Short Thoughts ...
Minding the gap 17th December 2025
It’s that tree again. Not the one that boldly bridged the gap of Hadrian’s wall and was so admired by tourists and young lovers; the one that was cut down by two men who knew how to use a chainsaw and who were given a harsh prison sentence for committing this crime.
No, it’s not one sycamore tree that we must admire and respect but the whole species, because they are all so glorious. Just look at their leaves, shaped like the palm of a hand, and the colour they have in autumn. Look at their seeds which spin to the ground like helicopters which is what we called them when we used to throw them up in the air and watch them spinning down.
Look at their trunks, their branches and their overall shape.
It doesn’t matter that they are a non-native species, like that other magnificent incomer, the horse chestnut. Neither are doing any harm and they are both welcome here.
Let us hope that media coverage of the incident proves to be good for the sycamore and for trees everywhere. We need trees and we need nature now more than ever before.
So whenever the word gap is used we will not be lured into thinking about the generation gap, taking a gap year, or taking care when stepping onto and off a train on the London underground, we will instead direct our thoughts towards the sycamore - and perhaps find a seed and plant it.
On this year's budget 1st December 2025
I’ll keep on saying it but surely it must be time to be rid of the meaningless rituals that are so deeply embedded in our system of governance. Last week we had budget day and the Chancellor of the Exchequer duly held up her red box outside 11 Downing Street, began her speech to the House of Commons to include the words “Deputy Speaker” and ended her speech with the words “I commend this statement to the House”. But it is not these meaningless rituals that I’m thinking of – it’s the fact that we have an annual budget at all.
It would be much better, and surely common sense, if, as a society, we decided how we would organise and then manage our collective resources over a much longer period, say 20 years, with perhaps an annual review every 5 years. It would be common sense also to have an agreement from all politicians that the budget plan would broadly be adhered to whichever government was in charge, and that any major alterations would need to be put to a referendum.
An annual budget is not necessary for a smooth running economy and, nor judging by the unintelligent and desperately immature behaviour of our MPs this year, is it necessary for a sensible and thoughtful discussion of how our money is being managed.
On Kindness 13th November 2025
It’s World Kindness Day according to Google. Well done to Google for letting us know. Kind and kindness are two words which I frequently hear these days and that has to be a good thing. We seem more inclined to use them and no longer feel any embarrassment when we do. Children especially must grow up hearing these words at home and in school and must constantly be encouraged to be kind to each other and all their loved ones at home.
It may just be that seeing it was World Kindness Day prompted me to make a phone call to a friend of mine to check whether she had been able to get transport to a hospital appointment. And I hope I don’t need any reminding of the incredible kindness shown to me in the past two years by so many people. Saying thank you to them on this website seems inadequate but is an absolute MUST.
Maybe like me you can remember when you were very young singing about Little deeds of kindness and Little words of love. And if you have never heard or read the story of Mrs Malone and her wonderful kindness you will find it here. It is more than just about kindness to animals it is about BEING KIND to everyone.
On Autumn colours 13th November 2025
It's been a fantastic year for autumn colour. The leaves on the trees and bushes have been absolutely glourious in their golds, reds, tans and many other hues.
I hope many of you will have paused to admire them before taking a photo on your phone.
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For Remembrance Day 9 November 2025
I would like to think that almost everyone in the UK remembers Remembrance Day but I doubt if this is true. I always do remember the occasion and fit my Sunday morning schedule round the national commemoration held at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. I have been doing this for fifty years or so. I also took part in many parades when I was a cub and scout and recalI proudly carrying the flag. This had to be lowered very slowly to the ground as we all stood in silence for a few moments before the church clock struck 11.
I didn’t understand the full significance of this annual event back then. I do now. Its purpose is to honour and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend all of us from enemies who would do us harm. By all of us I mean ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and acquaintances, as well as those who are complete strangers. We must honour those who died and those who have been maimed and injured – not in defence of abstract concepts like democracy, freedom or love of country, but in defence of real people, you and me.
As we honour them we must admire their great courage in battle and their courage in dealing with the physical and mental trauma of the injuries many of them suffered. We must make every effort to empathise with them and their families who have suffered the anguish of bereavement and the difficulties of caring for those who have been disabled.
But we must do more than this. We must remember the sheer horror of war and how unnecessary it often is. Tragically it was absolutely necessary when Hitler began the Second World War and we had Churchill to lead us.
We should not need President Trump to tell us that many wars are unnecessary and stupid. Nor should we need to see the rows and rows of war graves in the cemeteries of France and Belgium to understand the enormity of the killing, and its futility, in the First World War.
So as well as the poppy I will picture my Peace Rose and strive to spread its message as much as I can.
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
East Brent War Memorial
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Alan Kerr
On Nagasaki - 80th anniversary 9th August 2025
It was 80 years ago today that only the second atomic bomb ever used was dropped on the Japanese city of Nagasaki. The blast alone instantly killed about 40,000 people vapourising many of them. It burned, injured and irradiated tens of thousands more and its destructive force razed a large swathe of the city to the ground. Three days previously the first atomic bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima instantly killing and burning to death between 60,000 and 80,000 people. The horror of so much instant death and suffering inflicted on so many innocent civilians, including the very young and the very old, is something we cannot come close to imagining.
As a teenager I read a book about Hiroshima the details of which I cannot recall. But it was an eye-witness account of the event and it left a lasting impression on me. Apart from the Bible it may possibly have been one of the most influential books I have read. In later years it would have influenced my decision to become a member of CND although I am not a pacifist.
On May Day 1st May 2025
May Day - which happens to be local election day in some areas. No doubt there will be the usual very low turnout and no doubt politicians from the main parties will see the results as a reflection of their popularity or otherwise. I'm hoping that independent candidates will do well as I can't see that party politics in the council chamber is going to be relevant to many local issues. I'm also beginning to think we should have a completely new model of how society organises itself at a local level - perhaps something along the lines of community enterprises.
On Easter 27th April 2025
The Pope would have approved of the crosses on Brent Knoll and I would have approved of his approval. He was a good man who truly believed in the power of love – the central message of Christianity. Could he have been more outspoken about Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the horrific war in Gaza? Yes, he could have been and I hope he phoned Putin and Netanyahu to tell them what they were doing was evil and against all the precepts of Christianity and Judaism.
Easter Sunday 20th April 2025
Let's hope the crosses on top of Brent Knoll in Somerset inspire some people to reflect on the central message of Easter. See below for Good Friday comment and Palm Sunday link.
Good Friday 18th April 2025
Great to see the 3 crosses on Brent Knoll again. Seeing them as you drive along the M5 or A38 might just remind people of the origins of the Easter holiday and may even bring about some reflection on the central message that Easter conveys: GOODNESS AND LOVE WILL TRIUMPH OVER EVIL AND HATE.
Maundy Thursday 17th April 2025
Maundy Thursday today which marks the beginning of Easter. I've never been too sure about the meaning of Easter but I still strongly believe in the central Christian message that Jesus gave to his disciples on the first Maundy Thursday: LOVE ONE ANOTHER
See below for the link
Palm Sunday 13th April 2025
A short piece on the subject of Palm Sunday, today, and Easter which is still relevant today