Drooping

Snap what you feel

Smell version https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2964981796694920863

However great peoples lives may seem, not everything is rosy.

No sympathy wanted. I've not blocked comments as there's much content (if you're interested). I'm not interacting much either, for now.


Son
Our failed his re-sits by one mark, so will appeal to see if he can re-sit the year; one option if this fails is to transfer to another degree at Newcastle.
In any event he'll consider his options. Part of the issue is burying his emotions, which is a major inherent weakness of mine, and my life experience. Many of his core traits are inherited from me. 

Evensong
We found out on his return from a mate's in Hull late afternoon. I left him and his mum to have one-on-one time and popped down to the Minster.

Office Hymn tonight was - St Mary Magdalene - O Maria, noli flare (oh Mary, don't blow)

"Now from grief and lamentation lift thy drooping heart with cheer;"

Just the Lay clerks (professionals) were singing. Glorious counterpoint, occasional staggering  (rounding sort of) and the two male tenor only sections. They sounded like choirboys. 

A cheery chat with the Canon Precentor and Canon Missionary on leaving. Both lovely warm men, as is the Dean who was also there.

Father and Son
My son accompanied me on a dog walk back around the Minster later. Much needed one-on-one time to provide my support etc.

Village Green - Survey & Parish Council Meeting 
Our survey returned a 80% (edit now at 90%)  in favour of retaining as is the green currently is, or minor modifications to the existing green space. 44 dwellings, approx 25%, submitted their views.

Communication is highly controlled and in favour of the PC at these meetings, with the public only allowed to speak for 10 minutes at the start, with no permission to respond.

As expected the council were more concerned about trying to discredit the survey myself and comrade as biased, criticising villagers for not speaking up sooner etc and keeping control, than actually understanding and taking on board the majority view.

They mentioned possibly doing their own survey (possibly using the district council) and agreed to postpone the development and come back with a revised proposal at some point; next PC meeting is Oct.

No acceptance to work together etc as we have previously done re the survey etc and continue to offer.

Two elderly WI members attended the meeting as did a village artist this time; I could see their heads shaking too as the PC spoke.

Bullying
I deliberately left after our 10 minutes and their following unanswerable comments, as I wasn't prepared to sit their silently until the end. My male comrade (below) was the last villager left and was surrounded by the main councillors (plus a big burly husband) at the end. They all started to verbally attack him; a meeker more reasonable and decent man you could not meet - see below.

https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2993129372329707935 

About two hours later he popped round to ours, having had chats with his wife and the artist, still visibly shocked and angry. He deeply felt intimidated. I apologised / regretted not staying. They wouldn't intimidate me in the slightest, and I won't leave him exposed again. He left after about 2 hours.  

Dirty business; but why of why does it need to be?

We will now have to include an article in next months village newsletter in balance to whatever the PC submit.

Wellbeing 
I feel better having had a chat with our son, and now the initial shock is over.