BLACK ADDER IS ON THE CARDS - the line reads.
I would hate anyone to think that my pink halo is shining brightly as I have been reading a newspaper again. According to Graeme Virtue (who) in The Guardian today there is a cunning plan afoot to take the cowardly Edmund and his bum-chum Baldrick into a different time zone. Fascinating it could be as we could get out of that medieval rut (or perhaps, midden) and propel these two creatures back to Roman Times or bring them almost up to date into the flared trouser era of the sixties. Anyway, you can read the article with all its ideas.
It seems to be that another choice could be to take that Oxbridge lot of cabinet and (yes) shadow cabinet boys and girls and see what script they could come up. But who would be in charge? On the other hand you could leave it to the real working classes to come up with a mighty plot. I just hope that it happens.
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
Saturday, 22 August 2015
Gran Alacant to El Hondon
A TEN ROLLER BIRD AFFAIR.
Who dares to say that shouldn't go out birding in our hot summer days? If you take the gamble then you could have had two excellent days out this month. Last week Yecla and this Friday we stayed local and it became a full one. I met Bryan in Gran Alicant at 8am and we were birding within minutes when we stopped in the lay-by on N332 by the Salt Tower. The Flamingos were so close that no binoculars were needed and posed for Bryan and his camera.
In truth there was not too much else, but we had views of both Greenshank and Redshank with two Turnstones feeding on the rocks at the foot of the tower. One Slender-billed Gull swam by, Yellow Legged both adult and immature were around and two Night Herons flew from out of the reeds. A Yellow Wagtail showed briefly. We moved on.
We decided to give El Pinet a quick visit and on the roundabout, under the N332, Bryan found his bird of the day! A lonely juvenile Pratincole and like all good girls it posed for the camera.
We saw no adult birds and this one was one of only about three or four which were at El Pinet. Here we hoped to see more waders, but it is still too early for many. The usual Avocets, Black-winged Stilts and Kentish Plovers showed well. Terns were their usual busy selves with Little, Sandwich and Common all flying. We quickly moved on as our objective was to check on the water levels around the visitor at San Felipe Neri at El Hondon. We decided to take a more circuitous route through farm land.
We saw ten individual Rollers
with Common Kestrels perched on the wires, five Southern Grey Shrikes, two Woodchat Shrikes and a Spotted Flycatcher. We heard and saw two Iberian Green Woodpeckers and Hoopoes flew in front of us. Collared Doves perched alongside the Kestrels on the wires. Driving alongside a canal we flushed two Green Sandpipers. We carried on and on the Vistabella Road we found a field being flooded that contained young Pomegranate trees
Here there were in excess of 200 Jackdaws, numerous Cattle Egrets
and about 60 or more Glossy Ibis
with a few Wood Pigeons. Swallows flew low over the gushing water. Earlier we had seen Red-rumped, both Pallid and Common Swifts together with the odd House Martin. Squacco Herons called and flew, also Grey were feeding as well and we saw Little Egrets too
At Hondon we found that the water levels were very good and although there was not a Pratincol to be seen, but we did see one Little Stint, all three types of Plover, Purple Swamp-hens, one Common Sandpiper and it would appear the influx of waders has still to happen, but it is early yet. Also a Reed Warbler flew and that added to the list with a Zitting Cisticola seen earlier. A Sardinian Warbler flew in front of us. Bee-eaters were in evidence near the entrance.
On the small enclosed pond at the back of the visitor centre were both Common and Red-crested Pochards. The latter were both adult birds with seven youngsters. Two Red-knobbed Coots fed on the bank with the ubiquitous House Sparrows. Also there was one Teal like duck and a photograph may give us an identification.
We were fortunate to meet two birders from Norfolk who said that they had seen Bearded Tits near the hide in Vistabella Road. They had also seen a Weaver Bird, a Short-toed Eagle and possibly a Booted Eagle, but that was a distant sighting. We remained raptor less for the day. We returned to try and see any of their sightings, but were unsuccessful. Perhaps next time. However we were pleased to see a juvenile Whiskered Tern and hear it clamouring for food and being fed. The exchange was clearly seen with the food being dropped into the youngsters mouth without contact being made. On the water were Black-necked, Little and Great Crested Grebes. We also added a Black-headed Gull to the list, but did not hear or see a Med. Gull. Butterflies were few, but we had close up views of Plain Tigers.
I don't always bother with numbers, but this one stands at 56 (excluding the four sightings of our Norfolk birders) different species and, of course, some are already on their way south only to be seen again next year. I think that shows we had a damn good day.
21st August
Who dares to say that shouldn't go out birding in our hot summer days? If you take the gamble then you could have had two excellent days out this month. Last week Yecla and this Friday we stayed local and it became a full one. I met Bryan in Gran Alicant at 8am and we were birding within minutes when we stopped in the lay-by on N332 by the Salt Tower. The Flamingos were so close that no binoculars were needed and posed for Bryan and his camera.
In truth there was not too much else, but we had views of both Greenshank and Redshank with two Turnstones feeding on the rocks at the foot of the tower. One Slender-billed Gull swam by, Yellow Legged both adult and immature were around and two Night Herons flew from out of the reeds. A Yellow Wagtail showed briefly. We moved on.
We decided to give El Pinet a quick visit and on the roundabout, under the N332, Bryan found his bird of the day! A lonely juvenile Pratincole and like all good girls it posed for the camera.
We saw no adult birds and this one was one of only about three or four which were at El Pinet. Here we hoped to see more waders, but it is still too early for many. The usual Avocets, Black-winged Stilts and Kentish Plovers showed well. Terns were their usual busy selves with Little, Sandwich and Common all flying. We quickly moved on as our objective was to check on the water levels around the visitor at San Felipe Neri at El Hondon. We decided to take a more circuitous route through farm land.
We saw ten individual Rollers
with Common Kestrels perched on the wires, five Southern Grey Shrikes, two Woodchat Shrikes and a Spotted Flycatcher. We heard and saw two Iberian Green Woodpeckers and Hoopoes flew in front of us. Collared Doves perched alongside the Kestrels on the wires. Driving alongside a canal we flushed two Green Sandpipers. We carried on and on the Vistabella Road we found a field being flooded that contained young Pomegranate trees
Here there were in excess of 200 Jackdaws, numerous Cattle Egrets
and about 60 or more Glossy Ibis
with a few Wood Pigeons. Swallows flew low over the gushing water. Earlier we had seen Red-rumped, both Pallid and Common Swifts together with the odd House Martin. Squacco Herons called and flew, also Grey were feeding as well and we saw Little Egrets too
At Hondon we found that the water levels were very good and although there was not a Pratincol to be seen, but we did see one Little Stint, all three types of Plover, Purple Swamp-hens, one Common Sandpiper and it would appear the influx of waders has still to happen, but it is early yet. Also a Reed Warbler flew and that added to the list with a Zitting Cisticola seen earlier. A Sardinian Warbler flew in front of us. Bee-eaters were in evidence near the entrance.
On the small enclosed pond at the back of the visitor centre were both Common and Red-crested Pochards. The latter were both adult birds with seven youngsters. Two Red-knobbed Coots fed on the bank with the ubiquitous House Sparrows. Also there was one Teal like duck and a photograph may give us an identification.
We were fortunate to meet two birders from Norfolk who said that they had seen Bearded Tits near the hide in Vistabella Road. They had also seen a Weaver Bird, a Short-toed Eagle and possibly a Booted Eagle, but that was a distant sighting. We remained raptor less for the day. We returned to try and see any of their sightings, but were unsuccessful. Perhaps next time. However we were pleased to see a juvenile Whiskered Tern and hear it clamouring for food and being fed. The exchange was clearly seen with the food being dropped into the youngsters mouth without contact being made. On the water were Black-necked, Little and Great Crested Grebes. We also added a Black-headed Gull to the list, but did not hear or see a Med. Gull. Butterflies were few, but we had close up views of Plain Tigers.
I don't always bother with numbers, but this one stands at 56 (excluding the four sightings of our Norfolk birders) different species and, of course, some are already on their way south only to be seen again next year. I think that shows we had a damn good day.
21st August
Thursday, 20 August 2015
Estepas de Yecla - Friday 14th August
This is one of my favourite places. We have never failed to see some good birds and this morning was no exception. Our last visit was in early July and we have visited each month from late April onwards with the intention to see how the seasons - both birds and vegetation - can change what we observe.
On Friday 14th August, we stopped at the entrance to Estepas de Yecla , with the temperature a cool 23 degrees in a refreshing wind. Immediately we heard a Pin-tailed Sandgrouse call and one flew over us. Further on we saw more Pin-tailed and later two Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew and we watched them feeding.
During the morning we noted Barn Swallows were flying low and all going in one direction. We also saw a few Red-rumped and high in the sky were about 50 Swifts passing through. They appeared to be mainly Pallid, but (we think) with some Common Swift amongst them. We definitely saw a Common Swift flying low close by.
We moved into a freshly cultivated area where there were large numbers of Short-toed Larks, a few Crested, but we only had one sighting of a Calendra.
We were always on the look out for raptors, but only saw one Buzzard. However the abundance of Lesser Kestrels more than made up for it. They were everywhere.
Our intention for this morning was to explore the area closer to Caudette. Within a few minutes we saw more Lesser Kestrels and then the find of the day. Bryan spotted a Greater Spotted Cuckoo on the ground behind a line of conifers. It was a terrific close up sighting, but it flew before he could get his photo. At the same location we found a perched Roller (probably a juvenile) and in a neighbouring tree another one. We didn't expect to see them here and they were our first for this area.
It is always good for Wheatears and again we found some Black-eared which were possibly both juvenile ones and others in moult.
Smaller birds included Goldfinch, Serin, Green Finch, Linnet and we did hear a Sardinian Warbler call. This is not a full list. I do love it up here and we are wondering what the cooler months, after some rain, will do for the bird populations and species.
I record a thank you to Bryan Thomas for his knowledge, a pair of sharp eyes and ears and jolly good company.
On Friday 14th August, we stopped at the entrance to Estepas de Yecla , with the temperature a cool 23 degrees in a refreshing wind. Immediately we heard a Pin-tailed Sandgrouse call and one flew over us. Further on we saw more Pin-tailed and later two Black-bellied Sandgrouse flew and we watched them feeding.
During the morning we noted Barn Swallows were flying low and all going in one direction. We also saw a few Red-rumped and high in the sky were about 50 Swifts passing through. They appeared to be mainly Pallid, but (we think) with some Common Swift amongst them. We definitely saw a Common Swift flying low close by.
We moved into a freshly cultivated area where there were large numbers of Short-toed Larks, a few Crested, but we only had one sighting of a Calendra.
We were always on the look out for raptors, but only saw one Buzzard. However the abundance of Lesser Kestrels more than made up for it. They were everywhere.
Our intention for this morning was to explore the area closer to Caudette. Within a few minutes we saw more Lesser Kestrels and then the find of the day. Bryan spotted a Greater Spotted Cuckoo on the ground behind a line of conifers. It was a terrific close up sighting, but it flew before he could get his photo. At the same location we found a perched Roller (probably a juvenile) and in a neighbouring tree another one. We didn't expect to see them here and they were our first for this area.
It is always good for Wheatears and again we found some Black-eared which were possibly both juvenile ones and others in moult.
Smaller birds included Goldfinch, Serin, Green Finch, Linnet and we did hear a Sardinian Warbler call. This is not a full list. I do love it up here and we are wondering what the cooler months, after some rain, will do for the bird populations and species.
I record a thank you to Bryan Thomas for his knowledge, a pair of sharp eyes and ears and jolly good company.
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
Stephen King's Revival
I bought Revival, and Mr Mercedes, at the same time. They are not even remotely connected except for the writer, and whereas I tuned into the latter immediately the opposite was true of Revival. After thirty-seven pages I wonder where the hell this book was taking me. The 'gob-speak' between the Morton family members of which there are four children and two 'God-loving' parents is interesting, but what was this about? Okay it moves on, past religion, through adolescence, into music and whatever else. He uses music to help carry it along and that world is locked into some of the story. Dope is there on the sidelines seemingly skated over, but fills in part of this saga of life. It is just a segment that gets woven into the patchwork.
Two main characters carry it on, James Morton, and the Reverend Daniel C Jacobs. The former is the narrator and Jacobs is what some of it is about.
King writes in emotion. He plays the 'feelings game' very well. One minute you are in the story and then in the next minute or so you are wrapped up in your past. Memories float by and there are lumps in the throat. That's what good story tellers do, of course.
But what is it all about? I could say that it is about a 'crack-pot guy' who is on a mission whether it is to 'con' or 'cure' which does yield him untold wealth. For me it is some of both however unlikely the reality actually is. Of course it is all well told and well written, but I did not find it that enjoyable.
If you don't want to know any more of the story don't read the front fly sheet and get the surprises as they come. You may find it 'electrifying' and 'reviving', but.....
Two main characters carry it on, James Morton, and the Reverend Daniel C Jacobs. The former is the narrator and Jacobs is what some of it is about.
King writes in emotion. He plays the 'feelings game' very well. One minute you are in the story and then in the next minute or so you are wrapped up in your past. Memories float by and there are lumps in the throat. That's what good story tellers do, of course.
But what is it all about? I could say that it is about a 'crack-pot guy' who is on a mission whether it is to 'con' or 'cure' which does yield him untold wealth. For me it is some of both however unlikely the reality actually is. Of course it is all well told and well written, but I did not find it that enjoyable.
If you don't want to know any more of the story don't read the front fly sheet and get the surprises as they come. You may find it 'electrifying' and 'reviving', but.....
Sunday, 19 July 2015
Anti-austerity Demonstration
ANTI-AUSTERITY DEMONSTRATION,
WHITEHALL, JUNE 20th
On the eve of the Solstice
they felt a need
to protect the Cenotaph,
to block images and memories
of 'The Glorious Dead'.
Those that gave us freedom
now have to hide behind cheap boards
while others scream, blow whistles,
waggle placards over heads,
blaming the blue Tory band.
Cosseted fresh faces, hair immaculate,
supported by Jimmy Choo,
designer jeans and consumer
rhetoric to forget the past,
and the idea of value.
Spend what can be borrowed.
To hell with restraint or constraint.
Consume. Consume. Presume
it will be alright in the end and
the deficit will simply disappear.
Oh no it won't! The political divide
pulls two ways. Red in opposition
to t'other way. It's the way it is
as people die in our darkening world
when the sun comes up at 4.52am
21st June, 2015 John Edwards (C)
NB. Written for the day and not for
later events. I saw the photo of the
marchers on the news and decided to
write this piece.
The only ISIL connection
is probably the term 'darkening world'.
Obviously since then we have had the
Tunisian killings on Friday 26th June.
WHITEHALL, JUNE 20th
On the eve of the Solstice
they felt a need
to protect the Cenotaph,
to block images and memories
of 'The Glorious Dead'.
Those that gave us freedom
now have to hide behind cheap boards
while others scream, blow whistles,
waggle placards over heads,
blaming the blue Tory band.
Cosseted fresh faces, hair immaculate,
supported by Jimmy Choo,
designer jeans and consumer
rhetoric to forget the past,
and the idea of value.
Spend what can be borrowed.
To hell with restraint or constraint.
Consume. Consume. Presume
it will be alright in the end and
the deficit will simply disappear.
Oh no it won't! The political divide
pulls two ways. Red in opposition
to t'other way. It's the way it is
as people die in our darkening world
when the sun comes up at 4.52am
21st June, 2015 John Edwards (C)
NB. Written for the day and not for
later events. I saw the photo of the
marchers on the news and decided to
write this piece.
The only ISIL connection
is probably the term 'darkening world'.
Obviously since then we have had the
Tunisian killings on Friday 26th June.
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Party in the Paddock
THE NAME CHANGERS OF TARRINGTON
What will they do this Saturday, at 2?
Village Fetes are on the go, you know;
you knew where, by following the walkers,
the straggling talkers, and those Range Rovers.
Annually they occurred,
almost like summer rain they came.
Bring-and-buy stalls; hues in fruity jams,
jars of chutney, clear honey
with people I know standing guard
with demanding eyes, perhaps.
Confusingly, that old name transpired,
it had to go, re-brand that idea of a 'Fete'.
What sleight of hand has consigned it
to a past? Can you still look for a
'Red Phone Box' and find one?
Has Dr Who snaffled them all
and whipped them away in a sham
Police Box re-branded as a 'Tardis?'
I like the past, but like me, like it's
definition, it moves away inexorably.
Now, we have to call it 'Party in the Paddock'.
Green grass under slippy sandals, even flip-flops,
but bring the psychedelic wellies, and
Estate Agents umbrellas, just in case.
It's a fresh day. There's the freshness in
freshly mown grass - it's like an aphrodisiac.
They come in droves to this new event.
This re-branded-giving-event where the idea
is still the same.
'Git yer 'ands inta your pockets'; small change will
do as a starter and then the notes. Don't flinch,
it is only money.
Thinking of austerity will not help
the ailing in St. Michael's Hospice.
May the funds be enhanced.
I say well done.
John Edwards (C) 10th July, 2015
NB. TARRINGTON is a village in
Herefordshire and it is where I
was born and spent my first
seventeen years.
What will they do this Saturday, at 2?
Village Fetes are on the go, you know;
you knew where, by following the walkers,
the straggling talkers, and those Range Rovers.
Annually they occurred,
almost like summer rain they came.
Bring-and-buy stalls; hues in fruity jams,
jars of chutney, clear honey
with people I know standing guard
with demanding eyes, perhaps.
Confusingly, that old name transpired,
it had to go, re-brand that idea of a 'Fete'.
What sleight of hand has consigned it
to a past? Can you still look for a
'Red Phone Box' and find one?
Has Dr Who snaffled them all
and whipped them away in a sham
Police Box re-branded as a 'Tardis?'
I like the past, but like me, like it's
definition, it moves away inexorably.
Now, we have to call it 'Party in the Paddock'.
Green grass under slippy sandals, even flip-flops,
but bring the psychedelic wellies, and
Estate Agents umbrellas, just in case.
It's a fresh day. There's the freshness in
freshly mown grass - it's like an aphrodisiac.
They come in droves to this new event.
This re-branded-giving-event where the idea
is still the same.
'Git yer 'ands inta your pockets'; small change will
do as a starter and then the notes. Don't flinch,
it is only money.
Thinking of austerity will not help
the ailing in St. Michael's Hospice.
May the funds be enhanced.
I say well done.
John Edwards (C) 10th July, 2015
NB. TARRINGTON is a village in
Herefordshire and it is where I
was born and spent my first
seventeen years.
Hereford FC
RE-BORN AND STILL UNITED
It is so good when the unexpected happens. Sometimes a community, or even a part of one, comes together and the effect of it creates a wonderful feeling. This is so when there is a recovery of an institution that has been an important part of a city. If I had mentioned in my first line that I was referring to a football club then I would have lost some readers immediately, but please read on for this is about people focussing on what can be achieved after having recognized a loss.
This does show that communities can connect in times of trouble.
In December 2014 Hereford United FC (1939) Ltd was wound up in The Law Courts in far away London and that was that. They were not even able to complete their fixtures in the Premier Division of the Conference League
Since last week they are actively back in business.
They only had seven contracted players last week (now eleven) and with others are able to form a team. Somehow they found finance, 'tarted' up Edgar Street Athletic Ground because it had been neglected, made it safe and fit for purpose after securing a five year lease from Hereford City Council and now they are back. Officially 'United' are not in business and the new club have the title FC Hereford (Forever United) to take them forward into the fairly recently formed Midland League where those attending maybe no more than a hundred or so spectators. A country mile away from days of former glory and league status.
Now, this is where I start to feel very good for in their first pre-season friendly at Malvern Town over two thousand people went to support their team. There had never been a gate that large there before and 'United' had never had pre-season friendly with numbers of that magnitude. This was only last Tuesday and in the next few days they were able to acquire a safety certificate for the Hereford ground for almost five thousand spectators and that meant they could play their first home game last Saturday. They did not have a capacity gate, but we're only 708 short. They sold 2000 programmes at £2.50 and could have sold more. They must have extended the print run because there will be more on sale for the next home game. I want one.
In recent years their has been objections to the 'big money' clubs and their 'big money' owners. Such clubs, in some cases, have lost their local identity and that is where the real supporters take on the huge task and the risks of putting their club back into their community where it belongs. FC United of Manchester are one of those clubs and they, with 600 hundred traveling supporters, were in Hereford last Saturday. A club and 600 supporters with large hearts. Wonderful for myself as I was brought up on non-league football, the glory of the FA Cup and big dreams. Now more kids can dream on. The "Bulls are running again" with a head of a Hereford Bull as part of the clubs motif on all their shirts. Keep on Running!
It is so good when the unexpected happens. Sometimes a community, or even a part of one, comes together and the effect of it creates a wonderful feeling. This is so when there is a recovery of an institution that has been an important part of a city. If I had mentioned in my first line that I was referring to a football club then I would have lost some readers immediately, but please read on for this is about people focussing on what can be achieved after having recognized a loss.
This does show that communities can connect in times of trouble.
In December 2014 Hereford United FC (1939) Ltd was wound up in The Law Courts in far away London and that was that. They were not even able to complete their fixtures in the Premier Division of the Conference League
Since last week they are actively back in business.
They only had seven contracted players last week (now eleven) and with others are able to form a team. Somehow they found finance, 'tarted' up Edgar Street Athletic Ground because it had been neglected, made it safe and fit for purpose after securing a five year lease from Hereford City Council and now they are back. Officially 'United' are not in business and the new club have the title FC Hereford (Forever United) to take them forward into the fairly recently formed Midland League where those attending maybe no more than a hundred or so spectators. A country mile away from days of former glory and league status.
Now, this is where I start to feel very good for in their first pre-season friendly at Malvern Town over two thousand people went to support their team. There had never been a gate that large there before and 'United' had never had pre-season friendly with numbers of that magnitude. This was only last Tuesday and in the next few days they were able to acquire a safety certificate for the Hereford ground for almost five thousand spectators and that meant they could play their first home game last Saturday. They did not have a capacity gate, but we're only 708 short. They sold 2000 programmes at £2.50 and could have sold more. They must have extended the print run because there will be more on sale for the next home game. I want one.
In recent years their has been objections to the 'big money' clubs and their 'big money' owners. Such clubs, in some cases, have lost their local identity and that is where the real supporters take on the huge task and the risks of putting their club back into their community where it belongs. FC United of Manchester are one of those clubs and they, with 600 hundred traveling supporters, were in Hereford last Saturday. A club and 600 supporters with large hearts. Wonderful for myself as I was brought up on non-league football, the glory of the FA Cup and big dreams. Now more kids can dream on. The "Bulls are running again" with a head of a Hereford Bull as part of the clubs motif on all their shirts. Keep on Running!
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