A moving story, beautifully told

"This is the coffin of an unknown soldier. But he is only unknown to you. We knew him. We knew them all. He was not unknown to us."

This moving line from 'FE Young VC' at Hitchin's Market Theatre brought me close to tears. It suddenly struck me that the only reason there are memorials to unknown soldiers is because there are no survivors to name the lost. In many battles of the Great War, the loss of life on both sides was simply dreadful. Spoken by a real man, fictionalised by writer Kirk Foster and actor Keith Swainston, this perspective brought home the reality of life a century ago.

Part of Kirk's play focused on life in Hitchin in the years prior to the start of the war in August 1914. The house I live in - coincidentally next door to a house Kirk himself used to inhabit - was built in that period and I couldn't help but relate the version of Young's youth with that of those of a similar age who had previously called my home their own.

When a play forces you to rethink your view of a historical event, it can be considered a success. Without doubt, Keith's performance as Frank, reminiscing on his life and sudden death in the weeks approaching the end of the war, was an inspired and confident one. He was utterly credible in speaking the imagined words of a real man.

Frank Young was undoubtedly a hero - who else is awarded the Victoria Cross? He was also a real man and that sense of reality and ordinariness emphasised the horror of a war where Young and his men fought to regain the trenches they had occupied three years earlier.

The name FE Young VC is the final one inscribed on Hitchin's war memorial and his story is one that should be told to everyone in the town. We will remember them, even the unknown.

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Why would a dog sleep like a human?

From what little I know about dogs, I'm sure they don't need a pillow to sleep. So why does Looby Loo choose to sleep on Florence's bed in the way she's seen Flo do?




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Sometimes, it just takes a lick of paint

I'm not a great believer in the superficial, but I will admit that half an hour spent painting my gate and a couple of fence panels has really improved my kerb appeal.

I'm sure there's a message there somewhere.




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Less is more

Usually.

There are exceptions, when repetition is good. Take 'Location, location, location' for example. Not the TV programme (although you can take that and burn it). The expression works because the three most important things to consider when buying your home really are all about where it is. I've never understood people (I know a couple) who buy a house on a main road and never stop moaning about the traffic noise.

But, generally, less is more.

Or, if you prefer - 'Keep it simple, stupid.'

Please stop sending me emails that go on and on about stuff I may or may not wish to buy. I promise you, if I have to hit the down arrow, I will not buy from you.

That is all.

Garden or courtyard?

I describe this as a courtyard, but is it big enough to describe it as a garden? Sunday's question.

'What's your job, Hilary?'

Find my name! Find my name!

My own book may remain half-written (for now), but at least I'm mentioned in this one. Paperback version at top of Amazon chart.

It's always been all about the words for me, but today I was struck by how great design can make life easier. I was fortunate in being given a tour of some of the hidden areas of The Shard in what used to be a very seedy part of London's south bank.

I was interviewing some of the team who make the building function, as well as some of the outsiders who help them do that, what I found was an eye opener in terms of building design which, while probably not perfect if you work there every day, came pretty close as a visitor.

There's one entrance and a set of lifts for the offices. A complete separate way in for the viewing platforms, another for the hotel, for the restaurants and, presumably, for the very swanky apartments. What it means is that there's no mixing of tourists, diners and workers. There's a sense of busyness without chaos. Being right on of op of London Bridge station - itself in the process of renovation - the transport links are good and on a beautiful day like today it has so much to offer without feeling like a mish-mash of uses.

I've never liked design driving my work, but I guess sometimes, design does win hands down.

(I now intend to judge any potential suitors by their approach to The Shard. The perfect first date for me now would be afternoon tea in Aqua. Looking out over the river. No doubt it's not cheap but then, at least the view will be worth it.)


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Location:Innovative design

Art in nature

Lunch (eaten) and mint tea

I discovered, thanks to a colleague, a restaurant in Southwark called El Vergel. Enjoyed a nice plate of tacos and a fresh mint tea. Couldn't photograph the tacos as they smelled so good, I couldn't wait. I shall definitely be returning.