Remembering differently: the centenary of World War One

Posted Posted in People & Politics, Religion & Spirituality

2014 brings the centenary of the start of World War One, and the beginning of four years of national commemorations. It’s telling that, in writing that sentence, I nearly typed ‘celebrations’ instead of ‘commemorations’. For the official discourse about the war has a triumphalist tone, one which perfectly expresses a nationalist narrative about the greatness […]

The return of Springwatch: is nature Britain’s new religion?

Posted Posted in Nature & Animals, Religion & Spirituality

I’m thrilled that Springwatch is back on our screens. During the three-week outside broadcast, hidden cameras bring the secret life of the creatures around us right into our living rooms, providing the nation with a rare opportunity to watch live TV together. The popularity of the programme – now in its tenth year, having spawned the sibling broadcasts […]