Arts
The Year Turns, Part 2
Yule I grew up with Yule, even though I never really understood anything about it. It was just another word that was heard around Christmas time. People would wish each other a merry Yuletide, and [more…]
Christmas
Arts
The Curious Tale of Colonel Ellis & the Christmas Oranges
In 1908 Colonel William Verner Ellis (*) had long been retired from the British Indian Army and an adventurous & distinguished career playing “The Great Game”. His restless nature found him one grey winter’s day, [more…]
Arts
A Christmas Trip to Remember
Mum, Dad, Big Brother and I were off to stay with my aunt and uncle in a small Yorkshire village for Christmas. I had passed my driving test about a year earlier and was to [more…]
Arts
Christmas Music Quiz 2020 – Answers and Winners
I hope (some) people enjoyed the Christmas Music quiz and thanks to all those who entered. Even the ones who may have cheated* After checking entries, SB pulled a couple of names out of a [more…]
Arts
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
The third Sunday of Advent – #Joy. A traditional English carol from the 16th century or earlier. © OldTrout
Hobbies
Christmas Music Quiz 2020
As we fast approach the season of bah-humbugs and miserable sods, I thought it would be a chance for Puffins to win one of two (Ed. or four?) £25 Hook Norton Brewery vouchers* to cheer [more…]
Arts
In The Bleak Midwinter
This is a poem written by Christina Rossetti, set to music first by Gustav Holst in 1906 and then by Harold Darke in 1911. This is by Darke : © OldTrout
Christianity
The Psalms
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort [more…]
Arts
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. It is time to light the first candle. #Hope. O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of [more…]