off the record

Spare a thought for the SpAds

While we watch breathlessly to see the winners and losers of today's cabinet reshuffle, spare a thought for the people you don't see.

Father

A special Mother’s Day

A tree, a slice of toast, and a toddler make for a special day.

Long read

These banks show our failure

The nation that invented the NHS is relying on food banks to feed families. Why the hell aren't we all protesting?

Father

Fountain of youth

The sad tale of the toddlered pen

America

A nation (and an idea) in sound

I’m listening to the John Williams soundtrack for the film “Lincoln.” It’s magnificent: pure Copland at times with its scoring, full of soaring melodies that could only be American. There […]

America

The picture that tells so many stories

There are few pictures that tell the story of a nation, a struggle and a victory all at once. This does it. And it’s just a bloke on a […]

In brief

Cardiff Bay looked magical last night

This will appear

Good Life

I wish I had this talent

Chris Glynn is dad of one of my great kids in the band, and a magnificently talented illustrator. This sketch is from our Christmas concert in the Millennium Centre. Check […]

Father

Ten things to teach my son

A father's advice on the really important things.

In brief

Et in terra pax

As we shut out the busy work world, Bach's great music is completing this holiday

America

A serious problem for the GOP

The 2012 election produced a map of the States that should have moderate Republicans worried, and it’s a lesson from history. Here’s why that is. Courtesy of Michelle Lawrence, […]

Father

Giles on Father’s Day

The always brilliant Giles captured Father’s Day perfectly. Wasn’t quite the same in our house…

Long read

Dear Auntie

It’s fairly low on the probability scale that my letter to the BBC is going to be read out on Points of View. But I have to say this about […]

Good Life

Counting down

I’m sitting in a concert hall listening to the pre-match ritual. Harpist is tuning. Trumpeter is checking some corners. One of my fellow horn players is alone up at the […]

Rugby

I was there

Take me home, where I belong

In brief

LettersOfNote: I’m a lousy copywriter

“If all else fails, I drink half a bottle of rum and play a Handel oratorio on the gramophone. This generally produces an uncontrollable gush of copy.” A brilliant letter […]

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