Four Arnhem Heroes

In 1984, I had the great pleasure of acting as a tour guide for a coach party of Arnhem Veterans returning to the battlefield for the 40th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden. I had never been there but diligently did my research. I used history books and maps to plan an itinerary that would take in all the main fighting areas, memorials and the major commemorative events. I was very pleased when several of the veterans were very complimentary about my knowledge of the battle.

They were fascinating and very candid about their experiences and the horrors they endured. The youngest veteran on my coach was 58. So young, compared to now when the numbers of Second World War are rapidly diminishing. It was a wonderful experience. I was pleased to find a captioned photograph this week - one of about 30 I had published in a magazine article I wrote afterwards.

The caption reads: After the service in Arnhem's Airborne Plein, four veterans of the Glider Pilot Regiment caught up with each other to recall their memories of the battle. Less well-acknowledged than their Para counterparts, the Glider Pilots played a vital part in Operation Market Garden. Pictured (left to right) are: George Davis (Sydney, Australia), Reg Dance DFM (Distinguished Flying Medal for gallantry at Arnhem) and Len King (both from London) and Jim Wells (Chepstow, Gwent) 22 Sept 84

Maya Temple in Belize

A rare day off, during a lengthy assigment in Belize in the 1990s, provided an opportunity to take a canoe ride down a Belizean river that culminated in a visit to Maya Pyramids. I was greatly impressed by Altun Ha - the ruins of an ancient Maya City north of Belize City. The site covers an of about five square miles. The largest structure is the Temple of the Masonry Altars which is 54 feet high.

At the top of the steps, shown in photo 2, is what was thought to be a giant jade head associated with the Sun GOd. It is now thought to represent a Jester God - a sign of Maya rulership and the person buried here is of great importance. The city, itself, was thought to have been occupied from 900 BC to AD 1,000. Thankfully, the recent destruction of a Maya Pyramid by construction workers in Belize occured at another site.

Abandoned Suitcases

This is so sad. If the personal possessions of the long since dead patient are still in the suitcases, it is even sadder!

Weighing Machine Photography

In the 1950s, I can remember seeing weighing machines on railway platforms. Often, a photograph was taken of the person being weighed and printed on a card that also recorded the weight. How I wish I still had the photo weight card of me taken on Reading station. Here are two examples:

On War Service

During the Second World War, probably every family had someone serving in uniform or on War Service. Thousands of families would have taken a souvenir photograph like this one showing family members in uniform.

Vegetable Animals

Vegetable Animals, a set on Flickr.

Of all the images on this blog, none have been viewed more times than these vegetable animals. I can't help wondering why!

Perennial Wallflower

My favourite flower for sentimental reasons is Erysmumum 'Bowles Mauve'. This perennial wallflower was a particular favourite of my Mother. I am also a big fan of Lupins but can never seem to grow them. The memory of the colourful bed of Lupins in our back garden in the 1950s remains with me still!

Paddling

Paddling
Originally uploaded by The Graveyard Detective
Beside the sea, somewhere in Britain. Printed from an Edwardian glass plate negative in my collection

Horse Plaque

DSC_0001 (2)
Originally uploaded by The Graveyard Detective
Peto Gardens in Somerset

Two Hours in Stydd

A gentle walk around the Manor of Stydd reveals much to photograph. It lies close to Ribchester in Lancashire. It has what has been described as a unique set of Almshouses, dating from 1728. The steps up to the veranda are spectacular.

St Saviour's church, established in the mid-thirteenth century, stands in a field close to Stydd Manor Farm and is Grade 1 listed by English Heritage. The church was acquired by the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. It has an octagonal font decorated with carved shields depicting sacred and heraldic symbols and monograms. Two of these, respectively, show the sacred heart with the wounded hands and feet of christ and five animal heads, possibly representing bulls. The latter look like devils to me! Both shields are illustrated below.

There is also a fine looking wall with an inset plaque recording the date 1830. More on the church can be HERE.

The Almshouses at Stydd

St Saviour's Church

The interior of St Saviour's

The Sacred Heart with the wounded Hands and Feet of Christ

This heraldic device has five animal heads of unknown origin

A beautiful bit of walling at Stydd Manor farm

Street Art

I saw this amazing street art photograph on Pinterest and thought it might be of interest? Click on the image and then the Street Art title on the Board to the right of the photograph to see more examples

Black and White or Colour?

Getting to grips with Black and White. Here is a view from below Parlick Fell, SW of the summit. Today, my Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4 upgrade arrived and in converting the image to monochrome, I applied a blue filter. I am pleased with the result but am not sure which I prefer. What do you think? Click on an image and then again for a really close up view.

A Grand Day Out

Here are a few of the photographs I took of a recent visit to Crosby beach. My aim was to capture a few images of the Anthony Gormley installation 'Another Place'. It consists of 100 cast-iron, life-size figures spread across along three kilometres of the foreshore, extending almost one kilometre out to sea.

The figures - each weighing 650 kilos - are made from casts of the artist's body. The work is seen as a poetic response to sentiments associated with emigration - sadness at leaving, but the hope of a new future in another place.

More on the installation can be found HERE and HERE.

A Ron Davies Photo video shows what can be achieved through capturing the different seasons, light and varying weather condition. Marvellous stuff, Ron!

Northern Lights

Great footage of the Northern Lights courtesy of the Guardian:

Vision of the Future

I saw this image - one of several - on Pinterest. If sea levels rose a great deal, then this sort of view might become commonplace.

Source: dailymail.co.uk viaLaurence on Pinterest

Doggin'

Dog inn? There ought to be a law against it!

Imaginary Friends 2

I have started looking down at the ground again and there's a whole new world emerging down there! This is Dobbin. He is a stick pony and was prancing around a lot when I photographed him. He doesn't say much, but he is a good listener!

Imaginary Friends

There are a number of little creatures living behind the sun blinds at work. Anyone recognise the silhouettes?

We are being Watched!

Everywhere we go, we are being watched. I particularly like panel fencing. It contains so many creatures staring out at us. How many can you see in the second image?