EDitorial ± 21-Oct-2003

Know Any History?

You may be aware that Broom Acres is situated in Broom Hill Road, a cul-de-sac off the unstoppable Norwich Road. What's more, over the pedestrian crossing there's a row of shops bookended by two pubs, the Inkerman and the Emperor. One of these emporia, the Pasta Place — still going strong after more than 18 months, thanks to young Reg — stands on the corner of Brook's Hall Road.

So far, so factual. Here's another: the newly minted Ipswich Association Football Club, formed 1878, played their early games at two sites: Broom Hill and Brook's Hall.

As the men with fine moustaches and long shorts demonstrated their dribbling prowess, terraced houses were sprouting up the length of Brook's Hall Road. Walk up the road, as I often do, sometimes sprinting to catch up with the offspring on their bikes, look up, and you can't help but notice the plaques that give the name (and year) of each property.

What say we learn some stuff, dear readers, about the origin of these Victorian names?

 
Rosebery Villas

Rosebery Villas
There's also a Rosebery Road on the other side of town, home to Bob's my uncle, so presumably a big name. Archibald Primrose was, briefly, the British prime minister. Taking over from Gladstone as head of the Liberals, he lasted from March 1894 to June 1895 before happily resigning. Fifth earl of Rosebery, BTW.

Benhall Villas, 1888
Er, dunno. Maybe a reference to Benhall (street or green) in Suffolk?

 
Benhall Villas

Salisbury Villas
Another PM, Robert Cecil, aka the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, was in number ten no less than three times, both before and after old Primrose. He succeeded Disraeli (who doesn't merit a plaque) as big chief Tory, but was apparently clever, tolerant and practical. Can he fix it? Yes he can!

Cleveland Villas, 1881
Thought I was being smart in thinking this was none other than Grover Cleveland, twice US president. Thing is, he didn't get elected until 1885. Could be in honour of one John Cleveland, the 17th century metaphysical poet, though seems unlikely.

 
Cleveland Villas

Alexandrina House, 1881
Know this one? Sounds vaguely Egyptian? Alexandrina was better known as Victoria, empress of India and wife to one Prince Albert. Yep, her first name had no fewer than eleven letters.

Phew, enough with the education. What do you think the chances are that they'll be building Blair Villas and Major Cottage in a century's time?

Be seeing you!

Ed

EDitorial ± 13-Oct-2003

Quite A Relaxing Time

This just in – another clipping from your local news machine:

Local family claim to have had "quite a relaxing time"

Quality time achieved despite odds

What could have been a tiresome and frustrating day out turned unexpectedly into a rather pleasant Sunday yesterday for a local family-of-five.
      Three-year-old Theo was taken to the cinema for the very first time by his parents. Accompanied by his much more experienced film-going older sisters, the family pre-booked for a late morning showing of Finding Nemo at the UGC.

 
Wet, he was a star
One of the stars of the "hit" film, Finding Nemo

      Anticipating much fidgeting and chattering, Ed Broom, 37, took his son to the gents five minutes before the start of the film. Mr Broom, an IT engineer, said: "I really thought that the boy would not be able to concentrate for the full 90 minutes, but he did remarkably well."
      While his sisters Ella, 8, and Rose, 6, kept their eyes glued to the big screen throughout, Theo insisted on one more toilet trip after three-quarters of an hour. Mr Broom added: "We missed no more than five minutes, I'd say. Apparently there was a shoal of fish that rearranged itself in amusing ways, but I'll catch up with that bit when the video comes out."
"All in all, we had quite a relaxing time"
Gail Broom, mother-of-three

      There was a brief moment of tension when Theo asked "Can we go home now?", but fortunately the film was nearing the end and Gail Broom, 36, had a handful of sweets left to placate the lad.
      Asked for his thoughts on the film, Theo said: "I like the shark. Where's the shark"? Failing to come up with a suitable answer, Mr and Mrs Broom herded the children to the nearby Pizza Express.
      This second excursion also went smoothly, so much so that Mrs Broom was heard to remark to the family: "Well, this is nice." Given the success of the day, it is reported that the Brooms may be planning a further trip, perhaps for Looney Tunes: Back In Action.
      If readers can help Theo with the location of Bruce, the scary shark, please write in.

EDitorial ± 6-Oct-2003

Now We Are Three

What you know and love as the weekly EDitorial (or what Dave Miller on the guestbook pins down as my "inane ramblings") began in the first week of October three long years ago with glistening horse chestnuts and rhyming words.

Some have suggested that that should have been an end to it. Cue Viv & Neil with another equally penetrating observation:

The only thing that ever interests me...
Is me!
— I'm Bored, Bonzo Dog Band

Enough with the verbiage - let's run an ad:

Felixstowe prom, tiddly-pom, on a bracing Saturday afternoon

To those who occasionally pop along or who wander in through the ill-fitting door courtesy of a poorly executed Google search - thank you. I don't think of you so much as a readership, more as a browsing coracle.

Be seeing you!

Ed