John Welford
Bio
I am a retired librarian, having spent most of my career in academic and industrial libraries.
I write on a number of subjects and also write stories as a member of the "Hinckley Scribblers".
Stories (501/0)
Gratian, Emperor of Rome
During the later history of the Roman Empire the top job became too much for one man to handle, with the result that the Empire was governed at various times by two or more Emperors. Gratian, who reigned from 375 to 383, was one of many such joint Emperors.
By John Welford3 years ago in FYI
For and against the 97% consensus on climate change
Climate sceptics are fond of challenging the oft-vaunted claim that 97% of climate scientists agree that current global warming is largely caused by mankind – the word commonly used is “anthropogenic”. So can that 97% figure be justified? Do the sceptics have a point?
By John Welford3 years ago in Earth
British village life in crisis
Many areas of rural Britain are in crisis in the 2020s, with village communities in decay as the demographic balance shifts in the wrong direction. Village schools, shops, pubs and post offices are closing and transport links are being cut.
By John Welford3 years ago in Wander
Valentine's Day at the Macbeths
Breakfast at Glamis Castle, home of Lord and Lady (soon to be King and Queen) Macbeth was never a particularly jolly affair. Apart from the appalling draughts that blew down the length of the dining room through all the ill-fitting windows, there was the recurring problem of the awkward questions that flew across the breakfast table between the castle’s chief occupants.
By John Welford3 years ago in Fiction
Tom Paine, philosopher of revolution
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) is a somewhat controversial historical character, particularly when he is regarded from a British perspective. He was British by birth and upbringing, but spent much of life beyond its shores in support of causes that were not in Britain’s interests.
By John Welford3 years ago in FYI
The preventive conservation of antiques
Old things, just like old people, need looking after if they are to survive. Objects that have lasted for centuries may not last much longer if they are not treated with care and respect and protected from the threats that can cause damage.
By John Welford3 years ago in Lifehack
Eight tips for visiting British castles
Tip 1 Join English Heritage and The National Trust. Between them, and their sister organisations, they look after a large number of castles in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, as well as many other historical buildings and places of scenic beauty. An annual membership grants free entry to most of their properties, and other benefits. You can join when you visit your first castle, or online. However, there are also castles that are privately owned and are therefore either not open at all, or are not covered by the above memberships. Some castles, such as Windsor which is a royal residence, only allow public access to part of the site.
By John Welford3 years ago in Wander
Clement Attlee, UK Prime Minister
Clement Attlee was the first British Labour Prime Minister to have an overall majority in the House of Commons. His two governments, from 1945 to 1951, saw the creation of the National Health Service and major strides forward in the creation of the welfare state.
By John Welford3 years ago in The Swamp
Tips for becoming a better listener
These tips are offered by me as someone who was trained as a Samaritans volunteer (“To Befriend the Suicidal and Despairing”) a number of years ago but who has not been an active volunteer for some time. However, the art of listening, once acquired, is not easily lost, and I hope that the following will be of some use to anyone who finds themselves in the situation of being a sounding-board for a friend or relative (or even a complete stranger) whose world has fallen apart for one reason or another.
By John Welford3 years ago in Psyche