Why I'd never own a rabbit hutch – or vote Green
‘I suppose,’ said my dad philosophically, ‘I could always vote Green.’ ‘Oh, for goodness sake! Not you as well!’ I…
Maybe it is time to hang up my fighting boots
As a wise person once said (or if they didn’t, they should have), there is only one thing worse than…
I’m just not cut out to be a local activist
By and large, I’m not really sure the world is ready for me to join the steering committee of a…
OK, Aviva, that’s well over £1,400 that you owe me
After I phoned the Aviva call centre for the ten thousandth time, a girl called Adele had to sort it…
Farewell, Cobham — oh flat, boring, lovely Cobham; hello, Dorking
Farewell then, Cobham. You were the place I ran to when the metropolis became too much, and urban life overwhelmed…
I gave the blasted Paltrow method a go and allowed a bit of conscious uncoupling to creep in
The builder boyfriend has a new girlfriend. I suppose he was bound to move on eventually. I just never thought…
I held my breath ready for the explosion. But no explosion came
Darcy was obviously listening to every word I said. After we got back from the ride from hell, in which…
A lot of animal lovers go on about how great it is to rescue a horse from the racing industry
All was going suspiciously well with the thoroughbred. I suppose it had to be the calm before the storm. I…
My life in ailments
My request to see my medical notes was granted in the end. I honestly don’t know why I wanted to…
My request to see my medical notes has sparked all-out panic at my GP surgery
My request to see my medical notes has sparked all-out panic at the GP surgery. ‘What do you mean?’ said…
Confessions of an insurance junkie
Never add up your insurance premiums. I just did and the annual cost of all of them came to more…
I wouldn't want to be a girl in the age of Tinder
Romance is being killed off by the brutal marketplace of dating apps such as Tinder
Hallelujah! And the children of Vodafone did walk again in the light!
‘Hello, Vodafone customer s…, can I h…you?’ This is typical, I thought. I’m ringing to complain about them charging me…
The Tooting poisoner and the relentless rise of the urban fox
In my London neighbourhood, an argument about urban foxes is turning very nasty indeed
118 000 is, I now realise, the number of the beast
‘Orange 1-1-8 thousand how may I help you?’ said the cheerful voice. Carefree as you like, I asked for the…
The dead iPad Sketch
My iPad is dead, that’s what’s wrong with it. The plumage don’t enter into it. But since the blasted thing…
I’m opening the pony X-Files: mine may be psychic
My ponies may be psychic. I think they are communicating with each other telepathically. And before you call me delusional,…
I dreamed that my broken mop was borne aloft unto the dustcart of Lambeth environmental services
Clearly, I am going to have to report my broken mop handle to the authorities. It has been sitting outside…
Rule number one for horse-owners: every accident that happens to a horse is a freak accident
Every accident that happens to a horse is a freak accident. Rule number one. Once you grasp that as a…
Draft and save is as good a New Year’s resolution as any
Draft and save. That is as good a New Year’s resolution as any. Never send an email or letter in…
Here’s what I’ve learned in 2014
The countryside is all very well so long as you know you can leave it. Funnily enough, exactly the same…
How HS2 has blighted my parents’ lives
Whether the high-speed rail line is built or not, it is destroying the retirements of people like my parents
How I lost my hat (and my dignity) in a field of maize
After our spectacular season opener, the spaniel and I were on probation. Cydney, you may recall, retrieved a hen bird…
Finally! My opportunity to say, ‘Monsieur, with zis Rocher you are really spoiling us!’
The ambassador’s receptions are noted in society for their host’s exquisite taste that captivates guests. You know that, I know…
If the tofu munchers had their way, horses would sleep on mattresses in bespoke tents like a Glastonbury VIP area
Before I go any further, I would like to make clear that no animals were harmed in the making of…
