Surprisingly, I don't think I have previously mentioned that I'm a bit of a football fan. Although I take a real interest in how Leeds United are faring, and hope the Northern Ireland national team do well, my true passion is Carrick Rangers. I started supporting them in 1982, and have followed them home and … Continue reading Lead the way →

When I take Maxx out for a walk, it carries a lot of responsibility. Maxx is a terrier, which means he’s easily distracted by any sudden movement: a bird jostling through the hedgerow, a cat emerging from a garden, or an empty crisp packet raised like Lazarus by the breeze. Quicker than Usain Bolt out … Continue reading We need leaders who we can follow →

A Facebook group I'm in, which shares old photos, recently published one of my old Primary School headmaster, Mr. Wright. It caused a monsoon of memories for me. The school was small, and Mr. Wright taught Primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils together in the same classroom. He was quite a strict man, but had … Continue reading Teaching can leave a legacy →

Today, 20 March, is International Day of Happiness. Yes, I know what you're thinking: another meaningless commemorative day, like “Talk like a Pirate Day”, “Middle Name Pride Day” or “International Juggler's Day”. Does happiness really need a commemorative day? Surely every day should be a happiness day. We’d all love to live like that. Just … Continue reading Happiness is not just for today →

I recently came across a box of photos that I had forgotten about. Most were from the late 1980s and early 90s. A few were earlier than that. Each picture brought back a flood of memories, and was very precious for that reason. Before the digital revolution, a camera was expensive, 35mm film rolls very … Continue reading Life through a lens →

I was at Parliament Buildings in Belfast earlier this week for the launch of “Struggling to Cope: Life after stroke in Northern Ireland”, containing research conducted by the Stroke Association. It made quite sobering reading. There are 35,000 people living in Northern Ireland with the after effects of a stroke. From the surveys conducted for … Continue reading A stroke of luck →

I’m always on the lookout for new walking routes to take my dog Maxx along. This week, I found the Mineral Railway Path at Carnlough, County Antrim. Back in the mid 1800s, a railway was built to bring limestone from a quarry down to the nearby harbour. The quarrying ended around 80 years ago, and … Continue reading Feel the attraction →