The Front Page - Copy 46( Mrs Hodge visits Castle)
14 November 2009
God before Politics...but just for a moment: While floating along in the midst of the flotilla following Government Minister Margaret Hodge, as she gently made her way through the magnificent Castle Keep, I spotted this chapel to my left and nipped in for a solemn moment in the presence of the Almighty. What a magnificent heavenly experience, what a stupendous Chapel, what a place to be left alone with your thoughts in the middle of hurly burly politics , or in the middle of daily life in general. Then after a few moments and a picture, it was back in the fray. Yes back into the real world as the Culture Minister Mrs Hodge carried on with her flying visit to see all the improvements to the visitor experience at Dover Castle, and in particular to the Castle Keep.
This picture shows Mrs Hodge and our local MP Gwyn Prosser, who accompanied the Minister throughout the tour, examining one of the beds and bedding. All beautiful and of course an accurate rendition of how life was under Henry II. The beds are so much shorter than todays beds and I remarked on this to a very pleasant lady guide. Were people shorter then? I asked. It wasnt so much that they were shorter said the guide but that they slept upright. If you slept flat the chances are you would sleep with your mouth open. They believed then, that if your mouth was open during sleep, the devil could enter your soul and possess you...so, as this wasnt too nice a prospect for all and sundry, they slept sitting upright. Each bed had a bolster to make sure they did. This you will be happy to know, kept the devil at bay. They also too had the chapel on hand as further reinforcement.
Chief Historian Stephen Brindle gave Mrs Hodge the complete run down on absolutely everything and he appeared very thorough and very knowledgeable. I wasnt able to hear his full spiel, as it were, as was rushing hither and tither in search of a picture or two in the gentle pandemonium. But he certainly kept the Minister entertained. Mrs Hodge said that she was delighted how government money from the SeaChange programme was able to "help reproduce what life was like for Henry II" She also said she was keen to see this "fantastic heritage site linked more closely to the town!" We are assuming by this she means that she is keen to see the Cable Car idea come to fruition.
We managed to get a shot of the main players after the tour as all relaxed in the nearby coffee shop. On the left we have good friend and top forumite Paul Watkins, Paul of course is the Leader of Dover District Council. Next to Paul is Baroness Kay Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, and indeed former Government Minister herself, next along is local MP for Dover and Deal Gwyn Prosser, then last but certainly not least is Culture Minister Margaret Hodge.
Well what have we got here!? Yes its opposition politicos having a quiet chat in the shadows. These two fought several elections against one another but are still here chatting away in good spirits which is great to see. Good for the community too. The picture on the right shows Mrs Hodge and Gwyn again, this time basked in a soft light...what light from yonder window breaks!
The pictures below show the Baroness Andrews having a quiet moment in the magnificent ( Ive used that word a lot) dining hall. One could imagine how things were. On the right hand side we can see what might have been on the menu. Anyone for lunch? Perhaps not today!
Words Paul Boland. Pictures Colette Boland, Paul Boland.
Culture Minister Margaret Hodge Visits Dover Castle.
God before Politics...but just for a moment: While floating along in the midst of the flotilla following Government Minister Margaret Hodge, as she gently made her way through the magnificent Castle Keep, I spotted this chapel to my left and nipped in for a solemn moment in the presence of the Almighty. What a magnificent heavenly experience, what a stupendous Chapel, what a place to be left alone with your thoughts in the middle of hurly burly politics , or in the middle of daily life in general. Then after a few moments and a picture, it was back in the fray. Yes back into the real world as the Culture Minister Mrs Hodge carried on with her flying visit to see all the improvements to the visitor experience at Dover Castle, and in particular to the Castle Keep.
This picture shows Mrs Hodge and our local MP Gwyn Prosser, who accompanied the Minister throughout the tour, examining one of the beds and bedding. All beautiful and of course an accurate rendition of how life was under Henry II. The beds are so much shorter than todays beds and I remarked on this to a very pleasant lady guide. Were people shorter then? I asked. It wasnt so much that they were shorter said the guide but that they slept upright. If you slept flat the chances are you would sleep with your mouth open. They believed then, that if your mouth was open during sleep, the devil could enter your soul and possess you...so, as this wasnt too nice a prospect for all and sundry, they slept sitting upright. Each bed had a bolster to make sure they did. This you will be happy to know, kept the devil at bay. They also too had the chapel on hand as further reinforcement.
Chief Historian Stephen Brindle gave Mrs Hodge the complete run down on absolutely everything and he appeared very thorough and very knowledgeable. I wasnt able to hear his full spiel, as it were, as was rushing hither and tither in search of a picture or two in the gentle pandemonium. But he certainly kept the Minister entertained. Mrs Hodge said that she was delighted how government money from the SeaChange programme was able to "help reproduce what life was like for Henry II" She also said she was keen to see this "fantastic heritage site linked more closely to the town!" We are assuming by this she means that she is keen to see the Cable Car idea come to fruition.
We managed to get a shot of the main players after the tour as all relaxed in the nearby coffee shop. On the left we have good friend and top forumite Paul Watkins, Paul of course is the Leader of Dover District Council. Next to Paul is Baroness Kay Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, and indeed former Government Minister herself, next along is local MP for Dover and Deal Gwyn Prosser, then last but certainly not least is Culture Minister Margaret Hodge.
The pictures below show the Baroness Andrews having a quiet moment in the magnificent ( Ive used that word a lot) dining hall. One could imagine how things were. On the right hand side we can see what might have been on the menu. Anyone for lunch?
Words Paul Boland. Pictures Colette Boland, Paul Boland.