stained glass at the weekend

The weekend of my two day stained glass workshop came at last and so I picked up my design and quite considerable stack of glass and headed off to John Mason School. Waiting as ever was the ever patient Sarah Glover And a host of other students (including my friend Lucy) waiting to get started Read more about stained glass at the weekend[…]

Philip Pullman – Oxford Literary Festival

Up until two weeks ago I didn’t think I would be going to Oxford Literary Festival this year. I had tried and failed to get a single ticket to see Philip Pullman talk about all things Northern Lights related and some thoughts on his new work all about Dust – that magical substance that exists in Read more about Philip Pullman – Oxford Literary Festival[…]

King Lear at the Bodleian

So last night we headed into Oxford to see the RSC touring production of King Lear. The lead part was played by Joseph Marcell who James recognised instantly as Geoffrey from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. He was wandering round the audience before the play started as were a few of the other actors. Read more about King Lear at the Bodleian[…]

We go to Lassco

I’ve been wanting to visit the three pigeons yard near Thame of architectural salvagers Lassco for a while, so on Sunday we decided to drive out to see what the yard had to offer. Unfortunately because it was a Sunday most of the yard was shut up, but what we did find was amazing. Virtually Read more about We go to Lassco[…]

The novel – another serious attempt to finish

On a blustery and quite unpleasant Monday eve last night I resisted the temptation to stay at home & cuddle up to the witchcat/radiator and headed out for a 2 hour workshop with Richard Skinner (yes he of the Fiction programme at the Faber academy) entitled Practical Writing tips. Our homework before we got to Read more about The novel – another serious attempt to finish[…]

Endeavouring to please

Yesterday Zoe and I headed to Oxford to see an exhibition being hosted by the Bodleian called Magical Books. At the heart of the exhibition were the original maps from middle earth, Narnia and Lyra’s Oxford. They also had a version of the alethiometer but alas no photos were allowed so you’ll have to visit Read more about Endeavouring to please[…]