Tag: Cormorants

Cormorants, Classical Music and Campaigns

Pictures from King’s Lynn and East Rudham, mention of two uppcoming events at King’s Lynn Minster, a large number of important links and some high quality infographics.

INTRODUCTION

I hope you will enjoy this very varied post and that some of you will be encouraged to share it. Talking of sharing, here are a couple of recent comments about this blog from twitter:

@obiwandar “Great blog. pictures, activism, tips WOW”
‏@spacesheepy loving the photos & duckies ~ nice blog Thank you for sharing 🙂

BIRDS, BOATS AND PLANES IN KING’S LYNN

In the break between innings of the delayed women’s ashes match at Worcester (yesterday was washed out entirely, so the whole game is happening on the reserve day) I went out for a walk and was delighted to see a cormorant in residence. As these pictures show, it was far from the only interesting sight of the day…

These model planes (two feature in these pictures - 5 pics in total) are by way commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
These model planes (two feature in these pictures – 5 pics in total) are by way commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

DSCN9660 DSCN9661

The Great Ouse looks a bit choppy.
The Great Ouse looks a bit choppy.

DSCN9664 DSCN9665

Two boats at the jetty - "Pero" and regular visitor "Kalyptos"
Two boats at the jetty – “Pero” and regular visitor “Kalyptos”

DSCN9667 DSCN9668 DSCN9669 DSCN9674 DSCN9675 DSCN9676 DSCN9678 DSCN9679

The flag drooped at just the wrong moment, but the gull made the pic worth keeping.
The flag drooped at just the wrong moment, but the gull made the pic worth keeping.
And I got the flag, plus an ornate weathercock as a bonus, at the second attempt.
And I got the flag, plus an ornate weathercock as a bonus, at the second attempt.
This stonework is on the side of the Magistrates Court
This stonework is on the side of the Magistrates Court

LINKS

I have a large number of links to share, and I am going to start with the various campaigns that feature in this context.

CAMPAIGNS

Within this subsection I am going to give each campaign its own small slot…

STOP TTIP

The campaign against TTIP is gathering momentum. 38 Degrees members, of whom I am proud to be one, are organising a day of action all around the country on August 22nd. The particular details for North West Norfolk are:

North West Norfolk / TTIP Day of Action

  • Sat 22nd Aug 2015, 12:00pm
  • Outside Top Shop, High Street, King’s Lynn

For more or (hint) to sign up for the event please click here. There is also a specific link for joining.

HELP YAZIDI WOMEN AND GIRLS KIDNAPPED BY ISIS

I encourage all of you to sign and share this petition from change.org. I am going to share a buzzfeed article that gives detailed coverage of this issue and the petition itself:

1)The article

2)The petition

THE JOANNE FOWLER PETITION

Joanne Fowler has posted an update on the petition she set up following the horrible and needless suffering her father endured at the end of his life:

1)The petition

2)The link to her Facebook account.

ON ORCAS

The campaign over Seaworld’s treatment of orcas has recently gained some coverage in the San Diego Tribune:

1)The article.

2)The petition

OTHER LINKS

The remaining links I am going to share in this post divide naturally into two groups…

HUMANISM

Two pieces here, one about an event and one excellent article:

1)The event

2)The article

OTHERS

First up, courtesy of independenclive, a horror story about someone who dared to take part in a protest immediately before an appointment, was refused entry to the building and then sanctioned for missing the appointment.

Then comes this Guardian piece on cuts to children’s mental health services.

Vox Political make another appearance in this blog, providing the signpost to another DWP related horror story, this one involving a suicide…

1)The VP ‘signpost’ piece.

2)The full article courtesy of the Daily Star.

My final link is to this piece about providing the police with training for dealing properly with autistic people.

CLASSICAL MUSIC

While at my parents in East Rudham for Sunday lunch yesterday I saw these two leaflets…

DSCN9656

…While I am sure that both events above will be excellent, it is the one on October 10th which really appeals to me. All three headline composers are among my favourites, while the subtitle piece was the first piece of classical music I ever heard, initiating a life long love. Here is a close up of that leaflet…

DSCN9657

A full listing of organ recitals at the Minster can be found here, while among the many things that can found at the Minster’s official website is this piece about the organ.

INFOGRAPHICS

Today has been a bumper day for infographics…

Attlee

The next three pictures are all related...
The next three pictures are all related…

Iceland LXI

Feminism Stop Homophobia Welfare

A FEW FINAL PICTURES

I bring this post to a conclusion with these pictures from East Rudham yesterday…

My parents new camper van
My parents new camper van
Inside the back of the camper van.
Inside the back of the camper van.
Once this pigeon nest was identified as reachable from ground level it did not survive long.
Once this pigeon nest was identified as reachable from ground level it did not survive long.

A Bloggers Bazaar

I will be starting as usual by sharing some important links, before moving on to some other stuff…

LINKS

To start with, a reminder that the autistic community is still awaiting an apology from Katie Hopkins. On this topic, a prominent supporter of our campaign is Lucy Hawking, daughter of Stephen and mother of an autistic child – check out this piece.

Next comes some information about bumble bees.

My penultimate link is to a list of demands to the next government on behalf of disabled people.

Last of all, courtesy of the Anti-bulliying Alliance comes a suggested anti-bullying charter for use in schools.

PICTORIAL INTERLUDE

DSCN4887 DSCN4888 DSCN4889 DSCN4891 DSCN4894 DSCN4895 DSCN4905 DSCN4911 DSCN4921 DSCN4925 DSCN4926

Close up of a swimming cormorant.
Close up of a swimming cormorant.

DSCN4890

MIDDLESEX SECOND INNINGS WOES

Middlesex demonstrated in their match against Durham that batting again rather than enforcing the follow-on is no guarantee against a disastrous collapse. Middlesex reached their eventual 2nd innings total of 83 only because Tim Murtagh, batting at no 11 and suffering with a hamstring strain top scored. Chris Rushworth and John Hastings each took five wickets in this remarkable display.

I was sitting outside listening to the commentary on this and periodically enhancing my collection of photos…

DSCN4936 DSCN4937 DSCN4938 DSCN4939 DSCN4940 DSCN4941

My best aeroplane shot yet...
My best aeroplane shot yet…
...with this one a decent second
…with this one a decent second

DSCN4952

Cricket Season Underway

As so often I have things to share with you before moving on to the main meat of my post…

LINKS

First of all I wish to share several important petitions that I hope you will sign and share:

I hope that you, as I have, will sign and share all of these.

My next offering is evidence in the form of transcripts from the Marr show that Mr Cameron is guilty of a large number of murders. The evidence is presented by Mike Sivier on Vox Political.

Changing topic completely, here is an account of a performance of a new opera by one of its stars, Charlotte Hoather.

My penultimate item in this section is a post from Atheist Republic.

Last of all, a campaign set up by parents of disabled children in Sefton, SOS Transport Sefton. For full information check out their blog runawaybus. I urge you to read the blog, and connect with the campaign – these people need support.

PICTORIAL INTERLUDE

In between the two text parts of this blog I have some pictures, the first of which is not of my own creation…

This wonderful election poster deserves to be shared widely.
This wonderful election poster deserves to be shared widely.
The next four pics are of plants growing in my Aunt's pots, which I am attending to while she is out of the country.
The next four pics are of plants growing in my Aunt’s pots, which I am attending to while she is out of the country.

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Humber Guardian still moored in King's Lynn
Humber Guardian still moored in King’s Lynn

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

A harbinger of things to come - "Cormorant Platform", at point where the Nar flows into the Ouse.
A harbinger of things to come – “Cormorant Platform”, at point where the Nar flows into the Ouse.

CRICKET SEASON UNDERWAY

The English cricket season is underway, and that the moment I am listening to commentary of Glamorgan v Surrey in the county championship. The match to date has been dominated by the batting of Sangakkara (149) and Davies (now past 150 and still going), as Surrey are piling on the runs. Newly at the wicket following the dismissal of Sangakkara is Jason Roy, who could produce some serious fireworks.

Although,the Test team looks reasonably settled there simply have to be vacancies in the England one day side – the performance in the World Cup that has just concluded was so abysmal that there is no option but to find new players.

Time now for some more pics to finish this post…

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

It wasn't just sea birds that were enjoying the Nar Outfall
It wasn’t just sea birds that were enjoying the Nar Outfall

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

First time I've managed to get a swimming cormorant - they dive under so often that they are rarely visible long enough to photograph while swimming.
First time I’ve managed to get a swimming cormorant – they dive under so often that they are rarely visible long enough to photograph while swimming.

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Please share widely!!

Sunday Spectacular

Some good links, including to a Tory candidate who showed who not to deal with the EDL – and a corresponding link to how to do so. A stack of splendid pictures from yesterday.

Another multi-part post – a links section, a section on King’s Lynn in the morning, a brief East Rudham section (I will be doing another post on the architectural features of a Norfolk village theme) and a section on King’s Lynn in the evening.

LINKS

http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/03/22/conspiracy-claim-will-drive-voters-away-from-the-tories/ The first of several stories about the Tory candidate in Dudley North dickering with the EDL. For an example of the correct way to deal with the EDL check out https://aspiblog.wordpress.com/2012/11/11/nails-in-the-edl-coffin-and-other-stuff/

https://tompride.wordpress.com/2015/03/21/tory-candidate-suspended-for-plotting-with-far-right-group-the-edl/#respond

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/odin-s-birthday-celebrated-by-social-media-supporters-1.3004041

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/65627

http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/a-nation-of-immigrants-the-10000year-history-of-britain-as-told-by-your-dna–xJ71_M6MRx

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAsPO3mWQAAMS3r.jpg

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/tory-election-candidate-suspended-over-alleged-plot-to-stage-fake-demonstration-outside-mosque-with-former-edl-leader-10125388.html

http://www.allthatsleft.co.uk/2015/01/the-general-election-100-days-to-go/

https://www.voteforbob.co.uk/ A campaign that I have been involved with since it began. I have contacted my Labour, Green and #FibDem candidates. Both the Green and Labour candidates are on side (the Green virtually had to be, and no one who knows Jo Rust would expect anything less of her) while the #FibDem has not responded as yet.

http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/03/22/doctors-to-be-briefed-on-life-saving-work-capability-assessment-rules/

http://voxpoliticalonline.com/2015/03/22/nick-de-bois-enfields-unrepresentative-representative/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAuTMeFU8AAVu_8.jpg

https://www.opendemocracy.net/ournhs/kate-godfrey/faqs-staffordshire-cancer-privatisation

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CAjSxwUVIAAw6vs.jpg

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/22/conservative-hopes-of-claiming-dudley-north-lie-in-tatters

https://thepoorsideoflife.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/national-day-of-demonstrations-against-sanctions-and-attempted-suicide-by-man-who-attends-ashton-jobcentre/

http://www.lettersfromaspergia.com/2015/03/five-reasons-saying-autism-isnt.html

http://charlottehoatherblog.com/2015/03/22/the-laird-ocockpen-2/#like-3349 A blog from a professional musician.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_uhO52WYAA_ywI.png

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B_ufijcWcAElcCe.png

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auteachism/auteachism-apps-communication-technology-that-chan One of my more recent followers on @aspitweets

http://paper.li/ambir An honourable mention for yours truly.

http://socialistworker.org/2015/03/23/solidarity-wins-at-rutgers

 THE MORNING: KINGS LYNN

A somewhat late start meant that I missed the 9:25 bus so had to get the 11:55. In the interim I took a walk, divided by a stop at my aunt’s to water the plants and check that everything was OK. It was obviously going to be a splendid day for photography but I did not yet realise quite how splendid. Up to leaving my aunt’s house I had a few decent pictures…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

The Great Ouse beyond my Aunt’s house provided the first clue as to how good the day would be, when “Cormorant Platform” provided some excellent pics…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Heading back towards the bus station I crossed the Nar, which provided these crackers…

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Walking through the parklands to the town centre I collected some more fine pics…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Even the bus stations and the bus journey were not complete blanks…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Decorative brickwork is a regular feature of the houses on the way out to the hospital (yes that was shot through the window of a bus)
Decorative brickwork is a regular feature of the houses on the way out to the hospital (yes that was shot through the window of a bus)

Although I am preserving many of my East Rudham pictures for another post, some belong here…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

This rabbit was too far away to produce a really excellent picture but as the local landowner goes by the name of Mr McGregor I could not resist including it.
This rabbit was too far away to produce a really excellent picture but as the local landowner goes by the name of Mr McGregor I could not resist including it.

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Because it was bright and sunny outside I got off the bus early, in Gaywood, and walked through the parkland to get home. This last little outdoors session provided a shot of Britain’s national bird to be, my best capture of flying aeroplane to date and some splendid shots of local landmarks…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Even after I got home there was one more classic moment – “red sky at night: shepherd’s delight”…

??????????

A Tale of Two Rivers

It was the best of days, it was the worst of days: as so often the King’s Lynn weather could not quite decide what it was up to.

The two rivers of my title are the Great Ouse and the Nar, both of which I walked along some of yesterday. Rumours the spring is  upon us may not be so far wide of the mark – I saw a privately owned boat at the Jetty on the Great Ouse in King’s Lynn…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

A brief diversion to check in on my Aunt’s place in her absence, revealed that even the most familiar of surroundings can spring surprises – this cannon ball in the entrance way to Hampton Court that I had not previously noted…

??????????

“Cormorant Platform” revealed no cormorants, but some other sea birds…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

I continued along the riverbank further than usual, passing the new road bridge (before this was built the river could be crossed either by ferry or by taking a 12 mile detour via Wiggenhall St Germans, and paying a punitive toll to the Barons of Rising – the ruling class were even more open about fleecing us in those days!) finding more stuff to photograph…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

I spotted a position from which I could take “townscape” photos of King’s Lynn looking back down the river and bagged a couple…

Townscape 1 - can you ID all the landmarks in there?
Townscape 1 – can you ID all the landmarks in there?
Townscape 2 - with the zoom increased.
Townscape 2 – with the zoom increased.

I walked on past Palm Paper (first photograph of next series) and then just before leaving the Great Ouse (and far further inland than I would expect) I finally spotted a pair of cormorants…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

The small section of walking between leaving the Great Ouse and joining the Nar produced only a few photos…

?????????? ??????????

An unusual sight - a British roundabout and no traffic!
An unusual sight – a British roundabout and no traffic!
A ruin just on the edge of South Lynn
A ruin just on the edge of South Lynn
The South Lynn logo.
The South Lynn logo.

The Nar Valley way runs almost interrupted (save for the bit where it intersects with the Nar Valley Park development) from King’s Lynn to Dereham, so once I had hit the Nar I could follow it to the South Gate, and which point I diverged to head home through the parkland…

A distant view of the Nar Valley Park development.
A distant view of the Nar Valley Park development.

??????????

More of the Nar Valley Park development
More of the Nar Valley Park development
A first view of the South Gate
A first view of the South Gate

?????????? ??????????

A tributary of a tributary (the Nar ultimately flows into the Ouse at what I call Cormorant Platform)
A tributary of a tributary (the Nar ultimately flows into the Ouse at what I call Cormorant Platform)

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

A moorhen in the urban section of the Nar
A moorhen in the urban section of the Nar

?????????? ??????????

Almost the last pic, and the only one of the day of Britain's soon to be national bird!
Almost the last pic, and the only one of the day of Britain’s soon to be national bird!
Work proceeds apace at the bus station.
Work proceeds apace at the bus station.

I had a go as a kind of tribute to this blog’s latest follower, Charlotte Hoather, at creating a ‘playlist’ to fit my themes:

The Birds by Ottorino Respighi, The Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams,The First Cuckoo in Spring by Frederick Delius,The Banks of Green Willow by George Butterworth, Symphony no 6, The Pastoral by Ludwig Van Beethoven. As well as these there were naturally a couple of famous ‘river’ pieces the sprang instantly to mind, Vltava (Bedrich Smetana) and the Blue Danube (Johann Strauss II) – The Great Ouse when the sun is shining is bluer than the Danube ever is (and I have seen both).

A Pot Pourri of Pics (and other stuff)

As I prepare for another day at work, I am listening to commentary from the Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh are giving a good account of themselves against New Zealand in Hamilton, while in between rain breaks in Sydney England look like finishing a truly appalling world cup campaign with victory over Afghanistan (maybe they should accept Cricket Japan’s invite to stop by for a few games on the way home!)

The pictures I will be sharing at various points in this post are from two sources, imaging for the March Auction (now practically complete) and some pics from in and around King’s Lynn. At some point in the future I will be putting up a post about architectural features to be found in the village of East Rudham, having recently taken some good pics there.

A lot of the imaging I did on Tuesday was of banknotes in albums, but a few other bits got in there as well…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

This was one of a quantity of these that made up lot 349
This was one of a quantity of these that made up lot 349

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

This lot could appeal to postcard collecotrs, but also to those interested in stamps and postal history, so I have covered all bases!
This lot could appeal to postcard collecotrs, but also to those interested in stamps and postal history, so I have covered all bases!

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

My Wednesday morning walk was fitted in between the cricket commentary finishing and meeting my mother to go to East Rudham for lunch, photographing architecture, providing a tutorial in MS Access and finally playing bridge at the Jolly Sailors. This latter was enjoyable in spite of the fact that I had the kind of luck that should be toasted in extra bitter Fernet Branca!. At 5p a hundred I ended up £1.30 down on the evening – and on the three hands on which I was declarer I made two of the contracts and went one down undoubled on the other. Here are some of the highlights from the walk…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

I will  finish by showing you some images from yesterday’s mop-up operation…

I don't normally image single coins, but the person who usually does them was not around at the time I located this one, so I did it.
I don’t normally image single coins, but the person who usually does them was not around at the time I located this one, so I did it.
Imaging it the way I did meant I automatically had close-ups of each face - and if you've got 'em, use 'em
Imaging it the way I did meant I automatically had close-ups of each face – and if you’ve got ’em, use ’em

??????????

The next three items, lots 419,428 and 429 are sold with the usual caveats attendant on German militaria - at the buyer's own risk.
The next three items, lots 419,428 and 429 are sold with the usual caveats attendant on German militaria – at the buyer’s own risk.

?????????? ??????????

Now come two lots of scenic postcards for each of what I produced two images.
Now come two lots of scenic postcards for each of what I produced two images.

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

This map is lot 719
This map is lot 719
Lot 726 (This, and the remaining three pics) is very nice.
Lot 726 (This, and the remaining three pics) is very nice.

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

Bellerive Brings More History

The match between Scotland and Sri Lanka at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart is at the halfway stage and has already seen a record set and another equalled.

Kumar Sanggakara kept his appointment with a century, becoming the first to achieve the feat in four successive ODIs. His century was matched by one from Tillekaratne Dilshan and the main course was followed by an explosive 51 from Angelo Matthews as Sri Lanka ran up 363 from their 50 overs. In amongst this carnage Josh Davey took three wickets, taking him up to 14 for the tournament and temporarily leading wicket taker, one ahead of Trent ‘the conductor’ Boult. That figure of 14 wickets for the tournament also ties Eddo Brandes of Zimbabwe for most wickets ever taken by a bowler for an associate member at a world cup (in 1992 Zimbabwe had yet to be promoted to full member status).

The Bellerive seems to be a serendipitous ground for great things to happen at – it was here that Ireland edged out Zimbabwe in a thriller just a few days ago. The word serendipitous derives from the wondrous island encountered by Sindbad the Sailor in his sixth voyage, the Arabic name of which is rendered in English translation as Serendip, Serendib or Sarandib. The name by which this island is now known? Sri Lanka.

I do not see this game developing into a Zimbabwe v Ireland style thriller, especially with Kyle Coetzer, the Aberdonian with a South African surname having gone to the second ball of Scotland’s reply.

As those familiar with this blog know I never leave you without sharing some pictures…

??????????

Work on what will be the Northbound exit from the new bus station.
Work on what will be the Northbound exit from the new bus station.
Gaywood Clock through the window of an X8.
Gaywood Clock through the window of an X8.
A lacewing on the inside window of an X8 on the return journey.
A lacewing on the inside window of an X8 on the return journey.
A close up of the same lacewing.
A close up of the same lacewing.
A new dawn (something English cricket needs) breaking over King's Lynn
A new dawn (something English cricket needs) breaking over King’s Lynn
My new bathroom window - I also have secondary glazing on the High Street side of the flat.
My new bathroom window – I also have secondary glazing on the High Street side of the flat.
A glimpse into the Jewish Cemetery, Millfleet, King's Lynn
A glimpse into the Jewish Cemetery, Millfleet, King’s Lynn

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

These swans, swimming in the Nar, were a trifle uncooperative.
These swans, swimming in the Nar, were a trifle uncooperative.

?????????? ??????????

Moorhen about to take the plunge...
Moorhen about to take the plunge…
...And now happily swimming.
…And now happily swimming.

?????????? ??????????

Bellerive Blockbuster

The best match of the 2015 Cricket World Cup so far took place at the Bellerive Oval, Hobart this morning GB time. Ireland, with a century from Ed Joyce and 97 from Andrew Balbirnie reached 331-8. In reply Zimbabwe fought brilliantly, and at various times, not least when they took 19 from the 49th over, bowled by Kevin O’Brien, to leave themselves needing seven of six balls, they looked like favourites for what have been the largest successful chase in World Cup history. Alex Cusack kept a cool head, and put the finishing touches to a fine bowling performance by capturing the two remaining Zimbabwe wickets for the addition of a single, in three balls. A full scorecard can be viewed by clicking here. Having set the scene with this opening account I will share some pictures before moving on…

This device appears above Paper Klip, the Fakenham stationers.
This device appears above Paper Klip, the Fakenham stationers.

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

??????????

Not only was that match a classic, featuring quality performances from many players, but the eventual result means that Ireland have now won three matches at this tournament, and are very well placed to progress to the quarter finals. The only disappointment to me was that the Player of the Match Award went boringly (and in my opinion wrongly) to Ed Joyce for his hundred when the key to Ireland’s victory was the cool head under pressure displayed by Alex Cusack. Having witnessed this amazing match I am more convinced than ever that the ICC would be utterly wrong to reduce associate nation involvement in the World Cup. My response to Aakash Chopra who gets to publicise his ideas on www.cricinfo.com and who believes that the World Cup should be reduced to ten teams and that the associates should concentrate on getting to play more matches against full members outside of world cups is twofold. First he is guilty of presenting a false dichotomy: it is not a case of either or – i would like to see both more matches between full members and associates outside of world cups and greater associate participation in World Cups. Whether he is guilty of any offence beyond sloppy logic I am not prepared to say, but it is only in cricket that anyone argues for a smaller world cup. My thoughts on how the Cricket World Cup should be formatted can be viewed by clicking here.

Congratulations to Ireland on a magnificent performance. Before sharing some more pictures I will comment on nations who first entered the world cup as associates and are now full members:

Sri Lanka – played 1975 and 1979 as associates before being granted full membership – Won in 1996 (a feat never achieved by England), Runners up in 2011.

Zimbabwe – made world cup debut in 1983 as an associate,promoted to full membership in 1992 – beat Australia in their first ever world cup match, nearly beat India (eventual champions), later in that competition, and in 1999 when England were ejected from their own party embarrassingly early came with an ace of qualifying for the semi-final.

Bangladesh – No great highlights yet, but are going fairly well this time, and there is at least one person who would not be in the least surprised were they to end up progressing further than England.

Now for the second batch of pictures…

??????????

I was delighted to see cormorants back on the structure I have dubbed Cormorant platform as for some weeks due to nearby roadworks they had not been in evidence.
I was delighted to see cormorants back on the structure I have dubbed Cormorant platform as for some weeks due to nearby roadworks they had not been in evidence.

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

c

Of Birds, Local Heritage and Rugby

I will start with the local heritage. I had the opportunity at my aunt’s house yesterday before the rugby started to photograph a modern replica cast iron piece that was made from the original…

Although there were other contenders, so remarkable was yesterday photograph wise this is the feature image.
Although there were other contenders, so remarkable was yesterday photograph wise this is the feature image.

In the first of the rugby matches, England eventually ran out comfortable winners, although Italy scored first through Sergio Parisse and kept things close for about the first hour (and would have been close still had they possessed a number 10 with a functioning boot – whatever other merits he possesses ex-Kiwi Kelly Haimona is a liability in this area) but England, just as Ireland had been last week were too strong for Italy in the end. The second game between Ireland and France was much less of a spectacle. Ireland managed to win, thereby ratcheting up the stakes for the game in two weeks time between Ireland and England. There was one very serious misdemeanour by a French player in that match, when he gave one of the Irish guys a vicious knee in the back. Somewhat surprisingly the referee only deemed this worthy of a yellow and ten minutes in the sin bin. Personally, given how badly the Irishman could be affected by the blow, I think it should have been red, end of the French offender’s participation in the match and indeed of this years Six Nations.

Although it was dark by the time the Rugby ended, I had been out and about earlier in the day and snagged some good pics – I also got one on my home…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

The front of King's Lynn Minster, beautifully lit up.
The front of King’s Lynn Minster, beautifully lit up.

Birds, Buildings and Quilts

Some historic buildings, a quilt and some birds plus a notice from the Environment Agency.

The title is a reference to what I have been photographing over the weekend. To start with some of the buildings:

1)Greyfriars Tower, all that remains above ground of the Franciscan priory…

This is a montage created for putting up on twitter, the rest of the gallery follows...
This is a montage created for putting up on twitter, the rest of the gallery follows…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

2) King’s Lynn Public Library…

Once again, we start with a montage...
Once again, we start with a montage…

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

3)Custom House…

This is the last multiple image
This is the last multiple image

?????????? ?????????? ??????????

4)The Red Mount Chapel, Guanock Gate and various interesting bits of buildings…

??????????

West Lynn Church
West Lynn Church

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

I chose to include this with the buildings, although it also features birds!
I chose to include this with the buildings, although it also features birds!

??????????

The quilt reference is to a very elaborate quilt that my aunt made and will be submitting to a competition, for which she required photographs of it. I have provided two versions of each picture, one with very little editing, and one with much more editing….

The first five images of this quilt are the fully edited ones.
The first five images of this quilt are the fully edited ones.

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

These next five images have been cropped but not fully edited.
These next five images have been cropped but not fully edited.

?????????? ??????????

Now we have some bird images…

?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????

To finish, a notice from the Environment Agency…

??????????

?????????? ??????????