Today is another boring day. The highlight was taking the rubbish down for collection tomorrow and eating a bad lunch. This comprised a (reduced price) veggie lunch which claimed to be a 'Turkey Wheat Protein' thing. Having cooked it, been scared by the noise of the alarm that I forgot was on the oven, and chewed my way through this 'wheaten' mass, I came to the conclusion that it was in fact bread! This I reckoned because of the word 'Wheat.' Take wheat, mix with various things, add nuts, cook forever, and wonder why you did not just make a thick sandwich? 'Thick' was a word going through my mind. Maybe I ought to read the labels better rather than just look at the price?
Anyway, here is an old picture of what was once a thriving port called Maldon. A few years since I was there last, and I kind of miss being by the sea, even if it is just this little estuary. Ships did sail far from here in times past, a great many of the Barges sailing up the Thames to London carrying various goods, often agricultural to London, other goods in return. Huge loads often on the barges but only two men usually operating the vessel.
Like Maldon the two railway museums will have been missing visitors. This very evocative view of the water tower at the Colne Valley Railway reminds me off a good day there before Covid. Quite quiet that day so it was possible to get around with little trouble. A trip on the DMU was included, though we did not go far, and plenty to see for a museum with so little space. I like that sort of museum.
When in Colchester one time I came upon this school. It had a very attractive 1920's type building (possibly earlier) and above the doors there were signs indicating for whom the doors belonged. We had nothing like this on our 1932 primary, though we were segregated into boys and girls, and today sadly the kids are mixed together at all times. I disagree with this as male and female are made differently, boys and girls need to play with their own kind and this forced mixing is not good. Even if they were separated on say, Tuesday and Thursday only, this would enable them to develop much better.
The results of present day cohesion are all around us, boys who think they are girls, girls who think they are boys. Confusion reigns in many young minds rather than being allowed to be what you are made. Good grief that gives enough problems anyway, why did women teachers insist on this as it does no-one any good.
How many of you still have one of these lying around the house? That is, hidden in a cupboard, unsused and with nothing to add it on to. I have one in a cupboard, I have records, mostly scratched, and possibly ruined by the cold weather. No way of playing them now. However, many people are buying such records, money can be made, but I am not parting with mine...
5 comments:
I really like Maldon. I haven't been for a few years but recognised it at once from your photo. It's such an interesting town, with a very old library in it. There is also the oldest church in England not too far away, which is on a lonely bit of marsh land. It is a bit of a walk to get there, but worth it for those who can, as it is still defying the weather and as it is made of huge blocks of stone it gives a great impression of strength and fortitude. The town museum has a tapestry about Maldon and district which is worth seeing for its own sake, but it is also pictured on that, and was a surprise to me becuase I had had no idea it existed at all. I found a photo on the web https://www.visitessex.com/things-to-do/the-chapel-of-st-peter-on-the-wall-p1268151 A very inspirational place.
Jenny, I would like to vists St Peter on the Wall. It is part of what once was a Roman fort, much rebuilt of course. Maldon is worth a look, I need a lift these days, too much walking uphill otherwise.
I used to sail in and out of Maldon when young and remember a few barges still at work....I liked the place immensely.
Do you know the Hervey Benham books on the barge trade and the east coast? 'Once upon a Tide' I think is the best known.
James Wentowrth Day wrote well about the east coast too...a very rum cove, but the books are good.
I wonder if the Battle of Maldon makes part of the tapestry? One of the earliest known English poems treats of it....best known I suppose for the lines
Heart must be braver, courage the bolder,
Mood the stouter as our strength grows less!
A real Dunkirk spirit there!
The defeat led to the introduction of the payment of Danegeld.
I can't comment on Jennys blog, like a lot of others...and can't solve the problem! I need a five year old or, alternatively, an axe to take to the laptop.
Fly, Still barges there today, mostly carrying passengers for day trips. I have two Benham books, very interesting too! You recommended these. You made me post the battle again today.
Mea culpa....
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