In the style of Call my Bluff, here’s a word definition quiz to do by the fire whilst waiting for the sun to come out... redingote – Is it:a) a type of terracotta roof tile? b) a woman’s long coat with a contrasting or cutaway front?c) a woven insulation made from reeds? ramkie – Is … Continue reading A Word Quiz for a Snowy Day…
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Resources for Crime Writers – in print
Last week I had a lovely time revisiting some of the online resources for crime writers that I’ve found interesting. This week I thought I’d highlight a few of the publications I’ve invested in. I’m sure there are loads more. Please do mention any you’ve found useful in the comments below.“How to” BooksI’ve read … Continue reading Resources for Crime Writers – in print
Resources for Crime Writers – online
This may look like a random picture, but actually it's Cambridge's very own Parkside Police Station (I would have gone in closer, but I didn't want to get myself arrested...) When I started to try my hand at writing crime fiction, I was naturally tempted to rely on Lewis and Rebus for any background information … Continue reading Resources for Crime Writers – online
The quest for an outrageous sponge pudding continues…
I’ve had a strong desire for sponge puddings of late; something to do with the cold weather, I think. I’ve searched the net for new recipes, but keep finding ones involving things I’m a bit scared of (like suet...) or ones that require hours of steaming on the hob. I wanted something really easy, as … Continue reading The quest for an outrageous sponge pudding continues…
The 2013 e-Luminate Cambridge Festival
The Cambridge E-Luminate Festival has been taking place over the last weekend. It was the result of a collaboration between artists, educators, cleantech companies and researchers and involved an interesting array of lightshows, talks and demonstrations around the city centre. This greenhouse shows off the work of artist, Susie Olczak, and its panes are the … Continue reading The 2013 e-Luminate Cambridge Festival
A Visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum – Quentin Blake – Drawn by Hand
We had a wonderful time visiting the new Quentin Blake exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, on Friday. The collection includes lots of pictures I’d never seen before, several of which had been created for hospitals in the UK and France. As well as the artwork, there are cabinets in the centre of the room … Continue reading A Visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum – Quentin Blake – Drawn by Hand
Loos Talk…
Finding public conveniences on a day trip to any city can be a bit hit and miss. If you're simply after cleanliness (which does seem like quite a good principle) the most reliable of Cambridge's facilities have to be those with on-site attendants. John Lewis and the Lion Yard municipal lavatories in town, as well … Continue reading Loos Talk…
Cycling in Cambridge
Earlier this week some neighbours who are visiting Cambridge for a few months had a bike stolen from their front garden. It made me feel awful that I hadn’t thought to warn them; it’s not uncommon for bikes in Cambridge to go walkabout if they’re not locked to something solid. Insurers often won’t pay out … Continue reading Cycling in Cambridge
The Fort St George (in England!)
Yes, the full name of the oldest pub on the River Cam really is The Fort St George in England. Apparently it was named after another Fort St George – the original being the first British fortress in India. So, the “in England” bit is a useful reality check, in case you’ve forgotten which continent … Continue reading The Fort St George (in England!)
Partyish Pizza Express
I suppose the food at Pizza Express ought to be the same wherever you go, countrywide – which as far as I’m concerned is a good thing, since I’m a big fan of their pizzas. However, the company is creative when it comes to choosing venues, which gives each eatery a streak of originality too.Apropos … Continue reading Partyish Pizza Express