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Librae, Solidi, Denarii. That’s pounds
shillings and pence to you and me and for the record and purposes of this years
January’s column in this instance, it’s the pleas for the pounds and pence that
take precedence over the sad start to 2005. Such chilling news of the tsunami
disaster in Asia has been mind-blowing. |
I had already, in readiness, of this issue penned an
article full of my usual fruity witticisms concerning Sheringham news and events of the
holidays but I guess they will have to wait. I had always intended not to let political
world events cloud the prime space in this column, but I’m sorry that, this time, I
can’t help it, and feel in light of the recent boxing day disaster I had no choice
but to mention it. I feel that for once, this time, smutty slapstick humour was going to
be as inappropriate as a Specsaver voucher for the ex Home Secretary’s Christmas box.
I just hope my regular fan club will forgive me just this once. If that’s all right
with you mum? So I guess Sheringham’s news will be well in the fire by the next
issue.
I suspect by the time you all receive this paper through the letterbox you may well be
bored to the back teeth of hearing about this terrible thing, (The tsunami, not the
column). After all, we have had 24/7 press coverage of it. Some of you I know have various
views on the matter and for a few, it has become a loathsome subject and feel very
strongly about it, and that they disagree with the charity bit and that we shouldn’t
be doing anything to help at all. These folk also don’t smoke, drink in pubs, swear,
believe in Christmas or God of any kind or denomination, and do not eat processed food of
any sort. But hey, that’s the beauty of living in a western democracy in the 21st
century. From the vast majority however, the response to this desperate appeal has been
gargantuan of breathtakingly overwhelming generosity from the British people, not least
from Sheringham itself. And of that, as a town and moreover a Nation we should be proud. I
can’t help but wonder if the shoe were on the other foot whether the response would
be so greatly reciprocated? Well of course it would! But given this government’s
history on foreign policy of late on a number of sensitive issues, one could arguably
question would we actually deserve it?We can only imagine the sheer enormity of the
horror facing these people. I know that some of you will liken it to the great flood of
January 1953. When many hundreds of Norfolk folks and beyond were displaced and left with
no homes etc and loved ones. Not forgetting of course the countless thousands of people in
the low lands of Europe who lost their lives on the same night in that terrible natural
event. Perhaps it's the lingering memory of that event that encouraged so many of you to
donate so generously at this, the most poignantly gift giving time of the Christian year.
Wasn’t it refreshing to see the whole nation standing together in help of others?
Seeing the respectful flag flying at half-mast on “The Palace”. Everyday folk
giving up their time off to rush to the needs of these victims in their hour of need at
the drop of a hat. Everyone sacrificing a little of their lot to help others less
fortunate than themselves. Well all, that is, unless you happen to be the Prime Minister
of one of the richest countries in the western world. In which case you just casually
happen to finish the old family outing, never mind rushing back to help co-ordinate one of
the biggest natural calamities in living memory. Oh well just one thing to remember there
then Tony - May the 5th (Possibly). I never in my born days think I’d be sat
here writing a serious column. And I hope for all our sakes I never have to do it again.
But as they say there’s a first time for everything. This kind of disaster puts our
everyday lives into perspective somehow and shows us all where our priorities lie and
shows us also the frailty of our own humanity. Oh blimey! Now I’m starting to sound
like an Anglican vicar preaching to his or her fold - for goodness sake Maude pass me the
Sherry! |
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Tragic I know, but what is now really tragic is the plight
of some of the orphaned children, kidnapped and then sold on either for the sex trade or
human trafficking. Humanity itself can rarely have reached lower depraved depths as these
evil predators watch and wait for their prey on the sidelines. Ironically of course, this
predatory cancer of humankind works only to feed the needs of sick perverts from all over
the world and many of them westerners who are willing to pay. How sad is that? I can only
hope that some may well be sold to some loving childless couples, desperate for a child
who may well be able to salvage something decent out of all the chaos and wretched
existence. But I fear many may not experience the fairytale ending we would have liked.
Now I really am getting morbid. So enough of this, reach for the Kleenex, wipe away those
tears, chin up and lets all go out and try to make a difference! So if you haven’t
already done so go and donate something today. Even if it’s your time! Go on,
I’m sure we can make a difference. Well that’s it, I’ve done it I’ve
gone and got it off my chest and all without having to take off the vest. Xmas has finally
passed along with the New Year and it’s (your) New Year’s resolutions.
Personally I think, as a nation, we should ecumenically take on an annual National
citizens New Year’s resolution. That being to promise for the year to do unto others
as we would have them do unto us. Now bear with me for a moment. Forget the religiousness
of the sentiment for politically correct reasons. But couldn’t we - shouldn’t we
all vow to keep that promise; not just for ourselves but for all mankind and John Prescot.
For every being, of every creed colour and race. Let’s call it a “Communal
Niceism” and then if everyone lived by it, who knows? Pigs might fly by Easter!
Well that’s all I have time for this month. A very happy New Year to you all and try
to keep a few happy thoughts for those rainy days. Take care now. Vic. |
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