What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
Can accepting that children are our greatest teachers make us better adults? A friend once asked me, “Would you recommend that I have children?” Without a moment of hesitation, I immediately endorsed the notion. His reply was instant and illuminating: “But you are always moaning about them!” Momentarily my reflections bounced from embarrassment to confusion. … Read more
Can a life goal bring you ultimate happiness, or is real success simply making it up as you go along? I have often admired folk who had a determination to succeed in a chosen career and ultimately fulfilled their quest. Truth is, I still don’t know what I want to be. Aged 19 I ended … Read more
Is the local Wetherspoons the real community hub where the human condition is fed and watered? Whenever I consider matters of a fiscal nature, value for money is always a significant driving force. Being born in the 60s, I have inherited the values of my parents which instilled the notion of financial probity. Moreover, I … Read more
Following Parliament’s historic decision Kirkey poses the question, “when do you want to die?” Even in the darkest recesses of humanity, humour has its rightful place. Triboulet, a 16th century jester at the royal court of King Francis I, smacked the rotund bottom of his boss in a fit of farce. The unimpressed monarch decreed … Read more
For the majority of my adult years I’ve had to conform with the rules of life, both written and informal. At times, the societal norms I am obliged to yield to frustrate me, and the more I explore the world the more I realise that, although many commonalities exist, wonderful exceptions are evident too, especially … Read more
“Some people are on the pitch; they think it’s all over. It is now!” is one of the most iconic moments of sporting commentary – delivered by the BBC’s Kenneth Wolstenholme at the conclusion of the 1966 FIFA World Cup: objectivity and subjectivity beautifully fused together to capture not only the finality of the game … Read more
I have only been married once: to my late wife Theresa on 16th August 1986. Aside from the length of the ceremony (as I recall, as bride and groom we frequently had to sit down on allocated chairs and listen to the priest drone on about some sacred pronouncement or other) and the obvious bias … Read more
Once upon a time an imperfect man found the perfect place where his loved ones could flourish. His cat came too. Towering above this idyllic spot was a tree. Tall, solid, and protective of this alcove of bliss. His family were happy and secure there. Throughout the winds of change the tree stood firm and … Read more
Division, disruption, and derision are the cruel consequences of right-wing ideology. In this space difference is framed as dangerous and contrived tribal tensions are sustained by agent provocateurs who frequently occupy positions of power. Currently, our own nation is plagued with this condition where prejudice is propelled to the pinnacle of public discourse. Nonetheless, disagreement … Read more
