I was born in northern England in the late 80’s. My family is not a large one, a father, mother, two brothers, two sets of grandparents of course, two uncles and one aunty (blood-related). When I was 6 years old we moved “down under”. Although leaving northern England at the age of 6 I still have fond and vivid memories of her. Even today I still feel some sort of deep connection and sense of pride about being english. Between my brothers and I, I believe I am the only one that feels this way. Somehow instilled within me was an inherent belief that being english was something to be proud of and stood for something whole and good. Something worth toiling for, something worth fighting for. This something provided one with purpose and motivation.
I have fond memories of my grandparents. Looking back now I believe I realized then as I still believe now that they were special, kind, warm, loving and english. I say special because as I got a bit older I understood that when they were gone I would never know the likes of them again with the only exception being my parents. Even though we lived far away from one another I’m very thankful we were able to make it back to see them every few years. They even made it “down under” a few times.
My memories from England:
Staying the weekend with the grandparents.
Learning to swim at an indoor swimming pool and finding it very daunting.
Learning to ride a bike in the school car park
Birthday party at a Dickens soft play area.
Watching first live football match
Playing cowboys and Indians at school
Playing marbles at school, got upset when I lost a big “steely”
Leaving for “down under”
Going to local hockey club
Going to pubs, we used to love Scampi fries, crisps, bacon fries
Reckoned I could see Maleficent from sleeping beauty in me curtains at night
Going to the country, staying at the “cottage”
Football
Visiting my Uncle who lived a few hours away. He always had the latest gadgets coming out at the time: Computers, Sega etc. He had no kids of his own at the time so he spoiled my brothers and I.
English treats: Crisps, chocolate, sweets etc
Receiving first football strip/kit as a birthday present
Although leaving England at 6, I believe I have been back at least once every two years since leaving. The last time I was in England was February 2020. England has a unique feeling and beauty to it. She can seem downright depressing with her rows of identical houses, more often than not over cast weather, and area’s devoid of hope. However if you find yourself there on a nice day in any number of the settings unique only to England, there’s nothing else quite like it.
I believe belonging to a nation is important. I believe in nationalism. Belonging to a society sharing and believing in the same history, culture and traditions. And within that nation many communities unique in their own healthy way but undeniably united by the national spirit. Whether you were born there, are the umpteen generation or migrate is irrelevant. I believe if you identify with and take part in that nation’s beliefs, laws, values and traditions, you will be provided with a sense of belonging and orientation that should see you through life. In my opinion, England has, as have all western countries now, deviated from all aspects of nationalism beyond the point of no return. Why? How could one find this desirable?
Regards Jack