Piper Bill Millin Dies

We heard today Piper Bill Millin has passed away at the age of 87, he lived in Dawlish for the past seven years.
Bill marched up and down the beach playing his bagpipes to boost the moral of troops landing at Normandy's Sword Beach on June 6th 1944'
Wearing his Dad's kilt the Scottish piper serenaded the first lot of troops coming ashore under heavy fire with the tune Highland Laddie
It is believed German troops did not shoot him as they thought he was mad.
He was the piper for the 1st Special Service Brigade.

Bill also featured in the film The Longest Day.

We also read today of a 90 year old war hero beaten to death for £40 and his bus pass. What has happened to the respect for the elderly and gratitude for the generation who fought for our freedom

Living in Devon

What glorious weather we have been having. We have been enjoying the garden and meals outdoors with friends and family.

Our thoughts turn to the people of West Cumbria whose lives have been shattered by the dreadful events of the past few days. Areas very similar to here in Devon. Ordinary families whose lives will never be the same again 

Prayers at Council Meetings

This question has raised it head again. I can't see how it infrings Human Rights.
Why can't anyone who does not want prayers at Council meetings just stand outside while prayers are being said. They are usually very short.
Why try and stop it for everyone.

I am a practising Christian and need Spiritual guidance. During the past three months it has been a great comfort. Also my Christian friends who have said prayers and also shown love and practical help.
I never force my beliefs on to any one else

Dartmoor

We spent a glorious day on Dartmoor last week

The weather was sunny with clear blue skies. We did notice how brown and dry everywhere looked I have never seen it quite like that before. There were lots of ponies with young foals.

We had a very enjoyable lunch at Badgers Holt watching the peacocks displaying their magnificent plumage.

 

A cream tea was enjoyed at Dunsford, not a good day for the figure but very pleasant.

 

The rain we have had would be welcome on the moor if not with our Bank Holiday visitors.The farmers and gardeners needed the rain to turn Devon green again.

 

The buzz word everywhere seems to be Staycation,meaning lots more people are staying in the County or at least in the Country for their holidays. We are hoping  for a good Summer this year. Lots of outdoor activities are being planned here at Dawlish Warren.

 

I can hear the Buzzards calling as I write this They glide on the thermals, if the seagulls, crows or magpies see them they mob them.

 

During the very cold Winter  weather I have fed the birds. We still have a pair of ducks which have taken up residence in our garden and stirred up the pond much to the annoyance of my husband 

We also have a pair of pheasants which would insist on cleaning themselves in the dry garden soil where my husband had planted his seeds. 

We now have parsnips and beetroot coming up in circles and not in rows. 

 

Backing the N.H.S

I am back amid all the talk about a General Election I am so gratefull to the wonderful care of the Drs and nurses who work so hard. I hope the new Government whoever it is will make the N.H.S one of their top priorities



In early Febuary I had major surgery and the care I have received has been first class. The aftercare of physio, drugs etc have all been available free of charge



Five years ago I had surgery in Perth Australia everything there had to be paid for. The care was wonderful but all had to be paid for by the patient.

A belated Happy New Year to everyone We all had a lovely family Christmas but since then my husband has been ill hence no update on my blog.

We have been keeping the birds well fed and helping them through this icy weather.Lots of different birds have been visiting our garden Lots of thrushes and also Redwings which we have never seen before. We also have a Pheasant who arrives each morning for his daily feed of chicken corn.

I had to attend the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital for an Assesment for a major operation on my leg in early February. It was manic the nurses rushed off their feet elderly people suffering fron injuries sustained from falling on icy ground. The staff were wonderful making sure everyone was comfortable and looked after.

After spending five hours in the hospital I was looking forward to getting home but it was not to be. We were caught up in the traffic which was gridlocked from Exeter to Dawlish. It took 3 hours to travel the eight miles to our home . We were caught in the backlog from Telegraph Hill and Halden Hill. Listening to Radio Devon helped at least we knew what was happening and motorists were trapped for longer on some other routes. It isn't a day we wish to repeat it was good to arrive home safely and enjoy a cup of tea.