Maggie/915

Thanks Symptoms. I will read your links at some stage. My aim is to try to understand the Anglo / Saxon era in relation to our town and church. Sadly things are not always black and white. We have seen very diverse opinions on the election. Often people prove what they think is already known. The expert geologist can get it wrong and put peoples lives at risk in the coal mines. This we have as a first hand account, thanks to HPW. I wonder what (if anything) would be around in Bedlington 2000 years ago. Then 1000 years ago before the Normans wrecked the North. It could be that merely a ruin was left and they then attempted to construct or reconstruct. Recycling. We have early guides to what was or was not happening. However when assessment of how well you were doing involved some degree of taxation, it maybe was not as clear cut. Even Bede wrote only one version of events. Our town is interesting. The walls around and outside the church are back filled with soil as are the walls to the old Whitley Memorial School. How have the levels changed in 2000/1000 years , I wonder! What effect has man had on these changes and why? We know the woods hold many secret tunnels and more just from the period of the Second World War. What is under our feet? Maybe nothing but who knows what could or will be found in the future to change our outlook on events. One thing we have is the stones as evidence. A simple wall can show evidence of Roman Occupation. A drive from Scots Gap up country is interesting just looking at the buildings and walls. The so called 'Devils Causeway' near Hartburn is another interesting point. Walk up the river and look for 'Fords' Things change, I believe there is evidence further North of a landowner changing the course of a river. If 100 years ago can be lost in the mists of time , who really has a clue. Modern War fare is obliterating huge areas and historical details are being lost. Books can be burnt. Building destroyed. I guess being brought up on old Enid Blyton novels had an effect.

Agreed mercuryg. However it is going to be a difficult job. I hope everyone regardless of political persuasion helps with the difficult or almost impossible task of regeneration. Whether your a 'Doom and Gloom ' individual or an MP or a NCC representative the future has to be working together for the town we love. The people involved in the 'Make a Noise for Bedlington' also need help with the job in hand. No negativity. Not to sure who we can trust in this 'Post Election ' time. Surely the old guard will feel,the need to help in any way they can.

Gallows humour gets me through ! SAD plus a bit of humour or 'p---- take' The 'Gran Reserva' can also help. Then here is always the pictures that refuse to load the right way up. It is the little things that get you through. Mind I also like Symptoms version of where there is discord let me bring harmony, Basically how to :- 'Rage against the dying of the light' or ' It's not dark yet but it's getting there' If I was Queen /King for the day I would go along with the lines of John Lennon's 'Imagine' lyrics. Sorry about this but I did attend a funeral yesterday of a great friend and neighbour. That one person in a thousand you could always rely on. Not a lot of them around.

If you want to finish the election in style listen to 'Dead Ringers' on radio 4 today

Congratulations to Malcolm I believe are due .

Surely it would be unsightly and covered up Synptoms. The look of the red stones is more like brick. I wonder if it is an indication of a different but attached building at some stage in the church's life. Besides being in line with the Norman arch it is also in line with the lepers window. (So called) The walls around the church and opposite are similar stone to this old part. As are part of the old vicarage.

Very Good Symptoms. Maybe we should start 'A Wipers Times'

Not sure I agree there Symptoms. They are not on corners and looking inside the Church provides no extra clues. Obviously close to the Norman Arch. On the long wall there is evidence of windows that have been replaced. The originals are higher and have round arches. Early English /Romanesque. The colour puzzles me.

Melanie has some brilliant ideas for our town. Let's not loose her. Bedlington needs anyone who can help.

Okay not the result that most people on this site wanted but last night was far from boring. Why oh why do our local counts start so late? Nine o clock this morning it seems they started to count. We were one of the last results to be announced.

This is the cover of the Young Uns cd. They won best group at the folk awards.

This is nearer to home. Why are there different coloured stones / bricks near the roof. Scaffolding again, clerestory or triforium or any other ideas. The church our Saint Cuthbert's Bedlington.

Worth a read :-

Perhaps relevant :-

How could you say that about a cuddly little bear mercuryg. Think marmalade sandwich and learn.

The basis of the editorial is :- 'The people of Bedlington deserve better ' However the blame is Tesco not the political power base.

The Journal today has a report and an editorial comment about Bedlington

Ashington yesterday hosted a Triathlon. Swimming , Cycling and Running. It would be great if we still had the swimming baths at Humford because the rest of Bedlingtonshire would be ideal for an event. Maybe we could put suggestions to the officer in charge of leisure facilities at NCC. There is a Northumberland Triathlon initiative.

Old age brings on strange thoughts about life. Within Bedlington there is the ability to laugh at oneself and make light of even the worst situation. Family gathering can seem to reinforce this ability to laugh or make a serious situation seem funny. However it does not apply to all there are the people who you do not under any circumstances laugh at / or about. In a dangerous occupation where you rely on your workmates is this essential? After all, we can all make mistakes but we are defined by how we deal with them. Within politics there is a culture of its not my fault. When it comes to War then people see a common enemy and work together. This weekend I am thinking about our town, politics locally and nationally and how things could and should be done. Basically not got a clue. Do we learn from our nurture or do we just act because of our nature. When need arises do we go into fight or flight mode.

Melanie's suggestions for Bedlington are well worth a read. Excellent ideas regardless of who wins on Thursday. All the candidates and councillors should take note. No 'Doom and Gloom ' politics allowed. Working together sharing ideas. No one getting annoyed or unpleasant . Democracy. The pictures last night from Glasgow were shocking. Intimidation and shouting surely never wins the argument. Protest is fine but work for the good of all.

Happy Birthday to you both. The weather here is not to good today but I hope it is a bright and sunny year for you both.

Just watched Paddington. Very good and very relevant to political debate on immigration.

Remembering yesterday and listening to a group called The Young'Uns. Their cd seems very relevant :- Drown your hatred in a barrel of love, But never forget. There is even a track called :- The Running Fox.

Ah happy memories. Garden vegetables grown in the back garden. My folks also had pigs and chickens not in the back garden. Produce shared with neighbours. A life well lived here in our little town . Deliveries to the door , vans or horse and cart.

Peter Kay's latest comedy is very good.