Gone too soon

Jerry Thompson's sudden death has shocked the footballing community in Northern Ireland.

A Poppy is not just for November

Remembrance Sunday is almost upon us. For many, the outward symbol to support this is the Red Poppy. However, the wearing of the poppy is not a requirement for individuals who wish to respect the memory of the countless millions of men and women who died, or were injured, to preserve the freedoms we enjoy. …

Trust Nature

I was fortunate enough to have made good use of the unexpectedly good weather last week. Trusting the word of BBC Weather Forecast guru, Barra Best, we booked a last-minute midweek stopover in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This was the first time we risked bringing Maxx, our Lakeland Terrier, away with us. Very appropriate breed …

Fate, coincidence or Double Dutch?

Twenty-odd years ago, while working as a Careers Adviser, our receptionist asked if I could speak with a recent school-leaver about his options going forward. We allocated workloads by the school the young people last attended. The Adviser attached to this young man's school was on leave that day, and I was on cover duty. …

Ask me after midnight

Tomorrow is a very busy day for me. It is when I’ll finally sort out a healthy eating plan, organise a structured exercise regime, start that DIY job that needs done in the house, renegotiate my relationship with SKY to get a better deal on my subscription, settle down and start writing the novel I …

Find your own waterfall

I recently visited Glenariff Forest Park, set in the beautiful Queen of the Glens of Antrim. The highlight has to be the two mile circular walking route that takes you down to a couple of waterfalls. The return leg, though, puts a bit of strain on the lungs, but it is well worth breaking sweat …

Lead the way

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 …

We need leaders who we can follow

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 …

Teaching can leave a legacy

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 …

Happiness is not just for today

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 …