A HappyAnd Peaceful Christmas
Here's a wish and a prayer that you have a happy Christmas Day = Peter Hinchliffe, Editor.
Home | About A Week
December 25, 2011
September 22, 2010
Global Warming - Boring, Boring
Peter Hinchliffe points out that that the majority of people in the Western world seem unwilling to lead simpler lives to combat global warming.
May 05, 2010
Truby King
Diana Donald from Soham, Cambridgeshire, was moved by an arrticle written by Sylvia West about the heavy-handed advice of Dr Truby King, a New Zealander who believed and taught that babies should be treated and reared on the same strict regime that worked with farm animals, calves in particular.
January 16, 2009
The Web Is Winning The News War
Peter Hinchliffe reports that the Internet is overtaking newspapers as a source of news.
January 09, 2009
The Plight Of The Honeybee
Peter Hinchliffe is shocked by an experiment in which cocaine was administered to bees.
January 02, 2009
Bees Given Cocaine
Peter Hinchliffe tells of the plight of the honeybee.
December 25, 2008
An Empty Place At The Table
Christmas Day - and Open Writing editor Peter Hinchliffe refuses to be downcast.
December 12, 2008
Me, Me, Me
Peter Hinchliffe reminds us of the secret of happiness and the answer to depression.
December 05, 2008
£17,000 A Day
Peter Hinchliffe is still on the lookout for footballing heroes.
November 28, 2008
Buy Nothing Day
Peter Hinchliffe accepts the argument that we should all consume less. But what about the milk?
November 21, 2008
Global Warming - Boring, Boring
Peter Hinchliffe points out that that the majority of people in the Western world seem unwilling to lead simpler lives to combat global warming.
November 14, 2008
Meadowhell
Peter Hinchliffe does some brooding in Meadowhell shopping mall.
November 07, 2008
How Much Is A Life Worth?
Peter Hinchliffe mourns the loss of true wealth.
October 31, 2008
A Tall Disorder
Peter Hinchliffe is not impressed with the competition to build the world’s tallest builing.
October 24, 2008
A Health Warning On Credit Cards
Neither a lender nor a borrower be, says Peter Hinchliffe.
October 17, 2008
Old Joe Woodhead
Peter Hinchliffe reports that some British provincial newspapers are struggling to survive.
October 10, 2008
The Time Of The Turnip
Sales of the humble turnip are soaring in these tough economic times, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
October 03, 2008
Born To Be Greedy
The desire for more cash and possessions seems to be part of the human condition, Peter Hinchliffe says.
September 26, 2008
What Time Is It In Melbourne?
Peter Hinchliffe confesses to being a time addict.
September 19, 2008
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac And Me
Peter Hinchliffe thinks houses should be regarded as homes, not “investments’’.
September 12, 2008
Not The Last Of The Summer Wine
Peter Hinchliffe is enjoying his summer wine years.
September 05, 2008
Wildfires
Global warming is increasing the risk of forest and moorland fires, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
August 29, 2008
Barmy Brits And Olympic Triumphs
Britain this week is celebrating its sporting heroes, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
August 22, 2008
Toronto
Peter Hinchliffe discovers that Toronto is the one true international city.
August 15, 2008
Gloomy Times For Newspapers
Peter Hinchliffe comments on the declining profitability of newspapers in Britain and the USA.
August 08, 2008
China On The March
China seems to be heading for supremacy in commerce and sport, Peter Hinchliffe suggests.
August 01, 2008
A Century Of Pride
Peter Hinchliffe declares his allegiance to Huddersfield Town, a football club with an illustrious history.
July 25, 2008
Will Mick Jagger Still Be Rockin' When He's 88?
The Rolling Stones are the talismen for millions of pensioner rebels who refuse to be tagged as "old'', says Peter Hinchliffe.
Continue reading "Will Mick Jagger Still Be Rockin' When He's 88?" »
July 18, 2008
Let Us Honour Brave Men
Peter Hinchliffe tells how two brave men who were close colleagues during World War Two were re-united after 44 years.
July 11, 2008
Are We Ruining Our World?
Peter Hinchliffe is disturbed to hear that the majority of UK citizens are not convinced humans cause global warming.
July 04, 2008
English Children Can’t Read English
Peter Hinchliffe is saddened to hear that 20 per cent of English children have failed to get to grips with their own language.
June 27, 2008
Pampered Kids Threaten Planet
Selfish and demanding British children are playing their part in ruining the planet, says Peter Hinchliffe,
June 20, 2008
British Journalists Need Wealthy Parents
Peter Hinchliffe deplores the lack of opportunities for working class youngsters who wish to become journalists.
Continue reading "British Journalists Need Wealthy Parents" »
June 13, 2008
Worried Children?
Peter Hinchliffe wonders whether today's children really are very much different to the children of 60 years ago.
June 09, 2008
Snakes Alive!
Steve Harrison tells of a man who set out to prove that the hand is quicker than the snake.
June 06, 2008
We Are Watching You!
Peter Hinchliffe wonders whether James Bond would be able to successfully ply his trade in modern Britain.
May 30, 2008
Thieves In The Garden
Thieves are finding rich pickings in English gardens, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
May 16, 2008
Soul Searching
One in four Britons think that Winston Churchill was a mythical character, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
May 09, 2008
Easy Chair Gardening
Peter Hinchliffe admits that he would much rather admire a garden, rather than tend one.
May 02, 2008
English Villages Are Dying
Shops, post offices, schools and pubs are closing. Peter Hinchliffe reports on the death of the English village.
April 25, 2008
38th Parallel
University lecturer Katie Davies has made a film which illustrates the bizarre military rituals in the zone between North and South Korea. Peter Hinchliffe interviews the talented young artist.
April 18, 2008
Citizen Journalists Can Change The World
Peter Hinchliffe, who edits Open Writing and is also a citizen reporter working for OhmyNews International, a Web-based newspaper based in Seoul, South Korea, is convinced that good journalism can help to make the world a better place.
Continue reading "Citizen Journalists Can Change The World" »
April 04, 2008
Plants With Headaches
Oh dear! It's time to get into the garden again. Peter Hinchliffe is happier looking out onto a garden, rather than tending to its needs.
March 28, 2008
A Wi-Fi World
Peter Hinchliffe tells of the birth of the modern computer age.
March 21, 2008
A Very Full Empty Moment
Katie Davies has made a haunting four-minute film of the extraordinary military rituals which prevail in the demilitarised zone between South and North Korea.
Peter Hinchliffe tells of an extraordinarily talented young film maker.
March 14, 2008
One England, Or Two?
Northerner Peter Hinchliffe muses on England’s great divide.
March 07, 2008
The Madness And Badness Of Bottled Water
Peter Hinchliffe highlights the planet-damaging effrects of the bottled water industry.
Continue reading "The Madness And Badness Of Bottled Water" »
February 29, 2008
Bottom Of The Happiness League
Peter Hinchliffe finds it hard to accept that British children are unhappier than those in any of the other 21 richest nations in the world.
February 22, 2008
Old Sweet Tooth
Peter Hincliffe confesses to the ownership of a sweet tooth.
February 15, 2008
Penned Up In Cattle Class
Peter Hinchliffe tells of the irritants which turn flying into a test of endurance.
February 08, 2008
Could We Have Two More Earths Please?
British green guru Jonathon Porritt has warned that two more Earths will be needed to make everyone rich, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
February 01, 2008
Speedy Walkers
City dwellers are in a hurry the world over, as Peter Hinchliffe reports.
January 25, 2008
Swallows And Amazons For Ever!
Peter Hinchliffe enthuses about Arthur Ransome, an author whose books have engaged his imagination for the past 65 years.
January 18, 2008
Chad Varah - A Man Born To Serve
Peter Hinchliffe pays tribute to an outstanding humanitarian.
January 11, 2008
My Knickers Flew Away
Children delight in mocking the adult world in their playground rhymes, as Peter Hinchliffe reveals.
December 28, 2007
Fat And Fit After Christmas
After an abundance of Christmas feasting Peter Hinchliffe contemplates the year ahead.
December 21, 2007
Lust At First Sight
University researchers have poured cold water on the love-at-first-sight concept, Peter Hinchliffe reports.
December 14, 2007
Please Turn It Off
"Those who foist unrefusable chunks of music upon us probably retire to lead-lined rooms to chuckle softly at the annoyance they cause,'' says Peter Hinchliffe.
December 07, 2007
Caged Kings
"Creatures born to be free should never be caged,'' says Peter Hinchliffe.
November 30, 2007
Voices In Harmony
Peter Hinchliffe home town is noted for its choral singing.
November 23, 2007
A Journey To Shame Car Drivers
Peter Hinchliffe feels guilty as he sits in his "metal box'' in a traffic jam.
November 16, 2007
Dining With Tarzan
It isn’t every day of the week that you get the chance to sit down and dine with Tarzan of the Apes.
Peter Hinchliffe recalls a heady night in Guaymas, Mexico.
November 09, 2007
A Warming Warning
Peter Hinchliffe feels guilty for buying a new leather jacket.
November 02, 2007
Remember Robin Hood - Plant A Tree
Peter Hinchliffe calls for a tree-planting campaign.
October 26, 2007
Sunshine - At A Price
Days flooded with sunshine are all very well, says Peter Hinchliffe, but there are snags.
October 19, 2007
The Magic Elixir
Peter Hinchliffe tells of mustard plasters, bread poultices and elderberry syrup.
October 12, 2007
Newspapers In Decline
Readers in search of news are increasingly unlikely to buy a newspaper in the UK, as Peter Hinchliffe reveals.
October 05, 2007
Gone Abroad
Peter Hinchliffe tells of British folk who have chosen to leave the land of their birth.
September 28, 2007
A Search For The Secret Of The Universe
In the bowels of the deepest pit in England a search is going on for the secret of the universe, as Peter Hinchliffe reveals.
Continue reading "A Search For The Secret Of The Universe" »
September 21, 2007
Viking Treasure
Peter Hinchliffe reflects on Yorkshire's Viking heritage.
September 14, 2007
Crush The Scots? - I Don't Think So
Peter Hinchliffe thinks the time for a new British national anthem is long overdue.
August 31, 2007
England Should Be A National Park
Peter Hinchliffe supports author Bill Bryson's call for England's green spaces to remain green.
August 24, 2007
Into Exile
Peter Hinchliffe presents the sad and shocking story of an Iraqi family who have had to seek refuge in Syria.
August 17, 2007
A Trustworthy Trust
Peter Hinchliffe celebrates the work of the National Trust, keepers of some of Britain’s finest houses and landscapes.
August 10, 2007
I Will Do My Best
Peter Hinchliffe tells of a Jamboree which celebrated 100 years of Scouting.
August 03, 2007
Don't Call Me British
Don't call me British, says Englishman Peter Hinchliffe.
July 27, 2007
Striped Invaders
The Hinchliffes go into battle against an army of wasps.
July 20, 2007
Four-Legged Friends?
Peter Hinchliffe respects urban foxes - but not all of his neighbours share his affection for the four-footed hunters who now share life with humans in England's towns and cities.
July 13, 2007
Where Is Kirklees?
Peter Hinchliffe is still unimpressed with the name chosen more than 30 years ago for the local government area in which he lives.
July 06, 2007
Card-Sharps
Peter Hinchliffe advises you to watch out when you wave the plastic about.
June 29, 2007
The Brontes' Dad
Peter Hinchliffe tells tales about Patrick Bronte, father of the famous literary Bronte sisters.
June 22, 2007
Texas - Biggest And Best
Peter Hinchliffe sings the praises of the Lone Star State.
June 15, 2007
Ghosts On The Net?
Some folk believe that ghosts and demons haunt the Internet, as Peter Hinchliffe reveals.
June 08, 2007
Apple Heaven
Peter Hinchliffe enjoys the glory of autumn, gathered into a single deliciously-satisfying sphere.
June 01, 2007
Let's All Meet At The Slug And Lettuce
Peter Hinchliffe is not amused by fanciful pub names.
May 25, 2007
Toss O't Coin
Peter Hinchliffe tells of a gambling game that used to be regularly played in the Yorkshire Pennine hills where he lives.
May 18, 2007
Dig For Victory
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the days when he was digging for victory.
May 11, 2007
Among The Geordies
Peter Hinchliffe tells of his stay in the land of stottie cake and pease pudding.
May 04, 2007
Old Rockers
Old rock 'n rollers don't fade away, says Peter Hinchliffe. They simply turn up the volume.
April 30, 2007
Out Of The Mouths Of Infants
In this wonderful column Steve Harrison tells of the loving advice he receives from his six-months-old daughter.
April 27, 2007
Dracula
Thousands of visitors to Whitby, the Yorkshire coastal town, still choose to believe that Dracula was a historical character and is buried in St Mary's churchyard.
Peter Hinchliffe tells of Bram Stoker's famous novel.
April 20, 2007
Tiggywinkle
Peter Hinchliffe tells of an encounter of the prickly kind on a dark autumn night.
April 13, 2007
Sweet Treats
Peter Hinchliffe recalls boyhood visits to the sweets shop.
April 06, 2007
Rhubarb
Peter Hinchliffe thrives on home-grown rhubarb.
March 30, 2007
Happy To Live In Huddersfield
Peter Hinchliffe reports that his home town, Huddersfield in Yorkshire, has just been designated the happiest town in the north of England.
March 23, 2007
If Only They Could Read
Peter Hinchliffe brings some depressing statistics for those who seek to entertain and inform by means of the written word.
March 16, 2007
New Car Brings Global Warming Guilt
The acquisition of a new car makes Peter Hinchliffe feel guilty rather than joyful.
March 09, 2007
Lawn Mowing
The evenings are lengthening in England now, and Peter Hinchliffe’s lawn is summoning him to give it a short-back-and-sides.
March 02, 2007
Feasts And Fairs
Peter Hinchliffe recalls happy fairground days - and an encounter with the world's champion eater.
February 23, 2007
Eric Shackle - A Very Special Journalist
Eric Shackle is probably the oldest reporter at work in the electronic media. At the age of 87 he's chasing stories with the enthusiasm of someone 50 years his junior then writing them in an easy-to-read style honed by six decades of journalistic experience.
Eric, who has written for some of the world's greatest newspapers, is now a pioneer of electronic journalism. He was born in Chingford, which was formerly in Essex, England, but is now part of Greater London.
He attended South Chingford School before winning a scholarship to Bancroft's School, Woodford Green, but soon after taking it up, migrated Down Under in 1929 with his parents and younger sister, who now lives in New Zealand.
Eric began a long career in journalism and public relations as a copyboy on the Christchurch (New Zealand) Press in 1935, and two years later, aged 17, left the family home for Australia, where he has lived ever since.
Besides regularly writing stories for one of the Web’s leading on-line newspapers, OhmyNews International and writing and producing his widely read e-book www.bdb.co.za/shackle/, Eric contributes a weekly column to Open Writing. Here he is interviwed by Open Writing editor Peter Hinchliffe.
Continue reading "Eric Shackle - A Very Special Journalist" »
February 16, 2007
A Happy War
Peter Hinchliffe appreciates gallantry on the home front during World War Two.
February 09, 2007
The Spice Of Life
Peter Hinchliffe pays tribute to Mt Heinz's taste-enhancing sauce.
February 02, 2007
Dwarfed In The Valley Of The Giants
Peter Hinchliffe finds himself in high places while touring in Western Australia.
January 26, 2007
Watch Your Language
Peter Hinchliffe deplores the misuse of his native language.
January 19, 2007
Broad Yorkshire
Peter Hinchliffe delights in his mother tongue- broad Yorkshire.
January 12, 2007
Have You Heard Of Chongquin?
Peter Hinchliffe notes that while millions of Chinese folk are rushing from the countryside to live and work in cities, in post-industrial England many long for the rural life.
January 05, 2007
See Here, I Shop At Sainsburys
Peter Hinchliffe objects to being turned into a walking advert.
December 29, 2006
Avoid All Sweetmeats
Feeling health conscious after Christmas over-indulgence? Then harken to the advice of Joseph Harker. Peter Hinchliffe tells of a concertina-playing man who was devoted to good eating, good drinking and good health.
December 22, 2006
Noisy Polly
Peter Hinchliffe tells of a retired librarian who has to wear a sun hat indoors - and all because of the fact that she shares her home with a parrot that loves to peck human heads.
December 15, 2006
Trams And Cricket
Bring back our trams, Peter Hinchliffe pleads.
December 08, 2006
Cotton Drill Trousers With An Ouch!
…There was a pair of cotton drill trousers. I still wince at the thought of the pain. The material was fine. Sandy-coloured. Hard-wearing. Just the thing for an East African safari. Unfortunately, the trousers didn't match my measurements. They pinched me where no man should be pinched…
Peter Hinchliffe admits to falling victim to the lures of odd adverts in certain Saturday newspapers.
December 01, 2006
St Bavo's
Peter Hinchliffe spends a magical afternoon in a Dutch cathedral.
November 24, 2006
Watching The Pennies
Peter Hinchliffe lives in Yorkshire, the English county where older folk still think that it is better to save than to spend.
"Scotsmen have nothing on us when it comes to meanness,'' he says.
November 17, 2006
So Why Don't You Understand Me?
The English expect the world to conduct it's business in English, says Peter Hinchliffe. And by jingo, for the most part it does!
November 10, 2006
A Boiled Onion - And Other Important Things In Life
Blustery dark November. Time to think of the serious things in life, says Peter Hinchliffe. The important things, such as bacon sandwiches and boiled onions.
Continue reading "A Boiled Onion - And Other Important Things In Life" »
November 03, 2006
Lowry
Peter Hinchliffe suggests that one of his favourite artists, L S Lowry, was not as dour and gloomy as some folk would have us believe.
October 27, 2006
Chumping
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the fun of bonfire nights way back then – and deplores the vandalism which has become part of today’s bonfire night scene.
October 20, 2006
Trees
“Trees were our own personal Everests, with green on their tops instead of snow. As we triumphantly surveyed the surrounding scenery from the highest branches of a stout old oak we felt we were capable of conquering the world,’’ says Peter Hinchliffe, recalling his boyhood.
October 13, 2006
Hedgehogs - And Other Friends
Peter Hinchliffe writes of an encounter of the prickly kind.
October 06, 2006
Stepping Into American History
Peter Hinchliffe visits a Dutch town and unexpectedly finds himself stepping into American history.
September 29, 2006
Sunday, Sweet Sunday
Peter Hinchliffe pines for quiet Sundays.
September 22, 2006
Joyce Worsfold
Peter Hinchliffe introduces Joyce Worsfold, a retired teacher who writes warm-hearted poetry that makes you aware of the best things in life.
To read more of Joyce’s poems type her name in the search box on this page.
September 15, 2006
The Famous Peter Hinchliffe
Peter Hinchliffe introduces the rightfully famous Peter Hinchliffe.
September 08, 2006
Blackberries
Peter Hinchliffe welcomes the season of blackberrying – and tells of a sandwich fit for the gods.
September 01, 2006
White Rabbits
Peter Hinchliffe delves into some old superstitions before revealing his own magical talisman.
August 25, 2006
Eating All Over The World
Peter Hinchliffe's appetite spans the globe.
August 18, 2006
Hurrah For Hols!
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the intense delight experienced on the first day of the summer holidays. No more school for six weeks!
August 11, 2006
It's So Much Nicer....
Peter Hinchliffe likes to go travelling, but he's never happier than when walking the hills of home.
August 04, 2006
Come Back Mr Micawber
Peter Hinchliffe finds himself in a country which is floating on a sea of debt.
July 28, 2006
To Hell And Back
Peter Hinchliffe has a chance encounter with a war hero.
July 21, 2006
Blue And White For Ever And Ever...
Peter Hinchliffe, an unredeemable fan and loyal supporter of the blue-and-whites, the Huddersfield Town football team, looks forward to the start of another season.
July 14, 2006
Beetles
Peter Hinchliffe recalls adventures and excitements involving the Herbie car – the Volkswagen Beetle.
July 07, 2006
Yes, I Am An Addict
Peter Hinchliffe confesses that he is addicted to - tea.
June 30, 2006
Happy Times In Ireland
Peter Hinchliffe remembers the night when he became a local hero – and other happy times in Ireland.
June 23, 2006
A Land In A Jam
Britain is now the land of the traffic jam - and there’s no relief in sight, says Peter Hinchliffe.
June 16, 2006
Lucky
Peter Hinchliffe writes about a stray cat called Lucky.
June 09, 2006
The Great Tom Kilburn
Peter Hinchliffe tells of his own very tenuous link with the man who developed the modern computer.
June 02, 2006
Quiz Night
Peter Hinchliffe is stumped by the quiz night questions at his local working men’s club.
May 26, 2006
Fit
Give Peter Hinchliffe a stout pair of hiking boots, and you can keep your sweaty keep-fit gyms.
May 19, 2006
By Any Other Name
Peter Hinchliffe regrets that his name is on the downward path.
May 12, 2006
Yorkshire Pudding
Peter Hinchliffe pays tribute to the Yorkshire pudding, the mainstay of Sunday dinners when he was a lad.
May 05, 2006
Rain, Rain Don't Stay Away
Peter Hinchliffe reflects upon England’s changing climate.
April 28, 2006
Cats
Peter Hinchliffe considers that most enigmatic of all animals – the cat.
April 21, 2006
A Good Man
Peter Hinchliffe pays tribute to a fine man, Tom Hellawell. Tom wrote excellent articles. They appear in Open Writing under the title Yorkshire Lad. Do read them. They’re a special treat!
April 14, 2006
Small World
Peter Hinchliffe relishes those stories of small coincidences.
April 07, 2006
Those Northern Hills
Boots on - and up we go, onto Bleaklow. Peter Hinchliffe loves to hike on those northern hills.
March 31, 2006
Bathroom Pharmacy
Peter Hinchliffe takes a disbelieving look at the shelves in his bathroom.
March 24, 2006
War's No Game
...If only war were a playground game. An opportunity to zoom around with arms for wings, going rat-tat-tat-tat....
Peter Hinchliffe reflects on the harsh realities of the situation in Iraq.
March 19, 2006
Primary School Pirates
This week a Yorkshire village school staged a performane of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance in a historic concert hall.
The International Gilbert and Sullivan Society hope many other British schools will now follow the lead given by Lepton Church of England Primary School.
Peter Hinchliffe was enchanted by the Lepton Primary stage stars.
March 17, 2006
VC
Peter Hinchliffe tells the story of Andrew Mynarski, a gallant Canadian airman who was awarded the Victoria Cross.
March 10, 2006
Tooth
Peter Hinchliffe tells of a journey to Leeds in search of a root canal.
March 03, 2006
Time
Peter Hinchliffe thinks it is now time to consider time.
February 24, 2006
Chilli And Cowboy Hats
Peter Hinchliffe and his wife Joyce dine with the locals on Texas home cooking.
February 17, 2006
Snakes All-Too Alive!
Peter Hinchliffe considers a slithery subject.
February 10, 2006
An Anxious Time
Peter Hinchliffe experiences acute anxiety on his first visit to Amsterdam.
February 03, 2006
Shopping
Peter Hinchliffe contemplates the ultimate punishment for a male – going shopping.
January 27, 2006
Monkey Business
Peter Hinchliffe tells of encounters with our simian cousins.
January 20, 2006
Vintage Mature Wrinklies
Please, please, please don't call Peter Hinchliffe a wrinklie.
January 13, 2006
The Wonderful World Of Radio
Peter Hinchliffe tells of his delight in listening to the radio - which began with the help of a slipper heel.
January 06, 2006
National Service
Peter Hinchliffe recalls some of the delights of National Service.
December 30, 2005
Memphis Day
Peter Hinchliffe remembers a hot afternoon in Memphis, Tennessee.
December 23, 2005
Gifts
Christmas isn't about how much you spend, says Peter Hinchliffe.
December 16, 2005
Beware Those Germs
Peter Hinchliffe’s mother was tough on grime, and tough on the causes of grime.
December 09, 2005
Too Many Buttons
Peter Hinchliffe is beginning to think that modern cars have bigger “brains’’ than their owners.
December 02, 2005
Dolphins
“What a shock to human vanity if visitors arrive from outer space and plunge into the sea to commune with its creatures, ignoring us and our problems…’’ Peter Hinchliffe writes about those wonderful creatures, dolphins.
November 25, 2005
Now What Was This Column Supposed To Be About?
Peter Hinchliffe turns Violet into Vera, Mary into Margaret, and Jean becomes Joan.
Continue reading "Now What Was This Column Supposed To Be About?" »
November 18, 2005
Elvis in Texas
What a night it was when a 20-year-old singer with gyrating hips and a quiff big enough to surf on came to town! Peter Hinchliffe tells of the times when Elvis went to Wichita Falls, Texas.
November 11, 2005
Eric Bloodaxe
As he strides along a rural track Peter Hinchliffe thinks of Eric Bloodaxe, the Viking war lord.
November 04, 2005
Winding Down In Whitby
Peter Hinchliffe spots an advert for a holiday break in Whitby, North Yorkshire, that sets him dreaming of might-have-beens.
October 28, 2005
World's End?
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the day the world might have ended.
October 21, 2005
Ouistiti
Want to look happy when someone is taking a photo of your face. Just say OUISTITI, Peter Hinchliffe advises.
October 14, 2005
Cargo Pants
Peter Hinchliffe goes travelling, with pants legs flapping in the breeze.
October 07, 2005
Bruges
"Euro if you want to,'' says Peter Hinchliffe. "I am content with the £.''
September 30, 2005
Autumn
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the days when , still a schoolboy, he toiled in a damp field, gathering in the potato harvest.
September 23, 2005
A Slice Of Brack
Peter Hinchliffe, writing with gustatory enthusiasm, tells of one of Yorkshire's greatest treats.
September 16, 2005
The Man From Bulgaria
Peter Hinchliffe sympathises with the loneliness of the long-distance lorry driver.
September 09, 2005
Bawling Babe
Peter Hinchliffe and his family are haunted by a crying baby when they go flying round the world.
September 02, 2005
Barcelona In December
Peter Hinchliffe recalls a visit to busy, bouncy Barcelona.
August 26, 2005
Making A Difference
Peter Hinchliffe writes with pride of the growing band of British pensioners who are not asking for more, but asking if they can contribute more.
August 19, 2005
Leaving On A Jet Plane
Peter Hinchliffe writes about the early days of trans-Atlantic air travel.
August 12, 2005
Sing Along
Peter Hinchliffe writes of favourite songs and presents a new ditty for your consideration.
August 05, 2005
The Alhambra
Peter Hinchliffe visits one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Alhambra in Granada.
July 29, 2005
Flying Fortress
That throbbing engine beat was unmistakable. A World War Two bomber. A Flying Fortress... Peter Hinchliffe tells of the war-time experiences of a Yorkshire Land Girl.
July 22, 2005
Pickwick And Pubs
Peter Hinchliffe bemoans the passing of the traditional English pub.
July 08, 2005
Alnwick
Alnwick Castle looks like a castle ought to look, says Peter Hinchliffe.
July 01, 2005
Bonny Scotland
Scotland for the Scots, says Peter Hinchliffe. Why should they not have home rule?
June 24, 2005
A Village Blacksmith
Peter Hinchliffe remembers the life and times of a village blacksmith.
June 17, 2005
No Degree For Me
Peter Hinchliffe is offered the chance to buy a degree - and memories start to flow.
June 10, 2005
Trappers
In the early 1800s boys as young as six were working down Yorkshire coal mines. They were alone in total darkness for most of the day, writes Peter Hinchliffe. Peter grew up in a Yorkshire pit village.
June 03, 2005
Tea Time
Where would Britain be without tea? Peter Hinchliffe ponders on a vital question.
May 20, 2005
Beards
Peter Hinchliffe is never likely to forget the day when someone mistook him for Baldy Johnson.
May 13, 2005
Talking To Oneself
Peter Hinchliffe confesses that he talks to his computer - and also to himself.
May 06, 2005
Journey Into Space
Peter Hinchliffe recalls those exciting early days of journies into space.
April 29, 2005
How To Kill A City
Peter Hinchliffe writes about a huge Yorkshire shopping mall called Meadowhall. A chap he knows calls in Meadowhell.
April 22, 2005
Valencia
Peter Hinchliffe goes walk, walk, walking in Valencia.
April 15, 2005
Taking The Plunge
Peter Hinchliffe was in his fifties when he finally plucked up enough courage to take the plunge.
April 08, 2005
Tick-Tock
Peter Hinchliffe wonders whether the day will ever come when he is no longer a slave to Time.
April 01, 2005
Skylark Symphonies
Peter Hinchliffe says that when the sap is rising and the catkins tremble on the twig, a skylark's thoughts naturally turn to... Well, to larking about.
March 25, 2005
The Name's The Same
Peter Hinchliffe Number Two chats to Peter Hinchliffe Number One.
March 18, 2005
Sing Along With Me
Give me opera in the peace and quiet of my own home every day, says Peter Hinchliffe.
March 11, 2005
Wartime Feasts
Sociable creatures, hens, says Peter Hinchliffe. They cluck, scratch and gossip all day long. They always seem to be discussing the latest scandals...
March 04, 2005
Walking And Thinking
Despite being interrupted by a flock of bumptious feathery blabberbeaks, Peter Hinchliffe manages to carry on thinking while he walks.
February 25, 2005
Magnificent Men
Peter Hinchliffe, who grew up in a mining village, remembers hardy pitmen, and the trials they endured to earn a living.
February 18, 2005
Volunteering For Britain
Peter Hinchliffe is glad to be living in a land where volunteering is a way of life.
February 11, 2005
Circus Magic
Peter Hinchliffe reveals his circus blushes.
February 04, 2005
Restless
"We Brits are possibly the most restless nation on Earth,'' says Peter Hinchliffe. "We have an in-born desire to try somewhere new.''
January 28, 2005
An American Love Affair
Peter Hinchliffe's love affair with America began with chewing gum and comics.
January 21, 2005
Snakes Alive!
Peter Hinchliffe tells a couple of slithery snake stories.
January 14, 2005
Blue And White For Ever
Peter Hinchliffe declares his loyalty to the Terriers.
January 07, 2005
All Teeth And No Humour
There are times when you begin to wonder whether humans were wise in domesticating the dog, says Peter Hinchliffe.
January 01, 2005
Just Another Morning
Peter Hinchliffe asks if it is appropriate today to say Happy New Year to the people of Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Andaman islans, Bangladesh, Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Somalia and Kenya.
December 25, 2004
This Day Of Days
HERE'S WISHING A HAPPY DAY TO ALL OUR WRITERS AND READERS
Peter Hinchliffe, the editor of Openwriting, counts his blessings on this special day.
December 17, 2004
John Noble's Cat
So what oes John Noble's cat have to do with the British national anthem? Peter Hinchliffe explains all...
December 10, 2004
Silent Conversations
Peter Hinchliffe writes of the delight of walking in the company of squirrels, rabbits, hares and foxes.
November 30, 2004
The Worst Dream Of My Life
Peter Hinchliffe recalls a creepy dream which disturbed his sleep in an Ehiopian hotel.
November 26, 2004
Liquid Crystal Worry Beads
Peter Hinchliffe confesses to an obsession. He loves to fiddle with digital watches.
November 23, 2004
What If?
Journalist Peter Hinchliffe finds himself impaled in words by one of Britain's finest newspaper columnists.
November 17, 2004
Time To Stop Smoking
Peter Hinchliffe describes how he escaped from the deadly clutches of Lady Nicotine.
November 12, 2004
Talking To Tomato Plants
So is a chap who plays taped music to his tomato plants showing signs of being mad, Peter Hinchliffe asks?
November 05, 2004
Faces In The Fire
Peter Hinchliffe recalls those cold winter nights, when a coal fire burned brightly in many a home.
October 26, 2004
Mobile Words
Peter Hinchliffe admits that when it comes to mobile phones he's a Luddite.
October 24, 2004
When A £ Was A £
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the days when a pint of beer cost eight pence.
October 12, 2004
Bacon Sanwiches And Boiled Onions
As the long, dark winter nights draw nigh, Peter Hinchliffe says it is time to consider serious things. Such as bacon sandwiches, boiled onions and cooked suppers.
October 05, 2004
Freecycling
Are you eBay or Freebay? Peter Hinchliffe considers the question.
September 28, 2004
First Memories
"The first thing I see is a lawn roller,'' says Peter Hinchliffe. "And the first thing I hear is the destructive clanging thud of iron hitting stone.''
September 25, 2004
Work, Work, Work
As he begins his 50th year as a journalist Peter Hinchliffe ponders on the nature of work.
September 07, 2004
Now Read On
Peter Hinchliffe decides it's time to read books he really wants to read - not the books he thinks he ought to be reading.
August 31, 2004
Rainy August
So much rain has fallen on England this month that Peter Hinchliffe is keeping a weather eye open in case The Ark comes sailing by.
August 24, 2004
Walk, Don't Run
Peter Hinchliffe contemplates marathon running - and 10,000 steps a day.
August 18, 2004
King's Cross Water Crisis
Peter Hinchliffe takes a speedy rail trip from London to Yorkshire while reading Parallel Lines, a book which made him guffaw while encouraging deep thought about Britain's transport problems.
August 10, 2004
Big Ben
After an unexpected encounter on a station platform Peter Hinchliffe finds himself within touching distance of Big Ben, the most famous clock in the world.
August 03, 2004
The Whitley Olympics
As the Athens Olympics are about to begin, Peter Hinchliffe thinks back to the time when he competed in the Whitley Olympics.
July 30, 2004
Too Many Pairs Of Jeans?
Peter Hinchliffe wonders why anyone would choose to own 15 pairs of jeans.
July 20, 2004
School's Out
So how will your children pass the time during the summer holidays? Peter Hinchliffe recalls the days when a couple of empty jam jars could make a child happy.
July 13, 2004
An Itchy Subject
"Don't let the bugs bite,'' implores Peter Hinchliffe as he starts to feel itchy while reading a newspaper.
July 11, 2004
Another Cup Of Coffee
"Here I am in this sparkling new shopping mall, sipping a latte coffee.'' Peter Hinchliffe revels in England's burgeoning coffee shop culture.
June 29, 2004
A Severe Case Of The Edelweisses
Peter Hinchliffe enjoys a noisy sing-along evening in a famous Glasgow theatre.
June 22, 2004
A Day At The Station
Eight-year-old Mary and her two younger sisters were excited when they went with their father on a day trip to the seaside. But the events of that day were to haunt Mary for decades, as Peter Hinchliffe reveals.
June 14, 2004
30,000,000 Flags
England may be in mourning after losing to France in their opening Euro 2004 Cup game - but don't despair, says Peter Hinchliffe.
June 11, 2004
Feasting On Words
Peter Hinchliffe says that every child deserves a dad or mum who will read aloud to them.
June 08, 2004
A Cake On D-Day
To an eight-year-old boy a slice of cake was more significant than the D-Day landings, as Peter Hinchliffe reveals.
June 02, 2004
Turning The Pages
Peter Hinchliffe contemplates the delights to be unlocked from the printed page.
May 25, 2004
Seagulls
Peter Hinchliffe reveals that some British cities are being besieged by seagulls. Had film producer Alfred Hitchcock, maker of that creepy epic "The Birds'', been alive to read this story, he would probably have said "Told you so!''
May 22, 2004
Narrow Escapes
Peter Hinchliffe recalls some nerve-jangling experiences in Kenya.
May 18, 2004
Follower Of Fashion? No Bloomin' Fear!
Peter Hinchliffe turns his back on the fashion scene.
May 04, 2004
Blue And White
People are crying in Leeds today - and all because of a football team. But as a fan of Huddersfield Town, Peter Hinchliffe still has reason to hope.
April 27, 2004
Another 100,000 In Tenerife
Peter Hinchliffe decides that Tenerife is no place for a permanent home.
April 21, 2004
A Love Affair With America
Peter Hinchliffe's love affair with America began with Juicy Fruit and Batman comics.
April 14, 2004
Open Writing - Enjoy!
Peter Hinchliffe welcomes new readers to regularly enjoy Open Writing - which publishes something new every day. And if you have an urge to write, read on...
April 06, 2004
Earworms
A victim of earworms? Peter Hinchliffe reveals that they are probably "haunting'' you even though you have never heard of them.
March 29, 2004
British Summer Time
Peter Hinchliffe discusses evenings, long and short.
March 27, 2004
Shorthand
Peter Hinchliffe tells of a conversation that led him to study John Robert Gregg's speed-writing system.
March 16, 2004
Typewriters
Can a man love his typewriter? Peter Hinchliffe reveals that a journalistic man certainly can.
March 03, 2004
Cars
Peter Hinchliffe reflects on the darker side of car ownership.
February 26, 2004
And I Got It From A Charity Shop
Peter Hinchliffe tells of his acute embarrassment in a women's clothing shop.
February 19, 2004
Forget About Dieting
Peter Hinchliffe ponders on weighty bodily matters.
February 12, 2004
Don't Look At Me When I'm Talking To You
Peter Hinchliffe explains why it pays to look away when a teacher is talking to you.
Continue reading "Don't Look At Me When I'm Talking To You" »
February 02, 2004
Is Super Bowl Really Super?
Peter Hinchliffe sips a strong black coffee to stay awake while ruminating on yesterday's Super Bowl.
January 30, 2004
Things Can Only Get Better?
Peter Hinchliffe muses on whether life in merry old England really is getting better.
January 23, 2004
A LongWay From Rhode Island Reds
Peter Hinchliffe recalls the trials and delights of keeping hens - then broods upon a $25 million egg.
January 16, 2004
Life on the Ocean Waves
Peter Hinchliffe remembers an Atlantic crossing on the Cunard liner Sylvania, sailing from Liverpool to New York.
January 05, 2004
A thirst for words
Once the writing bug bites, you're infected for life. But not to worry - writing is an "infection'' which brings a good deal of pleasure into the world. So enjoy our words in Openwriting. And why not contribute some of your true-life stories?
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