Friday 5 August 2011

Just for a laugh - TGIF

I saw them out of the corner of my eye. I didn’t really pay any attention at first, after all it was a narrow country road and I was only in second gear, inching my way around the bends. They were standing inches apart. I’m not sure if they were staring into each others' eyes but it wasn’t any of my business; live and let live is my philosophy.

But it was their reaction when they saw me that made me interested in them. Suddenly they went from being a normal couple to having a couple hiding a secret and the sight of me obviously made them realise their secret was in jeopardy of being discovered.

They literally fled but in different directions.

I mean if they were a couple surely they’d have gone in the same direction but no. I knew, or at least I thought they were having an affair. Okay I know that’s the obvious conclusion but what other conclusion is there?
Standing inches apart and then suddenly they were off.

Hang on is my imagination running away with me? If I was anywhere else then I’d probably yes but not in my village. Hey you sneeze around here and the whole neighbourhood knows and offers of tissues, various linctus and a few garlic bulbs are offered readily. What I’m saying is everyone knows what is going on and if there was an affair in the offing – well I’m not saying it would make the Parish Post but word would spread before he’d even slipped her bra strap from her shoulder never mind managed to undo it.

Was this a secret that no one knew about and if so what should I do about it?

Ignore it. None of my business.

So I drove on and gave nothing more than a cursory glance to the fleeing couple but I couldn’t help wondering if I’d stumbled on something that for once no one knew about.

Or was it just the fact they were a couple of bunnies standing on the grass verge who were spooked by the big black car bearing down on them?

You decide. 

Monday 1 August 2011

George III Golden Jubilee

Isn't technology amazing?

I was going through my files on John Starling (yes saved on the computer) when I came across this poem he wrote about his memories of the King George III Golden Jubilee which happened on 25th October 1809. I suspect he did use some poetic licence in writing this because he was only four at the time - but you never know.


On my seeing the Jubilee when George the third had reigned for 50 years

I well remember when a boy
We had a jolly spree  years
When old King Gerge reign’d fifty
There was a Jubilee

There as a dinner in the street
All hearts were light and free
To see the puddings and the beef
At that grand Jubilee

Besides a plenty of strong ale
Round the tables passed so free
All eyes were bright and hearts so light
At the Kings Jubilee

And after dinner they did shout
Three ringing cheers so free
God Save the King long may he live
For this his Jubilee

The guns did fire the bells did ring
All hearts were full of glee
And all over merry and jovial here
At this great Jubilee

Should I’ve been spar’d a little time
Another we shall see
Victoria have reign’d fifty years
This is her Jubilee

Long may she live long may she reign
To rule o’er land and sea
That thousands may rejoice to see
Her year of Jubilee

I know full well it is the last
That many on earth will see
But hope in heaven we all shall meet
At that great Jubilee

Another one there yet will come
Which all of us will see
When Heaven and earth will pass away
At the last Jubilee

There Kings and Queens and subjects will
The King of Glory see
Upon his throne to hear their doom
At the final Jubilee

John Starling 1806 - 1891