I read "The Fall: Last Days of the English Republic" by Henry Reece - a narrative history about a time I knew little. Recommended for all who think the natural place for England is as a monarchy and those who think forming a viable republic is going to be easy. Also for those who like a good book.

Lovely to see the crowd of mayflies at Wakehurst Place this evening. We walked down the newly opened Loder Valley Nature Reserve, then back to find the gardens empty and the mayflies all in flight.

"Travels with Herodotus" by Ryszard Kapuściński gives excerpts from the longer book. Memorable tales are interspersed with events from the original Greek enquiry: some amusing or beautiful, some dangerous. I'm not sure all was fully believable, but worrying about that misses the point of the story.

Very sad to see the demise of #inkylittlefingers, who have filed for liquidation. They were by far the best printer around: wonderful quality, helpful, with a wide range of products and always friendly. They did great deals (clearly: too great) and now I will have to find somewhere else to print.

A walk through just three miles of the high Weald, as the bluebells get ready and the apple blossom shines.

Reading many books at once, I hardly finish any. But this one was a joy; I wished it'd been longer. "Magnificent Rebels: The First Romantics and the Invention of the Self" by @andreawulf.bsky.social is the story of a literary 'set' and a place. But most of all it is a homage to Caroline Schelling.

As an antidote to winter I watched Éric Rohmer's "A Summer's Tale" yesterday. A lovely film that reminded me of the best parts of the mid-1990s: a world mobile-communications were about to disrupt. Nice to see it again, if only for a short while.

A little bit accidentally-Birmingham for the last 24 hours - managed to get a copy of the reissue of The Lilac Time's "Astronauts" (with its focus on Malvern, I know) - then went up to Villa Park to see the mighty Albion not lose to Villa for once. Therefore success and happiness in all things!

Enjoyed the older-people’s rave in Brighton yesterday, leaving the venue not at dawn, but sunset.

With a choice between it and Gladiator 2, I’m glad I went to see Small Things Like These last night. A leading male character, but not leading events until learning to channel resentment positively, in a landscape of women and rain. Always good to see quiet rage depicted on the screen.

Last bonfire walk-out of the season last night at Barcombe. Already looking forward to the start of next year’s bonfire. #🔥weburnforgood🔥 #wewuntbedruv

Walked the 1066 path yesterday (see: www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do...) from Rye to Pevensey. Slightly too far (arrived in the dark), but fantastic views, autumn scenes. Really loved the area around Bray’s Hill: been walking across Sussex for years and I’d never been there before.

Enjoyed watching Herne burn at East Hoathly last night. Lovely evening and topped off with a fire!

Webs out on the Downs near Lewes, all across the fields.

Always love going to the Amex. Great seats on Tuesday night, great result - huge pity about injured O’Riley, we all hope he’s ok.

Not been to Liverpool since 1990 - it was a (mostly) changed city since then. The Beatles were everywhere, yet left in 1964. Football was everywhere, too - though we enjoyed seeing Everton lose (sorry Everton fans - looking forward to the new stadium next year!).

Enjoyed the third part of my Sussex coast walk: Bognor to Worthing today. Windy but still mostly quiet. Good walking weather, but 18 miles was enough…

Really nice sunset last night in London.

In a break from the rain we went for a walk to the southern edge of Crowborough, looking south across the Weald. It felt like New Year’s Day today. Would have been better if it had been.