Tillicoultry

For most of its life, Tillicoultry (from the Gaelic “Tullich Cul Tir” — “At the foot of this hills”) was an unassuming mill town on the River Devon. But that would only qualify the town as bland, not crap.

However, in the early 80s, “popular” TV sports commentator Dougie Donnelly appeared in the first of what would soon become many TV adverts for “Sterling Warehouse” — “Britain’s Biggest Furniture Centre”. Nestled in “Tillicoultry, Near Stirling” (actually about 10 miles away from Stirling), his constant promotion meant that whenever I introduced myself to anyone as being from Tillicoultry, the inevitable response was “Ah, near Stirling?” or even a rendition of the catchy jingle: “Ste-erling, the… BIG ONE!”

But surely Tillicoultry has more to offer than just a couch emporium? Erm… well, there’s a bus stop, and a library that’s open 10 hours a week. Oh, and a golf course for all the middle-classers to hang out.

For rising from anonymity to notoriety, based only upon housing an overpriced furniture store, I nominate Tillicoultry as a crap town.

Rod

 

Books

brave old world

Gwynne's Grammar By N.M. Gwynne

A 32 page book from Mr Gwynne, giving the principle parts of speech and basic grammatical elements. An essential component of any library, this is a beautifully typeset booklet which has been hand-sewn by Mr Brett. £8.95.
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brave old world

Brave Old World By Tom Hodgkinson

Tom Hodgkinson's literary guide to husbandry. 'A delightful read,' James Delingpole, Mail on Sunday. 'Hugely inspiring,' Sarah Bakewell, New Statesman. 'Bizarre yet always beguiling,' Daily Mail. Illustrated by Alice Smith and typeset by Christian Brett. Signed first edition hardback. £16.99.
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idler 44 Mind your business

Idler 44: Mind your business

The 2011 issue of the Idler is devoted to the idea of small business as an alternative to the grind of the nine-to-five. Tom also tells the story of how he and Victoria Hull set up the Idler Academy.
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idler 42 Smash the system

Idler 43: Back to the Land

The new 'Back to the Land' issue features a major interview with David Hockney who has also contributed two sketches. Essayists include Paul Kingsnorth, Harry Mount, Penny Rimbaud, Jay Griffiths and Simon Fairlie,.
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idler 42 Smash the system

Idler 42: Smash the System

350 page Idler, a collection of radical essays by Alain De Botton, Penny Rimbaud, John Mitchinson, Jay Griffiths, Paul Kingsnorth, Oliver James. Published 17 June 2009. In Stock. Order now.
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idle parent

The Idle Parent

Order Now. Published 5th March. "Wise, funny, practical and personal, The Idle Parent puts the fun back into parenting." Oliver James
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how to be idle

How to be Idle by Tom Hodgkinson

Take control of your life and reclaim your right to be idle. SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR.
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book of idle pleasures

The Book of Idle Pleasures

A sumptuous compendium of one hundred pleasures, each lovingly described and illustrated.
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how to be free

How to be Free by Tom Hodgkinson

"Packed with wit, anecdotes and ideas ..." Word Magazine
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i fought the law

I Fought the Law by Dan Kieran

"Very funny...should be at the top of Tony Blair's reading list." The Times
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how to fish

How to Fish by Chris Yates

Recommended to anyone interested in either angling or doing nothing.
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cloudspotter's guide

The Cloudspotter's Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

"Read this eye-opening and amusingly written book" Daily Mail
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