Harriet Monkhouse
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harrietmonkhouse.bsky.social
Harriet Monkhouse
@harrietmonkhouse.bsky.social
85 followers 41 following 180 posts
Cats, cheese, cricket (she/ze). #BwiththeT
Sacred Harp singer
Primarily based in the Mastodon Fediverse @HarrietMonkhouse@mcr.wtf
I get a bit freaked out when people I don't know follow me...
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
catbus.phd
I am brimming with holiday spirit
a guillotine made from gingerbread, decorated with white icing snow and icicles
December 8, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
robinince.bsky.social
Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.
This is the saddest day of my professional life. Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage. I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys. I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show, A show that I named and helped develop over all those years. Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry. These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices. Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'. • I chose the latter. It broke my heart. I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make. I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer. I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence. One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career. I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more. I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost". James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice. Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences. I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness. Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire. I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal. I am so sorry to let you down. I hope that you can understand my reasoning. I have to accept that I am not what the current BBC expects of their freelance presenters. Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not "just a job" I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world. From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too. The strawberry is dead. Long live the strawberry. B
December 13, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
aedwardslevy.bsky.social
"there's a new serif in town"
phillewis.bsky.social Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 5d
Marco Rubio ordered diplomats to return to using Times New Roman font in official communications, calling his predecessor's decision to adopt Calibri a “wasteful” diversity move
Rubio Stages Font Coup: Times New Roman Ousts Calibri
The secretary of state called it a "wasteful" diversity move, according to an internal department cable seen by Reuters.
www.huffpost.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
nujofficial.bsky.social
On Human Rights Day, the NUJ joins @ifjglobal.bsky.social in urging governments to end clear violations of international law after 111 journalists were killed this year.

www.nuj.org.uk/resource/hum...
Human Rights Day 2025: 111 journalists killed this year, say IFJ
On Human Rights Day, the NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in urging governments to end clear violations of international law after 111 journalists were killed this year...
www.nuj.org.uk
December 10, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
gavinwhite76.bsky.social
Brilliant to attend opening of 71 new low carbon and affordable homes recently in Openshaw.

Built on a former brownfield site, these 71 homes, including 46 for social rent and 25 for rent to buy are a fantastic addition for this community in East Manchester.
www.placenorthwest.co.uk/jigsaw-compl...
Jigsaw completes 71 Openshaw homes - Place North West
The £12m all-affordable development was brought forward by developer Westchurch Homes, and now the housing association will take over management of the scheme on Shaw Park Close off Louisa Street.
www.placenorthwest.co.uk
December 10, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
sarahebull.bsky.social
There is a 1580 book called A Pamflyt Compiled of Cheese (!!) and Ampersand book studio is issuing an edition of it 😍

ampersandbookstudio.substack.com/p/a-typograp...
A Typography of Cheese
Tudor inspiration in modern form for "A Pamflyt Compiled of Cheese"
ampersandbookstudio.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
martinhwheatley.bsky.social
Tale of two Cambridgeshire transport schemes
🛣️A14 2016-22 upgrade: cost £1.5bn, BCR 1.7
🛤️Ely junction scheme, repeatedly postponed, now in long grass: cost £0.5bn, BCR nearly 5
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
@charlotte-cane-mp.bsky.social @cambstravelall.bsky.social
MP bemused by lack of Ely North rail junction upgrade
After 25 years, campaigners are still hoping for an upgrade to Ely Junction, where five lines meet.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 2, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
georgeeaton.bsky.social
A fact being ignored even more than usual: 70% of the money from abolishing the two-child limit will go to families who are in work (via @ippr.org).
November 29, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
johannestevans.bsky.social
Been doing this on and off for like 5 or 10 minutes, and he's kind of upset that I've stopped but my arm hurts
November 30, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
bfletcherwatson.bsky.social
Eleven years ago, I wrote to Tom Stoppard to ask about this coup de théâtre from 1949. It took me down an unexpected rabbit hole - in memory of Stoppard, here's what I found.
"Years and years ago, there was a production of The Tempest, out of doors, at an Oxford college on a lawn, which was the stage, and the lawn went back towards the lake in the grounds of the college, and the play began in natural light. But as it developed, and as it became time for Ariel to say his farewell to the world of The Tempest, the evening had started to close in and there was some artificial lighting coming on. And as Ariel uttered his last speech, he turned and he ran across the grass, and he got to the edge of the lake and he just kept running across the top of the water — the producer having thoughtfully provided a kind of walkway an inch beneath the water. And you could see and you could hear the plish, plash as he ran away from you across the top of the lake, until the gloom enveloped him and he disappeared from your view. And as he did so, from the further shore, a firework rocket was ignited, and it went whoosh into the air, and high up there it burst into lots of sparks, and all the sparks went out, and he had gone. "When you look up the stage directions, it says, 'Exit Ariel.”
November 30, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
rutgerbregman.com
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.

They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
gavinwhite76.bsky.social
In the first six months of 2025-2026, we have seen 437 new affordable homes built and completed with local residents now moved in all across Manchester.

This includes:

🏡 170 homes for social rent
🏘 101 homes at Manchester Living Rent
🏗 All on brownfield sites in 14 different wards of the city.
November 25, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
cricketacademic.bsky.social
We’ve opened registration for our annual conference! 🥳

📅 26 Feb 2026
⏰ 9.30am to 5pm
🏫 Hughes Hall, Cambridge

🏏 We’re looking forward to a day of presentations & discussion, plus a Q&A on the 2026 ICC World Cup. Book your place now:
Cricket Research Network, Annual Conference, Cambridge, Thu 26 Feb, 9.30am
Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, 9.30am to 5.00pm
www.cricketsociety.org.uk
November 24, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
urbaneprofessor.bsky.social
Tangentially - he looks a LOT like Ben Wishaw playing a history professor...
earlymodjustice.bsky.social Holly Brewer @earlymodjustice.bsky.social · 24d
To “my students and to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write and think when others once risked their lives and died for the freedom to do so.”

www.huffpost.com/entry/histor...
I Set A Trap To Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Results Were Shocking.
"Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead."
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
nujofficial.bsky.social
The NUJ Disabled Members' Council is hosting an online meeting for members on 24 Nov (5.30 - 6.30pm), exploring ongoing issues within the government’s Access to Work scheme, the impact on journalists, and the campaign for reform. Learn more + join:

www.nuj.org.uk/resource/dis...
Disabled Members' Council meeting to explore Access to Work and push for reform
The NUJ Disabled Members' Council is hosting an informal online meeting on 24 November (from 5.30 - 6.30pm) which will explore ongoing issues within the government’s Access to Work scheme, the impact ...
www.nuj.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
gavinwhite76.bsky.social
As temperatures drop, contact the cost of living team @mancitycouncil.bsky.social who can help with lots of issues - and ensure residents are getting financial support this winter.

☎️ Call advice line: 0800 023 2692.

➡️ manchester.gov.uk/helpinghands

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/cost-of...
Full list of people entitled to the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter
The Government is currently sending out letters to confirm those who are eligible for the discount
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
nujofficial.bsky.social
NUJ reps at the BBC overwhelmingly passed a motion calling for worker representation on the BBC board, an independently-appointed chair, and sustainable funding through Charter Renewal.

www.nuj.org.uk/resource/bbc...
BBC workers call for board reform and sustainable funding
NUJ members at the BBC have outlined their vision for an impartial, universally available and funded BBC.
www.nuj.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
cnlester.bsky.social
In other, beautiful news - Transpose: SUBVERSE opening night at Barbican was an absolute joy and wonder last night. We have three nights left - if trans art and incredible music/poetry is your thing, then come/share/both!

If cost is a barrier, just message.

www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/202...
Under glowing green light on a black, industrial stage, two singers wearing flowing black clothes are lying entwined, stretching out toward the light. Two performers reach towards each other, separated by gauze, their hands meeting with the barrier between them - the light above them glows pink with dark purple-blue shadows. Under a sickly green-yellow light, are two performers, draped across each other.
November 13, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
coopparty.party.coop
Add your name to our call for a People's BBC. party.coop/a-peoples-bbc
It’s time for A People’s BBC
The BBC belongs to the British public, not to the Government. Licence payers, not Ministers, should determine it's future.
party.coop
November 10, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
nujofficial.bsky.social
The NUJ has issued a statement in response to the resignations of Tim Davie, BBC director-general, and Deborah Turness, BBC News chief executive

www.nuj.org.uk/resource/nuj...
NUJ reacts to BBC leadership resignations
The NUJ has issued a statement in response to the resignations of Tim Davie, BBC director-general, and Deborah Turness, BBC News chief executive.
www.nuj.org.uk
November 10, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
tnperkins4.bsky.social
November 8, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
newyorker.com
A sneak peek at the cover of next week’s issue, which celebrates Zohran Mamdani’s historic win. #NewYorkerCovers
https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/451hFM
November 5, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
gavinwhite76.bsky.social
Pleased to see 37 new low carbon, social rent homes completed in Longsight by Watson in partnership with Jigsaw Homes.

Our @manchesterlabour.bsky.social councillors have been great champions for this housing scheme on a former brownfield site in their ward.🏡

housingdigital.co.uk/longsight-sc...
Longsight scheme delivers 37 new social homes
Jigsaw Homes Group has worked in partnership with regeneration specialist Watson to deliver 37 new energy efficient homes in Longsight
housingdigital.co.uk
November 4, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Reposted by Harriet Monkhouse
nujofficial.bsky.social
The NUJ has called for the release of journalist Sami Hamdi, who has been detained by ICE.

The NUJ joins @ifjglobal.bsky.social in expressing deep concern over the apparent abuse of anti-terror legislation and obstruction of freedom of expression by US authorities.

www.nuj.org.uk/resource/usa...
USA: NUJ calls for release of journalist detained by ICE
The NUJ has joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in calling for the immediate release of UK journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi.
www.nuj.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM