Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Brits can still put on a good show
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 14/05/2023
» Considering how depressing the world news has been lately, the coronation of King Charles III last weekend provided a brief diversion. It might not be everybody's cup of tea but the Brits certainly know how to put on a show if a bit of history is involved. They're good at pomp and pageantry and most importantly love a parade with plenty of horses.
A lovely lady with a fine sense of duty
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/09/2022
» Like many British people I am feeling a deep sense of loss with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. She had been such a fixture in our lives for so long it felt she would somehow go on forever. She was always there, so calm and reassuring. That's why her death still came as shock even though she had reached the grand age of 96.
Hot and a little bit bothered in the UK
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 24/07/2022
» It seems a bit of a paradox to be sitting in Bangkok and reading about how hot it is in London. But this was the case last week when for the first time Britain experienced temperatures exceeding 40C. Heathrow Airport was the first to clock that magic number. Last time I was at Heathrow it was more like 4C.
Street parties? There must be a jubilee
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 05/06/2022
» The fact that this weekend 1,775 street parties are being held in the UK reflects just how much the British public respect Queen Elizabeth as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne. The stamina of the 96-year-old monarch is quite remarkable.
There's no excuse to be lost for words
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 06/06/2021
» It is always nice to come across new words and last week I discovered a tiny treasure trove of fancy locution thanks to the Grandiloquent website which specialises in flowery, but genuine language. Grandiloquent means a "pompous or extravagant style of language" and there is plenty of that about.
New passport, pity about the mug shot
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 25/04/2021
» A fortnight ago I picked up my new British passport. It was pleasing to see it had gone back to the traditional black colour and a similar size to the burgundy EU passports Brits have experienced for three decades. Alas, I probably won't be using it very much.
Perils of mushroom picking in Thailand
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 07/05/2017
» One encouraging piece of news this week was the Supreme Court reducing the sentence of the Kalasin mushroom pickers accused of illegal logging from 15 years to five. But many questions remain.
Fire engines in the firing line again
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 17/07/2016
» It looks like we might be at the start of another fire engine saga, something the unfortunate Thai public has become all too familiar with over the years.
Trump can't always get what he wants
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 22/05/2016
» Whatever one's opinion of Donald Trump, it is clear he enjoys a bit of rock 'n' roll.
Getting away from it all with the Class of ’64
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 12/04/2015
» Hopefully, when this column appears I will be far away — in Scotland to be precise, enjoying the scenic charms of the Trossachs. Cynics might say that is rather an extreme measure for Crutch to take to avoid Songkran, and admittedly the timing could not be better.