Putting on the Ritz…

Aternoon Tea at The Ritz An average August Sunday afternoon in London Town. Honking horns blare with top notes of police sirens, pavements are equally as busy as ambling tourists take their selfies and absorb the capital’s sights. Amidst this madding crowd are a group of well-dressed women sashaying down Piccadilly. Afternoon Tea at The…

Skiing. A novice’s review.

Tale from the Town. Wanna try skiing and feel you’ve left it too late? Mary Garg may change your mind. “Its supposed to be slippy”… it’s a slippy sport. So said my ski instructor Gigi during my first ever Alpine ski lesson (my second lesson after I fell off the escalator at my local artificial…

Wimbledon To Richmond Park: A rural, capital walk.

There is something slightly other-worldly, sitting on a tube, rucksack on back, clad in walking gear, heading off for a day’s hiking. Pulling on my battered muddy boots would normally mean a remote countryside walk, up hill and down dale, rather than a 7-mile walk through London’s outer suburbs. But, after a summer spent walking…

WORDS FROM THE WAY

West Highland Way. A walk through Scotland’s Mountains and Mists. The West Highland Way buzzes with a tangible magic along its 96 mile route between Milngavie and Fort William; especially after you cross the high/lowland divide and history, legend and folklore collide. As you traipse along the high-fern lined and wildflower filled trails that lead…

Five Years of RB Writes.

RB Writes began as a creative writing competition. 1,600 entries later. It has grown into a blog, review site and more. Ahead of the 2022 round. Here is it’s story. “That must be a labour of love! Are you insane?” Comments made in jest or otherwise when Reigate & Banstead Writes slides into converstation. Whilst…

RB WRITES 2021 UPDATE. ITS BACK!

Its almost time for our young writers to pick up their pens, IPADs or devices and write us a story all about where they live. Back in January, it felt impossible, thinking we could run Reigate & Banstead Writes in 2021. Schools closed and we were all existing in a scattered world. Schools re-opened and…

University beckons for the next generation.

18 very short years ago, I became a mum. As I cradled my precious new born son day after day during our endless first summer, there was a dreamy trance like existence to our early months, perhaps because of sleeplessness but also taking in the enormous change that had hit me. My perfect calm little…

Homesick for Ripon. Pandemic Hometown Blues.

Corona awakens a need in many to be closer to our family and friends and gives a chance to examine the town that forged us and the roots that claim us. The welcome to Ripon signs which greet visitors and residents alike, urge us ‘to stay awhile amidst its ancient charms’. I may be a…