What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
iankirkebc 
Somewhere in the foggy labyrinth of my cultural upbringing — probably wedged between “don’t make a fuss” and “queue nicely” — I learnt the peculiar art of apologising for being the victim. Toe trodden on? Someone sloshes beer down my shirt? Shopping trolley shunted into my spine with the force of a minor earthquake? The … Read more
I’ve been called many things over the years: Son. Husband. Father. Police officer. Twat. And a fair few other titles – some official, some considerably less flattering. But without question, the finest label ever pinned to my slightly frayed lapel is this: Grandad. If you’re fortunate enough to have children, and then lucky enough for … Read more
If I trace my understanding of human intimacy back to its humble beginnings, the trail leads not to a candlelit room or a romantic film moment, but to Mayrhofen, Austria, where a younger version of me – earnest, optimistic, and equipped with the emotional intelligence of a startled pigeon – first attempted to navigate the … Read more
It started, as these things often do, with a throwaway comment delivered by someone who clearly thought they were being sensible. “Why do you bother with Notts County?” they asked, with that faint smirk people reserve for hobbies – or in my case my calling – they don’t understand. “It’s just 22 men running around, … Read more
Catching up with my old mucker John, he casually dropped a bombshell: apparently we feature in David Davies’ autobiographical romp FA Confidential: Sex, Drugs and Penalties. The Inside Story of English Football. Henry Winter’s review in The Daily Telegraph retells Davies’ version – a late night knock at his Burnham Beeches hotel door during Euro … Read more
We all carry a quiet superstition about ourselves – a private conviction that serious misfortune is something reserved for other people. It’s a comforting illusion, this sense of personal invulnerability, and most of us cling to it even when the evidence suggests we shouldn’t. We downplay symptoms, ignore warning signs, and assume tomorrow will look … Read more
One sunny afternoon, Darcie put on her shiny riding hat and climbed proudly onto Toby the pony. She sat up tall, just like a real horse riding champion. Toby was a kind, gentle pony. His steps were a little wobbly at first, but Darcie held on tight. Together they clip clopped along the country lanes, … Read more
Arthur took to the circuit for his first time and quickly became the dirt track star! Winding the throttle fully open, he displayed the grit and determination to make it to the top of speedway and showed all the signs of a future Grand Prix rider in the making. His big moment came when he … Read more
Farage is the epitome of the establishment: a privileged upbringing, private education, and a City career that made him millions. I’ve often wondered why so many people—especially working-class voters—get drawn into his orbit when he’s such an obvious fraud. I suppose his carefully crafted image of perpetual victimhood, delivered over a pint of beer, resonates … Read more
My opinion on the royal family may not receive applause in all British households, but I’ve come to think they’re an outdated, unnecessary institution. The older I get, the more republican I become. They’re a dysfunctional family – elevated to a level of deference that more than irks me. That’s not to say I haven’t … Read more