Porlock Vale Newsletter - Spring 2024 copy
Published by Grant Dennis in General · Sunday 25 Feb 2024
Oyez.... Oyez.... Oyez!
I
would imagine that many people under 25 wouldn't know what it was like
before the age of mobile phones, let alone the smartphones so common
today. Similarly it's not really that long ago before the digital-age
gave rise to the almost instant ability to obtain information about just
about anything. Even 24hour news channels on television are only around
a generation old. Nowadays the wonders of the internet allow us to do
our shopping, work from home, and consume any amount of information
about absolutely anything. Of course the benefits of the digital age are
also what allows the more sinister side of the digital-revolution.
We regularly hear about vile internet trolls who hide very bravely
behind their keyboards and touch screens spouting lies, hurtful
comments, alternative views, or just omitting facts to present a
one-sided view to suit their own ends.
The trolls rely on the hope that most readers will accept whatever is said without question. Social
Media started out as a means to connect friends and family, but now has
massive influence in almost endless ways. It is also a means for sad
individuals to spread negativity, lies and diatribes. We see that also
with the manipulation of news stories, you only have to flick through
the TV news channels to hear the same news item described in any number
of different ways, generally to suit one group or anothers desire to
score a political point, or promote their own agenda. The insatiable
diet of the 24 hour news channels and newspapers to get the story first
just exacerbates the frenzy of 'breaking news', and speculation about
the subject matter. The term 'spin-doctor' was borne out of the spinning
of information to make it suit one viewpoint or another. Of course it
can be said that this is a practice that has gone on throughout history,
but it is the digital-era that allows anyone to be their own author of
such spin and manipulation, most obviously visible on 'Social Media'. It is no longer just the domain of the press or television.
Oh
wouldn't it be lovely to go back to simpler times, just to get away
from the constant feed of 'news' and information that hits us one way or
another almost every waking minute. On the other hand, perhaps not. The
useful side of the digital-era far outweighs the bad bits. We've just
got to be mindful that there are those who wish to do bad things rather
than good from behind the keyboard, and try to recognise that when we
read whatever pops-up on the screen - perhaps they are the ones with
problems?
At least as a modern day Town Crier
I can write my 'cries' to spread the news in the traditional way,
especially when they are in support of worthy, charitable or community
good causes. Those same good causes also benefit when I am commissioned
for appearances for 'commercial' events, in contrast to an inference
that was made on a social-media channel recently. I thank those who
corrected that attempted smear.
Back
on the 12th and 13th of January I was honoured to be part of the
commemoration activities for the 125th anniversary of 'The Overland
Launch' of the Lynmouth Lifeboat. The two-day event was opened with a 'cry'
just before the re-enactment of the telegraph arriving at Lynmouth and
setting off the maroons, followed by a most wonderful concert at St
Nicholas Church, Lynmouth. Then on Saturday 13th I escorted the Lynmouth
Sailing Club Safety Boat and towers (recreating the event of 125 years
ago), to Porlock Weir where after a further 'cry', an afternoon
and evening of shanties and music was enjoyed by an audience of
hundreds. Proceeds of this charitable event went to the RNLI at Minehead
(it is their 200th anniversary year), and to Lynmouth Sailing Club for
the Safety Boathouse Project.
Porlock Town Crier
information , and upcoming events can be found on the Porlock Town Crier website, porlocktowncrier.uk
Until next time, take care everyone,
Grant Dennis, Porlock Town Crier
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