The main story this day is either the new Pope having a mass, in the Sistine Chapel of course, or these two brigands who decided to cut down the 'Sycamore tree' on Hadrian's Wall. Which, I wonder, is more important?
The Pope, whatever you think of him and his, is a powerful individual who has a major influence on the world. Not only do around a billion and a half claim to be Roman Catholics but his influence can have a political effect in nations large and small.
His influence on those behind him in the Vatican might be difficult, strong popes before him have struggled with various power lobbies in Rome, and one banker was of course found hanging under a London Bridge some years ago. Not a job for one with no comprehension of those around him.
I suspect this pope will understand the difficulties ahead, he has been working in Peru after all and that is no less corrupt than any other nation.
Of course if he reads the bible and discovers better doctrine he might indeed change the world.
The other 'main story' everywhere concerns two rather dim men who decided to cut down the famous Sycamore Tree that has stood in the gap in Hadrian's Wall for over a hundred years. These 'saps,' (see what I did there?) have claimed they thought it 'was only a tree,' but drove some miles, equipped for tree cutting, one did the deed, while the other filmed the event.
They ran away in the dark giggling to themselves over various social media comments and news reports made after the event.
The costs incurred have been totalled at £622,191 with damage to the wall itself caused when the tree fell being another £1,144.
The jury at the trial, where both pointed the finger elsewhere, took 5 hours before declaring them guilty. They now face possible jail time as the emotional effect of chopping down the tree has been immense for some as the judge made clear.
My niece was upset by this, she had dragged her mother there to see the tree not long before these lumberjacks set to work. She, and many others, will be glad tonight.
