The Battle of Jutland. Three of those lost are remembered on church memorial plaques in Taunton and Ilminster.

I recently had occasion to visit the centre of Taunton during which I came across the impressive tower of St. Mary Magdalene’s Church.  At the entrance was a sign inviting passers-by into a coffee shop and bookshop, so in I went.

St. Mary Magdalene Church, Taunton.

 

As always my curiosity took me to the memorial plaques on the walls.  The first one I looked at was:

“Sacred to the Memory of the Non Commissioned Officers and Private Soldiers of the 40th of Foot, 2nd Somersetshire Regiment who fell in the second Afghan Campaign of 1842 and the Battle of Maharajagie in the Dominion of Scindiah on 29th December 1843”. 

As my grandfather and great-grandfather both served as regular soldiers in the Somerset Light Infantry I decided to take a photo.

 

At this point a gentleman of the cloth approached and was kind enough to explain that the southern aisle was known as the Regimental Aisle of the Somerset Light Infantry and its successors.  I then spent some time reading the memorials on the walls of the Aisle.

As it was only days away from the one hundredth anniversary of the Battle of Jutland one plaque in particular caught my attention. It was that of Brigadier General C. B. Prowse, which read:

“Brigadier General, C. B. Prowse, D.S.O. Somerset Light Infantry.

Who served throughout the South African War 1899-1902 and in the Great War from 1914-1916.  During the retreat from Mons, LeCateau, The Aisne, The Marne, and Ypres.  He gave his life for King and Country at the Battle of the Somme on July 1st 1916 aged 47.

Also to his elder brother Captain C. I. Prowse, R.N. of H.M.S. Queen Mary who went down with his ship at the Battle of Jutland on May 31st 1916 aged 49.”

Captain Prowse was in command of HMS QUEEN MARY, a battlecruiser of 27,000 tons, a top speed of 28 knots, armed with 8x13.5inch guns and which had a crew of 1,275.  The ship was part of Admiral Beatty’s Battlecruiser Fleet.  HMS QUEEN MARY blew up after 2 hits by the battlecruiser SMS Derfflinger detonated her magazines. Only18 men were rescued by British ships and 2 by the Germans.  It is poignant to learn that Captain Prowse’s brother was killed just over one month later on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.

Reading Captain Prowse’s memorial reminded me of the First World War memorial plaque I saw, some time ago, in Ilminster’s Church of St. Mary (The Minster) on which I seemed to recall the names of warships were mentioned.  The next day I visited St. Mary’s and found that two of the men commemorated were also from ships involved in the Battle of Jutland.

Able Seaman Frank Dade, aged 23, was killed aboard Admiral Beatty’s flagship, the battlecruiser HMS LION.  The ship, of similar design to HMS QUEEN MARY, was hit14 times at Jutland and lost 99 dead and 51 wounded from her complement of 1092.

Able Seaman Robert Wilfred Soper*, aged 19, was killed aboard HMS BLACK PRINCE, an armoured cruiser of 13,000 tons with a speed of 23 knots and armed with 6x9.2inch guns.  The ship was part of the 1st Cruiser Squadron made up of HMS DEFENCE, HMS WARRIOR, HMS BLACK PRINCE and HMS DUKE OF EDINBURGH.  HMS DEFENCE had already been destroyed and HMS WARRIOR heavily damaged when HMS BLACK PRINCE stumbled into the German High Seas Fleet at night and came under heavy close range fire.  She sank with no survivors from her crew of 789.

Similar memorial plaques in churches throughout the land commemorate those of both high and humble rank who participated or lost their lives in military conflict while in the service of their country.

 

While in St. Mary Magdalene's Church I purchased A Guide to the Regimental Aisle.  A very interesting and informative booklet.

* Able Seaman Soper's name appears on the Imperial War Museum's crew list for HMS BLACK PRINCE as Robert Wilfred Soper.  On the memorial plaque inside St. Mary's Church his name appears as Soper. Wilfrid Robert.

 

 

Slow-worms in a South Somerset compost bin. The gardener's ally.

The humble Slow-worm in a compost bin.  The gardener's ally.

This story appeared in the Western Daily Press on May 20th.

Damaging slugs and snails in spotlight as gardeners hit back.
A year-long study is being launched to discover the best way to tackle what many gardeners see as their ultimate foes – slugs and snails.

The research project examining mulching, slug pellets and nematodes, a form of biological control of slugs and snails, is being conducted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and chemicals giant BASF, the only UK maker of nematodes.

It aims to address gaps in understanding how best to tackle slugs and snails, which have topped the list of garden pests in seven of the past ten years, based on queries to the RHS gardening advice service.

The project will test six different control strategies, including the most popular with gardeners and combining multiple methods in a process known as “integrated pest management” to find the best way of battling the pests.

RHS scientist Dr Hayley Jones, who is leading the research, said: “The damage slugs and snails do to plants has, over the years, led to the development of a wide array of control methods.

“However, these animals are still a persistent problem, which means the current treatments are not working as well as hoped. By conducting scientifically robust research into which combinations of treatments are the most effective, gardeners will for the first time have access to guidance on which method best suits their unique circumstances. What this could mean is that in years to come slugs and snails will drop down the table of gardeners’ most troublesome pests.”

Among the six treatments to be tested are using a cultural treatment, or mulch, around plants and mulch with an organic – ferric phosphate – slug pellet.

This letter appeared in the Western Daily Press on May 30th.

Gardeners' welcome for the slowworm.
I read with interest the article reporting the study, by the Royal Horticultural Society and chemicals giant BASF, of the means available to gardeners to combat their “ultimate foe” – slugs and snails ( Western Daily Press May 20).

I suggest the encouragement of natural allies in the battle amid the garden and vegetable plot. One such ally is the humble slow-worm.

Four summers ago I discovered that some of these fascinating creatures had taken up residence in one of my compost bins; since then I have reserved that particular bin for their exclusive use.

Make the slowworm welcome by providing somewhere for it to hibernate; a pile of stones, logs or compost. The female has six to 12 young, born August to October. As their diet includes slugs and snails they will repay your hospitality by helping to keep your garden clear of such pests.

S.W.

Ilminster, Somerset

"Political correctness" is a self-righteous creed writes Clive Lavelle of the English Democrats.

The English Democrats Party Manifesto states: "Political Correctness is incompatible with a free and democratic society."
Clive Lavelle had this letter published in the Western Daily Press on the 20th of May.

No place for this political correctness.
I listened to part of Peinaar’s Politics on BBC Radio Five, last Sunday, in which John Peinaar asked if any reference to Adolf Hitler was acceptable in political debate.

The answer lies in a separate debate; that of “reasonableness versus political correctness”.

Ken Livingstone in attempting to defend a Labour colleague, described Hitler as a “Zionist” and claimed that his statement was an historical fact. It is true that Hitler advocated sending German Jews to Palestine but as a means of getting rid of them.

More recently, Boris Johnson, who advocates that we leave the EU, made reference to historical attempts to unite Europe by military might; citing Bonaparte and Hitler as two cases. He went on to say that the EU seeks to do the same thing by different means.

Michael Heseltine, a former Conservative deputy prime minister (and Europhile) has described Mr Johnson’s remarks as “preposterous and obscene”. While Mr Livingstone’s remarks were historically inaccurate and therefore, “preposterous”. Whether they were also “obscene” is a subjective issue. Mr Johnson’s comments were both historically accurate and reasonable.

What this episode demonstrates is that “political correctness” is a self-righteous creed, the purpose of which is to stifle debate. It must be confronted and defeated.

Clive Lavelle

Weston-super-Mare English Democrats

Blagdon Hill on the northern slopes of the Blackdown Hills in Somerset.

During a recent trip to view the site of the former airfield at what was RAF Culmhead I came across two lay-bys on Blagdon Hill on the northern slopes of the Blackdown Hills.  They provided spectacular views to the north and north-east.  One of the lay-bys, just above a hairpin bend on the up hill carriageway, was a particularly convenient place to stop and take some photos.

Looking north-east, with my binoculars, along the foothills of the Blackdowns I could see Beer Wood on Aller Hill with Glastonbury Tor just beyond and the Mendip Hills on the horizon.

The view from Blagdon Hill along the foothills of the Blackdowns with the Mendip Hills on the horizon.  Aller Hill is visible to the centre-right, just below the skyline. 

Turning more to the north, just visible through the trees was the village of Pitminster and the church spire of St. Andrew and St. Mary.  The white structure of Barton Grange was prominent while beyond it I could see Taunton Racecourse. Bordering the racecourse to the east is the village of Orchard Portman and the tower of  St. Michael's Church.  On the far horizon are the Mendips.

The view from Blagdon Hill towards Taunton Racecourse and the village of Orchard Portman.

Just down the hill on the left, around the hairpin bend, is Pitminster's beautifully situated war memorial.  It is difficult to access because of the busy road but I intend to return one day and pay my respects.

The "Politically Correct" must understand that immigrants to England have to adapt to English customs, traditions and way of life. The immigrants themselves must also understand this.

Clive Lavelle of the English Democrats provided the following eminently sensible and reasonable piece.

 

The “Politically Correct” must understand that immigrants to England and especially non-Christian immigrants have to adapt to England, her customs, her traditions, and her way of life, and not expect the English to adapt to theirs. The immigrants themselves, must also understand this.

Immigrants to England and especially non-Christian immigrants must understand that they have to integrate and learn to live in England.  They must understand that it is for them to change their lifestyle and not the English who so generously welcomed them.

Immigrants to England and especially non-Christian immigrants must understand that the English are neither racist nor xenophobic. England has accepted many immigrants over the years; often from countries that would not welcome emigrants from England.

In common with other nations, the English are not willing to give up their identity or their culture.

England is a land of welcome but it's not the politicians who welcome foreigners, it’s the English people as a whole.

Immigrants to England and especially non-Christian immigrants must understand that England is a Christian country and must remain free to celebrate Christian festivals such Christmas in all traditional ways, including Christmas trees and nativity scenes.

 

English is the language of England. Immigrants to England must understand that to converse in public in a language other than English is impolite.

English law is the only law that is to be observed in England. Any non-Christian immigrants who would prefer to follow a different law should re-locate to a country where their preferred law is observed.

Anyone who disagrees with Christianity or secularism and for this reason, does not feel comfortable in England is free to find a country with whose religion they do agree and feel comfortable.

If you are a non-Christian and left your country for England and not for another non-Christian country, it is, no doubt, because you have considered that life is better in England than elsewhere. You are welcome here provided that you are willing to respect the culture, traditions and beliefs of the people with whom you have chosen to make your home.  

Just after receiving Clive's piece I came across an article in The Telegraph quoting Trevor Phillips, former chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, as saying Britain is "sleepwalking to catastrophe" because of a "liberal self delusion" over the impact of mass immigration.  Here is a link to the article:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/10/britain-sleepwalking-to-catastrophe-over-race-trevor-phillips/

The Telegraph was reporting on a Civitas article entitled Race and Faith: The Deafening Silence by Trevor Phillips.
Here is a link:
http://www.civitas.org.uk/publications/race-and-faith/

It would appear that English values, integration and unity are being sacrificed at the altar of multiculturalism and diversity.

EU Referendum. Project Fear's keywords are "could", "may" and "might". Clive Lavelle of the English Democrats points out the certainties.

This letter from Clive Lavelle of the English Democrats appeared in the Western Daily Press on Friday 13th May.

Mights and coulds are not certainties. 

I always expected that Project Fear’s apocalyptic scenarios would become more and more outlandish; but World War Three?

In the same speech as he made this innuendo, the Prime Minister claimed that the only certainty of the Leave campaign, was “uncertainty”. It should be pointed out that the key words in Project Fear’s campaign are, “could“, “may” and “might”.

So, we “may” be £4,300 worse off, if we vote to leave. There “might” be an “economic shock” (whatever one of those is) and voting to leave “could” result in World War Three.

Here are a few certainties that will result from leaving.

We will no longer be governed by an unelected, unaccountable and irremovable bunch of European Commissioners.

Our population will no longer rise by a third of a million (Government’s best guess) per year resulting in a need to build a town the size of Doncaster each year in order to house the influx.

The pressure on the NHS, schools and other public services will reduce; hopefully before any reaches breaking point.

Clive Lavelle

English Democrats, Weston-super-Mare

Today is Somerset Day. Celebrate and be thankful for all that is great about our wonderful County.

Not only should we celebrate our County on Somerset Day we must also treasure it.  Who could disagree with the sentiments of Bryan Little in the final paragraph of the penultimate chapter of his Portrait of Somerset (Robert Hale,1969):

"What is vital for the character and good standing of Somerset is the continued existence, and enhancement, of such urban beauties as those which can be found in Georgian Bath, in the Barchesterian ambiance of Wells, along the main street of Chard, pre-eminently in Bruton and Dunster, in Frome, Somerton, Crewkerne, and in many other large villages and towns.  Out in the countryside I hope that we shall long see and appreciate the steeps of the Mendips, the Quantock ridge and the combes below it, the whole sweet countryside down by the Dorset border, the varied, unspoiled charms of the Dundon and Somerton hills, Avalon, Brent Knoll and the lesser hills and isles which rise above the central plain.  We must treasure the rhine-crossed flats and the willows of the moors, and above all the manifold, proud pre-Reformation glory of Somerset's noble church towers."

The quote below is taken from the Visit Somerset website.  Here is a link:
http://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/whats-on/somerset-day-p2030723

" . . . celebrate Somerset Day and everything that is great about our wonderful County.

In early 2015, 8,000 people voted in an online poll to choose King Alfred to be the theme for the new 11th May annual Somerset Day celebration.

On 11th May 878, Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, gathered ‘all the people of Somerset’ to march against and defeat the invading Danish army. By the time of his death he had become the dominant ruler in England and is the only English monarch to be accorded the title "the Great".

The Inaugural Somerset Day Celebration was held on Monday 11th May 2015 at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton, attended by His Grace the Duke of Somerset, Patron, and many Mayors and dignitaries from across the historic County of Somerset. Other events were held across the county."

Elections for Mayors, PCCs and the Welsh Assembly in May 2016. English Democrats step forward.

This year's Mayoral, PCC and Welsh Assembly elections gave a small, due to limited financial resources, but determined band of English patriots from the English Democrats Party the chance to step up to the plate for the "cause".

Paul Rimmer was the English Democrats' candidate in the Liverpool Mayoral Election.  He managed to double his vote since 2012 and come within 1,000 votes of the Conservative.

Stephen Morris flew the Cross of St. George as the English Democrats' candidate for Monmouthshire in the Welsh Assembly Elections.  When the United Kingdom breaks up - as it surely will - the English Democrats advocate that the good people of Monmouthshire should have the choice, in a referendum, of their county re-joining England or being in Wales.  It is, of course, their decision to make.

In the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections the English Democrats stood 4 candidates.  David Allen received 19,144 votes (6.8% vote share) in South Yorkshire, Toni Bugle received 6,569 votes (6.1% vote share) in Bedfordshire, Therese Hirst received 20,656 votes (3.9% vote share) in West Yorkshire and Steve Uncles received 8,311 votes (3.1% vote share) in Kent.

Whether deposits saved or lost , a valiant effort by all!

Quantock's Head and Kilve on the Somerset Coast.

It was a bright and blustery April day in South Somerset when I decided to drive the 35 miles to Kilve on the Somerset Coast for a stroll along the England Coast Path to Quantock’s Head.

I suspected I may have picked the wrong day when I drove through a brief snowstorm on the M5 approaching Bridgwater, but carried on regardless.  Leaving Bridgwater on the A39 I reached the foothills of the Quantocks and arrived in Kilve where, at the Hood Arms, I turned down the narrow Sea Lane.

The lane passes the fourteenth century, white painted, Church of St Mary and then Kilve Chantry, founded in 1329, which became a ruin long before the dissolution of the monasteries.  A very reasonably priced, £2.50 all day, pay and display car park sits at the end of the lane only a short distance from the beach.

At the edge of the car park stands the remains of a red brick oil retort; it was built in 1924 in a failed attempt to take advantage of the oil bearing shale cliffs. 

After waiting for a heavy rain shower to pass I took the left fork at the oil retort and headed west along the England Coast Path.  There are plenty of benches near the beach and footpath from which to enjoy the view but this was a day to keep walking as the northerly wind was very strong and, although there was plenty of sunshine and blue sky, some very dark clouds were coming across the Bristol Channel.

The foreshore between Kilve Pill and Quantock's Head.  The beach at Kilve, with its spectacular rock formations, was described by William Wordsworth as: "Kilve's delightful shore".  

Although there were one or two people on the beach and footpath this stretch of the Somerset Coast seemed remote and peaceful.  The only sounds came from a tractor a couple of fields away and a helicopter circling the Royal Navy’s Range Quadrant Hut on the clifftop 2 miles to the northeast. 

I walked along the footpath past the remains of a lime kiln to Quantock’s Head.  The view inland was a picturesque mixture of rolling fields, woodland and, of course, the backdrop of the Quantock Hills.  Court House, a manor house dating from the seventeenth century, nestles scenically amongst the trees only a quarter of a mile inland at East Quantoxhead.



Quantock's Head - the England Coast Path runs alongside the fence.



The view inland toward the Quantock Hills from the England Coast Path at Quantock's Head.

The far-reaching views from the path were impressive - despite the weather.  To the northeast, beyond the ugly block-like buildings at Hinkley Point, one can see Brean Down, while out in the Bristol Channel the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm are clearly visible.  Looking down the coast to the west, Watchet and its harbour can be seen and further on Minehead, on the skyline is Exmoor and Dunkery Beacon.  Even in the bad weather I could easily see the coast of South Wales 14 miles away.

After branching off the coast path toward Court House and East Wood I decided to call it a day as by this time I had experienced rain, sleet, snow and hail as the storms came and went.  There were some spells of bright sunshine and clear blue sky which allowed me to take some photos although it was difficult to keep the camera steady in the very strong wind.

I plan to visit Kilve again and walk a circular route from the beach car park along the England Coast Path to Quantock’s Head, inland to East Quantoxhead then back via East Wood and St. Mary’s Church.  Hopefully the weather will be better next time!

What happened to the Conservatives' election promises on immigration and the green belt?

The following letter appeared in the Western Daily Press on May 2nd. 

What happened to election promises?

The Chancellor’s pro-European Union propaganda dossier let slip the fact that the Conservative Government is planning for another 3 million immigrants by 2030. David Cameron’s pledge to cut immigration to the “tens of thousands” is apparently worthless.

It is no surprise the Government is reneging on its election promise to protect the green belt (“Government breaks green belt pledges“, Western Daily Press, April 25). After all 3 million immigrants will need housing.

However, the Campaign to Protect Rural England reports that there is enough brownfield land for at least one million new homes. Why have Conservative ministers given permission for 275,000 homes in the green belt?

S.W.

English Democrats, Somerset


When submitted the concluding sentence of this letter read: "Whatever the Conservatives are conserving it does not appear to include the English countryside."  It has apparantly been edited out for publication.