Just back from a weeks break in the Isle of Man a place that I have loved since my first visit as an eight year old on a family day trip taking a steam boat trip on what seemed like a ocean going Liner from Fleetwood sailing three and a half hours over the Irish Sea.
After that first visit we started to return for two weeks each year on our family holidays, this even continued when I started to go on holiday with mates when aged 15. There was a gap once I started to travel all across the world for holidays but in the late 90's I made several visits again but that was the last time until this year.
There is something "magic" about the Island which just has around 76,500 population (which can be doubled during the summer months with visitors) These days you are most likely to travel to the Island from England by the modern Isle of Man Steam Packet Mannanan which holds up to 200 cars and 480 passengers which cuts over an hour off the journey by this fastcraft. The photograph above is one I took of Mannanan leaving Douglas for its sailing to Liverpool.
Going to the Isle of Man is like going home for me and now I am sure it is a place that I want to live and not just holiday there, I have never felt so relaxed, now I just need to win the lottery?
It seems so long since I last posted a Blog, why? I am not sure but the happenings of the weekend seemed the right time to out down some thoughts!
Currently not only the UK are going through difficult times with the financial crisis and cuts this is bringing about, also the many wars and conflicts with sad loss of innocent life and especially those who sacrifice their lives to bring about peace.
But this May Bank Holiday here in the UK not only the weather has brought sunshine into many peoples lives but Friday one of the biggest television audiences for a long time and billions also worldwide were able to share in the Wedding of Prince William to then Catherine Middleton, identified as a commoner. It was a gift to be able to share in the Wedding Service which reflected the wishes of the young couple, the fine music and words expressed all were totally right for the occasion.
A few people outside of the UK have said why was this wedding given so much coverage, here in the UK it is because the majority still respect The Royal Family and especially currently Her Majesty The Queen who has given her life to public service.
William and Catherine now become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, many feel that the Prince has had a sheltered life but like his brother Prince Harry they have followed the fine example of the late mother Princess Diana, the way they have given so much service to charity work and both boys serve their country well. Prince Harry went off to Afghanistan and served, The Duke of Cambridge William had qualified as a helicopter pilot and currently serves on the Isle of Anglesey off Wales in the rescue service, not a sheltered life. Instead of going off on honeymoon both The Duke and Duchess will return to Anglesey tomorrow (Tuesday 3 May) and William back to serving in the RAF, it is also being reported that it is expected that William will also serve in The Falklands for around two months to complete his training away from his Wife like any serving officer.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge identify with the young people of today and this is returned with respect, there are many young people from successful families worldwide that do not work and give no service, this is not the way life will be for William & Catherine, one day he will become King with Catherine as his Queen Consort.
I like many wish The Duke and Duchess William and Catherine every happiness together, Friday they stood like any young couple do before God and made their vows may this carry them through the life of service they will carry out willingly.
