With our new Prime Minister being an English Literature graduate, could he please help put a stop to the cuts to Arts & Humanities subjects in universities across the country? @downingstreet.bsky.social @andyburnham.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk @universities-uk.bsky.social

Yesterday, I baked my Mum’s birthday cake 🎂

I am delighted to have been elected as a Postgraduate Member of the @royalhistsoc.org (RHS) in their recent council meeting. From a very young age, I’ve always been fascinated by history (being bias, it’s always been about Victorians, being a Victorianist). 1/2

This is absolutely disgusting. My thoughts are with all students and staff at the University of Hertfordshire. www.timeshighereducation.com/news/hertfor...

Hertfordshire drops history, English and other humanities courses

University says programmes no longer financially viable owing to drops in recruitment

timeshighereducation.com

It’s been a while since I posted! A little update: a couple of weeks ago, I did a telephone interview with a reporter from The Times on the subject of “low-value” degrees. 1/4

A few pictures taken in a glorious Stratford-upon-Avon during a visit on Easter Sunday 🌸

My cat decided to assist me with thesis-writing yesterday…🐈‍⬛

So sad to hear about the passing of Jesse Jackson. A civil rights icon who made such an impact for Black people throughout his life. He will be so missed. Thank you for your advocacy, Jesse.

The Guardian@theguardian.com · 7mo ago

Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon, dies aged 84

I haven’t posted on here for a while! Bit of a life/PhD update: I had my PhD confirmation review last week…

Just baked an apple crumble 🍏🥧

I’d just like to wish everyone a very, Merry Christmas, and all the very best for 2026! I hope you have a wonderful time with your families and loved ones!🎄❄️☃️🌟

So Charlie decided to bring a dead mouse into the dining room last night!😩🐭

Completely agree!🙌🏾

Shannon Weston@sea-author.bsky.social · 10mo ago

There's a lot of talk in the news lately that Art and Humanities are "easy" topics and are made fun of by being called Micky Mouse degress (which to me makes absolutely no sense... that Mouse could by the world... in fact already has) but Art and Humanities is not an easy topic. 1/7

“Just look at the degree on that chick – No man ever” – Richard Cooper, 2025 Recently on X (formerly Twitter), there has been a growing trend of trolls (mostly incels), directing hate towards women who have achieved academic success.

I am both angered and saddened to read that my previous university, the University of Nottingham, is suspending its music and modern languages courses from 10th November. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Music and modern languages courses suspended at University of Nottingham - BBC News

In a statement the institution also says it is "proposing to reduce its nursing offer".

bbc.co.uk

🧵I always had my head stuck in a book when I was little…From Ladybird books, to Roald Dahl, to Jacqueline Wilson, I was always fascinated with literature. Every other week, I was reading a different book…

‘Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.’ – Dame Jane Goodall I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Jane Goodall. She was an incredible woman who cared so much for wildlife. She will be so missed. ❤️ www.bbc.com/news/article...

Dame Jane Goodall remembered as 'true hero for the planet' - BBC News

Leonardo DiCaprio and Barack Obama are among those paying tribute to the leading conservationist.

bbc.com

Back to thesis-writing! Currently writing Chapter Two, Section Three on Mary Kingsley and West Africa, and reading the Victorian periodical: Mainly about People.

I’m happy to announce that I have started recording the first episode of my podcast, Victorian Curiosities!🎙️The episode will focus on the life of Victorian icon, Frederick Douglass, and will discuss his tireless advocacy for the civil rights of African Americans.

Amazing night at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham for #UncannyFearoftheDark last night! #UncannyCommunity #IKnowWhatISaw #TeamBeliever

Currently reading for Chapter Two, Section Three of my thesis, which focuses on Mary Kingsley’s Travels in West Africa (1897). It’s a fascinating narrative! 📚

Last night, I attended An Evening with Jacqueline Wilson, hosted by @waterstones.bsky.social at the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Nottingham. 1/3

Happy 207th birthday to my favourite Brontë sister, Emily, and happy 67th birthday to one of my favourite musical artists, Kate Bush! Two amazingly talented women born on the same day, 140 years apart. ‘I will walk where my own nature would be leading.’ - Emily Brontë

Just renewed my @dickensfellowhq.bsky.social subscription. It’s good to be back!🎩📚

Yesterday I completed the first draft of Chapter Two, Section Two on Charles Dickens after having a bit of a break from thesis-writing. Current overall word count is about 42,000 words, so I’m now onto the countdown to 50,000. Feeling more determined than ever to finish my PhD.

I attended Thursday’s lovely service in Durham to remember and celebrate this incredible man, who had such an exuberance for life and positively impacted every person he came into contact with: Professor Simon James.

I am devastated to hear this news. Professor Simon James was my primary PhD supervisor, and I have been exceedingly lucky to have had him supervise my thesis for the past two years. He was incredibly kind, caring, passionate and funny, and I will miss him so much…

Durham UCU@ducu.bsky.social · last yr.

Absolutely heartbroken to learn that Professor Simon James has passed away after a short illness. Simon was a stalwart union rep in the English Department, and a personal friend to many of us in the branch. We'll miss his humour, his passion, and his dedication to making things better for people.

Hi Bluesky, it’s been a short while since I posted. I just wanted to update you all with some sad news😞. Unfortunately, my beautiful dog, Hope, who most of you will know as my PhD study buddy, went to Rainbow Bridge yesterday morning😢🌈🐾

Hi Bluesky, long time no see! Hope you’ve all been well. Haven’t posted for a while, as I’ve been concentrating on writing my thesis. Pleased to say that I am now over 40,000 words in total!

Happy Mother’s Day to my amazing mum and to all the wonderful mums out there 🌸