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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
15/02/2021
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Why has Rhymes off the cuff become almost a nonentity unless you have the patience to search forever I has bee one of the major Forums for 15 years and now lost in the dust
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Dominic Hayhoe Administrator Posts: 1356
15/02/2021
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https://www.forcesreunited.co.uk/forum/topic7878-rhymes-off-the-cuff.aspx
dennis shrubshall wrote:
Why has Rhymes off the cuff become almost a nonentity unless you have the patience to search forever I has bee one of the major Forums for 15 years and now lost in the dust
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
15/02/2021
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Thank you Dominic Bookmarked
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
26/08/2021
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Clovelly
There’s a lovely little village
On the north coast of Devon
That stands out in my memory
For it’s quaint and it’s historic
A never changing example
Still there for everyone to see
Old cottages and shops
In a setting of great beauty
Evidence of many a bygone era
Carefully managed as a Civic duty
As you stand 400 feet high on the hill top
And the Sea comes into view
Down an ancient cobbled causeway
That you’ll soon be walking through
It’s downwards ever downwards
O’er the steps and slopes you travel
Passing all the antiquated shops and buildings
And your puzzled thoughts un-ravel
In wonderment at the way this village
Has stood the tests of time
To transport goods and chattels
To this Devon heritage sublime
Where conventional vehicles are forbidden
And only sledges are used
Which mystifies many of the visitors
Leaving some of them confused
All done to preserve the cobbled slopes
That to the 16th Century date
The value of this part of Devon’s history
Is difficult to estimate
There’s a sleepy little harbour
Boats hustling to & fro’
Mostly powered my diesel engines
But still some the stalwarts row
Fishermen still ply their trade today
On the quay with their catch or mending the nets
Ever conscious of the visitors eyes
Or perils of the Sea without regrets
There are Cream Teas or Sea Food on offer
Or a Sandwich with a beer or two
In a perfectly placed Hotel on the Quayside
Attracting customers as they’re passing through
Dickens, Kingsley and Turner
Just a few of the names from the past
All fell for the charm of Clovelley
Where the hands of time never seem to run fast
And when you have seen all the sights there
It’s time to return to the real world once more
You’re faced with a mountainous half mile climb
Which you’ll find is no mean chore
In the past the only transport was by Donkey
Now pensioned off as things of the past
And you can now return by Landrover
Less tiring and twice as fast
But I’m sure that after your visit
You will often turn over in your mind
The places you’ve visited over the years
Tho’ not many as quaint you will find
And as you leave the delights of this north Devon village
And the thoughts on your visit you’ve reviewed
Drive south just a little further into Cornwall
To the nice sandy beaches of Bude.,
Dennis Shrubshall 16th October 2010
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond Posts: 4673
26/08/2021
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dennis shrubshall wrote:
Clovelly
There’s a lovely little village
On the north coast of Devon
That stands out in my memory
For it’s quaint and it’s historic
A never changing example
Still there for everyone to see
Old cottages and shops
In a setting of great beauty
Evidence of many a bygone era
Carefully managed as a Civic duty
As you stand 400 feet high on the hill top
And the Sea comes into view
Down an ancient cobbled causeway
That you’ll soon be walking through
It’s downwards ever downwards
O’er the steps and slopes you travel
Passing all the antiquated shops and buildings
And your puzzled thoughts un-ravel
In wonderment at the way this village
Has stood the tests of time
To transport goods and chattels
To this Devon heritage sublime
Where conventional vehicles are forbidden
And only sledges are used
Which mystifies many of the visitors
Leaving some of them confused
All done to preserve the cobbled slopes
That to the 16th Century date
The value of this part of Devon’s history
Is difficult to estimate
There’s a sleepy little harbour
Boats hustling to & fro’
Mostly powered my diesel engines
But still some the stalwarts row
Fishermen still ply their trade today
On the quay with their catch or mending the nets
Ever conscious of the visitors eyes
Or perils of the Sea without regrets
There are Cream Teas or Sea Food on offer
Or a Sandwich with a beer or two
In a perfectly placed Hotel on the Quayside
Attracting customers as they’re passing through
Dickens, Kingsley and Turner
Just a few of the names from the past
All fell for the charm of Clovelley
Where the hands of time never seem to run fast
And when you have seen all the sights there
It’s time to return to the real world once more
You’re faced with a mountainous half mile climb
Which you’ll find is no mean chore
In the past the only transport was by Donkey
Now pensioned off as things of the past
And you can now return by Landrover
Less tiring and twice as fast
But I’m sure that after your visit
You will often turn over in your mind
The places you’ve visited over the years
Tho’ not many as quaint you will find
And as you leave the delights of this north Devon village
And the thoughts on your visit you’ve reviewed
Drive south just a little further into Cornwall
To the nice sandy beaches of Bude.,
Dennis Shrubshall 16th October 2010
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond Posts: 4673
26/08/2021
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Hello Shrubby, thank you for this. I haven't been able to keep track of everything on here for a few days because everything has been screwed up. Always love and appreciate everything you send. Love Kim x
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Cristian Cristreid Posts: 1
26/08/2021
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond wrote:
dennis shrubshall wrote:
Clovelly
There’s a lovely little village
On the north coast of Devon
That stands out in my memory
For it’s quaint and it’s historic
A never changing example
Still there for everyone to see
Old cottages and shops
In a setting of great beauty
Evidence of many a bygone era
Carefully managed as a Civic duty
As you stand 400 feet high on the hill top
And the Sea comes into view
Down an ancient cobbled causeway
That you’ll soon be walking through
It’s downwards ever downwards
O’er the steps and slopes you travel
Passing all the antiquated shops and buildings
And your puzzled thoughts un-ravel
In wonderment at the way this village
Has stood the tests of time
To transport goods and chattels
To this Devon heritage sublime
Where conventional vehicles are forbidden
And only sledges are used
Which mystifies many of the visitors
Leaving some of them confused
All done to preserve the cobbled slopes
That to the 16th Century date
The value of this part of Devon’s history
Is difficult to estimate
There’s a sleepy little harbour
Boats hustling to & fro’
Mostly powered my diesel engines
But still some the stalwarts row
Fishermen still ply their trade today
On the quay with their catch or mending the nets
Ever conscious of the visitors eyes
Or perils of the Sea without regrets
There are Cream Teas or Sea Food on offer
Or a Sandwich with a beer or two
In a perfectly placed Hotel on the Quayside
Attracting customers as they’re passing through
Dickens, Kingsley and Turner
Just a few of the names from the past
All fell for the charm of Clovelley
Where the hands of time never seem to run fast
And when you have seen all the sights there
It’s time to return to the real world once more
You’re faced with a mountainous half mile climb
Which you’ll find is no mean chore
In the past the only transport was by Donkey
Now pensioned off as things of the past
And you can now return by Landrover
Less tiring and twice as fast
But I’m sure that after your visit
You will often turn over in your mind
The places you’ve visited over the years
Tho’ not many as quaint you will find
And as you leave the delights of this north Devon village
And the thoughts on your visit you’ve reviewed
Drive south just a little further into Cornwall
To the nice sandy beaches of Bude.,
Dennis Shrubshall 16th October 2010
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
28/08/2021
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Are you growing old
When you wake up in the morning
Do you turn over once or twice
Just to clear your head a bit
Or was sleep just Paradise
Is the Sun too bright on the window
As you look through bleary eyes
Or when you stand are you feeling dizzy
It may be then you realise
That age is catching up with you
Things just don’t seem the same
When you can’t climb into the bath
On what do you lay the blame
And when the shower is running
You suddenly drop the soap
While holding on to the safety rail
To retrieve it you have no hope
So you have to make do with the shower Gel
But be careful not to spill on the shower mat
‘cos your feet might suddenly lose their grip
And on the floor of the bath you’ll be sat
If they say you're growing older
Well maybe that's O K
Do you put your teeth in a glass at night
And wear them during the day
Is your hair still bright and Golden
Or is that now 50 shades of grey
And do you tell the others around you
You like your life that way
It may well be that your knees complain
When you try to take a walk
Or you may have difficulty hearing
When others care to talk
Do you dip you biscuits in your Tea
To make them easy to swallow
And a bowl of Soup and dippy bread for Lunch
With a Strawberry yoghurt to follow
Then it’s time for your afternoon nap
The old fashioned forty winks
They used to say to re-charge your batteries
But their warranty is running out methinks
Then after some bread and jam for Tea
And a nice piece of soft sponge cake
It’s time for a couple of hours T V
Before the night time Cocoa they make
Preceded of course by a wee dram of Scotch
Or for Maritime men a tot of Nelson’s blood
Always used for medicinal purposes
Or so I always understood
So now it’s time to climb the stairs once more
The solace of sleep to seek
Just at the time of day that you think
You’ve only just reached your peak
Or was it the effect of the night-cap
That new life flowed into your veins
Completely relieving your troubles
And most of your aches and pains
So it’s on with your “jammies” and into bed
And on the pillow your head you place
Then suddenly a last trip to the bathroom
Or wake up in the morning in disgrace
For some may say it’s the passage of time
Others just gain maturity I’m told
Enjoy every day as tho’ it was your last
That’s the benefit of “Growing Old”
Dennis Shrubshall 24th November 2013
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
29/08/2021
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Lincoln Castle
Here’s a part of England
That people seldom see
Dating back to the Roman times
A site of unusual antiquity
Built by William the Conqueror
On the site of an old Roman stronghold
Located 200 feet above the surrounding area
Giving potential views to behold
This was but one of several built at the time
In the Midlands and the North
For William discovered opposition from Scandinavian settlers
And the castles were his security henceforth
In later years Lincoln prison was built
And a Governor’s house built there too
With a single storey Prisoners Chapel
Which the Governor could walk through
The debtors that were interned there
Were in total isolation
Even the seats in the Chapel were single
So the Priest could only see him during conversation
Also used for public hangings
But all these things were in the past
No formal use does it function
But to serve as a lsietd Building
A reminder of the past history at this junction
Dennis Shrubshall 29th August 2021
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
30/08/2021
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Bakewell
A Market Town in the Derbyshire Dales
It seems is the place to be
Somewhere to forget your worries
And spend leisure time in tranquillity
Sitting here by the River
With water gently flowing by
Surrounded by trees in blossom
And a slightly threatening Sky
The name is derived from Anglo Saxon times
Badecanwelle a maiden of that time
And King Edward held some land here
As stated in the Domesday Book
Amongst other items sublime
The 9th Century Church stayed a listed 1 building
But in the 1840’s by William Flockton was rebuilt
Having a Castle with a Moat and 2 Priests
And Terrorists pilfered the Church funds
With the Canon of Lichfield bearing the Guilt
A Market was established in 1254
A Grade 1 listed 5 arched bridge over the River Wye
Lumford Mill was built by Richard Arkwright
Employing 300 persons at it’s peak in times gone by
Although locally well known for Bakewell Puddings
Known Nationally for their Bakewell Tart
The only difference is not with the contents
But the pastry which keeps them apart
Dennis Shrubshall 30th August 2021
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
04/09/2021
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Soldier in thought.
How does one interpret
The scene shown up above
The Soldier kneeling on the Union Flag
Surrounded by birds of love
He seems to be knelt in respite
Perhaps to clear a troubled mind
Memories of battles recently fought
And the comrades he may have left behind
Who’ve paid the Supreme Sacrifice
That all Military men face
Fight to the last man standing are orders
Given no time or place
For their task is to safeguard the lives of others
From Terrorists or maybe a Coups de’tat
Their services always needed Worldwide
Maybe a local disturbance or some foreign land afar
Let’s hope he gets the Peace he seeks
As he kneels in the evening air
For many seek comfort in solitude
As they offer up a Silent Prayer
Dennis Shrubshall 3rd September 2021
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
11/09/2021
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“Tear Drop” Memorial
I remember that dreadful day so well
As I was driving at leisure
The news came over the Radio
Taking away the thoughts of afternoon pleasure
The World was united in condolence
Grim faces and most people cried
For in this dastardly act of Terrorism
Thousands of people had died
Fatalities from all walks of life
And the Emergency Services too
Making the Supreme Sacrifice
Sadly part of the Career they chose to do
As part of a permanent Memorial
To show how the Nations feel
The bow of the U S S New york was forged
From7.5 tons of the Twin Towers salvaged steel
I know there are many memorials
But today for the first time I’ve seen
The 100 foot tall “Tear Drop” Memorial from Russia
Depicting 2 towers with a giant Tear Drop” between
It stands across from New York City In New Jersey
At a site in Bayonne by the Statue of Liberty I understand
Donated by the people of Russia to U S A
In memory of all people that lost their lives from across that land
Dernnis Shrubshall 11th September 2021.
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
12/09/2021
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Chesil Beach.
This could be an aerial photograph
A beautiful scene so grand
But it might have caught the eye of a photographer
On the adjacent Isle of Portland
The beach stretches as far as the eye can see
An example of Nature’s skill
A huge bank of continually washed stone
A venue which gives Sea Anglers a thrill
Adjoining the Island of Portland
Forming an Idyllic Sea Water fleet behind
Another scene of ranquillity
Where peace you will always find
For it stretches for miles to Abbotsbury and beyond
With lots of interest along the way
People sailing or Mullet net fishing
Or even Marine Commandos Exercising in the Bay
If you are ashore at Abbotsbury
The finest Swannery I’ve ever seen
Birds of all ages and sizes
With ever their feathers to preen
And if you’re down by the water
When the keepers make their feeding time call
You’ll see hundreds of swans flying or swimming on the Fleet
And make sure there’s enough food for all
So it’s back to Chesil Beach now
With a few anglers spread about
All ready to leave with their catch of Mackerel
So it will be Fish for supper no doubt.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th September 2021
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond Posts: 4673
13/09/2021
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dennis shrubshall wrote:
Chesil Beach.
This could be an aerial photograph
A beautiful scene so grand
But it might have caught the eye of a photographer
On the adjacent Isle of Portland
The beach stretches as far as the eye can see
An example of Nature’s skill
A huge bank of continually washed stone
A venue which gives Sea Anglers a thrill
Adjoining the Island of Portland
Forming an Idyllic Sea Water fleet behind
Another scene of ranquillity
Where peace you will always find
For it stretches for miles to Abbotsbury and beyond
With lots of interest along the way
People sailing or Mullet net fishing
Or even Marine Commandos Exercising in the Bay
If you are ashore at Abbotsbury
The finest Swannery I’ve ever seen
Birds of all ages and sizes
With ever their feathers to preen
And if you’re down by the water
When the keepers make their feeding time call
You’ll see hundreds of swans flying or swimming on the Fleet
And make sure there’s enough food for all
So it’s back to Chesil Beach now
With a few anglers spread about
All ready to leave with their catch of Mackerel
So it will be Fish for supper no doubt.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th September 2021
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond Posts: 4673
13/09/2021
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond wrote:
dennis shrubshall wrote:
Chesil Beach.
This could be an aerial photograph
A beautiful scene so grand
But it might have caught the eye of a photographer
On the adjacent Isle of Portland
The beach stretches as far as the eye can see
An example of Nature’s skill
A huge bank of continually washed stone
A venue which gives Sea Anglers a thrill
Adjoining the Island of Portland
Forming an Idyllic Sea Water fleet behind
Another scene of ranquillity
Where peace you will always find
For it stretches for miles to Abbotsbury and beyond
With lots of interest along the way
People sailing or Mullet net fishing
Or even Marine Commandos Exercising in the Bay
If you are ashore at Abbotsbury
The finest Swannery I’ve ever seen
Birds of all ages and sizes
With ever their feathers to preen
And if you’re down by the water
When the keepers make their feeding time call
You’ll see hundreds of swans flying or swimming on the Fleet
And make sure there’s enough food for all
So it’s back to Chesil Beach now
With a few anglers spread about
All ready to leave with their catch of Mackerel
So it will be Fish for supper no doubt.
Dennis Shrubshall 12th September 2021
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond Posts: 4673
13/09/2021
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dennis shrubshall wrote:
Clovelly
There’s a lovely little village
On the north coast of Devon
That stands out in my memory
For it’s quaint and it’s historic
A never changing example
Still there for everyone to see
Old cottages and shops
In a setting of great beauty
Evidence of many a bygone era
Carefully managed as a Civic duty
As you stand 400 feet high on the hill top
And the Sea comes into view
Down an ancient cobbled causeway
That you’ll soon be walking through
It’s downwards ever downwards
O’er the steps and slopes you travel
Passing all the antiquated shops and buildings
And your puzzled thoughts un-ravel
In wonderment at the way this village
Has stood the tests of time
To transport goods and chattels
To this Devon heritage sublime
Where conventional vehicles are forbidden
And only sledges are used
Which mystifies many of the visitors
Leaving some of them confused
All done to preserve the cobbled slopes
That to the 16th Century date
The value of this part of Devon’s history
Is difficult to estimate
There’s a sleepy little harbour
Boats hustling to & fro’
Mostly powered my diesel engines
But still some the stalwarts row
Fishermen still ply their trade today
On the quay with their catch or mending the nets
Ever conscious of the visitors eyes
Or perils of the Sea without regrets
There are Cream Teas or Sea Food on offer
Or a Sandwich with a beer or two
In a perfectly placed Hotel on the Quayside
Attracting customers as they’re passing through
Dickens, Kingsley and Turner
Just a few of the names from the past
All fell for the charm of Clovelley
Where the hands of time never seem to run fast
And when you have seen all the sights there
It’s time to return to the real world once more
You’re faced with a mountainous half mile climb
Which you’ll find is no mean chore
In the past the only transport was by Donkey
Now pensioned off as things of the past
And you can now return by Landrover
Less tiring and twice as fast
But I’m sure that after your visit
You will often turn over in your mind
The places you’ve visited over the years
Tho’ not many as quaint you will find
And as you leave the delights of this north Devon village
And the thoughts on your visit you’ve reviewed
Drive south just a little further into Cornwall
To the nice sandy beaches of Bude.,
Dennis Shrubshall 16th October 2010
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Rosemary (Kim) Dimond Posts: 4673
13/09/2021
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Hello Shrubby, thank you for this and all the other lovely poems you have posted that I have missed. Been having problems logging in and then more problems trying to reply. Thanks again, love Kim x
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
18/09/2021
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Battle of Britain
This is a subject close to my heart
As often back to my childhood I creep
Remembering the Luftwaffe Bombers
Flying overhead whilst I tried to sleep
For me their target was London
Or many small towns on the way
Creating death and destruction
That it’s hard to think of today
But I remember soon after the raid siren sounded
The Spitfires were in the skies overhead
Chasing the enemy bombers for combat
As they quickly unloaded their bomb load and fled
At low level down the course of the river
Escaping the Searchlights and heavy AckAck
And the Spitfires closely behind them
To prevent them to Germany ever getting back
The Spitfire crews were speedily trained
Including those from Poland and Canada too
All combined to make a maxin for that speech
“Never has so much been owed by so many to so few”
They battled on again outstanding odds
But Goering realised the Battle for Britain had cost
Mainly due to the skill courage of the R A F Spitfire pilots
When nearly 2,000 German aircraft were lost
Their actions took away the threat of Invasion
But sadly many R A F pilots paid the price
Which is why they must never be forgotten
Having made their own Supreme Sacrifice
Dennis Shrubshall 18th September 2021
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
23/09/2021
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The Cost of Freedom
Seeing the picture above made me think
An Image that rings so true
How many people sit back and think
Of the cost of freedom for the likes of me and you
Seldom in the thoughts of many
As they go about their daily routine
Concentrating of affairs at the Office
Or for ladies the housework and washing machines
But the facts are Oh! so blatant
That the freedom that we’ve all enjoyed
Was fought for and gained by the Military
That the Government readily employed
To carry out the daunting task
To protect the country from oppression
Fighting Dictatorial Forces
Rejecting any thoughts of their possession
Bur sadly in such operations
Many young lives were lost
Those who made the Supreme Sacrifice
Their tomorrow’s paid our Freedom’s cost
Dennis Shrubshall 17th May 2021
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dennis shrubshall Posts: 1541
23/09/2021
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The Life Man
As my Service Life comes to a close
It brings forth a couple of tears
Where have they suddenly vanished
Those days in 22 years
I remember well the day I joined
The Service of my choice
The forbidding sight of the Guardroom
The volume of the Sergeant’s voice
We were taken in hand by our Guardian
To instruct us on Service Life
Of the way to properly make our bed
Then lay out Kit, fork, spoon and knife
To don for the first time the Uniform
Be it Khaki or two shades of blue
To wear it with pride was the main thing
It didn’t matter what the hue
To eat with the lads in the Mess Room
Or NAAFI for Tea and a “wad”
To hear someone shout “are you buying mine”
And answer “get your own you tight s!!d ”
The Instructors were strict, but taught you a trade
Your welfare always on their mind
Even took care of slow learners. extra classes
Making sure they were not left behind
The Tests are all finished and Tradesman are we
Ready to fight the good fight
Always hoping, to kill we’d not have to
But knowing sometime that we might
Be called to Active Engagement
To fight for a worthy cause
And know that if the battle you won
There’d be no room for applause
For in War it is inevitable, we all know
The ultimate price that some pay
To lay down their life for their Country
To improve life for others some way
But then there were times we remember
Like when we were out on the Town
Having a few “bevvies “ at the “Local”
And trying our worries to drown
Ever alert for “Redcaps” or “Snowdrops”
Always on the look out for trouble
Knowing that if they catch you, adrift
It’s up to the C.O “at the double”
“fizzers” & “jankers” were par for the course
Once you’d heard the C.O’s sentence
Then you vowed that ”never again” ,would kick in
And at least a week of repentance
Tho’ then there were the serious times
Of battles won and lost
In the heat of battle you hadn’t time
To stop and count the cost
But now as you stare at the Medals you’ve won
And know that you’ll wear them with pride
To be able to stand in Silent Tribute
In Honour of the Lads & Lasses that died
For the time has now come, to walk slowly away
As the Barrack gates close behind
With the knowledge that a Life of Service, to the Queen
Is Eternally locked in Your Mind
Dennis Shrubshall 14th April 2007
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