Playoffs: pride or prejudice?

Proper or pantomime? Fair or unjust? Scintillating or exasperating? The playoffs have been part of speedway hierarchy since 2002 and have often had a habit of causing division across the terraces, especially when the top of the table team fails to be crowned champions. But is this sporadic criticism fair, and are the playoffs vital … Read more

Secrets: a risk worth accepting?

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

The question, “can you keep a secret?” caresses intrigue like no other statement can ever hope to do. At its heart there is a burning invitation to indulge in wonder, speculation, or conviction – and occasionally all three simultaneously – with the storyline, more often than not, wrapped in an air of delicious mystery. Personally, … Read more

Suspicion: the murder that never happened.

Eagerly anticipating my second adventure to India, I never once considered the commission of any form of crime, especially not my demise at the hands of a murderer. I’d never been to Goa, the final leg of the two-week exploration of this incredible country that never ceases to amaze, enthral, and excite me. It represented … Read more

Gearing up on the Goggle-box: Abi Stephens on air and methanol.

Monday night TV Premiership coverage has consistently maintained its triple A rating: Action, Adrenalin & Abi. Presented by the effervescent Abi Stephens, the unique feeling of being able to experience the meeting from both sides of the safety fence has been enthusiastically facilitated alongside her two amigos, Scott Nicholls, and Kelvin Tatum. Live TV broadcasting … Read more

Flirting: seduction by stealth?

Have you ever met someone by chance, looked across a crowded room, or passed somebody in the street, unexpectedly experiencing an excited tingle? I know I have and on occasions this colloquial collision of contact has led to convivial conversations, friendships, and on rarer occasions, sex. I was keen to map this latter route to … Read more

Father of the ride: the view of a parent.

The internet is awash with parenting quotes ─ some glib, countless gushing, and many ─ honestly ─ graphic. As a dad myself, I prefer the latter references; Tom Hanks provides my favourite summation: “It’s like being caffeine-deprived for eighteen years.” Whatever the slant, if you are a parent there is one overriding objective: to keep … Read more