#care home in east sussex

[orchardhouseuk]

Another busy month here at Orchard house! We have been doing some bird watching, knitting, arts and crafts and some painting. Singer Dave never fails to bring smiles and laughter to our residents. We even had Bishop Nicholas Reade in which brightened their morning

[justforbooks]

Michael Caine wears two watches: an analogue for the time and an Apple for everything else. It even knows his pulse, he says, impressed. Right now, it’s telling him his flat is 26C: warm enough for his wife, Shakira, to pour iced coffee into his flask, but not hot enough for those balcony doors to be open: “It’s blowing a bloody gale in here!”

I slide them shut slightly. Is that OK? A bit more. Enough? Bit more. I close them completely. He’s happy now.

Caine lives in Chelsea Harbour: posh 80s condos and Princess Diana’s gym. He likes the security and tolerates the helicopters. His London penthouse has caramel carpets, 360-degree views, two Oscars and 5,000 photos of his grandchildren.

Below us lies Battersea Bridge, tide low, shore glittering. No, he shudders, he’s never mudlarked. Why not? After all, his first novel, out in November, is about binmen who find uranium down at the dump. “Well,” he says darkly, “other people do things and it goes all right. I do them and bad things happen.”

He looks at me. We’re waiting for his co-star, John Standing, who is stuck in traffic. Caine is a big man with whom to make small talk. It’s not just that your brain short-circuits each time he speaks (Michael Caine?!?!), it’s that at 90, he’s still 6ft 2in, undiminished and simply intimidating.

In 1987, he gave an acting masterclass in which he revealed the secret to being forceful on screen was a) don’t blink and b) mascara. It works face-to-face, too. The first one, anyway.

During the Blitz, says Caine, he watched the city get flattened from his dormer in Camberwell; from here, he’s seen it rise up again. He loves new-build and soft furnishings with the passion of a man raised in an attic with no hot water, one outdoor loo and rickets. Every time a bomb fell, the mattresses doiiinged. “Me and my brother would laugh all through the bleedin’ air raids!”

An update: Standing will be here shortly. I praise the pot-plants and Caine mourns his garden. He was evacuated to Berkshire, where he was fed a tin of pilchards a day and locked in a cupboard for the weekends, and then to rural Norfolk, where he discovered a love of horticulture – later energetically indulged at his own places in Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Less so in Hollywood. He sold up there after someone told him that if he wanted to grow daffodils he’d need to put the bulbs in the fridge for a fortnight. “That was it! Final straw!” But did he do it? “Oh yeah. It worked.”

In comes Standing, 89 but nimble as a debutante, all polish and apologies. They settle down, discuss the weather and a window is discreetly opened. Caine goggles at my iPad, which he mistakes for a phone: “Blimey, that’s a big one!”

The Great Escaper is brilliant, I say. Caine is surprised I’ve seen it, let alone enjoyed it. Didn’t he? “Yeah. But I’ve had films where I liked it but other people didn’t agree with me.”

No wonder it tempted them from retirement: meaty roles dry up as you approach 100. Caine plays Bernard Jordan, a real-life Royal Navy veteran who made headlines in 2014 when he travelled alone from his care home in Hove, East Sussex, to Normandy for the 70th D-day anniversary. The film – flintier than you might think, and very moving – fictionalises a friendship with Arthur, a former RAF pilot (Standing) he meets on the ferry.

Both actors did national service in Berlin after the war; Caine was then drafted to Korea – “a bugger”, he says (his memoir suggests this is understatement). “When we got there they said: the Chinese have just sent a million troops. What? But they were just young kids and old men to take all our ammunition. You shoot at them and then the real fighters come. And that was the Chinese in a nutshell.”

In the film, the pair make a pilgrimage to the war cemetery at Bayeux in Normandy. “What a waste,” cries Bernard as the camera zooms out to show the rows and rows of headstones. Caine doesn’t agree. “You had to have full cemeteries because you’d had to fight the German army, which was not a load of idiots. And the Germans had to be stopped.”

And Korea? Well, communism is “perfectly frightful”, says Standing. Caine nods. “It doesn’t take care of the working class quite the way they say. My father was a fishmonger in Billingsgate, so I knew when I saw the communists, they had no idea what it was all about. Do any working-class people want to live in North Korea?”

They both think national service should be reintroduced. “It gives you a whole new realisation of life,” says Caine. “I notice how different young people are today. They’re so free with everything. Military training makes you think about helping other people. My grandsons – all they do is play football.” (Still, he adds later, they’re also “incredible, unbelievable, and they worry about other people – which is handy”.)

Standing chips in: one of his daughters is “a bit woke” and cautions him about getting cancelled. “It’s horrible! We’re not allowed to say anything. I loathe it. My God, you’re not allowed to have mother-in-law jokes! It’s sort of barking.”

Then again, “things were far less complicated” 70 years ago. He smiles benignly. “Your telephone alone is the most complex thing anybody’s ever dreamed of. You’ve got all the information you ever want. You can chat to Henry VIII. Have you seen the man made of wood and iron playing the most immaculate game of ping-pong and thrashing the ordinary Briton at the other end?”

I haven’t. Caine confesses some concern over robots – that’s partly what his novel, a thriller, is about. “But I’m 90. I don’t worry about the future. I worry if I’m gonna make it to lunch.”

Caine and Standing first met on another hot day, in the summer of 1976, shooting another war movie, The Eagle Has Landed. Caine played a Nazi eager to assassinate Churchill; Standing a rather flaky vicar. Memories of the shoot seem thin on the ground, but they agree moviemaking hasn’t changed much.

“I make my own world,” says Caine. “And if they employ me, they gotta leave me to do it my way. Otherwise I screw it up. And even if I do it my way, I screw it up as well.”

They both chuckle. “Michael, darling!” says Standing.

Have they changed?

Standing sighs. “We’re just so bloody old.”

“And we’re still here,” says Caine.

“Which is incredible! All my mates are brown bread.”

“Oh, mine and all. Sean Connery, Roger Moore. Everybody’s dead. It’s amazing.”

How does that feel?

“Lonely,” says Caine. “I had dinner last night here with eight women. Shakira gets ’em. I don’t get ’em. They’re the wives of my friends. I’m often sitting with a table full of widows.”

Standing empathises. “Hundreds of women round one all the time. And you sit there thinking: give us a break! Ask me something, anything you like!”

Caine nods. “Ask me a question about football! But I’m perfectly happy with all the girls. I love them.”

Again: consult his memoir for more details, but this is putting it mildly. Caine spent the 50s, 60s and early 70s hoovering up hotties across the continents, pausing only for relationships with Natalie Wood and Nancy Sinatra and to refuel on vodka with Terence Stamp and Peter O’Toole.

So when he says he was tired of bachelor life by 1972, you can believe it – he must have been exhausted. He had a night in, saw a Maxwell House ad on telly and resolved to fly to Brazil the next morning to marry the woman with the maracas. No need, said a pal: she was Indian, not Brazilian, and lived on the Fulham Road in west London.

This is one of Caine’s regular chatshow yarns and he duly does it for us today: “I tracked her down! Incredible!” Caine is a bit of an anecdote jukebox – tales triggered by the briefest mention of Cary or Larry or Frank – but with material like his, it’s hard to object. Though charming, he also dominates conversation in general – about which Standing is a gent. Does he miss the 60s? “I don’t miss it, but I love having done it. I used to get into trouble all over the place.”

He and Shakira have been married more than 50 years. Ageing is less awful, he advises, “if you’re married to someone really beautiful who doesn’t grow old. I wake up every morning and there she is!” It’s true: Shakira, 76, does seem preternaturally patient and gorgeous. “What is great about her is that she’s very bright. She was the secretary in the … I forget which country she comes from [Shakira was born in British Guiana, now Guyana], but she was the secretary of the American embassy, so she’s a great secretary for me. She runs everything. It’s unbelievable.”

At the heart of The Great Escaper is another enduring marriage, between Bernie and Irene, played by Glenda Jackson in her final film. She and Caine first worked together 48 years ago. “She was very young and pretty,” he says. “Very attractive. Bloody good actress. But a left-wing socialist and I’m all for making money because I come from a very poor background.” They never talked politics – bit busy making the movies. He saw her five days before she died in June: “She seemed fine.” He’s relieved it was quick.

Bernie and Irene are a devoted couple who, though the film doesn’t discuss it, didn’t have children. Might that have changed their dynamic? “Oh, tremendously,” says Caine. “You don’t have any other separate thing to talk about. You talk about each other. And you don’t have to judge how people feel about someone else. Only you.”

It’s a sharp insight, particularly given that he’s personally “always had children around me like wildfire”. His eldest daughter, Dominique, was born when he was 23, during a brief marriage to the actor Patricia Haines; he and Shakira have another daughter, Natasha. Picking up his eldest grandson from the school is, Shakira tells me later, the highlight of his week. “I love kids,” he says, a bit wistfully.

Standing murmurs agreement. He’s also been married for yonks. The secret, he says, is “laughing with each other”.

Caine is less on-message: “Don’t argue. Don’t try to prove it with arguments or a row. Let ’em do it.”

“Women are No 1 anyway,” says Standing.

“It’s the only place you can get babies,” nods Caine.

“But I gotta say this, Michael: have you seen what women do now?” says Standing. A dramatic pause. He’s a West End veteran, light comedies a specialty. “Cage fighting!” He turns to me. “What possessed your sex to do something like that? For men to cage fight is unthinkable. For women – boom, boom, boom, on each other’s faces! Deranged! But that’s modern life.”

Has Caine seen that? “Oh yeah,” he says blithely. “On television.” And? “I was stunned.” Why? “I wouldn’t do that to anyone. Even if I didn’t like them. I’d just knock ’em out and walk away.”

The real theme of The Great Escaper is – perhaps not one for the poster – that the only escape from old age is death. Yet Caine and Standing continue to produce work that will live on after they’re gone. Caine wrote his first novel bedridden during lockdown, and is now writing a second. Standing is a professional painter. They have six children between them. Are any of these enterprises better or worse as stabs at immortality? There’s only really one, says Caine: “Kindness.” And maybe Alfie. And The Muppet Christmas Carol.

“Michael, darling,” says Standing, “I said to someone the other day: ‘Have you heard of Peter O’Toole?’ She said: ‘Well, I know the name.’ Once you are dead, you are dead. You think of Bogart! But young people only know Goose. What’s he called? Gosling. Big names in the theatre – Gielgud – mean nothing.”

That craft and that class is history, they reckon. When I ask Caine who today’s version of him is, he agrees there isn’t one.

“Because you don’t get young people now who are that far back in society. That had to come forward in great leaps. I think my type of person is extinct. I can’t think of anybody who had a life like mine.”

It wasn’t just the poverty, he says, it was Korea and then, six months later, malaria (he nearly died). “And so it never stopped, you know? Until it did.”

And yet it sort of hasn’t. Caine remains an icon of a time and an energy that feel increasingly exotic. He still calls himself working class and frets over any potential betrayal of his roots. The fate of his brother, Stanley, troubles him. “He just stood there and watched me become a millionaire when he didn’t even have a job. I turned him into someone who couldn’t move. I should have gone and moved him.”

Once, Caine was shopping for a sofa and Stanley – who’d been awol for a while – appeared as part of the team lugging it in from the back. “I grabbed him. I said, ‘You are outta here.’ Oh, it was terrible. I didn’t know where he was.

“He became an alcoholic. So I bought him two houses: one to live in and one to rent so he could have some money to buy some booze.” Caine’s eyes are rheumy. “He’s three years younger than me. And he’s been dead for five years.”

There was an older brother, too, David, born with severe epilepsy and confined to an institution. Caine only found out about him after their mother’s death – though she had visited David secretly each week. Caine then made him as comfortable as possible. His mother spent her final years living in one of the houses he’d bought her with a carer and her two young sons, “who loved my mum like a grandma. I was very happy with that. I did everything for everybody. So that’s it. I’m sitting here, I’ve done it. I can’t do any more.”

The Great Escaper has been widely described as Caine’s final film, just as Harry Brown was in 2009, and then – 24 films later – Best Sellers in 2021. It’s not. He’s shooting another in January: “It’s about someone who is so famous I’d never heard of him. Charles, Charles …”

“ … Darwin,” says Standing.

“Yeah. I play Charles Darwin. And that’ll be it. I won’t do another one after.”

He’s sure?

“No! But the point is, can you do it? Can you remember all the lines? I’ve got used to not working and staying in bed till 11am and staying out late at night. I love it.”

In The Great Escaper, Jackson has a line about life being fun when you’re young, but once you hit her age, “you’re basically buggered”. Present company queers that pitch. “Oh blimey,” says Caine. “I have a great time.” Standing nods. His one concession to old age has been to give up tap-dancing – though you suspect he might oblige in an emergency.

Neither man can think of a single instance in which they’ve been ill-treated because of their age.

“Nobody patronises me,” says Caine.

“We don’t look like we need help,” says Standing.

In Caine’s case, that’s not entirely true. His skin is smooth, his cheeks full – “I’m very lucky the whole face has not collapsed” – and The Great Escaper showcases them with loads of fantastic closeups. Yet he does use a walker and wheelchair. Never had qualms about being seen with them, he says. “Nope. It’s my life and I do what I want.”

“I think you are bloody brave,” says Standing. “Michael, man-to-man, it was an admirable thing to say: ‘Bollocks, I will do the film’, in spite of all those things.’”

I think he’s right. For someone with an image as familiar – and cultivated – as Caine’s, to visibly concede frailty feels courageous. It’s a shame, I say, that “mobility issues” were given as the reason the Queen didn’t attend various events near the end – as if being seen in a wheelchair was inconceivable.

Caine opts not to criticise the Queen. Instead he cues up the story of the first time they met, at a dinner, when she asked him to tell her a joke. He couldn’t think of a clean one. “She pointed to the man on her other side and said: ‘I’m gonna talk to him now. In five minutes I’ll be back and I want a joke.’”

I don’t know what I’d imagined Michael Caine’s Queen impression to sound like, but it’s definitely a lot more mobster. That was quite frightening, I tell him, once he’s finished the joke (long, about a chicken). Does he see any similarities between them?

“I think everyone sees a similarity between themselves and the Queen.”

Even Standing, an actual baronet, demurs at that one. But the fact Caine believes it adds weight to the idea they do share something – the ability, perhaps, to unsettle others through their presence alone. The Great Escaper taps that, too. Bernie prompts in people – Arthur included – profound reckonings, without really trying. Can Caine relate?

“I don’t know,” he says. “A bit, probably, yes. But it could be quite unpleasant. I don’t do things that are unpleasant.”

But you feel you have that power?

“Yeah, oh yeah.”

And what’s that like?

He grins. “Great.”

Our time is up. Caine checks his watch. “28C,” he says, “and that’s with the bloody windows open.”

© 2024 Guardian News, Catherine Shoard

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[rabbitcruiser]

Marine Mammal Rescue Day 

With countless threats now facing the ocean, marine mammals need extra help. Donate or volunteer to aid these creatures against extinction and endangerment.

Mammals under the sea have a plight that is much different than those living on the surface of the earth. But that doesn’t make them any less valuable! Dolphins, seals, whales, sea otters and other varieties have been struggling to get by below the surface of the ocean as the environment is not as hospitable as it once was.

Marine Mammal Rescue Day seeks to raise awareness for the plight of these creatures that are delightfully unique, rather cute, and also an important part of the ecosystems underwater. Join in on Marine Mammal Rescue Day and show some support for this amazing sea life on this day!

History of Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Marine mammals have a history that dates back farther than human history can tell. Originally hunted by native coastal people for food, pelts and fat, they have come a long way over time. Now, many of them struggle to survive due to the impact that humans are having on their lives.

Sadly, due to illness and malnutrition on the west coast of the United States, spring is the height of animal rescue season. Marine mammal rescue organizations along the coast of the Pacific Ocean gear up for the busy pinnipedia (aka seals) season as early as mid-January, when the delightful Northern Elephant Seals start being born.

Next, comes pupping season for the Harbor Seal and then the Sea Lion pups start being born mid to late June. The Pacific coast also is home to Northern Fur Seals and Guadalupe Fur Seal. And of course the Sea Otter.

Cetaceans (or whales) also need help from illness and injury during this time of the year as well as all year round. Polluted waters, marine debris and illegal fishing gear can contribute to harming and killing all manner of aquatic life.

Being good stewards of the planet should include the biggest part of it, the ocean and its inhabitants. The actions (and inaction) of humans have polluted and toxified the ocean. Overall climate change has warmed the oceans and altered the patterns where fish swim.

Marine Mammal Rescue Day was established to pay attention to the fact that these young marine mammals are frequently not strong enough to go far and deep enough to go after the fish they need.

In 2017, Senator Toni Atkins from the state of California proposed a bill that would create Marine Mammal Rescue Day. And though the day has its beginnings in the United States, the oceans are shared by people from nations all over the globe. So it’s important that the word gets spread about this day to raise awareness and show some support for these marine mammal friends!

How to Celebrate Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Let it be known that you care by supporting and helping these at risk creatures on Marine Mammal Rescue Day. Get involved with some of these ideas for celebrating the day:

Make a Donation for Marine Mammals

Various charitable and non profit organizations work hard to help support and protect marine mammal life. But they need financial help from individuals, companies and others. Marine Mammal Rescue Day would be an ideal time to make a donation to a group that helps these creatures. Here is a list of a few that might be considered:

Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles, California

International Marine Mammal Project in Berkeley, California

Marine Mammal Foundation in Victoria, Australia

British Divers Marine Life Rescue in East Sussex, UK

Visit the Marine Mammal Rescue Center

Getting its start in 1975, the Marine Mammal Rescue Center is located in Sausalito, California. Each year, the center provides information and education to thousands of school children and others who are interested in helping to make sure their actions are beneficial to the lives of marine mammals. Celebrate Marine Mammal Rescue Day by visiting the center, learning more, and sharing information to raise awareness for the plight of these magnificent underwater creatures!

Source

[lghtyear]

character study . . .

name : jane thatcher , age : verse dependent 23 , date of birth : february 26th , hometown : east sussex , england , current location : verse dependent bristol , england , gender : cis female , pronouns : she / her , romantic orientation : biromantic , sexual orientation : greysexual , religion : agnostic , occupation : librarian / waitress , face claim : lily james .

biography . . .

woman could not have asked for better parents . her father a writer and her mother a painter , her house was filled with glorious art and phenomenal words . her love of books started incredibly young , her own little cubby hole in her room becoming her library . mother and father had planned to have a big family , but could only have jane , so all that love was poured into their little girl . life was priceless , life was precious , life was perfect .

life changed when her parents passed . house fire , cause unknown . luckily , she was at a sleepover . she didn't hear of it until the following morning , home suddenly gone . no family to go to , no friends to take her in , she entered the foster system .

lucky to find a family to take her long - term , unlucky to find that family weren't kind . mother was absent , distant . father was controlling , condescending . brother was mean , violent . she suffered through , grateful for food and clothing . it was her school librarian that realised her untidy hair , unwashed clothes . she started to tend for jane , look after her , brush her hair and straighten her uniform . but she had no space in her life to care for her full - time .

at the age of fifteen , she got her first boyfriend . he was in the year above , and he was kind . he showed her off and made her feel special . he didn't show his harshness until two years later when they'd already moved in together , talking about marriage and children . engaged to a vicious creature by eighteen , having escaped one horrid home to find herself in another .

wicked fight and they're in a car , fiancé driving far too quickly . road was wet , rain hammering down . hand hits wheel and it spins , car barrelling down a hill . she's lucky she survived , so is her fiancé . but he faced most of the damage , hidden away in a hospital somewhere . his family don't like her visiting , his family blame her for it all . but she doesn't mind .

. . . now she's free .

[thecrimecrypt]

Crimes That Shook Britain (South East England)

Murder of Lin and Megan Russell On 9 July 1996, Lin Russell, 45, was walking home from school in Chillenden, Kent, with her two young daughters, Josie, 9, and Megan, 6. 

On a country lane, drug addict Michael Stone suddenly attacked, demanding money. The three victims were tied up, blindfolded, then savagely beaten with a hammer.  Josie was the sole survivor, despite suffering catastrophic head injuries. And, as she recovered, the brave little girl helped officers create an e-fit of the attacker. 

A year later, psychopath Stone, 37, was charged. A cellmate testified Stone confessed while on remand in Canterbury Prison.  Michael Stone was convicted and jailed for life for the murders of Lin and Megan. 

Josie and her father Shaun moved to Wales to rebuild their lives. Stone continues to protest his innocence from prison and has pointed blame at killer Levi Bellfield, who he says resembles the e-fit picture. 

Daniel Gonzalez Daniel Gonzalez, from Woking, had fantasies of being horror-film slasher Freddy Krueger and wanted to be a ‘famous serial killer’.  On 15 September 2004, wearing a hockey mask, Gonzalez stabbed Marie Harding, 73, to death on a Worthing footpath. Two days later, he killed Kevin Molloy, 46, in north London, then Derek and Jean Robinson, 75, and 68, in their home.  Two other men, aged 61 and 59, survived attacks. 

Gonzalez was arrested at a tube station on 17 September after buying a ticket with a bloodstained £20 note.  Daniel Gonzalez, 26, was jailed for life and took his own life in Broadmoor psychiatric hospital in August 2007. 

Killing of Billie-Jo Jenkins  Billie-Jo Jenkins, 13, was killed by a blow to her head at her home in Hastings, on 15 February 1997.  Billie-Jo had been placed in foster care with Sion and Lois Jenkins when she was 9, and foster father Sion said he’d got home that day to find Billie-Jo in a pool of blood. 

Sion soon became prime suspect - forensics found microscopic spots of blood on his clothes and, in July 1998, he was convicted of murder.  But experts said blood on his clothing could’ve come from Billie-Jo’s airway as she lay dying.  After two appeals, Sion’s conviction was quashed. After two re-trials failed to reach a verdict, he was acquitted in 2006. The case is still unsolved. 

Levi Bellfield  Levi Bellfield hated all women. The 6ft 1in, 20st wheel clamper stalked and attacked them after they got off night buses.  In February 2003, Bellfield bludgeoned student Marsha McDonnell, 19, with a hammer in Hampton, southwest London. 

In May 2004, he drove into Kate Sheedy, 18, before reversing over her. Amazingly, she survived.  Bellfield beat French student Amelie Delagrange, 22, to death in August 2004 on Twickenham Green. He was arrested when his van was caught on CCTV near the scene. 

Bellfield was sentenced to a whole-life term for killing Marsha and Amelie. Afterwards, police linked Bellfield to the unsolved murder of schoolgirl Milly Dowler, 13, who’d vanished while walking home in Walton-on-Thames in March 2002.  Her remains were found six months later.

Despite being convicted of Milly’s murder in 2011 and handed another whole-life term, Bellfield refused to admit his guilt.  But, 14 years on, he admitted abducting, raping and strangling the schoolgirl. 

Hungerford Massacre A sunny August afternoon in 1987 in Hungerford, Berkshire - and loner Michael Ryan, 27, armed with two semi-automatic rifles and a pistol, went on a rampage.  Ryan shot dead a mother picnicking with her kids in Savernake Forest and, by 1pm, he was shooting people at random in the town center. 

By the day’s end, 16 people were dead, including Ryan’s mother and a police officer.  A further 15 were injured.

Armed police swarmed the area, and, after evading capture all afternoon, Ryan shot and killed himself. 

Murder of Sarah Payne Sarah Payne, 8, vanished while playing with her siblings near her grandparents’ home in Kingston Gorse, West Sussex on 1 July 2000. 

A huge police hunt was launched and, on 17 July, Sarah’s body was found beside a field, 15 miles from where she’d disappeared. Roy Whiting, a local paedophile and convicted sex offender, was the prime suspect.  A strand of hair matching Sarah’s DNA was found on a T-shirt in Whiting’s white van and fibers  from the van were also on Sarah’s shoe. 

Whiting was jailed for life. Sarah’s mother Sara successfully campaigned for Sarah’s Law - which allows anyone to formally ask the police if someone with access to a child has a record for child sexual offenses. 

[venicepearl]

Pevensey Castle is a medieval castle and former Roman Saxon Shore fort at Pevensey in the English county of East Sussex. The site is a scheduled monument in the care of English Heritage and is open to visitors. Built around 290 AD and known to the Romans as Anderitum, the fort appears to have been the base for a fleet called the Classis Anderidaensis. The reasons for its construction are unclear; long thought to have been part of a Roman defensive system to guard the British and Gallic coasts against Saxon pirates, it has more recently been suggested that Anderitum and the other Saxon Shore forts were built by a usurper in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to prevent Rome from reimposing its control over Britain.

Anderitum fell into ruin following the end of the Roman occupation but was reoccupied in 1066 by the Normans, for whom it became a key strategic bulwark. A stone keep and fortification was built within the Roman walls and faced several sieges. Although its garrison was twice starved into surrender, it was never successfully stormed. The castle was occupied more or less continuously until the 16th century, apart from a possible break in the early 13th century when it was slighted during the First Barons' War. It had been abandoned again by the late 16th century and remained a crumbling, partly overgrown ruin until it was acquired by the state in 1925.

Pevensey Castle was reoccupied between 1940 and 1945, during the Second World War, when it was garrisoned by units from the Home Guard, the British and Canadian armies and the United States Army Air Corps. Machine-gun posts were built into the Roman and medieval walls to control the flat land around Pevensey and guard against the threat of a German invasion. They were left in place after the war and can still be seen today. Pevensey is one of many Norman castles built around the south of England.

[eleuthers]

[ ... ] # BEAU JAMES RHODES STATISTICS + PINTEREST + MUSINGS

CHARACTER NAME: beau james rhodes AGE AND DATE OF BIRTH: 27 + 10th of september, 1995 GENDER IDENTITY AND PRONOUNS: cis man, he/him HOMETOWN: rye, east sussex, england SEXUAL ORIENTATION: bisexual RELATIONSHIP STATUS: single RESIDENTIAL AREA: downtown OCCUPATION: mechanic at all stop auto shop and tattoo apprentice at ink city; previously a member of the band venom dreams LENGTH OF TIME IN FAIRFORD: seven months POSITIVE TRAITS: convivial, independent, versatile NEGATIVE TRAITS: foolhardy, obstinate, indulgent FACECLAIM: harry styles

[ ... ]

BACKGROUND

triggers for death, homophobia, implied child abuse.

growing up in a small medieval town that didn't even have 10,000 people with an angry father was a very isolating experience for beau. after the death of his mother when he was only two, the only nurturing presence in his life was the quickly fading existence of guinevere rhodes in his memory, a blur on photographs.

there wasn't much to do locally except go fishing with whoever was willing to adopt him for the day or constantly harass the kind grandmas with his childlike chaos—something he could never do around his father without his every move being mistaken for malice or rebellion.

for someone who was as terrible of a student, it was ironic that his safe haven was the private catholic boarding school he'd been forced to attend and which just so happened to be at least an hour away from home.

the older he got, the less he cared. sometimes he'd come home sloshed after a pub crawl with his friends, despite the futile attempts to sober up on the bus ride home with copious amounts of bread and sleep, and most of the days he wouldn't come home at all. it was almost always worth the dire consequences, so long as he could experience a somewhat normal childhood.

beau was admittedly legendary at his school for his pranks, side hustles, and being a walking recipe for headache to the teachers around him, although some of them wouldn't deny that beau's never wavering and kind spirit was admirable.

still, his life was closely monitored by those who respected authority and were devout to god, as well as his father, even with all that distance between them, literally and metaphorically. by the time he turned seventeen, he'd already racked up an impressive number of detention and expulsion warnings. those threats were often empty promises, except for the time he got suspended for bringing a donkey onto the premises and wreaking havoc, until the head master caught him with her son doing everything but holy things.

needless to say, he was expelled months before his graduation and his father had brought him home by his ears only to immediately kick him out and tell him to never return. happy to do so, he packed his entire life into a suitcase, stole his father's car, promising his younger sister he'd come back for her if he were ever mean to her as he was to him, and escaped to london, where he started a new chapter of his life.

he spent more or less a year sleeping on the streets or couch-surfing, working odd jobs and getting involved in sketchy shit just to get by and survive. his saving grace came in the form of a lanky and dashingly handsome man, who would soon become his best friend, taking him into his home and auto shop for the time being, teaching him everything he needed to know to become a decent mechanic and get a long-term job.

later, they would form a band with some of their friends as a joke, except it was quickly becoming a reality after a video of theirs had gone viral, and before they knew it, venom dreams was big enough to start doing gigs and "tour" across the united states under the guise of a road trip.

beau's then long-time girlfriend had joined them on said tour, supporting them at every show, however, her presence was also one of the reasons for the downfall of the band. after finding out that she'd been sleeping with his best friend behind his back, he wasted no time to call it quits and went on a road trip of his own, finding his way to fairford.

although he hadn't intended to stay longer than a week or two, he ended up forming a meaningful connection with the town and its residents, throwing all caution out the window and deciding to build a life there even if for just a year.

[ ... ]

CHARACTER STUDY

inspirations: joey tribbiani (friends) / jason mendoza (the good place) / finn nelson (my mad fat diary) / nick miller (new girl) / pol rubio (merlí) / flynn rider (tangled) / troy barnes (community) / kian lawley (youtuber) / steve harrington (stranger things) / robin hood / jj (outer banks) / jake peralta (brooklyn nine-nine).

HEADCANONS

although he was the drummer and songwriter of the band, he plays multiple instruments, including drums, bass, guitar, and (very loosely) piano. he no longer pursues music as a career, but will do a show or two when asked.

owns a pet rat named bartholomew jr. there is no bartholomew sr.

struggles with insomnia and nonsensical sleep talking.

started tattooing himself and other people with a cheap tattoo gun when he was a teenager and now dreams to open his own studio one day.

he has a habit of doodling or sketching on any available surface, including his own face and body as well as his friends'.

his ultimate party trick is erecting his nipples on command.

has a deep passion for cooking and usually hosts bbq nights at his place every few weeks.

owns three vintage cars and often attends car shows.

easily persuaded into things, especially under the guise of a bet or if it's an extreme activity.

he loves engaging in philosophical discussions about (extraterrestrial) life when he's absolutely sloshed.

he has a soft spot for the elderly and children; as someone who is rather childish but somewhat responsible, he makes the perfect candidate for a babysitter.

has an innate sense of direction and can navigate through unfamiliar places effortlessly, often taking spontaneous detours to explore hidden gems.

beau has a habit of leaving notes or reminders to the people he loves as a way of uplifting them.

king of hawaiian shirts and bandanas.

when he was still living in london, his primary income came from working as a nude model for artists.

CONNECTIONS

leofcwlers best friend, soulmate, love interest. dottiepcttersons a will they won't they situation later defined as they won't because of bro code. cyrusgarza situationship turned awkward co-workers. rouxed do they hate each other or are they fucking? thaddcarter close friends who hook up every now and then whenever their love lives are falling apart. felixmannon mentor. joscphine thing #1 to his thing #2 since their band days. phoebebaker fleeting summer romance from years ago.

[mfevs3000w23]

My Role as an Environmental Interpreter

I have never been truly certain about the specific career path I wish to take. However, I have always known that since I feel such a sense of responsibility and passion for protecting nature, my ideal job would contribute to this cause in some way.  

I have a geography rather than an environmental science academic background, so I feel that my role as an environmental interpreter lies particularly in helping to communicate the ties between society and nature. An essential element of interpretation involves promoting the stewardship of nature (Beck et al., 2018). Indeed, this was my motive for conducting my dissertation research last year (back at my UK university) on the current provision of environmental education in England’s secondary schools. I can still recall learning about climate change in my own school science class, which constituted just one page of a textbook at this time, and thinking to myself why I had never come across this global environmental issue before. What shocked me even more was going home to my family and realising they had no knowledge of climate change. I believe this was the point at which I realised that my career goals would be centred around communicating the importance of protecting the natural world from the impacts of human society.

Last year I gained some experience in the realm of environmental education and interpretation; through a university outreach program, I organized and carried out workshops with secondary school children in and beyond my local community about climate change inequality and injustice. Although the focus of this learning experience was centred more upon the costs of climate change to human populations around the world, there were some key lessons that I took away concerning my role as an interpreter and how I can better engage and encourage my audience to care about these issues.  Providing individuals with the opportunity to engage and interact with problems and objects is recognised as a more effective approach than a classroom-based lecturing structure to environmental learning (Beck et al., 2018). Yet, as Beck et al., (2018) suggest, the circumstances in which interpreters are situated can restrict the extent to which this approach can be utilized. In my case, we had time restrictions that inhibited our ability to include a wider diversity of more engaging activities for the students. I now realise that teaching approaches must be adopted that appeal to all different types of learners and audiences and enable them to connect with nature in a meaningful way.  It is vital to be an enthusiastic, passionate interpreter who can channel this enthusiasm in a positive manner in order to create an empowering, uplifting mood (Beck et al., 2018). This skill is particularly essential when dealing with critical issues like climate change, to ensure that learners come away feeling empowered to implement positive change in their own lives and that of their wider community.

In my mind, the idea of defending nature in a corporate, political setting appeals to me, since this is where change is vitally needed to protect biodiversity.  I would love to be an interpreter for a variety of natural landscapes across the world. I feel it is essential, particularly in light of the interconnected nature of issues like climate change and the globalized world that we live in, to facilitate an appreciation and ensure the protection of natural landscapes and species that we may never get to physically interact with ourselves. However, I also feel that I would find engaging in nature interpretation activities that emphasise environmental stewardship at a more local, community-based level very fulfilling too. This could include some of the woodland and coastal areas that I grew up beside.

Brede High Woods, Brede, East Sussex, United Kingdom.

References:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage: for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

[mfenvs3000w23]

My Relationship With Nature

Nature has always been a constant in my life and a source of comfort for me since I was a child. I grew up in a rural village near the south east coast of England, where I was able to access nature by simply stepping outside of my front door. Family holidays would often involve staying in a small rural cottage and walking, hiking and generally exploring other areas of the British countryside.

Reflecting back on this now, I realise just how privileged I was to have had this close and easy access to the natural world. Nothing made me appreciate this more than when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, during which daily dog walks with my family helped to keep me going in the overwhelmingly uncertain times we were living in. I feel a very strong sense of place and attachment to the surrounding landscapes of my family home, where we would escape the confinement and social isolation of the national lockdown and embrace the sense of calm created by our natural surroundings.

East Sussex, United Kingdom.

During this time period, my mum was diagnosed with a serious health condition. I reflect now on the immense support that nature was and continues to be for the wellbeing of her, myself and our family; daily walks in the surrounding fields and our local woodland forest gave us all comfort and a sense of stability. I recognise how important having access to nature was and still is for my own and my family's physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

I also feel a strong sense of place in connection to the sea. Living most of my life in close proximity to coastal areas, I would frequently enjoy walking, swimming and eating locally caught fish and chips on the beach with friends and family. Even when I went to university and began living in Norwich, a city in the east of England, I took a train to the Norfolk coast on a regular basis. One of the most special moments here that I experienced during my second year of university was a trip to Horsey beach, where hundreds of seals reside for the winter months. I had never seen so many and been so close to these animals before and watching mother seals care for their newborn cubs was really special and moving to witness.

Horsey Beach, Norfolk, United Kingdom.

My love and strong connection to nature were actually at the core of why I decided to study in Canada for my exchange year. Experiencing the stunning colours of the fall and beautiful snow-covered landscapes in and outside of Guelph during the winter months has been an unforgettable experience for me.

Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, Québec , Canada.

Nature supports us all in so many ways- that's why I feel such a sense of responsibility to ensure its protection in the face of human over-exploitation. The commodification of nature in contemporary capitalist society has severed and isolated the natural world from our human existence. I feel that many of us must rediscover our connection and place within nature in order to collectively recognise the imperative to stop and reverse the damage we have inflicted upon it. We may all have different relationships with nature, but I believe it is nature that ties us all together.

[amsco23]

Amsco Fire Ltd Unveils Revolutionary Water Mist Systems for Superior Fire Protection

East Sussex, UK - Amsco Fire Ltd, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of fire suppression solutions, is proud to introduce its highly efficient water mist systems. These systems are engineered to offer enhanced fire protection while minimizing water usage and damage. Tailored to meet the specific requirements of various buildings and environments, water mist systems provide an innovative and versatile approach to fire safety. Introducing Water Mist Systems: A Modern Fire Suppression Solution Water mist systems represent a cutting-edge approach to fire suppression, utilizing extremely fine droplets to cool fires and displace oxygen, stopping the flames in their tracks. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems, water mist systems use significantly less water, reducing damage to property while providing effective fire control. This makes them ideal for sensitive spaces like museums, data centers, and heritage buildings, where protecting valuable assets is a priority. Key Benefits of Water Mist Systems • Efficient Water Usage: Amsco’s water mist systems use up to 90% less water than standard sprinkler systems, reducing potential water damage and accelerating the reinstatement process. This also makes the systems environmentally friendly, helping conserve water resources. • Tailored to Sensitive Spaces: Perfect for environments where minimal water damage is essential, such as heritage sites and facilities housing valuable electronics. Water mist systems offer comprehensive fire protection without the risk of soaking assets, furniture, or expensive equipment. • Flexibility and Versatility: Whether in confined spaces or buildings with limited water supply, water mist systems are highly adaptable. They can be installed in residential homes, care homes, schools, offices, and commercial buildings. The flexibility of the system ensures reliable fire protection, even in challenging situations. How Water Mist Systems Work Water mist systems operate through specialized high-pressure nozzles, which release a fine mist that rapidly cools the area and suppresses the fire by displacing oxygen. This four-pronged approach fights fires by cooling, suffocating, containing, and minimizing the spread of flames. With the ability to combat fires from Class A (ordinary combustibles) to Class C (electrical fires), water mist systems offer comprehensive coverage for a variety of fire hazards. Why Choose Amsco Fire Ltd for Water Mist Systems? Amsco Fire Ltd is fully accredited to install domestic and commercial water mist systems, meeting the stringent standards of BS8458:2015 and BS8489:2016. Whether dealing with a residential property or a commercial facility, Amsco provides custom-designed solutions tailored to the unique needs of each building. • Expert Consultation and Installation: Amsco’s team of professionals offers expert advice and solutions, even in buildings with inadequate water supply. With extensive knowledge of building control regulations, the company ensures that every installation is compliant and highly effective. • Custom Solutions for Complex Needs: Whether it’s a historical building or a modern commercial space, Amsco can provide bespoke water mist system designs that fit seamlessly into the architecture and operational requirements of any property. How to Get Started with Amsco Fire Ltd Amsco Fire Ltd invites property owners and managers to consult with their expert team about the best water mist system for their building. After assessing the property’s fire risks and design needs, Amsco will create a custom system that ensures maximum fire protection with minimal impact on the property. To inquire about a bespoke water mist system or to schedule a consultation, contact Amsco Fire Ltd at 01424 813131.

To learn more about Amsco Fire Ltd's innovative water mist systems, contact their expert team for a tailored solution to meet your fire safety needs.

[itsknockout]

Professional Wasp Nest Removal Services in Sussex: Swift and Safe Solutions

At Knockout Pest Control, our professional team provides swift and safe solutions to address your wasp nest removal in Sussex efficiently. Using advanced techniques and equipment, we ensure thorough removal and prevention, protecting your home and property. You can rely on expert service and peace of mind, knowing your pest problems will be handled with the utmost care. Get our assistance in East Sussex and West Sussex.

[samedaycourierlondon]

Courier Services in South East England: A Comprehensive Overview by VSL Logistics

In the fast-paced world of e-commerce and business logistics, efficient courier services have become the backbone of timely deliveries and customer satisfaction. South East England, one of the most vibrant and economically active regions in the UK, relies heavily on courier services to meet the increasing demands of both businesses and consumers. VSL Logistics, a trusted name in the courier industry, stands at the forefront of providing reliable, fast, and cost-effective courier solutions tailored to the unique needs of this region.

Why South East England Needs Efficient Courier Services

South East England is home to major business hubs like London, Kent, and Sussex, where commercial activities flourish. The diverse industries in this region, from retail and technology to manufacturing and healthcare, require seamless logistics support. With the rise of online shopping, customer expectations have shifted towards fast, same-day, and next-day delivery options, making courier services critical to operational success.

Businesses in South East England often deal with time-sensitive shipments, large volumes of goods, and stringent customer demands. Here’s where courier services like VSL Logistics come in — bridging the gap between business needs and efficient delivery, while ensuring that goods reach their destination safely and on time.

VSL Logistics: A Leader in South East England Courier Services

VSL Logistics specializes in a wide range of courier solutions for businesses across South East England. Whether you’re a small e-commerce store or a large enterprise, VSL offers flexible and tailored services to suit your specific logistics requirements. With a dedicated fleet, modern technology, and a highly skilled team, VSL ensures that deliveries are not only fast but also efficient and cost-effective.

Key Features of VSL Logistics Courier Services

Same-Day Delivery: For businesses that require urgent deliveries, VSL Logistics offers reliable same-day courier services. This is ideal for urgent document delivery, medical supplies, or time-sensitive business transactions. Their local knowledge of the South East region allows them to navigate traffic efficiently and meet deadlines.

Next-Day Delivery: Many customers expect next-day delivery for products they order online. VSL Logistics supports businesses by offering a next-day service that guarantees prompt delivery without compromising on the safety of goods.

Specialized Handling: Not all goods are the same — some require careful handling, temperature-controlled environments, or secure transportation. VSL Logistics provides specialized services for delicate or valuable items, ensuring that they reach their destination in perfect condition.

Flexible Solutions for Businesses of All Sizes: From small start-ups to large corporations, VSL Logistics customizes its services based on the volume and nature of the goods. Whether it’s a one-time delivery or a long-term partnership, they have scalable solutions that can grow with your business.

Real-Time Tracking and Transparency: In today’s digital age, customers expect complete transparency regarding their shipments. VSL Logistics provides real-time tracking for all deliveries, giving businesses and their customers peace of mind. You’ll know exactly where your shipment is and when it will arrive, enhancing trust and reliability.

Eco-Friendly Delivery Options: With an increasing focus on sustainability, VSL Logistics is committed to offering environmentally friendly courier options. Their green initiatives include reducing carbon emissions by optimizing delivery routes and using fuel-efficient vehicles.

Industries Benefiting from VSL Courier Services

Several industries in South East England benefit greatly from VSL Logistics’ courier solutions:

E-commerce: Fast and reliable delivery is a crucial factor in customer satisfaction. VSL’s same-day and next-day delivery options make it easier for online businesses to keep their customers happy.

Healthcare: The healthcare sector often requires urgent delivery of medical supplies, test results, or pharmaceuticals. VSL’s specialized handling and quick services ensure timely and safe delivery of sensitive materials.

Legal: Important legal documents need to be delivered securely and promptly. VSL Logistics ensures that sensitive documents reach their destination within the required time frame, often on the same day.

Manufacturing and Retail: Supply chains are the lifeblood of manufacturing and retail industries. VSL provides efficient courier services that support just-in-time deliveries and help avoid costly production delays.

Benefits of Choosing VSL Logistics for Your Courier Needs

Cost Efficiency: Managing logistics in-house can be expensive, especially for small businesses. By outsourcing courier services to VSL Logistics, businesses can save on fleet maintenance, fuel, and staff costs, all while enjoying professional and reliable delivery.

Expertise in South East England: VSL Logistics’ extensive experience in South East England means that they understand the unique logistics challenges of the region, from navigating the narrow streets of city centers to meeting delivery demands in rural areas.

Customer-Centric Approach: At VSL Logistics, the customer always comes first. Their team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, handling queries and concerns promptly. This client-first approach ensures that both businesses and their customers have a seamless experience.

Scalability: As your business grows, so too can your courier needs. VSL Logistics offers scalable services that can accommodate increased delivery volumes without compromising on speed or quality.

Comprehensive Solutions: From urgent document delivery to handling large freight shipments, VSL Logistics provides comprehensive courier solutions that cater to a wide range of business requirements.

Conclusion

For businesses operating in South East England, the choice of a reliable courier service can make a significant difference in operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. VSL Logistics offers a range of courier solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in this bustling region. With their same-day delivery, specialized handling, and eco-friendly options, VSL Logistics ensures that your deliveries are made swiftly, safely, and with the utmost professionalism.

Whether you’re a small online retailer or a large corporation, VSL Logistics is equipped to handle all your courier needs in South East England, providing you with the confidence that your deliveries are in expert hands.

[baddywronglegs]

Some interesting answers to this...

Two people have given their "county" as "UK", then given their affinity for their county relative to other geographical markers as above 1/10. One of them, 6/10.

Don't know what to make of that, whether someone misunderstood the question or fiercely believes the UK is one of the counties of England? Either way, not really a data point I can use.

"I have a this strong an affinity for *a* place, but not a county" - fine, but that's not the question, so I can't really include that data point because I don't know what your answer to the question I asked was.

This delightful troll

... Who I assume didn't realise that none of this information is identifiable. I'd be tempted to point this out to them, but on account of the data not being identifiable, I neither know nor care who they are.

(Their answer was 6/10. For some reason.)

But onto some actual patterns so far emerging:

Yorkshire and Lancashire are coming out as proud of their homes so far: the only thing a Lancastrian prides themself in more than being Lancastrian is not being from Yorkshire and vice versa. There's Sussex coast pride coming in, Dorset is popular among Dorseters, and Cornwall is very much Cornish.

(When making this questionnaire, I almost wrote "England and Cornwall" because I worried addressing it to just England would discourage Cornish people who don't see Cornwall as England from responding.)

At the other end of the scale, we have Milton Keynes. Straddling a border between two counties, residents of Miltok Keynes postcodes are almost universally apathetic toward both of them.

So far, not many responses for East Anglia, Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire and the border counties of the West Midlands - essentially, responses about follow a population density map of the UK, who'd have seen that coming - with a slight trend toward people caring less about their county the closer you get to London.

I've been thinking a lot about regional identity in England (you might have noticed)

I'm from Yorkshire, where being from Yorkshire is something a lot of people feel more strongly about than being British or English, which is something I don't see reflected in many other counties.

Some (looking at you Cornwall), but not many.

So I've made a survey:

English folks, please give me your data, I like charts. (No personal data, no precise location.)

[michaellloyd]

Paella Caterers East Sussex Crafting Unforgettable Paella For Weddings & Events

Dreaming of a flawlessly catered wedding, corporate event, garden party, or any special occasion in East Sussex?

Look no further than Vamos Paella Caterers East Sussex! We’re a passionate team of culinary experts dedicated to crafting exceptional dining experiences.

Our diverse menus feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and cater to various dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the celebration. But we’re more than just delicious paella. We pride ourselves on personalised service, meticulous planning, and genuine care for your vision.

Why choose us?

Passionate and experienced – since 2011, Vamos Paella is appealing to the taste buds of London, Hampshire, Surrey, East Sussex and beyond. Our reputation is built on quality, services, taste, reliability, cost effectiveness and flexibility.

Diverse menu – get innovative and offer tasty treats to accompany paella. This could be in form of desserts, appetizers or even entrees. Vamos Paella caterers East Sussex services offers hot and cold tapas in vibrant colours, quails egg with cumin, manchego cheese with sweet quince jelly, beautiful fruit tartlets, crackers with home-made chutneys and many other mouth-watering desserts. This fun treats gives your guest a talking point during the event and after it has passed.

Full service capability Apart from cooking delicious Paella and other culinary delights, we can even hire and arrange the table, chairs, linen, glasses, plates and cutlery. Have a theme in mind or may be a particular table decoration or you want to please someone with special flowers; go ahead let us know in advance. With us by your side, you will be able to see the transformation of your venue into the one you dreamed of, in a matter of hours.

Commitment to sustainability - At Vamos Paella caterer East Sussex, we are dedicated to quality and sustainability. We source our ingredients locally and responsibly, using only the freshest produce to create exquisite menus that cater to specialist dietary requirements. Our experienced chefs ensure that every dish is prepared to the highest standards, while our initiative is reducing food waste. Trust us to provide exceptional catering services that are ethical and environmentally conscious.

We believe – great paella caterers East Sussex can enable great entertainment that is delicious and enjoyable.  Connect with us.