Tha Apocalypse Bike and the 15 minute City. Reflecting on the Olde Ways

[@Celtic-Silver-countryman]

You have made many interesting points Sandy, the problem with nostalgia is you can't bring it back. Most of us engage with technology in the time we are living and I have found that people cannot debate or handle a opposite point of view they want to gather in little groups and all agree with each other... How Boring ! If you Know of any any people who can let me know so we can meet in a pub and put our own individual ideas on how to put the world to rights.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi John, I think on a macro level it's very hard for a small number of people to make a big change for the positive. any change would be slow and insidious effecting a change for good or bad, but on a micro/ individual level then yes sweeping changes can be made in short time and I would say on that level it's easy to bring back into the present some nostalgic things. As we get older we have a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon and it is from this pool that you dip into and bring to the present, things that will do good on an individual level. Maybe just sitting in a shed with an oil lamp for lighting and reading a book, or pottering around in a greenhouse potting up some tomatoe's etc, there's lots of things that can be done to bring the Nostalgia to life:) Before you know it you'll be reliving and bringing back to life nostalgic things and reliving old memories and perhaps even making new memories from the perspective of Nostalgia. So we can individually make our lives better today. We occupy a very powerful moment in time called "NOW". From this moment everything is possible.

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

@@WiltshireMan Well said Sandy. I’m lucky enough to own a few classic motorcycles. I have a 1977 Honda CB750 K7, bought as a non running wreck in the early 90’s. Restored to concours this bike has given my wife and I many, many hours of pleasure at motorcycle/car shows, traction engine rallies etc and of course riding in the beautiful countryside. When I ride this bike it’s 1978 and I’m 18 again. The K7 is so important because it’s the motorcycle that got me interested in bikes back in 1977 when my mate bought his brand new and brought it round to show me, those 4 chrome exhaust tail pipes just blew me away, WOW 🤩. In fact I get more pleasure riding my classics than I do my modern bikes, and I love riding my modern bikes kes too; except for Hera, of course,our beloved Himmy. Nostalgia is relevant because it lets you feel the emotions and senses of yesteryear again, in the present day; and that can’t be bad. Ride safe Sandy Neil👍🏍

[@davidlawrence1523]

It makes me sad to see our society crumble due to greed and idol living. We had freedom our children can never know.

[@WiltshireMan]

@@mrgrizzlyrides Wow Neil that old bike is doing you the world of good:)

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

@@WiltshireMan Hahaha, Yep, it sure is my friend.

[@NELSON3947]

I feel absolutely blessed that I experienced the 80's & 90's.....The 'before time'.

[@patrickj8984]

cool,but imagine experiencing the 70's,80's & 90's .... the "before time" had it's dark side too! showaddywaddy?

[@mrgrizzlyrides]

@@patrickj8984 Ha, I loved Showaddywaddy🤪. Nice one👍

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

@@patrickj8984 🤣😂😆🤣

[@elderlemon8020]

No can of worms opened from our point of view. Much appreciate your straightforward honesty and courage in saying it as it is. Thanks for the uploads, we have enjoyed a few.

[@WiltshireMan]

Thankls for watching Elder:)

[@eddiedog1]

I hate the modern world, it can be so depressing. Living in my own world with some old ways makes life more bearable as do your videos. Thank you so much for posting. 🤠

[@wichywoo]

its meant to be its called the fabian strategy , a war of attrition, it wares its opponents down with over time with menticide and misdirection. its a form of psychological warfare which tells us all we need to know about the state of minds and objectives our overlords have. high functioning sociopaths/psychopaths.

[@eddiedog1]

@@wichywoo you don't have to tell me that, I already know.

[@wichywoo]

@@eddiedog1 sorry eddie . please forgive me for not being a mind reader or having a crystal ball ;o)

[@eddiedog1]

You don't have to tell me that I already know 🤠

[@patrickj8984]

complete and utter..... wisdom! that was solid gold, thankyou

[@marksatterwhite316]

I agree whole-heartedly about your view of how things are in the world. My childhood wasn't too dissimilar since I grew up near a small Texas town. We had a large garden, raised a few cattle, hunted, fished, and enjoyed our days in the outdoors. Across the backyard barbed wire fence, was a playground of fields, woods, and creeks we intently explored. We would ride our bikes on dirt roads exploring many miles from home. Our parents never worried about where we were or what we were doing because they trusted us. With uncertainty in the world, I, too, have a backup plan and the skills to survive in difficult conditions. I'm glad you have such fond memories of your childhood and the people who were a part of life. I still enjoy company of older adults and have quite a few neighbors much older than (69-year-old) me. And, yes, those in power are crackpots.

[@WiltshireMan]

Haa, Thanks Mark, your childhood sounds very much like mine in many ways:)

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

Very well said. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@WiltshireMan]

I think one of the solutions is to become more self reliant Bjorn. The more we rely on ourselves the less we need "their" help and services. I'm trying to grow some food at home in my garden this year and use my legs and bicycle/ motorcycle for transport. I think we all need to return a bit to the "Old ways of living" where things were simpler and had real value. That way we can reclaim our lives and bring meaning back. The direction the world powers have "pushed and guided" us over the years has led to this current messy world situation. An easy life is not always the best life

[@AndyMacaskill]

@@WiltshireMan exactly Sandy - all this modern convenience is going to come at a great cost to our freedom.

[@philkeeley8830]

A great video like you i grow up in a small village and had plenty of countryside to enjoy, glad to see you are awake to what is going on, maybe this video will wake up a few more people I've done hours of research over the last 5yrs, i to feel sorry for the young people of today that won't experience the things we did thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Phil There's been a lot of conditioning going on which especially effects the youger people, many live lives on social media and are heavily influenced by what they see there and they have become out of touch with the real world. There's going to be a big shock to their systems when they come down to Earth once again, but it's not their fault, it's the way the powers that be have guided the population making them dependent on an easy life style, one that isn't sustainable

[@DanOpdal]

What a wonderful video! Thank you for sharing, Sandy. Cheers!

[@martyjames6204]

On ya bike!! Loved that skillful riding backwards Sandy - anazing!! Remember, the only thing you can count on is change...

[@deanie557]

Love the tour of the village. You seem to have a real knack for it. 😁

[@chrissteer9215]

Can’t wait to watch more like this Sandy really interesting🚲🏍️⛺️

[@jamesevans164]

I think many of us who watch your channel would agree. I know so many who drive to the shops 2 or 3 times. Perhaps if they just planned and drove once. Would be a start. I made a trailer to cart my garden work stuff behind my lightweight bike. I cant receive a pension I can't work as my wife is able to work. (66 yo and CVA x2 No one gives me a go. Yet I believe I'm still blessed still do what I can) At home I'm fixing up my home and making more vege garden beds. Thinking about chooks but its very hot here and also I have a dog... thanks Sandy you inspire me, thankyou. No really mate I felt like an old shoe. You made me realise I can. Jim. Outback Western Australia.

[@Erikcountry]

Right on ...man...March 7th I'm ..71 Years young...but keep on going on Wiltshire Man......👏

[@colinbrown1328]

Thank you! enjoyed ,missed this 5 months ago always interesting and good content thank you good job❤

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks for watching Colin

[@rhysjones6069]

Thank you Sandie, we sing from the same hymn sheet, and have the same values, thank goodness for our bicycles and Motorbikes, here''s to better times and more adventures, we keep going, we adapt, because we come from good stock, a generation now sadly gone, but instilled in us their values. :)

[@ministryoflies1344]

I enjoy all your videos...but this one in particular is so relaxing to just lie back and listen to...effective accidental ASMR

[@Crazy.lobster.]

Great to see you out on your bike, I try to cycle to work as often as possible, pity no cycle lanes ,I do 80 miles a week..thanks for the vid all the best from Manchester..

[@raywestwood2900]

You could be right very good example of LIFE as it was and I feel for you with this.

[@alanhanley9515]

Never mind the philosophising.....how did you manage to ride backwards so controlled and fast, that was impressive!

[@WiltshireMan]

That riding backwards was caused by a time shift which proves that time does on occasions run backwards. This in turn causes the phenomenon known as Dajavu as you get to ride forwards once again

[@charlesfulcrum3170]

@@WiltshireMan Brilliant response

[@GrahamFootBicycleLover]

I put it down to your time in the circus, have you not mentioned that to the world yet Sandy 🤣🤣

[@darkuma1692]

I will say, in a small village it really is a community, it looks like government doesnt want self sufficient communities outside of their ZONES.

[@Green-night1]

Fantastic video! It is always refreshing and comforting to hear genuine feeling and common sense combined with knowledge and logic. I always enjoy your videos but seldom comment. I appreciate your perspective and the recounting of your experience. Thank you Sir

[@BigmacbushcraftCoUkOutdoors]

Thanks for taking us along on the ride Sandy, have always enjoyed hearing your thoughts on many subjects. Also a fan of Neil Oliver and I wholeheartedly agree with the points you raised. ATB Mac

[@neilwilkinson5415]

Thanks for the tour of your old village Sandy. It was interesting to look round and see how the modern ways have shaped the environment we now live in, compared to the old ways. You raised some thought provoking comments there. Many thanks and keep enjoying the cycling 👍🚲

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Some interesting points of view Sandy, let’s hope we can still have our points of views and freedoms in another century.

[@jeremystill5442]

Hang in there Sandy your doing GOOD,love watching your Vids,👍👍👍👍👍

[@King_Bob_The_Third]

Thank you for sharing Sandy. 👍

[@horacerumpole9263]

Hi Sandy. Love your uploads sir. Keep em coming ❤

[@Doug_Wild_Camper]

A wonderful trip down memory lane, & many good points raised about the old society & the new. We'll see where all of this is heading, but I'm just gonna live my life the best way I can without hurting others.

[@darkuma1692]

I like the boot zipper, those little welded gussets around the rear look awesome, superstrong bike aswell

[@markjlacey]

Sensible and thoughtful words, Sandy. Something of which we could do with a lot more nowadays. Take care. Keep those wheels turning.

[@Julian-bq9qv]

LOVE the tour, thank you and please do more whenever you are up to it. I loved riding my bike back in better days and your tours are appreciated a lot. ALSO- YOU, my friend, make MORE sense, speak with more intelligence, about so many fake and fear inducing topics in the news, than any of our so called "leaders" - your skepticism is healthy and well based, God bless you and yours.

[@robertspeicher5047]

Thank you for the tour. Memories, good ones, are treasures. I really enjoyed your talk and some of it was familiar to me from my mother. I look back to the city I grew up in. My two elementary, or in England, primary are gone. Torn down and turned to parks. My middle is so much bigger in space. My high school resembles a university. I grew up not having a soccer mom. Both parents worked. Most of my youth was walking to whereever I wanted to go.I still have a pride of walking when I have no other form of transportation. My main summer time activity was going to the public beach. I went would arrive, on foot, 8 am when it opened. Stayed till around 5pm. Most of time just swimming and relaxing on my , lol, special spot on the rocks. There was a spot shape like a seat and it was perfect for my skinny behind. Change, big time came to the beach. Memories are under a layer of concrete. My home town has changed to where I don't like the city. New Rochelle, New York. Peter Sellers mentioned that name in a movie. I was at a drive in theater in Albany Georgia. Seeing how your home area changed kind of help me accept change and move on. One question. Your folding bike...still have it?

[@iangilmour1597]

I enjoyed your trip down memory lane , what it's taught me we're actually going backwards as all those people living in those villages never travelled far so therfore never really polluted the are travelling all over the place via fuel ⛽️ powered vehicles still having a reasonably good quality life thanks for the video by the way

[@seanoreilly6774]

You are a good man keep cycling your videos are great from sean in Ireland.

[@davidjackson8829]

The world need more people like you. We would all be less stressed.

[@peterwrench4416]

Yes, I often think of my Mum growing up on the farm. No power thus no refrigerator, a small water tank attached to the house. They all lived quite happily, very self reliant and resilient. I spent my childhood doing one of three things, riding my bike, playing down the creek or playing on the local hill covered in bush land. Lovely days.

[@FlyingHaggisFilms]

The pain of change disturbs me constantly Sandy, however, my old village of Den Holm with it's village green still has its butcher, baker, grocery, two pubs and a church, school, and a strong community thank goodness. But yes, the old ways were better that's for sure. Thanks for articulating the reality. Harry.

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

Thanks again for the tour and reflections, Sandy. 🙂👍🚴‍♀️

[@tonypaddler]

A very enjoyable and thought provoking video. Thanks for that 👍

[@Dave64track]

Great video I agree with you one hundred percent. What a lovely village thanks for sharing your memories of the village. Life was a lot simpler then and people was a lot happier with what they had. Most people these days have everything and are still not happy and want more and more. Like you said when you have everything you have nothing too look forward to any more.

[@soniaoffer6289]

Thank you for taking us along with you, I enjoy all your videos, and yes I agree with you, the old days when we were younger, were the best, not the same now, but seeing you out and about, happy, the scenery, in our wiltshire countryside, makes me feel relaxed and happy. Have a lovely weekend. 🙂

[@castleblayney6156]

Another good yin Sandy, remember the times well. Living 5 miles to nearest town cycling to and back with goods in a bag slung on the handlebars , precarious or what! Growing your own then was great the only or regular item we bought was flour for the soda bread. Where's the griddle? Cheers.

[@Wyowanderer]

Great, encouraging video Sandy. I'll drag out the bicycle when there's less snow on the ground - we're expecting 8 inches more between now and Monday, with -20 degrees F. on Sunday. I guess I'll get the snowshoes out and try them. Thanks again for the encouraging look back.

[@worldofameiso5491]

Nice bike. I too have an apocalypse bike - a Roberts tourer. Planet X make really good value bikes, I have a Planet X Pro Carbon road bike, excellent for the money. I live in Swindon, so I may see you out on the road one day. Agree with you about Neil Oliver - a gem of a man.

[@justinellingson4908]

Great video enjoyed your view on things and your story of time from long ago

[@colinpearce7079]

Hi Sandy,lovely video full of nostalgia,I grew up on the outskirts of a North Notts town & like your village we had all the independent shops etc as you had,as for views on electric vehicles & the people who appoint themselves to be in charge I totally agree,I own a Brompton & intend to keep on Bromptoneering,atb Colin P.

[@WiltshireMan]

I shall be riding my Brompton to the shops later today Colin:)

[@joeschenk8400]

I found myself agreeing with almost everything you said in this video and your comment to the Neil Olivers video is spot on. We have lost the connection to people and places that held our societies together in the past, I live in a suburb of NYC and my mom would tell stories of her childhood and there were farms with cows and her father had horses-here in Queens County, maybe 10 or 11 straight line miles to Manhattan. As a kid growing up there were swamps, beaches and empty spaces to bike to and play...all gone. As you said, it is the children of today I feel bad for, they will never know the world we grew up in. In the beginning of your video you said if the government could, they would tax your piss....well here in NYC they do! Included in the bill from the city for drinking water, there is a SEWER TAX! So I am paying that tax to pee!. Thanks for the post!

[@patrickshaw7983]

Nice video, I enjoyed listening to your thoughts. I too was brought up in a very simple way having been born on the Isle of Wight 78 years ago. I don't go back there now, it is completely spoilt by overdevelopment. I do listen to Neil Oliver, he has some very thought provoking views.

[@kevinsmith-kz1kd]

Technology has its good points and bad points. Ive been back to where I was born and raised and I could of cried. Heartbreaking looking around and remembering what was. Awsome video Sandy. Thank you. Take care..

[@maryanderson9395]

Hi Sandy your in a very wistful mood on your journey down Memory Lane and have good reason to feel that way. While many people have all the so called good things in life they often lead a very stressful life, you and me we can remember how things were back in the day and we are very fortunate to have been around in them times, Your thoughts on modern times closely reflect mine, and we are still fortunate enough to be able to voice them. (at the moment). Really enjoyed this video. Best wishes Roy (oz)

[@English.Andy1]

I could leave a huge comment here. All I will say is I agree with you 100%. I was fortunate enough to be partly raised by my grandmother who never traveled abroad in 100 years of her life. She spoke to me often of the old ways you mentioned here. It’s rubbed off on me as these days I’m often found down my allotment digging for victory.

[@WiltshireMan]

Welldone Andy, thats the way it should be, the way most people are living today is artificial and has only been with us for a short while. It's not sustainable. I've nothing against cars but I hear about a lot of people using them needlessly say for short journeys etc. I think some people have forgotton they have legs

[@stevef8763]

Lovely meander down memory lane sandy, thank you. I share similar experiences and agree with your views. Best regards

[@pedalpetter5865]

Thanks Sandy, I do agree with you. 👏👍 Greetings from a 🇩🇪 country boy who is slightly younger.

[@johnchecketts1732]

Morning sandy brilliant video mate, well sead I agree with all whot your saying I am 60 years old now and I grew up in a village and I prefer the older ways of life,, take care of yourself stay safe mate

[@davidcoakley4839]

Thank you for such an enjoyable trip through the beautiful English countryside and your thought provoking comments. Progress seems to be always accompanied by loss; so while your village has changed, it is still brimming with a unique history and full of character. In one sense we have less, but today, we have the ability to share more. I think you have the answer, get on your bike and seize the day.

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes David and become a little more self reliant too like the old folk had to be. The more we are able to look after ourselfs the less we rely on or need the state etc

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Well done Sandy mate 👍 👍 👍 I fully approve of this video and share your thoughts. You are on a journey, go beyond Neil, there's more to discover. All the very best to you and yours 👍 👍 👍 🍻

[@mikethebikemt07tracer]

Well said Sandy, I think that your thoughts and ideas are spot on here. Regards, Mike.

[@brianoutdoorlife7788]

Hi Sandy, only one thing to say, I totally agree. Have a great weekend, stay safe.🙏👏👍

[@trooper2221]

Thank you, for showing me some of England, I travel vicariously through you tube, I used to watch all of the old. (Last of the summer wine episodes on pbs) I long to travel over to England and experience some narrow boating one day! Ah forgive me if i have repeated my comments about England before, can’t believe I’m about the only one in my family that hasn’t visited the Motjer land. Take care

[@WiltshireMan]

You will enjoy my latest video if it's Olde England and it's history your after

[@Markwildcamp]

A lot of food for thought there Sandy. I'm slightly younger than you and remember the older ways, simpler and a lot less to get stressed about. My favourite shop in my village was the hardware store, it's not there anymore but I can still smell it. I like the look of the bootzipper, all it's missing is a front suspension fork🤔...but there again I managed as a kid without one.

[@dereksanders7855]

Never a true word spoken sandyI'm like you I like my bike I like my adventures and my motorbike . I thoroughly enjoy the videos mate keep it up cheers

[@oshiforb7445]

I enjoyed your video. The words you read out are very poignant as they reflect the years gone by to the time and conditions we live in today. I was brought up on the edge of Blackstonehedge moors near Rochdale. We could look down at Rochdale in the valley and when the fog rolled in, which was quite often all we could see was the church spires and the factory chimneys sticking out of the fog belching thick black smoke making the fog density thicker. Lots of little villages eventually got swallowed up as the town got bigger. Today, we live a much healthier lifestyle. Unfortunately, some of the places I grew up in the woodlands have gone the fields have gone the place's of beauty have been overgrown with concrete and brick structures, its a good job that they can't build on my memories, I can still see these places when I shut my eyes and bring back those good old days. Unfortunately, the day that I die, these memories will cease to exist forever. Great video, Sandy, as always I really enjoyed it. 👍

[@ostekuste3646]

Well said, sir. I envy you and your experience growing up in such a place. I am 50 years young, but grew up in a community in rural America. In the late 70s and 80s there were still local shops but they were well on the way out. Shopping malls and mega marts were creeping in. I would love still to live in such a place as you described, perhaps in my golden years it would be preferable and quite peaceful. I do not however feel it is any governments place to restrict by any authority or decree where I am allowed to live or travel to.

[@Brian0059]

Well said totally agree with you

[@richardstory2423]

Wise words Sandy, a lot to unpack there.

[@TheGingerGoon]

Very interesting video and thanks for sharing your views, I agree with everything you said and it’s refreshing to hear what I think is the general view of most people around the UK but it is not heard 👍

[@mickd6942]

As a long time subscriber it's great to know your one of us and not one of the sheeple , Neil would make a great politician and man of the people , the thing that makes him most suitable is the fact he doesn't want the job , he's not self serving but intent on awakening the messes who seem intent on sleep walking to disaster through apathy, the freedoms we give away are the freedoms our grand children will never know , when the people at davos say we will own nothing and be happy they mean us not them , we produce 1 % of the worlds greenhouse gasses , the carbon they want to reduce is us , i have never owned a car and cycle everywhere but even i can see motorists are being priced of the road on purpose , as a cyclist i don't hate cars as i know for many they are a necessity.

[@davidharris4062]

Same in the South Wales Valley’s in the past, less than a 15 minute walk to the pit, my grandfather kept a pig in the allotment, as you say the same here, two ironmongers, two newsagents, three greengrocers, post office, large Co-Op with a drapery department as well as an independent draperies, two shoe shops, a wool shop, a dairy, sweet shop,four pubs, an undertakers, who my grandmother used to lay out the bodies,my next door neighbour had a small holding, he also worked down the pit,then attended to the ‘patch’ which he supplied his brother’s greengrocers shop with veg, in season, when you look at the valley’s, it’s one long village, what I’ve described is a village in the Rhondda, the shops I’ve described are in an area about a mile and a half long, 15 minute city, not a new idea by a long shot, oh and we had a now internationally recognised artist, I agree with you 100%, I love cycling as well, but it’s all hills in the valley’s

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks David, that was a lovely comment. It is nice if a little sad to look back to how things were in the Good ol days. The sense of community was greater back then

[@davidharris4062]

@@WiltshireMan they certainly were, until things go belly up, people will not realise how reliant they are on modern technology, people in the past were hard, I don’t mean violent, but they knew how to be self sufficient, do a days work then tend to the allotments, animals etc, they knew how to preserve food, you only have to look at how the supermarkets run out of food when we have a bit of snow, anyway take care and keep on riding, I’m still getting my miles in at 65 and it all uphill where I live, would love a safe cycle path local to me 😂

[@WiltshireMan]

@@davidharris4062 Thats right David, yes the old folk were harder in many ways compared to modern people but to them it would have just been normal. The way life is today is abnormal, it can't be sustained!

[@Ponk_80]

I enjoyed listening to you.

[@mijdragonhill9803]

Hi Sandy, nice to see you in Shrivenham, I'm still using my Jacklore Wasp, that you delivered to me in Shrivenham. Have had some regular wild camps all through the autumn and winter, up on the Ridgeway, and some good ride outs on my Triumph Tiger 800xc. I enjoyed the video as always and remember some of the old shops in the village, the hardware shop and old garage, but I've only lived here for 19 years. I also look back on the past with fond memories, although very different as I grew up in Bristol.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Jim How often do you get out? I hope to be heading out on an adventure soon, it's nice to have the Ridgeway close by.

[@mijdragonhill9803]

@@WiltshireMan I usually get out for a camp at least once a month. Weather permitting on my bike because i dont like getting too cold and wet. Im 60 this month so have to look after myself a bit nowadays🤪

[@g4okt]

Nice vid Sandy. I find Neil Oliver a little depressing at times, but he does make you think about our current situation! We are sandwiched between mainstream news and youtube conspiracy theorists, both entities spreading fear. We have to navigate and find our own way through etc. Nice to have your channel, to bring us back to our roots, very refreshing OC. cheers 161 Keith.😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Sometimes it's difficult to sort truth from lies Keith but living a simpler lifestyle and becoming more self reliant can only be a good thing:) JBJ see you in the Marathon

[@GreencampRhodie]

The truth is never depressing to those who see the truth & are willing to fight for freedom.

[@silktvPDR1]

I think many of us remember village life like that, my home village all of the shops have closed or become coffee shops, the bakery is a gift shop and it makes me sad. I think many of the people there now don't even know the history or how it was which is a sign of the time! I don't even like going back as I feel a stranger in my home village !

[@WiltshireMan]

Same for me now when I go back Paul, hardly anyone knows who I am or that I was brought up there. All the people are strangers

[@chrisrushen5865]

Some wonderful words of wisdom Sandy.... Incidentally, I've done a lot of property restoration work in Shrivenham. My last project was the full restoration of Shrivenham House.. visible from the church path back in 2007

[@WiltshireMan]

Yes I know Shrivenham house at the top of Claypits lane, I think the General used to live there

[@chrisrushen5865]

You're quite right Sandy, he did.. A lovely grade 2 listed building and the Mod were allowed to virtually gut it..

[@colinwellman9480]

Your words in this video really struck a chord with me. I feel very sorry for the youngsters today although my early life wasn't easy. I was born at the end of WW2 and my family had very little, something that never worried me because all my friends had similar backgrounds. Although born in London, for most of my life I've lived in Hampshire, ending up in a charming small market town. I lived there until 2003 and my lovely town had turned into a sprawl, new estates springing up all around. It went from peace to noise at all hours. I was mad redundant in 2000 and used the money to pay off the mortgage. Three years later we sold up and moved to France where we bought an old run down house in a small hamlet. I'll always feel like an Englishman and do miss England but the peace I now have is priceless. In my life I've found there are more nice people than nasty ones, it's just the nasty ones get more prominence in the media. I think the one thing we had when brought up in the 40's and 50's, and seems lacking today, was a spirit of optimism that things can only get better. Thanks for the video.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Colin, The rate of change has been alarming over the last few years and it seems to be increasing. It seems to me that you made a wise move going to France. I shall be over there on a motorcycle tour in early June,I shall be visiting Normandy with a group of friends:)

[@Tom_Bee_]

The idea that everything can only get better is a lot easier to cultivate in a post war environment. The last seventy years of relative peace have brought many fortunate advances in technology and life, but those changes have come at a price. It seems that maybe things nowadays are likely to get much worse before they get better. I sincerely hope we all live to see the next phase of positive reconstruction as the inevitable changes occur, just as they always have. I'm also hoping we can take more of what was positive about the past and incorporate those positive aspects into the future society! I'm short term pessimistic, long term hopeful...

[@mischef18]

Enjoyed the video bro. Safe travels from a very very wet NZ

[@davebarney3369]

I watch Neil Oliver; he’s very eloquent and talks a lot of sense. Doubt he’ll ever be seen on the BBC ever again though- he’s gone against the mainstream media narrative! I’m a teacher and I feel sorry for the children growing up today. I feel lucky to have been a child growing up in the 1970s before the dreaded social media, iPads and Xbox. Children are not getting the fun and exciting childhood we had or those before us full of rich, character building experiences.

[@stephenszalay]

Lovely to see Shrivenham. I lived there 2000-2002 where I developed my love of the Ridgeway.

[@blowduke]

Grew up in ashbury I hardly went out of the village ,you can’t miss what you never had .used to cycle into Swindon that was a big day out .

[@WiltshireMan]

I love Ashbury

[@chrissteer9215]

Good morning Sandy a lovely commentary to a very interesting video, Brings back memories listening to the late Jack Hargreaves of the Out of town and the Old country programmes in the late fifties and early sixties and living with my Aunt and Uncle in the fifties on their small farm in Derbyshire. At 76 still riding my cycle round the byways and lanes and my Himalayan on camping trips as you say cycling is great way of seeing the countryside. Ride safe🏕️

[@WiltshireMan]

I thinky your doing well at 76 years young Chris:)

[@SteveSeadog]

Really enjoyed this one Sandy; very thought provoking. It's still popssible to seek out villages where the old ways of life prevail, where opportunities are limited and people have to be resourceful to thrive, but you have to go overseas to find these places. For some strange reason, they exist in what's known as the Thirld World. Totally agree with your comments towards the end of the vid - gather as much information as you can before forming an opinion and always keep an open mind. Despite the progress we've made, at least we can still cycle to a village pub and sink a pint of real ale! All the best.

[@WiltshireMan]

Cheers Steve, those panniers are ace:) Maybe we can cycle to a village pub later this year there are quite a few on the King Alfreds Way:)

[@SteveSeadog]

@@WiltshireMan Sounds like a plan.

[@philjones3335]

Sandy you speak so openly and honestly, you make me sit and think about things, which is always good. Personally speaking, I loved the 15 minute cities, and would go back there in a heartbeat. My ex wife's auntie lived on Holyhead, she lived until she was 87, and believe it or not she never left Holyhead because she had no reason to do so. The same probably could be said for folk on say Skye or any other small Isle which was then, self sufficient. I really dislike the car and although it was a bad period when Covid was here, it was so peaceful around where I live, I could walk the dog and not see or hear a motor vehicle...bliss. Anyway life moves on, and the younger generation always think things are better now, but we know different, don't we Sandy

[@strawberryfields1149]

Covid was here. The pandemic wasn't. That's the point. Think about it.

[@bencox7190]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on where we are as a country. I've admired Neil Oliver's old and current views for a long time as well. I'm 42 and am lucky to feel that I grew up with a connection to the old ways in my home of Shipston-on-Stour. I hope my children feel some of this pride in where they come from even if we fear for their future.

[@bilbocrackers3246]

Sandy, you are a wise man indeed. Sceptical I would say not but somewhat forward thinking and cautious given the state of the World as it is today. Never stop asking and thinking of questions to ask. I, for one, look forward to what you next get up to. Stay safe Friend, 73 de Martin (MW0MFB), Martin

[@ysgolgerlan]

Thanks for a nice video and the effort in making it. I agreed on everything you said in this one. 👍

[@charlespark7338]

Hi Sandy another interesting video. I enjoyed your history on Shrivenham, and to hear you bring the old village back to life. I suppose the railway and canal had disappeared before you were scampering about the place. Love to chat to you some time to see what you can remember of the old airfield or had that disappeared as well. I want to make a video about the old airfield as I believe it was linked to the going on in ColesHill. Like you I am not sure change is always an improvement. Fortunately living around here we have great rides, which ever bike we choose. One thing about the car it can be used to transport the bikes, which helps to explore new areas, experience even more countryside and diversity. Cheers.🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️👍😀

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Charles, I can remember when the Aerodrome was in use, we used to call it Arnham camp, not sure if that's it's real name though. I can remember there used to be a squadron of twin boom Vampire jets I think stationed there as they were always flying overhead. I can remember the gate house and the barrier and the whole place was ring fenced. As kids we would scale the fence and go and explore and hide in the many air raid shelters that were there. I can also remember feeling the ground shake when the demolition men dynamited them when the place closed down!

[@simonwiltshire]

I am from the same frame of mind sandy, keeping everything simple is the easyist way to be happy.

[@garryentropy]

nice village great video

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Garry, things have changed a bit though

[@ramblinonandon]

Thanks Sandy.

[@garrygreen3210]

Spot on Sandy, excellent video. I empathise with your reminiscences and observations ... many would benefit from taking a step back and reassessing ones priorities. I have experiences living as a boy in a similar environment, and we got by just fine and I recall a wonderful childhood with a very limited budget, but a huge imagination and a great bunch of friends. All the best mate.

[@gilesbinyon]

Very interesting video thanks Sandy. And that was a proper trip down ‘memory lane’ for you. The original book ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’ (never mind the TV adaption - I never watched that) is all about your portrayal of the 15 minute village. Nothing exciting - just a fascinating record of how rural life used to be. Set in 19th century but that kind of ‘15 minute’ lifestyle was similar for hundreds of years. Obviously we can’t go backwards but why can’t we have a massive improvement in cycle lanes ? Not expensive but I know in my area it would shift a helluva lot of cars off these gridlocked roads ! (That’s my tuppence worth thrown in). Take care Mate 😊👍

[@DrRobert7898]

I agree with what you say on all these topics you covered. I was 14 back at the time of the worse winter of all time in 1962/63 and it was grim I wouldn’t want that again. I use to do a lot of cycling and Motorcycling up until a few years ago but now the dreaded arthritis has set in. I’ve only got my car now a hybrid so I’m doing my bit, enjoy it while you can because you never know what’s around the corner.

[@martinmatthews8177]

I’m with u all the way Sandy. I grew up in Goatacre, a small village between lyneham and Hilmarton. U must of passed it numerous times. All we had was a village shop but that closed over 50 years ago. Never known a pub there but there is a social club. There is a protest in Oxford on feb 18th? Concerning the 15min city. I think I should go. Take care mate. Martin WB

[@kennethkuhl1188]

I enjoyed the tour of your childhood village. The architecture of the buildings is attractive, the steep roofline, etc. Interestingly, the profile of the garage is identical to the owned by my uncles during my childhood (now 70 years young). Reflecting on lifestyles then and contrasting with lifestyles today is very interesting content. Your bicycle and setup are exciting.

[@DDan61]

First thing I was taught in my military security training was, "Trust Nobody!". I will only add to your words that "Great minds think alike!". Stay safe and healthy my friend!

[@WiltshireMan]

Thanks Dan:)

[@CptnChris22]

I am 60yr age & still love my wild camping; & as Iv got older I started using my Bicycle more as I cant physically carry as what I Comfortable need, wood stove etc. I also did incorporate the thought of apocalyptic events, a bicycle being the ideal long term overland travel kit with added efficiencies is Now Considered Part of my Main Bug out Kit. I have a MTB & Seat post towing trailer with everything 4 seasons to go in it; I got rid of my Car after covid but still have My VN800 Motorbike, though must say I do enjoy the Cycling for the exercise and Access most all areas off road. Loving Your Videos Sandy, Its All interesting stuff, I am very much like Yourself, Open minded and Optimistic but also very aware and sceptical of something I just cant trust within the Current Governing System or Systems yet. With what is Happening in the Ukraine & energy? Plus Our Government not engaging with British economic Problems which for me is the first RED Flag; Wanting to abolish Human Rights, 2nd RED Flag. Hospital Death rates Going up each year Since Covid! 3rd RED Flag RED ALERT alarm bells ringing, What System is Doing this & why? & if it isn't the Politicians doing it to who they say they want the best for i.e. their Country & Constituent's, Then who else is doing this because Politics doesn't reflect the current truths........ I thought years ago Id need my Survival skills and Camping Gear for Floods, earth quake etc but now I'm really thinking something is very wrong in British economy and politics.

[@WiltshireMan]

Hi Chris, I think we are on the same wavelength along with a growing number of others, not sure how things will pan out in the long term but one way forward is to become a bit more self reliant. I no longer run my car, only needed it a few times each year and sofar have been carless for 2 months and not really missed it that much. We will run into problems in this country simply because it's an island and a very crowded one at that with limited resources. I do believe riding bicycles is a very wise move now.

[@triumphrider572]

I'm around your age, Sandy and I feel the same way about most of what you're talking about. I've got a couple of grown children and despair when I think of what they'll have to put up with, and what kind of a world their children will live in. It must be a generational thing. However, these past couple of years have shown just how low politicians can go. All the Best from Durham and keep your knees in the breeze, whether warmed by an engine or not. Two wheels keep you sane.

[@SharpblueCreative]

Sandy I can relate completely to your upbringing. I grew up on a farm (Upper Upham) - we had chickens, a pig, a veg garden. After that we moved to a village (Chilton Foliat) and father still continued the gardening as the land the house has is about 1/4 acre. The village had a pub and shop etc. much better days.

[@WiltshireMan]

You had a great childhood by the sound of it Mark

[@HoratioBlogs]

A very interesting and thoughtful video, Sandy. I grew up in the 1950's and my, my haven't times changed! Not always for the better. I remember when fruit and veg was seasonal, and not flown in on cargo planes from all four corners of the earth. I spent many hours in the garden help my Dad on the veg plot. Nowadays anybody growing their own is considered eccentric. Yet the same people who lecture us about meat eating, fertilisers and climate change would starve to death if all the planes carrying their food were grounded.

[@redditchscroller7049]

I grew up in the 1960's and what we had then was regarded as state of the art at that time. Almost everything we now have today had yet to be invented! In another hundred years time whoever is alive at that time will look back on what we have today and shake their heads in wonderment at how we managed with what they will regard as ancient technology. I'm guessing that we are probably in the same age group and are the last of a generation that can remember how things were done before computers ruled everything.

[@tonypatey5669]

Awesome video Sandy. It’s always interesting looking back and reminiscing. As for your opinion, I agree with you 100% sad enough. When you said “ what they never had, they never missed “, I thought that to be very very true. Your pee must be a great fertilizer, that bush looked a little messy but very strong looking and quite the size. lol thanks for sharing. Tony.

[@WiltshireMan]

Haaha Cheers Tony:)