Category: Uncategorized

Nostalgia ain’t what it used to be

We’ve just shelled out £6.50 on a Christmas Radio Times.

Mr Grigg wasn’t too happy, but, with my work background, I appreciate the many hours it takes to put something like this together. And, let’s be honest, the heyday of printed magazines and newspapers is long gone, so it’s good to support an industry on its knees.

I didn’t begrudge the money, partly because a shed-load of features awaited and the specially-crafted front cover with Gromit and Shaun the Sheep promoting Fleece Navidad looked very inviting.

I plunged into one of the articles with relish, as I don’t usually sit down long enough to read a magazine. But I gave up after the first few columns – the writer obviously had their own agenda and referred to themselves far more than to their famous subject, who seemed, not surprisingly, irritated at the tone of questioning.

Ah well, at least the magazine gives us a heads-up on what delights to watch over the Christmas period.

But apart from the aforementioned Fleece Navidad and a Christmas special of Gone Fishing with Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer, nothing really sprang out when Mr Grigg read aloud some of the programmes lined up for the festive season.

Bullseye, Morecambe and Wise and Jaws being some of them.

“Are we living in 1975 or what? Where’s the new stuff?” I asked.

Glancing over his shoulder, I saw that Mrs Brown’s Effing Boys (as I call it) also puts in an appearance, which is a good reason not to tune in to the telly and, instead, stick to singing songs around the piano, although we don’t have one.

If this regression into the past continues on our television screen, with repeats, remakes and nostalgic series at the fore, then I have a suggestion.

If we’re going to be borne back ceaselessly into the past, please can we see a return of the jaunty theme tune that was used for the ITV news back in the 60s and 70s? It made what was coming up in the bulletin so much more palatable.

At a time when the world seems a more dangerous place than ever, it might be nice to be lulled into a false sense of security with the comforting, nostalgic tones of this classic.

Here it is in all its full-length glory:

That’s it for now.

Love, Maddie x

December book reviews

I’ve had some cracking books this month from NetGalley.

Here are three to look out for in early 2026:

How To Get Away With Murder by Rebecca Philipson ****

(Expected publication date 24 February 2026)

Detective Sam Hansen comes back to work after a period of extended leave when she stumbles across a murder scene. A teenager has been killed in a London park and a copy of a book, How To Get Away With Murder, has been left next to the body.

This is a tense and witty crime thriller, with alternating chapters from Sam’s point of view and then chapters of the book written by a person called Denver Brady, who describes himself as a serial killer.

It’s a really clever premise, tautly written, well-plotted and with a self-deprecating lead character, who is easy to like. I was very suprised this is a debut novel. I hope it will be the start of a series.

An easy, page-turning and satisfying read. Recommended.

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke ****

(Expected publication date 9 April 2026)

Natalie is a God-fearing, clever woman who is married into a patriarchal political family in the USA.

She’s an egotistical bitch who devises a plan to become an ‘influencer’ when the money runs dry. She sets up home with her handsome but stupid husband as a ‘trad wife’ on a ranch out in the middle of nowhere, raising her many children and working the farm in a wholesome, simple way remiscent of the pioneer men and women who ‘made America great’.

But it’s all a sham – no-one sees the nannies, the pesticides and the immigrant workers whose labour keeps the facade from falling down.

And then Natalie finds herself in the actual past, where the reality of her life on Yesteryear Farm is far, far different from the picture she has painted her adoring public.

Will she be able to get back into her present? And what’s behind her terrifying time travelling journey?

I romped through this book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Razor sharp, a very unlikeable heroine and dystopian in the mould of Margaret Atwood.

Big Nobody by Alex Kadis *****

(Expected publication date 5 March 2026)

Constantina Costa is an angry teenager living with her Greek Cypriot father in 1970s UK. She plots to kill him, referring to him as The Fat Murderer because she holds him responsible for the death of her British mother and two younger brothers.

Connie finds solace in her love for Marc Bolan and David Bowie, whose posters she frequently consults in her bedroom about her miserable life, which has been so touched by tragedy and darkness. She develops a loving relationship with Vas, a Greek Cypriot boy who ‘gets’ her and is a ray of sunshine in a world where Greekness threatens to suffocate her.

I absolutely adored this sweary and nostalgic coming-of-age novel (which is totally from my era) and was cheering Connie on from the sidelines.

The scenes in which Connie is enveloped by her Greek heritage and ‘aunties’ were incredibly warm and funny, and I loved the music, food and pop culture references.

This would make such a great television series. The sassy Connie deserves her moment on the small screen.

Highly recommended.

Tis the season to be jolly…

While out dogwalking in Lush Places this morning, I encountered a train of primary school children walking in crocodile formation to the church.

Some had silver tinsel halos and others wore bunny ears.

It’s the time for school Nativity plays across the land.

Shortly after they were shepherded into the church, the heavens opened and rain lashed down in full Storm Bram mode, with gusts of wind careering through like the breath of Satan.

I do hope they got back to their classrooms safe and dry.

The weather is to be expected this time of year. But it’s a bit of a rude awakening for us, to be honest, after spending almost three weeks in South East Asia on a tour of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.

It’s a trip we promised ourselves for ‘significant’ birthdays, but the pandemic lockdowns got in the way.

It’s been a terrific experience, with beautiful food and landscapes and such poignant tales of suffering which are indescribably sad.

The highlight for me was the gentle kindness of the Vietnamese and Cambodian people. Thank you for your warm hospitality.

I’ve been posting reels on my margerymaddie Instagram account, but below are a few pictures from our trip to give you a flavour.

Now it’s back to normality – we have to put the Christmas tree up again outside the house because it’s blown down in the storm.

And while we’re at it, we’ll change the lights to warm white rather than flashing, coloured lights, because we’ve spoilt the look of the village square and there have been complaints.

Which is fair enough. But just wait until we get our blow-up Santa…

Love, Maddie xxx

Choir practice for Christmas

We’ve been practising festive songs for the Lush Places carol service.

In, of all places, the community pub.

To be honest, it was a nice departure from the village church. I love the building but at this time of year, it’s pretty darn cold.

So we gathered together in the warmth of the pub for the first of several practices.

No-one was sure when the vicar put out the call how many of us would turn up, so it was a lovely surprise to see singers of all levels out in force. Some were even wearing Christmas jumpers for goodness sake. (Seems a bit early to me, but then I’m a bit of a Bah Humbug sort of person when it comes to festive fashion.)

And before long, our voices combined to create some very melodic four-part harmony.

It’s a wonderful thing, singing with a group. Empowering, spiritual and joyful.

For the next few weeks, though, I’m going to miss the rehearsals so hope I’ll still be in tune when I get back for the carol service.

And I will make sure I wrap up warm when we get to do our bit in the church.

That’s about it.

Love, Maddie x