Lunch time we walked into The One Elm and unearthed a gem of an English Pub. It was a short distance from the touristy areas that all seem to have a direct reference to William Shakespeare. It was good to be away from all those ‘tourists’ and not be assailed by bargains.
A pint of ‘Olde Tripp’ from a Nottingham brewer that used the name from a Crusader event of long ago. I tasted history in this pint too! Sitting in a comfortable place we spoke of ‘Macbeth’, the play that is, and how we felt about the performance. Michelle enjoyed it as she was of the opinion that it was the best so far. After all she had studied it and so she should know!
I had to let it fall in around me. I struggled with the first two thirds, and after the interval I felt better about it. The element of time was referenced in the dialogue and overhead there was a large digital display showing the time going away, second by second. I found it disconcerting. However, putting this irritation to one side, retrospectively I enjoyed it more than I had thought for.
So, here are my thoughts. I had some knowledge and the program reminded me of the salient bits. It can be useful to know something about any of his plays. The three witches were played by children. They were a good idea and proved to be excellent scene shifters too. We were presented with Duncan in bed, the three witches sat cross legged on each stage corner and the ‘porter’, God bless him, sat and watched. I expected a bloody bedroom scene, but his assassination was curtained out of sight. It was only the killers hands that were stained red.
The presentation was less visual and more audio and the dialogue required to be listened too. Some was not easily heard and Alan struggled and so did I it at times too. We discussed this afterwards and with today's technology and actors ability to project we decided that this should not have been a problem to anyone. But it was.
Christopher Ecclestone played Macbeth and Niamh Cusack played Lady Macbeth with a numerous supporting caste. Who the hell am I to criticize, but I did struggle with the telling of it. I have to applaud all of them because it was, in my mind, a good performance although I knew that it has had mixed reviews. Well, you can't please every one all the time!
Afterwards we quickly entered the The White Swan, (aka The Mucky Duck) and being almost first in the bar we supped our drinks and waited. Of course, this is the nearest pub to the dressing rooms and in they walked. Ecclestone smiled at Michelle and since we had seen Romeo & Juliet on the silver screen in Harrogate Michelle recognized, Sakuntala Ramanee, who played Lady Montague. She was lovely and was wonderful to talk to. We chatted and because we mentioned the ‘porter’ she told us that he was the Capulet father that disowned Juliet. She went and got him and we discussed with Michael Hodgson both his role tonight and his part in Romeo and Juliet. Him being a ‘Boro’ man he spoke easily about his upbringing to MaryAnn and Alan who have lived in that area. This rounded off our evening in the best possible way. Just like the crime writers the luvvies like to chat. Great stuff.
Wednesday 25 July 2018
KILLERS ARE EVERYWHERE
KILLERS ARE OUT THERE. KILLERS SEEM TO BE EVERYWHERE
I follow the Raptor Persecution site and it is evident that birds of prey are being shot, traps are set with a prey target in the killer’s mind, but only to entrap anything regardless. The list is long.
For example on 30th June a Peregrine and two Buzzards were found dead in South Wales
In July a Red Kite shot dead in Kent, another Red Kite in the Yorkshire Dales and a Buzzard and Barn Owl found dead in Dorset. It is a litany of killing especially when a game killer announces that in Scotland ‘the Raven Cull’ has been a success!
And then the Hunt Investigation Team have observed masked gunmen killing ensnared animals. It it is of an industrial scale of killing that is occurring.
The details are there to be read and blogs on the Raptor Persecution site are regularly posted if not daily.
There are killers out there with shooting estates employing ‘game keepers’ who are there solely for the purpose of ensuring that ‘their’ birds are kept from any natural danger, but live long enough to be shot by those that pay for that ‘entitlement’. Their ‘gain’ is at an enormous loss for the majority.
I can add to this by saying since my arrival in England I have not seen a Swift, Swallow or House Martin from Masham and Harrogate in Yorkshire, and none in Rothwell or Stratford upon Avon. We sat overlooking the river with a clear view and only gulls or pigeons flew into our vision.
There are many ways that the human race kills with chemicals, habitat loss and lack of nesting sites being the common norm. Intensive agriculture has caused a major decline in ‘so called farmland birds’ but there are islands of hope where habitat has been restored. We need to do more. We need to focus on what we have lost and what we can still gain. I hope to be there on 22nd September with Chris Packham in the Walk for Wildlife.
I follow the Raptor Persecution site and it is evident that birds of prey are being shot, traps are set with a prey target in the killer’s mind, but only to entrap anything regardless. The list is long.
For example on 30th June a Peregrine and two Buzzards were found dead in South Wales
In July a Red Kite shot dead in Kent, another Red Kite in the Yorkshire Dales and a Buzzard and Barn Owl found dead in Dorset. It is a litany of killing especially when a game killer announces that in Scotland ‘the Raven Cull’ has been a success!
And then the Hunt Investigation Team have observed masked gunmen killing ensnared animals. It it is of an industrial scale of killing that is occurring.
The details are there to be read and blogs on the Raptor Persecution site are regularly posted if not daily.
There are killers out there with shooting estates employing ‘game keepers’ who are there solely for the purpose of ensuring that ‘their’ birds are kept from any natural danger, but live long enough to be shot by those that pay for that ‘entitlement’. Their ‘gain’ is at an enormous loss for the majority.
I can add to this by saying since my arrival in England I have not seen a Swift, Swallow or House Martin from Masham and Harrogate in Yorkshire, and none in Rothwell or Stratford upon Avon. We sat overlooking the river with a clear view and only gulls or pigeons flew into our vision.
There are many ways that the human race kills with chemicals, habitat loss and lack of nesting sites being the common norm. Intensive agriculture has caused a major decline in ‘so called farmland birds’ but there are islands of hope where habitat has been restored. We need to do more. We need to focus on what we have lost and what we can still gain. I hope to be there on 22nd September with Chris Packham in the Walk for Wildlife.
Friday 20 July 2018
Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival - the first morning
Friday 20th is the first full day at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival and it started with Stav Sherez, the winner of this year's novel of the year, interviewing an incredibly talented writer, Denise Mina. They were introduced by Lee Child, not that he really needed to, as these two talented people could do that themselves. This was a terrific hour of discussion and of knowledge gained that would benefit any potential writer.
Denise’s book that was short listed this year was The Long Drop which is ‘true crime’ and she re-created the dialogue of those involved with the serial killer Peter Manuel during and before his trial. She portrays the dark side of Glasgow and in a juxtaposition to it we have Stav’s story. It is a futuristic one which I have yet to read. Ian Rankin has described it as ‘Silence of the Lambs for the Internet age’. Michelle had read it and when she refreshed her memory on the blurb on the back cover, she immediately said ‘fantastic’.
The topics ranged from when did crime become an acceptable genre? How did it progress from an low class interest and when did a crime book cease to be ‘elicit?’ The importance of narrative and representation and then there was the subject of ‘Narrative Therapy’.
Comment too was in the social context with a direct reference to the time that we are in, social work and care, mid-life crisis and empathy for the generation. Throw into this mix effects of the Scottish Referendum, the continuing saga of Brexit and an American President who could be more prudent. It was also said that fiction is a better way of delivering a social message than non-fiction. I agree with that.
Finally when it come to why write or not. Denise said that the writer should consider themselves ‘to be a lucky pig’ to have that opportunity. It is a lonely job, but there is always the socializing afterwards!
Then after a reader had commented upon a flaw in Denise’s ‘End of the Wasp Season’ I was acquainted with ‘plot holes’.
Denise’s book that was short listed this year was The Long Drop which is ‘true crime’ and she re-created the dialogue of those involved with the serial killer Peter Manuel during and before his trial. She portrays the dark side of Glasgow and in a juxtaposition to it we have Stav’s story. It is a futuristic one which I have yet to read. Ian Rankin has described it as ‘Silence of the Lambs for the Internet age’. Michelle had read it and when she refreshed her memory on the blurb on the back cover, she immediately said ‘fantastic’.
The topics ranged from when did crime become an acceptable genre? How did it progress from an low class interest and when did a crime book cease to be ‘elicit?’ The importance of narrative and representation and then there was the subject of ‘Narrative Therapy’.
Comment too was in the social context with a direct reference to the time that we are in, social work and care, mid-life crisis and empathy for the generation. Throw into this mix effects of the Scottish Referendum, the continuing saga of Brexit and an American President who could be more prudent. It was also said that fiction is a better way of delivering a social message than non-fiction. I agree with that.
Finally when it come to why write or not. Denise said that the writer should consider themselves ‘to be a lucky pig’ to have that opportunity. It is a lonely job, but there is always the socializing afterwards!
Then after a reader had commented upon a flaw in Denise’s ‘End of the Wasp Season’ I was acquainted with ‘plot holes’.
Harrogate Crime Writing Festival Award Winner
THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL STARTS THIS EVENING on
Thursday 19th July. A cool night’s sleep after the heat of the Costas was very welcome. Simple pleasures added to by a hot shower and then a cool morning breeze welcomed me as I walked into The Winter Gardens for a quick breakfast, mugs of black coffee and free WiFi.
We had booked a tour at the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. A forty minute rural drive into The Dales was a pleasure and this small market town did not disappoint. Perhaps next time we will spend more time out in the country just to enjoy the greenness and the plain and simple ‘Englishness’ of it. I scanned the valley below me and apart from many Large White Butterflies in around the Blackberry bushes there was very little to watch. Disappointingly there were only a few bees.
Our guide was excellent and we had a laugh as we received his view on the history of this brewing family and how it became called ‘Black Sheep’. I empathized and bought the relevant ‘T’ shirt. It had to be black, of course. I had a locally made Pork pie with onions and pickle, but with only a soupçon of ale. I was driving and it is not necessary to take a chance as the car will be parked once we are back in Harrogate until Sunday afternoon.
‘Imagined Things’ - our newly found independent bookshop - was our 4pm target as we knew that Georgia had arranged for an author to be present. Here we met, for the first time, Michelle Davis and we talked. For me this is the best part of the festival to speak and exchange views with a writer previously unknown to us. We had never met before and now I will have to read her book ‘Wrong Place’. This is her second one that follows on from’Gone Astray’ where D.C. Maggie Neville was featured. Okay, it is crime and yes we are at Harrogate. I now expect to read a superbly written story as Michelle has twenty years of journalistic experience. We now have two more signed books for the collection.
At the same time we were introduced to Malcolm Hollingdrake who is the author of seven published books. I had only heard of him yesterday afternoon and on the following day I met and talked with him. I love encountering authors that I have not been aware of before, but that is not to decry the fine and established authors that we all know. I just love to unearth another gem!
So to add to our mountain of books there is his ‘Only The Dead’ and having only read a few pages I am impressed. I was absorbed from the start and his writing is terrific. Two new authors in one day. Wow!
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the year was announced during the first event as usual. The six participants were interviewed by Mark Lawson and some excelled whereas as others did not. Stav Sharez was the winner with his novel ‘The Intrusions’. He was well received by the audience and his speech was an humble one. Words that were well delivered.
John Grisham received the Outstanding Crime Fiction Award for all his contribution to the genre. I was not impressed by his words on being awarded it. I cannot be complementary to a anyone who does not seem to be genuine. His anecdote on his first trip to London appeared forced and when he referred to Lee Childs, the chair of the programme committee, as Lee Smith I was disgusted. But I don't have to like and agree with everything I hear. I am considering not going to his hour long event in The Royal Hall as I know that there are so many other interesting things to do and other people to listen to. Time, after all, is precious!
However the British aspect of this festival did excel itself and when Abir Mukherjee stood talking next to us we had a good discussion on his book and our views on his writing. He says that he is not a full time writer yet, but he could soon become one. We liked his story and the way he had portrayed it. I have already reviewed The Rising Man.
Afterwards ‘The Fun Loving Crime Writers’ performed loudly and the room was packed. It is not everyday that you can see and hear Val McDermid and Mark Billingham blasting out the lyrics. Where else in North Yorkshire would you be able to listen to a version of Johny Cash’s Fulsome Prison Blues being belted out. I loved it and well done for them for entertaining us.
That’s another day done and now we have to endure a full day from breakfast to beyond sunset at the first proper day of the festival. It will be hard!
Thursday 19th July. A cool night’s sleep after the heat of the Costas was very welcome. Simple pleasures added to by a hot shower and then a cool morning breeze welcomed me as I walked into The Winter Gardens for a quick breakfast, mugs of black coffee and free WiFi.
We had booked a tour at the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. A forty minute rural drive into The Dales was a pleasure and this small market town did not disappoint. Perhaps next time we will spend more time out in the country just to enjoy the greenness and the plain and simple ‘Englishness’ of it. I scanned the valley below me and apart from many Large White Butterflies in around the Blackberry bushes there was very little to watch. Disappointingly there were only a few bees.
Our guide was excellent and we had a laugh as we received his view on the history of this brewing family and how it became called ‘Black Sheep’. I empathized and bought the relevant ‘T’ shirt. It had to be black, of course. I had a locally made Pork pie with onions and pickle, but with only a soupçon of ale. I was driving and it is not necessary to take a chance as the car will be parked once we are back in Harrogate until Sunday afternoon.
‘Imagined Things’ - our newly found independent bookshop - was our 4pm target as we knew that Georgia had arranged for an author to be present. Here we met, for the first time, Michelle Davis and we talked. For me this is the best part of the festival to speak and exchange views with a writer previously unknown to us. We had never met before and now I will have to read her book ‘Wrong Place’. This is her second one that follows on from’Gone Astray’ where D.C. Maggie Neville was featured. Okay, it is crime and yes we are at Harrogate. I now expect to read a superbly written story as Michelle has twenty years of journalistic experience. We now have two more signed books for the collection.
At the same time we were introduced to Malcolm Hollingdrake who is the author of seven published books. I had only heard of him yesterday afternoon and on the following day I met and talked with him. I love encountering authors that I have not been aware of before, but that is not to decry the fine and established authors that we all know. I just love to unearth another gem!
So to add to our mountain of books there is his ‘Only The Dead’ and having only read a few pages I am impressed. I was absorbed from the start and his writing is terrific. Two new authors in one day. Wow!
The Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the year was announced during the first event as usual. The six participants were interviewed by Mark Lawson and some excelled whereas as others did not. Stav Sharez was the winner with his novel ‘The Intrusions’. He was well received by the audience and his speech was an humble one. Words that were well delivered.
John Grisham received the Outstanding Crime Fiction Award for all his contribution to the genre. I was not impressed by his words on being awarded it. I cannot be complementary to a anyone who does not seem to be genuine. His anecdote on his first trip to London appeared forced and when he referred to Lee Childs, the chair of the programme committee, as Lee Smith I was disgusted. But I don't have to like and agree with everything I hear. I am considering not going to his hour long event in The Royal Hall as I know that there are so many other interesting things to do and other people to listen to. Time, after all, is precious!
However the British aspect of this festival did excel itself and when Abir Mukherjee stood talking next to us we had a good discussion on his book and our views on his writing. He says that he is not a full time writer yet, but he could soon become one. We liked his story and the way he had portrayed it. I have already reviewed The Rising Man.
Afterwards ‘The Fun Loving Crime Writers’ performed loudly and the room was packed. It is not everyday that you can see and hear Val McDermid and Mark Billingham blasting out the lyrics. Where else in North Yorkshire would you be able to listen to a version of Johny Cash’s Fulsome Prison Blues being belted out. I loved it and well done for them for entertaining us.
That’s another day done and now we have to endure a full day from breakfast to beyond sunset at the first proper day of the festival. It will be hard!
Thursday 19 July 2018
HARROGATE TOWN, INDEPENDENT BOOKS SHOPS AND THEAKSTON OLD PECULIER CRIME WRITING FESTIVAL
PROMOTING ‘IMAGINED THINGS’ AN INDEPENDENT BOOK SHOP IN HARROGATE
and awaiting the start of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writering Festival.
On Wednesday 18th July the phone woke us up at 3am and we were on the road before quarter past four, arriving at Alicante Airport to board a Ryanair flight to Leeds/ Bradford. It was an easy couple of hours as I dozed on this Irish Sky Bus. It was good to see the English countryside again and after we had bumped down on the runway it felt as though we were going to hop over the arrivals lounge and into the fields behind. The overhead luggage thought so to as it slid as far as it could.
An almost new Peugeot 3008 allowed us to have an easy journey into Harrogate Town and for the incredible sum of £11 we could park smack up against the Winter Gardens. It's other name is J.D. Wetherspoon and with their beer and food it is convenient and right next to the hotel.
We enjoyed our breakfasts as usual and, of course, there is free WiFi. An essential item and a necessary one. I had their traditional English with two added pieces of Black Pudding at only £4.15 and two mugs of coffee.
Then we are searching for treasure in the second hand bookshops before we check in at 3pm.
It was not going to be that quick. The Oxfam Shop emphasizes the richness of this flower bedecked town. The window display showcased first editions of past authors of crime at £22 per copy. This is place to take the time and browse, but for that a return visit will be necessary. Michelle bought five books and I found lurking on a shelf Simon Toyne’s ‘The Tower’ which is part of the ‘Sanctus’ series that I will read eventually. Next up, was to collect ordered books, from The Post Office and then back to the car to unload. And then to retrace my steps and in doing so I realized that any level bit of this town was not where I was walking.
Okay, another pit stop to fuel the appetite of a bookaholic was at The Works to collect more pre-ordered books. Here Harrogate Station loomed ahead and there to whet the appetite was The Harrogate Tap. This is a drinking man’s emporium in the best of tastes. A pint of Black Sheep from The Masham Brewery was my first thoroughly enjoyable pint since last October. Replenished, and we had one more appointment, with Georgia, the owner of Imagined Books, in Westminster Arcade. She is an independent and we like that. This is especially so because at the festival W.H. Smith and John Grisham have decreed, initially at least, that for his book signings one has to register, pay a pound for the privilege, and only bring a book purchased at their shop at The Old Swan. What the outcome will be will depend on how many people have emailed a protest. However, for me, I don't intend to buy a book there. I will always support the independent sellers.
It was still too early to check in, but since we had a pile of books we went in to The Travel Lodge, in The Ginnel, and found and encountered Erica on reception. What a star she is. We booked in having spent ten minutes or so talking about her tastes in crime - only in book form though! It is good to talk to other bookaholics especially as they don't cost me any money!
Now for the moment we took advantage of Mr J.D. Wetherspoon’s free WiFi, and of course, my second pint of the day. It was Best Bitter produced by Isaac Poad (@£2.79) of York from a brewer I had never heard of before. Then it was collect the books from the car so that they will be on display and placed in the correct order for when the festival starts.
A shower and a relax before we walked out again for Romeo and Juliet in the cinema which was beamed from by RSC in Stratford upon Avon.
Harrogate has much to offer and The Everyman Cinema does it in style. We sat in Screen Five in the luxury of settees, side tables and the benefit of both a feeling of space and with plenty of leg room. I could write pages in this modern performance. It was long, but so thoughtful in the presentation and the tone. It was excellent.
and awaiting the start of Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writering Festival.
On Wednesday 18th July the phone woke us up at 3am and we were on the road before quarter past four, arriving at Alicante Airport to board a Ryanair flight to Leeds/ Bradford. It was an easy couple of hours as I dozed on this Irish Sky Bus. It was good to see the English countryside again and after we had bumped down on the runway it felt as though we were going to hop over the arrivals lounge and into the fields behind. The overhead luggage thought so to as it slid as far as it could.
An almost new Peugeot 3008 allowed us to have an easy journey into Harrogate Town and for the incredible sum of £11 we could park smack up against the Winter Gardens. It's other name is J.D. Wetherspoon and with their beer and food it is convenient and right next to the hotel.
We enjoyed our breakfasts as usual and, of course, there is free WiFi. An essential item and a necessary one. I had their traditional English with two added pieces of Black Pudding at only £4.15 and two mugs of coffee.
Then we are searching for treasure in the second hand bookshops before we check in at 3pm.
It was not going to be that quick. The Oxfam Shop emphasizes the richness of this flower bedecked town. The window display showcased first editions of past authors of crime at £22 per copy. This is place to take the time and browse, but for that a return visit will be necessary. Michelle bought five books and I found lurking on a shelf Simon Toyne’s ‘The Tower’ which is part of the ‘Sanctus’ series that I will read eventually. Next up, was to collect ordered books, from The Post Office and then back to the car to unload. And then to retrace my steps and in doing so I realized that any level bit of this town was not where I was walking.
Okay, another pit stop to fuel the appetite of a bookaholic was at The Works to collect more pre-ordered books. Here Harrogate Station loomed ahead and there to whet the appetite was The Harrogate Tap. This is a drinking man’s emporium in the best of tastes. A pint of Black Sheep from The Masham Brewery was my first thoroughly enjoyable pint since last October. Replenished, and we had one more appointment, with Georgia, the owner of Imagined Books, in Westminster Arcade. She is an independent and we like that. This is especially so because at the festival W.H. Smith and John Grisham have decreed, initially at least, that for his book signings one has to register, pay a pound for the privilege, and only bring a book purchased at their shop at The Old Swan. What the outcome will be will depend on how many people have emailed a protest. However, for me, I don't intend to buy a book there. I will always support the independent sellers.
It was still too early to check in, but since we had a pile of books we went in to The Travel Lodge, in The Ginnel, and found and encountered Erica on reception. What a star she is. We booked in having spent ten minutes or so talking about her tastes in crime - only in book form though! It is good to talk to other bookaholics especially as they don't cost me any money!
Now for the moment we took advantage of Mr J.D. Wetherspoon’s free WiFi, and of course, my second pint of the day. It was Best Bitter produced by Isaac Poad (@£2.79) of York from a brewer I had never heard of before. Then it was collect the books from the car so that they will be on display and placed in the correct order for when the festival starts.
A shower and a relax before we walked out again for Romeo and Juliet in the cinema which was beamed from by RSC in Stratford upon Avon.
Harrogate has much to offer and The Everyman Cinema does it in style. We sat in Screen Five in the luxury of settees, side tables and the benefit of both a feeling of space and with plenty of leg room. I could write pages in this modern performance. It was long, but so thoughtful in the presentation and the tone. It was excellent.
Tuesday 17 July 2018
BOOK REVIEW - WILDING
WILDING, by Isabella Tree, is the true story of ‘the return of nature to a British Farm’. Since 1945 the driving forces of governmental directions were to provide as much food as possible by ‘feeding’ the soil with artificial fertilizers. By the year 2000 the family farming business at Knepp had a 1.5m overdraft and the chance of increased profitability had gone. They sold the dairy herd and all the expensive agricultural machinery which then paid for the overdraft.
And still this goes on as other farms are continuing with intensive agriculture. It can be said that the crime of impoverishing our soils is the greatest crime of all. What is in the soil enters the food chain and is consumed by humans. Do we know what we are really eating?
This is contained within the three hundred pages as 3,500 acres of ‘pristine’ farmland has been returned to itself. The perception of what we think that our natural environment should be like, is rooted in, what we have had to believe how it was in the very natural sense. Arguments were raised and fortunately the experiment in The Netherlands at Oostvaardersplassen showed them what they could do although there would be restrictions at Knepp. Common access across the estate would cause decisions to be made that, for example, would prevent the introduction of Wild Boar.
Highlighted are the benefits of the grazing of natural grasslands with the animals being able to select what they wanted to eat. The same can be said by bushes and trees that can be ‘grazed’ too. Now we can hear of ‘grass-grazed beef’. Meat produced not by being corn fed, but by allowing animals to have a life.
It is a book that contains much information giving facts and figures from around Europe. The story of re-wilding challenges conventional ideas about our past and present landscape. It talks of a countryside that benefits farming, nature and us. It allows the wildlife to return to a habitat in which they can return, live and re-produce. The birds, butterflies and insects have returned because someone decided to be bold. I am happier now that I have read this story and live in the hope that attitudes and perceptions will change and we can re-wild more.
And still this goes on as other farms are continuing with intensive agriculture. It can be said that the crime of impoverishing our soils is the greatest crime of all. What is in the soil enters the food chain and is consumed by humans. Do we know what we are really eating?
This is contained within the three hundred pages as 3,500 acres of ‘pristine’ farmland has been returned to itself. The perception of what we think that our natural environment should be like, is rooted in, what we have had to believe how it was in the very natural sense. Arguments were raised and fortunately the experiment in The Netherlands at Oostvaardersplassen showed them what they could do although there would be restrictions at Knepp. Common access across the estate would cause decisions to be made that, for example, would prevent the introduction of Wild Boar.
Highlighted are the benefits of the grazing of natural grasslands with the animals being able to select what they wanted to eat. The same can be said by bushes and trees that can be ‘grazed’ too. Now we can hear of ‘grass-grazed beef’. Meat produced not by being corn fed, but by allowing animals to have a life.
It is a book that contains much information giving facts and figures from around Europe. The story of re-wilding challenges conventional ideas about our past and present landscape. It talks of a countryside that benefits farming, nature and us. It allows the wildlife to return to a habitat in which they can return, live and re-produce. The birds, butterflies and insects have returned because someone decided to be bold. I am happier now that I have read this story and live in the hope that attitudes and perceptions will change and we can re-wild more.
BOOK REVIEW. THE RISING MAN
THE RISING MAN BY ABIR MUKHERJEE
The cover is an eye-catching one with a predominance of yellow framed in black and to make sure that it is not missed there is a central red orb. The Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee was my choice after reading Linwood Barclay’s trilogy and as I had no desire to read another ‘cop story’ in the traditional sense I read Mukherjee’s tale of Imperial India. Captain Wyndham, a survivor of the Great War and with only a few years under his belt as a London detective sails out to Calcutta to find himself.
The writer excels himself in the way that he portrays the aristocratic British class system that has the imperfections of unadulterated arrogance. It is amplified even more with their behaviour to and with the natives and, even more so, with his portrayal of the aspects of Indian life. Of course, how could you dare to be of mixed birth, in a country where being an ‘half-caste’ is not acceptable to any of the communities. Prejudice leaps off the page!
Yes, this is another crime story with our good man Captain Wyndham and is more than able native assistant Surrender-not given the opportunity to solve the murder of a white sahib. It is happening in 1919 and the great British Empire is congratulating itself on another victory at a cost only achievable by the cannon fodder of the colonies and there is the strong indication of even more monumental change.
I enjoyed reading this book, but again we have a super hero in Captain Wyndham who is able to continue with hardship and injuries. It seems common amongst writers that all the heroes have to have super-human strength to achieve the desired result. I liked it. I will not even ask for your views on the intricacies of the plot and even it's plausibility. That is for you to decide when you read it.
The cover is an eye-catching one with a predominance of yellow framed in black and to make sure that it is not missed there is a central red orb. The Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee was my choice after reading Linwood Barclay’s trilogy and as I had no desire to read another ‘cop story’ in the traditional sense I read Mukherjee’s tale of Imperial India. Captain Wyndham, a survivor of the Great War and with only a few years under his belt as a London detective sails out to Calcutta to find himself.
The writer excels himself in the way that he portrays the aristocratic British class system that has the imperfections of unadulterated arrogance. It is amplified even more with their behaviour to and with the natives and, even more so, with his portrayal of the aspects of Indian life. Of course, how could you dare to be of mixed birth, in a country where being an ‘half-caste’ is not acceptable to any of the communities. Prejudice leaps off the page!
Yes, this is another crime story with our good man Captain Wyndham and is more than able native assistant Surrender-not given the opportunity to solve the murder of a white sahib. It is happening in 1919 and the great British Empire is congratulating itself on another victory at a cost only achievable by the cannon fodder of the colonies and there is the strong indication of even more monumental change.
I enjoyed reading this book, but again we have a super hero in Captain Wyndham who is able to continue with hardship and injuries. It seems common amongst writers that all the heroes have to have super-human strength to achieve the desired result. I liked it. I will not even ask for your views on the intricacies of the plot and even it's plausibility. That is for you to decide when you read it.
Saturday 7 July 2018
Corral Rubio, Beautiful Margins and Butteflies
An exciting first for both of us. A terrific sight.
Another really good day around Corral Rubio, Petrola and Higueruela in the grain store of Albacete. We knew that it was likely to be a very hot and it was already 24 degrees when we left Gran Alicant at 6am. As we approached our destination it became cooler and a stiff breeze helped to bring it down to 12 degrees.
We decided to investigate Corral Rubio area first and at our first stop we watched dozens of Gull-billed Terns flying over the surrounding cornfields of barley, oats and wheat. At one point they were just over our heads calling and wheeling away. On both sides of the track their was a multitude of flowers and foliage in the unattended margins. From this we believe Common Quail were calling and even though we remained patient not one came into view. That's no surprise really, but it would have been exceptionally good to see one either scurry away or fly.
This is Great Bustard territory and we checked every field that we could see. In the distance we spotted three in a group and one solitary male bird. We moved on attempting to get a closer view and in doing so we had great views of a group of seven just one field away from the road. These birds are majestic and always worth searching for. Overhead there were still Gull-billed Terns with Pallid Swifts and Swallows feeding over the corn.
Our next location was on the road to Montealegre Del Castillo where on a previous trip Bryan had seen a substantial piece of water which appears to be capable to stand the summer heat. This road although frequently used has places where cars can safely stop. The habitat here is more varied and thus more interesting. Alongside the road and next to the water there is a pull off under the pines where the wildlife can be observed. We saw both Little and Black-necked Grebe, one male White-headed Duck with three females and in the distance other waterfowl. A female Marsh Harrier plunged into the reeds and did not reappear. Over a ridge two Buzzards hung in the wind. This is place that we will return to. It was also a very good spot for Marbled Whites and although difficult to photograph because of the wind and with perseverance they were photographed.
Lagunas de Petrola was again disappointing, but it did provide views of Yellow Wagtails and Tree Sparrows. A Common Sandpiper flew, Lapwings were easily spotted and a Great Reed Warbler rasped away. We did not stay long and headed for the causeway which a few weeks ago was impassable, but today it was as ‘dry as a bone’. Then we got lucky for on the end of the causeway a male GB flew to our right and two females flew away to the left. In the overgrown margin we saw clearly two young birds (and possible a third one). One of the youngsters ‘stuck’ after being spooked by our arrival. Then it squatted down and remained so. It was immoveable for about ten minutes with its tail feathers being ruffled by the wind. The soil is reddish here and the plumage is fawny, but it was not easy to see and so we worked at it. Bryan got his photos and then our two foot high chick walked away into the corn. It is so good to see young birds like these and I hope that they make adulthood.
By this time the temperature had risen and we moved on and in the distance we relocated our flown away adults. They had not gone that far. Before we had left the fields we again watched Gull-Billed Terns circling overhead and the camera clicked again. In the camino a Red-legged Partridge paraded her seven chicks before running away.
We headed towards Higueruela, which has been a first stop of the day before, but on this occasion we did it last. Under the pines we had eight bird species either seen or heard. We had hoped for Golden Orioles again but not today. The Bonelli's Warblers called and flitted around.
I have not listed all the birds seen as most are usually found on days like today. However Bee-eaters were noticeable by their absence as we only saw two. Great Spotted Cuckoos and Wheatears were absent too. This year has been different and continues to do so.
We always pay attention to the small stuff. I have already mentioned Marble Whites and also there were Small Whites flying around. Add to that Clouded Yellows and one Painted Lady.
Before all of those we watched and photographed several Red-underwings in around the Holm Oaks.
This is one from Bryan´s library, to illustrate the beauty of the underwing of the Spanish Marbled White.
We will do this again next month and see how it compares. It means we have to get out early.
All photographs copyright Bryan Thomas 2018
Another really good day around Corral Rubio, Petrola and Higueruela in the grain store of Albacete. We knew that it was likely to be a very hot and it was already 24 degrees when we left Gran Alicant at 6am. As we approached our destination it became cooler and a stiff breeze helped to bring it down to 12 degrees.
We decided to investigate Corral Rubio area first and at our first stop we watched dozens of Gull-billed Terns flying over the surrounding cornfields of barley, oats and wheat. At one point they were just over our heads calling and wheeling away. On both sides of the track their was a multitude of flowers and foliage in the unattended margins. From this we believe Common Quail were calling and even though we remained patient not one came into view. That's no surprise really, but it would have been exceptionally good to see one either scurry away or fly.
This is Great Bustard territory and we checked every field that we could see. In the distance we spotted three in a group and one solitary male bird. We moved on attempting to get a closer view and in doing so we had great views of a group of seven just one field away from the road. These birds are majestic and always worth searching for. Overhead there were still Gull-billed Terns with Pallid Swifts and Swallows feeding over the corn.
Our next location was on the road to Montealegre Del Castillo where on a previous trip Bryan had seen a substantial piece of water which appears to be capable to stand the summer heat. This road although frequently used has places where cars can safely stop. The habitat here is more varied and thus more interesting. Alongside the road and next to the water there is a pull off under the pines where the wildlife can be observed. We saw both Little and Black-necked Grebe, one male White-headed Duck with three females and in the distance other waterfowl. A female Marsh Harrier plunged into the reeds and did not reappear. Over a ridge two Buzzards hung in the wind. This is place that we will return to. It was also a very good spot for Marbled Whites and although difficult to photograph because of the wind and with perseverance they were photographed.
Lagunas de Petrola was again disappointing, but it did provide views of Yellow Wagtails and Tree Sparrows. A Common Sandpiper flew, Lapwings were easily spotted and a Great Reed Warbler rasped away. We did not stay long and headed for the causeway which a few weeks ago was impassable, but today it was as ‘dry as a bone’. Then we got lucky for on the end of the causeway a male GB flew to our right and two females flew away to the left. In the overgrown margin we saw clearly two young birds (and possible a third one). One of the youngsters ‘stuck’ after being spooked by our arrival. Then it squatted down and remained so. It was immoveable for about ten minutes with its tail feathers being ruffled by the wind. The soil is reddish here and the plumage is fawny, but it was not easy to see and so we worked at it. Bryan got his photos and then our two foot high chick walked away into the corn. It is so good to see young birds like these and I hope that they make adulthood.
By this time the temperature had risen and we moved on and in the distance we relocated our flown away adults. They had not gone that far. Before we had left the fields we again watched Gull-Billed Terns circling overhead and the camera clicked again. In the camino a Red-legged Partridge paraded her seven chicks before running away.
We headed towards Higueruela, which has been a first stop of the day before, but on this occasion we did it last. Under the pines we had eight bird species either seen or heard. We had hoped for Golden Orioles again but not today. The Bonelli's Warblers called and flitted around.
I have not listed all the birds seen as most are usually found on days like today. However Bee-eaters were noticeable by their absence as we only saw two. Great Spotted Cuckoos and Wheatears were absent too. This year has been different and continues to do so.
We always pay attention to the small stuff. I have already mentioned Marble Whites and also there were Small Whites flying around. Add to that Clouded Yellows and one Painted Lady.
Before all of those we watched and photographed several Red-underwings in around the Holm Oaks.
This is one from Bryan´s library, to illustrate the beauty of the underwing of the Spanish Marbled White.
We will do this again next month and see how it compares. It means we have to get out early.
All photographs copyright Bryan Thomas 2018
Friday 6 July 2018
PLASTIK ATTAK PART THREE
3. ENOUGH
let's discard the idea
place the onus on stores
and leave them with cellophane polystyrene
styrofoam easily dispensed with cups
we don't want it anymore
own a bag fabric and reusable of course
no to starbuck’s un-reusables
boycott the once only
parade our own labeled mugs
stand up for our littered be-spoilt world
condemn those that don't care
attak from the bottom up
it's micro to macro
the bottom line that matters
not the one on the profit & loss account.
what are we missing
we are at the wrong end
it's the other end where we should be
don't create the indestructible stuff
don't wrap everything up
accept the plastik challenge
say no to a polyplastik styrofoamed world
don’t use what we don’t need
go plastik free (in July)
johnedwards(C)25/07/18
let's discard the idea
place the onus on stores
and leave them with cellophane polystyrene
styrofoam easily dispensed with cups
we don't want it anymore
own a bag fabric and reusable of course
no to starbuck’s un-reusables
boycott the once only
parade our own labeled mugs
stand up for our littered be-spoilt world
condemn those that don't care
attak from the bottom up
it's micro to macro
the bottom line that matters
not the one on the profit & loss account.
what are we missing
we are at the wrong end
it's the other end where we should be
don't create the indestructible stuff
don't wrap everything up
accept the plastik challenge
say no to a polyplastik styrofoamed world
don’t use what we don’t need
go plastik free (in July)
johnedwards(C)25/07/18
Tuesday 3 July 2018
PLASTIK ATTAK - PART TWO
. ALL WRAPPED UP
wherever we go we kill
wherever we go we destroy
we change the nature of it
it's a plastik world that requires
attak attak attak
it must be full on
not with machetes
not with automatics
but full front on attak
on where the power lies
on removers of choice
that keep the price down
to keep the suppliers under control
to keep labour cheap
cheap labour equals cheap food
or so THEY say
everywhere there are the signs
everything is wrapped up
supported by a whole wrapping industry
supported by conglomerates and bureaucracy
wrapping us up so tight
wherever we go we kill
wherever we go we destroy
we change the nature of it
it's a plastik world that requires
attak attak attak
it must be full on
not with machetes
not with automatics
but full front on attak
on where the power lies
on removers of choice
that keep the price down
to keep the suppliers under control
to keep labour cheap
cheap labour equals cheap food
or so THEY say
everywhere there are the signs
everything is wrapped up
supported by a whole wrapping industry
supported by conglomerates and bureaucracy
wrapping us up so tight
Sunday 1 July 2018
PLASTIK ATTAK FOR GO PLASTIC FREE IN JULY
Plastik Attak
Attak Plastik.
we are definitely missing something here
It's the ‘seeing’ that matters most
then we should care
then we should respond
each and everyone
It's a throw-away world now
It's where the thrown away
goes that matters
absorbed into body and stomach
protein nil and no referendum to date
can abort this impregnation
we are missing so much
as the ability to perceive
as the ability to change
and so we launch Plastik Attak
and so we attempt to thwart the attak
on ecosystems
on digestive systems
on our whole world
we are missing such a lot
it's the ‘seeing’ that matters most
it's like placing a plastik carrier bag
over our heads and expecting to see out
expecting to breathe
Attak Plastik.
we are definitely missing something here
It's the ‘seeing’ that matters most
then we should care
then we should respond
each and everyone
It's a throw-away world now
It's where the thrown away
goes that matters
absorbed into body and stomach
protein nil and no referendum to date
can abort this impregnation
we are missing so much
as the ability to perceive
as the ability to change
and so we launch Plastik Attak
and so we attempt to thwart the attak
on ecosystems
on digestive systems
on our whole world
we are missing such a lot
it's the ‘seeing’ that matters most
it's like placing a plastik carrier bag
over our heads and expecting to see out
expecting to breathe
GO PLASTIC FREE IN JULY
Week one of the Plastic Challenge!
Dear John,
It's go time!
It might seem daunting at first, but don't worry if it seems like everything is covered in single-use plastic, small changes will lead to big differences and you'll soon find equivalent products with better packaging.
Remembering a reusable bag, taking your own containers, refusing straws and finding shampoos in bar form are all small actions that will help you get started with your new, plastic-free lifestyle.
To begin we have a mission for you:
Take a picture of the most ridiculous and wasteful use of plastic from supermarkets, retailers or restaurants that you can find, then share your picture with us on social media using the #GOPlasticFree hashtag.
Together we can raise awareness of how pointless plastic packaging can be!
Do you want to fundraise for marine conservation? Set up a fundraising page during your plastic-free journey and any money you raise will go towards making our oceans cleaner and healthier.
If you’re finding it difficult, remember to take a look through our guide to plastic-free living. You’ll find tips and hints to help you along the way and give you the inspiration you might need.
You can also check out our plastic-free shop for some great products to help you along the way.
It's not too late to encourage your friends to take the Plastic Challenge! Ask them to sign up too.
Thank you for daring to go plastic-free this July!
Good luck, The Plastic Challenge Team
Dear John,
It's go time!
It might seem daunting at first, but don't worry if it seems like everything is covered in single-use plastic, small changes will lead to big differences and you'll soon find equivalent products with better packaging.
Remembering a reusable bag, taking your own containers, refusing straws and finding shampoos in bar form are all small actions that will help you get started with your new, plastic-free lifestyle.
To begin we have a mission for you:
Take a picture of the most ridiculous and wasteful use of plastic from supermarkets, retailers or restaurants that you can find, then share your picture with us on social media using the #GOPlasticFree hashtag.
Together we can raise awareness of how pointless plastic packaging can be!
Do you want to fundraise for marine conservation? Set up a fundraising page during your plastic-free journey and any money you raise will go towards making our oceans cleaner and healthier.
If you’re finding it difficult, remember to take a look through our guide to plastic-free living. You’ll find tips and hints to help you along the way and give you the inspiration you might need.
You can also check out our plastic-free shop for some great products to help you along the way.
It's not too late to encourage your friends to take the Plastic Challenge! Ask them to sign up too.
Thank you for daring to go plastic-free this July!
Good luck, The Plastic Challenge Team
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