This morning I was just trying to think of how memories occur in the mind. Often I will say that our minds are like the silver many faceted silver balls that you twirled to at the local dance hall. Or maybe they are like a heavily scented perfume that drifts through, taunting you with its presence. Very similar as to what Ted Hughes says in his 'The Thought Fox'
Till, with a sudden hot sharp stink of fox
It enters the dark hole of the head.
However a memory comes, it comes with an accumulation of emotions that flash by and you are hopelessly caught in the reel action. So it was this Sunday morning when they played Spiegel im Spiegel. The calmest music out, tranquil and slow it tunes down the rush of the day.
Yesterday we walked to the park, dogs abounded in every shape and colour all good natured and sweet. Children played in the playground and Jean and I wandered round to the far edge where once John Fielden lived with his family. A famous figure in doing good also a politician in the 19th century.
The house no longer stands but is etched out in the ground with a few laid stones. The walled garden still exists, planted in true council style - lines of flowers outlined by silver foliage.
Another plaque reads: "60 years of Ukrainian life and culture in Todmorden 1947 to 2007.
The first Ukrainians arrived in Todmorden in 1947 to work in the cotton industry. They gradually integrated into the local community staging dances and concerts at the Town Hall, Calder College and the Hippodrome."
The hippodrome is being refurbished at the moment it will take at least a year but they have knocked down a part of it, see below, I think this is where the new cinema will be as part of the theatre.
Operation 'West'
I never knew there was a Ukrainian community in Tod - everyone must feel such angst over the war then, and I am sure, doing what they can to help.
ReplyDeleteAs I have been working today, I kept getting flashbacks to houses we viewed/wanted to buy. Strange how the mind works.
Well I have started to investigate Jennie. In 1947 the Russians deported 78,000 thousand Western Ukrainians to Kazakhstan and Siberia it Was called 'Operation West'. Many people died but you can begin to see how Russia upset the balance, they had deported people in 1930 as well.
ReplyDeleteThough the mind seems sometimes to act on its own it is a fascinating place to be;)
Wonderful to have some Ukrainian culture in the town! We have a large Ukrainian presence in Canada, particularly on the prairies. Many Ukrainians emigrated to Canada in the early 20th century to homestead on the prairies. I don't have any Ukrainian heritage myself, but I'm a major Ukrainian wannabe. I love their culture! Thanks for coming by my blog and commenting today, so I could find your blog in return!
ReplyDeleteHi, thank you for commenting as well. If you tap the Ukrainian flag at the top you will hear the children of Ukraine singing beautifully. People wander round the world for many reasons and it is unfortunate we label them immigrants because their contribution to the countries they settle are so engaging.
DeleteThank you for commenting on my blog today.
ReplyDeleteWe have Ukrainians in the locality, too, as well as Poles, Russians, Romanians, Slovenians and many others. *Our* Ukrainians arrived recently and have settled in well. They work hard and are cheerful and friendly.
I enjoyed listening to Spiegel im Spiegel. I like Arvo Part's music - it's spare and considered.
Hello, I find other people's blogs always a great treat in what they write about, so I am glad to have found your blog to. I see you have many people in your corner of England, immigrants I suppose from the jaws of Russia as well. Life is always interesting isn't it?
DeleteAn interesting walk today, Thelma. We have lots of terrific parks in my city and it is always nice to see them being used by people of all ages.
ReplyDeleteWe have only one park and it is called Centre Park, which to my mind is not very original but plenty of walks if you are prepared to tackle the steep hills and woods up to the moors.
ReplyDelete