Monday 31 December 2018
Sunday 30 December 2018
NEW APPROACH TO RAPTOR PERSECUTION
Time for a new approach to tackling RAPTOR PERSECUTION in England & Wales
We can expect significant changes in the way raptor persecution is tackled in England & Wales, if Police Supt Nick Lyall has his way.
Nick is the new Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), which is tasked with the ‘delivery’ of action against the raptor killers (in Scotland the ‘delivery’ group is the PAW Raptor Group).
The RPPDG was established in 2011, a so-called ‘partnership’ between the police, representatives from the game-shooting industry (e.g. National Gamekeepers Organisation, Moorland Association, BASC, Countryside Alliance etc), and representatives from the raptor conservation community (RSPB, Northern England Raptor Forum), along with some government agency reps from Natural England, DEFRA, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Welsh Government.
It would be fair to say we’ve been highly critical of the RPPDG over the years, and justifiably so. This is a partnership in name only, which has been useful for certain organisations and DEFRA Ministers to hide behind on the pretence of tackling illegal raptor persecution but the stark reality is that the RPPDG has contributed absolutely nothing of value towards the conservation of UK raptors in all the years it’s been operating.
It did manage to produce some raptor persecution maps last year but these were shockingly inadequate and two of the RPPDG members were quick to distance themselves from the results (NERF here; RSPB here).
The RPPDG has been secretive, unaccountable and has suffered from a chronic lack of leadership, as evidenced just two days ago when we blogged about how the group had deliberately produced apparently inaccurate and contested minutes relating to the Moorland Association’s interest in obtaining licences to kill Marsh harriers to stop these birds ‘disrupting’ shoot days where hundreds of thousands of red grouse are shot for entertainment.
The raptor conservation community has lost all faith in the ability of the RPPDG to deliver anything except platitudes and a heavy blanket of cover for the criminal raptor killers, but from what we heard today, we’re cautiously optimistic for change.
Not cautious about Nick and his drive, ambition and determination – these qualities have been clear to see since he took on this role in September – but understandably cautious because we’re all too familiar with the influence and power of the game-shooting industry and the lengths that industry will go to maintain the status quo.
Nick is keen to hit the ground running in advance of the first RPPDG meeting he’ll chair in January so today he hosted two workshops at DEFRA’s London offices to brainstorm ideas for his planned Tactical Delivery Plan, a horribly jargonistic name but an important document to frame the work of the RPPDG in the coming years.
[An unusually open door at DEFRA]
Sensibly, he split the workshops in to two groups – the conservationists and enforcers in the morning and the shooting industry reps in the afternoon. He did this to encourage open dialogue that wouldn’t get mired in the usual arguments. We attended the morning workshop along with a number of other organisations who haven’t previously had any formal dealings with the RPPDG and there was good representation from groups such as the North Pennines AONB, Birders Against Wildlife Crime, National Trust and a couple of Wildlife Trusts, as well as the usual representatives from NERF, RSPB, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire Police Rural Task Force, Welsh Government, DEFRA and the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
There was no shortage of ideas for Nick to consider for his Tactical Plan – some well rehearsed but plenty of innovation, too. He told us he would be considering these ideas, coupled with any he received from the afternoon workshop, and intended to start drafting the plan on the train home!
We don’t intend to comment on the details until his plan is published (and he said it would be available in the public domain) but the word ‘accountability’ was heard a lot in reference to ALL members of the RPPDG having to contribute towards the RPPDG’s aims of tackling illegal raptor persecution as a non-negotiable requirement of retaining their place at the table. It was acknowledged and accepted that the RPPDG could not continue as it has.
We’re prepared to give Nick Lyall a chance. We think he ‘get’s it’, and he certainly doesn’t underestimate the difficulty of the challenge ahead, but he’s willing to give it his best shot. We also heard some pretty determined words today from Chief Inspector Lou Hubble, the new head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) who is working closely with Nick and is making her own mark in the world of wildlife crime, again in sharp contrast to some of her predecessors. There is definitely cause for (cautious) optimism but time will tell.
As we left the DEFRA offices we were met with a squadron of police vans and officers. Nothing to do with the arrival of the game-shooting industry reps though – it seems campaigners from the Extinction Rebellion (@ExtinctionR) had targeted the DEFRA building with some (easy-to-wash-off) graffitti as part of their build up to a day of civil disobedience on Saturday.
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We can expect significant changes in the way raptor persecution is tackled in England & Wales, if Police Supt Nick Lyall has his way.
Nick is the new Chair of the Raptor Persecution Priority Delivery Group (RPPDG), which is tasked with the ‘delivery’ of action against the raptor killers (in Scotland the ‘delivery’ group is the PAW Raptor Group).
The RPPDG was established in 2011, a so-called ‘partnership’ between the police, representatives from the game-shooting industry (e.g. National Gamekeepers Organisation, Moorland Association, BASC, Countryside Alliance etc), and representatives from the raptor conservation community (RSPB, Northern England Raptor Forum), along with some government agency reps from Natural England, DEFRA, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the Welsh Government.
It would be fair to say we’ve been highly critical of the RPPDG over the years, and justifiably so. This is a partnership in name only, which has been useful for certain organisations and DEFRA Ministers to hide behind on the pretence of tackling illegal raptor persecution but the stark reality is that the RPPDG has contributed absolutely nothing of value towards the conservation of UK raptors in all the years it’s been operating.
It did manage to produce some raptor persecution maps last year but these were shockingly inadequate and two of the RPPDG members were quick to distance themselves from the results (NERF here; RSPB here).
The RPPDG has been secretive, unaccountable and has suffered from a chronic lack of leadership, as evidenced just two days ago when we blogged about how the group had deliberately produced apparently inaccurate and contested minutes relating to the Moorland Association’s interest in obtaining licences to kill Marsh harriers to stop these birds ‘disrupting’ shoot days where hundreds of thousands of red grouse are shot for entertainment.
The raptor conservation community has lost all faith in the ability of the RPPDG to deliver anything except platitudes and a heavy blanket of cover for the criminal raptor killers, but from what we heard today, we’re cautiously optimistic for change.
Not cautious about Nick and his drive, ambition and determination – these qualities have been clear to see since he took on this role in September – but understandably cautious because we’re all too familiar with the influence and power of the game-shooting industry and the lengths that industry will go to maintain the status quo.
Nick is keen to hit the ground running in advance of the first RPPDG meeting he’ll chair in January so today he hosted two workshops at DEFRA’s London offices to brainstorm ideas for his planned Tactical Delivery Plan, a horribly jargonistic name but an important document to frame the work of the RPPDG in the coming years.
[An unusually open door at DEFRA]
Sensibly, he split the workshops in to two groups – the conservationists and enforcers in the morning and the shooting industry reps in the afternoon. He did this to encourage open dialogue that wouldn’t get mired in the usual arguments. We attended the morning workshop along with a number of other organisations who haven’t previously had any formal dealings with the RPPDG and there was good representation from groups such as the North Pennines AONB, Birders Against Wildlife Crime, National Trust and a couple of Wildlife Trusts, as well as the usual representatives from NERF, RSPB, Yorkshire Dales National Park, North Yorkshire Police Rural Task Force, Welsh Government, DEFRA and the National Wildlife Crime Unit.
There was no shortage of ideas for Nick to consider for his Tactical Plan – some well rehearsed but plenty of innovation, too. He told us he would be considering these ideas, coupled with any he received from the afternoon workshop, and intended to start drafting the plan on the train home!
We don’t intend to comment on the details until his plan is published (and he said it would be available in the public domain) but the word ‘accountability’ was heard a lot in reference to ALL members of the RPPDG having to contribute towards the RPPDG’s aims of tackling illegal raptor persecution as a non-negotiable requirement of retaining their place at the table. It was acknowledged and accepted that the RPPDG could not continue as it has.
We’re prepared to give Nick Lyall a chance. We think he ‘get’s it’, and he certainly doesn’t underestimate the difficulty of the challenge ahead, but he’s willing to give it his best shot. We also heard some pretty determined words today from Chief Inspector Lou Hubble, the new head of the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) who is working closely with Nick and is making her own mark in the world of wildlife crime, again in sharp contrast to some of her predecessors. There is definitely cause for (cautious) optimism but time will tell.
As we left the DEFRA offices we were met with a squadron of police vans and officers. Nothing to do with the arrival of the game-shooting industry reps though – it seems campaigners from the Extinction Rebellion (@ExtinctionR) had targeted the DEFRA building with some (easy-to-wash-off) graffitti as part of their build up to a day of civil disobedience on Saturday.
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BOOK REVIEW WHOSE BODY? BY DOROTHY L SAYER
BOOK REVIEW FOR THE YEAR END
I have been reading Crime novels all year and also paying attention to all the killing of our wildlife and so reading a book of this kind takes my mind away from the bad things; from the bad people out there!
It refreshed me to read a crime story written in 1920’s. In fact I loved it and it was interesting too. Dorothy L Sayers created the affected, even whimsical character, of Lord Peter Wimsey who is a frustrated detective. However, he is well connected and has social and some political clout, and his power has even infiltrated the dusty corridors of the ‘old’, but then new, New Scotland Yard. Peter Parker his is mole and a very active detective operating from an office close to the iconic river side turreted gates.
Whose Body?, with an introduction by Laura Wilson, is the one with the body in a location that was unusual. The race was on between the unrespected Detective Inspector Suggs, and our Lord and his official Scotland Yard aide.
There is lots in the story to admire and it is woven around the things that were going in the 1920’s and with reference to medical research and dissecting students. And, of course, there is the aristocracy allowing into their ‘caste’ new money. Oh dear! The prejudice of it all.
Then there is the conclusion and who did it and why. That's the important bit for me together with the detail. It was absorbing.
Dorothy L Sayers is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of The Golden Age of British crime fiction. It is good to read a story other than, and with no disrespect to modern authors, one who was of that Golden Age. And there are eleven books in all and my next one is Clouds Witness.
I have been reading Crime novels all year and also paying attention to all the killing of our wildlife and so reading a book of this kind takes my mind away from the bad things; from the bad people out there!
It refreshed me to read a crime story written in 1920’s. In fact I loved it and it was interesting too. Dorothy L Sayers created the affected, even whimsical character, of Lord Peter Wimsey who is a frustrated detective. However, he is well connected and has social and some political clout, and his power has even infiltrated the dusty corridors of the ‘old’, but then new, New Scotland Yard. Peter Parker his is mole and a very active detective operating from an office close to the iconic river side turreted gates.
Whose Body?, with an introduction by Laura Wilson, is the one with the body in a location that was unusual. The race was on between the unrespected Detective Inspector Suggs, and our Lord and his official Scotland Yard aide.
There is lots in the story to admire and it is woven around the things that were going in the 1920’s and with reference to medical research and dissecting students. And, of course, there is the aristocracy allowing into their ‘caste’ new money. Oh dear! The prejudice of it all.
Then there is the conclusion and who did it and why. That's the important bit for me together with the detail. It was absorbing.
Dorothy L Sayers is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of The Golden Age of British crime fiction. It is good to read a story other than, and with no disrespect to modern authors, one who was of that Golden Age. And there are eleven books in all and my next one is Clouds Witness.
BBOK REVIEW. COCKSHUTT WOOD BY JOHN LEWIS-STEMPEL
John Lewis-Stempel is the twice winner of the Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing and my interest was increased by the wood. Cockshutt Wood is situated in the south-west of Herefordshire which is the county of my birth. It is a daily account of how he managed the wood from December to December. It is a particular wood, but one which can stand as an exemplar for all the small woods in England. It is only has three and half acres of both deciduous and coniferous trees, and the only standing water is a small pond.
Our countryside is ‘managed’ and that is why we can see the patchwork quilt effect when we view our farmland. It has been changed to an amazing degree from the days of the ‘forest’ and less regard is placed on natural habitats. And this wood has been managed too, for the benefit of the owners and populace. But back to this book as there are so many issues that are environmental.
It is a story that is the opposite of the one contained in Isabel Tree’s book, Rewilding because this one has been controlled and still is. The writer’s view is that when he managed it, he was free to avail myself of its resources. He carried a shot gun and used it. A cock pheasant for dinner and a Grey Squirrels dray blasted because the occupiers are capable of taking nestlings. That's the way in the ‘wild’. I can see the logic, but do we have the right to interfere like that.
Yes, I am being critical and there are answers out there that we have yet to provide. I loved his descriptions of the inhabitants and his love for it showed through many times. I learned from it and to what we can garner from the fruits, the leaves and also from the fungi. It made me want to live in a wood similar to that and make it part of me; part of my life. The sounds, the smells and the bird and the animal life would be terrific to be that close to my existence.
I started to read it when I acquired it in July and so I am reading it as the current weeks go by. The author is a skillful writer and his lines are poetic.
Thank you John Lewis-Stempel for The Wood: The Life and Times of Cockshutt Wood.
Our countryside is ‘managed’ and that is why we can see the patchwork quilt effect when we view our farmland. It has been changed to an amazing degree from the days of the ‘forest’ and less regard is placed on natural habitats. And this wood has been managed too, for the benefit of the owners and populace. But back to this book as there are so many issues that are environmental.
It is a story that is the opposite of the one contained in Isabel Tree’s book, Rewilding because this one has been controlled and still is. The writer’s view is that when he managed it, he was free to avail myself of its resources. He carried a shot gun and used it. A cock pheasant for dinner and a Grey Squirrels dray blasted because the occupiers are capable of taking nestlings. That's the way in the ‘wild’. I can see the logic, but do we have the right to interfere like that.
Yes, I am being critical and there are answers out there that we have yet to provide. I loved his descriptions of the inhabitants and his love for it showed through many times. I learned from it and to what we can garner from the fruits, the leaves and also from the fungi. It made me want to live in a wood similar to that and make it part of me; part of my life. The sounds, the smells and the bird and the animal life would be terrific to be that close to my existence.
I started to read it when I acquired it in July and so I am reading it as the current weeks go by. The author is a skillful writer and his lines are poetic.
Thank you John Lewis-Stempel for The Wood: The Life and Times of Cockshutt Wood.
ON THE SAME WAY BUT DIFFERENT TO STOP THE KILLING
An urgent appeal from author and presenter Simon Reeve | View in browser
Dear John,
Our seas are being poisoned by plastic and we urgently need to #STOPthePlasticTide. I’m supporting the work of the Marine Conservation Society – please will you join me?
A few years ago, I saw the colossal plastic problem first-hand when I visited a remote island in Hawaii. The beach was covered in plastic rubbish and when we dug into the sand there was just more and more of it.
Donate now
This is an environmental emergency and it’s a direct result of our throwaway society.
90% of seabirds, 56% of whales and dolphins, and 50% of turtles have been found to have plastic in their stomachs. Perhaps most frightening of all, because it’s right on our doorstep, 33% of fish caught in the UK have been found to contain plastic. It’s enough to make your stomach turn.
Our oceans are vast and it’s sometimes hard to see how we, as individuals, can make a difference.
By helping the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) use its evidence and expertise to change the UK’s mindset on plastic – you can be part of the solution.
As an Ocean Ambassador for MCS, I know how they have been leading the way in making single–use plastic a thing of the past. But they need your help to get there.
The 5p carrier bag charge, a ban on microbeads in personal care products and legislation promising reverse vending machines for drinks cans and bottles have all been pushed for and carried forward by the charity.
Donate now
A donation of just £30 will help MCS continue this vital work.
Please help MCS #STOPthePlasticTide by making a donation today.
Thank you so very much,
Simon Reeve
Author, TV presenter
Marine Conservation Society Ocean Ambassador
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife.
Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966
Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 |
Scotland No. SC037480
VAT No. 489 1505 17
Registered Office:
Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US.
Scottish Office:
Suite 7, CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.
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Dear John,
Our seas are being poisoned by plastic and we urgently need to #STOPthePlasticTide. I’m supporting the work of the Marine Conservation Society – please will you join me?
A few years ago, I saw the colossal plastic problem first-hand when I visited a remote island in Hawaii. The beach was covered in plastic rubbish and when we dug into the sand there was just more and more of it.
Donate now
This is an environmental emergency and it’s a direct result of our throwaway society.
90% of seabirds, 56% of whales and dolphins, and 50% of turtles have been found to have plastic in their stomachs. Perhaps most frightening of all, because it’s right on our doorstep, 33% of fish caught in the UK have been found to contain plastic. It’s enough to make your stomach turn.
Our oceans are vast and it’s sometimes hard to see how we, as individuals, can make a difference.
By helping the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) use its evidence and expertise to change the UK’s mindset on plastic – you can be part of the solution.
As an Ocean Ambassador for MCS, I know how they have been leading the way in making single–use plastic a thing of the past. But they need your help to get there.
The 5p carrier bag charge, a ban on microbeads in personal care products and legislation promising reverse vending machines for drinks cans and bottles have all been pushed for and carried forward by the charity.
Donate now
A donation of just £30 will help MCS continue this vital work.
Please help MCS #STOPthePlasticTide by making a donation today.
Thank you so very much,
Simon Reeve
Author, TV presenter
Marine Conservation Society Ocean Ambassador
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK charity dedicated to protecting our seas, shores and wildlife.
Marine Conservation Society | Company Limited by Guarantee (England and Wales) No. 2550966
Registered Charity No. England and Wales No. 1004005 |
Scotland No. SC037480
VAT No. 489 1505 17
Registered Office:
Overross House, Ross Park, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 7US.
Scottish Office:
Suite 7, CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG.
Unsubscribe
LEAGUE AGAINST CRUEL SPORTS - BAN THE HUNTING
NINETY SIX PERCENT OF PEOPLE HAVE MOT BEEN HUNTING
96% of rural people have never been hunting
Are you surprised? No, neither are we!
Dear John,
People living in the countryside have overwhelmingly rejected the idea that hunting with dogs reflects their values and spend far more time watching wildlife rather than killing it, new polling figures released today reveal.
Polling carried out by Survation and commissioned by the League Against Cruel Sports found that over nine out of ten (91%) rural residents think that observing nature reflects countryside values, while only one in six (16%) believe hunting with dogs reflects countryside values.
It found that very few people living in the countryside took part in the hunting of foxes, deer and hare with packs of hounds. The polling found that other countryside activities were far more popular:
• 63% who observe wildlife at least once a month
• 59% who take part in walking or hiking at least once a month
• 52% who visit pubs at least once a month
• 39% who participate in running, cycling or horse riding at least once a month
• only 4% said they ever participate in hunting
This year over 113,000 of you signed our petition calling to ‘Stop the Killing of Animals by Hunts’, which was handed in to No. 10 Downing Street by CEO Andy Knott and our president Bill Oddie last week. We couldn’t have done it without you. If you haven’t yet signed, the petition is still open.
The ‘traditional’ Boxing Day meets of the hunts gloss over the otherwise murky world of animal cruelty in which packs of hounds still literally tear apart their quarry of British wildlife – but the tide is turning and the hunts themselves are now an increasingly isolated and out of touch minority within the countryside.
Hunting is claimed by a minority to be a cornerstone of country life, yet it is revealing that people living in the countryside get far more enjoyment from watching wildlife rather than killing it.
Modern day countryside values are based around respect for nature, not the abuse of nature for entertainment. This polling confirms that we are a nation of animal lovers and that hunting needs to be consigned to history.
And with your help, together we are doing just that.
CHRIS PACKHAM IS AWARDED
MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Chris Packham who has been appointed CBE in the New Year’s Honours for services to nature conservation.
The irony of this recognition from ‘The Establishment’ won’t be lost on him, but neither will the opportunities it will provide for him to expand his outstanding campaigning efforts against illegal raptor persecution, fox hunting and badger killing. Perhaps he’ll wear his ‘Never mind the bollocks – where’s the hen harriers?’ t-shirt when he rocks up at the Palace for his investiture.
On hearing the news, Chris said:
The irony of this recognition from ‘The Establishment’ won’t be lost on him, but neither will the opportunities it will provide for him to expand his outstanding campaigning efforts against illegal raptor persecution, fox hunting and badger killing. Perhaps he’ll wear his ‘Never mind the bollocks – where’s the hen harriers?’ t-shirt when he rocks up at the Palace for his investiture.
On hearing the news, Chris said:
Thursday 20 December 2018
SANTA ÁGUEDA AND RAPTORS
On Thursday 20th December I returned to Santa Águeda to see if the flooded field of Monday still contained water. It did not and it was devoid of birds. It would have been nice to see the Water Pipits again. We carried on and our luck changed. From the nearest hide we watched a total of five Marsh Harriers fly around. A Kestrel hovered in the distance and pale morph Booted Eagle flew over. From a tree emerged a (Greater) Spotted Eagle that then flew into the tree by the pylon where we continued to have good views of it. The scope also picked up a flying male Hen Harrier that I had seen about ten minutes previously. Two great birds within minutes of each other.
In and around the muddy puddles White Wagtails fed competing with Blue Throat. The Temminck's Stint emerged to fly away. A Robin was in a nearby bush and a male Stonechat perched.
Beware of the hide as some of the wood is rotten and some pieces are now missing. However the steps appear to be safe.
In and around the muddy puddles White Wagtails fed competing with Blue Throat. The Temminck's Stint emerged to fly away. A Robin was in a nearby bush and a male Stonechat perched.
Beware of the hide as some of the wood is rotten and some pieces are now missing. However the steps appear to be safe.
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BIRD DEAD
FROM RAREBIRDALERT UK
Guess the 40+ million non-native Pheasants released each year just isn't enough for those who like to kill to get their kicks, they have to kill an Amber listed species which declined 87% in 25 years! PATHETIC
‘Wonderful’ picture of a gun dog with a Snipe in its mouth. Shot and dead. As reported in the Shooting Times. PATHETIC could sum it up, but I prefer CRIMINAL
Guess the 40+ million non-native Pheasants released each year just isn't enough for those who like to kill to get their kicks, they have to kill an Amber listed species which declined 87% in 25 years! PATHETIC
‘Wonderful’ picture of a gun dog with a Snipe in its mouth. Shot and dead. As reported in the Shooting Times. PATHETIC could sum it up, but I prefer CRIMINAL
Wednesday 19 December 2018
LITANY OF WILDLIFE ABUSE
I AM SWAMPED WITH INFORMATION AND DEATH THANKS TO THE RAPTOR PERSECUTION SITE
DECEMBER
4th A Hobby killed
4th Private Eye carried an article on ‘The Angry Brigade’ and White Tailed Eagles
4th A Buzzard found poisoned in south of Scotland
7th Peak District National Park Short Eared Owl shot
11th. Report of mass slaughter of Ravens in Scotland
11th A report of inertia by representatives of the Grouse Shooting Industry regarding illegal persecution of raptors. Two Short Eared and a Tawny Owl.
12th Nature England and RSPB involved in litigation over ‘brood meddling’ with Hen Harriers
13th RSPB report of ongoing slaughter of raptors on Scottish Grouse Moors.
18th Buzzard shot in Northampton.
IS IT BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE TO KILL?
DECEMBER
4th A Hobby killed
4th Private Eye carried an article on ‘The Angry Brigade’ and White Tailed Eagles
4th A Buzzard found poisoned in south of Scotland
7th Peak District National Park Short Eared Owl shot
11th. Report of mass slaughter of Ravens in Scotland
11th A report of inertia by representatives of the Grouse Shooting Industry regarding illegal persecution of raptors. Two Short Eared and a Tawny Owl.
12th Nature England and RSPB involved in litigation over ‘brood meddling’ with Hen Harriers
13th RSPB report of ongoing slaughter of raptors on Scottish Grouse Moors.
18th Buzzard shot in Northampton.
IS IT BECAUSE PEOPLE LIKE TO KILL?
PMQS AND 'THAT BLOODY WOMAN'
PMQS AND THAT ‘BLOODY WOMAN’
Now a change of subject. It is Wednesday and I deliberately missed PMQs. I am tired of the tribal rhetoric and the toing and froing re Brexit. It is going forward (somewhere) and seemingly more backward every day. It is so bloody tribal in that chamber.
But today the media are on Jeremy’s case regarding what he mouthed after the PM sat down. It has been denied and that he is supposed to have mouthed ‘silly people’ and if that is the case then my lips work in a different way to his. It looked to me like ‘silly woman’ and if everyone thinks that he did say that and a spokesman has denied it then this could run and run for days. It s on the media channels and if he denies it he can easily be viewed as a liar.
I am watching Sky News and most of the people asked to comment have been female. That's fine specifically where two of them have also been called, possibly as an aside, a stupid women and one those was the Speaker. In fairness to Sky the female presenter did ask what would the comments be if someone was called a ‘stupid man’? I wonder if the words ‘stupid man’ was muttered would that person be chastised for it.
There were strong words from others in the chamber and one member uttered the word ‘ ‘Misoginyst’. Mr Speaker will not come out of this well because he wanted to deal with it quickly and then Margaret Becket accused him presiding over a riot. And he has used those words - stupid woman - himself. I quote, of course.
Now what is the most important point in all of this. Well, for me, honesty matters, but for some there is an issue over being honest. Also would it not be good for the media say what they think was said. It didn't happen. Perhaps it is not there job.
And, more importantly, the issue of running the country should be seen as more important.
Now a change of subject. It is Wednesday and I deliberately missed PMQs. I am tired of the tribal rhetoric and the toing and froing re Brexit. It is going forward (somewhere) and seemingly more backward every day. It is so bloody tribal in that chamber.
But today the media are on Jeremy’s case regarding what he mouthed after the PM sat down. It has been denied and that he is supposed to have mouthed ‘silly people’ and if that is the case then my lips work in a different way to his. It looked to me like ‘silly woman’ and if everyone thinks that he did say that and a spokesman has denied it then this could run and run for days. It s on the media channels and if he denies it he can easily be viewed as a liar.
I am watching Sky News and most of the people asked to comment have been female. That's fine specifically where two of them have also been called, possibly as an aside, a stupid women and one those was the Speaker. In fairness to Sky the female presenter did ask what would the comments be if someone was called a ‘stupid man’? I wonder if the words ‘stupid man’ was muttered would that person be chastised for it.
There were strong words from others in the chamber and one member uttered the word ‘ ‘Misoginyst’. Mr Speaker will not come out of this well because he wanted to deal with it quickly and then Margaret Becket accused him presiding over a riot. And he has used those words - stupid woman - himself. I quote, of course.
Now what is the most important point in all of this. Well, for me, honesty matters, but for some there is an issue over being honest. Also would it not be good for the media say what they think was said. It didn't happen. Perhaps it is not there job.
And, more importantly, the issue of running the country should be seen as more important.
FOX HUNTING AS A SPORT
BOXING DAY MASSACRE SHOULD BE HISTORY
I have clear memories of the hunt meeting in Ledbury with their redcoats, smart horses and the Fox Hounds being friendly and polite. It can be said that it is in the name of tradition or another view could be that it is propaganda. It brings people out on Boxing Day Morning and it is a ‘spectacle’. And the purpose is for only one thing. And it is not pleasant or necessary.
The ‘spectacle’ is the nice bit and all jolly and festive. I have nothing against the hounds or the horses and the question I ask what really is the purpose of killing foxes? Farmers have always considered them a pest and, as such, should be dealt with as vermin and the countryside verse always gave the fox a bad name. Killing for fun as it slaughtered a chicken roost, it has been said.
But shouldn't we move on. Chasing over the fields with the hounds and riders only intent on one thing - to kill a wild animal. That's not sport.
Please read the following:
This appeal came to me from The League Against Cruel Sports.
A Boxing Day massacre is fast approaching...
JOHN, WILDLIFE NEEDS YOUR HELP TODAY.
As you read this email, the hunting season is well underway. Active fox, hare and deer hunts are terrorising wildlife across the length and breadth of our country.
What’s more, the infamous Boxing Day hunts are just 15 days away. We desperately need your help today to help protect our wildlife.
This year, our Animal Crimewatch public reporting service has received the most calls, emails and online reports on our records.
To combat this, we’re working around the clock to monitor wildlife crime, campaign for stronger animal welfare laws, and safeguard wildlife on our sanctuaries.
But all this vital work can only continue thanks to the support of caring individuals like you.
My view is it is time for a change ‘our’ wildlife needs protecting and I could say much more, but this is the end of this blog.
A SMALL FLOODED FIELD AND A MUDDY CORNER MADE OUR DAY EVEN BETTER
On Monday 17th December I travelled to Gran Alacant with the temperature around 12 degrees. Bryan and I decided to stay local and visit our usual places and our first stop was in the Salinas opposite the turning for Playa Lisa. The water level on the non-saline side was high and there was nothing of note on it. On the Salinas side there were the usual collection of Gulls with two Lesser Black Backed amongst them.
At the Salt Tower a Spoonbill flew towards us, and around, before settling behind the nearest bank. In the far distance there were a gathering of about 35 with a smaller group of four easily visible. A Redshank called and flew over and two Turnstones flew up. Flamingos had good numbers. The pools opposite the lay-by did contain water, but no birds. A winter plumage Black Headed Gull perched close by. (You can see for yourself in the photo)
At the next pull-in we could easily see the Spoonbills. Little Egrets were numerous and we saw four Great Egrets and over the reeds two Marsh Harriers hunted. A pair of Stonechats were obvious. We carried on to El Pinet and it was disappointing. Against the far bank were a good number of Black Tailed Godwits. We quickly went to the beach in search of wintering seabirds, but all that we saw were Auduoin’s Gulls and Meadow Pipits searched and flew around in the dunes. An Iberian Green Woodpecker called from the pines. A Robin flew across the road.
Auduoin´s Gull
Next we visited the mouth of the Rio Segura. Dartford Warblers called and flew. There were rafts of Gulls with both Black Headed and Mediterranean in very good numbers. Slender Bills were further up the river. Disappointing in some respects with no Kingfishers and nothing more except a lone Jay flew into the pines.
Apart from the flying Spoonbill which was a very good sighting our morning, so far, was not exceptional.
We now headed in the general direction of Santa Águeda and on the way we had a flying male Marsh Harrier and our first Booted Eagle of the day. We counted five Common Kestrels in various locations. There were plenty of small birds around and then we got lucky.
We came upon a flooded field that resembled a lagoon. 75 Glossy Ibis and 50 Cattle Egrets fed.
The photos say it all with a leg ring obvious and readable and what about the colours? This was a great sight and flying in and around were numerous White Wagtails and raucous Jackdaws called from the side. Bryan really got busy here as the Ibis fed close to us and so did several Black Winged Stilts.
Glossy Ibis
Black Winged Stilt
In the corner of the field small birds hopped about and flew in and out of cover. We had to be patient and it was not until our return on passing this field that we had outstanding views of three Water Pipits. And then the camera was busy again.
Water Pipit
A female Black Redstart perched in front of the car. They are beautiful birds. And I can add Chaffinches and Greenfinches to our sightings. And then just one Grey Wagtail flew into a tree and away.
There is now water at Santa Águeda with the scrubby area having pools in it too. We paid attention and there close by was a solitary Temminck’s Stint sharing the mud with a Blue Throat with others of it’s kind flying in an out of the bushes. There is no photo of either of these as Bryan did not have the long lens.
A lone birder drove in, saw us and drove out. I thought there was camaraderie amongst people with the same interests! That’s a pity.
We will never be satisfied, but our opinion of 2018 was that we had some tremendous days and birds seen. And some firsts! We both have several independent trips planned, but together we will be doing more of the same next year. And we will research more and formulate our ideas.
It is so good to be able to share an interest (or even an obsession!) like wildlife.
Today the sun shone from a clear sky and there was only a light wind and hopefully we will get many more of them in 2019. A great morning out. It's so liberating.
At the Salt Tower a Spoonbill flew towards us, and around, before settling behind the nearest bank. In the far distance there were a gathering of about 35 with a smaller group of four easily visible. A Redshank called and flew over and two Turnstones flew up. Flamingos had good numbers. The pools opposite the lay-by did contain water, but no birds. A winter plumage Black Headed Gull perched close by. (You can see for yourself in the photo)
At the next pull-in we could easily see the Spoonbills. Little Egrets were numerous and we saw four Great Egrets and over the reeds two Marsh Harriers hunted. A pair of Stonechats were obvious. We carried on to El Pinet and it was disappointing. Against the far bank were a good number of Black Tailed Godwits. We quickly went to the beach in search of wintering seabirds, but all that we saw were Auduoin’s Gulls and Meadow Pipits searched and flew around in the dunes. An Iberian Green Woodpecker called from the pines. A Robin flew across the road.
Auduoin´s GullNext we visited the mouth of the Rio Segura. Dartford Warblers called and flew. There were rafts of Gulls with both Black Headed and Mediterranean in very good numbers. Slender Bills were further up the river. Disappointing in some respects with no Kingfishers and nothing more except a lone Jay flew into the pines.
Apart from the flying Spoonbill which was a very good sighting our morning, so far, was not exceptional.
We now headed in the general direction of Santa Águeda and on the way we had a flying male Marsh Harrier and our first Booted Eagle of the day. We counted five Common Kestrels in various locations. There were plenty of small birds around and then we got lucky.
We came upon a flooded field that resembled a lagoon. 75 Glossy Ibis and 50 Cattle Egrets fed.
The photos say it all with a leg ring obvious and readable and what about the colours? This was a great sight and flying in and around were numerous White Wagtails and raucous Jackdaws called from the side. Bryan really got busy here as the Ibis fed close to us and so did several Black Winged Stilts.
Glossy Ibis
Black Winged StiltIn the corner of the field small birds hopped about and flew in and out of cover. We had to be patient and it was not until our return on passing this field that we had outstanding views of three Water Pipits. And then the camera was busy again.
Water PipitA female Black Redstart perched in front of the car. They are beautiful birds. And I can add Chaffinches and Greenfinches to our sightings. And then just one Grey Wagtail flew into a tree and away.
There is now water at Santa Águeda with the scrubby area having pools in it too. We paid attention and there close by was a solitary Temminck’s Stint sharing the mud with a Blue Throat with others of it’s kind flying in an out of the bushes. There is no photo of either of these as Bryan did not have the long lens.
A lone birder drove in, saw us and drove out. I thought there was camaraderie amongst people with the same interests! That’s a pity.
We will never be satisfied, but our opinion of 2018 was that we had some tremendous days and birds seen. And some firsts! We both have several independent trips planned, but together we will be doing more of the same next year. And we will research more and formulate our ideas.
It is so good to be able to share an interest (or even an obsession!) like wildlife.
Today the sun shone from a clear sky and there was only a light wind and hopefully we will get many more of them in 2019. A great morning out. It's so liberating.
Friday 14 December 2018
THE FILM - ROBIN HOOD (but not as we know it)
ROBIN HOOD
Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, Men in Tights and all that hype. This is all about another film and the title is about as close as I can get, with hindsight, to the story. It definitely is an enhanced version!
I was not enthused until I found that the critics had not been kind and then I thought that I would decide for myself and we saw it.
Having got over the fact that Alan Rickman is no longer the Sheriff of Nottingham, and he has been replaced by a good substitute, I enjoyed it. It was fun and very different. Nottingham has been moved. It is no longer landlocked and it is a port! The architecture has changed and we have wooden structures being raced over by horses and wagons. Add to that some soldiers that seemed to have escaped from Star Wars. So much action with sword fights and a lot of leaping about.
It kept moving all the time and there is a serious side to it. For example, a new take on historic mines disputes with the working class being treated as definitely lower class oikes. They rebel, of course, because that what's they did in history and because they are subject to taxes that are forcibly ripped from them. The script writers ramped up the rhetoric even more and added religion into it - in name only of course. They had the audacity to introduce ambitious, scheming, controlling clergy high office as stake holders of the treasury. The scumbags - not Church of England - and there is more. What did they plan to do with all the wealth robbed from the poor?
The clue, maybe, is that this film is set around the time of the Crusades, but it is not that simple.
I enjoyed it, but I was outnumbered three to one. Perhaps I was the only one to hear the script clearly.
Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, Men in Tights and all that hype. This is all about another film and the title is about as close as I can get, with hindsight, to the story. It definitely is an enhanced version!
I was not enthused until I found that the critics had not been kind and then I thought that I would decide for myself and we saw it.
Having got over the fact that Alan Rickman is no longer the Sheriff of Nottingham, and he has been replaced by a good substitute, I enjoyed it. It was fun and very different. Nottingham has been moved. It is no longer landlocked and it is a port! The architecture has changed and we have wooden structures being raced over by horses and wagons. Add to that some soldiers that seemed to have escaped from Star Wars. So much action with sword fights and a lot of leaping about.
It kept moving all the time and there is a serious side to it. For example, a new take on historic mines disputes with the working class being treated as definitely lower class oikes. They rebel, of course, because that what's they did in history and because they are subject to taxes that are forcibly ripped from them. The script writers ramped up the rhetoric even more and added religion into it - in name only of course. They had the audacity to introduce ambitious, scheming, controlling clergy high office as stake holders of the treasury. The scumbags - not Church of England - and there is more. What did they plan to do with all the wealth robbed from the poor?
The clue, maybe, is that this film is set around the time of the Crusades, but it is not that simple.
I enjoyed it, but I was outnumbered three to one. Perhaps I was the only one to hear the script clearly.
ALL THAT REMAINS BY PROFESSOR DAME SUE BLACK
BOOK REVIEW - PROFESSOR DAME SUE BLACK and ‘all that remains’.
I heard her speak when she was being interviewed at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate by Val McDermid. Sometimes it is the book that draws the thoughts and a decision to read it, but in this instance it was the speaker and her subject, forensic anthropology. I discovered her words in ‘life after death’ are written in such a manner that the explanation around death becomes words that I wanted to absorb; to understand more and in a personal way come to terms with it.
There is much respect for the cadaver; once a person, now a subject for research and investigation and then it was the students to study along with their manuals. Never morbid and she addresses our much used terms for ‘the loss’ and calls death ‘she’ which I thought was a tad strange. Emphasis is carefully made for those who wish to donate their bodies and there is a designated person to deal, with understanding, for applicants.
There is one chapter, ‘death in the family’ when it becomes personal. There are lines in there that I feel should only be read in the quiet, and with reverence. They are ones that caused me to reflect when my paternal grandfather died. In those days people died in their own bed and it was a family matter and death was a fact of life. But that manner of dying at home is not necessarily the case to day.
In my view the first three chapters of this book should be in the school curriculum. That would have some leaping for the ‘no’ button!
She has investigated mass graves in extreme circumstances, dealt with the discovery of bodies and given evidence in British courts and all of that done with respect, consideration and professionalism. She is to be applauded.
A concept of using ‘rooms’ where having dealt with a victim she can move on by leaving that room, locking the door behind her and moving into a family room for example. And then insisting upon no discussion. I think that can work for me too. Section life up into parts and move onto the next one.
This is a serious read and an essential one. I took my time to absorb the content and shared my reading time with two novels, both crime of course! So just get out of your comfort zone (if you are in one) and read it. It was an absorbing book and I could have said a lot more.
Ian Rankin has posted on FB and Sue Black’s is one of his highlights for 2018. It must be a tribal thing!
I heard her speak when she was being interviewed at Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate by Val McDermid. Sometimes it is the book that draws the thoughts and a decision to read it, but in this instance it was the speaker and her subject, forensic anthropology. I discovered her words in ‘life after death’ are written in such a manner that the explanation around death becomes words that I wanted to absorb; to understand more and in a personal way come to terms with it.
There is much respect for the cadaver; once a person, now a subject for research and investigation and then it was the students to study along with their manuals. Never morbid and she addresses our much used terms for ‘the loss’ and calls death ‘she’ which I thought was a tad strange. Emphasis is carefully made for those who wish to donate their bodies and there is a designated person to deal, with understanding, for applicants.
There is one chapter, ‘death in the family’ when it becomes personal. There are lines in there that I feel should only be read in the quiet, and with reverence. They are ones that caused me to reflect when my paternal grandfather died. In those days people died in their own bed and it was a family matter and death was a fact of life. But that manner of dying at home is not necessarily the case to day.
In my view the first three chapters of this book should be in the school curriculum. That would have some leaping for the ‘no’ button!
She has investigated mass graves in extreme circumstances, dealt with the discovery of bodies and given evidence in British courts and all of that done with respect, consideration and professionalism. She is to be applauded.
A concept of using ‘rooms’ where having dealt with a victim she can move on by leaving that room, locking the door behind her and moving into a family room for example. And then insisting upon no discussion. I think that can work for me too. Section life up into parts and move onto the next one.
This is a serious read and an essential one. I took my time to absorb the content and shared my reading time with two novels, both crime of course! So just get out of your comfort zone (if you are in one) and read it. It was an absorbing book and I could have said a lot more.
Ian Rankin has posted on FB and Sue Black’s is one of his highlights for 2018. It must be a tribal thing!
Wednesday 5 December 2018
WIDOWS - A SORT OF 'HEIST' FILM
Widows by Steve McQueen and co-scripted by Gillian Flynn of Gone Girl fame has had plenty of ‘hype’ via TV and other mediums. Linda La Plante’s 1980 UK TV series has been uprooted and plonked into Chicago and changed. It was advertised as an ‘heist’ by the widows of gangsters, but that part was overshadowed by many things. That included men being portrayed as the ‘baddies’ and the women as the ‘good guys’ and, of course, all in current vogue. And none of this is because the original idea was not good, but because of everything else that was thrown into the script. There were corrupt white politicians both young and old, male ‘machos abusing’ their partners, black gangsters hoping to get elected and never becoming respectable and, of course, a preacher too. So much with so many good things running through, but all messed up. It was slow even ponderous at times. If you just wanted action then watch this film. The same goes for death and destruction and all well done too. Some of the camera shots were great especially at the end with two of the heroine’s faces reflected in mirrors. I liked that.
Viola Davis played the lead and was incredibly well supported particularly by Cynthia Erivo. I enjoyed their acting strength in the way they took on their roles. Great to see.
Oh, I almost forgot Liam Neeson was in it too and he was kissing a black women in bed!Absolutely okay for me, but I wondered how many racists would have squirmed in their seats?
Yes, it had an ending, and even showed good over evil. So it can't be that bad, can it?
After Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri and Bohemian Rhapsody, Widows is low on my scale of applause.
Viola Davis played the lead and was incredibly well supported particularly by Cynthia Erivo. I enjoyed their acting strength in the way they took on their roles. Great to see.
Oh, I almost forgot Liam Neeson was in it too and he was kissing a black women in bed!Absolutely okay for me, but I wondered how many racists would have squirmed in their seats?
Yes, it had an ending, and even showed good over evil. So it can't be that bad, can it?
After Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri and Bohemian Rhapsody, Widows is low on my scale of applause.
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