BS: The Essence of England

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 05 Jun 17 - 11:55 AM

Seeing as everyone else is breaking the rule of 3, I will add another.

The ability to make fun of ourselves

The Village Green Preservation Society

Proper version. Not the one by some folkie from Barnsley :-D

Cheers

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Jun 17 - 12:20 PM

Oh wow Dave! I'd completely forgotten that song! Well done!

(Don't worry about the rule-of-three. We can all join Steve on the Naughty Step and eat sherbet fountains and liquorice skipping ropes while reading our Beano and Dandy comics)

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 05 Jun 17 - 12:31 PM

Ok - May as well make it up to another 3 then:-) Fine examples of self-deprecation from The Spanners (Russ Abbot and friends)

We're a Folk Group

and

Christmas songs

Enjoy :-)

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 05 Jun 17 - 12:53 PM

Hahahahaa! Loved those two songs! The Spanners!!

I do think I'd miss the English sense of humour. My husband doesn't get half of the things I giggle at, he takes things literally. If I say for example, "Oooooh, I could eat dozens of crumpets!" he'll reply, "But there are only six in the packet..."

Raggytash mentioned roses. I had quite a bit of land around our last house, and made an enormous rose garden, trying to restrict my choice to the old-fashioned roses, which have a strong perfume. They were really lovely.

Canterbury bells, daffodils, crocuses, lupins, lavender...

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 02:34 AM

Completely forgot----- MARMITE!! :)

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: theleveller
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 03:06 AM

Has anyone mentioned tea? There has to be tea...lots and lots of tea (preferably Yorkshire Tea). And tea shops instead of all those crappy American coffee places.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: BobL
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 03:07 AM

Last Night of the Proms
Properly fried eggs (all the white cooked, all the yolk runny)
Choral evensong from 1662 BCP

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 03:19 AM

Thanks for the info: I didn't realise Wallace was Welsh, although his mum was English and dad Scottish (yes I looked it up ;-) ). The wonders of identity on these islands!

"And Westminster, the Queen and the Beefeaters were situated/based in England the last time I looked."

That doesn't mean they're English though (my mum is situated/based in England but is Welsh), they are not exclusively English but part of the UK. They're less icons of England than they are of the United Kingdom, like the Union Jack.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: theleveller
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 03:36 AM

...and milkmen, of course. Does any other country in the world have people who mysteriously leave milk in reusable glass bottles on your doorstep under cover of darkness?

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 03:50 AM

Perfect fried eggs? Melt knob of butter in a medium-sized frying pan. When it starts to bubble, over medium heat, break in two fresh eggs (three if you're doing it for me). Cover with a lid and time it for exactly three minutes, just enough to do your toast and get it buttered. No basting, no mucking about. Sorted!

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Mr Red
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 04:37 AM

Completely forgot----- MARMITE!! :)

the only way dear, the only way............

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: JHW
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 04:43 AM

Country roads that go round three sides of every field

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stanron
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 04:54 AM

Marmite and peanut butter on toast or, if I'm feeling virtuous, on a stick of celery.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: theleveller
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 06:39 AM

Most of it's here:

England in Particular

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 06:41 AM

Combining Steve's culinary hints any my reference to multi-cultural food to go completely off the rails...

We had a Lidl tea on Saturday. I went Mediterranean (ish) with Hake in herb butter from France, Tortellini with ricotta and spinach, cooked and Pesto stirred in, from Italy, Greek olives, fresh vine tomatoes the variety of which I have forgotten but came complete with sachets of olive oil and sea salt, and this wine which I bought for the name but will buy again for the quality :-) All delicious and highly recommended.

Oh, another thing about England. Blokes who go off at a complete tangent when discussing anything. Just listen to pub conversations for a while :-)

DtG

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 07:57 AM

I really love it when people talk and communicate, and 'go off the rails' in discussions. It's so human. My husband finds it bizarre and rolls his eyes at checkouts etc and mutters, "Yap yap yap!" the cheeky thing. He also finds it weird when everyone thanks the bus driver when alighting from the bus.

We've just come back from the library, and there was a group of little tots being led in nursery rhymes and babies' action songs. All the old stuff (Grand Old Duke Of York, Humpty Dumpty, Incy Wincy Spider etc) No-one ever sang to my husband when he was small. Very sad.

Libraries, museums, Open Garden Scheme, masses of Christmas lights on houses with a charity box outside.

Apparently, they've just perfected a vaccine for malaria. If I decamped to W Africa, that would be a huge weight off my mind. One can't take anti-malarial tablets for more than a few months.
Such a difficult decision...

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 11:36 AM

"Yorkshire Tea"? I've lived in Yorkshire for 35 years (doing missionary work from my native Lancashire) and I've never seen a tea plantation yet.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 11:51 AM

We like what my husband calls "Typhoon tea".

Bread. (not that long French baguette stuff you tuck under your arm, far too crusty with nothing in the middle) Hovis Seed Sensations. Or specialist breads from our favourite bread shop in Aylsham.

Have I mentioned Chelsea Flower Show? (I quite fancy Monty Don)

Candlelit Midnight Mass at Christmas in our 12th Century parish church.

Superb documentaries presented by the new crew of female presenters :-
Alice Roberts, Lucy Worsley, Ruth Goodman, Janina Ramirez etc.
And Brian Cox (fancy him too!) and of course David Attenborough (and him)

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 01:45 PM

Food banks.

Allotments.

Doubledecker buses.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 06 Jun 17 - 02:55 PM

Have just looked through that list from leveller (thank you!) and see that I'd forgotten chalk figures on hillsides (eg Cerne Abbas giant, Uffington White Horse etc)

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: BobL
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 04:20 AM

Senoufou, maybe it's only in country areas that we thank bus drivers. But then, they're courteous too - for example, they wait until the older customers are seated before they drive off. Not so in big cities.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Mr Red
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 04:55 AM

Ruth Goodman,

she is a fine caller for Contra and probably ECeilidh too. Saw her at Exeter IVFDF 3 or more years ago

Add ECeilidh on the list

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 05:39 AM

I expect you're right BobL. I noticed when we were up in Edinburgh last summer, no-one thanked the driver. We always did, and got several of those 'funny looks'. Here, every single person says thank you, and the poor driver replies to each one. It must get a bit tedious over a whole day's work. My husband dies laughing, but at the same time he thinks it's charming.

I love Ruth Goodman, she's always cheery and full of fun. I'm a great fan too of Lucy Worsley (my favourite), and Mary Beard. There seems to be a plethora of these feisty women nowadays, and I really like it.

I got the brochure for Open Gardens Scheme 2017 at the library, and my goodness, the photos look lovely. We'll try and visit as many as possible over the summer (husband's hay fever permitting!) Only about £3 each and one can have tea and cake.

sea shanties, cat shows, sand castles, veteran tractor shows, (one near us next week!) wellingtons, plastic rain-hats for old ladies, Easter lilies in the church, duvets, net curtains, crinoline lady over the spare toilet roll

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 08:16 AM

It's certainly not only in country areas people thank bus drivers. We always do round our way.

Of course in many places people can't because they are expected to get off the bus from a door way back halfway down the bus.

Bring back conductors. I'd cerainly have put them in the list, if they hadn't been abolished.

Here is Kate Rusby with a song that fits.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 09:01 AM

Oh McGrath, bus conductors were worth their weight in gold! In W London we called them 'clippies'. They were often real jokers. I loved it when they sang "'old very tight please!" then went 'ding! ding!' with the bell. And that priceless "Hany more fares please?" (Cockneys took aitches off when they were present and added them when they weren't)

My husband has just left for work and wants us to add 'feesh and cheeps', 'Chreestmas cake' and 'meence pies' to the list.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Senoufou
Date: 07 Jun 17 - 09:11 AM

robomatic, we studied the Canterbury Tales at school. But only the decorous Knight's Tale. However, while the teacher was rabbiting on about, 'Whilom as olden stories tellen us, there was a duc that highte Theseus' etc we had our noses in The Miller's Tale and spent every lesson sniggering like anything. If the exam had been restricted to that particular Tale, we'd all have got 100%.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 08 Sep 17 - 04:43 AM

Imperialism (and imperial measurements)
Hop-growing (Best in the world)
Generosity (Inventing sports & games for other countries to win)

Cheers Nigel
(not English)

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Sep 17 - 06:06 AM

Speaking of failed global empires,

Is their anything the UK can teach America about the process of losing empires?

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Gurney
Date: 08 Sep 17 - 06:49 PM

Change-ringing for me is most nostalgic when heard from the bank of a good fishing river, across a water-meadow on a gusty day. The sounds wax and wane.
A memory from half a lifetime ago.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 08 Sep 17 - 07:05 PM

we used to live near a church - bellringers practice night was damn nearly unendurable.

everything in every room shook!

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Teribus
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 02:36 AM

Anybody watch yesterday's play at Lord's?

In answer to Donuel's question:

Donuel - 08 Sep 17 - 06:06 AM

"Speaking of failed global empires,

Is their anything the UK can teach America about the process of losing empires?"

Frankly stating the obvious with regard to America - You cannot lose something that you never had.

There have been many Empires down through the centuries of recorded history Donuel, only one that I can think of that in it's wake created a Commonwealth of Nations - the second largest international organisation in the world after the United Nations. So in a way you are right, should ever the USA find itself in the position of having an "Empire" to lose, the UK would be the "go to" nation to ask advice because we obviously know how to let one go on far better terms than anyone else who has ever had one - I wish, as failures go, that was the norm.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 08:19 AM

"we obviously know how to let one go on far better terms than anyone else who has ever had one"

Ha ha! I got a right belly laugh out of that one Tezza. The Commonwealth is an utter irrelevance in the lives of most people in this country. Empire dead, built on the backs and with the blood of the ordinary working people of these islands and the lands conquered by the wankers in charge. Fuck it.

By the way, the thread's about England so toddle off elsewhere with this UK and "British" nonsense.


That England that was wont to conquer others
Hath made a shameful conquest of itself.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 10:37 AM

The Empire was the most shameful aspect of our history. It was predicated on naked exploitation and sheer theft of resources, and when we backed out we left most of the countries we'd ruled in a right bloody mess.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 11:54 AM

"Is their anything the UK can teach America about the process of losing empires?"

Possibly not, Don. However, we can teach Americans the difference between 'their' and 'there'! 👍😎😄

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Teribus
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 12:18 PM

Steve Shaw - 09 Sep 17 - 10:37 AM

"The Empire was the most shameful aspect of our history. It was predicated on naked exploitation and sheer theft of resources, and when we backed out we left most of the countries we'd ruled in a right bloody mess."

That I think is the most ignorant, ill-informed, baseless and stupid statement I have ever heard from anyone, let alone someone who states that he was involved in the education system. You obviously never studied or taught "History" Shaw, if you ever did then the State should demand their money back because you earned it under false pretences.

Naked exploitation?

Sheer theft of resources?

Tell me Shaw, is Canada in a right bloody mess? Australia? New Zealand? South Africa (Well probably now under Zuma but that is almost 75 years since it became independent). Rhodesia/Zimbabwe once the breadbasket of Africa was turned into a hell hole by Robert Mugabe AFTER we left. India is one of the BRICs countries you and your pals keep wittering on about.

What about advances throughout the world in the fields of Medicine, Law, Democracy, science and technology? Do they count for nothing Shaw?

Perhaps you should read a few of Niall Ferguson's books Shaw and educate yourself - God knows you need it.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Teribus
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 12:25 PM

"The Commonwealth is an utter irrelevance in the lives of most people in this country" - Stu

With regard to "Irma" and "Jose" we will see precisely what an "utter irrelevance" it is in the next couple of months.

Second largest international organisation in the world after the United Nations. Unlike the United Nations all member states are EQUAL and there is no power of veto.

Also strange that countries with no historical ties to the UK are queuing up for membership.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 09 Sep 17 - 06:54 PM

Colonel Blimp rides again! Do give it a rest, Cockwood! 😂

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 04:36 AM

No-one gives a fuck about the Commonwealth Tezza, and you know it full well. Tying it's usefulness into disaster relief is laughable. These are British offshore tax havens for wealthy spongers and they'll be looked after, if the idiot tory government can extract it's head from it's arse and actually start dong something.

It's the ordinary folk on those islands I feel sorry for. The usual British tardiness in response to their suffering is symptomatic of the disdain the posh tosspots feel for all of us.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 04:47 AM

🎼 🎶 Here we go, here we go, here we go
Here we go, here we go, here we goooo-oo... 🎶

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 04:51 AM

Are you still pissed from last night mucker?

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 05:13 AM

Haven't touched alcohol since 21st December, 2005, Stu! 😜😎

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 07:35 AM

I'm impressed! Not bad at all.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Teribus
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 11:54 AM

I take it from your response Shaw that you find yourself unable to refute what has been said once again. Perhaps having one of your most recent predictions shredded has spoilt your week-end (Man City 5 - Liverpool )) - Hilarious, never mind son go an 'ave a pastie.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Teribus
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 11:57 AM

Of course that should have read (Manchester City 5 - Liverpool - 0)

Oh and go and have another pastie - your "gold plated final salary pension" will stretch that far.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 12:24 PM

"I'm impressed! Not bad at all."

Ha! Medical necessity, Stu. And no, I'm not an alcoholic, but some of the bollocks being posted on this forum is enough to turn me to drink! 😜😄😎

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 12:37 PM

Yes, well, Cock-a-hoop, that was the upshot of a dreadful refereeing decision that had a Liverpool player unjustly sent off in the first half. Shit happened. Can't say I'm surprised you're pleased by a City victory. The club is bankrolled by a sheikh with a bottomless pit of dough, thirty-eight billion to be precise. I'm sure you think he's deserved every penny of it even though he does no work as such. Mind you, he has two wives and six kids, so it's a good job he can just about get by without claiming handouts, innit.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 12:39 PM

Hope its all OK Backwoodsman. You're right about the forum... ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 01:41 PM

Yes, I'm good to go, Stu, thanks to our brilliant NHS and an amazing hepatobiliary surgeon at Queen Elizabeth's in Nottingham. It was a long, very painful haul, but I got through it. Thanks for asking.

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Stu
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 03:48 PM

Good, pleased to hear it mate!

Subject: RE: BS: The Essence of England
From: Tootler
Date: 10 Sep 17 - 07:13 PM

As has been said, very hard to stick to three but here goes

A pint of hand pulled beer
Drystone walls
That mountain range in miniature, the English Lake District.