Welcome to Sophie McDermott’s guest blog. She is the first of five guests I will be welcoming on this post between now and the end of September. Each of my guests has inspired or fascinated me and it’s a pleasure to be able to introduce them to you. Sophie McDermott is a graduate, (2018), of Newcastle… Continue reading…
On 7th April, circuit breaker commenced in Singapore to slow the spread of COVID 19. Our routines were mothballed and we were requested to go into hibernation until 4th May. That was manageable, but then COVID exploded in the migrant workers dormitories and circuit breaker was extended until 2nd June. Circuit breaker ended a week… Continue reading…
This blog is devoted to my old friend and co-author, William Earl, who celebrated his 105th birthday on 12th May. William and I have been friends since February 2009, when we started working on his WW2 memoir, Blood and Bandages – fighting for life in the RAMC Field Ambulance 1940-1946. He’s seen Tom grow up.… Continue reading…
VE Day and easing COVID restrictions in some countries, has made me reflect on what I’ve learned about myself and how I may have responded to WW2. I had never lived under threat before COVID. The closest I’d come was when I imagined what I’d do if I was alive in WW2. In my imagination I… Continue reading…
Recently, Singapore has hit the headlines due to the sharp rise in COVID 19 cases. As a result, its slipped from being a nation to emulate, to one learning painful lessons. The increase was a consequence of the virus taking hold in the cramp and dirty dormitory accommodation provided for migrant workers. Millions live in… Continue reading…
On 7th April, Circuit Breaker came into force. 80% of the workforce are now working from home and the use of public transport and traffic volume has decreased by more than 70%. To prevent the spread of the virus free masks have been distributed and on Wednesday 15th April, it became compulsory to wear them… Continue reading…
Hello and welcome to this post. I was delighted to learn that book clubs are reading Blood and Bandages, so I thought I’d suggest some questions. Book club questions What do you think happened to Mary and why? 2. With which character did you most identify and why? 3. Would you have understood William’s story without,… Continue reading…
Life as an expat is mixed. You have the excitement of sights that broaden your mind… challenge your faith… transfix… shame… and surprise. Upon arrival, we were embraced by the English speaking expat community and automatically included by dint of being there. It’s a community which includes, English, American, Australian and Dutch, all of whom… Continue reading…
Well, my resolve to write a fortnightly blog has failed miserably and I apologise for going AWOL. How many times have you heard that?! This week is one of celebrations. On Saturday 12th May, it was William Earl’s 103rd Birthday. In case you have not met William before, he is the hero of Blood and… Continue reading…
We have been in Singapore for exactly three months now and have spent the last two in our new home. Our new home, a rented bungalow on the former RAF Camp at Seletar We took possession half an hour before the container turned up from the docks. Last time I saw this, it was on… Continue reading…