On a recent day off, we cycled to a local reservoir, which has been redeveloped, as a leisure spot for stressed-out Londoners; a successful example of industrial re-purposing for a post-modern age.   Steve Latham   A brilliant sunny day, we sat at a small rickety table with tiny chairs, […]

Recently, I had yet another book proposal turned down by a publisher. Merely the last in a long line of many. Still, it left a bitter taste of disappointment in my mouth.   Steve Latham   I have to conclude, I think, that either my work is simply not good […]

It’s strange how the English word ‘estate’ has different meanings. It may mean the plush land-holdings of the aristocracy, or a social housing development, for the working class and poor.   Steve Latham   When I was growing up, our town had an ‘estate’, in this latter sense. As children, […]

The recent local elections in Britain have provided many topics for reflection. Perhaps the most significant is the victory of the Scottish National Party, in their devolved parliament.   Steve Latham   The SNP does not possess a majority but, with the support of the Greens, they will be emboldened […]

Since the recent round of local elections in the UK, the Labour Party has been subject to a bout of rancorous soul-searching and hand-wringing over how to make up lost electoral ground.   Steve Latham   What is the remedy for the loss of support, even among traditional Labour voters, […]