Liverpool Mail 12 December 1846
When clues are left behind on maps and in the landscape.
Top right of the map image note 'Finch house' on appropriately enough 'Finch Lane'.
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Saturday, 9 April 2016
In more innocent times
Someone would ask...what is black and white and re[a]d all over?
To which the correct response would be.. a newspaper.
Today cynicism 'rules' and without recourse to actually reading something 'with understanding' far too many 'shoot from the lip'.
I would not normally embrace such Americanisms, but that one rings true.
'Shoot from the hip' has been conflated with 'to give someone lip' or 'to be lippy'. Lippy meaning impertinence.
Far too often in these days of persistent 'social media' folk post in haste with scarcely a nod towards anything resembling truth.
Publication over several pages of the 'news story' concerning the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 'Daily Torygraph' has been bruited abroad willy-nilly.
The articles are in the 'Torygraph' that bastion of all things upper class. Not a red-top, nor the home of tabloid journalism. One of several papers whose reporters are tasked with writing text for those well above the standard reading age of 10 years.
Long gone are the days when newspapers earned such epithets as the 'Thunderer'. Nowadays folk apparently lack the ability or willingness to search for truthful reporting. Instead their appetites have been whetted to seek 'down and dirty news' and the more scurrilous the better!
To which the correct response would be.. a newspaper.
Today cynicism 'rules' and without recourse to actually reading something 'with understanding' far too many 'shoot from the lip'.
I would not normally embrace such Americanisms, but that one rings true.
'Shoot from the hip' has been conflated with 'to give someone lip' or 'to be lippy'. Lippy meaning impertinence.
Far too often in these days of persistent 'social media' folk post in haste with scarcely a nod towards anything resembling truth.
Publication over several pages of the 'news story' concerning the Archbishop of Canterbury in the 'Daily Torygraph' has been bruited abroad willy-nilly.
The articles are in the 'Torygraph' that bastion of all things upper class. Not a red-top, nor the home of tabloid journalism. One of several papers whose reporters are tasked with writing text for those well above the standard reading age of 10 years.
Long gone are the days when newspapers earned such epithets as the 'Thunderer'. Nowadays folk apparently lack the ability or willingness to search for truthful reporting. Instead their appetites have been whetted to seek 'down and dirty news' and the more scurrilous the better!
Thursday, 7 April 2016
Thursday, 31 March 2016
With apologies to Robert Frost
Something there is that doesn’t love a wall, becomes - Someone there is that doesn't love our trees.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, ‘Good fences make good neighbors.'
Our poplar trees will never get across
And eat anything in your garden, I tell him.
He only says, 'Trees are dangerous and must be destroyed'.
Having got the Council to come around unannounced...he was disappointed to find that
None of those poplars are dangerous.
But...
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, ‘Good fences make good neighbors.'
Our poplar trees will never get across
And eat anything in your garden, I tell him.
He only says, 'Trees are dangerous and must be destroyed'.
Having got the Council to come around unannounced...he was disappointed to find that
None of those poplars are dangerous.
But...
Something there is that doesn’t love a wall,
That wants it down.'
Someone there is that doesn't love poplar trees, or any trees, come to that.
Having chosen and bought a house that backs on to a row of poplars...he remains hell-bent on their destruction.
Here be poplars, posted here in the name of posterity.
“Every trees has its enemy, few have an advocate.
In all my works I take the part of trees against all their enemies”. Now, if only we would all play the part of an advocate for Nature, maybe we would regain a glimpse of the Shire or Lothlórien in our own woods. J.R.R. Tolkien
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Wandering thro' genealogy
Strathclyde Uni are hosting a genealogy MOOC. Totally free and in week 2 mire interesting.
Being led away from standard searches and invited to find out by using a more rounded approach.
The Sidebottom family in the High Peak.
Samuel born late 18th century / early 19th century (yet to be determined)
Dau. Sarah married in All saints Church, Glossop 1853
This is where the fluid movement of folk cross county makes problems.
The town of Glossop and village of Hayfield vary in importance over the centuries with Glossop becoming an assemblage of villages and hamlets clustered round various churches. Hayfield's hamlets remained affiliated to the Parish church of St, Matthew until the growth of sundry non-conformist chapels.
Now for week 3 and delving deeper. Learning to use wildcard* searches.
What is an effective search?
Being led away from standard searches and invited to find out by using a more rounded approach.
The Sidebottom family in the High Peak.
Samuel born late 18th century / early 19th century (yet to be determined)
Dau. Sarah married in All saints Church, Glossop 1853
This is where the fluid movement of folk cross county makes problems.
The town of Glossop and village of Hayfield vary in importance over the centuries with Glossop becoming an assemblage of villages and hamlets clustered round various churches. Hayfield's hamlets remained affiliated to the Parish church of St, Matthew until the growth of sundry non-conformist chapels.
Now for week 3 and delving deeper. Learning to use wildcard* searches.
What is an effective search?
- One that returns results on highly likely matches
- One that returns results on the correct individuals
- One that doesn’t overwhelm you with too many results
- One that doesn’t underwhelm you with too little or no results.
Thro' the good offices of the O.U. my searching methods are already pretty good. Now they ought to be even better!
Seems the use of multiple genealogy sites is recommended.
Anc£$try is expensive
Find My Past is better value for money and gives loyalty discounts
Then there are multiple freebies.
Comparisons are the way to go.
FMP alone has the 1939 register, a mine of useful information
Anc£$try has some of the weirder info from nooks & crannies.
....wandering happily along continues
Seems the use of multiple genealogy sites is recommended.
Anc£$try is expensive
Find My Past is better value for money and gives loyalty discounts
Then there are multiple freebies.
Comparisons are the way to go.
FMP alone has the 1939 register, a mine of useful information
Anc£$try has some of the weirder info from nooks & crannies.
....wandering happily along continues
Saturday, 26 March 2016
weekend
Doubly memorable weekend as Easter 2016 coincides with a remarkable centenary.
From the Irish Times
This weekend’s events marking the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising will be rooted in respect and inclusivity -
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys has said.
Dublin city is a place I've visited and stayed in many times over the past 14 years. First as a birthday present to mark a certain birthday, then to celebrate my God-daughter's 21st and other times 'because it's there.'
A city rich in history and culture, a very much living history part of everyday life.
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Sunday, 13 March 2016
In a word
Since last October, I have been making my way through the Open Uni c*urse or module as they are now called. I prefer c*urse as it has a double meaning and was a term often used in the good old days of OU study.
Grammar in Context seemed likely to be doable, so I took the plunge. One has to take advantage of transitional arrangements while it lasts.
Previously, I completed Worlds of English which was hard work but thoroughly enjoyable. Cue my present studies, what a contrast - like as the old saying goes 'pulling teeth'.
Grammar in Context seemed likely to be doable, so I took the plunge. One has to take advantage of transitional arrangements while it lasts.
Previously, I completed Worlds of English which was hard work but thoroughly enjoyable. Cue my present studies, what a contrast - like as the old saying goes 'pulling teeth'.
The bane of E304 is the UAM-CT computer program.
A necessary evil...
Life is too short to detail the shortcomings of this insult to the term computer program.
Drilling down into texts by analysing the life out of them. Resurrecting knowledge acquired in junior school.
Both U214 and E304 have impacted on my ability to read and to listen. Unconsciously, I find myself taking apart texts as I come across them.
E.g. if someone says something is 'not chocolate' and then lists 'cocoa' in the ingredients my 'linguistics' etymology brain makes an objection since cocoa is the prime ingredient of chocolate, no cocoa = no chocolate.
Then I came across some folk talking about and recommending some sets of fiction books (series). Going to previews of those texts, reading or attempting to read a couple of paragraphs, my linguistics self shudders and I have to leave the page vowing to add those authors (loosely) to the do not bother with list, even if their texts are £0.00 i.e. free.
Snobbish? I don't agree, more like discerning and making better informed choices. I know folk who on picking up a book, 'must' read to the bitter end no matter what. No way would I ever punish myself like that now I have the option to decline. Schooldays literature was a 'must' therefore I ploughed through the works of Jane Austin and Thomas Hardy. I also over the years went though several works by Charles Dickens and Shakespeare; and a good grounding they were; not forgetting Chaucer.
Returning to the idea of reading choice and linguistics. The latest topics in E304 have been Tenor and Mood leading to analyses of texts from that angle. Looking at repetition, chains of meaning, lexical density along with grammatical density and cohesion. No wonder some authors with their pointlessly repetitive formulaic texts are to be ignored "shampoo-rinse-repeat sort of author, churning out the same old - same old".
Give me the fluent, richly worded, well-grated works of Tolkien, the most satisfying read in my experience. Also, other early twentieth century authors - along with the likes of the nineteenth century authors - Kipling, Wells. Not forgetting the other Inklings friends of Tolkien and brilliant writers in their own right.
Drilling down into texts by analysing the life out of them. Resurrecting knowledge acquired in junior school.
Both U214 and E304 have impacted on my ability to read and to listen. Unconsciously, I find myself taking apart texts as I come across them.
E.g. if someone says something is 'not chocolate' and then lists 'cocoa' in the ingredients my 'linguistics' etymology brain makes an objection since cocoa is the prime ingredient of chocolate, no cocoa = no chocolate.
Then I came across some folk talking about and recommending some sets of fiction books (series). Going to previews of those texts, reading or attempting to read a couple of paragraphs, my linguistics self shudders and I have to leave the page vowing to add those authors (loosely) to the do not bother with list, even if their texts are £0.00 i.e. free.
Snobbish? I don't agree, more like discerning and making better informed choices. I know folk who on picking up a book, 'must' read to the bitter end no matter what. No way would I ever punish myself like that now I have the option to decline. Schooldays literature was a 'must' therefore I ploughed through the works of Jane Austin and Thomas Hardy. I also over the years went though several works by Charles Dickens and Shakespeare; and a good grounding they were; not forgetting Chaucer.
Returning to the idea of reading choice and linguistics. The latest topics in E304 have been Tenor and Mood leading to analyses of texts from that angle. Looking at repetition, chains of meaning, lexical density along with grammatical density and cohesion. No wonder some authors with their pointlessly repetitive formulaic texts are to be ignored "shampoo-rinse-repeat sort of author, churning out the same old - same old".
Give me the fluent, richly worded, well-grated works of Tolkien, the most satisfying read in my experience. Also, other early twentieth century authors - along with the likes of the nineteenth century authors - Kipling, Wells. Not forgetting the other Inklings friends of Tolkien and brilliant writers in their own right.
Friday, 19 February 2016
Lawks a mercy
Sometimes it does my blood pressure a world of no good to read some of the proliferation of posts on social media.
Blame it on a grammar school and university education. No, I do not expect everyone to write with authority on whatever subject. But, I would like it if people were their own editors and did not willy-nilly share anything and everything.
I suppose it is my fault for continuing to read a long involved nebulous posting about a particularly serious topic.
Nor ought I to take much heed of morning 'news' programmes which instead of making appropriate use of in-house political correspondents (London-based) - send a general factotum type wally to stand outside Parliament with a microphone and cameraman.
The other so-called 'news' topic that 'got to me' was this mythological idea that feckless 'millennials' blame 'baby-boomers' for the world today!
Hooray for Tai Chi and the weekly opportunity to work my way thro' some of the 'old form'.
Guaranteed relaxation with mindfulness and exercise. Not forgetting the before and after chat in the group.
Only 8 today, must be the 'Half term effect' when grandparents take charge of grandchildren instead of doing Tai Chi. Hopefully, it'll get back to normal next week.
Blame it on a grammar school and university education. No, I do not expect everyone to write with authority on whatever subject. But, I would like it if people were their own editors and did not willy-nilly share anything and everything.
I suppose it is my fault for continuing to read a long involved nebulous posting about a particularly serious topic.
Nor ought I to take much heed of morning 'news' programmes which instead of making appropriate use of in-house political correspondents (London-based) - send a general factotum type wally to stand outside Parliament with a microphone and cameraman.
The other so-called 'news' topic that 'got to me' was this mythological idea that feckless 'millennials' blame 'baby-boomers' for the world today!
Hooray for Tai Chi and the weekly opportunity to work my way thro' some of the 'old form'.
Guaranteed relaxation with mindfulness and exercise. Not forgetting the before and after chat in the group.
Only 8 today, must be the 'Half term effect' when grandparents take charge of grandchildren instead of doing Tai Chi. Hopefully, it'll get back to normal next week.
Sunday, 14 February 2016
Saturday, 6 February 2016
Chen style
Apart from an enforced break for part of last year, I like to go to Tai Chi weekly. One group is composed mostly of ladies of a 'certain age'. We're a friendly, chatty bunch and meet up to socialise almost as much as for Tai Chi training.
I must have been practising Tai Chi for some four or five years, am not sure which. However, there was an enforced hiatus from November 2014 to April 2015. Only in the last two weeks have I resumed going twice a week.
The tutor(s) are the same for both, but other group is far more professional / serious.
Friday's group - meet up for a chat before the tutor arrives One of the ladies brings a CD-player and our movements are practised to gentle background music. At the end we have another chat them go our separate ways.
Saturday morning is far more business-like and the group is mixed. A few of the more advanced practitioners do two sessions one after the other. Some day I might, just might end up joining in both sessions. Before things went pear-shaped in Nov. 2014 I was well on my way to doing just that.
Happily, Tai Chi teaches patience...
It's an unusual situation, Friday's group are progressing by adding to the frame moves. Saturday's group has more beginners, we're revisiting the opening moves of the 'Old frame'.
Finishing on a lighter note...
This weekend there are celebrations for the Chinese New Year.
We're entering the Year of the Monkey or as some Australian wit would have it the Year of the Tasmanian Devil.
I must have been practising Tai Chi for some four or five years, am not sure which. However, there was an enforced hiatus from November 2014 to April 2015. Only in the last two weeks have I resumed going twice a week.
The tutor(s) are the same for both, but other group is far more professional / serious.
Friday's group - meet up for a chat before the tutor arrives One of the ladies brings a CD-player and our movements are practised to gentle background music. At the end we have another chat them go our separate ways.
Saturday morning is far more business-like and the group is mixed. A few of the more advanced practitioners do two sessions one after the other. Some day I might, just might end up joining in both sessions. Before things went pear-shaped in Nov. 2014 I was well on my way to doing just that.
Happily, Tai Chi teaches patience...
It's an unusual situation, Friday's group are progressing by adding to the frame moves. Saturday's group has more beginners, we're revisiting the opening moves of the 'Old frame'.
- First stage is xue jiazi or "learning the frame".
- Second stage is known as lien xi jiazi or "practising the frame".
- The third stage is nie jiazi or "correcting the frame".
"The student must be patient as every aspect of their body, movement and posture is carefully rearranged - drop your elbows, relax your shoulders, push out more with your hands"
Finishing on a lighter note...
This weekend there are celebrations for the Chinese New Year.
We're entering the Year of the Monkey or as some Australian wit would have it the Year of the Tasmanian Devil.
Thursday, 4 February 2016
Shopping took longer then expected
Occasionally, we make a trip to Warrington shopping. Not the mad busy shopping centre but to one of the trading estates followed by a cheaper supermarket.
What a good thing I keep puzzle books in the car to occupy myself. I certainly needed it today. Instead of quick-in and quick-out the time dragged on. No problem as I was busy with my puzzles until I began to feel cold. It was a miserable grey day with rain and gusting winds. Eventually, I gave in and moved to the driver's seat, started the car and began to warm myself up.
When he arrived, it became apparent there'd been ordering difficulties.
The way home was also unusual. There are massive roadworks involving a new interchange, so you never know which routes will be closed and have to be ready for diversions. Having successfully navigated that part we came to a halt not far from home. No vehicles were moving in either direction apart from those turning round to go the opposite way. The long stretch of road between two main junctions had been emptied of traffic. Leaving plenty of room for the fire services and obligatory police presence.
Gone are the days when no matter what happened, the flow of traffic was maintained.
Checking social media, there's no reports of the incident. Hoping the fire & rescue service will post something tomorrow.
We did not have long to wait, the fire was out when we arrived at the queue.
What a good thing I keep puzzle books in the car to occupy myself. I certainly needed it today. Instead of quick-in and quick-out the time dragged on. No problem as I was busy with my puzzles until I began to feel cold. It was a miserable grey day with rain and gusting winds. Eventually, I gave in and moved to the driver's seat, started the car and began to warm myself up.
When he arrived, it became apparent there'd been ordering difficulties.
The way home was also unusual. There are massive roadworks involving a new interchange, so you never know which routes will be closed and have to be ready for diversions. Having successfully navigated that part we came to a halt not far from home. No vehicles were moving in either direction apart from those turning round to go the opposite way. The long stretch of road between two main junctions had been emptied of traffic. Leaving plenty of room for the fire services and obligatory police presence.
Gone are the days when no matter what happened, the flow of traffic was maintained.
Checking social media, there's no reports of the incident. Hoping the fire & rescue service will post something tomorrow.
We did not have long to wait, the fire was out when we arrived at the queue.
Wednesday, 3 February 2016
Torr Top Tunnels
New Mills is a remarkable place for its setting apart from anything else. This Derbyshire town is near Stockport. It is in the valley of the river Goyt at the confluence of the Goyt and the Sett. Words do not give it justice.
Typical of Derbyshire towns in the North of that county, the town was built from Millstone Grit.
Fast-flowing rivers were harnessed to power mills in the 19th century. The rivers pass thro' a gorge called the Torrs. Today it is a riverside park and includes a small hydro-power scheme. The deep gorge is breath-taking and is sometimes used by climbers.
I love making connections, some historical, others geographical and on occasion social.
WWI Belgium is known for the extensive trench system. What can be the link between WWI and a town in Derbyshire?
War diary
16 Dec 1917 - Torr Top Tunnels and Forrestor Camp Battalion moved into the TORR TOP TUNNEL SYSTEM and relieved the 17th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment. The Battalion entrained at FUZEVILLE at 12.15 p.m. and detraining at MANOR HALT at 1.30 p.m. Relief complete at 3 p.m. Battalion details were accommodated at FORRESTOR CAMP under command of Captain W.Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC]. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded.
In WWI the trenches and tunnels were named after local places.
Torrs river and mill
Millennium walkway
Typical of Derbyshire towns in the North of that county, the town was built from Millstone Grit.
Fast-flowing rivers were harnessed to power mills in the 19th century. The rivers pass thro' a gorge called the Torrs. Today it is a riverside park and includes a small hydro-power scheme. The deep gorge is breath-taking and is sometimes used by climbers.
I love making connections, some historical, others geographical and on occasion social.
WWI Belgium is known for the extensive trench system. What can be the link between WWI and a town in Derbyshire?
War diary
16 Dec 1917 - Torr Top Tunnels and Forrestor Camp Battalion moved into the TORR TOP TUNNEL SYSTEM and relieved the 17th Bn. Kings Liverpool Regiment. The Battalion entrained at FUZEVILLE at 12.15 p.m. and detraining at MANOR HALT at 1.30 p.m. Relief complete at 3 p.m. Battalion details were accommodated at FORRESTOR CAMP under command of Captain W.Hobbs [Wilfred HOBBS, MC]. 1 O.R. accidentally wounded.
In WWI the trenches and tunnels were named after local places.
Torrs river and mill
Millennium walkway
Monday, 11 January 2016
Long ago
in the days before retirement...
Downward from Ladybower dam.
Somewhere I used to go in July to do a fieldwork investigation
Birchinlee village aka 'Tin Town'
Constructed to house and cater for the workers involved in the Derwent Valley construction project.
The Secret Valley - is the name of a booklet written about the construction of the reservoirs down the valley. It's full of images to show the removal and destruction of the villages, and farms that disappeared under the reservoirs.
Most unusually, construction took place during WWII.
One of the dams, Derwent has the two valve control towers crenelated and shaped like towers belonging to a castle.
That dam provided a practice site for the Dambusters raid as can be seen in the film 633 Squadron.
There have been a number of anniversaries when the valley has played host to vintage aircraft such as the Lancaster.
Unfortunately, I have no photographic evidence as it was in the days before digital photography and the aircraft flew past too fast. But, in the 1980s I was there when a pair of Phantoms (jet aircraft) beat down the valley. I still remember the sight and sounds as they roared past. What amused us was the group of students was frightened and tried to hide. The staff by contrast were looking skywards to enjoy the experience.
Most unusually, construction took place during WWII.
One of the dams, Derwent has the two valve control towers crenelated and shaped like towers belonging to a castle.
That dam provided a practice site for the Dambusters raid as can be seen in the film 633 Squadron.
There have been a number of anniversaries when the valley has played host to vintage aircraft such as the Lancaster.
Unfortunately, I have no photographic evidence as it was in the days before digital photography and the aircraft flew past too fast. But, in the 1980s I was there when a pair of Phantoms (jet aircraft) beat down the valley. I still remember the sight and sounds as they roared past. What amused us was the group of students was frightened and tried to hide. The staff by contrast were looking skywards to enjoy the experience.
When
your nearest and dearest, favourite computer Luddite goes on-line, there are suddenly a lot of random questions.
HP support assistant says...? Then it's a case of describing what to do next. I'll give him his due. For someone that once vowed 'never to use those damned things' he's coming on well.
What's brought about the change of mind?
Quite simply, a catalogue that used to arrive with a resounding thump on the doormat has gone on-line only. Added to that situation his shopping list for that catalogue and an invitation to subscribe to email for a £5 voucher off an order...
Mr Luddite is now ensconced with laptop and browsing the on-line catalogue.
As the saying goes - better late than never.
HP support assistant says...? Then it's a case of describing what to do next. I'll give him his due. For someone that once vowed 'never to use those damned things' he's coming on well.
What's brought about the change of mind?
Quite simply, a catalogue that used to arrive with a resounding thump on the doormat has gone on-line only. Added to that situation his shopping list for that catalogue and an invitation to subscribe to email for a £5 voucher off an order...
Mr Luddite is now ensconced with laptop and browsing the on-line catalogue.
As the saying goes - better late than never.
Thursday, 7 January 2016
Today
has been in two different parts...
1. Calming down a friend on social media who is prone to anxiety and was winding herself up over something beyond her ken, let alone beyond our control. Got her to re-focus away from world events and much nearer to home. She's returned to interacting with her playful puppy and anxiety has subsided.
2. Lexicogrammatical analysis. With one week to go, time to buckle down to my latest assignment. Who knew disassembling two contrasting media reports of the same event could yield so much to opine and to write about!
1. Calming down a friend on social media who is prone to anxiety and was winding herself up over something beyond her ken, let alone beyond our control. Got her to re-focus away from world events and much nearer to home. She's returned to interacting with her playful puppy and anxiety has subsided.
2. Lexicogrammatical analysis. With one week to go, time to buckle down to my latest assignment. Who knew disassembling two contrasting media reports of the same event could yield so much to opine and to write about!
Our unseasonable weather is confusing Spring bulbs
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
Reporting...
Just because something appears in print does not make it a valid assertion. Yesterday the traffic was congested and some were performing U-turns to find a different route. Why?
As was went thro' the traffic light controlled junction (on green) we noticed that a police car was blocking one corner of the junction preventing access to the road leading to a number of schools.
In their 'wisdom' planners have in the past 5 or so years, demolished a primary school in one part of the Borough, built a new school about half a mile away and in so doing increased traffic congestion on nearby roads.
In a small area there are 4 schools.
2 primary total pupil numbers 440
Community academy with 965 on roll.
Private nursery taking 52 youngsters.
To access these schools means traffic uses one main road and a side road. Think for a minute...implication traffic numbers?
Since the majority of pupils are chauffeured to and from school, those local roads have too many vehicles using them. Add on the fact that both roads are main bus routes, the main road handles business, commercial and local traffic.
That junction became an accident waiting to happen.
A 13-year old came into contact with a double-decker bus and survived with leg injuries.
Reading local newspaper reports you'd be forgiven for thinking accidents were a regular occurrence.
The newspaper quoted local residents giving the impression that the road is extremely dangerous.
Stepping back from the media hyperbole...
Near the junction there's a row of shops that includes a newsagents / sweet shop and 'butty-shop'.
Both roads have traffic calming measures. They are controlled by traffic lights and zebra (pelican) crossing. The side road has speed bumps.
Think back in time, some 30 years to another schoolchild accident at that junction. No-one blamed the driver, as there were numerous witnesses that saw and reported the lad running across the road without paying any attention to traffic.
I'm guessing something similar occurred yesterday as a lad dived across the road and was 'collected' by the bus. My sympathies lie with the bus driver. I lay the blame at the door of the planners. Expecting a road junction with its 'honeypots' schools, shops and traffic volume to cope with some 1450+ youngsters, parents, commuters and goods vehicles...
beggars belief.
As was went thro' the traffic light controlled junction (on green) we noticed that a police car was blocking one corner of the junction preventing access to the road leading to a number of schools.
In their 'wisdom' planners have in the past 5 or so years, demolished a primary school in one part of the Borough, built a new school about half a mile away and in so doing increased traffic congestion on nearby roads.
In a small area there are 4 schools.
2 primary total pupil numbers 440
Community academy with 965 on roll.
Private nursery taking 52 youngsters.
To access these schools means traffic uses one main road and a side road. Think for a minute...implication traffic numbers?
Since the majority of pupils are chauffeured to and from school, those local roads have too many vehicles using them. Add on the fact that both roads are main bus routes, the main road handles business, commercial and local traffic.
That junction became an accident waiting to happen.
A 13-year old came into contact with a double-decker bus and survived with leg injuries.
Reading local newspaper reports you'd be forgiven for thinking accidents were a regular occurrence.
The newspaper quoted local residents giving the impression that the road is extremely dangerous.
Stepping back from the media hyperbole...
Near the junction there's a row of shops that includes a newsagents / sweet shop and 'butty-shop'.
Both roads have traffic calming measures. They are controlled by traffic lights and zebra (pelican) crossing. The side road has speed bumps.
Think back in time, some 30 years to another schoolchild accident at that junction. No-one blamed the driver, as there were numerous witnesses that saw and reported the lad running across the road without paying any attention to traffic.
I'm guessing something similar occurred yesterday as a lad dived across the road and was 'collected' by the bus. My sympathies lie with the bus driver. I lay the blame at the door of the planners. Expecting a road junction with its 'honeypots' schools, shops and traffic volume to cope with some 1450+ youngsters, parents, commuters and goods vehicles...
beggars belief.
Tuesday, 5 January 2016
Another 12 months
Saw the G.P. and duly went thro' my 'shopping list' of queries. Usually when on repeat medication, there's a 6-monthly G.P. review. Fortunately for me, mine has now become 12-monthly. This means my prescriptions will continue to arrive electronically with the pharmacy and they can dispensing at 2-monthly intervals.
It is a sign of ageing but one that is easy to cope with.
As I said, it was a new G.P. for me, and OH knows him well as he's had him for several years and gets on well with him.
Another problem of our creaky N.H.S. is that some areas have been taken over by companies that have a contract to provide G.P. services. They have medical centres but each has only one full-time G.P. From time to time there are temporary part-timers who arrive, stay for a few months then move on.
Long gone are the days when a doctor knew a family from 'cradle to grave'.
Such is 'progress'.
It is a sign of ageing but one that is easy to cope with.
As I said, it was a new G.P. for me, and OH knows him well as he's had him for several years and gets on well with him.
Another problem of our creaky N.H.S. is that some areas have been taken over by companies that have a contract to provide G.P. services. They have medical centres but each has only one full-time G.P. From time to time there are temporary part-timers who arrive, stay for a few months then move on.
Long gone are the days when a doctor knew a family from 'cradle to grave'.
Such is 'progress'.
Monday, 4 January 2016
Goods and services?
The start of the New Year and thinking that the refuse collection would happen in the early hours c 7 a.m. for once we put the bins out overnight. Did they come then, no they did not. They turned up in the afternoon. Changing the collection day from Fridays to Mondays has been challenging when you've spent goodness knows how many years on the other system.
In another schedule change, we decided to do Thursday's shopping today. That was a good plan. Roads and shop were quiet and we were back by 10 a.m.
Next, our friendly window cleaner arrived to do his usual good offices. He was taken aback when he noticed the results of my fall (Dec. 30th 2015)
Truth to tell, I am mending well. After all it is over two years since the last time I measured my length.
Coincidentally, I have a G.P. review tomorrow morning, but not with my usual G.P.
I'm told the guy has good English skills and OH has nothing but praise for him. Time will tell. Here was me hoping for a 'rubber stamp' appointment, but I guess falling might be discussed. I was putting it down to tempus fugit, but some reading up leads me to think it might be a Vit. D absorption problem. I've spent since last June taking additional Calcium and occasional Vit. D. top-ups. There's something called short bowel syndrome and I guess my op in Nov. 2014 might have contributed to it.
Fingers crossed the G.P. does not find any other underlying problems.
In another schedule change, we decided to do Thursday's shopping today. That was a good plan. Roads and shop were quiet and we were back by 10 a.m.
Next, our friendly window cleaner arrived to do his usual good offices. He was taken aback when he noticed the results of my fall (Dec. 30th 2015)
Truth to tell, I am mending well. After all it is over two years since the last time I measured my length.
Coincidentally, I have a G.P. review tomorrow morning, but not with my usual G.P.
I'm told the guy has good English skills and OH has nothing but praise for him. Time will tell. Here was me hoping for a 'rubber stamp' appointment, but I guess falling might be discussed. I was putting it down to tempus fugit, but some reading up leads me to think it might be a Vit. D absorption problem. I've spent since last June taking additional Calcium and occasional Vit. D. top-ups. There's something called short bowel syndrome and I guess my op in Nov. 2014 might have contributed to it.
Fingers crossed the G.P. does not find any other underlying problems.
Thursday, 31 December 2015
End of year
October to December are the darkest days. From time immemorial people have been driven to find and use light sources to chase away the darkness.
In recent years these months have become tainted by loss.
November 2014 and now December 2015 click on the mouse friends have passed away. In both cases the tyrant cancer claimed their lives.
Words can not express the chasm left behind by their departure. Their families have a long painful journey ahead as they come to terms with what has happened.
Unlike yesteryear blogging has enabled them to share their loss and their feelings. In one case the person kept her blog going as long as possible. It remains a rich vein of memories.
I shall not name names, it would be disrespectful to do so.
Farewell my friends.
In recent years these months have become tainted by loss.
November 2014 and now December 2015 click on the mouse friends have passed away. In both cases the tyrant cancer claimed their lives.
Words can not express the chasm left behind by their departure. Their families have a long painful journey ahead as they come to terms with what has happened.
Unlike yesteryear blogging has enabled them to share their loss and their feelings. In one case the person kept her blog going as long as possible. It remains a rich vein of memories.
I shall not name names, it would be disrespectful to do so.
Farewell my friends.
Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Farewell 2015
I am not going to miss you. In fact, I shall be heartily glad to consign you to the past.
How was 2015?
The sort of year you never want to repeat, at least my experience of it has left behind some not so good memories.
I spent from Dec. 2014 and all the way thro' 2015 recovering from major surgery (no details). Suffice it to say that December's op was life changing but at the same time the important part is staying alive to face the future.
Himself also had a major op (hip replacement) which went like clockwork as the saying goes. He went from as our American friends would say extreme pain 24/7 to being pain free. As another saying goes 'you can't see the join'. In fact the community care (district) nurse brought her colleague with her to confirm it and to discharge him from outpatient care.
Some happy parts of the year - coffee and friendly chats with neighbours. We even managed to go for a Chinese meal together. It had been delayed by one or more of us having ill health, but we did it. The three of us have our birthdays in November, December and January. Not good months to go out at night. In 2016 we will find another occasion to celebrate our birthdays no matter when. We like the Chinese restaurant. They have grown used to us and although we officially have a 'set' menu, they let us alter it according to our needs without any extra charges. Our blind friend tends to go there more often with different sets of people.
The three of us are still fund raising towards research into diabetic retinopathy. M & M do the sorting of donated goods and then the sales. I do anything that requires using technology. We began by making craft goods to sell and it grew from there.
How was 2015?
The sort of year you never want to repeat, at least my experience of it has left behind some not so good memories.
I spent from Dec. 2014 and all the way thro' 2015 recovering from major surgery (no details). Suffice it to say that December's op was life changing but at the same time the important part is staying alive to face the future.
Himself also had a major op (hip replacement) which went like clockwork as the saying goes. He went from as our American friends would say extreme pain 24/7 to being pain free. As another saying goes 'you can't see the join'. In fact the community care (district) nurse brought her colleague with her to confirm it and to discharge him from outpatient care.
Some happy parts of the year - coffee and friendly chats with neighbours. We even managed to go for a Chinese meal together. It had been delayed by one or more of us having ill health, but we did it. The three of us have our birthdays in November, December and January. Not good months to go out at night. In 2016 we will find another occasion to celebrate our birthdays no matter when. We like the Chinese restaurant. They have grown used to us and although we officially have a 'set' menu, they let us alter it according to our needs without any extra charges. Our blind friend tends to go there more often with different sets of people.
The three of us are still fund raising towards research into diabetic retinopathy. M & M do the sorting of donated goods and then the sales. I do anything that requires using technology. We began by making craft goods to sell and it grew from there.
Monday, 28 December 2015
1939
Recently, a genealogy site has begun to make parts of the British 1939 census details available for a price.
Fortunately, being a subscriber meant I received a discount code which opened a record of my choice at a much reduced price. But, some parts are still blacked out unless that person died before 1991.
This means I have to do some guesswork. My memory tells me that during WWII (1939-1945) my grandparents had a lodger. I have no idea apart from the lodger being male. Looking at the street it appears that other houses have an extra person that's not part of the family.
There's no record of whoever lived at no. 1. Yet, I knew the people living there and that they'd been in the house since new.
Whilst the discount of 50% was applicable (one record) I've opened some more to read and to save.
Fortunately, being a subscriber meant I received a discount code which opened a record of my choice at a much reduced price. But, some parts are still blacked out unless that person died before 1991.
This means I have to do some guesswork. My memory tells me that during WWII (1939-1945) my grandparents had a lodger. I have no idea apart from the lodger being male. Looking at the street it appears that other houses have an extra person that's not part of the family.
There's no record of whoever lived at no. 1. Yet, I knew the people living there and that they'd been in the house since new.
Whilst the discount of 50% was applicable (one record) I've opened some more to read and to save.
In the news
Mona Helen Muriel Stonyer from Hereford...
The London Gazette posted her demise
4 Grove Road, Hereford, Spinster. 26th July 1990.
How come this lady made the news in the 21st century? Apparently an academy came across notebooks from her schooldays. Some bright-spark had the idea to investigate further and compare then with now.
Books dating from 1929-1930 were found during the emptying and relocation of Broadlands Primary School.
Close-ups showed the meticulous hand-writing and drawings from biology. Then, it struck me when one of today's pupils commented on how neat and tidy they were. Cue a memory from long ago, okay 1950s and to my generation not 'that' long ago. We were taught to always do our best work and that meant neat handwriting and careful drawings. No-one ever rushed through their work, there was no incentive to do it faster. Then, we could and did focus our attention on our studies with nothing to distract us. 'No talking' was the rule, and although rooms were light and airy windows on one side were too high to look through even when standing. The opposite wall would have looked into the corridor and out to the quadrangle but its windows were opaque.
Who was she? MONA H M STONYER was born in Hereford1914.
1897 WILLIAM FUCKES STONYER married ELLEN ALEXANDRA SHERRATT
The London Gazette posted her demise
4 Grove Road, Hereford, Spinster. 26th July 1990.
How come this lady made the news in the 21st century? Apparently an academy came across notebooks from her schooldays. Some bright-spark had the idea to investigate further and compare then with now.
Books dating from 1929-1930 were found during the emptying and relocation of Broadlands Primary School.
Close-ups showed the meticulous hand-writing and drawings from biology. Then, it struck me when one of today's pupils commented on how neat and tidy they were. Cue a memory from long ago, okay 1950s and to my generation not 'that' long ago. We were taught to always do our best work and that meant neat handwriting and careful drawings. No-one ever rushed through their work, there was no incentive to do it faster. Then, we could and did focus our attention on our studies with nothing to distract us. 'No talking' was the rule, and although rooms were light and airy windows on one side were too high to look through even when standing. The opposite wall would have looked into the corridor and out to the quadrangle but its windows were opaque.
Who was she? MONA H M STONYER was born in Hereford1914.
1897 WILLIAM FUCKES STONYER married ELLEN ALEXANDRA SHERRATT
The more it rains...
The more I come to the conclusion that the North-South divide remains very much in place.
Media go-fors have headed to more of the flood hit areas. They have gathered to interrupt ongoing work with facile, futile questions.
Of course an historic city, York now claims most of the coverage.
The good folk of Cumbria and Lancashire have lost the media spotlight. Their desperate plight remains but the news-hounds have moved on.
Then there's the knowledge gap, made worse by the popular news media that have their words / writings set for a reading age typical for a 10-year old child.
Yes, my cynicism knows no bounds.
Because happenings are in the Northern England, rubberneckers from the south have arrived to look, spout words then scuttle back to the S.E. (Having spent ££££s on themselves).
Media go-fors have headed to more of the flood hit areas. They have gathered to interrupt ongoing work with facile, futile questions.
Of course an historic city, York now claims most of the coverage.
The good folk of Cumbria and Lancashire have lost the media spotlight. Their desperate plight remains but the news-hounds have moved on.
Then there's the knowledge gap, made worse by the popular news media that have their words / writings set for a reading age typical for a 10-year old child.
Yes, my cynicism knows no bounds.
Because happenings are in the Northern England, rubberneckers from the south have arrived to look, spout words then scuttle back to the S.E. (Having spent ££££s on themselves).
Thursday, 17 December 2015
Tis the Season?
Reading the latest magazine it was heartening to read that -
"You will have heard it said that there is so much busy-ness at Christmas that we lose the heart of it. Buying, shopping, wrapping, and choosing... It’s very easy to find ourselves disconnected from the very story which should have meaning to us: the birth of Jesus."
Media broadcast 'Christmas' carols, but so many of them are merely catchy tunes with empty words. Films with 'Christmas' in the title, that are all about a mythical man in a red suit, nothing to do with St. Nicholas and even less to do with the Nativity.
In childhood years, a favourite part of December was to walk 'up street' to Castle Gate to see the Manger and listen to the old carols. The background scene changed from twinkling stars to the Star of Bethlehem. Figurines amidst the strewn hay depicted the nativity. How fortunate to have such a precious scene to view and listen to.
Times have changed and not for the better. Now I read the on-line news instead of visiting the scene. I no longer want to go because of the various acts of gratuitous vandalism that have occurred over the intervening years.
2009
CLITHEROE'S Mayor says there might not be a Nativity crib scene at the Castle gates next year due to persistent theft of its figures. In the early hours of Boxing Day, around 3-45 a.m., five figures including baby Jesus, Mary, an angel and shepherd, were taken from the crib.
Drunken revellers?
CCTV cameras picked up images of two people in their 30s or 40s taking the figures. They left the castle grounds by the Eshton Terrace gate in the direction of Mitchell Street carrying the figures. One wing of the angel had broken off and is now in the hands of the police.
2013
"A MODEL of the baby Jesus has been found on the roof of a Clitheroe church.
"You will have heard it said that there is so much busy-ness at Christmas that we lose the heart of it. Buying, shopping, wrapping, and choosing... It’s very easy to find ourselves disconnected from the very story which should have meaning to us: the birth of Jesus."
Media broadcast 'Christmas' carols, but so many of them are merely catchy tunes with empty words. Films with 'Christmas' in the title, that are all about a mythical man in a red suit, nothing to do with St. Nicholas and even less to do with the Nativity.
In childhood years, a favourite part of December was to walk 'up street' to Castle Gate to see the Manger and listen to the old carols. The background scene changed from twinkling stars to the Star of Bethlehem. Figurines amidst the strewn hay depicted the nativity. How fortunate to have such a precious scene to view and listen to.
Times have changed and not for the better. Now I read the on-line news instead of visiting the scene. I no longer want to go because of the various acts of gratuitous vandalism that have occurred over the intervening years.
2009
CLITHEROE'S Mayor says there might not be a Nativity crib scene at the Castle gates next year due to persistent theft of its figures. In the early hours of Boxing Day, around 3-45 a.m., five figures including baby Jesus, Mary, an angel and shepherd, were taken from the crib.
Drunken revellers?
CCTV cameras picked up images of two people in their 30s or 40s taking the figures. They left the castle grounds by the Eshton Terrace gate in the direction of Mitchell Street carrying the figures. One wing of the angel had broken off and is now in the hands of the police.
2013
"A MODEL of the baby Jesus has been found on the roof of a Clitheroe church.
The unusual find was made while St Mary Magdalene’s gutters were being cleared. The nativity piece, which is around a foot in length, disappeared from the town’s crib three years ago."
Sadly, Clitheroe's nativity scene is not alone in receiving the unwanted attentions of vandals.
To end on a happier note - I used to really enjoy Christmas Eve as I walked across town to St. James for the yearly midnight services.
Another joyful memory floats to the surface...walking to St. Matthews in a village in the High Peak to take part in the Carol Service.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
Over 100 years later
and similarities remain...
I've only read part way through, and the notes make for an interesting read.
Education, still a headline grabber in the early 21st century, but what about in the late 1800s?
Recently, I came across a report book (on-line) written in the 1800s by those in charge of a School in the Peak District.
June 1887, 'The results are very uneven'.
'Attendance only moderate',
'A large number of children absent in consequence of fever being prevalent in the families'.
Schools are in and their inhabitants are from nearby communities. Nature vs. Nurture.
April 1875
The Head Teacher understood his pupils and their families remarkably well. He saw the effect of events in and around the school and attempted to respond accordingly.
December, 1874, the winter temperatures being bitterly cold, neither masters nor pupils could hold writing instruments well enough to write. School closed on Christmas Eve. It re-opened on the 28th at the request of parents and pupils. Although cold, school was better than local homes.
July 1883
''The state of the Infants Class is creditable to the Mistress. She should have more assistance.
There should be a teacher's desk'.
Curriculum
I've only read part way through, and the notes make for an interesting read.
Education, still a headline grabber in the early 21st century, but what about in the late 1800s?
Recently, I came across a report book (on-line) written in the 1800s by those in charge of a School in the Peak District.
June 1887, 'The results are very uneven'.
'Attendance only moderate',
'A large number of children absent in consequence of fever being prevalent in the families'.
Schools are in and their inhabitants are from nearby communities. Nature vs. Nurture.
April 1875
The Head Teacher understood his pupils and their families remarkably well. He saw the effect of events in and around the school and attempted to respond accordingly.
December, 1874, the winter temperatures being bitterly cold, neither masters nor pupils could hold writing instruments well enough to write. School closed on Christmas Eve. It re-opened on the 28th at the request of parents and pupils. Although cold, school was better than local homes.
July 1883
''The state of the Infants Class is creditable to the Mistress. She should have more assistance.
There should be a teacher's desk'.
Curriculum
Saturday, 14 November 2015
Pauvre Paris!
Today, the Western world is reeling from the horrific news from France.
What I find even more appalling are the damning comments from the apologists seeking to 'justify' the actions of mass murderers.
I suspect some will un-friend me...if so..good riddance.
Thursday, 1 October 2015
Further studies
Having discovered the joy of learning, it's something I mean to keep on doing. I've always wanted to find out and in some cases to know more...
For many years, study with the O.U. has sated my thirst, but with the way the O.U. has been forced to change, especially the price hike, something has to give. I'm on transitional arrangements meaning the costs are not quite so ouch as for anyone studying post the exorbitant price increases. But, having studied under the previous pricing structure, today's costs are eye-watering.
Fortunately, universities world-wide have got together to offer some short, free courses.
I've already covered courses by
University of Durham - life on Hadrian's Wall (excellent)
The O.U.'s First World War course (very good)
Birmingham Uni - history of aircraft WWI and development of air power (most disappointing).
Now, I'm studying corpus linguistics with Lancaster Uni, and it's another excellent course. This time it overlaps with a level 3 O.U. course E304. Or more precisely, complements E304 even tho' the two courses are independent of each other.
The tutor for E304 has been in touch about Manchester tutorials. She's changed the timing of the first two; they are now 3 hours instead of two. That means it will be even more worthwhile making the journey.
For many years, study with the O.U. has sated my thirst, but with the way the O.U. has been forced to change, especially the price hike, something has to give. I'm on transitional arrangements meaning the costs are not quite so ouch as for anyone studying post the exorbitant price increases. But, having studied under the previous pricing structure, today's costs are eye-watering.
Fortunately, universities world-wide have got together to offer some short, free courses.
I've already covered courses by
University of Durham - life on Hadrian's Wall (excellent)
The O.U.'s First World War course (very good)
Birmingham Uni - history of aircraft WWI and development of air power (most disappointing).
Now, I'm studying corpus linguistics with Lancaster Uni, and it's another excellent course. This time it overlaps with a level 3 O.U. course E304. Or more precisely, complements E304 even tho' the two courses are independent of each other.
The tutor for E304 has been in touch about Manchester tutorials. She's changed the timing of the first two; they are now 3 hours instead of two. That means it will be even more worthwhile making the journey.
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