Just posted one article and updated another article to my website that concern past residents of Crookes and Crookesmoor. In both cases I suppose you could say that they were the greatest artist and poet respectively that Crookes ever produced but in both cases there was very little about either of them on-line or in print.
The artist Joseph Haslam Hawksworth was unusual inasmuch as that he supported himself and his family throughout his life on his earnings from being an artist-painter..He was according to critics "a highly accomplished English landscape painter" of the period
Joseph Senior on the other hand was a pen blade forger by trade and his poetry was purely for pleasure.Nevertheless he was widely known and respected in the district and in Sheffield - see the list of subscribers to his book "Smithy Rhymes and Stithy Chimes: Or the Short and Simple Annals of the Poor, Spelt by the Unlettered Muse of Your Humble Bard" .
My next task in to try and locate the graves of the two Joseph's and see if any mention is made of their talents
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Monday, 11 July 2011
"Which Britons make our country truly great?"
Whilst all the media and politicians are getting lathered up about a phone hacking "scandal" that was initiated by staff at the now defunct "News of the World" I thought readers of this Blog might enjoy this litle gem from the Daily Telegraph dated October 2007. In a way it speaks even greater volumes about the parlous state of the press in this country,
"Britishness and the state of the union dominate the political agenda. But which Britons make our country truly great? Here Telegraph writers choose their favourites from this year across seven categories as the search begins for the Morgan Stanley Great Britons of 2007
BUSINESS
Our candidates in the business category have successfully flown the flag for Britain in the global economy, from banking to retailing and engineering to telecoms.
Sir Fred Goodwin is the leading British banker of his generation, having transformed Royal Bank of Scotland from a mid-sized provincial player into the world's fifth largest bank.
Seven years ago, he steered the bank through a successful £21billion hostile takeover of NatWest, a bank three times its size.
This year he surpassed that as Royal Bank led a consortium of Belgium's Fortis and Spain's Santander, beating competition from Barclays to buy Dutch bank ABN Amro for £49billion in the largest takeover in banking history."
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Nick Clegg - A Man for All Sports
I am starting to wonder if Nick Clegg is hankering after sporting greatness. I caught a glimpse of him at the Champions League Final in May sitting in the best seats next to Mugabe's dear friend Sepp Blatter. And then blow me whilst Prime Minister Cameron was preparing to do his bit in Helmand province (Afghanistan), his deputy and wife were presiding over Centre Court at Wimledon for the Men's semi-finals. They were naturally in some of the best seats! In fact he is starting to look imperious, and aloof, something that the people of his constituency are starting to find vexing but I'm sure that he was at these venues "fighting for Britain"
You can see how far he has travelled in the last 18 months by reading the contents of this letter
You can see how far he has travelled in the last 18 months by reading the contents of this letter
I wonder where he and his family was lucky in obtaining tickets for the 2012 Olympics - many British people did not get any even though they are funding it!
A Crookes Artist - Joseph Haslam Hawksworth (1827-1908)
Just posted an article to the website that I have been working on in the last couple of days. It is the first time that I've posted an article that pertains to the arts but I have just stuck to the facts of Joseph's life. No opinions, criticisms etc on his painting and art as I feel that I am not qualified in that respect. The only point I did make and this really applies to a lot of Victorian Art, is that it is not my "cup of tea"
Nevertheless Joseph spent his whole life as an artist and he certainly had some status and success in such circles. But oddly enough he moved very few times in his life. In fact during the last fifty years of his life he remained firmly in the Crookes/Crookesmoor area of Sheffield and so I suppose he could be called Crookes' Greatest Artist!
Nevertheless Joseph spent his whole life as an artist and he certainly had some status and success in such circles. But oddly enough he moved very few times in his life. In fact during the last fifty years of his life he remained firmly in the Crookes/Crookesmoor area of Sheffield and so I suppose he could be called Crookes' Greatest Artist!
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Herbert W Thomas (1895 - 1916) - A Soldier from Spring Hill Sheffield
I've just posted the first new article to the website for nearly two months. In the interim I have been updating earlier articles and content with information from the 1911 Census.
I came across Herbert and his family through the Census - the family were living on "the Hill" one hundred years ago and continued to do so until the mid 1950's and possibly longer. I am now determined to find out all I can about the family and so if anyone can add anything I would be grateful
I came across Herbert and his family through the Census - the family were living on "the Hill" one hundred years ago and continued to do so until the mid 1950's and possibly longer. I am now determined to find out all I can about the family and so if anyone can add anything I would be grateful
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
The Diary of Corporal John William Ballinger
Having access to the 1911 Census is proving to be a great asset. For instance I have had this newspaper cutting from the Daily Telegraph since 2007 but have never been able to incorporate it into the website
I came across it again when I was compiling the article on Walter Hutchinson and his diary and have now found John in 1911
Gender Male
Age 21 Estimated Year of Birth 1890
Occupation Nil
Employed No
Working at Home No
Place of Birth Forest Gate Essex
Military Rank Private 1st Bn Manchester Regiment
Enumerator Information
Address Kamptee Town Kamptee Inhabited Y
Reference RG14PN34980 RD641 SD5 ED1 SN9999 Administrative County Overseas Military
I came across it again when I was compiling the article on Walter Hutchinson and his diary and have now found John in 1911
(click on image to read text)
Name John William Ballinger
Condition SingleGender Male
Age 21 Estimated Year of Birth 1890
Occupation Nil
Employed No
Working at Home No
Place of Birth Forest Gate Essex
Military Rank Private 1st Bn Manchester Regiment
Enumerator Information
Address Kamptee Town Kamptee Inhabited Y
Reference RG14PN34980 RD641 SD5 ED1 SN9999 Administrative County Overseas Military
Enumeration District 1
Like Walter Hutchinson, John's diary makes for sobering reading
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Page Woodcocks Wind Pills - "this most excellent medicine"
This appeared in The Sheffield & Rotherham Independent (Sheffield, England), Friday, June 23, 1899; pg. 7; Issue 13920 as an advertisement. And it started me wondering why these pills are no longer available because they seem to be a cure for those scourges of modern day life - wind, indigestion, liver complaints and biliousness
Sadly a Google search revealed that Page Woodcock was in fact a purveyor of quack medicine but if that was the case why were his wind pills so successful over many years. Surely if they failed to resolve the symptoms, the patient/user would know about it
Thursday, 23 June 2011
Are You Happy With The Way Things Are In Britain Today?
A letter from Nick Clegg that was sent to me just over a year ago when he was just the leader of the Liberal Democrat party. If there is a reason why people have no confidence in politicians in general and Nick Clegg in particular this letter surely shows you why
"Rich bankers, millionaires and polluters will all finally be made to pay their fair share" is just breathtaking in its naivety. Rich bankers, millionaires and polluters have never paid their fair share and never will - it is a fact of life and the sooner Nick Clegg grasps hold of this the sooner he and his party can "move" on.
PS I'm still paying tax on my first £10,000 I earn Nick - as it is at the heart of your plans, can you ensure that I don't otherwise you and your party will be seen as heartless!
"Rich bankers, millionaires and polluters will all finally be made to pay their fair share" is just breathtaking in its naivety. Rich bankers, millionaires and polluters have never paid their fair share and never will - it is a fact of life and the sooner Nick Clegg grasps hold of this the sooner he and his party can "move" on.
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Cameron - The Supreme Commander
"David Cameron criticises comments over Libya mission
The prime minister has criticised military chiefs who have spoken out in public about the UK's role in Libya.
It comes after the RAF's second-in-command said "huge" demands were being placed on equipment and personnel.
David Cameron said: "There are moments when I wake up and read the newspapers and think: 'I tell you what, you do the fighting and I'll do the talking'."
He said military leaders were "absolutely clear" the mission could be kept going for as long as necessary.
"Time is on our side, not on Gaddafi's side," he said in a news conference.
Last week, the First Sea Lord, Sir Mark Stanhope, warned that continuing operations in Libya beyond September would mean taking ships away from other tasks".
I know all British Prime Ministers see themselves as re-incarnations of Churchill, the most noticeable examples being Thatcher and Blair, and I think that Cameron and his deputy Clegg are heading that way.
Still if the military do become over-stretched in Libya and are unable to fulfill their "fighting" role, Cameron does have a back-up strategy - "he'll do the talking." Gaddafi you have been warned!!
The War Graves Photographic Project
As readers of the blog have noticed the last couple of months I have been occupied with "grave matters" and more specifically WW1 graves. Whilst researching articles I came across the following site-The War Graves Photographic Project
and to quote
"The aim of The War Graves Photographic Project is to photograph every war grave, individual memorial, MoD grave, and family memorial of serving military personnel from WWI to the present day and make these available within a searchable database.
Now working as a joint venture with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, this will enable families, scholars and researchers to obtain, via the CWGC or TWGPP websites, a copy of the photograph of a grave or memorial which for many is impossible to visit due to the location".
But if you want a photograph of a grave or memorial that has been taken by a VOLUNTEER you have to make a donation of AT LEAST £3.00 for an e-mailed print or AT LEAST £5.00 for a 7x5" photograph. The Projects justification for the charges can be found on this link
Two things spring to mind - one is that I think the charges are very excessive especially for the e-mail print. A volunteer takes the photo at his own time and expense, sends the photo to the project who promply claim copyright, and then they sell it on to third parties.
And secondly all the photos on the site are watermarked and copyrighted - to quote
"Small print - Copyright remains with the CWGC/TWGPP/Donor. Those wishing to use photographs for publishing purposes should contact TWGPP for appropriate permission"
This site is a commercial venture that will undoubtedly make livelihood(s) and profits for those that run it.But it leaves a slightly bittter taste in my mouth for some reason. In the introduction they state
"make these available within a searchable database". when they should say "make these available at a cost to the user within a searchable database".
I find content and material from my website all over the place - sometimes people place an acknowledgement and sometimes they don't.But the one thing I will never do on my site is start charging for content and material.(not that anyone would pay me!) If I did that I would be on par with Rupert Murdoch and that would be hard to stomach
The Sad Death of Nellie Murfin
The cutting is from the Sheffield and Rotherham Independent dated 20th October 1899. It looks as though Nellie age 3 went on her own to the shop to buy a shuttlecock and on the way back was killed by a dray carrying mineral water.
The two elements of the report that are surprising from a modern day point of view is that young Nellie went to the shop on her own. If that happened nowadays the parents and/or guardians would be prosecuted for severe child neglect as an absolute minimum, and quite possibly manslaughter. And the second element is the mineral water dray. Attercliffe and district in the late C19th could hardly be described as "spa destinations." and so bottling and distributing the local spring water is a non -starter. It is far more likely that the district had to import water given that the local supplies would be heavily polluted by industry
As for young Nellie she was buried six days later in Sheffield's Burngreave Cemetery
MURFIN, Nellie (Daughter of A Murfin, age 3). Died at 15-4 Attercliffe Road; Buried on October 25, 1889 in Consecrated ground; Grave Number 15, Section K2 of Burngreave Cemetery, Sheffield.
The grave contains 12 other bodies
Harry Poole 1916
I've just posted an article about Harry Poole to the site.
Harry was the eighth soldier that I have identified from Sheffield who enlisted in the British Army in WW1 and was executed for desertion. Harry was working class, just like the other seven soldiers from Sheffield who were executed by the British Army in the Great War. In fact it is now looking a distinct possibility that The British Army was harbouring some deep seated prjudices about the working classes in general, and particularly those who came from the industrial towns in the North.
Harry was the eighth soldier that I have identified from Sheffield who enlisted in the British Army in WW1 and was executed for desertion. Harry was working class, just like the other seven soldiers from Sheffield who were executed by the British Army in the Great War. In fact it is now looking a distinct possibility that The British Army was harbouring some deep seated prjudices about the working classes in general, and particularly those who came from the industrial towns in the North.
Harry's grave is at the front and to the right
I have also posted some information on William Randle who was executed two weeks prior to Harry. He occupies the grave directly behind Harry
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
George Orwell's Grave
Many years ago I visited the grave of one of the few writers that I would call a "literary hero" - George Orwell (Eric Blair). The grave is situated in the churchyard of All Saints Church in Sutton Courtenay in Berkshire. Photos were taken and then promptly lost by Tripleprint which meant that I did not have no photographic record of the visit. And since then the other point that has troubled me is why George was buried in Sutton Courtenay as he had, as far as I knew, no significant connection with the village.
However due to Wikipedia I now have both a photo of the grave. I should add that when I visited the grave I was rather dismayed about its general condition and neglect - the rose bush then was a rather a poor specimen to say the least!
AND I also ascertained from the same article why George was buried in Sutton Courtenay in the first place.
However due to Wikipedia I now have both a photo of the grave. I should add that when I visited the grave I was rather dismayed about its general condition and neglect - the rose bush then was a rather a poor specimen to say the least!
His memorial bears the simple epitaph: "Here lies Eric Arthur Blair, born 25 June 1903, died 21 January 1950
AND I also ascertained from the same article why George was buried in Sutton Courtenay in the first place.
"The churchyard is notable as the location of the burial place of Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his pen name, George Orwell. As a child he fished in a local stream. He wanted to be buried in the churchyard of whichever was the nearest church to where he died. However he died in London and none of the local churches had any space in their graveyards. Thinking that he might have to be cremated against his wishes, his widow asked her friends whether they knew of a church that had space for him. David Astor, a friend of Orwell's who lived in Sutton Courtenay, explained the problem to his local vicar, and arrangements were made".
I have also found George in the 1911 Census as a 7 year old schoolboy
| Name Eric Blair Relationship to Head of Household Son Gender Male Age 7 Estimated Year of Birth 1904 Occupation School Place of Birth Rotilesri Bengal India Nationality British Subject Enumerator Information Address 22 Western Road Henley Parish Henley Upon Thames Town Henley Type of Building Private House Number of Rooms 9 Inhabited Yes Reference RG14PN8046 RG78PN406 RD150 SD1 ED12 SN88 Administrative County Oxfordshire Registration District Henley Registration Sub District Henley Enumeration District 12 | |
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
The Last Day in May
Monday, 16 May 2011
Life at the moment
Photo from the local press. Mrs Hobbs has just come to remind me that my team Sheffield United have been relegated this season. It began woefully and went downhill from there. Some of the worst football that has been seen in Sheffield 2 since Wednesday last visited. North of the border Clyde my "banker" for the Scottish Third Division Championship managed to come LAST with 32 points, a full 34 points behind Abroath. they did manage to win 8 out of their 36 games.
And to cap it all Saamidd my ante-post bet for the Epsom Derby in June (a horse that Dettori said was like Pegasus) injured himself in the 2000 Guineas and now will not run for the forseeable future.
Oh and Nick Clegg has embraced the concept of "muscular liberalism"
No wonder I look so happy!
And to cap it all Saamidd my ante-post bet for the Epsom Derby in June (a horse that Dettori said was like Pegasus) injured himself in the 2000 Guineas and now will not run for the forseeable future.
Oh and Nick Clegg has embraced the concept of "muscular liberalism"
No wonder I look so happy!
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
George Roe 1894 - 1915
Rather pleased that I have been able to add some further detail to the article
http://www.chrishobbs.com/georgeroe1915.htm
George was the first soldier from Sheffield to be executed by the British Army in the First World War, but it has been difficult to aquire further details of his life. Thankfully access to the 1911 Census and then the 1901 Census has meant that I have been able to trace his family. The fuller story can be found by following the link.
George was definitely born in 1894 and not 1896 as stated by the CWGC
But just after I posted this blog I discovered yet another soldier from Sheffield that had been executed by the British Army. His details are as follows
Private Harry Poole, 8534. 7th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Son of Mr. A. Poole, of 9, Bernard St., Park, Sheffield. Killed 9 December 1916.
Buried CAVILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY.
Name: POOLE, HARRY
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment/Service:Yorkshire Regiment
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 09/12/1916
Service No: 8534
Additional information: Son of Mr. A. Poole, of 9, Bernard St., Park, Sheffield.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Near North-West corner.Cemetery: CAVILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY.
This discovery now brings the total executed who came from Sheffield to eight.
http://www.chrishobbs.com/georgeroe1915.htm
George was the first soldier from Sheffield to be executed by the British Army in the First World War, but it has been difficult to aquire further details of his life. Thankfully access to the 1911 Census and then the 1901 Census has meant that I have been able to trace his family. The fuller story can be found by following the link.
George was definitely born in 1894 and not 1896 as stated by the CWGC
But just after I posted this blog I discovered yet another soldier from Sheffield that had been executed by the British Army. His details are as follows
Private Harry Poole, 8534. 7th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Son of Mr. A. Poole, of 9, Bernard St., Park, Sheffield. Killed 9 December 1916.
Buried CAVILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY.
Name: POOLE, HARRY
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Rifleman
Regiment/Service:Yorkshire Regiment
Unit Text: 7th Bn.
Date of Death: 09/12/1916
Service No: 8534
Additional information: Son of Mr. A. Poole, of 9, Bernard St., Park, Sheffield.
Grave/Memorial Reference: Near North-West corner.Cemetery: CAVILLON COMMUNAL CEMETERY.
This discovery now brings the total executed who came from Sheffield to eight.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
George Ainley (1898 - 1918)
For a number of years I have had articles on my website that concern the execution of people from Sheffield by the British army. It has been a matter of adding bits of information and content to the articles as and when it becomes available. It is the one great advantage the web has over traditional printed matter. If you need to update a book you have to reprint it in its entirity.
The access to the 1911 census mentioned in my previous blog has made a harrowing article even more tragic if that is possible. The article in question is
http://www.chrishobbs.com/georgeainley1918.htm
It takes some believing - it is like "Saving Private Ryan" in reverse. "I know you have lost three sons Mrs Ainley, and that George is your only son that has survived childhood, but he is going to be executed because his military character is not good". It could only happen in Britain!
The access to the 1911 census mentioned in my previous blog has made a harrowing article even more tragic if that is possible. The article in question is
http://www.chrishobbs.com/georgeainley1918.htm
It takes some believing - it is like "Saving Private Ryan" in reverse. "I know you have lost three sons Mrs Ainley, and that George is your only son that has survived childhood, but he is going to be executed because his military character is not good". It could only happen in Britain!
The Tyler Family
After a lot of prevaracation on my part, I have eventually decided to subscribe for access to the 1911 Census. I have strong feelings about public-governement bodies charging for information and material that was provided freely by our ancestors. They never received any payment for the information, and neither have their descendents, and so why should the state profit!. They will of course point to the various costs involved but these costs have been more that recouped by the value of the information they have received.
Anyway I digress. When you are researching any census you are struck by the stories that lay behind the document. Take for instance the Tyler family. They are living for want of a better term in a two room back to back hovel in the heavily industrialised east end of Sheffield. The details are as follows
| Enumerator Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Court 5 H Lovell St Sheffield |
| Parish | Sheffield |
| Town | Sheffield |
| Type of Building | Private House |
| Number of Rooms | 2 Rooms |
| Inhabited | Y |
| Reference | RG14PN27971 RG78PN1599 RD510 SD6 ED12 SN85 |
| Administrative County | Yorkshire (West Riding) |
| Registration District | Sheffield |
| Registration Sub District | East Brightside |
| Enumeration District | 12 |
The census was taken on 2nd April 1911 but if anyone had told them that before the next five and a half years are up, they would be all killed by a bomb dropped by a German Zeppelin, they would have just looked at you with sheer incredulity. And yet that is exactly what happened. On 25th September 1916 the Tyler family now living in nearby Corby Street were wiped out by a bomb dropped by a Zeppelin
It makes you reflect that no-one knows what life has got in store for them - never in a million years would the Tylers have thought in 1911 that they would all die together in an explosion the likes of which Sheffield had never seen before.
As a sad postscript the Tyler family were buried together on Saturday 30th September 1915 in Burngreave Cemetery Sheffield - the grave reference is E3 093 (Gen)
Thursday, 14 April 2011
"The Times They Are a-Changin'"
I am now getting seriously worried. When people write, and then publish articles,books, pamphlets etc there is an expectation by the reader that the material in the narrative will at least bear some approximation to the truth. Unless of course there is a disclaimer at the end of the article which states that you, the reader, have just read a load of old baloney and you should not believe a word you have just read. Personally I would not be very happy at all about being "taken for a ride" and would in all probability let the writer know what I think of their lies, deceit and misrepresentation.
An example of what I mean can be seen in the following posters that were delivered to the Hill in April 2010
I was fervently hoping that "(liberal democrat) politicians would work for the people" and bringabout "change that works for you" but I am once again astounded by the duplicity and dishonesty of the politicians. But I suppose I could of misread the poster. When they said "We need a change" they were in one respect correct - we now have two parties in government and not just one.
An example of what I mean can be seen in the following posters that were delivered to the Hill in April 2010
I was fervently hoping that "(liberal democrat) politicians would work for the people" and bringabout "change that works for you" but I am once again astounded by the duplicity and dishonesty of the politicians. But I suppose I could of misread the poster. When they said "We need a change" they were in one respect correct - we now have two parties in government and not just one.
.Wednesday, 6 April 2011
"It was the worst day that I had ever witnessed"
To put a bit of perspective on our current plight, I have just posted an article on my website that recounts Walter Hutchinson's life in June-July 1916. The term "unimaginable" comes to mind.
Who Do You Know?
I am getting rather worried now. My previous "musings" have mentioned Deputy Prime Minister Clegg on more than one occassion, the most recent being his "hawkish" stance in the NATO bombing of Libya. I would like to move onto different topics and areas of concern, but everytime I contemplate this, DPM Clegg delivers some more of his thoughts about the country and it's plight.
Yesterday it was his views on social mobility. This is the gist of what he said
"Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg says he wants to stop people getting on in life purely because of "who they know". As he launches the government's social mobility strategy, Mr Clegg said no-one should get an unfair advantage because their parents have "met somebody at the tennis club or the golf club".
He told the BBC: "Sadly, we still live in a country where, invariably, if you're born poor, you die poor. Just as if you go to a low-achieving school, you tend to end up in a low-achieving job."
He told the BBC: "Sadly, we still live in a country where, invariably, if you're born poor, you die poor. Just as if you go to a low-achieving school, you tend to end up in a low-achieving job."
Of course what DPM does not recognise is that his Conservative coalition partners have no interest whatsoever in improving social mobility, and never have had. A succession of Tory initiatives since 1979 have focused on ensuring that the "old order" is restored and then maintained. Even in the last few months the Coalition government have gleefully announced draconian increases in tuition fees and and scrapping the Education Maintenance Allowance. These measures have in effect erected major financial barriers for those people from low and average-income backgrounds who would aspire to "improve" their station in life. They act as a brake on social mobility rather than enhancing it.
Of course the people of Crookes (Sheffield) have no chance as the Crookes Golf Club and the Crookes Tennis Centre have still to make an appearance. And so we are stumped according to DPM Clegg's analysis.
In my belief, one of the bedrocks of British society is class. It permeates every strata and section of society and is deeply etched in the nation's psyche. The Tory party is above all a party built on class and the "natural order" and believe me it has no intentions of initiating radical and far reaching measures to improve social mobility. If fact it will do its damnest to ensure that this country will remain "a land fit for toffs to live in"
As the noted French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville once said t
The surface of society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colors breaking through."
Given the scale and the vehemence of this coalition's attack on the "ordinary people" of this country, I feel the "paint "will become thinner and more worn within a matter of months rather than years.
As the noted French political thinker Alexis de Tocqueville once said t
The surface of society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colors breaking through."
Given the scale and the vehemence of this coalition's attack on the "ordinary people" of this country, I feel the "paint "will become thinner and more worn within a matter of months rather than years.
Photo taken in London May 2015
Note It is a fact that although just 7% of people attend private/independent schools, they account for 70% of High Court Judges and 54% of CEOs of FTSE 100 companies. Perhaps DPM Clegg would like to analyse how this situation has arisen, and what is he going to do about it. Anyone for Tennis!!
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Update on the situation in Libya
I received an e-mail from on Saturday from Deputy Leader Clegg who is sounding a bit too much "Churchillian" for my liking.
| ||||||||||||
As you will have seen in the news our coalition government has successfully led
efforts in the UN Security Council to agree a ‘no-fly zone’ across Libya.
Colonel Gaddafi’s treatment of his own people has been brutal, savage and wholly
unacceptable. We have worked with Libya’s regional neighbours, especially the Arab
League, and countries across the globe, to secure a resolution in UN Security
Council. This resolution will allow us to act lawfully in deploying our forces to
up-hold a ‘no-fly zone’ in Libya.
The Prime Minister gave a statement yesterday, which you can read here
http://www.etelligent.uk.com/etelligent/mp-getURL.asp?SOID=545&CC=LIBDEMSFEDERAL&CID=163319&CEMAIL=chrishl@chrishobbs.com&LID=4413&SEID=2056&T=0&FRM=2 And on Monday we will have a full debate in the House of Commons, followed by a vote. In addition we will be publishing a summary of the legal advice of the Attorney-General. That is the right approach. This is a coalition government that will act decisively to protect innocent lives and uphold universal human rights. But one which will do so working with, not against, international law and the international community. Best wishes, Nick Clegg MP Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats
But apart from the tone of this mail, what worries me most is that he calls "Gaddafi’s treatment of his own people has been brutal, savage and wholly unacceptable". Well you can say that about half the countries in this world of ours, but it seems that only Libya warrants the attentions of the Coalition - I wonder why?
And also I don't know where he gets this notion that his "government that will act decisively to protect innocent lives and uphold universal human rights". Judging by the repeated actions of his government, the protection and security of its citizens,and their human rights come a poor second to the demands of pursuing draconian economic policies that succor the rich and wealthy,and punish the poor and dispossessed. It is a shame that I can't get a UN resolution to impose a "no-bluster zone" on the outpourings of this coalition government of ours. I am sure it would be welcomed by all shades of opinion, both at home and abroad
Friday, 25 March 2011
A NEW BRITAIN
The Conservatives are not alone in the field of announcements and promises. In the interests of balance (and apologies once again for the poster) I have attached on from 1997 and the NEW Labour Party. This announcement by Tony Blair is also rich in vision and promise - "to build a nation with pride in itself, rich in economic prosperity, secure in social justice, confident in political change"
Thirteen years later I think we can safely say that paradise has definitely been put on hold. - those who are looking for jam tomorrow are getting perturbed In many respects you could argue that New Labour achieved the opposite of what it set out to do - a bitterly divided and corrupt nation, economic meltdown, social injustice and a stagnant political system that is long past its sell-by date. But that is the nature of life, you set out with good intentions but someone/something always comes along and scuppers it - in my case I had the double whammy of Thatcher and Blair.
Sheffield loses another of her sturdy citizens
"Sheffield loses another of her sturdy citizens - men who by their enterprise, integrity and business aptitude have helped to build up the prosperity of the city and the character of its inhabitants. Mr Watts was a typical Sheffielder. He had a generous hand and a kindly heart, and his genial personality and hospitality were known to many" .
The language bears a strong resemblance to that being uttered by members of the Coalition government, In fact their "growth strategy" is based around enterprise, integrity and business acumen, The only problem is that this type of person has been on the "endangered species" for many years. In fact you can argue he is heading for extinction. (as is the "typical Sheffielder" mentioned in the article).
According to the writer, it was people like John Watts who helped to build the prosperity of the city and the character of its inhabitants.but these are just a few of the incidents that were taking place in Sheffield towards the end of John's life
http://www.chrishobbs.com/sheffield2/distress1878.htm
http://www.chrishobbs.com/sheffield/arthurcoleman.htm
http://www.chrishobbs.com/smallpoxsheffield1887.htm
If this is prosperity the writer talks about I would want no part of it - late nineteenth century Britain for the majority of people was a living hell where squalor, poverty, disease and cruelty were commonplace. I hope that the current Coalition government are not hankering for a return to the good old days! .
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Too Much Sun is Bad For You
At these times of national crisis, when the Coalition government is doing all that it can to promote the security and prosperity of its people, it comes as a bit of a surprise to find out that this is not the first time a Coalition has grappled with the vagaries of "the dismal science". I came across the following poster for the Conservative party in 1929 which pointed towards a new world for those who had suffered so much in the Great War and the ensuing depression of the 1920's
Of course these ideals, principles and policices that were proudly announced by the Conservative Party proved to be just that, announcements. In fact, the Conservative led Coalition or "National" governments of the 1930's did just about the opposite of what they announced in 1929. War. The 'Giant Evils' of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness which William Bevridge alluded to in 1942 report enjoyed full reign in the 1930's, evils which the national government of the time positively encouraged with its narrow and insular outlook. Their justification for the policies they pursued was that there was no alternative after the financial crash of 1929.
The current coalition are also making a series of announcements similar to those uttered in 1929 but their policies and principles are more or less in line with those of the National governemts of the 1930's - I wonder if history will repeat itself. mm...
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
The Liberal Democrats at Play
I have just received an e-mail this morning that has really "hacked me off". Not satisfied with burdening this country with a bunch of reactionaries, the Liberal Democrats seem to be utilizing the very public services they are decimating, to promote the policies of a Tory government that just cannot be trusted
The mail is
" The Liberal Democrats’ conference runs in Sheffield from Friday 11 – Sunday 13 March 2011 and may affect your journey to the University and back home.
An area around the City Hall will be fenced off and there will be extra police officers within the city centre. Planned protests may take place near the conference venue.(probably Ringinglow Moors if SYPD have there way)
Public transport
Buses will be diverted to avoid the city centre (Pinstone Street/Leopold Street) on all three days. Full details are on the Travel South Yorkshire website www.travelsouthyorkshire.com and on notices displayed on bus stops. The Traveline number is 01709 515151.
Road closures
Some roads in the immediate vicinity of the City Hall and Barker’s Pool area will be closed in the day time on all three days (7am to 7pm but
times may vary). Further temporary closures may be made.
Parking restrictions
A number of on street parking bays will be out of use. Please check signage as this will be enforced. There will be no parking throughout the weekend on Surrey Street, Trippet Lane and Carver Street.
Hackney Cabs
During the day time, the taxi rank in Barkers Pool will be relocated to the bus stops on Pinstone Street.
More details are available at
(http://www.southyorks.police.uk/news/08032011/5023/public-information-for-sheffield-residents-for-11-13-march) and www.sheffield.gov.uk
Live updates will also be on the South Yorkshire Police Facebook page, on Twitter @syptweet and on local radio stations.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
2011 Census - More Misery from the ONSS
On the same day as I read about Sgt John Broadley, I received from the Office of National Statistics a large booklet to complete for inclusion in the UK's 2011 Census.
Whilst researching my family history and articles on my website, I have made extensive use of the C19th UK Census's. In fact they have proved invaluable.
I worked as an Assitant Census Officer on the 1991 Census and it proved to be a fascinating insight into the fag-end of "Thatchers Brave New World". Certainly an eye-opening experience!
I do not have any real objection to completeing the current form, but I was greatly disheartened to see that the ONS once again could not resist threats and coercion against people who have genuine objections to divulging information
"The fine for not completing and returning a 2011 Census questionnaire is up to £1,000.You may also have to pay costs.
The amount of the fine for not completing the 2011 Census questionnaire will be determined in each individual case by the magistrate. The fine is subject to level 3 on the standard scale under the Criminal Justice Act.
Any revision to the Criminal Justice Act could change the fine for an offence under the Census Act 1920"
The "freedom fighters" of our coalition government appear to be rather "tardy" in revoking this crass pece of legislation. In the absence of any meaningful action on the part of the coalition , the only course of action left open to people who object to the 2011 Census questions is to take a leaf out of the Con-Lib manifesto and LIE!!!
Whilst researching my family history and articles on my website, I have made extensive use of the C19th UK Census's. In fact they have proved invaluable.
I worked as an Assitant Census Officer on the 1991 Census and it proved to be a fascinating insight into the fag-end of "Thatchers Brave New World". Certainly an eye-opening experience!
I do not have any real objection to completeing the current form, but I was greatly disheartened to see that the ONS once again could not resist threats and coercion against people who have genuine objections to divulging information
"The fine for not completing and returning a 2011 Census questionnaire is up to £1,000.You may also have to pay costs.
The amount of the fine for not completing the 2011 Census questionnaire will be determined in each individual case by the magistrate. The fine is subject to level 3 on the standard scale under the Criminal Justice Act.
Any revision to the Criminal Justice Act could change the fine for an offence under the Census Act 1920"
The "freedom fighters" of our coalition government appear to be rather "tardy" in revoking this crass pece of legislation. In the absence of any meaningful action on the part of the coalition , the only course of action left open to people who object to the 2011 Census questions is to take a leaf out of the Con-Lib manifesto and LIE!!!
John Duncan Broadley - WW2 grave in England
This weekend I was contacted by a TV documentary maker who is proposing to produce a documentary on the 1944 Amiens Prison raid by RAF Mosquito's led by Group Captain P.C. 'Pick' Pickard, DSO, DFC, CzMC
His navigator "Bill" Broadley accompanied "Pick" on the raid, and as it was a few months since I had looked at the article I though I would check and see if I could find any addirional information.
Sadly I did not, but did come across the following letter from the OTAGO DAILY TIMES that concerned a Sgt. John Duncan Broadley who was from New Zealand
WW2 grave in England
Thursday, 30 Jul 2009 - OTAGO DAILY TIMES
Hello, I am writing from a small village in rural Suffolk, England.
In our churchyard we have a number of WW2 Commonwealth graves. One is of a Sgt.
John Duncan Broadley. He served with the New Zealand Air Force and was killed on 29/09/1941 aged 23.
I believe he came from the Dunedin area. I am wondering if there are any relatives or
friends that would like me to send them some photos of the grave, I would be more than
happy to do so.
I often put flowers on his grave, as I feel sorry that he is so far from home and has
no-one to look after him.
Regards, Sally Higgins
On a very rainy summers day in Ringshall, Suffolk, England.
I can be contacted on my e- mail address - dsln.higgins4@tesco.net
A few details related to the above newspaper story.
28-29th September 1941
99 Squadron - Wellington IC Z8869 LN- Op: Frankfurt
Took off 1911 hrs from RAF Waterbeach. Collided with a line of trees and exploded and
crashed 0055 hrs at Stone Farm Great Finborough, 2 miles south west of Stowmarket,
Suffolk.
Sgt. J S F. Watt +
Sgt. J D. Broadley RNZAF +
Sgt. J W. Humphrey RCAF +
Sgt. H. Martin +
Sgt. J K. Whitfield +
Sgt. D. Richardson +
BCL Vol.2 - W R. Chorley.
Thursday, 30 Jul 2009 - OTAGO DAILY TIMES
Hello, I am writing from a small village in rural Suffolk, England.
In our churchyard we have a number of WW2 Commonwealth graves. One is of a Sgt.
John Duncan Broadley. He served with the New Zealand Air Force and was killed on 29/09/1941 aged 23.
I believe he came from the Dunedin area. I am wondering if there are any relatives or
friends that would like me to send them some photos of the grave, I would be more than
happy to do so.
I often put flowers on his grave, as I feel sorry that he is so far from home and has
no-one to look after him.
Regards, Sally Higgins
On a very rainy summers day in Ringshall, Suffolk, England.
I can be contacted on my e- mail address - dsln.higgins4@tesco.net
A few details related to the above newspaper story.
28-29th September 1941
99 Squadron - Wellington IC Z8869 LN- Op: Frankfurt
Took off 1911 hrs from RAF Waterbeach. Collided with a line of trees and exploded and
crashed 0055 hrs at Stone Farm Great Finborough, 2 miles south west of Stowmarket,
Suffolk.
Sgt. J S F. Watt +
Sgt. J D. Broadley RNZAF +
Sgt. J W. Humphrey RCAF +
Sgt. H. Martin +
Sgt. J K. Whitfield +
Sgt. D. Richardson +
BCL Vol.2 - W R. Chorley.
Frankfurt 28-29 September 1941
30 Hampdens and 14 Wellingtons. 1 Hampden and 1 Wellington lost. 5 aircraft crashed
in England.
Source: Bomber Command War Diaries - Middlebrook / Everitt
Cemetery: Ringshall (St. Catherine) Churchyard, Suffolk, England
Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)
Official Number: 403937
Unit: 99 (RAF) Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force
Nationality: New Zealand
Details: 29th September 1941 Age 23 Son of George and Alice Manwell Broadley; husband of Agnes J Broadley of Port Chalmers Otago New Zealand Row?B
30 Hampdens and 14 Wellingtons. 1 Hampden and 1 Wellington lost. 5 aircraft crashed
in England.
Source: Bomber Command War Diaries - Middlebrook / Everitt
Cemetery: Ringshall (St. Catherine) Churchyard, Suffolk, England
Rank: Sergeant (Pilot)
Official Number: 403937
Unit: 99 (RAF) Squadron Royal New Zealand Air Force
Nationality: New Zealand
Details: 29th September 1941 Age 23 Son of George and Alice Manwell Broadley; husband of Agnes J Broadley of Port Chalmers Otago New Zealand Row?B
And so after some 70 years people still care, and honour those who lost their lives in the war against nazism.
There is a photo of John's grave in St. Catherine's Churchyard on-line but the people who host the photo have decided to watermark it with a copyright logo, and charge people a excessive fee for a non-watermarked copy.
I will leave my comments on their actions unrecorded, but they are in a marked contrast to my admiration for Sally Higgins
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Sheffield Man marries Doris Day after Swearing
I came across an entry in the FreeBMD index which is like thousands of others
Marriages Sep 1928 quarter Hayes William E married a Miss Day Sheffield Volume 9c Page 1256
On the face of it a straightforward marriage but prior to the Marriage Mr Hayes encountered a bit of trouble. The Guardian dated 20th September 1928 reported that Mr Hayes was prone to giving false oaths so that he could marry Doris Day!!!
Marriages Sep 1928 quarter Hayes William E married a Miss Day Sheffield Volume 9c Page 1256
On the face of it a straightforward marriage but prior to the Marriage Mr Hayes encountered a bit of trouble. The Guardian dated 20th September 1928 reported that Mr Hayes was prone to giving false oaths so that he could marry Doris Day!!!
84 Years in the same house
From The Sun dated Tuesday 22nd February 2011
I'm not an avid reader of The Sun but my son does read it despite my warnings about what may befall him if he believes half the tripe that they publish. Anyway like it or not The Sun is the UK's biggest selling daily newspaper which speaks volumes for the newspaper industry in particular, and British society as a whole.
But once in awhile, they publish a report that I find fascinating and thought provoking. And Freda O'Briens life in Thornhill, West Yorkshire is certainly that!
The text is as follows
"PROUD Freda O'Brien's home is where her heart is - after living in the same house for 84 YEARS.
Freda fell in love with the three-bed council semi as a seven-year-old, when she first
moved in with her parents.Now aged 91, she has stayed there ever since through eight decades of huge change including four monarchs, several wars and the rise and decline of industries.
And the widowed mum-of-two said: "It's a happy home. I've never wanted to live anywhere else."
The house has modern windows and doors but retains many original features including cupboards and a wooden clothes airer on a pulley. Freda first came to the semi in Thornhill, West Yorks, in 1927 with her parents, brother and three sisters
The family had never had electricity or an indoor toilet before.Freda said: "It was luxury. We couldn't stop switching the lights on and running the hot water!" She left school at 14 and went to work six days a week in a woollen mill, earning the equivalent of 57p.
In 1944 she wed Danny O'Brien and the couple set up home with her parents. Their daughters Margaret, 58, and Catherine, 57, were raised in the house and Freda and Danny bought it from the council in the 1980s. Danny died in 1994 but Freda still does her own cooking and cleaning and gets out regularly.
While she has been there England have won the World Cup, man has stood on the Moon and the internet has arrived. But asked the biggest change in her street, Freda replied: "The number of cars. When
we moved in, nobody had one."
Freda fell in love with the three-bed council semi as a seven-year-old, when she first
moved in with her parents.Now aged 91, she has stayed there ever since through eight decades of huge change including four monarchs, several wars and the rise and decline of industries.
And the widowed mum-of-two said: "It's a happy home. I've never wanted to live anywhere else."
The house has modern windows and doors but retains many original features including cupboards and a wooden clothes airer on a pulley. Freda first came to the semi in Thornhill, West Yorks, in 1927 with her parents, brother and three sisters
The family had never had electricity or an indoor toilet before.Freda said: "It was luxury. We couldn't stop switching the lights on and running the hot water!" She left school at 14 and went to work six days a week in a woollen mill, earning the equivalent of 57p.
In 1944 she wed Danny O'Brien and the couple set up home with her parents. Their daughters Margaret, 58, and Catherine, 57, were raised in the house and Freda and Danny bought it from the council in the 1980s. Danny died in 1994 but Freda still does her own cooking and cleaning and gets out regularly.
While she has been there England have won the World Cup, man has stood on the Moon and the internet has arrived. But asked the biggest change in her street, Freda replied: "The number of cars. When
we moved in, nobody had one."
Thursday, 17 February 2011
London women prepare for the worst with a stiff upper lip
One of my most favourite images. It is said that it was "staged" but I have my doubts. I would love to know what happened to Mrs Rowe and Mrs Treadwell.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Obituary for Mr Common Sense
I came across the following obituary that was sent to me in 2008. His passing was and still is remembered by those who live on the Hill
London Times Obituary of Mr. Common Sense
'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to
have an abortion.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge). His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to
have an abortion.
Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; along with his daughter and son, Responsibility and Reason. He is survived by his four stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this obituary on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; along with his daughter and son, Responsibility and Reason. He is survived by his four stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this obituary on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
The Story That Got Away
I received the following e- mail the other day in response to an article I posted some years ago regarding the Civilian War Dead of Pitsmoor, (Sheffield). I have now obtained Alan's permission to publish it and add it to the web-site. It is a story that you can't really add to
Hi, my name is Alan Simpson,also born 1953,also went to Abbeydale Grammar School. Whilst browsing your site I found a link to the Pitsmoor Roll of Honour to those who perished in the Sheffield blitz.
My father was Arthur Simpson,rear gunner in a Halifax bomber during the war. On the night of the 13th December 1940 he lost his mother,Mary Simpson,youngest sister Margaret Simpson,together with his niece Patricia Hutchinson(8),nephew Barrie Hutchinson (5mths),eldest sister Doris Heeley, brother in law Percy Heeley and niece Barbera Heeley (10). His eldest sister Mary Hutchinson survived the blast on Bressingham Rd,even though her son Barrie was being nursed on her lap at the time.
Mary,or Nellie as she preferred had a daughter later in life which she named Barbera. Barbera had a successful life as a ballet dancer in the Saddlers Wells ballet company and to this day teaches worldwide. Nellie died last year (2010) at the ripe age of 101 having received a letter from H.R.H.
Some six months after loosing virtually his entire family,my father was shot down over France and parachuted out of a burning Halifax bomber to be captured and spent the next 3 years in a prisoner of war camp in various places,finally in Poland. On the forced march into Germany,the much reported "Death Marches", he and his Canadian friend escaped into the forest and finally after many days hiding and running,met up with an American patrol. He was awarded the "Caterpillar Tie" and membership of the "Caterpillar Club",an exclusive club for airmen shot down and parachuting to earth.
Sadly like his father,Arthur died at an early age but not without leaving a wife,Gladys who is still with us at 89 years old. Happily they had four children. Myself Alan,my brother John and sisters Anita and Joanne. Many more grandchildren and great grandchildren have sadly missed the company of my Father whom I regard as a true hero.
Dad rarely spoke of the war. He did mention being in a camp in Poland,close to Auschwitz and being able to smell the funeral pyres as bodies were burned in the open as the Russian and American soldiers advanced.
He was a loyal family man,proud and with strict morals,loved and missed by all. His ashes lay in a Crematorium in Carleton near Blackpool where we lived after leaving Totley in 1966. I hope this story is of interest to you and others.
Hi, my name is Alan Simpson,also born 1953,also went to Abbeydale Grammar School. Whilst browsing your site I found a link to the Pitsmoor Roll of Honour to those who perished in the Sheffield blitz.
My father was Arthur Simpson,rear gunner in a Halifax bomber during the war. On the night of the 13th December 1940 he lost his mother,Mary Simpson,youngest sister Margaret Simpson,together with his niece Patricia Hutchinson(8),nephew Barrie Hutchinson (5mths),eldest sister Doris Heeley, brother in law Percy Heeley and niece Barbera Heeley (10). His eldest sister Mary Hutchinson survived the blast on Bressingham Rd,even though her son Barrie was being nursed on her lap at the time.
Mary,or Nellie as she preferred had a daughter later in life which she named Barbera. Barbera had a successful life as a ballet dancer in the Saddlers Wells ballet company and to this day teaches worldwide. Nellie died last year (2010) at the ripe age of 101 having received a letter from H.R.H.
Some six months after loosing virtually his entire family,my father was shot down over France and parachuted out of a burning Halifax bomber to be captured and spent the next 3 years in a prisoner of war camp in various places,finally in Poland. On the forced march into Germany,the much reported "Death Marches", he and his Canadian friend escaped into the forest and finally after many days hiding and running,met up with an American patrol. He was awarded the "Caterpillar Tie" and membership of the "Caterpillar Club",an exclusive club for airmen shot down and parachuting to earth.
Sadly like his father,Arthur died at an early age but not without leaving a wife,Gladys who is still with us at 89 years old. Happily they had four children. Myself Alan,my brother John and sisters Anita and Joanne. Many more grandchildren and great grandchildren have sadly missed the company of my Father whom I regard as a true hero.
Dad rarely spoke of the war. He did mention being in a camp in Poland,close to Auschwitz and being able to smell the funeral pyres as bodies were burned in the open as the Russian and American soldiers advanced.
He was a loyal family man,proud and with strict morals,loved and missed by all. His ashes lay in a Crematorium in Carleton near Blackpool where we lived after leaving Totley in 1966. I hope this story is of interest to you and others.
Thursday, 27 January 2011
Actions Speak Louder Than Words!
And I only asked him what his thoughts were on the Treasury's growth forecast for the coming year!
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
An Old Dog and New Tricks
I have just come across and scanned one of my favourite posters from yesteryear. As each year passes, I become more acutely aware of Rex's dilema!
Friday, 21 January 2011
Vauxhall - A Warning From History
I also fear that this will be the start of many faults. Once a car hits 60,000 miles I always seem to get a clutch of faults and problems - but this time may be the last because the way things are going the car is going to become an expensive luxury for the working man. I wonder if the ever increasing costs of motoring are a conscious policy decision by the Con-Lib Coalition to drive the lower orders of the road so they will have more room to swan around. mmmm
Thursday, 20 January 2011
"They can be smoked all day without affecting the throat in the slightest"
At the same time as I came across the previous report I saw this advertisement. It is now obvious that if all tobacco companies "toasted" their tobacco there would be no throat irritations and coughs.
Incidentally Viscount Castlerosse died at the age of 51 but at least he did not have a smokers cough!
Valentine Edward Charles Browne, 6th Earl of Kenmare (29 May 1891 – 20 September 1943), styled Viscount Castlerosse from 1905 to 1941, was the Earl of Kenmare and the son of Valentine Browne, 5th Earl of Kenmare. He was a journalist for The Sunday Express.[1] He had no children.[2]
A Miserable Hovel
I came across the following cutting the other day purely by accident. It is from The Sheffield Daily Telegraph dated 18th January 1864 and it is a verbatim account of a death in Cumberland as reported by the Carlise Journal.
It is a desperately sad account of a life and death. And it is a timely reminder of what can occur when people are left to fend for themselves. It is also rather macabre in a way. In 1860, a £100.00 would be the equivalent of roughly £60,000 today, and so at today's prices, Mr Weales annual income of £20 would be in the region of £12,000 per annum or to put it more succinctly on par with today's minimum wage.Not a great deal of money but enough to subsist on. Mr Wheales seemed to live or "exist" at poverty level which is strange given his income.
Monday, 10 January 2011
Getting Facts Wrong
On Sheffield City Councils website there is the following information regarding the opening of Sheffield's City Road Crematorium in 1905
"City Road Crematorium opened on 5 April 1905 by the Lord Mayor, Joseph Jones and was the tenth crematorium to be built in the UK. The first cremation took place on 24 April 1905 and to date over 195,000 cremations have been carried out."
But in the Manchester Guardian the following day, this report appeared
If you read the article you would assume that Sir Charles Cameron was the Lord Mayor but he wasn't according to the Council. But neither was Joseph Jones. the Lord Mayor of Sheffield in April 1905.
The Lord Mayor who performed the ceremony was in fact Sir Joseph Jonas who was, during his business career, a major industrialist in the city and a generous benefactor to many causes. However his career and indeed his life ended in controversy that still leaves a nasty taste in the mouth today.
And just for trivia's sake, the following paragraph iss taken from the Cremation Society's webpage and refers to the UK's first official cremation. Sir Charles cameron appears to have been a leading proponent of cremation hence his speech at the opening ceremony
"Meanwhile, on 26th March, 1885 the first official cremation at Woking took place. Mrs. Pickersgill, a well-known figure in literary and scientific circles, was the first of three cremations that year. Mr. Charles William Carpenter was cremated on 19th October and in December the third cremation, even though the body of a fourteen stone woman, was again successfully performed in only 11/2 hours. In 1886 ten bodies were cremated."
"City Road Crematorium opened on 5 April 1905 by the Lord Mayor, Joseph Jones and was the tenth crematorium to be built in the UK. The first cremation took place on 24 April 1905 and to date over 195,000 cremations have been carried out."
But in the Manchester Guardian the following day, this report appeared
If you read the article you would assume that Sir Charles Cameron was the Lord Mayor but he wasn't according to the Council. But neither was Joseph Jones. the Lord Mayor of Sheffield in April 1905.
The Lord Mayor who performed the ceremony was in fact Sir Joseph Jonas who was, during his business career, a major industrialist in the city and a generous benefactor to many causes. However his career and indeed his life ended in controversy that still leaves a nasty taste in the mouth today.
And just for trivia's sake, the following paragraph iss taken from the Cremation Society's webpage and refers to the UK's first official cremation. Sir Charles cameron appears to have been a leading proponent of cremation hence his speech at the opening ceremony
"Meanwhile, on 26th March, 1885 the first official cremation at Woking took place. Mrs. Pickersgill, a well-known figure in literary and scientific circles, was the first of three cremations that year. Mr. Charles William Carpenter was cremated on 19th October and in December the third cremation, even though the body of a fourteen stone woman, was again successfully performed in only 11/2 hours. In 1886 ten bodies were cremated."
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
Happy New Year
I received the following e-mail from the Deputy Prime Minister
Subject: Happy New Year
From: "Nick Clegg" <LIBDEMSFEDERAL@emarketing.etelligent.uk.com>
Date: Wed, December 29, 2010 7:14 am
To: chrishl@chrishobbs.com
Dear friend,
Well what a year! A white-knuckle election; a new coalition government; Liberals in
power for the first time in 70 years.
I've recorded a short message reflecting on the events of 2010 and looking forward
to what Liberal Democrats will deliver in Government in 2011. Click on the link
below to watch it:
http://www.etelligent.uk.com/etelligent/mp-getURL.asp?SOID=474&CC=LIBDEMSFEDERAL&CID=163319&CEMAIL=chrishl@chrishobbs.com&LID=3445&SEID=1637&T=0&FRM=2
Some people will continue to predict the worst for our Party - the same people who
have been underestimating the Liberal Democrats for as long as we have existed.
But we prove them wrong at every single turn. The next twelve months will be no
different, because we will continue to build the liberal, fairer, greener Britain
that we all believe in.
Happy New Year!
Nick Clegg
Liberal Democrat leader
I'm a bit puzzled about the mail because when I think of Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrtic Party, happiness is probably the last emotion I feel :-((. I am also perturbed to note that they are continuing to build a "liberal, fairer, greener Britain that we all believe in". Since their return to power after 70 years, their actions seem to point towards a more repressive Britain where injustice and unfairness are the norm, and where ordinary, decent people are just lied to by their elected representatives.
Subject: Happy New Year
From: "Nick Clegg" <LIBDEMSFEDERAL@emarketing.etelligent.uk.com>
Date: Wed, December 29, 2010 7:14 am
To: chrishl@chrishobbs.com
Dear friend,
Well what a year! A white-knuckle election; a new coalition government; Liberals in
power for the first time in 70 years.
I've recorded a short message reflecting on the events of 2010 and looking forward
to what Liberal Democrats will deliver in Government in 2011. Click on the link
below to watch it:
http://www.etelligent.uk.com/etelligent/mp-getURL.asp?SOID=474&CC=LIBDEMSFEDERAL&CID=163319&CEMAIL=chrishl@chrishobbs.com&LID=3445&SEID=1637&T=0&FRM=2
Some people will continue to predict the worst for our Party - the same people who
have been underestimating the Liberal Democrats for as long as we have existed.
But we prove them wrong at every single turn. The next twelve months will be no
different, because we will continue to build the liberal, fairer, greener Britain
that we all believe in.
Happy New Year!
Nick Clegg
Liberal Democrat leader
I'm a bit puzzled about the mail because when I think of Nick Clegg and the Liberal Democrtic Party, happiness is probably the last emotion I feel :-((. I am also perturbed to note that they are continuing to build a "liberal, fairer, greener Britain that we all believe in". Since their return to power after 70 years, their actions seem to point towards a more repressive Britain where injustice and unfairness are the norm, and where ordinary, decent people are just lied to by their elected representatives.
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