Comments on: Thatcher Broke Britain

By: Ragged Clown

Ragged Clown — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:49:42 +0000

In reply to Claire ATX. That sounds cool. What is he? Eighty-something years old? Are you gonna go see him, Claire

By: Claire ATX

Claire ATX — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 13:47:21 +0000

Off the subject…Dylan will play in Austin, TX on Monday and Tuesday. The newspaper says he rarely plays the guitar in concert. He will probably stand at the piano in a hoodie. He holds the harmonica in his hands now. His voice is gravelly. But the paper did not disparage his recent work. Carolyn Hester lives in Austin. She introduced John Hammond to Dylan. She has an incredible history in music.

By: Ragged Clown

Ragged Clown — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:29:25 +0000

In reply to Rosemary Ciotoli. You are very kind, Rosemary. I have some posts on my time in the Navy coming up next. I haven’t heard Heather Cox Richardson‘s podcast, but I do read her articles on Substack occasionally. She has an interesting point of view.

By: Rosemary Ciotoli

Rosemary Ciotoli — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:22:23 +0000

So good to hear from you Kevin. I do enjoy your writing on history. It seems Britain and the US share very similar stories. I will check out the podcast you recommended. Have you listened to Heather Cox Richardson? She is a professor of history at Boston College. She uses fact and history to put the current news in context. I find her so interesting and calming in the chaotic world we find ourselves. Look forward to more of your insights.

By: Ragged Clown

Ragged Clown — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:26:11 +0000

In reply to Neil Craig. I have some more posts coming to my “memoir” series. I have some Navy posts on the way, then I’ll go back to do a bit of Sidcup.

By: Ragged Clown

Ragged Clown — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:24:22 +0000

In reply to David Landsperger. My first bike was a Raleigh. It’s a shame how many great brands died out in that period.

By: Neil Craig

Neil Craig — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:17:26 +0000

In reply to Ragged Clown. Smashing, I am looking forward to the 1982 chapter. Your perspective will be most interesting.

By: David Landsperger

David Landsperger — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:06:50 +0000

This brings back memories of the ’70s, when I had a bicycle shop in the US. By that time, the proud Raleigh brand had become a joke, with absolutely poor quality. A former US Olympic cyclist visited my shop, representing Raleigh. After he gave me his pitch, I told him what I thought about their quality and reliability. He took a deep breath and said, “Dave, Raleigh has to deal with five different unions inside their factory, they go out on strike all the time, huge labor turnover, etc.” I said, ” And why should I want such a problem.” I guess the problem was a little bigger than Raleigh. Good article, as always.

By: Ragged Clown

Ragged Clown — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:43:46 +0000

In reply to Neil Craig. Thank you! I’ve been busy with my degree, but that’s all done now. I have got about 8 posts on the go at the moment so there should be more coming soon.

By: Neil Craig

Neil Craig — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:28:52 +0000

Great to see you publishing again, I have missed your writings. I hope you are well. I am actually planning to visit my old homes in Sidcup next year at the same time as the Chis and Sid Open Day. Thanks again; stay safe.