Nigel's Photo Blog

  Image of section of Walney Offshore Windfarm This evening, I am dipping into the topic of renewable energy here in the U.K. On a recent ferry crossing across the Irish Sea  we passed the massive Walney Wind Farms complex which is situated off the coast of Cumbria in N.W. England. In terms of energy output Walney ranks as the world's second largest offshore windfarm. The image above is just a microcosm of the entire complex. The U.K. government has set a target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Within this target it is envisaged that offshore wind will produce enough electricity to power every home in the country by 2030 based on current electricity usage. Ranking as one of the windiest regions in Europe Britain is well suited to developing wind power as an energy source. In addition to wind, Britain is able to tap tidal movements. Britain is, actually, well resourced with fossil fuels such as coal and oil. The former powered the industrial revolution in the 18th and 1...

   Cragside House and Garden, Morpeth   This evening, I am focusing on Cragside House & Gardens near Morpeth in Northumberland,N.E. England.   House   This was Britain's first 'smart home', a Victorian mansion illuminated by hydro-electricity and powered by hydraulics. An impressive Arts & Crafts house which was designed for modern living and efficiency.The interior is open to the public. Creators   William George Armstrong (1810-1900) was a visionary inventor, engineer and businessman. He owned the Elswick Works in Newcatle upon Tyne which at its peak employed more than 25,000 people.The business manufactured hydraulic cranes, ships and armaments. Armstrong is also connected with Bamburgh Castle on the coast of Northumberland.   Lady Armstrong  had a keen interest in gardening, flora and fauna. she was responsible for much of Cragside's landscape design. Her vision transformed the site into a woodland of over seven million trees, in...

Tower of London. This evening,  I am reporting on the Tower of London which dates from 1078 and covers an area of twelve acres adjacent to the River Thames in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The Tower (actually a castle or fortress) represents a microcosm of English history spanning about 940 years. This is  now  a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Tower was originally built by William the Conqueror (of France) to dominate and intimidate the native Anglo-Saxon population of London following his victory in 1066. Approximately 2.8m persons visit the Tower each year. Key features of the Tower include: Repository of the British Crown Jewels. Bloody Tower- Associated with the supposed murder of the 12-year-old Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, in 1483. Yeoman Warders- Guards and escorts attired in 16th century costume who originally formed part of a personal bodyguard for King Henry VIII. Medieval Palace-When Henry III and his son Edward I expanded the Tower’s def...

This evening, I am reporting on 'hogback' sculptured stones following a chance encounter with an excellent example at Heysham , a village near Morecombe in NW England.   Heysham Hogback  The item is in an excellent state of preservation bearing in mind it is about 1000 years old.It appears that the early Christians viewed the item as pagan and buried it, thereby inadvertently preserving it. Understanding the Heysham hogback: A tenth-century sculpted stone monument and its context  Thor Ewing  Heysham boasts two remarkable Anglo-Saxon churches, St Peter’s and the ruins of St Patrick’s, both placed dramatically overlooking Morecambe Bay and only about fifty yards from each other.1 St Peter’s may have been a monastic church, with St Patrick’s acting as a cemetery chapel.2 Local tradition claims that St Patrick’s was founded by the saint himself, after he was shipwrecked on St Patrick’s Skere in the bay nearby. However, the origins of St Patrick’s do not appear to be old...

View from Snaefell Today was our final day of touring on the Isle of Man, an island off the N.W. coast of England. Our focus was split into three componensta as described below.   Train trip up Snaefell Mountain. Snaefell – is the highest mountain and the only summit higher than 2,000 feet on the Isle of Man, at 2,037 feet above sea level. The summit is crowned by a railway station, cafe and several communications masts The name Snaefell dates from the time when the island was under Norse control (until 1266). It translates as 'snow hill/mountain'. Overall, the experience fell well below our expectations. Through no fault of the operator, the visibility was poor to average with lost of low cloud. However, the transfer up was via rickety, Victorian era,  carriages with uncomfortable wooden seats. This could be viewed as part of the experience, but not by me. Moreover, due to popularity, the carriages were full to bursting. The key irritant was the priority given to coach tour g...

  Texel Sheep Today, as planned, we visited the Isle of Man's Southern District Agricultural Show which was held conveniently close to our base at Douglas, the island's capital. Isle of Man Pipe Band  Whilst held at a farm and with an underlying agricultural theme participants included a wide range of quasi related businesses ranging from the local radio sttaion to craft people and even the army reserve. The island's Pipe Band gave an impressive performance. Images and videos herein tell the story. Isle of Man Pipe Band aka Ellan Vannin Pipe Band Vintage Tractor Parade Vintage tractor: Fordson Super Major Modern, New Holland Tractor   Comb of Bees Manx Honey. (We bought some) Various exhibitors Classic Car: Triumph Stag Line up of vinatge tractors  Hay/straw turner on vintage Massey Ferguson 35 Vintage Field Marshall tractor.  Vintage baler Local police officers. Note white helmets.  Manx Radio Overall, a worthwhile visit which enabledus  to connect w...

  Landscape in north of island Today ws a day of two halves. In the morning, my wife and I went on the quaint and historic electric tram from Douglas to Ramsey in the north of the island whilst in the afternoon I undertook a seven mile hike in the south of the island using Douglas as a base. Morning Trip As will be evident from the images below, we passed through open countryside with views of the sea then arriving in the pleasant port of Ramsey. Ramsey was the landing point of the 'Jet-Ski Romeo' who, in late 2020, undertook a hazardous trip from Scotland to Isle of Man by jet-ski in context of a romantic liaison with a local, Isle of Man girl-friend. He was jailed for his efforts and then deported back back to the U.K. in time for Christmas.    Boarding the tram at Douglas Herd of goats Market in centre of Ramsey Beach at Ramsey Aptley named 'Bleak House' found in a high-end district. A 'fixer upper' for someone! Ramsey Harbour Cruise ship off island...