Remembrance Sunday

BBC One, eleven a.m. and the bong of Big Ben. Then the two minute silence broken by the cannon fired at Horse Guards. "One one thousand, two one thousand, three...and the boom sounds outside my window. Two and a half miles. That's about right. It sounds like a weapon of war. So do fireworks which I hate with a passion.

Then the march past with David Dimbleby doing his usual fine job of describing the scene. "For the first time ever, US Marines have joined in the marching". Enormous shoulders in bright red coats with red berets.

This is what the BBC does so well. I do like the BBC Natalie. Touching the Void and the classical music documentary filmed at Auschwitz - same DP - are stupendous, world beating pieces of art and make the licence fee almost worth it. Actually, totally worth it as I love all the co-productions with HBO too.

Then a fine cup of Whittard chai tea and the Sunday Times. AA Gill writes about British war memorials and I am amazed at the stories he tells, read the whole thing here.

His description of the memorial on platform one at Paddington is so moving. What he doesn't say is that at this time of year, that part of the station is dark, dank and chilly with birds flying overhead and a few poppies scattered at the feet of the enormous bronze sculpture. His feet are at eye level and you gaze up in wonder. I never knew:

"The soldier stands waiting for a train, his helmet set at an angle, his greatcoat slung over his shoulder, the collar turned up. He's wearing the muffler his mother knitted for him, and he's looking down at a letter. He holds it gently, saving the envelope - it will have to sustain many readings. His face shows no outward emotion, it has that concentrated calm we use for letters and hymn sheets, and standing for the two minutes silence."