Most of my friends know that I’ve been ill, going in and out of hospital for the last several years. At last, I’m well enough to start a new programme of talks and events, to promote my books and return to my Dickens ‘stuff.’ The purpose of this message is only to say that I
It’s all been such a long time, but thanks to St Thomas’s and the Royal London, I am finally home and have been for a few days. Now I’m in the hands of physiotherapists, GP’s, other experts and lots more good food, and I’m assured I’ll be a new man again within a few months.
I’m Up And Walking About At St Thomas’s, After Ten Very Long Days Being Investigated
Following the operation I had six weeks ago, complications developed, despite the previous op being a complete success. It’s only now, following the exhaustive tests, that I realise just how complex our body systems are. The surgery team and ward staff are all marvelous. I may or may not be home within a few days;
Because she is doing a 15 mile charity run to raise money to thank Great Ormond Street Hospital for saving her little sister’s life when she was only seven weeks old. Now six years older, healthy Natasha has just had a nasty accident in their local park, cutting her head badly. While Mum Camilla drove
It’s a great day today, for so many reasons, including respect for our Monarchy and the joy it brings not only to the British, but around the World. Pictures of the Royal Wedding will soon be circulating internationally and will touch the hearts of millions. The Royal Princes are a fine duo, each with their
It would have been Florence Nightingale’s birthday today. This great doyen of the Crimean War and nursing reform ranks among the greatest of British reformers and is remembered with great respect and honour. Further to her other great achievements, Florence Nightingale greatly influenced the design of the 1872 St Thomas’ Hospital with its innovative ‘pavilion
On May 8, 1945, German forces occupying the Channel Islands announced that the war was over. That afternoon, Winston Churchill broadcast these words to the Islands: “Hostilities will end officially at one minute after midnight tonight, but in the interests of saving lives the “Cease fire” began yesterday to be sounded all along the front,
At The Tower of London, the Chaplain, Canon Roger Hall, personally took the initiative at Easter, by proudly wearing a magnificent cope called ‘Profane To Sacred’ during The Easter Day State Service at the Chapel Royal. Canon Hall said he felt deeply honoured and that other church ministers will also use it to emphasise the
Ok, so it’s not exclusively mine, but I do love being able to use it most days. It’s at the nearby Grange City 5* Hotel and the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna are equally marvellous to use- just switch off for an hour or two, while keeping fit. Actually it is surprisingly cheap to be
Lots of people have asked me about my collection of cockerels, mentioned in a previous blog. This famous, vividly coloured cockerel, is the unofficial symbol of Portugal and varieties can be bought at souvenir shops everywhere in Portugal. It originated from Barcelos, the town in North Portugal, where the souvenirs are manufactured. Its proper name