Flaming Nora

When you grow up, become a grown-up, there are some things you miss from when you were a kid.   Going on the shuggy boats is one of those things. You can follow us on Twitter @CoroStreetBlog and Facebook: CoronationStreetBlog All original work on the Coronation Street Blog is covered by a Creative Commons License ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here This week in the Corrie weekly updates, Hayley's had me in tears.   ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here This week in the Corrie weekly updates, Hayley's heart-wrenching storyline begins. ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here This week in the Corrie weekly updates, a racism row erupted in the Rovers Return. ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

Margaret Thatcher once said: "There is no such thing as society". Flaming Nora, who knows better, and was at the 129th Durham Miners' Gala today, says: "Oh yes, there is, and it's very much alive." ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

To the David Bowie is exhibition in that London the other week - and I didn't want to leave. The exhibition, that is, not that London.  Hand-written lyrics to Bowie songs, costumes worn on stage and in his videos and an all-encompassing David Bowie experience at the V&A.  If you're a Bowie fan, you can't miss this, even if it means you have to travel all the way to London to see it. Go. Also saw Blondie play live the other week in the same city I first saw them play in January 1980 when I was 15 years old. It was my first grown-up gig .  They still rock -  but I did miss them playing their early stuff.  When I got home I had to put this track on loud as they didn't play it either. And I love it. ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here This week in the Corrie weekly updates, David went nuts. ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

My sister-in-law gave me a recipe for rhubarb crumble cupcakes a while ago and it's one that deserves sharing.  I know what you're thinking - those aren't rhubarb and there's no crumble.  Well, you're right.  The first few times I made the fairy cakes - I hate calling little cakes cupcakes just because it's considered fashionable - I did use rhubarb and I did do the crumble bit on top. And they are delicious. Then I tried apple instead of rhubarb which was just as nice.  Then I tried raspberries and without the crumble and they, I think, were my favourites so far.  And today I made the cakes with strawberries and no crumble and the results are shown above. They certainly pass the taste test too. To be honest, I don't think you can go wrong with this recipe because it's SO light and airy that anything you put in - fruit, chocolate, oats, nuts, whatever - can only end up being enjoyed because the consistency and taste of the cake mixture is so good. ...

I don't want to repeat a blog post I wrote about the London bombings of July 7 2005, but I do urge you to read it. It's here. ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora

My interview with the lady who dressed the Coronation Street icons.  Read it here . I truly hope any Corrie fans who read it enjoy it as much as I enjoyed speaking to the woman and writing up her memories.  ______ I'm on twitter @flaming_nora