Some Thoughts and Memories

by John Betjeman (1906 - 1984)   Wikipedia/above John Betjeman published his poem about Slough in 1937 in the collected works Continual Dew. Slough was becoming increasingly industrial and some housing conditions were very cramped. In willing the destruction of Slough, Betjeman urges the bombs to pick out the vulgar profiteers but to spare the bald young clerks. He really was very fond of his fellow human beings. Slough is much improved nowadays and he might be pleasantly surprised by a stroll there. Slough Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough! It isn't fit for humans now, There isn't grass to graze a cow. Swarm over, Death! Come, bombs and blow to smithereens Those air -conditioned, bright canteens, Tinned fruit, tinned meat, tinned milk, tinned beans, Tinned minds, tinned breath. Mess up the mess they call a town- A house for ninety-seven down And once a week a half a crown For twenty years. And get that man with double chin Who'll always c...

As I write this post the year 2014 is coming to an end. It marked the start one of the most wretched, and horrible wars of human history. Ofcourse, I am referring here to the Great War of 1914 to 1918. No words really can do it justice. It was beyond belief with the horrors of the trenches, the barbed wire, hand grenade attacks, and the shooting down, and bayonetting of human beings in so-called no-mans land.....My late grandfather on mater's side would never talk about his experiences in the War. Yet, he did mention the River Somme turning to the colour of blood....and even said that a good German was a dead one! Nearly opposite me across the road from my flat in Chalvey, Slough there is St. Peter's Church. It has a monument to the brave, and heroic men  who gave their lives in World War I. They will never be forgotten for the ultimate sacrifice they gave to their country. It is good that World War I, and other such conflicts are remembered. Chalvey St Peter ...