By all accounts by labelling beasts with dangly bits which are not udders, whose job it is to sire future progeny on the farm, as males, we could possibly be accused by the PC brigade of making unreasonable and offensive assumptions.
The story last week which raised the issue of school children no longer being addressed as boys and girls, in case one may not be sure into which category they fall, is surely absurd.
I dare say the people behind this ridiculous proposal think it is a good idea, but quite frankly they should consider the harm they are doing before making such a suggestion. Life is hard enough for the young, why make the world more complicated and distorted?
There are children who appear to be ‘confused’ regarding their gender, but I do not believe it is right, or healthy to mess with the heads of all children, by making growing up more difficult than it is already.
Parents and families should be left to nurture the vagaries of their offspring. As has always been the case, sensitivity about personal issues should be high on the agenda of teachers into whose care they are placed. But, interference from schools and authorities, which consider re-labelling children as anything but boys and girls, is an utter nonsense.
As for my neighbour’s bull, just in case his feelings are in danger of being hurt, I will make a point of interviewing him personally before the New Year!
As beautiful Christmas cards cascade onto our doormats, it is quite clear that the traditional robin has won the popularity stakes.
The national survey taken earlier this year concluded that the robin is the nation’s favourite bird. Not only are these little creatures appealing with their bright red breasts, they are also one of the most sociable of our garden birds. It is rare to venture out into the garden and not find a little robin eager to keep one company. For such a small bird they have huge charisma, and make one smile as they hop about keeping one company and a beady eye on one’s progress.
It is interesting that it appears to be the most successful and intelligent businessmen, and the most popular, wise and thoughtful politicians who are actively supporting Brexit. The advantages of de-coupling the UK from the EU and Single Currency are so blatantly obvious, one has to question the motives of those who are doing their best to throw spanners into the workings of the legitimate process of leaving.
A majority of the public are rightfully becoming exasperated by the misinformation and scare stories being put about, by those who are determined that the UK should remain attached to the apron strings of this outdated, bureaucratic, undemocratic bunch of bullies. Mrs May and her ministers must hold their heads high and kick on, for they hold all the cards and have nothing to lose.
The Better Together Wivelsfield Christmas Day Lunch is more popular than ever. This year ninety people will sit down in the Village Hall for lunch, which will be prepared and served by a wonderful bunch of volunteers. The turkeys are donated by local farm shops and family run butchers, and most of the accompanying food is donated and cooked by kind people who wish to support this most enjoyable event.
Christmas day can be one of the loneliest of the year, particularly if you live alone, or just feel isolated by circumstances. The joy and happiness that such community spirited gatherings create amongst both guests and the many helpers, is a pleasure to behold. As two young seasoned helpers said to me recently, “the Better Together Christmas Day Lunch is what Christmas is all about. Christmas would not be the same if we could not be part of this special occasion.”
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.