Category: Society

VE Day: Resilience in Modern Times

While it’s important to be cautious when comparing today’s world with the era of the Second World War, there are still meaningful lessons to be drawn. VE Day in 1945 symbolised more than just the defeat of a visible enemy; it also marked a triumph over destructive ideologies and deeply rooted fear. In our time, we face different but equally serious threats, ones that may not involve tanks or bombs but still cause disruption and anxiety. Misinformation, manipulation, and attacks on truth are among today’s adversaries. Had social media existed during the war, it likely would have become another front in the struggle for clarity and trust.

Just as people then had to remain alert to defend hard-won freedoms, we too must guard the values we often take for granted. The suffering endured during the war defies comprehension, yet today we continue to see suffering, though in different forms. Many are grieving, many are struggling, and often due to circumstances beyond their control. The threats we face now are not always visible but still challenge our sense of safety and stability. In such times, it becomes even more important to support and uplift each other, to offer reassurance in the face of uncertainty.

Not everyone greeted VE Day with simple joy. Though the war had ended, hardship remained. Food rationing continued, and the task of rebuilding was immense. Likewise, in our age, recovery from recent problems will not be immediate. But we can take inspiration from the resilience and courage shown then. Alongside the heroes of the past, we must celebrate those who serve society today, health workers, teachers, public servants, and countless others who keep daily life going. One of the greatest post-war legacies, the NHS, remains a powerful symbol of care and hope. So today, as we reflect, it’s worth asking: who are your heroes now? And how can you be a source of strength for someone else in the days to come?

VE Day 2020 (Republished)

large_000000

Whilst acknowledging the need to tread carefully and sensitively in any comparisons between the Second World War and the current coronavirus pandemic, I believe there are some useful ones we can make to help us in our thought processes and thereby benefit our collective mental health.

VE Day in 1945 reflected a victory over a visible enemy, although also an invisible enemy of evil thoughts and ideas. The enemy we face now is totally invisible and does not care one iota for those it harms. Fake news is not new, they faced it back then; had they had social media, that would simply have been another front on which the war would have been fought. Today, not only in the coronavirus pandemic, we face a war against those who would deceive us. We need to guard our way of life against those who would lie to us, who seek to destroy the freedoms won for us then.

The Second World War was marked by terrible suffering, the like of which is hard to process, along with the inhumanity of it all. Today, many have been devastated by an invisible enemy, and we pause to remember the lives lost and the families and friends grieving.

Back then the world faced life-treatening jeopardy and, for many today, this is the first time we have faced real jeopardy. Yes, I remember the Cold War, but that’s the only threat that comes anywhere near what we face today. There’s fear and anxiety everywhere, and so we need to affirm, encourage and support each like never before. It’s the same for everyone, yet we all have unique circumstances and all react individually.

Back then, not everyone was celebrating, and for those who were it was only a brief celebration. The world faced an uncertain future and there was much rebuilding to be done, it was many years until food rationing was eased for example. In our own time, we might celebrate relaxations to the lockdown, but we still face the reality of an uncertain future and the prospect of rebuilding society. Then it was a collective experience, so it is today and will be for us. I’m neither being optimistic nor pessimistic; just realistically reflecting that there’ll be much to do in the coming weeks, months and years.

Today we celebrate the heroes of yesterday’s battles, but we also celebrate the new heroes in the NHS and all the key workers fighting a very different battle today. Come to think about it, the creation of the NHS was one of the great rebuilding efforts after WWII, and we are reaping its benefits today.

Who are you celebrating today? What can you do to help and support someone today and in the uncertain future?

Postscript: Today is ‘Victory IN Europe Day’, not ‘Victory OVER Europe Day’ as some history revisionists are suggesting for their own agendas.

Note: I chose the photo for this post because it reminds me of my two youngest girls, Pollyanna (2) and Matilda (3).

Photo Credit: VE DAY IN LONDON, 8 MAY 1945 (HU 49414) Two small girls waving their flags in the rubble of Battersea, snapped by an anonymous American photographer. Copyright: © IWM.

Source: http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205018927

Time to Rejoin the EU

I’ve always considered Brexit to be a mistake, but I understand the motivations of those supporting it: national pride, a desire for independence, and faith in Britain’s ability to succeed on its own. But the world has changed. Britain no longer holds the global power it once did as a colonial empire, and we can’t pretend otherwise. That past structure of influence is gone, and with it, much of the leverage we once relied on. Additionally, much of the rhetoric advocating Brexit was false or misleading, and often xenophobic in tone.

Despite this, we left the EU under the illusion we could thrive independently, yet instead of strengthening the country, Brexit has weakened it. It’s also taken away the freedoms and opportunities we once enjoyed within the European continent.

Brexit promised control and prosperity but has delivered economic strain and fewer opportunities. We’re all feeling it, higher food prices, soaring energy bills, struggling small businesses. UK-EU trade is down 15%, and the economy is set to be 4% smaller long-term; a £100 billion annual hit, or £1,000 per household. Inflation has jumped more than 20% since 2021, while wages have barely moved. Investment has fallen, bureaucracy has grown, and growth has slowed.

Far from taking back control, we gave it away, walking out of the world’s largest trading bloc and isolating ourselves from partnerships that helped us compete globally. The idea of ‘Global Britain’ was never a realistic replacement for EU membership. The US won’t bail us out, and Commonwealth countries are turning to the EU for trade. National pride doesn’t pay the bills, and nostalgia doesn’t drive prosperity.

This isn’t about disloyalty. It’s about honesty. Brexit has failed to deliver on its promises, and continuing down this path is harming the very country we’re trying to protect. The EU wasn’t perfect, but when we were inside, we had influence, access, and opportunity. Rejoining the Single Market isn’t surrender, it’s a step toward recovery. It’s how we can support businesses, lower costs, and rebuild trust.

Brexit has brought decline, division, and disappointment. The empire is gone. We can’t stand alone anymore. It’s time to stop the self-inflicted damage. Let’s rejoin the Single Market. Let’s return to the EU, not because we’re weak, but because we’re strong enough to admit when we were wrong.

St George’s Day

St George is one of the most enduring figures in Christian tradition, revered as a martyr and the patron saint of England. Though much of his life is wrapped in legend, it’s generally believed that George was a Roman soldier born in the 3rd century in Cappadocia, a region in modern-day Turkey. He served under Emperor Diocletian but refused to renounce his Christian faith during a time of intense persecution. For this, he was tortured and ultimately executed, dying around the year 303.

The most famous legend surrounding St George is that of him slaying a dragon. According to the tale, a town was being terrorized by a dragon, and in a bid to appease it, the townspeople offered it sheep, and eventually, their own children. When a princess was chosen to be sacrificed, George intervened, tamed the dragon, and killed it, saving the princess and converting the town to Christianity. While clearly mythical, the story symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and faith over fear.

St George’s cult spread rapidly across Europe during the Middle Ages, and he became a symbol of chivalry and courage. He was adopted as the patron saint of England in the 14th century by Edward III, and his red cross on a white background became a national emblem. His feast day, April 23rd, is still celebrated in many countries. Despite the blurred lines between fact and legend, St George’s legacy remains one of steadfast faith and heroic virtue.

What is parkwalk?

parkwalk is an initiative by parkrun UK launched globally in October 2022 to celebrate parkrun’s 18th anniversary and promote walking as a valued and inclusive part of their weekly 5k events. Recognising that not everyone feels ready to run or jog, parkwalk was designed to break down barriers to participation and support people of all fitness levels, especially those new to physical activity or managing long-term health conditions.

Every Saturday morning, participants gather at local parks across the UK and beyond to walk, jog, or run the 5k course. There’s no time pressure, people are encouraged to go at their own pace. Importantly, the Tail Walker volunteer ensures that no one finishes last, reinforcing the core value that parkrun is for everyone.

In support of the campaign, a new volunteer role called the parkwalker was introduced. Positioned between the runners and the Tail Walker, parkwalkers wear light blue vests and walk the route while offering encouragement and companionship to others walking, helping to foster a stronger sense of community and belonging.

Walking itself brings proven health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced stress, and better mental wellbeing. According to parkrun, research shows walking 5,000 steps three times per week can significantly lower the risk of early death.

Since its launch, over one million walks have been completed globally, showing that parkwalk has not only increased participation but has also created a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Volunteering at parkrun

Volunteering at parkrun offers far more than a chance to give back. It brings a host of benefits that positively impact mental, emotional, and even professional wellbeing. Many regular volunteers speak of a deep sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from contributing to the event’s success each week. Studies support this, showing that volunteering can lift mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering at parkrun is the sense of community it builds. Whether you’re marshalling, timing, scanning barcodes, or cheering people on, you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for health, connection, and community spirit. These shared moments often lead to lasting friendships and a richer appreciation for the value of local engagement.

Volunteering at parkrun is also a fantastic way to develop and strengthen key life skills. Each role provides opportunities to improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Whether you’re coordinating a finish funnel or supporting first-timers, every task contributes to both personal and professional growth.

From a career perspective, volunteering at parkrun is a valuable addition to your CV. It demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a genuine willingness to contribute to something bigger than yourself. For jobseekers, students, or anyone looking to stand out, regular volunteering shows commitment, people skills, and the ability to work under pressure, all traits employers value highly.

Most importantly, parkrun volunteering can be a journey of self-discovery. It invites you to try new roles, push beyond your comfort zone, and sometimes uncover talents you didn’t know you had. In serving others, you often gain just as much in return, whether it’s confidence, clarity, or simply the joy of making someone’s Saturday morning a little brighter.

Overall, parkrun volunteering is a win-win. It strengthens communities, supports wellbeing, and enriches personal and professional lives. Every barcode scan, every time check, every cheer matters, and so do the people who give their time to make it all happen. Why not have a go?

Why is February shorter?

Have you ever wondered why February is the shortest month? OK, maybe not, but I’m going to tell you anyway!

The problem (because that’s what it was) originates from the fact that all calendars were once lunar, and the number of lunar months does not equal the solar year. Additionally, the solar year is not exactly 365 days, and this simply compounds the problem. That’s why we add an extra day occasionally to keep the calendar in line with our annual journey around the Sun.

The problem with February goes back to the Romans, and what have they ever done for us? They used a lunar calendar, but thought it would be a good idea if winter didn’t have months. eventually (around 713 BCE) they added two months (January and February) to the end of the year, because they considered the year started with the spring equinox in March.

There was still a problem for many centuries though, because there was all sorts of tinkering for all sorts of reasons. Julius Caesar eventually initiated calendar reform creating the Julian calendar, but even then there were still problems. The months now had either thirty one or thirty days, but the year was slightly too long. They resolved this by removing one day from February and returning it once every four years.

Having more or less solved the problem, they started counting leap years every three years and messed everything up again. Emperor Augustus corrected the issue, and all was well again – until it was decided to name a month after him. Now his month (I’ll leave you to work out which one) had one less day than the one honouring Julius Caesar (you can work it out), and that was out of the question.

So, what did they do? They took another day off poor February and added it to August, obviously! Hence, February has only twenty eight days, except in a leap year. There just remained a little adjustment to the months after August, so as to avoid having three consecutive months with thirty one days.

Note: Many centuries later, most of the world moved to the Gregorian calendar, but that’s another story.

The Power of the Beatitudes

Years ago, you might have seen the Beatitudes embroidered and framed. Unfortunately, this could so easily rob them of their radical, prophetic, and subversive power, being regarded as twee and restrained rather than powerful and revolutionary.

The Beatitudes challenge conventional wisdom by reversing societal values: the weak are strong, the humble are exalted, and suffering leads to divine blessing. They encourage believers to reflect Christ’s character and embrace a countercultural way of living. These teachings provide comfort and assurance, affirming that God’s kingdom operates on different principles than worldly systems, offering hope to the marginalized.

As a blueprint for Christian ethics, the Beatitudes influence theology, spirituality, and social movements. They call believers to embody love, justice, and humility, shaping both personal conduct and community interactions. Found in Matthew 5:3–12 and partially in Luke 6:20–23, they express core Christian teachings, revealing the qualities of a life blessed by God. Each Beatitude presents a paradox, contrasting worldly values with God’s ideals. The term “beatitude” comes from the Latin beatus, meaning “blessed” or “happy.”

More than moral instructions, the Beatitudes declare divine favour on those who embody humility, mercy, and righteousness. In Jesus’ time, they challenged traditional views on power and success, urging trust in God, solidarity with the suffering, and a pursuit of justice. Christians are called to be pure of heart and endure persecution for righteousness.

The Beatitudes reveal God’s nature and kingdom, holding believers accountable, as seen in the parable of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, where judgment depends on how we treat the poor. Jesus himself exemplified them, living in spiritual poverty and meeting people’s needs, as seen in Matthew 15. Charles Spurgeon noted that true meekness withstands persecution, just as Christ did on the cross.

One thing is framing them in homes, quite another is framing them within the home of our hearts.

Ultimately, the Beatitudes encapsulate discipleship, teaching that true fulfillment lies in humility and mercy. By embracing their paradoxes, we align with Christ’s values, living out God’s kingdom now and into the future.

Books Read in 2024

Not as many books read as I’d hoped, as my aim was 24 in 2024.

The Hobbit (J. R. R. Tolkien)
I enjoyed listening to this while walking Rufus.

Everything Is F*cked (Mark Manson)
Don’t be put off by the title, an excellent book to guide you through life and manage your expectations and mental health.

Tin Men (Christopher Golden)
Great science fiction with a good human element and twists.

Alien (Alan Dean Foster)
A novel based on the movie, what happens when you don’t listen to a smart woman with a cat.

She/He/They/Me (Robyn Ryle)
An interactive book that guides you through the issue of gender, your journey depends on your answers to questions.

Wrong Place Wrong Time (Gillian McAllister)
A journey backwards in time to understand a murder.

Eating Robots (Stephen Oram)
Short stories that anticipate the near future of technology, often shocking.

Biohacked & Begging (Stephen Oram)
Another series of short stories to pull you up sharp and challenge your thinking.

Fathomless Riches (Rev. Richard Coles)
A brutally honest autobiography that covers attempted suicide, time in a mental hospital, London’s gay scene, drugs, pop stardom, broadcasting, writing, and life as a vicar – and that’s just for starters! Not for the easily offended.

Beyond the Burn Line (Paul McAuley)
A science fiction novel set in the distant future that addresses big issues. I rarely give up on a book but, like many other people, I gave up with this one. My advice, avoid like the plague!

How to Sleep Well (Dr. Neil Stanley)
An excellent book covering all aspects of sleep.

Aliens (Jim Al-Khalili/Editor)
A comprehensive study about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe from a variety of authors and experts.

Night Sky Almanac 2024 (Storm Dunlop & Wil Tirion)
This is a yearbook I wouldn’t be without; each year’s edition is always by my side.

So, my aim is now at least 25 in 2025, and I’m off to a good start.