Ian Kirke

1 week ago | centralbylines.co.uk | Ian Kirke

Serendipity, a word first coined by Horace Walpole, is a lucky break, sometimes leading to new opportunities, or in my case, reawakened memories of the past. Right now, according to several academic and medical metrics, I am in the throes of negotiating no less than half of life’s ten most stressful situations all at the same time. Without going into the specifics, I can certainly say that in the here and now I could certainly do with a break.

1 month ago | centralbylines.co.uk | Ian Kirke

I am fortunate beyond words to have Arthur (five), Darcie (three) and Theo (nine months) in my life. Just thinking about them sends a tingle down my spine. Although they can all – to varying degrees – exhibit classic temper tantrums, usually over seemingly mundane issues such as being unable to eat a packet of sweets before dinner, they nonetheless radiate the most incredible, tangible, and touching examples of happiness.

2 months ago | centralbylines.co.uk | Ian Kirke

I think I’m a serial worrier. I base this assumption on the simple fact that I have often found myself worrying about having nothing to worry about. Riddle me that one if you can! Nestled within my consciousness for as long as I can remember, I think I handle this state of mind fairly well. Granted it’s annoying, but similarly to my dislike of getting into cold water, I’ve grown to accept it as being part of my personality.

2 months ago | centralbylines.co.uk | Ian Kirke

Escapism seems the only way to stay sane these days. Along with billions of unwilling and unwitting participants, I presently live in a universe where the leader of ‘the free world’ – whatever that flimsy statement ever meant – openly blames a sovereign nation-state for being invaded by a foreign power.

Mar 29, 2025 | centralbylines.co.uk | Ian Kirke

As a longstanding Notts County season ticket holder, going AWOL for a home fixture is supreme sacrilege. The crunch match against Tranmere Rovers (Saturday 22 February 2025) ultimately fell to the magnetism of Marrakech, the fourth biggest city of Morocco, and the now customary short break (four nights) to somewhere new and scintillating to celebrate my birthday. As I have advanced in age, travel has become key to my spirit of adventure and mental wellbeing. Escape is my antidote to ageing.