Author Archives: Richard Morris

Richard Morris

About Richard Morris

Richard is British Consul-General and Director-General Trade and Investment, Australasia, based in Sydney. Prior to this he held positions as Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul-General at the British Embassy in Mexico City and Head of Assistance Group in Consular Directorate in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Running home

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Richard Morris

Painful. I’m struggling to walk downstairs (for some reason going upstairs is much less of a problem). Sitting is alright, but getting up can only be done slowly. I ran the Melbourne Marathon last week, and in the aftermath I … Continue reading →

Olympics inspired

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Richard Morris

I’ve been feeling inspired by the London 2012 Olympians and Paralympians to do a bit more running recently. As it is Spring in Australia, it is pretty nice weather to be out. I even saw a dolphin or two recently … Continue reading →

In the Long Run

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Richard Morris

A flash of Australian gold and green team kit passes me on the outside. I’m going pretty fast, but he easily pulls ahead, running with an effortless pace. I realise it is (Australian teenage athlete sensation) Steven Solomon, London 2012 … Continue reading →

Everyone’s someone’s fan

Posted on June 26, 2012 by Richard Morris

The numbers on the backs of their shirts are made up of tens of tiny photographs of fans. The players choose a word to be embroidered into their jerseys – at the moment it says the Welsh word for “privilege”. … Continue reading →

Hendrix and Handel

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Richard Morris

As I walk down Brook Street in central London it makes me smile to see the blue plaques on two adjacent houses. The circular blue plaques are part of a 140 year old scheme that commemorates where famous people lived … Continue reading →

London is a figment of your imagination

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Richard Morris

I’ve recently finished reading Claire Tomalin’s biography of Charles Dickens. It is an excellent book, far more engaging than a weighty literary biography ought to be. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Dickens in London. Tomalin does a great job … Continue reading →

Toughen up!

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Richard Morris

I hadn’t heard the response, when someone grumbles about something being difficult, “Well take two teaspoons of concrete – and toughen up!” until I came to Australia. Unfortunately for me I have to tell it to myself most days when … Continue reading →

Snail slime

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Richard Morris

What is nearly 800 years old, written in snail slime and soot and a connection between Britain and Australia? If you said the Magna Carta, you’re right. And I’m surprised and impressed you got it…   I’m standing in front … Continue reading →

Keeper of Time and a Wimbledon Champion

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Richard Morris

“Keeper of Time”. A great job title, like something out of Star Wars, and somehow particularly appropriate to hear at the turn of the year. As I learned from my National Trust guide at Government House in Parramatta at the weekend, … Continue reading →

My kingdom for a what?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Richard Morris

Which Shakespeare play features the line “A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse?” Did you say Richard III? If not, you might well still recognise the line. A production of Richard III opened last week in Sydney at … Continue reading →