SBlandfo
@sblandfo.bsky.social
Poet. Nature, conservation, history, archaeology, art, architecture, politics & the pleasures of reading. Doyenne of #IronworkThursday. Still #yallmasking
From Marc’s important letter to #London Mayor Sadiq Khan & others:
“It seems to me that it is an extraordinary situation that in the wealthiest borough, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, these [homeless] people are struggling to survive against all the odds…” (1/n)
“It seems to me that it is an extraordinary situation that in the wealthiest borough, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, these [homeless] people are struggling to survive against all the odds…” (1/n)
November 24, 2025 at 1:21 PM
From Marc’s important letter to #London Mayor Sadiq Khan & others:
“It seems to me that it is an extraordinary situation that in the wealthiest borough, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, these [homeless] people are struggling to survive against all the odds…” (1/n)
“It seems to me that it is an extraordinary situation that in the wealthiest borough, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, these [homeless] people are struggling to survive against all the odds…” (1/n)
Reposted by SBlandfo
I spent hours yesterday at the tent encampment behind the Adelphi in London and as a result have sent this open letter with a plea for a meaningful intervention to
Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Adam Hug @adamhug.bsky.social
@matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social
@paulabarkermp.bsky.social and Bob Blackman
Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Adam Hug @adamhug.bsky.social
@matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social
@paulabarkermp.bsky.social and Bob Blackman
November 24, 2025 at 11:57 AM
I spent hours yesterday at the tent encampment behind the Adelphi in London and as a result have sent this open letter with a plea for a meaningful intervention to
Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Adam Hug @adamhug.bsky.social
@matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social
@paulabarkermp.bsky.social and Bob Blackman
Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk
Adam Hug @adamhug.bsky.social
@matthewpennycookmp.bsky.social
@paulabarkermp.bsky.social and Bob Blackman
Reposted by SBlandfo
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
New: Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexit Titanic success’ was half right
Nearly ten years on, the first full assessment of Brexit confirms what millions warned: Britain made itself poorer
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
Reposted by SBlandfo
‘Brexit isn’t in the past. It is present in every overstretched council budget, every cancelled infrastructure project, every school without enough teachers, every struggling business wondering how to cope with higher costs and lower demand.’
Rachel Reeves says there’s a “hole” in the public finances.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
A new decade-long Brexit study explains it:
a 6–8% hit to GDP – that's £180bn-£240bn a year – means less tax, less investment and less money for everything else.
Brexit made Britain poorer. Much poorer.
New: Boris Johnson’s ‘Brexit Titanic success’ was half right
Nearly ten years on, the first full assessment of Brexit confirms what millions warned: Britain made itself poorer
eastangliabylines.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 8:04 AM
‘Brexit isn’t in the past. It is present in every overstretched council budget, every cancelled infrastructure project, every school without enough teachers, every struggling business wondering how to cope with higher costs and lower demand.’
Reposted by SBlandfo
BREAKING: #COP30 ends without a deal to transition away from fossil fuels, halt deforestation, or secure a nature package.
Modest steps fall far short of what’s needed after a year above 1.5°C.
The work is more urgent than ever – and it must be delivered.
Modest steps fall far short of what’s needed after a year above 1.5°C.
The work is more urgent than ever – and it must be delivered.
November 22, 2025 at 6:18 PM
BREAKING: #COP30 ends without a deal to transition away from fossil fuels, halt deforestation, or secure a nature package.
Modest steps fall far short of what’s needed after a year above 1.5°C.
The work is more urgent than ever – and it must be delivered.
Modest steps fall far short of what’s needed after a year above 1.5°C.
The work is more urgent than ever – and it must be delivered.
Reposted by SBlandfo
November 22, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Reposted by SBlandfo
If you would like a signed Everything Will Swallow You hardback for RRP + P&P, I have a fabulous selection of art by my mum, Jo, which I'm sending out for free (one linoprint with each book). Let me know your address via [email protected] while stocks last.
Sorry, this is just for UK folk, BUT...
Sorry, this is just for UK folk, BUT...
November 22, 2025 at 7:57 AM
If you would like a signed Everything Will Swallow You hardback for RRP + P&P, I have a fabulous selection of art by my mum, Jo, which I'm sending out for free (one linoprint with each book). Let me know your address via [email protected] while stocks last.
Sorry, this is just for UK folk, BUT...
Sorry, this is just for UK folk, BUT...
Reposted by SBlandfo
Sam the Eagle is stuffy and snooty enough to play Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
November 22, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Sam the Eagle is stuffy and snooty enough to play Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Create the #Muppet #P&P cast list - go on, you know you want to. Key question- who plays Elizabeth? #JaneAusten
November 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Create the #Muppet #P&P cast list - go on, you know you want to. Key question- who plays Elizabeth? #JaneAusten
Reposted by SBlandfo
It would have been artist Martin Aitchison’s birthday this week (b.1919 - d. 2016)
Here are some of his books for Ladybird
Here are some of his books for Ladybird
November 21, 2025 at 7:34 PM
It would have been artist Martin Aitchison’s birthday this week (b.1919 - d. 2016)
Here are some of his books for Ladybird
Here are some of his books for Ladybird
I have signed up for this course on the #WarsOfTheRoses - I heard Nathen Amin lecture at St Margaret’s Westminster last week and he was excellent and I’m sure Nicola Tallis will be too. Something interesting to look forward to in the cold days of #January!
After the huge success of our Tudors' online course, Nicola Tallis and I have created a new 'Wars of the Roses: Power and Personalities' course for this January. We expect all 300 places to go so get your ticket reserved ASAP. Christmas gift?
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-wars-o...?
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-wars-o...?
The Wars of the Roses: Power and Personalities
Join Nicola & Nathen as we dive into the tumultuous history of the Wars of the Roses, exploring power struggles & intriguing personalities.
www.eventbrite.com.au
November 21, 2025 at 7:47 PM
I have signed up for this course on the #WarsOfTheRoses - I heard Nathen Amin lecture at St Margaret’s Westminster last week and he was excellent and I’m sure Nicola Tallis will be too. Something interesting to look forward to in the cold days of #January!
Reposted by SBlandfo
For our final #AutumnArrivalSpotlight, who else but the stunning Waxwing?
These Scandinavian visitors are a winter favourite with their vibrant crests and yellow-tipped tails.
Watch for flocks feasting on berries in parks and gardens, our seasonal showstoppers!
These Scandinavian visitors are a winter favourite with their vibrant crests and yellow-tipped tails.
Watch for flocks feasting on berries in parks and gardens, our seasonal showstoppers!
November 21, 2025 at 10:15 AM
For our final #AutumnArrivalSpotlight, who else but the stunning Waxwing?
These Scandinavian visitors are a winter favourite with their vibrant crests and yellow-tipped tails.
Watch for flocks feasting on berries in parks and gardens, our seasonal showstoppers!
These Scandinavian visitors are a winter favourite with their vibrant crests and yellow-tipped tails.
Watch for flocks feasting on berries in parks and gardens, our seasonal showstoppers!
Reposted by SBlandfo
That’s why the Liberal Democrats are bringing forward a bill requiring all political parties to declare if any of their candidates have links with Russia.
November 21, 2025 at 11:22 AM
That’s why the Liberal Democrats are bringing forward a bill requiring all political parties to declare if any of their candidates have links with Russia.
Reposted by SBlandfo
Nathan Gill; A traitor who was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting Russian adversaries, has been sentenced today.
Reform UK should be ashamed. Britain deserves better.
Reform UK should be ashamed. Britain deserves better.
November 21, 2025 at 11:22 AM
Nathan Gill; A traitor who was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting Russian adversaries, has been sentenced today.
Reform UK should be ashamed. Britain deserves better.
Reform UK should be ashamed. Britain deserves better.
Reposted by SBlandfo
If you want to treat yourself to an early #Christmas present - or if you just want more joy and beauty in your life - sign up to Anne’s #Patreon. You’ll never regret it (and follow her here, of course)!
❄️Last call for Old Fox’s Advent
Calendar! Join my patreon or buy me a chocolate on Ko-fi & write Christmas in your message & even a theme or a beloved to dedicate it to, & I will add you to my list of twenty-four windows. Only a few left now, so do hurry if you'd like one!❄️
Calendar! Join my patreon or buy me a chocolate on Ko-fi & write Christmas in your message & even a theme or a beloved to dedicate it to, & I will add you to my list of twenty-four windows. Only a few left now, so do hurry if you'd like one!❄️
November 19, 2025 at 2:11 PM
If you want to treat yourself to an early #Christmas present - or if you just want more joy and beauty in your life - sign up to Anne’s #Patreon. You’ll never regret it (and follow her here, of course)!
Reposted by SBlandfo
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime | P.S.
Liberal Democrats vs Reform UK Ltd: who’s really the underdog?
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime
centralbylines.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 8:43 AM
The Liberal Democrats hold 72 parliamentary seats, yet the media have sidelined Ed Davey while Reform UK Ltd hogs column inches and airtime | P.S.
If Anne’s wonderful Old Fox stories have ever brightened your day (or even brought healing tears), do sign up for her Patreon or buy her a birthday Ko-Fi
November 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
If Anne’s wonderful Old Fox stories have ever brightened your day (or even brought healing tears), do sign up for her Patreon or buy her a birthday Ko-Fi
Reposted by SBlandfo
"The first sighting of a pine marten in Studland, Dorset, in more than a century!" swanage.news/rare-and-end...
November 19, 2025 at 1:36 PM
"The first sighting of a pine marten in Studland, Dorset, in more than a century!" swanage.news/rare-and-end...
Reposted by SBlandfo
A close-up of St Edmund on the Thornham Parva retable. Made in the 1330s, part of that great flowering of English art that was about to be snuffed out by the mid-century pestilence, and probably made for the Blackfriars church at Thetford.
Thornham Parva: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/thornhamentr...
Thornham Parva: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/thornhamentr...
November 20, 2025 at 10:05 AM
A close-up of St Edmund on the Thornham Parva retable. Made in the 1330s, part of that great flowering of English art that was about to be snuffed out by the mid-century pestilence, and probably made for the Blackfriars church at Thetford.
Thornham Parva: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/thornhamentr...
Thornham Parva: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/thornhamentr...
If the short-lived #Kingston mural was supposed to depict a modern version of the historic Frost Fairs on the #Thames, why on earth are people and animals shown splashing around in water?
This mural has gone up in Kingston, ostensibly for Christmas but AI has ensured it's actually to celebrate the return of our dark lord Cthulhu
November 20, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Reposted by SBlandfo
And at the end of that review, the government must stop using X. It's time we stopped underwriting a platform that profits from division. www.politicshome.com/news/article... 10/10 @zoecrowther.bsky.social
Labour MPs Call For A More Serious Review Of The Government's Use Of X
Labour MPs are calling for ministers to take control of decisions over the government’s continued use of X, as concerns grow about the platform’s s...
www.politicshome.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
And at the end of that review, the government must stop using X. It's time we stopped underwriting a platform that profits from division. www.politicshome.com/news/article... 10/10 @zoecrowther.bsky.social
Reposted by SBlandfo
I’m calling on the UK Government to seriously review its presence on X (formerly Twitter) and then leave. It’s not just a communication channel anymore. Read more:
www.politicshome.com/news/article... 1/10
www.politicshome.com/news/article... 1/10
Labour MPs Call For A More Serious Review Of The Government's Use Of X
Labour MPs are calling for ministers to take control of decisions over the government’s continued use of X, as concerns grow about the platform’s s...
www.politicshome.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM
I’m calling on the UK Government to seriously review its presence on X (formerly Twitter) and then leave. It’s not just a communication channel anymore. Read more:
www.politicshome.com/news/article... 1/10
www.politicshome.com/news/article... 1/10
Reposted by SBlandfo
As winter descends on the UK it might help to know that there's still floral colour to be found throughout the winter. There are a small group of plants that lift my spirits between now & February-here are a few of them (& my illustrations alongside):
November 20, 2025 at 9:01 AM
As winter descends on the UK it might help to know that there's still floral colour to be found throughout the winter. There are a small group of plants that lift my spirits between now & February-here are a few of them (& my illustrations alongside):
Reposted by SBlandfo
On a chilly morning such as this, let’s imagine ourselves as a Hadrian’s Wall soldier starting his shift in one of the turrets, checking his section of wall, & then upwards on watch duty.
Filmed Tuesday morning, at fabulous @vindolandatrust.bsky.social before the snow!
#RomanFortThursday
Filmed Tuesday morning, at fabulous @vindolandatrust.bsky.social before the snow!
#RomanFortThursday
November 20, 2025 at 8:10 AM
On a chilly morning such as this, let’s imagine ourselves as a Hadrian’s Wall soldier starting his shift in one of the turrets, checking his section of wall, & then upwards on watch duty.
Filmed Tuesday morning, at fabulous @vindolandatrust.bsky.social before the snow!
#RomanFortThursday
Filmed Tuesday morning, at fabulous @vindolandatrust.bsky.social before the snow!
#RomanFortThursday
Reposted by SBlandfo
Today's the feast of St Edmund of East Anglia, and here he is on the 15C screen at Kersey, Suffolk in his royal regalia holding a sceptre and an arrow, his conventional symbol. The Old Testament prophet he's paired with seems a little astonished.
Kersey: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/kersey.htm
Kersey: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/kersey.htm
November 20, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Today's the feast of St Edmund of East Anglia, and here he is on the 15C screen at Kersey, Suffolk in his royal regalia holding a sceptre and an arrow, his conventional symbol. The Old Testament prophet he's paired with seems a little astonished.
Kersey: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/kersey.htm
Kersey: www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/kersey.htm