Place: Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire.

Rudyard Lake is a beautiful reservoir in the village of Rudyard, in Staffordshire. Staffordshire itself is a beautiful place, and I firmly disagree with it being named as one of the worst counties in England back in 2003. It is home to beautiful scenery and places, but I shall save the defending of Staffordshire for unsuspecting people on the bus to town, and let you see for yourself.

The construction of Rudyard Lake was authorised in 1797, it's purpose to feed the Caldon Canal. In 1829, a railway track was built, with two stations at each end of the lake. It was part of the line going from Manchester to Uttoxeter. Soon after, Rudyard Lake became a popular tourist destination.

Alice Macdonald and John Lockwood Kipling met at Rudyard Lake in 1863, and eventually married. They loved Rudyard Lake, and when their first child was born they named him after the lake. Rudyard Kipling went on to become one of the most famous British writers.

Rudyard Lake is beautiful, to say the least. It's something that certainly doesn't come to my mind when I think of walks; as a lazy person it still shocks me that every time I go I think the same thing. What is it? It's fun. You don't just have to walk, you can hire a boat and sail up the lake.

Alternatively, you can sit and watch the people trying to sail up the lake but managing to go backwards instead which is always funny.

Rudyard lake, taken on a trip on a rarely warm day in summer.

A truly beautiful place. Well worth a visit.

For a proper description of Rudyard, visit:
www.rudyardlake.com

Armistice day/Remembrance day.

On the 11th of November 1918, the Armistice was signed and the first world war came to an end.
On the 11th of November, a two minute silence took place, commemorating all those lost to war.

I really wish I could say something properly about it, but I can't. I can't imagine what it must be like to receive a letter telling you that your child, relative, partner, parent or friend isn't coming home. I can't begin to imagine how hard, how painful that must be; the only thing I can do is pay my respects to the brave men and women killed, and friends and family of the dead. I am truly sorry to anyone who has lost someone to war.

We will remember them.

Book: The Catcher in the Rye.

I knew this would come at some point, for what teenager can (attempt) to blog about literature without mentioning The Catcher in the Rye? It is the epitome of teenage angst and sexuality, with a protagonist many people can relate to. It was published in 1951 and was written by J.D. Salinger. It is told from the point of view of Holden Caulfield, a 16 year old boy born into a wealthy family. He looks down upon his wealthy background, and the book tells of his days after he is excluded from Pencey prep. Please note, this post contains spoilers.

He encounters many people along the way, including a prostitute named Sunny. After seeing Sunny, he decides he just wants to talk and ends up being beaten by her pimp after refusing to pay more than the amount they had agreed on. The book continues to describe his days, during which he is rather lonely and often drunk. Further into the book, he tells his sister that he pictures himself as "a catcher in the rye" (Hence the books title). He pictures himself guarding a group of children in a rye field on the edge of a cliff; his job is to catch the children if they wander too close to the edge.

The Catcher in the Rye is interpreted differently by many people, and in my opinion I see him as depressed, possibly because he is not over his brother Allie's death. I believe that if a child were to fall off the cliff, it would become an adult and lose it's innocence, which is what Holden is trying to prevent.

The book was heavily criticised for it's vulgar language, sexual references and blasphemy. It became one of the most censored books in the US and went on to become one of the most taught books in schools. Many murders have been associated with the novel, including that of John Lennon, as his killer Mark David Chapman was arrested with a copy of the book. Since then, however, it has been listed as one of the best books of the 20th Century, and received praise from many people, such as New York Times critic Nash K Burger.

My copy, swiped from my parents bookshelf.

I recommend this book to everyone, as it truly is a brilliant tale. It is a story that deals with angst, loneliness, identity and belonging and is told in a way that allows people, especially teenagers, to relate.

Thoughts on the remake of All Quiet on the Western Front.

As you may or may not have heard, it has been announced that there will be a remake of All Quiet on the Western Front coming out in a few years. I found this out last night, and I thought the idea was utterly ridiculous. I think re-making such an iconic film would be a waste, as I sincerely doubt it will live up to the 1930's film, based on the novel by Erich Remarque. Perhaps I am just biased.

Daniel Radcliffe is playing Paul. Yes, Harry Potter Daniel Radcliffe. In my mind, the only person who can truly play Paul well is the exceptionally handsome Lew Ayres. He was believable and passionate, whereas I'm not sure Daniel Radcliffe will be. Sorry mate.

Poet: Wilfred Owen.

Name: Wilfred Edward Salter Owen.

Wilfred Owen.

Born: 18 March 1893, Oswestry, Shropshire. 
Died: 4 November 1918, Sambre-Oise Canal, France.


Wilfred Owen is widely accepted as one of the leading poets of the first world war, and my idol, if you like. He is most famous for his war poetry, portraying the horrors of war. He had been writing poetry long before the war, and was influenced by John Keats and P.B Shelley. 
When he was diagnosed with shell shock, he was sent to Craiglockhart (war hospital), and there he met Siegfried Sassoon. He was greatly influenced by Siegfried Sassoon, and this shows in some of his most famous poetry, such as "Anthem for Doomed Youth". 


My thoughts: As you may have guessed, Wilfred Owen is my favourite poet. His poetry allows us to see what it was really like for a young man in the trenches, and how horrifying it was. The shocking, and often alarming images shown in his poetry make the reader think, and realise how horrendous it was for the soldiers of the great war. 


From his description of a man being killed by gas:
Gas! GAS! Quick, boys! – An ecstasy of fumbling,

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime . . .
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
-Taken from "Dulce et Decorum Est".


To his account of a lonely man, disabled by war: 
Some cheered him home, but not as crowds cheer Goal.
Only a solemn man who brought him fruits
Thanked him; and then inquired about his soul.
Now, he will spend a few sick years in Institutes,
And do what things the rules consider wise,
And take whatever pity they may dole.
To-night he noticed how the women's eyes
Passed from him to the strong men that were whole.
How cold and late it is! Why don't they come
And put him into bed? Why don't they come?
-Taken from "Disabled".


Wilfred Owen is truly a fantastic poet, and if you haven't already, I recommend reading his poetry.
I usually carry a book of his poetry around with me, particularly on the days we are told to read during form (registration) at school. Most good book stores will have a section on war poetry. 

'Ayup'.

My name is Rosilind.
I'm from Leeds.
I am 14 years old, and I love books, films, photography and military history.
And Wilfred Owen.
I'm going to review and recommend art and literature as best as I can.
This is my blog.