My dad lives in a village near Selby and someone there does themed postbox cosies throughout the year, he sends me a photo every time there’s a new one. Xmas, Halloween, anniversary of the local Methodist church, you name it they’ve knitted it. Makes me smile every time.

I think I agree, but then I’ve just remembered the Winnie the Pooh LP from my childhood which I’m sure was Willie Rushton. So now I’m confused - surely he can’t reasonably be both!

Yes, same here. I thought the plastic sort would help, but no.

An older friend of mine asked this lunchtime if I was ‘on social media’. I said that I was, but mainly to chat to other writers, making it sound all highbrow. I’m hoping she doesn’t find out the truth :-)

In my opinion, only for the better. And I really dislike washing a potato masher so that might have something to do with my preference :-)

Frozen mash, like croquettes with no breadcrumbs. It has changed my life.

I wish there was more about nature in the post industrial north. Or have I just missed vast swathes of it? I find it more interesting, the pockets of wildlife in amongst decaying infrastructure (like peregrines in Lister’s mill) than in more promising countryside ecosystems where you *expect* it

Listened yesterday, intrigued by the potential for interaction but got caught up in the storytelling. No idea what’s (ultimately) going on so far but I’m looking forward to the next episode.

In the 80s I had a handed down advent calendar that had seen my mum through the late 50s and 60s. Tuck the doors back in carefully for next year, and if you’re lucky you’ll have forgotten which picture was which day.

Enjoy it now. You won’t be able to afford hot cross buns when you’re retired :-)

I saw Fleetwood Mac above Black Sabbath and I refuse to engage any further. Safest for everyone, and particularly for my blood pressure :-)

Same here, but I do remember being awestruck when I watched the first one at the pictures - it was like he’d reached inside my head and put my visualisation on the screen.

Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear that. He was a lovely looking cat. I hope you’re overflowing with good memories.

It would seem an odd bandwagon to jump on. Who would it appeal to, that wouldn’t be likely to be opposed to their other policies? Anyway I’m kind of glad I was oblivious, I would have found it very confusing as a child.

That is really interesting, particularly when you think about mainstream views at the time.

I can’t get my head round that at all, I think of NF as urban but maybe that’s hazy memories of them from my youth. I have no doubt your book will astound me.

My brain keeps snagging on National Front environmental policy.

My brother turned 65 this summer and I’m simultaneously horrified and relieved. As you say, it’s a long, long way off for me and yet I seem to recall that being the case when he turned the ancient age of 40, and I can barely remember 40 now…

Stunning. So many arresting images.