feeling proud to be British

Whatever happened yesterday is the past and can't be recalled. It is today that has to be dealt with and with a bit of luck some preparation for tomorrow. It does not matter how much passion is felt for the past, harking back can only destroy. Enjoy today and be happy. I have travelled and worked in all the constituent parts of the GREAT BRITAIN and the one lesson I learnt was, united we are a great people who have achieved so much and still can, start blaming each other for what went wrong and we scrivel back into our constiuent parts A common language within this tiny island is vitally necessary for comunication and the understanding of each other. As one nation we led the world in so many things, now we are falling apart and drifting back to towards a bunch of third rate tribes. Going back to the begining of this thread I have lived my life on the basis of 'Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me'. Polictical Correctness is bullying of the worse kind. As Voltaire put it 'I disaprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it'.

Before someone jumps in to correct me - I was wrong - next year is the 700th (not 600th) anniversary of Bannockburn. Wish we had that 'edit' facility!

Great Britain did well as you say Jack in the time when everyone who had money was getting richer and richer while other people dug the coal and cut down the sugar cane to enable these immense profits. not to mention the slave trade,
Now they have got to make do with what they have earned themselves. perhaps a bit of honesty about the past would help get things moving forward again.

Well said ElliMary it was "great" for some and nasty, brutish and short for others.

I am afraid that my experience in Mold was exactly as I described it. I rather resent the implication that I have made it up - why would I? I had nothing but goodwill towards my Welsh neighbours until I found myself ostracised simply for being English.
I don't understand the reference to the French - they speak French to each other and continue speaking it when I join them.

Greatnan I have witnessed the same thing in North Wales.

I have pointed out before that the poor in England were oppressed themselves by their employers and masters. I am quite sure that none of my ancestors were responsible for anything bad that happened to people in other countries - they were too busy trying to survive.

Thank you, Lona - it is not nice to have your truthfulness questioned.

We used to join in with this one at Saturday morning pictures. But we sang it faster and with a bit more wellie.

We were patriotic little things.

How about this for an English anthem. It has a good tune and chorus and is very rousing. It was written by a Welshman but what the heck. It would certainly stand up to Land of my Fathers and Flower of Scotland.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3dD05mu3qQ

I hate it. But! I do think 'I vow to me my country' would be the most appropriate!

I hate some lines in 'I vow to thee my country'. I don't think people should sacrifice their lives without asking questions!

Listening to the last night of the proms! Would never miss it!
RULE BRITANNIA,

Just about to say that myself Galen!

Wonderful performance of 'land of hope and glory'
This one REALLY RAISES THE PATRIOTISM IN ME!

Just thinking the same Galen.

Wonderful Last Night but I wish they wouldn't leave out the sea shanties. We're an island race. PUT THEM BACK!!

Land of Hope and Glory.....magnificent!!!

Really good speech from the conductor !
Good for her!

Merlot agreed!

Wasn't the last night fantastic this year?

Belfast were out in force tonight. The shipyard was a lovely setting.

And now, I fear, summer is really over

I googled last years horn pipe!
Wasn't the same without it!
Doing that, made evening!

When our children were small they used to love Spanish Lady. Remember the promenader who used to fish loads of coloured hankies, joined together with string, out of his pocket? He'd pass them along the line so they could 'weep' and wipe their eyes. Sadly, I think he must be long gone now.

I hate to say it but Leonard Slatkin also did away with them during his residency. Maybe it's an American thing?

I wish the soloist had been British although she has a beautiful voice. Also wish she hadn't worn a pink Union flag.

We were cross about the 'nod' to the Union Flag as well, LizG. In other words, Don't take the p**s.