Monthly Archives: June 2012

The abolition of the GCSE and the return of O Levels

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Robert Henderson

Robert Henderson The Coalition’s Education Secretary Michael Gove has signalled his  intention to return the English examination system to something approximating to the O Level examination Gove proposes : That GCSEs will ‘disappear’ from schools within the next few years … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Where have all the express bowlers gone?

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Robert Henderson

Robert Henderson The relative speeds of fast bowlers today and in the past is a perennial subject to which England batsman Alastair Cook recently gave fresh legs.  He claimed that pace bowlers playing now every bit as fearsome as those … Continue reading →

Posted in Sport | Tagged | 13 Comments

Elizabeth I’s speech at Tilbury before the defeat of the Armada

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Robert Henderson

Delivered by Elizabeth to the land forces assembled at Tilbury (Essex) to repel the anticipated invasion of the Spanish Armada, 1588. “My loving people, we have been persuaded by some that we are careful of our safety, to take heed … Continue reading →

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The gratuitous denigration of things English – the reign of Elizabeth I

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Robert Henderson

Robert Henderson Allan Massie, a Scot be it noted, decided to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II  with a deprecating piece on her great predecessor and namesake, Elizabeth I designed to pour  cold water on the idea that … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglophobia, Nationhood, World influence | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Courage is the best defence against charges of racism

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Robert Henderson

Robert Henderson The trial of Emma West on two racially aggravated public order charges which was scheduled for 11 June has been postponed until 16 July to enable further psychiatric reports to be prepared. (http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Emma-West-race-rant-trial-moved-July/story-16346869-detail/story.html). As Miss West was charged … Continue reading →

Posted in Immigration, Nationhood, Politics | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

The utilitarian case for the monarchy

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Robert Henderson

Robert Henderson The utilitarian case for the monarchy is not about pageantry, deference  or the vulgar belief that it is worth keeping because it acts as a tourist magnet. It is not about the cost of the monarchy compared with … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Devolution, Nationhood | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments