Showing 1 - 7 of 7
A missing item in the rural soundtrack
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/01/2026
» As usual at this time of the year I have been enjoying life in the Northeastern province of Chaiyaphum for several weeks. However on this visit there was something slightly different which I couldn't immediately put my finger on. It took a few days before realising I was not being woken up by the usual early morning chorus of roosters or chickens of any sort.
Maybe it's time to look on the bright side
Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/01/2025
» It is that time of the year when columnists are expected to make a few pertinent predictions concerning what could be in store for the next 12 months. However, things are so unpredictable at the moment that even Nostradamus would struggle to come up with a half-decent forecast. We are also entering the Year of the Snake which is not particularly comforting.
A magical weekend at Yasgur's Farm
Roger Crutchley, Published on 18/08/2024
» Every year there are anniversaries marking significant events from the past and they always serve as uncomfortable reminders that I am getting a bit old. A classic example is this weekend with the 55th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival. Now that's scary. Surely it couldn't have been that long ago?
How two little piggies saved their bacon
Roger Crutchley, Published on 19/11/2023
» Following last week's gripping yarn concerning the rescue of Fiona, the loneliest sheep in the world, it seems only fair to report on another tale featuring animals in distress. My thanks to reader Paul Drew for alerting me to the saga of two pigs, Butch and Sundance, who became known in England as the Tamworth Two, belonging to the breed of that name.
A sad reminder of an infamous battle
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 28/06/2020
» Like most expats I keep an eye open for any news from my hometown, which happens to be Reading in Berkshire. I surfaced last Sunday morning to find the lead item on the news was the awful murder of three Reading people relaxing in Forbury Gardens, a small park in the centre of town. When something horrible like that happens in a place you once regularly frequented, no matter how long ago, it prompts a most uncomfortable, empty feeling. My condolences to those who lost loved ones.
From Billy the goat to William Windsor
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/04/2020
» An unexpected outcome of the coronavirus is that around the world wildlife is taking advantage of empty towns and visiting the deserted streets. One such example is in Llandudno, a resort town on the Irish Sea in northern Wales. During the past week spotted strolling around the town centre was a herd of Kashmir (Cashmere) Goats, which have been enjoying themselves dining on the town's tasty hedgerows.
Established in 1946 … that's some time ago
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 29/07/2018
» It was with slightly mixed feelings that I read the Bangkok Post will celebrate its 72nd anniversary on Wednesday - Aug 1. Any newspaper that has lasted that long and in the process survived approximately 15 coups or attempted coups and assorted other upheavals, deserves a pat on the back.