Jeni Barnett

The alarm went off at 6.00. The old git had inadvertently set it and the American woman repeatedly told me it was 6.0’clock/6.0’clock/ 6 0’clock/6 0’clock So I got up. Brushed my teeth according to my Swedish hygienist. Washed my face according to my Swedish face gel And brushed my hair according to years of … Read more

I actually had a proper dream last night. I was on board a boat throwing a party. There was a pile of presents waiting to be opened, guests – including my ex floor manager – kept arriving. ‘Alright Now’ was blaring out of the speakers and I was having a good time. I decided not … Read more

I had a dream. Not like Martin Luther King, more like Martin Scorsese, it was filmic in its unfolding. My Great Aunty Becky was lying in a bed in the London Hospital on Whitechapel Road. I loved her. She painted her nails, always visited with a string bag full of goodies, and when she died … Read more

Hastings came up – it’s Thursday – so we went to the ‘SOUTH COAST’ book, my co-habité closed his eyes and flicked the pages until I shouted STOOOOP. It stopped on page 73 – Ditchling ‘The Arts and Crafts Museum’, a mere 30 minutes away. So after a walk round the houses, where we talked … Read more

July 22nd The master of the house is outside using his new hedge cutter and extendable saw. Makes me cry, seeing the roses and pear tree fall to the ground. I dont mind about all the other greenery BUT my heart breaks watching flowers hit the deck Jane,our horticultural neighbour, with the best garden in … Read more

I met the old git during the last heat wave. 1976, Leeds Playhouse, several of us actaws sat by a wall discussing the very play we would be performing. ENGLAND EXPECTS, written by Gavin Richards and performed by the members of Belt and Braces Roadshow in all their sweaty glory. We were in our late … Read more

Hastings was hot, so we jumped in the car – that’s not quite true – we slid into the car the skin on my thighs sticking to the seat. Thursday,is our away day so we put Norman the Sat Nav on and headed for Rochester. Not far, but far enough to suck two mints from … Read more

I’ve got two mosquito bites and a shoulder tan, sitting outside in the garden as Wimbledon wimbles on and Number 10 finally chucks out its rubbish. There is nothing I can say about the arrogant ‘Eton Mess’ that hasn’t already been said by commentators commentating on July 7th’s bombshell, but ramble I must. It feels … Read more

In between the train strikes I had a job in London. Friday the 24th of June the day after one walk out and the day before another. I support the RMT and Mick Lynch with all my ancient beating heart. But I digress. I dressed accordingly, a green cardigan over a tee shirt and some … Read more