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Local Allotments Visit

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 Introduction This afternoon, I availed of the opportunity to visit local allotments ( Glasgow Southside). This was consequent on the holders inviting in the public by way of an 'open day'.  Tea Break    Information on the allotment visit For benefit of readers outside the U.K. allotments are, typically, about one acre plots of land subdivided into into strip/blocks. These subdivisions are allocated to local interested persons for the purpose of growing vegetables and other crops such as flowers. Allotments are usually found in or near urban areas. This is where residents of houses and flats (with minimal or no back yard) can connect with nature by growing their own vegetables. As a function of this set-up social networking opportunities arise.  In the case illustrated, the entire block of land was once (in the 19th century) the kitchen garden of a local mansion.. About ten years ago, members of the local community, in conjunction with the local Counc...
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Hook Norton Brewery

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 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on a recent tour of the Hook Norton Brewery in the English Cotswolds. Preparing Shire Horse for local deliveries  Information on Hook Norton Brewery. This is the oldest independent brewery on Oxfordshire and has been brewing since 1849. The current premises date from 1900.They use gravity feed and still house much of the original machinery. This includes a 25hp steam engine.   Brewery Plant Basic Beer Manufacturing Process  Milling cracks malted grains to expose starches. Mashing mixes this with hot water, activating enzymes to convert starches into fermentable sugars. Lautering separates the resulting sweet liquid (wort) from the spent grain. Boiling sterilizes the wort and extracts flavors from hops. Finally, yeast is added during fermentation to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. Images Still working 1899 steam engine. Now used as a back-up  Malted Barley      4000 Gallon Mash Tun   Gr...
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Bibury. English Cotswolds

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Introduction  This evening, I am reporting on the very popular Cotswolds village of Bibury (pop 600). Location is about 10 miles N.E. of Cirencester and 85 miles N.W.of London .   Information on Bibury The village is situated around the River Colne. It is this river which acted as a catalyst to establishment of the Bibury Trout Farm which today forms the central attraction for visitors.Secondary attraction is the honey coloured architecture comprising classic Cotswolds buildings. Latter includes Arlington Row (immediately below). Meals and refreshments are available at the Trout farm.  Arlington Row   Similar to nearby (15 miles distant) Bourton-on-the-Water , Bibury is suffering from over-tourism. This is manifested in 'lava flows' of people from all over the world resulting in inadequate toilet facilities, and very challenging parking arrangements. On the plus side the site offers excellent photographic opportunities and connection with history dating bac...
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Short Hike Through Glorious Chess Valley in England.

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 Introduction   This evening, I am reporting on a very rewarding two hour hike in Buckinghamshire, England.  Video Clip of Chess Valley    Information on the Hike The route was circular, starting and finishing in the village of Latimer (pop 1000).Latimer is about four miles from the town of Amersham which, in turn, is about 33 miles NW of London . The hike was undertaken in temperatures in high 20s centigrade (low 80s fahrenheit). As will be evident from the images herein, I benefited from lush, green landscapes around a valley through which flows the River Chess. Here, there is about 2000 years of history from the Romans and medieval, through to WW2. As regards nature, I passed through ancient woodland, witnessed many butterflies, wildflowers, swans on the river, and cattle. Here is an  interesting group of colourful wildflowers whjch have been allowed to grow on the edge of a cricket field.  Ancient Woodland   Landscape View  De...
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