Some here will be aware of the story of my early years, it's not a secret, and others might also be aware of my own interest in family history. For me tv shows such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Lost Lost Family are compelling viewing. So this is exciting news. Anyone overseas should, if interested, be able to watch on ITVX, via a VPN and any valid UK postcode.
(Post pinched from a friend, with permission)
Currently binging six part Australian drama One Night on ITVX (and also being broadcast weekly on ITV1). I'm not convinced Jodie Whittaker's Aussie accent stands up to scrutiny, although it's probably better than mine LOL.
Can't believe this was a full year ago, seems like only yesterday. We did raise quite a bit of cash for the charity Guide Dogs for the Blind but would I do it again? Maybe LOL
Out shopping today and stumbled on this real life example why the Scots might feel a bit miffed. One edition is for England, and the other Scotland. I mean two pence a week extra for your tv listings guide soon adds up!
Seriously if anyone can explain/justify this differential I'd be curious to hear.
When you're so busy you forget to have a drink, until it's nearly too late, even a stop at the supermarket seems like a victory LOL.
Am I the only one thinking this sign should be there for those leaving, instead of arriving at, the village LOL?
At least later there'll be lunch and dinner on offer...
It's often said the British are the kings and queens of understatement:
It's a bit warm out LOL.
...China Shop. Well not quite: a charity shop LOL.
In fact very recently I came across the same dinner set pattern I recall my parents had back in the 70's, when I was growing up. I'm not sure whether this was a quite expensive set at the time, or if it were "free" with Green Shield Stamps.
Yes, I did resist the temptation to purchase but I did snap this image for nostalgia sake.
Today marks the sad twentieth anniversary of the London terror attacks. 52 people were killed and around 800 injured in a coordinated attack on the capital's transport system by four religious extremists.
Six absolutely brilliant seasons have finally reached a conclusion. Quite a harrowing story but compelling and highly recommended nevertheless. It's been premiered in the UK on channel 4 and Amazon Prime. Well worth watching and I may yet purchase the novel the series was based on.
This splendid two pound coin has also been issued by Britain's Royal Mint. It's quite marvellous in all it's uncirculated silver glory.
Just arrived today this lovely 2025 half ounce uncirculated one pound coin from the Royal Mint. This bullion coin beautifully depicts the American Eagle and British Lion, powerful symbols of both nations. Kind of fitting for American Independence Day, dontchathink?
Just a bit of fun at the expense of any patriotic Americans visiting this page.
Happy 4th July.
Other than Britain, where else does the temperature vary by 7 degrees one day to the next LOL?
Today is the Solstice and for the Northern Hemisphere, our longest day. Its seems apt this little coin arrived with the morning Post.
Issued by the Royal Mint this £2 coin marks 350 years of the Greenwich Observatory. All of time (at least on this planet) is measured with regard to Greenwich. This is where the term GMT, Greenwich Mean Time, comes from and all global timezones are either set ahead or behind this. As Al Murray "The Pub Landlord" points out, we (the UK) get to tell the Germans when it's dinner time LOL.
Even the BBC are mocking Doctor Who.
Featuring the vocal talents of (Fourth Doctor and the Brigadier) impersonator and long time fan, Jon Culshaw. Here's an excerpt from a recent episode of the Dead Ringers sketch show on BBC Radio. His rendition of Ncuti Gatwa isn't too bad, that mix of Scottish/Rwandan accent, but the dialogue itself is spot-on.
Officially it is likely not quite this hot but the weather's definitely improving. Might be a bit warm for badminton though LOL.
Doctor Who has been thoroughly ruined and deserves to go on a long hiatus, to be "rested" for many years.
The final insult for this once great series being the build-up to the disrespectful return of a Classic era villain. The Time Lord engineer Omega, originally from the Jon Pertwee story The Three Doctors, was completely subverted, unrecognisable and given under 5 minutes screen time, only to be so casually discarded. Something of an insult to long standing fans.
The remaining 90% or so of the story was contrived, nonsensical and crammed with ridiculous messaging. The showrunner and his enablers need to accept full responsibility for this failure of narrative. Not to mention the lowest viewing figures in the shows' 60+ year history.
RIP Doctor Who (23 Nov 1963 - 31 May 2025)
It's hard to believe, Jim Bergerac, Jersey's most famous detective has returned to TV. Obviously updated with a whole new cast (John Nettles declined a cameo, at age 81), this multi part drama is simply brilliant. Filmed on the beautiful island of Jersey (and in part in Devon), it has recaptured nicely the spirit of the original. A second series has been commissioned by UKTV for release next year.
The Royal Mint has just released a new £5 coin carrying the (new) official Coat of Arms of His Majesty the King. This beautiful coin is available in standard as well as colour, this particular presentation being strictly limited to 5000. Enjoy.
