When God was writing the job description for the role of Grandfather, I think he must have had our Grandpa in mind. He was the model of what all grandfathers should be. Kind, patient, seemingly all-knowing and great company. Most importantly for a Grandpa, he was also a fantastic link to our heritage - connecting us naturally to values and a world that it would be easy to forget. We all respected Grandpa because we knew he had really lived. Anyone who has settled in three different continents, risen up the ranks of the Colonial office, played off an enviable golf handicap of 14, had a sillouette which directly resembled that of Winston Churchill and outlived the reigns of 19 different British Prime Ministers, deserves respect. Given his intellect, Grandpa could illuminate parts of history that we would otherwise be ignorant of. He once brought to life for me Harold Macmillan’s ‘wind of change’ speech, whilst walking on the cliffs above Birling Gap. He explained how it was a turnin...
I recently quit my job as a charity CEO for a time of reflection, running and adventure. This blog started years ago as the musings of a 20-something wanting to change the world but now is part reflections on mid life and part travel log as I take on running challenges and make pilgrimages, including solo travelling back from Beijing along the Silk Road.