I began writing for my local paper, the Lincolnshire Free Press, in February 2014 and in the four years since then I’ve scribbled 500 words every week in my column, Trish Takes Five. It has appeared every Tuesday in the paper, give or take an odd week for holidays, and is also online on their website, Spalding Today.
People often ask me how do I think of something to write each week? To be honest, it’s an offshoot of my blog. I’m given free rein to write about anything that takes my fancy, so whether it’s reviews of holidays or day trips, my take on TV programmes or just having a laugh about a news snippet I’ve come across, there’s usually plenty of inspiration.
Here are some of my latest articles which haven’t appeared, in a revised form, in this blog. Pick one you like the sound of and let me know what you think.
A gin which suits me to a T
Treating myself to a fabulous bottle of gin created by blogger friend, Mummy Barrow. Tanya teamed up with Bottomley Distillers in Louth, so there was a great Lincolnshire connection I thought readers of the newspaper would enjoy.
(Not as) easy as one , two, three
With research showing concern about adult numeracy in the UK, and my own struggles with numbers, I suggested some maths questions that better reflected the counting problems in my daily life.
Rhythm is gonna get you
I had read a news article that said the song, Come On Eileen, was the tune that made staff work faster in the workplace. I had fun with ideas of other songs to suit certain occasions.
Improving my singing with Gareth Malone
As you probably know, I love my AmDram singing, so I was thrilled to book a workshop with choirmaster, Gareth Malone. Find out whether I impressed him or not.
Leaving on a jet plane
Spending an afternoon and night at Gatwick airport had me musing about what it would be like to take up residence there plus memories of visiting Newcastle airport when I was a child.
The proof is in the pudding
On a recent trip to the Cotswolds we stayed at the Three Ways House Hotel, home to the famous Pudding Club. Eating in the hotel restaurant we were able to listen to the goings on in the private room next door and get a glimpse into this suet-filled event.
Game girl Trish makes a Christmas wish
Some of you will remember my blog posts in years gone by when I shared our Christmas festivities. Arthritic charades was a familiar part of those celebrations. Find out what game amused us all this Christmas and read about our mysterious Christmas Eve visitor.
Tackling Britain’s 100 favourite walks
Did you watch the recent ITV programme which rated the British public’s favourite walks in the UK? I look through the list and count up how many I’ve done…or not, to put it more accurately.
Belated congratulations. It seem like only yesterday when you started, I must be growing old.
My arthritic thumb appears to agree and suggests about 20 words to reach the pain threshold is sufficient,.
PS Oww.
Ah I always get a warm glow of nostalgia (at least I think that’s what it is) when a comment pops up from you. The years are just flying by – the blog began in 2009 and then the newspaper columns started in 2014. I’m still plugging away, enjoying life as an empty nester. Hope you, your family, and your arthritic joints, are keeping well.
Please check that the warm glow was not from an accidental tipping of a tea cup, it can happen at our age. Thanks for your kind wishes