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Hi, Rusty!
I have just been watching the trailer of Billy Budd.
It seems quite a swashbuckling sort of film......
(Do I have the right word here?)
I remember Terence Stamp as a rather sultry type with dark hair - it seems strange to see him fairheaded!
I recognised David McCallum among the cast......he was in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E" - a spy television series with Robert Vaughn.
I used to watch that!

Hello, Elle!
I barely remember the film.
Billy Budd mentioned the "Rights of Man" in the trailer.
Yes, David McCallum was in it, a blast from the past!
It was a good film in its day.
Peter Ustinov was the first Rector of Dundee University.

Hi, Rusty!
Benjamin Britten composed an opera entitled "Billy Budd", based on Herman Melville's book.
As you may know, Benjamin Britten was born (and died ) in Aldeburgh, Suffolk.
Some years ago, a large 15ft sculpture of a seashell, entitled "The Scallop" was erected on Aldeburgh beach in honour of Britten.
The locals detested it and petitioned to have it removed!
(I've been there, and seen it, and it was hideous! )
Despite its being despoiled by having paint thrown over it, and being constantly graffitied , it was still in situ last time I was in Aldeburgh.
I have no idea whether or not it is still there now!

Hello, Elle!
I know the name Benjamin Britten but that's all.
I did not know there was an opera called "Billy Budd".
What is the thinking behind a sculpture of a scallop to honour Britten?
I know the scallop is used along the Camino Way to Santiago de Compostella, and is linked with St James the Great.
What connection would Benjamin Britten have with a scallop?
Maybe I should consult YouTube!

HI, Rusty!
I'm not sure why a scallop?
But, apparently, Benjamin Britten liked to take an afternoon walk along Aldeburgh beach.
Maybe that is the reason for a shell?
However, I am only surmising here.......
The sculpture consists of two, broken scallop shells that interlock.
The words “I hear those voices that will not be drowned” from Britten’s opera Peter Grimes are cut into the rim of the upright shell.
It is good that there is a memorial to Britten, but the residents said that it spoils the view...and wanted it removed to Snape.

Good morning, Elle!
Fine start to the day here!
That is interesting about Britten and his scallops.
Wonder why the shells are depicted as being broken?
I had a look in Brewer's but it only had a bit about it being a symbol of St James of Compostella, and pilgrims generally, and a bit about Sir Walter Raleigh.
My eldest son is coming today.
I have a couple of jobs for him to do!
Be good to see him!

Good morning, Rusty!
It is a lovely day here... blue sky , sunshine and about 10C at present..
I believe it is to reach 15C later.
I am just back from my walk....going to have a quick coffee......then I am off to vote (for local councillors).
And then my friend is coming to collect me at 10.30 am, and we are away out for the day!
She wishes to go clothes shopping, and I am invited along as judge and jury!
We shall have lunch out!
I should be home again about teatime.
I hope you have a good day with your son, and your jobs get done successfully!

Hi, Rusty!
How has your day been?
It is glorious here - and getting warmer!
I had a good day out with my friend.
She had a successful "shop" - and I managed to restrain myself from buying anything!
We went to the Chinese restaurant for lunch.
Delicious!
I came home to find my husband "spring-cleaning".......this simply means that he tries to throw things out when my back is turned......
I think I just got home in the nick of time!!
Did you get all your jobs done?

Good evening, Elle!
A fine evening here!
You appear to have enjoyed your outing today!
I am sure your husband was doing a grand job spring cleaning until you returned!
I have had a busy day with wee jobs.
I managed to see a bit of the cycling this morning, though.
The Tour de Yorkshire!
Both my sons have been to see me today and I liked that!

Hi, Rusty!
It sounds as though you have had both a successful day job -wise..... and a pleasant day in spending time with your two sons.
I had forgotten that it was Thursday and your younger son would also be visiting you!
I have just been watching an earlier recording of "Eggheads"" and have just learnt where Demerara sugar comes from.......
The Challengers were given a choice of Jamaica; Guyana; and a third option, the name of which I have forgotten...........
It seems that there is a Demerara River in Guyana....
I did not know that!