Bearpark On Line

I recommend you have a look at it if you have not yet done so. It shows just what participation and interaction can do to keep it fresh and interesting. Apart from anything else you are likely to come across familiar people; I see, for example, there are photographs of Mr Gibbon - he became our headmaster at Ushaw Moor - and there is even one of John Minnis who became our Ushaw Moor School goalkeeper.

It is not as if Paul Clough has failed to provide a suitable site. His efforts and site design are top class. Are Bearpark people very different from those of Ushaw Moor? No they are not.  A short while back I wrote an article along the lines of: If Witton Park can do it so can Ushaw Moor. Well here is another: If Bearpark can do it so can Ushaw Moor. 

WB

Clothes Pegs Saw Off The Luftwaffe

The effects of WW2 were still evident back in the early to middle 50s. The area at the bottom of Unthank Terrace in New Brancepeth looked like a bomb site, but of course it was no such thing. Quite a few people were upset that a German goalkeeper was playing for Manchester City, however he won most of them over; Bert Trautmann was a fine player and literally broke his neck for City's cause in a memorable FA Cup Final.

Rationing was still in place and I believe that sweets did not come off the ration until 1953.

Meanwhile my clothes pegs were sending many a German machine into the sea or ten feet beneath a field. Hopefully the pilots would flutter down into pitchforks. The pegs were fine representatives of our Royal Air Force - one vertical and one horizontal peg enjoined - ready for battle on a floor at 20 Unthank Terrace!

WB

Lots Of People Have Not Died

There is an item in the Independent newspaper today regarding an increase in our population. Professor Dorling of Sheffield University informs us that  ''......lots of people have not died''. Well I can tell you I am working on it. I almost joined the local gym yesterday and almost went for a walk along the canal. I have promised my wife that I will stop drinking coffee and I felt proud of that whilst drinking a second cup of tea.

The 50s were a healthier time for youngsters, provided they did not get ill! Long walks, potato picking, bluebell picking and knocky nine doors saw to that. Football can be added to that list. The Bracken Court 'pitch' saw some awesome football for hour after hour. Tidy Alan Burn distributing the ball like a young Johnny Haynes and Wilf Bell diving the wrong way because the sun was in his eyes; God bless you Dennis Pinkney.

Computer games and being driven to school are not the way forward; such trends may well require a statistical  revision by Professor Dorling in a few decades time. Sadly I will not be around to read his revision; perhaps the coffee producers and distributors need to be warned about that.

WB

Dashing Stats Great Policemen

Recently I  took a look at the daily stats for this great site [see dashboard]; they show the number of visitors to it and I felt a bit down. I thought 'thank goodness these  stats  do not represent my investment in shares'. When I then looked at the monthly stats, as opposed to the daily ones, I felt somewhat better. There really is a lot of interest if you disregard the blips. 

I note that the 19th of April 2009 was an exceptionally good day. Now why was that? Well it was during a weekend and the article that day was entitled 'Memories of the Police'   I should not imagine that MI5 was crawling all over it, but that thought did,very briefly, occur to me!

WB

Margaret Thingyson

I am trying to find information on my family. My mum is Margaret thingyson and she lived in Bearpark (about 1940 to 1950) in one of the railway houses and went to school at St. Joseph's in Ushaw Moor. Her younger brother was Michael thingyson and he also attended St. Joseph's. Their parents were Frank and Alice thingyson and they worked for LNER at the Bearpark signal box. Alice would do one shift and Frank would do the other shift. Initially I was attempting to find some pictures of Bearpark station but I have found none but I did find the Ushaw website which has some great bits on it. One is a picture of my mum's school class but half the class are missing from the picture (she is one of the missing). I would love to hear from anyone who can remember the thingyson's.

Posted on BEHALF of guest, if you are the AUTHOR please reply with email addy and will send invite to join.

Thanks

Paul Clough

The Results Are Out - Anyone For A Laugh?

Congratulations to those pupils who find themselves with 5 or more GCSEs at grade C or above. Afterall they have worked hard and  achieved what the authorities consider to be the approved standard. In the past I have defended the GCSE but the exam brings doubts and misgivings for some. There is an accusation that such exams are not fit for purpose and that they do not assist young people to move into employment and higher education with any sense of ease.

There is also a statistical problem for old buffs like me, as well as researchers, and it seems as difficult as trying to square the circle. How come that back in the 50s only about 12% of pupils got 5 GCE O levels or more, yet today more than 60% of pupils pass what is deemed to be today's equivalent ?

Unless today's pupils are brighter [unlikely] can it be argued that 5 GCSEs at grade C are equivalent to five Grade 4 Passes at Certificate of Secondary Education [CSE] level? Afterall grade 4 in that old exam was deemed to be the average performance right across the board.

It is likely that the Conservative politician Michael Gove will change things fairly soon.  I have met him, heard one of his speeches, and am sure that schools are in for more and more change, much of it very unsettling, whatever its merits.

So someone is having a laugh with that square and circle, but I am not sure who is paying the bill.

WB

One Christmas Bell And A Funeral

Back in c1957 one of my fellow pupils as Ushaw Moor County School was selected to sing a Christmas carol solo in Durham Cathedral. Although his surname was Bell  he was not related to me. Has anyone got any memory of this? Does anyone know what happened to him thereafter?

Moving on, an elderly and lovely member of our family died recently. Although he had  an interesting and eventful life his loss  is still painful for all who knew him well. We can easily laugh and feel good when remembering him, but then the knowledge that we are not going to see him again kicks in.

When I was about 14 I recall a warm and cloudless day of adventure. There were two of us out for the day and eventually we came across a graveyard. Most of the graves looked old and not in their best state, but one of them stood out. It had a shiny look about it and was full of green 'chippings'. I imagine that the person had died recently and I recall to this day that he was 66 when he met his demise. I suppose that was my first feeling of serious vunerability. It certainly made a big impression upon me because 66 became my unlucky number. Superstition kicked in and perhaps I was going to die at 66! That is the thing about superstition; it is mindless rubbish. Even if I go at 66 it will be pure coincidence. I do not buy fatalism. Although I am sure that none of us entirely have the free will that some religions go on about - we still have a good measure of it. Life is short. Life can be fun on a sixpence. Life can be great and often much longer for those that see a half full glass, rather than a half empty one.

My goodness that funeral has has an effect! Still there is Christmas to look forward to. There will be mince pies, holly and goodwill. Also I must not forget the Christmas Bell.

WB

Neil This Is War

How on earth can a lad from Ushaw Moor send another lad from Ushaw Moor an e-mail, as follows:

Wilfred James,

Just a line to let you know I have a ticket for the Forest Derby match. Pity you could not join me to see Derby humiliated.

Neil [Davies]

Nice isn't it?

On a serious note it is brilliant to see a new author on stream. If he can find the time to write articles I am sure that we can also find the time to read them! It has also occured to me that Neil Davies could probably write some interesting reflections. How about it Neil?

One final point - has anyone got a photograph of the Ushaw Moor Modern football team of 59/60. I refer to the senior team, not the intermediates. Such a photograph did exist - but I have mislaid mine.

WB

Not One Foul In Two Years

I never played rugby because I never went to the type of school that played it. I am so thankful. That game's reputation is in tatters, what with fake blood and cowardly, childish fouls. Childish fouls? I played soccer for my school team for two years and was never pulled up for a foul in all that time. Not one foul and not one penalty.

 During my spell as captain I had to select our penalty taker. The lad I chose for the task was called Arthur Wilson. Was his name Arthur Wilson? I am having a senior moment of momentous proportions!  Did we have an Arthur Wilson playing  for us? The lad I have in mind was a ball playing forward. Perhaps someone can help. Being thoughtful there was a back up plan; if 'Arthur' did not want to take a penalty I would take it. We were never awarded one.

Professional sport is played for big money these days so I can understand that fouling is part of the game. But do you not think that so much shirt pulling makes those that do it look ridiculous?

When I was a kid I tried to emulate Glyn Davies. Glyn was a tough tackling Derby defender, but not the type to take your foot off. Not quite. My sliding tackles were timed well and fair.  I did not use my elbow to sock someone's jaw. It never occured to me to foul. So who are the culprits apart from players? Referees that allow shirt pulling and worse? 

The dirtiest football game  I ever attended was the Workington v Gillingham clash in c1964. Both teams were serious promotion contenders wishing to get out of the Fourth Division. Gilingham were awful. It seemed like a foul a minute from them. Professional spoilers often get what they wish and they got it. Workington O Gillingham O.

WB

William Ellis

Michael Steel was asking after his great great grandfather ? William Ellis in the old blog

http://ushawmoormemories.blog.com/2008/05/13/ralph-wilson/comment-page-1/#

William being Great Grandfather of Jennifer Ellis (her indoors).

The 1911 census confirms that William did indeed marry Thomason ( the organist at the church ) and then went on to marry Isabella ( a bit of a 'rong un' as Aunt Peggy has described her ).

i have put the census image here :-

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/j.roberts32/images/1911_census_WilliamEllis_irish.jpg

The census result also mentions ' British , parentage Irish' ; i'm hoping someone can shed some light on whom these 'Irish' ancestors might be.

regards

Matt

Ushaw Moor Lad Shoots Down A Meschersmitte

I am not glorifying war but I thought you might be interested in the exploits of the late Elijah Welsh DFM. They are available via Google - put in - Tailend Charlie Northern Echo  -  [uk pages]. It is the first article on the page.

WB

Whatever Happened To The NUB?

Back at the beginning of this century a group of five very local writers were seeking funds to keep their new magazine afloat. It consisted of articles, poetry, short stories and more. It was all under the guidance of Kitty Fitzgerald, an accomplished writer. At one point the editor was Eileen Thompson.

I am not sure what the magazine's current position is, but if some or all of those  five local women are still in the area, and wishing to write creatively, perhaps they will consider bringing their talents, enthusiasm and memories to this site. 

WB

The Palladium Cinema Durham

If you would like to see some excellent pictures of a cinema once graced by generations of miners, shopkeepers, mothers etc. here is how to do it: Using Google put the two words - Durham Palladium -  into the pages for UK. It is the top page. The nostalgia might over power one or two of you.

You have limited time to do this so it is best to do it straight away!

WB

''there's not much going on in Ushaw Moor''

That is the start of the latest guest book comment. Although I can imagine what the writer is getting at, it has triggered a disappointing memory of night life four miles away in Durham City. A few years ago I happened to be in North Road to witness youthful stupor in its scantily clad forms. It was not a pretty sight and not a good advert for the generation it inadvertently represented. All the blotto action was taking place near what used to be the Essoldo Cinema. It was a sad 'whatever' scene and no doubt contrasted with the many youngsters elsewhere, more or less on another planet, and  busy building their lives in a constructive and ambitious way.

No doubt some youngsters were in both camps; blotto land during part of the weekend and highly motivated  at other times!

I am sure there is a lot going on in Ushaw Moor - not exactly sex sea and sand - but nevertheless there will be a point to most of it. Perhaps cynical capitalism, that encourages blotto land, is safely miles away; twenty minutes on the 43 or 44 or even 47. Have the traditional bus numbers remained? I can vaguely conjur up a 48. 

WB

Revelation

Write one get one free is what I offered but I am still waiting!

Born: Derby

Brought up: From about three months old - In New Brancepeth and subsequently Ushaw Moor

Favourite journalist: Johann Hari

Favourite atheist: Richard Dawkins

Favourite cleric: Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Best pudding: hot blackberry pie and vanilla ice cream

Favourite politician: Vince Cable [1st reserve Baroness Shirley Williams]

Favourite football team: The Rams [followed by Arsenal]

Homespun philosophy: Be aware of the incredible luck involved in being alive/look after your family/try and make the world a fraction better for  being in it [I am struggling badly with that one] and look for evidence rather than adopting lazy blind faith, especially in matters of great importance.

Current pet dislike: people who attack media studies as being soft and inferior. It is neither soft nor inferior. Much of the media manipulates and distorts; maybe that is the motive, for some within it, to sneer at the subject.

Well there we are. I hope to get back on the straight and narrow soon. By that I mean 'normal articles' that concentrate on memories of the Deerness. Perhaps we can have a look at large Sleetburn families from Edwardian times and also think about local workingmen's clubs and how they fared, or are faring. How about a review of the Ushaw Moor 7?  There was not much protest about the seven I selected!  

WB

Write One Get One Free

Perhaps I am being a bit flippant with this article's title but there you go! Furthermore I know that August is the silly season for newspapers and blogging sites; people are on holiday, or at the very least in holiday mood, so are too relaxed or too distracted to post articles. Even so the site needs a strategy. What should I turn to for a strategy? Why the supermarkets of course. Your every move down the isle is planned with temptations in mind. Products are moved about to confuse you and pull you towards things you do not need. Smells are wafted and nostalgia created.

So  for every fresh article that is published on the memory site I promise, for a while, to write one. If you like. That is part of the problem; I do not know whether you like my contributions or whether you print them off to read at bedtime - to enable you to fall asleep within seconds.

As I say write one and get one free. Let me see if I can compete with Tescos.

WB

This Is It

Fresh from attending a funeral for a loved one clears the mind  and enables sensible perspective to form. Well it does for me.

By now some of you will have formed the opinion that I can probably continue to write articles for this site for decades and that is probably so!  Mind you there has to be a purpose behind all that scribbling. For a long time it helped me to find out about Ushaw Moor and what it represented. It also helped me to establish the life patterns of previous generations of my family, as well as the people they came across. We have discovered lots about the Valley have we not! For example:

- We stumbled across the identity of a murderer

-We can listen to the voice of Sammy Crooks

- We are aware of some of the characters in South Street from years ago

- Then there was that misbehaving coffin

-  We know much more about vicar Welby's family

-Pudding Henderson has come to life

-Arthur Hodgson is known to us

- Ushaw Moor's full playing record in the FA Cup is there to see

-the skills and character of many old Ushaw Moor cricketers - together with scorecards from the 30s - are there to delight in

- Brian's well crafted writings, although a bit rationed, are a delight because they have lifted the veil on the village's past

-Even the bowls team of the late 20s is no longer a mystery

- Whitehouse Court, dressed in early 60s snow, is there to see

-We have not allowed Sleetburn to slumber

And much more!

Some ingredients are a bit lacking. We need several more writers. Get more writers and keep me off  'Grumpy Man' articles! Stop me from being a bar stool Johnny!

Where is this leading me? We look back, we gain perspective but we need interaction. We need comments and lively view points, otherwise posting is little more than words blown into the ether.

This is it. The present is most of what we have. It is for people of the present time to comment on the past and peer into the future. We can criticise, applaud, disagree, cry, laugh, and a thousand more things. To do all that we need interaction. This is it.

WB

What - No Question?

There is an obvious question to be put to me after reading the earlier post 'Walk On Water With Laughter' but no one has asked it!

WB

More From Arthur Hodgson

I telephoned Arthur this morning and part of the conversation was a little natter about Ushaw Moor and Bearpark Collieries. I started by asking him whether there had been any scope for miners to make their output seem better than it really was. Arthur pointed out that in the foreshift tubs were not weighed by the weighman, simply because he was not on duty then. Human nature sometimes took over and some coal tubs might have had stone at the bottom of the tub rather than coal! Another trick was to place good sized 'roundies' in the corners of the tubs, thus causing a degree of empty space in the tubs - but nevertheless giving the impression of  full tubs. I queried whether management would have been aware of that sort of thing and Arthur pointed out that many of the staff - overman - manager etc. were at one time miners themselves, so would have known!  Arthur said that in later years cubic measurement was adopted; it took account of the length of the coalface, the advance made into that face, and the height of the coal -  thus those particular tricks were thwarted!    

Arthur confirmed that he had worked at Bearpark Colliery for about 15 years  - covering the period c 1967 to 1982 - and had therefore spent more time there that at Ushaw Moor! I asked him whether the culture at Bearpark was any different to that at Ushaw Moor and he said it was all the same - with the same words being used to describe things and situations. I asked him whether there were any characters at Bearpark that stood out for him. He recalled that one lad had selected the wrong type of pension arrangement supplied by the employer. He had selected one that provided a pension for himself rather than one that covered both himself and a wife/widow. Later on  miners had no option but to select one that provided for the wife as well as the miner. The state pension was in addition to all this of course.

Arthur recalled the Bearpark manager but his name escaped him. He said he was a tall man who had previously worked as a hewer at Bearpark and later returned as manager. Arthur said that although the manager was a very approachable man he always called him Mr ..... although many miners called him by his first name. Arthur held the view that if a man has worked hard and achieved the status of manager he was entitled to be called Mr. Arthur recalls that one day the manager asked him what size the coal was in a particular spot and Arthur sought the information by reference to hand measurement. The manager remarked 'why use your hand? Go and get a tape measure'.

Arthur recalled another character called 'Poucher Grey'. He never did learn his real name. 'Poucher' would never work on the actual face, rather he would do stonework. He was a sort of unofficial foreman and sent some of his 'team' to work the face. Arthur recalls that he was a physically big man.

I mentioned the name Jonty Burridge to Arthur and explained that I had played cricket with his son Ivor. I knew that Jonty had played cricket for Bearpark. Although Arthur could recall the name Jonty Burridge he could not place him too easily.

 WB

Durham County Schools' Football Association

Old school football players may well be interested in this site at www.durhamcountyschoolsfa.org.uk . The association had its centenary last year and a book was produced to coincide with the celebration. There are various records on site including a list of Durham schoolboy internationals. There are some familiar names listed including a certain H S Carter! Horatio Carter was universally acclaimed to be a magnificent player and made his name with Sunderland and [after WW2] Derby County.

Leslie Ker is listed and maybe I have been wrong to think his surname was Kerr. I recall that from centre half I forced him to make a save in our 1-0 defeat suffered at the hands of  his school team Whinney Hill [well their feet mostly]. Colin Suggett is also mentioned.

It is interesting to see that some very old competitions are still going - such as the Hartlepool Hospital Cup. Although I never played in the Londonderry Cup it might be the case that New Brancepeth did; I will need to revisit that to be sure of it.     

It could be that the book mentioned above is still available. Mr Philip Cunningham is seemingly the man to contact and his details are on the above website.

I have spotted the 'new trend'  - girl footballers. Well all I can say is that the England Women's team are getting better all the time and at present are quite impressive. The winger Yankey [ is that how you spell it?] would be a handful - I will rephrase that - Yankey would be difficult to handle - oh I give up. There you are a sexist swine - no not really -  but unintentionally old fashioned and awkward maybe.

WB

Muther Grumble

For an interesting take on life, much of it relating to the North East, try this site. www.muthergrumble.co.uk

WB

Walk On Water With Laughter

The second most amusing piece of writing I have come across in the last two weeks is from an advert for a gym. Let me review it. It is a bit relevant to Ushaw Moor history so stay with me:

'When God created Earth and then the Oceans, everything sprang to life. There was greenery all around and living beings began their journey by walking around'. 

Comment: There is a massive assumption at the beginning  and it is obvious that a journey requires some motion. Eventually a lot of animals were running away from predators in terror and probably producing motions.  No mention either that the world was a mess for millions of years.

'How grateful it was of god to endow us with limbs to walk and work. And when tired after a day's work, to quench thirst with clean water was like 'manna in the wilderness'.

Comment: Grateful? Tired after a day's work? Knackered more like. Even the Victorians tended to be knackered and often their water was not clean. Ushaw Moor miners certainly got very tired. Oh and what about London's water in past centuries? Not exactly spring water.

'Our forefathers were, indeed, healthier than any of us only because they walked around in search of food and basic necessities of life'.

Comment: There were a lot of World War 1 medical rejections. Many people did not find the food they sought by walking unless you call stuff in bins consistently good food. Earlier than that It was a whole lot worse for most people.

'They never visited hospitals for regular check - ups. Good exercise, natural food and plenty of water kept them fit and energetic through the day'.

Comment: Which period are we talking about? I cannot help thinking that until some point in the 20th century a visit to a hospital would often have not helped them much. Even now, if one is unlucky, a visit for a check up can bring infection. I can imagine Victorian miners down Ushaw Moor pit chortling at the picture being painted, although many of them would have taken God seriously.    

To be fair the article is advocating exercise and water drinking so essentially the thrust of the message is a good one.

WB

1951 - Newcastle United 2 Derby County 1

An old match day programme informs me that on the first of December 1951 the Rams came to St James Park for a Division 1 clash against Newcastle United. Pencil notes on the programme informed me that although the Magpies deserved their 2-1 half time lead a valiant Derby pushed them to the limits in the second half.

Newcastle: Simpson, Cowell, McMichael, Harvey, Brennan, Robledo [E], Walker, Foulkes, Milburn, Robledo [G] Mitchell

Derby County: Middleton, Mozley, Barrowcliffe, McLachlan, Neilson, Bell, Harrison, Morris, Wilkinson, Parry[J] McLaren                                    

Attendance: about 50,000 

WB

Bigotry

There is a bit in one of the 'quality' papers this morning about some Newcastle United fans that hate southerners. If there is any substance in this it proves just how small minded some people can be. Take London - it is only 240 miles or so from Geordie country; in other words it is next door in the context of the world. Eastenders took a packet from the Luftwaffe and London has supplied employment to northerners for many centuries etc. etc.   I am not going to engage with the small minded element of Newcastle fans that seem to want to slop around in their pigsty of ignorance. Let me be straight about this: I am confident that a big majority of northerners are rational and amiable people; I know they are because I have observed many of them and know quite a few of them. Furthermore I like to think I am one of those more rational northerners! Perhaps it would be a good idea if the small minority, the bigots, went to the public trough and had a cold shower; after that they could visit their local library and open their minds to reality.

WB

Media Studies

As most of you know TV took off in the 50s and many people bought  a set to watch the Coronation in 1953. There are, and were, some brilliant shows on TV but many turned out to be mediocre or even dross. I truly regret that my parents  bought a set in 1955. I must have been watching The Grove Family instead of doing my homework in preparation for the 11 plus. At that time many middle class parents were absolutely scared of the Tripartite System - Grammar - Technical -Secondary Modern, because they saw the danger of their offspring ending up at a Secondary Modern.   As a consequence many teachers earned extra income from 11 plus coaching. No doubt there were many naturally bright youngsters destined to pass - but for many of  the remainder  Saturday Night At The London Palladium, The Grove Family and fascination with Oxo adverts pulled them into the local Secondary Plod. I acknowledge that the arrival of the Open University was a very a positive step and of course it used  television to transform many lives.

When the  Internet arrived I found my TV viewing hours greatly reduced, but of course surfing the Net does little for muscles and the cardiovascular system.  Age does not help either. A few days ago I had a dream in which I had decided to take cricket up again. Then I woke up and found I was over 60. Runs would be even more difficult to get at such an age.

At last we got a flat screen TV. It opened me up to the temptations offered by multi channels. No doubt there are some very commendable Americans but their culture, as portrayed by many channels, has a soft obese look about it.

Back in 1976 two of us got lost in the Black Forest. When we found our way again we were in a world of largely obese Germans. I did not realise it at the time but that was the way it was going to go in the United Kingdom, and the way it had been in the United States for a long time. People who spend too much time on the Internet or watching TV are not usually going to be in glowing health are they? No doubt there are many that achieve a good balance but so many  are storing up trouble.

My master plan is to use the Internet for only four hours per week and leave  that cheerful comedy show, Eastenders, to others. The argument that such programmes as Eastenders give the general public insight into how to deal with life does not convince me.

I am going to close the door on Eastenders and much of the Internet and get some glowing health; when I achieve that I will have a pint with Brian and the lads. Mind you I will find time for Derby County v QPR on BB2. BBC4 is not bad as well. Channel 4 news with John Snow and his colleagues is brilliant  and I cannot afford to miss that.

WB

Yes Indeed What Is Going On?

I have just been made aware of Danielle Hazell's cricket prowess. Not only has she represented England Women at cricket - she has also baffled some Durham Senior League batsmen.  Yes batsmen. What a marvellous story. She attended the Durham Community Business College and they must be very proud of her. I am aware that the standard of the England Women's cricket team has improved a lot in the last decade and no doubt some of it is down to this magnificent young woman.

I also stumbled across the school's website and it is full of aspiration, not only for its pupils but also for the community. I now understand why the school has got its name. The school's [all right - college's] academic record is remarkably good, given all the factors. Modern qualifications seem to be 'funny money' to some of us old '0' level students [ I took some after leaving school] but there is nothing wrong with a bit of coursework as well as modern exams, instead of an almighty memory test!   

Change sometimes produces very bad results but much of the time it is thrilling and inspiring.  Alf get cooking because if Danielle can play top cricket, YOU surely can produce a sponge cake.

WB

What Is Going On?

We look back at Ushaw Moor's history, live in the present, and think/plan for the future. Despite the coffee, the new football season, brilliant books and moving music  the present is sometimes not enough. The present can be confusing; we know that a few people have plundered  in order to feather their own nests e.g. one or two bankers, and even a few members of the House of Lords  are reported by some of the press as being a bit unsavoury. What are we to think? How can we use our memories and common sense to some constructive purpose? For a start it might be useful to listen to Michael Shermer; he has produced what is called 'The Baloney Detection Kit'. I have tried to approach his contribution with an open mind and found it interesting. It is available on Google [world web easier than UK] at Richard Dawkins.Net; if you will, mouse into Michael Shermer.

I will post more conventional articles soon.

WB

Grumpy Reviews Today's Newspapers

Let's start with The Times article about eight Christians burnt to death in Pakistan after the Koran is 'defiled'. The words that come to mind are 'misconceived' and 'futile'. Just think of all that spent energy, and for some participants terror, that prevents a constructive and very different take on life.

Politician Harman is upset about men running things. Well there are good men and bad men, just as there are good women and bad women. I am all for selecting on absolute merit but there has always been a power battle between the sexes and it was much worse in the early part of the 20th century. Surely we really want a grown up, well developed society, but it is not going to happen whilst people feel insecure, greedy and cynical.

The Independent states that oil supplies are running out fast. I can use that to parade my prejudice against some of the worst kind of drivers. Have you seen them passing you at 90 when you are doing 70 in the middle lane? That is often their consistent speed, not their overtaking speed, and as far as I am concerned they are first class idiots. Where are they going that is so important?

To continue with the Independent - they point out that more Tories are to quit  at the next election over expenses. The electorate must not let politicians off the hook, whatever their political persuasion. Memories of news items tend to fade as the landscapes of  fast moving current affairs change. We must not forget what has happened and insist on decency and responsibility from our already overpaid MPs.

The Daily Telegraph proclaims that Edgbaston awaits a final day showdown. I have always liked the Australian test team  - they are my favourites after England - it will all depend upon the amount of help given by the wicket to English bowlers. Australia are just as likely to close it down with a big score as collapse into a heap of misery. My money is on a draw.

The Telegraph continues with a proclamation that Emma Watson is related to a 16th century witch. Well it must be August and the papers have to be filled up. Hey this is an interesting story even if the concept of a witch is a human construct; it more or less brings us back to where this article began.   

WB

South Street 1958

I am aware that this article includes some points raised in an earlier post however there is enough new material to justify it. One memory is of the night before our new school’s very first game of football [58/59 season]. I was staying at 2 South Street because my mother had been hospitalized. My mum’s ill health was very distressing just at a time when I was to captain the team against Brandon Modern. On the morning of the game I found that I had a rash all over my body; it may well have been a nervous rash, caused by both the trauma that had recently been experienced by our family, owing to mum’s health, and the fact that I was skippering the school team from centre half, a new position for me. My grandmother was quick to point out that the bed I had slept in was clean [knowing her it would have been] and my rash had nothing to do with the bed sheets! As for the game we lost 2-1 at home. It was a case of two fairly evenly matched sides. Little did I know that they would end up champions and we would be very near to the bottom. Our defence was quite strong but we lacked fire power; consequently we often lost 1-0! In the return game high flying Brandon beat us 4-3, but not until we had given them an awful fright by leading 3-1. That was the only day that our forward line really clicked and the only day we conceded more than two goals – in league games anyhow!

 Yes 2 South Street was usually spotless and always smelt nice. The clock ticked and tocked and the hourly chimes are still a vivid memory. It was a calm and orderly house; grandfather Dickie Hope would often be seen doing his ‘pit paperwork’. I suppose he was noting things like ‘wet money’ due to coal miners and describing the state of the underground pit for the benefit of the manager.

 In the dining room was to be seen the little silver cricket cup, proudly on display to mark a triumph that occurred in 1947. Not far away was the MCC book of rules. Dickie was a stickler for the rules. A cricket ball was there to be seen. He was always searching for lost cricket balls in order to save UMCC some money.

 Big brown flagons of ginger beer were to be seen on the floor by the kitchen. That ginger beer beat its modern counterparts [really?].

 When in the appropriate shift grandfather was up at 3am enjoying bacon and egg – so I am told! As for Grandmother’s blackberry pie – my goodness it really was the best, and really was supreme compared to some modern dross. Yes really!

 I have previously mentioned the joyous Christmas festivities of the 50s. Warmth from the fire and warmth between individuals was the order of the day. Uncle Tommy Carse was a lovely man with a twinkle in his eye and a smile for everyone. Uncle Arthur was equally great – he showed an interest in all of us and was a very caring man.

 WB