James McLaughlin

The Poems of Seamus Heaney review – collected works reveal his colossal achievement The complete works, including previously unpublished poems and expert notes, are brought together in one volume for the first time

The Poems of Seamus Heaney review – collected works reveal his colossal achievement

YouTube video by Michael Fry (BigDirtyFry) ‘Do You Know Who I am? Ronnie Pickering’ but it’s performed by an Indie Band

Hard to believe that it is ten years since Ronnie Pickering announced himself in a Picasso in Hull.

youtube.com/watch?v=SXS-...

Hello 👋. We’re the Association of Democratic Services Officers, a community of over 1,500 people who work in local democracy roles in councils and other organisations. We'd love to connect with our members, partner organisations & anyone who is interested in local democracy.

Felt the same just after Christmas. Couldn’t continue in that environment. It has taken a long time to adjust to.

That just doesn’t work on any level. Proof that there is no viable alternative to a North Staffs unitary and rest of Staffordshire unitary

This sounds impressive on the face of it. Not sure it is where it claims to be and not sure it would ever come up with verbatim quotes.

If it managed the latter then my memoirs of committee meetings over 20+ plus years and however long I’ve got left become slightly less interesting.

Well, had a great holiday back in Tyrone over this past week. You can’t go wrong with access to creamy pints, peppercorn sauce and tobacco onions wherever you go. These lads just down the road in Glenelly have the right idea during the holidays

The complex question of what it is to be culturally Irish in 2025 Ed Sheeran grew up in England but described himself as 'culturally Irish,' prompting debate about what that really means

An interesting reflection from Fergal Keane.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Ashes 2025-26: Glenn McGrath predicts 5-0 win for Australia As usual, Glenn McGrath predicts Australia will win the 2025-26 Ashes 5-0 - but says Joe Root and Harry Brook are the England players the hosts will fear most.

Nothing is as certain in life as death, taxes and Glenn McGrath’s Ashes prediction

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricke...

Incredible win for the Lions!

The north coast of Ireland is worth a visit, Nigel. I can highly recommend

Happy Black Country Day!

Black Country Day has been celebrated for over a decade to honour and celebrate the heritage, history, culture and uniqueness of the people of the Black Country.

youtu.be/kMR_vF1cAws

It’s looking more even now. Still fancy India, especially if Pant gets going

India - they’re absolutely nailed on to win now I reckon

The highlight of Glastonbury for me.

There’s more to Sandwell’s story. | Sandwell Council There’s more to Sandwell’s story. Today marked the start of a new active partnership across Sandwell, with around 200 guests attending the launch of the Sandwell Story; a project to celebrate, champ...

www.linkedin.com/posts/sandwe...

🤣 Fair play Nige!

That predictor is way off. There is no way Derby will be anywhere near the drop zone in the 25/26 season.

Great to see young Williams make it at last, especially as he really should still be on the Youth Cabinet!

Yes, I remember Sharon telling me about the connection to Stan and Marj.

Another connection is being the minister who established the Democracy Commission for Stoke which ended the Council Manager & Mayor model of governance in the city and permanently for English local government.

A classy end to Match of the Day from Gary Lineker. He was a decent replacement for Desmond Lynam after all.

I would be happy with that!

Nah, not for me anyway! I’ll be in the North Stand at Pride Park hoping that both clubs get the results required to stay up.

A new attraction at the home place

City of London: Where firms get a vote for 'councillors' People who work in the City of London but live elsewhere get to vote for City "councillors".

The City: Where workers get a vote for the council www.bbc.com/news/article...

Politics: How London's boroughs were named 60 years ago The 32 new boroughs in London were created on 1 April 1965. How did they get their names?

How London's boroughs were named 60 years ago www.bbc.com/news/article...

Timely content given the present local government reorganisation discussions

Yes, thoroughly enjoyed it Bobby. Great television

Really looking forward to this session - moving to an enabler mindset where councils create conditions for communities to thrive #NotWestminster

Great to be in Huddersfield this morning for #NotWestminster

The theme today is Connected by Hope. Looking forward to meeting and hearing from democracy enthusiasts and great people today #localdemocracy

Hello.👋 We have an amazing day of inspiring workshops, lightning talks and activities coming up at #Notwestminster. It’s all about local democracy, citizen power & civic action. Last few free tickets available now. Please share if you can. Thank you 💚
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