Man of Miracles

One Thing Reamins

2012-01-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains
One thing remains

Your love never fails it never gives up it never runs out on me

On and one and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never ever have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death and in life I'm confident and covered by the power of your great love
My debt is paid there's nothing that can separate my heart from your great love

The Twelve Days Of Christmas

2012-01-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

For those of you who may have been following the theme postings, they were of course related to The Twelve Days of Christmas. The list was made up as below:

Partridge in a pear tree = Partridge Family - Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Turtle doves = Prince - When Doves Cry
French Hens = Chickenfoot - Oh Yeah
Colley birds = Black Crowes - Wiser Time nb colley birds were another name for blackbirds or crows
Gold rings = Dire Straits - Love Over Gold
Geese a laying = Camel - The Snow Goose
Swans a swimming = T Rex - Ride A White Swan
Maids a milking = Dr Feelgood - Milk & Alcohol
Ladies waiting = Fighting Wolves - One Minute More nb slight liberty here, as main line to chorus is "won't you wait"
Lords a leaping = Deep Purple - Burn nb featuring Jon Lord on keyboards
Pipers piping = Red Hot Chilli Pipers - Smoke On The Water/Thunderstruck
Drummers drumming = Cozy Powell - Killer/Pots & Pans nb one of the greatest drummers ever

Hope you enjoyed, if not look away next Christmas!!

Day Twelve

2012-01-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Day Eleven

2012-01-04T05:36:00.000-08:00

Day Ten

2012-01-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

Day Nine

2012-01-02T02:49:00.000-08:00

Day Eight

2012-01-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Day Seven

2011-12-31T03:37:00.000-08:00

Day Six

2011-12-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

Day Five

2011-12-29T12:10:00.000-08:00

Day Four

2011-12-28T12:32:00.000-08:00

Day Three

2011-12-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Day Two

2011-12-26T11:55:00.001-08:00

Day One

2011-12-25T12:05:00.000-08:00

Times Like These

2011-11-16T06:18:00.001-08:00

Not a lot to say about this one, based on the Foo Fighters song. We all probably need to learn to love again, to give again, and to live again. If you are anything like me, we also need to learn it again and again too. Many things can put us in those places, be it work, health, relationships with each other or God.

The good thing is that God is the God of second chances, especially in Times Like These...

I am a one way motorway
I’m the one that drives away
Then follows you back home
I am a street light shining
I’m a wild light blinding bright
Burning off alone

It’s times like these you learn to live again
It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again
It’s times like these time and time again

I am a new day rising
I’m a brand new sky
To hang the stars upon tonight
I am a little divided
Do I stay or run away
And leave it all behind?

It’s times like these you learn to live again
It’s times like these you give and give again
It’s times like these you learn to love again
It’s times like these time and time again

Do Nothing

2011-11-14T05:48:00.001-08:00

Yet another one based on a song by The Specials. Again this song to me summed the time when it was written in the 1980's, but is also apt now. Reference is made about living life without meaning, of talking without thinking, of walking the same old streets, and doing the same old stuff, over and over again.

This is an all to easy a trap to fall into, just existing without living. Why should I try to change my circumstances, when I do not feel there is a way out? Why should I try to stand up for injustice, when who will listen to my voice? Why should I try to do the best I can, when no one notices me at all?

We should all show more respect to those around us, and maybe become less self centred at the same time. If we believe that by doing the best we can in all that we do, and by standing up for injustice, we are honouring God, then it starts to make sense. It can be easier said than done at times, as circumstances can be trying, but by clinging onto the truth that it is God in control in the end, should make it easier to do. There should not really be the option to Do Nothing...

Do Nothing

Lynval Golding

Each Day I walk along this lonely street
Trying to find, find a future
New pair of shoes are on my feet
Cos' fashion is my only culture

Nothing ever change, oh no
Nothing ever change

People say to me just be yourself
It makes no sense to follow fashion
How could I be anybody else
I don't try, I've got no reason

Nothing ever change, oh no
Nothing ever change

I'm just living in a life without meaning
I walk and walk, do nothing
I'm just living in a life without feeling
I talk and talk, say nothing

Nothing ever change, oh no
Nothing ever change

I walk along this same old lonely street
Still trying to find, find a reason
Policeman comes and smacks me in the teeth
I don't complain, it's not my function

Nothing ever change, oh no
Nothing ever change

They're just living in a life without meaning
I walk and walk, do nothing
They're just playing in a life without thinking
They talk and talk, say nothing
I'm just living in a life without feeling
I walk and walk, I'm dreaming
I'm just living in a life without feeling
I talk and talk, say nothing
I'm just living in a life without meaning
I walk and walk, do nothing

Doesn't Make It Alright

2011-11-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

This one is based on a song by The Specials, who are an excellent band in my opinion. Their lyrics and haunting music helped to define a generation and time in the 1980's. I was lucky enough to see them last month on their current tour, when they played Cheltenham.

Typing this on 11/11/11 makes me read into this probably far more than was originally intended. I am not sure at what the lyrics were aimed, but you can read in both bullying and racism. Both of these are intolerable and we should stand against them. I think they can also be seen as a rage against the repeated troubles, of all kinds, in the world. The world keeps on changing, but the problems appear to remain the same. There are still race relations issues now, as there were when the song came out, and there has been forever. There are still bullies that will put you down for no reason, as there has been for thousands of years. Opinions will always differ from person to person, respect is what is needed not hatred.

In my opinion there is only one person that can make it alright, that being God. It will not necessarily happen in this life, but most definitely will in the next. That is the only hope I can cling to at times.

Enjoy the song...

Doesn't Make It Alright

D Goldberg / Jerry Dammers

Just because you're nobody
It doesn't mean that you're no good
Just because there's a reason
It doesn't mean it's understood

It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright

Some people think they're really clever
To smash your head against the wall
Then they say "you got it my way"
They really think they know it all

It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright

Just because you're a black boy
Just because you're a white
It doesn't mean you've got to hate him
It doesn't mean you've got to fight

It doesn't make it alright
It doesn't make it alright
It's the worst excuse in the world
And it, it doesn't make it alright

In Memorium

2011-11-11T05:16:00.000-08:00

We Will Remember Them

Just come accross this post from 2008, still valid today, so a re-post for this significant date.

In this day and age it is not "cool" to observe Remembrance Day. To me, that way of thinking is a load of cobblers. By remembering the sacrifice of those who have given their lives for our freedom, we are not celebrating war and death themselves. To me the act of remembrance is something that I have observed for as long as I can remember. The church I attended as a child, held the town's official service, and now as an adult, I still try to have a time of reflection at 11am on 11th November. It is not just remembering history, but the ongoing situations around the world. I am fortunate, in that I have not lost anyone directly to war, but I am still grateful for those who have defended the liberty of this country.

In my opinion, a greater sacrifice was that made by God, the giving of his only son, Jesus, for the freedom of all mankind. The shame is that not everyone has accepted this gift.

Years ago I bought the book Up the line to death, which is a collection of war poems from 1914-1918. The one that always gets me is by E.A.Mackintosh, who was killed in action in 1916. It is called In Memoriam, and is dedicated to Private David Sutherland, who was killed in action on May 16th 1916, and others who died.

In Memoriam

So you were David's father,
And he was your only son,
And the new-cut peats are rotting
And the work is left undone,
Because of an old man weeping,
Just an old man in pain,
For David, his son David,
That will not come again.

Oh, the letters he wrote you,
And I can see them still,
Not a word of the fighting
But just the sheep on the hill
And how you should get the crops in
Ere the year get stormier,
And the Bosches have got his body,
And I was his officer.

You were only David's father,
But I had fifty sons
When we went up in the evening
Under the arch of the guns,
And we came back at twilight -
O God! I heard them call
To me for help and pity
That could not help at all.

Oh, never will I forget you,
My men that trusted me,
More my sons than your fathers',
For they could only see
The little helpless babies
And the young men in their pride,
They could not see you dying,
And hold you while you died.

Happy and young and gallant,
They saw their first-born go,
But not he strong limbs broken
And the beautiful men bought low,
The piteous writhing bodies,
They screamed "Don't leave me, Sir,"
For they were only your fathers
But I was your officer.

I for one, will continue to remember them for the rest of my life.

CORNWALL 2011 (3)

2011-08-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

A lot of driving on the penultimate day, starting of at Wheal Peevor. This is a site of an old mine, which could be seen from the guest house across the hills. It is a few miles south of Redruth. Most of the buildings are semi derelict as you would expect. It is not a pay attraction, though there are very good information panels around the site. The site also gives the impression of being a nature reserve as well.

From there we then drove to just outside Newquay to visit Trerice House. This Elizabethan house is set within some amazing countryside. The house itself is National Trust run, and as you would expect is well looked after. The boys were able to dress up in soldiers garb of the period. The gardens too were good to look at, and included a lawn version of the Cornish version of skittles.

A drive back down, past Wheal Peevor to Godrevey was my choice, the others wanted to go back to Fistral Beach. They let me off, when we spotted that the seals were on their secluded beach there. There must have been over 20 adults and at least 3 pups. A truly amazing sight.

The last day saw a long drive home, including yet another visit to the Eden Project on the way. We also stopped in a totally forgettable village on the Devon border, to try to find a beach. Tide was in, but pleasant enough. Can not remember where this was though, and would not hurry back, so it's probably just as well.

In case anyone is interested, the places we chose to eat in the evenings were:

Hayle - Pizza Patio x3
Redruth - Inn For All Seasons x2
Hayle - Dan's Plaice x1
Redruth - Morrish Fish & Chip Restaurant

CORNWALL 2011 (2)

2011-08-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Saturday morning saw us heading off to different places. We dropped my lovely wife off at The Lost Gardens of Helligan, which she explored, and then picked her up again some hours later. Apparently a good garden to visit.

I took the boys into Mevagissey. We went mainly to visit the World of Model Railways, but to be hones we found this very disappointing. It was a pay attraction, but the two other places we saw were both free, and we would have willingly paid at both. The Aquarium is sited within the old lifeboat house. It displays fish which would be found off the Cornish coast. The small town museum was also a fascinating visit.

The day was rounded off with a return visit to Fistral Beach in Newquay.

Sunday saw us driving down to Falmouth to visit the excellent Pendennis Castle. This castle has been in the forefront of defending the Cornish coast from the days of Henry VIII through to World War 2. There is lots to see here, and the history is laid out in an easily understood way.

The day ended with yet another trip to Fistral Beach.

Monday was spent in the other direction completely. About 10 miles north of Lands End you will find Geevor Tin Mine. It was one of the three most famous mines in the Cornish tin mining industry. Part of the site has been preserved as it was when nearly shut in 1986. This is a poignant part of the visit for me, as the mine manager's office is very similar to my father's office from the same period, when he died. There is the chance to go on an underground tour too.

The beach this day involved a return visit to Godrevey.

CORNWALL 2011 (1)

2011-08-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month we had yet another great family holiday for a week in Cornwall. We stayed in a small village called Wheal Rose just outside Redruth. The Goonearl Cottage Guest House was an ideal place for a base. Amazing breakfasts, with most of the produce from the immediate locality. The family suite was the best we have encountered, with two large rooms and spacious bathroom.

On the way down we stopped off at the Eden Project again. This place never ceases to amaze all of us, as each time you visit something is different. The only slight downside, was the new viewing platform being closed due to high temperatures and humidity.

Our first full day there was spent up in Newquay, about 20 miles north of where we stayed. The afternoon was spent on the vast expanse of Fistral Beach, enjoying the sand, safe bathing, and rock pools. The morning was spent looking round Newquay Zoo. This is yet another good example of a small zoo which clearly looks after their animals. There is no cramping of space, with all creatures having plenty of space and enrichment. My personal favourites here were the Eurasian Lynx and the Fossa.

The second day was spent west of base, in fact the morning was as far west as we could go, Lands End. We ignored the tourist themed areas, and after finding the memorial stone to the four boys from Stoke Poges who drowned there in 1985, one of whom was known to me, we went on a walk. We walked down to Sennen Cove and back. For a while the lifeboat at Sennen Cove was named The Lost Boys and was partly funded by a sponsored walk from Stoke Poges to Lands End.

The afternoon was spent at Godreavy beach just east of Hayle. The point is one end of St.Ives Bay which includes three miles of sandy beaches. The north side of the point has rocky coves a long way down, which are home to seals. Again hours of fun playing on the beach and rock pooling.

City Of Hope

2011-08-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Following on from the Vigilante post, this is another offering for uncertain times. I have no idea whatsoever as to whether the author of these words is a Christian or not, but to me the lyrics convey a lot of what many people are thinking or hoping for at the moment.
I too am praying that God will shine His light into our world a bit brighter at present, and give people reason to re-believe, both in Him and in hope for their cities.

The song is performed by the band Journey.

People waiting for some kind of sign from above,
Lost in the shadows of doubt, need a message of love,
Nothing is certain in uncertain times,
Hard to see beyond the greed and the crime,
Oh, the faithful refuse to give up,
Homeless and hungry survive just enough,
Learn to smile through it all,
They are blessed from above

Never stop believin,
Change will come

There's a city of hope beyond our fears,
Where miracles happen,
Where truth can be heard,
Don't you wanna go to the city of hope

On the edge of the world, across oceans of blue,
It's a place where a dream has a chance to come true,
Don't be fooled by illusions, or falling from grace,
Make your own destiny
Find your own place,
Where the streets beat the last things of trouble over own play

Never stop believ'n,
Change will come

There's a city of hope beyond our fears,
Where miracles happen,
Where truth can be heard,
Don't you wanna go to the city of hope

Founded on faith,
Connecting us all,
A network of love to answer the call,
Yeah, that's where I am from
The city of hope

I hear them whisper, "Sendin a prayer,"
A cry to the spirit where they no longer wonder

Never stop believin,
Change will come

There's a city of hope beyond our fears,
Where miracles happen,
Where truth can be heard,
Don't you wanna go to the city of hope

Psalm 33

2011-08-13T03:54:00.000-07:00

Psalm 33

1 Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord;
it is fitting for the pure to praise him.
2 Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre;
make music for him on the ten-stringed harp.
3 Sing a new song of praise to him;
play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.
4 For the word of the Lord holds true,
and we can trust everything he does.
5 He loves whatever is just and good;
the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.

6 The Lord merely spoke,
and the heavens were created.
He breathed the word,
and all the stars were born.
7 He assigned the sea its boundaries
and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs.
8 Let the whole world fear the Lord,
and let everyone stand in awe of him.
9 For when he spoke, the world began!
It appeared at his command.

10 The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
and thwarts all their schemes.
11 But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken.

12 What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.

13 The Lord looks down from heaven
and sees the whole human race.
14 From his throne he observes
all who live on the earth.
15 He made their hearts,
so he understands everything they do.
16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king,
nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.
17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory—
for all its strength, it cannot save you.

18 But the Lord watches over those who fear him,
those who rely on his unfailing love.
19 He rescues them from death
and keeps them alive in times of famine.

20 We put our hope in the Lord.
He is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,
for our hope is in you alone.

Vigilante

2011-08-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

At the time of writing this there is much talk of vigilante groups defending their neighbourhoods from the threat of attack by groups of rioters. I am not going to go into the rights or wrongs of what the rioters claim to be their grievances, but in my mind they are outweighed by sheer criminality.

The song Vigilante was recorded by Magnum, as seems to be apt at the moment, which is why I am posting on it.

I personally believe though, that we should not be looking for a vigilante to act on our behalf, but that we should leave it to God on the day of judgement.

Racing in the shadows pounding of the feet
While the old men get to praying
And the children try to sleep
Just another promise they don't really care
'Cause the movement on the borders
Got the people running scared
Standing on the corner never got things done
If you leave your front door open
You'll be the foolish one
No misunderstanding no honour among thieves
It's a sorry situation
When a gun is all you need
Go call the vigilante
He'll turn this place upside down
Go call the vigilante
He don't get kicked around
Hold on there's a new way a comin'
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice
Racing in the shadows pounding of the feet
While the old men get to praying
And the children try to sleep
Just another promise they don't really care
'Cause the movement on the borders
Got the people running scared
Go call the vigilante
He'll turn this place upside down
Go call the vigilante
He don't get kicked around
Hold on there's a new way a comin'
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice
Hold on there's a new way a comin'
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice
Hold on there's a new way a comin'
Looks like it's arriving tonight
There's no more hiding or running
There's no more walking on ice
Vigilante vigilante man
Vigilante call the vigilante man

I Refuse

2011-07-23T12:30:00.000-07:00

I Refuse is a song by Josh Wilson with very challenging lyrics. I think that most of us would aspire to the sentiments contained in them, though they are by far easier to say than to act out.

I just pray that God will melt our hearts to refuse to just pay "lip service" to the problems around us.

I Refuse lyrics
Songwriters: Benjamin Glover;Joshua David Wilson

Sometimes I
I just want to close my eyes
And act like everyone's alright
When I know they're not

This world needs God
But it's easier to stand and watch
I could say a prayer and just move on
Like nothing's wrong

But I refuse
'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I can hear the least of these
Crying out so desperately
And I know we are the hands and feet
Of You, oh God

So, if You say move
It's time for me to follow through
And do what I was made to do
Show them who You are

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

To stand and watch the weary and lost
Cry out for help
I refuse to turn my back
And try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged
To wait another day, to die to myself
I refuse to make one more excuse

'Cause I don't want to live like I don't care
I don't want to say another empty prayer
Oh, I refuse

To sit around and wait for someone else
To do what God has called me to do myself
Oh, I could choose
Not to move but I refuse

I refuse
I refuse

Wild Angels

2011-06-28T11:15:00.000-07:00

Magnum are a band I have heard of for years, but to my shame never really given much of a listen to. I am in the process of changing this. Wild Angels is a recent single, which had quite a bit of airplay on Planet Rock earlier this year.

I would not pretend to know what the lyrics are about, and do not want to make a guess either. I find the song to be both catchy and singable.

Like a lot of songs there does appear to be a sense of longing, or searching within the lyrics. We all are searching for something to satisfy that inner yearning. For me it is my Christian faith that sustains in the time of trouble, or bewilderment.

Enjoy what I think is a truly cracking song, the clip below was recorded in Southampton in April this year.

Nobody's leaving this world tonight
The way I'm feeling, we'll be all right
So many people, going nowhere
The poor forsaken, nobody cares

I wonder what you're thinking
I don't know where you are
Can't stop my heart from sinking
Before it gets too far

Wild angels in the sky, baby
Diamonds fall like rain
Nobody told you why, baby
Isn't that a shame?

The room is empty, the city sleeps
We pass by gently, and shadows creep
But come tomorrow, there's no relief
And I'm still looking in disbelief

I wonder what you're thinking
I don't know where you are
Can't stop my heart from sinking
Before it gets too far

Wild angels in the sky, baby
Thunder in the air
Don't let it make you cry, baby
You won't have a prayer

Something out of nothing, tell me if I'm right
Stranded here forever, take me home tonight
Maybe let it happen, keep it in your mind
Maybe there's no answer, don't get left behind

Wild angels in the sky, baby
Diamonds fall like rain
Nobody told you why, baby
Isn't that a shame?

Wild angels in the sky, baby
Thunder in the air
Don't let it make you cry, baby
You won't have a prayer

Clarence Clemons RIP

2011-06-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

Just a short posting of a track in tribute to the great man, who died recently. I had the joy of seeing him perform at Wembley many moons ago as part of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Enjoy Junglelands, performed live in Hyde Park in 2009.....

I Am A Cider Drinker

2011-05-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

Well I do like a pint or two of cider, or real ale, but this is not about me.

The Wurzles clip that follows is by way of tribute to John Venter, who's funeral is this coming Friday. John was the village butcher in Prestbury, as well as almost living in The Plough. His death at 56 last week has left a big hole in the lives of so many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. He was a larger than life character and a friend to many. Over the last three years that I have been a regular at The Plough, rather than an occasional visitor, I have come to count John as a good friend. In the cold winter's months when the tourists are absent, we have often been the only two left in there at closing time on a Saturday. In the last six weeks since his nephew has taken on the running of the pub, we have often departed at some silly time in the morning!

I am going to miss you John, until we meet again, enjoy the cider....

I Wont Back Down

2011-04-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

This song by Tom Petty has pretty simplistic lyrics, but to me they are also fairly profound. With references to standing your ground, and not backing down, it could quite easily be the way we as Christians should react. The reference to standing at the gates of hell, could be seen as any temptation. In these situations, I hope, that I would not back down from doing the right thing. The song says there is no easy way out, that is very true. In our own strength we can not avoid temptation's lure. If we lean on the strength of Jesus Christ, we will not avoid the temptation, but we should have the inner strength to overcome it. In other words...I wont back down.

Well I won't back down
No I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down

No I'll stand my ground, won't be turned around
And I'll keep this world from draggin me down
gonna stand my ground
... and I won't back down

(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(and I won't back down...)
hey I will stand my ground
and I won't back down

Well I know what's right, I got just one life
in a world that keeps on pushin me around
but I'll stand my ground
...and I won't back down

(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(and I won't back down...)
hey I will stand my ground
(I won't back down)
and I won't back down...

(I won't back down...)
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(I won't back down)
hey I won't back down
(and I won't back down)
hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
(and I won't back down)
hey I will stand my ground
(and I won't back down)
and I won't back down
(I won't back down)
No I won't back down...

A Sinner Saved By Grace

2011-03-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

I first heard this song at the recent funeral for Pete Berryman. Pete was the manager of Cornerstone United in the Cotswold Churches League. He was a passionate man, both about his faith and football. After hearing the many tributes to him at his funeral, this song appears to describe the way he thought of his life. By extension, it applies to most, if not all, of us as well.

If you could see
What I once was
If u could go with me
Back to where I started from
Then, I know you would see
A miracle of Love that put me
in it's sweet embrace
and made me what I am today
just an old sinner
Saved by grace

I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace
when I stood
condemned to death
He took my place
Now I live and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
loved and forgiving
backed with a living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace

How could I boast on anything
I've ever seen or done
how could I dare to claim as mine
the victories GOD has won
where would I be
had GOD not brought me
gently to this place
I'm here to say I'm nothing but
a sinner
Saved by grace

I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace
when I stood condemned to death
He took my place
Now I grow and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiving
backed with a living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace

Now I grow and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiving
backed with a living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace
Saved by grace
If you could see
What I once was
If u could go with me
Back to where I started from
Then, I know you would see
A miracle of Love that put me
in it's sweet embrace
and made me what I am today
just an old sinner
Saved by grace

I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace
when I stood
condemned to death
He took my place
Now I live and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
loved and forgiving
backed with a living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace

How could I boast on anything
I've ever seen or done
how could I dare to claim as mine
the victories GOD has won
where would I be
had GOD not brought me
gently to this place
I'm here to say I'm nothing but
a sinner
Saved by grace

I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace
when I stood condemned to death
He took my place
Now I grow and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiving
backed with a living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace

Now I grow and breathe in freedom
with each breath of life I take
I'm loved and forgiving
backed with a living
I'm just a sinner
Saved by grace
Saved by grace

Smiley Culture

2011-03-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Whatever the reasons behind his untimely death, Smiley Culture was a great reggae artist in his time. It is a pity that his time at the top was only brief, and that his life then allegedly went into a downhill spiral. In my diverse record collection I have both of his hit singles, Cockney Translation and Police Officer. The latter being an autobiographical song about him being constantly stopped whilst driving. The former a translation of Cockney mob slang into Jamaican yardie slang. Both were good in their own way. As a tribute to Smiley Culture, there are below the lyrics to, and a rendition of, Cockney Translation.

11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,
It's I Smiley Culture with the mike in a me hand
Me come to teach you right and not the wrong
In a de Cockney Translation

Cockney's not a language it is only a slang
And was originated yah so inna England
The first place it was used was over East London
It was respect for the different style pronunciation
But it wasn't really used by any and any man
Me say strictly con-man also the villain
But through me full up of lyrics and education
Right here now you a go get a little translation

Cockney have name like Terry, Arthur and del-boy
We have name like Winston, Lloyd and Leroy
We bawl out YOW! While cockneys say OI!
What cockney call a Jack's we call a Blue Bwoy
Say cockney have mates while we have spar
Cockney live in a brum while we live in a yard
Say we nyam while cockney get capture
Cockney say guv'nor. We say Big Bout ya
In a de Cockney Translation!
In a de Cockney Translation!

Well watch a man..............................
The translation of cockney to understand is easy
So long as you don't deaf and you listen me keenly
You should pick it up likea youth who find some money
Go tell it to your friends also your family
No matter if a English or a Yardy
Ca' you never when them might buck up a cockney
Remember warm dem dem deh man dem don't easy
Dem no fire sling shot a me say strictly double B
Dem run protection racket and control 'nuff C.I.D.

Say cockney fire shooter, We bus' gun
Cockney say tea leaf, We say sticks man
You know dem have wedge while we have corn
Say cockney say be first, my son! We just say Gwan!
Cockney say grass, We say outformer man
When dem talk 'bout iron dem really meam batty man
Rope chain and choparita me say cockney call tom
Say cockney say Old Bill, We dutty Babylon
In a de Cockney Translation!
In a de Cockney Translation!

Well watch a man........................
Slam bam
Jah man
Hear dam
Fashion
Smiley
Culture
Origiantion

But first let me tell you more about the cockney
Who live comfortably and have yacht by the sea
And when it come to money most of then have plenty
But where dum spend it? In de bookie
Lose it all on the dogs or on the gee gees
Or paying off fe dem bribes to the Sweeney
So dem nah go do no time fe no armed robbery
Or catching antthing that fell off the back of a lorry

Slam bam
Jah man
Hear dem
Fashion
Me strong
Me long
Me at the mike stand
More time
In a dance
Me chat
'Pon a sound

But sometimes me shake out and leave me home town
And that's when me travel a East London
Where I have to speak as a different man
So that the cockney can understand
So black man and white man hear dem fashion

Cockney say scarper, We say scatter
Cockney say rabbit, We chatter
We say bleach, Cockney Knackered!
Cockney say triffic, We say waaacked!

Cockney say blokes, We say guys
Cockney say Alright? We say Ites!
we say pants, Cockney say strides
Sweet as a nut...................... just level vibes. Seen?

Lately

2011-02-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

I think the lyrics of this song by Brother Clyde sum up how a lot of us feel from time to time. A little less angry, crazy, selfish. A little more grounded, patient and forgiving. Sometimes it does feel like the world is ending, often due to our own stupidity.

I know that I can become a better person, but it takes a lot of continuing work, but by the grace of God I will get there. God wants me to be the best I can be, and to do that I have to allow Him to work in my life. I want to feel good again.

I came across this track and video on the Rock Refuge site a few months ago. I think the video accompanying the song goes very well with the lyrics. Enjoy...

I wish I was a little more solid
A little more grounded
Maybe just a little more
I wish I was a little less angry
A little less selfish
Maybe just a little less

Lately I feel like crashin'
I feel like the whole world is coming to an end
Lately I feel like nothing really matters
I want to feel good again

I wish I was a little more patient
A little more forgiving
Maybe just a little more

I wish I was a little less crazy
A little less out there
Maybe just a little less

Lately I feel like crashin'
I feel like the whole world is coming to an end
Lately I feel like nothing really matters
I want to feel good again
I want to feel good again

Lately I feel like crashin'
I feel like I hate rapping
I feel like the worlds gonna end
And the gang situations keep no attraction
I feel like the feats gonna happen
In here no bail we're packed in
Everything just keeps on lasting
I just want to keep gettin past it
I want to waste away
I want to be left alone in hell
No one gave a damn
When I was sitting in my cell
So what they gonna do or feel
When I get close to the edge
And I feel I'm about to break
And I can't take the fact that lately
I've been through the ashes greatly

Lately I feel like crashin'
Feels like the whole world is coming to an end
Lately I feel like nothing really matters
I want to feel good again
I want to feel good again

I wish I was a little more solid
A little more grounded
Maybe just a little more

Brother Clyde - Lately found on Pop

Another Cup Of Coffee?

2011-02-16T10:17:00.000-08:00

I really like this "haunting" song by Mike & The Mechanics. To me it can easily be looked upon as a 1990's version of Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles, in so far as it is a good piece of social commentary.

All too often a loving relationship turns sour over the years, through many different and varied reasons. It could be that when children are grown up and left home, that you find that they were the only things holding it together by then. Again some people are convinced that despite obvious character traits that they can change their partner to be the person they want them to be after marriage.

There may or may not be obvious courses of action to be taken in these situations. For some addictions are a way out. The song refers to the "simple" addiction of caffeine, pour yourself another cup of coffee.

I would not presume to tell anyone what to do in any of these situations. I am very fortunate, that my loving relationship with my wife is still strong after twenty two years. What I do know though, is that relationships have to be worked at, with give and take on both sides. I find too, that being a Christian with a relationship with God also helps. I find great help and advise in the bible, specifically in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is needed to keep any relationship alive.

Enjoy the song...

And she pours herself another cup of coffee
As she contemplates the stain across the wall
and it's in between the cleaning and the washing
That's when looking back's
The hardest part of all

And she always did her best to try and please him
While he always did his best to make her cry
And she got down on her knees to stop him leaving
But he always knew one day he'd say goodbye

Where are your friends
Where are your children
Is this your house
Is this your home
Does nothing ever last forever
Does everybody sleep alone

And he tears the business tags from his old suitcase
As he packs away the pieces of his life
They all love him but they always try to change him
That's what happens when a girl becomes a wife

And she pours herself another cup of coffee
As the pictures leave a clean space on the wall
and it's in between the leaving and the loving
That's when looking back's
The hardest part of all

Where are your friends
Where are your children
Is this your house
Is this your home
Does nothing ever last forever
Does everybody sleep alone

Don't look back
Don't give up
Pour yourself another cup

Movie Star

2011-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

This song has been back in my head over the last few months, which is a surprise as I have not heard it played anywhere for probably 30 years! It is not even my usual style, being a very catchy pop song. I first heard, and loved this song back in about 1976 on Thames Valley Radio. This was a local independent radio station broadcasting out of Reading. This was when local radio was local radio, not just part of a national corporation. Harpo was a Swedish artist, and this was multi national hit for him, though it peaked at 24 in this country.

The gist of the lyrics are about someone pretending to be who they are not. In this case an actor whose credits only really are adverts, living the trappings of a big star.

I think, however, that we are all in danger of falling into this trap. How often do we say that we are fine, when we are not. We have a tendency to gloss over failings and to "big up" successes. We can say we live in a particular nice area nearby, rather that the real place we live. We also "upgrade" our jobs in conversations with strangers. Well I say we, I know I have been guilty of all these, and more, at sometime or other.

We have no need to do this though, as the one who really matters, God, knows the real us anyway. It should not matter to us what other people think about us, though this is often difficult to put into practice. I ought to be happy to be the person God has created me to be, and not pretend to be someone else. I am a work in progress, and God is steering me in the right direction.

Enjoy a bit of nostalgic pop music....

You feel like Steve McQueen
when you're driving in your car
and you think you look like James Bond
when you're smoking your cigar
it's so bizarre you think you are
a new kind of James Dean
but the only thing I've ever seen of you
was a commercial spot on the screen

Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a movie
Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a Movie Star

You should belong to the jet set
fly your own private Lear jet
but you worked in a grocery store
every day until you could afford to get away
so you went to Sweden to meet Ingmar Bergman
he wasn't there or he just didn't care
I think it's time for you, my friend
to stop pretending that you are a

Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a movie
Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a Movie Star

The frozen hero!
Your words are zero
when your dreams had vanished into dark
along the go that you don't want to know

Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a movie
Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a Movie Star

Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a movie
Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a Movie Star

Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a movie
Movie Star, Movie Star,
you think you are a Movie Star
you think you are a Movie Star
you think you are a Movie Star
you think you are a Movie Star

New Years Day

2011-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

A new year, a new start...well not really as the song says nothing changes on new years day! Today is just the same as yesterday, and the day before in reality. People do use the start of a new year to make resolutions to do things better or differently, but most are discarded soon afterwards, so whats the point?

There are lots of things I do want to do differently, and I can start the changes anytime, it does not have to be today's date that makes me do them. It is high time that I did lose some weight and got fitter. Having lost a parent at a young age myself, I want to see my boys grow up. I will look after myself better, I will build even stronger relationships with family and friends.

At our church we are being encouraged to read the bible in a year. This I intend to do as well. I believe reading God's word will help me achieve my aims mentioned above. I am sure you could achieve them without knowing God, but you are then dependent on will power alone. I want to be with you night and day, and the you to whom I refer is the spirit of God.

Happy New Year to you all.

All is quiet on New Year's Day
A world in white gets underway
I want to be with you
Be with you night and day
Nothing changes on New Year's Day
On New Year's Day

I will be with you again
I will be with you again

Under a blood red sky
A crowd has gathered in black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspapers says, says
Say it's true it's true...
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one

I...I will begin again
I...I will begin again

Oh...
Maybe the time is right
Oh...maybe tonight...

I will be with you again
I will be with you again

And so we're told this is the golden age
And gold is the reason for the wars we wage
Though I want to be with you
Be with you night and day
Nothing changes
On New Year's Day

Joy To The World

2010-12-24T12:06:00.000-08:00

Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

What Do You Got?

2010-12-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

A song by Bon Jovi with some very strange grammar, which has been getting quite a bit of airplay on Planet Rock recently. It does, however, make a very true observation of human life. It does not matter who you are, rich, poor, famous, anonymous, or anyone in between, we all need love. We need to love and be loved, we have been programmed that way.

I know some people who have had bad experiences of love may well disagree, but I honestly feel love is what makes the world go round. I am lucky in that I have the love of family and good friends to support me. I also have the love of and for God. Even when earthly love lets us down, God still loves us. As the Bible says God gave his only son, even to death on the cross, so we could have eternal life. We were programed to love God and be loved by him. I know that this is not what the band are singing about, but the point is still true none the less.

Every one needs someone to tell them the truth the song says, and so we do. The truth from God is what we need, and his gentle nudges in the right direction. So what do you got if you aint got love - loneliness. With love - happiness. With God's love - eternal happiness. This does not mean the end of trouble or pain, but the knowledge of spending eternity with God.

Bon Jovi
What Do You Got? lyrics

Everybody wants something, just a little more
We're making a living, and what we're living for
A rich man or a poor man, a pawn or a king
You can live on the street, you can rule the whole world
But it don't mean one damn thing

What do you got, if you aint got love?
Whatever you got, it just aint enough
You walk in the road, but you're going nowhere
You're tryin' to find your way home, but there's no one there
Who do you hold, in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it's worth the fight
You have all the things, that you've been dreaming of

If you ain't got someone, you're afraid to lose
Everybody needs just one, someone... to tell them the truth
Maybe I'm a dreamer, but I still believe
I believe in hope, I believe the change can get us up off our knees

What do you got, if you aint got love?
Whatever you got, it just aint enough
You walk in the road, but you're going nowhere
You're tryin' to find your way home, but there's no one there
Who do you hold, in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it's worth the fight
You have all the things, that you've been dreaming of

If you ain't got love, it's all just keeping score
If you ain't got love, what the hell we doing it for

I don't wanna have to talk about it,
How many songs you gotta sing about it?
How long you gonna live without it?
Why does someone somewhere have to doubt it?
Someday we'll figure it out

What do you got, if you aint got love?
Whatever you got, it just aint enough
You walk in the road, but you're going nowhere
You're tryin' to find your way home, but there's no one there
Who do you hold, in the dark of night?
You wanna give up, but it's worth the fight
You have all the things, that you've been dreaming of

If you ain't got love, it's all just keeping score
If you ain't got love, what the hell we doing it for
Woahhh, I ain't got, if you ain't got love
Woahhh, What do you got if you ain't got love?
Woahhh, What do you got if you ain't got love?

God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You

2010-12-04T04:19:00.000-08:00

On the premise that God created everything and gives good gifts to his children, then yes God did give rock 'n' roll to everyone. It has often been said, that rock music, and in particular the heavy metal genre, is the devil's music. In the same way that man can take good things and turn them evil, chemical weapons for example, then music can be used for both good and bad messages. In the whole though, I feel that rock music, in it's widest sense, can and is used for the good. You can not single out rock music as being "bad", and not also include genres such as gangster rap. In the main the musicians are just putting over a message, some may be slightly darker, but hey some poetry is very dark.

All people were made in the image of God, that includes followers of rock music. God loves us as much as anybody else, and anyone who says otherwise has a slightly odd take on the Gospels.

The Kiss song of this name, uses rock music as a form of escapism from the grind of an ordinary nine to five job, in a mundane existence. That though is what most of us find as a reality in living. Christians have no need to resort to escapism, as they have a relationship with the living God, who can help us to a better life.

God does give rock 'n' roll to us, but he also gives us so much more, if only we would let him.

God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in the soul of everyone
Do you know what you want? You don't know for sure
You don't feel right, you can't find a cure
And you're gettin' less than what you're lookin' for

You don't have money or a fancy car
And you're tired of wishin' on a falling star
You gotta put your faith in a loud guitar

God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Gave rock and roll to everyone (oh yeah)
God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in the soul of everyone

"Now listen"
If you wanna be a singer, or play guitar
Man, you gotta sweat or you won't get far
Cause it's never too late to work nine-to-five

You can take a stand, or you can compromise
You can work real hard or just fantasize
But you don't start livin' till you realize - "I gotta tell ya!"

God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Gave rock and roll to everyone
God gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to you
Put it in your'e Soul

God gave rock and roll to you (to everyone he gave the song to be sung)
Gave rock and roll to you, gave rock and roll to everyone

God gave rock and roll to you (to everyone he gave the song to be sung)
Gave rock and roll to you, saved rock and roll for everyone
Saved rock and roll

I know life sometimes can get tough! And I know life sometimes can be a drag!
But people, we have been given a gift, we have been given a role
And that roles name is... Rock and Roll!

Tears Of The Saints

2010-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

There are many prodigal sons
On our city streets they run
Searching for shelter
There are homes broken down
People’s hopes have fallen to the ground
From failures

This is an emergency!

There are tears from the saints
For the lost and unsaved
We’re crying for them come back home
We’re crying for them come back home
And all your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

There are schools full of hatred
Even churches have forsaken
Love and mercy
May we see this generation
In it’s state of desperation
For Your glory

This is an emergency!

Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!
Sinner, reach out your hands!
Children in Christ you stand!

And all Your children will stretch out their hands
And pick up the crippled man
Father, we will lead them home
Father, we will lead them home

Words & Music by Leeland Dayton Mooring and Jack Anthony Mooring / © 2006 Meaux Mercy (BMI) / Meaux Jeaux (SESAC)

Behind the Song:
Leeland Mooring says it was a Sunday afternoon during a quiet devotional time that he sensed what he calls a presence of God. “I was playing piano, just worshiping, and I asked in prayer, ‘God, just give me your heart for the lost.’” It was a hope to feel the longing God feels for people struggling to find their way. “And then I started crying—it was as if God gave me a little glimpse of his heart,” Leeland continues. “‘Tears of the Saints’ came out, and it’s about how for every person who is out there lost there is probably about five people praying for them.” More, the track illuminates the vision the band has for its ministry. “We want to see kids saved,” the songwriter affirms. “What’s awesome about this song live, is how it touches people,” bassist Jake Holtz adds. “The Lord is just blessing people. You can see change coming across their faces. It’s nothing we’re doing. God’s just working through us with this song.”

Unforgiven

2010-10-18T06:10:00.000-07:00

This Metallica song has been in and out of my head for a few years now. From what I can gather, the song charts the memories of an old man, who has regretted being controlled as a child, and conforming as a young man/adult. I suppose to a certain extent, we all try to please others, and sometimes do not show what we really think or know. I know that I have been guilty of this. We do not want to offend, we want to please.

Those who exert unhealthy control or influence over the lives of others, also are in danger of ruining their own lives as well. They will probably be unforgiven by their victims, even though God teaches us to forgive. Forgiving a tormentor can be hard,and maybe humanly impossible. You do read stories though of people who have forgiven some pretty horrendous things that have been done to them. At the end of the day though, it is God who has the power to forgive, and He will forgive anyone who truly turns to Him. This may often go against our perceived sense of fair play, but God is God and we are not.

There is no reason why anyone should remain unforgiven, we all have the chance to enter into a loving relationship with our saving heavenly Father.

This does not take away though, the fact that this is a cracking good song!

New blood joins this earth
And quickly he's subdued
Through constant pained disgrace
The young boy learns their rules

With time the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man struggles on and on he's known
A vow unto his own
That never from this day
His will they'll take away

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

They dedicate their lives
To running all of his
He tries to please them all
This bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same
He's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares
To die regretfully
That old man here is me

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

You labeled me
I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven

Brothers In Arms

2010-10-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

This is the title track from the album by Dire Straits. The songs has been going around my head for a few months now. There is no "commentary" on the song that I wish to develop this time. The song,and the album, were however instrumental in helping me through a very hard time in April 1986. I think the reason for the song now being in my head, is the fact that I am now nearly older than my Dad was when he died in that month.

The whole album just seemed to me at the time to fit my mood. This song spoke to me as at the time I felt that I had brothers in arms. One was the person of Jesus Christ, as my faith was strengthened not tested in this difficult period. The other was a very good friend, who was there for me at the time. We shared a lot of time together whilst growing up, some good, some bad, and some ugly! Times change, people change, the bond is still there, maybe not as strong as it once was, but I don't think it will ever be totally broken.

This song goes out to my "brother" in arms.

These mist covered mountains
Are a home now for me
But my home is the lowlands
And always will be

Some day you'll return to
Your valleys and your farms
And you'll no longer burn
To be brothers in arms

Through these fields of destruction
Baptisms of fire
I've witnessed your suffering
As the battles raged higher

And though we were hurt so bad
In the fear and alarm
You did not desert me
My brothers in arms

There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones

Now the sun's gone to hell
And the moon's riding high
Let me bid you farewell
Every man has to die

But it's written in the starlight
And every line on your palm
We're fools to make war
On our brothers in arms

Snowdonia (IV)

2010-08-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

There is already a link on this blog to the Centre For Alternative Technology, so full information on that can be found there. Had yet another enjoyable and informative visit there.

Meirion Mill is now a retail outlet selling in the main lambswool products, plus the usual touristy stuff. It is reasonably priced and worth a visit.

On our way home we went via Wrexham to visit some friends. On route we called in at Rhug Farm, mainly to use thge toilets, but found a very good farm shop. The strawberry ice lollies contained pieces of fruit. They also have a herd of bison in a field, the young looked really cute.

Our final stop was at Erddig, an National Trust run house and gardens just outside Wrexham. It is somewhere I have been meaning to go for some years, but this was the first time. The house displays both "upstairs" and "downstairs" and has loads to see. We were short for time, so a repeat longer visit is deinately in the offing.

Links:

www.meirionmill.co.uk
www.rhug.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Snowdonia (III)

2010-08-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Those that know me, know that three of my leisure pursuits are country drives, football, and hill walking. I managed to find time to enulge in all three whilst away.

After visiting Criccieth Castle, and before dropping back down to Barmouth, I managed to detour onto the Llyn Peninsular for a scenic drive. Well it would have been if the clouds were not down below the hills! I enjoyed it anyway, but to quote my eldest son "misty, misty, boring, misty!"

The football was an Welsh Alliance match between Barmouth & Dyffren United and Llanwrst United. It ended all square at one all. Not a pretty game by any stretch of the imagination, but the scenery was.

We took a family walk up the mountain opposite the guest house to find Blue Lake. This is an old quarry lake, reached via a small cave. It is a bowl like area surrounded on all sides by steep cliffs. A very quiet and awe inspiring place.

The other walk I did, whilst the others were relaxing on Barmouth beach. From the town centre there are paths straight up the mountains above, which go onto a range that runs for twenty or so miles north. The first area of land given to the National Trust is one of those smaller hills. A half hour walk on will take you to Panorama Hill. This is my favourite spot in the country, and I go there as often as I can. The views are out to sea, or up the Mawddach and aover to Cadair Idris.

Snowdonia (II)

2010-08-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

There are a few things that always spring to mind when you talk about Wales and visits, and I do not mean the rain!! Castles and little trains, we visited two of each.

The Talyllyn Railway runs from Towyn on the coast to Nant Gwernol up in the mountains. It is a good example of a preserved working line, which used to carry slate from the mines down to the coast for shipping. A little known fact about this railway, is the the author of the Thomas The Tank Engine stories, was a frequent visitor, and based some of his mountain railway stories on the line, and used some of their engines as the models for his.

The Fairbourne Railway again dates from the 19th century, but this one was built to carry bricks to the new development of Fairbourne, from the mainline down the stretch of beach that was having new houses constructed by it. I personally did not enjoy this one as much, but the boys loved it, so that's the main point I suppose.

Both Harlech Castle and Criccieth Castle are awesome buildings. Both were built or strengthened by the English to repress the Welsh. Both are imposing sights to see as you aproach them, they both sit on top of rocky out crops. Harlech was built on the coast, but the sea is now a few miles away! You only really appreciate this, when you look down from the top, and see all the flat land around it.

Links:

www.talyllyn.co.uk
www.fairbournerailway.com
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Snowdonia (I)

2010-08-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

As a family we had a very enjoyable week earlier this month. We stayed at the Einion House, a guesthouse in the small village of Friog, which is on the south side of the Mawddach estuary and at the edge of the Cadair Idris range of mountains. The next few posts will summarise where we visited, in case anyone is interested.

On the way up we called in at Llywernog Silver-Lead Mine, which is just off the A44 near to Aberystwyth. This mine has been restored over the years, and is a good example of an industry in mid Wales which had it's hey day between 1850 and 1870.

Whilst then driving up the coast, we came across the Dyfi Osprey Project at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve. This site is run by the local wildlife trust. A pair of ospreys have made a nest there this year, but did not lay any eggs. There is hope that they will breed next year. Camera footage of the birds was avaialbe as well as binoculars trained on the nest.

Corris Craft Centre is a what it says really, but worth a call in. Crafts include wooden toys, leather, candles etc. It is also the home to an underground tour of some caves, based on the King Arthur legend.

A lot of the time we spent over in Barmouth, which is a town we love. We managed to get onto the beach every day, and paddled or swam most days. One day was even warm enough for me to venture in and have a proper swim.

Links:

www.einionhouse.co.uk
www.silverminetours.co.uk
www.wildlifetrustswales.org

Mr. Roboto

2010-07-24T08:31:00.000-07:00

This song is from the rather odd concept album, Kilroy Was Here. Written by Dennis de Young, it is based in a time in the future, where robots do most jobs, and rock music is banned. Kilroy is a rocker, who "hides" inside a robot...told you it was strange!

On face value there does not appear to be much to this song, outside of it's setting in the album. There are though, in my opinion, some truths hidden in there.

We often find that we need somewhere to hide to keep ourselves alive, be that literally as in running away, or putting up defences around ourselves to hide the real person inside. In the same way, we often wear masks to conceal our true identity, well I do anyway!

We are often also so consumed by modern technology, that we do not interact with the real world. We have FaceBook friends for example, often numbering hundreds, often who we only have limited real knowledge of, and a total lack of real face to face conversations with real friends of substance.

In truth our real identity is to found through a relationship with Jesus Christ. In my opinion, it is only by knowing Jesus, that we have the confidence to deal with the real issues. We may not get it right all the time, but life is meant to be an adventurous journey. Jesus is our guide on the way, he allows us to make detours, but then welcomes us back and shows the way towards the completion. Real life should not mean hiding behind masks.

Mr. Roboto lyrics

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Mata ahoo Hima de
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Himitsu wo Shiri tai

You're wondering who I am
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
Machine or mannequin
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
With parts made in Japan
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
I am the modren man

I've got a secret, I've been hiding under my skin
My heart is human, my blood is boiling
My brain I.B.M., so if you see me
Acting strangely, don't be surprised

I'm just a man who needed someone
And somewhere to hide
To keep me alive, just keep me alive
Somewhere to hide to keep me alive

I'm not a robot without emotions
I'm not what you see
I've come to help you
With your problems, so we can be free
I'm not a hero, I'm not a saviour
Forget what you know

I'm just a man whose circumstances
Went beyond his control
Beyond my control, we all need control
I need control, we all need control

I am the modren man
(Secret, secret I've got a secret)
Who hides behind a mask
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
So no one else can see
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
My true identity

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo, Domo
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo, Domo

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto

Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For doing the jobs that nobody wants to
And thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
For helping me escape

Just when I needed to
Thank you, thank you, thank you
I want to thank you
Please, thank you, oh

The problem's plain to see
Too much technology
Machines to save our lives
Machines, de-humanize

The time has come at last
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
To throw away this mask
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)
Now everyone can see
(Secret, secret, I've got a secret)

My true identity, I'm Kilroy, Kilroy, Kilroy, Kilroy

The clip below is the original video for the song.

You're Beautiful

2010-06-27T05:01:00.000-07:00

I see Your face in every sunrise
The colors of the morning are inside Your eyes
The world awakens in the light of the day
I look up to the sky and say
You're beautiful

I see Your power in the moonlit night
Where planets are in motion and galaxies are bright
We are amazed in the light of the stars
It's all proclaiming who You are
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see You there hanging on a tree
You bled and then You died and then You rose again for me
Now You are sitting on Your heavenly throne
Soon we will be coming home
You're beautiful, You're beautiful

When we arrive at eternity's shore
Where death is just a memory and tears are no more
We'll enter in as the wedding bells ring
Your bride will come together and we'll sing
You're beautiful (x2)

I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

I see Your face,
I see Your face

I see Your face,
You're beautiful, You're beautiful, You're beautiful

Proud To Be Welsh

2010-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome joke, which I have unashamedly nicked from a post by Ziggy on the PRATS forum. By the way I am English, but married a Welsh girl.

After having dug to a depth of 10 feet last year, Irish scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a telephone network more than 100 years ago.

Not to be outdone by the Irish, in the weeks that followed, an English archaeologist dug to a depth of 20 feet, and shortly after, a story published read:-
"English archaeologists, finding traces of 130-year-old copper wire, have concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech telecommunications network 30 years earlier than the Irish".

One week later, the South Wales Echo reported the following:-
"After digging as deep as 30 feet in the back garden of his house in the Rhondda, Dai Williams, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely f**k all.
Dai has therefore concluded that 130 years ago, Wales had already gone wireless."

Makes a man proud to be Welsh!

Planet Rock Connection

2010-06-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

Planet Rock, the UK's home of Classic Rock, has a quiz type thing in their morning show. Basically, a listener sends in a list of eight songs which are connected by a theme, with one being an odd one out. The remaining listeners have to email or ring in with the right connection, and odd one out.

Well today's connection had been sent in by your's truly. It was introduced as a welcome return to the groaners, ie you will groan when you here the answers! The ones submitted were as below. They altered two of them, Black Sabbath was replaced by U2 Sunday bloody Sunday, and Styx were replaced by Bruce Springsteen's the river.

The connection was rivers in the UK, with the odd one out mentioning a river in the title.

(order sent in, not order played)

Queen - Seven seas of rye (Severn - England/Wales)
Peter Frampton - Show me the way (Wey - England)
Van Halen - Why can't this be love (Wye - England/Wales)
Black Sabbath - Sabbath bloody sabbath (Dee - England/Wales or Scot)
AC/DC - Beatin' around the bush (Bush - N.Ireland)
Europe - Last look at Eden (Eden - England)
Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the sky (Eye Water - Scot)
Styx - Boat on the river

Wake Me Up When September Ends

2010-05-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

To be honest I have no idea what these lyrics refer to at all, I just think it is a cracking song by Green Day.

All I will say though is that we should learn from every experience we go through both the good and the bad. The pain of losing a loved one for example does fade over time, but the memories of that person will last forever.

The last verse says that twenty years have gone so fast, times does indeed go by rapidly. It does not seem to me like twenty four years since my own father died, or twenty two years since I met my wife for the first time, or nearly thirteen years since our eldest was born. We do not know how long we are on this earth for, but we have to make the most of every opportunity we are given.

"Wake Me Up When September Ends"

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends

Like my father's come to pass
Seven years has gone so fast
Wake me up when September ends

Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Drenched in my pain again
Becoming who we are

As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost
Wake me up when September ends

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends

Ring out the bells again
Like we did when spring began
Wake me up when September ends

Here comes the rain again
Falling from the stars
Drenched in my pain again
Becoming who we are

As my memory rests
But never forgets what I lost
Wake me up when September ends

Summer has come and passed
The innocent can never last
Wake me up when September ends

Like my father's come to pass
Twenty years has gone so fast
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends
Wake me up when September ends

Trinity Veterans Football Match

2010-05-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Report taken from the Trinity Cheltenham website.

Trinity Vets vs. Trinity F.C. May 25th, 2010
Trinity vets, for a short period in the second half, threatened to cause the biggest upset in Trinity’s football history last night. Down 5-0 after the first half, Trinity Vets dominated early in the second half to come back to 5-3, only to see the relative youth of the regular squad shine through with three late goals to make the final score 8-3.

Last year, this annual fixture was played out in driving rain and howling wind. This year the sun shone brightly, the massive crowds (all three of them) sat on deck chairs and sunned themselves, and the game was played out amidst a beautiful sunset in the shadow of Cleeve Hill.

On paper, Trinity vets had no chance of making an impact on the young, fit and league-topping Trinity FC team. Their average age was 15 years greater, their average weight 2 stone higher, and their average hair line 6 inches further back. Further more, one or two of them were still wearing their short shorts that were all the rage in the 80’s, but now would be more at home in a Borat film than on a football pitch. And indeed, the first half was probably expected. A lot of huffing and puffing from the vets but not a lot else as Trinity FC scored 5 times.

At half time the Vets were treated to a ‘Dan Chatworthy Special’ rallying call. Dan, more renowned for crunching tackles and gutteral grunts, treated the vets to a masterly vocal recitation of true football heritage: they were reminded of the need to ‘keep it tight’, ‘look for the easy ball’, ‘pass it short’, ’support each other’ and not ‘give the opposition time to have a cup of tea’ before going in for the challenge.

Remarkably re-envisioned, the second half began with more enthusiasm from the vets, but with no impact on the field until manager Geoff Routledge made some incisive tactical changes. Grandad was moved from centre forward to goal-keeper, the Rev Gareth Dickinson was replaced by never-Rev Neil Bennetts, and the ex-Rev Jonathon Stott was asked to take his 6 foot 6 frame into the centre forward position. With Grandad shoring up the previously leaky goal, the short hairy legs of Dickinson removed from the field, the quick nimble Bennetts (his words) flying down the wing, and the Peter Crouch look-a-like Stott causing complete mayhem amongst the Trinity FC centre backs, the Vets managed to produce some outstanding penetrating runs into the opposition’s half, resulting in three quick goals that left Trinity FC nervous, and the now five-strong crowd breathless. Maybe if not-to-be-seen-anywhere Rev Bailey had been around to hack a few people down the result would have swung the Vets way. But then soon-to-be-Rev Jon Hills delivered what he had promised to do all evening, and scored a couple of very quick, well executed goals for Trinity FC.

So that was that – a healthy and encouraging result for the Vets, with a scoreline that betrays how close the game was. A technical victory for Trinity FC maybe, but a triumph of attitude, commitment and managing-not-to-die-in-the-process resilience from the Vets.

The return match is next September.

Game on.

A Pentecost Hymn

2010-05-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me,
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on us.
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on us.
Melt us, mold us, fill us,use us,
Spirit of the living God,
Fall afresh on us.

Find Me In The River

2010-05-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

Find me in the river
Find me on my knees
I've walked against the water
Now I'm waiting if you please

We've longed to see the roses
But never felt the thorns
And bought our pretty crowns
But never paid the price

Find me in the river
Find me there
Find me on my knees with my soul laid bare
Even though you're gone and I'm cracked and dry
Find me in the river, I'm waiting here

Find me in the river
Find me on my knees
I've walked against the water
Now I'm waiting if you please

We didn't count on suffering
We didn't count on pain
But if the blessing's in the valley
Then in the river I will wait

River In The City

2010-05-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

River In The City is the name given to a pioneer ministry in Liverpool. My good friend Keith Hitchman has recently moved up there to be involved in this project. The following is the news release as shown on the Diocese of Liverpool website. I was privileged to have been present at his licensing.

The Diocese of Liverpool has made an exciting new appointment of a minister to focus on the development of a new style of Christian Community in the heart of Liverpool One. The Bishop of Warrington licensed Keith Hitchman to this role in the Tate Gallery this week.

Keith will be in charge of a new type of church for a new type of community. He will spend his time building relationships with the wide variety of people who come to Liverpool One. Keith’s aim is to link into the various networks that exist and explore how a faith based community can develop to help those within their own specific groups. The Diocese is looking at a model of church that doesn’t involve a large number of people coming together in one place but sees groups of people being established around a common interest – whatever that interest is.

As Keith explains “Liverpool One is an excellent example of a community that attracts a variety of people for a range of reasons. Some live here, many work here, even more visit for shopping and leisure. I want to relate to these natural networks and work to understand what people are looking for in their lives and how I can help them relate to God.

“In a world of choice and change people form groups with others who share the same interests and views on life. It is through these groups that they discuss and ask the big questions and I want to help people do that.”

Following this idea Keith’s first task will be to get to know the Liverpool One area and the people who live, work and shop there. He will spend time getting to know people and what they want. He will also be talking to other churches and faith communities in the area.

Keith comes to Liverpool from Gloucestershire where he has been vicar in a wide number of roles since his Ordination in 1995. He has had a wide experience in a variety of roles within the church including being a youth minister, university Chaplain and Chaplain to a community of “New Travellers.” Keith comes to Liverpool as an expert in reaching people who have had no experience of church. Keith is married with two sons.

The Bishop of Warrington said “I am delighted to have licensed Keith to this exciting new role in Liverpool One. The fact the licensing took place in the Tate is a fantastic example of how Keith will be working in this new type of church reaching out to the different networks in this city.”

In Christ Alone, My Hope Is Found

2010-05-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! who took on flesh
Fulness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

World Record Football Match

2010-05-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

Below is the press report on this one, as taken from the Gloucestershire Echo site. Respect to all those involved both playing and organising. I was only there from 10.30 Friday night to 7.30 Saturday morning in a off the pitch helping capacity, and I was knackered after, so goodness only knows how the players are now feeling....

FOOTBALLERS took extra time to a whole new level when they smashed the world record for the longest game ever played.

Teams from the Cotswold Churches league scored a whopping 626 goals when they played a continuous 35 hours of football.

The Guinness World Record for the longest match was previously 33 hours.

Cambray FC, made up of members of the Cambray Baptist Church, faced the Cotswold All Stars team, from players from the churches league, in a bid to raise £30,000 to build a school for impoverished children in India.

Kick off at Bishop’s Cleeve Football Club was at 6.30pm on Friday and the full-time whistle was blown at 6.30am on Sunday when torrential rain stopped play.

The All Stars were crowned winners with a final score of 333 to 293.

Cambray player Andy Champion, 37, said he was impressed by how competitive the game was.

“We started off quite fast because we were all so excited, but I was actually surprised by the pace of some of the lads hours into the game,” he said.

“It was a great effort, but the main thing is raising money for the school in India. Every player has raised about £1,000 each.”

Each squad had 18 players, each on the pitch for three hours at a time before being substituted during a five minute break. The time accrued through the breaks was taken off the total mach time.

For every hour played they earned a five minute break which they could accumulate for a longer rest.

None of the players was allowed to leave the area around the pitch so tents were pitched up along the sidelines, where Guinness invigilators watched on.

Food and drink was brought to them by family, friends and supporters.

The teams had hoped to play for 40 hours, but the heavy rain made the pitch too dangerous.

Pete Sheppard, 24, was on the All Stars team, and said the tiredness was the biggest hurdle. “We did a lot of intense training sessions but they don’t prepare you for how long an ordeal this is,” he said.

“90 minutes is a long time but you are playing double that before you have a break. That last hour, everyone is really counting down the minutes.”

As well as smashing the world record, the players are on target to reach their £30,000 fundraising total.

The money will help the Dalit community in India, who are considered outcasts and denied access to public areas such as parks.

RED International will take the money raised to build a school for the children.

In 2008 Cambray Baptist Church gave money to build a school in Kalayarkovil for 450 pupils.

Footballer’s wife Emily McKeown, who helped organise the event, said: “Supporters have been coming through the night to watch them and have even pitched up their tents as well.

“The players are completely shattered and many of them have been left with injuries. We had to make the decision to stop when the rain got heavier and it became a bit too dangerous.”

To donate to the team’s cause online, visit www.football4dalits.com.

The Union - Step Up To The Plate

2010-04-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

Just found this clip taken at the concert I was at in Oxford. The sound quality is not that good, but enjoy anyway....

Voodoo Six - Take The Blame

2010-04-20T12:16:00.000-07:00

I won tickets to see these guys along with The Union at Oxford last Sunday. To be honest, had not heard that much of them really, and thought ok but bit too "heavy" for me. They were the support band, and they blew the headliners away in my opinion. Going to listen out for them a lot more now.

Take the blame is an awesome track in my opinion, so enjoy....

Don't Stop Believing

2010-04-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

This is a song that I used to love, but can not stand these days, due to reasons that I need not go into now. Having said that I do recognise it as being a classic song, that lasts the test of time.

At first glance there does not appear to be a lot in this from a semi deep and profound sense, but I keep getting it in my head at the moment, and that normally means post on it.

There is the obvious theme of trying to find something better, by either changing location, one night stands, or the "roll of the dice". This longing for a sense of belonging or betterment is to be found in all of us, and I believe that this feeling can only be satisfied by entering into a living relationship with God.

I think, however, that the reason for the song being put into my head now is in the title. There are times when we all have hard periods in our lives, and struggle to hold onto what we believe in. I know I do, and April is a month with loads of "bad" memories for me. At times I have wondered is it all true, and I know that it is, but the questions get raised. There are times when we/I mess up and think that's it, God can not want to know me now, but he always does. We are encouraged by those who mess up in the bible and go onto great things, both Moses and David for example were murderers. Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, soon after promising never to leave him, he went onto found the church.

There you have it....Don't stop believing, aptly performed by Journey, as we are all on a journey to discover our beliefs.

Just a small town girl
Living in a lonely world
She took the midnight train going anywhere

Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train going anywhere

A singer in a smoky room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers, waiting, up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlight people, living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Paying anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on

Don't stop believing
Hold on to that feeling
Streetlight people

Mighty To Save

2010-04-05T04:26:00.000-07:00

Well, everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing, let mercy fall on me
Well, everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour, the hope of nations

Saviour, He can move the mountains
For my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
Where He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures, fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in, and now I surrender, I surrender

Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King

Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus

Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus

Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King, Jesus
Shine Your light and let the whole world see, we're singing
For the glory of the risen King

There Is A Green Hill Far Away

2010-04-03T04:47:00.000-07:00

There is a green hill far away,
outside a city wall,
where our dear Lord was crucified
who died to save us all.

We may not know, we cannot tell,
what pains he had to bear,
but we believe it was for us
he hung and suffered there.

He died that we might be forgiven,
he died to make us good,
that we might go at last to heaven,
saved by his precious blood.

There was no other good enough
to pay the price of sin,
he only could unlock the gate
of heaven and let us in.

O dearly, dearly has he loved!
And we must love him too,
and trust in his redeeming blood,
and try his works to do.

Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

2010-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

The below is taken from the AONB website and describes an organisation which I belong to. The Cotswolds AONB is divided into five districts for ease and working purposes. I have just been elected to the post of Chairman for the Central District. I am honoured to have been given this responsibility, even though it really only means that I chair the quarterly general meetings, the quarterly district committee meetings, and attend quarterly meetings with the other chairmen. Politics does creep in sometimes though, as it does in any walk of life.

Cotswold Voluntary Wardens

The Cotswold Voluntary Wardens service was established in 1968. Anyone can join and, today, there are over 340 full time members. The wardens are part of the Cotswolds Conservation Board and volunteer their time and skills to help keep the Cotswolds special.

Warden work parties help conserve and enhance the AONB, taking part in a range of projects from drystone walling, hedge laying, and tree planting to installing kissing gates.

The wardens work with parish councils, farmers and local residents to help keep footpaths open and identify local features in need of restoration.

When they are not taking part in conservation work many wardens conduct hundreds of guided walks, throughout the Cotswolds AONB. Some voluntary wardens also help out at shows and give talks about their work and the AONB to local groups.

Support, training, equipment, travel expenses and a sense of achievement are offered in return for volunteers’ valuable time.

God Of Wonders

2010-02-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

Lord of all creation
Of water, earth, and sky
The heavens are Your tabernacle
Glory to the Lord on High

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth (2X)

Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And as I stumble through the darkness
I will call Your name by night

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth (2X)

Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (3X)

God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy

Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (6X)

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

Early in the morning
I will celebreate the light
and as I stumble through the darkness
I will call your name by night

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares your majesty
You are holy, holy

Lord of heaven and earth
Lord of heaven and earth

halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth

God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord reveal your heart to me
Father holy, holy

the universe declares your majesty
you are holy, holy, holy, holy

halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth
halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth

Football 4 Dalits

2010-02-12T05:50:00.000-08:00

One of the great joys in my life is football, and how this great game can reach out and touch people from all spheres of life. The team which I represent, Cheltenham Trinity, play in the Cotswold Churches League. One of our co-members are Cambray FC.

Cambray are hoping to beat the world record for the longest recorded football match, and in the process raise over £30,000 to build, and hopefully equip, a school in India.

The Dalits are what was once known as the untouchables, ie the lowest of the low and outside of the caste system. Their live conditions are incomprehensible to most of us.

Cambray are putting the Gospel words into action, and need both our prayers and support. They have created a website for the event, http://www.football4dalits.com/index.html and I would encourage you all to both take a look and get involved. If everyone of my friends on facebook for example only gave them £1 they would be £150 nearer the total. The website includes details of how to contribute to the sponsorship, details of where and when event is taking place, a fuller picture of why they are doing it, and much more.

I will be getting involved, by advertising the event (just done so), by sponsoring some of our team to take part, and by getting involved in the off pitch side of the activities at the event.

Please consider being part of this. Thank you.

Nature In Art

2010-02-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Have recently visited Nature In Art twice, and enjoyed it both times. It is set in an old house a few miles out of Gloucester on the road to Tewkesbury. I have added a link to their website in the Inspiring Groups section of this blog.

As the name implies, it is a gallery of art inspired by nature. For the next few weeks, the main exhibition is the BBC Wildlife Photographs of the Year. There are some amazing pictures in this exhibition.

There are some amazing paintings on "permanent" display as well. My personal favourite is of a church in Muswell Hill, London. The church is in the background, with the foreground being of an overgrown scrub field. The detail in this painting is vivid and almost life like.

I realise that most, if not all, of the artists displayed there are not Christians, but in my view their work is inspired by the greatest artist ever, God himself.

Haiti

2010-01-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

I first became aware of Haiti as an 11 tear old in 1974. They were a country that I'd never heard of, who qualified for the world cup in West Germany that summer. I discovered that apart from being bad at football, the country was half an island in the Caribbean. I have since discovered that it ranks as arguably the poorest nation in the western hemisphere. The country became independent from France following a slave revolt in the mid 1800's.

As you must be aware, the country was hit by a powerful earthquake last week. Since then the situation has worsened by violence caused in the main by escaped gangsters, from the collapsed prison.

It is easy to think that whatever I may do, it will not make a difference. This is wrong. Every long walk is started by one small step. I would urge anyone who can to pray into the situation in Haiti. I would also urge you to consider giving a donation either via the Government's central relief fund, or via an agency such as Tearfund.

As they say in the Tesco adverts - Every Little Helps!

Super Badger

2010-01-18T06:01:00.000-08:00

If you are on Facebook you should be using Superbadger. Run by Tearfund, it gives an easy way to “badger” different people via email about particular issues. It literally takes a minute to put your name at the bottom of an email and send it. I’ve had responses from government ministers, Tesco, Starbucks and more. It does get through, especially as most of the “badger” requests get done by a thousand or so people.

Imagine if that became 10,000. Or even 100,000. It wouldn’t be that difficult – please can you sign up to it and get others to do the same? If you’re on Twitter then follow Superbadger there as well.

I've stolen the above two paragraphs from Chris Fox's blog, but would reiterate that this a good and easy way to make a constructive difference. I read Chris's post in November, but did nothing about it. Super Badger was is mentioned in the latest edition of Idea, the quarterly magazine from Evangelical Alliance. I decided that it was time for me to sign up. I joined via the link at youth.tearfund.org

Get badgering.

Resolutions

2010-01-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

I have never been one for making new year resolutions, as they are easy to make, and even easier to break. There are lots of things that I should resolve to do something about. I could do with losing a fair bit of excess baggage, which would involve eating a bit less, rather than necessarily healthier, and exercising a bit more. I could be a "better" father and husband, by trying to be a bit less me centred and have more patience. I could be a better Christian, by praying more effectively, and by reading my bible in more depth.

All of the things mentioned above, and more, I could do, but would probably fail. Why? I am an expert in both theory, and in trying to do things in my own strength. These alone will lead to failure. I need to rely on God more, and truly expect Him to keep His promises that are given to us in the bible. He alone is the giver of life giving strength. If I ask Him for help, He will freely give it. My life does not then become an easy ride, free from struggle and pain. Far from it! Life though, in partnership with God, is a life worth living, and I pray (not resolve) that I may trust Him more this year.

I hope and pray that as we start this new decade, that God will bless your lives as well as mine.

Happy Christmas

2009-12-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

One of the Christmas hits that I remember from my formative years is Mary's Boy Child by Boney M. Whereas it has all the hallmarks of 1970's cheese all over it, it does contain the simple gospel truths of Christmas. I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas.

Mary's Boy Child/Oh My Lord Lyrics

Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day.

Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible said,
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day.
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

While shepherds watch their flocks by night,
they see a bright new shining star,
they hear a choir sing a song,
the music seemed to come from afar.

Hark, now hear the angels sing,
a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore
because of Christmas Day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
there were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace".

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
there were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace".

And then they found a little nook,
in a stable all for lord
and then a manger, goldened up
Mary's little boy was born.

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a king was born today,
And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.

For a moment the world was aglow, all the bells rang out
there were tears of joy and laughter, people shouted
"let everyone know, there is hope for all to find peace".

Oh my Lord, You sent your son to save us
Oh my Lord, Your very self you gave us
Oh my Lord, That sin may not enslave us
And love may reign once more

Oh my Lord, when in the crib they found Him
Oh my Lord, A golden halo crowned Him
Oh my Lord, They gathered all around Him
To see him and adore (this day will live forever)

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
They had begun to doubt you
Oh my Lord (He is a personation)
what did they know about you
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
they were lost without you
they needed you so bad(the light was shining on him)

Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
with the child's adoration
Oh my Lord (He is a personation)
there came great jubilation
Oh my Lord (so praise the Lord)
and full of admiration
they realized what they had (until the sun falls from the sky)

Oh my Lord (Oh praise the Lord)

Fairytale Of New York

2009-12-23T12:15:00.000-08:00

Whereas the words of this one are not necessarily full of Christmas cheer, I have always loved this song. The emotion put into it by both Shane McGowan and Kirsty McCall is immense. Enjoy The Pogues...

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

2009-12-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

Three days to Christmas, so three very different Christmas songs for you. I will start with Bruce Springsteen and his excellent E Street Band. Have always loved this version of the song, especially the saxophone solo. Enjoy...

Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord

2009-12-21T09:30:00.000-08:00

Traditionally the season of Advent has been used by Christians to prepare themselves for Christmas, by listening to God in a deeper way than normal. Must admit I have always struggled to do this. It is based on the time of preparation in the gospel story used by John the Baptist to prepare Israel for the coming of Jesus. The Flow blog of a friend of mine used this song a few weeks ago, and it has stayed with me since. It is taken from the 1973 film version of Godspell. The film now looks very dated, and was set in contemporary New York City, but the words are as apt today as when first used two thousand years ago.

Silent Night (Again)

2009-12-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

Following on from yesterday's post, here is another different version of Silent Night, this time by Joe Satriani. Very different to The Dickies, but as good in it's own way.

Silent Night

2009-12-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

This may come as a surprise, but despite being a Christian I have major problems with Christmas Carols. This is probably due to the fact that they are played everywhere, from adverts to shopping centres, or badly sung by carol singers out to make a few bob. In other words they have become commercialised, and no one listens to them properly. I do not go to carol services anymore, for this reason. I am probably wrong in this respect, but hey it's my life!

Just occasionally a version of a traditional carol jumps up and does grab my attention. The version below came out quite a few years ago now, but I have only just come across it. To me it sounds fresh and original, not tired and past it.

Enjoy The Dickies rendition of Silent Night.

Not The Nine O'Clock News

2009-12-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have just been glancing at the Christmas double issue of the Radio Times, and see that there is a 30th anniversary programme on. In my opinion this was one of the best satire shows ever made. The clip below is my favourite of their songs, and is called I Believe. It may look dated now, but still had me in stitches....enjoy

Hurt

2009-12-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

Originally recorded by Nine Inch Nails, the version below is by Johnny Cash. This was posted on the Rock Refuge forum, and I found it very moving, just watch the emotion in his face in the video. His wife died soon after this was recorded, and he died broken hearted not that much later.

I think we all share his emotions at times, I know I do. I feel that things disappear, family and friends, and circumstances change. Sometimes I wish that I did not hurt the way I do, about things I can not change, or had no influence over at the time either. I believe that God does heal the hurt, but for me at least it is taking time. We need to be ready to let God heal, and to hand over the hurt totally, not clinging on to bits of it.

"Hurt"

I hurt myself today
To see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
The only thing that's real
The needle tears a hole
The old familiar sting
Try to kill it all away
But I remember everything

[Chorus:]
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear this crown of thorns
Upon my liar's chair
Full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
Beneath the stains of time
The feelings disappear
You are someone else
I am still right here

[Chorus:]
What have I become
My sweetest friend
Everyone I know goes away
In the end
And you could have it all
My empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

If I could start again
A million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way

Blessed be Your Name

2009-12-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing song of worship and praise. It is very easy to sing in one sense, but very hard to mean the words at times. When things are going well, God is great. When we are struggling, it is not so easy to say God you are wonderful! He is though, God is great all the time, and sometimes I need to be reminded of that. Even when things feel crap to me, I'm a lot better off than a heck of a lot of other people. So thank you for everything God!

Blessed be Your Name by Matt Redman

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name

Tranquillity Base

2009-12-01T05:10:00.000-08:00

I'm a firm believer that we all have a place on this earth which could be called our tranquillity base. For some it is just a place to feel at ease and escape from the rat race. For others it may be a place where for whatever reason they feel more connected to god. For lets face it, it is God who provides us with the tranquillity if only we let Him.

For me, the place where I more often than not, feel the most at ease, is on the top of Panorama Hill just outside Barmouth. It is not the tallest hill there by any means, but has this great view up the Mawddach Estuary one way with the slopes of southern Snowdonia going up each side, including the peak of Cader Idris. The other way is a sweeping view of the estuary mouth into Cardigan Bay, and the sands of Fairbourne.

I don't know why but for the last twenty years this place has held special memories for me. Sometimes of walks with the family, but more often of times of solitude. I have sat up there for a couple of hours once, and not seen another person, with just the sound of the birds and the wind for company. It is times like this, that I often feel close to, and hear from God.

Using my tranquillity base and the river analogy, God is the river. The river is deep, and it touches my life like the river touches the sand, ie God washes all over me. When I need to loose the frown on my face, I need to go back to my boat on the river, ie back into the presence of God. In reality, although having a tranquillity base is good, we can encounter the life giving water of God wherever we are, whenever we cry out to Him for it.

The words below are from the Styx song Boat On The River. The clip is taken from a concert in Budokan in 1982. A rarity in that Tommy Shaw has short hair. Also features the late great John Panozzo on percussion.

Take me down to my boat on the river
I need to go down, I need to come down
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won't cry out any more
Time stands still as I gaze In her waters
She eases me down, touching me gently
With the waters that flow past my boat on the river
So I won't cry out anymore

Oh the river is deep
The river it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to Tranquillity Base
Where the frown on my face disappears
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won't cry out anymore

Oh the river is wide
The river it touches my life like the waves on the sand
And all roads lead to Tranquillity Base
Where the frown on my face disappears
Take me back to my boat on the river
And I won't cry out anymore
And I won't cry out anymore
And I won't cry out anymore

Goal A Long Time Coming

2009-11-27T05:33:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was a momentous day, my first open play goal, rather than penalty, since I left school. That was 30 years ago before you ask. To be fair, I was only on the pitch due to injuries, but hey, you still have to take the chances. Below is the match report as written by David Gate, that appears on our bit of the League's page on the F.A.Full Time website. I know I shouldn't really be bigging this up, but 30 years is a long wait, at that rate the next one will be when I'm 77!

Unbeaten Trinity welcomed Diamonds to Newlands for a windswept encounter and found themselves trailing midway through the first half to a long ball that the back four let bounce before the Diamonds attacker found a lob finish to take the lead. Trinity restored the parity 10 minutes later with Ian Britten converting a penalty after being brought down in the box after a long spell of Trinity possession and chances.

At the break Trinity were forced into two half time changes after the brave Andy Walsh had received a volley to the head in the first half and was clearly concussed and had to be taken to hospital by the goal scorer Ian Britten.

With two of Trinity's influential players leaving the match they were replaced with the Colossus that is Tim Isles and Martin 'Torres' Lovegrove (AKA Granddad). The changes didn't appear to hinder Trinity and they grabbed the lead half way through the second half with a good move turned in by the unfortunate defender who was sliding in to win the ball and inadvertently turned it into his own net. Diamonds however kept trying to find a way through and managed just that with lone striker Aaron Hart taking his opportunity well. Minutes later Trinity had a chance to restore the lead after the ref gave a soft penalty for handball which Gatesy stepped up to take, striking it too close to the keeper who got down well for a strong save.

That disappoint did not deter them however and after a series of chances managed to get the goal; Jay Barrett putting the ball into the box for 'One Touch' Granddad to turn the ball in with a deft finish with the outside of his boot. Trinity thought they were going to hold on to the win but it was not to be; one final long ball fell nicely for Aaron Hart to take his chance and finish well earning a draw for his team and whilst leaving Trinity, still unbeaten, ruing their missed chances.

Lest We Forget.....

2009-11-10T06:13:00.001-08:00

With all that is going on in our busy lives, it is often easy to forget the sacrifices made on our behalf by men and women defending our liberty. Whilst the following clip is initially centred on the first world war, it is equally apt to present day conflicts. It also makes reference to the fact that those in the first world war thought that they were fighting the war to end all wars, and that we as humans are still making a complete mess of things.

But the past is just the same - and war's a bloody game...
Have you forgotten yet?...
Look down, and swear by the slain of the war that you'll never forget..
Siegfried Sassoon March 1919

The following clip is The Green Fields Of France performed by The Fureys.

Take The Long Way Home

2009-11-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

This song by Supertramp has been buzzing round my head for a few weeks now. I know that there is no obvious connection between Christianity and the lyrics, but the title and some of the words are hitting at me from a different direction.

There are times when I feel that I am taking the long way home. Home in this instance referring to being in the presence of God. I know where home is, and I know the way to get there. So why do I so often wonder off in totally the wrong direction? I know that when I am at home, that things will feel safer and better. I am not saying that being in a living relationship with God is a cure for suffering and hardship, it's a long way from that. What I am saying though, is that being in the presence of God, and living life His way, is a whole lot easier than trying to do it my way.

The song sort of refers to this in the first verse. Lines about how when things are going well, and when you are popular, life seems to be no effort and all your own achievements. It is when we think like this we are taking the long way home.

When we take family and friends for granted, and assume that they will fall into whatever our plans are, we are taking the long way home.

When we get seduced by the city lights and all that they entail, we are taking the long way home.

When we are acting out our lives, by pretending to be different people in different situations, we are taking the long way home.

When it is all over and we have ignored what God has wanted us to do, we haven't taken the long way home, we have taken the wrong way home, and will not be where we want to be.

I have often been challenged by God by the words of secular songs, and this has really got me thinking. I want to be home, and not be taking the long way there. I hope to see you there.

Take The Long Way Home

So you think you're a Romeo
playing a part in a picture-show
Take the long way home
Take the long way home

Cos you're the joke of the neighborhood
Why should you care if you're feeling good
Take the long way home
Take the long way home

But there are times that you feel you're part of the scenery
all the greenery is comin' down, boy
And then your wife seems to think you're part of the
furniture oh, it's peculiar, she used to be so nice.

When lonely days turn to lonely nights
you take a trip to the city lights
And take the long way home
Take the long way home

You never see what you want to see
Forever playing to the gallery
You take the long way home
Take the long way home

And when you're up on the stage, it's so unbelievable,
unforgettable, how they adore you,
But then your wife seems to think you're losing your sanity,
oh, calamity, is there no way out?

Does it feel that you life's become a catastrophe?
Oh, it has to be for you to grow, boy.
When you look through the years and see what you could
have been oh, what might have been,
if you'd had more time.

So, when the day comes to settle down,
Who's to blame if you're not around?
You took the long way home
You took the long way home...........

The clip below is Roger Hodgson, who wrote the song and co-founded the band, performing it in Montreal in 2006.

To Hell With The Devil

2009-10-31T12:44:00.000-07:00

As it is Halloween today, I thought a nice bit of Stryper might help re-balance the equilibrium a bit!

TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL

Speak of the devil
He's no friend of mine
To turn from him is what we have in mind
Just a liar and a thief
The word tells us so
We like to let him know
Where he can go

(chorus)
To hell with the devil
To hell with the devil

When things are going wrong
You know who to blame
He will always live up to his name
He's never been the answer
There's a better way
We are here to rock you
And to say...

(chorus)

Cornwall (IV)

2009-10-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

This last week being half term, we have enjoyed another break in Cornwall. Travelled down on Monday morning, came back Tuesday afternoon. When we were down in August the weather one day was atrocious. Dartmoor Zoo gave us a free family pass to be used within three months, allied to the fact that the Eden Project give an annual pass for gift aiding. This meant we had two free family passes to use, hence the trip. Stayed overnight in a Premier Inn in St.Austell.

Dartmoor Zoo was misty and damp, but a lot better weather wise than last time. Again the close up experience of being next to lions, bears, tigers and wolves was awesome. You really get a sense of the power of these animals.

The Eden Project was a better experience for me this time round, on the grounds that I was not feeling ill this time. Again the place is incredible, and is definitely better experienced earlier in the day, before the crowds get there. The colour and layout of the plants is breath taking as well.

A good two days, despite the amount of milage involved. Roll on the next time!

P.R.A.T.S. XI

2009-10-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

For those who do not know the world of P.R.A.T.S. here is a slide show of the most recent event, as compiled by RockinJock666. They are a great night out with some lovely people. I may even be lurking in there somewhere....

Happy Birthday

2009-10-12T05:37:00.000-07:00

Nuff said really, but feeling very nostalgic today. Times like these are when you realise that the number of close family you have left is pretty small really. I do have loads of good friends though, so thanks to you all who have stuck by me through thick and thin.

Nostalgia in tune time as well, with the lovely Clare Grogan and Altered Images from 1981.

Boys Don't Sing

2009-10-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

Saw this series when it was first shown, and also watched the updated documentary the other night. An awesome display at the Schools Prom in the Royal Albert Hall by the Lancaster School Choir from Leicester. They had no singing history until Gareth Malone went in as part of a BBC2 documentary, and instigated the choir. Against initial opposition, the results speak for themselves.

Anything is possible with perseverance and prayer....

Hells Bells

2009-09-13T08:48:00.001-07:00

Don't know if any of you have come across this lot, but worth checking out if you get the chance. They played a pub in Cheltenham last night, and I went with a mate, even though not nec my favourite type of rock. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

They have been called the country's leading ACDC tribute band. Others may beg to differ, but my mate endorsed that label. The lead singer is bald and looks late 40's to early 50's the other four look late teens to early 20's with long hair.

They also act as their own support band, doing the opening 40 minute set as Hell Razers playing cover versions of loads of classic rock tracks. Included Toto, Iron Maiden, Guns n Roses, Thunder, to name a few. Main ACDC set was just over an hour. Good night out and lots of fun.

Cornwall (III)

2009-09-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Now for the last instalment of our week in Cornwall.

Geevor Tin Mine is set on the northern tip of the peninsula, and face straight off the cliffs onto the Atlantic Ocean. It could be a bit wet and wind swept I'd imagine, but was reasonably ok when we were there. It is the country's largest preserved mining site, and has been preserved as it was at it's closure in 1986. It is a fascinating place to visit, and gives an insight into how tin was mined both historicaly, and up to the time it closed. The underground tour, is of a mine started about two hundred years ago, and going through the narrow and low tunnels gives a real impression of how hard it would have been working there. The shift managers room, I think it was called, really effected me in a way that I did not understand for a while. As I said earlier the preservation is based on 1986. This room showed plans and newspapers from the period on his desk. It was only a bit later that the penny dropped as to why I was feeling emotional. 1986 was the year my father died, he was a self employed quantity surveyor, and his office was so very similar to that of the shift managers! Whereas the plans were for mining tunnels, not the M25 intersection, they were on the same type of paper, and the desk and bookcases were laid out in a similar fashion.

Trengwainton Garden is a National Trust controlled garden just outside Penzance. The house itself, is privately owned and not open to the public. The gardens are narrow, but fairly extensive. The walled kitchen gardens were my highlight. The location of the gardens, and it's climate, enable tender exotic plants to be grown here, which will not survive elsewhere on the British mainland.

The Eden Project is a masterwork of recycling an old industrial site. A former quarry has been turned into a superb site of botanical beauty. The biodomes contain plants from all over the world, and are stunningly laid out. The information panels are some of the most user friendly I have come accross. There are features on recyling as a whole as well, which fit in nicely with the overall effect.

Overall we had a good week away, and would definately visit the far west of Cornwall again.

Links to some of the places visited:

Geevor Tin Mine www.geevor.com/

Trengwainton Gardens www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-trengwaintongarden

Eden Project www.edenproject.com/

Cornwall (II)

2009-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:00

Moving on with a summary of the places we visited. We went back to the National Seal Sanctuary in Gweek, nine years after our last visit. The place has been done up a bit over the years, with some added features including a woodland walk, and an otters enclosure. The sanctuary as the name suggests is a place where rescued seals are taken, with a view to releasing them back into the wild when strong enough. Those that are too badly hurt for release are usually kept there as well.

The west end of Cornwall is home to two of the UK's more historic communications sites. Future World @ Goonhilly is an inter active site exploring the history, the present, and the future of communications. Part of the site is still used by BT for communications work. It is home to loads of stelite aerials, including Arthur. Arthur was built in 1961 to track the Telstar satelite, and it is where the first transatlantic television pictures were received.

St.Michael's Mount is both a small harbour village, and a large house within the former monastry and castle. It is approached by causeway from Marazion, or by boat. We walked one way, and took the boat back. Before the advent of the railway from London to Penzance, the harbour was the main harbour in the area. Although now it is just a few cottages. The main building itself, at the top of a very steep climb, was built as a sister monastry to Mont Saint Michel in France. After the disolvement by King Henry VIII it becme a private residence for the St.Aubyn family. There are some stunning views from the top, and the house is definately worth a visit.

Slightly further down the coast from Goonhilly is Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. It was from the beach at Porthcurno that the under sea telegraph cables were laid from England to the rest of the world. The museum covers the local area in WWII, as the site was a target for bombing, stories of the cable ships which laid the cables under the oceans, and many artefacts from the industry which are housed in the tunnells built to protect the site in WWII.

The eldest boy and myself, did Porthcurno and Lands End by ourselves, as the youngest bboy was poorly for a day. Lands End was not as tacky and touristy as I was imagining. You pay for the car park, again cheaper than I expected, but the various attractions cost extra. If all you want to do is say you have been there, and look out to sea, then it is free, after parking. We decided to walk along the coast path to Sennen Cove in the light rain. Once we got there, we dropped into the village to look at the lifeboat house. This is whn I explained to him why I wanted to go there. Back in 1985 four boys from one of our local villages back home were drowned at Lands End whilst on a school trip. Although I did not know any of them personally, I had met one of them before. He was the nephew of one of my father's friends, and as such the cousin of two of my friends. Some of their friends and relatives in 1986 did a sponsored walk from the village to Lands End to raise money for a new lifeboat. This was named The Four Boys, and although it is no longer in service, I wanted to make the trip there. We were told that there was a small memorial garden to them at Lands End, so once we got back there we searched for it in the by now pouring rain. When looking at the memorial plaque, I found myself incredibaly moved.

Some more links to places visited:

National Seal Sanctuary www.sealsanctuary.co.uk

Future World @ Goonhilly wwww.goonhilly.bt.com/

St.Michael's Mount www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Porthcurno Telegraph Museum www.porthcurno.org.uk/

Lands End www.landsend-landmark.co.uk

Cornwall (I)

2009-09-01T07:36:00.001-07:00

It now seems many moons ago, but we had an excellent family holiday on Cornwall in late July, early August. The drive down was horrendous though, with very heavy rain all the way. It stopped soon after we arrived at our hotel! The M5 was not the easiest place to be that day.

On the way down we called in at Dartmoor Zoological Park. We were unsure about visiting, as the rain was still pouring down, and gushing down in streams as the zoo is on a hill. Very glad we made the effort though, as given a free family pass to use within the next three months to make up for it! A nice gesture, which need not have been made. The zoo is fairly small, with good views of the surrounding countryside. The size of the zoo, did not mean, however, that the animal enclosures were shabby or small. Our highlights were being able to get closer to wolves, tigers, and lions than we have ever been able to be elsewhere.

We were based in Marazion in the west of Cornwall. It is home to St.Michael's Mount. We stayed in a small hotel, Chymorvah, which was once a Victorian family house. I found it a bit too basic for me, with a time restriction for the doors being locked, but apart from that it was very pleasant. A lot of the vegetables were grown in their own garden, and the eggs came from their own chickens.

Two minutes walk away from the hotel was, The Fire Engine. This became my evening haunt for the week. A very friendly "local" pub, as opposed to the very touristy pubs in the town centre. Not sure what this says, but by the third night, the barmaid was pulling my pint as I walked in!

About four miles away is the large town of Penzance, and it's neighbouring village of Newlyn. Newlyn is the largest fishing harbour in England. We spent an hour or so, just wondering around the harbour taking in the sights and smells, of this traditional way of life.

Our stay overlapped with that of some friends of ours by one day. So we met up at the cottage they were staying in, and went to a local cove for some beach time. Rinsey is a typical well hidden cove, at the bottom of a small lane, with parking in a field, followed by a fifteen minute walk down the cliff to the beach. Not touristy at all, with no facilities, but all the better for this. This was one of the very fine days, weather wise, and resulted in sea swimming, and sun burn!

The far west of Cornwall has quite a few ancient ruins dating back to Roman times and earlier. One of these is Chysauster, an ancient stone walled village, between Penzance and St.Ives. This settlement they think was built in the Roman time, though there has been some evidence of Iron Age activity in the form of pottery, no houses from that time have been discovered. I found the place to have a special atmosphere to it, though it is hard to work out why. It did not feel "religious" in any way, but just had something about it.

We then went from the peace and tranquility of Chysauster, to the hustle and bustle of St.Ives. No town centre parking, with all parking at the Leisure Centre, and a ten minute walk into town. The place was heaving both with people and sea gulls! Was not my cup of tea, which was a shame, as I had been looking forward to going there. The harbour is very pretty, which is why I suppose it was busy! We looked in a few art galleries, which I quite enjoyed.

Here are a few links to some of the places mentioned:

Dartmoor Zoological Park www.dartmoorzoo.com
Chymorvah Hotel www.chymorvah.co.uk
The Fire Engine www.fireengineinn.com
Marazion www.marazion.info
Chysauster www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15238

Where Has August Gone?

2009-08-29T04:02:00.001-07:00

August has almost disappeared, and I have achieved absolutely nothing in it at all. The first few days admittedly, were spent on our family holiday in Cornwall. We had a great time, and sometime soon, reports will get posted on here. Came back the first Wednesday, had a few days catching up with family, and odd jobs. On the Monday had our annual get together of my cousins with offspring. This was a good day out, despite the rain.

Driving home on that Monday, started to feel all hot and clammy. Goodbye August! First week felt all hot and then cold, with headaches and the like. Did not call doctors as assumed all they would say is call the swine flu line, knew it was not flu in its strictest sense of the word. At the end of the week, we called out the doctor, who did a home visit. She confirmed not flu, but very bad chest infection. Also had no voice by now. A week later the antibiotics had cleared up the infection, but still no voice. Now on a nasal spray to try to speed up the voice recovery, but really it's a how long is a piece of string situation. Have been given the all clear contagious wise, so have slowly started to do things again. At times it was even too much effort to check the emails, let alone surf the forums.

So it's almost September! School starts again next week. The eldest boy will be starting senior school. Never mind where has August gone - where the heck have the last twelve years gone?

Laser Love

2009-07-28T07:05:00.000-07:00

This song by After The Fire has been buzzing round my head for a few months now. It is the title track of the album of the same name from about 1979. The words tell of how God's love searches deep into us, but does not let us go. God's love is like an xray into the depths of our lives, there is nothing that we can hide from Him, but still He loves us all the same. I look upon it as God's laser love is in effect part of our consciences. We know when we have done something wrong, or are about to. We get those pricks in our heads to tell us. God wants us to do things His way, He is separating all the wrong things from the right. He has the right way for us, but still gives us the freewill to choose whether to or not.

Laser Love

Your love is like a laser burning right into my life
You knowing my weaknesses you cut me like a knife
You're separating all the wrong things from the right

It's like a laser laser love

Your love is like an x-ray there is nothing I can hide
You hold me to the light you see what is inside
It's all so clear when it's all there in black and white

Just like a laser laser love

Now and then I think about my life
Think about the way that it used to be
I was just a lonely boy standing in the cold until you sheltered me
Trying to find a way that I could do everything I want
And somehow still be free
Then you came along and told me how it really had to be

It's a laser love
It's a laser love
Just like a laser laser
Just like a laser laser love

Your love is like an optical illusion in a book
There's more than one way you can see it when you took
And when I saw it the world around me shook

Like a laser laser love

Your love is like a laser burning right into my life
You know my weakness you cut me like a knife
You're separating all the wrong things from the right

It's like a laser laser
It's like a laser laser
It's like a laser laser love

The clip below is a video slide show, which features the current line up, who are still touring at events such as Greenbelt. The drummer is the son of the guitarist. The "classic" line up split in the mid 1980's.

Shadow Play

2009-07-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

I must admit that the first time I heard this song on the radio a few months ago, I thought it was either Dire Straits or Bruce Springsteen. Turns out it is by Rory Gallagher. Now I must also admit that I did not know too much about him either. At the Last PRATS meeting in Putney, in the customary CD swap lucky dip, I received a Best of Rory Gallagher CD. Some cracking songs on there so thanks to Tina for putting that one in the bag.

A lot of us are unsure what part we are to play in this game of life, and often we feel that things don't look the same. Most of us sometimes have to fight conflicting emotions, and maybe feel a little Dr Jekyll and a little Mr Hyde. For my part, I try to rely on my Christian faith to help guide me through life. I know that God has a plan for my life that is infinitely better than anything I could hope for. I just have to trust in His timing, and not to try and force the issue with my own agenda, as that is when things go wrong. This is in my experience easier said than done! I have to keep on trying though.

Shadow Play

In the flinty light, it's midnight,
And stars collide.
Shadows run, in full flight,
To run, seek and hide.
I'm still not sure what part I play,
In this shadow play, this shadow play.
Well, In the half-light, on this mad night,
I hear a voice in time.
Well, I look back, see a half-smile,
Then it's gone from sight.
Tell me, why everyone have changed,
In this shadow play, this shadow play,
I have to find my way,
In this shadow play.

Sounds come crashing,
And I hear laughing,
All those lights just blaze away.
I feel a little strange inside,
A little Dr Jekyll, a little Mr. Hyde.

Sounds come crashing,
And I hear laughing,
All those lights just blaze away.
I feel a little strange inside,
A little Dr. Jekyll, a little Mr. Hyde.
Yeah.........

Thoughts run wild, free as a child,
Into the night.
Across the screen a thin beam,
Of magic light.

Tell me why things don't look the same,
In this shadow play, this shadow play,
I have to find my way,
In this shadow play.
I have to get away,
In this shadow play,
Well help me find my way,
In this shadow play,
Yeah..........

The clip below was filmed at a concert at Middlesex Polytechnic in January 1979.

Mr Howes - In Memorium

2009-07-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Attended the funeral of Mr Howes today in a standing room only filled Leckhampton Church. The tune to which the coffin was carried in was Changes by David Bowie. This was always played at the last assembly of an academic year, as pupils are about to leave juniors or go up a year. The coffin exited to the theme tune to the Archers. His family gave very moving tributes to him. The service hit just the right tone given the circumstances, and was an emotional occasion.

Rest In Peace Mr Howes.

Mr Howes

2009-07-15T04:15:00.000-07:00

My friend and teacher
Really funny

Helicopter enthusiast
Ongoing supporter
Willing to do stuff for you
Enthusiastic with others
Somebody who was there for you

The above poem is reproduced with the permission of the author, my 11 year old son. This was written on Monday morning, moments after the school were told of the tragic death of Mr Howes. He was not only my son's favourite teacher, but in my opinion the most caring teacher I have ever met, either as a pupil or parent. Rest In Peace Mr Howes, I hope that you have now found the peace that you were searching for.

Thunder - More Than A Weather Condition

2009-07-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

It is also the name of one of the hardest working, and most under rated bands of the last twenty years. They are just completing their farewell tour. For those old enough to remember, they formed in 1989 out of the ashes of Terraplane. I only got into them about two years ago, and was thinking really must see them some time. When they announced that they were calling it a day, I thought well it's now or never. Saw them at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on Friday, with some good friends from the Planet Rock Forum. It was an awesome display of rock at it's best. Thanks guys for the music and the memories.

I have chosen to use a clip of my favourite track, I love you more than rock and roll, as recorded on this tour in Glasgow.

Thanks for letting me go Megan, The title refers to how I feel about you to!!!

Beat It

2009-06-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what he may, or may not have done, in his personal life, there can be no dispute that Michael Jackson was a very talented person. In my opinion the Thriller album, was one of a very select few albums, which changed the face of music. The production by Quincey Jones was first class. The video for the title song, changed forever the style and quality of music videos. It marked the first major cross over for a black artist from a select few type audience, to a global market. The musical content of the album was also diverse, from soulful ballads to the power numbers such as Beat It and Thriller. I am proud to say that despite being a rocker at heart, I do have a copy of this album in my collection. A man who has performed with Slash and Eddie Van Halen, to name but two, must have some rock credentials. Also I think the bass playing on quite a few of his records would not be out of place on any rock album.

As a tribute to Michael, I am featuring a clip of Beat It recorded in October 1987 in Japan. Not sure who plays guitar on this version, but Eddie Van Halen played the solo on the album version.

Hysteria

2009-06-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hysteria is probably the reaction you would get if you asked a fan of classic rock, to listen to country music. A friend of mine recently put this piece of music on Facebook, with a mention to me, as he thought I might like it. His musical tastes are fairly broad, as are mine, but recently he has developed a keen interest in country music. He is putting a fair bit of it on Facebook, trying to change perceptions of it, and highlighting the amazing lyrical contents involved. Country music is also reinventing itself to a wider audience, and is not pure country and western.

Having given this some thought, it would appear to me that much classic rock had it's birth in country type music. Jimi Hendrix covered a Bob Dylan song for starters. A lot of the early classic rock was birthed in the 1960's and early
1970's West coast sound formulated by ex folk singers, and hippies.

The track below is Def Leppard with Taylor Swift at a country music awards night. Apparently Def Leppard were nominated for three country music awards. I do not know what this means for either classic rock or country, but enjoy anyway...

The Last Resort

2009-06-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

Heard this song on the radio today, and was moved by it. It is by The Eagles and is taken from the Hotel California album. I am not going to read anything into the words of this one, save to say that one line in my opinion sums up all that has been wrong with the world for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. "We satisfy our endless needs and justify our bloody deeds, in the name of destiny and in the name of God". In my opinion, most people claim to have God on their side to justify their view or stand point. In fact they do have God on their side, but he is on the side of everyone. He has His own plan, but loves us all.

"The Last Resort"

She came from Providence,
the one in Rhode Island
Where the old world shadows hang
heavy in the air
She packed her hopes and dreams
like a refugee
Just as her father came across the sea

She heard about a place people were smilin'
They spoke about the red man's way,
and how they loved the land
And they came from everywhere
to the Great Divide
Seeking a place to stand
or a place to hide

Down in the crowded bars,
out for a good time,
Can't wait to tell you all,
what it's like up there
And they called it paradise
I don't know why
Somebody laid the mountains low
while the town got high

Then the chilly winds blew down
Across the desert
through the canyons of the coast, to
the Malibu
Where the pretty people play,
hungry for power
to light their neon way
and give them things to do

Some rich men came and raped the land,
Nobody caught 'em
Put up a bunch of ugly boxes, and Jesus,
people bought 'em
And they called it paradise
The place to be
They watched the hazy sun, sinking in the sea

You can leave it all behind
and sail to Lahaina
just like the missionaries did, so many years ago
They even brought a neon sign: "Jesus is coming"
Brought the white man's burden down
Brought the white man's reign

Who will provide the grand design?
What is yours and what is mine?
'Cause there is no more new frontier
We have got to make it here

We satisfy our endless needs and
justify our bloody deeds,
in the name of destiny and the name
of God

And you can see them there,
On Sunday morning
They stand up and sing about
what it's like up there
They call it paradise
I don't know why
You call someplace paradise,
kiss it goodbye

Hungry Heart

2009-05-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

If I remember rightly this Bruce Springsteen track was on The River album from about 1980/81. That album in my opinion is full of hard hitting socially aware lyrics, complimented by awesome musicianship by the E Street Band.

This song speaks of the emptiness of a hungry heart. Most peoples ideal when growing up, is to have a good marriage with children, but as the song intimates, it does not always end up this way. Sometimes you can reach the stage, when just jumping in the car and driving anywhere else, seems to be the best solution. I remember once when our eldest boy was still a baby, I had had care of him all day, and he just did not seem to have stopped crying. When my wife got home from work, I just passed him over, got in the car and drove for hours, not really knowing where. Though I did know that I would end up home again a few hours later, when the stress had more or less passed. It was not until that point that I realised why some people could just do the no going back thing. There is also the hungry heart seeking solace in the bottle of beer or spirits, and the casual pick up in the bars or clubs. I have never been there myself, but again I can see how it can happen.

I know that it is a cliche, but everyone has a God shaped hole in their heart, and can only be whole totally when God is allowed to fill that hole. God has always wanted the best for His people, though we often can not, or will not, see this.

Growing up I could not really see myself as married, or with children, despite what I said earlier about most peoples aspirations. God in His goodness has given me both, and I feel so much better for it. It is my opinion though, that if He had not done so, my life would have still been ok, if I allowed my hungry heart to be filled by Him. We all yearn for a place to rest, a place to call home, and not to be alone. God provides all three, and yes some people may be single in a human relationship basis, but with God to fill the hungry heart they are not alone in the true sense of the word.

Hungry Heart

Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack
I went out for a ride and I never went back
Like a river that don't know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I just kept going

CHORUS

Everybody's got a hungry heart
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Lay down your money and you play your part
Everybody's got a hungry heart

I met her in a Kingstown bar
We fell in love I knew it had to end
We took what we had and we ripped it apart
Now here I am down in Kingstown again

CHORUS

Everybody needs a place to rest
Everybody wants to have a home
Don't make no difference what nobody says
Ain't nobody like to be alone

CHORUS

This version was performed life in Toronto in 1984 and feature the original and best line up of the E Street Band.

Got a wife and kids in Baltimore, Jack
I went out for a ride and I never went back
Like a river that don't know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I just kept going

CHORUS
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Lay down your money and you play your part
Everybody's got a hungry heart

I met her in a Kingstown bar
We fell in love I knew it had to end
We took what we had and we ripped it apart
Now here I am down in Kingstown again

CHORUS

Everybody needs a place to rest
Everybody wants to have a home
Don't make no difference what nobody says
Ain't nobody like to be alone

CHORUS

This version was performed live in 1984 in Toront, and features the best and original line up of the E Street Band.