Visitors

Yesterday I spent an extra day at the museum.  Arriving in time to help 60 kids buy things in the shop I discovered they were not buying anything, an office failure at their end which meant the teachers did not know they were to bring cash!  So instead i stood in the WW2 part and answered questions wrongly concerning the war. 
The kids portrayed Evacuees very well and were keen to discover what we had to show them.  However the question on the worksheet asked "What was the last item to come of rationing?"  
Naturally I did not know and from the choice before us "Butter, Meat, Cheese, Sugar, Sweets," I discussed with one dimwit (he may end up working in a museum) whether sugar, which was imported, might be the item.  Sugar or sweets I thought as sweets came of the ration in 1954.  
The answer naturally was meat!
Meat came of the ration in 1954, sweets in 1953!  A previous attempt to deration sweets occurred in 1948 but the panic buying led to shortages and it was put back on ration.  By 1953 prices had risen and attitudes changed.  Not that I remember this as you know...
This was a good school.  The teachers were good, the kids happy and bright, for the most part, and the teachers preferred us to Duxford and the huge airforce collection there.  We were cosier and more suitable for the kids, Duxford, which is worth visiting, is huge! 
I came home exhausted, brain work you see, I'm not used to it.

Waking at around seven this morning I was glad it was Wednesday as I could go back to sleep.  
At 7:20 am I realised it was in fact Tuesday and I could not!  This was disappointing.
The mist was close to fog in some areas, quite thick like some people I know, and hung about until it turned into drizzle later on.  This is a warm, mild winter, which is worrying.
One result is the number of spiders appearing in the house.  One or two quite big ones, not the usual types have been seen around.  I chased one out the other day but not sure if he went, not sure if he was a he as last night I found several dozen wee ones on the ceiling.  I cleared them out by applying a feather duster (made from nylon I bet) and running them under the bath tap to kill them, cruel man that I am.  Later there were more, and twice more I went back and cleared out others.  It is I believe normal for such beasties to give birth to a hundred at a time, I hope I caught them all.

  
Today it was back to the museum in the mist to be made to rush around Tesco for stuff no-one had bought and to be met by several folks with 'learning difficulties' before we had even opened.  Quite a contrast between these and yesterdays folks.  These are adults who remain children.  Sad in many ways but happy enough with what we offered them today.  This group come often and enjoy their visit, well chaperoned by young ladies who understand the needs.  A worthy job that.
Later another two women brought a 12 year old who was very disabled mentally and physically.   the idea is to give them some stimulus, sometimes this is very difficult.  Actually I just remembered another regular visitor is a young lad with problems came also.  This appears to be the day for them. 
Not that much history discovered by most of them but they enjoyed their visit and got something out of the time.  

Too Tired to Think Post

Dreich Night!

It was a dark and stormy night as I made my weary way homewards from another extra turn at the museum.  The rain pelted down, the wet streets enticing only for pictures of lamplight reflecting thereon.  All was closing for the night bar supermarkets and public houses.  I avoided the pubs but bought bread from Tesco, it was the cheap option.  

The vast sums spent on Christmas lights in the town was well worth it, there is a smattering of them to the top right off the picture.  Such lights have drawn out the crowds as you can see. 

Standing in the rain with two loaves of cheap 'Tiger Bread' in the bag I pondered on those who can afford to stay, eat, and be made welcome in the hotel.  What brings them here?  One at least is a one time resident on holiday visiting his past and his relatives, this is not uncommon, but who are the others?  There is little to see in the town but the Museum and the handsome welcoming staff (but only when I'm on) although many travel around Essex and discover there is indeed a lot to see and it is a county worth visiting, unlike the general impression of the place.

Being too wet to ponder I dripped home to enjoy a supper of cheese and bread with added indigestion.  Then watched football while my head looked for my brain which appears more dead than usual at the moment.  You will note how few cars were around last night at this time, how unusual is this?  Are they scared of the wet?

Back to work tomorrow as she who must be obeyed has a school in and no-one to help when they come into the shop, all 60 of them!  Guess who volunteered!

'Boot's Boot's Boots Marching and Left to Rot.'

The 'troubles' in Northern Ireland that erupted in 1968, ending around 30 years later, still leave heavy scars both on Ireland itself and those who became involved there.  The rioting, including gunfire soon after the beginning, soon led to the much unwanted deployment of British troops to police the area. No government wishes to deploy troops on the streets but clearly the many armed IRA men, soon replaced by the far left and more dangerous 'Provos' and then the various armed groups opposing them required strong action to provide what safety was possible in town and village.  A great many police officers, soldiers and civilians as well as the terrorists themselves died or were wounded during the needless struggle, today many suffer trauma still from these incidents and wounds.
The media, that is Rupert Murdoch's vile 'Sun' reported the police in Norther Ireland (the PSNI) were investigating anew the killings by the British army.  This has been taken up by the tabloids also and one 75 year old has been brought to court concerning the death of an alleged innocent civilian many years ago.  The media claim is that some 500 British troops may now be handed court cases for action in the past.
A few days ago Theresa May who masquerades as a Prime Minister informed the House of Commons that there would be 'No witchhunt of our troops.'  The 'Sun' story appeared soon afterwards.
The British army did kill 302 during the 'troubles' but as has been stated by the PSNI the majority of killings during this time, both in Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole, 90% were committed by the Provo IRA. 
On inspection the PSNI make clear that the 'Sun' is shit stirring again.  Ten years ago a committee was set up to investigate all deaths in Norther Ireland, this group were considered to be failing in their duty and the PSNI took over the review of all deaths.  They maintain that all killings were to be investigated not just those by the British Army, this appears to be more sensible than the media story led many to believe.  However those who served in NI during the 'troubles' question why the Tony Blair 'Peace Process' which ended the conflict for the most part allowed murderers from terrorist groups on both sides to walk free and many were offered 'Letters of comfort' assuring them that they will NEVER be prosecuted for their crimes, including murder!  The ex-servicemen who walked the streets of Belfast and Londonderry always with the knowledge that a bullet in the back or a roadside bomb could kill or maim them at any time wonder why they are not worthy of a similar 'Letter of comfort' while terrorists are?  These men carry the result of their wounds, the memory of men killed in action there and often with what is today called PTSD from the situations and sights they saw peacekeeping on was considered Britain's streets.
This nation has always treated ex-servicemen badly.  The physical pain is treated then ignored, mental pain hardly accepted even today.  Many soldiers sleep rough and have difficulty returning to a civilian life, the nation cares little, officially and unofficially.  
It is time the nation as a whole, the devolved assemblies also, stood up for our troops.  It is time they were cleared of all wrong in similar fashion to the terrorist and ignore the Irish who still wish to attack our men while they walk free.  It is time proper medical care was available in the army, proper mental health encouraged and proper support, for life, for those who risked their lives to bring peace in difficult troubled areas.  Soldiers can do much wrong, without their actions however much more wrong would occur, should those who send them out not support them?

Cards...

This, the second card to have arrived, reflects somewhat on the sender in my opinion!
Each year we exchange expensive gifts, this year I sent one of those small tubes of coffee costing about 20 pence, this is the reply!  A card designed for those who send large cheques to their family and friends arrives and as the wording tempted me to believe in a fortune awaiting inside I opened it with much anticipation.  Here is the result, one much used worn penny that may have found a home in her shoe for some considerable time stuck to a picture of an old man and his hat!   I mean really!
In times past I have received a short length of glittering blue cord, a chocolate biscuit and a pencil that had been tied in a knot!  When it comes to spending money on great gifts this lass has not yet started!  I imagine her granddaughter will however be piled with vast amounts of gifts none of which will contain a hat with a penny inside!
And what does she mean by 'old man's hat' anyway...?

More old fotos!
I like this one, it speaks of the sea and journeying to far off places on an adventure of some sort.  I am afraid the 'Brent' never quite managed that as it spent most of its life pulling and pushing boats in the Thames around London Docks.  However the time spent near water is never wasted in my mind especially when there are few about, you can enjoy what views there are, note individuals working on their boats and just enjoy an atmosphere very different form that found in car laden towns.  If I ever find the energy I may rush back to Maldon and see how the Tug is preparing for Christmas.

I noted it again today when wandering about the shops, the stress that comes with Christmas.  People are often grumpy and inconsiderate while shopping, the woman are, men are always thoughtful I find, but at this time of the year when the 'season of goodwill to all men' is in operation I find that 'goodwill' is harder to discover than at any other time.  The lassies at the checkout are a wee bit stressed with the constant flow of people but still happier and more considerate than many customers.  I did find one or two decent folks today and while the checkout girl gossiped with one slow old dear I gossiped with a lass who has lost three stone by avoiding sugar!  Sad to say she had to as diabetes arrived but it goes to show how much we can lose.  I considered the two large Xmas puddings, the ice cream, the three small Xmas puddings and the many sweet things I have to stuff down this Xmas and considered a new diet after this is over.  I started some of it today but will slowly remove the rest over time.  How often have I began a new diet...?
Anyway it is a stressful time but it need not be.  Presents must be bought for important people and folks always leave it too late.  Not all are strapped for cash and buying things as the money comes in many can prepare throughout the year but don't and leave it all to the last minute, not a good idea.
The cheerful music, played over and over again until the folks in the shops speak through gritted teeth, does not help matters.  Much is irrelevant to Christmas anyway, soppy and sentimental but meaningless in regard to Christmas itself.  Most cannot be heard from the hubbub below and interestingly while many sing along few will consider visiting a church carol service and join in.  
Ass it is the phrase 'Goodwill to all men' is incorrect.  I believe it actually reads 'Peace to men of goodwill,'  the word 'peace' probably being 'shalom' and having more than just 'peace' in the meaning.  You can check it out for yourselves.  So many phrases we use are incorrect and far from their original meaning.

Football will be on soon, must fly....

All Quiet Here...

Apart from a quick trip to 'Poundland,' I needed to check prices for Christmas presents for the girls at work, and the joy of cleaning the sink nothing else has happened today.
The dreich weather, gray clouds with almost no sunshine, a weary mind which forced me back to bed not long after my porridge, a very good breakfast they say, and a lot of time running boot scans on laptops there has been nothing to report or even question. 

Of course there are major events unfolding, 'Brexit' has been brought before the 'Supreme Court (so named to aid Tony Blair in his US style 'Presidential' fantasies) this court must decide if this government can go ahead without a parliamentary vote or indeed by ignoring Scotland while doing so and begin leaving the EU.  Elsewhere war and starvation continue while few bother to report it, tides rise and fall, Polar Bear wonder what they will be called when the Polar has disappeared, and the majority carry on regardless too busy with their own situation to care or do something somewhere to aid matters. 
Just like me in fact!

I have however eaten well today.  I began with porridge because Oats are indeed good for you.  They say that this is one way to lower cholesterol and by adding Honey a good way to allow 'energy' to be available throughout the day.  I am far from sure about the last bit!  My energy lasts an hour or so and goes elsewhere.  maybe I ought to cook a lot of it, let it harden and then chomp on it biscuit fashion.  It might be difficult getting the right consistency mind, it might be difficult eating it of course...
However tonight I had a bit of STEAK!  The woman next door is now searching for her cat...

Some may think these are old pictures, some would be correct!  Nothing to see today out there.  Dreich weather does not encourage outdoor pictures especially when there is little in this wee town to call attractive!  I took my camera but the inside of the crowded 'Poundshop' was not really a place to start photographing things.  As my hands were full of bird pellets anyway it made things all the harder.  I met a neighbour there who has the same problem as myself, the birds will not eat anything but 'Poundshop' pellets.  She found that by using a different kind of seed from that found in the shop the birds rejected that also.  Imagine, we are henpecked by fussy Starlings!   Who runs the feeding anyway I ask!  During the breeding season it cost me £10 a week!!!!  Good job I am kind and loving...

Jack Frost Morning

Just before eight this morning I dashed out in an effort to picture the frost lying across the grass over the road.  This turned out harder than I thought as the park was freezing!  As I wandered down the fingers became ice and i was suddenly struck with a desire to eat hot food and lie in my bed once again.
The sky however was wonderful!
I am unable to reproduce the colours I saw, the camera and my ham-fisted operation saw to that, but I think such mornings are fabulous.  Few were about bar those hustling to work and kids yearning for the bus to take them to imprisonment in school for a day, even the dog walkers were missing, just one or two hardy folks, the rest being kept in by grumpy owners.  Maybe it was too cold for even the dogs.

On mornings such as this it is easy to see how many aircraft operate over this area.  Many headed for nearby Stansted, others crossing over to Luton or on to the north or even those 35,000 feet up where I suspect it is far colder yet they head over the Atlantic to the Americas.
The trails fill the sky mixing with the variety of cloud that soars high above, very interesting patterns they make today.  I love such morning, I just wish I had better things to picture alongside of the sky.

  
This sums up my day, a few pictures, back to bed, and little else to show for it.
Tomorrow there is the museum and even better lots of Fog!  Now this is supposed to be with us all day so that might provide a picture, if I can get out...

Baptism Sunday

In spite of my frazzled brain I took myself to St Paul's today where one chap was being baptised.  
For him this is a big step, made worse by having to speak in public when he is not that sort of chap.
Being from Zimbabwe he brought a lot of friends and family with him and Bishop Rodger having spent time in Africa knew what was required.  He enticed the African element to participate and encouraged, nay forced, the rest to join in, which they did. It's not often you see such dancing in an 
Anglican church setting.  Celebrations over another committed to the Kingdom of Christ Jesus.

Not all were enthusiastic....

Some were determined to play...

Some didn't really notice...

I remained at the rear, taking the odd picture and ensuring I was missed when the offering bags came around...

Today I spent much time sleeping off the fuzzy head to no avail and sending copies of the pictures to those involved.  None have replied as yet which indicates I have sent them at an awkward time or else to the wrong addresses.  
Now what else is happening today?  Well nothing as by the time I finished sending things it's tonight!  Bah!  I'm off to bed...

A Wander

Ah the dying suns rays brighten the darkest skies!
Actually it would be lighter but I set the camera to the wrong setting and this resulted.  Good enough for me I must say.  Doing that and pointing the camera at the sun gives a better picture as it hides the town beneath it, and that canny be bad.
I sauntered around half dead, I forgot to eat properly again, looking for unusual signs and views with which to entertain myself.  This meant walking slowly, as I do, looking up dreamily at the buildings in the High Street and being accosted by folks rushing past on more normal Saturday duties.  Tsk!  The taxi driver I unwittingly stood in front of was most kind, he picked me up and dumped me at the side of the road after running me down in that side street. 

   
I'm sure someone will know the significance of this flower (?) being placed at the entrance to the parish church.  There is a similar but different one at the other side.

It may just be decoration but it is the first time I have noticed these.  The advantage of actually 'looking' enables you to see what lies in front of you, the things that you ignore just because they are always there!  I still don't know what purpose these met.

Opposite the church door stands a tree that is home to some sort of bird.  Quite a large nest and it is only at this time of year these become exposed.  I wonder what nests here?  In one of the villages the zimmer bus passes through one tree has half a dozen very large nests visible high above the main road.  Clearly home to someone, Crows possibly?

This does not respond to my day!
I found this in a small shop, once upon a time a pub, which sells variety of ice cream to the kids and teenagers also I suspect.  Quite how it survives I do not know but it was open today and with a couple of folk inside.  There were other words on the other windows but this one can be used again and again, about twice a year if the present is anything to go by...

The town has lots of 'Gants.'  These are narrow alleys between buildings in the town centre mostly, the word originating most probably with the Flemish weavers in the middle ages when the arrived here to avoid persecution.  Many moved down the road into Bocking and their trustworthiness was such that the 'Bays & Says' they sold far and wide were never checked on arrival as their honesty was without reproach.  If it said so many yards then that is what you got!  
There were roadsigns placed at the gants a short while ago to remind us of the town's heritage, many being rather obvious such as this one but others being somewhat strange to the eye.

Now work that one out!
This relates to a small pub that once worked from the back door of the building next door to the sign.  There were an enormous number of pubs in this small town, in olden times many found them warmer and more social than their own rather poor housing, but others were cheap and not always so cheerful.  I would not like to guess what this one was like, not what was on the menu!

Can you guess what this is?
Yes indeed, it's used by a small dance company!
This once was the church vestry, used for such meetings and indeed was used by the town council in times past I am told.  Until recently a law firm stored their documents in here but they have moved to safer dwellings, I hope.

Fiddling Friday

Another day of joy nears its end.  
The gray clouds above made leaving the house far from tempting although the chill has gone from the air to such an extent I have removed two of the anoraks and three pullovers I wear when going to bed.  I really need to set the thermostat again.

I did however venture out to visit the shopping centre as my brain fell apart and jumped on the crowded Free Bus clutching my wallet tightly.
What a waste of time this was!  
This is an 'Outlet' shopping centre where shops dump the things they failed to sell elsewhere.  As such you would expect prices to be lower and bargains abound.  Not so!  In the 'Barbour' shop I gazed at the small price tags wondering what the cut price of the jacket was, this was before I realised I was looking at the cut price!  Some smelling salts later I mover to M&S.  I suggest gathering a dozen 'Barbour' jackets and selling them at full price, this way you will gain enough money to start a football team!  (How you get the jackets is your business)  Luckily I saw none I liked and all other crowded and overpriced shops offered the same result.
What a waste of time!
Yet this centre has always been busy, new shops open up, others have been there since it opened 20 years ago (which shows how many items they fail to sell elsewhere) and I must say useful stores such as 'B&Q' and 'Halfords' exist on the far side of the business plantation.

Heading home to search the charity shops as the goods available there are far superiour than those in the shopping centre (well not today they weren't!) I wondered and not for the first time why the bus was empty. 
On the way down it was crowded as always, this bus was also busy when it arrived yet whenever I return back to the bus station it is empty.  What happens to them all?  Do they get eaten?  Are they kidnapped and sold as white slaves (or whatever)?  Do they walk home?  Are the lights seen in the sky aircraft from Stansted airport or aliens looking for victims to transport to Mars?
The 'Daily Mail' will probably report that as a fact tomorrow!

Tonight however BTSport do something unusual, they cover Scottish football!  Indeed no sign of the green or blue bigots as they watch Dundee United beating the wee team up in Dundee.  This will ensure I sleep well tonight after watching their victory.  I'm sure you agree.

Here's hoping the sun shines tomorrow and lets me out!