Across the pond

 Breakfast on the prom, where my tranquillity was invaded by a large group with hard hats on. That part of the season which brings large groups of school children and university students. Mostly as part of geography or geology classes, for the beach is rich in fossils providing the evidence to support the theories of Charles Darwin and Richard Dawkins. But sometimes English and art classes; there is no better place on the British coast to inspire the young imagination to paint or write a poem.

This morning’s group appeared to range in ages from about 14 to 22, some too young for university, others too old for school. In fact they were a school party, but from Munster on the border of Germany and the Netherlands. The Germans take their education seriously. Staying at school til 22 and completing an undergraduate degree at 30 is not uncommon.

Their subject was civil engineering. So I wish them well. My grandchildren will have need of them, to stop the cliffs around here falling into the sea and to combat the results of global warming.