TALK OF THE TIMES with Vivienne Patterson

In my day a pencil case was the most valuable thing in a schoolbag

See if you can correctly complete this sentence about going back to school:

Last updated 8 September 2011
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The stresses of letting the train take the strain

Sorry, no paper this week – the editor is off sick!

Last updated 25 August 2011
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Where were the parents as kids were running amok?

I turned on the television this week to see cars and buildings burning, people running amok and police in riot gear battling the mob.

Last updated 11 August 2011
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Let’s all work together to keep blues festival on song

MARYPORT is like the perfect child – she saves her tantrums for home and behaves like an angel when out in company!

Last updated 4 August 2011
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Can money buy us some happiness in life’s lottery?

I am glad I didn’t win the £161 million Euro Lottery.

Last updated 28 July 2011
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Let’s start a whine list so we can share our gripes

A reader, commenting on the Times & Star Wish List feature, told me this week that we need the antidote to wishes – a whine list!

Last updated 21 July 2011
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Will a rose by any other name be just as thorny?

I don't know if there is much more that can be said about the News of the World phone hacking scandal – but I am going to have my say anyway.

Last updated 14 July 2011
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Fond memories of mum in her days before dementia

This is Dementia Week, according to an email I received from the Cumbrian NHS.

Last updated 7 July 2011
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Happy to be back in town – and not in my pyjamas!

I am going to have to get out of my pyjamas next week!

Last updated 30 June 2011
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Paying the price when it comes to disasters

Brits are known for their generosity.

Last updated 24 June 2011
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Councils – we may not like them but we can’t do without them

I am as quick to complain about councils as anyone and I think there is plenty they do wrong.

Last updated 16 June 2011
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The good old days weren’t always good for everyone

I have never been a fan of the ‘good old days’ except when they happen to be my good old days. (1 comment)

Last updated 9 June 2011
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Surely pride is better than being special or essential?

Dear readers, I need to know: do we have a special relationship?

Last updated 2 June 2011
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I wonder if Ryan Giggs got to tell his wife first?

It has been a rough couple of weeks for men, and I am going to start by defending one. (1 comment)

Last updated 26 May 2011
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Frowning at mother’s action to smooth a child’s wrinkles

We are not allowed to drive a car or watch a television without a licence – so how come we can just go ahead and have babies, regardless of how capable we are? (1 comment)

Last updated 19 May 2011
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Let’s all say a prayer for the people of Memphis

The end of the world is nigh!

Last updated 12 May 2011
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Bin Laden’s death will not bring an end to terrorism

It was strange this week to wake up, still full of the royal wedding, to find that it had been knocked off the headlines by the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Last updated 5 May 2011
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