On Friday I sauntered out because the BBC Weather forecast was for gray clouds. I took this picture from underneath one of the wonderful trees planted in the 1800's for one of the Courtauld's. The public gardens were then part of his garden donated to the town amidst much celebration, fireworks plus bonfire and drinking I suspect. The trees planted were many and various and the result was something the gardener responsible never saw which is a pity as they are marvellous. They also keep the big black cloud that drops gallons of water on people at bay. Interesting how the man driving the grass cutter went faster as the rain got heavier.
This morning, minus rain, I went to the main parish church where a war exhibition was on. One interesting aspect was putting these notes, each of a name from the war memorial, on the pews. This brings home to people the cost of war and how it affected the town. An excellent idea. Another good idea was the show of pictures and letters from relatives of those who attend the church being put on display. Many survived, one in five remember died during 14-18, and the letters give an insight concerning those who were there. The stiff upper lip is rare today as is the normal practice of the terms 'Mother' or 'Father' for parents, we are more informal today.
I thought it a wonderful display with a wide variety of items covering all sides in the war. The rat sniffing at the tins of 'Bully beef' was a nice touch and I was glad no lice were running free at the time, if there were I suspect tomorrows service will be interesting.
This I found interesting, it is a field kitchen. A Frenchman invented this during the Crimean war (that's 1854 to you) and it has been in use ever since. This one was made in the early 50's and they were used until recently when other means are employed. The MOD keeps a store of them in reserve still. A simple yet effective means of heating a large amount of stew/soup or whatever is lying around. The wood goes in the hole at the side, the soup in the top where a large removable pot contains the goods and the smoke goes up the chimney, simple and effective, all great inventions are always simple. This belongs to one of the church goers at this church, he has a Nissen hut, a trench and a wide variety of other war material at home. I must visit one day! Good job his lovely wife shares his enthusiasm!
As expected there is a window given to commemorate the men who fell, donated by a local worthy who spent much of his money on the town and worked hard as a councillor, and he was a powerful one, to improve things. These days rich people keep their money to themselves.
Rushing home slowly through the centre I found the British Legion stand was still there from yesterday. This time a lass sang, and sang very well, songs from the 40's to accompany the people ignoring her, not counting the mother dancing with a toddler. I chatted with one of our 'heroes' for a while and with another who was there yesterday. These ex-army men, who fought no war, just army bureaucracy and senior officers, were a delight to talk to. A great many people of all ages were interested.
One of the men had created these models, you cannot see the legs sticking out from under the tank unfortunately, but I thought them a wonderful piece of work.
A wonderful collection. Mind you I sometimes wonder about those that collect weapons. These men understand them, they have personal meaning to them but there are others who one sometimes regards as somewhat barmy and it may be best they don't have weapons on them, even broken ones. Back home to discover more people asking info on their great uncle or whatever. There is a joy in discovering a connection to a name on a memorial, a strange joy but I understand this. There may be more in days to come. Tomorrow it is St Paul's remembrance service, I have supplied some info, and then the town gathering at the memorial in the afternoon. You might read about that tomorrow...
