tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69563164829047042872024-03-13T07:08:45.742-07:00Big Sky ProductionsBig Sky Productionshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13255710434451190355noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-2218799225788206522018-04-13T13:49:00.001-07:002018-05-03T23:24:48.883-07:00The Water Gates<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Water Gates</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My Blogs are like buses, you wait ages for one and then two turn up together. </span>As promised in my last blog here is more detail of the installation of the lock gates at Bacton Wood.</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On </span><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> a cold sunny day in </span></span>February 2017 </span><span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">the
lower gates for the lock at Bacton Wood were lifted into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dog walkers and ramblers watched as the enormous
structures were lifted into position in the entrance to the lock. But none of the spectators were aware of the effort it had taken to arrive at this final part of the project.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chUsmJ2yZUA/WszAL5Bbw6I/AAAAAAAABEo/_I68JPiSJfQo3KKc9kZNHFXuV00LU4r4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_gatelift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chUsmJ2yZUA/WszAL5Bbw6I/AAAAAAAABEo/_I68JPiSJfQo3KKc9kZNHFXuV00LU4r4ACEwYBhgL/s400/tn_gatelift.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd gate being lifted into position</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Work had started on the gates in August <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2016.</i><i> </i>The material of choice was</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Greenheart timber. A close grained timber from South America weighing in at around seventy pounds per cubic foot. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Greenhear</i></b>t is so dense it will not float. The major advantage of Greenheart is it’s
resistance to most water-bourne parasites that attack and destroy softer timbers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Contructing the two gates would require a total of twenty <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mortise</i></b>
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tennon</i></b>
joints cut into the timber frames. Because of the density of the timber, completing
three or four <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mortise</i></b> joints in a day was considered good going. Splinters from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Greenheart </i></b>timber, commonly turn
septic due to toxins contained in this most durable of hard woods. </span><br />
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</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyDUYScyZ8Q/WtDu9m5ApjI/AAAAAAAABGA/OBEK7htAi-Q5AEf9xMGCGt3TYLrcUpEvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_wg10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RyDUYScyZ8Q/WtDu9m5ApjI/AAAAAAAABGA/OBEK7htAi-Q5AEf9xMGCGt3TYLrcUpEvQCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_wg10.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenheart splinters commonly turn septic.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because each upright weighs over half a ton, a hydraulic
lift was essential to manoeuvre them into position. The next task was to cut twenty tennons into the
lighter cross members.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These weighed a mere quarter of a ton each.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHmVlNtQjso/WtEAFQfyFhI/AAAAAAAABIY/hh9gO_tXw6oWsmkJ_Qnau0jZTX4Pt67BQCLcBGAs/s1600/tn_wg4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHmVlNtQjso/WtEAFQfyFhI/AAAAAAAABIY/hh9gO_tXw6oWsmkJ_Qnau0jZTX4Pt67BQCLcBGAs/s400/tn_wg4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed tennons</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-size: small;">When all the joints had been completed the gates
were laid out on the workshop floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then each one in turn was checked by dry fitting them. Some were a perfect fit – while others needed some fine
adjustment. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cargo straps were used to draw the components
together and a pinch bar used to part them</span>.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRNDzkmlJsM/Ws_H1EeweUI/AAAAAAAABFg/wzp_7WKFjf4r_x3nc3UvJj4CpLBeT2jbACLcBGAs/s1600/tn_wg5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hRNDzkmlJsM/Ws_H1EeweUI/AAAAAAAABFg/wzp_7WKFjf4r_x3nc3UvJj4CpLBeT2jbACLcBGAs/s400/tn_wg5.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dry fitting the joints.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cU8RVCBUvk/Ws_IFwzmakI/AAAAAAAABFo/tzS4XycM0gQRmZa9-xhE5KuzYC54ohTKgCLcBGAs/s1600/tn_wg17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cU8RVCBUvk/Ws_IFwzmakI/AAAAAAAABFo/tzS4XycM0gQRmZa9-xhE5KuzYC54ohTKgCLcBGAs/s400/tn_wg17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cargo straps used to close the components.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeiVuJmiKs8/Ws_IXlH5COI/AAAAAAAABFs/rMTVOyiShas6CyWXyb3kVaLoEOdXWiHNQCLcBGAs/s1600/tn_wg15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LeiVuJmiKs8/Ws_IXlH5COI/AAAAAAAABFs/rMTVOyiShas6CyWXyb3kVaLoEOdXWiHNQCLcBGAs/s400/tn_wg15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pinch bar parting the joints.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As well as aligning all the timber components, tie
irons also had to be fitted before the gate could be assembled. Each joint was cleaned out with an airline. Then all the cross members and tie irons were
aligned ready for the final assembly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A waterproof, polyurethane adhesive was applied to
each joint. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWtuSNw_Sb4/WtEETyrWZeI/AAAAAAAABIk/MXIQJpZYk34SL6l7hpFDRhasTNN4jJ1SQCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_glue.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWtuSNw_Sb4/WtEETyrWZeI/AAAAAAAABIk/MXIQJpZYk34SL6l7hpFDRhasTNN4jJ1SQCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_glue.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applying the adhesive.</td></tr>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Once applied the glue would set within thirty
minutes. Just thirty minutes to align and close all the
joints with no second chance. Any mistakes or delays at this stage would have been disastrous. The physical effort needed to hastily draw all the joints
together before the adhesive began to set was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a really tough session. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLryXBfk0Ko/WtD0px4JdrI/AAAAAAAABGY/rpnPPKGqXNkL2wQrAO-GcrKIUSMYuVcywCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_wg16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xLryXBfk0Ko/WtD0px4JdrI/AAAAAAAABGY/rpnPPKGqXNkL2wQrAO-GcrKIUSMYuVcywCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_wg16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing all the joints together-a tough session.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">January 22nd 2017 dawned cold and frosty. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A group of Trust volunteers had assembled to plank the gates. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tannalised Pine</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> was cut to length and laid
into position on the gates.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When the planks were in place one hundred pilot
holes were drilled through the pine into the frame below.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfJoaccU94c/WtD6U3HIBiI/AAAAAAAABHs/5k8ORqY6edEhle_Rx3QZXcOfY6oOUaBLwCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_Drill.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cfJoaccU94c/WtD6U3HIBiI/AAAAAAAABHs/5k8ORqY6edEhle_Rx3QZXcOfY6oOUaBLwCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_Drill.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilling pilot holes into the frames.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The planks were then removed and stacked in order,while the pilot holes were drilled out to a suitable depth in
the frame. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjIslDXeDx4/WtD_Uq1kX4I/AAAAAAAABIQ/w9rDHL7ic00881ux47Ytegg8_JmRV41ZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_planking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjIslDXeDx4/WtD_Uq1kX4I/AAAAAAAABIQ/w9rDHL7ic00881ux47Ytegg8_JmRV41ZQCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_planking.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacing the planks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This done, the planks were carefully replaced in the exact position
from where they had been removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
all the drilled holes were perfectly aligned, the planks were glued into
position and screwed down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMz5yduZFPA/WtD6VvgzYwI/AAAAAAAABIE/SHIt-qRCRTw3jcv1oSzYH00fqwJJDaKLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_Drill3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMz5yduZFPA/WtD6VvgzYwI/AAAAAAAABIE/SHIt-qRCRTw3jcv1oSzYH00fqwJJDaKLgCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_Drill3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screwing down the planks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Constructing the gates was only part of the project. A means to transport them had to be found. This was achieved by modifying the brute of an old
farm trailer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On the coldest winter’s day of 2017,
the volunteers set about converting the trailer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">The conversion was a fairly low tech affair. In spite of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the
trailer’s short comings <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was perfect
fo</span>r <span style="font-size: small;">the job. What it lacked in style and elegance was more than compensated for in strength.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIySo8EOt3A/WtD6MQ3qgNI/AAAAAAAABHo/2m7VNR6MowcyyHlnef7Yv12ssCElJEDwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_trailer1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JIySo8EOt3A/WtD6MQ3qgNI/AAAAAAAABHo/2m7VNR6MowcyyHlnef7Yv12ssCElJEDwgCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_trailer1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Converting the trailer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The gates weighing almost four tons each were lifted
onto the trailer and transported from the yard to the canal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ub-wLce9qE/WtD6MJZpmwI/AAAAAAAABIE/NOtf5qw2fS0ShPlVa2cwDrV4qAYBJIjewCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_trailer2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ub-wLce9qE/WtD6MJZpmwI/AAAAAAAABIE/NOtf5qw2fS0ShPlVa2cwDrV4qAYBJIjewCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_trailer2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transporting the gates to the lock.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Saturday February 18th. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To lower the water level in the lock chamber a battery
of pumps had been running every day for almost a week.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a23LG1MhXJs/WtD1R0OqSWI/AAAAAAAABHc/_X4GadJBWh49buINCgi_DsWkvDcYkJCPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_wg9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a23LG1MhXJs/WtD1R0OqSWI/AAAAAAAABHc/_X4GadJBWh49buINCgi_DsWkvDcYkJCPgCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_wg9.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumping out the lock chamber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Intrepid volunteers donned their wellington boots, armed themselves with shovels and ventured into the lock chamber to remove
the mud and silt that the pumps couldn’t clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The sludge was loaded into the JCB bucket and lifted out of the chamber.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUMvxFKVRHE/WtD1RNirFhI/AAAAAAAABHY/vcCH-WeBT_c3lApFY_5IhiqGOX7WgJRAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_wg11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUMvxFKVRHE/WtD1RNirFhI/AAAAAAAABHY/vcCH-WeBT_c3lApFY_5IhiqGOX7WgJRAQCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_wg11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volunteers removing the silt from the lock chamber.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When operational, the bottom edge of the gates would
traverse over a recess in the floor of the lock. But the gates could not be lifted into place until
the recess had been cleared of water and silt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpjFu5kQgvU/WtEQxAYLw3I/AAAAAAAABI0/BQdRgLrV1GwxqkrQfHkNA6CgrUyQfMLWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_mud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpjFu5kQgvU/WtEQxAYLw3I/AAAAAAAABI0/BQdRgLrV1GwxqkrQfHkNA6CgrUyQfMLWgCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_mud.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The project was falling behind schedule.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Clearing the recess was taking longer than planned
and the project was falling well behind schedule.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually by late afternoon the first gate was
lifted into position and secured against the lock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sunday February 19th. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The pumps had been shut down overnight resulting in the
water level rising by about two feet in the lock chamber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before the second lift could go ahead the
water would have to be pumped out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The recess in the floor of the lock had become
submerged again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the “bucket and chuck it” brigade was called into action yet again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By midday the second lift was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Like clockwork the massive gate was lifted, turned,
and lowered into the lock.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5wpJYh59Pw/WtD1EMT5_yI/AAAAAAAABHc/TNTv0B2O8NkV5FvmelTYgRx4PV7hQNVSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_wg13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5wpJYh59Pw/WtD1EMT5_yI/AAAAAAAABHc/TNTv0B2O8NkV5FvmelTYgRx4PV7hQNVSgCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_wg13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second gate lifted into position.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right: -34.7pt;">
<span style="font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Good for the next hundred years, the gates will stand
as a monument to the folks who built and erected them. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58UE4JyS02E/WtD1AqSa35I/AAAAAAAABHI/u62mq_Lq-dIc5Kj7NsCeZxV5eKpE4PvUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_wg14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58UE4JyS02E/WtD1AqSa35I/AAAAAAAABHI/u62mq_Lq-dIc5Kj7NsCeZxV5eKpE4PvUQCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_wg14.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New gates installed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A Film of the project can be seen at the Atrium Theatre, Spenser Avenue, North Walsham.</span></i></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><i>April 24th 2018 as part of the "Canal Film Night".</i></span></span></b></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-14413648812771868542018-04-02T03:16:00.000-07:002018-04-04T13:38:45.942-07:00The Cameras Never Stopped Rolling.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;">It has been some time since my last blog, this is due to a really heavy workload of filming. It is not only the blog that has been neglected, there are a hundred and one jobs that need to be finished at home and the car is begging for some TLC. But the cameras never stopped rolling!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Over the last few months a great deal of my time has been spent on the North Walsham and Dilham canal. The progress on the waterway has been nothing short of astounding. Since my last blog in June 2016 two of the spillways have been restored and the lower gates at Bacton Wood lock have been manufactured and installed. Each gate weighs a little over four tons and is built to tolerance of a few millimetres, quite an achievement in itself.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cOwMWCQRjA/WsC_W6VTYRI/AAAAAAAABC0/9wZMLLPCwF4c94xI_Q-jodozCuVOh3QKwCLcBGAs/s1600/tn_Gate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cOwMWCQRjA/WsC_W6VTYRI/AAAAAAAABC0/9wZMLLPCwF4c94xI_Q-jodozCuVOh3QKwCLcBGAs/s400/tn_Gate.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gates being manufactured</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuM5caxcJlM/WsC_bcmkppI/AAAAAAAABC4/2TzdGAmg_GIIyCXfdCBF_y2IAifSQgDWACLcBGAs/s1600/tn_gatelift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JuM5caxcJlM/WsC_bcmkppI/AAAAAAAABC4/2TzdGAmg_GIIyCXfdCBF_y2IAifSQgDWACLcBGAs/s400/tn_gatelift.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gates being lifted into position</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The gate project took nine months from manufacture to installation. There are still outstanding tasks to be completed before the gates are in full working order. But more of this later.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Restoring the <i><b>Ebridge spillway</b></i> was another major project running through the summer of 2017. The spillway was completely over- grown until it was re-discovered in 2005. This work has had to wait twelve years until The Old Canal Company and the </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">NW&D canal volunteers</span> <span style="font-size: small;">were</span> </span>able to begin the restoration work. For two weeks in August the Waterways Recovery Group set up a summer camp to assist with the project. The recovery group travel all over the country to work on canals. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The entire project took four months to complete.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvvBJn9-6sk/WsE0Q9eABpI/AAAAAAAABDM/3Blx6Rw2e-stWey1RhyBJiohjVlftZBCgCLcBGAs/s1600/tn_spillay2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OvvBJn9-6sk/WsE0Q9eABpI/AAAAAAAABDM/3Blx6Rw2e-stWey1RhyBJiohjVlftZBCgCLcBGAs/s400/tn_spillay2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trust volunteers installing the spillway timber frames</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1t9aWXuTA/WsE0qk8YEzI/AAAAAAAABDU/1ijR8h0Wh0IgeZbCdVw9OpcpRJiQVjSjACLcBGAs/s1600/tn_untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YN1t9aWXuTA/WsE0qk8YEzI/AAAAAAAABDU/1ijR8h0Wh0IgeZbCdVw9OpcpRJiQVjSjACLcBGAs/s400/tn_untitled.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Waterways Recovery Group laying bricks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Over the last twelve months literally thousands of tons of sub soil have been tipped along a two mile stretch of the canal to consolidate the banks. Some of this essential work was concentrated </span><span style="font-size: small;">on the dry section between Royston bridge and Pigney's wood. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In spite of the wettest December for years, which produced the most appalling working conditions, the banks were completed in time for a visit from BBC TV. The crew recorded the re-watering event giving the canal some very welcome publicity.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ34XbC2GgQ/WsE6jQrYJRI/AAAAAAAABDk/xvsDCX3ujoAhyrUt8nNTUlFp7blSwJc1QCLcBGAs/s1600/tn_breakithro.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJ34XbC2GgQ/WsE6jQrYJRI/AAAAAAAABDk/xvsDCX3ujoAhyrUt8nNTUlFp7blSwJc1QCLcBGAs/s400/tn_breakithro.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A dumper with a load of subsoil</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BdkpqS1ufI/WsH8phZWOiI/AAAAAAAABEE/N5lwc6gSEFILBVjcP3ICSVFZs6ONl1WJwCEwYBhgL/s1600/tn_breakthro2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BdkpqS1ufI/WsH8phZWOiI/AAAAAAAABEE/N5lwc6gSEFILBVjcP3ICSVFZs6ONl1WJwCEwYBhgL/s400/tn_breakthro2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The JCB consolidating the bank at Pigney's wood..</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Films of all three projects are being shown at the Atrium theatre.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Spencer Avenue, North Walsham. 7.00pm. April 24th 2018. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Every body welcome!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">In my next blog I intend to re-visit these projects in more detail.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-8943894742927997042016-06-03T13:49:00.000-07:002016-06-03T13:49:13.990-07:00A Mast For "Albion"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Filming four tons of Columbian Pine being laminated and fashioned into a mast for the Wherry "Albion" has been a fascinating project. "Albion's" previous mast was manufactured in 2002 so it is highly unlikely I will ever film a similar event.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Columbian Pine, grown in Scotland, was selected for the mast and milled by Summerscales Ltd of Grimsby. At the mill the timber was cut into three inch thick planks and shipped to Eastwood Whelpton's yard at Upton, Norfolk in 2012. Here the timber was left to dry and season in an open ended shed until September 2015.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJDO3PGoXCA/VyejTgRsgyI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/DS01XUTY_JckvAfR_1J-m4S8kPl7CyOvQCLcB/s1600/Paullog2012%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fJDO3PGoXCA/VyejTgRsgyI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/DS01XUTY_JckvAfR_1J-m4S8kPl7CyOvQCLcB/s400/Paullog2012%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Roger Watts NWT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Laminating the timber gives added strength and flexibility to the finished mast.
In the old days the boat- builder, or carpenter, would go to a plantation and select a
suitable "Pitch Pine". From it they would fashion the mast in one
piece. It was not uncommon for these old masts to break under stress. </span><br />
At Upton the roof of the shed that housed the overhead hoists had been been reinforced with upright timbers in order to support the fifty feet of bulk timber with an estimated weight of four tons. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Timber batons were fitted between each length of planking to allow a generous coating of resin glue to be applied. A team of four boat builders armed with lamb's wool rollers covered the upper and lower surfaces of each and every plank, under the watchful eye of Maynard Watson..</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzQlxVTGR4g/Vyw3t1oth-I/AAAAAAAAA9E/grR1vhQIDt8CMQi_lgKsceRCjx_kf09NQCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzQlxVTGR4g/Vyw3t1oth-I/AAAAAAAAA9E/grR1vhQIDt8CMQi_lgKsceRCjx_kf09NQCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B033.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
When every inch of the timber had been treated with resin glue each layer of laminate was raised with the hoist, allowing the spacing batons to be removed with the use of crowbars. The planks were lowered and clamped when all the spacers had been discarded.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1NnC_yQFmQ/V0Pyxd7mm4I/AAAAAAAAA-k/bApTZ3T3F4wYNfV0oEAXpvzuSmKbZD_xwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u1NnC_yQFmQ/V0Pyxd7mm4I/AAAAAAAAA-k/bApTZ3T3F4wYNfV0oEAXpvzuSmKbZD_xwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Twenty six ratchet, tension straps were deployed along the length of the mast and tightened to within an inch of their lives. To attain maximum tension the boat builders worked in pairs straining every sinew until their knuckles turned white and the resin glue oozed from between the planks.</div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1EUA1wrHqM/Vyrjtd9ofrI/AAAAAAAAA8w/fvlOlMZcA00NvAx5BKj4u9JuIA4raNRTgCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C1EUA1wrHqM/Vyrjtd9ofrI/AAAAAAAAA8w/fvlOlMZcA00NvAx5BKj4u9JuIA4raNRTgCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B026.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When all the tension straps were firmly in place metal clamps were used to
align the planks vertically while the resin was still malleable. The structure was left over a complete weekend to allow the resin glue to set and complete the first phase of the project.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhiYktd-Rac/V0N06wF9BwI/AAAAAAAAA-M/LAJlj1FF1PYnsw4RBdJjQuNFML7rsP5MgCLcB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VhiYktd-Rac/V0N06wF9BwI/AAAAAAAAA-M/LAJlj1FF1PYnsw4RBdJjQuNFML7rsP5MgCLcB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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After a few days the resin glue had cured sufficiently to allow the process to continue. The next phase of the project was to square the timber structure into four equally flat sides. Using hand held circular saws, a series of cross cuts were made every two or three inches along the entire length of the mast. These cuts were removed with hammer and chisel and finally planed smooth. The floor of the shed shuddered with a resounding thud each time the mast was turned to present a different face. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpoNnALkmwE/V0Nuunk4trI/AAAAAAAAA94/dZMuESpUQrodJoz3Ppk3ik4bKDoVCJ0GwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpoNnALkmwE/V0Nuunk4trI/AAAAAAAAA94/dZMuESpUQrodJoz3Ppk3ik4bKDoVCJ0GwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B058.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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When the mast had been squared attention was turned to the peak. A chain saw was used to shape the top of the mast after establishing the diameter and angle of taper. The resin had set as hard as steel and the cutting blades of the chain saw quickly lost there edge.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyezoN7eNNY/Vyw3STGuj1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/MmKKqfe_XQwg_MB6lYMhtGOBuIWD9sgKwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yyezoN7eNNY/Vyw3STGuj1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/MmKKqfe_XQwg_MB6lYMhtGOBuIWD9sgKwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B170.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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Sawdust hung in the air as the whine of Electric planes echoed off the walls around the shed. After ten days the mast was gradually beginning to take shape.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIvuEJgMjNI/V0P1WlzIRmI/AAAAAAAAA-w/7hV6PXk6vggVmSbl8v5kFQLU0CHS2o5igCLcB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iIvuEJgMjNI/V0P1WlzIRmI/AAAAAAAAA-w/7hV6PXk6vggVmSbl8v5kFQLU0CHS2o5igCLcB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B178.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The chainsaw was used to make a third and fourth angled cut to the peak of the mast. After several hours of planing the shape and the symmetry of the mast began to emerge.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NuoqDLNNBA/Vyw5ZGDt_cI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/OPoy3-IyFd4xu13z9rjKFa-vwNFLpD8wwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NuoqDLNNBA/Vyw5ZGDt_cI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/OPoy3-IyFd4xu13z9rjKFa-vwNFLpD8wwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B191.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The next phase of the project was to transform the four sides into eight sides forming an octagon. These eight sides would eventually be rounded off to form the finished mast. To square the timber the diameter of the mast had already been marked with a compass on each of the four sides. Using these same indicators a sliding bevel created cutting lines that would guide the saws to form the octagon. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-S9pEAeXLk/V0P3NOcjreI/AAAAAAAAA_M/vyZUX5DcNeoP0mJn4PdfltqQ1YH7_5McQCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-S9pEAeXLk/V0P3NOcjreI/AAAAAAAAA_M/vyZUX5DcNeoP0mJn4PdfltqQ1YH7_5McQCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The mast was hoisted and wedged at an angle to allow the chain saw to cut the bevel along the length of the mast. The foot
retained four sides where the counter weight would be fitted. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKHfCnIy5yQ/V0P2LBj1u3I/AAAAAAAAA-8/IKr6VYlEfgMECVsje-6-kTr9wdyHJiA-wCLcB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aKHfCnIy5yQ/V0P2LBj1u3I/AAAAAAAAA-8/IKr6VYlEfgMECVsje-6-kTr9wdyHJiA-wCLcB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B189.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The foot of the mast was flared to form a hip and then smoothed with an abrasive wheel. Comparing the modern electric tools with the hand tools of a hundred years ago one can only marvel at the skill and energy required by those old time boat builders. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJBEs4FplHU/V0P20V0h8sI/AAAAAAAAA_E/rinrS4p9ni4KAP5BsZO-yGNIspzrawPEwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rJBEs4FplHU/V0P20V0h8sI/AAAAAAAAA_E/rinrS4p9ni4KAP5BsZO-yGNIspzrawPEwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B184.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The mast had to be turned and wedged in order to cut each of the four bevels which in their turn were planed smooth. For several hours the plane followed the chainsaw along each bevel until the mast was a perfect octagon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKRAfSQjgmI/V0P3x1kgFvI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Kjp9NHHxSdY0P91nkOfMberbO_-SBS-qACKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NKRAfSQjgmI/V0P3x1kgFvI/AAAAAAAAA_U/Kjp9NHHxSdY0P91nkOfMberbO_-SBS-qACKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B190.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The whole structure was now somewhat slimmer and lighter than three weeks earlier and looking much more like a mast. Although good progress was being maintained there was a still a great deal of precision work to be done before the mast was complete. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMRew-sHfhc/V0P4TOqPFLI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/CjLJyaPJNgYFgak4eMvryANl2lnud1Y-wCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rMRew-sHfhc/V0P4TOqPFLI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/CjLJyaPJNgYFgak4eMvryANl2lnud1Y-wCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B198.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The body of the mast was now octagon shaped with the foot flared into a square. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5ZVoOFE9LQ/V0xp2dVp0SI/AAAAAAAABAs/l-x493UaW2QVzmjXXkg4pnKDWXU1b2OGwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D5ZVoOFE9LQ/V0xp2dVp0SI/AAAAAAAABAs/l-x493UaW2QVzmjXXkg4pnKDWXU1b2OGwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B072.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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At the peak of the mast a step was formed for the crane iron. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeUq7eKtbs/V0xlgpWZtVI/AAAAAAAABAg/nJO7nqZ3X7s858IyxjtNZpG7qwUn1ebCgCLcB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jeUq7eKtbs/V0xlgpWZtVI/AAAAAAAABAg/nJO7nqZ3X7s858IyxjtNZpG7qwUn1ebCgCLcB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B067.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The next task was to cut the Herring hole into the mast head.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81lNNZXWB0w/V0xrqAE2NKI/AAAAAAAABA8/TudZ_hoXK24yHZ5sJCWGsth0C0UXH4_ewCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-81lNNZXWB0w/V0xrqAE2NKI/AAAAAAAABA8/TudZ_hoXK24yHZ5sJCWGsth0C0UXH4_ewCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B071.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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All the fittings had been carefully removed from the old mast ready to be transferred to the one in production. The crane iron was the first piece of hardware to be fitted. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwEzKNAxad8/V0yP7xLwcVI/AAAAAAAABBM/vAJTdVCm7xUJXoYyXlF6cBmegDhv8XsuwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwEzKNAxad8/V0yP7xLwcVI/AAAAAAAABBM/vAJTdVCm7xUJXoYyXlF6cBmegDhv8XsuwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B089.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The the main body of the mast was carefully rounded off.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArbSkbJYZkM/V0xqws0wh4I/AAAAAAAABA4/xBdz_tsvBjsM_8hgqDElvaCvPKtJrFykgCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ArbSkbJYZkM/V0xqws0wh4I/AAAAAAAABA4/xBdz_tsvBjsM_8hgqDElvaCvPKtJrFykgCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B095.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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At the foot of the mast the trunnion was was fitted and the counter weight prepared for mounting to the heel. The bottom of the mast was shaped to replicate the profile of the counter weight. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj_hIFCiZds/V0yS0bmcBuI/AAAAAAAABBg/epQNnYZiEnwHZ4PeKwJxx8kMuwU1X4dgQCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aj_hIFCiZds/V0yS0bmcBuI/AAAAAAAABBg/epQNnYZiEnwHZ4PeKwJxx8kMuwU1X4dgQCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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The extra long retaining bolts passed right through the body of counter weight and tightened. Although there was still work to be done the mast was all but ready.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA0qZWlkftQ/V0yVaTHt5RI/AAAAAAAABBs/qrS5zXvhsSokL916h315BL96XbGOQZVOwCKgB/s1600/jalbionmastan2015%2B225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VA0qZWlkftQ/V0yVaTHt5RI/AAAAAAAABBs/qrS5zXvhsSokL916h315BL96XbGOQZVOwCKgB/s400/jalbionmastan2015%2B225.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Ian Scowen NWT</td></tr>
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Autumn had arrived and winter was fast approaching when the mast was removed from the shed and put into storage until the spring. On March 30th 2016 "Albion" arrived at Upton and the mast was loaded. A series of checks and function tests were carried out before "Albion" left with her new mast. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ve8jzijzxEk/V0yiLxj3UII/AAAAAAAABB8/oPYOlZTK6kkXKs_wLfeDZbwfOtA8xkG_QCKgB/s1600/30_03_2016%2B10_00_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ve8jzijzxEk/V0yiLxj3UII/AAAAAAAABB8/oPYOlZTK6kkXKs_wLfeDZbwfOtA8xkG_QCKgB/s400/30_03_2016%2B10_00_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-54199223347921124952016-03-28T08:00:00.001-07:002018-05-03T23:15:28.725-07:00North Walsham and Dilham Canal Part 2.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It saddens me to see Norfolk slowly giving up more of her woodland and pasture in return for more tarmac roads and numerous housing developments. No one can halt the onward march of progress as the demand for houses and urban development increases unabated. Everybody needs somewhere to live and bring up their children but how much longer can we sustain our rapidly growing population.<br />
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As we hurtle headlong into an uncertain future leaving the natural world behind us in a thick cloud of pollution, we seem to have forgotten that we are only caretakers that have been entrusted with our little corner of England. As the county of my birth slowly disappears before my eyes I am driven to record as much of it as possible before it is gone forever.<br />
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In this seemingly endless period of change there is one bright spot. The North Walsham and Dilham canal. The canal is being restored as close to its original condition as possible.<br />
I began filming the restoration work carried out by the Old Canal Company and the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust six years ago. In
this time the progress has been nothing short of astounding.<br />
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The North Walsham and Dilham was opened in 1826, after an act of parliament was passed. But it fell into rapid decline after the last trading wherry left in 1934. The development of the railway and road transport sounded the death knell for the waterway. However, the canal is still officially a navigable waterway. <br />
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In the last twelve months alone the progress has been remarkable. Last summer (2015) the section between the lock and the bridge at Bacton Wood has been restored. It took from April to August to remove the trees that had colonised the banks and the vegetation that had choked the channel. Removing tree stumps and de-silting has transformed the area from an overgrown backwater into a tranquil waterway. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMBRE7MKqmI/Vvg6phHCPJI/AAAAAAAAA7g/U07GwMGckasRp6q6FXjtbYznCzZ6qzByg/s1600/20150802_59_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OMBRE7MKqmI/Vvg6phHCPJI/AAAAAAAAA7g/U07GwMGckasRp6q6FXjtbYznCzZ6qzByg/s400/20150802_59_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Common facing Downstream</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spa Common facing Upstream</td></tr>
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Throughout Autumn and Winter, in spite of a record rainfall the work has pushed on, driving all the way from Pigney's Wood to Swafield staithe. Already, regular visitors to this freshly restored length of the canal include deer, Kingfishers and the Little Egret.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pigney's Wood</td></tr>
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In the Autumn the canal by Pigneys wood, overgrown with trees and brambles, was cleared and reclaimed. Heavy rainfall throughout the winter did little to stop the momentum although it did make conditions for working very challenging. I know this from my own experience, carrying forty five pounds of video equipment through several inches of mud to film the action. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Challenging conditions on Paston Way</td></tr>
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Along Paston Way to the old M&GN Railway bridge, the canal owners and volunteers pressed on with the restoration. Clearing decades of ivy and vegetation that had covered the bridge piers and the footpath.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old M&GN railway bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hauling Ivy and growth from the bridge.</td></tr>
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At Swafield staithe a giant Bamboo plant was removed along with a number of trees that were growing in the canal bed. After the vegetation had been cleared the banks between the staithe and the bridge were graded and profiled. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canal at Swafield Staithe.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing trees near Swafield bridge.</td></tr>
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The owner of the canal assisted by the volunteers of the trust have
worked in all weathers and conditions to restore this priceless example
of our history. There is still a great deal of work to be done and as
more of the canal is restored more and more routine maintenance is required. Reeds need cutting, banks need mowing. Visitors to the canal cannot fail to be impressed by the progress to date, but very few realise just how much hard work and determination it has taken to get this far.<br />
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All the photographs in the blog are kindly supplied by Alan Bertram, a stalwart supporter and volunteer of the canal trust. Use the links below to follow the news and progress of the canal. <br />
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http://www.nwdct.org/<br />
https://www.facebook.com/NWDCT?fref=ts<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-34363173149998764082016-01-15T07:54:00.000-08:002016-07-21T23:04:38.089-07:00Mist On The Marsh.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span id="goog_1175305427"></span><span id="goog_1175305428"></span>"The Mist On The Marsh" <br />
My five year epic is finished at last and about to be released. The day I thought would never dawn has arrived and gone some way to restoring my inner calm.<br />
The film takes a look at the remains of the old way of life in and around the Norfolk and Suffolk waterways. Recording fragile links with the past that still cling on in spite of the remorseless march of progress.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On A Wherry Fore Deck </td></tr>
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In that five years I have made many new friends and collected many unforgettable memories. <br />
Filming "Reed cutters" working out on the Suffolk marshes on frosty winter mornings.<br />
Spending gorgeous summer days gliding silently through the water on the fore deck of a wherry. Sharing a pitched roof with Thatchers and summer evenings out on the broad with an "Eel catcher ".<br />
An intriguing night shoot in Suffolk filming the Old Glory Molly dancers and a canoe trip along the only true Norfolk canal in the company of squadrons of dragonflies.<br />
Priceless days under those big East Anglian skies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priceless Days</td></tr>
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In my small way I like to think I have captured a little slice of local history, which may be enjoyed in the years ahead. There is still so much out there to be recorded that "Mist On The Marsh II" is already being planned. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-84834387177908075912015-11-11T12:10:00.000-08:002015-11-11T12:13:35.454-08:00No Time To Blog.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What happened to summer?<br />
I can remember the Easter holiday quite clearly that is when I planted my potatoes. Elated by the thought that spring had arrived and the whole English summer stretched out before me.<br />
Next thing I know it is October and our British winter is beckoning.<br />
There is nothing wrong with winter for it brings - fantastic brittle light - sunlight on frost covered trees and winter visitors on the wing. This is all very well but what of my missing summer. For the most part my time was devoted to the North Walsham and Dilham canal and "Hathor's" restoration programme. Both these major projects kept me occupied for three or four days most weeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rDKjrzPpA4/Vjjs7p3Ve1I/AAAAAAAAA44/aBtTkw7_UjA/s1600/20150201_29_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8rDKjrzPpA4/Vjjs7p3Ve1I/AAAAAAAAA44/aBtTkw7_UjA/s400/20150201_29_4.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springtime on the canal - Brrrr.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Hathor's restoration took precedence over all the other current film projects as the June deadline loomed. The closing stages, the work became so intense there were occasions when I put the camera down and helped out with some of the more unskilled tasks. There are small parts of "Hathor's" varnished interior that allows me to puff out my little chest and proudly say "I did that bit."<br />
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Hathor was on the slipway for eight months while her hull was restored then a further ten months in the wet shed for interior renovation.<br />
All things considered the double DVD set covers the wherry's restoration fairly comprehensively. <br />
From "Hauling out", steaming planks, constructing the new rudder and restoring her interior cabins. <br />
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The production opens with a brief history of the vessel's design and
ends with the re-launch and blessing at How Hill, "Hathor's" spiritual
home. </div>
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Although I am reasonably satisfied with the final result I was quite relieved when the project was completed. Although probably not as relieved as the staff at Wherry Yacht Charter who had spent two years with my camera in their faces.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repairing "Hathor's" Hull</td></tr>
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The DVDs are now on sale, they can be purchased in Norwich from the City Bookshop, in Davey Place. Or via http://bigskyuk.weebly.com/dvds-for-sale.html All profits will go toward maintaining "Hathor."<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-47286086287586654432015-04-18T14:11:00.001-07:002015-04-22T08:27:12.191-07:00Swan Song<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day old chicks</td></tr>
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Last summer (2014) a pair of young swans settled on the upper reaches of the North Walsham and Dilham canal and raised their very first brood. <br />
From the day the chicks were born and took to the water I have filmed their progress and watched them grow and thrive.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amusing little characters</td></tr>
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Swans are common on most stretches of water and are taken for granted
when compared to the more exotic species of wildlife, but these little
characters kept me fascinated and amused on my twice weekly visits to
the canal. During those long summer days it was a delight to see them paddle "line astern" between mum and dad. With butterflies fluttering overhead and dragonflies darting low over the water as they patrolled the tranquil waters between Spa Common and Ebridge lock.<br />
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The youngsters grew at an alarming rate in no small thanks to the hoppers of grain and bread left out for them. In just a few weeks they morphed from fluffy little chicks with enormous feet and two useless, stubby, wings, into scaled down images of their parents.<br />
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By mid July the youngsters had eased into the daily routine of eating, sleeping and preening.<br />
Some nights they returned to the old nest at Bacton Wood which became almost submerged under their combined weight when they all clambered aboard, oblivious of Mum's valiant efforts to maintain the overcrowded nest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcq34nPEm3I/VTKxqmhFRvI/AAAAAAAAA3w/GDDjGu8Hz8U/s1600/Mute_swans_%26_cygnets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lcq34nPEm3I/VTKxqmhFRvI/AAAAAAAAA3w/GDDjGu8Hz8U/s1600/Mute_swans_%26_cygnets.JPG" height="171" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Issued under Creative Commons (author unknown)</td></tr>
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As August gave way to September stubby little wings had been replaced with an almost, adult wingspan. Although still not powerful enough to get the young swans airbourne they frequently practised flying with their feet remaining firmly anchored to the rond.</div>
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Summer drifted into Autumn and the youngsters overall grey plumage was showing traces of white as they matured. The family no longer travelled "line astern" between Mum and Dad, now they would spread out and move as a flock as they patrolled the waterway. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesey of Roymartinlindman</td></tr>
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The family group had become a unit. Demonstrating their ability to defend themselves when <br />
a young Otter working its way along the canal was spotted by one of the cygnets. The juvenile raised the alarm and the entire family turned and hissed in the direction of the Otter. The collective show of aggression was enough to deter any would-be predator. The Otter left a stream of bubbles in its wake as it swiftly retreated downstream.<br />
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Young wings were now fully developed and airworthy, strong enough to lift the young swans into the air. By the turn of the year the cob began to harass his offspring. He would chase them, often grabbing their tail feathers. The cygnets could not understand this show of aggression toward them from the parent who had protected them for all of their short young lives. Gradually the cygnets detached themselves from their parents and moved a mile or so downstream.<br />
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On a cold February morning the cob flew into the Ebridge pound and attacked the youngsters without mercy. After a furious period of flapping, splashing and anguished cries. Wings slapped the surface of the canal and the younsters took to the air and flew off into the mist never to return. The cycle of life had turned full circle. On days when I look out across the canal reed beds I wonder where those youngsters are now and how they are coping on their own. I guess I will never know.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesey Adrian Pingstone.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-44227668060289473752015-02-12T14:09:00.000-08:002015-04-19T11:05:54.730-07:00The Ebridge Project.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The old mill at Ebridge, on the North Walsham and Dilham canal, has lain dormant for many years. Apart from becoming a spacious loft for a flock of feral pigeons, the only conversion that took place was from flour mill to rumour mill. Various projects were put forward from several quarters but none ever reached fruition. Every failed application generated more rumours and precious few facts. That was until Barn Owl Conversions took over and got things moving.<br />
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Ebridge was owned by Cubitt and Walker from 1883 until 1998 when it was sold to W. L. Duffield and son of Saxlingham. In its time the mill has been powered by water, steam and finally electricity.<br />
Wherries served the mill via the North Walsham and Dilham canal until the 1930s when waterborne trade was superseded by road transport.<br />
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Over the last few months work has begun clearing the site and renovating the mill buildings. It is only fitting that the old mill is beginning a new career in the form of residential properties and not suffering the same fate as Briggate mill, her near neighbour a few miles downstream. <br />
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For a full history of Ebridge mill please see Norfolk mills site<br />
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<a href="http://www.norfolkmills.co.uk/Watermills/ebridge.html">http://www.norfolkmills.co.uk/Watermills/ebridge.html</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-9145885370448400942014-12-05T13:39:00.000-08:002014-12-11T07:45:41.740-08:00A Busy Ol' Summer.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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With frosty mornings and icy winds to look forward to this seems a good time to look back over the last six months. As far as summer's go this year has been one to remember.<br />
It seemed to stretch endlessly into infinity, reminiscent of my school holidays from long ago, when those precious school-free weeks ran out long before those wonderful summer days.<br />
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If I ever had a busier summer with a camera than this one I really don't remember it, and with seven projects in progress the cameras have been in constant use almost every day since early spring. But if there is a better way to spend my time I can't imagine what it is.<br />
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<b>Hathor's Restoration.</b><br />
One of my regular weekly visits is the Wherry Yacht Charter Charitable Trust's yard at Wroxham. Here the pleasure wherry "Hathor" has been under-going major restoration.<br />
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"Hathor" was winched onto the slipway over twelve months ago.<br />
On February 19th, with her hull fully restored, she was re-floated and work began immediately on her topside and interior. First stage was to repair the plankways and cabin sides. Then her decks were lined with plywood and covered with hard wearing lino. Work has recently begun refurbishing the cabins and saloon.<br />
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Each stage of "Hathor's" restoration has, and is being recorded. As the summer finally faded away this grand old lady was beginning to look her best once again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining "Hathors" foredeck with plywood.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting the Hawk benches.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Sam" enthusiastically watches proceedings..</td></tr>
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<b>The</b> <b>North Walsham and Dilham Canal.</b><br />
On the North Walsham and Dilham Canal the restoration continues apace. The banks of the dry section between Spa Common and Royston Bridge are well on the way to being reconstructed. This is due to the extended dry spell from June to August which allowed a fleet of tipper trucks to haul in tons of high grade subsoil. Day after day they emerged through the dust creating some wonderful shots for the camera. On the North side of Royston Bridge the progress has been equally impressive as the reconstruction heads unerringly toward Swafield.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tippers bring in high grade subsoil.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBMUyCy2H2I/VH-DagOTfVI/AAAAAAAAAzk/SU5qLzM_Nqs/s1600/Untitled%2B009_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBMUyCy2H2I/VH-DagOTfVI/AAAAAAAAAzk/SU5qLzM_Nqs/s1600/Untitled%2B009_0001.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trucks emerge through the dust</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNxiVOg54sQ/VH-DmYG0-TI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MQ-DJq2E-0M/s1600/Untitled%2B011_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNxiVOg54sQ/VH-DmYG0-TI/AAAAAAAAAzo/MQ-DJq2E-0M/s1600/Untitled%2B011_0003.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A section of restored banking.</td></tr>
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In late summer, with the help of a friend using his "Phantom" drone, with a
GoPro camera on board, we were able to shoot some stunning arial footage
of the reconstructed banks.<br />
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A magnificent distraction on the canal was the brood of Swans that hatched near Spa Common. They have been high on the filming agenda on my regular, weekly visits to the canal. We have a record of the day they hatched to the present when they are now almost full grown.<br />
They were the subject of an earlier blog. If you would like to see the brood click on the links below.<br />
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<a href="http://bigskyproductions-jonno.blogspot.co.uk/">http://bigskyproductions-jonno.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SczVJ2UJf1Y">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SczVJ2UJf1Y</a><br />
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On September 26th as the summer was drawing to a close, Doug Hamilton Cox, a retired Royal Engineer, walked the canal from Swafield to Tonnage Bridge. We filmed the event which is intended to raise funds for the "Help For Heroes" charity. Doug plans to walk every canal in the UK and raise £100,000.00. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z69VIMlkfUs/VIIkUTfi2fI/AAAAAAAAA1s/iNtw1EAg7XI/s1600/Untitled%2B003_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z69VIMlkfUs/VIIkUTfi2fI/AAAAAAAAA1s/iNtw1EAg7XI/s1600/Untitled%2B003_0002.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Help for Heroes" Canal walk at Swafield lock.</td></tr>
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<b>Mist On The Marsh.</b><br />
My labour of love continues to move toward completion, albeit very slowly. All the documentary sequences are complete and most of the dramatised folklore is safely " in the can". My undying appreciation for the cast, who with unswerving loyalty, have stuck with me and the project through some very trying times. An extra special effort to complete this epic is scheduled for early 2015.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey726jUeQHE/VH-Cb3IQdpI/AAAAAAAAAzA/QN5G9c5waxw/s1600/Untitled_0002%2B007_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ey726jUeQHE/VH-Cb3IQdpI/AAAAAAAAAzA/QN5G9c5waxw/s1600/Untitled_0002%2B007_0002.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A clip from "Mist On The Marsh".</td></tr>
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<u><b>M&GN Dray.</b></u><br />
While all this was going on, the M&GN horse drawn dray was undergoing overhaul which I filmed whenever possible. The film started at Banningham, where the hundred year old cart was renovated.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fhFE4M7QJw/VH-LSShZy6I/AAAAAAAAA0U/OFRP__k0aaA/s1600/tn_Untitled_0027%2B001_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fhFE4M7QJw/VH-LSShZy6I/AAAAAAAAA0U/OFRP__k0aaA/s1600/tn_Untitled_0027%2B001_0002.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dray off to Weyborne works.</td></tr>
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This included the metal tyres being heated and fitted to the wheels. From there the dray was taken to the sheds at Weybourne where the overhaul was completed. Finally the dray was filmed arriving at Holt station drawn by a magnificent shire horse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYdgLO3vxJA/VH-Kv-fMOyI/AAAAAAAAA0I/eWIlJI-Tm7k/s1600/IMGA0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYdgLO3vxJA/VH-Kv-fMOyI/AAAAAAAAA0I/eWIlJI-Tm7k/s1600/IMGA0050.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dray in the carpenters workshop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mswo5MTLqBs/VH-J7AiDrKI/AAAAAAAAAz4/FIrSBDAP2CI/s1600/IMGA0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mswo5MTLqBs/VH-J7AiDrKI/AAAAAAAAAz4/FIrSBDAP2CI/s1600/IMGA0035.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting the metal tyres.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruhLQ35L4nA/VH-C_5YEELI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/BoOzA-u716s/s1600/04_10_2014%2B12_42_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruhLQ35L4nA/VH-C_5YEELI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/BoOzA-u716s/s1600/04_10_2014%2B12_42_0001.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dray arriving at Holt station.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Slipping "Albion"</b></u><br />
On October 9th, in the dying weeks of our wonderful Indian summer "Albion" was being hauled out at Oulton Broad. We arrived at Excelsior's yard to record the wherry being winched onto the slipway.<br />
A brisk south-westerly rippled across Lake Lothing as "Albion" was secured to the cradle and hauled out of the water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Txyhwzdg5Ro/VIHtfAuRqJI/AAAAAAAAA0o/tScoOdfjHC8/s1600/tn_albion17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Txyhwzdg5Ro/VIHtfAuRqJI/AAAAAAAAA0o/tScoOdfjHC8/s1600/tn_albion17.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Albion" almost out of the water.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTiq01CeoN4/VIHtfPzldjI/AAAAAAAAA0k/7qN-d1jLlwA/s1600/tn_albion19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTiq01CeoN4/VIHtfPzldjI/AAAAAAAAA0k/7qN-d1jLlwA/s1600/tn_albion19.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secured in the cradle.</td></tr>
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On November 24th "Albion" was re-floated after her routine maintenance was completed. Once again we made our way to Oulton Broad in time for "High water". The wherry was smoothly lowered down the tracks and into the water. With the tender standing by, the bilges were checked for leaks before we set off for the lock. The traffic was stopped as "Albion" slipped under the road bridge and into Mutford lock. The summer was finally behind us on this shoot, but even at this late date the sun followed us into the yacht station to round the year off nicely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtCRHDq5wdM/VIHyPWbxduI/AAAAAAAAA08/LqoPiueN_Pw/s1600/Untitled%2B015_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GtCRHDq5wdM/VIHyPWbxduI/AAAAAAAAA08/LqoPiueN_Pw/s1600/Untitled%2B015_0002.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skipper checking tide times.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcjZ9_CmbPo/VIH_HQF8ARI/AAAAAAAAA1c/8W8oCY2nGIo/s1600/Untitled%2B008_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LcjZ9_CmbPo/VIH_HQF8ARI/AAAAAAAAA1c/8W8oCY2nGIo/s1600/Untitled%2B008_0001.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tender standing by.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGxhqdiUnc4/VIHyPpIxIbI/AAAAAAAAA1A/KHYB4eb9sng/s1600/Untitled_0001%2B001_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGxhqdiUnc4/VIHyPpIxIbI/AAAAAAAAA1A/KHYB4eb9sng/s1600/Untitled_0001%2B001_0003.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping the traffic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8-3xT-09ks/VIHyPwIjtYI/AAAAAAAAA1M/xw1BjgRCFJM/s1600/Untitled_0004%2B004_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8-3xT-09ks/VIHyPwIjtYI/AAAAAAAAA1M/xw1BjgRCFJM/s1600/Untitled_0004%2B004_0001.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Mutford Lock.</td></tr>
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I hope the above demonstrates why the blogs have been few and far between in recent weeks. We will try harder in 2015.<br />
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
Jonno.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-40106576800104775772014-07-11T23:28:00.003-07:002014-07-20T01:17:56.451-07:00Cygnets Take to the Water.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In mid May a pair of young swans built a nest on one of Norfolk's more remote waterways. For six weeks the Pen sat on the nest including a scorching hot spell in June. Along with several others I kept watch over the pair in the hope there might be youngsters. As the pen is a young bird there were no gaurantees there would be a sucessful outcome - it was simply watch and wait. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swans nest on the canal.</td></tr>
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On my twice weekly visits to the area my first stop was always the swan's nest in the hope there would be something to film. Several weeks went by without any significant change apart from the cob letting me know he had his eye on me. This was demonstrated from time to time with some slightly menacing hisses followed by some extravagant wing flapping.</div>
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On Monday June 23rd I made an extra trip to the nest site - Surprise! Surprise! there was a group of five fluffy little chicks inspecting the nest. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five chicks and one egg.</td></tr>
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Mum gently turned the one remaining egg while the five cygnets squeaked continuously as they surveyed the strange world they found themselves in. It was sheer luck that I had arrived when I did, even better I was just in time to film the chicks entering the water for the first time. </div>
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At the time of writing the chicks are just two weeks old and seem to be doing okay. There are dangerous times ahead for them. An RSPB survey states that only half the cygnets born reach maturity, predators and pollution account for most of the fatalities. The chicks are on a secluded, private stretch of water and I believe they are relatively safe from human interference. Even so I have chosen not to disclose their exact location as I have long since lost my faith in many kinds of human behaviour. </div>
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"Vaya con dios" little fellows.</div>
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To see a video of the cygnets please click the link below.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SczVJ2UJf1Y">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SczVJ2UJf1Y</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-90106737478889901552014-07-09T06:28:00.000-07:002014-07-09T06:28:51.922-07:00I Shot The Band.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A few days ago we travelled with a local Norfolk band to the Welsh border to film one of their gigs. <br />
<b><i>Looking For Mango</i></b> are a talented Norfolk five piece band who were signed up for the Ebstock Music Festival along with other bands from Cardiff and Liverpool.<br />
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We stayed overnight in a B and B in the pretty village of Whittington, a few miles from the event, and awoke to the smell of bacon and eggs and the sound of torrential rain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whittington Castle, the view from our Band B </td></tr>
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We arrived at the Ebnal Hall venue where everyone was wearing <i>wellies</i><b> </b>and carrying umbrellas.<b><i> Looking For Mango </i></b>were booked to do two sets, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.<br />
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By evening the programme was over running by an hour and a half. <i><b>LFM</b></i> started the final set at about 11pm. The place was absolutely rocking with three hundred people or so bouncing and jumping to the band from Norfolk. Filming was a challenge in the midst of a demented smoke machine, illuminated by an impressive light show from the overhead gantry. <br />
<i><b>LFM</b></i> attracted fans like a magnet as they played into the night - in the middle of it all the camera was bounced and barged around in front of the stage. A great gig.<br />
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<i><b>"Looking for Mango"</b></i> are a band with a great sound, watch out for them at Norfolk venues. You will not be disappointed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Looking For Mango" Sound Check. </td></tr>
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Listen to "Looking For Mango" on the link below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.reverbnation.com/lookingformango">http://www.reverbnation.com/lookingformango</a><br />
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Follow them on Facebook.<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lookingformango?sk=app_2405167945">https://www.facebook.com/lookingformango?sk=app_2405167945</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-8744347244206156902014-06-25T13:15:00.000-07:002014-06-25T13:18:23.292-07:00Swallowtail Butterflies.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Papilio Machaon Britannicus" is the posh name for a magnificent species of Butterfly, more commonly known as "Swallowtails".<br />
From late May to early July these large, beautiful insects take to the air and fly strongly over the Norfolk reed beds.<br />
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We took our cameras to How Hill near Ludham in search of these fascinating creatures. Through two of the hottest days of the year we waited, in company with other enthusiasts, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive "Swallowtail".<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Swallowtail Butterfly" (Photo courtesy Tony Hisgett)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The British "Swallowtail" is a rare sub species that is only found in and around the Norfolk broads.<br />
For five short weeks in summer the "Swallowtails" emerge, mate and lay their eggs on stems of Milk-parsley (Marsh Hog's Fennel).<br />
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Milk-parsley, a distant relative of the humble Parsnip, is the key to the "Swallowtails" life cycle and ultimate survival. The plant grows in the Norfolk wetlands and is the essential food plant of the "Swallowtails".<br />
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The fragility of the species was dramatically illustrated at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire during the 1950's. There the wetland habitat was reduced from over 100 hectares to less than ten due to agricultural activity over many years. As the water table dropped scrub land overwhelmed large tracts of the marshes around Wicken Fen. Slowly the Milk-parsley disappeared and the Cambridgeshire "Swallowtails" became extinct. Parts of the fens were flooded in an attempt to re-introduce the species with Norfolk stock. The project failed as did subsequent attempts leaving the Norfolk Broads as the last outpost for one of Britain's most spectacular butterflies.<br />
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For the moment the Norfolk "Swallowtails" seem to be holding their own and are reasonably safe as long as the Milk-parsley survives. By mid July most of the eggs have been laid and a few weeks later the caterpillars are soon feeding on their precious food plant. The young caterpillars are very unspectacular in their appearance, resembling bird droppings to fool would be predators. The caterpillar or larva will moult three times before it pupates. The adult caterpillar assumes a very colourful striped appearance after it's final moult. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar After 3rd Moult (Courtesy Wikimedia)</td></tr>
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The caterpillar's defence against predators is the osmeterium, a horn like organ situated just behind the head. This is deployed if the larva is threatened, giving off a pungent smell, similar to rotting pineapples.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Osmerterium (Courtesy Wikimedia)</td></tr>
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In spite of this bizarre deterrent large numbers of larva are taken by birds and spiders long before the they transform into pupa. Caterpillars that do survive make their way down the stems of reeds or similar plants, camouflaging themselves with green or dark brown colouration to suit their surroundings. Here they overwinter waiting for the warm summer sun when they will emerge as exotic butterflies. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Swallowtail" Pupa (Courtesy Wikimedia)</td></tr>
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At How Hill, after many hours of waiting, we were rewarded with several "Swallowtails" fluttering across the meadow and alighting on the thistles to refuel with nectar. They remained just long enough for us to capture precious seconds of their extravagant display before they made off across the marsh and out of sight. <br />
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b>The "Swallowtail" is protected by the Wildlife and Countryside act</b></i>.</span><br />
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<b><i>"Across my dreams, with nets of wonder</i></b><br />
<b><i>I chase the bright elusive butterfly of love."</i></b><br />
Dolly Parton</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-56505234055952820562014-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:002014-06-23T04:58:38.871-07:00Disappearing Norfolk.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The tide of progress sweeps inexorably across the country, with it come the luxuries and advantages we all enjoy and prize so highly. Unfortunately these improvements come at a price in the form of change to the places we love. Like every other English county, Norfolk is not exempt from this trend. Due to this state of affairs I have become a man with a mission - the mission to record as much of disappearing Norfolk as time will allow.<br />
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Many years ago in the East end of London I was in conversation with a market trader.<br />
When he learned I was from Norfolk he began speaking very slowly in his native "Cockaneese" so that I might understand everything that was being said to me. He informed me, with unnecessary and patronising delight, that Norfolk was one hundred miles from London and every mile took you back one year. A form of time travel.<br />
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His barbed comments were intended as a joke at my expense. I looked around the litter-strewn market-place and noted the mangy old mongrel cocking his leg up against a "fruit and veg" stall. I compared this to the green fields back home stretching out under the big Norfolk sky, and I wondered just how long we must wait for the missionaries to reach our part of the world to save us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Street Market" courtesy Stephen McKay</td></tr>
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The market trader was right, Norfolk, at that time, had escaped the rigours of rampant progress and it dawned on me just how lucky we were. At this exact moment the campaign to plough up the A11 at the Norfolk border earned my everlasting and undying support.<br />
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Fast forward forty years and how things have changed. Improved road links and faster trains have brought the long awaited progress to Norfolk and accelerated change to this part of the kingdom.<br />
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I cannot imagine how we managed all those years ago without a McDonald's or Witherspoon's. We had to make do with old coaching inns and village pubs.<br />
For so long we were denied the magical experience of giant supermarkets where customers are processed like peas. Instead we had to endure the corner shop where the friendly old shopkeeper would ask if your mum's Lumbago was any better or enquire if we were we going on holiday that year. We exchanged our ancient country lanes for wider roads and dual carriageways. These enabled us to dash from one place to another without seeing anything of interest in between and take out large numbers of wildlife while doing so.<br />
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The advent of the credit card, a simply wondrous event that allowed us to buy things we did not need and could not afford. Laptops and mobile phones have acquired the status of an extra limb, giving us rolling news and instant internet access. Oh for the days when the only tablets needed to sustain life were issued by the family doctor not PC World.<br />
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Along with progress came the inevitable interest of property developers, the sprawling acres of Norfolk farmland were ideal for housing developments. Bricks and tarmac spread across large tracts of the county like a cancer, eating up pastures and woodland, destroying the habitat of the wildlife that was once so abundant in Norfolk. There are some species of British butterflies and birds that my Great grand children will, in all probability, never see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JF5TLcnLWkI/U59IVXaIG4I/AAAAAAAAAtw/9MeXs4DO7DE/s1600/Flowers_bees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JF5TLcnLWkI/U59IVXaIG4I/AAAAAAAAAtw/9MeXs4DO7DE/s1600/Flowers_bees.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Honey Bee" Courtesy Jon Sullivan</td></tr>
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Some species of these seemingly insignificant little creatures like Bull Finches, Bees and Bats are already tottering on the edge of extinction. A casual shrug of our sloping shoulders does not excuse us. We must all take some responsibility for not taking greater care of this little patch of England that was entrusted to our keeping.<br />
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Visitors to Norfolk fall in love with our county, most are attracted by the slower pace of life. As more folk settle here the very things that made this county so attractive and unique are gradually diluted and lost. Improving road and rail links will only serve to accelerate this process.<br />
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The Norfolk of my childhood no longer exists, it has simply melted away, almost unnoticed. Many might say it is a good thing. Modern drugs and medicines have increased our chances of a long and healthy life span, far greater than our grandparents could have hoped for. Better housing, nutritious food, the benefits are endless. Alas, for everything gained something is lost, this is the nature of progress.<br />
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For just one day I would love to be transported back to my school days. Perch on a farm gate and watch the ploughman pull a furrow. straight as an arrow without the aid of GPS. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creative commons Attribution Licence</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-2043187682551004932014-05-23T09:41:00.001-07:002014-05-24T10:19:31.282-07:00War Diary Part Three.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">In the spring of 1917 Walter's battalion made a ten day march to Arras to reinforce the British offensive. </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">After the action Walter's company was relieved but Walter and others were left behind and had to find their own way back.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Early in 1918 Walter caught up with his brother George. Walter marched beside him to his camp.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm-KqMpLoRg/U391juZJZpI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/YS1Z0tt8zuY/s1600/9.2inchHowitzer91stBatteryRGAArras1April1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vm-KqMpLoRg/U391juZJZpI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/YS1Z0tt8zuY/s1600/9.2inchHowitzer91stBatteryRGAArras1April1917.jpg" height="400" width="327" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Battle for Arass (Imperial War Museum)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>1917</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sun 14th Jan</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fritz shelled camp with long range guns - rush for old
German dugouts 200 yards away where we slept for next few nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Several chaps from my tent (signals) were
wounded on carrying party - one killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fortunately I was absent having to report to Headquarters at Millencourt
for duty as a tailor, (some mistake).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Long tramp with full kit but perhaps I was lucky.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stayed at Corps headquarters that night and tramped back
to Bazenten next morning. </span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wed 24th Jan</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Battalion came out of line.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thur 25th Jan</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Back to Albert and billeted in a corner cafe near
cathedral.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mon 29th Jan</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Dermacourt.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thur Feb 8th</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mericourt after long march.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mon 12th Feb</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Relieved French in trenches on Peronne sector.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tich and I turned out of our cosy little cubby hole by corporal
Saint who wanted it for a bomb store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While looking for a fresh cubby for us (we following) he was struck by a
shell and blown to pieces - but beyond concussion Tich and I were all right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very little of poor old Saint was found to
bury.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Trenches in a very bad state of repair and working
parties every night cutting fire steps etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ground frozen hard and work was very hard.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sat 17th Feb</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thaw set in - trenches in terrible mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was lucky in leaving trenches for a signals
course at Foucaucourt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Bon time).</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mon 5th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rejoin battalion at Proyart in signal section.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fri 9th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marched to Warfusel - Lammoste and billeted in French
huts - decent village and being lighted with gas was quite a novelty after
seeing nothing stronger than a candle for months.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Had a good time.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mon 12th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Back to signals course at Mericourt - Sur - Somme,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>billeted in
French huts with Reay and Finlayson.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sat 17th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fin and myself on guard.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sun 18th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Church parade in Chateau grounds, Divisional
headquarters.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thur 29th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rejoined battalion at Warfusel.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fri 30th Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This day we learnt that our division (the 50th) were
flying division and command on the march that day passing through Villiers
Breloneux and after long days march arrived that evening at Camon-dosey, little
town - dead beat and didnt go out.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sat 31st Mar</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Continued march going through Amiens
and arrived at village
of Bertangles.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mon 2nd April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Continued march and arrived at Beauval, nice little town
- bokoo </span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">but luck out, no brass.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tues 3rd April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">March and arrive at village of Fortel
after passing through Doullens.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wed 4th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marched and arrived at village of Framecourt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stayed here and on Good Friday marched a
few kilometres to Petit Horwain for manoeuvres attack on railway station - I did
duty as sig.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sat 7th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marched and arrived at Monchcaux.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sun 5th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marched and arrived at Givenchy- Le-Noble and billeted in
large Chateau courtyard - all racehorse stables.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Easter Monday</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Stand to all day for a big stunt at Arras.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tues 10th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Marched and arrived at Wanquotin,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>few kilos from Arras.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wed 11th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Continued march and were halted in centre of Arras about 10pm when it
was snowing quite heavily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
tinkering about for an hour continued march and about midnight reached old
German trench called HUN LINE where we kipped in Fritz's dugouts which were
best system of dugouts I had seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
connected and well ventilated - were in front very thick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This position was recently captured by
British.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were all dead beat and very
thankful our long march was ended.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sat 14th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In reserve at Telegraph Hill where there were two British
disabled tanks, one named Charlie Chaplin which carried two 3 inch guns.</span></i></span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8Abe79rhyk/U39stQkf2gI/AAAAAAAAAs0/-NIP5V34y74/s1600/MkITankDitchedArras13April1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8Abe79rhyk/U39stQkf2gI/AAAAAAAAAs0/-NIP5V34y74/s1600/MkITankDitchedArras13April1917.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dis-abled British Tank (Imperial War Museum)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sun 15th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Front line at Wancourt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Large gun (probably naval) doubtful whether British or German destroyed
a large part of our trench. Luckily no casualties. </span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thur 19th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Relieved but Lt (Butcher) Brown messed things with result
half a dozen of us left behind from company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We went on our own following railway through Wancourt which was being
heavily shelled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night slept with
R.A.M.C. in dugout dressing station.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sp3VLD34_Y4/U390DvcvWjI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Vhh8zf3uk2I/s1600/The_Road_To_Wancourt_-_Monchy-le-preux_in_the_Distance_Art.IWMART284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sp3VLD34_Y4/U390DvcvWjI/AAAAAAAAAtE/Vhh8zf3uk2I/s1600/The_Road_To_Wancourt_-_Monchy-le-preux_in_the_Distance_Art.IWMART284.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road To Wancourt. (Imperial War Museum)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fri 20th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Not finding company we reported at transport at Arras on the way passing
Butcher Brown having breakfast with R.T.A. officers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From transport with water cart rejoined
company at Telegraph Hill in dugouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That evening saw British ammunition column going up under heavy shell
fire. </span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sat 21st April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Back to Arras
and billeted in caves<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>very large - lavatories and even streets, the
whole place lit by electricity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw
Fritz plane bring down an observer balloon in flames - the occupant escaping by
parachute.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Sun 22nd April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Church parade in caves (gives some idea of size)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stood to all day.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mon 23rd April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">St George's
Day rosettes issued (red and white).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Evening alarm and we rushed to reserve line.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Tues 24th April</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our Brigade made attack on Wancourt tower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stiff fight very heavy bombardment - Fritz
used thousands of flares - many casualties in our Brigade.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thurs 26th April </span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Entrained at Arras
railway siding (very desolate) for Mondicourt.</span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1918 </span></span></i></span></b></div>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></i></span></b><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
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<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Sat 9th Feb</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>In line with A company sig station in German
Pill-box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just after we arrived Fritz
dropped shell clean on top of Pill-box which rocked about like a ship at sea.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Sat 16th Feb </b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Whitby camp - bokoo rum punch (hot milk rum and
sugar).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had double dose with A company
and then went to my own company where I got best part of (diru?) full of QMS
Jarvelund after this lot I felt a bit lively and went to postmans dugout across
road for a registered letter I was expecting and which I got alright.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Wed 20th Feb </b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>33rd division passed our camp and I was soon on lookout
for Brother (George) who I found after running about a mile to the head of the
column.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walked beside him on march till
he reached<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>camp and then dashed back
and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we were to go up the line that
night.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Fri 22nd Feb</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Back to Whitby camp.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Sat 23rd Feb</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Entrained at Ypres for Wizerous from here we marched
about 12 kilos to Boisdingen where I rejoined D company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Billeted in an old airforce camp.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Tues 26th Feb </b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>Reveille 4.30 marched to rifle range which was being used
by Australians - back to billet and then back to range in afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stan Reay and I were sentries on road in rear
of range we had to prevent anyone passing for fear of richochets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afternoon we had to carry danger flags back
to hut on range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By then battalion had
moved off so we strolled back on our own and had tea in a YM and then back to
camp at 8pm.</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>
</b></i></span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-86294426618384700762014-03-02T12:54:00.000-08:002014-03-02T12:54:29.300-08:00War Diary Part Two.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;">Due to unforseen circumstances my film making activities have been seriously curtailed at the moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">To keep the blog active it seems a good time to publish more extracts from uncle Walter's war diary.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-st5AC2fwMdM/UxOKE5TpPbI/AAAAAAAAAro/H_ccis5GwxE/s1600/YourCountryNeedsYou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-st5AC2fwMdM/UxOKE5TpPbI/AAAAAAAAAro/H_ccis5GwxE/s1600/YourCountryNeedsYou.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In Part two, 1917, Walter trains as a signaller and gets home on leave to England for Christmas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">There are suprisingly no entries in the diary recording his time at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">The entries seem to suggest that Walter was becoming "battle hardened". No longer the quiet young Norfolk lad who left "Blighty" twelve months earlier. </span><br />
<br />
Walter was quite mobile in 1917 - although the front line was fairly static the battalions were moved quite frequently to reinforce the line.<br />
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<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Please note the extracts from the diary were
written almost one hundred years ago and may not be considered
"Politically correct" by todays standards</i></b>. </span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sat 12th May 1917</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Manoeuvres - reveille 4am.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 14th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Manoeuvres cancelled - rain.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tues 15th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Manoeuvres with live ammunition through a rifle bomb
being fired with an ordinary cartridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bomb fell short of the target and dropped among some of my
company,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>men who were in the supposed
front line causing several casualties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 4th Northumberland Fusiliers also had some casualties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wounded coming down on limbers made it
look almost like a real stunt.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 16th May </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Manoeuvres -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>enemy
6th Northumberland Fusiliers in wood which we had to attack.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thur 17th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sousastr'e.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg0uDxsy3zw/UxOV-1-SLmI/AAAAAAAAAsU/RatNXh9I3ng/s1600/London_Territorials_on_the_march_(Photo_24-236).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eg0uDxsy3zw/UxOV-1-SLmI/AAAAAAAAAsU/RatNXh9I3ng/s1600/London_Territorials_on_the_march_(Photo_24-236).jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marched to a small village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Fri 18th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">March to small village of Ayette - badly smashed about -
we bivouacked. </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Vaults in cemetery so knocked about as to expose
skeletons.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 20th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Reveille 3am back in line, fortunate in being put on
details with Sheardown where we ran a signal station to Brigade H.Q.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">In evening cycled with a message to Brigade a few miles
away.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 28th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Cycled with a message in evening to CO of our battalion
which were lying in cubby holes at St Leger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By an overland road got there all right but lost my way coming back in
the dark and what with falling in old trenches and getting myself and cycle
mixed up with barbed wire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a devil
of a time and got back to Ayette about midnight.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 23rd May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Details shifted to Moyenville.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 27th May Whit Sunday</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">On guard - battalion out of line.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 28th May Whit Monday</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">March to Monchy (not to Monchy - le - Preax) where we had
to build bivvies for ourselves.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tich and I found a lot of old corrugated iron and made a
bivvy and later we made an extension to accommodate Murchi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on fatigue in evening filling in old
trenches to make roadway for our field kitchens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While at Monchy we had a very heavy hailstorm
- largest hailstones I have ever seen.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BO9L85ShSs/UxOTulNnSZI/AAAAAAAAAsI/zaFl8Ui6xB0/s1600/Cooks_in_the_field_Estaires,_France_(Photo_24-331).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BO9L85ShSs/UxOTulNnSZI/AAAAAAAAAsI/zaFl8Ui6xB0/s1600/Cooks_in_the_field_Estaires,_France_(Photo_24-331).jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">British Army field kitchen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 30th May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Manoeuvres where (Butcher) Brown very much amused Tich
and myself by getting very excited over finding an old German telephone
position fixed at the top of a high tree in a wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a well concealed position and was
reached by steps that were cut in the tree. </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thurs 31st May</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Reported sick with bad legs and was sent to hospital at
place called Goury - had good time here.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tues 5th June</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Discharged hospital and had to walk right back to
Monchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was evening when got to
Souastri.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here we met a Northumberland
Fusilier padre who gave us some cash and we went and got some tea at Y.M.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Concert party that evening "Blue
Diamond" (Durhams) so we stayed and then continued our journey to
Monchy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feeling whacked we crawled under
a stack for the night.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 6th June</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">About 9am we reported to battalion - companies out on
manoeuvres.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Fri 8th June</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Our company proceeded to Mercatil for duty on ammunition
dump.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where we worked in two shifts day
and night loading up lorries with shells as required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were complimented on the amount of work we
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good time at Y.M. when off duty.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 20th June</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Whole of our division under canvas near Boyelles.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 24th June </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">In the line - signal station - Murchi and I came right back
to Mercatil for a reel of wire and stayed in Y.M. before going back.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thurs 28th June</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">At Hinen in blanket bivvies - I was with Murchi and Tich
and Daver were in the next bivvy.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wind up at midnight as Fritz was dropping gas shells in
next camp.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 2nd July</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">In line - signal and gas guard.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tues 10th July</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Under canvas at Neuville Vitasse.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 15th July</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Working party at Wancourt.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 18th July</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">In line.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Fri 27th July</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Out of line and in old trenches at Neauville Vitasse. </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed Aug 1st</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">In line.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sat Aug 4th</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Canvas camp at Neauville Vitasse.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun Aug 5th</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Five days <u>C.B.</u> for washing in a shell hole. (Confined to barracks)</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">(Punishment) Pulling horse drawn roller over cricket pitch and digging
large pit to bury refuse.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 12th Aug </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">On pass to Arras with Murchi. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had photos taken by Frenchman who lived in a
cellar near cathedral ruins.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 13th Aug</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Battalion in line - details.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tues 14th Aug </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Played cricket in morning and afternoon went to Arras.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 15th Aug</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Signals course at Boyelles - division signal school.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Fri 24th Aug </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Y.M. at Boisleax-au-Mont,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>pictures of Battle of Arras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That evening saw the first Yankee troops - engineers.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 29th Aug </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">On guard at school.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 10th Sept</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sent to divisional sig stn at Wancourt for instruction.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 12th Sept</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Station moved nearer line to a small ruined village
called Guinappe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Station fixed at a
wayside shrine where we were shelled by heavies and so we went farther back in
the village.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 17th Sept</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Back to divisional school by motor lorry.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 7th Oct</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Rain all day.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 8th Oct</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Rain all day.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tues 15th Oct</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Guard - in afternoon the whole school started on the
march for Achut-le-Petit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The camp we
should have taken over was occupied so that night we put up in a large barn
which had been used for a theatre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>About 2am shifted into camp.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 16th Oct </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Entrained from Miriamont and arrived at Cassel where we
marched to divisional details at a place called Bollezelle, very large camp
here and signal school was lodged in a large marquee.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 24th Oct</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Rough weather - marquee blown down at about 2am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had to walk about till daylight when it was a
scramble claiming kit.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sat 1st Dec</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Left Bollezelle for Eperleques Chateau - were billeted in
Nissen huts in the grounds.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">While here on the 13th and 14th was granted leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marching to the railroad at Walton and
entrained for Boulogne and after a splendid fortnight left home at 10-30pm on
Boxing night.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 26th Dec Boxing night</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thorpe 10.30pm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>with<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack Mace his wife and Albert
Jex who were all going to London.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thur 27th Dec</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Liverpool Street Station 3.30am - stayed in waiting room
till about 5am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then went and had a bit
of breakfast in cafe just outside station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After breakfast we got in a van, kind of laundry van which took us over
London Bridge to the railway station where Jack and I left Violet and Albert
who had to catch trains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack and I went
to his billet in Shepherds Bush where we had breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jack couldn't get day off so I knocked about
on my own till noon when I took my kit to Victoria station - and then went back
and had dinner with Jack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had a look
round town in afternoon and met Jack at night on the underground at Victoria
station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At night went to Oxford theatre
and saw "The Better Ole".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Afterwards having supper at Lyons cafe,then 11.30pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Left Jack at 12.30am outside Victoria
Station and went to Y.M.C.A. hostel nearby where I had ordered a bed for the
night.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Fri 28th Dec </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Caught boat train from Victoria Station it was snowing
heavily when reached Boulogne - stayed at rest camp that night at Boulogne and
met men of 4th Northumberland Fusiliers.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sat 29th Dec </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Left Boulogne - made meal of cake I brought from
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6pm that night arrived at St Omer
where we slipped out of station and had an hour or two in town - billiards and
a drink or two.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">9pm arrived at Walton reported to area commandant who put
us up for night and told us our division was near Ypres.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sun 30th Dec</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Drawed rations from RTO and had breakfast at esterminet
at Walton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTALAMON7SA/UxOQjtnat8I/AAAAAAAAAr8/FJOhFoAB9xw/s1600/Scene_at_an_estaminet_in_France_Estaires_(Photo_24-329).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTALAMON7SA/UxOQjtnat8I/AAAAAAAAAr8/FJOhFoAB9xw/s1600/Scene_at_an_estaminet_in_France_Estaires_(Photo_24-329).jpg" height="305" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Troops at an Estaminet (Bistro)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marched to signal school 8
kilometres stopping half way at an esterminet we knew and finished other cake
and also had a few drinks - 4pm arrived at school.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Mon 31st Dec</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Left school to rejoin battalion and detrained at
Paperinge - air raid on.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Tues 1st Jan</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Rejoined battalion at Potize - camp - tents, just through
Ypres.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Wed 2nd Jan </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Working party digging trench up line - went up by light
railway.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Thur 3rd Jan </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Battalion back to Paperinge by bus.</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aADoRwk22S4/UxOOQuIWBxI/AAAAAAAAArw/3oOLRExFXuQ/s1600/London_motor_buses_as_used_at_the_front_(Photo_24-261).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aADoRwk22S4/UxOOQuIWBxI/AAAAAAAAArw/3oOLRExFXuQ/s1600/London_motor_buses_as_used_at_the_front_(Photo_24-261).jpg" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">London buses used for troop movements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Sat 5th Jan 1918</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Cap Off - 7 days No 1 for outstaying leave - in the mush
in cellar beneath Battalion HQ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All
prisoners daily working parties up line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></b></i></div>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">
</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;">
</span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-19416744166111185702014-01-27T13:18:00.000-08:002014-01-27T13:18:45.174-08:00Uncle Walter's War Diary.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">From a film making angle Uncle Walter's life and times would make a wonderful documentary but sadly the funding and resources required for such a production are not currently available. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">After careful consideration I felt the next best thing would be to publish extracts from uncle Walter's war diary through the Big Sky blog. This year, as the nation commemorates the beginning of the First World War it </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">seems an ideal time. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In this small way I can acknowledge and honour uncle Walter and his young comrades who served in the trenches of the "Great War".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlXKlEcMJgk/Ut2Bmxcx-II/AAAAAAAAAqM/D1k6W0x_KZQ/s1600/walter2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LlXKlEcMJgk/Ut2Bmxcx-II/AAAAAAAAAqM/D1k6W0x_KZQ/s1600/walter2.JPG" height="200" width="141" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter Parker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Very few diaries from the first world war were written by private soldiers as it was strictly forbidden. Because of this there are only a handful of accounts written by enlisted men. Walter made notes on scraps of paper and made his diary entries secretly whenever the opportunity presented itself. For this very reason the diary gives a fascinating insight into the lot of the "PBI" (poor bloody infantry). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Uncle Walter was<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> the first of
thirteen children born to Walter Snr and Georgiana Jane on 20th February
1893. Walter was apprenticed to the Norwich shoe trade as a "clicker" - a reserved occupation which prevented Walter from enlisting. He made many attempts to join up before he was successful. He took the "Kings Shilling" soon after his twenty third birthday.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Please note the extracts from the diary were written almost one hundred years ago and may not be considered "Politically correct" by todays standards</i></b>. </span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Mon 17th April 1916.</i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><b><i>
</i></b></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><b><i>Joined up at Britannia Barracks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tich with me, evening march to drill hall and
billeted at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drill daily at Eaton
Park.</i></b></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tues 2nd May </b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Bury St Edmunds, billeted with a Swaffham chap named
Askew at Furlonges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One weekend leave.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tues 5th June</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Left Bury. Train all night and at daybreak next morning
arrived in Harrogate. </b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Marched about four miles to Pillinghall Camp- under
canvas - hard training but good time on whole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Frequent visits to Harrogate very nice place.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tues 29th Aug</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Left Harrogate 10pm good send off by local folk and early
next morning arrived Shornecliffe.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Wed 30th Aug</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Embarked Folkestone at midday and arrived Boulogne
2pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marched to St Martins Camp just out
of Boulogne - pretty stiff hill to climb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>"Frenchies" (Women and kids) hawking en-route (cheese and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spearmint).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Fri 1st Sept </b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Entrained for base at Etaples - very stiff training, gas
etc, at Bullring every day.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Wed 6th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Route march to Paris Plage, pretty seaside place four
miles from Etaples.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Fri 8th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Posted to 5th Northumberland Fusiliers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entrained to join Battalion,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forty in a truck with full kit -
uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were run into a siding
and stayed all night.</b></i></span><i><b> </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b> <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSQIDEkB304/Ut2HThDtSGI/AAAAAAAAAqc/RDGOads9-ZM/s1600/Northumberland_Fusiliers_at_Thiepval_Sept_1916_IWM_Q_1349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSQIDEkB304/Ut2HThDtSGI/AAAAAAAAAqc/RDGOads9-ZM/s1600/Northumberland_Fusiliers_at_Thiepval_Sept_1916_IWM_Q_1349.jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Northumberland Fusiliers at Thiepval 1916 (Public Domain)</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><span style="color: blue;"><b>Sat 9th Sept </b></span></i></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>We detrained at Freshencourt near Albert - rest camp - on
guard that night - loaves stolen.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Mon 11th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>March through Albert - first experience of shellfire -
and form battalion details that night - about forty of us under tarpaulin.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Sun 17th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>10pm up to trenches near Marmetz wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rained hard and tear shell gas all night -
miserable time.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Mon 18th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Rain all day.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Wed 20th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Moved forward to Clarkes Trench</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Thur 21st Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Working party at midnight digging Communication trench
under shell fire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thinking we should
return we left surplus kit at Clarkes Trench but at daybreak we were ordered
forward to take enemy trench - very little opposition and that evening I went
back to Clarkes trench for my kit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tich
and Murchi went to Headquarters for some boots and were lost all night.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Sat 23rd Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Heavily bombarded and were relieved at 9.30pm and went
back to support trench (Clarkes)</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Mon 25th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Billeted in Albert near cathedral and did all day working
party clearing mud from roads - 1 foot deep in places.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tues 26th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Carrying small arms ammunition to front line.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Wed 27th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Mametz Wood.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Thur 28th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Road mending near Mamentz - used bricks etc from ruined
houses in village.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Fri 29th Sept</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Left Clarkes Trench at 4am for Front Line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kept in a cubbyhole and missed breakfast.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Sun 1st Oct</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>At 3pm over the top (my first experience) to capture Le
Sars. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tich and I were ammunition
carriers for the Lewis gunners.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we took
the position after stiff resistance and held on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fritz made counter attack in the night and we
passed up thousands of Mills bombs to repel attack.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>We sustained many casualties, these were chiefly previous
to going over - in the communication trench leading to our Front line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were plenty of dead<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Germans lying about when we reached our
objective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sent a photo home taken off
a dead German. </b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Mon 2nd Oct</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Still in Fritz's old Front line and made ourselves at
comfy in one of his old dugouts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rain
hard all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During afternoon Fritz
dropped a shell clean in the dugout doorway, (wind up)setting a box of flares
alight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After things cleared up a bit we
began to think about getting out and found there was just enough room left for
us to be pulled through the doorway one at a time.</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDyzPNBkQnk/Uua_-YA3QYI/AAAAAAAAArQ/A5JiPtrCAXY/s1600/Entrance_to_a_German_Officer%27s_dugout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kDyzPNBkQnk/Uua_-YA3QYI/AAAAAAAAArQ/A5JiPtrCAXY/s1600/Entrance_to_a_German_Officer's_dugout.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">German Dugout (Courtesey of Imperial War Museum)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tues 3rd Oct</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Still raining hard and we got rations up that night the
first we had had since the Sun (1st Oct)so we had been practically between 50
to 60 hours without food which couldn't be got up to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never enjoyed food so much before, although
it was only biscuits and tea.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>During that evening some of our fellows who were wounded
in the attack on Sun were brought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
had gone too far forward in the attack and had laid out all that time. </b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYGDJ4BgLHM/Ut2NhxmE-qI/AAAAAAAAAqs/WluPP5hLK2g/s1600/Stretcher_bearers_Passchendaele_August_1917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYGDJ4BgLHM/Ut2NhxmE-qI/AAAAAAAAAqs/WluPP5hLK2g/s1600/Stretcher_bearers_Passchendaele_August_1917.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Stretcher bearers bringing back the wounded (Public Domain)</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>About 5pm nearly dark we started for Mametz quadrangle
trench, plenty of sniping but no one hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Still raining hard, passed a lot of our dead on the way.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Wed 4th Oct </b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Marched to Albert.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Thur 5th Oct</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Marched right back to Millencourt rest camp, tents where
we got plenty of training.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tich and I am put to a course of bombing.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Daily Sketch photographer at our camp. </b></i></span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Tues 24th Oct </b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
</b></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Reserve trenches about a mile through High Wood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slept in shell holes and as it rained all
night we had quite a rotten time of it.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Wed 25th Oct </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
We were lucky in finding a tent but the trouble was where
to pitch it as the whole place was little but a swamp - got it up at last.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Thurs 26th Oct</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Working party to Front line carrying duckboards, started
5pm and got back at 2am next morning, worst working party I was ever on.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Fri 27th Oct </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Just before daybreak Fritz dropped a shell not a great
distance from our tent, a piece of shrapnel went clean through the top.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Court Martial read out, chap named Palmer sentenced to
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Rain almost everyday and the wooden roads laid by the
Canadians were practically afloat.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Fri Nov 3rd</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Back to High Wood in bivvies - heavy rain during night -
we were washed out, so we got up - lit a fire and talked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nearly stifled with smoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Tues 14th Nov </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Up to front line and at midnight dug jumping off trench
and 6.30 next morning made attack with Australians on left - objective being
Buste de Watercourt.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Many casualties, including G Fearless (Sniper), both
amongst Australians and ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
captured two trenches but failed to reach objective.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Shell dropped on parapet just in front of me, blowing
trench in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shell shock (concussion) and
came out of line with many wounded and some German prisoners. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
I was with young Ritchie who had had a bullet through his
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shelled heavily and young Ritchie
got a piece of shrapnel in his neck.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
The mud in parts of the communication trench was waist
deep, like treacle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things were so bad
at dressing station that stretcher bearers couldn't get along and the wounded
were put on sledges which were pulled along by horses.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Reported to transport after leaving dressing station. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Wed 15th Nov</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Reported sick and was sent by ambulance to C.R.S
(Casualty Rest Station) at Becourt, near Albert - good food and stretcher beds
in large marquee. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Sun 19th Nov</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Discharged<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>C.R.S.
report to battalion billeted in houses in Albert - learned I had been reported
missing - wrote straight home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Battalion
much below strength through casualties.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Big draft arrived including Daver. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Tues 23rd Nov</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Working party at Albert gas works loading lorries with
coal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Fritz over at midday bombing. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Mon 27th Nov </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
About 10pm Fritz started shelling<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>long
range gun -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>put one clean through wall
opposite our billet, next one knocked chimney off house next door so we retired
to the cellar for the night.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaE-OHEX4OU/Uua-TP9u1XI/AAAAAAAAArE/AUSUdJOAhRY/s1600/Langer_Max_GunShellPreparation1918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kaE-OHEX4OU/Uua-TP9u1XI/AAAAAAAAArE/AUSUdJOAhRY/s1600/Langer_Max_GunShellPreparation1918.jpg" height="256" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>German Long Range Gun (Courtesey Australian War Memorial)</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Wed 29th Nov</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
On guard in mess by billet over officer awaiting trial
for cowardice, (wanted to surrender in action).</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
About 11pm was taken off guard and ordered to report to
signals sergeant for instruction next morning.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Fri 1st Dec </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Marched back down Amiens road to village of Brisle to
re-organise etc - billeted in top half of barn and mucked in with Reay and
Murchi.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Sat 2nd Dec</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Divisional band played in farmyard.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
That evening Reay and Clayton were told off for firing
party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The whole firing party billeted
in a cottage other end of village.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Sun 3rd Dec </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
After church parade adjutant Easton presented Military
Medal ribbons to Cpl Saint and others and then read out the Court martial
sentence on private Cameron, sentenced to be shot next morning.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
In afternoon a party including myself were told off to
level ground at back of farm where the sentence was to be carried out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cutting down shrubs etc so there should be
no obstruction to firing party.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Mon 4th Dec</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
At daybreak (about 7.30) battalion were lined up at the
back of farm where Cameron was to die. Could not see him but was rotten to hear
him groaning and then the volley.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
After execution back to billets.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Tues 19th Dec</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Granted a days leave to Amiens and only hope of getting
there was getting a lift on lorries going in that direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Challenged several times but allowed to pass
on production of pass. Barrier across road at Amiens and pass examined before
being allowed to enter town.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Went in cathedral front of which was protected against
air raids by sandbags to a great height<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>- very rich in Architecture and scores of candles burning in
interior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_uasEEMu_0/Uua9852nhII/AAAAAAAAAq8/Zhd97c1EqqI/s1600/d%27Amiens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I_uasEEMu_0/Uua9852nhII/AAAAAAAAAq8/Zhd97c1EqqI/s1600/d'Amiens.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Amiens Cathederal</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
Many French colonials in town
and what with traffic and so many civvies walking about it was very gay and was
quite a novelty after seeing nothing but Khaki for so long. Seemed strange to
see people in cafes with no blinds up and it looked more as if they were up the
window for sale. </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Mon 25th Dec</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Christmas day</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Church parade in a granary at Brisle and evening a
concert in same place.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Thurs 28th Dec </div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Marched to Becourt near Albert - stayed the night in
Nissen huts.</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Fri 29th Dec</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
Bivvies near High Wood - at night up to trenches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was fortunate being on details at canvas
camp Bazenten.</div>
</b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="color: black;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="color: black;">The Soldier</span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<i><b><span itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/CreativeWork"><div class="KonaBody">
If I should die, think only this of me:<br />That there's some corner of a foreign field<br />That is for ever England. There shall be<br />In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;<br />A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,<br />Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,<br />A body of England's, breathing English air,<br />Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.<br /><br />And think, this heart, all evil shed away,<br />A pulse in the eternal mind, no less<br />Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;<br />Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;<br />And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,<br />In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author">
</div>
<div class="poet" itemprop="author">
Rupert Brooke 1887 - 1915</div>
</span> </b></i></div>
<i><b>
</b></i><br />
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-57965203619029239032013-12-29T13:44:00.000-08:002013-12-29T13:44:01.749-08:00Sunset On The Marsh.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
An old friend, a reedcutter, telephoned to tell me flocks of Starlings were murmerating above the marshes at Haddiscoe and I should get my camera over there. Christmas was only two weeks away and the days were very short. With this in mind we set off for the Waveney during the afternoon in order to arrive at Haddiscoe before sunset. The day had been particularly mild for late December as it had been for several weeks. It was probably the mild spell that had prolonged the the Starlings' arial activity.<br />
<br />
The sun was very low when we arrived and carried the equipment onto the marsh. We did not know exactly where the Starlings would perform so we set up the camera and waited, assuming that a group of a few thousand birds would be fairly easy to spot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNXXouo0NzY/UsB-JGhnaDI/AAAAAAAAAoY/1B_SRH5w5KU/s1600/14_12_2013+22_55_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TNXXouo0NzY/UsB-JGhnaDI/AAAAAAAAAoY/1B_SRH5w5KU/s400/14_12_2013+22_55_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haddiscoe Marsh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The temperature fell sharply as the light faded and we scanned the marsh for a sighting. The skyline was empty except for groups of seagulls flying line astern and heading due West with their familiar lazy wing action.<br />
<br />
Out on the marsh the report of a shotgun rang out as another duck booked its place at table for Christmas lunch. Our interest was raised when a small group of Starlings sped toward the Haddiscoe bridge but then dropped out sight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ws6J_2CWYs/UsB_FmqsyDI/AAAAAAAAAok/dcoUUgyyhQY/s1600/14_12_2013+22_55_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ws6J_2CWYs/UsB_FmqsyDI/AAAAAAAAAok/dcoUUgyyhQY/s400/14_12_2013+22_55_0020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Small Group Of Starlings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I cupped my hands and blew into them warming my fingers momentarily. Just a few yards away a Barn Owl flew silently over the Marsh. <br />
<br />
A glorious sunset was developing before us - crimson and gold light lit up the flooded marsh. Out in the haze another shotgun echoed over the reedbeds sending up a small flight of geese, probably "Pink Footed", but they were to distant to identify.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9j0WyBoNeQ8/UsCDFWunBaI/AAAAAAAAAos/yC2GDi1XvHI/s1600/14_12_2013+22_55_0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9j0WyBoNeQ8/UsCDFWunBaI/AAAAAAAAAos/yC2GDi1XvHI/s400/14_12_2013+22_55_0009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Glorious Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Apart from small packets of Starlings darting low over the marsh there was no sign of a major group. The sun dropped ever lower and the temparature grew markedly colder. I ran my fingers impatiently over the cold body of the camera - where were they?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzNGgxJCzok/UsCPSAQOs8I/AAAAAAAAApo/QKoP6Yrmd1s/s1600/14_12_2013+22_55_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JzNGgxJCzok/UsCPSAQOs8I/AAAAAAAAApo/QKoP6Yrmd1s/s400/14_12_2013+22_55_0007.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sun Dropped Ever Lower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A dark cloud formed in the East, it looked like smoke rising above the trees. We soon realised this was not smoke, it was Starlings. Wheeling and diving some distance away, not an enormous group but large enough to fascinate anyone who took the time to watch them. How do so many little birds turn as one? Why don't they collide with each other? What induces them to perform this ritual every year? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwJJRfsEM2Q/UsCLh2SpEQI/AAAAAAAAApA/QUp2XsWwyY0/s1600/14_12_2013+22_55_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OwJJRfsEM2Q/UsCLh2SpEQI/AAAAAAAAApA/QUp2XsWwyY0/s400/14_12_2013+22_55_0015.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheeling and Diving</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We filmed the arial choreography for about fifteen minutes before the Starlings dispersed and disappeared into the woods. Then we were alone on the marsh watching the dying embers of a truly memorable winters day. Priceless!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h61KBB6_lCY/UsCPO-VuXPI/AAAAAAAAApg/CEw08BVpPt4/s1600/14_12_2013+22_55_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h61KBB6_lCY/UsCPO-VuXPI/AAAAAAAAApg/CEw08BVpPt4/s400/14_12_2013+22_55_0022.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Priceless!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-55666512615057770842013-11-23T14:07:00.000-08:002013-11-27T01:36:30.689-08:00"Hathor" On The Slipway.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -72.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: -72.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four years ago along with a large group of
people I watched the pleasure wherry “Hathor” cast off from the quay at Wroxham
and move slowly downstream until she was out of sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was September 2009, “Hathor” had just
completed her “Farewell Tour” during the summer and she was returning to base
to await overhaul and renovation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6_O3rzmxL8/UpEWR7fTRnI/AAAAAAAAAnc/d0gso6V6YDk/s1600/DSC02319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6_O3rzmxL8/UpEWR7fTRnI/AAAAAAAAAnc/d0gso6V6YDk/s400/DSC02319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hathor" Moving Downstream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The intervening years have not been
kind to “Hathor”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She endured a full
winter out in the open in 2010 while essential modifications were being made to the base
to accommodate her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironically it was
the severest of winters for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Three months of sub~zero temperatures and damaging frost took their toll
on the pleasure wherry’s varnished timbers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkxhPzSxOG0/UpEYG2k4EDI/AAAAAAAAAno/MP6NGgnNKDE/s1600/IMGA0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GkxhPzSxOG0/UpEYG2k4EDI/AAAAAAAAAno/MP6NGgnNKDE/s400/IMGA0146.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panels Of Inlaid Sycamore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now
four years on “Hathor” is safely on the slipway at the WYCCT and her restoration is under
way. Her last major overhaul was in 1986 when she was acquired by Peter Bower and Barney Matthews from Martham Boat-builders. It took them two years, and a considerable sum of money, to repair the damage caused during the decade she was used as a de-masted “live aboard”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hathor’s” luxurious interior suffered
grievously during this period.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqCH7dZVuaY/UpEZSvvfdWI/AAAAAAAAAnw/hRS5W9r4RNk/s1600/IMGA0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqCH7dZVuaY/UpEZSvvfdWI/AAAAAAAAAnw/hRS5W9r4RNk/s400/IMGA0118.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egyptian Hieroglyphics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -36pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hathor” was originally commissioned by the
misses' Helen and Ethel Colman and built by Daniel Hall of Reedham in 1905
for a cost of £575.00.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John Hurn was
paid a further £1400 for the interior woodwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Hathor's” luxurious, no expense spared, interior brought the grand total to £2039. 5s. 4d. An astronomical sum of money in 1905. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>For
almost fifty years “Hathor” served the Colman and Boardman families with an unfailing reliability, cruising
the Norfolk rivers and broads until she was sold in 1953.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was bought by Claude Hamilton – author of
“Hamilton’s Navigation Guide to the Broads”.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> To see a video of "Hathor" being hauled out click the link below. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="watch-page-link"> <a href="http://youtu.be/EnPyTWkGnfA" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/EnPyTWkGnfA</a></span> </span><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>This
truly iconic vessel is scheduled to return to sailing condition in the spring
of 2015.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Follow her progress on facebook.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wherryyachtcharter"> https://www.facebook.com/wherryyachtcharter</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> For more details of "Hathor's" intriguing history go to </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> <a href="http://www.wherryyachtcharter.org/hathor.php">http://www.wherryyachtcharter.org/hathor.php</a></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-63297491534358994382013-10-31T14:13:00.002-07:002013-11-23T11:41:37.888-08:00Keep Yew a Troshin Bor.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Now for something completely different.<br />
A few weeks ago I visited the Skeyton "Trosh". A Trosh, for the uninitiated, is an event that celebrates our farming heritage. Congregating in a large stubble field was a wonderful assortment of old farm equipment. Among the equipment and machinery assembled were several traction engines, and tractors from the era of the land army girls. The machine that aroused my interest was a Ransomes Threshing machine. <br />
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The Thresher arrived by road behind a Fowler traction engine, these combinations would have been a common sight just after the second world war, today they are as rare as hens teeth. Once in the field the Thresher was carefully levelled, I imagine this was to make sure the driving belts did not slip off the rollers when the operation started.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k6Xsop4jjs/UnK6cKhesSI/AAAAAAAAAlw/i9lzGDiwr18/s1600/Untitled_0020_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k6Xsop4jjs/UnK6cKhesSI/AAAAAAAAAlw/i9lzGDiwr18/s400/Untitled_0020_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Thresher was levelled</td></tr>
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With a deep throaty pulse the Fowler engine edged forward to align its flywheel with the Thresher's driving belt which had been laid out on the ground. After some serious pushing and pulling the driving belt encompassed the Fowler's flywheel and the machine was ready to go to work.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-GDy_HZ2LQ/UnK6xHw9Z8I/AAAAAAAAAl4/JqGGgvEAeSc/s1600/Untitled_0022+001_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-GDy_HZ2LQ/UnK6xHw9Z8I/AAAAAAAAAl4/JqGGgvEAeSc/s400/Untitled_0022+001_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitting the Driving Belt</td></tr>
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Andrew Meikle developed the first Threshing engine in the later years of the eighteenth century. Meikle was a Scottish millwright and a talented mechanical engineer, he also invented louvred sails for windmills. Up until then sails were made of canvas, like the sails on a ship, but in stormy weather mills often caught fire due to friction. In bad weather the louvred sails could be opened or closed by levers allowing the wind to pass through them.<br />
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Back at the Skeyton trosh a more modern example of Meikle's genius, the Ransomes thresher, came to life. Through a series of driving belts powered by the Fowler engine shoves (sheaves) of wheat were fed into the hopper on top of the the thresher. The actual machine has a mesmerising quality as it quite literally shakes, rocks and rolls sending grain out of one end and straw out of the other. The air was thick with smoke from the Fowler and the unmistakable smell of warm oil and burning coal that only steam engines can produce.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTDlfoaQz7E/UnK-Xpqao3I/AAAAAAAAAmE/I8XeCvpa2xU/s1600/Untitled_0025+002_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTDlfoaQz7E/UnK-Xpqao3I/AAAAAAAAAmE/I8XeCvpa2xU/s400/Untitled_0025+002_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Thresher Came To Life</td></tr>
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For the farm workers who had to work these machines in the harvest fields for probably fourteen hours or longer it would not have seemed so appealing. But for a large slice of farming nostalgia a Thresher takes some beating.<br />
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To see a short video of the Thresher use the link below.<br />
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<span class="watch-page-link"><a href="http://youtu.be/aeqGXAXeqSI" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/aeqGXAXeqSI</a></span> <br />
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<span id="goog_930985133"></span><span id="goog_930985134"></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-16488535631020130572013-09-03T00:19:00.000-07:002013-09-26T23:31:39.219-07:00A "Moth" In The Moonlight.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The phone rang on Sunday morning.<br />
"Would you like a trip on White Moth?" asked the person at the other end.<br />
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"Would the cat like another goldfish?" I thought to myself.<br />
Too right it would.<br />
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"White Moth" was moored at the Cantley "Reedcutters" She had just completed a weeks charter and was on the way home. The volunteers, who had put in some really hard work over the last twelve months, were being offered the trip from Cantley to Acle in appreciation of their efforts.<br />
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Slack water at the Vauxhall bridge in Great Yarmouth was expected at about four thirty in the afternoon this determined that the days sailing would end at Acle bridge.<br />
During my unspectacular career afloat I have only crossed Breydon on three previous occasions. This trip would be my first time under sail and I was really looking forward to it.<br />
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I joined "White Moth" on her mooring just before midday on August 20th. Gently rising and falling in the wake of passing cruisers she looked a picture of Edwardian elegance. I stowed my cameras and equipment below in one of the cabins. The whole interior of the Wherry yacht consists of varnished wood panelling and brass fittings. Forward in the main saloon stood a five octave piano. The piano would have provided the evening entertainment in the 1920's and cost an extra few shillings per week as an optional extra.<br />
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"White Moth" may be coming up to her 100th birthday but she is still, most definitely, a working boat.<br />
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Just after midday we cast off, a stiff breeze carried us swiftly past the sugar factory toward Reedham. We glided past the "Ferry Inn" and through the open swing bridge toward Breydon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLQqHBkz2vQ/UiJEeZwJFcI/AAAAAAAAAiA/HWQ07e_yRXM/s1600/Untitled_0012_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLQqHBkz2vQ/UiJEeZwJFcI/AAAAAAAAAiA/HWQ07e_yRXM/s400/Untitled_0012_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through Reedham Swing Bridge</td></tr>
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A freshening wind on a beautiful summers day. Sailing through a never ending carpet of rural views stretching out in every direction and coloured in shades of green, gold and blue. The silence only broken by the sound of water rippling along the hull and an occasional flapping sail.<br />
Absolutely priceless!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r67Omcidx7M/UiJPrh2-6GI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/jEDNnXPw-5w/s1600/Untitled_0011_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r67Omcidx7M/UiJPrh2-6GI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/jEDNnXPw-5w/s400/Untitled_0011_0001.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Beautiful Summers Day</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Past Polkeys mill and the Berney Arms, as we reached Breydon the wind dropped dramatically, hardly enough strength to fill "White Moth's" sail. The people on board who knew what they were talking about assured us we would pick up the sea breeze once we were out on Breydon.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn8EGrCO9E4/UiJTPS70ZfI/AAAAAAAAAic/Z_u88Qm-wSw/s1600/Untitled_0010+001_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn8EGrCO9E4/UiJTPS70ZfI/AAAAAAAAAic/Z_u88Qm-wSw/s400/Untitled_0010+001_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wind Dropped Dramatically.</td></tr>
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There was barely a breath of wind on Breydon, we kept station with two of Hunters "Hustler" class sailing boats who like us were hardly making any headway.<br />
Conditions were so still we were able to hold a conversation with them. Then as predicted the wind began to freshen and fill the sails. gradually the little "Hustlers" pulled away.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-951rz9_zpYo/UiJWEFr5kwI/AAAAAAAAAis/cLRdTseJqHE/s1600/Untitled_0009_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-951rz9_zpYo/UiJWEFr5kwI/AAAAAAAAAis/cLRdTseJqHE/s400/Untitled_0009_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Hustlers" Pulled Away.</td></tr>
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In the strengthening wind the "Hustlers" decided to enjoy themselves and turned about to make the most of the conditions. They sped past us creating a substantial bow wave. "White Moth" continued on her way between the mud banks with feeding Lapwings and Avocets on either side.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-lQeuBdh4Q/UiJYzSuICfI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5IbeRxk-nXI/s1600/Untitled_0016_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-lQeuBdh4Q/UiJYzSuICfI/AAAAAAAAAi0/5IbeRxk-nXI/s400/Untitled_0016_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying The Conditions.</td></tr>
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With the sail and the mast lowered we passed under the Breydon Road bridge, and turned into the Bure. The tide was running very fast under the Vauxhall bridge, it was quite clear we would have to wait for slack water. "White Moth" was skillfully moored against the quay. The gas was lit under the kettle there would be more than enough time for a brew while we waited. <br />
<br />
It was early evening by the time the flow of water slowed to a trickle and we set off again.<br />
"White Moth" was fairly gliding along the Bure on a stiff breeze. It was now much cooler after the heat of the day, with very little sound save the rippling water, a flapping canvas and a dog barking somewhere in the distance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiTOo_Z-RTo/UiOoadgFy0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/5qzg0atG9z8/s1600/Untitled_0008_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XiTOo_Z-RTo/UiOoadgFy0I/AAAAAAAAAjI/5qzg0atG9z8/s400/Untitled_0008_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gliding Along The Bure.</td></tr>
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The sun was getting ever lower in the evening sky. Swallows swooped and dived in and out of the reeds, an unseen fish made rings in the calm water ahead of "White Moth's" bow wave. Bemused cattle watched from the bank as we silently passed by.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-XJfEfyuHM/UiO0M8YWeNI/AAAAAAAAAjY/ASaSglt0qqw/s1600/Untitled_0004_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-XJfEfyuHM/UiO0M8YWeNI/AAAAAAAAAjY/ASaSglt0qqw/s400/Untitled_0004_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Setting Sun.</td></tr>
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A warm glow lit the Western sky and detailed shapes stood stark against the setting sun. "White Moth" sailed past lines of cruisers moored for the night. In the gathering gloom nature's night shift was clocking on. An owl skimmed over the marsh while the last of the swallows made best use of the fading light.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38jhYl8qc0g/UiQ8PviGuoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/oUkRllrg8kY/s1600/Untitled_0006_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-38jhYl8qc0g/UiQ8PviGuoI/AAAAAAAAAj8/oUkRllrg8kY/s400/Untitled_0006_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shapes Stood Stark Against The Setting Sun.</td></tr>
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A full moon was rising astern of us, casting a silver light on the water that rippled in our wake. The reed beds were now black silhouettes lining the margins of the river. The lights of the Ferry Inn at Stokesby lit up the darkness as it drifted by on our starboard. Then gradually the old wherrymans pub receded into the darkness as "White Moth" continued on her way.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Exc2dPy8MyA/UiPA2eCRHzI/AAAAAAAAAjs/_1Eb9r-nWrQ/s1600/Untitled_0002_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Exc2dPy8MyA/UiPA2eCRHzI/AAAAAAAAAjs/_1Eb9r-nWrQ/s400/Untitled_0002_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Moth" In The Moonlight</td></tr>
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The night air was turning cold <br />
It was quite dark when we arrived at Acle bridge, "White Moth" turned through 180 degrees and gently drew alongside the quay. I had been on board this wonderful old vessel for ten hours and I was sorry we had reached our journeys end. I shall always remember the "Moth" in the moonlight.<br />
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To see "Albion" making a similar journey click the links below.<br />
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<a href="http://bigskyproductions-jonno.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/albions-home-run.html">http://bigskyproductions-jonno.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/albions-home-run.html</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btc7zyIpSOc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btc7zyIpSOc</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-73122838657675673582013-07-29T09:05:00.001-07:002013-08-11T23:39:08.251-07:00Boats Return To North Walsham and Dilham.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Never thought I would ever see that again." stated a visitor to the North Walsham and Dilham canal open day as he watched a little sailing dinghy tack in front of Ebridge mill. <br />
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The event was organised by the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust on Sunday July 27th and 28th 2013. Giving an insight into the possibilities this priceless slice of Norfolk heritage has to offer.<br />
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The little wooden sailing dinghy reminiscent of the "Swallows and Amazons" era, created a view of a peaceful bygone age, caught in the ripples of the mill pool. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KQsMgIAQqk/Ufa7-c3c5xI/AAAAAAAAAhM/xyz-JgpimUA/s1600/saild_0001_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KQsMgIAQqk/Ufa7-c3c5xI/AAAAAAAAAhM/xyz-JgpimUA/s400/saild_0001_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Swallows and Amazons"</td></tr>
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Just before mid-day the "Hoi Larntan" arrived and was launched from the canal bank. "Hoi Larntan" is a skiff, built in Thurning near Wood Dalling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVdL_QwXm9Y/Ufa8Y43iq8I/AAAAAAAAAhU/rWY-OhZRl7E/s1600/sail2_0002+001_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hVdL_QwXm9Y/Ufa8Y43iq8I/AAAAAAAAAhU/rWY-OhZRl7E/s400/sail2_0002+001_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hoi Larntan"</td></tr>
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She was launched at Blakeney in May this year in time for the Skiff World Championships in Ullapool. The Coastal Rowing Association brought the skiff for a training session in the still waters of of the canal at Ebridge.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c01QAlK15t0/Ufa-hrBtd8I/AAAAAAAAAhk/uMUN5iCvDcw/s1600/sail3_0002+001_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c01QAlK15t0/Ufa-hrBtd8I/AAAAAAAAAhk/uMUN5iCvDcw/s400/sail3_0002+001_0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skiff and Dinghy at Ebridge</td></tr>
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"Hoi Larntan" is Norfolk dialect to describe a really good boat or skipper - it was also used as a derogatory term for someone who was too big for their boots. <br />
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Both these boats can be seen sailing at Ebridge from the link below. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnbcmT0nzPE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnbcmT0nzPE</a><br />
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Visit the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust new site <a href="http://nwdct.org/index.html">http://nwdct.org/index.html</a><br />
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Learn more about the "Hoi Larntan" <a href="http://crablakeney.wordpress.com/">http://crablakeney.wordpress.com/</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-41719523248824772952013-05-01T12:41:00.004-07:002013-05-04T23:35:11.553-07:00Steel Keel For A Wherry.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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At the WYCCT yard at Wroxham on March 5th 2013 "White Moth" was hauled onto the slipway to have her wooden keel replaced with one of steel. The wherry yacht "White Moth" was built by Ernest Collins in 1915. King George V ruled Britain and the commonwealth and Henry Asquith was Prime minister. Since then, to the best of my knowledge, "White Moth's" wooden keel has survived three monarchs, twenty seven Premierships and two World wars. <br />
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When I was first told "White Moth" was having her wooden keel replaced with steel I thought it would make some interesting film footage - I never realised just how interesting this rare piece of engineering would be. Having spent thirty years in the aviation industry I am no stranger to the many problems that can present themselves during heavy maintenance. Remarkably this tricky project worked like clockwork from start to finish as each stage was meticulously planned and executed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg9CVvlWhWo/UXl72znNa4I/AAAAAAAAAcc/T8tSXJomsWI/s1600/IMGA0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cg9CVvlWhWo/UXl72znNa4I/AAAAAAAAAcc/T8tSXJomsWI/s400/IMGA0319.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"White Moth's" keel clear of the slipway</td></tr>
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The first step was to carefully raise and support "White Moth" clear of the slipway.<br />
Then the old keel was surveyed and measured to ensure the steel replacement would retain the same amount of draught. The old keel bolts were located and exposed by chiseling away sections of keel allowing the bolts to be cut through.<br />
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Profiles were fitted to the thirty two feet, or so, of keel on both port and starboard surfaces. Then using the profiles as a pattern, shallow rebates were sawn along the entire length of the old keel with an electric saw, forming a guide for the serious surgery that was about to follow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hfq9EgCZ4Zs/UXmAOjC2ehI/AAAAAAAAAc4/CQMY74cwiXE/s1600/IMGA0340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hfq9EgCZ4Zs/UXmAOjC2ehI/AAAAAAAAAc4/CQMY74cwiXE/s400/IMGA0340.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The keel undergoing serious surgery</td></tr>
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A two - man saw of an undetermined vintage was brought into the daylight for, what I imagine was, the first time for many moons. It was akin to the type of saws that were once used in saw pits. Starting at the stern, the two-man saw began slicing its way efficiently through "White Moth's" ancient wooden keel. The relentless effort needed to drive the saw through six inches of close grained Pitch Pine was nothing short of hard labour. In spite of the frequent breaks required in the interests of rest and recuperation the keel was cut through surprisingly quickly. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One half of the two man saw in action</td></tr>
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After cutting through the keel only a combination of clamps and wedges held it in place. As the clamps were slackened off the wooden keel was dropped neatly alongside the slipway track, precisely where intended. It was difficult to estimate the exact weight of the old keel, but thirty odd feet of Pitch Pine in free fall could not underestimated. With this in mind great care was taken to ensure that when the keel fell it did not disturb any of the props supporting "White Moth". The plan worked perfectly. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden keel removed</td></tr>
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While the old keel was being removed it's metal replacement was being fabricated in the "wet shed". From there it was suspended by an ingenious arrangement of block and tackle and conveyed over the water. Finely balanced and resting uneasily on a dinghy the new keel was eventually aligned with the slipway where it was submerged onto the slipway track. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New keel crossing the water</td></tr>
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Accompanied by the familiar sound of the ratchet rattling over the cogs on the winch "White Moth's" new keel, shark-like in appearance, emerged from the water. Gradually it was winched up the slipway into position beneath the Wherry yacht.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfeAl0ELxH8/UXmIMhCmg-I/AAAAAAAAAdk/PBLDQRfvOmE/s1600/IMGA0360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfeAl0ELxH8/UXmIMhCmg-I/AAAAAAAAAdk/PBLDQRfvOmE/s400/IMGA0360.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new keel was winched up the slipway</td></tr>
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The keel was temporarily jacked into position to allow the new keel bolts to be aligned with the fixing points inside the hull and the corresponding points on the keel. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keel bolts aligned</td></tr>
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Nuts were welded to the upper surface of the metal keel and the keel bolts were turned into them with mole grips. Everything was now aligned and ready for the keel to be raised and secured to the hull.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nuts welded to the new keel.</td></tr>
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A liberal application of Sikaflex marine sealant was applied to the keel's upper surface to form a watertight seal. Finally the new keel was jacked into position and bolted down inside the hull.</div>
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Job done! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Job done!</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-90707672839253070862013-03-17T14:53:00.000-07:002013-03-21T01:01:30.574-07:00Wherries and Waterways in Winter.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Winter arrived quite late in East Anglia this year and once established it has seemed very reluctant to leave. The winter sun which can add a real sparkle to film at this time of year has remained hidden behind layers of oppressive grey cloud. In spite of the poor conditions it has been possible to shoot some film on the better days.<br />
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Some of the most interesting footage this winter has been the progress the of the wherry yacht "Olive" being overhauled at Wroxham. "Olive" was built by Earnest Collins in 1909 and named after his youngest daughter. She began working as a holiday cruiser for Blakes the same year and continued working until 1958 when she was sold into private ownership. Now in the care of of the Wherry Yacht Charter Trust "Olive" was re-floated in February this year looking very spruce as her freshly painted hull slipped into the water. Such a dramatic change compared to the tired looking craft that had been winched onto the slipway in July last year. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-floating "Olive"</td></tr>
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A few days later it was the turn of "Olive's" sister ship, "White Moth", to be winched onto the vacant slipway. With the exception of the giant airbags I imagine the operation was not so very different from the traditional methods used long ago in the boatyards. Watching this grand old vessel inching her way up the track was a fascinating sight. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coltishall Boatyard c1900 </td></tr>
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Hundreds of man-hours are worked on these essentially Norfolk craft through the winter months.<br />
Fingers numbed with cold and breath vapourising in the frosty morning air are just part of the job.<br />
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Another of my regular haunts is the North Walsham and Dilham canal. Spectacular progress on the canal has been maintained over the last twelve months. Work has been concentrated on the dried out section around Bacton Wood and Royston bridge when the weather has permitted. The very wet December and the January snow has slowed down the determined work parties but not stopped them altogether.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter on The North Walsham and Dilham </td></tr>
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We have recorded several hours of video on the canal this winter. The latest footage will soon be added to the series of DVD's which are now available from the NW&D Canal Trust. <a href="http://eawa.co.uk/work.html">http://eawa.co.uk/work.html</a><br />
Details also available from <a href="http://bigskyuk.weebly.com/coming-soon.html">http://bigskyuk.weebly.com/coming-soon.html </a><br />
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Winter on the canal can be an in-hospitable place when a stiff North Easterly is blowing across the open Norfolk landscape. My fingers have turned blue many times this winter operating the camera and my thoughts have often turned to the wherrymen who sailed these waterways in winter. Imagine slipping the keel in mid January - Hands in ice-cold water removing stubborn bolts. <br />
Hard as nails!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-54512515814135513362013-02-11T12:43:00.000-08:002015-06-13T04:00:25.439-07:00When You And I Were Young.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The winter months with the cold days and poor light has restricted filming this year. However it is a good time to research and review the projects in hand. To do this I have been reading a lot of local history books which has highlighted many of the changes that earlier generations had to cope with. It seems the rate of change was much slower for our ancestors until the mid nineteenth century when Britain changed from an agricultural economy into an industrial power. <br />
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Of late, I have become acutely aware of how quickly things have changed in my life time mainly due to advances in technology.<br />
Growing up in the austerity of "post war" Britain was character building to say the least. For us kids, a "bombed site" was our playground and it was only the better-off kids who didn't have a patch sewn into the seat of their trousers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BO7yi6VAV2M/URlXe3eNPsI/AAAAAAAAAas/eaDOOGCcmRA/s1600/Bomb_Damage_in_Birmingham,_England,_C_1940_D4126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BO7yi6VAV2M/URlXe3eNPsI/AAAAAAAAAas/eaDOOGCcmRA/s400/Bomb_Damage_in_Birmingham,_England,_C_1940_D4126.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post war bomb site.</td></tr>
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Instead of computer games and iPods we had catapults and tin cans and I can't ever remember school being closed because of bad weather. In hail, rain or snow we would walk to school, the tops of our Wellington boots chafing red weals on our skinny little legs. At school, thirty or so nine year olds would heap their wet coats in front of a luke warm radiator and pretend they would be dry by "home time".<br />
After school mum would often send one of us to the corner shop to get a shilling for two sixpences to feed the electricity meter. Heroically we would plead with the grumpy shopkeeper who would not let us have the shilling unless we were buying something. Sometimes it was necessary to try two or three shops in order to get the shilling that would restore power to the house and save Father's evening meal by the time he got home from work.<br />
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Our family's first black and white TV set had a nine inch screen that flickered continually - just one channel to watch and that closed down for an hour in the early evening. Programmes then resumed until about ten pm. At the end of transmission the tv was turned off and we would sit msmerised until the little white dot had completely disappeared.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G09ni3ek1Vk/URkxu0wVMyI/AAAAAAAAAaM/6eDLd7DZq38/s1600/TV_Shows_We_Used_To_Watch_-_1955_Television_advertising_(4934882110).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G09ni3ek1Vk/URkxu0wVMyI/AAAAAAAAAaM/6eDLd7DZq38/s400/TV_Shows_We_Used_To_Watch_-_1955_Television_advertising_(4934882110).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Paul Townsend CC licence.</td></tr>
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The excitement that was generated when the first commercial TV channel opened some years later and wonder of wonders, the arrival of colour television. <br />
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To hear the latest popular music most youngsters listened to Radio Luxembourg which always seemed to fade when the best records were playing. An alternative was "Two Way Family Favourites" at Sunday lunch time with Jean Metcalf and Cliff Michelmore. BFPO's - Frankie Lane - Lita Rosa - Anne Shelton such wonderful memories.<br />
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At nineteen years old I became the first one in our family to own a car - a 1937 Y-Type Ford which cost me twentyseven pounds ten shillings. <br />
An eight horse power engine that would drain the six volt battery on a frosty morning in no time at all. No heater and windscreen wipers that went ever slower as the car went faster. Screen washers did not exist. To clean the windscreen an old bottle of washing up liquid filled with water was held out of the drivers window and squirted onto the screen - most of which was propelled back up the drivers arm by the slipstream. Before the days of filling stations we went to the the local garage for our petrol, At the garage a man would clean the windscreen and and ask how much fuel you required. He would then pump in the usual two gallons (approx nine litres) of National Benzole which cost seven shillings (thirty five pence).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buB3PIdRBs4/URkrTCWDEGI/AAAAAAAAAZs/3wA-ybhWtPY/s1600/Ford_8_ca_1937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-buB3PIdRBs4/URkrTCWDEGI/AAAAAAAAAZs/3wA-ybhWtPY/s400/Ford_8_ca_1937.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1937 Y-type Ford (Courtesy Charles 01 CC licence)</td></tr>
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Around this time I became a bus conductor. Every bus had a driver at the front and a conductor at the back. There was a bus every six minutes on most city routes.<br />
On Saturday nights we would queue round the block for the cinema, the cheapest seats cost one and ninepence (eight pence). The uniformed commissionaire would call out when seats became available. There were no defined performances just a continuous programme running all day until it ended with the national anthem at about ten fifteen in the evening. The smart folk would make for the exits before the National anthem was played and before everyone in the theatre stopped and stood to attention, otherwise you would miss the last bus home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7uKSEF_bkI/URlW4w-Ki9I/AAAAAAAAAak/hU7oIypXUUw/s1600/Service_personnel_and_civilians_queue_for_admission_to_the_Empire_and_Ritz_cinemas_in_London%27s_Leicester_Square,_1941._D2973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7uKSEF_bkI/URlW4w-Ki9I/AAAAAAAAAak/hU7oIypXUUw/s400/Service_personnel_and_civilians_queue_for_admission_to_the_Empire_and_Ritz_cinemas_in_London's_Leicester_Square,_1941._D2973.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queuing round the block for the cinema.</td></tr>
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Health and safety tended to be left to God and providence, staying sharp was essential.<br />
This was true of my time spent in a coal yard - the loaded railway trucks were free-wheeled down an incline into the yard where we would shovel the coal by the hundredweight into sacks and load them onto lorries. The railway trucks would be set in motion with a pinch bar and they would run silently down the gradient amid lots of shouting and whistles. To stop the truck we would push a brake stick onto the brake handle and bounce up an down on it to stop the truck - a lightweight like me would have to do a lot of bouncing to slow the waggon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-FKKVj3e0A/URkrxPyLCgI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/WXpZvcL3wf8/s1600/Rose_Grove_Station,_with_westbound_coal_train_geograph-2757960-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d-FKKVj3e0A/URkrxPyLCgI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/WXpZvcL3wf8/s400/Rose_Grove_Station,_with_westbound_coal_train_geograph-2757960-by-Ben-Brooksbank.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coal Train (Courtesy Ben Brooksbank CC licence)</td></tr>
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Soon after this England won the World Cup and computers began to confuse the entire nation.<br />
Our reliable old red telephone boxes were abandoned for mobile phones. The modern age had arrived - for a little while at least.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6956316482904704287.post-24830713941655907922012-12-15T11:09:00.000-08:002013-03-19T08:37:14.251-07:00"Albion's" Home Run. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Saturday, December 8th, I joined a volunteer crew from the Norfolk Wherry Trust to bring "Albion" home from Oulton Broad. Albion had been at Excelsior's yard on Lake Lothing for winter maintenance. She became stranded at Oulton Broad due to bridge repairs on the Waveney and the Bure.<br />
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At 8am, seven volunteers and their equipment were dropped off at Oulton Broad yacht station and the cars departed leaving the crew to make "Albion" ready for her return to base. <br />
The plan was to cross Breydon and reach Great Yarmouth at slack water, and be back at Ludham before dark.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning at Oulton Broad</td></tr>
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Every member of the crew knew exactly what was needed and set about their tasks. Most of them had made this trip several times before. The frosty morning had covered "Albion's" plank-ways and hatches with a veneer of ice, making movement around the vessel quite treacherous. <br />
Everyone of the crew were either Skippers or Mates - I was the only "Greenhorn" on board.<br />
My
job was to record the journey. For my part in the proceedings conditions could not have been better. No wind, crystal clear light and winter sun - absolutely
perfect.<br />
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"Albion's" mast had been removed for overhaul some weeks earlier, so "Badger", a motor cruiser, was tied alongside to power the wherry on the return journey. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making ready.</td></tr>
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"Badger" and "Albion" had an overall beam of twenty six feet, with "Badger" providing the power and "Albion" providing the steerage. Additional power, if required, could be supplied from "Albion's" tender hitched to the stern of the wherry. After about forty minutes preparation our little flotilla cast off.<br />
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The tender was quickly pressed into service nudging "Albion's" bow through forty five degrees until she came about and headed toward Oulton Dyke.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great shots from the tender</td></tr>
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I was able to get some some great shots from the tender as it manoeuvred around the wherry. Then we were back on board and heading up the Waveney toward Great Yarmouth.<br />
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This was the first time I had travelled on this stretch of water so everything around me was very fresh and new. From a photography point of view, if I did this trip one hundred times, the light and conditions would never be as good as this again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River as calm as a mill pond</td></tr>
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Ahead of us the river was as calm as a mill pond, golden coloured reeds reflected in the still water as we glided by - absolutely priceless! Astern of us the wake from "Badger" glistened in the early morning sun.<br />
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Through St Olaves bridge and past Burgh Castle, "Badger's" engine never faltered, we were bang on schedule to reach the Breydon bridge at slack water.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Olaves</td></tr>
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There was a burst of activity on the plank-way as chains and mudweights were deployed, in case they were needed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chains and mudweights.</td></tr>
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Across the desolate, but strangely beautiful mudflats of Breydon. Experienced eyes noted the tide was slowing by watching the current flowing around the navigation posts. Under Breydon bridge at 12.10 - perfect timing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breydon - desolate and beautiful.</td></tr>
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Next, the old Vauxhall railway bridge, we were on time, on the Bure and on our way home. <br />
"Badger's" engine note changed tune as the "wick was turned up". Behind our flotilla the wake was decidedly more agitated as our speed increased. Home before dark was the plan. The sun was following an ever lowering arc creating longer shadows but still perfect for filming.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albion at Acle bridge.</td></tr>
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The cold air was beginning to nip fingertips by Stokesby and one last foray in the tender captured great footage of "Albion" shooting Acle bridge. A setting sun made the water sparkle and "Albion's" crew became silhouettes against an evening sky of burnished gold and blue.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crew became silhouettes</td></tr>
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Into the Thurne and faithful old "Badger" was cast off and literally drifted off into the sunset. The tender's outboard powered "Albion" on the last leg of the journey along the narrow channel of Womack water. Six and half hours after leaving Oulton Broad "Albion" was home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Badger" drifted off into the sunset</td></tr>
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For the folk who regularly sail the Norfolk and Suffolk waterways I guess this journey would be nothing out of the ordinary. But for this "Geenhorn" sailor it is a trip I shall always remember.<br />
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To see a video clip <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btc7zyIpSOc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btc7zyIpSOc</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1