
In the late 90s, a story gained international news coverage: The story of a young student who was tortured and then murdered for being gay in America. This story was the story of Matthew Shepard:
Matthew Shepard was a young student in Wyoming, America. He was also a gay man. On 6th October 1998, two men approached Matthew at a bar and after a discussion he agreed to get a lift home with them. Instead they beat him senseless resulting in multiple life-threatening injuries, tortured him and then left him to die in agony. They robbed Matthew, tied him to a fence and left him to die.
Matthew was left there, drifting in and out of consciousness for 18 hours. Matthew was then discovered by a cyclist who called the Police. Matthew was still alive, barely, but had slipped into a coma after being in what must have been in excruciating pain. Matthew had two skull fractures, which had left his brain too damaged to keep his heart beating and lungs breathing independently. In the days that followed, Matthew never regained consciousness and on 12th October 1998, at the age of just 21 years old he died.
The perpetrators of Matthew’s brutal and shocking murder admitted that his sexuality and their plans to rob him were their motivations for the attack and eventual murder. It later came out that they had pretended to be gay in order to gain his trust and persuade him to go with them. They both received life sentences without the opportunity for parole.
Matthews mother later set up The Matthew Shepard Foundation, in his memory. I’ve wanted to write Matthew’s story for a long time.
So, why now? Because with Donald Trump as President of America, I fear there will be another Matthew Shepard in America.
Donald Trump is already targeting the LGBT community with his rhetoric. And. He’s. Only. Just. Got. Power. I can only see Donald Trump’s behaviour getting worse.
I find it absolutely incredible that Donald Trump got into power once, let alone again. Donald Trump is a billionaire and influential man. I hope the American democracy isn’t as corrupt as it looks from the outside right now. I also hope, but highly doubt, that other leaders of the world will pull him up on his bad behaviour towards the LGBT community.
Write soon,
Antony

Recently Mum and I went to visit Speke Hall & Gardens. The weather was cloudy but it stayed dry.
Speke Hall is a glorious hall, steeped in history. It has a Restaurant, Picnic Areas, a Maze, a Children’s Play Area and many paths to walk along.
Here are a couple photos from the Hall:


Essential Info
- Speke Hall & Gardens is a glorious hall steeped in history, with beautiful gardens.
- Opening Times: Here.
- Admission Prices: Here.
- Facilities: Parking, Toilets, a Maze, Restaurant, Children’s Pay Area, Volunteers in the hall detailing its history, Picnic Areas, Walking Routes, etc.
Write soon,
Antony
Beeston Castle in Cheshire – More a Ruin than a Castle
By AntonyFriends & Family, Happiness & Joy, History, LifeNo Comments![]() Beeston Castle Gatehouse. |
Earlier today my good friend Steve and I went to Beeston Castle and Woodland Park. The weather was glorious, sunshine, temperature in the high twenties and not a cloud in the sky.
Beeston Castle is more a ruin than a castle. The gatehouse is at the bottom of a hill and it houses a small gift shop. It’s a uphill walk to the main ruin of the castle, a walk that I felt in my legs and reminded my of how un-physically fit I am. There was a St. George & The Dragon event on which was popular with families. |
Here are some photos:
Essential Info
- Beeston Castle is ruins of a castle. It also has a woodland park to walk in.
- Recommended, but it is pricy for what it is.
- Admission Fee: Adult £7-9.
- Opening Times: To see Opening Times on English Heritage website click here.
- Parking: A paid carpark is opposite Beeston Castle’s Gatehouse.
- Caution: If your mobility is poor, this isn’t a great site for you to visit. It’s an uphill walk to the main ruin site.
- Has a small exhibition.
- Has a small gift shop.
I’ve wanted to visit Beeston Castle for a number of years and I’m glad I did, especially on such a lovely day. But because it’s more a ruin than a castle, I probably wont be going back any time soon.
Especially not when I have Rivington’s Lever Castle on my doorstep with no entry fee and beautiful woodland to walk in.
Blog soon,
Antony

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Antony Simpson - Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.
Author of eight books.
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