ULLR'S ICY GRIP: FROM SORE TO SWORDS

he temperature is dropping swiftly, and the frosty fingers of Ullr are touching every corner of our land. It’s exactly the kind of cold evening I love—but I find myself tragically trapped indoors by injury. I miss that simple ritual: wrapping up warm, grabbing my dog, and heading out into the dark, chilly night. This feeling of confinement is a powerful reminder that our journey through this cold and dark time of year is only just beginning.

The Slow March of Recovery

​Just over two weeks ago, a collision with a car left me flat on the pavement and facing A&E via a spinal board. Now, despite slow but steady progress, getting comfortable remains a real challenge, and a decent sleep is scarce. The NHS site suggests anywhere from two to eight weeks for this kind of injury. I'm just past the two-week mark and, though A1 condition feels a distant dream, I am feeling that shocking urge to get back to work (a sentence I never thought I’d write!). I am hopeful, but I know better than to rush things.

The BBC: A Public Service Under Threat?

​The BBC is an organisation that remains incredibly polarising to the public. Some lament paying the licence fee while others sing the praises of the corporation. I stand somewhere in the middle: the BBC is certainly not perfect—I'll be critical of their decisions, especially the excessive airtime they afford polarising figures like Farage and his ilk.

​Yet, like the NHS, if we lose our public service broadcaster, it will be gone forever.

This is why the recent news of US President Trump’s intent to sue the corporation for $5 billion (roughly £3.8 billion) is so alarming. That figure is approximately the entire amount the BBC receives from the licence fee in a year. While I won't defend the foolish editing error made by the news teams—it was a daft thing to do—I highly doubt it has truly damaged him. With the BBC’s Charter due for renewal soon, change is definitely on the cards, but losing such a vital institution would be a huge shame.

​A Glimmer of Hope: Jorvik 2026

​Finally, I'm thrilled to confirm our now annual pilgrimage to the Jorvik Viking Festival in York next year! The same hotel is booked and train tickets are already secured. It’s a definite highlight to look forward to, and goodness knows I need that focus right now.

Earlier this year at Jorvik 

 

For now, the priority remains firmly on healing, appreciating the patience of my supportive family, and knowing that bright days, full of Vikings and good health, are waiting on the horizon.

Keep up with the journey while I’m off the bike and healing, there’s plenty more to explore and read:

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Read the Webcomic: Northman

​If you enjoyed the mention of Jorvik and Norse mythology, delve into my fantasy world! Follow the adventures of "Northman"—a webcomic loosely based on my life and sprinkled with Viking lore and bold action.

​Read the latest chapter here: northman.kirt.me.uk

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