner born" says Hamlet, condemning Danish drinking. I can't see any connection of that context with the TV show.

"I'll pick it up on my way back" - my sister in law's excuse

What did you spot?

(Praise be, I'm not alone)

Hamnet is a good book, but going to get a botanical anachronism off my chest: Michaelmas daisies p114. They're a later north American introduction. European MD are a mountain plant, not found in 16thC Warwickshire.

Am I boring? Very well then, I'm boring.

Dare I ask, wheelchair access?

Enjoyed the exhibition today & I'll ask for the livestream.

If coming from Hackney allow for 38 & 56 buses being up the spout around Bloomsbury, probably thanks to that underground fire at Holborn.

Last week saw a media flurry when Baroness Lawrence testified to the energy #spycops put into subverting the family justice campaign, not investigating Stephen's murder.

This week there are 2 days more to hear Peter Francis who fessed up.

Meanwhile COPS beavers away on a shoestring...

My bad, that should be Melvyn. Episode of In Our Time. Normally puts me out, but body is a nuisance tonight

I think I'll try another Melvin

Sorry, I've never got into wordle. Maybe I should, it seems a cultural necessity.

I just wondered if you were trying to get some sleep.

Bad night?

Join the Tree Musketeers for our Tree Planting in December!
We'll be planting in Hackney Downs park on the 6th & 7th and in Millfields on the 13th.
Sign up on our Eventbrite page:
www.bit.ly/hackneytreemusketeers
@loveourpark.bsky.social
@sustainhackney.bsky.social
@hackneycouncil.bsky.social

Alternating with Mark Steel

Works 90% of nights for me. Who should take over?

Jack Dee, I say.

In Our Time

Gives you fluxions, I hear

Happy to see you're a top-barista ✊ - HTB judging by comb size & shape?

Tom Seeley writes about honeybee decision making & compares it to the New England town meeting (in 'Honeybee Democracy') - another angle on their politics.

Also, it's always winter but never Christmas

Triodos bank seems to be clean. Didn't lose money in 2008 because it invests in useful stuff not financial dodges; still had to pay the rescue levy to bail out the bastards.

No, the interesting thing is that she's speaking as an Arab member of the Knesset, a rarity. Hence the truth telling.

Also on Kobo, for those who avoid Amazon.

I can't go to the Castle any more because Hackney council rejected their proposal to add a lift for wheelchair users.

It's my local & I used to love it.

Arboriculturalist job advert

We are recruiting!
Join us as a part-time engagement arboriculturalist. Manage our tree stock, agree on our planting plans, engage volunteers & the wider community.
Deadline: Friday 26 September 2025
www.treemusketeers.org.uk/jobs
#Greenjobs #arbjobs #arboriculturist #communityengagement #Hackney

You’re invited!

13–14 Sept at The Leaside Trust: a celebration of #CommunityLedDesign.

✨ Explore design concepts
🎨 Get creative with activities for all
📢 Explore community views on park inclusion

🎟️ Free tickets: elwp.info/voices

@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk @london.gov.uk @debbieweekesb.bsky.social

The proposal for a secure facility for children at the former Thames Water Depot on Lea Bridge Road has resurfaced.

We support the plan for the site to become @elwaterworks.bsky.social and will oppose the forthcoming planning application for this Metropolitan Open Land #Waterworks #LeeValley