The Blitz

In these divisive times we look back with nostalgia for when things were simpler, when the nation apparently pulled together as one. Are we in danger of mythologising the past and forgetting the reality? Why do we want to relive the blitz? Europeans remember the war with respect and try to honor those who died with peace and unification. We also remember with great respect but with one difference. We also consider ourselves the victors and it seems that the nostalgia of victory and our island/siege mentality contributes to a warped sense us and them. Perhaps it is because no one in Europe considered themselves to have won the war (they all lost), that to prevent any further occurrence of war they built a new political system, opened up their borders and even shared a common currency. None of this is perfect and things on this scale take time to achieve. Perhaps it is time to for us to heal rather than pick at old mythologised scabs. Solemnly respect those who gave so much for us and remember with humility rather than jingoism.

Scramble

Typhoons scrambling at RAF Conningsby.

Sneaky polar bear

Garages

So it looks like I have another Jerusalem spin-off simmering away in the background.

The rise in MPG and reliability of modern cars has spelled disaster for a lot of rural garages. Tie this in with the current trend for electric vehicles and these garages will soon be contributing to the demise of rural communities in the same way as the near extinction of post offices, schools, pubs, village shops and chapels.

Dambuster

One of the only remaining prototype bouncing bombs. Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa.

The streets of London

"Should you ever meet a film director scouring the capital for a perfect Victorian street scene in which to set his latest costume drama, do recommend Barkham Street. There is just one snag - it is not in London. Barkham Street was built - by both mistake and design - 128 miles away in remotest Lincolnshire." Daily Telegraph By Peter Chapman 07 Oct 2000

So what is the connection with Bethlem Hospital, read on...

Unfortunately, at the time of posting the original article by Peter Chapman is no longer available online. A copy from the internet archive  can be read here.

Barkham Street - Wainfleet

Bethlem Hospital - London (Google Maps)

Extinction

What will become of rural garages if cars go electric? Will they go the same way as rural churches, pubs and post offices? Could be the next phase of the Jerusalem project...









Jane Wright has an exhibition of internal views of abandoned buildings at Harding House Gallery, Lincoln, 25th May - 14th July https://www.janewrightphotography.com

The green grass

The green green grass of home - ever wondered where your turf came from?

More Graffiti

Graffiti on the disused Fledborough viaduct.

Interesting facts - the viaduct has 59 arches and took nine million bricks to build. Perhaps I'll get around to photographing it sometime!

Art at a crossroads

In these troubled times of austerity it looks like art is at a crossroads!

If you haven't done so already please visit the SLUG website to save the Usher Gallery