Author Archives: Ian

Leaving the village for the New World?

Posted on 3rd April 2023 by Ian

The paternal grandfather of my ninth great grand uncle. It’s hardly a direct family connection, its interest lay in location rather than heredity. Johannes Pople, was born in 1545. His wife Catherine Taylor was born ten years later. They were … Continue reading →

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Heaven in Somerset

Posted on 2nd April 2023 by Ian

The mood lifts. Stepping out into the cool air of an early April evening, the sky in the east is shades of blue, fresh growth has brought fresh traces of green in the adjoining pasture. The waxing moon will be … Continue reading →

Posted in The stuff of daily life | 2 Comments

The last state will be worse than the first

Posted on 26th March 2023 by Ian

I do not smoke. I have never smoked. I accept that smoking is not good for one’s health, But, then, there are many things that are not good for one’s health, including being constantly fixated on all the things that … Continue reading →

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Causing harm

Posted on 25th March 2023 by Ian

In his frustration with Padhraic, Colm cuts off each of the fingers of his left hand. The Banshees of Inisherin is a profound psychological insight. Colm wishes to leave a cultural legacy, to create something that will outlive him, and … Continue reading →

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Tobacco hierarchy

Posted on 22nd March 2023 by Ian

Drinking tea with a colleague each morning, conversations are nothing, if not eclectic. Today’s meander began with a recollection of an old priest my colleague had known, a Benedictine who had the title ‘Dom.’ ‘I knew a Dom Paul,’ I … Continue reading →

Posted in The stuff of daily life | 4 Comments