Monthly Archives: March 2007

Anyone with the temerity to work as an actor is told that they’ll probably spend at least 80% of their time “resting”, or as the non-acting world calls it, unemployed. It’s at these times that you can research the world … Continue reading →

Downsizing. What does it mean to you? More precious hours spent communing with your family? Fewer frantic hours spent scrambling ‘twixt work, nursery, childminder and school sports day? A calm home life redolent with cut flowers, nourishing winter stews and … Continue reading →

How is it that a pair of habitual atheists can produce two children who are devout Christians? Some scientists claim faith is genetically pre-determined, but I fear our two are just more than usually keen to disbelieve their parents. Our … Continue reading →

Which do you prefer – Pink or Blue? I mean the colours, not the bands. They’re the shades that dominate a newborn’s life until they’re able to make up their own minds. But what happens if your child decides to … Continue reading →

When I call my three-year-old daughter “sossidge”, I am echoing the broken English of a man who coaxed back flips, somersaults and devotion from generations of eager students. Eugene Balla was 92 when he died in April this year, teaching … Continue reading →

It was hard enough to remember the combination on my bike padlock. Now in the office or at home it’s not just one four-digit code or password I have to memorise. I need four-digit pins for each of my bank … Continue reading →

Tragedy by the Bee Gees “When the feeling’s gone and you can’t go on, it’s tragedy.” Our two children have the mixed blessing of being born to older than average parents, especially, it must be said, their father. But what … Continue reading →