Hall's a big miss in Boro

Mar 1 2009 Sunday Sun

Just playing

I’M hoping Sunday Sun readers will be able to help me with their childhood memories of play.

Testimony Films are producing a documentary for the BBC on how children’s outdoor play has changed. We’re looking to feature people from around the country who have interesting stories to tell about their childhood.

We especially want to hear from . . .

Anyone born in a different country who moved to Britain as a child.

Anyone with first-hand experience of a child road death in the 1960s.

Anyone who grew up in a high-rise without play areas.

Please contact pete.vance@testimonyfilms.com or write to Testimony Films, 12 Great George Street, Bristol, BS1 5RH

PETE VANCE

GOODBYE TO ENGLAND SO LONG MY OLD FRIEND

I AM trying to make more people aware of this great country of ours.

I am 73 and I served my country as a National Serviceman in the Suez Canal Zone between 1954 and 1956. I am also Northern representative of the Suez Veterans’ Association.

So that I, and other people do not forget the sacrifice many people have made with their lives — from World War I up until this present day in Afghanistan — I fly the Union Jack at my home in West Rainton. I hope that you do print my concern about this great country of ours and, to that end, I have a poem for you...

Goodbye to my England, so long my old friend

Your days are numbered, being brought to an end

To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that’s fine,

But don’t say you’re English, that’s way out of line.

The French and the Germans may call themselves such,

So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch.

You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane,

But don’t say you’re English ever again.

At Broadcasting House, the word is taboo

In Brussels it’s scrapped, in Parliament too

Even schools are affected; staff do as they’re told,

They must not teach children about England of old.

Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw;

Pupils don’t learn about them anymore

How about Agincourt, Hastings, Arnhem or Mons?

When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.

We are not Europeans, how can we be?

Europe is miles away, over the sea.

We’re the English from England, lets all be proud

Stand up and be counted, shout it out loud.

Let’s tell our Government and Brussels too

We’re proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue.

Fly the flag of Saint George or Union Jack,

Let the world know . . . we want England back!

WILLIAM LOWE, West Rainton, County Durham.