The world according to Kirkey
On the face of it moving a sofa from A to B was never going to be an historic event, an ‘ah-ha’ moment, or a pivotal turning point in my life. Yet as this seemingly mundane event unfolded in a somewhat adult style rendition of an Enid Blyton classic, I was reminded of some of … Read more
Undying optimism, strength of character or lunacy? I don’t get it either sometimes, but I’m glad it’s part of my DNA. COYP! Two hours before kick-off – Notts County v Wealdstone My location: Puerto Santiago What’s it all about Alfie? What’s it all about Alfie Is it just for the moment we live What’s it … Read more
My first recollection of the term ‘bully’ was from the pages of The Dandy, my must-read childhood comic. “Bully Beef and Chips,” created by Jimmy Hughes, first appeared in 1967 and reflected the story of two boys in seemingly constant conflict – the aggressor, a pudding basin haired brute called Bully Beef, and the victim, … Read more
I do like a tad of risk in my life, yet in matters of comfort, security, and wellbeing I am pretty one dimensional – I like what I like and in true Margaret Thatcher style, “this guy is not for turning.” In relation to holidays, the late British Premier (from 1979 to 1990) had little … Read more
Who hasn’t, at some time in their lives, contemplated immortality? Fiction is littered with such characters – Count Dracula, Dr Who, The Highlander, to name but a few – so I guess this question has fascinated many authors too. According to the peer reviewed ‘Internet Encyclopaedia of Philosophy’, “Immortality is the indefinite continuation of a … Read more
Rubbing shoulders with the British Royal family should have been more than sufficient reason to act with a degree of decorum. After all, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were only a stone’s throw away. I was at Royal Ascot, in my best suit, shirt and tie looking, if I do … Read more
May 2018: Islamabad, Pakistan – I was 267 miles away from Kabul. A 5-hour car journey. Twenty years ago the British Army, as part of an international coalition, were deployed to the war torn country. 456 British Forces personnel have since died. The alliance disintegrated after a decision was made by President Biden to withdraw … Read more
The tragedy that unfolded last Thursday evening is beyond comprehension. Whilst I still try to process this utter heartbreak, I cannot fathom how such a specimen with a history of violence was allowed to have any form of access to firearms, let alone a licence. Already I can hear the mantra, “Lessons will be learned.” … Read more
According to Albert Einstein, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” And who am I to argue with such a luminary? Little did I know that this piece of guidance would begin to prove itself on a scrap of paper. Nor, come to think of it, did I ever imagine that as a direct consequence … Read more
“Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” As these magical words, uttered by Romeo, swirled around the intimate auditorium of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, on the banks of the River Thames, my mind wandered – to broccoli. The reason this unassuming vegetable dominated my thoughts … Read more