Went to the Leeds launch of @stuhennigan.bsky.social’s Keshed on Thursday. Not been to a book launch that better explained how the author, this particular author, lives their motivations, standards, dilemmas, agonies to create the story between the covers. Beautifully exhausting, in fact…Keshed!

The good folk of Castleford need to move shaprpish if they want this. It won’t last long now it’s in the window of the newsagents on the way to the bus station.

The bloke they subsequently named the Netherlands top football team after, went mad after a glorious Troy war and massacred sheep and cattle thinking they were his comrades. Hated Odysseus.

See, my advice to anyone in striking distance of Bedford would be treat yourself to this exhibition and the gig if you can make that too.

Possibility of rain later, wasn’t sure if we should put the washing out, bloke next door is a Vicar, they’ve got theirs out, assume he’s been briefed from above so putting ours out too.

Wakefield Council putting singer/songwriters on 12-2 Sundays throughout the summer at Pontefract Castle. Today, local guy, Trevor Bird, just sang, in a blues style, about Catherine Howard’s affair with Thomas Culpepper here at the castle…and Henry’s response! Just lovely here today

‘If you feel able to, get up and dance to this one, everyone here knows this song, you’ll all know what it is 3 seconds in’ We must be nearing the end…no idea.

Our local annual music festival, gates opened at 2pm, 2.50pm the opening act, the Bisto Boys, set was interrupted by a bloke coming to the front of the stage and asking them to put a call out to see if anyone had a Rennie for his mate who’s got ‘bad indigestion’…someone did.

2 mins of your time. It will be worth it.

Our newsletter recommendation for @ronanhession.bsky.social's Leonard & Hungry Paul from @ofmooseandmen.bsky.social

At a Car Boot with work this morning. Things I Overheard. 1. Stallholder, 30s, talking to a prospective customer - ‘they want you to just stay at home until you die, that’s what the Government want’ 2. Stallholder, also 30s, ringing a bell & shouting - C’mon, come and get ye shite!’ 2/2

At a Car Boot with work this morning. Things you could buy: 1. Emergency Plastic Pants 2. Hand Gun Case - hand gun not supplied. 1/2

Steve Ely's symphonic poem 'Eely' has been shortlisted for the ASLE-UKI award for a poetry book with an ecological theme. The winner will be announced next week at the ASLE-UKI conference in Galway. Full shortlist here: asle.org.uk/2025-asle-uk... Further info: longbarrowpress.com/current-publ...

‘Let’s get this straight from the start’ is a scrumptious thing #dexysattheBBC

“Everything is on fire, but everyone I love is doing beautiful things and trying to make life worth living, and I know I don’t have to believe in everything, but I believe in that.” -Nikita Gill #unabooksboardthoughta #nikitagill

Disgusted to see this beautiful landscape ruined by wind turbines.

My breakfast - and life - partner on my birthday…today is a day to love life ♥️

I once tweeted that Cilla Black had a voice like two skinheads kicking a banjo up the A19. A few days later I was followed by Dionne Warwick.

Wrap them up warm and send them to school…and get them vaccinated. Tragic and avoidable. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

In an Airbnb in Bath. These are the books to fall back on if you’ve forgot yours (I haven’t, obvs). Not sure whether to extend our stay or scarper.

@bigbeardedbookseller.com Lovely to meet you today, enjoyed the walk and chat, hope the journey went well.

Got this for my 13th (pre-punk) birthday. I was (thankfully) taken in by the prime time adverts for it on ITV. Still find it as thrilling now as I did then. Love the Beach Boys, love Brian Wilson 🌞

Post a banger that’s not in English (apart from the title) youtu.be/J43T8rEOg-I?...

A new poem.

Twisted an algorithm’s blood

Had to clamber over a barbed wire fence, rip my coat and trespass to get a photo of this folkloric monster pretending half-successfully to be a tree. I have no regrets.

Oh yeah nice one kid hook that hope for humanity right into my veins

Went for a bacon sandwich and a coffee to a new local cafe this morning…I’ll definitely be going again.

Haha! Love this letter from Douglas Adams to his US editor about not Americanising the text of Hitchhiker's Guide. 🐋🌸

This is a wonderful book, now out in paperback. I think you should buy it and hand yourself over to it.

‘sanding the edges off the afternoon’ to paraphrase Bourdain

If any of my Bluesky people need something to bring the impact of the so called ‘Labour’ Government’s ongoing assault on the most vulnerable in our society into sharp reality read this. Written in lockdown it is somehow more relevant now than it was then. Link below to pick up a copy.

More excited than is advisable for a man of my age. Steel Pulse ❤️💛💚

All my fingers crossed it’s Andy or Lance 🤞

This could be completely different and is indisputable at the same time. Perfect!

Spring in the step of both me and my park this morning.

Haven't written much in the way of poetry lately, so here's one from 2023 that was inspired by our mining villages and history. Next month is 40 years since the end of the miners' strike 1984-5. #Poem #Poetry #Industry #Durham

If you see this post, quote with a bridge from your gallery.

Ian McMillan’s Christmas Eve gift to me and you and yours. www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories...

40 years ago today, photos from Twitter, memories of a great night from my head.

Lots of end of the year lists going around. For a different view, here are my pet picks from 100 years ago. Have a smashing Christmas and wishing you all the best for 1925. 😀 Link: spoti.fi/404fbNX

I have nothing to do today but smile.

Ian’s probably right but I’m going to proffer… “I don’t believe in an interventionist God but I know, darling, that you do…

Give yourself 20 mins to read Stu’s work here. Tremendous short story writing.

Frickley Colliery Kids Christmas party, South Elmsall, 1984, 9 months into the strike, 9 months of no pay. You can have this as a definition of ‘community’.

Predictive text done for Alicia this morning whilst we were out shopping.

Reform is a party by and for men born in 1967 who believe they were personally gassed at the Somme.

What a carry on!

On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘tat…

My local cafe, Huggamug, is the best, set in Ponte Park, lad playing the piano this morning, coffee from local roasters Recent Beans, ice cream from local suppliers Northern Bloc…including ice cream for your dog. Ace place!