Jill Sparrow

I am delighted to announce the first hedgehog sighting in my garden of 2024, well two actually. A small hog on the kitchen doorstep: one of last year's babies. A more mature hog further down the garden. Both had dined on cat biscuits plus a few mealworms and are looking very healthy. Lovely to see them again and here's to some hoglets later in the year.

I used to love Chelsea Girl. It was one of the few shops where I could find clothes to fit me in the 70s. I was between sizes 6 and 8 then. I'll never be that thin again..not with thyroid issues. Then there were all the shoe shops on Long Row. At sale time, all the tiny sizes (that's me again) were marked down to ridiculous prices. For years, I had boxes of shoes I'd never worn in my wardrobe. High heels. Can't wear those now. Wallis did small sizes, too. I had racks of suits from there for work. Like a certain Mr Mayfield, I rarely get dressed up now. I think you grow out of it!

Back row first on the left and third from the left must be pretty closely related to Ben.

I got the same result. @Alpha

Definition of an optimist: someone who writes a book on atheism then prays that it sells

Even the name 'Easter' has been filched from pre-Christian times: Eostre is the pagan fertility goddess of humans and crops. The traditional colors of the festival are green, yellow and purple. The symbols used are hares and eggs, representing fertility.

A friend of mine has a plaque on her front door. It reads: If our cat doesn't like you, we probably won't either! She has several mogs, including a Bengal. You don't mess with a Bengal.

That's because you're a lovely bloke, Ben

I wouldn't have regretted it. I have no time for people who don't like animals and all the time in the world for animals who don't like people.

Aha! The plot thickens. I watched a fascinating documentary many years ago about the French 'connection' so to speak. Riveting subject. I wish people would leave Jerusalem alone. I have always enjoyed singing it, even at school where we gave it voice regularly. William Blake's words are excellent. Mind you, the hymn I found most fascinating was not Jerusalem but Once To Every Man and Nation, to the tune Ebenezer (I think). The words both fascinated and puzzled me. It always had a faint sense of menace.

Yes, I've read about this. Quite fascinating.

You must have been with Chandler, then. I've sent you a PM with my email address. There are some questions I'd like to ask you and more photos but it will be easier to do it that way. Cheers @red rob

You certainly wouldn't sit on horsehair for long as anyone who has ever endured school Prize Giving at Nottingham's Albert Hall will tell you.

Mr Mayfield in his PJs might have netted the greatest turnout of any Nottstalgia Meetup...ever

@red rob the photo posted above is the third year junior class of Mr Cook's in 1966/7. Are you on this one? If not, you must have been with Gerald Chandler. Thanks to Letsavagoo for posting.

@red rob Yes, I heard about Keith Hardy and I'm still in touch with Debbie Noon, Kevin's sister who was in my year. You may remember Hyacinth Gayle in your year. Also gone, sadly, along with two of her sisters. Also Phyllis Lawlor. I was speaking to Gerald Chandler last night and I mentioned your name. He said it rang a bell but he couldn't remember teaching you. In your third year of the Juniors, you would have been taught either by Gerald Chandler or Harry Cook. Do you remember which? I have the Harry Cook class photo, I'll try to find it. Thanks for the names on

@red rob a much earlier photo, here. Are you on this one? Teacher is Miss Bowen. She taught me the following year.

@red rob I thought that was you. I'm beginning to recognise you now.

It's probably a case, dare I say it, @MRS B of capable, organised females being perceived as 'formidable'. I'd take it as a compliment... I get so few.

I feel very sorry for the poor woman. The way the press and social media have behaved is nothing short of disgusting. Would these people like their intimate health issues posted all over scurrilous social media sites for people with nothing better to do to gossip about? Leave her alone and let her get well. I know there are many who never seem to cease axe-grinding about the royals and their supposedly privileged lives. Cancer is no respecter of rank or privilege. The poor girl would probably happily exchange her royal abode for a two up, two down ... and a cancer free body. I wish her a s

Plantfit is certainly real. I've seen him with my own two eyes. Seen the elusive @benjamin1945 too.

Have you a photo with the elusive Mr Mayfield on it, Margie? At least we could see him as he once was. I confess it was I who promulgated the AI theory in response to a suggestion that a meet-up at a hostelry within walking distance of The Mayfield Estates might persuade him to attend. It's somewhat akin to my obsession with Mr Spock in the 1960s. Sadly, he doesn't actually exist.

Ah, well Margie. Someone who shall remain nameless promulgated the notion at Wednesday's Meetup that perhaps Phil Mayfield doesn't actually exist but is a creation of AI. Food for thought.

Looks like just Margie, then.

On the contrary, they'd find you fascinating, Phil. The world of your childhood would be infinitely interesting to them. You're an historical resource on legs. Go on. I'm sure Margie will hold your hand if you're a bit nervous.