One member of the public commented on the website of The Guardian (a London newspaper) yesterday that:“I feel our sense of tradition and our warmth towards our old institutions needs to change, we need to stop thinking they are there to take care of us. If they are to continue to exist, they need toContinueContinue reading “The Traditional Choice”
Tag Archives: Culture
Fixing and Faking
“What is happening to Stonehenge does not reflect the increasing accord that is supposed to come from progress and rationality.”Christopher Chippindale, Stonehenge Complete, 1985Last month, £10 million of lottery money was awarded for the building of new visitor facilities for Stonehenge, to be sited a mile and half west at Airman’s Corner, with a transitContinueContinue reading “Fixing and Faking”
The Axeman Cometh
Political discourse in the Disunited Kingdom is now turning to public spending cuts. Brown continues to tell us that capital investment is his priority, as if new schools, hospitals and the rest are of any lasting use without the right professionals to staff them. Cameron promises us ‘an age of austerity’, relieved only by taxContinueContinue reading “The Axeman Cometh”
The Meaning of No
Sir Desmond Glazebrook: ‘Surely a decision’s a decision?’Sir Humphrey Appleby: ‘Only if it’s the decision you want. If not it’s just a temporary setback.’‘Yes, Minister’, 1981The rejection of the Treaty of Lisbon by Irish voters has been the subject of much triumphalist crowing by Eurosceptics, much dismissive arrogance by Europhiles and much fevered speculation byContinueContinue reading “The Meaning of No”
All the World’s a Picnic
It was, of course, insensitive to allow a teddy bear to be named Mahomet. What self-respecting teddy would want to bear a name that remains mired in such controversy? But if Sudanese folk want to make themselves and their religion the world’s laughing-stock by over-reacting, then that’s their business.The questions which the Gillian Gibbons caseContinueContinue reading “All the World’s a Picnic”
Power Power
It was back in the 70’s that we first argued for the revenues from Wessex mineral resources (including Dorset oil) to be re-invested in the development of alternative energy sources, and in long-term regional employment opportunities, with the ultimate aim of achieving basic regional self-sufficiency.Today the oil is running out but the long-term perspective remainsContinueContinue reading “Power Power”
Britain’s Best Channels?
Proposed restructuring at the BBC could be a fantastic opportunity for the cultural community of Wessex. Alternatively, the opportunity could, as usual, be strangled at birth.There is no denying that Wessex is poorly served by current arrangements. In contrast to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, there is no dedicated structure ensuring that our regional identityContinueContinue reading “Britain’s Best Channels?”
Happy King Alfred’s Day
Australians are often characterised as having little time for monarchy but there are folk down under who celebrate King Alfred’s Day. If they can do it, why do we in Alfred’s own land pay so little attention to the greatest ruler in our history?King Alfred died on 26th October 899. It’s the one important eventContinueContinue reading “Happy King Alfred’s Day”
Wessex Regionalists 