feature

feature A valiant Soldier

David Mynott was born in Guilden Morden, but has lived for many years in Melbourn, raising four children with his wife Penny.

Poetry writing came relatively late in life. Whilst at school David admits to being “pretty useless at English” preferring to mess-about with motorbikes. However, after separation from his wife he started, tentatively, to put pen to paper. Looking back, David now realises this was a “form of therapy” at the time.

At his place of employment, he discovered a long-standing work colleague also had a flair. The two of them started to write poems to each other “in a fun, camaraderie kind of way”. As he grew in confidence, David shared his poetry with some of his other work mates, who in turn suggested “why don’t you put them in a book”!

By chance whilst browsing the local press, David found an advert welcoming poetry contributions. Encouraged by his experiences at work David sent in a single poem. To date he has had 9 poems published in a variety of anthology of poetry books*.

This poem is in memory of Robin Edward Jack Mynott of the 2nd Battalion Suffolk regiment, who died on 19th May 1944, aged 44. A valiant soldier This poem is a tribute It was in the Burma jungle To the uncle I never knew One fateful rainy day For he was called to the colours That a deadly Japanese sniper To serve in World War Two Came across his prey Called up to oppose tyranny Hit by the sniper’s bullet From the land of the rising sun That he never ever saw And the heel of the Nazi jackboot And his life was over When I was only one Another casualty of war He was but one of many He gave his life for king and country Sent to the Far East to fight And for the likes of me To help the Burmese people So that I may live my life Repel the Japanese might In a country that is forever free Very little was known of Robin ‘Edward’ Jack. His father never spoke about his son after his death. Not even his life before active service. Robin’s medals were passed down to David via his Grandfather and Father. In due course they will be passed onto his only son Edward Jnr.

Mynott is an old established Shingay family and if perchance you pass the War Memorial at Steeple Morden naming those who gave their lives, you will notice the surname Mynott on either side of the road. Once for The Great War and again for World War 2.

If anyone is interested, David and his cousin (a retired serving Police Officer) managed to track down their Uncle’s last moments & movements of active service in Burma – now Myanmar, through extensive research at the National Archives, Kew. David is willing to guide any prospective researcher through the somewhat laborious process. *Anchor Books est: 1992 to provide a platform for all Poets to see their work in print. Their motto being ‘Poetry for the people by the people’. D W Mynott George Howard (260686), Anne Lambert (261480) or Colin Limming (260072) for tickets.

SOAS is keenly aware that some of our older members cannot always join in the evening events because of lack of transport and so we are planning to hold an afternoon tea possibly in September. It is hoped to combine this with a tour of the church or even the immediate village. This is not a firm date but once the event has been discussed we will let you know.

SOAS is open to all who have the future of our oldest building in mind. Many of our members are not regular church attenders but want to see our parish church at the centre of the village as it has been for centuries. Membership is £3.00 minimum but one can always pay more, but a household of two adults and two children can obtain membership for just £5.00. If you are interested contact me on 01763 266072 or e-mail me on colin.limming@btinternet.com Colin Limming, Membership Secretary. The February draw was made by Mike Rawlings on 27th Feb. The first prize of £26 goes to Colin Limming (70) at 4 Chapmans Close and the second to Ann Dekkers (18) at 110 High Street

The March draw was made by Mike Rawlings on 2nd April. The first prize of £26 goes to Rebecca Gatward (56) at 94 High Street and the second of £13 to Lyn Travis (71) at 16 Cambridge Road.

The April draw was made on 3oth April by Anna Taylor. The first prize of £26 goes to Hilary Warboys (79) at 4 Beeton Close and the second to Terry Shaw (54) of 4 Spencer Drive.

The Word of God

from David Burbridge He who loveth another hath fulfilled the law, such as: Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet another’s possessions, And Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Love worketh no ill to his neighbour; Therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Recorded by Paul to the Romans Ch. 13 vs. 8-10

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