Occasionally, my work takes me to some places that many people pay good money to experience. Today was one of those days when I had the great pleasure to be able to wander around Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire. Built nearly 1000 years ago, you cannot fail to be impressed with the vastness of the inside of the building. It makes you wonder where their inspiration and knowledge at that time came from.
Winchester Cathedral
Inside Winchester Cathedral
Wherever you stand there is a wealth of history from the very beginnings of the building to latter day inscriptions and statues dating to only a few hundred years ago. Even under your feet you will find stone slabs inscribed with Latin, covering the tombs of long dead generals, clergy, and other notable dignitaries worthy of burial within this holiest of holies.
Latin Inscriptions
It astounds me at every turn, just how much work went into the creation of not only the Cathedral itself, but the memorials and other beautiful surroundings within the building. Stonemasons, carpenters and artisans have spent many hundreds of years creating what can only be described as a stunning memorial to humanity in the county of Hampshire and beyond.
Elaborate Clergy Tomb
Stained Glass Window
Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to do a little bit more exploration, and maybe to speak to someone a little more knowledgeable on the history and people behind the Cathedrals creation. But I urge you to one day, set aside a little time to see it. You will be glad that you did.
As memories of the harsh Winter snow fades from this years memories, i thought i would share with you a scene from Hampshire that, if you know where to go, and the weather is on your side, you can go and see for yourself. From the Old Winchester Hill nature reserve, overlooking the Meon Valley and the low farmland towards Portsmouth, The ridge of the South Downs Way makes for a fantastic viewing point to watch the sun going down. My recommendation is to take a flask of coffee, and just sit in the peace and quiet. It makes for a relaxing half an hour to the end of a day.....
Going....
Going...
Going....
Gone.
So if you like these pictures, go and witness it for yourself. Just make sure you check the weather forecast first before going... and don't forget your flask!
Its not very often you get to see this sort of thing when wandering around the Hampshire countryside but when you do, your heart sinks and you feel the need to do something about it. But with a couple of tons of burnt out van sitting on a prime piece of Hampshire, you can't just pick it up and put it in the bin.
There be bandits around these parts....
I do hope that the local authorities are onto this, as it is not the sort of thing that needs to be sat around for a long time. Especially now that the walkers, visitors and tourists that visit this part of Hampshire will soon be making their way past this eyesore, and judging their experiences on what they find around them.
This isn't a post about my wanderings around Hampshire, however, in my working life i get to see and witness a few things that happen. Occasionally, they happen in Hampshire, and on this day in Portsmouth. As a television news cameraman, i happened to be at the Naval base in Portsmouth. The following is a post from my other blog, http://mediaattentionltd.blogspot.com
It's not every day that you get to witness another small part of your country's military decline. But that is what i did yesterday as i filmed the homecoming of HMS Ark Royal, the only ship capable of carrying and launching fixed wing aircraft from the UK's once mighty fleet. In a short sighted and swift decision the UK Government decided to scrap our only aircraft carrier due to our nations straightened circumstances. Basically we can no longer afford it.
As the ship slipped quietly into Portsmouth Naval Base for the last time, it seemed fitting that she was shrouded in fog and sea mist, lest the rest of the world see what, in my opinion, is a very short sighted error, which in today's world of small wars, localised conflict and occasional disasters, may come to haunt our current governments decision.
As i filmed for Channel 4 News and the ITV Networks, i couldn't help feel a sense of sorrow for those aboard such a great warship that could have served for many more years to come. I myself served aboard HMS Ark Royal during my time in the Army and have great memories and photo's of my time serving alongside the Royal Navy. So the day had a double meaning for me personally.
Me aboard HMS Ark Royal. 1991. (Rear row, centre)
I know, good looking, rugged chap wasn't i ...? Those were the days though, single and travelling the world, meeting interesting new people and places... and nicking their country. Ah, back when the British had an empire and Britannia ruled the waves.
But those days are long gone, along with my hairline, and sleek muscled, toned body. Still, at least our government hasn't decommissioned me.... Yet.
So here is the film that Channel 4 fashioned from my days labour. A fine effort, even if i do say so myself, but i can't help thinking that i may have been a witness to just a little less of Great Britain than when i woke up that morning.
Rule Britannia... and God save the Queen in full chorus.
