Author Archives: j futrell

Raise a glass to Gilbert, and Ronaldo

Posted on July 18, 2016 by j futrell

Watching the France versus Portugal final of the European Football Championships it occurred to me that my limited knowledge of that nation extends to fortified wine, pasteis de nata, and just one single person. I’ve travelled to the far west … Continue reading →

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Dancing to the tune of Clarks

Posted on July 1, 2016 by j futrell

I’ve just bought a pair of Clarks shoes. There, I thought I’d spit it out fast rather than get to the bald, some might say shocking truth via some prevaricating yarn. In fact, I’ll be more specific. They are Raspin … Continue reading →

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Sally Brampton

Posted on May 12, 2016 by j futrell

You don’t know how much someone means to you until – out of the blue – they’re not there anymore. I thought this while fighting back the tears when I learnt today of the death of Sally Brampton whom I … Continue reading →

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Gone Awall

Posted on March 31, 2016 by j futrell

I have built a wall. Alright, not a very big wall, about six foot long, two feet high and 18 inch deep, but a wall nonetheless; requiring sand and cement, shuttering, a spirit level, a trowel and back breaking application. … Continue reading →

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Long Live the Long Lunch

Posted on February 1, 2016 by j futrell

I don’t have to tell you what a mess the world is in, but recent news – from that reliable arbiter of doom, The Guardian – renders momentous world events trivial by comparison. I refer of course to an article … Continue reading →

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The drinker I didn’t know

Posted on October 25, 2015 by j futrell

It’s quiet living by the sea. Alright, it can seem a bit like London Fields during the height of the summer season when the Camel Trail teams with cyclists and every doorstep and bench is occupied by someone eating a … Continue reading →

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Don’t Lose A Day – it could cost you

Posted on August 20, 2015 by j futrell

Asta and I had enjoyed the short saunter into The Old Town the other day to pass on some back issues of The New Yorker magazine to the only person I have ever known to read that wordy periodical from … Continue reading →

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Dispatches to Sir Kev 28.01.2015 – bone idle

Posted on January 28, 2015 by j futrell

Dear Sir Kev, Sincere apologies for not writing sooner. I have no excuses, such as too much HSD (that’s beer), or I’ve been worked off my feet, or there’s no internet here in the south west, or even – nothing … Continue reading →

Posted in Dispatches from Tarn et Garonne, Seashores, travel, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

shut up and don’t think

Posted on July 28, 2014 by j futrell

Some things you never forget. Like riding a bicycle, or mixing the perfect vodka martini. It’s the same with Transcendental Meditation, TM for short; the simplest and most effective way I know for, well for lack of a better description, … Continue reading →

Posted in health, travel, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

It’s A Family Affair: Twenty years of Robert Elms shows.

Posted on June 23, 2014 by j futrell

What does it take to get Sir Paul Smith, Gilbert and George, Nick Lowe, Gary Kemp, and very nearly Rod Stewart, into the same Soho jazz club at the same time? The answer, were you not tuned into Radio London … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Uncategorized | 1 Comment