All things must Pass

 

The saying "all things must pass" is a reminder of the impermanence of life. Everything we experience, from the smallest moment to the grandest achievement, will eventually come to an end. This can be a difficult truth to accept, but it is also one that can be liberating. If we understand that everything is temporary, we can learn to let go of the past and focus on the present moment. We can also learn to appreciate the beauty and fleeting nature of life.

The idea that "all things must pass" is also a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. Just as the seasons change and the stars move across the sky, so too do our lives and the world around us. Nothing stays the same forever, and this is what gives life its richness and diversity.

Of course, the question of whether or not things "pass at all" is a philosophical one that has been debated for centuries. Some people believe that everything that exists is simply a manifestation of the universe, and that there is no such thing as true permanence or disappearance. Others believe that there is something beyond this physical world that continues on after death, and that our experiences and memories are somehow preserved.

Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether or not things "pass at all" is a matter of personal belief. But regardless of what we believe, the idea that "all things must pass" can be a powerful reminder to live our lives to the fullest and to appreciate the here and now.

Pond Hill Cliffe 1920 and today

 Pond Hill in Cliffe has changed significantly since 1920. In the early 20th century, it was a rural area with a few scattered houses and farms. Today, it is a more developed area with a mixture of housing, commercial, and industrial properties. The hill itself is still a popular spot for recreation, with several walking trails and viewpoints.

Here are some specific changes that have taken place in Pond Hill since 1920:

• The population has increased significantly.
• New housing developments have been built.
• New roads and infrastructure have been put in place.
• Businesses have moved into the area.
• The hill itself has been landscaped and improved for recreation.

Despite these changes, Pond Hill still retains some of its rural charm. The views from the hill are still stunning, and the area is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers.

Here is a photo of Pond Hill in 1920:

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Pond Hill in Cliffe 1920

And here is a photo of Pond Hill today:

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Pond Hill in Cliffe today

As you can see, Pond Hill has changed a lot since 1920, but it still retains its rural character and is a popular spot for recreation.

Miss our Queen Elizabeth the second

 Queen Elizabeth II was a remarkable monarch who served the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth for 70 years. She was a symbol of stability and unity during a time of great change, and she was deeply respected and admired by people around the world.

One of the best memories people have of Queen Elizabeth II is her dedication to duty. She carried out her royal duties with unwavering commitment, even in the face of personal challenges and setbacks. She was a role model for public service and a reminder that even in the most privileged positions, one should always put the needs of others first.

Another fond memory people have of Queen Elizabeth II is her warmth and kindness. She was known for her approachable nature and her genuine interest in the people she met. She was able to connect with people from all walks of life, and she always made them feel valued and respected.

Queen Elizabeth II was also a champion of the Commonwealth, the organization of 54 independent countries that were once part of the British Empire. She traveled extensively throughout the Commonwealth, and she played a key role in strengthening the bonds between its member nations.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II was a major loss for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. She was a beloved figure who will be deeply missed. Her legacy will live on in the many positive changes she brought about during her reign.

Here are some specific examples of Queen Elizabeth II's dedication to duty:

• She visited every country in the Commonwealth at least once.
• She addressed the United Nations General Assembly 13 times.
• She received over 1,000 state visitors during her reign.
• She made over 21,000 official engagements.
• She read over 1 million letters from the public.

Here are some examples of Queen Elizabeth II's warmth and kindness:

• She would often stop to chat with people she met on her walks in Windsor Castle.
• She would send personal letters to the families of soldiers who had died in battle.
• She would visit hospitals and schools to meet with patients and students.
• She would host charity events and raise funds for good causes.

Here are some examples of Queen Elizabeth II's role as a champion of the Commonwealth:

• She helped to establish the Commonwealth Games.
• She hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings (CHOGM) every year.
• She played a key role in resolving disputes between Commonwealth countries.
• She promoted the values of the Commonwealth, such as democracy, human rights, and sustainable development.

Smailholm Tower

 

Smailholm Tower

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Smailholm Tower

Smailholm Tower is a small rectangular tower set within a stone barmkin wall, located in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. The tower was built in the first half of the 1400s by the Pringle family as defense against the Border Reivers, a group of marauding raiders from the neighboring English county of Northumberland.

The towerhouse is 65 feet tall and features a corbelled parapet and crowstep gables. The interior of the tower is divided into two floors, each with a fireplace and a garderobe. The tower also includes a mural stair that provides access to the upper floors.

Smailholm Tower is a well-preserved example of a 15th-century towerhouse and is a popular tourist destination. The tower is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

History of Smailholm Tower

The Pringle family built Smailholm Tower in the first half of the 1400s as a defense against the Border Reivers. The tower was strategically located on a rocky outcrop close to the Scotland/England border, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and allowing the occupants to see approaching raiders from a long distance.

The Border Reivers were a group of marauding raiders who lived on the border between Scotland and England. They were notorious for their violence and their attacks on both Scottish and English settlements. The Pringle family built Smailholm Tower to protect themselves from these raiders and to safeguard their lands and property.

Smailholm Tower remained in the possession of the Pringle family for over 400 years. It was eventually sold to the Scottish National Trust in 1950 and is now open to the public.

Smailholm Tower in Popular Culture

Smailholm Tower has been featured in several works of popular culture. It is the setting for the 1957 novel The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, and it has also appeared in the television series Outlander.

The tower is a popular tourist destination and is well worth a visit if you are ever in the Scottish Borders. With its stunning views and fascinating history, Smailholm Tower is a truly unique and memorable experience.

Is being kind good or bad, do people take advantage of kindness

 

Kindness is a positive trait that is beneficial to both the giver and the receiver. It can make the world a more positive and compassionate place. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to being kind.

Benefits of Kindness:

• Improved mental and physical health: Studies have shown that kindness can lead to a number of benefits for both physical and mental health. For example, it can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system.
• Stronger relationships: Kindness is essential for building and maintaining strong relationships. It can help to foster trust, communication, and empathy.
• More positive outlook: Kindness can help us to see the good in the world and to develop a more positive outlook on life.

Drawbacks of Kindness:

• Potential for exploitation: Some people may take advantage of kindness, especially if they are not used to receiving it. For example, they may ask for more favors than they are willing to give back.
• Increased vulnerability: Kindness can make us more vulnerable to hurt or disappointment. This is because we are more likely to trust others and to let them into our lives.
• Potential for resentment: If we are not careful, we can end up feeling resentful if we are constantly giving and never receiving anything in return. This can lead to feelings of anger and bitterness.

How to Be Kind without Being Taken Advantage of:

• Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries with people who are taking advantage of your kindness. This means being clear about what you are willing to do and what you are not.
• Be selective about who you give to: Don't give your kindness to everyone you meet. Focus on giving to people who are deserving of your help and who are not likely to take advantage of you.
• Don't expect anything in return: Kindness should be given freely, without the expectation of anything in return. If you expect something in return, you are more likely to be disappointed.
• Take care of yourself: Don't forget to take care of yourself when you are being kind. Make sure that you are not sacrificing your own needs and well-being.

Kindness is a valuable and important quality. It can make the world a better place, both for ourselves and for others. However, it is important to be mindful of the potential drawbacks of kindness and to take steps to protect ourselves from being taken advantage of. By being selective about who we give to, setting boundaries, and taking care of ourselves, we can ensure that our kindness is used in a positive and empowering way.

Thought for today 9th December 2023

 

Thought for Today - December 9th, 2023

"Kindness is not always easy. It often requires us to step outside of our comfort zones and to put the needs of others before our own. But kindness is always worth it. It is the language of the heart, and it can make the world a better place.

Here are some ways to practice kindness today:

• Do something nice for someone else. It could be something small, like holding the door open for someone, or something big, like volunteering your time to a good cause.
• Be patient and understanding with others. We all make mistakes, and we all have bad days. Try to see things from other people's perspectives before you judge them.
• Offer words of encouragement and support. Sometimes, all someone needs is to know that they are not alone.
• Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, just as you would be kind to others.

When we are kind to others, we make the world a better place. We create a ripple effect of kindness that can touch the lives of many people. So, make kindness a priority in your life, and watch how it makes you feel good inside.

Remember, kindness is the language of the heart. So, speak it often, and make the world a better place.**

Image of Kindness is not always easy

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person helping an elderly person cross the street

Great Chart Church and Leper House

 Great Chart Leper Hospital The Great Chart Leper Hospital was a medieval hospital in Great Chart, Kent, England, that was founded in the 13th century. It was one of many leper hospitals that were established in England and Europe during the Middle Ages to care for people who were suffering from leprosy, a contagious disease that causes skin lesions, nerve damage, and other health problems.

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Great Chart Leper Hospital

The leper hospital at Great Chart was a complex of buildings that included a chapel, a dormitory for the lepers, a kitchen, and a infirmary. The lepers were isolated from the rest of the community to prevent the spread of the disease. They were provided with food, clothing, and medical care, and they were also given religious instruction.

The leper hospital at Great Chart was in operation for over 500 years, until it was closed in the 18th century. The site of the hospital is now a private house.

Great Chart Church The Great Chart Church is a medieval church that is located next to the site of the former leper hospital. The church was built in the 12th century and has been extensively modified over the centuries. It is a Grade I listed building, which means that it is considered to be of special architectural or historical interest.

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Great Chart Church

The church is a single-cell building with a nave and a chancel. It has a round tower that was added in the 15th century. The interior of the church is decorated with a variety of stained glass windows, including a window that commemorates the lepers who were cared for at the hospital.

The Great Chart Church is a popular tourist destination, and it is open to the public for tours.

Combined Significance

The Great Chart Leper Hospital and Church are important historical sites that provide insights into the medieval treatment of leprosy and the role of religion in medieval society. The hospital was a place of care and compassion for people who were suffering from a debilitating disease, and the church provided spiritual support to the hospital's patients and the wider community.

The juxtaposition of the leper hospital and church highlights the duality of medieval society, which was both compassionate and discriminatory towards people with leprosy. The hospital was a place of healing and acceptance, while the church reinforced the stigma associated with the disease.

How can you escape from something that doesnt want you to escape? How do you free yourself from something that doesnt want you to be free ? How do u untrap yourself from something that wants you to be trapped forever? How do you cope with everything that is going on

Escaping from something that doesn't want you to escape, freeing yourself from something that doesn't want you to be free, untrapping yourself from something that wants you to be trapped forever, coping with everything that is going on, and surviving can be difficult, but it is possible. Here are some tips that may help:

• Acknowledge your situation. The first step to escaping or freeing yourself from something is to acknowledge that you are trapped or in a situation that you want to get out of. This can be difficult to do, but it is important to start by recognizing the reality of your situation.
• Identify the source of your entrapment. Once you have acknowledged that you are trapped, it is important to identify the source of your entrapment. Is it a person, a situation, or a negative thought pattern? Once you know the source of your entrapment, you can start to develop a plan to escape or free yourself.
• Seek support. It is important to seek support from others when you are trying to escape from something that doesn't want you to escape. Talk to a friend, family member, therapist, or counselor. Having someone to talk to can help you to feel less alone and can provide you with support and encouragement.
• Take small steps. Trying to escape from something that doesn't want you to escape can be overwhelming, so it is important to take small steps. Don't try to do too much too soon. Focus on making small, achievable goals, and gradually increase the difficulty of your goals as you progress.
• Be patient. Escaping from something that doesn't want you to escape takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep taking small steps, and eventually, you will reach your goal.

Here are some additional tips that may help you to cope with everything that is going on and to survive:

• Take care of yourself. When you are going through a difficult time, it is important to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Make sure you are eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. Caring for yourself will help you to feel better and will give you the strength to cope with your situation.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help to reduce stress and anxiety. When you are feeling stressed, it can be difficult to think clearly and make decisions. Relaxation techniques can help you to calm down and focus.
• Surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who support you. Avoid spending time with people who are negative or who make you feel worse.
• Do things that you enjoy. Make time for activities that you enjoy, even if you don't feel like it. Taking some time for yourself to relax and de-stress can help you to cope with your situation.

Remember, you are not alone. Many people have been through difficult times and have emerged stronger and more resilient. With time, effort, and support, you can overcome your challenges and find your way to a better life.

People dont fake depression they fake being ok

 

Yes, that is true. People often put on a brave face and pretend to be okay when they are struggling with depression. This is because they may feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit that they are not doing well. They may also worry that others will judge them or not understand what they are going through.

It is important to remember that depression is a real and serious illness. It is not something that people can just choose to "snap out of." If you are struggling with depression, it is important to seek professional help. There are many effective treatments available, and you do not have to go through this alone.

Here are some of the reasons why people might fake being okay when they are depressed:

• They are afraid of being judged or stigmatized. Depression is often associated with negative stereotypes, such as that it is a sign of weakness or that it is something that people can just "get over." People who are depressed may fear that if they admit to their struggles, others will view them negatively.
• They don't want to burden others. People who are depressed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones. They may worry that if they talk about their problems, it will make others feel sad or stressed.
• They don't want to admit that they need help. Depression can make it difficult to see a way out of the darkness. People who are depressed may feel like they are trapped in their situation and that there is no hope for improvement. Admitting that they need help can feel like giving up.

If you are concerned that someone you know may be faking being okay, there are a few signs to watch for:

• They are withdrawing from social activities. People who are depressed may start to withdraw from social activities that they used to enjoy. They may also cancel plans or make excuses to avoid seeing friends and family.
• They are sleeping too much or too little. Changes in sleep patterns are a common symptom of depression. People who are depressed may sleep too much or too little, and they may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
• They are experiencing changes in appetite. Depression can also affect appetite. People who are depressed may lose their appetite or start overeating.
• They are showing signs of irritability or anger. Depression can also lead to mood swings, including irritability and anger.
• They are struggling with concentration. People who are depressed may have trouble concentrating on tasks, even simple ones. They may also find it difficult to make decisions.

If you notice any of these signs in someone you know, it is important to reach out to them and offer support. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care about them. Encourage them to seek professional help.

German Floating Dock Sheerness 1918

German floating dock at Sheerness Dockyard

Image:

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German floating dock at Sheerness Dockyard

Description:

The German floating dock at Sheerness Dockyard was a captured World War I asset that was put to use by the British Royal Navy. It was one of the largest floating docks in the world at the time, and it was used to repair and refit warships of the Royal Navy.

The dock was captured from the German Navy in 1918, and it was towed to Sheerness Dockyard in 1920. It was used extensively by the Royal Navy during the interwar period, and it also played a role in the early stages of World War II.

The dock was decommissioned in 1946, and it was scrapped in 1948.

Significance:

The German floating dock at Sheerness Dockyard was a valuable asset to the British Royal Navy during the interwar period and early years of World War II. It was used to repair and refit warships of the Royal Navy, and it played a role in the protection of the British Isles.

Further Reading:

• Sheerness Dockyard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheerness_Dockyard
• German Navy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_German_Navy
• Royal Navy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Navy

Thought for today December 8th 2023

 Thought for the Day: December 8th, 2023

Speak your truth with kindness and compassion.

It is important to speak our truth, but we should also do so with kindness and compassion. This means being mindful of the impact our words have on others, and avoiding language that is hurtful or offensive.

When we speak our truth with kindness and compassion, we are more likely to be heard and understood. We are also more likely to build positive relationships with others.

So, the next time you want to speak your truth, take a moment to consider how you can do so with kindness and compassion. The world will be a better place for it.

Convict Ships and the First fleet

 

The Convict Ships and the First Fleet

In 1787, the British government sent a fleet of 11 ships to Australia to establish a penal colony. The fleet departed from Portsmouth, England on 13 May 1787 and arrived at Botany Bay, New South Wales, on 18 January 1788. The ships carried over 1,200 convicts, as well as soldiers, sailors, and their families.

The convicts were men and women who had been sentenced to transportation for a variety of crimes, including theft, robbery, and murder. They were forced to work on the colony's farms and in its construction projects. The conditions on the convict ships were harsh, and many convicts died during the voyage.

The First Fleet played a crucial role in the establishment of European settlement in Australia. The colony at Sydney Cove grew rapidly, and by 1800, there were over 5,000 people living there. The colony eventually expanded to cover all of the Australian continent.

Convict Cells on the Ships

The convict ships were cramped and overcrowded. The convicts were housed in small, dark cells, with very little ventilation. The cells were often infested with rats and lice. The convicts were given very little food and water, and they were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions.

The conditions on the convict ships were so bad that many convicts died during the voyage. The death rate was especially high among children and the elderly.

The Impact of the Convict Ships

The convict ships had a profound impact on Australia. They helped to establish European settlement in the country, and they shaped the country's culture and society. The convict experience also continues to resonate in Australian culture today.

Image of Convict Cells on an 1800's Convict Ship

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Convict Cells on an 1800's Convict Ship