Have you ever made a new-year resolution and not been able to stick to it? Given up after a few days of agony or in the face of temptation? Of course you have. We all have! But I think there are reasons for these failures that have nothing to do with temptation or poor resolve.[…]

‘See amidst the winter’s snow …’ Most of us have had some of that already this year. In Leamington Spa recently it was ‘deep and crisp and even.’ Returning from a family weekend, I had to trudge home through the deserted snow-covered streets from the railway station, in a snowstorm and dragging my suitcase behind[…]

Part 3: The poetry years I’ve always been a writer …… I started my new life at the local girl’s grammar school in September 1964. I loved it. If I had an element, this turned out to be it, and I happily swam up to my neck in it for 3 or 4 years. Because:[…]

When my mum, years ago, said she didn’t like to think of me being alone at Christmas, I pointed out that, to me, the 2 days of Christmas were just like any weekend living alone – but with turkey and Christmas pudding. If you live on your own it is all year round, not just[…]