Honours for Stan of Eden Camp (From Gazette & Herald)

Honours for Stan of Eden Camp

SOME interesting information to hand from Gordon Feaster, of Scarborough, on the subject of Empire Day, amongst which he has written out three verses of the Empire Day Song, which was sung each year at an Eastbourne School and, I expect, at many more. It was last celebrated, at Norton School, as far as my memory takes me, in possibly 1934, and I wondered if we actually sang it also. It begins: "What can I do for England/That does so much for me." Does it ring a bell with anyone?

Empire Day was first officially recognised in the UK in 1904, but it had been first observed in Canada, since 1895, it being Queen Victoria's birthday and her diamond jubilee year. It thus became Victoria Day, in 1957, and is remembered as the Queen's birthday. I have a feeling that it is still celebrated - I expect our editor will be able to add a note on this one.

A standing order of North Riding Police stated that flags were to be hoisted on police buildings on May 24, despite the fact that the Commonwealth of Nations was founded in 1931 and March 13 became Commonwealth Day.

Talking of flags, I was in York this morning, as I write this, and I see the Mansion House flies the Cross of St George as any proper English town or city does. Meanwhile, Malton continues to fly the flag of Vespasian who, with his son, were the Roman persecutors of Christians. York, too, was under Roman rule, but it doesn't still fly their flag. I'm beginning to think there's more to this than meets the eye.

Following mention of days gone by, I had a letter from Audrey Lacey (nee Wray) who, although living in Bishop's Stortford, is a regular Gazette & Herald reader. She commented on her mum churning the cream for butter in their dairy, where the separator was. Now, I'd forgotten about the separator. I'm sure that was the machine painted bright red, and which made a high pitched screaming noise when working. As for making the butter into pounds, I came across one lonesome butter pat on a stall at Pickering boot sale on Sunday, just like the ones Audrey's mum used to use. For old times sake, I just had to have it, and for 5p it will make a pleasant old memoriser now that I've bleached it clean again.

Audrey, who has taught reading at a local school, commented that many of the 11-12 year olds had TV sets and computers in their bedrooms, yet had a reading age of eight or less! Now that's something to think about!

A humorous list of questions from Willie fra Stape, like: "As folk nowadays get counselling for their trauma, where do the sex and rape counsellors get their practical experience?", "Why don't the council's roadside grass mowers pick up the grass instead of throwing it half-way across the road?" and "What will happen to the titles of people who carry them if and when we join federal Europe, where there are none?"

Talking of 'Honours', I was delighted to see that Stan, of Eden Camp, got his. One which was deservedly earned, for he's worked hard at whatever he's done all his life. As for many of the other honours awarded, I just don't get it! Folk just doing what they enjoy doing, receiving awards, yet so many who really deserve a mention don't get a look-in.

Opinion Page last week had four readers' letters which all began exactly the same, with the words "I am writing...". I've had loads of letters over the years, to which my response is, "Yes, of course you are writing, otherwise we wouldn't have your letter". In years gone by, commercial teachers gave instructions on writing letters, because letters in those days were much more formal, and tended to follow a similar pattern. Happily it's all changed, and we write much more 'friendly' letters to each other. Even the tax man isn't "your obedient servant" any more. However, I must admit that "I am writing..." is a bit obvious and a fresh start would make for less stereotyped reading.

I read somewhere this week that one American city has banned 4x4 in its streets. I tried to locate where I'd seen it, but didn't have any luck. However, I think the city was Charleston. The US started, some years ago, to reduce the size of motor cars, and I suspect the reason for this ban is an attempt to create more room. The reasons for having a 4x4s are many and varied, and their original purpose, of being an all-terrain vehicle, has largely disappeared except for the agricultural man and those needing higher traction and haulage powers than normal two-wheel drive will give. Popularity has moved over to those with two or three children, or to those who have a desire to 'see over the hedge tops', as well as those who feel safer in a high vehicle, or just want to keep up with the Joneses.

From actual church bulletin:"The vicar will preach his farewell message on Sunday after which the choir will sing 'Break forth into joy'."

Updated: 11:43 Wednesday, July 02, 2003