One more week across the pond, home for the parade on Friday to watch the fun and fireworks. The Festival of Trees will be open for viewing on Friday night and again on Saturday with live entertainment so be sure to enjoy the beginning of Christmas season.
My daughter-in-law and I had time to go back to the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial which was established to remember 3, 812 American men and women and those they represented who lost their lives in the skies over the British Isles during World War II. There are also tablets which contain the names and the states they were from of 5,127 missing during the conflict.On the grounds in addition to the crosses and Stars of David is a Memorial which bears the inscription, “Grant Unto Them O Lord Eternal Rest.” Inside the Memorial is a large battle map and a small chapel. On the windows around the Chapel are the seals of the United States.
This is the only World War II American military cemetery in the United Kingdom. The University of Cambridge donated the site and the British government authorized use of its land in perpetuity as a permanent burial ground without charge or taxation. The American Battle Monuments Commission which is an agency of the United States government operates and maintains 26 American cemeteries and 29 memorials, monuments and markers in 16 countries. If you ever get the opportunity to travel, look these sites up and thanks those who are station to oversee them. They are an awesome and deeply inspiring site.
A few interesting facts about Cambridge, UK: The City Council is made up of three representatives from each ward. There are 14 wards. I can’t image a meeting with 42 people. It is actually a district council and the positions are partisan which more directly compares with our County Commission. Can you imagine the meetings.
The Mayor’s duties are primarily ceremonial although they do chair the Council meetings. There is also a Leader of the Council and a Deputy leader. Elections for a third of the positions take place three our of every four years. Due to boundary changes, the next election will have an ‘all up’ election in 2020. Wow, envision that possible turn-over.
I spent some time talking to the Meter Reader who came to look at the numbers. They do an estimate on the expected cost and then intermittently go around to monitor the numbers to make sure they are within the estimates. The reader said they are a long ways behind the USA in using technology to check usage and for billing. I explained our process and he was impressed but we also talked about the use of technology and seeing the direct reading. Interesting
One day, I watched a group of four tree trimmers work on a tree in front of the house. They didn’t appear to be City workers but private contractors. Where we would have groundsmen watching for danger as one or two worked from a Hyster or loader to get up to trim the tree, three of these men were on the ground to watch and feed the limbs into the wood chopper and one literally climbed from branch to branch to use a chain saw to cut off dead branches. He used a pulley and wench to help him get around which he operated himself. No additional machinery used. As you can see my tourist interests are a little different than most.
My granddaughter, Parker, suggested I share that in her school here she is learning Math, Reading, Science and English like back home. She also has classes in engineering and joined-up writing (cursive) which she didn’t have back home. She is also able to take piano, swimming, chess and gymnastics. Just a reminder, this is a private paid for school. Wish we could provide all our kids the same type of activities.
Well, don’t forget to attend the Christmas Parade at 6 pm in downtown Weiser and support our local businesses. Sounds like another fun holiday event at the Snake River Heritage Center put on by VATS Saturday night at 7:30, ‘Mystery Hour: The Ghostly Groom Radio Show’. A trip back in time by some of our local talent. There are all kinds of Christmas activities so don’t miss the joy of being in a small town at Christmas time.
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