Online Probate Application: A Slow, Flawed System.

Back in 2017, when my wife Kate died, I went through probate for the first time. It was a complex and extended process I navigated only with some difficulty. So, following my mother’s death in January 2022, I was delighted to learn that a far simpler online system had been introduced. There seemed no obstacle … Continue reading Online Probate Application: A Slow, Flawed System.

Transferring from Virgin Media to Zen Internet: A Cautionary Tale

. According to Ofcom, ‘It’s never been simpler to switch your broadband’. But, for an unfortunate minority, the process is still mired in complexity, confusion and delay. I endured almost five weeks without broadband, at a time when Covid lockdown restrictions made me even more than normally dependent on what has become an essential service. … Continue reading Transferring from Virgin Media to Zen Internet: A Cautionary Tale

Aspie no more? How has bereavement changed me?

.  When my wife Kate was still alive I published three posts dedicated to exploring whether I might qualify as borderline Aspergers. Kate had become convinced that this explained the difference between her personality and mine – and the difficulty I experienced in understanding and responding to her emotional needs. She read several books on … Continue reading Aspie no more? How has bereavement changed me?

Introvert or Aspie? (#3 – Looking on the bright side)

.  This is the third in an occasional series of introspective posts exploring whether or not I belong ‘on the spectrum’. The first explained why I consider myself a borderline case, while the second described the traits that have led one family member to out me as a bona fide Aspie. The latter painted such … Continue reading Introvert or Aspie? (#3 – Looking on the bright side)

Introvert or Aspie? (#2 – the case for the prosecution)

. This is the second in a sequence of occasional short posts exploring the very personal question whether or not I am ‘on the spectrum’. An initial post set out my immediate reactions. I made it clear that, if the answer is affirmative, I must be very much a borderline case: ‘If there’s a spectrum I’m … Continue reading Introvert or Aspie? (#2 – the case for the prosecution)

Introvert or Aspie? (#1)

. This is the first in a series of occasional introspective mini-posts dedicated to exploring the question posed above. If I were you I wouldn’t bother to read such self-indulgent claptrap, though I suppose if you knew me better it might help you to understand. Dissecting my own personality in public is anathema, about as … Continue reading Introvert or Aspie? (#1)

Why women’s athletics is running into the sand

  I’ve always followed athletics closely, probably because it’s the only sport for which I’ve ever willingly trained, reaching the dizzy heights of second place in the under 15 400 metres at the 1974 St Albans and District School Sports. But, like many others, I’ve become increasingly cynical about the capacity of the sport to … Continue reading Why women’s athletics is running into the sand