Christmas was always a special time for me as a child growing up in the Scottish Highlands. In the church I would love to kneel before the crib that was illuminated by candles and to see the infant Jesus in the manger surrounded by the animals, Joseph and Mary. It was a night of wonder,… Read more »

We have a daily visitor to our garden. The hen pheasant is albino and comes early for a feed of grain and peanuts. He has a wander round the garden, flies over the fence to another garden where he continues, no doubt, to be fed a bit more food. The pheasant is on to a… Read more »

I worked in Mental Health for many years and although retired I still help out with advice on legal matters. Last week I was able to access the records of the local ‘Lunatic Asylum’ (now a Banking HQ) built in 1905. In the archives are the photos of every inmate/patient who passed through the doors,… Read more »

When in Scotland a few weeks ago I withdrew small amounts of cash from several ATMs. I wanted to obtain as much Scottish currency of the three Banks that issue cash. The design of the Scottish notes remains the highest quality and I really like the RBS, BoS and Clydesdale notes. Like the Forth Rail… Read more »

I was among the crowd that watched Australia beat Samoa in the Rugby League Final. I stayed for the presentation and by the time I decided to leave, most of the ground was empty. I noted all the rubbish left behind, tons of it, with every row littered with bottles paper and packets. What a… Read more »

The Newarke Houses Museum in Leicester has recreated a street with shops from the the beginning of the 1930s. It’s a popular area for school children and adults who can experiencer a snapshot of what is now a world long removed from today. When you collect banknotes you are also entering a world that perhaps… Read more »

I am asked quite often now to value banknotes. It is important to know that the value depends on the condition of the note, the grade, and the serial numbers. For example, an A01 First Run note is worth far more than a later issue with an ‘ordinary’ serial number.  Always contact me to discuss… Read more »

I was at Murrayfield to watch Scotland lose narrowly to Australia. It was a great event with the singing of ‘O Flower of Scotland’ bringing a lump to the throat. I was proud to be Scots. Lots of kilts around and plenty of ‘wee drams’ consumed from hip flasks all around me. The half time… Read more »

I am always pleased to advise on Scottish and English banknotes. If you have notes you have no idea of their of their value or have come into possession of a collection, do contact me. I am happy to value the notes and where possible, to make an offer to buy them. I am but… Read more »

I saw ‘The Lost King’, the story of the finding of the body of Richard the Third in the Social Services Car Park in Leicester. Living in Leicester, it was an exciting team along with the football team winning the Premier League. The day the remains were first discovered I was in a meeting room… Read more »