One of the first known images of the Major Oak, according to the RSPB

UK: Robin Hood’s “Major Oak” Dies in Sherwood Forest! (26.8.2026)

If this is the case, then ironically the building was soon “removed” for some reason or other (to be fair, according the maps, there were many places termed “lodges” and they seem common). In recent years, this area was a multi-storey car-park (not far from a cinema and the town centre) but has just been developed into expensive flats. The “Rectory” used to located nearby – but that disappeared decades ago (and was flats for disabled and vulnerable people for awhile). I have spoken to numerous local historians who have no idea as to “why” Sutton is associated with Robin Hood. I came to live here in the early 1990s – and the idea serves as a flowing undercurrent of identity in the area that is never questioned. I have no knowledge as to why this is. Obviously, there may well be a historical connection that nobody remembers today. Be that as it may, surely the English notion of “Socialism” (the redistribution of wealth) has its bases not in (the far later) Marx (who was exiled to 19th century England) – but in Robin Hood’s idea of “robbing from the rich to give to the poor”. Whatever the case, an old tree in Sherwood Forest has finally died after 1200-years of life. Robin Hood and his men are supposed to have met and/or hidden under its branches.

A Summer's School Pick-Up!

Sutton: A Typical Summer School Pick-Up! (20.8.2026)

Of course, we live in South-West Greater London (Sutton & Cheam) – which used to be East Surrey until 1965. The place is countryfied and full of trees and parks – the trees are in the streets – planted down the side of the pavements (my dad said – when he visited in 2000 – that this is “posh”). Sutton used to be terribly wealthy in all areas, but now is just a place that well-off people like to live despite the economy completely collapsing). Obviously, I am here just by accident. I ended-up here more or less by accident due to a relationship, etc. Still, we are where we are and have to make the most of it. The schools are good and we are providing the best education we can for our two daughters. This is my partner “Gee” (left) walking with “Kai-Lin” (right) – I am the rear-guard holding the ‘phone. Earlier that day, me and Gee had attended a School Assembly – within which all the children demonstrated to their parents what they had laerned over the last academic year (September-July).

Jungle People Adopt Cuban Doctor!

Guatemala: Q’eqchí [Mayan] Jungle People Adopt Cuban Doctor – Yunior Proenza González! (11.4.2026)

Sometimes she has had to walk four hours to get to a consultation, and in that time she has told the trees that what strikes her most about those lands is that many women have no limits to give birth, that they depend on the decision of the husband and that the children arrive without rest. He has succeeded in introducing family planning, convincing mothers of the importance of vaccines and five-year implants, and thus improving the quality of life of these women and their children.

In her sessions as a teacher, she teaches nurses to look patiently. He talks to them about vaccination, prevention, care, habits and hygiene like someone who sows invisible seeds in a land that has learned to resist without complaint.

That was why one day the children began to wait for him as one expects a returning relative, the mothers learned to trust his hands and the elderly to greet him with respect.

Now, as evening falls, the rivers have begun to worry about the moment when Dr. Yunior will leave these lands.

The participants lavished their sincerity on tree planting, cherishing the noble intention of the great father as the immutable truth and true value of patriotism.

DPRK: Kim Jong Un Plants Trees in Saeppyol Street on Tree-planting Day! (16.3.2026)

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, together with other participants, planted for a long time the trees which will become new witnesses to the prospering capital city, saying that the true image of our generation following the noble spirit of heroic soldiers and reliably carrying forward the tradition of invincibility should be reflected, along with the history of the country growing stronger, in every tree that will grow with the souls of the martyrs of the overseas military operations, adding beauty to the landscape of Saeppyol Street full of joy of moving into new houses.

He said that the martyrs of the overseas military operations were the ardent ones who loved their native places, parents, wives and children more warmly than any others, and the ones strong in their ideological and mental power who turned the flavor and beautiful memory of the hometown, provided by a handful of earth they each had taken in the homeland, into their indomitable heroism under a shower of fire on the alien battlefields.

Nonsuch Park is now known for its gardens and landscapes

Sutton: Nonsuch Park – Where I Live! (30.11.2025)

Councillor Anthony Froud, chairman of the Nonsuch Park joint management committee, said: “This is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the dedication of our volunteers and staff.

“Local volunteers, the Nonsuch Voles and the Council’s Countryside, Property and Estates, and operational teams work year-round to protect and enhance this unique heritage landscape for the benefit of wildlife, visitors and future generations.

“These gold awards celebrate their hard work and the deep pride our community takes in Nonsuch Park.”

The result comes after work to restore heritage features of the garden, such as the greenhouse and the presence of several champion trees, a designation given to selected trees that are special because of their height, size, or significance.

Digging into the Trench!

Sutton: St Nicholas Church – Feeding Squrrels & Pigeons! (21.9.2025)

We visited the Church-yard of St Nicholas Church on the 14.9.2025 – a pleasant Saturday afternoon in South-West London (formerly East Surrey). At the moment we are experiencing what we use to call an “Indian Summer” – providing this is still an acceptable analogy (who knows – the ground upon which we stand keeps dissolving into loose sand). Either way, communing with wild animals teaches children empathy, sympathy, and kindness. This is inter-species communication – a very important aspect of a civilised upbringing and education. From a superstitious Buddhist view – all life is karmically inter-related following endless cycles of rebirth (bundles of life-habit living through all different life-forms until the realisation of enlightenment breaks the cycle). Is this real? I have no idea – but the Buddha seems to think rebirth is a Brahmanic myth – but it is a myth which he uses to convey his teaching and make his point, etc.

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