PRIDE OF HAMPSHIRE – Royal Artillery D-Day veteran Cyril Stotesbury; Legion d’ Honneur.

A LITTLE KNOWN BATTLE, CRUCIAL TO THE SECOND WORLD WAR WAS SECOND WORLD WAR VETERAN’S UNTOLD STORY.

Cyril Stotesbury who has died aged 96 years was awarded France’s highest honour – the Legion d’ Honneur  in recognition of his service in World War 2.

Proud holder of France's highest award Legion d'Honneur

Proud holder of France’s highest award Legion d’Honneur

Mr. Stotesbury served in the Infantry, landing in France on D-Day and eventually reached the notorious concentration camp of Bergen Belsen.

The Legion d' Honneur

The Legion d’ Honneur

Cyril took part in the assault crossing of the River Seine in August 1944, just after D-Day.  He was part of the British 43rd ( Wessex Divison ) in one of the most important actions of World War 2. It has been described as an ‘ epic battle ‘ upon which the success of the war depended.

It is important to capture the moments of those far off days and preserve Cyril’s vivid memories for posterity and plans were made for Cyril to return to France in his 90s so that his vivid memories could be filmed for posterity, but increasing frailty and the passage of time intervened making it impossible.

Cyril was presented with the Legion d’ Honneur medal by Consul Honoraires for the Republic of France, Commandant Francois Jean from Brighton at a ceremony on the Isle of Wight in December 2016.  The presentation was filmed by Steve Feeney.

Presentation of the Legion d' Honneur

Presentation of the Legion d’ Honneur  by Commandant Francois Jean

 

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 Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

80th Anniversary of The Battle of Crete 20th May 2021

The 20th May 2021 is the 80th anniversary of the first airborne invasion in history. But for the COVID-19 pandemic, I would be on the island attending the commemorations on this wonderful, unforgettable island. Alas most of our Cretan friends, who took part in the struggle for freedom in the dark days of the 1940’s have passed into history.

Official Programme : 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete
My ‘ Koumbaros ‘ The Cretan Runner, George Psychoundakis BEM. Happy memories of the days George and I shared his island and some of his wartime experiences.
Stephen Verney ( Stephanos ), reuinted with my dear friends Chryssa Ninolaki and her brother Tassos Ninolakis, who worked closely together in the resistance and took great risks every day. ( 1995 Kato Stalos )
Andonis Paterakis, his son George, Chryssa Ninolaki and their friend at Koustoyarako in the mountains of southern Crete. ( Photo c 2001 ).
The late Maureen Moss who became the last secretary of the United Kingdom Crete Veterans Association, seen here at the Service of Commemoration at Souda Bay in 2011.
H.R.H. Prince Richard of Gloucester attended the commemorations on Crete in 2011
Tributes placed on the Galatas War Memorial in May 2011
Battle of Crete exhibition, Chania 2011.

Photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 44 – (0)1962 – 852124

M : 44 – (0)7532 – 697 – 902 E : comarkuk@ntlworld.com

BUDDHIST MONKS IN WINCHESTER ‘ BIN THAT BAT (Monk’s Alms Collection)

Buddhist Monks in Winchester High Street

Monks collecting alms may be a daily occurrence in Thailand, but in Winchester, it probably a first. The monks made a keenly awaited visit to Winchester at the invitation of the local Thai community.

Runge Knight makes her offering of alms.

The monks began their walk through the city, meeting small groups waiting to present them with their offering of alms for daily living , receiving the customary blessing for their acts of merit.

Giving of alms for daily living items

The prolonged Covid-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for Buddhists to attend the Cittaviveka Monastery at Chithurst between Petersfield and Midhurst to make their offerings. Visiting times and conditions are restricted and may be viewed on the monastery’s website.

King Alfred Statue, The Broadway, Winchester ,

Pra Ajan Gavelesko and fellow monks pause by the King Alfred statue in Winchester Broadway.

In the Abbey Gardens, Winchester
Pligrims themselves, the groups of monks pose beside a ‘Pilgrim’s School sign outside Wolvsey Castle, Winchester
Beside the River Itchen, Winchester

Words and pictures : www.Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

BUDDHIST MONKS OUTREACH VISIT TO SOUTHAMPTON

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A small contingent of Monks from the Cittaviveka Buddhist Momastery at Chithurst near Petersfield have made a pastoral outreach visit to members of the Buddhist community in the Southampton area.

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A familiar daily sight in Thailand,but highly unusual in Southampton, a line of 4 monks in their familiar olive coloured robes processed through the city’s Above Bar.

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During the short visit, alms and necessities for daily living were donated by those present.

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Communal chanting, a token ‘ presentation ‘ of alms and a promise to return to the community when possible concluded the short community nexus.  The monks then withdrew to consume their daily meal under the protecting boughs of the surrounding oaks.web MONKS SOTON Tony Knight photography & MEDIA 1513 copy

Photographs & words :  Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

 

CHRISTMAS AT BICESTER VILLAGE OUTLET, Oxfordshire

Bicester Village Outlet takes on a special feel at Christmas

Bicester Village Outlet takes on a special feel at Christmas

Gone are the long sunny days as Autumn turns towards Christmas and the prospect of presents.  Whatever the weather the windows of the famous brands sparkle and scintillate, reflecting the golden decorations, which make shopping at Bicester Village so magical.

Access from London and the provinces is simple, with good road and rail links.

Bicester Village Outlet is just a few steps from the railway station platforms.

Bicester Village Outlet railway station.

Frequent services to Bicester Village.

Frequent services to Bicester Village.

Festive displays of tempting goods.

Festive displays of tempting goods.

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Christmas Reindeer

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The shopping village takes on a woodland glade appearance.

The shopping village takes on a woodland glade appearance.

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Departing guests take Christmas home with them.

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Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography& MEDIA

 

INTERNATIONAL THOD PHA PA AND 40 YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CITTAVIVEKA MONASTERY, CHITHURST, WEST SUSSEX, ENGLAND.

A happy day at Chithurst celebrating the monastery's 40th anniversary.

A happy day at Chithurst celebrating the monastery’s 40th anniversary.

The monastry’s official website explains the reason for the celebration, which coincided with it’s 40th anniversary, held on 23rd June 2019.

” ‘Thod Pha Pa’ in Thai means ‘to offer forest cloth’, and is an occasion which brings to mind the mutual support of the lay and monastic communities. The monks and nuns aim to live simply, and offer teachings and examples to people who kindly offer the material support essential to the existence of the monastery as a spiritual centre for the welfare of all. It is also a warm and inclusive occasion in which any act of giving, or offer of service, contributes to the sense of co-operation and spiritual friendship.’ “

Guests join in the Refuges and Precepts taking place in the Dahma Hall.

Guests join in the Refuges and Precepts taking place in the Dahma Hall.

Pictures from the day’s events including the Rice Pindapata and meal offering.  Guest’s food offerings were laid out in the grounds and distinguished with wonderful Thai carved fruits.

Sign in the workshop.

Sign in the workshop.

Monks pass along the line of guests offering them rice.

Monks pass along the line of guests offering them rice.

Rice offerings

Rice offerings

The younger guests take an active interest in the ceremonies.

The younger guests take an active interest in the ceremonies.

Rice offerings

Rice offerings

Offerings made during the celebrations.

Offerings made during the celebrations.

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One of the many beautiful floral tributes.

One of the many beautiful floral tributes.

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Both food and guests were colourful.

Both food and guests were colourful.

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Refreshments enjoyed by the Stupa.

Refreshments enjoyed by the Stupa.

A happy day was enjoyed by all.

A happy day was enjoyed by all.

A special guest was Mr George Sharp, who played an important part in acquiring the manor house and grounds in 1979 and gave out copies of his fascinating book ' The Story of Chithurst ' which he also personalised with his signature.

A special guest was Mr George Sharp, who played an important part in acquiring the manor house and grounds in 1979 and gave out copies of his fascinating book ‘ The Story of Chithurst ‘ which he also personalised with his signature.

Photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

E-mail    comarkuk@ntlworld.com

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Report : FLIPPIN’ PANCAKE TIME AGAIN – WINCHESTER ROTARY CLUB’S INAUGURAL PANCAKE RACE 2019

Winchester Cathedral choristers join in the fun of the pancake race.

Winchester Cathedral choristers join in the fun of the pancake race.

It was a case of youth triumphing over age as the St Bedes Primary School team ran away with the trophy in Winchester Rotary’s inaugural pancake race, outside Winchester’s ancient and famous Cathedral’s west front.

The winning team from St Bedes Primary School display their trophy

The winning team from St Bedes Primary School display their trophy

The first pancake race was organised by the Winchester Rotary Club and was staged in front of Winchester Cathedral, who benefitted from funds raised.

Twenty teams enrolled for the race on a straight course lined with spectators, cheering their teams on, in the windy weather, which made tossing pancakes a tricky task.

Winchester Cathedral choristers first relay spewed along the track.

Winchester Cathedral choristers first relay speed along the track.

Former Winchester Mayors : Councillors Dominick Hiscock, Therese Evans, Jane Rutter and Richard Izzard prepare for their relay race.

The ' Old Mayor's ' warm up their frying pans !

The ‘ Old Mayor’s  team ‘ warm up their frying pans ! All together…….

The Winchester, Winnall TESCO supermarket team

Tesco and Sainsburys supermarket teams battle it out.

Tesco and Sainsburys supermarket teams battle it out.

Sainsburys limber up

Sainsburys Badger Farm Team

Sainsburys Badger Farm Team

Don't smile - your'tash on the move !

Don’t smile – your’tash is on the move !

What's cooking ? Rotary members look after the prizes

What’s cooking ? Rotary members look after the prizes

The Trophies were printed on a 3-D printer, innovative technology make for unusual prizes. Each one took about 15 hours to print.

Cutting edge technology used to produce the commemorative medals and trophies.

Cutting edge technology used to produce the commemorative medals and trophies.

Former mayor Cllr. Dominick Hiscock at speed.

Former mayor Cllr. Dominick Hiscock at speed.

Local services were also represented.

Worthy Down AGS ( SPS ) Adjutant General’s Corps put up a strong team.

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A determined effort, as this competitor struggles against the gusty wind to keep his pancake on board.

 

Councillor Richard Izzrad flips his pancake.

Councillor Richard Izzard flips his pancake with skill.

Rotary membe, professional videographer Steve Feeney films and interview with the Dean of Winchester, The Very Rev'd Catherine Ogle.

Rotary member, professional videographer Steve Feeney films an interview with the Dean of Winchester, The Very Rev’d Catherine Ogle.

ROTARY VIDEO is on U-TUBE ” WINCHESTER PANCAKE RACE 2019 “

Flippin good show !

Flippin good show ! Nicky from the Sainbury’s team completes her run.

Great fun, posing for the press photographers and tv crews.

Great fun, posing for the press photographers and tv crews.

Taking a break !

Taking a break !

Hi Ho ! It's off to gthe pancake race we go.

More usually known for their superb choral singing in the Cathedral, today It’s Hi Ho, Hi Ho ! It’s off to the pancake race we go.

Words and photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

KATHINA 2018 – CITTAVIVEKA, CHITHURST BUDDHIST MONASTERY.

The 2018 Kathina ceremony took place at the Cittaviveka, Buddhist Monastery at Chithurst, West Sussex on Sunday 11th November. The wet weather which had threatened the morning’s events, rolled away as guests arrived.

Guests made their donations of rice and food, making their way into the Dhamma Hall for refuges and precepts.

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This beautiful floral peacock took 2 days to assemble and was the center-piece of the tributes

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Always popular with the gathering is the moment they get to give offerings of rice. This year over 40 monks and nuns passed along the rows of eager adults and children.

The rice Pindapat and meal offering.

The rice Pindapat and meal offering.

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After the rice offering, the monks and nuns selected food for their meal.

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Tributes of money given during the day was announced during the afternoon as £10,000 for the benefit of the upkeep of the Monastery.

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An opportunity for the young to learn to how pay their respects too.

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The offering of the Kathina Cloth is preceded, by processing three times around the outside of the Dhamma Hall.

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Small tokens of respect are given by the children to the Monks and Nuns in the Dhamma Hall during the presentation of the Kathina.

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Monks and Nuns and guests assemble in the Dhamma Hall.

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During the day many friends met to celebrate together.

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Words and pictures : Tony Knight photography & Media.

LOOK BACK : KATHINA 2017 at the CITTAVIVEKA Chithurst Buddhist Monastery, Midhurst, Sussex UK.

Cittaviveka was the first Ajahn Chah monastery to be established outside of Thailand. Started by Ajahn Sumedho, its establishment coincided with Ajahn Chah’s visit to Britain in 1979. The property includes Chithurst House, its adjacent Dhamma Hall, and Hammer Wood with many meditation kuṭīs (huts). There is also the Rocana Vihāra for nuns and Āloka cottage for their female guests. 2424 web T CHITHURST KATHINA copy

Members of the Buddhist community from across the south of England celebrated the annual Kathina festival in October 2017.  Food was laid out on tables in the ground, as people arrived with food

Monks emerge from the Dhama Hall for the rice and meal offerings accept

Monks emerge from the Dhamma Hall for the rice and meal offerings accept

Those attending lined the outside of one wing of the cloister, around the edge of he lawn, into the other end of the cloister, and wound its way into the grounds as monks passed by collecting alms.

Monks collecting contributions of rice

Monks collecting contributions of rice

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Children play an important part, join in the rice offerings

Children play an important part, joining in the rice offerings making it a family event.

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A meeting of friends.

An important part of the day is the offering of the Kathina cloth, which is carried around the Dahmma Hall three times in procession.

The offering of the Kathina cloth

The offering of the Kathina cloth

A few minutes rest in the cloister

A few minutes rest in the cloister

The celebrations are an opportunity for friends to get together

The celebrations are an opportunity for friends to get together

Those attending, defer to the monks, who prepare to enjoy the culinary offerings

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The monks circulate around the tables choosing their favourite treats.

Monks enter the Dhama Hall

Monks on their way to the Dhamma Hall

Entering the Dhama Hall.

Entering the Dhama Hall.

After enjoying the donated fruit, cakes, sandwiches and other goodies, celebrants join the monks in the Dhamma Hall.

Celebrants gather in the Dhamma Hall to hear the monks chanting

Celebrants gather in the Dhamma Hall to hear the monks chanting

The Dhamma Hall is an inspiring conversion of a former cow shed, which has been enlarged and beautifully crafted from fine English Green Oak to provide a space for quiet contemplation and rejuvenation of mind and spirit.

The Buhdda, which is the focus of prayers and offerings

The Buhdda, which is the focus of prayers and offerings

Accepting offerings of rice

Accepting offerings of rice

The Kathina celebrations are held at Chithurst Monastery annually in October or November.

STOP PRESS : The 2018 Kathina celebrations will take place at Chithurst         Monastery on Sunday 11 November 2018.

Words and pictures : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA

44 – (0)1962 – 852124

M : 44 – (0)7532 -697 – 902

comarkuk@ntlworld.com

 

 

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens – Winter and Autumn 2018 – A time for reflection in the Garden.

The Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are truly  ” Garden for All Seasons. ”

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The gardens are beautiful throughout the year, even when in repose in wintertime, but snow adds an extra dimension to any visit.

Just walking through the garden is peaceful with robins tame and trusting who will feed from the hand, if you keep still and don’t frighten them.  This friendly little Robin adds a splash of colour against a blanket of snow.

 

Searching for crumbs near Jermyns House in the snow this Robin is a colourful little friend.

Searching for crumbs in the snow near Jermyns House, this Robin is a colourful little friend.

Jermyns House in the snow.

Jermyns House in the snow.

Signs of spring brought a sense of optimism, until the ‘ Beast from the East ‘ struck, temperatures plummeted and sub zero temperatures brought snow over several weekends.  This change in the weather caught out some early bloomers, which shone bravely through the layer of snow.

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With sun low in the sky in late October 2018, music wafted through the trees. In the pre-Halloween trail for children and adults, with an open invitation to make the music themselves.

With sun low in late October 2018, music wafted through the trees. In the pre-Halloween trail for children and adults, issuing an open invitation to make the music themselves.

Making music in the Sir Harold Hillier gardens in Autumn.

Making music in the Sir Harold Hillier gardens in Autumn.

As the soil temperature falls, muting the colours with the trees and plants in the garden entering their winter sleep, the Centenary Border has a last burst of colour. The gardens are about to display a few quiet months, presenting a different aspect.

Whenever you visit there is something special, as you walk through the slumbering beds. Yet even then buds are visible on the Rhododendrons, waiting for the returning sun to awaken the spring growth around them, encouraging them to burst forth and heralding another colourful pageant to play throughout the coming year.

What could be more satisfying, returning home with tingling toes and hands, looking forward to sitting by the fire with hot buttered toast and tea, looking forward to next spring in the gardens !

The Centenary Border, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Autumn.

The Centenary Border, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Autumn.

Words & photographs : Tony Knight photography & MEDIA.