Simon Ricketts
@simonicity.bsky.social
Ubiquitous planning lawyer.
Arts; culture; politics; simonicity blog.
Personal views.
Not much football because Saints FC.
Arts; culture; politics; simonicity blog.
Personal views.
Not much football because Saints FC.
January 10, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Various people rightly recommended this sobering start to the year. You can read it in an evening. May not sleep that night, mind you.
January 1, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Various people rightly recommended this sobering start to the year. You can read it in an evening. May not sleep that night, mind you.
Maybe the next tranche of unitaries, strategic authorities etc should go for more replaceable signage than North Cotswold RDC did.
January 1, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Maybe the next tranche of unitaries, strategic authorities etc should go for more replaceable signage than North Cotswold RDC did.
Like any good book, The Gods Of New York has led to my internal “if you liked that you should maybe re-read these before buying anything else” whirring…. (& also to some plays of Public Enemy “It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back” up loud - yup never really listened before).
December 31, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Like any good book, The Gods Of New York has led to my internal “if you liked that you should maybe re-read these before buying anything else” whirring…. (& also to some plays of Public Enemy “It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back” up loud - yup never really listened before).
Some themes to take for the here and now from this great book. The politics of governing a city that’s under financial pressure, under pressure from bullying business (Trump), with race, homelessness, health & social care issues always simmering. Nice analysis of the main NY protagonists 1986-1990.
December 31, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Some themes to take for the here and now from this great book. The politics of governing a city that’s under financial pressure, under pressure from bullying business (Trump), with race, homelessness, health & social care issues always simmering. Nice analysis of the main NY protagonists 1986-1990.
Ooh the Christmas present works. The Fox and Badger isn’t just a pub name then.
December 30, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Ooh the Christmas present works. The Fox and Badger isn’t just a pub name then.
Immense & inspirational record to blow away the cobwebs this morning. Bass up. ✊ 🔈
December 29, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Immense & inspirational record to blow away the cobwebs this morning. Bass up. ✊ 🔈
Well done. You have reached Boxing Day.
December 26, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Well done. You have reached Boxing Day.
Thank you “Santa”…
December 24, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Thank you “Santa”…
December 22, 2025 at 7:24 AM
December 21, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Jeremy King has created more restaurants than I have had hot dinners. Very much enjoyed this litany of great London restaurants, famous guests, strong views and probably good advice.
December 20, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Jeremy King has created more restaurants than I have had hot dinners. Very much enjoyed this litany of great London restaurants, famous guests, strong views and probably good advice.
Doctor, I now have a sore throat, ringing ears and a big smile.
Dave Hill’s Slade in Bournemouth tonight.
Dave Hill’s Slade in Bournemouth tonight.
December 14, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Doctor, I now have a sore throat, ringing ears and a big smile.
Dave Hill’s Slade in Bournemouth tonight.
Dave Hill’s Slade in Bournemouth tonight.
Tree’s up, cat’s up
December 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Tree’s up, cat’s up
Halestorm at the O2 this evening. Phew. Lizzy Hale (middle dot on stage) has possibly the most amazing vocal cords in modern rock. An enjoyable whatever the opposite is of a quiet night in…
November 26, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Halestorm at the O2 this evening. Phew. Lizzy Hale (middle dot on stage) has possibly the most amazing vocal cords in modern rock. An enjoyable whatever the opposite is of a quiet night in…
16 years ago young Justin Bieber broke his foot on stage supporting Taylor Swift, and I was there…
November 23, 2025 at 9:06 PM
16 years ago young Justin Bieber broke his foot on stage supporting Taylor Swift, and I was there…
Enjoyed an event in the House of Commons this evening.
November 19, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Enjoyed an event in the House of Commons this evening.
The Anchoress at the Union Chapel tonight.
November 14, 2025 at 10:30 PM
The Anchoress at the Union Chapel tonight.