beauty – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

Winterstoke Road Bridge was built in the early 1940s and is now reaching the end of its safe lifespan

UK: Bridge That Survived Hitler Doesn’t Survive Local Council! (25.12.2025)

25/12/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

“Winterstoke Road is a vital route within Weston, with many local businesses and communities relying on the route for access. It also previously acted as an emergency diversion route for the M5.

“Given the importance of the bridge, the Ministry of Defence (who own the bridge) have allocated funding to us to design and build a replacement that will better serve the area.

“At April’s meeting of the executive, members agreed to delegate authority to award the detailed design and build contract for Winterstoke Road Bridge to councillor Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset and executive member for major projects.

Fire Boat Festival (Lai Heua Fai), marking the End of Buddhist Lent on October 7, 2025. Coinciding with the full moon of the 11th lunar month

Laos: Rainy Season Retreat Comes to an End for Buddhist Monks! (13.11.2025)

13/11/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Beyond the spiritual rituals, the festival grounds came alive with vibrant activity as local vendors showcased a wide array of goods, ranging from traditional foods and drinks to handmade crafts, clothing, and household items. The lively marketplace added a festive touch, transforming the event into not just a religious celebration, but also a vibrant community gathering.

Well-organized and secure, the event provided a safe and joyful environment for all attendees. It stood as a testament to Laos’ rich cultural heritage, while also promoting environmental consciousness and community unity.

As the glowing boats drifted peacefully down the Mekong and candlelight danced in the night breeze, the Fire Boat Festival once again proved to be a captivating blend of faith, folklore, and festivity—a timeless tradition that continues to illuminate the hearts of those who take part, year after year.

Sutton: The Dreaded 20mph Local Government Scam Has Hit Our Street! (17.7.2025)

17/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Indeed, a number of local groups have challenged this ridiculous policy in Court and won – so perhaps Sutton Council (and the cabal that controls it) is “waiting” for an official legal confrontation. The problem is that in this affluent area (we are not affluent – and are here by accident) the locals will put up with their freedom being taken away – providing it is done through a gentle “chipping” away process. A little freedom disappears here, no resistance, a little freedom is taken away there, no resistance. The over-all effect is that large swathes of hard-earned freedoms just “disappear” overnight! Enough is enough – Sutton should secede from the UK!

York Watergate - 1626 - Victoria Embankment!

UK: Beautiful London – the York Watergate Our Children Have Played Around! (7.7.2025)

07/07/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

The gate was originally the private riverside entrance to York House, a grand 17th-century mansion owned by the Duke of Buckingham. Think of it as a luxurious mooring point at the bottom of the duke’s garden.

York House itself stood on the Strand, which name literally means ‘shore of the river,’ and was considered one of the finest residences in London. At the time, much of the south side of the Strand was lined with palaces boasting direct access to the Thames.

That all changed with the construction of the Thames Embankment between 1864 and 1870, led by visionary engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette. The massive project reclaimed land from the river and shifted the shoreline dramatically forward.

You can find a memorial honouring Sir Joseph Bazalgette just a couple of minutes away from Embankment Gardens, by the Thames. He designed the Victoria, Albert and Chelsea Embankments, reclaiming a strip of land in front of Somerset House and York Watergate.

The Watergate was almost lost during this transformation – plans were even drawn up to move it to nearby Whitehall Gardens. But in the end, it was simply abandoned where it stood, left behind as a relic of a river that had retreated.

Laos Buddhist Socialist Republic: Vang Vieng District Recognized as a National Tourist Destination! (3.2.2025)

03/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

The purpose of the Master Plan is to serve as a reference for the government, business, and other stakeholders in developing the tourist destination in a way that does not affect the environment and ensures sustainability. This Master Plan covers a total area of 23,456 hectares, including Vang Vieng City and the surrounding landscape along the valley and the Nam Song River. Currently, the city centre and surrounding areas cover a total area of 6,553 hectares, covering 15 villages and the city centre area covers an area of approximately 185 hectares.

DPRK: Flood Victims Move into New Houses! (22.12.2024)

22/12/2024 Adrian (釋大道)

They also extended thanks to the builders, officials of those areas, Party members and working people who completed the housing construction in the flood-hit areas at the highest level through a do-or-die struggle to bring joy to the people.

They stressed that the fine new houses to be owned by the flood victims would be unthinkable apart from the wise guidance of Kim Jong Un who has noble outlook on the people.

Representing the unanimous wishes of all the participants, the speakers extended the warmest thanks to Kim Jong Un who absolutely defends the destiny and future of the people across the country and takes warm care of them.

Conveyed at the ceremonies were the household goods sent by Kim Jong Un to the flood victims and the licenses for the use of houses.

The venues for the ceremonies turned into a sea of tears of gratitude of the people deeply moved by the great benevolence of Kim Jong Un who provided them with excellent houses and even household goods free of charge.

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