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Tim Dowling

@timdowling.bsky.social
2.7K followers 225 following 84 posts

Guardian writer, sad sack. Police Dog Hogan's banjo player.

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Reposted by Tim Dowling
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 27/09/2026
Tim Dowling: I’ve been replaced by a younger model … it’s a relief
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: I’ve been replaced by a younger model … it’s a relief
My wife has summarily relieved me of gardening duties, in favour of ‘Gardening Steve’. Inevitably, there’s a catch
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 12/09/2026
Tim Dowling: how not to interview eminent scientists – a control freak’s guide
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: how not to interview eminent scientists – a control freak’s guide
It was supposed to be a meeting between a great mind and mine. Instead, I was plunged into darkness and did some swearing
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Brilliant Mr T interview from @shattenstone.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
‘I don’t chase the dollar. I never did’: the astonishing hidden life of Mr T
He grew up in the ghetto, became a global superstar – then gave it all up. Why did he step away from the spotlight?
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Is Pluto a planet? www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
theguardian.com
Forbidden planet: was Pluto’s 2006 demotion a big mistake?
Since it was stripped of planetary status, Pluto’s defenders have been fighting the decision – and they’re only getting more passionate
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 29/08/2026
Tim Dowling: my TV contract has run out – and so has my patience
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: my TV contract has run out – and so has my patience
I need to buy a smart television big enough to read ransom notes – and I’m taking no prisoners
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Mel Roxby-Mackey @archaeoborders.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Any archaeologist will tell you this but here is Tim Dowling demonstrating how many problems in life are easily solvable through the application of a trowel (or mattock for bigger jobs).
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: I do have principles. Rule one is to avoid DIY at all costs
I do occasionally contemplate getting my toolbox out. But these are idle urges – I’m only too aware of the harm my past interventions have caused
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
The only reason I don't have a mattock is that up until now I wouldn't have known what to ask for. Thank you.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
the very thing!
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
He’s the one I took over from.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
If you like this sort of idiocy there are still tickets for Gateshead, Edinburgh, Birmingham and London. Plus music. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: I have a mic drop moment on stage – quite literally
None of the audience are laughing at my jokes. Until …
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Peter Stefanovic @peterstefanovic.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
The absolutely brilliant Police Dog Hogan — one of the most joyful live bands on the UK circuit — fusing Americana, folk and country with energy, warmth and soul, are live at Islington Assembly Hall Thurs 18 June. Don’t miss them!
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
I've had to take up the matter with the seller, who have launched an "investigation"
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
It never did
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
I’m going to try that
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
much too big
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Simon Hattenstone @shattenstone.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Woody Brown is non-speaking, autistic and a brilliant new novelist. I interviewed him, and he's bloody amazing. Would be great if you could share www.theguardian.com/books/2026/m...
theguardian.com
‘I was in the pit of despair’: Non-speaking autistic novelist Woody Brown on his journey from write-off to writer
As a child, Brown was underestimated, infantilised and dismissed by specialists and teachers. Now 28, he has written an acclaimed debut novel set in an adult day care centre that gives people like him...
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
non capisco niente. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: six years of Duolingo and I speak a little Italian, but understand nothing
Luckily, I have learned two phrases that express my helplessness very efficiently
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
We’d have to always stand the same side of one another, like Ant and Dec
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Thanks Hannah, and I’m sorry.
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 11/03/2026
My mother’s best advice: learn to raise one eyebrow at the world
theguardian.com
My mother’s best advice: learn to raise one eyebrow at the world
It took almost a year of practice and then I was too embarrassed to show off my talent. But finally, during a stage performance, I elevated a solitary brow and the crowd went wild
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Police Dog Hogan @policedoghogan.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
justlistentothis.co.uk/interviews/p...
justlistentothis.co.uk
Police Dog Hogan Talk New Album, 2026 UK Tour And More
Britain has a rich tradition of bands who never take the obvious route, but nonetheless earn a devoted cult following through doing things on those own terms. Police Dog Hogan will release their new a...
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Police Dog Hogan @policedoghogan.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
We're on the cover!
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
It is what it is.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
Nice one Trev!
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Police Dog Hogan @policedoghogan.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
tapedmagazine.uk/2026/01/31/q...
tapedmagazine.uk
Q&A: Police Dog Hogan
Photo Credit: Press Ahead of the release of their new album ‘The Light at the Top of the Stars, we pitched some questions to Police Dog Hogan as they prepare for its unveiling to the world alongsid…
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
they are of a length, and well-turned.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 31/01/2026
This week's column, in which I am obliged to hide from the dog. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: the dog’s training regime has taken a weird turn
Intermediate Dog School involves hiding behind trees in the park …
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
My family sold the business years ago
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Police Dog Hogan @policedoghogan.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
musictalkers.com/latest-news/...
musictalkers.com
Interview: Police Dog Hogan Talk Reflection, Resilience and The Light At The Top Of The Stairs
Police Dog Hogan have spent nearly two decades quietly building one of the most devoted followings in British Americana. Their bluegrass-leaning country-pop has taken them from sparsely attended pub g...
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Police Dog Hogan @policedoghogan.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
youtu.be/9ziDR6taeXw?...
youtu.be
Police Dog Hogan - Just Breathe
YouTube video by Police Dog Hogan
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Lorna Curry @lornacurry.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
@timdowling.bsky.social thank you for sharing the tortoise early rising story. Toni woke this week - one month early from her hibernation spot under the stairs. Now back asleep under a dog bed. PS Much loved little thing. Now has official @floperry.bsky.social portrait alongside dogs.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Even the written down part of this speech is insane.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Are they gonna clap when this over?
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 17/01/2026
A rare January victory. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: how a toilet-based epiphany saved me from the January blues
Repairing the cistern has not only given me hope for the year ahead, it has changed our lives …
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
No. "You won't be remotely surprised by what happened next."
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 10/01/2026
Spoiler: eventually, it mysteriously went away. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: I have a new mystery ailment but sympathy is in short supply
I can’t tell the GP ghosts are pulling my hair. That’s even more embarrassing than my previous ailments – ‘hot hand’ and ‘phantom phone’
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 21/12/2025
It wasn’t me - I was at home. It must have been my evil twin brother
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Seán Moncrieff @seanmoncrieff.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
On the show today: Tiktok politicians; @henrymckean.bsky.social on the kids coming home; @timdowling.bsky.social on male shapewear; @lucymichael.bsky.social on gardai and tasers; @jamesproclaims.bsky.social reviews 'The Revenge Club' 'Irish Blood' & 'Man vs Baby'; Ireland's most significant actor..
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
I should probably stress that in the end EVERYTHING WENT FINE www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: my band is set to play live on the radio. What could possibly go wrong?
Rehearsals for a live broadcast at short notice reduce us to silence then swearing. This does not bode well
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
I've advanced to a new circle of customer service purgatory www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: how did I end up on a helpline for the old and befuddled?
The online banker sounds concerned, as if he’s trying to keep me on the line until the ambulance arrives
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Reposted by Tim Dowling
Simon Hattenstone @shattenstone.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Beautiful piece by @TimAdamsWrites on the brilliant Observer journalist Rachel Cooke who could write wonderfully about anything, has died tragically young and will be hugely, hugely missed by so many people. observer.co.uk/news/nationa...
observer.co.uk
Remembering Rachel Cooke | The Observer
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
I went all in on jelly. As ever, gastronomy was the loser. www.theguardian.com/food/2025/no...
theguardian.com
Jelly’s back! Here are three worth making – and three that should wobble off to the bin
The traditional treat is all over Instagram and TikTok. But does it always taste as impressive as it looks? And why is it so hard to get it to set rather than slump? Time for a deep dive …
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
similar effects budget.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
One for the Tims www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: life on the road was so much simpler than being at home
On tour with the band there were no snapping tortoises, no dog kerfuffles and certainly no peeping scaffolders
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Yeah mine is still rampaging
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Good guess (I have read that one) but no
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
I enjoyed the blue one, for what it’s worth. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
Tim Dowling: I love books – but can’t remember anything about the ones I’ve just read
In bed I lie awake, staring at the books on my nightstand, trying to remember a single salient fact about any of them
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
You wouldn't have like my jam roly poly, but it confirmed my long-held mistrust of so-called self-raising flour.
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
So, I made a lot of puddings. www.theguardian.com/food/2025/se...
theguardian.com
Steam, stodge – and so much suet: I made 10 endangered British puddings. Are any actually worth saving?
With many classic puddings on the verge of dying out, I set out to discover which should be back on the menu. It was a journey through some of the heaviest desserts in history
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Tim Dowling @timdowling.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Still up, still eating
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