2026-27

Brighton Ruby was really good. I particularly enjoyed Elena, Craig and Tekin’s talks. But the whole programme was great and I had to chance to catch up with old friends too. I even managed to get there and back more-or-less on time despite the heat. My air-conditioned room at Drakes Hotel was very welcome.

I got up early on the morning of the conference for a swim at Sea Lanes. A slow and steady 1,000m as the sun rose over Kemp Town was perfect. I enjoyed a coffee and sandwich at FIKA afterwards.

This swim meant a bit more to me. I’d said to myself I’d do the same thing at last years Brighton Ruby, but that plan went out of the window as soon as I had a drink in my hand. It feels good to be able to make plans and stick to them (sometimes).

I saw American Football with some friends at the Kentish Town Forum. They played a good mix of classics and new material - a more varied set than when I saw them in Las Vegas a couple of years ago. Marconi Union were in support.

As a York City and Arsenal fan it’s been a fairly intense 2026 of football. But I’ve still managed to get stuck in to the World Cup - enjoying England and Colombia’s extended run. Football you corrupt, brilliant bastard.

A-‘s parents arrived safely and will stay for a few weeks. The boys have a couple more weeks of school left before the summer holiday. Unfortunately most of their planned trips have been cancelled due to the heat, but the excellent “international evening” went ahead as planned. Great for the school, less good for my waistline.