Six of us will be there in Florida to participate in the four races, whether running, supporting or just viewing. Clad in appropriate running attire plus a multi-coloured tutu we will transverse that five kilometer opening race on Thursday January 8th taking in the atmosphere of such an occasion as we go. (Slowly for me as my knees are much older than I want them to be!)
Friday is a mere ten kilometers where some of us will be in a supporting role and our serious runners will want to save themselves for the following day.
Saturday - now this is becoming serious - is when the running three of Howard, Julia and Michelle will complete the HALF MARATHON course, but with wisdom that will ensure that Howard and Julia both successfully endure the MARATHON on Sunday morning. Four races in four days and now we will know why it is called 'The Dopey Challenge'
This is a real test. Both Julia and Howard have marathon experience and their training has been thorough and focused. Michelle has now completed her training in accord with her programme and that on its very own is some achievement, but if that was not enough, she has proved to herself that she can go that distance because she did it last weekend.
For the several past months, apart from the focus on training, there has been the events for fund raising. The two charities that will benefit are Make-A-Wish Foundation UK and Teenage Cancer Trust with the total sum available to donate being £1600 so far.
We have been supported by a marvelous group of people who always seem to dig into their pockets for euros. We have had 'Ice Bucket Challenges', B-B-Qs, bacon baguettes after the San Miguel road races, tea and cake in the afternoon, a quiz with 'standup bingo' and there is still one more to go. On New Years Day at 2pm at La Zenia Beach, Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Spain there is a sponsored swim when Michelle with Sue and Mal (from Suzi4Fitz) will shed some of their clothes before entering the not-so-warm Med. I will be holding dry towels and the camera. We had never intended to have this number of events but people continued to suggest how to get more money. There are generous people around and I know a few more now.
If you want to give you can at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=RunningWild2015&isTeam=true
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
SUZI4FITZ PUT ON A SHOW
Over thirty people met at Las Ramblas Golf Club to see, on video, the variety show they had been part of. This would have been a first opportunity for the dancers and singers to see what they had trained for.
In these austere times the proceeds were donated to the Social Services in Los Montesinos where the performances had been held. The venue funds were also swelled by €350 for allowing the group to perform there.
A few days before Christmas, Sue Gibson, Michelle Edwards and Elaine Walker met with the head of Social Services Carolina, Rosabelèn of cultural liaison and the Mayor where €1000 was handed over to be exchanged for food vouchers with the manager of Gama Supermercado.
The photographs prove that the spirit of kindness exists here in coastal Spain.
Sue Gibson of 'Suzi4fit', dancer and choreographer had worked tirelessly with her keep-fit dancing ladies to perform twice in the Music School Auditorium in Los Montesinos on two consecutive evenings. They were supported by Graeme Mykal, a magician who agreed at the last minute to act as compére. He was an essential part of everything as costume changes do take time! The Rock Choir from The Matrix Studio added vocals to the evening with additional performances from the Costas version of 'The Drifters' and Elaine Walker with 'Are we Human'.
This was a variety show in the true sense of the word that had an Arabian Dance by Janice Jones and Victoria Horton, and 'Sisters' performed by Marie Sutton and Hilda Fletcher. It was all there with song, dance, tap, humour, magic and with amazing participation and appreciation with several hundred who had paid for the privilege. Two fantastic evenings with those in need of benefit.
In these austere times the proceeds were donated to the Social Services in Los Montesinos where the performances had been held. The venue funds were also swelled by €350 for allowing the group to perform there.
A few days before Christmas, Sue Gibson, Michelle Edwards and Elaine Walker met with the head of Social Services Carolina, Rosabelèn of cultural liaison and the Mayor where €1000 was handed over to be exchanged for food vouchers with the manager of Gama Supermercado.
The photographs prove that the spirit of kindness exists here in coastal Spain.
Sue Gibson of 'Suzi4fit', dancer and choreographer had worked tirelessly with her keep-fit dancing ladies to perform twice in the Music School Auditorium in Los Montesinos on two consecutive evenings. They were supported by Graeme Mykal, a magician who agreed at the last minute to act as compére. He was an essential part of everything as costume changes do take time! The Rock Choir from The Matrix Studio added vocals to the evening with additional performances from the Costas version of 'The Drifters' and Elaine Walker with 'Are we Human'.
This was a variety show in the true sense of the word that had an Arabian Dance by Janice Jones and Victoria Horton, and 'Sisters' performed by Marie Sutton and Hilda Fletcher. It was all there with song, dance, tap, humour, magic and with amazing participation and appreciation with several hundred who had paid for the privilege. Two fantastic evenings with those in need of benefit.
Saturday, 27 December 2014
El Hondo
El Hondo on Saturday 27th December 2014.
A very cold start by our standards here in coastal Spain with the thermometer dipping down to 2 degrees and only reaching the high teens at mid-day. A cold light wind made it feel colder but with clear blue skies the sun was allowed to warm us - eventually.
To end my birding year I wanted to have good views of the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteado) but my initial scanning of the trees only revealed a distant buzzard (Ratonero) - two of which were perched by the gate on the way in. Close by a lone Godwit (Aguja Colinegra) was feeding in the shallows. Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común/Ibérico? - now catalogue as different species) were flying all around with Cetti's (Ruiseñor Bastardo) calling.
I moved on, Reed Buntings (Esribano Palustre) fed in the reeds as usual. Kingfishers ( Martin Pescador) flew and so did a Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común).
The last thirty minutes proved to be the best. I scoped the Spotted, watched a white morph Booted Eagle (Águillilla Calzada) flying around over our heads. Three more flew around and then we had both a dark and white morph flying close to each other.
I paid little attention to water birds, but twenty five Grey Herons (Garza Real) flew in. Lapwings ((Avefria Europea) flying with a small number of Sanderling Correlimos Tridáctilo) and maybe two Golden Plovers (Chorlito Dorado Europea.
I have received more confirmation that Azul-winged Magpies (Rabilargo Ibérico) have been resident near to me for several years. I know where they should be so I will endeavor to see these striking birds.
That is it for now except to check on Floridian birds and sites!
A very cold start by our standards here in coastal Spain with the thermometer dipping down to 2 degrees and only reaching the high teens at mid-day. A cold light wind made it feel colder but with clear blue skies the sun was allowed to warm us - eventually.
To end my birding year I wanted to have good views of the Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteado) but my initial scanning of the trees only revealed a distant buzzard (Ratonero) - two of which were perched by the gate on the way in. Close by a lone Godwit (Aguja Colinegra) was feeding in the shallows. Chiffchaffs (Mosquitero Común/Ibérico? - now catalogue as different species) were flying all around with Cetti's (Ruiseñor Bastardo) calling.
I moved on, Reed Buntings (Esribano Palustre) fed in the reeds as usual. Kingfishers ( Martin Pescador) flew and so did a Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común).
The last thirty minutes proved to be the best. I scoped the Spotted, watched a white morph Booted Eagle (Águillilla Calzada) flying around over our heads. Three more flew around and then we had both a dark and white morph flying close to each other.
I paid little attention to water birds, but twenty five Grey Herons (Garza Real) flew in. Lapwings ((Avefria Europea) flying with a small number of Sanderling Correlimos Tridáctilo) and maybe two Golden Plovers (Chorlito Dorado Europea.
I have received more confirmation that Azul-winged Magpies (Rabilargo Ibérico) have been resident near to me for several years. I know where they should be so I will endeavor to see these striking birds.
That is it for now except to check on Floridian birds and sites!
Saturday, 20 December 2014
Hereford United Football Club's demise
No visit to Hondon is possible this morning for us 'birders' because it has been handed over to cycling enthusiasts for an event. I suppose the birds will not care at all who is there.
But this morning has a bitter disappointment for me with the strap line on the news, in pure black and white, that Hereford United Football Club is neither United or even in existence. After so much acrimony, controversy and speculation as to fitness to be able to own a football club the end has come. The High Court says so and any resurrection is no longer possible.
I am sad. This is the team that I grew up with when they were a semi-pro outfit in the old Southern League. I lived for their success and was blooded in the glory and the passion of the FA Cup. I even saw them gain a two all draw at Selhurst Park, against Crystal Palace, in the old Second Division. Such heady days but being aware that a small town outfit could not have the financial clout to maintain that standard.
I now have one less result to look for on Saturdays, something that I have done for over sixty years.
FIFA are again in the bad news column and the 'stench of corruption' (as quoted on-line) can be tasted in every part of the football world. I don't think that I will watch future soccer world cups as a useful and fulfilling way of spending my time.
Thankfully Rugby Football has taken over for me. It is more transparent and the 'man -in-the-middle' can be seen and heard as the man in charge. FIFA, this is a lesson for you.
But this morning has a bitter disappointment for me with the strap line on the news, in pure black and white, that Hereford United Football Club is neither United or even in existence. After so much acrimony, controversy and speculation as to fitness to be able to own a football club the end has come. The High Court says so and any resurrection is no longer possible.
I am sad. This is the team that I grew up with when they were a semi-pro outfit in the old Southern League. I lived for their success and was blooded in the glory and the passion of the FA Cup. I even saw them gain a two all draw at Selhurst Park, against Crystal Palace, in the old Second Division. Such heady days but being aware that a small town outfit could not have the financial clout to maintain that standard.
I now have one less result to look for on Saturdays, something that I have done for over sixty years.
FIFA are again in the bad news column and the 'stench of corruption' (as quoted on-line) can be tasted in every part of the football world. I don't think that I will watch future soccer world cups as a useful and fulfilling way of spending my time.
Thankfully Rugby Football has taken over for me. It is more transparent and the 'man -in-the-middle' can be seen and heard as the man in charge. FIFA, this is a lesson for you.
Monday, 15 December 2014
Andrew Marr's - Head of State
Black cover, black thoughts, black deeds is what can be found with Andrew Marr's first novel, 'Head of State'. His sense of the 'unordinary' did give me an enjoyable and humorous read with various pieces causing outright laughter. This is not a political read, except that it is a tramp through the corridors of where power could be and how the single minded can contrive to fool us. I loved it although I can accept it will not be taken that way by some and even dismissed as not a worthwhile read by others. In the time sequence it goes back and forth which is a little confusing and even annoying, but I got over that. We are all different and this satirical escapade of what can happen behind closed doors easily fits into the category of something different and some may even say of an accurate take on what happens in the 'Westminster Bubble'. View it as outrageous, view it as implausible, but the topic is 'spot on' for me with two alienated camps, ambitious and arrogant participants displaying 'win only' qualities. Could this happen with a Conservative win in the next election and the promise of a referendum on staying within Europe? Will the carpets soak up the blood to provide another secret within Downing Street or will everything be honest and true?
Or could we hear a straight 'no' or a 'yes' from a politician. Unlikely the latter is so I will go for the former and let the carpets soak it up rhetoric and all. If you want details of the plot - see the back fly.
Or could we hear a straight 'no' or a 'yes' from a politician. Unlikely the latter is so I will go for the former and let the carpets soak it up rhetoric and all. If you want details of the plot - see the back fly.
Hondon
EL HONDON AGAIN.
This was my first visit for two weeks and the coldest one so far this winter with only five degrees, almost total cloud cover, but with a light cold wind.
Before I got out of the car I saw Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre) feeding and Chiff (Mosquitero Íberico) there too. A Little Bittern (Avetorilla Común) called and flew.
I went straight to the far hide - the one at water level - and there on the water were at least two hundred Common Pochard (Porrón Europoea), several pair of Red-crested (Pato Colarado) and a good number of Shoveller (Cuchara Común) In the reeds at the side of the hide were three Reed Bunting giving some close views.
I moved back to the smaller hide to find that most people were on the board walk, at just above water level, and just giving closer views. I am told that they saw(amongst other things) two Spotted Eagles (Águila Moteada). I stayed where I was where I saw perched Marsh Harrier (Águillucho Lagunero), Booted Eagle (Águilla Calzada) and Buzzard (Ratonero). There was a high density of White Headed Duck, Gulls and in the far distance a large number of Coot (Focha Común). There was one Lesser Black-backed Gull (Gaviota Sombria) on view. Smaller birds were not to be easily seen but there were numerous Cetti's calling with Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern and Water Rail being noisy. My bogey bird, a Merlin (Esmerillòn, flew.
We were locked in and waiting to leave a juvenile Nigh Heron(Martinete Común) flew around us - so the experts say and I am sure that they are correct.
Although this is such an important site it is privately owned with access only allowed for birders for three hours on a Saturday morning. Next week there is a 'cycling event' and so we are excluded again.
This was my first visit for two weeks and the coldest one so far this winter with only five degrees, almost total cloud cover, but with a light cold wind.
Before I got out of the car I saw Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre) feeding and Chiff (Mosquitero Íberico) there too. A Little Bittern (Avetorilla Común) called and flew.
I went straight to the far hide - the one at water level - and there on the water were at least two hundred Common Pochard (Porrón Europoea), several pair of Red-crested (Pato Colarado) and a good number of Shoveller (Cuchara Común) In the reeds at the side of the hide were three Reed Bunting giving some close views.
I moved back to the smaller hide to find that most people were on the board walk, at just above water level, and just giving closer views. I am told that they saw(amongst other things) two Spotted Eagles (Águila Moteada). I stayed where I was where I saw perched Marsh Harrier (Águillucho Lagunero), Booted Eagle (Águilla Calzada) and Buzzard (Ratonero). There was a high density of White Headed Duck, Gulls and in the far distance a large number of Coot (Focha Común). There was one Lesser Black-backed Gull (Gaviota Sombria) on view. Smaller birds were not to be easily seen but there were numerous Cetti's calling with Purple Gallinule, Little Bittern and Water Rail being noisy. My bogey bird, a Merlin (Esmerillòn, flew.
We were locked in and waiting to leave a juvenile Nigh Heron(Martinete Común) flew around us - so the experts say and I am sure that they are correct.
Although this is such an important site it is privately owned with access only allowed for birders for three hours on a Saturday morning. Next week there is a 'cycling event' and so we are excluded again.
Monday, 24 November 2014
El Hondo
Another visit to El Hondo on Saturday 22nd saw a quiet, windless day with full cloud cover. As I drove down a Purple Galinule (Calamón Común) crossed the road in front of me. There were a large number of cars - 15 or so - this morning and I decided to go to the farthest hide. This one is at water level overlooking an expanse of water. Here Little Grebe (Zampullin Común) in beautiful condition swam around very close and so did a Black-necked Grebe (Zampullin Cuellinegro). In the distance were Pochard (Porrón Europea) and four Red-crested Pochard (Pato Colorado). I returned to this location later to hear Penduline Tit (Pájaron Moscón) calling and later three flew. (ID confirmed).
Unlike the previous week this was not an eagle morning but a Booted (Águlilla Calzada), Osprey (Pescadora) and a Peregrine was seen from the first hide on the right. There were many sightings of Kingfishers (Martin Pescador). Two flew away from me revealing their light blue backs and another flew across a canal at the same time as a male Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común). I also located on the side of a track(I believe) a first year female Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre).
There were other varieties that I have not listed but I have tried to list what I had good views of.
Next Saturday there is a Cycling Event and so it is closed for us. I intend to go on the Saturdays in December and concentrate on the smaller, difficult to see birds.
Unlike the previous week this was not an eagle morning but a Booted (Águlilla Calzada), Osprey (Pescadora) and a Peregrine was seen from the first hide on the right. There were many sightings of Kingfishers (Martin Pescador). Two flew away from me revealing their light blue backs and another flew across a canal at the same time as a male Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común). I also located on the side of a track(I believe) a first year female Reed Bunting (Escribano Palustre).
There were other varieties that I have not listed but I have tried to list what I had good views of.
Next Saturday there is a Cycling Event and so it is closed for us. I intend to go on the Saturdays in December and concentrate on the smaller, difficult to see birds.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
El Hondo
This was my third visit this month to El Hondo and it soon became an eagle watching morning. I cannot claim to have good views of everything and there were some sharp eyes around to spot and identify.
Looking over the large lagoon, where the water level had risen, a Greater Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteado) was seen to perch on a bush where it stayed for some considerable time. Again a Short-toed Eagle (Culubrera Europea) flew although most will have migrated by now. We had good views of a Golden Eagle (Águila Real) and believed to be a second year bird. Also Booted Eagles Águililla Calzada) flew around and perched for us. In addition a Peregrine (Halcón Peregrino) was about. In the distance was spotted a Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero) and some sharp eyes picked out a flying female Hen Harrier (Águilucho Palido). Marsh Harriers ( Águilucho Lagunero Occidental) were very evident as usual. An Osprey (Águila Pescadora) perched in the usual,place in the other lagoon and a Kingfisher (Martin Perscador) perched just a few yards away. There were many other sightings as well.
The previous week I had my best ever view of a Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande) where in the previous week I had seen a Wood Sandpiper ( Andarrios Bastardo) feeding on the edge of the water, but now that the water is higher this area of silt is under water.
It was a morning of some strong winds and protection was needed, but the sun was warming.
Overall another excellent few hours with another visit this coming Saturday.
Looking over the large lagoon, where the water level had risen, a Greater Spotted Eagle (Águila Moteado) was seen to perch on a bush where it stayed for some considerable time. Again a Short-toed Eagle (Culubrera Europea) flew although most will have migrated by now. We had good views of a Golden Eagle (Águila Real) and believed to be a second year bird. Also Booted Eagles Águililla Calzada) flew around and perched for us. In addition a Peregrine (Halcón Peregrino) was about. In the distance was spotted a Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero) and some sharp eyes picked out a flying female Hen Harrier (Águilucho Palido). Marsh Harriers ( Águilucho Lagunero Occidental) were very evident as usual. An Osprey (Águila Pescadora) perched in the usual,place in the other lagoon and a Kingfisher (Martin Perscador) perched just a few yards away. There were many other sightings as well.
The previous week I had my best ever view of a Green Sandpiper (Andarrios Grande) where in the previous week I had seen a Wood Sandpiper ( Andarrios Bastardo) feeding on the edge of the water, but now that the water is higher this area of silt is under water.
It was a morning of some strong winds and protection was needed, but the sun was warming.
Overall another excellent few hours with another visit this coming Saturday.
Bird Ringing in Isla Grossa
This information came through on my email, along with a bird list which I hope to post here at a later date.
"Again , the group ringing ASEAN has completed a new campaign banding in Isla Grossa . For over a month, a team of ringers and colleagues have remained permanently on the island to study the phenomenon of bird migration .
This type of long-term campaigns allow us to create databases that can be very useful in the future when it comes to understanding not only the migration of the birds but also , for example, that effects climate change can have on birds
During the campaign have been caught several species that had not been captured previously on the island as the wagtail or Hawfinch."
There were 1149 bird had not been rung before and 105 that had been rung before. The Robin was the most common bird with 529, followed by Blackcap at 133 and Black Redstart at 123.
"Again , the group ringing ASEAN has completed a new campaign banding in Isla Grossa . For over a month, a team of ringers and colleagues have remained permanently on the island to study the phenomenon of bird migration .
This type of long-term campaigns allow us to create databases that can be very useful in the future when it comes to understanding not only the migration of the birds but also , for example, that effects climate change can have on birds
During the campaign have been caught several species that had not been captured previously on the island as the wagtail or Hawfinch."
There were 1149 bird had not been rung before and 105 that had been rung before. The Robin was the most common bird with 529, followed by Blackcap at 133 and Black Redstart at 123.
Friday, 7 November 2014
Stanza Mar Menor
STANZA MAR MENOR met this morning in San Miguel where our discussions were wide ranging, supportive, but also concentrated on our writing.
David brought along his seventh episode of Tonka And The Naughty Domovoi. This reflects back to his previous visits to Russia and the inspiration he gained there. The story is told in four line rhyming stanzas and revolves around a birthday party for Nan Tanya. What could go wrong there?
It is part of a wonderful set of children's stories that he hopes to publish with illustrations. He read it over and with some minor suggestions it sounded very good.
He still has three more episodes to go to complete it, but he is also working on a project involving immigrants - maybe boat people - and their treatment. After all poetry is about protest - is it not?
We will look forward to the pleasure (or discomfort) at reading his views. All poetic of course.
Margaret then reminded me of something that had disappeared from my mind. I later searched and found the references to the Neil Miller Gunn competition which introduces three lines taken from his writing and are listed as themes. Closing date for this is 2nd March 2015.
They are:
For love is the creator and cruelty is that which destroys
The secret loveliness and laughter in things
The extra magic of distance
However Margaret produce her first draft of Love and Cruelty based on the first of the above themes. For me, apart from the odd tweak, it is truly great, but she will take it away and review it. Some, in fact many, of the lines contain some wonderful wordage and invoke images that won't go away. Dark and powerful.
I will now have to do something on the above themes.
There is also the theme of Nature for the competition for RSPB and RIALTO.
There is other work going on and Denia Writers Circle Short Story Competition is on the following five themes:
When time goes back. Disguise
On the brink. The Return. Searching.
The deadline for this is 29th December.
I know that we are a poetry stanza, but we can still use other ideas and write accordingly.
We briefly talked about the winners at Ledbury, but there was little enthusiasm for it. It was felt that some of the work was 'fragmented' and that the best example of metre was with the junior winner. Perhaps we are on a different planet!
Our next meeting is on THURSDAY 20th November as that is when we can meet without conflicting with other commitments.
David brought along his seventh episode of Tonka And The Naughty Domovoi. This reflects back to his previous visits to Russia and the inspiration he gained there. The story is told in four line rhyming stanzas and revolves around a birthday party for Nan Tanya. What could go wrong there?
It is part of a wonderful set of children's stories that he hopes to publish with illustrations. He read it over and with some minor suggestions it sounded very good.
He still has three more episodes to go to complete it, but he is also working on a project involving immigrants - maybe boat people - and their treatment. After all poetry is about protest - is it not?
We will look forward to the pleasure (or discomfort) at reading his views. All poetic of course.
Margaret then reminded me of something that had disappeared from my mind. I later searched and found the references to the Neil Miller Gunn competition which introduces three lines taken from his writing and are listed as themes. Closing date for this is 2nd March 2015.
They are:
For love is the creator and cruelty is that which destroys
The secret loveliness and laughter in things
The extra magic of distance
However Margaret produce her first draft of Love and Cruelty based on the first of the above themes. For me, apart from the odd tweak, it is truly great, but she will take it away and review it. Some, in fact many, of the lines contain some wonderful wordage and invoke images that won't go away. Dark and powerful.
I will now have to do something on the above themes.
There is also the theme of Nature for the competition for RSPB and RIALTO.
There is other work going on and Denia Writers Circle Short Story Competition is on the following five themes:
When time goes back. Disguise
On the brink. The Return. Searching.
The deadline for this is 29th December.
I know that we are a poetry stanza, but we can still use other ideas and write accordingly.
We briefly talked about the winners at Ledbury, but there was little enthusiasm for it. It was felt that some of the work was 'fragmented' and that the best example of metre was with the junior winner. Perhaps we are on a different planet!
Our next meeting is on THURSDAY 20th November as that is when we can meet without conflicting with other commitments.
Saturday, 1 November 2014
El Hondo
El Hondo Saturday 1st November.
A colder morning now with a chill in the breeze and a need for warmer clothing.
We arrived about 8.30 to look around before we were let in. Several hundred Cattle Egrets took off from their roost (we think) spooked by four large raptors. Unfortunately, we could not ID them.
We went through the gate at 8.40 and straight to the small hide overlooking the lagoon. Our first major sighting was the Greater Spotted Eagle perched to our right where it stayed for some time. Under our feet a Little Bittern croaked, Purple Gallinules called and got up and Kingfishers showed several times. I scoped a Wood Sandpiper and watched it. Egrets were all around including several Great Whites. Chiffs fed in the trees, Cetti's called, a Blackcap sang and a Penduline Tit was heard. It is on my list to see, hopefully. There were no Terns and probably not again until next year. Marsh Harriers both a male and female flew around us. There were a large number of White-headed duck in distance with Common Pochard closer. An Osprey perched on the tall pole.
Then two birds flew swiftly and identified as Jack Snipe - another great sighting for me.
We moved on to the bottom hides and decided to try our luck in the hide at water level. It was occupied by four birders watching a tree where they had previously seen the GSE fly into but they had no scopes. It was difficult even then but we could now see two birds - one smaller than the other - and our patience was getting low. Later with Graham's help we saw the smaller eagle fly - and identified it as the Lesser Spotted Eagle. This was my first definite sighting and the larger one was a definite GSE. What lovely people to put us on to two great birds.
I went there to concentrate on the smaller birds without that much luck but Kingfishers were everywhere.
This is the last time for Jim and Mary, but they have had two great Saturday morning before they go to their bird count at Rogerstone. Great birding, great company and I am in again next week. Also thanks once again to Graham for his sharp eyes and knowledge. Please see www.spainbirdwatching.com
A colder morning now with a chill in the breeze and a need for warmer clothing.
We arrived about 8.30 to look around before we were let in. Several hundred Cattle Egrets took off from their roost (we think) spooked by four large raptors. Unfortunately, we could not ID them.
We went through the gate at 8.40 and straight to the small hide overlooking the lagoon. Our first major sighting was the Greater Spotted Eagle perched to our right where it stayed for some time. Under our feet a Little Bittern croaked, Purple Gallinules called and got up and Kingfishers showed several times. I scoped a Wood Sandpiper and watched it. Egrets were all around including several Great Whites. Chiffs fed in the trees, Cetti's called, a Blackcap sang and a Penduline Tit was heard. It is on my list to see, hopefully. There were no Terns and probably not again until next year. Marsh Harriers both a male and female flew around us. There were a large number of White-headed duck in distance with Common Pochard closer. An Osprey perched on the tall pole.
Then two birds flew swiftly and identified as Jack Snipe - another great sighting for me.
We moved on to the bottom hides and decided to try our luck in the hide at water level. It was occupied by four birders watching a tree where they had previously seen the GSE fly into but they had no scopes. It was difficult even then but we could now see two birds - one smaller than the other - and our patience was getting low. Later with Graham's help we saw the smaller eagle fly - and identified it as the Lesser Spotted Eagle. This was my first definite sighting and the larger one was a definite GSE. What lovely people to put us on to two great birds.
I went there to concentrate on the smaller birds without that much luck but Kingfishers were everywhere.
This is the last time for Jim and Mary, but they have had two great Saturday morning before they go to their bird count at Rogerstone. Great birding, great company and I am in again next week. Also thanks once again to Graham for his sharp eyes and knowledge. Please see www.spainbirdwatching.com
Thursday, 30 October 2014
Review of God's Buried Children
God's Buried Children by Daniel Farcas.
The first pages of this book are a catalogue of callousness, unremitting cruelty in many forms against the 'unwanted' children that were incarcerated in an orphanage. All of this came about because of Nicolae Ceauscu's wish to increase the population. It is harrowing, where escape from hell was less preferable to living underground in the sewers of Bucharest. Here they lived in filth and contamination. The 'nicknamed' individuals all had their own story and there could be more about each one and what they did.
It is a tale of oppression under communism. Its brutality and corruption even after the communist regime had been over-run. In some ways it is a love story and then definitely becomes one. Anyway that is how I perceive it to be.
The first part is chronicled by Vlad who keeps an account of people and events. The only escapee is Daniel who finds true love, a new life and a family in America.
There are only 137 pages and there should have been more detail with the 'players' being better painted in our imagination. The second part is interesting not just for the ending, but for the profoundness of it. I suppose the culmination of a small triumph of good over evil.
How true is it? I don't know. A better telling would have helped enormously. If this a genuine article by a second-language writer then - a very well done.
The first pages of this book are a catalogue of callousness, unremitting cruelty in many forms against the 'unwanted' children that were incarcerated in an orphanage. All of this came about because of Nicolae Ceauscu's wish to increase the population. It is harrowing, where escape from hell was less preferable to living underground in the sewers of Bucharest. Here they lived in filth and contamination. The 'nicknamed' individuals all had their own story and there could be more about each one and what they did.
It is a tale of oppression under communism. Its brutality and corruption even after the communist regime had been over-run. In some ways it is a love story and then definitely becomes one. Anyway that is how I perceive it to be.
The first part is chronicled by Vlad who keeps an account of people and events. The only escapee is Daniel who finds true love, a new life and a family in America.
There are only 137 pages and there should have been more detail with the 'players' being better painted in our imagination. The second part is interesting not just for the ending, but for the profoundness of it. I suppose the culmination of a small triumph of good over evil.
How true is it? I don't know. A better telling would have helped enormously. If this a genuine article by a second-language writer then - a very well done.
Daniel Farcas with God's Buried Children
Another story, a different tale, a journal in fact, but a seemingly true story of the horrors of unwanted children in the former communist Romania. A request came into my email box to place a review on Amazon which I intend to do when I have read all of it.
It is Daniel's Journal entitled God's Buried Children by Daniel Farcas who maybe the child from the sewers? It is an account of cruelty in every form. Who can ever say that an orphanage is a safe place when life in the sewers of Bucharest is a better option. That is still news today when we hear of child molestation by those in a position to protect but use and abuse instead in Manchester, Rotherham and Rochdale. However, back to Daniel and I will finish his account to write a review to help do some justice for him.
There are websites to view.
It is Daniel's Journal entitled God's Buried Children by Daniel Farcas who maybe the child from the sewers? It is an account of cruelty in every form. Who can ever say that an orphanage is a safe place when life in the sewers of Bucharest is a better option. That is still news today when we hear of child molestation by those in a position to protect but use and abuse instead in Manchester, Rotherham and Rochdale. However, back to Daniel and I will finish his account to write a review to help do some justice for him.
There are websites to view.
Mari Hannah and Settled Blood
Mari Hannah's second book Settled Blood won the Northern Writers' Award in 2010 before it was even sold in the UK.
The first paragraph intrigued before it had ended.
Hannah carries on from the Murder Wall with her detectives, led by DCI Kate Daniels, driving the story on and this is a strong part of the writing for me. Her concentration on personal relationships within the MIT (yes she does annoyingly use abbreviations, but thankfully not that many and jargon is non-existent) is what makes this book so interesting. She builds her characters into the readers imagination to make them owned by the reader. You can love them, empathise with them, let them irritate you or loath them. Not even good people are perfect as you will see. She sets her detectives way above the rest and makes disparaging remarks about the uniform plods. Sometimes she does show a degree of kindness towards them but 'a bunch of uniforms' is not being that generous.
Okay there is a dead body and the killer to be found. There is the climate and the location set close to Hadrian's Wall to be dealt with. It is all in there. The suspense; the urgency, the frustrations of delays and the weather as the search continues.
About halfway through I found that it was less about crime and more about Kate's ability, personal relationships, and her squad members and so it is, but superbly done. Then eventually we get there the killer is found and the other threads in this story are unravelled and the final search is finalised. Seemingly a miracle and we have an ending that works, but only just.
This is an excellent second book after the Murder Wall and now I can read her third book Deadly Deceit.
The first paragraph intrigued before it had ended.
Hannah carries on from the Murder Wall with her detectives, led by DCI Kate Daniels, driving the story on and this is a strong part of the writing for me. Her concentration on personal relationships within the MIT (yes she does annoyingly use abbreviations, but thankfully not that many and jargon is non-existent) is what makes this book so interesting. She builds her characters into the readers imagination to make them owned by the reader. You can love them, empathise with them, let them irritate you or loath them. Not even good people are perfect as you will see. She sets her detectives way above the rest and makes disparaging remarks about the uniform plods. Sometimes she does show a degree of kindness towards them but 'a bunch of uniforms' is not being that generous.
Okay there is a dead body and the killer to be found. There is the climate and the location set close to Hadrian's Wall to be dealt with. It is all in there. The suspense; the urgency, the frustrations of delays and the weather as the search continues.
About halfway through I found that it was less about crime and more about Kate's ability, personal relationships, and her squad members and so it is, but superbly done. Then eventually we get there the killer is found and the other threads in this story are unravelled and the final search is finalised. Seemingly a miracle and we have an ending that works, but only just.
This is an excellent second book after the Murder Wall and now I can read her third book Deadly Deceit.
Sunday, 26 October 2014
El Hondo
Another Saturday morning at El Hondo.
This time with Jim and Mary English from Skerries just outside of Dublin.
What a super few hours we had there with some wonderful information being provided by the regulars. In the main lake on the left hand side a Black Tern flew back and forth. This was in addition to numerous Black-headed Gulls, hundreds of Flamengos on the far shore, and a number well in excess of 150 White-Headed Duck. A Kingfisher flew In the reeds in front of us and was on show for some time. Likewise a Purple Gallinule sunned itself on the reed heads. Reed Warblers called and showed in the vegetation at the back of the hide. Reed Buntings and Penduline Tits called without showing and so did Cetti's. A Chiff fed up in the Eucalyptus. A Little Bittern croaked low down.
We moved onto the larger hide and in the distance 'eagle eyes' spotted the Greater one in the far distance. A better, closer view next week, I hope. An Osprey perched and fished, numerous Marsh Harriers entertained and a Booted was seen too.
Lots more to look at and look up for next week. Numerous thanks to Graham and Gordon for their sharp eyes and knowledge. It Is always good to realise what I am seeing.
Nothing better than good company, very good conversations followed by Tapas and beer. I think that I will do the same next week.
This time with Jim and Mary English from Skerries just outside of Dublin.
What a super few hours we had there with some wonderful information being provided by the regulars. In the main lake on the left hand side a Black Tern flew back and forth. This was in addition to numerous Black-headed Gulls, hundreds of Flamengos on the far shore, and a number well in excess of 150 White-Headed Duck. A Kingfisher flew In the reeds in front of us and was on show for some time. Likewise a Purple Gallinule sunned itself on the reed heads. Reed Warblers called and showed in the vegetation at the back of the hide. Reed Buntings and Penduline Tits called without showing and so did Cetti's. A Chiff fed up in the Eucalyptus. A Little Bittern croaked low down.
We moved onto the larger hide and in the distance 'eagle eyes' spotted the Greater one in the far distance. A better, closer view next week, I hope. An Osprey perched and fished, numerous Marsh Harriers entertained and a Booted was seen too.
Lots more to look at and look up for next week. Numerous thanks to Graham and Gordon for their sharp eyes and knowledge. It Is always good to realise what I am seeing.
Nothing better than good company, very good conversations followed by Tapas and beer. I think that I will do the same next week.
Monday, 13 October 2014
STANZA MAR MENOR
STANZA MAR MENOR MEET AGAIN
Members of Stanza Mar Menor met on the morning of 10th October for their first autumnal meeting. We have all been busy with a plethora of things including different aspects of writing. We talked, laughed and joked about our comings and goings and wherever and whatever we had been and done. It was good to talk and 'catch-up'.
Tybraf has been very busy with his Futurelearn course: Explaining Play: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life and his forthrightness has caused concern with a tutor or two! How dare they 'pull' a comment! The beauty is in the writing especially when they have to re-instate his views. I see it as a duty to say what some people would say should be the un-sayable. Not for him and we even mentioned Rotherham and Rochdale and what has been covered-up in that town. In our discussion we pulled no punches and wondered what sort of democracy we live in? After all Protest Poetry was included in Ledbury's Festival and I see no reason why we should not speak out. With that in mind we have written on the destruction of ancient woodland by the construction of high speed rail links. Tybraf's has had his published in the Rotherham Advertiser entitled 'Smithy Wood' and he also submitted to StopHS2 Campaign.
He has had a poem published in Mind Anthology on the theme of 'Through the Winter' with his poem 'Dish of Winter Wishes'. This can be downloaded free on http://www.lulu.com/shop/selected-writers/through-the-winter/book/product-21837755.html and a hard copy can be obtained at cost price.
Moving on, to St Petersburg, where he was last week seeing publishers and attempting to get his 'WOMBAT' children's stories into that market. He was invited to a presentation that was just happening when he was there. He must have impressed them for he came back laden books and a bottle of liquor. He is now working on a workshop as he has been invited to go again to Russia and deliver a presentation in a seminar. I think that this is all tremendous.
Margaret and I were impressed and she has been busy too and this is an account of some of her summer:-
Margaret enjoys open Mics and managed to fit a couple in while she was in the UK. This is her brief account of her experience. The August event at Pitmen Poets in Mexborough Yorkshire, hosted by Tony Goodwin was not for the faint hearted, and there were rants and angry words of protest but also some damn good poetry. That's the mild description. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth taking the plunge and submerging yourself in the experience.
Spire Writes at the White Swan in Chesterfield was hosted by Helen Mort and at the event I attended, Rob Stevens and Al McLimens performed some of their very fine poetry. A very friendly and relaxed atmosphere if you enjoy listening to style content and delivery of other poets and sometimes to read your own poetry out loud. It's a good feeling. I was inspired by these two events to write an apt piece.
Alchemy
We rattled together
like assorted base metals,
reassembled in order of voice.
Once the hot angry
breath-like bellows
fuelled the fire;
we meld,
turned to gold.
Pure Alchemy.
She is also working on two other aspects involving short stories where she is involved with Wordplay.
John has been busy with various matters including family history in relation to a set of handbells that first came into the family in 1900, but that is a story for a different time although a bellringer poem has existed since 2003. Maybe more to follow. He has been blogging on his 'Writing and Birding Blog' on a regular basis and he wrote on every day for the Ledbury Poetry Festival and on recent 'birding' trips. He now needs to re-visit his summer experiences, review his notes and write. There is a particular project that is about a disused canal with even non-existence stretches of It. The Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust wish to make all of the thirty-four miles of it good again. It is a very long term project and it is one that gives me inspiration to write and I have some lines that can be viewed shortly.
Margaret is about to start Start Writing Fiction Course with Futurelearn and I think that she will be able to show them a thing or two! I did this same course in early summer and again I must revisit my notes.
Douglas is still in Scotland and we all wish him well and we hope to see him later this year. He tells us that he has been writing and he will reveal all when he next appears in Spain.
We are looking forward to connecting up again with our other members and we will extend another invite to some local mature students who would like to pursue their English writing.
John is linking up the Poetry Society In London for a Stanza Representatives meeting at Keats House in North London. It will be interesting to meet and speak with others who organize stanzas and even meet the stanza member from North Cornwall whom he knows and the stanza member from Madrid. Gwyneth Box is that person and she has emailed with information of The Poets Toolbox which is a free on line course offered by Tantamount Publishing. This needs checking out properly as their blog has not been update for several months. It is not all negative as they seem to have a lot going on and say that they will 'catch-up' with themselves.
The RSPB and Rialto have again combined to ask for entries which will be judged by Simon Armitage. We participated this year and probably again for this current competition.
We agreed to meet next Friday, 17th October, in San Miguel at 10am. So get writing.
If there are people out there who should happen to read this, then you will be made welcome, with feedback and suggestions at no cost at all.
Members of Stanza Mar Menor met on the morning of 10th October for their first autumnal meeting. We have all been busy with a plethora of things including different aspects of writing. We talked, laughed and joked about our comings and goings and wherever and whatever we had been and done. It was good to talk and 'catch-up'.
Tybraf has been very busy with his Futurelearn course: Explaining Play: The Importance of Play in Everyday Life and his forthrightness has caused concern with a tutor or two! How dare they 'pull' a comment! The beauty is in the writing especially when they have to re-instate his views. I see it as a duty to say what some people would say should be the un-sayable. Not for him and we even mentioned Rotherham and Rochdale and what has been covered-up in that town. In our discussion we pulled no punches and wondered what sort of democracy we live in? After all Protest Poetry was included in Ledbury's Festival and I see no reason why we should not speak out. With that in mind we have written on the destruction of ancient woodland by the construction of high speed rail links. Tybraf's has had his published in the Rotherham Advertiser entitled 'Smithy Wood' and he also submitted to StopHS2 Campaign.
He has had a poem published in Mind Anthology on the theme of 'Through the Winter' with his poem 'Dish of Winter Wishes'. This can be downloaded free on http://www.lulu.com/shop/selected-writers/through-the-winter/book/product-21837755.html and a hard copy can be obtained at cost price.
Moving on, to St Petersburg, where he was last week seeing publishers and attempting to get his 'WOMBAT' children's stories into that market. He was invited to a presentation that was just happening when he was there. He must have impressed them for he came back laden books and a bottle of liquor. He is now working on a workshop as he has been invited to go again to Russia and deliver a presentation in a seminar. I think that this is all tremendous.
Margaret and I were impressed and she has been busy too and this is an account of some of her summer:-
Margaret enjoys open Mics and managed to fit a couple in while she was in the UK. This is her brief account of her experience. The August event at Pitmen Poets in Mexborough Yorkshire, hosted by Tony Goodwin was not for the faint hearted, and there were rants and angry words of protest but also some damn good poetry. That's the mild description. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is worth taking the plunge and submerging yourself in the experience.
Spire Writes at the White Swan in Chesterfield was hosted by Helen Mort and at the event I attended, Rob Stevens and Al McLimens performed some of their very fine poetry. A very friendly and relaxed atmosphere if you enjoy listening to style content and delivery of other poets and sometimes to read your own poetry out loud. It's a good feeling. I was inspired by these two events to write an apt piece.
Alchemy
We rattled together
like assorted base metals,
reassembled in order of voice.
Once the hot angry
breath-like bellows
fuelled the fire;
we meld,
turned to gold.
Pure Alchemy.
She is also working on two other aspects involving short stories where she is involved with Wordplay.
John has been busy with various matters including family history in relation to a set of handbells that first came into the family in 1900, but that is a story for a different time although a bellringer poem has existed since 2003. Maybe more to follow. He has been blogging on his 'Writing and Birding Blog' on a regular basis and he wrote on every day for the Ledbury Poetry Festival and on recent 'birding' trips. He now needs to re-visit his summer experiences, review his notes and write. There is a particular project that is about a disused canal with even non-existence stretches of It. The Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust wish to make all of the thirty-four miles of it good again. It is a very long term project and it is one that gives me inspiration to write and I have some lines that can be viewed shortly.
Margaret is about to start Start Writing Fiction Course with Futurelearn and I think that she will be able to show them a thing or two! I did this same course in early summer and again I must revisit my notes.
Douglas is still in Scotland and we all wish him well and we hope to see him later this year. He tells us that he has been writing and he will reveal all when he next appears in Spain.
We are looking forward to connecting up again with our other members and we will extend another invite to some local mature students who would like to pursue their English writing.
John is linking up the Poetry Society In London for a Stanza Representatives meeting at Keats House in North London. It will be interesting to meet and speak with others who organize stanzas and even meet the stanza member from North Cornwall whom he knows and the stanza member from Madrid. Gwyneth Box is that person and she has emailed with information of The Poets Toolbox which is a free on line course offered by Tantamount Publishing. This needs checking out properly as their blog has not been update for several months. It is not all negative as they seem to have a lot going on and say that they will 'catch-up' with themselves.
The RSPB and Rialto have again combined to ask for entries which will be judged by Simon Armitage. We participated this year and probably again for this current competition.
We agreed to meet next Friday, 17th October, in San Miguel at 10am. So get writing.
If there are people out there who should happen to read this, then you will be made welcome, with feedback and suggestions at no cost at all.
Sunday, 12 October 2014
Another poem for The Poetry Orchard
This weekend was for the Big Apple Event so it is only fitting that I include one more Apple Poem to add to Ledbury Poetry Festival's Apple Orchard. The one below is in tribute to the bellringers in my family, particularly my grandfather who is referred to as 'Ole John' who said the bells at Stoke Edith made good music. I have also included in these few lines a show of respect to those who died in World War One. St. Mary's is the church at Stoke Edith which served the 'big house' until fire destroyed it in 1926.
PRINCE'S PIPPIN
My kin heard the masons' hammers,
saw the steeple spiral up to their God,
heard the call of St. Mary's bells:
Ol' John used to say they had music.
They heard the silence in 1914,
too far away to hear the big guns roar
as we stood, shoulder to shoulder, our
feet firmly planted in Hereford's red earth.
Our pink and white petals floated gently
down on a world that stubbornly refuses
to be healed. I have my tree haven
and so we shall all survive, us Pippins.
PRINCE'S PIPPIN
My kin heard the masons' hammers,
saw the steeple spiral up to their God,
heard the call of St. Mary's bells:
Ol' John used to say they had music.
They heard the silence in 1914,
too far away to hear the big guns roar
as we stood, shoulder to shoulder, our
feet firmly planted in Hereford's red earth.
Our pink and white petals floated gently
down on a world that stubbornly refuses
to be healed. I have my tree haven
and so we shall all survive, us Pippins.
Thursday, 9 October 2014
The Big Apple Weekend
THE BIG APPLE WEEKEND IN HEREFORDSHIRE
This next weekend sees again the celebration for the cider apple and the perry pear. This time last year I was at Woodredding Farm, Much Marcle where outside our accommodation the old oaken press stood and was being used to press Winnal's Longdon perry pears. The taste was superb as the juice drained from them but the taste of the actual fruit was face-pullingly awful. Two extremes, I thought to myself, and this prompted me to write a short poem on the virtues of this pear and a Hanging Pearmain, a cider apple - much like an ugly ducking to a swan comparison. At the same time there was much media talk about the features of celebrities - hence the reference contained in a line or two.
The initial idea came via The Ledbury Poetry Festival and The Apple Orchard of which I have made contributions to in an attempt to fill their Apple barrel full of poems. However, this is one they have not seen.
THE ODD ONE -
HANGING PEARMAIN
TO WINNAL'S LONGDON
I have other friends.
Shapes and sizes that don't fit,
food for some to pick upon.
Well, they would, wouldn't they?
Less round, pear shaped, nose
too big for the job they said, except
it won two gold medals and was in
the forefront to see them gleam
with pride. The wild yeasts carry
our kisses on the wind. It's what's
on the inside that matters. Pure Gold.
PHOTOGENICS at San Pedro
PHOTOGENICS visit the Salinas at San Pedro del Pinatar
For those that wanted to see the sun rise on Tuesday morning over the Mediterranean Sea then they needed to be in place by 7.30am to ensure that they were ready for an 8.03 view. Eight cameras were poised and ready.
The purpose of the day then moved onto birds as most of them had little or no knowledge of or had no experience of this type of photography. We were easily able to find Kentish Plovers but as distance is always the problem we moved along the salinas towards the main road. Here, again we saw Plovers, two nearby Black-necked Grebe, immature Flamingos, flying Black-winged Stilt and Black-tailed Godwit. There was not an large numbers of birds around and some were definitely noticeably not around. This is the time when the scope is so valuable for this proved to be the best find for me when I initially though that I had located a Wood Sandpiper I was soon to discover that I was not correct. We posted a view of it on Face Book and I am still having some fun over what it could be. I will post a photograph of it later.
Earlier, on the wooden fencing, there were spiders webs and Paul photographed it. Identification to come later maybe!
I will find out how successful this morning was when I meet the photographers next Monday morning.
For those that wanted to see the sun rise on Tuesday morning over the Mediterranean Sea then they needed to be in place by 7.30am to ensure that they were ready for an 8.03 view. Eight cameras were poised and ready.
The purpose of the day then moved onto birds as most of them had little or no knowledge of or had no experience of this type of photography. We were easily able to find Kentish Plovers but as distance is always the problem we moved along the salinas towards the main road. Here, again we saw Plovers, two nearby Black-necked Grebe, immature Flamingos, flying Black-winged Stilt and Black-tailed Godwit. There was not an large numbers of birds around and some were definitely noticeably not around. This is the time when the scope is so valuable for this proved to be the best find for me when I initially though that I had located a Wood Sandpiper I was soon to discover that I was not correct. We posted a view of it on Face Book and I am still having some fun over what it could be. I will post a photograph of it later.
Earlier, on the wooden fencing, there were spiders webs and Paul photographed it. Identification to come later maybe!
I will find out how successful this morning was when I meet the photographers next Monday morning.
Monday, 6 October 2014
San Pedro del Pinatar
An early morning visit to the salinas provided me with a very beautiful sunrise, a temperature of 21 degrees, no wind and a calm sea. Two bats (not pops.) flew over the saturated dunes and Stonechats flew. The beach car park was a lagoon and because of the rain the vegetation was sprouting some fresh green shoots. I will have a good look at the waders here as the PHOTOGENICS Camera Club want to focus their cameras on the birds. I then went to the edge of The Mar Menor which is separated from the Salinas by a walkway. Here I found about one hundred Black-necked Grebe feeding and on the edge of the sea there were four Sanderling and three Turnstones. Tomorrow I will spend more time there and hopefully finish with some photographic evidence.
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Banksy. The End of Summer Swallow
This is wonderful. The messages it sends are enough. After all this is the time of migration and
everything is going southward except Douglas Carswell because he travelled east to Clacton-on-Sea but maybe he will go west!
It doesn't matter if this is ironic, sarcastic or just plain funny, but if you think that it is racist then so be it. There are some people with concerns and lives they see as being affected by an influx of people to their area. They are entitled to their view as we live in a democracy.
For me it is quite simple that five pigeon hybrids or if you prefer it 'mixed race' are casting unfriendly looks at one colorful Barn Swallow who will shortly pack his (or her - no sexism here!) winter suitcase and fly unaided to Africa. That bird has guts! It will feed as it goes on those tiny black dots - really yummy stuff - of energy as the 'feral' pigeons fluff their feathers against the cold north wind and feed off scraps and handouts. There's no competition really. This is a sad time of defections, desertions and the end of another summer.
Roll on next April and more artwork on walls delivering more messages.
Stay outspoken.
Confront the issues and let the spoilers reflect on their censorship.
everything is going southward except Douglas Carswell because he travelled east to Clacton-on-Sea but maybe he will go west!
It doesn't matter if this is ironic, sarcastic or just plain funny, but if you think that it is racist then so be it. There are some people with concerns and lives they see as being affected by an influx of people to their area. They are entitled to their view as we live in a democracy.
For me it is quite simple that five pigeon hybrids or if you prefer it 'mixed race' are casting unfriendly looks at one colorful Barn Swallow who will shortly pack his (or her - no sexism here!) winter suitcase and fly unaided to Africa. That bird has guts! It will feed as it goes on those tiny black dots - really yummy stuff - of energy as the 'feral' pigeons fluff their feathers against the cold north wind and feed off scraps and handouts. There's no competition really. This is a sad time of defections, desertions and the end of another summer.
Roll on next April and more artwork on walls delivering more messages.
Stay outspoken.
Confront the issues and let the spoilers reflect on their censorship.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
National Poetry Day
The theme for this October's National Poetry Day is 'remember'
Ratter in the Shed
An old great-coat
aged by name you feel
dark blue they once said
fades into the settling dust
on the work bench. Sunlight
pours in through the dirty glass
gleams on the dancing motes,
catches the eye makes the
dim interior more interesting.
Something has nudged,
nuzzled and nestled into
the coat, owned it for a while
on colder nights, sleeping
away days perhaps. Every-
one should have a ratter
in their shed.
The new man didn't know
the value and obliterated
our old shed.
There's no loss in the memory,
only comfort. It settles me in
the dust of that old coat.
Ratter in the Shed
An old great-coat
aged by name you feel
dark blue they once said
fades into the settling dust
on the work bench. Sunlight
pours in through the dirty glass
gleams on the dancing motes,
catches the eye makes the
dim interior more interesting.
Something has nudged,
nuzzled and nestled into
the coat, owned it for a while
on colder nights, sleeping
away days perhaps. Every-
one should have a ratter
in their shed.
The new man didn't know
the value and obliterated
our old shed.
There's no loss in the memory,
only comfort. It settles me in
the dust of that old coat.
Political path to the General Election
POLITICS:- does it put money into your pocket or disproportionately take it away?
The issue of Scottish Independence is over for the time being, but leaving a legacy of greater voter participation in future elections- maybe. For we shall have to see what transpires in the months leading up to next May. The last week of the 'Independence vote' saw frenetic activity to ensure that a win would be forthcoming to which ever side wanted it most. The Prime Minister, David Cameron said that it was one of his most anxious times. Hopefully the message that political parties need to up their game so that a high turn will follow their activity will occur.
At The Conservative Party Conference this week saw a passionate and emotional well structured speech superbly delivered to the 'party faithful'. That's good, but what would it do for other voters? Their were lots of promises and we now know what they intend to do. We will have to see what will be able to come to fruition.
It appears that a referendum and abdications to UKIP has stirred the oratory capabilities of leading Government ministers with more to follow? It is a shame that the party in opposition has been so poor and underperforming as any party in office needs strong challenges. I shall follow the progress of the election trail from Glasgow on Monday with The Liberal Democrats. Let's see how robust they can be and how Nick Clegg does. I will be looking forward to the next PMQ's and to see how Ed Miliband responds to Cameron's attack on him and his party.
Do you think that personal attacks are deeply felt or that arrogance and the clichéd thick skin keeps the worst out? Maybe it is all in a day's work!
The issue of Scottish Independence is over for the time being, but leaving a legacy of greater voter participation in future elections- maybe. For we shall have to see what transpires in the months leading up to next May. The last week of the 'Independence vote' saw frenetic activity to ensure that a win would be forthcoming to which ever side wanted it most. The Prime Minister, David Cameron said that it was one of his most anxious times. Hopefully the message that political parties need to up their game so that a high turn will follow their activity will occur.
At The Conservative Party Conference this week saw a passionate and emotional well structured speech superbly delivered to the 'party faithful'. That's good, but what would it do for other voters? Their were lots of promises and we now know what they intend to do. We will have to see what will be able to come to fruition.
It appears that a referendum and abdications to UKIP has stirred the oratory capabilities of leading Government ministers with more to follow? It is a shame that the party in opposition has been so poor and underperforming as any party in office needs strong challenges. I shall follow the progress of the election trail from Glasgow on Monday with The Liberal Democrats. Let's see how robust they can be and how Nick Clegg does. I will be looking forward to the next PMQ's and to see how Ed Miliband responds to Cameron's attack on him and his party.
Do you think that personal attacks are deeply felt or that arrogance and the clichéd thick skin keeps the worst out? Maybe it is all in a day's work!
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
A Little Bit of History
This question was posed on week 3 of a Future Learn Course on The history of Ireland between 1912 and 1923.
'What amounts to political activism in a period of war and revolution?
The significance of the current troubles of today can only be emphasized with what has happened in many places before. Including The United Kingdom, most of mainland Europe and The Middle East. This week there is 'Civil Disobedience' in Hong Kong which can not end happily as in Tibet.
However my comments below were written in respect of Ireland.
In an instance I pose this question, when does revolution start? Ireland was always a problem to the 'British Crown' with much suppression in forms of violence and land re-possession. Hatred and revulsion at oppression would have been plenty enough to polarize views. A display of open force individually or as group action is the militant face of political activism. When there is a survival need to fight then activists will roll this through politics to the use of the gun and the bomb. Propaganda would have been used by all sides - Crown - Pro-treaty and Anti-treaty - with rallies, speeches, newspapers and posters. The main impact would have been made by the orators who could stir the passion of the people. In hard violent times that would be easy to arouse. In some ways the political posturing was a four-cornered affair if the Unionists are included.
As we know politics were put to one side, albeit temporary, in The Easter Rising, and the executions of the principal combatants. A 'war' during a major European War that would have created a greater rift between factions than before because Irishmen did fight and die to free Europe of German influence.
It would be foolish to assume that political activity ceased when two sides fought for supremacy in Ireland. Michael Collins was for one solution whereas De Valera took the view that a final break with the then British Empire was his only way. So, during this short internal war political activities on a region and parish level would have continued and continued to influence people's opinions and their lives. Sadly, during that time many good men were killed by their own and families were split. Then, of course, the political activities commenced with word-of-mouth stories, not always accurate, but slewed to reflect a political point. These still influence the divides of today.
'What amounts to political activism in a period of war and revolution?
The significance of the current troubles of today can only be emphasized with what has happened in many places before. Including The United Kingdom, most of mainland Europe and The Middle East. This week there is 'Civil Disobedience' in Hong Kong which can not end happily as in Tibet.
However my comments below were written in respect of Ireland.
In an instance I pose this question, when does revolution start? Ireland was always a problem to the 'British Crown' with much suppression in forms of violence and land re-possession. Hatred and revulsion at oppression would have been plenty enough to polarize views. A display of open force individually or as group action is the militant face of political activism. When there is a survival need to fight then activists will roll this through politics to the use of the gun and the bomb. Propaganda would have been used by all sides - Crown - Pro-treaty and Anti-treaty - with rallies, speeches, newspapers and posters. The main impact would have been made by the orators who could stir the passion of the people. In hard violent times that would be easy to arouse. In some ways the political posturing was a four-cornered affair if the Unionists are included.
As we know politics were put to one side, albeit temporary, in The Easter Rising, and the executions of the principal combatants. A 'war' during a major European War that would have created a greater rift between factions than before because Irishmen did fight and die to free Europe of German influence.
It would be foolish to assume that political activity ceased when two sides fought for supremacy in Ireland. Michael Collins was for one solution whereas De Valera took the view that a final break with the then British Empire was his only way. So, during this short internal war political activities on a region and parish level would have continued and continued to influence people's opinions and their lives. Sadly, during that time many good men were killed by their own and families were split. Then, of course, the political activities commenced with word-of-mouth stories, not always accurate, but slewed to reflect a political point. These still influence the divides of today.
The Murder Wall by Mari Hannah
THE MURDER WALL by MARI HANNAH
Where on earth has this author been hiding? The good news is that since The Murder Wall was published in April, 2012 she has three more books for her ace investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels, to show how very good she really is.
Okay back to the story. Saint Camillus would not have liked it. Victims already slaughtered and a trail to be followed within a page or two.
I was hooked before the end of the first paragraph. I loved the writing. I loved the way the characters were fleshed out as the stories were developed. I felt that I was living with Kate, sitting on her shoulder watching her fellow detectives doing the right thing or maybe 'cocking-it-up' and living with the story as the various plots emerged. Of course, there has to be some that are there to irritate, and one maybe I would have liked to have 'kicked in the balls', but that is what good writers can achieve.
Oh yes, people die, but I am not going to go into that; you can do that yourself. What I will say is that the intrigue Mari creates within the team, the personal relationships that are there and sometimes could be there, and of course throw in the personal elements in the life of DCI Kate Daniels. There is more to this story that is in excess of the usual. It is set in the north of England and this book has a very good relationship with that area. I do like to know where a story belongs.
This is a book written with care, with love, and an understanding of both, with ample empathy and sympathy, but it is(about the all consuming urge for revenge), unpleasant deaths, savoured by the killer.The search for a killer who has a reason to go on and on until....
If you call yourself a reader of crime then it is a must read and with three more to follow you are in for lots of treats.
Where on earth has this author been hiding? The good news is that since The Murder Wall was published in April, 2012 she has three more books for her ace investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Kate Daniels, to show how very good she really is.
Okay back to the story. Saint Camillus would not have liked it. Victims already slaughtered and a trail to be followed within a page or two.
I was hooked before the end of the first paragraph. I loved the writing. I loved the way the characters were fleshed out as the stories were developed. I felt that I was living with Kate, sitting on her shoulder watching her fellow detectives doing the right thing or maybe 'cocking-it-up' and living with the story as the various plots emerged. Of course, there has to be some that are there to irritate, and one maybe I would have liked to have 'kicked in the balls', but that is what good writers can achieve.
Oh yes, people die, but I am not going to go into that; you can do that yourself. What I will say is that the intrigue Mari creates within the team, the personal relationships that are there and sometimes could be there, and of course throw in the personal elements in the life of DCI Kate Daniels. There is more to this story that is in excess of the usual. It is set in the north of England and this book has a very good relationship with that area. I do like to know where a story belongs.
This is a book written with care, with love, and an understanding of both, with ample empathy and sympathy, but it is(about the all consuming urge for revenge), unpleasant deaths, savoured by the killer.The search for a killer who has a reason to go on and on until....
If you call yourself a reader of crime then it is a must read and with three more to follow you are in for lots of treats.
Lo Monte
Just to say that Parque Natural at Lo Monte that only opened this year is now closed for works. Whatever that means and I will try to discover for how long.
Friday, 12 September 2014
Costa Blanca Bird Club - Day Four
FINAL DAY - FRIDAY 12th SEPTEMBER.
We over-nighted in Puçol, I suspect with the previous intention of revisiting the site we saw yesterday evening. However since we are experiencing a drought this lagoon was dry and how all wildlife must be suffering in these prolonged high temperatures and still no rain. It was decided to go towards Valencia and Albufera. Unfortunately the 'convoy' became fragmented and most of us did not even see Tancat de Ratlla which is a great shame as Temminick's Stint was there. Some of us then headed for the observation site at Albufera. It was tremendously hot and there was some water, but there was nothing exceptional to see except that small bird list was added to with Blackcap, another Sardinian and a Great Tit.
We are now in possession of a plan of this area which would have been very helpful if we had one to start with. You can also go on line at www.albuferadevalencia.com for more information.
I only wish that I had the foresight to do that.
REFLECTIONS - generally.
Our first few hours were great and we saw many birds on the delta on both days. Some were amazing in that they were firsts for us. I had a good view of a Wood Sandpiper for the first time. The two 'superb' birds was a Pectoral Sandpiper and two White-rumped Sandpipers which will be reported by Malcolm.
The hotel was in a superb location surrounded by rice fields and water and our early morning strolls before breakfast was very good. The rooms were pleasant and comfortable and there was free WIFI. The dining area and bar were both good and I thought that the food was excellent but on the second day four meals had to be returned. This was not acceptable and neither was the giving of a free after dinner drink - in my view a poor apology. However even this should not have happened even though our group had eighteen members.
I would certainly stay there again even though the rooms seemed a little 'tired'. I have to say that our shower was comical although it did the job!
The first two days were good but Thursday and Friday not so.
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Information needed to be imparted fully as where and how we were to get there. Convoy driving is never that easy and people did get detached.
A Pacific Golden Plover had been located previously and this seemed to be the focus of attention although our group's knowledge was varied. More stopping, observing and waiting would have been preferable to more driving. Some locations were not found and it must be remembered that this is a maze of a place.
Our drive inland on day three was expensive on time, effort and we were all glad to get to Puçol and disappointed to find a dry lagoon.
Clearly after a sustained dry period and continuing hot weather we needed to know where there was water. Obviously the delta rice fields had controlled water supply and so will Pego.
I am decided that there needs to be much more thought as to where a group like this should go and how they can proceed together, in convoy and without having the difficulties that some of us experienced.
We headed for home early having decided that neither Alcoy or Pego were worthwhile on a hot afternoon. I hope that who ever did go found it to be worth the effort.
TECHNOLOGY. It is out there and you can use it on the move not only with a SatNav (it did get us to some places!) and Google Maps and IPads.
When we got home Michelle tapped in the location that we had tried to visit in the morning as she found the name was on the plan.
Try This. Put in birdingalbufera.es and ask to translate the page.
On the left hand side of the page is a plan and on the right a list of locations. If you were to tap on TANCAT de RATLLA You can see where we had tried to go this morning and according to their listings Malcolm's Citrine Wagtail had been seen there. The information is really out there.
I will certainly give more thought to another group expedition as we have done such things on our own or with friends. The upside of taking this trip is that we knew there was some very experienced birders that we could reply upon. So, it is with many thanks, I say 'well done' for everything that was pointed out, scoped on and identified. Also well done to everyone else for their humour, comradeship and company. Thank you to all.
We over-nighted in Puçol, I suspect with the previous intention of revisiting the site we saw yesterday evening. However since we are experiencing a drought this lagoon was dry and how all wildlife must be suffering in these prolonged high temperatures and still no rain. It was decided to go towards Valencia and Albufera. Unfortunately the 'convoy' became fragmented and most of us did not even see Tancat de Ratlla which is a great shame as Temminick's Stint was there. Some of us then headed for the observation site at Albufera. It was tremendously hot and there was some water, but there was nothing exceptional to see except that small bird list was added to with Blackcap, another Sardinian and a Great Tit.
We are now in possession of a plan of this area which would have been very helpful if we had one to start with. You can also go on line at www.albuferadevalencia.com for more information.
I only wish that I had the foresight to do that.
REFLECTIONS - generally.
Our first few hours were great and we saw many birds on the delta on both days. Some were amazing in that they were firsts for us. I had a good view of a Wood Sandpiper for the first time. The two 'superb' birds was a Pectoral Sandpiper and two White-rumped Sandpipers which will be reported by Malcolm.
The hotel was in a superb location surrounded by rice fields and water and our early morning strolls before breakfast was very good. The rooms were pleasant and comfortable and there was free WIFI. The dining area and bar were both good and I thought that the food was excellent but on the second day four meals had to be returned. This was not acceptable and neither was the giving of a free after dinner drink - in my view a poor apology. However even this should not have happened even though our group had eighteen members.
I would certainly stay there again even though the rooms seemed a little 'tired'. I have to say that our shower was comical although it did the job!
The first two days were good but Thursday and Friday not so.
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
Information needed to be imparted fully as where and how we were to get there. Convoy driving is never that easy and people did get detached.
A Pacific Golden Plover had been located previously and this seemed to be the focus of attention although our group's knowledge was varied. More stopping, observing and waiting would have been preferable to more driving. Some locations were not found and it must be remembered that this is a maze of a place.
Our drive inland on day three was expensive on time, effort and we were all glad to get to Puçol and disappointed to find a dry lagoon.
Clearly after a sustained dry period and continuing hot weather we needed to know where there was water. Obviously the delta rice fields had controlled water supply and so will Pego.
I am decided that there needs to be much more thought as to where a group like this should go and how they can proceed together, in convoy and without having the difficulties that some of us experienced.
We headed for home early having decided that neither Alcoy or Pego were worthwhile on a hot afternoon. I hope that who ever did go found it to be worth the effort.
TECHNOLOGY. It is out there and you can use it on the move not only with a SatNav (it did get us to some places!) and Google Maps and IPads.
When we got home Michelle tapped in the location that we had tried to visit in the morning as she found the name was on the plan.
Try This. Put in birdingalbufera.es and ask to translate the page.
On the left hand side of the page is a plan and on the right a list of locations. If you were to tap on TANCAT de RATLLA You can see where we had tried to go this morning and according to their listings Malcolm's Citrine Wagtail had been seen there. The information is really out there.
I will certainly give more thought to another group expedition as we have done such things on our own or with friends. The upside of taking this trip is that we knew there was some very experienced birders that we could reply upon. So, it is with many thanks, I say 'well done' for everything that was pointed out, scoped on and identified. Also well done to everyone else for their humour, comradeship and company. Thank you to all.
Thursday, 11 September 2014
Leaving the Delta
Costa Blanca Bird Club - Thursday 11th September - Day Three
The plan for the day was to find a body of water to see what waders we could see on our way to the N340 and then take the N232 at Vinarós to head inland. This would give us a much different habitat and hopefully a greater selection of birds. However, before we left, there was a Yellow-crowned Night Heron perched with Tree Sparrow close-by. One of the group saw a Cetti's Warbler perched on a low fence.
We did a lot of driving, covered many miles on a day when the temperatures were in mid to high thirties for very little reward. Amongst the pines we did see Long-tailed Tits in flight, a conspicuous Stonechat, and both male and female Pied Flycatchers. On route we had magnificent sightings of two Short-toed Eagles.
We headed to Puçol, booked in at Hotel Alba and then headed for Marjal del Moro. This is an area of reeds, several pools, scrub and alongside the pebble beach. This is better viewed in the morning as the sun will then be over the sea. We did see Turnstones and twenty one Spoonbills flew right over us. Unfortunately the main area of water was 'bone' dry, but this should not be that surprising as we are experiencing a period of least rainfall since 1857.
Our overall list stands at 92 with only seven new species being added for today, but we do have plans for tomorrow.
The plan for the day was to find a body of water to see what waders we could see on our way to the N340 and then take the N232 at Vinarós to head inland. This would give us a much different habitat and hopefully a greater selection of birds. However, before we left, there was a Yellow-crowned Night Heron perched with Tree Sparrow close-by. One of the group saw a Cetti's Warbler perched on a low fence.
We did a lot of driving, covered many miles on a day when the temperatures were in mid to high thirties for very little reward. Amongst the pines we did see Long-tailed Tits in flight, a conspicuous Stonechat, and both male and female Pied Flycatchers. On route we had magnificent sightings of two Short-toed Eagles.
We headed to Puçol, booked in at Hotel Alba and then headed for Marjal del Moro. This is an area of reeds, several pools, scrub and alongside the pebble beach. This is better viewed in the morning as the sun will then be over the sea. We did see Turnstones and twenty one Spoonbills flew right over us. Unfortunately the main area of water was 'bone' dry, but this should not be that surprising as we are experiencing a period of least rainfall since 1857.
Our overall list stands at 92 with only seven new species being added for today, but we do have plans for tomorrow.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Still in the delta
Costa Blanca Bird Club - Wednesday 10th September - Day Two.
Some were up before the sun and under a grey sky we saw Kingfishers flying and at least three Night Herons. The smaller species were very conspicuous in their absence, but there was one Reed Warbler and others saw a Chiff.
Today was a slower day, but as in often the case there are new ones to be seen. Although we had seen one Caspian Tern we did have four in full view later. At one stage we had about two hundred Glossy Ibis in the sky and then there were twelve Spoonbill that landed near about four Collared Prantincole. We were looking for Red-knobbed Coot, but there was not one in view. Amongst the ducks there were some Gadwell and Red-crested Pochard. This certainly will be an area once the over-wintering wildfowl have arrived from the north. Raptors were in low numbers, but there was the odd kestrel and very good views of Marsh Harriers. We also saw clearly a Booted Eagle.
During lunch we were pleased to see a Spotted Flycatcher and shortly after I had my first un-interrupted view of a Wood Sandpiper. We had both Cetti's and Fan-tailed Warblers calling and flying. Michelle had a good view of a Sedge Warbler which was probably in passage. We saw many of the birds that we had seen yesterday but the new birds for today was counted at twenty-two. On out way to the Delta Hotel we saw a Whimbrel walking along the road which then flew around us and our first Wood Pigeons were seen. In the grounds of the hotel there was a perched female Pied Flycatcher. The above is not an inclusive list, but the total for both days now stands at 84 species. Tomorrow we will start with this local habitat before moving away via a woodland one to try to increase our species count. Then onto Puçol for Marismas, dunes and a closer to the sea environment.
Some were up before the sun and under a grey sky we saw Kingfishers flying and at least three Night Herons. The smaller species were very conspicuous in their absence, but there was one Reed Warbler and others saw a Chiff.
Today was a slower day, but as in often the case there are new ones to be seen. Although we had seen one Caspian Tern we did have four in full view later. At one stage we had about two hundred Glossy Ibis in the sky and then there were twelve Spoonbill that landed near about four Collared Prantincole. We were looking for Red-knobbed Coot, but there was not one in view. Amongst the ducks there were some Gadwell and Red-crested Pochard. This certainly will be an area once the over-wintering wildfowl have arrived from the north. Raptors were in low numbers, but there was the odd kestrel and very good views of Marsh Harriers. We also saw clearly a Booted Eagle.
During lunch we were pleased to see a Spotted Flycatcher and shortly after I had my first un-interrupted view of a Wood Sandpiper. We had both Cetti's and Fan-tailed Warblers calling and flying. Michelle had a good view of a Sedge Warbler which was probably in passage. We saw many of the birds that we had seen yesterday but the new birds for today was counted at twenty-two. On out way to the Delta Hotel we saw a Whimbrel walking along the road which then flew around us and our first Wood Pigeons were seen. In the grounds of the hotel there was a perched female Pied Flycatcher. The above is not an inclusive list, but the total for both days now stands at 84 species. Tomorrow we will start with this local habitat before moving away via a woodland one to try to increase our species count. Then onto Puçol for Marismas, dunes and a closer to the sea environment.
Costa Blanca Bird Club visits the Ebro Delta.
We met at the Gran Buffet at Sant Carles de la Repita and while standing in the car park awaiting other arrivals there were two Short-toed Eagles overhead with one being harassed by a Sparrow Hawk. We saw at least six Short-toed which we assumed were on their passage south. Then, again flying south we saw a Honey Buzzard.
We moved on to Deltebre and the Delta Hotel and there playing in a puddle were two Willow Warblers. One of our group saw a Kingfisher nearby.
The quest for the afternoon was to find a Pacific Golden Plover. We toured the rice fields with out success but what else did we see?
Marsh Harriers
Herons - Grey, juvenile Purple and Squacco
Egrets - Little, Cattle and Large White.
They have just started to harvest the rice crop and in the churned up mud we saw about 50-60 Glossy Ibis, two Curlew, about six Lesser-backed Gulls among the other gulls and a Blue-throat.
We continued our search for this elusive Plover and during this time we saw Common Terns, Whiskered Terns and one Caspian Tern. One churned up field that we passed yielded six flying Snipe and in another location we saw Green Sandpipers in flight. Also a Night Heron was spotted.
At an observation point overlooking shallow lagoons we saw Ruff, Little Stint, Little-ringed and Kentish Plovers with Red-shank and Green-shank nearby. We feasted our eyes on the birds before us and the experts saw a Pectoral Sandpiper and then two White-rumped Sandpipers were located and then flew for us. Also here I saw one Grey Plover in winter plumage and one other still in its summer attire.
In the sky twelve Purple Herons flew away from us and about two hundred Glossy Ibis did the same.
The identifications have been made with people that know their birds and hopefully tomorrow we will all get clear views of these rarities and whatever else we can see. Malcolm last view of a Pectoral was in 1975 - so he was pleased with especially as these two species were seen in out last twenty minutes before the light faded. Later the list was written up and the total was 62.
Now for the morning at sun-up.
We moved on to Deltebre and the Delta Hotel and there playing in a puddle were two Willow Warblers. One of our group saw a Kingfisher nearby.
The quest for the afternoon was to find a Pacific Golden Plover. We toured the rice fields with out success but what else did we see?
Marsh Harriers
Herons - Grey, juvenile Purple and Squacco
Egrets - Little, Cattle and Large White.
They have just started to harvest the rice crop and in the churned up mud we saw about 50-60 Glossy Ibis, two Curlew, about six Lesser-backed Gulls among the other gulls and a Blue-throat.
We continued our search for this elusive Plover and during this time we saw Common Terns, Whiskered Terns and one Caspian Tern. One churned up field that we passed yielded six flying Snipe and in another location we saw Green Sandpipers in flight. Also a Night Heron was spotted.
At an observation point overlooking shallow lagoons we saw Ruff, Little Stint, Little-ringed and Kentish Plovers with Red-shank and Green-shank nearby. We feasted our eyes on the birds before us and the experts saw a Pectoral Sandpiper and then two White-rumped Sandpipers were located and then flew for us. Also here I saw one Grey Plover in winter plumage and one other still in its summer attire.
In the sky twelve Purple Herons flew away from us and about two hundred Glossy Ibis did the same.
The identifications have been made with people that know their birds and hopefully tomorrow we will all get clear views of these rarities and whatever else we can see. Malcolm last view of a Pectoral was in 1975 - so he was pleased with especially as these two species were seen in out last twenty minutes before the light faded. Later the list was written up and the total was 62.
Now for the morning at sun-up.
Saturday, 30 August 2014
LAGUNAS DE LO MONTE
On our return visit we found the site open. It is situated on high ground about a kilometre on the landward side of the AP7. It is very easy to find for when exiting AP7 (Exit 768) follow the signage for San Miguel de Salinas (CV941). Upon leaving the exit roundabout there is a really straight road in front. In the distance you will see a RIGH-HAND BEND. There are two hazarding signs that indicate the bend, but just in front of them is a yellow sigh inscribed E.D.A.R Pilar de la Horadada (Sewage works) and below that a green sign with Lagunas de Lo Monte. TURN LEFT HERE. Traveling from San Miguel you should easily see the signs and the road in.
Co-ordinates are 37.900821 and 0.784903
Immediately you will find 'market garden' crops on the right side and further on the left a strong wire fence. There are double gates with a small car park area. This area is hidden from the Lagunas by the banking, screening and in the future, vegetation. It has been planted, watered and well set out. To the left of the car park there is a picnic area planted with saplings.
There are two large areas of water which may be connected at the far end? All the edges have have tall vegetation and there appears to be no shallows for waders. Access is restricted to the one end which has been well screened to hide human activity from the wildlife.
There are four stout looking hides about 2 metres wide with a continuous bench in the rear that needs to be stepped over to be able to get inside to look out. The interior shelves are just too thick for a bench clamp and so the scope was balanced on the seat. It was okay. All hides provide good views over to the water.
What we saw was limited. It was a hot afternoon. There was nothing flying overhead, nothing moving in the reeds, but there were a large number of dragon flies. On the two small islands there were Pochard (Porrón Europeo), two female White-headed ducks (Malvasia Cabeciblanco),Mallards (Ánade Azulón) and in the distance a Grey Heron (Garza Real) In the water were Little Grebe (Zampullín Común), Coot (Focha Cumún) and Moorhen (Gallineta Común) and nothing else.
I intend to look-in when passing, although opening times, are not that convenient. Hopefully more birds will find it and I suspect that during the migration months it could be interesting.
Co-ordinates are 37.900821 and 0.784903
Immediately you will find 'market garden' crops on the right side and further on the left a strong wire fence. There are double gates with a small car park area. This area is hidden from the Lagunas by the banking, screening and in the future, vegetation. It has been planted, watered and well set out. To the left of the car park there is a picnic area planted with saplings.
There are two large areas of water which may be connected at the far end? All the edges have have tall vegetation and there appears to be no shallows for waders. Access is restricted to the one end which has been well screened to hide human activity from the wildlife.
There are four stout looking hides about 2 metres wide with a continuous bench in the rear that needs to be stepped over to be able to get inside to look out. The interior shelves are just too thick for a bench clamp and so the scope was balanced on the seat. It was okay. All hides provide good views over to the water.
What we saw was limited. It was a hot afternoon. There was nothing flying overhead, nothing moving in the reeds, but there were a large number of dragon flies. On the two small islands there were Pochard (Porrón Europeo), two female White-headed ducks (Malvasia Cabeciblanco),Mallards (Ánade Azulón) and in the distance a Grey Heron (Garza Real) In the water were Little Grebe (Zampullín Común), Coot (Focha Cumún) and Moorhen (Gallineta Común) and nothing else.
I intend to look-in when passing, although opening times, are not that convenient. Hopefully more birds will find it and I suspect that during the migration months it could be interesting.
Monday, 25 August 2014
Paraje Natural, Lagunas de Lo Monte and Salinas at San Pedro.
Having discovered the location of the first mentioned site which is new; we went there. It was closed, but it is apparently open on Friday afternoons and at week-ends. The hides and screens look very new and we intend to visit it on Friday. More information and comments should follow thereafter.
At San Pedro we have had some super sightings. A favourite corner is by the small car park just off the roundabout. Here close by we saw a single Curlew Sandpiper (Correlimos Zarapitin) feeding in the shallows with a Little Stint (Correlimos Menudo) nearby and a male Ruff( Combatiente). Three good birds to be able to view close at hand. Kentish Plovers (Choritejo Patinegro) and Dunlin (Correlimos Común) were also near-by. There was no Kingfisher (Martin Pescador) to be seen, but the usual Flamingos (Flamenco Común)' Avocet (Avoceta Común), Black-winged Stilts (Cigüeñuela Común) Mallards (Ánade Azulón) and Moorhens (Gallineta Común). Shellducks (Tarro Blanco). Since we had not made an early start it was 35 degrees by the time we left. Too hot.
We did visit the car park near to the beach which had been closed, but was now open and full of cars. Soon we will have it almost to ourselves again and be able to view the lagoons peacefully.
At San Pedro we have had some super sightings. A favourite corner is by the small car park just off the roundabout. Here close by we saw a single Curlew Sandpiper (Correlimos Zarapitin) feeding in the shallows with a Little Stint (Correlimos Menudo) nearby and a male Ruff( Combatiente). Three good birds to be able to view close at hand. Kentish Plovers (Choritejo Patinegro) and Dunlin (Correlimos Común) were also near-by. There was no Kingfisher (Martin Pescador) to be seen, but the usual Flamingos (Flamenco Común)' Avocet (Avoceta Común), Black-winged Stilts (Cigüeñuela Común) Mallards (Ánade Azulón) and Moorhens (Gallineta Común). Shellducks (Tarro Blanco). Since we had not made an early start it was 35 degrees by the time we left. Too hot.
We did visit the car park near to the beach which had been closed, but was now open and full of cars. Soon we will have it almost to ourselves again and be able to view the lagoons peacefully.
Sunday, 24 August 2014
Stanza Mar Menor
STANZA MAR MENOR AUGUST UPDATE
The heat of the Spanish sun has seen our members go to more northern climes, but this has seen writing as usual with contact by email. David Leslie Urion has produced more children's 'Wombat ' stories while Douglas Hill's book of poems 'Streams of Conscience' is now in the Scottish Poetry Library. Visits have included Ledbury Poetry Festival, Edinburgh Festival, with an attendance in Mexborough for Pitmen Poets and the Commonwealth War Cemeteries. This last inspired Douglas to create some wonderful poetry. We have sent in letters to 'the unknown soldier' and been added to that archive. Writing has been done on the intended destruction to ancient woods. We feel that we must protest. Our next meeting will be on Friday 12th September.
The heat of the Spanish sun has seen our members go to more northern climes, but this has seen writing as usual with contact by email. David Leslie Urion has produced more children's 'Wombat ' stories while Douglas Hill's book of poems 'Streams of Conscience' is now in the Scottish Poetry Library. Visits have included Ledbury Poetry Festival, Edinburgh Festival, with an attendance in Mexborough for Pitmen Poets and the Commonwealth War Cemeteries. This last inspired Douglas to create some wonderful poetry. We have sent in letters to 'the unknown soldier' and been added to that archive. Writing has been done on the intended destruction to ancient woods. We feel that we must protest. Our next meeting will be on Friday 12th September.
Sunday, 17 August 2014
A Time of Sadness
A Time of Sadness
As we approach the end of summer it is easy for some things to go unnoticed. It is also a time of sadness as some of our visitors have or are heading south for the winter. Our cluster of Pallid Swifts just went. I saw one this morning, but only one. House-martins were lining up on an electric cable and we are now seeing Barn Swallows coming by and they too are heading south. Along the canal a clutch of them were congregating on branches, twittering away, no doubt discussing the right time to shove off and leave us. I did not even see one of the Red-rumped variety either, but they were there a few days ago. Several mornings this week I have heard the 'burbling' of Bee-eaters somewhere up in the sky and they are always a loss as they are so colorful.
However the migration of others should give us joy and then in September we are in the Elbro Delta for a few days.
A sad time it maybe and sadness is everywhere as bad news permeates our lives. This past week the death of Robin Williams was announced. He is not the only one that has left us and it triggered a thought one evening - so I wrote these few lines that follow:-
A TRIBUTE (to those that do)
Did you notice the sadness? It is
normally well hidden only for the
discerning eye that catches a
downtime on the smile. Mind-readers
ought to unite for we get that wrong
the majority of the time. No one is perfect
and I even think that no one sets out
to be perfect, but is it okay to feel lonely?
Is it okay to feel sad? Yes, it is, but then
what else takes over? Those innermost
unshared thoughts that go to our darkest
corners that is where we are alone, but
not to consider our end. I respect the
final decision. It is the ultimate of choices.
Who can gainsay that end?
John Edwards (C) 14th August 2014
As we approach the end of summer it is easy for some things to go unnoticed. It is also a time of sadness as some of our visitors have or are heading south for the winter. Our cluster of Pallid Swifts just went. I saw one this morning, but only one. House-martins were lining up on an electric cable and we are now seeing Barn Swallows coming by and they too are heading south. Along the canal a clutch of them were congregating on branches, twittering away, no doubt discussing the right time to shove off and leave us. I did not even see one of the Red-rumped variety either, but they were there a few days ago. Several mornings this week I have heard the 'burbling' of Bee-eaters somewhere up in the sky and they are always a loss as they are so colorful.
However the migration of others should give us joy and then in September we are in the Elbro Delta for a few days.
A sad time it maybe and sadness is everywhere as bad news permeates our lives. This past week the death of Robin Williams was announced. He is not the only one that has left us and it triggered a thought one evening - so I wrote these few lines that follow:-
A TRIBUTE (to those that do)
Did you notice the sadness? It is
normally well hidden only for the
discerning eye that catches a
downtime on the smile. Mind-readers
ought to unite for we get that wrong
the majority of the time. No one is perfect
and I even think that no one sets out
to be perfect, but is it okay to feel lonely?
Is it okay to feel sad? Yes, it is, but then
what else takes over? Those innermost
unshared thoughts that go to our darkest
corners that is where we are alone, but
not to consider our end. I respect the
final decision. It is the ultimate of choices.
Who can gainsay that end?
John Edwards (C) 14th August 2014
Thursday, 14 August 2014
Ledbury Poetry Festival
Ledbury Poetry Festival's site can be accessed by www.poetry-festival.co.uk. The left hand menu highlighted in green has the first item - 2014 Audio Highlights - where some of the events can be listened to, some in part only and others with a much longer play. On this can be heard some of the great voices that were there in July.
The second item is for The Poetry Orchard where a number of 'Apple Poems' can be read. It is still ongoing so there should be more to follow.
The second item is for The Poetry Orchard where a number of 'Apple Poems' can be read. It is still ongoing so there should be more to follow.
Wednesday, 13 August 2014
Two for my own Barrel of Apples
THE COMMONERS
REDSTREAK
(IN TOM JENKINS'S ORCHARD)
I was one of the family
sometimes scarce noticed
by Mollie, Dick or Fred but
Tom was different. He would
light his pipe close to me. We bonded,
shared the aroma of his 'Digger
Flake', rubbed between fingers,
caressed into that old briar pipe
and Swan Vesta lit.
My home, a little orchard, a small
corner. My space next to the
dew pond was sacred, ephemeral.
My spirit still flies, giving it the old
once over. Good people remembered.
You can find them in the Churchyard;
sweet smiles always.
BALL'S BITTERSWEET
Poor it is. Does anyone care?
Broken limbs, decay, rot, all show
our pain. Last summer's grasses
lie tangled beneath us poor fruit.
We all need a wash, but I'm okay.
Sadness when I remember 'The
Commoners'. George Oakley, trilby-
hatted walking home. Mary Ann too, her
white face ravined with black lines,
lean as a rake, a widow you know.
I will soon fall to lie as a feast
for the pheasant that comes to drink
at the dew pond's circular edge.
N.B. REDSTREAK is said to date from 17th Century
and it was considered a very good variety. Whether
the original species has survived is in doubt, but the
name survives. Both this one and Balls Bittersweet are
still grown.
REDSTREAK
(IN TOM JENKINS'S ORCHARD)
I was one of the family
sometimes scarce noticed
by Mollie, Dick or Fred but
Tom was different. He would
light his pipe close to me. We bonded,
shared the aroma of his 'Digger
Flake', rubbed between fingers,
caressed into that old briar pipe
and Swan Vesta lit.
My home, a little orchard, a small
corner. My space next to the
dew pond was sacred, ephemeral.
My spirit still flies, giving it the old
once over. Good people remembered.
You can find them in the Churchyard;
sweet smiles always.
BALL'S BITTERSWEET
Poor it is. Does anyone care?
Broken limbs, decay, rot, all show
our pain. Last summer's grasses
lie tangled beneath us poor fruit.
We all need a wash, but I'm okay.
Sadness when I remember 'The
Commoners'. George Oakley, trilby-
hatted walking home. Mary Ann too, her
white face ravined with black lines,
lean as a rake, a widow you know.
I will soon fall to lie as a feast
for the pheasant that comes to drink
at the dew pond's circular edge.
N.B. REDSTREAK is said to date from 17th Century
and it was considered a very good variety. Whether
the original species has survived is in doubt, but the
name survives. Both this one and Balls Bittersweet are
still grown.
The Poetry Orchard
Ledbury Poetry Festival July, 2014
The Poetry Orchard
In many ways Ledbury is where I have roots, not the sort that hold me back, but very good ones that allow me to have a continued connection with the town and the rural areas that were my childhood playgrounds.
I had written about this area the previous autumn when we had visited and made many observations and notes that eventually found their way into poems. So, when through The Ledbury Poetry Festival I became aware of the creation of The Poetry Orchard I knew that I had a theme on which to work and produce a poem or two. Paul Henry, Herefordshire's Poet in Residence was commissioned by Poetry on Loan and Herefordshire Libraries to develop it in partnership with The Big Apple Association.
What a terrific idea as this county is 'Apple County' to me. My Great-Grandfather was an expert on cider apples and it is good to see that there is so much work being done to save the old species of apple trees. I was surrounded by the old orchards when young and there beauty has never left me. I still mourn their loss and the wildlife habitats that went with them.
Paul Henry's instructions that he wanted apple names that could invoke local characters and this allowed me to use my past knowledge to bring these people into my poems. The apple barrel's first one was one of his, entitled, Windfalls.
Two of my poems come under the title, 'The Commoners'. They lived on what was still Tarrington Common before it became swallowed up by the 'Foley Estate' and non-indigenous pines. I have used my memory and their names to bring back some of my past and enjoyed doing it. Stoke Edith Parish sits to the south of Tarrington and Stoke Edith Pippin is one of the old names for a cider apple and two poems were born out of this name. I wrote a fifth one but for a very different reason and I will include that one later with suitable comment.
The Poetry Orchard
In many ways Ledbury is where I have roots, not the sort that hold me back, but very good ones that allow me to have a continued connection with the town and the rural areas that were my childhood playgrounds.
I had written about this area the previous autumn when we had visited and made many observations and notes that eventually found their way into poems. So, when through The Ledbury Poetry Festival I became aware of the creation of The Poetry Orchard I knew that I had a theme on which to work and produce a poem or two. Paul Henry, Herefordshire's Poet in Residence was commissioned by Poetry on Loan and Herefordshire Libraries to develop it in partnership with The Big Apple Association.
What a terrific idea as this county is 'Apple County' to me. My Great-Grandfather was an expert on cider apples and it is good to see that there is so much work being done to save the old species of apple trees. I was surrounded by the old orchards when young and there beauty has never left me. I still mourn their loss and the wildlife habitats that went with them.
Paul Henry's instructions that he wanted apple names that could invoke local characters and this allowed me to use my past knowledge to bring these people into my poems. The apple barrel's first one was one of his, entitled, Windfalls.
Two of my poems come under the title, 'The Commoners'. They lived on what was still Tarrington Common before it became swallowed up by the 'Foley Estate' and non-indigenous pines. I have used my memory and their names to bring back some of my past and enjoyed doing it. Stoke Edith Parish sits to the south of Tarrington and Stoke Edith Pippin is one of the old names for a cider apple and two poems were born out of this name. I wrote a fifth one but for a very different reason and I will include that one later with suitable comment.
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Smithy Wood versus HS2
The Stanza Mar Menor writers always have something to say about the injustices in this world and the present is no exception. We have been active in writing to 'the unknown soldier' on the website of 14-18 NOW-WW1 Centenary Art Commissions where twenty thousand pieces of writing have been received. Likewise the Splurge of Poppies at The Tower of London might well invoke some thought. Also there is is Gaza, the Ukraine, but also environmental matters such as the one below entitled Smithy Wood.
I will pay tribute to my fellow writers for their never ending support, encouragement, suggestions and where necessary pointing out any flaws that there may be. Without this attention to detail I would be far less of a writer - so thank you.
Smithy Wood
For centuries, just a bit at a time,
we've been eating at your extremities
like a rat nibbles at the corn bin rim
to eat while others cause calamities.
Man has plans. You cannot keep hiding there.
He is after you, never mind about
Marples, he severed you, laying you bare
for the M1 on a north to south route.
He scuffed edges too, the feeder roads
went in and then the 'coup de grace' they call
junction thirty-five, the crown that just folds
you into a paddock, zipped hold-all.
Now we are getting serious, they are
after you yet again. It's bigger - now
you'll be gutted, eviscerated core
for fast track HS2 and so we row.
Check this out, see the death knell for the
heart to be 'grave-yarded' under concrete
plans for a pit stop for the weary, see
the rise of convenient signs - that's not right!
Their homes erased, folk moved on for short
term answers, but our trees we have to love
much more, so make 'em royal in the court -
the growth of centuries we have to have.
John Edwards (C) July 2014
I will pay tribute to my fellow writers for their never ending support, encouragement, suggestions and where necessary pointing out any flaws that there may be. Without this attention to detail I would be far less of a writer - so thank you.
Smithy Wood
For centuries, just a bit at a time,
we've been eating at your extremities
like a rat nibbles at the corn bin rim
to eat while others cause calamities.
Man has plans. You cannot keep hiding there.
He is after you, never mind about
Marples, he severed you, laying you bare
for the M1 on a north to south route.
He scuffed edges too, the feeder roads
went in and then the 'coup de grace' they call
junction thirty-five, the crown that just folds
you into a paddock, zipped hold-all.
Now we are getting serious, they are
after you yet again. It's bigger - now
you'll be gutted, eviscerated core
for fast track HS2 and so we row.
Check this out, see the death knell for the
heart to be 'grave-yarded' under concrete
plans for a pit stop for the weary, see
the rise of convenient signs - that's not right!
Their homes erased, folk moved on for short
term answers, but our trees we have to love
much more, so make 'em royal in the court -
the growth of centuries we have to have.
John Edwards (C) July 2014
Sunday, 3 August 2014
My preference
'Chooof'
Chooof - Choof, Choof; Chooof - Choof, Choof.
Remember George, that sound took us away
brought you back boxed, but only a shadow.
Past sixteen going on eighteen, we wuz
thought we were men enough to chase the maids
from the big 'ouse. We never got a sniff.
Didn't know nuffin' we di'n't 'cept 'ow
to dodge the bailiff, but the larf was on
us though when 'e tripped over our nets.
'E must have known. 'E sure as 'ell did when
'e fell arse over tit - 'ad to choke on it
as we di'n't want to get a lathering.
It was a good job we 'ad couple rabbits
'cos we 'ad to look lively early on
as to get 'osses out. Duke and Short just knew
that we'd been out all night. I had to jab
'em in the ribs to get 'is bridle on.
The recruiting sergeant winked, so 'e did
as 'e wrote eighteen on that our death sheet.
I signed my name but you marked only X.
They knew we could 'andle 'osses. That's what did us.
Put us on that stinking shit 'eap road,
axles near deep in mud, 'osses straining, wild eyed.
We 'ad the ammo, the fucking shell 'ad
us into bits and then Chooof - Choof, Choof;
Chooof - Chooof - Chooof.
George, I'm still looking for yuh.
I never told you that loved yuh.
Chooof - Choof, Choof; Chooof - Choof, Choof.
Remember George, that sound took us away
brought you back boxed, but only a shadow.
Past sixteen going on eighteen, we wuz
thought we were men enough to chase the maids
from the big 'ouse. We never got a sniff.
Didn't know nuffin' we di'n't 'cept 'ow
to dodge the bailiff, but the larf was on
us though when 'e tripped over our nets.
'E must have known. 'E sure as 'ell did when
'e fell arse over tit - 'ad to choke on it
as we di'n't want to get a lathering.
It was a good job we 'ad couple rabbits
'cos we 'ad to look lively early on
as to get 'osses out. Duke and Short just knew
that we'd been out all night. I had to jab
'em in the ribs to get 'is bridle on.
The recruiting sergeant winked, so 'e did
as 'e wrote eighteen on that our death sheet.
I signed my name but you marked only X.
They knew we could 'andle 'osses. That's what did us.
Put us on that stinking shit 'eap road,
axles near deep in mud, 'osses straining, wild eyed.
We 'ad the ammo, the fucking shell 'ad
us into bits and then Chooof - Choof, Choof;
Chooof - Chooof - Chooof.
George, I'm still looking for yuh.
I never told you that loved yuh.
Saturday, 2 August 2014
Where the details came from
Where the 'bits' came from
I love history and respect those that suffered in our wars. This year, is the one hundredth anniversary of 'The Great War' that commenced on 4th August 1914.
Will you turn the lights out and will the bells be silenced?
Both Michelle and I have family that did not survive that time. My mother's uncle, Herbert Sloman was a private in the Royal Sussex Regiment, 12th Battalion and died on 12th October, 1916. His remains lie in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, near Arras. Private S C Hipwell of 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment who died on 21st July 1918 lies in Kemmel No.1 French Cemetery is a relative on Michelle's paternal side.
For me the extra inspiration came from the statue of the unknown soldier on Platform 1 in Paddington Station. This terminus is part of my past because as I was born in Herefordshire the Great Western Trains hauled me into London for many years until the motorways and modern cars came.
Knowing about writing a letter to this unknown soldier made my imagination react with my rural background provided some of the detail. I have used George, my father's name, because he spent his entire working life on the land. In his twenties he would have walked behind the single furrowed plough pulled by two Shire horses, but in his day The Leys Farm at Tarrington would have housed eight or up to ten Shires. The last two remaining horses were called Duke and Short whose names I have used.
The 'Joe' is in memory of Joe Stephens, our old neighbour, who also worked with horses until he was injured. Both men are remembered in the churchyard at Tarrington where I can pass by and think of times past.
The characters that I have created for this letter do not correspond to either men's lives as neither were old enough in 1914 and the activities involving rabbiting was the job of the rabbit catcher, not them. His name was Mr Dominey and he would have put his nets out to catch rabbits, but he would have not any trouble from the bailiff as he was allowed to do so.
The last 'big house' had been burned down in 1926, but the estate was still owned by Paul Foley and his family. My mother was placed 'in service' at fourteen and later came to work for 'The Miss Lloyds' at Tarrington Court. In was this move that resulted in her marrying my father in 1934 hence the reference to the 'big house'. Also a great-aunt had become pregnant when 'in service' in Birmingham.
Education was limited with the working classes in that period and many children would have had only a limited knowledge and some would not have been able to read, write or even to sign their own name. I see no disgrace in this as necessity to be able to find work would have been a priority.
How accurate I have been able to be with the dialogue I can not be sure although I think that it is safe to say that their speech patterns and pronunciation would have been far different from today and very localised - so I have given myself a lot of license with that.
I hope that I have portrayed the futility of the destruction of a generation and the attitude that would have prevailed in sending men and boys to their deaths. I know that our perception of this time has been influenced by our reading and TV programmes. The first event of Ledbury Poetry Festival was for David Reynolds, Cambridge Professor of International History to introduced his book 'The Long Shadow: The Great War and the Twentieth Century' in which he suggests that both WW1 and WW2 be assessed in a broader more sophisticated context. I agree with that sentiment.
I love history and respect those that suffered in our wars. This year, is the one hundredth anniversary of 'The Great War' that commenced on 4th August 1914.
Will you turn the lights out and will the bells be silenced?
Both Michelle and I have family that did not survive that time. My mother's uncle, Herbert Sloman was a private in the Royal Sussex Regiment, 12th Battalion and died on 12th October, 1916. His remains lie in Euston Road Cemetery, Colincamps, near Arras. Private S C Hipwell of 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment who died on 21st July 1918 lies in Kemmel No.1 French Cemetery is a relative on Michelle's paternal side.
For me the extra inspiration came from the statue of the unknown soldier on Platform 1 in Paddington Station. This terminus is part of my past because as I was born in Herefordshire the Great Western Trains hauled me into London for many years until the motorways and modern cars came.
Knowing about writing a letter to this unknown soldier made my imagination react with my rural background provided some of the detail. I have used George, my father's name, because he spent his entire working life on the land. In his twenties he would have walked behind the single furrowed plough pulled by two Shire horses, but in his day The Leys Farm at Tarrington would have housed eight or up to ten Shires. The last two remaining horses were called Duke and Short whose names I have used.
The 'Joe' is in memory of Joe Stephens, our old neighbour, who also worked with horses until he was injured. Both men are remembered in the churchyard at Tarrington where I can pass by and think of times past.
The characters that I have created for this letter do not correspond to either men's lives as neither were old enough in 1914 and the activities involving rabbiting was the job of the rabbit catcher, not them. His name was Mr Dominey and he would have put his nets out to catch rabbits, but he would have not any trouble from the bailiff as he was allowed to do so.
The last 'big house' had been burned down in 1926, but the estate was still owned by Paul Foley and his family. My mother was placed 'in service' at fourteen and later came to work for 'The Miss Lloyds' at Tarrington Court. In was this move that resulted in her marrying my father in 1934 hence the reference to the 'big house'. Also a great-aunt had become pregnant when 'in service' in Birmingham.
Education was limited with the working classes in that period and many children would have had only a limited knowledge and some would not have been able to read, write or even to sign their own name. I see no disgrace in this as necessity to be able to find work would have been a priority.
How accurate I have been able to be with the dialogue I can not be sure although I think that it is safe to say that their speech patterns and pronunciation would have been far different from today and very localised - so I have given myself a lot of license with that.
I hope that I have portrayed the futility of the destruction of a generation and the attitude that would have prevailed in sending men and boys to their deaths. I know that our perception of this time has been influenced by our reading and TV programmes. The first event of Ledbury Poetry Festival was for David Reynolds, Cambridge Professor of International History to introduced his book 'The Long Shadow: The Great War and the Twentieth Century' in which he suggests that both WW1 and WW2 be assessed in a broader more sophisticated context. I agree with that sentiment.
World War 1 Centenary
Dear George
Chooof - Choof, Choof; Chooof - Choof, Choof. Remember George, that sound took us away brought you back boxed, but only a shadow. Past sixteen going on eighteen, we were.Thought we were men enough to chase the maids from the big house. We never got a sniff. Di'n't know nuffin' we di'n't, 'cept 'ow to dodge the bailiff, but the larf was on us though when 'e tripped over our nets. 'E must have known. 'E sure as hell did when 'e fell arse over tit - we 'ad to choke on it as we didn't want to get a lathering, did we? It's a good job we 'ad couple rabbits. 'Cos we had to look lively early on to get 'osses out. Duke and Short just knew that we'd been out all night I had to jab 'em in the ribs to get 'is bridle on. We signed up, the sergeant winked, as 'e wrote eighteen on the enlistment sheet. I signed my name but you marked only X. They knew we could handle 'osses. That's what did us. Put us on that stinking shit 'eap of road. Axles near deep in mud, 'osses straining, wild eyed. We 'ad the ammo, the bastard shell 'ad us into bits and then Chooof- Choof - Choof; Chooof- Chooof - Chooof
George, I'm still looking for yuh.
I never told you that I loved yuh.
your bruvver Joe
Chooof - Choof, Choof; Chooof - Choof, Choof. Remember George, that sound took us away brought you back boxed, but only a shadow. Past sixteen going on eighteen, we were.Thought we were men enough to chase the maids from the big house. We never got a sniff. Di'n't know nuffin' we di'n't, 'cept 'ow to dodge the bailiff, but the larf was on us though when 'e tripped over our nets. 'E must have known. 'E sure as hell did when 'e fell arse over tit - we 'ad to choke on it as we didn't want to get a lathering, did we? It's a good job we 'ad couple rabbits. 'Cos we had to look lively early on to get 'osses out. Duke and Short just knew that we'd been out all night I had to jab 'em in the ribs to get 'is bridle on. We signed up, the sergeant winked, as 'e wrote eighteen on the enlistment sheet. I signed my name but you marked only X. They knew we could handle 'osses. That's what did us. Put us on that stinking shit 'eap of road. Axles near deep in mud, 'osses straining, wild eyed. We 'ad the ammo, the bastard shell 'ad us into bits and then Chooof- Choof - Choof; Chooof- Chooof - Chooof
George, I'm still looking for yuh.
I never told you that I loved yuh.
your bruvver Joe
Sunday, 13 July 2014
The Festival's Last Day
Ledbury Poetry Festival's last day.
A rural morning for me exploring parts of the old Hereford and Gloucester canal around Ashperton
Yarkhill, Canon Frome and Munsley villages. Wherever there is a road there has to be a bridge to carry it over the canal. Some great images to be reflected upon later.
My only poetry appointment of today was for Joey Connolly. He is one of the young poets in residence for this year. He has had poems appear regularly in magazines including PN Review, Magma and The Rialto. He edits a poetry magazine, Kaffeeklatsch, and he is currently working on his first collection.
He had been allowed just twenty minutes in The Shell House Gallery and all the seats were taken with about ten others sitting outside the open door in the garden. He was intently listened to and there was ample applause. After all the people I had heard speak he was the youngest and I wanted to listen to his voice and what he had to say. Merely to see what difference there was if any. I would like to see a hard copy of his work but that will have to be for a later time.
What a great festival this has been with everything very well stewarded, compered and hosted. However I do have one major criticism in that only a small part of the town seemed to be involved. It was obvious there was a festival going on in Church Lane with the bunting and cosy chairs on view, but in The Homend and High Street there was very little to see of that nature. In my opinion you should have everyone in 'the know' and to try and make them feel part of it. After all this is a major event in the literary world although not on the same scale as Cheltenham or Hay. Anyway I like it small and Ledbury is beautiful and friendly. I did enjoy every day.
A rural morning for me exploring parts of the old Hereford and Gloucester canal around Ashperton
Yarkhill, Canon Frome and Munsley villages. Wherever there is a road there has to be a bridge to carry it over the canal. Some great images to be reflected upon later.
My only poetry appointment of today was for Joey Connolly. He is one of the young poets in residence for this year. He has had poems appear regularly in magazines including PN Review, Magma and The Rialto. He edits a poetry magazine, Kaffeeklatsch, and he is currently working on his first collection.
He had been allowed just twenty minutes in The Shell House Gallery and all the seats were taken with about ten others sitting outside the open door in the garden. He was intently listened to and there was ample applause. After all the people I had heard speak he was the youngest and I wanted to listen to his voice and what he had to say. Merely to see what difference there was if any. I would like to see a hard copy of his work but that will have to be for a later time.
What a great festival this has been with everything very well stewarded, compered and hosted. However I do have one major criticism in that only a small part of the town seemed to be involved. It was obvious there was a festival going on in Church Lane with the bunting and cosy chairs on view, but in The Homend and High Street there was very little to see of that nature. In my opinion you should have everyone in 'the know' and to try and make them feel part of it. After all this is a major event in the literary world although not on the same scale as Cheltenham or Hay. Anyway I like it small and Ledbury is beautiful and friendly. I did enjoy every day.
Ledbury's Thirteenth Poetry Slam
Ledbury's Thirteenth Poetry Slam.
What a stormer this evening was! I had not intended to go to it but I went even knowing that it was a sell out, but who knows. As I walked up to the Market Theatre I saw a man in a top hat with something yellow in his hand. He was said that he was too nervous to eat a meal but needed to eat something. It's amazing how bright and yellow bananas actually are. The man in the tatty hat was Marcus Moore the co-conspirator with Sara-jane Arbury who run these slams together and it was fortunate that I spoke to him. He said I have a plan. I will get you in and so it was that I was chosen to have a very special seat with another lucky chap to sit on the stage just behind the performers to give a mark which reflected the audience's appreciation. In plain language how much clapping, hooting, hollering and whistling issued forth from the packed auditorium or even more simply how much bloody noise they made.
I take my hat (and Marcus's titfer too) to all the performers. They were all good, some were better and some were outstanding. As an event and as pure entertainment with audience participation I think that it was the best I have seen for a long time. Excellent it all was and I didn't have to pay. So you can say it does not pay to plan too far ahead.
.
What a stormer this evening was! I had not intended to go to it but I went even knowing that it was a sell out, but who knows. As I walked up to the Market Theatre I saw a man in a top hat with something yellow in his hand. He was said that he was too nervous to eat a meal but needed to eat something. It's amazing how bright and yellow bananas actually are. The man in the tatty hat was Marcus Moore the co-conspirator with Sara-jane Arbury who run these slams together and it was fortunate that I spoke to him. He said I have a plan. I will get you in and so it was that I was chosen to have a very special seat with another lucky chap to sit on the stage just behind the performers to give a mark which reflected the audience's appreciation. In plain language how much clapping, hooting, hollering and whistling issued forth from the packed auditorium or even more simply how much bloody noise they made.
I take my hat (and Marcus's titfer too) to all the performers. They were all good, some were better and some were outstanding. As an event and as pure entertainment with audience participation I think that it was the best I have seen for a long time. Excellent it all was and I didn't have to pay. So you can say it does not pay to plan too far ahead.
.
Friday, 11 July 2014
Pushing the Edges
PUSHING THE EDGES with Brenda Hillman.
This workshop appealed to me as soon as I saw it even though it was only two hours in duration. Conformity can be great but there are many times when it is good to do something that different, 'outside the norm', or even 'way out'. Brenda brought enough with her for many hours of study and which gave opportunity for serious thinking. (I think for all of us).
Her idea was that we all bring a poem that we have been working on recently in a form that we don't usually write in. I read 'Smithy Wood' which our writing group have scrutinised but is still a work in progress. I chose this one as it concerns both the environment and protest, and rhyme that is not something that I am ever that comfortable with. After this morning it may have to take on a different shape and form but I need to reflect more on all of it.
I made notes on the purpose of the morning and with things to reflect upon:-
Ecological and spiritual
Exploring form and diction
Step outside usual expectations
Leave that safe place
Spiritual life not reflected in poetry
Wild as you can be in your writing
Listen to the sounds - reflect the world
Go to the edge of sense and still make sense
Put sounds in there - John Clare and his Nightingale
Syntax in your writing is your own syntax
You do not have to be normal because you are not
Don't tidy it up - put fragments in
Chatter-box voices
What sounds good - let it be.
She gave us poems, to read and discuss, of John Clare, Barbara Guest, Robin Clarke, Robert Duncan, Gennadi Aygi and if that wasn't enough the crazy shaped 'I lash out against form' by Elizabeth Guthrie. This one was followed by 'Michaelmas' by Veronica Forrest-Thompson which did intrigue me with its mixture of old, middle and modern English which was read by a fellow work-shopper who could read the old stuff. All so interesting and fascinating.
In summary I found these two hours well spent, in good company, and with an excellent facilitator. Lots to ponder on.
This workshop appealed to me as soon as I saw it even though it was only two hours in duration. Conformity can be great but there are many times when it is good to do something that different, 'outside the norm', or even 'way out'. Brenda brought enough with her for many hours of study and which gave opportunity for serious thinking. (I think for all of us).
Her idea was that we all bring a poem that we have been working on recently in a form that we don't usually write in. I read 'Smithy Wood' which our writing group have scrutinised but is still a work in progress. I chose this one as it concerns both the environment and protest, and rhyme that is not something that I am ever that comfortable with. After this morning it may have to take on a different shape and form but I need to reflect more on all of it.
I made notes on the purpose of the morning and with things to reflect upon:-
Ecological and spiritual
Exploring form and diction
Step outside usual expectations
Leave that safe place
Spiritual life not reflected in poetry
Wild as you can be in your writing
Listen to the sounds - reflect the world
Go to the edge of sense and still make sense
Put sounds in there - John Clare and his Nightingale
Syntax in your writing is your own syntax
You do not have to be normal because you are not
Don't tidy it up - put fragments in
Chatter-box voices
What sounds good - let it be.
She gave us poems, to read and discuss, of John Clare, Barbara Guest, Robin Clarke, Robert Duncan, Gennadi Aygi and if that wasn't enough the crazy shaped 'I lash out against form' by Elizabeth Guthrie. This one was followed by 'Michaelmas' by Veronica Forrest-Thompson which did intrigue me with its mixture of old, middle and modern English which was read by a fellow work-shopper who could read the old stuff. All so interesting and fascinating.
In summary I found these two hours well spent, in good company, and with an excellent facilitator. Lots to ponder on.
Thursday, 10 July 2014
Hereford & Gloucester Canal
THURSDAY 10th JULY.
This morning was how summer should be. An almost cloudless sky with only a hint of a breeze. On the patio I actually 'caught up with myself', as the saying goes. I was able to reflect on what had gone before and plan my next days. I only had intended to go to an open mic in Ledbury as the itinerary was having a quiet day! For the open mic I called into Seven Stars and left without even thinking of reading anything. It was lifeless. No bloody humour at all and then this really was a tale of two microphones that bemused the holders. They should have given up. I suppose the benefit was that some of it I could not hear! It was that bad even before we had three poems on suicides. Hmm. Murder was on my mind and so I left. The best part of that evening was the cup of tea and a 'ginger nut' when I got back. Enough said - bless them. After all it was a first as I have never walked out of an open mic.
The afternoon was taken up with exploring some remaining parts of the Herefordshire and Gloucester Canal, now owned by a trust of the same name with the ultimate object of re opening all 34 miles of it. They have 30 miles still to renovate. I was able to walk a part of the towpath from near Newent towards the Oxenhall Tunnel that goes under the M50. There was water in all of it on this stretch although the banks were covered with vegetation and in some places it had been over grown completely. This is such a good place for butterflies as the wild brambles, purple loosestrife and many others were in bloom. Jackdaws were congregating on a barb wire fence and being raucous. A slim Grey Heron flew away on my approach and fish swam in the shallows. A great stroll amongst the peaceful farmland.
My next stroll was planned for where the canal had been but was in the main filled in although the route through the orchards was obvious. I negotiated a very overgrown part before coming to the orchard. Apart from a walk there was very little to see so I turned about and enjoyed a pint and a meal in The Oak at Staplow. Another good day for me. I have already made notes as I intend to get as much writing material out of this week and the canal is very much in my mind. I already have a poem sketched out from two days ago.
This morning was how summer should be. An almost cloudless sky with only a hint of a breeze. On the patio I actually 'caught up with myself', as the saying goes. I was able to reflect on what had gone before and plan my next days. I only had intended to go to an open mic in Ledbury as the itinerary was having a quiet day! For the open mic I called into Seven Stars and left without even thinking of reading anything. It was lifeless. No bloody humour at all and then this really was a tale of two microphones that bemused the holders. They should have given up. I suppose the benefit was that some of it I could not hear! It was that bad even before we had three poems on suicides. Hmm. Murder was on my mind and so I left. The best part of that evening was the cup of tea and a 'ginger nut' when I got back. Enough said - bless them. After all it was a first as I have never walked out of an open mic.
The afternoon was taken up with exploring some remaining parts of the Herefordshire and Gloucester Canal, now owned by a trust of the same name with the ultimate object of re opening all 34 miles of it. They have 30 miles still to renovate. I was able to walk a part of the towpath from near Newent towards the Oxenhall Tunnel that goes under the M50. There was water in all of it on this stretch although the banks were covered with vegetation and in some places it had been over grown completely. This is such a good place for butterflies as the wild brambles, purple loosestrife and many others were in bloom. Jackdaws were congregating on a barb wire fence and being raucous. A slim Grey Heron flew away on my approach and fish swam in the shallows. A great stroll amongst the peaceful farmland.
My next stroll was planned for where the canal had been but was in the main filled in although the route through the orchards was obvious. I negotiated a very overgrown part before coming to the orchard. Apart from a walk there was very little to see so I turned about and enjoyed a pint and a meal in The Oak at Staplow. Another good day for me. I have already made notes as I intend to get as much writing material out of this week and the canal is very much in my mind. I already have a poem sketched out from two days ago.
Wednesday, 9 July 2014
Ode with Robert Hass
Rounding up today - Wednesday 9th July - with Robert Hass in workshop for the Ode. I had never come across this name before but he is well known and he comes with a pedigree in writing. To say that this was actually 'a workshop' is stretching a point as it was only two hours from 2pm to 4pm, but we did cover a lot.
Pablo Neruda wrote odes to watermelons, typography and cats. It would seem that a poem of praise is something between a celebration and a prayer, an ancient impulse to get in the right relation to forms of creativity and benign forms of power. This notion was to be explored through conversation and in writing exercises with our Poet in Residence. Anyway, that is what the Festival said they hoped to achieve.
We had a good discussion on as much as we could cover and I would have preferred to spend much more timed with him. We ranged from Gerald Manley Hopkins, Alice Oswald, Pablo Neruda and Frank O'Hara. Neruda's Ode to an Onion was a strange one to at least one person although I thought that it could be considered quite odd, I liked and thought it had merit.
With all of his input, questions and discussion there was hardly any time for writing, but he asked to write a list of four or five items and then with time running out to enlarge on one of them.
I wrote these few lines:-
An old garden gate, swollen with recent rain is wedged tight
requiring that extra shove to allow me into that other place.
I feel where hands have smoothed the touching point
made smoother by more hands but where the grain is both proud and
indented these mini-corrugations note the passing of all of us.
I have other notes to work on later, but it was so short a time. Yes, I did get from it many ideas and thoughts to pursue.
The crux for me was simply not enough time, but was this a sampler for 2015 where more time will be allowed? Maybe four hours and maybe three mornings of four hours each or even a whole day. I think that the committee need to think about this. However, was it worthwhile for me? Yes and I took away certain things to consider.
Robert Hass is a 'gent' and a very knowledgeable one too. I enjoyed it immensely and it was so good being again with like minded people.
Pablo Neruda wrote odes to watermelons, typography and cats. It would seem that a poem of praise is something between a celebration and a prayer, an ancient impulse to get in the right relation to forms of creativity and benign forms of power. This notion was to be explored through conversation and in writing exercises with our Poet in Residence. Anyway, that is what the Festival said they hoped to achieve.
We had a good discussion on as much as we could cover and I would have preferred to spend much more timed with him. We ranged from Gerald Manley Hopkins, Alice Oswald, Pablo Neruda and Frank O'Hara. Neruda's Ode to an Onion was a strange one to at least one person although I thought that it could be considered quite odd, I liked and thought it had merit.
With all of his input, questions and discussion there was hardly any time for writing, but he asked to write a list of four or five items and then with time running out to enlarge on one of them.
I wrote these few lines:-
An old garden gate, swollen with recent rain is wedged tight
requiring that extra shove to allow me into that other place.
I feel where hands have smoothed the touching point
made smoother by more hands but where the grain is both proud and
indented these mini-corrugations note the passing of all of us.
I have other notes to work on later, but it was so short a time. Yes, I did get from it many ideas and thoughts to pursue.
The crux for me was simply not enough time, but was this a sampler for 2015 where more time will be allowed? Maybe four hours and maybe three mornings of four hours each or even a whole day. I think that the committee need to think about this. However, was it worthwhile for me? Yes and I took away certain things to consider.
Robert Hass is a 'gent' and a very knowledgeable one too. I enjoyed it immensely and it was so good being again with like minded people.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Tuesday
A different day today. A long over due walk around the Iron Age Hill Fort at Credenhill just outside Hereford and managed by the Woodland Trust. Birdsong but scarce views of anything except four species of butterfly including a Red Admiral, a recently emerged Small Tortoiseshell, Ringlets and (probably) a Wood White.
I am researching and walking some of the old Hereford and Gloucester Canal and when photographing a bridge near Ashperton the farmer stopped and said with the humour of a countryman 'are you looking for a boat?' I think that this might be the first line of something later.
I went in search of Yellow Hammers and found a cock bird perched and singing in Watery Lane at Yarkhill. A fantastic view - clear as a bell! This was one of my two target birds for this trip, the other one being a Bullfinch which I achieved when a hen bird flew across Common Road at Tarrington last Saturday morning. An extra bonus was when a Raven flew overhead when at the Village Fete.
Now in the Horseshoe Inn having a few spare minutes with a pint of Wye Valley HPA before an hour of poetry translation. That should stretch the mind. A full report will follow.
I am researching and walking some of the old Hereford and Gloucester Canal and when photographing a bridge near Ashperton the farmer stopped and said with the humour of a countryman 'are you looking for a boat?' I think that this might be the first line of something later.
I went in search of Yellow Hammers and found a cock bird perched and singing in Watery Lane at Yarkhill. A fantastic view - clear as a bell! This was one of my two target birds for this trip, the other one being a Bullfinch which I achieved when a hen bird flew across Common Road at Tarrington last Saturday morning. An extra bonus was when a Raven flew overhead when at the Village Fete.
Now in the Horseshoe Inn having a few spare minutes with a pint of Wye Valley HPA before an hour of poetry translation. That should stretch the mind. A full report will follow.
Monday, 7 July 2014
Protest Poetry
A morning of 'Protest Poetry' in the Burgage Hall in Church Lane and again I am surrounded my history. If you have never been to Ledbury then you should visit.
The morning was delivered by Joy Roderick on the poetry of Wilfred Owen, W.H. Auden and with the Caribbean immigrant influence of Grace Nichols and John Agard which did mean that we ranged from the second decade of the 1900's, through the 1930's and into the '70's and '80's with the two latter poets.
The hall was full with four people grouped around each of the eight tables in a position to discuss, comment upon and offer opinions on the poem before them. We started with Joy reading Owen's 'Dulce et Decorum Est'. I had read this one before without realizing its true worth. There were poetical aware people who were able to contribute in the analysis of this piece of work and I was surprised how much had gone into the construction of it. We asked how much of it was written when he was on the 'Western Front' and how much had been influenced by Siegfried Sassoon when both were in Craiglockhert Hospital?
We were asked to question the effect it had, what the meaning was, to examine the schemes involved and in what the context was. There was very valid points made with the comment that this was 'a back-to-back' sonnet. Interesting to anyone with a leaning towards poetics.
Moving on we read 'Stop the Clocks' by W.H. Auden. The history is interesting in that he kept the first two verses and re-wrote the second two to turn it into a 'love poem'. I have heard it read at funerals, it figured in the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', it has been re-titled 'Funeral Blues' and was original written for another film. The view around the table was ' no, not really' - we didn't like it. However don't let me put you off reading this man as there to him that meets the eye - nudge-nudge, wink-wink.
We covered much ground in two hours and then we came to a different sort of protest with Grace Nichols and 'The Fat Black Woman Goes Shopping'. How can anyone not read it with that title at the top of the page? Her second one 'Wherever I Hang' is equally intriguing when she ends up by telling us where she hangs her knickers!
Her husband, John Agard, followed with 'Listen Mr Oxford Don' which you can listen to on-line.
We examined it and for me it was not a protest about how to speak - properly or otherwise - but about racism and classism. I agree with the man, speak how you like and protest about any reasonable injustice.
I had a great morning looking in some depth into some serious writing in a fairly formal setting but with tutorial control. It, and myself achieved our objectives. Then I sat and wrote this with pint of Pardoes, ham, egg and chips followed by strawberry and apple crumble with ice cream. It was such a good way to spend part of a wet afternoon.
And, I am on radio wildfire tonight just tune into the net.
-
The morning was delivered by Joy Roderick on the poetry of Wilfred Owen, W.H. Auden and with the Caribbean immigrant influence of Grace Nichols and John Agard which did mean that we ranged from the second decade of the 1900's, through the 1930's and into the '70's and '80's with the two latter poets.
The hall was full with four people grouped around each of the eight tables in a position to discuss, comment upon and offer opinions on the poem before them. We started with Joy reading Owen's 'Dulce et Decorum Est'. I had read this one before without realizing its true worth. There were poetical aware people who were able to contribute in the analysis of this piece of work and I was surprised how much had gone into the construction of it. We asked how much of it was written when he was on the 'Western Front' and how much had been influenced by Siegfried Sassoon when both were in Craiglockhert Hospital?
We were asked to question the effect it had, what the meaning was, to examine the schemes involved and in what the context was. There was very valid points made with the comment that this was 'a back-to-back' sonnet. Interesting to anyone with a leaning towards poetics.
Moving on we read 'Stop the Clocks' by W.H. Auden. The history is interesting in that he kept the first two verses and re-wrote the second two to turn it into a 'love poem'. I have heard it read at funerals, it figured in the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral', it has been re-titled 'Funeral Blues' and was original written for another film. The view around the table was ' no, not really' - we didn't like it. However don't let me put you off reading this man as there to him that meets the eye - nudge-nudge, wink-wink.
We covered much ground in two hours and then we came to a different sort of protest with Grace Nichols and 'The Fat Black Woman Goes Shopping'. How can anyone not read it with that title at the top of the page? Her second one 'Wherever I Hang' is equally intriguing when she ends up by telling us where she hangs her knickers!
Her husband, John Agard, followed with 'Listen Mr Oxford Don' which you can listen to on-line.
We examined it and for me it was not a protest about how to speak - properly or otherwise - but about racism and classism. I agree with the man, speak how you like and protest about any reasonable injustice.
I had a great morning looking in some depth into some serious writing in a fairly formal setting but with tutorial control. It, and myself achieved our objectives. Then I sat and wrote this with pint of Pardoes, ham, egg and chips followed by strawberry and apple crumble with ice cream. It was such a good way to spend part of a wet afternoon.
And, I am on radio wildfire tonight just tune into the net.
-
Sunday, 6 July 2014
Elizabeth Bishop
Juliet Stevenson reads and Mark Fisher narrates at the Ledbury Poetry Festival the life and poems of Elizabeth Bishop in the Community Hall.
For a full hour the whole room heard the major details of her life and the poems that corresponded
in the time sequence as narrated. We heard tremendous poetry delivered by the voice of Juliet Stevenson that held my attention on every word. It was spoken with great inflection and where needed with the appropriate accent. There appeared to be more than a touch of sadness when they concluded with her death. I shall have to read more of this revered poet and delve more fully into her complete works that is at home. My two favorites will still be 'Insomnia' and 'The Moose'
For a full hour the whole room heard the major details of her life and the poems that corresponded
in the time sequence as narrated. We heard tremendous poetry delivered by the voice of Juliet Stevenson that held my attention on every word. It was spoken with great inflection and where needed with the appropriate accent. There appeared to be more than a touch of sadness when they concluded with her death. I shall have to read more of this revered poet and delve more fully into her complete works that is at home. My two favorites will still be 'Insomnia' and 'The Moose'
Hellens Night
Hellens Night
I am at peace, at home,under
the canopy of trees, encapsulated
by the darkness of this night.
There are no boundaries only the
soft velvet touch of the black,
unreachable.
The comfort of the silence soothes
I am at peace, at home,under
the canopy of trees, encapsulated
by the darkness of this night.
There are no boundaries only the
soft velvet touch of the black,
unreachable.
The comfort of the silence soothes
HELLENS
HELLENS
I am catching up with myself after spending all yesterday evening, and all night until about six o'clock this morning.
I had a great day yesterday culminating with the-poetry-all-nighter with Dave Reeves, the poet in residence for The Black Country Living Museum, Radio Wildfire and whatever else. Twelve people stayed the course, read some of their own work or the chosen work of others.
I read two short poems inspired by 'Poetry Orchard' and the Pippin apples named after Stoke Edith. I also read 'he bares his shaven head' which probably occurred to me to read because a few days ago Rachel had visited Auswitz. Interestingly - for me - some who attended claimed to have not written any poetry, but still participated fully, read and to a man and woman wrote something. This was to their credit and to the ability of the facilitator.
The result, was a damn good 'night' and several pieces of work in progress. I have now so much more to think about.
The evening started at 7pm with a fantastic one man performance of a long poem - it lasted for over an hour - where J.O.Morgan recited 'At Maldon' and only dropped three words. He took from an old document/poem/ode where the beginning and ending had not survived and created the details of the character and the battle between those savage Danes who sailed up a river in Essex, at Maldon and gave the resident Anglo-Saxons a very good hiding. I don't know whether it was just for fun but a quantity of silver had to be given over afterwards. Everything has its cost, but for me it was good value for money.
This recital took place in the 'music room' with its panelled walls, grand piano (of course), and where the entire room oozed history - what a setting!
We then moved into a manorial hall which had been used by The Black Prince in centuries past for a combination recital of poetry by Elizabeth Barrett and musician Robin Ireland on his viola. He had set his music to accompany the reading. It uses the metaphor of detecting bats to explore communication within a family affected by autism. I cannot hope to do any justice here to the content of the writing and the music that dealt with complex feelings and included reference to the autism of her son. A performance fascinatingly called 'The Bat Detector' delivered in another room that spoke of history.
And then the poetry workshop until dawn which included a stroll through the trees with four Tawny Owls screeching in the trees. All of it to give us our own images.
I am catching up with myself after spending all yesterday evening, and all night until about six o'clock this morning.
I had a great day yesterday culminating with the-poetry-all-nighter with Dave Reeves, the poet in residence for The Black Country Living Museum, Radio Wildfire and whatever else. Twelve people stayed the course, read some of their own work or the chosen work of others.
I read two short poems inspired by 'Poetry Orchard' and the Pippin apples named after Stoke Edith. I also read 'he bares his shaven head' which probably occurred to me to read because a few days ago Rachel had visited Auswitz. Interestingly - for me - some who attended claimed to have not written any poetry, but still participated fully, read and to a man and woman wrote something. This was to their credit and to the ability of the facilitator.
The result, was a damn good 'night' and several pieces of work in progress. I have now so much more to think about.
The evening started at 7pm with a fantastic one man performance of a long poem - it lasted for over an hour - where J.O.Morgan recited 'At Maldon' and only dropped three words. He took from an old document/poem/ode where the beginning and ending had not survived and created the details of the character and the battle between those savage Danes who sailed up a river in Essex, at Maldon and gave the resident Anglo-Saxons a very good hiding. I don't know whether it was just for fun but a quantity of silver had to be given over afterwards. Everything has its cost, but for me it was good value for money.
This recital took place in the 'music room' with its panelled walls, grand piano (of course), and where the entire room oozed history - what a setting!
We then moved into a manorial hall which had been used by The Black Prince in centuries past for a combination recital of poetry by Elizabeth Barrett and musician Robin Ireland on his viola. He had set his music to accompany the reading. It uses the metaphor of detecting bats to explore communication within a family affected by autism. I cannot hope to do any justice here to the content of the writing and the music that dealt with complex feelings and included reference to the autism of her son. A performance fascinatingly called 'The Bat Detector' delivered in another room that spoke of history.
And then the poetry workshop until dawn which included a stroll through the trees with four Tawny Owls screeching in the trees. All of it to give us our own images.
Tarrington Village Fete
Tarrington Village Fete held at The Vine, a substantial mellow brick building of significance with gardens that were controlled with elements of precision that take the eye from one detail to another. Formal fountained ponds, neatly encased with straight lines and paved corners, lawns and fine edges, sculptures that fit the formality, but were not born here to the brick walls, oval capped of the pigs' cots. It seemed to all fit to together although the picky would probably say 'incongruous' but I loved it all. It was a pleasure just to be in some one's garden and to wander as I felt like it.
This was England at its best. The sun shone, the clouds held the sky up with the occasional darkish cloud threatening, but producing not a drop of moisture. It was T shirt and shorts weather.
The stalls, the colour of the canopies, the friendliness of the people whether known to me or complete strangers. I was extravagant and indulgent in buying a cream tea at 1 o'clock and a jar of home made marmalade and chutney at £1 per pot. I shall relish the taste of the former with my early morning tea and toast - that is if I survive the night at Hellen's Manor.
All of this with music, games, and of course the ubiquitous bouncy castle, second hand stalls with books, handbags, jewelry etc. All this for the church fund and to retain the fabric of this society.
This was England at its best. The sun shone, the clouds held the sky up with the occasional darkish cloud threatening, but producing not a drop of moisture. It was T shirt and shorts weather.
The stalls, the colour of the canopies, the friendliness of the people whether known to me or complete strangers. I was extravagant and indulgent in buying a cream tea at 1 o'clock and a jar of home made marmalade and chutney at £1 per pot. I shall relish the taste of the former with my early morning tea and toast - that is if I survive the night at Hellen's Manor.
All of this with music, games, and of course the ubiquitous bouncy castle, second hand stalls with books, handbags, jewelry etc. All this for the church fund and to retain the fabric of this society.
Saturday, 5 July 2014
Daily Write Up
I intend to do this on a daily basis and to try and write up as I go, but it does depend upon internet access.
However, please feel free to comment as the views of the readers can be 'such fun' at times!
However, please feel free to comment as the views of the readers can be 'such fun' at times!
Ledbury Poetry Festival
I AM ON MY WAY - Thursday 3rd July
Airports are sometime a very tedious place to be, but they do allow such freedom of movement that we are lucky to be able to achieve and now I am on my way to Ledbury via London Gatwick and Gloucester. It was hot when I left home and then I found that England was having a good summer's day too - the hottest day this year.
NOW I AM THERE - on Friday
This was the first day of the Ledbury Poetry Festival and I had two events booked both being totally different in venue and genre.
The first one was with David Reynolds, Cambridge Professor of International History who introduced his thought that both World War One and Two should be assessed in a broader and more sophisticated approach. We have our own concept of these wars through what we have read, and in my case the poems of Wilfred Owen, some other poets and the way that history has been slanted. This is seen as a narrow approach and having listened to this historian I have to agree with him.
He is promoting his book The Long Shadow: The Great War & The Twentieth Century.
If you cannot afford to buy me his book then I will have to watch BBC2 in September and so can you.
This was sponsored by Ronald Duncan Literary Foundation that supports artistic projects.
Edward and Helen Thomas
My second event still had a war theme and in an amazing setting. I had gone from a Baptist Church in Ledbury (for Reynolds) to an historic church on the Gloucester/Hereford border at St Margaret's Church, Kempley.
It has the oldest known roof timbers in Western Europe and the walls are adorned with murals. They have survived Protector Cromwell by being lime-coated and they must have been incredibly colorful when first done. I do need to go back and re-examine this church and enjoy what has been saved albeit with some fading and loss of detail.
Anyway, that was the venue but why was I there? Well, Juliet Stevenson was premiering Deryn Rees-Jones ambitious poem sequence in connection with Edward Thomas and entitled 'And You, Helen'. She being the wife and widow Edward Thomas after he had gone to war of his own choosing and was killed at Arras in 1917.
A reason for this to be read here was because it is the area where Edward Thomas lived for a while, walked, thought out and talked poetry with Robert Frost. These two writers were (with others including Rupert Brooke) known collectively as the 'Dymock Poets'
It took over fifteen minutes to read and there is not a chance that I can do the content and delivery on this one reading any justice, but now that you know about it you can read it for yourself.
Both events were totally different, both professionally delivered and absorbing. I would not have wanted to have missed either of them. They were superb.
On a general note it is wonderful to be in green and pleasant land with friendly people who are helpful, smiley and chat freely with, it seems, anyone. Well done Ledbury.
Saturday is Tarrington Village Fete - possibly in the rain - followed by two events at Hellen's Manor at Much Marcle, some poetry readings and an-all-nighter writing poetry in the grounds from midnight until breakfast. I had always wanted to spend a period of time doing just that, listening to the sounds of the night away from the distractions that living in this modern world seems to force upon us - iPads! It is going to be a busy 24 hours.
Airports are sometime a very tedious place to be, but they do allow such freedom of movement that we are lucky to be able to achieve and now I am on my way to Ledbury via London Gatwick and Gloucester. It was hot when I left home and then I found that England was having a good summer's day too - the hottest day this year.
NOW I AM THERE - on Friday
This was the first day of the Ledbury Poetry Festival and I had two events booked both being totally different in venue and genre.
The first one was with David Reynolds, Cambridge Professor of International History who introduced his thought that both World War One and Two should be assessed in a broader and more sophisticated approach. We have our own concept of these wars through what we have read, and in my case the poems of Wilfred Owen, some other poets and the way that history has been slanted. This is seen as a narrow approach and having listened to this historian I have to agree with him.
He is promoting his book The Long Shadow: The Great War & The Twentieth Century.
If you cannot afford to buy me his book then I will have to watch BBC2 in September and so can you.
This was sponsored by Ronald Duncan Literary Foundation that supports artistic projects.
Edward and Helen Thomas
My second event still had a war theme and in an amazing setting. I had gone from a Baptist Church in Ledbury (for Reynolds) to an historic church on the Gloucester/Hereford border at St Margaret's Church, Kempley.
It has the oldest known roof timbers in Western Europe and the walls are adorned with murals. They have survived Protector Cromwell by being lime-coated and they must have been incredibly colorful when first done. I do need to go back and re-examine this church and enjoy what has been saved albeit with some fading and loss of detail.
Anyway, that was the venue but why was I there? Well, Juliet Stevenson was premiering Deryn Rees-Jones ambitious poem sequence in connection with Edward Thomas and entitled 'And You, Helen'. She being the wife and widow Edward Thomas after he had gone to war of his own choosing and was killed at Arras in 1917.
A reason for this to be read here was because it is the area where Edward Thomas lived for a while, walked, thought out and talked poetry with Robert Frost. These two writers were (with others including Rupert Brooke) known collectively as the 'Dymock Poets'
It took over fifteen minutes to read and there is not a chance that I can do the content and delivery on this one reading any justice, but now that you know about it you can read it for yourself.
Both events were totally different, both professionally delivered and absorbing. I would not have wanted to have missed either of them. They were superb.
On a general note it is wonderful to be in green and pleasant land with friendly people who are helpful, smiley and chat freely with, it seems, anyone. Well done Ledbury.
Saturday is Tarrington Village Fete - possibly in the rain - followed by two events at Hellen's Manor at Much Marcle, some poetry readings and an-all-nighter writing poetry in the grounds from midnight until breakfast. I had always wanted to spend a period of time doing just that, listening to the sounds of the night away from the distractions that living in this modern world seems to force upon us - iPads! It is going to be a busy 24 hours.
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Stanza Mar Menor
A Poetry Recital on Book Day with The Official Language School of San Javier
and Stanza Mar Menor.
They had courage. The mature students of this school stepped up to the microphone and delivered ten poems, in English, of First World War Poetry. The poems included 'Glory of Women' by Siegfried Sassoon, 'Here Dead We Lie' by A E Housman and the well known, 'The Soldier' by Rupert Brooke. Some of the selection was easier to read than others but congratulations to them all for reading these poems.
The second part included other work by some well known names. However two Stanza Mar Menor members read their own work. Margaret Rowland read her 'Flamenco' to great applause. David Leslie Urion read his down-to-earth humorous poem entitled 'Mr Scruffy Buffadonkalo' with laughter being raised almost by line by line. Congratulations to them both. On a more serious note I read 'Mid-term Break' by Seamus Heaney - a classic poem in my view.
It was a literary evening with everyone being welcoming and friendly. We would like to do it again and maybe we will. I also hope that some of these students will attend the Stanza meetings and thereby incorporating them into our group and us into their lives.
Our next stanza meetings will be on Friday 16th May and Friday 30th May in San Javier.
and Stanza Mar Menor.
They had courage. The mature students of this school stepped up to the microphone and delivered ten poems, in English, of First World War Poetry. The poems included 'Glory of Women' by Siegfried Sassoon, 'Here Dead We Lie' by A E Housman and the well known, 'The Soldier' by Rupert Brooke. Some of the selection was easier to read than others but congratulations to them all for reading these poems.
The second part included other work by some well known names. However two Stanza Mar Menor members read their own work. Margaret Rowland read her 'Flamenco' to great applause. David Leslie Urion read his down-to-earth humorous poem entitled 'Mr Scruffy Buffadonkalo' with laughter being raised almost by line by line. Congratulations to them both. On a more serious note I read 'Mid-term Break' by Seamus Heaney - a classic poem in my view.
It was a literary evening with everyone being welcoming and friendly. We would like to do it again and maybe we will. I also hope that some of these students will attend the Stanza meetings and thereby incorporating them into our group and us into their lives.
Our next stanza meetings will be on Friday 16th May and Friday 30th May in San Javier.
Sunday, 27 April 2014
Not a good Sunday
NOT A GOOD SUNDAY
I thought I would say something topical or in other words something which motivated (but not inspired) me to write or I could even say, I want to rant. A subject fed intravenously, like a drip from a tap, growing increasingly irritating as the noise reverberates into a growing crescendo.
It is a Sunday morning, blue skies, healthy exercise and good company. Everything should be fine, but it is not. The 24/7 news is always there with the world problems selected or not, for inclusion. This morning the news programmes are seduced by The Vatican's show of introducing two saints to an already overcrowded list. Thousands attended to be there at the dual canonisation of two former Popes. It doesn't matter how godly they were or what great people they were, but what does matter to me is the falseness involved in how to become a 'saint'. Why not remember their contribution to the world and praise them for that. If you have read history then you might remember the antics of some religious people who made relics and sold them to the believers - for money of course.
I am not a Catholic, I do not like the iconography, the feeling of power that it appears to create or the immense show of wealth where there are so many needy people in this world. Then, for me, the final need to object. Mugabe was there. Why? Isn't this man as corrupt as he can possibly be having ruined an economy and eliminated many of his 'own' people.
There you have it. A killer being allowed to sit with the hoi polloi of the Catholic World. Shameful. Or is it better to talk with dictators rather than exclude them?
Or should we embrace him because 'Catholicity makes us pure minded, charitable, truthful and generous' it has been said. I can only hope that this view spreads.
I thought I would say something topical or in other words something which motivated (but not inspired) me to write or I could even say, I want to rant. A subject fed intravenously, like a drip from a tap, growing increasingly irritating as the noise reverberates into a growing crescendo.
It is a Sunday morning, blue skies, healthy exercise and good company. Everything should be fine, but it is not. The 24/7 news is always there with the world problems selected or not, for inclusion. This morning the news programmes are seduced by The Vatican's show of introducing two saints to an already overcrowded list. Thousands attended to be there at the dual canonisation of two former Popes. It doesn't matter how godly they were or what great people they were, but what does matter to me is the falseness involved in how to become a 'saint'. Why not remember their contribution to the world and praise them for that. If you have read history then you might remember the antics of some religious people who made relics and sold them to the believers - for money of course.
I am not a Catholic, I do not like the iconography, the feeling of power that it appears to create or the immense show of wealth where there are so many needy people in this world. Then, for me, the final need to object. Mugabe was there. Why? Isn't this man as corrupt as he can possibly be having ruined an economy and eliminated many of his 'own' people.
There you have it. A killer being allowed to sit with the hoi polloi of the Catholic World. Shameful. Or is it better to talk with dictators rather than exclude them?
Or should we embrace him because 'Catholicity makes us pure minded, charitable, truthful and generous' it has been said. I can only hope that this view spreads.
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