A Mince Pie For Christmas Barrie's podcast

6:05

Despite the low cost and ease of accessing other countries by using one of the cheap airlines, often the best way to see Europe is to travel by train. This was the reasoning behind an important European Union scheme for young people that was frequently ignored in the UK, which was a free Inter-Rail Pass to allow teenagers a full month of free travel around Europe. © Barrie Mahoney 2025 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
The Great Spain Pension Robbery 6:02

7 weeks ago6:02

6:02

I recently came across many pensioners protesting in the capital city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This protest was just one taking place in a hundred Spanish cities to raise the plight of pensioners in society. In the Canary Islands, hundreds of people took to the streets in La Laguna in Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to ask for support in their ongoing struggle to preserve the public pension system. Pensioners are protesting against the actions of the previous government, and complaining that it had raided the country’s pension funds in order to bail out the Spanish banks during the financial crisis. © Barrie Mahoney 2025 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Sunbeds Are Us 6:14

12 weeks ago6:14

6:14

I am often told that Brits on holiday like nothing better than to get out of bed long before their all-inclusive breakfast has even hit the frying pan, and to chase outside to the swimming pool in their boxer shorts or bras (or possibly both) in order to place a vivid Union flag towel on the sunbed of their choice. It is even more exciting if there is a mad competitive dash with the Germans, with Brits gaining immense satisfaction if they reach their prized position first. © Barrie Mahoney 2025 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Overweight 'Bridegrooms of Death' 4:27

14 weeks ago4:27

4:27

One of the many fat inducing temptations readily available in Spain and the Canary Islands are ‘Churros con Chocolate’, which is basically deep-fried pastry strips, rolled in sugar and dipped into hot chocolate as they are eaten. This ‘snack’ is hugely popular in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, as well as the United States, France and Mexico. Depending upon the time of day, and the state of your appetite, they can be both delicious and disgusting at the same time. Indeed, it is not unusual to see locals polishing off a huge quantity of churros in cafe bars for their breakfast. Needless to say, it is an excellent way to pile on the pounds, as well as keeping the health service busy with the coronaries that are the result of this over indulgence. My advice is to avoid them at all costs. © Barrie Mahoney 2025 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Linguaphobia 6:01

16 weeks ago6:01

6:01

It seems that all is not well in foreign language learning, according to a recent study, where experts report that Britain will be further isolated from its European partners after Brexit, because of attitudes to learning foreign languages. Apparently, following the EU referendum, many British people have become even more ‘linguaphobic’, relying upon a false belief that everyone across the world can speak English. © Barrie Mahoney 2025 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
A Mince Pie for Christmas 4:08

22 weeks ago4:08

4:08

A Mince Pie for Christmas It is strange how those living in another country develop a craving for something that reminds them of life in their countries of origin. I guess it is not that surprising really, as Christmas is a time of the year when our memories, particularly as we get older, recall times gone by, both happy and sad. Many of those special times have occurred, of course, over the Christmas and New Year period; many of us will have fond memories of families and friends, of precious times spent together, unique family traditions, gifts and special food that appeared at this time of the year. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Learn a Language With Beer and Insomnia 4:36

24 weeks ago4:36

4:36

Those expats who enjoy a tipple will no doubt be delighted to read the news that I am reporting this week. According to researchers, German students studying the Dutch language found that their pronunciation improved remarkably after drinking just one pint of beer each. So, I guess many readers are now wondering if a glass or two of Spanish Rioja before attempting to speak Spanish might be of help? Sadly, I have no more information about this, but if you too find that your Spanish language skills soar following a few drinks, do please let me know and I will pass this information on to the researchers. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Kill or Cure? 5:53

27 weeks ago5:53

5:53

An article about bee sting therapy caught my eye this week. Tragically, a woman recently died in Spain after undergoing a bizarre form of therapy at a clinic that involved bee venom. The therapy is known as apitherapy, which involved the woman attending a session every four weeks for two years, which was designed to improve her muscular control without allergic reactions. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
It's Very Easy to be Conned 7:49

31 weeks ago7:49

7:49

The lurid red leaflets advertising his range of 24-hour plumbing services in both English and Spanish have been blocking up our letter box for the last twelve years. Proudly declaring that he has been in the plumbing business for over thirty years, Juan, as I will call him, was clearly a reliable professional, or so we thought. When our toilet suddenly decided it needed some technical assistance, we decided to call him. How wrong we were... © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Getting to Know a Lizard 4:34

33 weeks ago4:34

4:34

For a lizard, Clemmy is of diminutive size, and I am convinced that she has hardly grown over the three years that I have known her. She only appears on hot, sunny days, when the sun’s rays hit the same spot on the wall of our garden. She usually appears when I am pruning the roses, setting new plants or watering the garden. I talk to her and she appears to listen carefully to my every word; goodness knows what the neighbours think of our conversations. Sometimes, I give Clemmy a small piece of fruit, which she enjoys, and there is always a little water dripping from a tap that needs a new washer, so I know that she does not lack liquid refreshment. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
We Love Fax Machines! 6:21

38 weeks ago6:21

6:21

When we moved to Spain, we were given several pieces of helpful advice from other expats. One of these pieces of advice was to “buy a fax machine” or at least to make sure that we had ready access to one. This piece of advice was invaluable and is still highly relevant. Over the last few months, I recall several occasions when I have been asked to fax a document to a bank, the customs office or local authority department. Indeed, my new mobile phone operator asked for a copy of my residency document to be faxed to them only the other day. Fax machines in Spain are still heavily used, valued and trusted. This is not to say that emailing documents is not possible, in most cases it is, but the Spanish have an ongoing love affair with paper and the fax machine fits the bill nicely. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Do You Speak English? 5:49

40 weeks ago5:49

5:49

I admire anyone making a determined effort to learn the language of their host country and are willing to try to avoid asking that embarrassing question “Do you speak English?” at every opportunity. After all, without a basic knowledge of the language, culture and customs, much of the new life that was hoped for will never be achieved. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
Mushy Peas 5:50

1 year ago5:50

5:50

I read recently that due to the country’s financial situation, many people who are used to eating avocado on toast are now turning to eating mushy peas on toast, as a cheaper alternative. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, I say; I adore mushy peas! © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
What's Love Got To Do With It? 6:15

1 year ago6:15

6:15

In 1999, a Japanese designer, Shigetaka Kurita, came up with the idea for 176 emojis when working for NTT DOCOMO, a Japanese mobile phone company. They were intended to help facilitate electronic communication when used with mobile phones and pagers. Emoji is a blend of two Japanese words, picture and letters. I often wonder if it was mere coincidence that the word ‘emoji’ sounds similar to the English word ‘emotion’. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

1
What an Angel! 5:31

1 year ago5:31

5:31

“Oh, she’s an angel”, or “Thank you, you’re an angel” are some of the comments that I sometimes hear, often following an act of kindness or generosity. Maybe such comments are more common in the older generation nowadays, but I am used to hearing them. It is always a comment that startles me for a moment, and I wonder. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
All Helmets and Sweaty Lycra 5:52

1 year ago5:52

5:52

Over the years, cyclists from all over Europe have headed to the Canary Islands to take advantage of some decent weather with which to indulge in their favourite pastime. All of the inhabited islands have become increasingly popular, but with the favourite destinations being Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura that are selected as ideal destinations for all-year-round cycling. The tourist boards and hotels are grateful, since income from cyclists and their entourages makes a healthy contribution to tourist income. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
When is a Pirate Not a Pirate? 5:49

1 year ago5:49

5:49

Many commentators will agree that since the vote for the UK to leave the European Union, the views of the general population have become increasingly fractious and divided in attitudes towards ‘foreigners’. Nothing is new, and the British have always been suspicious of their European neighbours. The Daily Mail, Express, Sun and, indeed, Facebook and Twitter are all currently having a field day in distorting ‘the truth’, whatever that may be. By now, we should all have begun to realise that there is no such thing as ‘the truth’, which, at best, is merely a perception of how we interpret an event, based upon our base opinions and prejudices. ‘The truth’ is always open to manipulation and distortion by others, however well meaning. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Typewriter Terror 7:19

1 year ago7:19

7:19

The phone rang; it was a colleague in Las Palmas telling me that the police were in the middle of a response to a potential terrorist incident in the city. A suspect package had been placed in front of the door to the garage of the central offices of the National Police on the island. The building was sealed off, traffic was prevented from entering the road, and anti-terrorist officers arrived to assess the potential danger of the package. © Barrie Mahoney 2024 To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
I Have the Right to Express My Opinion! 5:55

1 year ago5:55

5:55

Witnessing first hand some of the very unpleasant bullying directed at one of the talented contestants on a popular television programme shocked me. There was one particularly unpleasant post, which was challenged by several people. As well as several expletives, the writer claimed that “I’ve got the right to express my opinion!” before his post was reported and subsequently blocked. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Bathing in the Light 5:35

1 year ago5:35

5:35

Glass, with its transparent quality, can serve as a metaphor for clarity and purity, and the interplay of light through glass has long captivated human imagination, and encouraged contemplation of God. In many spiritual traditions, including Quakerism, light symbolises illumination, knowledge and the presence of God, the Light, or Whatever we wish to call it. The interconnection between glass and light becomes a powerful symbol representing the clarity that spiritual seekers strive for in understanding the mysteries and purpose of existence. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Dying Well 7:12

2 years ago7:12

7:12

The ongoing debate about assisted dying in the UK and in many other countries is much more relevant to me now that I have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Don’t misunderstand me, I currently have no intention of going anywhere for a while and, of course, I am determined to prove the doctors wrong. Despite the bravado that cancer suffers often display, in those dark hours of the night, like so many in my position, I often wonder how I will deal with those last few days and hours? © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
Black and White 4:29

2 years ago4:29

4:29

It’s always interesting how some of the strangest thoughts and ideas pop into our minds when we have a quiet mind. Yesterday, I started thinking about photography; I’m referring to ‘real photography’ involving non automatic cameras, 35mm film and chemical processing, which I have not thought about for many years. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie, his blogs, podcasts and books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
The Evils of Apple Bobbing - A Halloween Warning! 5:53

2 years ago5:53

5:53

At risk of sounding both a prude and a party pooper, Halloween is one of the annual rituals that I detest with a vengeance. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a good party as much as the next person, but this tacky, heavily commercialised celebration of evil is, for me, a step too far. Also, I don’t think it is too unreasonable to refuse to answer the doorbell when ‘trick or treaters’ come calling after 10.00pm. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Learning the Lingo 9:51

2 years ago9:51

9:51

I am often asked what I consider to be the essentials when planning a new life in another country. My answer is always the same, to learn the language. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/

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1
The All Seeing Eye 5:00

2 years ago5:00

5:00

I am sure than many readers will recall times talking to children when an imaginary friend enters the conversation. Children chat happily with their imaginary friend, whether they wish us to be involved or not. I often wondered if the imaginary friend really was imaginary, but really was there and could be seen and interacted with through a ‘third eye’. During my work with young children, I concluded that they are much closer to the spirit world than most adults who seem to have lost something in the growing up process. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Is God Within Everyone? 3:42

2 years ago3:42

3:42

Most of us will have been shocked and horrified by the current criminal case involving the murder of many babies who were in the care of a young and deeply troubled nurse. Yet again, the wilful destruction of life is on our minds and challenges our understanding of goodness and, indeed God. Why did this happen? Why was it allowed to happen? Who is ultimately responsible? These are just some of the current questions being asked, together with cries for justice. We also know that the pain and anguish felt by parents who have lost a child is even greater under such tragic and cruel circumstances. We feel their pain but have no answers. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
You're an Angel 6:41

2 years ago6:41

6:41

“Oh, she’s an angel”, or “Thank you, you’re an angel” are comments that I sometimes hear, and often following an act of kindness or generosity. Maybe such comments are more common in the older generation nowadays, but I am used to hearing them. It is always a comment that startles me for a moment, and I wonder... © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Are You Friendly? 5:38

2 years ago5:38

5:38

The article claimed that Denmark, Switzerland and Norway are the most unfriendly destinations for immigrants Despite the generally high quality of life in these countries, they are just not friendly enough with poor attitudes to immigrants and a local culture that is difficult to get used to. These ‘sinners’ were closely followed by Germany and France that ranked 56th and 57th in a list of 67 countries. Again, the general friendliness (or lack of) figured highly in France, whilst in Germany socialising with the locals and the language were major barriers to successful integration. Mind you, it could be worse, with Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Czech Republic being the most unfriendly of all. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Animals Need Our Help Too 5:58

2 years ago5:58

5:58

Although, I understand that the suffering and welfare of people come first, I know that I am not the only one to be distressed about animals caught up in such disasters. There is rarely any mention of animals caught up in flooding, fire and other tragedies that appear on our television screens, and little is ever reported. It seems that animals suddenly become invisible during times of crisis, yet as all animal lovers will know, they have become part of our lives and highly important. Dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, birds and reptiles, as well as farm animals often perish in horrendous circumstances during these periods of exceptional tragedy, and it seems that they are forgotten and left behind during the pressure of rescue efforts. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Fuyu For You 4:32

2 years ago4:32

4:32

I discovered the “Fruit of the Gods” the other day. More accurately known as persimmon or Sharon Fruit, this delectable fruit has been tempting me for a while, but somehow I didn't have the courage to try one. As feeble as this may sound, I have been caught by strange fruit and vegetables before, and the prickly pear being a particular unfortunate experience, which is a story for another time. One thing that I have learned from that particular experience is always to check with someone knowledgeable about how to prepare, cook and eat any strange new fruit and vegetables that we may come across, and to be clear about what is to be done with anything prickly. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Celebrating the NHS 8:47

2 years ago8:47

8:47

We remember and celebrate the foundation of the National Health Service by the Labour Government on 5 July 1948. The NHS, despite its current difficulties with funding, staffing levels and retention of staff, is one of the very few areas that unites most of the country. It is often described as the country’s national religion and supported by most people. Despite current difficulties in accessing treatment, long waiting lists and lack of follow up care, surveys indicate that the founding principles of the NHS, which was to be universal, equitable, comprehensive, high quality, free at the point of delivery and centrally funded, are still supported by most people. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
The Spiritual Tape Recorder 4:26

2 years ago4:26

4:26

For me, peace and meditation is often best achieved within the tranquillity of an old building: a church or chapel, or maybe a quiet National Trust property. When we enter a building for the first time, we often immediately sense if it is welcoming or not, and whether we would feel comfortable there. The reasons are unclear, and we may not know why we feel this way, but it is real. This feeling is often described as our ‘inner eye’, which in generations gone by would connect to the unseen world. It is a powerful sense, which has become more acute within me as I get older. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
The Air Show 5:01

2 years ago5:01

5:01

Looking at the broader issues. Is it right for aircraft to be joyriding the skies in a show of machismo during the climate crisis? Given the huge costs of energy and fuel poverty in the country, is it right to be casually flouting an endless supply of aircraft fuel for joy riding? What about pollution of both the atmosphere and noise? Yes, the pilots are well trained, gifted, and clever individuals, but hopefully the public are aware that such displays are basically another recruitment tool, along with Armed Services Day, for military service? Air shows are generously promoted and encouraged by the military in the hope that more young people will be encouraged to sign up to protect our country or, in other words, to be used as possible cannon fodder in a war that the Government chooses to participate in. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
The Long, Lazy Lunch 4:48

2 years ago4:48

4:48

Once upon a time there was a Spanish civil servant, an engineer, who was asked to collect an award after 20 years of loyal service to the Spanish state. On further investigation by his superiors, it turned out that he had not appeared for work for the last six years, although this could possibly be as many as fourteen years, no one is quite sure. Someone seemed to remember him popping out for lunch one day, but then all recollections of him after his siesta appear rather hazy... © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
Squirrelogy 7:06

2 years ago7:06

7:06

My first encounter with a squirrel was not a happy one. I was about five years old, and we had just arrived for my first holiday in Bournemouth, staying with my elderly great aunt in her Victorian home. I still remember entering the old house through a small conservatory that housed many glass cases in which were collections of stuffed birds and animals. I clearly remember several small birds trapped in a frozen, lifeless state behind glass walls; a beautiful fox with its mouth open ready to devour whatever the taxidermist had imagined when preparing the poor creature for display. To me, this later became the stuff of nightmares. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
A Nice Cup of Tea 6:57

2 years ago6:57

6:57

Those of a certain age will know just how important tea is to the psyche and general well-being of most Brits. Most of us were weaned on the stuff and it runs through our veins in copious amounts. It is what makes Britain great; it is the stuff of Empire, Winston Churchill, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, Hugh Grant and cream teas. Indeed, it is a well-known truism that you are not a real Brit unless you drink at least ten cups of the stuff each day. Any less than this and you are regarded as a fraud and imposter, or maybe even a European, no argument. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
The Robinson Crusoe Experience 5:27

2 years ago5:27

5:27

Islands have always fascinated me, and I also love a good story, which is probably why one in particular sticks in my mind. That book is Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, which was first published in 1719. It is the story of a castaway who spends thirty years on a remote tropical island. It is hardly a carefree holiday for the poor man, since Crusoe has to contend with mutineers, captives and cannibals before he is finally rescued. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Banana Wars 4:21

2 years ago4:21

4:21

It is Europe Day tomorrow, which I will of course toast with a glass of my favourite rioja, and it seems appropriate that I write about bananas. Why bananas, and what’s the link with Europe you may be asking. Well, I often write about bananas, because I like bananas, I like eating them and we also have a very large banana tree growing and fruiting in our garden, which provides endless entertainment and annoyance for our dog, Bella. Bananas, and similar crops, have in the past been the lifeblood of the economy of the Canary Islands and the links that these islands have with the UK are symbolised by the creation of Canary Wharf, which was the original recipient of bananas from these islands. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Sunbeds R Us 5:24

2 years ago5:24

5:24

I am often told that Brits on holiday like nothing better than to get out of bed long before their all-inclusive breakfast has even hit the frying pan, and to chase outside to the swimming pool in their boxer shorts or bras (or possibly both) to place a vivid Union flag towel on the sunbed of their choice. It is even more exciting if there is a mad competitive dash with the Germans, with Brits gaining immense satisfaction if they reach their prized position first. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Avoid the Doctor, Eat Honey 4:40

2 years ago4:40

4:40

I don’t want to be too depressing as summer approaches, but we will soon be heading into the season of coughs, colds and flu once again, together with the misery that such conditions bring. In most cases, these illnesses are relatively short-lived, but can be unpleasant, inconvenient, and annoying, and also serious in cases where there are underlying health conditions. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
Good Grief 7:11

2 years ago7:11

7:11

“I don’t like funerals” alongside “I don’t like hospitals” are two comments that I often hear. These comments always make me cringe, and I always feel like responding with “Does anyone?”, but I usually manage to bite my lip and smile. It is a truism that none of us like to dwell on illness and death, but both are a fact of life that we mostly conveniently ignore until it hits us when we are least prepared. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
"I could Write a Book..." 6:13

2 years ago6:13

6:13

One of the many joys in my life is writing and hopefully sharing some joy and maybe amusement with others, be it in written or audio form. I have always written and, later when I became a teacher, I did my best to encourage my pupils to write too, not only for themselves, but for others. As a young teacher, I remember encouraging pupils to “Think about the audience that you are writing for.” Later in life, with more experience, I realised that the most successful writing often comes from writing for yourself; if others enjoy it too, then that’s a bonus. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

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1
The Last Bottle Standing 3:38

2 years ago3:38

3:38

One of the many delights of living in the Canary Islands and Spain is the enjoyment of a huge range of wines that are readily and cheaply available. Although wine snobs will no doubt disagree, bottles of good quality, drinkable wines are always readily available for less than five euros. As well as a growing selection of excellent Canarian wines that I always enjoy, my reliable standby, particularly when visiting the UK, is always a Spanish Rioja. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 To find out more about Barrie and his books, please click here Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney…

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1
A Social Laundry 4:58

2 years ago4:58

4:58

The cost of living and energy crisis are having a devastating impact upon many families in the UK. My mind turns to refugee families, currently living in hotels and elsewhere whilst their claims for asylum are being processed and I wonder how they cope with many often-unrecognised issues that they must be facing. I wonder how they manage to keep clean, to wash and dry their clothes? Presumably many attempt to deal with their laundry in the bath or sink of a hotel room? What about drying and airing clothes? It must be a nightmare for families with babies and young children to care for. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 To find out more about Barrie and his books, please click here Join me on Facebook: @barrie.mahoney…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Changing Times 4:03

2 years ago4:03

4:03

Will you remember to put the clocks forward one hour? Sadly, I completely forgot to attend to this bi-annual nonsense last time, but thanks to my smartphone and watch it was done automatically, and so there was no need to be concerned. My laptop and other devices all managed to adjust to the new time too. It was only a few years ago when the first part of the day would be spent adjusting the time on clocks and watches. Do you remember those annoying car clocks? I never did bother to change mine and worked on the basis that they would be correct for at least six months of the year, so why bother? © Barrie Mahoney 2023 To find out more about Barrie and his books, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Chocolate Medicine 3:29

2 years ago3:29

3:29

I felt a sudden rush of excitement when I read a recent report that chocolate may be one of the best remedies for dealing with a nasty cough. Forget all those revolting cough syrups, but simply suck chocolate. Now this is the cure that I do approve of, but does it work? © Barrie Mahoney 2023 You can find out more about Barrie and his books by clicking here…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Let Them Eat Turnips 7:19

2 years ago7:19

7:19

I winced when I heard the BBC’s business correspondent being asked about the current shortages of tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. “Is it anything to do with Brexit?” asked the news presenter. “It’s all to do with the weather, nothing to do with Brexit”, came the earnest reply. I knew then that we were hearing the BBC/Tory Government’s official line, which has nothing to do with facts or accuracy of information. I knew it was time to change channels, which is becoming increasingly frequent nowadays. After all, no one can accuse the BBC of not being government biased, can they? © Barrie Mahoney 2023 This podcast was written and is read by Barrie Mahoney. You can find out more about the author by clicking here…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Charity Shops 10:33

2 years ago10:33

10:33

My goodness, staff working in charity shops in Devon are a picky lot! They certainly know how to stick their noses into the air, and reject items offered to them. I wonder if this is the same throughout the country? I hope not, because many good quality items that could be of use to someone will end up in landfill. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 This article is part of the book 'Travelling Hopefully' by Barrie Mahoney. You can find out more about the author and this book by clicking here…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Travelling Hopefully - Barrie's Introduction 2:15

2 years ago2:15

2:15

Travelling Hopefully After many years living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands, Barrie and his partner David return to start a new life in the UK. Challenges that they had not expected were waiting for them; Covid lockdowns, political and health challenges were just the start of it. The UK had shifted significantly to the right of politics, more jingoistic, flag waving, suspicious and unwelcoming of ‘foreigners’ and had become more divisive and inward-looking following Brexit. The UK was in an identity crisis. This book, part of the Letters from the Atlantic series, is a humorous account, comparing Barrie’s life in Spain and the Canary Islands to his new life in the UK. It is hoped that this book will be of help to those considering a new life in Europe, as well as those returning to the UK. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 This article is part of the book 'Travelling Hopefully' by Barrie Mahoney. You can find out more about the author and this book by clicking here…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Travelling Hopefully - The Book 7:30

2 years ago7:30

7:30

After many years living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands, Barrie and his partner David return to start a new life in the UK. Challenges that they had not expected were waiting for them; Covid lockdowns, political and health challenges were just the start of it. The UK had shifted significantly to the right of politics, more jingoistic, flag waving, suspicious and unwelcoming of ‘foreigners’ and had become more divisive and inward-looking following Brexit. The UK was in an identity crisis. This book, part of the Letters from the Atlantic series, is a humorous account, comparing Barrie’s life in Spain and the Canary Islands to his new life in the UK. It is hoped that this book will be of help to those considering a new life in Europe, as well as those returning to the UK. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 This article is part of the book 'Travelling Hopefully' by Barrie Mahoney. You can find out more about the author and this book by clicking here…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Journeys & Jigsaws - Chapter 1, Part 2 3:54

2 years ago3:54

3:54

Synopsis: Prior’s Hill in the early 1980’s seems like a tranquil rural idyll, with its picture postcard cottages, small village school and church. James Young, the new head teacher of the village primary school, soon discovers that beneath the surface there are some difficult challenges to overcome. He must contend with demanding parents and local politics, as well as the steep learning curve that comes with his new position. While struggling to hold together his team of teachers and deal with various tasks that aren’t in his official job description, James must also find the time and energy to maintain his relationship with his beloved partner. Ultimately he is faced with the most difficult questions: Can he live up to everything the school and community expect of him? Can he deal with the tragedy that is thrown at him just when everything seems to be working so well? What steps will he take to resolve all these challenges? In an original and thought-provoking novel, Barrie Mahoney paints a vivid picture of the complexities of life in a small English village, as well as providing an insight into the challenges faced by gay, professional men at a time when prejudice and the threat of AIDS loomed large. © Barrie Mahoney 2023 This article is part of the ' Prior's Hill Chronicles series' by Barrie Mahoney. You can find out more about the author and this book by clicking here…

Barrie's Podcast

1
Journeys & Jigsaws - Chapter 1, Part 1 4:05

2 years ago4:05