Columns
I currently write four weekly columns and one monthly. Each has a slightly different voice.
In the Western Morning News I write "Huers Call" in the Tuesday 'Living Cornwall' feature. The material ranges from the serious to the semi-comic but understandably has a central theme of relevance to Cornish issues.
read a recent extract
In the West Briton I write "Sidetracks" under my own name, a slightly longer column (600 words), which usually has a rural or sideways slant on its subject matter. Subjects can range from the problems of rural homelessness to my last farewell to an ancient Volvo.
read a recent extract
My monthly column appears in the colour magazine Cornwall Today under the pseudonym "Cornubian", usually a light, easy look at aspects of Cornish life.
read a recent extract 
COUNTRY BYWAYS
The Cornishman runs two weekly articles of mine.
"Country Byways" has an obviously rural theme. I am no naturalist but have lived in the country most of my life and know its ways well. My column is not full of
latin plant names but hopefully provides real insights into rural life, sometimes light, sometimes more thoughtful and elegiac.
read an extract
"Old Mike" is an opinion column, in which I am granted considerable freedom - within the laws of libel and decency - to tackle any subject I like. These can range from live local issues, politics, national events, humour, anything, aiming to be pithy and thought-provoking. It is not a right-wing whinge, and never features the funny sayings or doings of my family. From time to time I also dive into the make-believe world of St Bleak, a parody of rural village life, with its ancient, cunning farmers, military W I ladies, super-rich incoming entrepreneurs, and all the regulars in the "Decommissioned Arms".
read an example of Old Mike
I enjoy writing columns very much and have delivered a good body of work for over ten years, to time, length and deadline. I would always be interested in discussing more.
From time to time when asked I also write longer features, in these publications and others. I cannot write about contemporary urban lifestyle solutions, but can write with some authority on the countryside, wildlife, the sea, Cornwall in all its aspects, art, theatre, music (from traditional English folk-song to punk rock), politics, rugby (local), football (national), lifeboats, schools, and Scottish Terriers. And much more.