Podcast

  • A Christmas Tale

    Gerry thought the mid November was a ridiculously early time for Santa to arrive, but he kept his own counsel. This was his second year as the Maryhill Shopping Centre Santa and he was glad of the work. He’d had a couple of days to supervise the construction of the grotto, sort out the presents…

  • Clinging On

    I knew from the first day – from the moment the removal men left – that I wanted to leave. I closed the door behind them, and took a deep breath. I turned to face the hallway. Mess. Muddle. Cardboard boxes and plastic tubs of junk stacked to my waist. Every step of the stairs…

  • The Neon Exit

    Vicky is already in the bingo hall, tapping her fingers on the table, with her books laid out and her dabbers all in a neat line. I knew where to find her. She is sat where Mum used to sit. She got here early so she could get that booth. People get funny about sitting…

  • Dolores

    Let me introduce myself. I am Dolores. I live with Geoff at 7 Camellia Close on the outskirts of town. I spend my time in the front room positioned in the bay window. The front room is decorated in tasteful beige and pink striped wallpaper and a beige carpet which doesn’t quite match the wallpaper….

  • The Twentieth

    Before I got a chance to lift the last corner of the ham sandwich along with the two crisps that clung to it, it was suddenly drowned in beer as some idiot bumped into the table. Not even a sorry. The bump took the top off three pints and drowned the plate. Normally, I never…

  • Camels and Canapes

        ‘Ocean View’ Moses Avenue Sinai-on-Sea Egypt   Darling Elizabeth, Never again! What a week! More gruelling than the Gomorrah golfing holiday, wackier than the whale-watching in Nineveh. Our plan was to take a quiet break in Judea whilst Joseph sorted out his tax affairs, but for some reason the whole town was absolutely…

  • The Pear

    I am leaving him, and it feels cruel. He’s spent most of the day packing my things away, has reached the last room, the sitting room and goes to find another box to fill. I tensely wait for his return, feeling insecure, wondering if he still loves me. The thought is as sharp as any…

  • Ladies’ Day

    Original Susan Tate Illustration by Michael N Green   A sudden gust of wind caught Susan’s hat and it flew across the car park. She ran after it, hoping the cars coming in would not crush it under their wheels. With a swift movement she retrieved it and placed it back on her head, taking…

  • Three Portraits & Three Tales

    While visiting the BP Portrait Award 2012 exhibition Dawn Reeves and I were particularily drawn to three portraits.  They have inspired these three short tales –  to view the three portraits from exhibition click the links at the end of each tale. Dear Barbara by Joanna Sterling 5a Atlantic View Windy Villas The Lizard Cornwall  Dear Barbara What a…