Norwich – a fine day – by magic

Norwich - catheral, statue, trees - in the spring

Its a fine day in Norwich, the trees are in bloom, and before I sit down to some work (Parish Council work, among others) I went out with my camera.

But hang on a minute – isn’t there just a bit of magic here? No wires (courtesy of Vodafone 3G), instant pictures, instant (almost) distribution to the world.

I understand the technology – just – but there’s no need – the incantations work, it happens – yet we’re taking for granted something that would have been tricky 10 years ago, and impossible 20 years ago.

But hey, its like the trees in bloom each spring – its magic – enjoy!

Gurkhas

It feels odd to be getting mail from Joanna Lumley – having been watching her this week on the New Avengers – a flashback to my youth – getting a mail from her, really special.

But Lumley’s father served with the 6th Gurkha Rifles, and she has taken a real interest in the Gurkhas, and how we are treating – or rather mistreating them.

As a people, they have fought alongside our soldiers in every campaign – fought and died. But they can’t settle in this country after their service is over. The High Court said that the Government needed to change the rules – that they did, and the rules announced on April 25th appear to be an insult to common sense and decency.

There’s a campaign – Gurkha Justice – I’ve signed up to it – if you feel that you can support them – they’d welcome your support!

PS The mail from Lumley – that was acknowledging my signing up to the campaign

Last frost?

Our magnolia is in bloom – there are a number around the village and this is (no skill on our behalf) pretty good and gets lots of comments.

Each year, though, it’s usually hit by a late frost which turns the flowers brown.

But not this year – for the first time that I remember – it may be global warming, or it may just be a difference this year. Whatever, the magnolia will appreciate it!

Happy Easter – and enjoy the chocolate!

Easter Day – celebrated by Christians to mark the resurrection of Jesus – is also marked today by the eating of chocolate eggs.

How did we get here – the egg, of course, marks the beginning of new life, and has been used a symbol for years. For centuries, real eggs have been used – decorated in many ways – and then Faberge made a real art form from them.

But today – certainly in the UK – chocolate is the thing.There’s lots of debate as to whether chocolate is good for you – though pretty much unanimous conclusion that milk chocolate (as we call it) isn’t that much good.

However, there has to be a real question as to whether chocolate is good for the world. Growing demand by the developed world is pushing the planting of more cocoa trees, at the cost of native rain forest, the spread of monoculture and the rise of diseases.

As with all, in moderation, both for our health and the health of the world.

Enjoy!