QUOTE] originally posted by Valerie:

quote:

Apart from Yorkshire pudding,

Valerie, my apologies for the Yorkshire pud. It was a combination of my utility English and my Irish ancestors. It should have read, ‘ Apart from the excellentYorkshire pudding.’

Alas, Jenni. I just cannot support the tomato soup school!. I tend to agree with Steff, HP or Dadd'ys. Upon reflection, I find it very sad that so many people of various religions, will die, never having experienced the unique pleasure of a hot bacon butty!

Ann, I trust that you are better now, we have missed you. With regard my young grandson, he is practising hard at present on his treble axle, but he has a long way to go as yet.
We have another grandson staying with us this weekend. He is a student at Liverpool Uni. He is also into sport and is champion runner in the Wirral peninsula for various distances and is racing at a venue down the road from us at Bebington Oval this weekend. The Oval was used as a mock up for the Olympics in the film "Chariots Of Fire". However, since entering University, he has encountered two obstacles in his sporting progress. The first is girls (can't criticize him there!) The other is ale.

Yesterday, We went to the lovely market town of Nantwich to check the boat out, which I have not seen for 5 months. A little storm damage, but nothing serious. We had been invited to stay overnight at a farmer friend's house which is situated outside Crewe. Driving along a country lane, I saw a sign post which was unreadable. The word looked foreign and failed to make sense. I mentioned it to my friend, who informed me that it was in Polish having been erected by the council; Crewe and Southampton having the largest number of Polish immigrants.
I have nothing against the poles, but this move is beyond belief. I have never seen English sign posts in Poland or any other country. Can you imagine the French setting up English sign posts because a number of British had settled there?. What next!.
Returning to food. We had a superb dinner at my friend's house last night. Lancashire Hot Pot.
All cooked in an oval pan with numerous crispy sliced potatoes on top. The first coarse having been cauliflower soup. The main course was followed by strawberries and cream(greenhouse grown straw berries and home made double cream. All washed down with his home made cider My wooden leg was acquiring a little wobble by this time.
Seeing as it is winter, we plan a further winter meal tonight. A good old fashioned pan of 'Scouse'. Ahh- Gorgeous!.

Ron.

Apology accepted Ron - enjoy your meal tonight.

Whilst the authorities in South Cheshire are tripping over themselves to erect sign posts in a foreign language, we in North Cheshire, have been celebrating "English Week" beginning the build up to St George’s Day
Numerous festivities have taken place during the past week with all money raised being presented to a hospice. Also, with the children being on teachers rest (half term) it has proved both educational and enjoyable for them.
The major theme of the week has been ‘Alfred the Great’ 849-899. Although his culinary skills have been questioned, there is little doubt about Alfred’s achievements.
He established the Royal Navy, instituted a judicial system of trial by jury, which some present day politicians want abolished, introduced education and literacy to give the people a sense of identity.
He never learned to read until aged 12 then loved Anglo-Saxon poems, battle stories and ballads. He founded the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles which can be enjoyed today. He was a warrior King who eventually made peace and defeated the Vikings.

“There was not English armour left,

Nor any English thing,

When Alfred came to Athelney,

To be an English King.

By GK Chesterton.
Ballad Of The White Horse


One of this weeks celebrations was on Thursday, when a hundred years of the ‘Boy Scout Movement‘ was celebrated.
Formed by Lord Baden Powell during the Boer War, They spread world wide and are still a major organisation today.
Since Sunday last, it has been a week of English poems, and will conclude with the ‘poem of the week’ tomorrow. Here are two from this week:

Save England

Give us back our England,

A sense of pride and fair play

Streets we can safely walk down,

Be it night or day.


Give us leaders we can look up to,

Who will listen to what we say.

Instead of those who pretend to care,

Yet still do it their own way.


Give us back the schools,

Where teachers get respect.

From pupils who want to learn,

Not those who bully and wreck.


Give us back the neighbourhoods

We knew when we were young,

When we looked after each other,

No yob violence or gun.


Give us back an England,

Where the punishment fits the crime.

Where life for murder really means life,

And criminals serve their full time.

We want our England great again,

To hold her head up high.

We know we’ll never have Utopia,

But at least we need to try.

By Patricia Rolfe.



The springtime of the year

I love to be in England in the springtime of the year,

When the grass is green and hoste of golden daffodils appear,

And everything is bright and clean, washed by the gentle rain.

Yes, it’s good to be in England when it’s springtime once again/


I love to be in England when there’s blossom on the trees,

And sweetly scented flowers tempt the busy honey bees.

And rays of golden sunshine promise summer’s nearly here,

Yes, it’s good to be in England in the springtime of the year.

By Alice Drurt.

And does Alice Drurt give credit to the classic poets she's borrowed from?

And why doesn't she mention the fact that today promises to be the first day it hasn't rained here for about a week?

Loved the first poem though.

I tend to agree with you Jenni. There a strong familiarity about ‘Springtime’ However, the lady in question was doing her best to express herself, So I cannot be too critical,
Especially as I misread her surname. It is Drury-not Drurt !!
The eclipse of English week in the Wirral, was St George riding his white charger through the villages. All went well, until someone had the bright idea of riding him into the large marquee.
Indoors are not suitable for horses, even though ‘Dobbin’ is an old hack. He possesses no modesty.
Whether he intended a deposit or it was his answer to the questionaire behind him which read’ What do you think of the EU?’ I don’t know. But he stopped dead and left his ‘message’’ much to the embarrassment of St George! The following is the chosen English poem of the week;-

My England
By Ruth Brown.

My England is a cottage down a winding country lane,

My England is a wild moorland land and softly falling rain,

A rippling brook, a willow tree,

A sandy cove,

A stormy sea.

No matter how far I may roam,

This is my England,

This is my home.


Though I have seen the wonders of places overseas,

The mountain slopes of Switzerland, the lakes of Italy,

The beauty that is Venice, the splendour that is Rome,

Yet always a small island,

My England

Calls me home.


My England is a bluebell wood and bank of wildflower posies,

My England is a garden filled with lavender and roses.

A cobbled street, a harbour scene,

An ancient church,

And the village green.


No matter how far that I may roam,

This is my England--------

This is my home.

(First published in the T E magazine)

Cyfarchiad ar Dydd Adewi Sant

A happy St Davids day to all our Welsh friends.

Ron.

On this day in 1850 English engineer Robert Stephenson's tubular bridge was opened, linking Anglesey with mainland Wales.

1936 The British fighter plane Spitfire made its first test flight from Eastleigh, Southampton.

1998 US scientists announced that the Lunar Prospector satellite had detected 11 million

1952 Elaine Page, English musical actress was born.

Stonehenge

It is a paradox that the further we move in time away from a pre-historical event (that is before the appearance of contemporary written records) that the more we learn about the facts of that pre-historical event.

Victorian scholars believed that the great stone circle on Salisbury Plain was once a druidic temple. Researchers in the mid to late 20th century proven beyond doubt that Stonehenge was built 2000 years before the first druid stepped foot in Wiltshire. Today’s researchers are uncovering much more than the previous generation of archeologists.

Now a new find just yards from the Stonehenge site reveals the complex and highly organized society that our own ancestors had created – a degree of complexity ill at odds with the myth of lux orientalis the myth perpetrated throughout the past 300 years that all civilisations and all civilizing influences arose from the East.

The amazing find unveiled in the past weeks at Durrington is of a settlement thought to have housed the builders of the monument, and was an important ceremonial site in its own right, hosting feasts and celebrations.

Housing complex

Excavations also offer new evidence that a timber circle and a vast earthwork where the village once stood were linked to Stonehenge—via road, river, and ritual.
Together, the sites were part of a much larger religious complex, the archaeologists suggest.
Excavations revealed the remains of eight wooden buildings. Surveys of the landscape have identified up to 30 more dwellings, the site’s chief archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson said, but it is possible that hundreds more houses could be uncovered.

The initial stone circle at Stonehenge—the so-called sarsen stones—has been radiocarbon-dated to between 2600 and 2500 B.C.

The dates for the village are "exactly the same time, in radiocarbon terms, as for the building of the sarsens," Parker Pearson added.

Six of the houses so far unearthed measured about 250 square feet each and had wooden walls and clay floors. Fireplaces and furniture—such as cupboards and beds—could be discerned from their outlines in the earth, Parker Pearson said.

Giant calendar

The great henge itself is almost certainly a giant calendar on the landscape with the stones aligned with the summer solstice sunrise and the winter solstice sunset – a remarkable feat of engineering, mathematics and organisation of labour suggesting a highly evolved community. It is also believed that Stonehenge had an important role to play in the funeral arrangements of the Neolithic community.

Stonehenge archaeologist Joshua Pollard, of Bristol University says "Stonehenge is remarkable for the sheer quantity of human remains buried there."

Manchester University's Julian Thomas is less sure about the exact nature of the ritualistic connection between Durrington and Stonehenge. But he said that their complementary relationship and connection to the River Avon is "immensely important."

"Rather than just focusing on Stonehenge as something in isolation," he said, "we're seeing the way in which it relates to a whole landscape."

We are literally only scratching the surface of what lies inches below the soil and each find gives weight to the advanced civilization our ancestors were carving out of the early British landscape.

quote:

Originally posted by Valerie:

quote:

Originally posted by RonW:

Firstly,an MP for the Everton district in Liverpool, was world famous for What?.

Ron.

Would that be William Huskisson MP - world famous for being the first person to be killed in a railway accident?

quote:

Originally posted by Gwyn:

quote:

Originally posted by Valerie:

quote:

Originally posted by RonW:

Firstly,an MP for the Everton district in Liverpool, was world famous for What?.

Ron.

Would that be William Huskisson MP - world famous for being the first person to be killed in a railway accident?

Old posting I know, but just to set an historical context, I doubt that Huskisson was the first person to be killed in a railway accident.

Don't forget that railways had been operating for some years prior to 1830, especially in the NE of England.

The first fatality was probably some un-named, unrecorded labourer hit by a train somewhere like Darlington ... or Stockton!

Gwyn

quote:

Originally posted by RonW:
QUOTE] originally posted by Valerie:

quote:

Apart from Yorkshire pudding,

Yesterday, We went to the lovely market town of Nantwich to check the boat out, which I have not seen for 5 months. A little storm damage, but nothing serious. We had been invited to stay overnight at a farmer friend's house which is situated outside Crewe. Driving along a country lane, I saw a sign post which was unreadable. The word looked foreign and failed to make sense. I mentioned it to my friend, who informed me that it was in Polish having been erected by the council; Crewe and Southampton having the largest number of Polish immigrants.
I have nothing against the poles, but this move is beyond belief. I have never seen English sign posts in Poland or any other country. Can you imagine the French setting up English sign posts because a number of British had settled there?. What next!.


Ron.

This business of the Polish signs has caused a lot of "anguish" and "gnashing of teeth" - perhaps as a resident of the area involved I can set it in context:

It's a very large highway scheme - there are over 200 (English) signs involved.

After the work started the contractors found that problems were arising because lorry drivers (mainly Polish) were simply following their satnav, and failing to understand the significance of the diversion signs. This was dangerous and causing delays to the work (while lorries were extricated). Soooo, they put up some signs in Polish (9 was the last figure I saw).

Result - safer roads, quicker progress on work.

So what's the problem?

Gwyn

quote:

Originally posted by Gwyn:
I doubt that Huskisson was the first person to be killed in a railway accident.

Don't forget that railways had been operating for some years prior to 1830, especially in the NE of England.

The first fatality was probably some un-named, unrecorded labourer hit by a train somewhere like Darlington ... or Stockton!

Gwyn

Ok then, the first recorded fatality involving a steam-powered railway train.

Firstly, welcome to the forum Gwyn, and I trust that we shall hear more from you in the future.

The MP for Everton, was Frank Hornby of Hornby train fame.

Alas,I do not go along with the 'lorry driver's argumeny-ref sign posts.
Between the Gibraltar border right along the Costa Del Sol up to Almaria, scores of roadworks are in progress, most of which involve immigrant drivers-including Poles, none of whom are experiencing any difficulty in reading Spanish names. If a city is called and spelt Cadiz there or Crewe here everyone can read and understand it.The name is the same here as there. Apart from which. Have they never heard of a road atlas?
When I was at sea, I onced sailed on a ship were all the officers were English, and all the crew were Polish. It was a very happy ship and we all got on well together. However, one lesson that I did learn from my Polish shipmates, was that they are very versatile with languages, most of whom could easily converse in six languages.But this leaves me puzzled. With unemployment rising rapidly here, are we suddenly short of British lorry drivers?.

Ron.

Firstly, welcome to the forum Gwyn, and I trust that we shall hear more from you in the future.

The MP for Everton, was Frank Hornby of Hornby train fame.

Alas,I do not go along with the 'lorry driver's argumeny-ref sign posts.
Between the Gibraltar border right along the Costa Del Sol up to Almaria, scores of roadworks are in progress, most of which involve immigrant drivers-including Poles, none of whom are experiencing any difficulty in reading Spanish names. If a city is called and spelt Cadiz there or Crewe here everyone can read and understand it.The name is the same here as there. Apart from which. Have they never heard of a road atlas?
When I was at sea, I onced sailed on a ship were all the officers were English, and all the crew were Polish. It was a very happy ship and we all got on well together. However, one lesson that I did learn from my Polish shipmates, was that they are very versatile with languages, most of whom could easily converse in six languages.But this leaves me puzzled. With unemployment rising rapidly here, are we suddenly short of British lorry drivers?.

Ron.

quote:

Originally posted by RonW:
Have they never heard of a road atlas?

Given the rise of the "must have" satnav, I think road atlases are a dying breed amongst Brits as well as Poles! Having been chief family navigator from about the age of 9, I can't possibly imagine having an irritating voice telling me "at the next roudabout...." and sending me the wrong way down one way streets. Besides, I know from friends who have visited me that my town is very badly covered in satnav terms and I guess there must be many other places similarly let down.

I'm with you - bring back map reading!

Four years ago, a group of people in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy in Manchester who were totally disenchanted with the anti-British history propaganda pouring from politicians, decided to make a stand. So they canvassed their friends and neighbours, and organised a St Georges Day parade group.
There number comprised around sixty. Dressed in red, white and blue regalia, complete with cardboard horse and St George, they proudly marched the three miles into the centre of Manchester and proclaimed St Gorges Day.
Their reception throughout the walk was supreme, with clapping and cheering people. It was far in excess of their plans. The following year the number had increased to 500 and has been rapidly increasing since. The success of this parade, has been so popular and rapid, that today, the City council announced that the St George parade on the 23rd April this year, would be fully supported by the council with it's personnel and vehicles participating.

Ron.

'The Ghost of the eigth Canary Isle appears again'
In this weeks semi lead story in the 'Tenerife News', is the story of the reappearance of San Borondon, the mysterious disappearing Island. It has once more been photographed and vidiod, but on approach disappeared in a shroud of mist.
Colombus reported seeing it in his diary of 1492. hundreds of sightings and a few landings have been reported since.
The Spanish pirate Ceballus claimed that the Island was comprised of sand and thin trees. Several other sightings are in a similar vein.
All the sightings put the Island as 200 miles north north west of La Palma.
Indeed, many an explorer has logged heading for what they thought was La Palma but on reaching the location where land had been spotted, found nothing, with the real La Palma still 200 miles away. All reported viewings state an Island approximatly 40 miles long by by 25miles across with two large bare mountaind either side and forrest in the middle.
The Spanish government have even sent a fact finding expedition to the area, but alas, returned with nothing.
Some claim it is the visible part of the lost continant of Atlantis as described in Platoe's Timaeus. Yet who knows? next time you are in the area, casually glance north north west, it could be there!

Ron.

quote:

Some claim it is the visible part of the lost continant of Atlantis as described in Platoe's Timaeus

Colonel Fawcett (he of lost up the Amazon fame) quoted someone who told the past from holding objects -that Atlantis was destroyed because the people grew so confident in their own powers that they declared there was no God -they were supreme!

Do you know that is somehow begining to sound familiar. And certainly some of our 'celebraties/politicians' seem to think that they are God. (In which case I am an atheist!)

Good for your St. George parade Ron -may it grow and grow.

Ann, it’s nice to hear from you again after so long. Your contributions are esteemed for their common sense and when absent, sorely missed.
The report from the Canaries is related to many ex or volcanic regions. When I was at sea, I experienced a number of these phenomenom. . I remember one in particular, it was some miles south of Honolulu. On several occasions, I espied this particular Island at horizon distance( 15 miles) , I could even make out what appeared to be a grey land base using the ship’s 20 times magnification binoculars. However, when I used the more powerful ship’s telescope, there was nought to be seen. It was just like that beautiful girl who I saw in my dream last night—just a vision!
Also, I once sailed on a ship owned by 'Ropners' which covered the Gulf Of Mexico
( Bermuda Triangle)twice every six weeks, this I did for 18 months, and never saw a damned thing. However, I cannot deny fact with all the vessel and 'plane disappearances in the 'triangle'. Maybe I was lucky, but as in common with many seaman, I believe that a magnetic field exists in the area,
Do you remember a couple of years ago, me telling you about my uncle Chris who, whilst a matelot on an MTB, was shot in the ‘bum’ by a German sniper whilst doing a 'moonie'against them in WW2? He is now 82 and after suffering two strokes is not exactly in the best of health., he has a hell of a war record with both the Germans and Japanese. Because of this, a number of people have suggested the he be given the ‘Freedom of The Town’ before he joins ‘Davy Jones’. It appears he is not going to be honoured. His story is just too too English.
What a pity these people had no fathers. They should be keel hauled.

Ron.

quote:

Because of this, a number of people have suggested the he be given the ‘Freedom of The Town’ before he joins ‘Davy Jones’. It appears he is not going to be honoured. His story is just too too English.

well why not gather together the people who want this and arrange a big splendid celebration inviting the local (and national) press along with full description of uncle's war record and splash it everywhere.

'They' might wish then that they had listened and the press love a fiesty oap - do it for St. George's Day -an Englishman who fought the dragon of fascism (and his supporters who are doing the same today!!)

Discovered this information whilst browsing through the InternetSt Georges DaySt Georges Day

Ann, I fully agree with your sentiments with regard to my uncle Chris. However, he said that he wants no 'arm up the back' presentations, so they can keep it. He insisted that we give our word on this topic, which we have done.
This lack of local support is no suprise to me. We have been in this area for a few centuries, and our family bad news has been spread everywhere.IE An uncle who was a bodyguard for Al Capone. He ended up in Sing Sing, and was then deported to Britain. Or more recently, the relative that forgot to pay his Income Tax and VAT on a few million. He was guest of the Queen for a while in the 'Queens Hotel'.
Aye, but you cannot read of another relative, a Doctor, who was so concerned that Birkenhead had no children's hospital, that in 1905, he paid out of his own pocket, £37-000 to have one built, complete with A and E and opperating theatre. When it was complete, he was broke, The council said that they had no money to equip it, but the day was saved by the then Duke Of Westminster paying for the equpment.
It was jointly opened by my ancester and the Duke. What disgusts me is that no trace of this event can be found in the local history lists.

Ron.