Famously described by Chris Rea as ‘the road to hell’, and known to many through experience as the largest car park in the world, London’s M25 orbital motorway has just celebrated its 30th birthday.  It truly is the road to nowhere as 84-year-old pensioner William Allen discovered in 1998, when he set off to drive the few miles to visit … Read More

The Oxford English Dictionary defines kindness as being ‘gentle or benevolent’ in nature, or being ‘friendly in one’s conduct.’  As a value I think it’s often underrated coming in behind love, compassion and generosity, but for me it explains the runaway success of the British TV programme the Great British Bake Off.  Everything about the programme oozes kindness, and not … Read More

50-52 Jesus was quick to comfort them: “Courage! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.” As soon as he climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were stunned, shaking their heads, wondering what was going on. They didn’t understand what he had done at the supper. None of this had yet penetrated their hearts.   53-56 They beached the boat at Gennesaret … Read More

You won’t have heard of it but in 1929 the Great West Aerodrome was founded on land 14 miles from the centre of London, in the midst of farms, market gardens and orchards, and just a stone’s throw from the tiny hamlet of – Heathrow.  After World War Two it seemed the perfect location for a new civil airport to … Read More

In 2016 the British Olympic and Paralympic teams exceeded all expectations at the games in Rio, and justifiably returned to a hero’s welcome with huge celebrations in Manchester and London.  But it turned out that not everyone was entitled to be there.  On board the bus of athletes in Manchester were two 21 year olds, Zac Alsop and Jamie Rawsthorne, … Read More

39-44 Jesus got them all to sit down in groups of fifty or a hundred—they looked like a patchwork quilt of wildflowers spread out on the green grass! He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples, and the disciples in turn gave it to the … Read More

In the 21st Century we take for granted the availability of detailed weather forecasts.  We’re familiar with satellite images tracking storms days before they arrive, giving us plenty of time to take adequate precautions.  So it’s hard to comprehend that just 29 years ago the people of southern England went to bed with no idea that the worst storm for … Read More

Every now and again something happens that suddenly stops us in our tracks.  Like the time my car mechanic told me that the leak I’d noticed from my engine was in fact fuel, and that if I continued to drive, the car might well burst into flames.  I’d been aware of the leak for some days, but assumed it was … Read More

30-31 The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.   32-34 So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by … Read More

Interaction between radio presenters and their audiences is commonplace, whether it be with phone-ins, or by email and texts.  So some frustration then, when on 8th October 2016 the BBC system that gathers texts and sends them on to the correct studio failed during Anneka Rice’s breakfast show.  Unbelievably Rice revealed that the system was designed and maintained by one … Read More