Progress

‘Brothers, we’re here today to think about our plan of action.  We are Stours’ he announced proudly ‘we stick together.’    He slammed his empty tankard down on the table with a crash.  Some little drops of froth laid upon his beard.   Ethan Stour folded his arms across his chest in a defiant gesture, as if the enemy were in the room.  His rough woollen…

Incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice

Incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice Apprenticeships are jobs with training, that benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, employers may face challenges with hiring new apprentices. How the government is supporting you:The government has introduced extended the incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice. You can apply…

Leaving

She feels nothing. No sense of loss? Nothing. Glancing at the rear-view mirror her heart lifts at the miles stacking up behind her. Having all the time in the world she drives slowly. Her time at last, her life reclaimed.      Fine rain. Windscreen wipers squeak their protest as they wave long arms to…

Is This Where I Belong

Well, I don’t know what happened there. One minute I was – where was I again? Can’t remember. Never mind, it’ll come back. But this place I recognise.  I remember this. It looks like the old home town, but bigger – built-up, if you like, tall walls – but quiet. So quiet. Apart from the…

A Child of our time

Light stains the late afternoon sky. “Look at the sunset,” he says, “The light is painting the clouds.” He is doing what he always does. Behind us I feel the mound we dug, his spade tearing the gravelly ground. Then softer, finer. Crumbs pattering the clean white sheet we wrapped her in. He takes my…

By the Sea

I was surprised to find her in my beach hut. I was curious.  “Who are you? Can I help you? How did you get in here?” I quickly gave up as every question was answered simply with: “I don’t know yet” I had no reason to disbelieve her, but it was odd nonetheless.   I glanced…

The Puzzle

On a dreich, dismal day in December, the clouds draped over the town like an oppressive shroud. The greyness soaked into the soul of anyone venturing outside, forcing hands deep into pockets and hunching features in defence against the all-pervasive cold. The man looked up at the menacing clouds and shuddered. Lowering his gaze, he…

Lost & Found

Five days searching through jewellery shops across London finally led Henry to the pendant necklace. Practically identical in every way, his heart skipped at the sight. The jeweller draped the white gold, ruby cluster, across the glass counter in front of him and his eyes lit up at what was the perfect replacement. His debit…