Grave Concerns on our Family Holidays

It was whilst reminiscing over our past family holidays that i noticed an in joke between my two teenage children. A remark about graves had resulted in them having a laugh out load moment, a quick look at each other and then a denial that anything was wrong. It was a few days later when quizzing my daughter that the truth finally came out...."well we always seem to end up in a graveyard whenever we go on holiday". I laughed off her comments putting it down to the youthful exaggerations of teenagers on holiday with their parents and not always getting their own way.

I then began to ponder on the claims and suddenly realised that for various reasons there had been a number of visits to cemeteries on our family travels. Whether it be in Europe, the USA or a short break in the UK, it seemed that that a trip to a graveyard had become a regular part of the itinerary.

There had been visits to see the graves of the famous, obviously some of these planned, such as Johnny Cash at Hendersonville, Tennessee and Sir Winston Churchill at Bladon, Oxfordshire, UK. Could it be considered wrong to visit and pay your respects to these people, virtually turning their graves into tourist attractions, particularly when they are just within a normal cemetery or churchyard mingled in amongst others.

In some cases the graves we visited are part of the tour such as Elvis's at Graceland, when after leaving the Mansion you are escorted round to a collection of stones housing his family. Although beautifully laid out in gorgeous settings it does seem surreal to see a long line of people filing past each stopping to take photos from various angles.


Some Tourist boards openly promote gravestones as a tourist attraction with shops in the vicinity of the graveyard selling a whole array of related souvenirs . This was evident when we visited Edinburgh and followed the tourist trail to Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the graves of local policeman John Gray and his dog Bobby subject of the famous story of "Greyfriars Bobby".


Even on our travels to the traditional beach resorts of Europe, it as resulted in several visits to the local cemeteries. I find it intriguing how other countries remember their dead and observing the different layouts and traditions of the burial sites allow me to experience a side of their culture which is not openly promoted. On a recent trip to Sitges, Spain, we happened to walk by a cemetery, so we went in and spent a fascinating hour viewing the most beautiful, ornate headstones and statues. The graves were well maintained, the site was a mass of colour with flowers abound. However, were we right to go in and observe, even though we treated the site with the respect it deserved?

Perhaps the most special and memorable visit to a cemetery came quite by accident. Whilst driving to a beautiful holiday resort called Le Touquet in Northern France, we drove through a town called Étaples . It registered with me that this was where my Great Grandfather was buried after his passing in the First World War in 1918. We changed our plans at an instant and visited Étaples Military Cemetery. The Cemetery was magnificent, a fitting resting place for the thousands who had given their life fighting for their country. The beautifully manicured lawns housed row upon row of white headstones, as far as the eye could see, bringing home the tragedy of the approximately 11,000 lives that had been lost and were now buried there. With the help of the staff checking their records we were able to locate the grave of my ancestor and in turn pay our respects to our family hero.

Overall, on reflection we have visited a number of cemeteries on our travels, but each has given us an experience for very different reasons. However, i feel we have treated each circumstance in the correct manner, showing respect, maintaining protocol and taking into account the feelings of others......except by the looks of things my teenage children's holiday enjoyment....

Golden Memories under Dark Grey Skies

It had been three weeks previous that we had received notification that we had won a place on one of the passenger boats taking part in the Thames flotilla, part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Having  passed the required Security clearance and with tickets in hand we prepared to take part in an event that would go down in history just as the last flotilla pageant had in 1662.

On Sunday 3rd June, following an early departure from the Midlands, we finally arrived at our boarding point in Wandsworth with time to spare, witnessing the gradual build up of people making their way to the various vantage points along the Thames route. Despite the grey cold weather the crowds were building, an array of Red, White and Blue, smiles on their faces, a feel good factor was evident. This was a celebration that all walks of life would be taking part in, demonstrated by our boarding party decked in Union Jack dresses, silly hats, blowing horns. This was in sharp constant to the occupants boarding the boat moored by our side, looking like they were on a day excursion to Royal Ascot, it was designer hats and dresses for the ladies, gents in their Suits and ties together with their well educated accents. Although no sign of the Union colours their passion for celebrating the Queens jubilee was obvious.


Our boat, "The Golden Sunrise" was to enter the parade towards the end with the other Passenger boats, this meant we had quite a wait before making our entrance. However it gave us a marvellous vantage point to see the Flotilla come past before we joined on. The weather was being kind, yes it was dark and dreary but dry conflicting with the forecast which had predicted a very wet day.

Then suddenly in the distance coming towards us from Putney Bridge it started, the first of the 1000 vessels taking part in the pageant. The slow process being made was explained as they got closer, a large range of Man Powered Vessels continuing Kayaks, Rowing boats through to the drum beating Dragon boats. The atmosphere was amazing, cheering, shouting and everyone waving at each other has if they were long lost friends.

It was at this time that we realised we would not be seeing the Queens Barge which was entering the flotilla further ahead to lead the procession. This was disappointing but we knew we would have the honour of passing the Royals at Her Majesty's viewing point near Tower Bridge.

 The next group appeared from a distance to be a "Smurf landing party", a group of small boats containing blue people with white hats. However, on closer examination it was sea cadets in a number of boats each displaying a flag of each of the commonwealth countries. The party atmosphere continued as other groups followed, the Dunkirk ships, Historic and Service vessels, Working Boats all different sizes and colours but each housing a group of beaming occupants waving crazily as if their lives depended on it. 

After a massive grouping of Narrow boats passed us, our engines roared and we started to move to take our place in the line, this was greeted by a few drops of rain. As we made our way down the Thames it was evident the crowds were out in their masses, every available space was taken whether that be on the banks, Bridges or  Balconies of the flats overseeing the River. The rain was getting stronger and stronger but it wasn't deterring anyone from enjoying the occasion whether on board the vessels or watching from the sides.
  

The Union flag was everywhere to be seen, particularly on the ever growing army of umbrellas being raised as the torrent of rain started to really lash down. Music, horns and cheers mingled and drifted into earshot from the shore as large gatherings of people could be seen celebrating and acknowledging every single vessel that passed by. Strains of "God Save the Queen" could be heard as our trip progressed, passing under packed bridges, many closed to vehicles for the day to accommodate the large number of spectators.

  

As we approached Tower Bridge we were all soaked to the skin, the rain was now torrential and visibility was poor in the grim conditions but spirits were not dampened as the cheers and waving continued. The time then came for our boat to pass the Royal Family on their platform overseeing the Thames. Luckily her Majesty had come prepared in a white coloured dress allowing her to stand out prominently through the rain filled view enabling us a chance to see her clearly standing beside the other members of the Royals. An opportunity to show our feelings towards her, resulting in our mad cheering and flag waving being greeted by a wave of her hand.

A fantastic ending to a fantastic day!!

I felt privileged to be part of the flotilla, the whole day was a wonderful experience, a true show of patriotism rarely seen on our shores. It highlighted that the monarchy still has a major role to play in the nations interests and the occasion certainly brought the country together in a way not seen for a long time. The weather wasn't the golden sunshine we wished for but the crowds endurance through the pouring rain spoke volumes of what the occasion meant to the Queens loyal subjects.

 

Book Review- The Rough Guide to Bath, Bristol & Somerset

With more Brits holidaying in the UK this year together with the influx of foreign tourists due to the Jubilee and Olympics, information on the British Isles is in much demand. This new offering from Rough Guides covering Bath, Bristol & Somerset is a more than welcome addition to their renown collection of Guides covering all corners of the world. The book covers a wide area of this beautiful region, taking in the Bristol Channel coastline towns, quaint villages off the beaten track, areas of natural beauty such as Exmoor and Cheddar, historical places such as Salisbury, Wells and Bath through to more modern, vibrant cities such as Bristol. The guide book really captures the diversity of the area and in turn makes it an attractive proposition to visit and explore.

The guide book is well set out, easy to follow and its wonderful colour pictures demonstrate the glorious sights to be seen such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the "must see" Royal Crescent in Bath. The information listed within gives relevant details on all attractions in the region, what each town has to offer, recommendations on Hotels and Restaurants taking into budget constraints. It also covers in more detail all the usual tourist attractions as well as the less known places that are worth a visit. The 50 plus colour maps in the guide are a tremendous asset making it easier to navigate the area.

I feel this is as comprehensive a guide as you will get for the region and therefore recommend it for anyone planning to visit the area as it will further enhance their experience.

ISBN - 978-1848366053
Publisher: Rough Guides (2012)

London Free Attractions - #1 - Changing of the Guard

Part of the attraction that draws visitors to London is the Royal family and the history surrounding them. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch and is therefore an extremely popular tourist attraction in the capitol. All day long large numbers seem to be always congregated outside the gates to the palace with photos being taken from every available angle. However, if you are around the vicinity of the palace on a morning you could be rewarded with an exhibition of real British Pomp and Circumstance during the formal ceremony known as..."The Changing of the Guard"

"The Changing of the Guard" is a fabulous spectacle, evidenced by the large crowds that attend every day it occurs. Although scheduled to take place at 11.30am anyone who wants a unobstructed view needs to be there far earlier as the crowds gather throughout the morning to claim their places near the route into the palace grounds.

 Changing of the Guard is the process involving a new guard exchanging duty with the existing guard at Buckingham Palace . It is a great chance to get up close to Soldiers in the Queens Guards historical red tunics and bearskins and being accompanied by a regimental marching band makes the event even more special. Occasionally other infantry units such as the Brigade of Gurkha's take part instead should there be any issues such as operational commitments.

Overall, a must see experience that will not let you down and will offer numerous colourful photo opportunities. Be aware that the parade to the Palace could be cancelled at short notice in the event of extreme wet weather.

London Free Attractions - #2- Covent Garden

A short walk away from Leicester Square is
Covent Garden, a retail area with an entertainment twist. Around the traffic free cobbled street there is a wide diversity of shops ranging from typical high street names, designer outlets, exclusive boutiques, specialist shops and an array of market stalls selling quality craft products. Situated on the square is also the worlds biggest "Apple" store which despite its enormous size always seems to be full of people trying out the latest gadgets.
There are also numerous bars and restaurants in the square and the surrounding area giving the visitor a wealth of choice to suit all palates and budgets.

Perhaps the biggest pull to the area is the entertainment served up by the Buskers, Human Statues, Oprea singers and the Street Performers. Enormous crowds can be seen crowded round the entertainers who serve up a barrel full of laughs whilst carrying out juggling and balancing feats with a bit of audience participation. It doesn't matter which corner you turn someone is entertaining and the atmosphere is extrordinary as laughter, shouting and applause booms out from all parts.

Covent Garden gets busy...very busy, particulary on Saturday evening but is well worth attending for a free but rewarding time for all ages.

London Free Attractions - #3 Trafalgar Square

Situated right in the heart of London's tourist area is Trafalgar Square, a must see experience for any visitor to the Capital city. The landmark square houses large fountains and numerous historical statues within its wide open space with the iconic "Nelson's Column" being the central focus point.
Reaching a height of 43.5m, Lord Horatio Nelson,a true British hero, stands at the top of a large column with 4 magnificent lion statues guarding it at the base.This was erected in 1843 to commemorate Nelson's victory in 1805 at the battle of Trafalgar and the monument befits such a great and legendary man.

The square is an ideal place to rest after walking round London all day with plenty of seating opportunities, a popular place being the stairs leading up to the national gallery. A great place to sit back, relax and watch people from all round the world take in the history and tradition the area has to offer.






Trafalgar Square has always attracted visitors but recently this experience has been further enhanced by the use of the square for many varied free events. The location is used to celebrate all occasions such as St Patrick's Day, Chinese New Year, religious events such as Diwali, screening films in the summer and celebrating sporting events such as the NFL visiting England. With the chance to build a stage in the shadow of Nelson together with the large open spaces for an audience, musical events are frequent. Recent events include screening of live operas, live bands and days promoting countries such as Holland and Canada. A most varied form of entertainment is offered normally all for free!!!