...in  the time of the Great Pandemic. We live in the  short section of Grimston Lane which finishes in spiked metal and a dead end.   Compulsory self-isolation means that although we may hear our  neighbours, it is no  longer a frequent occurrence to see them in actuality.  Last night, at five to eight, I … Continue reading A round of applause … →

    Small spring flowers in the hedgerow We appear to still be in a ‘phoney war’ period with the Covid-19 virus. It’s sniping fiercely around the edges while building up strength for a full onslaught. This  time  last week  the  total number  of cases in Suffolk were 22. As  of 11.00 p.m.  on Monday … Continue reading Official lock down in Trimley. The Great Pandemic: Week 2 →

Tuesday 24th March 2020 "...Will these hands ne'er be clean?" I have never incited any one to murder knowingly or otherwise but for the last three or four weeks  I have assumed the persona of Lady Macbeth, as I wash and wring my hands until they are red raw. This is my diligent attempt to … Continue reading Pandemic in Trimley St. Martin: Week 1 →

   Sue Biddle in 2009 A fortnight ago, before the world became something unfamiliar to us all, Sue Biddle cycled round to see me with the aim of discussing one of her longstanding projects. Some years back I met Sue in the Ipswich Branch of Suffolk Record Office, one dull Saturday morning when she was … Continue reading Sue Biddle… Headstone Hunter →

“Bound for Van Diemen's land, brave boys, Far, far across the sea”  (The story of Lydia Rackham and her family was originally published in three separate parts in 2018 and 2019. I have decided to put all three together as one long narrative for ease of access.) Part 1 If you have lived in the … Continue reading The true story of Lydia Rackham… →