ISSUE NUMBER 53 SEnine


have completed the census on line. I know a little early. It was easy, a lot easier that filling out the form and mailing it to the office for National Statistics.


I


The word 'census' originates in ancient Rome from the Latin word 'censere' (meaning ‘estimate’). In Rome, 508BC, the term census was a list that kept track of all adult males fit for military service. By 6BC it had evolved and played a crucial role in the administration of the Roman Empire, as it was used to determine taxes.


China was the first to have a recorded census over 4000 years ago. China's most well-known ancient census was taken in 2 AD, it is considered by scholars to be quite accurate. By that time, there were 57.67 million people registered in 12.36 million households living in China.


The bible records that Jesus was born during a census (Luke 2)


The most notable census in England was undertaken under instruction from Edward the Confessor in 1085 (completed in (1086). The book came to be known as the 'Domesday', that is the Day of Judgement. "For as the sentence of that strict and terrible last account cannot be evaded by any skilful subterfuge, so when this book is appealed to ... its sentence cannot be put quashed or set aside with impunity. That is why we have called the book 'the Book of Judgement' ... because its decisions, like those of the Last Judgement, are unalterable. FitzNigel, writing c. 1179).


(Richard Totally Independent


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The UK census as we know it today started in 1801. This was championed by John Rickman who managed the first four up to 1831, partly to ascertain the number of men able to fight in the Napoleonic wars.


The census has been conducted every ten years since 1801 (except 1941 war years - A mini census was held in 1939 to issue National Identity cards). The most recently completed census was in 2001.


Over the years the census has asked some odd questions and retuned unusual results. In 1911, married couples were asked about how "fertile" their conjugal relations were. In 1951 Women were warned to be honest about their age.


The 2001 census showed 300,000 listed their religion as 'Jedi' making it the 4th largest religion in the country.


The 2011 Census is already drawing criticism. One complaint was the omission of a space to add in any middle names. The census is known to be a useful tool for family historians.


Also there being no provision to list hours spent on voluntary work, which would have been helpful for Big Society buffs.


On the lighter side A census form has been sent to a car park ticketing machine in Hampshire.


It was addressed to "The Occupier: Pay on Foot Shelter” and posted to the machine in the Moors Valley Country


Staff were


APRIL 2011


Park, in Ringwood, Hants.


still


deciding whether or not to answer questions about the machine’s r elig ious beliefs.


From My Desk


And that Question 17 This seems to be the main topic on social media. It is a question aimed at those in Wales and Scotland and carries the message 'intentionally left blank' on the English version of the census.


Of course with the official census date being so close to April Fools Day I am sure the Census people will have a real laugh at what people will no doubt put in this blank box.


Suggestions have been; • Why waste taxpayers money on the ink. • Put a sticky note over it with the message do not remove this note. • Write 'Intentionally filled in', in the space. • Draw a picture of yourself


There have been many more, too rude to print.


Finally someone suggested that we should all spend the night in the local park having a party, now that would really confuse them.


Cover: The Tarn in Court Road Picture: Dawn OConnor -


Cameo: Our Biffo story comes to an end. Picture and art, Dawn OConnor


Closing Dates. All copy must be received by about the 15th* of each month to appear in the next edition. Contributions and Stories are always welcome from the residents of Eltham. Submissions are subject to our overall editorial policy. *Some months do vary, check our web page www.senine.co.uk for exact dates.


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