Author Archives: Dreamaticus

REF cheats (Rousse)

I started to write my report about the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in pink ink along the top of the low wall. My source material was a huge A4 binder bulging with print-outs and notes from 2021. I left my … Continue reading

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Royal shenanigans and an unintended heist (Belle)

My second worst ever boyfriend decided to take me to Italy to show off his new friends – a group of minor royals. “See how much fun we’re having”, he said to me as a group of them posed and … Continue reading

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Sara the stranger (Rousse)

The extra member of our book group was DM’s new mentee: a large woman called Sara. From now onwards, she would meet DM three hours before the start of our meetings, then join the rest of us for the dinner … Continue reading

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American carries rifle as hand luggage on commercial flight from Heathrow to the Far East (Rousse)

The American couple were also heading for the Far East. We were just at the start of our long journey. They had already endured several hours in the confines of economy having flown into Heathrow from the US just a … Continue reading

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A catering crisis on campus and a corpse (Rousse)

Keen to make a mark in her new role, the recently-appointed professor organised a one-day networking event on campus. I agreed to come along to support this short, dark-haired woman, and offered to bring a dish for the evening meal. … Continue reading

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A right royal flush (Rousse)

Along a lonely corridor, I stumbled into Queen Elizabeth II. Her white gloved hand was on the handle of a small door. When I started to engage in conversation with her majesty, she interrupted me quickly to say that she … Continue reading

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Pasta, fruit, and showers during hospital discharge (Rousse)

The cost of a hospital discharge was a lasagne. I had mine ready to hand over when I left with KH, who had volunteered to pick me up. I’d almost finished packing. I just needed to work out how to … Continue reading

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Last minute kitchen disco (Rousse)

Our dinner guests had left, and I was about to turn in for the night when the doorbell rang. Into the flat piled a horde of old ECM friends, desperate to party. TPR had invited them over just a few … Continue reading

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Tiny hands and bodice popping (Rousse)

When I arrived at the gym, MM was waiting for me – not because I was the last member to arrive for a class, but so that he could take me aside for a personal matter. He wrapped his left … Continue reading

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