Oh, historic day! I will look back on todays date and tell my children that this was the day it all changed.
"I was perusing some online news when I was struck by not one, not two, but three items of earth shattering importance. Firstly, President Obama's plan for a nuclear-free world was outlined,where he pledged a nuclear disarmament drive greater than any previously attempted and called for a ban on nuclear testing. I thought of Tsutomu Yamaguchi, the 93 year old Japanese man who survived both Hiroshima and Nagasaki and what he would make of it all. And I could see old footage scrolling before my eyes of CND hippies waving their placards in glee.
Secondly, I read that changes to UK law coming into force today allow parents with children under the age of sixteen to request flexible working from employers who are obliged to "seriously consider" any application and only reject it if there are "good business reasons for doing so". It's woolly, and only extends the law previously applied to parents of children under the age of six, but it heralds a new era for parents in the UK, who have suffered more than their European counterparts who have more holidays, fiesta days and time off with family. We want repsonsible teenagers then we expect them to become so without their parents influence, without time to talk through their issues? Roll on four day weeks and home-working and part-time hours for realistic pay.
But thirdly, and most spangly of all, today sees the official return of the Puffin Post."
I know there are adults the world over gasping and dashing to their desks to drag out dog-eared copies of that most-beloved magazine. The Puffin Post was around from the 1960's to 1980's to trumpet the latest childrens books from the publisher but also to provide a forum for book-mad kids everywhere to discuss, review and discover books and their authors. I was gobsmacked to receive a prize when they published one of my poems (aged 11 and three-quarters) and drove my mum mad harping on about it. I still have the edition with my masterpiece in. Wonderful rhyme and alliteration of 'mangold root' and 'mouldy old boot', and some inspired raving about witches that JKRowling no doubt plaguarised. I am thrilled to see its return just as my 10 year old daughter enters her book-obsessed years ( - a subscription will sort out her next birthday present perfectly.)
So, for anyone languishing in bed this morning without reason to be bold or brave, take heart from these global changes and kick-start your own renaissance.
