Tag Archives: chair

‘Intelligence calipers’ measure IQs of aspiring spooks (Rousse)

The job advert had read ‘civil servant’ but I knew that the panel members opposite me were assessing my suitability for a role that included subterfuge, espionage, honeypots, and data decryption. I played along answering the standard interview questions with … Continue reading

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A disgraceful dip in the pool (Rousse)

It was a full hour before I was due to chair the presentation at Edinburgh University. I persuaded a couple of others that we had time to call in at the dancing conference on the way. We entered a long … Continue reading

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Matchbox car entertainment (Rousse)

BC and GC’s house was bigger than I imagined from the photos. I was keen to confirm that I had come to the right place and looked around for green leather furniture. When I returned home I realised that I … Continue reading

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Losing weight and losing your mind (Rousse)

Belle and I were having huge problems dealing with TIX. Although we were terribly impressed by her recent weight loss, we were distressed to discover that she had also lost her mind. When she jumped out of the car in … Continue reading

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Call for Sunday opening at the National Library of Scotland (Rousse)

‘And this is why we need Sunday opening too’ said the librarian as she led us through the main reading room of the National Library of Scotland (recently refurbished with lovely new blue chairs). I glanced over and understood her … Continue reading

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Downsize giveaway – with goat (Rousse)

TPR and I were furnishing our new flat. Meanwhile friends of friends (Sue and Mike) had downsized and were giving away all sorts of bits and pieces that they had previously placed in storage. We lacked suitable seating for the … Continue reading

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A Daily Mail reader out of place (Rousse)

I felt rather out of place in the huge panelled drawing room stuffed with men in tweed jackets reading broadsheet newspapers, especially when carrying a copy of the Daily Mail. When I sat down in the dining room it was … Continue reading

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Conference confusion (Rousse)

I was regretting my decision to accept the invitation to chair the conference, especially now that the ‘man in charge’ was obviously ignoring the programme and directing the delegates keen to hear the plenary session into a field. This was … Continue reading

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A prediction, skewered prawns, and rude remarks about Dame Kelly Holmes (Rousse)

The stranger was astonished when I guessed that he was a city worker who had retired early from a career in finance. I was almost right: he’d spent his entire working life at the Treasury. After queuing for my food … Continue reading

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Unheeded feedback and the magical properties of water (Rousse)

Once again I was astonished by the versatility of my colleague C. Sitting to the left of me, he chaired Monday’s meeting – while simultaneously presenting his report in person from the other side of the table. I liked C’s … Continue reading

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