PENNY FOR THE GUY

ifth of November was a massive date on the UK calendar back when I was younger. Sadly, I think it may be falling victim to the globalisation and Americanisation effect. The gaudy version of Halloween seems to have swamped society, leaving poor Guy Fawkes in the lurch.

THRESHOLD OF WINTER: FINDING ÁLFABLÓT

odern culture makes a big deal of this time of year—as I’ve chronicled in recent posts—but beneath all the noise, traditional Pagan practice sees it for what it truly is: a time of quiet reflection and honour.

ENGAGE. A TRIBUTE TO SIR PATRICK STEWART

tar Trek has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I remember watching the original series on BBC2 back in the 70s. It has always filled me with pure joy. Then came the films, epic versions of the small screen treasures - I just lapped it all up.

TWO DECADES OF SERVICE

 don't tend to talk about work online. It usually leads to bother if I do, and besides, there are strict rules I have to be careful around. As a rule, I keep my work life and home life completely separate. Having said that, there are times when those worlds collide and something at work affects me personally—and I'm facing a milestone right now that I simply can't ignore or leave undocumented.

THE VEILED SEASON Vs AN OVERSIZED SQUASH

o many, this time of year is their absolute favourite. The festivals, the traditions, the rich explosion of colours, and the beginning of the long lead-up to the biggest celebration of the year.

LOST LEGACY: HOW CORPORATE POLICY KILLED THE BRIDGE INN

efore you get to the bus station in Rotherham town centre you'll probably see a grand old stone built public house building called "The Bridge Inn" so called because it sits next to Chantry bridge that crosses the Don. If you fancy a pint in there you'll be disappointed to learn that it is closed permanently. 

DOORS AND DAUGHTERS

ags is my youngest, but even she has clocked up a fair few birthdays now. Last Sunday she turned twenty-five, which leaves me asking the age-old question: how on earth did I end up with a thirty-year-old and a twenty-five-year-old?

DEITIES AND DIARY DATES

oddess of the earth, giver of life, and bestower of nature. Virtually every culture throughout history carries a reverence for an earth deity—a single, living presence gifted many names, yet responsible for the beauty of the world around us.

MONETISING THE AWEN

arking is an emotive issue, and usually I have little sympathy for people who get caught out. If you park somewhere, you make sure you’re allowed—simple as that. But what happens when the rules change under your feet, and a place you’ve trusted for two decades becomes a trap?

THE HOUSE ON GRANGE LANE

bout halfway up Grange Lane sits the reason this quiet road connecting Sheffield and Rotherham gets its name. Many locals don't even know the house is there, and those who do are rarely sure of its purpose. The house is Thundercliffe Grange, an impressive estate set in 22 acres. I've been here before, but I'm back on another history mission—and I'm not sorry.

BONES OF THE EARTH: WALKING ANCIENT FOOTSTEPS

ery long ago, the lands beneath my feet were held by the Brigantes—a Celtic confederation who lived, fought, and died on the very soil I walk today. Long before modern borders defined the landscape of Northern Britain, this formidable alliance held sway over vast tracts of rugged moorland, rolling dales, and dense woodland, carving out a life governed by the cycles of nature, ancient traditions, and a fierce, unyielding independence.

ART, ACTION, AND THE LIFEBOAT

he lifeboats are an absolute essential along our coastline. We live on a series of islands, so having an emergency service capable of rescuing those who get into difficulty at sea isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity. We have the RNLI: dedicated volunteers who risk their lives to save others.