Mountain Challenge for Red Cross Hikers

Hoping to bring the up and coming Red Cross Week to a successful end, a group of enthusiastic fund raisers from Ipswich will climb the highest mountain in Wales as many times as possible in 24 hours to raise money for the British Red Cross. The team in question is made up of twelve members and they hope to scale the 3560 feet (1085 metres) peak of Mount Snowdon a number of times on Friday 10th May. They hope to raise £2,000 towards the charity's national fundraising goal of £1 million in a week. This year's Red Cross Week runs from May 5 to 11.

The brainwave was the idea of Red Cross staff member Mark Bradley, who is responsible for managing the “home from hospital” service at the Red Cross in Ipswich, which helps vulnerable people adjust back to home life after a period of illness.

Red Cross hikers will be looking to conquer Snowdon

Other volunteers and adventurers include Red Cross colleagues and service users along with the landlord, chef and regulars of the Lord Nelson pub in Fore Street, Ipswich. Mark said: "This is the fourth year we have set ourselves an endurance challenge for Red Cross week and they've been getting more and more extreme. Luckily, all those taking part are complete nutcases and were really enthusiastic when I suggested the idea."

Already having displayed extreme fund raising efforts, the group walked 45 miles from Haverhill to Ipswich in 2011, and last year they climbed 24 peaks over 2,400ft in two days. This year, the group will complete the first hike to the summit of Snowdon together and then split into smaller groups to complete as many ascents as possible in the allotted time.

"Ideally, we'd like to match the current record held by an army PT instructor who completed five climbs in 21 hours carrying full army kit," said Mark. "I won't be carrying the kit, but it'll be a huge accomplishment if we can match that record. Everyone has been training hard, which is a little difficult living in a county as flat as Suffolk, but we've been doing eight or nine-hour walks most Sundays. Some days I'm really excited about the challenge; other days I dread it, but it's for a fantastic cause so I hope that the local community and the regulars at the Lord Nelson will support us and the Red Cross."

Judging by the £950,000 that was raised last year, there is every expectation that Red Cross Week could touch the £1 million mark this year. Previously, money has been used to support the charity's vital work in the UK and overseas, providing unconditional care for vulnerable people in crisis.  The Red Cross is equally active in Suffolk, where its responsibilities include short-term care in the home for adults recovering from illness or a stay in hospital, support during A&E visits, first aid courses and cover for public events, medical equipment loan, emergency response volunteers to support victims of fires, floods and other crises, and humanitarian education. There is also the small matter of the charity shops that it runs in Ipswich, Felixstowe and Woodbridge.

To sponsor the Lord Nelson Inn Snowdon Challenge, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/nelsonsnowdon24hourchallenge.

Plaque Honour For Canal Pioneer Thomas Dadford Jr

The name Thomas Dadford Jr. may not be on everyone’s lips, but you will surely have heard of him if you move in engineering circles. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Wales Cymru, together with the Monmouthshire Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust and the Fourteen Locks Canals Trust, obviously think highly enough of him that they have unveiled a plaque in his honour. He is seen as the man who revolutionised the science of canal building, and once the facts are examined, it is hard to argue with that assertion.

A recent ceremony resulted in a panel being unveiled  near the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, which is by Rogerstone, Newport,  followed by a rededication ceremony of his grave at St Teilo's Church in Llanarth. So what is there to learn about the man himself?

Thomas Dadford masterminded canals across Britain

Let’s start off with the fact that Dadford masterminded the construction of the Monmouthshire and Brecknock and Abergavenny canals, neither of these being built through the easiest of terrain, as witnessed by the massive embankment carrying the canal over the river Clydach at Gilwern.

Dadford lived from 1760 - 1801 and is buried near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. He was born in Wolverhampton, and started his high profile engineering career aged just 16. He was appointed engineer of the Monmouthshire canal in 1792, at the age of just 32. This canal includes the flight of 14 locks and a four-arch aqueduct over the river Usk. Three years later,  in 1795, he commenced work on the Brecknock and Abergavenny canal, which included the canal over the river Clydach at Gilwern, as previously mentioned.
Geoff Ogden, chairman of ICE Wales Cymru, said: "We are recognising one of the early canal pioneers whose expertise revolutionised the science of civil engineering."

The original Monmouthshire canal was authorised by Parliament in 1792 and ceased being used as a commercial waterway in 1930. However, because of the canal's historical importance,  it is now protected by Welsh historical environment body Cadw, being recognised  as an ancient monument. Upon his death in 1801, Thomas Dadford Jr. was buried in Abergavenny.

North Devon Tourism Firms Feeling Summer Job Rush

Attractions and holiday parks throughout the North Devon area are experiencing the usual rush of applications for summer work in the local holiday industry. Suggesting that “Mr and Mrs Average” feel that there is a sense of optimism about the coming summer season, it appears as though applications are running at the usual high level.

One local firm, John Fowler Holidays, a company that operates three parks in North Devon, saw more than 370 people apply for just 31 seasonal jobs this year. They run one park in Ilfracombe and two in Combe Martin.  Ollie Fowler is the senior manager and said although most of the vacancies went to returning staff, his firm also saw around 12 people apply for each of the 25 part-time and six full-time jobs advertised – a significant increase on other years.

Ollie said, “The park manager here at Ilfracombe said she had never seen the numbers of applicants go over three or four per job before. People won’t say when they come to interview that they are desperate for a job, but the sheer number of applicants for positions suggests that. We really do connect with the local employment market, and as it is such a big thing for us, we try to make it our sole purpose to employ people locally.”

North Devon is a fantastic tourism destination

Lynn Reynolds, who is the commercial manager at Exmoor Zoo, said that 125 people had applied for the one full-time job in the zoo café in the space of just five days. “The advert was originally booked in the Job Centre for two weeks but we had to close applications after five days due to the high level of interest,” she said.

Another popular attraction in North Devon is The Big Sheep at Abbotsham, where 400 job applications were received for just 15 jobs this year, while the Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Resort received 100 applications for around 10 vacancies. Spokesman for the company, Anne Tattersall, said that the company always took the time to respond to young people who apply for jobs.

“This is something we feel quite passionately about; as an employer you have a responsibility to respond to youngsters who have taken the time and effort to apply. It can damage their confidence when they don’t hear back, and we should be nurturing that. I would urge all employers to respond to applicants either way.”

Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks said it was experiencing a ‘high level’ of interest in the 200 seasonal jobs available at the park, and this had been so since the start of the year. It was difficult to quantify exact numbers, but a  spokesperson said the park started recruiting for Golden Coast in February, and the other three parks in March, mostly for housekeeping positions. “We had masses of phone calls, not just lately for the three parks, but back in February for the opening of the Golden Coast,” she said.

A spokesperson for Park Resorts Limited, which operates Bideford Bay Holiday Park, near Bucks Cross, said it received in the region of 100 applications for jobs this year and was still receiving applications. “According to the seasonal staff figures, we have recruited 60 staff with another 10 needed,” a spokesperson told the Gazette.

Early Concerns About The Next Apple Crop

Considering that we haven’t had our summer yet, most people’s minds have yet to turn to thoughts of the traditional autumn apple harvest.  But if your livelihood depends on this quintessential British crop, then the extremely harsh, elongated winter will be preying on your mind, as witnessed by pronouncements by the Tenbury Apple Group who are expressing concerns about what sort of year they can expect in Tenbury and the Teme Valley.

Their representative, Alec Wall, said recently, “We simply do not know what will happen but the blossom is certainly later this year than is usual.”  This is the second year in a row where there is likely to be a plethora of furrowed brows, with last year’s problems being caused by a combination of some late frost but also by the excessively wet summer, resulting in reduced activity amongst the bee population, so essential for pollination.

In more detail, the poor 2012 crop came about because the frost damaged the fragile blossom, while bees did not fly in the heavy rain that followed. The whole scenario was disappointing, because despite this, early hopes for 2012 had been promising. The two previous years had been successful.

There are concerns over the apples in Tenbury

Interestingly, different parts of the same orchard can be affected in different ways depending on the degree of shelter, meaning that one part of an orchard can be badly damaged while a nearby sheltered area could escape relatively unscathed.  Younger trees can normally stand up to the frost better than older trees.

Whereas the increased unseasonal rainfall is a more recent problem, frost has been a constant enemy to apple growers over the years. In the past, various different techniques have been tried to counteract the worst of it, including lighting fires in the orchards to try to keep the frost away.

Early crops are often gathered in July and this can run through until the end of August.  Early cooking varieties such as Bramley are most likely to be hardest hit by the late frost.  You may be surprised to know that despite the general feeling that some varieties are dying out, The Tenbury Apple Group, which plays a key role in the annual Apple Fest in the town, has still identified more than 300 different varieties grown in the area.

http://www.tenburywells.info/

Aldborough Roman Site

Or to give it the official Roman title,  Isurium Brigantum. It is now better know as the Aldborough Roman Site, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, and is the care of English Heritage.  It is supposed that it was ‘capital’ of the Romanised Brigantes, the largest tribe in Britain, and was originally the site of a 1st century Roman fort at the crossing of Dere Street, the Roman Road running north out of Eboracum (an early name for York)  over the River Ure.

Nothing can be certain, but archaeological finds suggest that the Ninth Legion were active in the area. By the second century, it appears to have acquired an importance, judging by the fact that it was deemed to be the capital of the Brigantes tribe.  Progress continued apace over the next hundred or so years, and mosaic remains suggest buildings of substance and importance, often homes built by important Roman personnel. The fourth century brought uncertainty throughout Europe, and despite the likelihood of bastions being erected at about this time, the area’s prosperity slowed.

The new site is under English Heritage care.

Once Roman rule ended, the area was consumed by the Anglo Saxons, although geomagnetic scanning in 2011 revealed the remains of an amphitheatre, which suggests that it could have been a Roman town of some size.

English Heritage cares for the site these days, and there is one corner of the defences  laid out in a Victorian arboretum, while two mosaic pavements can be viewed in their original positions. The site’s fascinating museum has an outstanding collection of Roman finds.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/aldborough-roman-site/

St. George’s Day Puts English Heritage Into Overdrive

Feeling that it is imperative that it lives up to its name, English Heritage has really been ripping into the St. George’s mood. Having burst a blood vessel with excitement over the weekend just gone with a plethora of exciting family-orientated events, its web page has been boning up on the St. George story, with tales of derring-do, and a chance to really understand what the dragon episode is all about.

English Heritage is making the most of St George's Day

In line with many patron saints, he wasn’t actually born in the country that now adopts him, but most likely to have been from Cappodocia, that well known enclave of Asia Minor. He was thought to have become a high-ranking cavalry officer in the Army of Rome. He is recognised as a historical figure by Christians because he was beheaded in Lydda, Palestine (in AD 303) for refusing to carry out Diocletian's orders for Christian persecution. Canonisation followed in 494AD by Pope Gelasius.

Edward III’s reign in the fourteenth century turned out to be the turning point in St. George’s fortunes, although whether he was a dragon slayer is open to conjecture. It is not thought likely that St George ever came to England, but he was known here from as early as the eighth century. His reputation for virtue and chivalry became the spiritual inspiration for the Crusaders, and by 14th century the story had gained widespread popularity.

Did you know that :-

• St George is also the Patron Saint of Bavaria, Beirut, Portugal and Hungary, to name but a few. He's also patron saint of soldiers, archers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers, riders and saddlers, and sufferers of leprosy, the plague and syphilis.

• Baden Powell also named St George is also the patron saint of Scouts, as "St George was typical of what a scout should be."

• At the Synod of Oxford in 1222, St George's Day was declared a public holiday.

• Shakespeare died on St George's Day 1616, and if the story is to be believed, was born on St George's Day, 1564.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/

Telford Access to Nature Receives Further Funding

Recent news is good news from the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust (SGCT) based at Coalbrookdale, who at the beginning of the month were able to announce the receipt of a further £103k from Natural England and BIG Lottery. This will enable training opportunities for the Telford Green Spaces Partnership (TGSP) for greater sustainability for the groups to learn the techniques of raising funds, undertaking biodiversity surveys, tool maintenance and conservation OCNs.

The Trust’s web site reports that  “Following the success of the 3 year funded Telford Access to Nature Partnership, in November 2012, we have received a further £103k of funding for a further 12 months from Natural England . This funding is being used for training opportunities for Friends of Telford's Green Spaces, collectively known as Telford Green Spaces Partnership which amalgamated in 2011. This partnership continues to grow as more Friends groups are looking after their local space.”

April is proving an active month for the Trust with the commencement of “Mighty Oaks”, a parent activity programme requested by the parents who attend the Little Acorns programme with their children. This will be led by 2 local ladies who are volunteers and trained Walk Leaders.

Mighty Oaks will be a monthly series of free walks and activities specifically for the parents as mentioned above, and will be led by Cadi Price, Telford Access to Nature Partnership Officer. The initiative came from a SGCT volunteer and parent who had been asking if it was possible to organise adult walking activities within the woodlands. The two “local ladies” as seen above, are two volunteers who have recently become Walk Leaders and will lead the programme, helped by Cadi.  Mighty Oaks may open to other interested adults depending upon its success. The programme, until December 2013, includes walks, surveys, orienteering and den building!

Check out the web site (address below).  You will learn about the history of the SGCT and see, once again, how much effort local volunteer groups put into maintaining and preserving the beautiful British countryside.

http://www.severngorge.org.uk/

Culloden Means That There is a Hard Place in History for This Rock

A little bit of history for you now. That dreaded battle at Culloden took place in April 1746, when William Augustus Hanover, otherwise known as the Duke of Cumberland, defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie and his Jacobite army. For its sins, the Duke of Cumberland's Stone, dating from the last Ice Age, became forever linked to the battle's bogeyman. But surely it doesn’t deserve this bad press?

Following the victory at Culloden, there was a campaign to crush further Jacobite opposition to the government and the Crown. There were executions, imprisonments and ransackings of Jacobite supporters, earning the Duke the sobriquet of “The Butcher”.

Thankfully those times and the main participants are long gone, although the poor old stone continues to attract anger for the events of 267 years ago. Talk about holding a grudge! Without wishing to draw even more attention to its whereabouts, it should be pointed out that the big smooth lump of rock sits just off the B9006 Culloden to Nairn road. Now covered in lichen and moss, it sits in a little clearing on the edge of a small conifer plantation. Its surroundings are not salubrious, with a discarded juice bottle and snacks wrappers floating in a nearby muddy puddle.

Cumberland's Stone

Its unpopularity may be because it is said that the Duke of Cumberland had breakfast, or maybe his lunch, on the table-flat top of the boulder on the day of the battle. It has also been said that he stood on the stone to better survey the course of the fighting.

The words "Cumberland's Stone" are thought to have been carved into the rock in 1881, while metal rungs have been hammered into it so people could more easily climb up on to it. Modern times have butted in and the boulder has been sprayed with graffiti, while a fire was even set against it in a pathetic attempt to cause damage to it.

But is the stone deserving of the abuse? It wouldn’t even be in its present position if it wasn’t for the last Ice Age. It is professionally termed an “erratic”, an unkind word for a rock type that is different from the bedrock on which it sits.  The Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club made a visit to Cumberland's Stone in the 1870s, and they determined the boulder to be a large block of conglomerate, also known as pudding stone. The bedrock beneath it is also conglomerate, but of a different type. They suggested that it matched the geology of Stratherrick which lies almost 20 miles (32km) south of Inverness.

Speaking as if they were there at the time, they believe that the rock was torn from the ground at Stratherrick as a huge ice sheet crept out of the west towards the Moray Firth coast. Jagged edges were smoothed as the stone slowly rolled and shifted within the ice, and it was then deposited at Culloden 16,000 years ago when the ice eventually melted.

Prof Colin Ballantyne, of University of St Andrews' School of Geography and Geosciences, said erratic rocks such as Cumberland's Stone help scientists to understand glacial geology.

He said: "Erratic boulders like Cumberland's Stone are used by geomorphologists to trace the former directions of movement of the last ice sheet. This ice sheet reached its maximum dimensions about 22,000 years ago. At that time the ice sheet covered all of Scotland, including the highest mountain summits, extended eastwards to join the Scandinavian Ice Sheet in the North Sea basin and extended westwards to the edge of the Continental shelf, about 50km west of St Kilda."

Prof Ballantyne added: "Cumberland's Stone was carried a few tens of kilometres as part of a fast-moving body of ice within the last ice sheet known as the Moray Firth Ice Stream. Some erratics have travelled much farther. Erratics from Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde, for example, have been recovered from glacial deposits in Wales."

Paul Lang, a living history re-enactor who has had interest in Culloden since working at the battlefield as a teenager, believes the Culloden stone's notoriety is undeserving, and wanted to play down the Cumberland connection "To me the Cumberland connection is a myth," he said. "Cumberland at the time was not the most mobile man. He was carrying injuries. The idea of him climbing up on to the stone to have his lunch seems crazy." Mr Lang said the duke was recorded to have been on horseback during the battle and took up a position between the first and second lines of his regiments. "That's a good 400 to 500 metres from the frontline," he said, adding: "The stone is too far away for Cumberland to have been able to see what was going on during the battle."

Mr Lang felt that if you went further back in history, then the stone's reputation could be a lot different. It is said to have brought together the early 18th Century society lovers Duncan Forbes and Mary Rose, a baron's daughter. "Duncan Forbes had a reputation for being a boozer and a party guy and the baron was not happy about his daughter seeing him," said Mr Lang. "The couple are said to have met at a large stone on the edge of Culloden Estate not far from the road to Nairn. Today's road is not far from where the old one ran and the only big stone close by - and on the edge of the estate - is Cumberland's Stone."

After training in law, Forbes married his sweetheart. Mr Lang said: "Duncan Forbes' attitude changed. He became focused on law and was dedicated to his wife, who died 10 years later." Forbes was Lord Chief Justice of Scotland at the time of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. He supported the government and made efforts to convince some clan chiefs not to risk ruin by siding with Bonnie Prince Charlie. Mr Lang said: "After Culloden, Forbes was saddened by what happened to his fellow Highlanders. He died the following year, some say of a broken heart."

Check Out the Tourism Site for Northern Ireland

It is not often that I offer a sweeping statement like that, but I would like to make an exception in this case. With poor financial conditions, and even poorer weather, the British holiday industry is under pressure in a way that is unprecedented in recent times. Mind you, overseas destinations are not tearing up trees either, it is a just a general malaise throughout world tourism. It is at times like this that British holiday destinations that may not necessarily be at the top of everyone’s list need all the help that they can get.

This why my attention was drawn to the Northern Ireland Tourism site.  In truth, I was checking my Northern Ireland connections to keep an eye on the progress of the City of Derry and its cultural extravaganza in 2013. It has been my experience that destinations such as Derry tend to start misbehaving once they have been awarded such a prestigious honour, and I am pleased to report that Derry appears to be doing just that, to everyone’s joy and entertainment!

Northern Ireland's tourism industry is booming!

I was however waylaid by the Northern Ireland tourism site on the way through, so an update on Derry will just have to wait. I know as much about Northern Ireland as many people, but I suspect that it is still not enough. May I take the time to show you a couple of things that caught my eye.

Time together in Tyrone and the Sperrins...

Day 1
• Spend the morning shopping in Dungannon - The Linen Green  is a must, boasting a number of internationally renowned Irish designers
• Have lunch in Viscounts Restaurant known for its excellent food and unique medieval theme
• Visit Dungannon’s newest attraction, The Hill of The O’Neil and Ranfurly House Arts and Visitors Centre, to learn more about the Gaelic O'Neills and subsequent Plantation of Ulster
• Visit the impressive early 17th century Castle Caulfield  in the nearby village named after it

Day 2
• Head for Omagh and spend the morning in the Ulster American Folk Park, where you can travel from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant ship, to the log cabins of the American frontier
• Have lunch in the nearby Mellon Country Inn.
• Depart for Cookstown and visit  Lissan House  where you can take in the magical story of Elizabeth Dolling.

There was also an article that dates back to February, but extols the virtues of a new hill top path to Belfast’s highest hill, which is known as the Divis Summit Trail.  This is something that I would like to touch upon sometime later, but safe to say that walkers who involve themselves will be treated to spectacular views over Belfast and every county in Ulster as well as parts of Scotland and England.

Pop onto the site in the meantime and give it a whirl.

http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/

Poor Weather Last Year Results in Record Museum Figures in Wales

The National Museum of Wales  (NMW) has joyfully announced record visitor numbers for last year’s trading, with four of its sites being able to say that they have had the highest number of visitors in their history. The museum is spread over seven sites, and the main museum building in Cardiff, the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea, the National Wool Museum in Dre-fach Felindre and the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon all had highest ever figures.

Certainly the free entry is a particular draw, but tourism experts believe that two other factors have had a major impact on the record figures.  Professor Terry Stevens is a consultant on strategic tourism, and said “ I'm not surprised they are reporting these figures. in tough economic conditions, when the consumer has a straight choice between a free product and a paid for product, they are going to choose a no charge for admission attraction. Also because the museums are perceived as being indoors they will attract people trying to escape poor weather."

He added: "Last year the National Museum was given additional money from the Welsh government for marketing. They had a very aggressive marketing campaign paid for by the Welsh government when the private sector was struggling."

However, a spokesman for NMW was quick to say that the comments from Professor Stevens relating to funding were not true, and that in fact they had not received extra money for a marketing campaign, with the opposite being the case, with funding having been cut from the previous year. Such was the parlous state of finances that earlier this year NMW announced about 35 permanent jobs will go as part of a restructuring plan. A further 160 posts will be affected among the 650 museum staff. It was also pointed out that the museum was no exception to the unprecedented financial challenges facing every public sector organisation in Wales.

This was all part of a programme to find £2.5m in savings over three years.  But David Anderson, director general of NMW, said the latest figures were "testimony to the quality of the service delivered by the museums and the true value of the Welsh government's free entry policy".  He added: "Breaking records such as these motivates us to continue to deliver for the people of Wales.  We must remain relevant to all, not only appealing to our existing audiences but also attracting new visitors to interact with the national collections, which after all belong to the people of Wales."

Culture Minister John Griffiths described the figures as "fantastic".  "Our museums have an important role to play in profiling the culture and history of Wales locally, nationally and internationally," he said.

Other museums that fall under the NMW umbrella are the National History Museum in St Fagans, National Coal Museum at Big Pit in Blaenavon and the National Slate Museum in Llanberis.

http://www.museumwales.ac.uk/

Oxford Tourism Chiefs Delighted with the Appearance of the “New” Morse

With its world wide reputation as the “city of dreaming spires”, it could be said that the beautiful city of Oxford needs no help in selling itself as a tourist attraction. Having said that, tourism chiefs would surely have been a little disappointed when the “Morse” stories finished on television, as the detective series starring John Thaw which was set in the city, had introduced another generation of visitors to the delights of this mecca of academia.

But a bit like the 37 bus, if you wait long enough, another one comes along, and the tourism industry in the city has just welcomed the arrival of  “Endeavour”, a new series described as a prequel, which is set to tell the story of the early years of the popular detective. It is set in 1965, and timeless Oxford should have no trouble in gently slipping back into that more tranquil period. The leading star, Shaun Evans, is hoping the show will prove a hit with viewers having returned last Sunday after last year’s successful pilot.

Endeavour is the Inspector Morse "prequel"

Liverpudlian actor Mr Evans spoke of his love for Oxford and said: “I am excited, I think they are good stories.  I love Oxford. I think it’s a good place, it was a joy to be there.  People are always so accommodating so I am really grateful we could find time there.  It is unusual to get access to the colleges. I’ve been before as a visitor and tourist. I think it’s a great city.”  Mr Evans added: “We did a lot in all of the different colleges, it is hard to pick one highlight.  But there are a few scenes on the roof of the Trinity College and that was beautiful.”

He quickly moved on before describing what exactly he was doing on the roof of Trinity College.  On whether another series will be commissioned, Mr Evans said: “I’m really pleased with the story that we’ve got and I’m really pleased with the evolution so far, so who knows.”

There were about 80 crew and 20 cast and extras who arrived in Oxford when they shot the second episode at the end of October.  Crews were also filming along Catte Street and there was  a scene involving a black Jaguar in Merton Street. Eagle-eyed passers-by spotted a dramatic stunt scene being filmed on the roof of Trinity College. Of the first episode, Mr Evans added: “The main story is about this girl whose child has been taken from a very wealthy family in Oxford.  I tell you, Oxford is a dangerous place!”  Tourism chiefs would want to reassure tourists that is not true in real life!

Jo Butler, Visit Oxfordshire’s head of tourism and marketing, said: “In terms of Morse and Lewis, particularly Morse, we have seen such an interest in them.  We have brought in new product ranges in our retail office for Inspector Morse and we run tours for Inspector Morse.  So we can see Endeavour will have an impact and will hopefully see a resurgence of Morse fans coming to Oxford as well.”

http://www.oxfordcityguide.com/ee2/index.php?/OCG/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endeavour_%28TV_series%29

Sixteen Sided A La Ronde Will Really Take Your Breath Away

If you find yourself in South Devon at all, and you are  looking for something that will entertain family members of all ages, then consider a trip to the National Trust run A la Ronde, a most unusual sixteen sided home near Lympstone, Exmouth. The property was built in 1796 on fifteen acres of land that were acquired by two spinster cousins Jane and Mary Parminter.

The Parminter family had acquired considerable wealth as merchants with Jane’s father being a Barnstaple wine merchant  who had business interest in Lisbon. Jane was born in Lisbon, and while growing up in London, became a guardian to her orphan cousin Mary. Upon the death of her father in 1784, Jane decided to undertake the delightfully named “grand tour”, which was a traditional tour of Europe. This is undertaken with Mary, Jane’s invalid sister Elizabeth, and a female friend.

There is a school of thought that Jane and Mary’s lives at A la Ronde were of a secluded and eccentric nature, and even that the design could have been attributed to Jane herself. This may or not be the case,  but what remains a fact is that they lived together at the property until Jane’s death in 1811.  What attracts visitors today apart from the unusual design is the incredible number of objets d’art, especially shells, that the ladies collected during their European tour.

Although it was a stipulation of Mary’s will that the property could only be inherited by “unmarried kinswomen”,  The Reverend Oswald Reichel, a brother of one of the occupants came into ownership. He introduced many improvements, some of which have now been removed by the National Trust in order to provide a greater sense of the original appearance.

During their lives, the two ladies found the journey to church in Exmouth increasingly difficult, and as a result a chapel, together with a small school for six girls, plus an almhouse were built in the grounds. Both ladies are buried beneath the chapel.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/nov/16/feminist-eccentric-home-devon

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/a-la-ronde/

Henry VIII's Dissolution, a Tourist Industry in Itself

There is no doubt that Britain’s holiday industry would be greatly diminished if it wasn’t for the turbulent times that religious belief has suffered over the years. The wealth of the church created such magnificent buildings, from Aberdeen in the north, right through to Exeter and Truro in the south, and while these have remained relatively unscathed, Henry VIII’s reformation resulted in many others being knocked around in a rather unreligious way.

Yet in a strange way some of the ill treated buildings have a majesty all of their own. Whereas it is hard not to be in awe of York’s Minster, and Ely’s Cathedral, known as “The Ship of the Fens”, religious remains such as Rievaulx in Yorkshire and St. Hilda’s that glowers over Whitby have a beauty and a wistfulness all of their own.

One that often catches the eye is be the former Cistercian Abbey at Tintern on the banks of the River Wye. Approaching in either direction along the beautiful Wye Valley road, the A466, you will find your breath taken away by the first impression, and  you would be hard put not to utter the timeless phrase, “how did they manage to build such a wonderful building without the modern equipment that we have today”.

Tintern Abbey

It was founded in 1131, only the second Cistercian building in Britain, and the first in Wales. Its position rather set it apart from the heartland of Wales, and as a result it was more immune from the occasional Welsh uprisings that were a regular hazard  in other parts of the country.

The Dissolution effectively ended its working life, however, some four hundred years later in 1536,  although its ivy covered remains became a popular stopping off place during the late eighteenth century, when celebrities such J.M.W. Turner and Wordsworth were visitors.

A visit here can form the nucleus of a splendid day out, or even a short break running to a couple of days. Take in both Chepstow and Raglan Castles, as well as the Wye Valley itself and the Forest of Dean. Close by you will find historic towns such as Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye,  which will easily fill your day tripping list, and there is great walking and cycling, and many other outdoor activities. Wine buffs will be pleased to visit the local vineyards, and there is fine fishing to be enjoyed on the Rivers Wye and Usk, both having the famous local salmon.

Enjoy local eating of a high quality at places such as the iconic Moon and Sixpence at Tintern or the Walnut Tree near Abergavenny.

http://www.castlewales.com/tintern.html

http://www.chepstow.co.uk/Core/Chepstow-Town-Council/Pages/Default_4.aspx

http://www.monmouth.org.uk/

http://www.wyenot.com/touristinformation.htm

Steven and Henry – What Lincoln Means To Us

We at Brit Breaks have been pleased to feature Lincoln and Lincolnshire on a number of occasions in our news and travel blogs, and make no apology for reprinting a delightful article that has come our way recently via the local Lincoln press that was printed in the Lincolnshire Echo and This Is Lincolnshire website. It takes the form of a couple of informal interviews with photographer Steven Haddock, and student Henry Naughton about Lincoln and what it means to them.

They obviously speak with affection of the city, yet you come away with the impression that they saying things because they mean them, rather than presenting a stilted promotion of the city. Take a peek and see what you think.

Steven Haddock, is a 26-year-old professional photographer and lives in Lindum Hill, Lincoln.

What brings you to Lincoln? I came to Lincoln through higher education and grew fond of her charms. Now I'm lucky enough to be in a position to live and work here.

Describe Lincoln in three words? Historic, independent and quaint.

Aside from the cathedral, where is your favourite tourist spot in the city? My favourite tourist spot is currently The Collection, due to the area that it is in and the mixture of exhibits. I also quite like Lincoln Art Works. And The Angel because their brews are to die for.

If there was one thing you could change about the city, what would it be? More support towards the growth of industry and work within the city. A lot of talented people are coming through the city to study at the college and university but there isn't any work for them. Neither is support there for their business start-ups and they are forced to leave. But I guess this is happening everywhere as a result of the current climate. It's just a shame.

Tell us what you think is Lincoln's best kept secret? I photographed a wedding at The Bishop's Palace. At the back of the venue is a garden which overlooks a vineyard and the whole of Lincoln. Spin 180 degrees, look back at the venue you will have the cathedral looming back over you. It gives you a great feeling of being smack in the middle of Lincoln.

What's your ideal night out in the city? Start off at Ribs N Bibs for some smoked pork, then off to the Strait and Narrow and maybe tackle a club afterwards. The Strait and Narrow has become my go-to bar of choice, though.

How would you change Lincoln in the next ten years? I'd like to see it better connected with other cities, whether it be by train or even road network. I think we're out on a bit of a limb and miss out on opportunities like trading and jobs because of it. On the High Street we don't offer a lot more than any other UK town, so it would be great as well to see more backing for independently-owned stores rather than seeing them boarded up. I also want to see more live music at the Engine Shed.

If you could give £20,000 to any city of charity project, which would you choose and why? I currently donate to St Barnabas Hospice due to personal experiences they have provided – and Lindsey Lodge Hospice over in Scunthorpe. I'd probably donate a larger sum to support workers caring for people and families affected by cancer, if I could.

How can we best encourage Lincoln's many different communities to get along better? Lincoln actually does a lot to cater for many cultures, considering the size of the city. It would be great to advertise a little better though. I don't think the right people always find out about events going on. I've often hear people say: "Oh, I didn't realise that was on, if I'd known I'd have been there." But then again, like other cities there are legal poster boards and places for people to flyer legally which, could be great if we are going to embrace Lincoln as a growing city.

Lincoln Cathedral

Henry Naughton, 22, is a drama student from Welton.

What brings you to Lincoln? I moved to Lincoln when I was 11 for my dad's work and went to William Farr School.

Describe Lincoln in three words? Quaint, friendly and pleasant.

Asides from the cathedral, where is your favourite tourist spot in the city? The Bishop's Palace. I've worked there a lot and its a bit of a hidden gem. There is a lot of history in the building and it is the best spot in Lincoln for weddings because of the incredible views.

If there was one thing you could change about the city, what would it be? I'd put a greater emphasis on the arts. Lincoln has so much potential with the Drill Hall and the LPAC, but they aren't being maximised to their greatest potential. It would be better for tourism, too.

Tell us what you think is Lincoln's best kept secret? I think the best kept secrets are just outside of the city centre, like the picturesque villages that still make up Lincoln. We have a lot hidden gems.

What's your ideal night out in the city? Ideally, if there's some kind of theatre or performance going on at the LPAC, I would go there. Then on to bars like the Strait and Narrow or Kind, and maybe a club night at the Engine Shed depending on what night it is.

How would you change Lincoln in the next ten years? I'd want to extend and improve Lincoln's train station, so that it goes to more locations in the country and make transport easier. Also, I'd like to see more development and investment in the university because it has a lot going for it.

Do you watch or follow any of Lincoln's sports teams? I follow Lincoln Wellington Athletics Club, but none of the others. I've been a member for 12 years and really like to run, and the facilities are getting better. Especially since the new track was laid in 2011.

If you could give £20,000 to any city or charity project, which would you choose and why? I would give it to one of the charities in Lincoln which helps the city's homeless. I'm not sure which one but I feel that they need it the most.

How can we best encourage Lincoln's many different communities to get along better? I think if there were more social clubs and activities for people of all ages, with good facilities that people would enjoy going to. Maybe tokens to get drinks and snacks could be offered as well to encourage people to use them.

They say that there is no better way to get to know a city than by speaking to the locals, and so it proves in this pleasing little set of interviews.

http://www.lincolntourism.co.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/lincoln-medieval-bishops-palace/

http://lincolnshire-echo.vlex.co.uk/vid/naughton-whitelam-lincolnshireecho-429391686

http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/views-palace-just-quite-incredible/story-18541943-detail/story.html#axzz2Q9RXdRIy

Zip World Has Really Taken Off

I’m sure that there must be a word in the dictionary to describe someone who is captivated by Zip Wires, and if there is, it would certainly describe us here at Brit Breaks.  For what is probably the fourth or fifth time in as many months, we are able to turn our attention to a captivating story about intrepid entrepreneurs with big ideas based on these high profile attractions.

The news has been mixed, some have met with strong local opposition, and some have passed the test and are fully functioning. The latest one that we are pleased to talk about looks as though it is going to be the granddaddy of them all, and that is Zip World at Bethesda in North Wales.

Zip World is enjoying good times

As with so many of these zip wire attractions it is based on regenerating a disused industrial site or complex. The secret of a successful zip wire is based on pure gravity, namely “zipping” from somewhere high to somewhere low as quickly as possible. This certainly applies at Zip World which is based at the old Penrhyn Slate Quarry at Bethesda in North Wales.

The facts will tell you why this will be one of the most successful.  The owners proudly claim that Zip World will be the largest zip-wire ride in the Northern Hemisphere, and will propel you downhill at speeds of about 75 miles an hour, although it has been tested for speeds estimated at up to 100 miles per hour. The former slate quarry, in itself the largest in the world of its kind until 1950, has been transformed into a mile-long ride that whisks adrenaline seekers from 700ft to ground level.

Using a special zinc-coated wire from Germany,  the attraction  took eight months to build and riders will be taken up to the top of the quarry in an ex-military vehicle for a tour of the region before being given a weather-proof suit, helmets and goggles to ride in. Those worried about tackling the bigger wire straight away can practice their technique on a smaller wire known as the Little Zipper.

There are views of Snowdonia, the Isle of Anglesey and even the Isle of Man, for those taking the trip on a clear day. The attraction costs £45 for adults and £36 for children.

We at Brit Breaks promise that this is the last article that we will do about zip wires, until the next one that is!

http://www.zipworld.co.uk/

“Lake District”? The Clue is in the Name!

In a light hearted move that shows British humour at its very best (and probably has people from overseas scratching their heads in bewilderment), the newly formed South Norwood Tourist Board (SNTB) in London (all four members!) are contacting Cumbria Tourism to say that they feel that they have more of a claim to be called The Lake District, rather than the real thing.  The basis of their argument is that of all the numerous stretches of water in the Lake District, only one actually has the word “Lake “ in the title, namely Bassenthwaite Lake.

They rather cheekily point out that the London suburb of South Norwood, which is part of Croydon, has two lakes, double the number found in the real Lake District.  With a sweeping statement, no doubt uttered with tongue firmly in cheek, Ian Bone of SNTB points out that there is not much to do when it rains in the Lake District, and “once you’ve seen one stretch of water, you’ve seen them all”. He feels that their northern friends should stop using the name  so that South Norwood can use it instead.

Lake District

"People are astounded to discover the Lake District only has one lake," he said.  He said tourists had historically been misled and the area's attractions were overrated.

Stoically, Cumbria Tourism are treating the claim with the gentle distain that they feel it deserves. Swatting the claim aside like a loose ball down the leg side, Cumbria Tourism Managing director Ian Stephens said: "Until I see any further notices or instructions from their solicitors I can't be too worried about it."  He suggested a possible cultural exchange "to go down and understand the delights of Croydon". I'm sure the ponds of South Norwood have their merits and it is flattering that they wish to emulate our natural environment, albeit in a modest way."

Mr. Bone and three friends came upon a photograph of Arthur Conan Doyle in a local pub and, thinking it sad the area was not more celebrated for this famous connection, decided to set up a small group to rectify matters. He was also keen to point out that the town was home to Pickles, the famous dog who found the missing World Cup in 1966. “And were people aware that the town had the world's first reinforced concrete tunnel?" he laughed.

There you are, that laughter hopefully gives the game away, and the proximity of April 1st might have given Mr. Bone a chance to recant. But, no, it seems as though SNTB will be chipping away again in the future.
Trying to bring a sense of decorum to the argument, Cumbrian angler and environmentalist Eric Hope said tarns, meres and lakes are all just local names with their roots in a mix of Cumbric, Old English, Old Norse and modern English. "What we're looking at is centuries of people using different names for the same thing.” He said. “The Lake District is steeped in tradition. There's a huge difference between Cumbria and Croydon and it's not just in the spelling."

Residents of Cumbria have long corrected the erroneous use of Lake Windermere or Lake Ullswater - pointing out quite rightly that it says the same thing twice. A glance in the dictionary might be helpful. Both the Oxford English and the Collins define meres and tarns as lakes. By that account, Cumbria can claim anywhere up to 80 lakes.

Game, set and match Cumbria we think!

http://southnorwoodtouristboard.com/
http://www.cumbriatourism.org/

Dallas Dhu Distillery

Just as night follows day, so it is when you visit Scotland you will find that it is inevitable that you will visit a distillery. Go on, don’t fight it!  You know you want to, after all it’s an integral part of Scottish history, and we are all for a bit of history aren’t we?

But where do you start, after all there are supposed to be well over a hundred in Scotland, and that’s just the ones that we know about. Well it’s a good job that Historic Scotland is riding to our rescue, because they can offer us a chance to visit Dallas Dhu in Moray, which although is not now an active distillery, gives you a pretty good idea what distilling was all about. You then have a chance to pay a visit to an active distillery in a much more knowledgeable frame of mind.

Originally it was the brainchild of a businessman and entrepreneur called Alexander Edward.  In 1898, he founded two new distilleries on land outside Forres – Benromach and Dallasmore. There was a demand for malt whisky to be used for blending, and these two distilleries filled that requirement.

Dallas Dhu Malt Whisky

However, before Dallasmore went into production in 1899, Edward sold the distillery to the blending firm of Wright & Greig Limited from Glasgow.  They wanted the distillery to ensure a supply of malt for their popular blend, Roderick Dhu, and to reinforce the link, they changed the distillery’s name to Dallas Dhu.

When it was in its pomp, the distillery would have had about fifteen men working there, including a manager, a brewer, and a number of other staff.  These were divided up into different groups, each headed by a lead man. There was a stillman, a mashman, and a maltman, as well as the cooper and warehousemen.  They were expected to be jacks of all trades as they were supposed to turn their hand to anything from unloading barley and shovelling peat to rolling out the barrels.

One person stood out from all of this however, namely the exciseman. He was not employed by the distillery, but by Customs and Excise, despite the fact that the distillery had to provide him with a house and office!
Dallas Dhu Distillery had a working life from 1899 to 1983, with the first barrel being filled on 3 June 1899.

The final barrel was on 16 March 1983, and while it was open, it certainly had a varied existence. Having been closed during the First World War, it reopened and Wright and Greig sold it to J. P. O’Brien & Co Ltd of Glasgow. Their ownership was short, as they went into liquidation in 1921, and Dallas Dhu was sold to Benmore Distillery.

They put a lot of money into the business with on site developments, including a new railway siding. However, the Great Depression forced closure in the early 1930s, and by sheer bad luck,  soon after reopening production, the distillery was badly damaged by fire, on 9 April 1939.  Production began again in 1947, but was finally closed in 1983, largely because of a water shortage caused by prolonged drought. The buildings were reopened to the public in 1988, and Historic Scotland has operated the property since 1992.

http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/index/places/propertyresults/propertyabout.htm?PropID=PL_085&PropName=Dallas%20Dhu%20Historic%20Distillery

The Old House, Hereford

As any self respecting tourist will tell you, the highlight of any visit to Hereford is a chance to visit the wonderful cathedral, with its Norman origins,  the marvellous chained library, and of course the Hereford Mappa Mundi, the largest medieval map known to still exist. They will also direct you to the Hereford Bridge, the bridge over the River Wye, that was built in 1490. In 1645, when the city was under siege, local people destroyed one of the arches in an effort to keep out the invading armies, and it was later rebuilt but in a different style from the rest.

However, not as many people will direct you to another of Hereford’s architectural gems, namely the Old House which can be found in High Town, Hereford. It is an eye catching spectacle, particularly when the natural light is bright and reflects on its traditional black and white half timbered design.

It was built in 1621  as a shop and home for a local butcher. Surprisingly, it was in constant use until 1929, when it was converted to serve as a local museum that put the focus on life in Jacobean times.

The Old House, Hereford

Rooms that can be viewed include the kitchens, parlour, and dining hall. The interiors are presented with furnishings from the 17th century, a lot of it in oak, as well as suitable period decorations. There are a series of rare wall paintings on view, and a period four-poster bed as well as an unusual 17th century baby-walker. 

One particular highlight that is sure to catch your eye is a wonderfully carved fireplace surround in the dining hall. Children have the opportunity to enjoy dressing up in Jacobean costumes, and playing historical replica puzzles. The Old House also plays  host to regular Jacobean Evening events throughout the year, with family activities and themed events centred on that period of time.

There you are, you see. Your planned day trip to Hereford is already turning into a weekend break!

http://visitherefordshire.co.uk/

https://beta.herefordshire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/museums-and-galleries-general-information/#old

Carew Castle, Pembrokeshire

Deemed by many to be one of the most impressive and imposing of the thirteenth century castles that can be found littered throughout Britain, it has also been suggested that there has been a military use to the site of Carew Castle for some two thousand years. The famous Carew family take their name from the parish of Carew, and although the castle is leased to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park who administer the site, the castle itself is still in the ownership of the Carew family.

As with so many castles in Britain, it has been altered, extended, and on occasion, treated rather harshly, but has managed throughout this time to retain much of its dramatic appearance and rugged dignity. It benefits from a fine position next to the Carew inlet, part of the tidal Milford Haven estuary, and overlooks a twenty three acre millpond. Indeed the castle has the only tidal mill  in Wales, and one of only four in Britain. The mill machinery remains, although the mill no longer functions.

The keep is undoubtedly Norman, with a twelfth century stone enclosure being added. What we see today in terms of the high walled structure dates from the thirteenth century.

The Carew family have popped in and out of ownership over the years, but suffered difficult times around the Black Death, when Rhys Ap Thomas came into ownership. He was a wily old scallywag who came into his fortune by changing sides and supporting Henry Tudor just prior to the Battle of Bosworth. 

Carew Castle

Henry’s family subsequently fell out of favour with Henry VIII with obvious consequences, and a later owner, Sir John Perrott, having carried out more alterations, fell out of favour and died in the Tower of London in 1592. It is at this stage that you begin to get the impression that it was a bit of a poisoned chalice to own this property!

The castle reverted to the crown and was finally re-purchased by the de Carew family in 1607. In the Civil War,  the castle was refortified by Royalists although south Pembrokeshire was strongly for Parliament. After changing hands three times, the south wall was pulled down to render the castle indefensible to Royalists. At the Restoration  the castle was returned to the de Carews as they were known by now, who continued to occupy the eastern wing until 1686.

Regrettably at that time, the castle suffered abandonment, when decay and looting ensued. Since 1984,  Cadw  has provided funding for a number of restoration works undertaken for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/default.asp?PID=262

http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/default.asp?PID=414

http://www.castlewales.com/carew.html

Coventry Cathedral Crypt Discoveries

Coventry Cathedral has always been near the top of any tourism attraction list. The iconic mix of the old ruins of the original building dedicated to St. Mary dating from the eleventh century, the cathedral dedicated to St. Michael that was started in the fourteenth century and was eventually granted cathedral status in 1918, only to be all but destroyed by German bombing in 1940, and finally the modern cathedral, also dedicated to St. Michael and designed by Sir Basil Spence that was completed in 1962.

For many reasons over the years Coventry Cathedral has managed to keep itself in the news, and so it is at the moment with the recent discovery of nine secret crypts that have remained hidden under the ruins of the bombed shell.  Although the existence of two crypts has been known for some while, the new discovery comes as the result of work that has been commissioned after the discovery in 2011 of a crack in the fourteenth century ruins. It was in the 1970’s that the two known crypts were last open to the public.

Coventry Cathedral

Dr Jonathan Foyle, chief executive of the World Monuments Fund Britain, has said that it would be hoped that the new crypts could be open to the public after they were cleared of rubble and damp-proofed.  His organisation is handling the work, and he said that it was like finding a "subterranean wonderland".

Early opinion is that the crypts were probably used originally as special burial places for personalities such as the nobility. There are some that contain human bones, which are thought to have been cleared from the cemetery,  the land of which was used for the new cathedral.

Dr Foyle said the crypts, which cover the whole area of the old cathedral, were a highly significant find. They are likely to date back to the 1350s, and Dr. Foyle said "It's where Coventry's medieval burial grounds were - and at that time in the fourteenth century, it was the fourth greatest city in England.  These spaces would have been created to provide a fitting burial for the many thousands of people who contributed to the rise of this city at its peak."

In 2010, more than £350,000 was spent on repairs to the cathedral ruins, when it was hoped that the work would secure the building structurally until 2013. Fundraising is ongoing to restore more of the cathedral.

In October 2011, the ruins were placed on the World Monuments Fund's Watch List, a catalogue of cultural heritage sites around the globe which are in danger.

Coventry was a continual target for German air raids in the Second World War because of its importance to the munitions and metal working industries. Although there were seventeen smaller raids that coincided with the Battle of Britain during the period August to October 1940, the large raid that resulted in the cathedral being destroyed took place on the 14^th November 1940. The raid was well planned with the first wave ensuring that utilities and services were crippled. The cathedral was first hit at about 8.00 pm, and by the time the all clear was sounded the next morning at about 6.15 am, it is estimated that over two thirds of the buildings in Coventry had been damaged. Although about one third of the factories were damaged or destroyed, output was quickly returned to normal, as “shadow” factories had been built towards the city’s outskirts.

http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coventry_Blitz