Until the British arrival in the 17th century India was one of the richest countries in the world. I am travelling to the largest democracy in the world were at least twenty languages are spoken by one billion people. As the plane skips down onto the landing strip I wonder how such a small place as England could colonise such a great country. Read more [...]

Ever seen the world upside down. Ever had land above you and sky below while at the same time having your legs above you and your head below, at 10,000 feet. It happened to me today as I was thrown into the sky by former red arrows pilot Dave Slow in what he describes as the flying equivelant of a Porsche.See how the pilot is sat t the back of the plane. I was at the front with a birds eye view. Read more [...]

The fifteen young people I have been living and working with throughout this week have behavioural issues rooted in horrific childhood experiences darker than anything Dickens could conjure. We are in the wilds of Yorkshire on the edge of a valley with the River Lumb thrashing below. Picture Below There’s been terrifying storms all across Britain throughout the week Read more [...]

Cultureword has been based in Manchester for twenty years. The Job of Cultureword is to promote support and encourage black writers based in the North West of England. It’s ideals are no better embodied by the skill intimacy and eloquence of the writing and performances of Dike Omeje who died today. His book Mindfield is published by Cheers Ta Press in Manchester. Read more [...]

Are you going somewhere or are you coming back said Sheila the astute and perfectly dressed proprietor of The Charter House b&b. The question perplexed me as we were neither going somewhere nor coming back. We were going back! Read more [...]

Me and the GF drive to Warwick and book into The Charter House, a 16th Century B and B. A framed copy of The Magna Carta written in 1215 issued by King Johns Chancery is on the bedroom wall. The room is called The Kingmaker. There are ten different lights plus candle stands. It is small and perfectly formed. Read more [...]

It has undeniably been the most wonderful and fulfilling Christmas and New Year. I normally spend Christmas in an ill state of disrepair picking through the car crash scene of childhood. I normally spend Christmas taking the broken limbs from the scene to the dump, listening to the memory of screeching tyres and screams all set against the background sound of “Jingle bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way”. Read more [...]