Author Archives: Jake

About Jake

Long retired travel writer, author and freelance journalist. Educated at Wolverton Grammar and Greenwich Naval College. Happily married since 1958, with a married son and daughter, a married granddaughter and an adult grandson. Hobbies rock-climbing, dinghy racing and ocean racing. Still regularly working out in the gym.

Kill all the Lawyers

In two months it will be the second anniversary of my lockdown sentence.  On March 2nd 2019, the much revered National Health Service, wrote to me personally, advising me that I was “special” inasmuch as I am very old and … Continue reading

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My Mother was a Black Marketeer!

Do Wokes have an alternative word for a black marketeer? To set the record straight, my mother wasn’t the most lovable person I’ve ever met, in fact, when the chance came at the age of 13, I couldn’t wait leave … Continue reading

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The Knicker Saga

I had a free £20 Amazon Gift Card, so being a nice person, I asked my darling wife, ‘Pollyanna’; if she would needed anything?  She opted for some new knickers.  What else can you buy a lady who has everything? … Continue reading

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There is no good war and no bad peace. . . .

Today’s Telegraph quoted  – Boris Johnson ‘unhappy’ about Afghanistan and says ‘blood and treasure’ must not be wasted British lives lost and money spent in protecting the Afghan people must not be in vain, says PM, as Taliban fighters storm … Continue reading

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I’m on the road again!

Back on the road again, most of my friends are aware that I’m a complete car nut. I have a petrol driven, V8 Lexus Sport capable of 160 mph. (Innocent face – who me officer?) I also claim that I … Continue reading

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Further Travails of a Travel Writer

What a year the last six months has been!  Coronavirus has changed our world, we hope that once we return to normal it will have changed into a kinder, much nicer place with love thy neighbour being nearer to the … Continue reading

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Frozen by Iceland!

I must begin with a warning to any of my readers with a weak stomach. This tale is not for them. On about the 5th or 6th of January, I took a delivery from Iceland. I decided to treat myself … Continue reading

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Virgin swallowed my computer!

According to the bills that I pay, Sir Richard Branson appears to have a grip on my household.  My telephone, cable TV package, computer broadband cable modem, WiFi Modem all now come under his banner. I signed up years ago … Continue reading

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At least I’m making a start! Recovery begins here!

You can’t do anything about getting older!  You just have to know how to handle it!  “But it’s lockdown and I’m  shielding.” Keep your body as fit and as strong as possible, with exercise to stave off pain and stiffness. … Continue reading

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We must eventually get back to normal but what is normal?

IF WE TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM THIS EXPERIENCE, HOPEFULLY IT’S KINDNESS When life begins to have a semblance of normality, will we continue to look out for those who are vulnerable, keep in contact with loved ones, treasure the small … Continue reading

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