Deck The Halls
As I write about the last months adventures I start off on a sombre but happy note too, as we start off on remembrance Sunday, sad as I remember all who we have lost and what they fought for and paid the ultimate price, but happy too as I remember so many Family and Friends who laid down their lives and I remember the happy times we spent together, below is a poem I wrote may years ago and there is a spooky story behind it too.
The British Warrior
---------------------------
With Sword and Shield in Hand.
With Bayonets Fixed We do Stand.
To Fight and Defend Against The foe.
On This Our Land or Far From Home
We Stand And Fight For Those In Need.
And For Those Who Might Be freed.
Who Need our Mighty Shield and Sword
And for The Grace of The Almighty Lord.
Who Prayers We Answer Upon His Word
With Honour and Courage We Do Fight.
So Our Loved Ones Can Sleep Safe at Night.
Now as then in Days of Old
Our Warriors Fight with bravery un told.
So that In a Britain Free and Proud.
Tyranny may never ever cast A cloud.
Upon Our Leaders In Which we Trust.
We Hope They Send us in Fair and Just.
To Stand and Fight and Halt The Flow
Of Tyranny’s Evil Darkening Glow.
But If In Battle We Do fall.
Still We Stand Beyond The Wall.
Our Spirits still Fight On Strong and Tall.
Within The Army of The Lord of All.
Now As You Remember us Upon This Day.
Our Strength our Courage We Do Pray.
You Find the Honour and the Strength.
To Keep Fighting on for Your Defence.
Knowing Behind You We Still Stand.
With Bayonets Fixed and Sword and Shield in Hand.
Against All Foes and Tyranny.
Of This Land or far from Home.
We Still fight for our Queen and Throne.
We Are The Fallen We Still Stand.
With Bayonets Fixed to Defend our Land.
And if Upon My Grave You Stand.
Look for My Sword and Shield.
STILL IN HAND.
By Rob Collins (jnr) 11.11.12
---------------------------
With Sword and Shield in Hand.
With Bayonets Fixed We do Stand.
To Fight and Defend Against The foe.
On This Our Land or Far From Home
We Stand And Fight For Those In Need.
And For Those Who Might Be freed.
Who Need our Mighty Shield and Sword
And for The Grace of The Almighty Lord.
Who Prayers We Answer Upon His Word
With Honour and Courage We Do Fight.
So Our Loved Ones Can Sleep Safe at Night.
Now as then in Days of Old
Our Warriors Fight with bravery un told.
So that In a Britain Free and Proud.
Tyranny may never ever cast A cloud.
Upon Our Leaders In Which we Trust.
We Hope They Send us in Fair and Just.
To Stand and Fight and Halt The Flow
Of Tyranny’s Evil Darkening Glow.
But If In Battle We Do fall.
Still We Stand Beyond The Wall.
Our Spirits still Fight On Strong and Tall.
Within The Army of The Lord of All.
Now As You Remember us Upon This Day.
Our Strength our Courage We Do Pray.
You Find the Honour and the Strength.
To Keep Fighting on for Your Defence.
Knowing Behind You We Still Stand.
With Bayonets Fixed and Sword and Shield in Hand.
Against All Foes and Tyranny.
Of This Land or far from Home.
We Still fight for our Queen and Throne.
We Are The Fallen We Still Stand.
With Bayonets Fixed to Defend our Land.
And if Upon My Grave You Stand.
Look for My Sword and Shield.
STILL IN HAND.
By Rob Collins (jnr) 11.11.12
The Incomer
A land owner was losing livestock and asked could I pop along and deal with this red devil
So I popped along at dusk and set up the Ile 234 on the trigger sticks with the NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops, also using the NiteSite Spotter for a change instead of the Night Pearl Thermal.
I watched hares and rabbit frolic, bats Fleat through the air, a barn owl water the field and deer quietly and gracefully meander about delicately feeding on the meadow grass.
I knew Charlie was about as I could hear vixens calling in the valley bottom NR the woodland.
Just then I spotted him on a direct route to the lambing shed, I gave a hare distress call on my hand he froze then came bolting in, I had to bark at him to stop.
A really easy text book shot as a single shot echoed through the night as the rooks in the rookery shouted their distasteful call, then silence again as mother nature returned to it's calm of peace and quiet in the night air.
Nothing beats being out in mother nature I telle.
A land owner was losing livestock and asked could I pop along and deal with this red devil
So I popped along at dusk and set up the Ile 234 on the trigger sticks with the NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops, also using the NiteSite Spotter for a change instead of the Night Pearl Thermal.
I watched hares and rabbit frolic, bats Fleat through the air, a barn owl water the field and deer quietly and gracefully meander about delicately feeding on the meadow grass.
I knew Charlie was about as I could hear vixens calling in the valley bottom NR the woodland.
Just then I spotted him on a direct route to the lambing shed, I gave a hare distress call on my hand he froze then came bolting in, I had to bark at him to stop.
A really easy text book shot as a single shot echoed through the night as the rooks in the rookery shouted their distasteful call, then silence again as mother nature returned to it's calm of peace and quiet in the night air.
Nothing beats being out in mother nature I telle.
Shooting Over My Dogs
What a wonderful afternoon spent working my dogs and shooting over them, I think they enjoyed it more than me.
Flushing game and vermin and using my old 20b I have not had out in a while on a really lovely sunny cold afternoon.
Finished off here flighting some pigeon on a flight line from a crop to the woods.
A really nice afternoon and now the dogs are snoring as they are tired out.
What a wonderful afternoon spent working my dogs and shooting over them, I think they enjoyed it more than me.
Flushing game and vermin and using my old 20b I have not had out in a while on a really lovely sunny cold afternoon.
Finished off here flighting some pigeon on a flight line from a crop to the woods.
A really nice afternoon and now the dogs are snoring as they are tired out.
The Playful Fox and The Cat
Last night I sat and watched a cat and a fox play together and follow each other and share a meal together.
Now I have seen this many times in different locations around the country whilst out on fox jobs etc.
I have seen foxes kill cats, I have seen cats fend off foxes, I have seen them hunting together and so much more.
I have even written an article on it in my Out Foxing Charlie series.
But last night seemed very different to other times.
Now the Tom Cat I know is from a building across the way, the fox looked like one of this years very big cubs.
As I sat there and watched this fox sat by my truck I was enchanted.
I opened the bedroom window and well tried to interact with it, first thing I noticed it didn't run away? It just sat there staring at me.
I tried a rabbit squeak nothing not interested, rat, vole, hare nothing, just sat there scratching his ear looking at me.
He seemed preoccupied looking down my car park, I thought he's waiting for another fox or maybe that Tom Cat that's been hanging about.
Yes entrance stage right said Tom Cat, the cat jumped on to the fox in a playful way, they both rolled around dancing with each other.
I must say I was very entertained as was Goose my cocker spaniel who wanted to join them for other reasons.
I think this fox and Cat are being fed together and the fox is most certainly not scared of humans.
Your thoughts here folks let me know what you think or do you have similar stories etc???
Last night I sat and watched a cat and a fox play together and follow each other and share a meal together.
Now I have seen this many times in different locations around the country whilst out on fox jobs etc.
I have seen foxes kill cats, I have seen cats fend off foxes, I have seen them hunting together and so much more.
I have even written an article on it in my Out Foxing Charlie series.
But last night seemed very different to other times.
Now the Tom Cat I know is from a building across the way, the fox looked like one of this years very big cubs.
As I sat there and watched this fox sat by my truck I was enchanted.
I opened the bedroom window and well tried to interact with it, first thing I noticed it didn't run away? It just sat there staring at me.
I tried a rabbit squeak nothing not interested, rat, vole, hare nothing, just sat there scratching his ear looking at me.
He seemed preoccupied looking down my car park, I thought he's waiting for another fox or maybe that Tom Cat that's been hanging about.
Yes entrance stage right said Tom Cat, the cat jumped on to the fox in a playful way, they both rolled around dancing with each other.
I must say I was very entertained as was Goose my cocker spaniel who wanted to join them for other reasons.
I think this fox and Cat are being fed together and the fox is most certainly not scared of humans.
Your thoughts here folks let me know what you think or do you have similar stories etc???
A Hunting Family
So many memories from a life spent in the field, especially with these two old reprobates, my Ole Dad and his brother Uncle Dave.
This one really stands out from being asked to deal with a vein and a game problem on a prestigious holiday camp in Devon in the closed season (winter).
We ferreted by day and shot by night for the rabbits, we worked our dogs the in the afternoons through the woodland land and their ark areas, we roost shoot pigeons.
We ate and drank like country kings back at the caravans when we were not out mooching.
Such Fond memories of a time spent with family.
So many memories from a life spent in the field, especially with these two old reprobates, my Ole Dad and his brother Uncle Dave.
This one really stands out from being asked to deal with a vein and a game problem on a prestigious holiday camp in Devon in the closed season (winter).
We ferreted by day and shot by night for the rabbits, we worked our dogs the in the afternoons through the woodland land and their ark areas, we roost shoot pigeons.
We ate and drank like country kings back at the caravans when we were not out mooching.
Such Fond memories of a time spent with family.
One thing I love is a spot of ratting with dog or air rifle, here a solo mission for an hour with my air rifle and NiteSite Viper produced this nice little bag.
Hunting By Day and By Night.
Country Sports never fails to make memories.
Here on a prestigious holiday camp in Devon.
Walther RM8 and a NiteSite combo at night for the rabbits and walked up rough shooting over our dogs in their woodlands.
What a wonderful time we had too.
Country Sports never fails to make memories.
Here on a prestigious holiday camp in Devon.
Walther RM8 and a NiteSite combo at night for the rabbits and walked up rough shooting over our dogs in their woodlands.
What a wonderful time we had too.
The Wetter The Weather The Better The Hunt.
It's been said you have to be a little crazy to be a wildfowler.
Nothing beats a good wind, a little rain in the air and the sound of wildfowl slipping air, paddles down coming to my calls.
This evening flight was no different, a brace of Green Heads (Mallard) my Ole dog retrieving them in fine style what a memory made.
I love all country sports but wildfowling has a special place in my heart right next to traditional ferreting
It's been said you have to be a little crazy to be a wildfowler.
Nothing beats a good wind, a little rain in the air and the sound of wildfowl slipping air, paddles down coming to my calls.
This evening flight was no different, a brace of Green Heads (Mallard) my Ole dog retrieving them in fine style what a memory made.
I love all country sports but wildfowling has a special place in my heart right next to traditional ferreting
Making Memories
It's a cold night.
But I gotta say the ole NiteSite Eagle Rtec on the 17hm really did the business tonight in some icy cold conditions.
Of course the nut behind the butt had a bit to do with it too.
It's a cold night.
But I gotta say the ole NiteSite Eagle Rtec on the 17hm really did the business tonight in some icy cold conditions.
Of course the nut behind the butt had a bit to do with it too.
A mixed Bag
Whilst out feeding my birds, I always carry a shotgun, over the years I have shot foxes NR my feeders and a multitude of vermin, pests and game.
This day was no difference, a brace of mallard that Goose my cocker spaniel flushed and retrieved from the river, then I drove to the top end of the shoot and bagged this brace of tree rats and a pigeon off my feeders.
Some fine eating there, harvested from Mother Nature's living larder.
Memories like this are not made sat in an armchair
Whilst out feeding my birds, I always carry a shotgun, over the years I have shot foxes NR my feeders and a multitude of vermin, pests and game.
This day was no difference, a brace of mallard that Goose my cocker spaniel flushed and retrieved from the river, then I drove to the top end of the shoot and bagged this brace of tree rats and a pigeon off my feeders.
Some fine eating there, harvested from Mother Nature's living larder.
Memories like this are not made sat in an armchair
Woodcock 1881
What a memory made.
One bird I really like to shoot and eat is the Woodcock, I only ever take a brace for my table.
Here taken over my spaniel using my circa 1881 Peterson's and Sons of Peterborough 16 Bore.
This made a fine meal to start off with followed by a roast partridge with all the trimmings.
There's something so special about shooting over your own dog with this traditional English old gun.
The Solo Mission
I still say to this day, I still have not come across a better NV unit than my NiteSite Eagle Dark Ops.
This just suits my style of night shooting, weather for rats, rabbits, foxes etc.
This solo mission really stands out in my memory for so many reasons, but most of all I harvested some fine fresh organic wild meat from Mother Nature's living larder nom nom nom.
What a memory made.
One bird I really like to shoot and eat is the Woodcock, I only ever take a brace for my table.
Here taken over my spaniel using my circa 1881 Peterson's and Sons of Peterborough 16 Bore.
This made a fine meal to start off with followed by a roast partridge with all the trimmings.
There's something so special about shooting over your own dog with this traditional English old gun.
The Solo Mission
I still say to this day, I still have not come across a better NV unit than my NiteSite Eagle Dark Ops.
This just suits my style of night shooting, weather for rats, rabbits, foxes etc.
This solo mission really stands out in my memory for so many reasons, but most of all I harvested some fine fresh organic wild meat from Mother Nature's living larder nom nom nom.
The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club
Monthly Breakfast Shoot.
It was blowing a hooley and raining sideways, this didn't dampen our enthusiasm or stop our Somerset Brethren and Guests enjoying a wonderful mornings clay busting at The Mendip Shooting Ground Somerset.
The day as always starts off with a Mighty Mendip Full English Breakfast washed down with a pint of fresh brewed tea or coffee.
Then out on the sporting layout for some clay busting.
Some of us are part of the clay target preservation society too lol.
After the shooting it's back to the club house for some jovial banter, coffee and cakes and to tot up the scores.
Why not come and join us, full details of all our events and how to become a member of The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club are on our website on the link below www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk
Monthly Breakfast Shoot.
It was blowing a hooley and raining sideways, this didn't dampen our enthusiasm or stop our Somerset Brethren and Guests enjoying a wonderful mornings clay busting at The Mendip Shooting Ground Somerset.
The day as always starts off with a Mighty Mendip Full English Breakfast washed down with a pint of fresh brewed tea or coffee.
Then out on the sporting layout for some clay busting.
Some of us are part of the clay target preservation society too lol.
After the shooting it's back to the club house for some jovial banter, coffee and cakes and to tot up the scores.
Why not come and join us, full details of all our events and how to become a member of The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club are on our website on the link below www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk
Gordano Lodge recently held a wonderful 3rd degree ceremony and held an Italian Banquet night as part of our culinary journey through Freemasonry Universal.
Read the full inspirational news story on the website link below.
Read the full inspirational news story on the website link below.
Christmas is coming and the Goose is getting fat.
Are you are looking for that perfect gift for your Countryman or Country Woman???!!!!
Here's an international Game Cook Book with real recipes from the international cooking and hunting world.
Then look no further, Home & Away is here and ready for book signing, as with all my game cookery books, this one is filled to the top of the pie lid with recipes from my travels around the world and here at home.
Something for everyone with a celebration of fresh wild game, ethically harvested game from Mother Natures living larder.
Why not treat yourself to the perfect food heaven cook book.
This book also includes a full game preparation section too.
This cook book is bringing wild game from field to fork, and cover both fur and feather and even fish.
I am rather proud of this one too.
Click on this website Author link heading for my book sales details.
We also celebrated St Hubert's Day in November, that's the patriate Saint of Hunting.
Are you are looking for that perfect gift for your Countryman or Country Woman???!!!!
Here's an international Game Cook Book with real recipes from the international cooking and hunting world.
Then look no further, Home & Away is here and ready for book signing, as with all my game cookery books, this one is filled to the top of the pie lid with recipes from my travels around the world and here at home.
Something for everyone with a celebration of fresh wild game, ethically harvested game from Mother Natures living larder.
Why not treat yourself to the perfect food heaven cook book.
This book also includes a full game preparation section too.
This cook book is bringing wild game from field to fork, and cover both fur and feather and even fish.
I am rather proud of this one too.
Click on this website Author link heading for my book sales details.
We also celebrated St Hubert's Day in November, that's the patriate Saint of Hunting.
Every Day Is A Blessing
People get depressed, down or low, (not me) I have always got a good PMA, some forget that every day is a blessing and tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
I actually deal a lot with mental health issues as The Armed Forces Covenant Officer for our local council, so I do know a little about what I am talking about here.
As I look out over Mother Nature today I thank god for all that I am and all that I have.
I have had some disappointing news in the last 24 hours, but understand it's god's will for some reason that's unknown to me yet, I had a holiday planned but alas the accommodation is wrecked with the latest bad weather, so as I say the lord must have other plans for me.
I am about to head into the hospital as I type for more tests and treatment for a few age related ailing's, this getting older lark does not come alone, as I always say, youth is wasted on te young.
I am not looking forward to this afternoon but understand things must be done to stay as healthy as I can.
So remember folks every day is a blessing on god's green earth.
People get depressed, down or low, (not me) I have always got a good PMA, some forget that every day is a blessing and tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
I actually deal a lot with mental health issues as The Armed Forces Covenant Officer for our local council, so I do know a little about what I am talking about here.
As I look out over Mother Nature today I thank god for all that I am and all that I have.
I have had some disappointing news in the last 24 hours, but understand it's god's will for some reason that's unknown to me yet, I had a holiday planned but alas the accommodation is wrecked with the latest bad weather, so as I say the lord must have other plans for me.
I am about to head into the hospital as I type for more tests and treatment for a few age related ailing's, this getting older lark does not come alone, as I always say, youth is wasted on te young.
I am not looking forward to this afternoon but understand things must be done to stay as healthy as I can.
So remember folks every day is a blessing on god's green earth.
NOEL” by J.R.R. Tolkien was written in 1936, but feels like it was written during the days of old for reading in one of the old Norse Stave churches.
This beautiful piece of poetry is a great blessing that warms the heart and touches the soul.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Grim was the world and grey last night.
The moon and stars were fled.
The hall was dark without song or light.
The fires were fallen dead.
The wind in the trees was like to the sea, and over the mountains’ teeth
It whistled bitter-cold and free.
As a sword leapt from its sheath.
The lord of snows up reared his head, his mantle long and pale
Upon the bitter blast was spread.
Hung o’er hill and dale.
The world was blind,
the boughs were bent, All ways and paths were wild.
Then the veil of cloud apart was rent, and here was born a Child.
The ancient dome of heaven sheer
Was pricked with distant light.
A star came shining white and clear
Alone above the night.
In the dale of dark in that hour of birth, One voice on a sudden sang.
Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth together at midnight rang.
Mary sang in this world below:
They heard her song arise.
O’er mist and over mountain snow
To the walls of Paradise, the tongue of many bells was stirred
in Heaven’s towers to ring.
When the voice of mortal maid was heard, that was mother of Heaven’s King.
Glad is the world and fair this night
With stars about its head, the hall is filled with laughter and light,
And fires are burning red.
The bells of Paradise now ring
With bells of Christendom, Gloria, Gloria we will sing.
That God on earth has come this night.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge a line or email us at [email protected]
or click on the website link below www.somersetfreemasons.org
This beautiful piece of poetry is a great blessing that warms the heart and touches the soul.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Grim was the world and grey last night.
The moon and stars were fled.
The hall was dark without song or light.
The fires were fallen dead.
The wind in the trees was like to the sea, and over the mountains’ teeth
It whistled bitter-cold and free.
As a sword leapt from its sheath.
The lord of snows up reared his head, his mantle long and pale
Upon the bitter blast was spread.
Hung o’er hill and dale.
The world was blind,
the boughs were bent, All ways and paths were wild.
Then the veil of cloud apart was rent, and here was born a Child.
The ancient dome of heaven sheer
Was pricked with distant light.
A star came shining white and clear
Alone above the night.
In the dale of dark in that hour of birth, One voice on a sudden sang.
Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth together at midnight rang.
Mary sang in this world below:
They heard her song arise.
O’er mist and over mountain snow
To the walls of Paradise, the tongue of many bells was stirred
in Heaven’s towers to ring.
When the voice of mortal maid was heard, that was mother of Heaven’s King.
Glad is the world and fair this night
With stars about its head, the hall is filled with laughter and light,
And fires are burning red.
The bells of Paradise now ring
With bells of Christendom, Gloria, Gloria we will sing.
That God on earth has come this night.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge a line or email us at [email protected]
or click on the website link below www.somersetfreemasons.org
I hope you have enjoyed my latest humbles scribbles of an old Countryman with his trusty hound by his side.
All that's left to say is I wish one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
I will see you all on the other side in 2026 for some more wonderful adventures together.
All that's left to say is I wish one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
I will see you all on the other side in 2026 for some more wonderful adventures together.
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