Now is the time of the foxglove. It grows naturally and is therefore regarded by some gardeners as a weed but it is a noble flower. Upright and stately in a royal purple colour it rises above others as a bright symbol in shady places.
Why Foxglove? This strange name for the flower has been around since the 14th century and was sometimes called ‘folksglove’. [Read more…] about The Foxglove
While waiting for a Planetarium show at the Winchester Science Centre with our grand-daughter, we decided to kill some time along the River Itchen.
We parked nearby the river at Itchen Stoke and were hoping to find some ducks for Lucy to feed with the remains of her packed lunch.
As it was, there were no ducks around and so [Read more…] about Swans and Cygnets on the River Itchen
I promised to give a breakdown of the costs of my holiday flying a glider.
The glider is a Duo Discus, 2 seater and near the top of the range in terms of performance.
I travelled down alone but came back together with my co-pilot and the glider in its trailer. [Read more…] about Gliding Holiday Costs
It is not only gliders we see flying at the airfield at Santa Cilia in Spain.
Here are four other types of flight.
The Spanish army brought their helicopter for the troops to practise abseiling down from 50 feet up. [Read more…] about Not Only Gliders
A clear blue sky with not a cloud is sight suggested a difficult day of soaring. Thermals are usually under clouds and if there are no clouds, are there any thermals and where are they?
Thermals are large bubbles of warmer air which rise from the ground. If you have ever watched a lava lamp you have an idea of how they work. Unlike a lava lamp you cannot see the bubble. [Read more…] about Soaring The Pyrenees
After a six-hour drive through France and Northern Spain beneath low cloud and many showers of rain, I passed Pamplona and the weather changed. The cloud broke up and the sun shone from a blue sky. The weather improved over the next 50 miles to Santa Cilia.
Met with my colleagues who sadly had not been able to fly as the wind was blowing at 27 knots [Read more…] about Sharing The Sky With The Vultures
Holiday – No Holiday? That is the question.
All set to go gliding in the Pyrenees from a small airfield called Santa Cilia. We stay in the village in a typical stone Pyrenean house run by a wonderful lady called Toya. She looks after all the glider pilots and many pilgrims who are walking the trail to Santiago de Compostella. [Read more…] about Holiday – No Holiday?
The Sunday Times had an interesting article last week about a survey. Young people were asked: Who embodies Britain?
There are some pretty interesting choices, some obvious ones and some questionable ones. Let’s take a look…
The person who embodies the nation the most is, of course, the Queen. 63% of young people thought she embodied Britain perfectly, followed by [Read more…] about Who Embodies The Nation?
You would not go to Nottingham for a holiday would you? It is said to be the murder capital of the UK. Cricket lovers go for test matches at Trent Bridge and there is the legend of Robin Hood.
We went to visit a friend and found a delightful haven at the Attenborough Nature Centre & Reserve. It is a mere 5 miles from the city centre. [Read more…] about Nottingham for a Holiday?
I have almost forgotten today is the Tomb Sweeping Day to the Chinese people.
I was reminded of the festival today when I read that the Chinese families of Chinese passengers aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 are still hopeful.
Tomb Sweeping Day is also known as the Qing Ming Festival 清明节, literally Clear Bright Festival [Read more…] about Tomb Sweeping Day
“Oh, to be in Chandler’s Ford / Now that April’s there.”
(Sorry about that misquote, Mr Browning.)
Recently someone told me that Chandler’s Ford had no soul. He went by the name of Mephistophilis on the chat site. I asked him to define soul but he declined.
The soul must be in the gardens. [Read more…] about “Oh, To Be In Chandler’s Ford / Now That April’s There”
Where in Eastleigh do you need to jump over a stream so you can see an emu?
We went to Brambridge for a leisure walk this afternoon. We should have worn our wellies.
We walked along the path between the Itchen River and on the other side, [Read more…] about Brambridge Walk
We all have days out. Sometimes carefully planned and looked forward to, sometimes more spontaneous. All are enjoyable but sometimes a day turns out to be really special, better than expected.
Janet’s walk through Hocombe Mead was extra special.
We had one last week. [Read more…] about Special Day Out
My son and I walked in glorious sunshine last Sunday morning in Hocombe Mead, thanks to our guide Dr. Andy Barker, and his helpful friends from Friends of Hocombe Mead, and Southampton Natural History Society.
In the two-and-a-half hour guided tour in Hocombe Mead last Sunday, Andy, with passion and patience, introduced to us fascinating features in this beautiful local nature reserve, including: [Read more…] about Hocombe Mead Guided Walk
Last weekend, we went for a long walk on Hocombe Mead.
Hocombe Mead is a local nature reserve owned and managed by Eastleigh Borough Council with the support of the Friends of Hocombe Mead. [Read more…] about Hocombe Mead Walk
A budgie flying past one day,
Over a garden in Kent,
Did the thing that birds must do,
A little gift he sent. [Read more…] about The Unexpected Gift
I took this photograph of a Pacific Gray Whale recently in the San Ignacio Lagoon off the coast of Baja, Mexico.
Gray Whales often approach the Panga (boat) when they want to seek human interaction. They are happy to be stroked and petted as they come alongside the boat. They will even tease with a splash, a spout of air or a head butt! [Read more…] about Eye Of The Pacific Gray Whale
Had a short walk by the Itchen today. Joined it behind the Travelodge on Twyford Road and walked downstream to Withymead Lock where a fallen tree blocks the path and the path itself disappears beneath the water.
Upstream as far as a railway bridge near Highbridge Road. [Read more…] about Short Walk By Itchen
This afternoon, we saw a huge fallen tree blocking the entrance to Ramalley Cemetery.
If you are of medium build, you could still squeeze into the cemetery through a narrow gap at the gate. However, if you are not very mobile, or you are a wheelchair user, at the moment, it is impossible to get into Ramalley Cemetery. [Read more…] about Huge Fallen Tree Blocks Ramalley Cemetery
This Chandler’s Ford community website has just had a facelift. As the creator, I am thrilled.
A few weeks ago, I received an email from Roger Clark, Trustee of Hiltingbury Community Centre:
“Wonder why though [Read more…] about Is Chandler’s Ford A Jaguar? Meet Roger Clark.
