South Atlantic Tales
October 14th, 2007As the leaves settle reproachfully on my garden, yet another busy week has passed. Last night, I was at the Village Hall at Hinton Parva to hear a talk about the islands of the South Atlantic, given by local resident Howard Crapper. Howard, who has great knowledge of both St. Helena and Ascension Islands, enthralled an audience of over forty for two hours. With the talkative and engaging Harry Bromley sitting next to him, it did turn in to a Parkinsonesque interview at times, which amused the audience greatly.
The only thing I knew about St. Helena was Napoleon’s exile there between 1815 and 1821. Bearing in mind its remoteness and the difficulty ships have in harbouring there, I now understand why it was chosen. It has a green and beautiful centre, surrounded by a mountainous and dramatic volcanic belt. Ascension entered my consciousness as a result of the Falklands War. Its airstrip is large, and at any one time there are about 1200 people working there, all on contract. No-one has a right of permanent abode on Ascension.
I mustn’t forget Tristan De Cunha, which was evacuated as a result of a volcanic eruption in 1961. When the residents returned, they found that all their abandoned livestock had managed very well on their own, thank you very much!
Hinton Parva lies in rolling hills between Wanborough and Bishopstone, on the eastern edge of the constituency. The Village Hall was originally the village school, which closed many years ago. I must have almost every type of environment, save for coast, in South Swindon. There are so many contrasts. Earlier in the day, I had spent much time leafleting and canvassing in Park South with our local spokesman and Council candidate, Graham Cherry, and was able once again to pop in to the East Walcot Community Shop.
I have spent Sunday sorting out old toys with George and Millie. George is very keen on the idea that some of his old toys will be able to go to other children via the Community Shop. I shall be taking several bag loads to Sussex Square next week.
October 14th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Rob,
Done anything interesting recently?
Why aren’t you standing in Llanelli?
October 15th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
I accept that you had to be there with me to make this post particularly thrilling reading, but then being a PPC isn’t a glamorous pastime. Would like to blog more about the details of cases I am in, but have to be v. careful.
Llanelli - was elected as the only Conservative Councillor there in the mid 1990s, so went one better than Michael Howard. Not so sure about the rest of the constituency, however!