I have just discovered a tape recording of me (aged 15, December 1983 I think) singing carols with the Finn twins (creators of Sibelius software) and Jimmy Gumpert (former St Paul’s chorister), recorded on my tape recorder at school. One of the Finns (I cannot remember which, but probably “J” as he was more silly) is hooting out the alto part, I’m ... read more

Some time ago I noted our dismal failure to get a Pouch RZ85 collapsible canoe from the shed into the foaming surf. Well with Naomi, Hel and Robin away, and a long weekend to fill, Lois and I had another go. Lessons learned, it was much easier this time, though still pretty tricky and some bits seemed warped with age (know the feeling). We looked ... read more

Recently we picked up the old family collapsible canoe that had been sitting in a barn for years. I think it was acquired in the late 1980s, in Germany, and used in one or two holidays after I had left home. I’d never actually seen it before, but lil bro Nick described it thus: It's got a wooden frame, plus a **** load of thick canvas stuff... read more

While trying to get a quote for car insurance, I am staring at this particularly offensive example of a deliberately-ambiguous question regarding contact preferences. Normally a careful read, then another read to make sure, reveals whether or not to put a tick in the box; but this one left me stumped. Note that I’m right in the middle of... read more

As folk will surely know, I’m organising a South Wales Traverse relay with exeGesIS colleagues on 7th – 8th June, the aim being to complete the 73 mile route in less than 24 hours. This is a Big Ask, requiring an average speed over 3mph over mountain terrain, with lots of colleagues whose main form of exercise is writing software. We’re doing it... read more

This being a transcription of the hand-written (then photocopied) letter sent to choral scholars before term, August 1988. Dear Crispin (or other choral scholar’s name as appropriate) With any luck, you’ve been having so far a delightful and perhaps profitable vac. May it last as long as poss. Perhaps you’ve caught sight of a book, but maybe ... read more

Singing in the Brecon Cathedral Choir is bringing back a kaleidoscope of memories of singing in the Caius College Choir under composer/precentor Peter Tranchell ("PAT"), a frighteningly long time ago. In parallel, I've found myself in touch with John Gwinnell, who is researching and writing PAT's biography as described here, and has also sung in... read more

I've rediscovered the joy of mulled wine over the Christmas period, and thought I'd make a note of my recipe for future reference. I made this up a few days ago, inspired by distant memories, and it turned out lovely (and popular with the ladies of the house). Of course the actual quantities, times and methods can be interpreted with great... read more

No, I've not caught a fairy a swipe and earned myself a curse - I've been unblocking our drain, which was over-filling alarmingly in the rain. I had to dig and delve a full arm's length to claw out greasy sludge, leaves, and the remains of many wrigglers and critters. The smell was pretty intense, and is lingering despite my best efforts with... read more

Saunders MM 2012 VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL Naomi and I... read more