Minor Hero
Remembering years ago
When all was taut and smiling.
Sepia photographs from India,
Smartly uniformed,
Brilliantined for posterity,
Mentioned in Despatches
Lifetimes ago.
He's fighting now the old enemy
Who comes for everyman.
Old age and uncertainty
Combined to bring him down,
Fetching him up
In this quiet world
Where heroes are made
Every day.
Silent struggles
Against the awkwardness
And unalleviated pain.
So now that smart airman
Has crashed
in the desert of the wards
His rescuers unaware
Of the minor hero in their midst
Survivor from the heat of India,
Immobilised by ill-fortune
In this artificial womb,
Amidst the detritus
of smaller wars
Whose end is conjecture,
Veiled and secret.
By Richard Maslen.
In Memoriam John Samuel Holden
1939 - 1945. died 20.1.1996
Some Favourite Websites For April 2025:
Southwold Model Yacht Regattas – Boating down on Southwold sea front
The Southwold Regattas are held every year on the boating lake by the pier. Events are open to all and new sailors and spectators are very welcome however new sailors should contact the committee before turning up to the event.
Southwold Beach Hut Owners Association – The online home of the owners of Southwold's iconic beach huts
On this website are details of the Southwold Beach Hut Owners Association group as well as the latest news and information for prospective, new and existing members, owning a tiny slice of our wonderful Suffolk coastline.
Cranbourne, Walberswick – Luxury Self Catering cottage on the Heritage Coast with it's own swimming pool
Cranbourne is tucked in a peaceful corner of Manor Close with the excellent village shop nearby and central to Walberswick making all the attractions within easy walking. A heated outdoor swimming pool for summer use is protected by a lockable gate. Without detracting from the house in any way, Cranbourne unobtrusively includes features enabling less mobile visitors to equally enjoy their stay.
Rosedale Funeral Home – Providing the very best of bereavement care
A family owned local Funeral Home, offering a professional, competitively priced, 24 hour service. Experienced in all aspects of bereavement, whether it is discussing wishes in advance, arranging a funeral at the time of need or providing the very best bereavement support.
Cecil Amey Opticians – An Opticians in Halesworth for over 100 years
Cecil Amey Opticians pride themselves on providing expert, professional eye care and hearing care, you're able to contact their Halesworth branch for advice or to make an appointment.