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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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Eastwood Park

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 Dumped Chair One of a few mountain bike jumps. Dumped wooden bench Wheelbarrow in nearby burn
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Broadway, England

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 Introduction This afternoon, I am posting information on the popular visitor site of Broadway in the  English Cotswolds. Landscape view of Broadway and Vale of Evesham   Information on Broadway This is an upscale residential and shopping location with population of about 2,500. Well positioned, being within reach of Chipping Campden ( 5 miles to east), town of Evesham ( 8 miles to N.W.) and Cheltenham ( 20 miles to S.W.).  At heart of the village sits the well regarded (4 star rated) Lygon Arms hotel. Facilities include pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Positioned to the south, above the village, is the 66 feet high Broadway Tower which affords superb views over the local landscapes. Broadway is home to a wide range of independent, high- end shops. View of Broadway   Jeweller  Elaborate Wisteria growth over shop front.  View of village   Broadway Hotel   Shop fronts  Lygon Arms    Here is a record of a one-da...
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UFO OVER GLASGOW?

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Consequent on the U.S.Department of War's declassification of 162 files on unidentified anomalous phenomena I am posting a couple of unexplained images recently taken by my wife after dark from Glasgow , Scotland a couple of weeks ago.    Glasgow's latitude and longitude coordinates are: 55.860916, -4.251433.
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