Is there a parallel with France: the failings of the centre have accelerated the rise of the far right, & it's falling to progressive voters/the left to vote tactically to keep the far right out of power? But that left bloc is starting to wield some genuine influence. And it doesn't trust Starmer

This is George Orwell's cottage in Wallington, just outside Baldock. He wrote Animal Farm here and got married in the local church. The real Manor Farm is just up the lane

Great goalkeeper. So good that at 41 he was called up by Everton before the 1986 FA Cup Final as cover for Bobby Mimms

hello Mike. Just re-emerging on social media - still finding Twitter unresponsive, so might spend more time on here

True History of the Kelly Gang is a dazzling novel, great energy

and when the coppers are caught getting their answers phoned in from the station 😀

I'm still waiting for Boumsong and Mexes

The Queen is Dead - The Smiths
The Colour of Spring - Talk Talk
Life's Rich Pageant - REM