G.M. Norton & The Chocolate Factory

In which G.M. Norton delves into chocolate in the name of research.

I have quite a soft spot for chocolate. Or most food stuff for that matter, if I’m completely honest. But I do have a sweet tooth.

A few weeks ago, I was invited along to a chocolate masterclass by the kind people at Joe Blogs (not to be confused with the infamous Joe Bloggs). For reasons unknown, I neglected to reply. I think I was pre-occupied with something or other, which is no excuse at all. Usually I pride myself on my speedy response to electronic missives. I still feel guilty now.

World Pasty Championships 2015

In which G.M. Norton sees his periodical positively dripping with pasty goodness. 

Never let it be said, chums, that this periodical is formulaic and lacking in variety. To prove it, this week's offering is on the subject of pasties, brought to you by my roving reporter, Mr Ryan Pike. Regular visitors will remember reading about his adventures at last year's Chap Olympiad and the British Beard & Moustache Championships. 

Go tell them, Pike. 

The Pike Report

Going back to my childhood days, I can honestly say that I have always had a soft spot for the Cornish Pasty. In latter years, it has become a small obsession of mine to hunt out pasty purveyors wherever I am in the country and to my mind it is the ultimate fast food in that not only are they very tasty but totally portable when one is on the move with very little time at hand. I was therefore very intrigued to learn that each year there is a ‘World Pasty Championship’ held in Cornwall (where else?) not too far away from St. Piran’s Day.

Norton of Morton becomes editor at In Retrospect magazine

In which G.M. Norton is handed the keys to the In Retrospect kingdom.

Rather exciting news today, chumrades. Much to my delight, I am now an editor at a printed publication of particular note in the vintage world. I refer specifically to that renowned modern magazine for old fashioned people: In Retrospect.

For those who read and digest every tiny morsel of information that I impart, I have been a contributor for In Retrospect since it’s humble beginnings as a digital-only magazine. At the beginning of 2015, co-founder Becca asked if I would assume her position of Copy Editor while she concentrated on the momental task of having a baby. 

As an aspiring gentleman, I willingly stepped into the breach, along with a couple of other contributors that showed extra willing. The results of our handiwork are there for you to see and read in issue 2.

Style icon: Captain Hastings

In which G.M. Norton has the audacity to add a fictional character to his list of Style Icons.

What-ho, chumrades! It occurred to me that it’s been a jolly long time since I last proclaimed an expertly attired chap as one of my Style Icons. On the list that includes Cary Grant, Sir Roger Moore, Terry-Thomas and Sir Michael Caine, the last person to be added was one Patrick Grant.

By a strange occurrence, since granting admittance for the formerly bearded tailor and star of the Great British Sewing Bee, your favourite protagonist has grown his own face whiskers. 

As a side note, now Mr Grant is sporting the lone moustache, don’t you think he resembles a long-lost relation to Basil Fawlty?

Anyway, I am blathering on and I still haven’t formally introduced the main subject of this week’s periodical posting (ignoring the whopping great title up above). Please step forward Captain Arthur Hastings OBE, the naive foil to the narcissistic Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot.