No soldiers in Northern Ireland after Midnight

For as long as I can remember, the British Army has had a large presence in Northern Ireland.  I grew up with TV news reports of the IRA, the divisions between the North and Republic, scenes of fully kitted out soldiers roaming the streets of NI as kids played.

I’ve never been at ease with having such a military presence in a civilian place, especially for the reasons given over in this case.  I’m no expert in the politics at stake, but it always struck me as wrong for the British army to essentially assert Marshall Law.

So this mornings news reports of the withdrawal of all British forces from Northen Ireland after 38 years in situ was a complete surprise.  Welcome, but a surprise nontheless.

When I was 15 or so, I could never actually imagine the day when there would be no soldiers present, as there seemed to be no end in sight.  With the constant political positioning, terrorist activity and divided opinion it always appeared to be one hell of a mess, and quite frankly there is still plenty of it I’ll never understand.

Here’s hoping that Iraq doesn’t turn out to take as long to get the troops out, because for me there are one too many similarities.

Random childhood memories

It’s Friday afternoon, and if any of you lot work in an office, you’ll know what it’s like when things start to get a bit boring, and the weekend spirit kicks in.

We ended up discussing old kids TV programmes, when my colleague started singing Postman Pat, but only got to the second line before she couldn’t remember the rest of it. Then I realised I could remember every single word of the song!

Now I’m sat here humming the tune to myself.

They just don’t make em like that anymore, do they?!  *picks up walking stick and rose-tinted glasses*

Has summer started again?

It feels like an age since we had that original heatwave prior to the ecosystem deciding to piss on Earth for weeks; but I do think that we’re finally getting our weather back.

Yesterday, myself and the lady went for a walk around a local park.  Not only was it a good excuse to get some much needed exercise and enjoy the weather, but to also try out the video camera for the first time.

What a gorgeous day it was too!  Parking costs were a bit extortionate at minimum £2.50, but it such a nice parkland, it’s almost justified.

Loads of people were out too, most likely with the same thought as us i.e. get out whilst the weather’s good.  Alot of families too with young babies, which got us both imagining next year when we’ve got our own little one.

It was also the perfect antidote to the British GP.  Don’t get me wrong, a ninth straight podium finish in Hamilton’s rookie year is an astonishing achievement, but I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed at the finish.  although it does mean that with Ferrari in the ascendency, we should be in for a cracking second half of the F1 season.  Maybe we’ll even get down to a last race decider!?