19th April from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth

A cold buffeting wind and lumpy grey clouds. The breeze shakes the little stand of long wild grasses growing by the path so that they dance and sway. Two women and a dog add scale to the scene as they cross the greensward towards the trees and disappear out of sight. The sea is corrugated and one or two people are braving the waves.

From 19th April 2022

The morning sun was bright and glittered off the almost still sea. The little waves smacked and splooshed on the smooth sand. But the air was still cool and a urgent breeze soon sprang up and the big grey clouds began to jostle the sun away. On the clifftop, the greenfinches in the gorse were answered by goldfinches hiding in the ilex trees. By mid afternoon, the sky is one continuous grey sheet and a sudden downpour had sunbathers scurrying for shelter. Pigeons clap their wings in the trees. The wet grass at the edge of the Green is long and luxurious. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #April #spring

From 19th April 2021

The sun has already slipped below the distant, dark trees but the windows of the upper floors of the tall blocks reflect its rays strongly towards me. The sky is clear and a pale, translucent blue. A slight mist softens the outlines of the Purbeck Hills. The sea is barely ruffled by the cold air. Little groups sit out on the grass enjoying the very last of the light. Dogs bark in the distance. Gulls wheel round the head of a man offering them crusts of bread. A man approaches someone playing a guitar. "I've been waiting for two years for you to turn up." he says. They embrace. A robin sings as I make my way in.

From 19th April 2016

60% of us understand Shakespeare and find his work relevant and engaging. That's pretty good for a guy who died 400 years ago and I can't think of any contemporary artist of any sort who has that sort of appeal. But yet the press are choosing to report this poll's findings as 40% of us don't like Shakespeare. Get out of it.