South Devon Railway: Buckfastleigh Station & Steam Train! (1.8.2024)

A Summer Fayre is currently being held within the grounds of Buckfast Abbey – administered by the Church. The priests of the Catholic Church have worked-out a way to introduce a pay-wall which benefits their greed whilst seemingly acting in accordance with the wishes of the monks. Yes – the Catholic Church only cares for greed, political dominance and temporal power. and this is why the Catholic Church has started charging for parking, an initiative enforced by specially hired night-club Bouncers who stand menacingly at the gates – demanding to “see” the tickets – proving the £6 parking fee had been paid! This dichotomy exemplifies the difference which exists between the Christian Church and Christian monastic establishment. The priests want money (as do the lay-people who set-up their stalls) – the monks (who could not be seen anywhere) – want inner tranquillity and outer peace!

Abbot's Kitched - Glastonbury - 2024

Glastonbury Abbey: Abbot’s Kitchen – St Joseph’s Well! (30.7.2024)

Today, an ad hoc “Wishing Well” has developed in one of the corners of the room. This was probably a drain or perhaps some type of cooker – but in modern times visitors have taken to dropping coins down through the covering grill – and making heartfelt requests in the form of prayers and good wishes. Our daughters asked for good health to be bestowed upon Nana (Diane Wyles), Granddad (Peter Wyles) and Charlotte (my younger sister)! The currency observed spans the globe – which demonstrates the universal appeal that Glastonbury holds. This is not necessarily “religious” (although religion is important for many) – but rathe “spiritual” in nature – the latter category being far more inclusive and all-embracing!

King Arthur May Well Have Been a Historical Personage!

Glastonbury Abbey – King Arthur’s Grave! (29.7.2024)

The Celtic Church (from Egypt) was probably in Britain from the 2nd century CE onwards – with it being destroyed by the incoming Roman Catholic Church by the 11th century CE. Its monastic nature encouraged not only cloistered monks who lived in draughty stone cells – but also Hermits who lived in natural caves or various other meditation cells. Celtic Christianity did not persecute – but encouraged and accommodated the Pagan beliefs of indigenous people. There was a mutual respect between both groups of believers and this explains why leaders like King Arthur would strive to protect the Church – and the Church to honour him in death. This type of Asiatic respect does not require a slavish attachment to belief to be functional. Freedom of belief equates to respect for difference. There are many theories dating King Arthur from the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries, etc, which include many geographical areas associated with his life and death. We favour Tintagel in Cornwall – a place we have visited many times. King Arthur was a wise man, a compassionate man, and a great warrior!

Old Billy - What a Great Horse!

UK: Remembering “Old Billy” [1760-1822] with Love and Respect! (21.7.2024)

The taxidermied head was acquired by Bedford Museum, while Old Billy’s skull went to Manchester Museum, where it has been displayed below a neon sign bearing the horse’s name.

Such has been Old Billy’s enduring appeal that a children’s book telling the horse’s story was published in 2023 and Ms Reid said it was hoped the return of the head would inspire other work.

“There’s something about Old Billy which has really captured our imaginations,” she said.

“We loved the beautiful children’s picture book about him which was recently created by two artists from the town [and] now there’s music and artwork being made about Old Billy and we’ll be hosting workshops and talks.”

Old Billy is at Warrington Museum’s Cabinet of Curiosities between 19 July and 20 November and is free to view.

Plato of Athens - Great Thinker of Ancient Greece!

Book Review: Plato of Athens – A Life in Philosophy By Robin Waterfield! (20.7.2024)

If Waterfield is wrong about the reality of the USSR – how can he be trusted to formulate a reliable biography about Plato? Stalin possessed no real power as an elected General Secretary. His elected post was one of “Regulation” – as all the decisions formulated by the numerous Committees (controlled by the workers) were passed through his Office for application and ideological verification. Suspect, incomplete or badly formulated decisions were “Returned” to the various Committees for reconsideration. Waterfield pursues a disturbing agenda which all readers must be suspicious of.

Many Non-Han People Visited the Noth-West Region!

China: Ancient Silk Road Museum of Underground Tombs Complex – Opens in Xinjiang! (16.7.2024)

A large cache of pottery and bone ware and coins unearthed from the tombs are also on display in the museum.

“The museum makes full use of the original appearance of the tombs, as well as digital exhibition, VR technology and touch screens to offer the audience an immersive experience of the ancient Qiuci,” said Feng Wei, deputy curator of the museum.

According to the Xinjiang regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology, four excavation rounds were carried out from 2007 to 2023 at the site in Kuqa, which led to the discovery of more than 2,000 relic sites. In addition to the tombs, there are wells, cooking stoves and other relics dating from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) up to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

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