Category Archives: What I’m Looking Back at This Week

The old adage says that no-one remembers who comes second, which isn’t quite true because when it comes to Cup Finals most people can remember who got beaten on the day.  It’s a bit more true (if something can be ‘more’ true – ask your local philosopher) to say that not many people remember brilliantContinue reading “Great goal, but runners-up…”

What started at the East Terrace of Windsor Castle, went through Slough and Pinner and past 28 Railway Cottages, Willesden Junction – all on the same day? The answer, of course, is the 1908 Olympic Marathon – of which Oxo were the ‘official caterers’; no trendy energy drinks back then. This race has entered folkloreContinue reading “1908 Olympic Marathon”

The driving test has been with us in various forms since June 1935 as governments have wrestled with the simple question (to which there isn’t really a simple answer):  ‘what makes a good driver?’.  A laudable question indeed.  For those taking the test, the question is rather more pragmatic:  ‘how can I pass the test?’. Continue reading “Driving Tests”

No lesser authority than Dr Samuel Johnson, creator of the first English dictionary, considered Scottish breakfasts to be things of wonder.  He went as far as to suggest that any lover of food “wherever he had supped he would breakfast in Scotland.”  Quite a compliment when you consider that Dr Johnson is on record asContinue reading “Scottish breakfasts”

Dad’s Army, Only Fools and Horses, Gavin and Stacey, Hancock’s Half Hour… the roll-call of British sitcoms is long and glorious.  Yet the first name on the list is probably completely unfamiliar to us:  Pinwright’s Progress.  First broadcast 75 years ago on November 29th, 1946, Pinwright’s Progress is now recognised as the world’s first TVContinue reading “The First British TV Sitcom”

Loving The Big Match Revisited on ITV4. No need to comment on the 70s haircuts and clothes, but plenty worth mentioning: 1 – The Pitches: how did they play on those surfaces? I played on council pitches that looked better than Upton Park, The Dell or the Baseball Ground back then. So, if you seeContinue reading “The Big Match”