We sort of moved at the weekend. There were no packing cases or cardboard boxes; no removal men or great big trucks. Just the five of us, the dog, and a few suitcases. From the Cotswolds, with their rolling hills, to Snowdonia, with its rivers and mountains. We have moved house before, but never with […]
Other
Holiday plans
We are going on holiday tonight*. The children, still of an age where a fortnight in Scotland is as exciting as a Caribbean cruise (if only), are apoplectic with excitement and keep emerging from their bedrooms to see if it’s time to leave yet. We’re heading to the Scottish island where Mr M spent his […]
The Story Museum's 26 Characters: the best exhibition you'll ever go to
If you’re within a day’s travel of Oxford and haven’t yet visited The Story Museum, you’re missing out. The museum is a hidden gem in this beautiful city, and 26 Characters is far and away the most exciting, inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition I’ve ever seen. The exhibition takes 26 well known children’s authors and creates a […]
Whatever happened to Emily Carlisle?
The more eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that I have changed my name. Most people have said nothing, but a lot have asked why, so I thought it was about time I explained the whole story. Here’s the thing: my name was never Emily Carlisle. In the grand scheme of things, this isn’t […]
Chipping Norton: the fifth best town in Britain
A pull-out in yesterday’s Times ranked Chipping Norton as number five in their list of the ’30 best towns in Britain’. Obviously we Chippy folk were delighted. That is, until we actually read it… This town is sometimes described as Britain’s answer to Beverly Hills Is it? By whom? It was market day in Chippy […]
In which I spend Valentine's Day in three countries.
I have spent Valentine’s Day at three different airports. On my own. There are worse ways to spend Valentine’s Day, and in fact I rather enjoyed it. When you’re not in a hurry – and once you’ve missed a meeting there’s little point in rushing – airports are second only to train-station platforms for people-watching. […]