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18.01.2011

RAF Museum, Cosford

Between Christmas and New Year, Dearly Beloved and I visited the RAF Museum, Cosford.   Now you may wonder why I wanted to visit this museum, as I have no distinct interest in looking at planes, but I do have a vast interest in history.  Visiting once before, to learn more about World War 2, I was amazed at what this museum had to offer.

Our aim for this visit was to explore the Cold War Exhibition.  But we ran out of energy to see it all.

We arrived planning to treat ourselves to lunch before our explorations, and although the food was quite nice, it was limited and pricey.  Next time, I think we will be taking a picnic!

Refreshed, it was straight into the Hanger holding The Cold War Exhibition.  Laid out on two floors, entering on the top floor, you are able to look down onto the lower floor at certain points.  There is both stairs and lifts, and one lift will take you up onto an even higher viewing platform where you can look down on certain parts of both floors.

First, a very big tank, and, as there were no wire barriers around her, I had a good feel, noting the coldness of the metal, the lines and indentions the overlapping panels, bolts and hinges made, and imagined the destruction it was capable of along side giving protection to its crew.  I would have really liked to climb up and feel around the gun, but I don’t think I would have got away with that.

Then onto an array of aeroplanes, Hawker, Phantom, Vickers Valiant, Russian MIG, Lightning, to name a few, some on the ground, some hanging overhead, I sure hoped those wires were strong!!!!  Several test models of Russian planes were displayed, originally made to identify radar signatures.
 
Dearly Beloved read out boards that were strategically placed, giving insight to the exhibits and events.  We learnt that this Cold War was a result of World War 2, beginning in 1945, with the Soviet Union and Americans being reluctant allies, causing unrest, the growth in weapons of mass destruction, and events continuing right through to 1991. 

There was a selection of bombs, and a diagram indicated the radius covered should a 1-megatonne nuclear bomb have been dropped to destroy the operation of the RAF base, Wolverhampton would have been within its range, along with Bridgnorth and Telford.  We would have all been eradicated, or at least, seriously burnt with major ferocity and suffering radiation sickness.

Further along, many missiles.  I think I had a feel of all of them, as they were all about eye level and with in easy reach with no barriers.  I felt the flights, and the tips, reminding me of a dart.  Some were smooth with long thin cylinders, others had nuts, bolts and crevices, some with dials, many with fittings to be attached to the belly of aeroplanes. Some were capable of being redirected by remote control after firing.  They were all a substantial size and I was amazed at how many certain aircraft could carry.

Further on still, a Vulcan, and that was like nothing on earth to me.  Its belly was open, we stood looking up into its cavity.  Dearly Beloved described it and read its signage.   The wheels were up to my waist, a set of four to each back leg, and more than a spread hand span width each, with a strong smell of oil and a greasy film on the moving parts.  It actually felt quite beautiful; almost a shame that such a creation was purely intended to cause such mass destruction.

A walkway to the lift passed a cruise missile, standing on the ground floor, upright like a rocket and what you imagine a rockets size to be.  This missile could be programmed to reach its target over a thousand miles away.

Into the lift, up and onto the viewing platform to get a birds eye view of the planes.  Dearly Beloved thought this bit was good, but I didn’t really see much.  Back into the lift and down, this time to the ground floor.  Here were aeroplanes such as Dakota, the ones intended to carry troops, Presidents and the like.  Moving on, missiles used by submarines, and back to that cruise missile I mentioned earlier, with another, this time lying down and cut open to display its inside.  Here I started to get real worn out, from all that feeling, listening and concentrating, so we quickly browsed to see what we had left.  Model submarines, armoured cars, tanks, a video of the Berlin Airlift.  Deciding it was too much and therefore better to return some other time, we headed for the car park.

I felt when and where I could, wondering if that was actually allowed, but then decided that I could not read any signs telling me not to touch, so it did not apply to me anyway!!! Ssshhhh.  Well, I am a bit deaf too, ya know, so even if I was told not to touch, I may not have heard!!  It was nice to be able to touch things, get a feel of the materials, the shapes, the sizes.  Even when a description of something is given to you, it is often hard to visualise it, or be certain you have the correct image.

I was also impressed that a certain number of wheelchairs and PSV’s were available to loan, and yes, Dearly Beloved wanted to buy one, let alone borrow one, by the end of our tour, it is not a small place to walk round.  Getting into the museum has no charge, tho they would appreciate a donation and there is a small charge for parking.  So, all in all, quite a good day out, and with more hangers with exhibits to explore, as well as finishing the Cold War, we will definitely return.

Here is the RAF Cosford Website should you like to take a closer look.

http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/?lowgraphics=1

Have fun,
Karen.


29.11.10 

We find ourselves in the midst of that manic time of year again.  You know  - Christmas.  Call me one of those grumpy old women if you like, but I really do not enjoy the onset.  The shops are so busy that I am unable to concentrate on what I need to do, becoming overwhelmed by the number of people, each with a menagerie of bags that stick out from hands and shoulder in all directions.  Negotiating and avoiding obstacles is not easy at the best of times, but right now, it is impossible.  One nice lady shopper informed me that I should stop being a nuisance to everybody and stay at home.  I cannot write my reply, the Boss Man would not allow it to be published on the Beacon Website, but it was extremely expletive deletive with reference to totally obliterating her from this planet.  She was shocked I could comprehend what she had said, let alone compile a sentence in retort.

It’s not just since I’ve been blind tho, although it does make it much harder trying to go about your daily business.  I have always quite disliked this time of year, and find myself pondering the waste of money, time and energy that it demands.  

Dearly Beloved and I no longer send each other cards or gifts.  It’s not that we don’t care for each other, or wish each other cheer, but we can say our greetings just the same.  Besides, going for a pint is much more value for money than a card.  And I have always tried to be green, long before all this commercialisation of recycling and re-using, and thinking of the poor trees.   Instead, we choose a big item that we would both like, something we would not ordinarily be able to afford, and share the cost.  Last year we had a nice new flat screen TV, the year before, a digital camera for our wildlife watching.

We agreed with all our friends not to exchange gifts several years ago.  I find it a bit mad - here’s my bottle of wine for your box of chocolates.  And over the past three years, we have come to this agreement with some of our family members.  I would much prefer them to buy themselves something they really want or need, perhaps go on holiday, rather than fret about what they are going to buy me, battle with the shops, get it home, wrap it up, spend precious, often unavailable, time to deliver it, only for me to unwrap it, not like it, or not want it on Christmas Day.  And vice versa.   I feel the world would be much happier if there was not so much emphasis on going beyond your means to conform to the expectation of buying the biggest and finest, often most expensive item, in relation to proving how much you love them, or how much better you are than Auntie Nellie down the road. 

As it is, I have all the presents I am going to buy already.   I buy throughout the year, to avoid the Christmas rush and crush.  I also have more appropriate and affordable gifts, as I have not bought when the retailers know they are going to sell whatever the cost.

So, instead of visiting the shops, I shall be staying indoors, sensible like my cat, who only ventures out for the essentials and the bare minimum of time in this cold weather, feeding the birds with bread, apples, seeds and dried worms, trying to observe their antics.  And having a glass of wine or two, while I ponder my Christmas menus.  The pleasures of the supermarket is yet to come, oh, joy!

Happy shopping,

Karen.

x

A visit to The Oddfellows Hall, Compton

Hello All,

On Tuesday 9th November 2010, a group of us Activeyes’ers made our way for a lunchtime meet at The Oddfellows Hall Public House, Bridgnorth Road, Compton.   I had never been before so was uncertain of what to expect, so would not venture there alone, but knowing that Boss Man would be there, I felt in safe hands.

I travelled on Ring and Ride – hey, should I put the flags out??  It did take me over half an hour of constant ringing and hanging up as they were engaged, but I was determined, the short journey of 5 minutes direct route would take me two buses and about 45 minutes if I was lucky.  Often I do give up, else have no luck booking a journey, forcing myself to use public transport on routes I remember before losing my sight, and then being re-taught to navigate them as a blind person, but even so, I often feel too anxious to make the journey alone so am forced to resort to a taxi and a hefty fare.  Either that, or I don’t go out, and that is not good for the mental health.      

I did not get the travel times I wanted with Ring and Ride, but not far off.  The journey was already booked with other Activeyes’ers so I was forced onto that bus, but never mind.   I would have liked to start my journey home at least half an hour later to get in an extra pint!!  Still,  much easier than those two buses and busy roads to cross, and much preferable than the taxi fare.   

Ring and Ride came 20 minutes early, but as I know their slightly unpunctual timing, I was ready, with me boots already on, and my handbag, containing folded cane amongst the kitchen sink that’s also in there, waiting by the front door.  All I had to do was grab me shawl.

I made my way to the bus and the driver gave me vague instructions as to how to board the bus. I said hello to the others and located a seat. The driver started the engine and was away, before asking if I could manage my seat belt.  Normal.  Cos I don’t have a dog, I ain’t blind in most peoples opinion.  I muttered yes, and then struggled to locate the clasp, getting my clothing stuck in it.  I had already sussed out one Activeyeser, and asked who the others were.  We had a nice chat on our short merry way.

Arriving on the car park, and alighting the bus, Boss Man was waiting, and guided two of us, one was me, along the ramp into the entrance.  He then proceeded to guide us to our table, one great long one, where some other Activeseyers were already seated.  We greeted and introduced ourselves, while Boss Man returned to escort the other two.  He returned, empty armed, and stated we were to move to other tables so there was more room as five dogs were attending today.   So off we all trot, in two and three’s behind the obliging, and soon to be worn out, Boss Man as he re-seated us all at smaller separate tables, giving more bum room for the dogs.

There was a couple of others to come, so we ordered drinks from a bar staff who was attending our table.  Unfortunately, she did not tell us when our drinks arrived, or tell us where exactly she had put them, and I nearly knocked mine off the table as I did not know she had put it down.  What a waste of a good pint of Cocker Hoop that would have been.

One Activeyeser has a reasonably new dog, almost 12 months the owner stated, and just three years old.  She was extremely vocal, announcing her arrival to all the other dogs, but she soon quietened off her excitement.  She was very friendly, and demanding of fuss, or at least, she was when I moved from my seat to another seat to chat to them.

When everyone had arrived and was safely seated, Boss Man moved round each table to tell us what was on the menu.  Steak, black pudding, pies, scampi, fish, cheese, not sure if I heard curry, I have selected hearing that refuses to acknowledge curry, not like my nose, that finds it revolting!   I joined my neighbour having a “2 meals for £10 deal”, we both had pork steaks, mash, brocolli and carrots, freshly cooked and very nice too.  The others on my table chose fish and chips and steak and ale pie, both at reasonable prices, and well enjoyed.

Then it was time to be ordering puddings, but I declined, as others did on my table, so I did not pay much attention to the reading of the pudding selection.  My meal was far enough for me, and I rarely eat puddings anyway.  But I did hear cheese and biscuits. Now, I can always be tempted there…..

My final conversation with yet another Activeyeser was brought to an abrupt end at 2.30pm when Ring and Ride arrived promptly to take us home.  The meet ended far too soon for me.  I could have stayed chatting and drinking all afternoon!!  Or would that be drinking and slurring?  Lol.

I would definitely go to this pub again tho, easy access, all flat, well laid out, accessible toilets, excellent food and real ales.  And of course, the company was terrific.