A Very British Week at McIntosh — Oaths, Chocolate & Knitted Rectangles
Some weeks feel like little chapters in a book, and this one came with ceremony, knitting, and rather a lot of chocolate.
On Tuesday, Dr T and I found ourselves back at the Registry Office where we married nine months ago — only this time, he was becoming British. Having grown up in Northern Ireland, I’ve always had both British and Irish passports, but for Dr T, Brexit made life trickier. After years of living, working, and contributing here, he couldn’t vote and began to worry about his long-term security.
Then Germany changed its rules to allow dual citizenship (reluctantly, as their website says), and that opened the door. Dr T threw himself into the “Life in the UK Test,” learning facts even I didn’t know, followed by a spoken English exam — which was still easier than explaining tension versus gauge to a non-knitter.
The ceremony was surprisingly emotional. The Mayor spoke about fairness, freedom, and the responsibility of adding to society, not just taking from it. And when Dr T swore the oath to The King, his Heirs and Successors I had tears in my eyes. It was a moment of choosing home.
Naturally, the emotion lasted about five minutes before he realised there were only 14 days left in his Advent calendar and promptly bought Quality Street, Heroes and an enormous box of Hotel Chocolat. If this is British citizenship, he’s taken to it marvellously.
Meanwhile, I’ve been knitting rectangles instead of hoops as I test more of the beautiful Symfonie Hand-Dyed yarns from KnitPro. I’ve also been writing reviews for their single pointed needles — because I want to have used everything I sell, so I can genuinely help you choose.
And in a quieter triumph, I completed my marketing course this week. So we now have two certificates proudly displayed in Peckham (the posh part): one for a new Brit, and one for a small business owner doing his best to keep learning.
Thank you, as always, for being part of the McIntosh Clan. Your support means more than you know.
