The Germans Bombed Our Chippy

A Touching Experience Visiting a World War II Cemetery

Rob — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:35:28 +0000

Do you ever get that strange feeling inside when you hear about a disaster or the news or when you drive past a grave yard? Well that is the feeling I got when I visited the World War II Cemetery in Normandy. The graveyard is a memorial to all the American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II. The perfectly cut green grass with the white, clean, cross graves really is quite striking. One thing I noticed when walking around is you could feel the respect, not a whisper could be heard. You could have literally heard a pin drop, but perhaps that is because the whole experience really is quite breathtaking.

The fact that the cemetery is completely litter free also adds to the effect. How often are things spoilt by insensitive, uneducated morons who have to spoil and disrespect the world around us?

The whole experience really was quite touching. Rest in Peace.

Hating The Germans Is So Last Century

Rob — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:22:10 +0000

During the World Cup last summer I couldn’t help but notice the hatred the English have towards the Germans. This isnt just a football game between two neighbouring countries. As far as football is concerned it is classed as a derby but I believe it has been drilled into us from our fathers and grandfathers to dislike the Germans because of the war.

Everyone is familiar with the John Cleese quote in Fawlty Towers where he says “dont mention the war”. The quote became famous overnight and is often referenced even to this day. Although the line was said for pure comedy genius, I happen to believe the quote has some truth.

The racism I heard towards the Germans during the football game was nothing short of disgusting. Fowl language and pure hatred. Personally, I’ve not met many Germans I have not got on with. Stop passing on this message of hatred down the generations, make your own mind up about people based on what they are like not where they are from.

Visiting Normandy

Rob — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:13:11 +0000

Back in 2002, I went on a family holiday to the north of France. We stayed in a beautiful house in the country, with a log fire. We visited a theme park on the day of my 14th Birthday and David Beckham scored a penalty against Argentina in the World Cup. We also took a day trip to Mont St-Michel.

Although these were all very memorable moments of the holiday. Even at 14 years old I still remember the day we took a trip to the beaches at Normandy. We walked along the beach, full of history. I remember not knowing exactly what I had gone on in this battle but I could feel the energy and memories of the people who were there. It meant a lot to everyone.

War Against The Planet

Rob — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 14:15:51 +0000

Every single day the news is filled with the latest update from a war going on somewhere around the world. Whether its Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya or Egypt. All we seem to be doing is killing one another for one thing. Money. There are plenty of thing we mask it as, usually power, ‘terror’ or oil. Sometimes we even throw freedom into the mix.

However, as you look around the world I think the thing we should be fighting against is the destruction of this planet. With earthquakes in Japan, Hurricanes in America and Floods in the UK. Isnt it time we stopped killing one another and started working as one to protect and heal the planet.

Rainforests are disappearing, ice caps are melting and there are more cars on the road then ever. It doesnt take a scientist to work out we arent looking after our planet. I just hope Noah is re-building his ark.

War Is Over, If You Want It.

Rob — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 08:47:47 +0000

There are many quotes that send a shiver down my spine when it comes to the topic of war. The first has to be the title of this blog post which comes from the John Lennon Christmas hit that is ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’. The entire song is heartfelt but the lyric “War is over, if you want it” really sticks out. If you want the war to end, it can be ended. Simple as that.

My favourite quote has to come from Jimi Hendrix. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.”. The first time I saw this quote was on the 11th September 2011. It was on a poster in a jazz bar in New York City. I had been round Ground Zero in the day, and saw the ‘Tribute in Light’ as the sun set. It had been somewhat an emotional and reflective day and after a couple of beers, I saw this quote on the wall, and it really brought it all home to me.

Woolton Pie Recipe

Rob — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 16:10:06 +0000

In April of 1940 the Ministry of Food started a campaign to encourage people to eat more vegetables which how Woolton pie was made because it composed entirely of vegetables here are the ingredients

1Ib each of diced potatoes, cauliflower, swedes and carrots;
Three or Four spring onions;
One tsp of vegetable extract and
One tsp of oatmeal.

Start by cooking all the ingredients together for ten minutes with just enough water to cover. Bit remember to stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking. Then allow to cool, next put the ingredients into a pie dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley and cover with a crust of wholemeal pastry and bake in a moderate oven until the pastry is nicely browned and serve hot with gravy

War Cake Recipe

Rob — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 15:44:35 +0000

This was a family favorite back in both World War 1 and 2 because eggs butter and milk was in short supply during these times. Here are the ingredients that you will need:

1 lb of raisins
2 cups of boiling water
1 tbsp of baking soda
1/2 cup of lard that is at room temperature
1 cup of cold water
4 cups of flour
2 cup of sugar
1 tsp of salt
1/2 tsp of cloves
2 tsp of cinnamon
1 tsp of nutmeg
1 cup of walnuts, chopped

Now here is what you have to do simmer the raisins in the boiling water for 15 minutes then add the rest of the ingredients in a tube pan at gas mark 4 for an hour or until browned then enjoy

The History of Food

Rob — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:07:18 +0000

I am not over weight, yet I am not a skinny minnie either, I am fairly health and pleased with my figure (however one could always do with losing a pound or two!) I can hand on heart say that I LOVE FOOD!! Eating is one of my favourite past times, but do you ever think about the history of food and how it has got on to your table and on to your plate and then finally into your mouth?

Looking back in time, it is clear to see that recipes have changed over time. Nowadays people have less time to cook, it is all about getting food quickly so that people can carry on with their busy lives. I love getting chippy from my local chip shop – called Alan Po Fongs Chippy!

Do you know your family history?

Rob — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:07:11 +0000

I have three sisters and my mum and dad are still together, which is a rare occurrence now that we are in the twenty first century. There are not that many nuclear families left in the world (my boyfriend had an exam once and he didn’t even know what a nuclear family was - he thought it was a family who lived near a nuclear power plant!)

Anyway, I digress, my family are still together, however my point is, how do you know if your dad hasn’t started a family before he met your mum? My dad could have met a woman and get her pregnant and then have another family that no one knows about. How do you know this hasn’t happened and you have a secret family? The best way to find out is to speak to your family and do a bit of digging. Looking online could hold the answer to your family history.

History never repeats itself, or does it?

Rob — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 09:22:27 +0000

There are thousands of different sayings which people use to get through every life. I have decided to list a few of the saying which I know and if you know of any more feel free to add them through the comments section:

* Lightening never strikes in the same place twice
* Have your cake and eat it
* Life is like a box of chocolates
* Never say never
* Life is too short
* Live for the moment
* I wouldn’t touch you with a ten foot barge pole
* Pigs might fly

The list is endless, add your most used sayings below!