Tree Trimming

Before
After


Pruning, trimming and lopping of trees are similar necessities, but they differ in degree. Lopping is the drastic business of cutting off branches; whereas trimming involves the removal of their extremities, and pruning is more selective, perhaps for shaping a tree, stimulating growth, or providing space and light. Today I took the opportunity of fine weather to trim the tree that grows on my front lawn. September is a good time to do it, because leaves naturally fall from deciduous trees as growth slows down and sap ceases flowing in preparation for the winter months.

I am not an arboriculturist, nor am I a tree surgeon, nor do I have a City and Guilds certificate proving I am a qualified NPTC operative capable of carrying out tree work to British Standard 3998, but I have kept trees under control on my property for more years than I care to remember. As I was engaged in the process of trimming my tree, one of my neighbours asked if I was wearing a harness, and although it was patently obvious I was not, she also asked if I was wearing a safety helmet. I politely replied that I was not wearing either, and concluded she was making casual conversation for the sake of neighbourly friendship, or she was blind, but concerned for my welfare.

For further distraction, when I was at the top of the ladder straining with the secateurs in one hand and a walking stick in the other, which I was using to bring a branch nearer for a surgical nip, my wife leaned out of an upper window and asked if I was enjoying myself. I told her that when I was a kid I used to climb big trees to the highest point I would dare, simply for the buzz and the view. I assured her that standing at the top of the ladder, while the wind swayed the tree, me and the ladder, was almost as much fun now as when I was a risk-taking 12 year old.

Unscathed after two hours of trimming, and flushed with adrenaline, I sat back and admired my handiwork. The exercise of climbing the ladder, raking up and bagging the trimmings and taking the lot to the local recycling dump had brought a glow to my face and gladdened my heart. My wallet was just as full as when I started, and for another year I had avoided paying my local tree surgeon £60.00 to do the job.

Ferro-cement Boat

I noticed this ‘concrete’ boat tucked away in the salting at Hullbridge, and I couldn’t resist taking photos of her. It’s obvious she’s not been sailed for a while. She must date back to the 70s when many Ferro-cement boats were built, mostly by amateurs. The huge radar housing on the doghouse is typical of the time; likewise the outdated, rather large GPS antenna is reminiscent of that era. She has a tabernacle for lowering her mast, but the permanent framework for the cockpit tent would prevent it from being lowered to the horizontal position. The doghouse provides excellent cover for the crew from the sun, wind and rain. I like the useful hand rails along the cabin top, and the side decks make it easy for the crew to reach the foredeck. I think the permanent back runners should be modified to have a quick release mechanisms so that the mainsail can be squared off when the boat is running. Both foresails have to be hanked to their stays - roller reefing would be far more satisfactory. I like the trough at the base of the mast for stowing the halyards. The fore hatch would be useful for ventilating the boat when she’s at anchor, but it is rather too small for the crew to enter or leave the boat. Her owner has slapped grey paint over everything, presumably for protecting the vessel from the elements, but it doesn’t make her look attractive. The general state of the boat leads me to believe she may be for sale. My imagination runs riot when considering what could be done with her, and if I wanted a large project, I would make enquiries at Brandy Hole Yacht Club to find out who owns her.

Time

We all think we know what time is because we refer to it on a daily basis. Without a clock we could not synchronize our comings and goings. For sure, we use watches or clocks to help us start work on time, or we use them for prearranged meetings, and without synchronized timepieces we could not be certain of success. I’m a frequent clock-watcher, forever looking at my wristwatch. I never like to be late for an appointment, and I even regulate the time when get out of bed and when I return by checking my watch. Without a means of accurately knowing local time I would have to refer to ‘nature’s clock’, i.e., the sun, and as the sun rises and sets at different times throughout the year, I could not accurately rely upon it.

In antiquity sundials* were used to tell the time. Even as far back as 5,100 years ago astronomers may have constructed Stonehenge as a precise timepiece recording the time of sunrise on the morning of the summer solstice. The regular periodic motion of the earth and moon in relation to the sun and other planets give a sense of time in terms of seasons, movements of the tides etc. A complete circuit of the sun by the earth takes on average just over 365 days, while each day consists of 24 hours. The number of days the earth takes to revolve around the sun is determined by the laws of the Universe, whereas the unit of time known as an hour is an abstract division of a period of time devised by man; so is the division of the hour into 60 minutes and minutes into 60 seconds. Without the invention of a mechanical timepiece there would be no accurate way of recording periods of time; hence the invention of the hourglass.

The very first mechanical clock was devised by Taqi al-Din at the Istanbul observatory of al-Dan in about 1580 and it was capable of measuring intervals of hours, minutes and seconds, but it wasn’t until the 17th century in Europe that a clock capable of recording intervals of seconds was built in Switzerland. The use of pendulums was the breakthrough needed for accurately measuring seconds. In more recent times the invention of very accurate atomic clocks has facilitated the establishment of an internationally agreed time. The atomic clock can maintain a continuous stable time scale, known as International Atomic Time (TAI), but for civil use, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is the preferred system which incorporates ‘leap seconds’ based on actual rotations of the earth in relation to the ‘mean sun’.

Despite knowing how to record intervals of time, we cannot agree how to define time, because much depends on our understanding of it from our viewpoint. Do we interpret time mathematically, philosophically, in terms of astronomical age of the stars and planets or light years etc.? Is time continuous without end, embracing the past, present and future? Do we visualize it as string-like in nature, separate or joined units, spiral or wavelike? Do we comprehend it as a dimension or a spatial volume or a mass? Do we believe it’s a warped variable incapable of being measured?

Well, my internal time clock tells me it’s time to go to bed; my eyelids are drooping and I’m falling asleep. Goodnight!

*2 Kings 20:11 (The sundial of Ahaz, about 680 BC)

From Little Acorns

From small to large is a general growth pattern of living organisms. As with the mustard seed*, so it is with the acorn. Both the mustard tree and the oak tree start their lives as germinated seeds which develop into saplings before becoming mature trees capable of reproducing themselves. In truth, the mustard tree is more like a shrub that grows to a height of about 2 metres, but both arboreal follow the same principle of growth, i.e., with age, they increase in size. Like other trees, they support and provide shelter for many species, but the gigantic oak surpasses most in this respect.

An oak tree can live up to 200 years, and exceptionally for 1,000 years, by which time its trunk may be 45 feet thick near the base. Being monoecious it produces male catkins that each contains several million pollen grains for dispersal by the wind for fertilizing thousands of inconspicuous female flowers via their receptive stigma. These fertilized flowers are transformed into acorns which ripen in the autumn ready for a new cycle of life to begin. A visiting Jay or Magpie could carry one such acorn a mile or more before burying it where the conditions may be right for germination.

The longevity and size of an oak tree provides a secure habitat for hundreds of organism and insects and therefore it has an important role within the immediate ecosystem. Many species rely on oak trees for their survival; one such creature is a wasp (Biorhiza pallida) that interacts with the tree to produce a gall in the form of an oak apple. Spangle galls are also induced on catkins and the undersides of leaves by asexual wasps, while communities of parasitic and predatory insects thrive on the tree. Moth larvae and caterpillars feed on the leaves and the Oak Bark Beetle burrows in the wood. Nut Weevils lay their eggs in the acorns and the larvae pupate when the acorns fall to the ground. Spiders take advantage of the supporting framework of leaves and twigs by spinning their webs between them, while other camouflaged arachnids wait hidden in bark crevices. In turn, birds such as the Chaffinch, Tree Creeper and the Wood Warbler feed on the insects.

Unfortunately, oak trees are not protected unless they are subject to a preservation order by a local Planning Department, but if an order is infringed the offender may be required to pay a penalty of up to £50,000 per tree or even time in jail. By right oak trees belong to the landowner who may do what they like with them.

Anon: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

*Matthew 13:31

http://www.menofthetrees.org.au/docs/index.htm

http://internationaltreesociety.blogspot.com/

Paradise Found

Jane Austin: “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.”

Amos Bronson Alcott: “Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps, Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvest reaps.”

Germaine Greer: “A garden is the best alternative therapy.”

Benjamin Disraeli: “How fair is a garden amid toils and passions of existence.”

Dorothy Frances Gurney: “The kiss of the sun for pardon, The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God’s heart in a garden Than anywhere else on earth.”

Thomas Jefferson: “Those who labour in the earth are the chosen people of God.”

Hanna Rion: “The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.”

Abram L. Urban: “In my garden there is a large place for sentiment. My garden of flowers is also my garden of thoughts and dreams. The thoughts grow as freely as the flowers, and the dreams are as beautiful.”

F. Frankfort Moore: “I think that if ever a mortal heard the voice of God it would be in a garden at the cool of the day.”

John Ruskin: “There is material enough in a single flower for the ornament of a score of cathedrals.”

Francis Bacon: “Gardening is the purest of human pleasures.”

George Bernard Shaw: “The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for Him there.”

Anon: “Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.”

Anon: “Cares melt when you kneel in your garden.”

Holy Spirit: “And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden: and there He put the man whom He had formed.” (Genesis 2:8)

‘Just Right’ for Sailing

For the greatest enjoyment, things have to be ‘just right’ and yesterday all the factors fell into place to bring about a pleasurable experience. Good weather, good company, teamwork, a common purpose and unique circumstances combined to make a fulfilling few hours afloat for me and my crew.

High water at Burnham-on-Crouch was for 1823, which meant low water would be at 1213; accordingly we planned to arrive at our Rice and Cole mooring by 0940 for sailing at 1000. The idea was to take the last of the ebb towards Maplin Sand while tacking to seaward for as long as we could before the wind and tide would swish us back to Burnham. Unusually for this year, an area of high pressure was slap over the British Isles causing the wind to blow from the North Sea straight into the entrance of the River Crouch, and with the tide ebbing against the wind there was a fair old chop.

All went to plan. To begin with, as we left the mooring under power, there was a good Force 3 from just North of East. As soon as we were clear of the moorings we made sail and turned off the Honda outboard. In anything above force 2, ‘Ladybird’ always sails better with both sails reefed; therefore I put in several turns on the main and rolled the Genoa to resemble a working jib. Despite the rough water, we made excellent progress to windward. We hadn’t seen so many yachts out and about as there were on Saturday morning. All of them were bigger and more powerful than our tiny Seawych cruiser, and needless to say, we were overhauled by a few of them. When in close proximity to other yachts we waved to their crews, and apart from one rather large yacht, we were greeted by enthusiastic reciprocal gestures. Everyone was having a great time in the sunshine and invigorating wind.

By eleven fifteen it was time for Mars Bars and coffee and with three of us aboard we took turns at helming. For me it was doubly pleasurable, because I could see that what my crew had learnt over the summer was being put into practice. I could leave the boat to them and feel quite confident we would not run aground or crash into another boat. They could trim the sails, luff or release the mainsheet in stronger gusts, tack and gybe; they could even heave the boat to. I could be confident they would be able to pick up our mooring or set the anchor.

Between 1230 and 1300 we took turns at the helm while others ate lunch and guzzled soft drinks. As I expected, the wind increased to almost a Force 5 and slightly backed. This was due to the sun warming the landmass to the West causing the convection of air from above the cooler sea to the East, but because the tide was flooding the water did not get any rougher. A further reduction of sail was necessary, and despite our efforts at gaining ground to windward, we were gradually moving stern first towards Burnham. Our options were to stick at it, anchor, or explore the entrance of the River Roach. We chose the latter, and in a short time we found ourselves hurtling past the Branklet Spit buoy into the River Roach, but prudence made me test sail the boat in the opposite direction to ascertain if we could make over the flooding tide and as I suspected ‘Ladybird’ was on the wind, just edging forwards.

Back in the Crouch, wind and tide overcame us, leaving us with the option of anchoring or returning to our mooring for a cup of tea. Needless to say we chose tea. The brand new Honda 2.3 started at the first pull, so that we could head into the wind and take in sail. My crew faultlessly picked up the mooring, and while the youngest brewed tea the others made the boat ready for being left at her mooring. Wanting to enjoy the moment, we took our time before rowing the dinghy to the Rice and Cole pontoon.

All in all, things had turned out ‘just right’ because circumstances had come together for all of us to have a time of pleasurable companionship afloat.

Greg Kolodziejzyk

When you consider what Greg Kolodziejzyk has achieved during his lifetime, you will conclude that he is quite exceptional. Retired from being a successful business entrepreneur in his mid-30s he turned to competitive athletics to improve his health. Altogether he completed 12 Ironman triathlons, gaining 4th place in his division of the 2006 Arizona Ironman triathlon, which qualified him to compete in the World Championships at Kona, Hawaii. In the summer of the same year he pedalled his streamlined bicycle, Critical Power, 247 miles in 24 hours to earn his first world record. He then set his sights on the 24 hour distance record for a human-powered vessel on water, and in 2008 he pedalled a super-lightweight trimaran a distance of 152.33 miles to break Carter Johnson’s record when he paddled a kayak 150.34 miles.

Greg now wants to establish a world speed record for pedalling a propeller powered vessel from Vancouver to Hawaii. Meanwhile he is keeping himself fit by running ultra-marathons, and with the help of the designer of his boat he has almost finished building her. ‘WITHIN’ is a large pedal-powered canoe with a small keel and a cabin. He wants to start the 4,500 kilometres voyage in June, 2010, and he hopes to complete it in less than 80 days, and if possible, half that time.
http://www.adventuresofgreg.com/
http://www.pedaltheocean.com/

Roz Savage

What can I say about this extraordinary woman that has not already been said? I doubt there are few people who watch TV, listen to the radio, or surf the Net who have not heard of her ocean rowing exploits. She first hit the headlines for completing the Atlantic Rowing Race on March, 14th, 2006, being the only female entrant in the solo class. Despite unusually bad weather and the failure of all four of her oars, she completed the race in 103 days. Remarkably she maintained a web log, almost to the end, when her satellite phone failed. In total, after leaving La Gomera in the Canary Islands, she rowed 3000 miles in her 24-foot boat before arriving at Antigua in the West Indies.

Seeking further adventure she embarked on a mission to become the first woman to row the Pacific, and on the 25th May, 2008 she set out from San Francisco bound for Hawaii where she arrived at Waikiki on 1st September, 2008, taking just over 99 days. The total distance covered during this first stage of her voyage was 2,598 nautical miles. Almost to the day, a year later after embarking on the first stage, she set off from Waikiki on 24th May, 2009. Her intention was to row to Tuvalu, but adverse winds and currents forced her to settle for South Tarawa, the Capital of the Republic of Kiribati. This is a tiny island just 60 or so miles north of the Equator and 173 degrees east of the Greenwich meridian.

Arriving there on 5th September, 2009, she received an ecstatic reception from the people of Tarawa who highly values her campaign to reduce global carbon emissions, especially in view of the fact that many of the low-lying islands of Kiribati will be lost, as Polar ice melts because of global warming. Indeed, this highlighting of the need for action now to minimize global warming is a prime reason for her rowing adventures. As a high-profile motivational speaker, communicator and a writer, she is in a better position than most to encourage us to do something before it is too late. Her motto is, ‘One stroke at a time’, and in effect, many small ‘strokes’ achieve a great deal; therefore each one of us can do little things to reduce our carbon footprint, perhaps by cycling to work instead of using the car, or walking to our local shop, recycling our recyclables, and turning down the central heating by a degree or two.

The final stage of Roz’s epic voyage may be the hardest, because of the need to combat unfavourable equatorial currents, winds and the difficulty of navigating through the Great Barrier Reef to the mainland of Australia. Many of us, who vicariously follow her thought-provoking web logs, can’t wait to watch her progress and pray for her safety as she battles with the mighty Pacific Ocean.

http://rozsavage.com/
http://rozsavage.blogspot.com/

Jessica Watson

Vibrant, intelligent, confident, highly motivated, and a female Australian; this is Jessica Watson, aged 16. She’s not your average adolescent, but a girl advanced beyond her years; a young lady who in terms of maturity could be mistaken for being older. Well-known in Australia for her ambition to be the youngest person to circumnavigate the world, she set sail aboard, ‘Ella’s Pink Lady’, from Mooloolaba, on the morning of September 8th 2009. Her intention was to have a shakedown cruise to Sydney, but within 24 hours she reported that her yacht had collided with a bulk carrier.

After safely returning to port she was undaunted and unfazed. She thought the incident was an experience from which she could learn, and she was pleased with the way in which she had handled the situation. At a press conference, she praised the Water Police and Maritime Service for their assistance. On being questioned if she would continue her round the world marathon, she said she was even more determined to do it. Her calm attitude and measured self-analysis speaks well of her character and resilience. Damage to the starboard side of her yacht and a broken mast, will ensure her departure will be delayed for several days, if not weeks.

In these times of instant fame because of the rapid dissemination of news, via the electronic media, Jessica has become a household name, particularly among the world-wide sailing fraternity. This unfortunate incident, at the start of her voyage, has brought much publicity and pledges of assistance from her sponsors and friends who show every confidence in her ability to succeed. Famous circumnavigators Dee Caffari and Robin Knox-Johnston have neither criticised nor encouraged Jessica, but they have asked the questions, “Where does this record-seeking stop?” and, “Will the next aspirant be as young as 12, or even 10?” In the pipeline there are two potential contestants: Zac Sunderland’s Californian sister, Abby, aged 15, and a Dutch girl, Laura Dekker, who is not yet 14.

Young Circumnavigator Record Holders so far:
Jesse Martin is an 18-year-old Australian who in 1999 became the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo, non-stop and unassisted. His record still stands.
Zac Sunderland is a Californian, who at the age of 17 years and 198 days became the youngest person to sail solo around the globe. He was the first to do it under the age of 18. He completed his circumnavigation on 16 July 2009, and his record stood for six weeks.
Mike Perham, from Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, aged 17 years and 164 days, captured Sunderland’s solo record when he crossed the finishing line off the Lizard Point, Cornwall on 27th August, 2009.

Jessica Watson’s Web Sites:
http://www.youngestround.com/mission.html
http://www.youngestround.blogspot.com/
http://www.jessicawatson.com.au/

Post Boxes

In England, if we live in a village, town or city, we take it for granted that there will be a Royal Mail post box within walking distance. We can also expect there will be a minimum of one daily collection, except on Sundays, Bank holidays and Christmas Day . We grumble and grind our teeth when the cost of posting a letter goes up, and we vow to use emails wherever possible. In these times of change and financial restraint, Royal Mail Holdings plc is undergoing a severe testing and the employees are relieved that the Bill in Parliament last June to partially privatise the limited company was postponed due to the recession. Last year (2008-9), the combined holdings of Royal Mail made a profit of £321m*, but that’s nothing to clap hands about; they will need to do much better.

Situations are for ever changing, and despite the fact that the ‘Royal’ postal service can trace its beginning back to the time of Henry VIII, there’s no guarantee that Royal Mail will dominate the delivery industry, or even survive, as aggressive competitors undercut and increase their stranglehold. In protest against modernization and changing practices, postal workers have been on strike in parts of London, causing huge stockpiles of mail, and there are warnings of more strikes to come. The crippling effects of such actions will inevitably have repercussions, such as loss of revenue and loss of customers who will find other mail delivery providers. Therefore take a look at the post boxes in your area, because they could disappear, just as the old red phone boxes have gone for ever. Where I live, I can choose from any of 4 Royal Mail post boxes, all within easy walking distance, one being less than 100 yards from my front door, but for how long will this be?

*(http://www.news.royalmailgroup.com/article.asp?id=2534&brand=royal_mail_group )

Mute Swans

Hullbridge Swans


Mute Swans can be found almost anywhere in the British Isles, with the exception of the more rugged parts of Scotland, central Wales and the moors of South West England. They are usually tolerant of humans, except when breeding, being especially protective of their young. When nesting they are highly territorial, and I remember witnessing a ferocious attack by one swan when another entered its territory. The attacker remorselessly bit the neck of the intruder until the retreating bird climbed the canal bank into a bramble bush.

Soon after I built my first boat, an 11 foot canvas canoe, I was paddling her on the River Tone when a swan flew directly towards me, and my only defence was to fend off with my paddle, but just short of hitting me with its beak, the bird applied the brakes. Maintaining an aggressive stance with wings arched, it made hissing noises and followed me for several minutes until I got away. I later heard that a canoeist at the same spot had capsized and drowned while being attacked by a swan. Since that time I have always been wary of Mute Swans, but apart from the occasional hissing, I’ve never been attacked again while boating.

At Hullbridge there’s a large colony of Mute Swans, and one pair has five cygnets, which are always well guarded by the adults who keep them on the fringes of the flock. Parents and Grandparents bring children to see and feed the birds with bread. If they knew better, they would not do it, because swans naturally eat water plants, insects and snails. The Hullbridge swans congregate at the slipways either side of the River where they are most likely to be fed by visitors.

The Hullbridge colony is large, but the largest of approximately 850 Mute Swans is at Abbotsbury, in Dorset. I believe this is the only managed swannery in the UK. The Fleet Lagoon where the swans congregate is uniquely sheltered by Chesil Beach and it has been a haven for swans for at least 600 years. Benedictine Monks of St Peter’s Monastery ate the swans as a ready source of meat. At the dissolution of the Monastery by King Henry VIII, the Strangways family took over the management of the Swannery and successive generations have maintained it. King Henry also made a law that the owners of swans were to mark their cygnets by making nicks on their beaks, and any unmarked birds would become Crown property. To this day, Mute Swans are ‘Royal’ birds, and as such, they are protected by law; offenders may be fined up to £5,000, and even be imprisoned!

Mulberry Houseboat

Since moving to Essex in 1972, I have enjoyed walking along the paths either side of the River Crouch. The stretch on the south side of the River, eastwards from Essex Marina, has always been a favourite, and I can remember seeing there an abandoned concrete barge left to die on the mudflats. I wondered if it had been prepared for the D-Day landings on the Normandy beaches in 1944, but had never been used. A good many years later, I noticed this hulk had miraculously turned up at the quayside near Prior’s Boatyard. Within a few months it sprouted a superstructure, which made it resemble a mini Noah’s Ark without the animals*. Eventually the barge was moved to a mooring at West Quay to join other houseboats, where it has remained in quite an enviable position with views over the River to the wetlands of Wallasea Island.

I have often wondered what it would belike to live aboard a houseboat, and recently a friend of mine bought an old fishing boat that had been converted into one. This increased my curiosity. Depending on the location and quality of the boat, prices can vary considerably, perhaps from £30,000 to £500,000. Moving from bricks and mortar into an ancient wooden boat, such as my friend’s, would require a new mindset. Maintaining such a boat could be very expensive and time-consuming. Now and again she will require work on her bottom, just to remain afloat. If she’s on a tidal mooring where she takes the ground at low water, the occupants will feel the motion at each rise and fall of tide. Then there’s the question of security, whereby mooring lines, chains and anchors will need maintaining. There’s no escape from Council Tax, mooring fees and perhaps payments for leases and harbour dues. Location can be important for ease of access to services such as electricity, oil or gas for heating and cooking, sewage etc..

So what are the advantages of living aboard a houseboat? Proximity to the water must be the feature most liked by those who do it. How wonderful it must it be to look over water every day and be entertained by what happens; for every moment is different. In a location such as Burnham, yachts pass by, dinghies race, wading birds feed at the water’s edge, sun reflections sparkle from the water, changing clouds blown by the wind move endlessly across the sky, and at the gangway there’s a footpath to nearby shops, open parkland, a railway station and car parking by arrangement with the local yacht club. Yes, it’s not all idyllic, because during the dark winter months, gales may lash waves against the hull, the wind may howl, and opening a window or door will invite a tornado into the living room.

*Please note that the Burnham Mulberry Ark now has pigs in residence on the stern deck! (See photo)

TransAtlanticSolo.com

I’m always on the lookout for ‘different’ boats, particularly sailing boats. While enjoying a sunny walk at Burnham-on-Crouch, I happened to arrive at the Marina, where I saw a very strange boat. Standing beside this odd vessel there were two fellows chatting about racing yachts. I half listened to their enthusiastic chatter, while automatically photographing details of the boat. Despite the fact that my mobile phone camera wouldn’t do it justice, I continued clicking away while berating myself for not remembering my Sony digital camera.

The more I examined the boat, the more I realised I was looking at something very special. She was not a sailing boat, but an unusual, purpose-built rowing boat. She was not a sleek rowing machine, as a streamlined single sculling boat; instead she had a very large fore cabin resembling the body of a gigantic ladybird. Adjoined to the cabin was a cockpit with little freeboard, where the crew could sit on a sliding seat when rowing. Lastly there was a streamlined, aft cabin, presumably for stores. Obviously, she was an ocean-going craft, and appropriately, she was painted in bright red and white for high visibility. I noticed the boat’s name, ‘TransAtlanticSolo’.

Immediately, I knew what this was about. She would be used in the Woodvale Challenge Race across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua, starting this December. A few words with the owner, Charlie Pritchard, confirmed my belief. I remarked that the huge fore cabin would act as a sail when running with the trade winds. Unlike other ocean rowing boats, her small cabin was at the stern. I believe Charlie will sleep in the fore cabin. All this makes sense, even when riding to a parachute anchor during a storm, because of the additional buoyancy at the bow and protection provided to the rower, if he should need to be in the cockpit. There would be an advantage when running obliquely downwind, because there would be less of tendency to gripe. I am not clear how ‘TransAtlanticSolo’ will be steered, because she doesn’t appear to have a rudder. Steering by oars alone could place an extra burden on the rower, because of having to compensate by pulling harder on the leeward side.

Charlie is no ordinary person, because he has a huge appetite for competitive adventure and a proven track record in sailing and running. Besides competing in the Marathon des Sables, a 150 mile desert running race, he has been highly involved with the America's Cup, Admiral's Cup, Whitbread and Olympic yachting campaigns. He is under no illusion about the enormity of the task of rowing 3,000 miles in approximately 70 days - almost 43 miles a day. Entirely alone, he will have to cope with all the ocean throws at him, and in between, row, row, row, sleep and eat when he can. His motivation is not fame. Instead, he rows the Atlantic to pay a tribute to a very special friend by the name of Sean, who after a brave and arduous fight, succumbed to renal failure. For that reason, Charlie hopes to raise £100,000 towards a new renal unit at Addenbrookes Children’s Hospital.

Here are a few links for you to learn more about Charlie and to give him your support.

http://www.justgiving.com/charliepitcher/
http://www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk/charliesrow/index.asp
http://twitter.com/charliepitcher

Union Jack

With a somewhat tattered halyard, the union jack flies to an ungainly pole resembling a plumber’s pipe above my parish town hall. As soldiers fall in Afghanistan, others are brought home in coffins draped with the union flag. Ceremonially they are taken through Wootten Bassett where other heroes have passed before. Widows, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and friends grieve as yet more lives are lost. There is no end to this conflict and no lasting peace. What price must be paid before the killing ends? Gordon Brown today (Friday, 4th September, 2009) tried to justify the cost of human life by claiming it was necessary to finish the job started back in 2001, to ensure the safety of our land. He believes the Taliban can be defeated, and locally trained personnel, both military and civil, will be able to keep the peace, maintaining freedom and democracy.

When Gordon Brown took office he said he would do his best to serve the people of this country and give them a vision for the future. No doubt he is doing his best, but where is the vision for the future? He is not the most charismatic leader, but charisma is not the issue; leadership and vision are essential ingredients if our nation is to go forward with a common purpose of unification, rather than dissolution and disintegration. Is it too late to reverse the devolutionary process? Today Alex Salmon of the Scottish National Party gave details of a White Paper to be launched on St Andrew’s day in November with a proposition for a referendum on independent government for the Scots. Meanwhile, certain members of the Welsh Assembly are considering more devolution by seeking an independent criminal justice system. Mr Paul Flynn of Newport West considers devolution to be unstoppable, irrespective of Westminster government.

From 1921, when the greater part of Ireland left the United Kingdom, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was renamed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the union jack has continued to be a symbol of national unity. Originally the flags of England, Scotland and Ireland were combined to form a national flag on 1st January 1801. It was known as the Union Flag. Under Henry VIII, in 1536, the act of union joined England and Wales, which some consider is a principality, rather than a country. No doubt many Welsh would disagree, as the Welsh are identified collectively by culture, language and by a border; furthermore, they have never completely been defeated by any invading army. Their flag is composed of a Red Dragon against a green and white background. It is thought that the invading Romans brought the dragon emblem to Wales.

With complete devolution there would no longer be a need for a Union flag; neither would there be an accepted symbol of national unity, or a united nation proud of its heritage, a nation with a mission to go forward, honourably standing up for proven values, freedom and democracy. By the way, please, local councils, while the Queen is queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, fly the Union Jack on your public buildings, only when it should be flown, such as on St George’s day, St Andrew’s day, St Patrick’s day, Commonwealth Day, the Queen’s official birthday etc., and make sure the flagpole shines and glistens as if it is worthy of the honour.

Laura Dekker

At the end of a solo circumnavigation Mike Perham, aboard an Open 50 ocean racing yacht crossed the finish line off Lizard Point on Thursday, 27th August 2009. Later, at his official homecoming in Portsmouth, he received a Guinness World Record Certificate in recognition of his achievement of being the youngest person to have completed a single-handed circumnavigation. Born on 16th March, 1992 he was just 17 years, 5 months and 11 days old (or young).

Laura Dekker,* a Dutch 13 year old, has aspirations to beat Perham’s record of being the youngest circumnavigator. Her parents support her in this venture which she believes will take 3 years aboard her very ordinary 28 foot cruising yacht, ‘Guppy’. There have been critics and doubters who believe she is far too young to take on the oceans, and being so young she may be vulnerable to those who may take advantage of her. Despite a ruling of the Dutch High Court preventing her from starting her voyage while under the joint care of the Child Protection Board and her parents, she is determined to overcome all obstacles. If, after a 2 month period, the Child Protection Board believes she is capable of achieving her goal, by being both physically and mentally competent to undertake the arduous challenge, it appears she will be free to go. Meanwhile, she will undergo psychological testing to ascertain if she will be able to cope under stressful conditions and to determine if her developmental growth as a teenager may adversely be affected.

It is my belief that today’s parents and those responsible for the wellbeing of our children have become far too protective. When I was a kid at Laura’s age, my parents may have been apprehensive when I was sailing my homebuilt canvas canoe around Plymouth Sound, but they encouraged me in my adventures. There was a high element of danger, and perhaps ignorance on my part and my parent’s, but I was free to expose myself to risk-taking and learn from the experiences. With this mindset, I am in favour of allowing Laura Dekker to start her character-building voyage of discovery, so that she may test herself, and if like me at the age of 50, after setting out to sail around the world in my homebuilt yacht, I had to turn back because I was not up to the psychological demands, at least she would have tried. If she were to die in the attempt, there would be recriminations against her parents and the authorities, but ultimately I believe she is mature enough to accept responsibility for her actions.
*http://www.lauradekker.nl/English/Home.html

Duck Shooting

I can go along with hunting, if it is necessary for survival, but as a sport, purely for the kill, I find that hard to stomach. While on a recent walk beside the River Crouch I noticed a sign which warned that shooting could take place between September and February. As I continued my walk I gave little thought to what I had read, but when I reached my destination where there’s a pond, I suddenly realized I was not alone. Under a tree beside the pond there was a man dressed in a camouflaged outfit. He was deploying decoy ducks by throwing them into the pond after having attached retrieval lines. These were not any old decoys, because they were of different shapes and sizes. I recognised replica Mallards, but there could have been Shelducks, Teal or Shovelers. This man was setting lures to attract ducks so that he could kill them. His retriever dog was well-behaved and quiet. He had set up a camouflage net in the bushes to conceal his presence from unsuspecting birds.

I believe he sensed I was not happy with what he was doing. I stood and watched from the river bank, but not wishing to confront him, because what he was doing was perfectly legal, and I was an intruder into his domain, I took my leave. I reasoned he had every right to engage in his ‘sport’, as I do mine (sailing). He probably spends as much or maybe more than I do on having fun, and he may be more passionate about his hobby than I am mine.

To learn more about ‘wildfowling’, or ‘waterfowling’, I did a bit of surfing on the Net. At one web site I read, ‘Of all shooting sports, wildfowling is the most arduous, the most romantic and the loneliest. It is also the branch of shooting in which the newcomer has most to learn - in terms of safety, quarry identification, marsh craft and ethics.’ Maybe it could be arduous if travelling to a remote location, but ‘romantic’, that does no seem likely; loneliness, possibly. ‘Ethics’ – yes, he could learn a lot about the rights and wrongs of shooting wild animals. From others I discovered there are hundreds of people cashing-in on duck shooting. The duck fowler has to have a suitable shotgun that can cost anything from £90.00 to £5,000, depending on the make and the type, new or second-hand. To keep warm and dry he will need a camouflage outfit, including boots, headgear, gloves and possibly gaiters. For the storing his cartridges he may have a special belt. Don’t forget his retriever dog and the animal’s training. He may even want to set up a special tent (hide) beforehand, so that the birds can become familiar with it.

I was somewhat surprised to discover there are very few anti-duck shooting lobbyists. The most visible is the Coalition against Duck Shooting, in Australia. ( http://www.duck.org.au/) I was upset when I watched a YouTube video showing two young men shooting ducks and swans with apparent glee. They were proud of their expertise at handling what appeared to be semi-automatic shotguns, and they didn’t want to put an injured duck out of its misery after being wounded. This is the sort of behaviour that gives wildfowling a bad name. On the other hand, there are very expert and professional providers of organized duck shooting parties; they even arrange accommodation and employ chefs to prepare and cook birds shot by the wildfowlers.

Pillboxes, Killing and Warfare

Killing and warfare have plagued the Earth since Cain murdered Abel (Genesis 4:1-15), and there will be no end of slaughter until the creation of a new Earth. (Revelation 21:1-4) I was reminded of man’s warring nature as I walked the footpath at South Fambridge, where there’s a Second World War pillbox. Horrific flashbacks of cinematographic news footage from the early 40s, showing flamethrowers being used against the occupants of pillboxes, suddenly ignited in the consciousness of my mind. Aghast with the impact of these images, I was drawn to examine this hexagonal concrete building. The mini fortification has the form of a gigantic pill box, and I suppose that’s why such structures are called pillboxes. In 1940, about 28,000 of them were hurriedly constructed by soldiers and local labourers using suitable available materials. An Invasion by Hitler’s forces was thought to be imminent; therefore a plan of defence was devised for Home Guard Units to man these defences. Soldiers based at the South Fambridge pillbox would have been equipped with rifles and light machineguns.

As I examined the lichen-covered building, I felt as though I was in the company of those Home Guard soldiers who kept watch day and night, waiting for a time when they might be required to give their all. Dressed in uncomfortable utility uniforms they would have sweated in the summer sunshine and been frozen during a winter’s night. Routinely they would have checked and cleaned their equipment, kept guard, cooked meals, and slept when they could. Personal hygiene and the maintenance of latrines would have been important for morale. Providentially, those soldiers were never put to the ultimate test of endeavouring to halt Hitler’s invasion forces.

I noted that the doorway into the pillbox was sealed, but the embrasures (openings for the deployment of rifles and light machineguns) had been cleared of their seals so that children and nimble adults can wriggle through. I stuck my head into one, and when my eyes became accustomed to the gloom of the claustrophobic interior, I observed that every wall was covered with chalk graffiti. From markings on the ceiling it was obvious that the roof had been made of concrete that had been poured into a wooden mould. I think a small room inside the pillbox would have been used for storing weapons and ammunition. When originally built, soldiers would have had excellent views of the River Crouch, but a few years ago, the river banks were raised to improve the flood defences.

To all appearances, apart from the pillbox, this stretch of land on the South side of the River Crouch looks as if it has always been a peaceful place, but nearby, between Rochford and Canewdon, the bloody battle of *Assandune was fought in 1016. Canute, King of Denmark, with his invaders on Canewdon Hill, faced Edmund Ironside with his army on Rochford Hill. Edmund split his forces into two, putting half under the command of Ederick who sided with the Danes. This traitorous act resulted in a calamitous defeat for Edmund and his army. He later confronted the Danes and made a treaty to divide the country between them. After Edmund’s death, Canute became King of England.

History tells of the past, but is made from the present, and as you read these lines, soldiers and airmen are fighting the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Bloody history is in the making.
*http://www.girltalk.pcs-net.com/rol/local-history/battle-of-assandune/

Shoes

When I was a youngster my father told me of hard times during the early 1930s. I was born then in the middle of The Great Depression, when thousands of people were jobless, and there was much destitution. The Workhouse era was drawing to a close, but many impoverished people, sick and elderly were forced to accept unpleasant living conditions within surviving institutions. My father spoke of children going to school barefooted and without adequate clothing to keep them warm. By contrast, I am reminded of Imelda Marcos, wife of the President of the Philippines, when she owned 1060 pairs of shoes - that was in 1986, at the time she and her husband fled to Hawaii. Now Imelda was besotted with foot attire, but even the average UK female has 19 pairs of shoes, and in the USA the figure is 27.

I’m not sure how many shoes my wife owns, but on Bank Holiday Monday I took her to buy a pair of shoes she had been thinking about for a while. They were still for sale, at a price rather more than she wanted to pay, but they were of high quality and they looked stylish. When she was young she used to wear shoes with high heels, even when dancing! Having suffered over the years, because of wearing such shoes, she now looks for comfort, rather than style. I must say that I approved her choice, and I think she was pleased that I did. By comparison, my ownership of shoes is minimal, almost scant, but I’m not into footwear. If I didn’t have to wear shoes for protecting my feet I would never do so. I love having my feet free of restrictions, so that I can twiddle my toes, feel surfaces through the soles of my feet and experience the joy of free walking. Walking on soft damp sand with sea spray falling on my feet, wind-blown hair, and the warmth of the sun on my body, they combine to bring the ultimate pleasure.

The Ubiquitous Gnome

One thing is certain; gnomes really exist! They are not purely creatures of folklore. Wherever you go, West or East, North or South, they pop up in the most unexpected places. Yesterday afternoon I took a stroll beside the River Crouch with the purpose of inhaling fresh air to alleviate sniffling brought on by a cold. As I compared riverside properties, some luxurious and others modest, I came across a garden populated with all manner of ‘little folk’. There were two country gentlemen seated on benches, while apparently admiring neatly trimmed hedges, precisely cut boarders and colourful displays of flowers. A closer inspection of these folk, led me to believe they were being mesmerized by the vibrant red, pink, orange and blue flowers. Five dogs, a squirrel and a policeman stood motionless, as if they were held by the spell of a wicked witch. Strategically placed, in the near corner of the garden, where he could survey the whole scene, sat The Ubiquitous Gnome in a comfortable armchair. Beyond him, almost hidden behind purple fuchsias, there was a tiny leprechaun-like creature with pointed ears and a conical hat. His whole demeanour gave me the impression he was a very simple chap. Impulsively, I pointed my camera and pushed the button, whereupon I was immediately transformed into a gnome, by what power or by what means, I could not tell.

Common Cold

I’ve been doing a bit of sneezing, which is a symptom of the common cold, and sure enough, I have the other symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, hoarse voice, cough, headache and muzzy head. In addition to these I’ve been lethargic, and generally feel rundown. On the positive side, I know that I’m likely to suffer this cold for only a period of seven days, and exceptionally up to a maximum of two weeks. Such a response is normal for adults who are infected with this irritating, mildly pernicious virus. Fortunately, our immune systems produce antibodies that effectively destroy the invasive viruses. Exceptionally, some people, due to certain medical conditions, develop complications leading to bronchitis, pneumonia etc..

Where did I pick up my unwanted infection? For sure, the virus entered my nasal cavities or my eye ducts, before making its way by means of ciliary action to the adenoid area at the back of my throat, where conditions were right for multiplying the minute, but insidious invaders. These are clever little creatures, of which there are about 100 basic types, all capable of mutating. They can set up base camp within 8-12 hours and establish territory guaranteeing an effective contagion and a full-blown cold within 36-72 hours. They love swimming around in nasal fluid where they are strategically positioned for being transferred to another host by means of a sneeze. A nearby person may unsuspectingly breathe in the dispersed viruses. Furthermore, any cold viruses deposited by sneezing, or by tactile means, onto receptive surfaces such as door handles, cash machine keypads, supermarket trolley handles, etc., have the ability to remain infectious for up to 3 hours. Therefore the importance of using tissues for minimising the dispersal of sneezed cold viruses and the washing of hands can’t be emphasized enough. Take care not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth to avoid tactile transference of the virus.

Places where people congregate such as supermarkets, schools, colleges, offices, buses, trains or planes are where viral infections are most likely to be transmitted. If we take our responsibilities seriously, we should avoid such places if at all possible, when there’s a chance we could pass on our cold.

Exotic Fruit and Vegetables

I don’t think there’s ever been a better time for UK residents to taste exotic fruit and vegetables. In all the cities and major towns you can find Asian or Indian shops specializing in varieties from all around the world. This morning my wife wanted half a dozen mangos, so I took her to her favourite shop packed with produce from different countries. In addition to the honey mangos of her choice there were a huge variety of colourful fruit, the names of which I do not know, but I noted that they originated in places from as far away as Brazil, Costa Rica, Pakistan and from nearer to home, Cyprus. I suppose some fruit such as bananas arrive here by boat, while others come by plane or perhaps by road, if from Europe. I was amazed at the wide choice of intriguing items, and to remind me, I took photos of them. Even bigger suppliers, like Tesco*, Sainsbury’s and their competitors cash in on the market by importing fruit and vegetables from foreign lands to satisfy demand from ethnic communities who trace their origins and cultures back to the lands where the produce grows.

*http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2177812/Tesco-turns-to-exotic-fruit-and-vegetables.html

Funeral

I attended the funeral of a neighbour today at a nearby crematorium. It was a short, but dignified affair. I couldn’t help being emotional as I interacted with the obvious sorrow of those bereaved, particularly my friend’s wife and her two daughters. There was very little religiosity in the ceremony as a priest sensitively conducted affairs. A small gathering of relatives and friends listened attentively. I learned that my friend had served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, and it was then he met and married his wife. They had two daughters from whom they acquired five grandchildren. A doting Grandfather, he spent many hours with his grandchildren and he delighted in teaching them to swim. As a young man he had been an accomplished swimmer. The priest read a eulogy composed by one of his daughters which was full of praise for a perfect and wonderful father who had always been gentle and tolerant with his family, friends and strangers alike. After the war he had worked on the buses and later was an employee of Lloyds Bank.

At intervals during the service, various songs and tunes were played, one of which was Louis Armstrong’s, ‘What a Wonderful World’, and towards the end, during a short time for reflection, there was Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. (This can be heard here: http://grace-gospel.org/ ) I found the melody very moving. The only concessions to anything resembling a traditional church funeral service were the saying of the Lord’s Prayer and the committal prayer of the deceased to the keeping of the Lord.

Shortly before the curtains closed, one by one, family members placed single rosebuds on the coffin. Finally there was the playing of a solemn military refrain as mourners left the building to gather by floral wreaths and sprays that had been removed from the hearse. One of these was a beautiful rendering in yellow flowers of the word, ‘DAD’. There, people gave comfort to my friend’s widow and his family before they left for a get-together in private.

I shall always remember this dignified and simple tribute to a gentleman (in the truest sense) I was privileged to have as my neighbour for many years, a man who had lived faithfully and lovingly with his dear wife.

Gravity

Crab apples subject to Newton's Law of Universal Gravity



The fable children are taught at junior school about Sir Isaac Newton discovering the rules of gravity because an apple fell on his head is most probably just that, but he did come up with his ‘Law of Universal Gravity’* which is used today.

Gravity is something we take for granted. We seldom give it a thought, and yet all of us are subject to this mysterious ‘force’. Gravity is not a substance, but it is a property of anything with mass. The more mass an object has, the stronger the gravity; hence the moon having only 1/80th the mass of the earth, has 1/6th the gravity of the earth. It is believed by some that all forces of gravity extend infinitely into the universe, but the further away a body is from the earth or any other planet, the less powerful the gravitational force becomes. We stay where we are when standing on the earth by virtue of the fact that gravity exerts a force upon us towards the centre of the earth. Without this force keeping us to the ground, we would be flung into space by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the earth.

Without gravity the universe would not exist in its current form; for example, the force of gravity keeps the waters of the oceans where they are, while the sun and moon’s gravitational forces affect the oceans’ waters by drawing them or heaping them up, thus causing the flow of waters causing spring or neap tides. When the moon, sun and earth are aligned, the greatest influence of gravitational forces is exerted on the oceans so as to produce spring tides. Gravity also has an affect upon the pressure of the air we breathe by exerting its force on the particles that constitute it. The higher an ascending object is above the earth’s surface, the lesser is the air pressure exerted upon it. The average air pressure at sea level induced by gravity exerts a force of about 14.7 lbs on every square inch of our body, and if we were in a submersible at the location of the wreck of the Titanic, our submersible would have to withstand a pressure of 6,000 lbs per square inch! From this illustration you can see that water has a mass much greater than air.

From the time of Galileo (1564-1642) and later, Isaac Newton (1643-1727), scientists have been studying the nature of gravity. Much is understood about how it operates and the mathematical ‘laws’ to which it conforms, but to the actual question, “What is gravity?” there are varying theories, but no one proven answer. Meanwhile watch out for the banana skin, otherwise Gravity will have the last laugh.
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_universal_gravitation

Ageism

Entrenched Ageism


Ageism is prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of age - not just ‘old’ age. These attitudes mostly affect older people, but whether old or young, the heart of the problem is ‘our’ attitudes. These prejudicial and discriminatory categorizations have evolved over time to become accepted stereotypes passed on from generation to generation. Stereotypic perceptions of old or young people have become generally accepted, even by those discriminated against, just as if they had been brainwashed or conditioned to accept them. Youngsters may use derogatory words such as ‘fuddy-duddies’, ‘old coots’ or ‘codgers’, when referring to elderly men, and when describing elderly women they may call them ‘old hags’, ‘witches’ or ‘doddery cows’. None of these epithets are endearing or acceptable when describing the elderly. On the other hand, older people referring to teenagers can be just as scurrilous with words like ‘layabouts’, ‘druggies’, ‘hoodies’, ‘floozies’ and ‘boozy boppers’. Sometimes you may feel there’s an antipathy between young and old - some sort of warfare or alienation. This is to be discouraged by acknowledging that all people, if they live long enough, experience childhood, middle age, and old age. There need not be artificial groupings on account of age; rather there should be recognition that there’s a gradual transition from the cradle to the grave.

Middle-aged people are not generally affected by ageism, except in these times of high unemployment when workers are being made redundant. An employer, for example, may prefer to continue employing a youngster on low wages instead of a mature worker on higher wages. Even with the Age Discrimination Act, employers do not pay identical wages to all workers doing similar jobs, but employees are fearful to complain, because they may lose their jobs.

There are some practical measures we can take to re-educate ‘our’ entrenched prejudices. We can recognize and demonstrate by acceptance that whatever age a person is, he has something to offer, whether youthful enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, or an eagerness to share skills and knowledge on the part of older folk. Take people for what they are and what they can do, and give them respect. By using terms like ‘little old lady’, ‘doddery bloke’ or ‘senile fogy’, we demonstrate our own prejudices and discriminatory attitude. We need to initiate change in ourselves, in our homes, schools and the workplace.

Compassion

No one can fail to have heard of the release of Libyan Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi from a Scottish prison for repatriation to his home to die. This man was indicted on 270 counts of murder in 1991 for being a perpetrator of the Lockerbie bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. He has always maintained his innocence. Medical experts agree that Megrahi will die from prostate cancer within three months, and under Scottish law this condition meets the criterion for compassion whereby he can be allowed to spend his dying days with his family. The final decision for his release lay squarely on the shoulders of the Scottish Justice Minister, Mr Kenny MacAskill, who had the unenviable task, because whatever his decision, there would be those who would object, particularly relatives of the innocent people killed in the atrocity and the US administration, the main basis of their objections being the apparent injustice of the compassion shown. There are those too who believe the fight against terrorism has been severely weakened by giving the wrong signal, one of weakness.

MacAskill, himself observed that Megrahi had not shown compassion, and yet that was not a valid reason for not showing compassion to Megrahi who would be judged by a Higher Authority i.e., God.

Compassion is not just an emotion; it is an inner conviction that often leads to action for the relief and aid of those in need. Compassion is not uniquely a Christian attribute, for all mainstream religions teach the blessings of charity for the poor and those in need. Compassion is something more than empathy. Every person with a loving heart, religious or not, contains a seed of compassion.

Megrahi’s reception in Tripoli appears to have been ‘over the top’ for one convicted of such a horrific crime and there has been criticism from those who object to the flying of the saltire or Scottish flag on his arrival. With the best will, this act can be seen as a tribute to Scotland for the compassion shown to Megrahi and as an expression of thanks for his release. Others with a different view may see the display of the saltire as an insult to Scottish justice. Whatever views are held, tradition has it that the diagonal white cross on the flag represents the shape of the cross upon which St Andrew was crucified. When that dreadful act occurred, no mercy or compassion was shown to the innocent, but with Megrahi compassion was shown to the guilty. (Romans 9:15)

Walking

Walking is something we take for granted, unless we are a paraplegic, and yet many of us only walk when we need to. We often choose an alternative means of getting from A to B. If we want to go to the local shop, we slide into the car or use the moped. By habit we take the lazier option, rather than the healthier and greener alternative. In terms of benefiting our health, there is no better or cheaper way of achieving and maintaining physical fitness than by walking. Running can cause injury to joints and tendons, as well as exacerbating existing injuries. Swimming usually costs money, unless it is done in the sea, a river or a lake, and travelling to where you want to swim takes time. Workouts at Sports Centres or Gymnasiums need preplanning, whereas walking can be spontaneous, simply by stepping outside wherever you happen to be. Walking is an activity you can do alone or in company, and it can be taken to different levels. If you want to walk with others, you can join a local ramblers’ group, or you may like to take an organized holiday by a tour operator specializing in trekking or walking holidays. Alternatively, you could do your own thing by exploring the well-defined trails of the National Trust, or try the tracks of the Lake District. The more intrepid walkers could even venture to the ancient ruins of the Incas at Machu Picchu, high in the Andes of Peru!

The health benefits of regular exercise by walking are far-reaching, even if you only walk for 10 to 20 minutes perhaps twice a day, but at a fairly brisk pace, say 4 mph. That may require a gentle introduction, especially if you are not fit. Just start with an easy quarter-of-an-hour amble. From then on progressively increase the length of your daily walks over the next week or so. Maybe by the end of the third or fourth week you could achieve a minimum of 2 ½ to 3 miles a day. After two months, gradually increase the speed of your walking to about 4 mph, but it is best not to make strict rules otherwise walking could become a chore. Just enjoy what you are doing and walk at your own pace. Different locations can make the experience more pleasurable. If you have health problems, perhaps associated with being overweight, or you have diabetes or high blood pressure etc., it may be advisable to consult your GP before starting a walking/keep fit programme.

I am not a clinician or medical practitioner, but I’ve read that the benefits of regular walking may include improved cardiovascular health, the reduction of back pain and better mobility for arthritis sufferers, plus it helps those who have osteoporosis and those with high levels of cholesterol. Walking is a positive means of reducing weight and it also helps reduce high blood pressure, and perhaps lessens the chances of heart attacks and strokes. Even varicose vein sufferers may benefit from the exercise. Walking is a means towards achieving good health which is a factor leading to longer life. Even a fit elderly person can continue walking, whereas running or active sport for the elderly is generally out of the question. Surveys in the US show that the highest percentage of regular walkers (39.4%) is comprised of men over 64, and I guess it is similar here in the UK. Walking can also be beneficial for a person’s mental health, being especially effective for the release of tensions and stress. A solo walker is left free to unwind, and the physical action of walking relaxes the mind. I know that when I return after a brisk walk, I feel more relaxed than when I set out. While walking, my mind is free to roam any topic, and if I feel like praying, I can do so without distraction.

Regular walking is a practice I can highly recommend to any able-bodied person, because of the health-giving benefits to both body and mind. I also believe there are benefits for the soul - if one walks in the right company! (Genesis 5:21-24)

Boom Boom Cars

My modest gear
Not exactly a subwoofer



Do you live on the other side of the road? It won’t make a bit of difference, because you will have to suffer the subwoofer booming noises from the 1000w Sony Xplod P5 series or similar loudspeakers fitted to the car of some extrovert who wants to share his favourite noise, not just with his neighbours as he passes through, but with strangers more than a mile away! He thinks he’s the most popular guy on the street and believes he’s sure to impress his girlfriends. What he doesn’t realise is that he’ll be deaf before he’s forty, and those who are foolish enough to share his company in his Boom Boom Machine will also be deaf with him.

This form of extroverted conduct is classified as ‘anti-social behaviour’ and the Police have powers of arrest and confiscation of equipment from persistent offenders. In June of this year the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary embarked on a region-wide scheme to address the problem of noisy vehicles. Plymouth Police use sound measuring equipment to monitor decibels emitted from stereo systems and they have been using these devices in targeted areas such as West Hoe, the Hoe and the Barbican.

Subwoofer speakers produce sound pressure levels and infrasonic waves that truly vibrate anything nearby. I know, because when my car was behind a Boom Boom Car it really shook and the skin on my body rippled! This sort of exhibitionist behaviour has been described as ‘passive aggression’, but there’s nothing passive about it. Fortunately we are way behind the US, because there, the competitive spirit reigns, and a subculture exists known as ‘booming’. The booming buddies arrange ‘sound pressure level’ (SPL) competitions, also known as ‘dB drag racing’. These are held nationwide, and at their meetings, manufacturers promote brands and equiment, while installers publicise their businesses. The trade amounts to millions of dollars.

Here in the UK, legislation* exists to clamp down on the ‘boy racer boomer’ or individual who seeks respect from his peers by making the loudest noise with the most expensive subwoofers, but has little respect for the majority of law-abiding citizens who don’t share their lack of consideration and lack of taste. The difficulty arises in catching the perpetrators by virtue of their mobility.

* Police Reform Act 2002: local police forces may serve anti-social behaviour
orders that can impose bans from certain roads, and there are even confiscation powers over vehicle owners in more serious cases.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986: Regulation 97
states that,” no motor vehicle shall be used on a road in such a manner as to cause any
excessive noise which could have been avoided by the exercise of reasonable
care on the part of the driver".

On-road enforcement is by the police.

Environmental Protection Act 1990: under Section 79, as amended by the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993, loud music from stationary vehicles may also be defined as a statutory nuisance. Environmental health officers, therefore, have powers to serve abatement notices during these incidents. Failure to comply can lead to fines and confiscation of equipment.
As set out in Chapter 7 of the Respect Action Plan, the Government are also considering how law enforcement methods for such offences can be improved."

Wind

The study the winds of the world is a major part of global meteorology and to a large extent the weather is determined by the wind. Here in the UK the prevailing wind is from the South West, which means that as it journeys across the North Atlantic it picks up moisture from the ocean before arriving at our shores. As this moist air is lifted into the cooler, higher atmosphere by convection or by land masses, clouds are formed. These clouds may bring rain, sleet, hailstones or snow.

In the summer and autumn months hurricanes can form at sea and vent themselves on the Caribbean Islands and the Florida Panhandle. Indeed, the first tropical storm of the year brought gale-force winds and driving rain early this week to those areas. These revolving currents of rising air, warmed by the sea, grow in intensity causing havoc when passing over land, before subsiding into larger areas that move with the general trend across the Atlantic to our shores. Here they translate into gales or unsettled weather.

The power of the wind can be awesome, but for those who experience a hurricane it must be truly terrifying. The resulting damage to property can run into millions of dollars, and often there’s personal tragedy, because of injury or death. Fortunately, hurricane-force winds are seldom experienced here in SE England and we generally have less windy conditions than the exposed Western side of the Country. We also have less rainfall. Only a few miles from where I live, the village of Great Wakering has the least rainfall in England.

Sailors rely on the wind, and when cruising or racing they study it carefully to their advantage. Apart from the tide, the wind determines success or failure. Just now, Mike Perham, a young British lad, is on his final leg after sailing around the world. In his Blog (http://www.totallymoney.com/sailmike/?cat=5)he constantly tells of what the wind is doing, and he’s always happy when there’s enough of it to make ‘Totally Money’ surf at speeds in excess of 20 knots.