The world according to Kirkey
Errors are a part of life. However, I would assert that there is a hierarchy of miscalculations, with those that occupy the higher echelons of mistake worthy of raising a red flag. The signing of a goalkeeper who drops the pen prior to signing the contract would rightly be alarming. Although I’ve never been party … 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
I do admit to being a professional potty mouth. My filler expletive regularly engages with my favourite and most versatile of profane words: fuck. Its versatility is pretty much limitless: both a verb and a noun, an expression of elation and disappointment, a call to action and a decision to sit it out. As an … Read more
Quotes about change are as plentiful as there are folk who fail to do so. Nonetheless, my favourite line on this subject is by the author Robert C. Gallagher: “Change is inevitable—except from a vending machine.” As for me, there have been many incarnations and no doubt there will be others that will inevitably bewilder … Read more
All you need to know about Vietnam, from the unique perspective of the British equivalent of Inspector Clouseau, who usually turns up at the airport and says, “Where are we going?” Collecting my travel money in advance of my Southeast Asian late October adventure to a place personally epitomised by the hauntingly vibrant Paul Hardcastle … 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
The collective national sigh of relief as Labour wrenched the reins of power from the corrosive grasp of the Conservatives following the July 2024 election was apocryphal. Amongst other repulsive traits, sleaze, gaslighting, and being serenaded by lies, damn lies and scandalous statistics would surely be destined for the tip, along with the political careers … 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
The 4th of July general election heralded a true Monty Python tenet: and now for something completely different. But as a former Tory voter, member of the Conservative party, and borough councillor, I still had some unfinished business. I was exhausted – relieved, yet perplexed. Pinching an alleged descriptor from the former Home Secretary, James … Read more