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  1. The Back Pages
30 August 2023

This England: Canine division

This column – which, though named after a line in Shakespeare’s “Richard II”, refers to the whole of Britain – has run in the NS since 1934.

By New Statesman

Canine division

A smartly dressed dog has been taken into care after police were called over concerns its owner was intoxicated and not looking after it.

The dog – dressed in a blue shirt – was recovered by British Transport Police at Wolverhampton rail station.

He was temporarily kept in a police van and officers posted a photo of the pet peering out the window.

BBC West Midlands
(Robin Lustig)

Going dotty

A man who paid £2,000 to have thousands of tiny dots tattooed on his head says he feels “21 again”.

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Anthony Donnellan, 44, a falconer from Prestwich, opted for “scalp micro-pigmentation” – rather than a traditional hair transplant – when he began going bald.

The process involves tattooing permanent ink dots, designed to recreate the look of shaved hair.

He joked: “My wife lets me in the bed now. I don’t have to sleep on the couch.”
Daily Mirror
(Steve Morley)

Swear on his life

A joke blue plaque has been installed to commemorate a man made famous for swearing at seagulls.

The honour was cheekily bestowed on Huw Davies from Aberystwyth, who had previously been memorialised with a joke plaque on his favourite bench after he passed away. It read: “In loving memory of Huw Davies. Used to sit here and shout ‘F*** off!’ at the seagulls.”

A blue plaque has now been spotted in Mr Davies’ name near the seafront. It reads: “Huw Davies. Taxidermist & Swearing Enthusiast Lived Here.”
Powys County Times
(Daragh Brady)

Each printed entry receives a £5 book token. Entries to comp@newstatesman.co.uk or on a postcard to This England.

[See also: Fish first]

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This article appears in the 30 Aug 2023 issue of the New Statesman, The Great Tax Con

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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  • Facility / Grounds Management and Maintenance
  • Finance Management
  • Health - Medical and Nursing Management
  • HR, Training and Organisational Development
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Information Services, Statistics, Records, Archives
  • Infrastructure Management - Transport, Utilities
  • Legal Officers and Practitioners
  • Librarians and Library Management
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Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
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