Elementary, My Dear Belmont

I expect you are thinking Timothy Belmont has taken leave of his senses, given that I braved the elements and cycled into Belfast this morning. A headwind restrained me going; a tailwind eased the journey homewards.

That Northern Ireland Roads Disservice, or whatever they call themselves, ought to receive a robust kick where it hurts; or, to emulate Jeremy Clarkson, those in charge ought to be lined up against a wall and bombarded with pellets. The standard of the carriageway on Mersey Street is a disgrace to humanity.

Now that I have my little rant over, I feel better. I ventured into the Linenhall Library, the subject today being the Fetherston Baronets and the Barony of Barrymore.

Later I ambled across to Marks and Spencer for some groceries.

In a second-hand book emporium in North Street, I found a pristine Penguin classic, The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes, a bargain at £2.