Category: United Kingdom

Northern Ireland life, United KingdomLeave a comment

We will remember them.

Michael McFarland Campbell

This year I am not really well enough at the moment to be at church on Remembrance Day. This feels very odd. But, there are many war memorials in and around the city of Belfast at which I tend to stop and think to myself, We will remember them. throughout the year. And when I say ‘them’ I mean all that have fallen and all that served, and all that are serving currently, particularly thinking at this time of friends and family in Afghanistan. Three of the war memorials I see regularly are pictured below For The Fallen They went … Continue reading We will remember them.

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Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland life, Royal Family, United KingdomLeave a comment

Remember, Remember, the fifth of November… amazingly not in Northern Ireland

Michael McFarland Campbell

Growing up in Northern Ireland with an English mother (I know, we all have crosses to bear) and an Ulsterman as a father leads to some interesting debates about what we celebrate in the house. Around our family home in Ballymena there was a great sense of community when my brothers and I were under ten and most of the local families had children under 18. We used to have a community bonfire around this time of year. You know the sort of thing, one family brings toffee apples, someone else actual toffee, others fudge, others sandwiches, others cups of … Continue reading Remember, Remember, the fifth of November… amazingly not in Northern Ireland

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Lib Dems, United Kingdom2 Comments

Nick Clegg and Simon Hughes – get the drivel checked first

Michael McFarland Campbell

Like many people last evening, I received an email from the leader and deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on the subject of voter registration. Whilst I agree that we should encourage everyone that can / should be on the electoral register to be on it. I feel that I must point out that the letter as sent out has fatal flaws in it: for once again, Northern Ireland is different. The letter says… …And this is an important time of year to make that happen, as the annual canvass process is currently ongoing in council across the country. For … Continue reading Nick Clegg and Simon Hughes – get the drivel checked first

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Uncategorized, United Kingdom, War, WW1Leave a comment

Aghanistan losses – remember the fallen of all wars…

Michael McFarland Campbell

I was listening to Libera’s recording of I vow to thee my country, sung to the tune written by Gustav Holst known as Thaxted which I had recently purchased on iTunes. Wanting to know more about the lyrics, having sung them many times before – but never having actually looked before I turned to Wikipedia (as one does nowadays). The full words of the poem written by Sir Cecil Arthur Spring-Rice GCMG GCVO are: I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above, Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love; The love that asks no question, … Continue reading Aghanistan losses – remember the fallen of all wars…

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