Anne Pickles

Put that pint down. Start solving. And stop blaming

As a teenager, William Hague used to deliver soft drinks and beer to pubs and clubs in Yorkshire. Some say that was the last time he had a proper job.

Last updated 22 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Don’t mourn the passing of youth, 21st century kids now have baton

If I were to be truthful, I’d have to say I learned nothing useful from Blue Peter.

Last updated 18 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A requiem for the fallen. They did not shop in vain

So miserable was my all too brief shopping expedition at the weekend, I turned back and came home within 10 chaotic minutes. (18 comments)

Last updated 15 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Finally interested – in sport of flying flames

Somebody once told me – I think he was drunk at the time – that no matter how much I disliked sport, if I looked hard enough and long enough I’d find something to tickle my fancy.

Last updated 11 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We’re not stupid so stop insulting us

It always surprises me how, after an election, anyone calling themselves a politician can claim to know why people voted the way they did... and even why they didn’t vote at all.

Last updated 8 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Don’t call me a fossil because I chose journalism

Given the nervous state of the newspaper industry these days, a more sensitive soul might have taken offence.

Last updated 4 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Gerry and Kate McCann and the power of faith

No two ways about it, the statistical chances now of finding missing Madeleine McCann hover somewhere between slim and nil.

Last updated 1 May 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

No appetite for recession? Come shopping with us

The day they started talking about double dip, I started craving an ice cream.

Last updated 27 April 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

At the next exit, turn left and waste another £12m!

You don’t need to be a granny to get lost in your car. You don’t have to be a grandad to refuse to ask directions.

Last updated 24 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

If they’d stayed for sausage we’d have been safer

Word was, something was up. And worried word was spreading fast.

Last updated 20 April 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I cannot be bothered to start Samantha Brick slaying

There's a woman making a bit of stir at the moment – as only a woman can. (1 comment)

Last updated 17 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Give with one hand – then claw it back with the other

af scrooge 2 Look up the definition of philanthropy and you’ll find yourself suddenly bathed in a warm, rosy glow of benevolence.

Last updated 17 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

On security matters, I try to play it straight

Security is a seriously complicated business these days. We know that now. Snoops and spooks will be spying on our emails, tweets and butcher’s queue coded gossip very soon ... all in the interests of national security, of course.

Last updated 13 April 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Why inquiry could leave bad taste at 10 Dining St

David Cameron photo The funny thing about the idea of rich folks paying a fortune to sit at David Cameron’s dining table is that – well, it just isn’t funny. (3 comments)

Last updated 3 April 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

No need to panic while a petrol station can still pamper

Panic? Oh come now; we don’t panic. We’re made of sterner stuff than that. And it gives you wrinkles.

Last updated 30 March 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

No panic at the pumps when you are being pampered

Panic? Oh come now; we don’t panic. We’re made of sterner stuff than that. And it gives you wrinkles.

Last updated 30 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

You’ll never be able to talk down his fists

mbviolence Dennis Waterman, renowned chauvinist and failed singer, whipped up a furious storm when he admitted giving his ex-wife a black eye to end an argument he was losing.

Last updated 27 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

For role models, don’t allow young to look to our MPs

Why are MPs so boorish, baying, loudmouthed and rude? Or is it too impolite of me to ask?

Last updated 23 March 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Let’s keep fat police and thin out council

EM Anne Pickles To borrow a sentiment coined by the late, great and probably portly Julius Caesar – let me have men about me that are fat. (14 comments)