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The House Where I Was Born III |
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Written by derek smith
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Thursday, 01 October 2009 00:40 |
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Have you seen the TV ad where the guy is toasting the new bread over a log fire while his girlfriend butters? He’s using a special tool to toast, guess there are tools for just about anything these days. The ad reminded me of the fire in the house where I was born. The living room fire had two cast iron ovens each side, a fold down grill plate and a hook to support a pot. By the time I was born my grandmother no longer used the fire for cooking having obtained a gas cooker in the 50s. The open fire was used for cooking only when I wanted to toast bread. The slice was pierced with a large carving fork and I was allowed to stand over the fire toasting both the bread and myself. I recall the toast tasted much better than that from an ordinary electric toaster. |
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The House Where I Was Born II |
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Written by derek smith
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Monday, 28 September 2009 03:16 |
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The Dictionary of Old English Place Names defines ‘Clipstone’ as Klypper’s place or farm. Tun being the word for field, farm or town. Klypper or klipper also means to clip, cut or shear as does the old English word ‘clippen’. So, we have a farm or place belonging to Klypper. The first Clipstone houses, King John’s hunting lodge and the later palace were probably built on or near the farm.But, as clip can also mean ‘to cut’ it is possible Clipstone derives from the cutting of stone at a quarry. So the stone for building the houses may have come from the Clipstone quarry. |
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Written by derek smith
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Friday, 18 September 2009 00:26 |
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I was sad to hear of Mary Allin Travers' death. She was the 'M' in PP & M, Peter, Paul and Mary. Their gentle folk singing was part of the background of my life as a teenager. They were part of the 60s music revolution. My own favourite was 'If I Had a Hammer' which became a civil rights anthem. I also confess a fondness for' Puff, the Magic Dragon' because it was about dragons though not for the association with 'wacky tabacy'. I have always had a liking for female singers to Mary Travers I could add a long list - Carol King, Mary Hopkins, Mama Cass... |
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Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow |
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Written by Derek
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Tuesday, 22 September 2009 02:18 |
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All great music originated in the 60s, I have always held to this truth. But then there is Fleetwood Mac. Although originally formed in England in ’67 the group went through many members and style changes before emerging in the 70s as a force. Now, of course, they - Mick Fleetwood and John Mcvie - are legends. Though probably any band fronted by Stevie Nicks would obtain this status. Yes, I am bias towards girl singers. FM’s songs range from anthems – Don’t Stop (thinking about tomorrow) that told us 30 years ago the future would be here soon and be better than before to love songs. And who could forget ‘Tusk’ a 20 word lyric but few groups played with a marching band. The band memorable for its quasi-Roman, red plastic helmets. My own personal favourite is ‘The Chain’.Fleetwood Mac is due in Oz early December for its ‘Unleashed’ tour but I suspect if you haven’t already bought your ticket you’ll miss out. I wonder which Aussie marching band will do Tusk? |
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Written by derek smith
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Wednesday, 16 September 2009 05:18 |
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