Neill Roberts

The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here. But let’s say it anyway. While we can.

“We might destroy the world, but buy shares in us anyway.” Er … no thanks.

Looking forward to reading this. Thanks to @ianrankin1.bsky.social for such an entertaining and interesting discussion this lunchtime in Bramhall, Stockport.

Always good to see: Denise Dutton’s bronze statue of Mary Anning at Lyme Regis, Dorset. Crowdfunded, after a campaign begun by a local mother and daughter; @profaliceroberts.bsky.social was a patron. Beautiful fossil details - and Mary’s dog Tray. #WomenInSTEM #MaryAnning #LymeRegis #Dorset

Whoever wins the Nobel Prize in Literature this week will be in the very best company. Epic but intimate, brutal but heartwarming, realistic but mystical - it contains multitudes. #OlgaTokarczuk #AntoniaLloydJones #FitzcarraldoBooks #NobelPrizeInLiterature #BookSky📚 #LiteratureSky

I am now, and I have always been … someone who couldn’t give a toss about glorified guessing games.

Born in Wales, Welsh mother, English-born father, Scottish grandmother. I guess I fail Suella’s definition of ‘English.’ But, then, she fails my definition of ‘sane.’

To be blunt, I couldn’t give a shit about who is and who isn’t a traitor. It just doesn’t matter.

If you haven’t read anything by Fosse yet, English language readers, this might be a good place to start. Hypnotic, elliptical, unique; but also recognisable and universal. Recommended. #JonFosse #DamionSearls #FitzcarraldoEditions #BookSky📚 #LiterarySky

Much underrated. #VernonScannell #FarewellPerformance #Poetry

Proust can keep his madeleines. For me, it’s iced gems. #gbbo

Oh, Mr Hansen, that’s a belter of an album. #Beck #RideLonesome #MusicSky

Welcome back, The Great British Bake Off. That first 2026 show was … sumptuous. #gbbo

What do you get when you cross an oddity with a travesty? #TheOdysseyMovie

Ten thousand miles from Adelaide, in leafy Cheshire, but I’m rooting for the Crows in their AFL Elimination Final against the Bulldogs. Just six points in it at the major break. Thanks to ABC for the commentary. Forget last year, guys: let’s have a win today! #AFL #footy #AdelaideCrows

I’m nearly sixty-seven. Yesterday, for the first time, a young person offered to give up a seat for me. I thanked her and we laughed as I said, “Not yet.” I was not offended in any way. But I am grateful that it’s taken nearly sixty-seven years to happen; and for the young person’s thoughtfulness.

It seems the shit might, just might, be finally sticking to Führage. About time.

Nigel Farage Received a large Gift. Grift. #poetry #clerihews #UKpolitics

Remembering Seamus Heaney, who died on this day in 2013.

If you know, you know. If you don’t, and you can, then find out. #NHS #BloodDonors

🤭😆 When Trump dies

Dollyday.

RIP Dolly.

“I’d like a house, please.” “Certainly. What period?” “Jacobean. Very Jacobean. As Jacobean as Jacobean can be. One hundred per cent Jacobean. Twenty-four carat Jacobean. The Jacobean houses’s Jacobean house.” “I think we have the very thing.” #NationalTrust #BlicklingEstate #Norfolk

“To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go” ‘In Blackwater Woods’ by Mary Oliver. #MaryOliver #poetry #BookSky📚

Richard Tice Needs climate advice. It won’t be snowing Where he’s going.

It had to be done. #eclipse #astronomy

Great to hear Susie Dent in Bramhall last night, talking about her new novel, ‘Death Writ Large’, her work as a lexicographer and her love of words. Looking forward to a hugely enjoyable read! #SusieDent #DeathWritLarge #BookSky📚

Wendy Cope, with a poem of great tenderness

Jarvis Cocker, New Order, Elbow, Dr Who (v. Eccleston), @daraobriain.bsky.social, Kraftwerk, Mogwai, Brian May, 2 astronauts (Peake & Hadfield), the Poet Laureate, the Lovell family & many more. Heartwarming to see how much the UK loves Jodrell Bank & astronomy🔭🙏 www.theguardian.com/science/2026...

I know many say there are ‘no good billionaires.’ And I firmly believe that science that might benefit (or at least interest) many of us should be funded by the state. But just one $5 million donation (figure chosen at random, obvs) to Jodrell Bank would buy time to do things properly. #JodrellBank

Jodrell Bank has inspired discovery, advanced our understanding of the Universe and captured the imagination of people across the world. Today, its future is at risk. Your support can help ensure Jodrell Bank continues to play a vital role in science donate.manchester.ac.uk/p/jodrellbank/

Not sure who did this but they should be arrested immediately.

Belly McBellface. Obvs. #TheArchers

“Late September … “ Far be it from me to argue with Seamus Heaney, but not this year, sir. #BlackberryPicking #SeamusHeaney #Poetry #Nature

I volunteer in a charity secondhand bookstore. I can’t help feeling that, by the end of the year, we’re going to be overwhelmed by barely-read copies of ‘The Odyssey.’ #BookSky📚 #TheOdyssey

Führage is talking about ‘the British people’ again. Apparently, we all want a General Election. Well, I’m British and I don’t. Once again, the Human Ashtray fails to speak for me. #UKPolitics

Keir Starmer had his faults as Prime Minister: that we can all agree. But he is an increasing rarity in politics - an honest and decent man, with a great sense of justice. He has much to offer and I hope his qualities find space for expression and application in the years that follow. #UKPolitics

Trent Reznor has a collection of large gastropods. Nine inch snails.

I can sew a button on a shirt - and there my skills end. But I do, for some reason, love this show. Welcome back. #BBC #GreatBritishSewingBee

£10 billion wasted on Covid PPE. I believe the man’s own word was “spaffing.” #UKPolitics

A wonderful read. It leaves two deep impressions: the tragedy of its subject’s life; and the skill of the biographer in balancing sympathy with honesty. If you like Mansfield’s work, this is essential reading. #KatherineMansfield #ClaireTomalin #BookSky📚

To the good people of the USA: if you’re looking for a replacement for Lindsey Graham, we in the UK might have just the man. With a bit of luck, he’ll be available from mid-August. He’ll probably be in your country anyway. You’re welcome. #UKPolitics #USPolitics

Yesterday, the ECB app listed the women’s Test against India THIRD, behind men’s t20 and under-19 international matches. If Test cricket is most important form of the game, why isn’t the women’s game listed first? Especially as such matches are rare and highly-anticipated? #cricket #womeninsport

I am officially old. A song I’ve never heard, performed by two people I’ve never heard of (no disrespect to them) has apparently been number one in the UK for 16 weeks. Funny how something that used to matter so much now doesn’t matter at all. #music

No-one should be admitted to the “Roses” cricket match unless they can correctly name three battles in the actual Wars of the Roses. Anyone answering ‘Hastings’, ‘Waterloo’ or ‘Britain’ should be led away quietly. #cricket #Lancashire #HistorySky

RIP Patricia Greene. Let’s all raise a slice of lemon drizzle. #TheArchers

Nigel Farage Received a large Gift. Grift. #poetry #clerihews #UKpolitics

In the UK … - over 30C is a heatwave; - over 20C at nighttime is tropical; - unlucky journalists have to remember school lessons about alliteration, so they can write stuff like “Barnsley is hotter than Barcelona, Barbados and … er … bars in Botswana.” #weather

People of Clacton: Vote Binface - you know it makes sense.