Lockdown is the mother of invention, or so it seems. In the long, idle hours generated by Covid and Retirement, there has been ample opportunity to hone a new set of skills. The main insight I have gained after being out of the English classroom for the first time since 1982, is that the thing that I miss the most, the essence of English teaching is reading a great book or a poem aloud to a classroom full of kids. And so, I present the results, via my two new ventures, The View from the Great North Wood Youtube channel, and the Telling Stories Podcast. Indulge me, and think of this as therapy for someone still grieving.

Both ventures are straight out of the “Sniffin’ Glue” school of publishing, that is, rough and ready, with an unmistakeable aroma of punk. In those days, we were all just encouraged to get it down while it was hot. To pick up a guitar and learn two chords (who needed more? Patti Smith famously used just one, brilliantly) and start to thrash. To type, cut and paste (with scissors!) and xerox it.

So with that in mind, dive in. But be kind. And, don’t hold back from subscribing and spreading the word.

Telling Stories podcasts, featuring readings of short stories, poems, and ramblings on politics, education and culture

The Watcher and The Friend by R J Barron. Chapter 3 The Watcher – Telling Stories

This is chapter 3 of The Watcher and The Friend. Thomas Trelawney, aged 13, meets the mysterious Silas Cummerbund, The Watcher, for the first time

1. The Watcher and The Friend by R J Barron. Chapter 3 The Watcher 19:35
2. The Watcher and The Friend Chapter 2, The Grandfather Clock 17:18
3. The Watcher and The Friend, Chapter 1 09:47
4. Asking the Questions 27:53
5. Episode 6 Don't Smile before Christmas, part 2 25:05