The Town Hall’s first organ was made by Hill & Son in 1875 for £2,106 ($3,800). Arriving at the town hall in 1876, it was first publicly played on 2 October 1877.

Significant redevelopments to the Town Hall saw the Hill organ replaced with the current organ, built by Walker & Sons in 1989.

At the time of its installation, it was the largest mechanical action organ built in Britain for more than 100 years.

The Hill organ now stands, magnificently restored, in the Barossa Regional Gallery [Tanunda Soldiers' Memorial Hall]. It is the oldest concert organ on the Australian mainland.

*Adelaide Town Hall Timeline

1840 Town Hall Acre No. 203 acquired for 12 shillings

1850 Council Office Building erected on part of Acre No. 203

1863 Town Hall foundation stone laid

1866 Town Hall opened

1869 Prince Alfred Chambers and Queen’s Chambers completed

1875 Eagle Chambers completed

1877 First performance on original pipe organ

1880 Gladstone Chambers completed

1882 Addition of Council Chamber and Banqueting Room

1899 Dress circle erected by auditorium

1914–1915 Town Hall additions erected and administration offices refurbished

1953–1958 Extensive changes to main entrance area, ground and first floor foyers, with access established between the town hall and its adjoining buildings

1979 Colonel Light Centre office building completed

1981 Renovation of old Methodist Meeting Hall completed

1982–1990 Restoration in four stages of the Town Hall complex and the establishment of the North and South Galleries. The installation of a new pipe organ.

*Foundation Stone

The foundation stone of the new Town Hall was laid by His Excellency the Governor on Monday afternoon in the presence of a large concourse of people. A silver trowel with suitable inscription was presented to the Governor, and a dinner was afterwards held in the Council Chamber, presided over by His Worship the Mayor. Ref: South Australian Weekly Chronicle 9-5-1863]

His Excellency, who was attired in a Windsor costume, was escorted to the platform and introduced to His Worship the Mayor (Mr T English) by Mr E W Wright, the architect.

The building thus commenced will be erected from the designs of Mr Edmund W Wright, under his superintendence and that of Mr Edward Woods, architect: and we trust that in about eighteen months the citizens will have the pleasure of seeing the great undertaking completed. £16,000 is the total estimated cost. Of this £3,200 has already been borrowed. Tenders are now being called for £6,800, making £10,000 in all and a subsequent loan of £6,000 will be effected when required.

After the proceedings outside, His Excellency the Governor and some invited guests, to the number of fifty, repaired to the Council Chamber, where a most recherche collation was provided by Mr G Aldridge of the Shades. [Ref: South Australian Advertiser 26-5-1863]

*OPENING THE ADELAIDE TOWN HALL

The great event of the past week in Adelaide has been the opening of the Town Hall.

The Town Hall was commenced about two years ago from the designs of Messrs Wright and Woods, and has been carried out in its entirety at a cost of about £20,000. We can add our testimony to that of all who have seen it that it is a building of which any community might well be proud.

At the opening dinner, provided at the expense of the Mayor of Adelaide (Mr Townsend) over 800 invited guests sat down. It was a most brilliant affair, and the good feeling and harmony which prevailed at it is evidenced by the excellent speeches made on the occasion.

But the Ball on the following Friday, at which about 900 took part, came pretty near to eclipsing the dinner, for it was if anything more brilliant. Like the Hall itself, the Dinner and Ball puts every other event of the kind ever held in the colonies, completely in the shade. [Ref: Border Watch (Mount Gambier) 30-6-1866]

Copyright © John G. Lidstone, all rights reserved.

You are warned: DO NOT STEAL or RE-POST THIS PHOTO.

It is an offence under law if you remove my copyright marking, or post this image anywhere else without my express written permission.

If you do, and I find out, you WILL be reported for copyright infringement action to the host platform and/or group applicable.

The same applies to all of my images.

My copyright is also embedded in the image metadata.

Week Commencing - 14/7/14,

Presenting your new 10/10A service from Dom's Buses brought to you by a fleet of 11 Dominian Domestic 150SL's the 10/10A or the Golden Bubble is shown in a very customised vibrant colourful livery.

These buses will operate fictionally between Union Street & Aberdeen Airport on this round loop service the 10 will Call at Union Street, Aberdeen ARI, Bucksburn & Airport where as the 10A will also stop at The Harbour & Train Station at peak hours...

The fleet of 11 will mainly operate using only 10 with 1 reserve at a frequency of Every 20 Minutes...

This along with many is the start of the first attempts to make Dom's Buses stand out to the public and make it noticed...

Commencée en 1226 dans le plus pur style gothique français sur l'emplacement de la grande mosquée qui elle même avait remplacé la cathédrale wisigothique sur la volonté de l'archevêque Rodrigo Jimenez de Rada, elle est achevée au XVe siècle.

Work commenced on Casa Grande as a home for the then General Manager of Mount Isa Mines, Julius Kruttschnitt, in 1949. It was a 'grand house', designed by the prominent Brisbane firm of Donoghue, Cusick and Edwards, but reflecting the influence of Kruschnitt's time spent in both Arizona and Mexico.

Kruttschnitt, with a background of developing mines in America for ASARCO's mining department, had taken on the challenge in 1930, of revitalising the ailing Mount Isa Mine at a time when the company was unable to meet outstanding financial commitments. The 1930s, a time of depression and austerity throughout Australia, was reflected in the price of lead plunging to the lowest point in the history of the metal markets.

Kruttschnitt tackled Mount Isa's problems with relentless energy and after more capital was raised through overseas financiers, ore production commenced again in 1931. In earlier years of the mine's operation, the company expended large amounts of money providing housing for employees. Two-storeyed timber houses, a number of dormitories and community buildings were constructed for workers during these more buoyant years. The 1930s saw more austere housing accommodation for workers often in the form of tin huts and tent houses. The problem of a lack of financial resources for accommodation extended to Kruttschnitt's own residence. Initially, he was housed in a modest staff house overlooking Central Park and the Band Rotunda. Kruttschnitt was reported to be unimpressed with his quarters.

The finances of the company did not improve until after World War II. While copper had been discovered in 1930, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, and the consumption of copper in Australian factories and munition works, meant that Mount Isa Mines went into full-scale copper production during that period. By 1946, with the end of the war, and a soaring consumption of lead in the United States for assembly lines and defence stockpiles, the price of lead rose to the unprecedented height of £91 a ton. In 1947, for the first time, the mine was able to pay a dividend to its investors. With the mine in an increasingly healthy financial position and an influx of workers to accommodate, the company renewed its housing program. Houses of simple design were constructed, as were dormitories. The company included in its program improved recreational facilities, including tennis courts and a swimming pool.

By the late 1940s attention was also paid to providing improved housing for mine executives. The building of a house for Julius Kruttschnitt, now Chairman of Directors, was commenced in 1949 on part of Special Mineral Lease 5589, overlooking older company housing dating from 1928-29. The name given to the house, literally 'big house', reflected the prosperity of Mount Isa Mines at that time and is a term commonly used in Arizona and New Mexico to describe the 'boss's' house. Casa Grande was designed by the prominent Brisbane architectural firm of Donoghue, Cusick and Edwards, probably incorporating the ideas of their client, Julius Kruttschnitt.

On the 22nd of July 1950, a housewarming party was given at 'Casa Grande' by Mr & Mrs Kruttschnitt, who entertained their guests under a marquee on the lawns. Small groups of people were shown over the house; certainly the largest and most elaborate house to be built in the hot, dry western district of Queensland.

Casa Grande has been used for many social events. In 1951 when badges were presented to employees of MIM who had served twenty years with the Company, a dinner was arranged for the 87 men and their wives by Mrs Kruttschnitt. An annual New Year's Eve punchbowl party was just one of the functions hosted by the Kruttschnitts during their time at Casa Grande.

Julius Kruttschnitt resigned as Chairman of Directors in 1952 but did not return to the United States, settling in Brisbane at his home Casa Ita. He was succeeded at Mount Isa by George Fisher who lived with his family at Casa Grande until 1966. During the time of the Fisher's occupancy, the house was refurnished and much of this furniture remains at Casa Grande.

Casa Grande became a guest house for visiting directors of the company and VIPs from 1966. A suite at the house was redecorated and refurnished for Queen Elizabeth, who visited the town in 1970. A dining room table, with the tabletop constructed from one piece of cedar was bought by the Company for the Queen's visit.

Casa Grande reflects the period in the life of Mount Isa Mines when the first dividend was paid, and the Company, after years of struggle, was becoming profitable. By 1955 MIM Ltd was the largest mining company in Australia and a company with a strong international reputation.

Source: Queensland Heritage Register.

Commencée en 792 et terminée en 805, cette merveille octogonale était la chapelle du Palais impérial de Charlemagne.

De nombreux éléments (colonnes de porphyre, chapiteaux) sont des remplois d'éléments byzantins ou romains prélevées en Italie.

La mosaïque de la coupole centrale est l'oeuvre de Jean-Baptiste Béthune, artiste belge, exécutée de 1879 à 1881 en remplacement de la mosaïque originale disparue au XVIIIe siècle.

Commencing April 30th 1989 certain journeys previously part of the Invictaway group of services were revised to form part of a new 'London Express' network of National Express. To this end Duple 'Laser' bodied Leyland Tiger TRCTL11/3R 2182 (A182 MKE) received London Express livery. Re-registered VAY 879 in June 1989 it remained the only vehicle within the Maidstone & District fleet to be so adorned. The livery was shortlived as 2182 reverted to Invictaway livery in May 1990. Looking overdue for that repaint 2182 is seen on the High Street in Maidstone on March 7th 1990.

Montgomery Castle

Building commenced around 1223 on the orders of Henry III in response to the growing power of Welsh native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great),

The stone castle replaced a nearby wooden fort known as Hen Domen. Perched on its rocky ridge, this new fortress was significantly sturdier and more sophisticated, with a stone inner ward, well, deep defensive ditches crossed by drawbridges and walled town.

The castle remained in use for centuries, surviving attacks by Llywelyn in 1228 and 1231 and Llywelyn’s son Dafydd in 1245.

The castle’s ultimate end came during the Civil War, when it fell to the Parliamentarians and was demolished in 1649, leaving just the crumbling towers and low walls that stand today.

Montgomery is one of those castles that, even in ruin, retains a powerful atmosphere and presence that transcend its state of preservation. Perhaps it’s something to do with its location, on a steep crag above a pretty Georgian town with all-seeing views across the Welsh border.

www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Montgomery-Montgomery-Castle/deta...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_Castle

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfasMbZ7enA

Melounta (Greek: Μελούντα, Turkish: Mallıdağ), is a village in the Famagusta District of Cyprus, located 9 km north of Lefkoniko, or Gecitkale, on the south side of the eastern Pentadaktylos mountain range. It is under the de facto control of Northern Cyprus. Agios Nikolaos (Yamacköy) is its neighbour village, situated 500 meters to the East. Melounta is located roughly at the same distance respectively to Northern Cyprus' main cities North Nicosia, Famagusta, and Kyrenia. The vast majority of its approximately 200 inhabitants are Turkish Cypriots, considerably outnumbered by small livestock and chickens.

The fields to the West, South, and East of the village, are renowned for their fertility. Among others, barley, carobs, olives, and watermelons are cultivated here. Additionally, according to season, capers, wild asparagus, thyme, snails, vipers, huns, and a variety of edible berries are awaiting the collector in the immediate vicinity of Melounta.

As typical for the area, almost every home has its wine bower, its herb garden, its jasmine and bougainvillea, and its trees, predominantly lemons, figs, pomegranates, almonds, tangerines and peaches.

Melounta is currently not connected to any public transport system. It has neither pharmacy, nor filling station, school, police station or post office. Nevertheless, it features a corner shop, a carpenter's workshop, a school bus service, a mosque, as well as a children's playground and a mayoral café right at the entrance to the village. The chief means of transport in, from, and to Melounta are private automobiles and red-coloured "Massey Ferguson" tractors.

Melounta enjoys the blessings of clean potable tap water, fresh mountain breezes, and moderate temperatures as in comparison to the nearby Mesaorian plains.

Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is a de facto state that comprises the northeastern portion of the island of Cyprus. It is recognised only by Turkey, and its territory is considered by all other states to be part of the Republic of Cyprus.

Northern Cyprus extends from the tip of the Karpass Peninsula in the northeast to Morphou Bay, Cape Kormakitis and its westernmost point, the Kokkina exclave in the west. Its southernmost point is the village of Louroujina. A buffer zone under the control of the United Nations stretches between Northern Cyprus and the rest of the island and divides Nicosia, the island's largest city and capital of both sides.

A coup d'état in 1974, performed as part of an attempt to annex the island to Greece, prompted the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. This resulted in the eviction of much of the north's Greek Cypriot population, the flight of Turkish Cypriots from the south, and the partitioning of the island, leading to a unilateral declaration of independence by the north in 1983. Due to its lack of recognition, Northern Cyprus is heavily dependent on Turkey for economic, political and military support.

Attempts to reach a solution to the Cyprus dispute have been unsuccessful. The Turkish Army maintains a large force in Northern Cyprus with the support and approval of the TRNC government, while the Republic of Cyprus, the European Union as a whole, and the international community regard it as an occupation force. This military presence has been denounced in several United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Northern Cyprus is a semi-presidential, democratic republic with a cultural heritage incorporating various influences and an economy that is dominated by the services sector. The economy has seen growth through the 2000s and 2010s, with the GNP per capita more than tripling in the 2000s, but is held back by an international embargo due to the official closure of the ports in Northern Cyprus by the Republic of Cyprus. The official language is Turkish, with a distinct local dialect being spoken. The vast majority of the population consists of Sunni Muslims, while religious attitudes are mostly moderate and secular. Northern Cyprus is an observer state of ECO and OIC under the name "Turkish Cypriot State", PACE under the name "Turkish Cypriot Community", and Organization of Turkic States with its own name.

Several distinct periods of Cypriot intercommunal violence involving the two main ethnic communities, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, marked mid-20th century Cyprus. These included the Cyprus Emergency of 1955–59 during British rule, the post-independence Cyprus crisis of 1963–64, and the Cyprus crisis of 1967. Hostilities culminated in the 1974 de facto division of the island along the Green Line following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The region has been relatively peaceful since then, but the Cyprus dispute has continued, with various attempts to solve it diplomatically having been generally unsuccessful.

Cyprus, an island lying in the eastern Mediterranean, hosted a population of Greeks and Turks (four-fifths and one-fifth, respectively), who lived under British rule in the late nineteenth-century and the first half of the twentieth-century. Christian Orthodox Church of Cyprus played a prominent political role among the Greek Cypriot community, a privilege that it acquired during the Ottoman Empire with the employment of the millet system, which gave the archbishop an unofficial ethnarch status.

The repeated rejections by the British of Greek Cypriot demands for enosis, union with Greece, led to armed resistance, organised by the National Organization of Cypriot Struggle, or EOKA. EOKA, led by the Greek-Cypriot commander George Grivas, systematically targeted British colonial authorities. One of the effects of EOKA's campaign was to alter the Turkish position from demanding full reincorporation into Turkey to a demand for taksim (partition). EOKA's mission and activities caused a "Cretan syndrome" (see Turkish Resistance Organisation) within the Turkish Cypriot community, as its members feared that they would be forced to leave the island in such a case as had been the case with Cretan Turks. As such, they preferred the continuation of British colonial rule and then taksim, the division of the island. Due to the Turkish Cypriots' support for the British, EOKA's leader, Georgios Grivas, declared them to be enemies. The fact that the Turks were a minority was, according to Nihat Erim, to be addressed by the transfer of thousands of Turks from mainland Turkey so that Greek Cypriots would cease to be the majority. When Erim visited Cyprus as the Turkish representative, he was advised by Field Marshal Sir John Harding, the then Governor of Cyprus, that Turkey should send educated Turks to settle in Cyprus.

Turkey actively promoted the idea that on the island of Cyprus two distinctive communities existed, and sidestepped its former claim that "the people of Cyprus were all Turkish subjects". In doing so, Turkey's aim to have self-determination of two to-be equal communities in effect led to de jure partition of the island.[citation needed] This could be justified to the international community against the will of the majority Greek population of the island. Dr. Fazil Küçük in 1954 had already proposed Cyprus be divided in two at the 35° parallel.

Lindley Dan, from Notre Dame University, spotted the roots of intercommunal violence to different visions among the two communities of Cyprus (enosis for Greek Cypriots, taksim for Turkish Cypriots). Also, Lindlay wrote that "the merging of church, schools/education, and politics in divisive and nationalistic ways" had played a crucial role in creation of havoc in Cyprus' history. Attalides Michael also pointed to the opposing nationalisms as the cause of the Cyprus problem.

By the mid-1950's, the "Cyprus is Turkish" party, movement, and slogan gained force in both Cyprus and Turkey. In a 1954 editorial, Turkish Cypriot leader Dr. Fazil Kuchuk expressed the sentiment that the Turkish youth had grown up with the idea that "as soon as Great Britain leaves the island, it will be taken over by the Turks", and that "Turkey cannot tolerate otherwise". This perspective contributed to the willingness of Turkish Cypriots to align themselves with the British, who started recruiting Turkish Cypriots into the police force that patrolled Cyprus to fight EOKA, a Greek Cypriot nationalist organisation that sought to rid the island of British rule.

EOKA targeted colonial authorities, including police, but Georgios Grivas, the leader of EOKA, did not initially wish to open up a new front by fighting Turkish Cypriots and reassured them that EOKA would not harm their people. In 1956, some Turkish Cypriot policemen were killed by EOKA members and this provoked some intercommunal violence in the spring and summer, but these attacks on policemen were not motivated by the fact that they were Turkish Cypriots.

However, in January 1957, Grivas changed his policy as his forces in the mountains became increasingly pressured by the British Crown forces. In order to divert the attention of the Crown forces, EOKA members started to target Turkish Cypriot policemen intentionally in the towns, so that Turkish Cypriots would riot against the Greek Cypriots and the security forces would have to be diverted to the towns to restore order. The killing of a Turkish Cypriot policeman on 19 January, when a power station was bombed, and the injury of three others, provoked three days of intercommunal violence in Nicosia. The two communities targeted each other in reprisals, at least one Greek Cypriot was killed and the British Army was deployed in the streets. Greek Cypriot stores were burned and their neighbourhoods attacked. Following the events, the Greek Cypriot leadership spread the propaganda that the riots had merely been an act of Turkish Cypriot aggression. Such events created chaos and drove the communities apart both in Cyprus and in Turkey.

On 22 October 1957 Sir Hugh Mackintosh Foot replaced Sir John Harding as the British Governor of Cyprus. Foot suggested five to seven years of self-government before any final decision. His plan rejected both enosis and taksim. The Turkish Cypriot response to this plan was a series of anti-British demonstrations in Nicosia on 27 and 28 January 1958 rejecting the proposed plan because the plan did not include partition. The British then withdrew the plan.

In 1957, Black Gang, a Turkish Cypriot pro-taksim paramilitary organisation, was formed to patrol a Turkish Cypriot enclave, the Tahtakale district of Nicosia, against activities of EOKA. The organisation later attempted to grow into a national scale, but failed to gain public support.

By 1958, signs of dissatisfaction with the British increased on both sides, with a group of Turkish Cypriots forming Volkan (later renamed to the Turkish Resistance Organisation) paramilitary group to promote partition and the annexation of Cyprus to Turkey as dictated by the Menderes plan. Volkan initially consisted of roughly 100 members, with the stated aim of raising awareness in Turkey of the Cyprus issue and courting military training and support for Turkish Cypriot fighters from the Turkish government.

In June 1958, the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, was expected to propose a plan to resolve the Cyprus issue. In light of the new development, the Turks rioted in Nicosia to promote the idea that Greek and Turkish Cypriots could not live together and therefore any plan that did not include partition would not be viable. This violence was soon followed by bombing, Greek Cypriot deaths and looting of Greek Cypriot-owned shops and houses. Greek and Turkish Cypriots started to flee mixed population villages where they were a minority in search of safety. This was effectively the beginning of the segregation of the two communities. On 7 June 1958, a bomb exploded at the entrance of the Turkish Embassy in Cyprus. Following the bombing, Turkish Cypriots looted Greek Cypriot properties. On 26 June 1984, the Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktaş, admitted on British channel ITV that the bomb was placed by the Turks themselves in order to create tension. On 9 January 1995, Rauf Denktaş repeated his claim to the famous Turkish newspaper Milliyet in Turkey.

The crisis reached a climax on 12 June 1958, when eight Greeks, out of an armed group of thirty five arrested by soldiers of the Royal Horse Guards on suspicion of preparing an attack on the Turkish quarter of Skylloura, were killed in a suspected attack by Turkish Cypriot locals, near the village of Geunyeli, having been ordered to walk back to their village of Kondemenos.

After the EOKA campaign had begun, the British government successfully began to turn the Cyprus issue from a British colonial problem into a Greek-Turkish issue. British diplomacy exerted backstage influence on the Adnan Menderes government, with the aim of making Turkey active in Cyprus. For the British, the attempt had a twofold objective. The EOKA campaign would be silenced as quickly as possible, and Turkish Cypriots would not side with Greek Cypriots against the British colonial claims over the island, which would thus remain under the British. The Turkish Cypriot leadership visited Menderes to discuss the Cyprus issue. When asked how the Turkish Cypriots should respond to the Greek Cypriot claim of enosis, Menderes replied: "You should go to the British foreign minister and request the status quo be prolonged, Cyprus to remain as a British colony". When the Turkish Cypriots visited the British Foreign Secretary and requested for Cyprus to remain a colony, he replied: "You should not be asking for colonialism at this day and age, you should be asking for Cyprus be returned to Turkey, its former owner".

As Turkish Cypriots began to look to Turkey for protection, Greek Cypriots soon understood that enosis was extremely unlikely. The Greek Cypriot leader, Archbishop Makarios III, now set independence for the island as his objective.

Britain resolved to solve the dispute by creating an independent Cyprus. In 1959, all involved parties signed the Zurich Agreements: Britain, Turkey, Greece, and the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Makarios and Dr. Fazil Kucuk, respectively. The new constitution drew heavily on the ethnic composition of the island. The President would be a Greek Cypriot, and the Vice-President a Turkish Cypriot with an equal veto. The contribution to the public service would be set at a ratio of 70:30, and the Supreme Court would consist of an equal number of judges from both communities as well as an independent judge who was not Greek, Turkish or British. The Zurich Agreements were supplemented by a number of treaties. The Treaty of Guarantee stated that secession or union with any state was forbidden, and that Greece, Turkey and Britain would be given guarantor status to intervene if that was violated. The Treaty of Alliance allowed for two small Greek and Turkish military contingents to be stationed on the island, and the Treaty of Establishment gave Britain sovereignty over two bases in Akrotiri and Dhekelia.

On 15 August 1960, the Colony of Cyprus became fully independent as the Republic of Cyprus. The new republic remained within the Commonwealth of Nations.

The new constitution brought dissatisfaction to Greek Cypriots, who felt it to be highly unjust for them for historical, demographic and contributional reasons. Although 80% of the island's population were Greek Cypriots and these indigenous people had lived on the island for thousands of years and paid 94% of taxes, the new constitution was giving the 17% of the population that was Turkish Cypriots, who paid 6% of taxes, around 30% of government jobs and 40% of national security jobs.

Within three years tensions between the two communities in administrative affairs began to show. In particular disputes over separate municipalities and taxation created a deadlock in government. A constitutional court ruled in 1963 Makarios had failed to uphold article 173 of the constitution which called for the establishment of separate municipalities for Turkish Cypriots. Makarios subsequently declared his intention to ignore the judgement, resulting in the West German judge resigning from his position. Makarios proposed thirteen amendments to the constitution, which would have had the effect of resolving most of the issues in the Greek Cypriot favour. Under the proposals, the President and Vice-President would lose their veto, the separate municipalities as sought after by the Turkish Cypriots would be abandoned, the need for separate majorities by both communities in passing legislation would be discarded and the civil service contribution would be set at actual population ratios (82:18) instead of the slightly higher figure for Turkish Cypriots.

The intention behind the amendments has long been called into question. The Akritas plan, written in the height of the constitutional dispute by the Greek Cypriot interior minister Polycarpos Georkadjis, called for the removal of undesirable elements of the constitution so as to allow power-sharing to work. The plan envisaged a swift retaliatory attack on Turkish Cypriot strongholds should Turkish Cypriots resort to violence to resist the measures, stating "In the event of a planned or staged Turkish attack, it is imperative to overcome it by force in the shortest possible time, because if we succeed in gaining command of the situation (in one or two days), no outside, intervention would be either justified or possible." Whether Makarios's proposals were part of the Akritas plan is unclear, however it remains that sentiment towards enosis had not completely disappeared with independence. Makarios described independence as "a step on the road to enosis".[31] Preparations for conflict were not entirely absent from Turkish Cypriots either, with right wing elements still believing taksim (partition) the best safeguard against enosis.

Greek Cypriots however believe the amendments were a necessity stemming from a perceived attempt by Turkish Cypriots to frustrate the working of government. Turkish Cypriots saw it as a means to reduce their status within the state from one of co-founder to that of minority, seeing it as a first step towards enosis. The security situation deteriorated rapidly.

Main articles: Bloody Christmas (1963) and Battle of Tillyria

An armed conflict was triggered after December 21, 1963, a period remembered by Turkish Cypriots as Bloody Christmas, when a Greek Cypriot policemen that had been called to help deal with a taxi driver refusing officers already on the scene access to check the identification documents of his customers, took out his gun upon arrival and shot and killed the taxi driver and his partner. Eric Solsten summarised the events as follows: "a Greek Cypriot police patrol, ostensibly checking identification documents, stopped a Turkish Cypriot couple on the edge of the Turkish quarter. A hostile crowd gathered, shots were fired, and two Turkish Cypriots were killed."

In the morning after the shooting, crowds gathered in protest in Northern Nicosia, likely encouraged by the TMT, without incident. On the evening of the 22nd, gunfire broke out, communication lines to the Turkish neighbourhoods were cut, and the Greek Cypriot police occupied the nearby airport. On the 23rd, a ceasefire was negotiated, but did not hold. Fighting, including automatic weapons fire, between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and militias increased in Nicosia and Larnaca. A force of Greek Cypriot irregulars led by Nikos Sampson entered the Nicosia suburb of Omorphita and engaged in heavy firing on armed, as well as by some accounts unarmed, Turkish Cypriots. The Omorphita clash has been described by Turkish Cypriots as a massacre, while this view has generally not been acknowledged by Greek Cypriots.

Further ceasefires were arranged between the two sides, but also failed. By Christmas Eve, the 24th, Britain, Greece, and Turkey had joined talks, with all sides calling for a truce. On Christmas day, Turkish fighter jets overflew Nicosia in a show of support. Finally it was agreed to allow a force of 2,700 British soldiers to help enforce a ceasefire. In the next days, a "buffer zone" was created in Nicosia, and a British officer marked a line on a map with green ink, separating the two sides of the city, which was the beginning of the "Green Line". Fighting continued across the island for the next several weeks.

In total 364 Turkish Cypriots and 174 Greek Cypriots were killed during the violence. 25,000 Turkish Cypriots from 103-109 villages fled and were displaced into enclaves and thousands of Turkish Cypriot houses were ransacked or completely destroyed.

Contemporary newspapers also reported on the forceful exodus of the Turkish Cypriots from their homes. According to The Times in 1964, threats, shootings and attempts of arson were committed against the Turkish Cypriots to force them out of their homes. The Daily Express wrote that "25,000 Turks have already been forced to leave their homes". The Guardian reported a massacre of Turks at Limassol on 16 February 1964.

Turkey had by now readied its fleet and its fighter jets appeared over Nicosia. Turkey was dissuaded from direct involvement by the creation of a United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1964. Despite the negotiated ceasefire in Nicosia, attacks on the Turkish Cypriot persisted, particularly in Limassol. Concerned about the possibility of a Turkish invasion, Makarios undertook the creation of a Greek Cypriot conscript-based army called the "National Guard". A general from Greece took charge of the army, whilst a further 20,000 well-equipped officers and men were smuggled from Greece into Cyprus. Turkey threatened to intervene once more, but was prevented by a strongly worded letter from the American President Lyndon B. Johnson, anxious to avoid a conflict between NATO allies Greece and Turkey at the height of the Cold War.

Turkish Cypriots had by now established an important bridgehead at Kokkina, provided with arms, volunteers and materials from Turkey and abroad. Seeing this incursion of foreign weapons and troops as a major threat, the Cypriot government invited George Grivas to return from Greece as commander of the Greek troops on the island and launch a major attack on the bridgehead. Turkey retaliated by dispatching its fighter jets to bomb Greek positions, causing Makarios to threaten an attack on every Turkish Cypriot village on the island if the bombings did not cease. The conflict had now drawn in Greece and Turkey, with both countries amassing troops on their Thracian borders. Efforts at mediation by Dean Acheson, a former U.S. Secretary of State, and UN-appointed mediator Galo Plaza had failed, all the while the division of the two communities becoming more apparent. Greek Cypriot forces were estimated at some 30,000, including the National Guard and the large contingent from Greece. Defending the Turkish Cypriot enclaves was a force of approximately 5,000 irregulars, led by a Turkish colonel, but lacking the equipment and organisation of the Greek forces.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1964, U Thant, reported the damage during the conflicts:

UNFICYP carried out a detailed survey of all damage to properties throughout the island during the disturbances; it shows that in 109 villages, most of them Turkish-Cypriot or mixed villages, 527 houses have been destroyed while 2,000 others have suffered damage from looting.

The situation worsened in 1967, when a military junta overthrew the democratically elected government of Greece, and began applying pressure on Makarios to achieve enosis. Makarios, not wishing to become part of a military dictatorship or trigger a Turkish invasion, began to distance himself from the goal of enosis. This caused tensions with the junta in Greece as well as George Grivas in Cyprus. Grivas's control over the National Guard and Greek contingent was seen as a threat to Makarios's position, who now feared a possible coup.[citation needed] The National Guard and Cyprus Police began patrolling the Turkish Cypriot enclaves of Ayios Theodoros and Kophinou, and on November 15 engaged in heavy fighting with the Turkish Cypriots.

By the time of his withdrawal 26 Turkish Cypriots had been killed. Turkey replied with an ultimatum demanding that Grivas be removed from the island, that the troops smuggled from Greece in excess of the limits of the Treaty of Alliance be removed, and that the economic blockades on the Turkish Cypriot enclaves be lifted. Grivas was recalled by the Athens Junta and the 12,000 Greek troops were withdrawn. Makarios now attempted to consolidate his position by reducing the number of National Guard troops, and by creating a paramilitary force loyal to Cypriot independence. In 1968, acknowledging that enosis was now all but impossible, Makarios stated, "A solution by necessity must be sought within the limits of what is feasible which does not always coincide with the limits of what is desirable."

After 1967 tensions between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots subsided. Instead, the main source of tension on the island came from factions within the Greek Cypriot community. Although Makarios had effectively abandoned enosis in favour of an 'attainable solution', many others continued to believe that the only legitimate political aspiration for Greek Cypriots was union with Greece.

On his arrival, Grivas began by establishing a nationalist paramilitary group known as the National Organization of Cypriot Fighters (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston B or EOKA-B), drawing comparisons with the EOKA struggle for enosis under the British colonial administration of the 1950s.

The military junta in Athens saw Makarios as an obstacle. Makarios's failure to disband the National Guard, whose officer class was dominated by mainland Greeks, had meant the junta had practical control over the Cypriot military establishment, leaving Makarios isolated and a vulnerable target.

During the first Turkish invasion, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus territory on 20 July 1974, invoking its rights under the Treaty of Guarantee. This expansion of Turkish-occupied zone violated International Law as well as the Charter of the United Nations. Turkish troops managed to capture 3% of the island which was accompanied by the burning of the Turkish Cypriot quarter, as well as the raping and killing of women and children. A temporary cease-fire followed which was mitigated by the UN Security Council. Subsequently, the Greek military Junta collapsed on July 23, 1974, and peace talks commenced in which a democratic government was installed. The Resolution 353 was broken after Turkey attacked a second time and managed to get a hold of 37% of Cyprus territory. The Island of Cyprus was appointed a Buffer Zone by the United Nations, which divided the island into two zones through the 'Green Line' and put an end to the Turkish invasion. Although Turkey announced that the occupied areas of Cyprus to be called the Federated Turkish State in 1975, it is not legitimised on a worldwide political scale. The United Nations called for the international recognition of independence for the Republic of Cyprus in the Security Council Resolution 367.

In the years after the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus one can observe a history of failed talks between the two parties. The 1983 declaration of the independent Turkish Republic of Cyprus resulted in a rise of inter-communal tensions and made it increasingly hard to find mutual understanding. With Cyprus' interest of a possible EU membership and a new UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 1997 new hopes arose for a fresh start. International involvement from sides of the US and UK, wanting a solution to the Cyprus dispute prior to the EU accession led to political pressures for new talks. The believe that an accession without a solution would threaten Greek-Turkish relations and acknowledge the partition of the island would direct the coming negotiations.

Over the course of two years a concrete plan, the Annan plan was formulated. In 2004 the fifth version agreed upon from both sides and with the endorsement of Turkey, US, UK and EU then was presented to the public and was given a referendum in both Cypriot communities to assure the legitimisation of the resolution. The Turkish Cypriots voted with 65% for the plan, however the Greek Cypriots voted with a 76% majority against. The Annan plan contained multiple important topics. Firstly it established a confederation of two separate states called the United Cyprus Republic. Both communities would have autonomous states combined under one unified government. The members of parliament would be chosen according to the percentage in population numbers to ensure a just involvement from both communities. The paper proposed a demilitarisation of the island over the next years. Furthermore it agreed upon a number of 45000 Turkish settlers that could remain on the island. These settlers became a very important issue concerning peace talks. Originally the Turkish government encouraged Turks to settle in Cyprus providing transfer and property, to establish a counterpart to the Greek Cypriot population due to their 1 to 5 minority. With the economic situation many Turkish-Cypriot decided to leave the island, however their departure is made up by incoming Turkish settlers leaving the population ratio between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots stable. However all these points where criticised and as seen in the vote rejected mainly by the Greek Cypriots. These name the dissolution of the „Republic of Cyprus", economic consequences of a reunion and the remaining Turkish settlers as reason. Many claim that the plan was indeed drawing more from Turkish-Cypriot demands then Greek-Cypriot interests. Taking in consideration that the US wanted to keep Turkey as a strategic partner in future Middle Eastern conflicts.

A week after the failed referendum the Republic of Cyprus joined the EU. In multiple instances the EU tried to promote trade with Northern Cyprus but without internationally recognised ports this spiked a grand debate. Both side endure their intention of negotiations, however without the prospect of any new compromises or agreements the UN is unwilling to start the process again. Since 2004 negotiations took place in numbers but without any results, both sides are strongly holding on to their position without an agreeable solution in sight that would suit both parties.

Just got up here. 75 degrees and not a cloud in sky..

Have six weeks of tanning to make up....

Have nice weekend. Mine is going to be action packed and sun saturated.....

Going bikini mode right away. No one piece this weekend.

On commence tout en haut :

Demi étage tout en haut (de gauche à droite) :

04-100 / Romeo 1 X-Metal / Black Iridium

04-101 / Romeo 1Titanium / Gold Iridium

04-100 / Romeo 1 X-Metal / Black Iridium

1er étage (de gauche à droite et de haut en bas)

04-101 / Romeo 1 Titanium (2nd generation) / Gold Iridium

04-101 / Romeo 1 Titanium / Gold Iridium

04-121 / X Metal XX TiO2 / Black Iridium

04-122 / X Metal XX 24K / 24K Gold Iridium

04-104 / Mars Jordan's Edition X-metal Leather / Gold Iridium

04-100 / Romeo 1 Jordan's Edition X-Metal / Black Iridium

2ème étage (de gauche à droite et de haut en bas)

04-101 / Romeo 1 Titanium / Gold Iridium

04-110 / Juliet Xmetal / Black Iridium

04-113 / Juliet Plasma / Fire Iridium

04-100 / Romeo 1 X-Metal / Black Iridium

04-105 / Mars X-Metal Crater / Black Iridium

04-123 / Juliet Plasma / Ice Iridium Polarized

04-100 / Romeo 1 X-Metal / Black Iridium

04-102 / Romeo 1 / Plasma / Fire Iridium

12-835 / Juliet Carbon / Black Iridium Polarized

04-137 / Romeo 2 / Carbon / Black Iridium

3ème étage (de gauche à droite et de haut en bas)

04-142 / Half X Polished / VR 28 Black Iridium

04-143 / Half X X-Metal / Warm Grey

04-116 / Juliet X-Metal / Ruby Iridium

04-135 / Penny X-Metal / Ruby Iridium

12-687 / Romeo 2 X-Metal / Black Iridium Polarized

04-063 / OverTheTop FMJ 5.56 / Ice Iridium

04-102 / Romeo 1 / Plasma / Fire Iridium

04-125 / X Metal XX Plasma / Ice Iridium

4ème étage (de gauche à droite et de haut en bas)

11-182 / SI Wire 2.0 Gunmetal / Grey Iridium Polarized

05-655 / E Wire 2.1 Light / Ice Iridium

02-750 / Wisdom Matte Black - Black / H.I Blue Iridium

04-018 / Eye Jacket 1 FMJ 9mm / Black Iridium

04-315 / Eye Jacket 1 Midnight / 24K Gold Iridium

03-723 / Splice FMJ+ -Crystal Blue / Ice Iridium

04-313 / Eye Jacket 1 Smoke / Black Iridium

04-304 / Eye Jacket 1 Cobalt / +Red Iridium

25-332 / A Frame Silver / Black Iridium

11-100 / SI Half Jacket Array / Grey & Persimmon & Clear Iridium

11-138 / SI Ballistic Military M Frame 2.0 Array Black / Grey & Clear Iridium

5ème étage tout en bas (de gauche à droite et de haut en bas) :

12-770 / Radar Path Jet Black CSC / Black Iridium

13-704 / Monster Dog Polished Black / VR50 to Brown Transition

05-883 / Hatchet Wire Pewter / Black Iridium

04-500 / Minute FMJ Gunmetal / Fire Iridium

04-281 / XX Twenty / FMJ 5.56 / Ice Iridium

(14 Mars 2009 / Yodu's Vault Version 2.0)

Retail display at the Berlin Farmers Market, Berlin, NJ USA

Commencing this morning, the 100 now has a duplicate working funded by Nottingham Trent University leaving Nottingham at 0755 to cater for the growing number of students who use the bus to get to the NTU Brackenhurst site near Southwell.

It runs the full 100 route to Norwood Gardens, then round to Southwell Minster where it terminates and runs back empty.

976 is today's rather mundane allocation on the 100 extra with 945 in hot pursuit as the actual service car, both bound for Southwell.

Although Ferdinand Porsche had established his automotive design consultancy in the early 1930s, his name would not appear on a car until 1949. When it did, it graced one of the all-time great sports cars: the Porsche 356.

Having commenced manufacture with a short run of aluminium-bodied cars built at Gmünd, Porsche began volume production of the steel-bodied 356 coupe at its old base in Stuttgart. The work of Ferry Porsche, the 356 was based on the Volkswagen designed by his father. Like the immortal 'Beetle', the 356 employed a platform-type chassis with rear-mounted air-cooled engine and torsion bar all-independent suspension. In 1951 a works car finished first in the 1.100 cc class at the Le Mans 24-Hour Race, thus beginning the marque's long and illustrious association with La Sarthe.

Constant development saw the 356's engine enlarged first to 1.3 and then to 1,5 litres; the original split windscreen replaced by a one-piece; and a Porsche synchromesh gearbox adopted. A cabriolet followed hot on the heels of the original 356 coupé and then in 1952 a trial batch of 15 America Roadsters was constructed at the behest of US importer Max Hoffman, who had persuaded Porsche of the potential for a 'cut-price' entry-level model. The Roadsters' successful reception in the USA led to the introduction of the Speedster model in 1954. The Speedster's inspiration is also credited to John Von Neumann, Porsche's West Coast distributor, who had chopped down a Gmünd-built coupé in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car. Explaining such a car's appeal Neumann once said: 'Guys want to go, on a Saturday night in June, down Sunset Boulevard with their elbow over the door and the girls can see them in the car.' Plus ça change ...

Instantly recognisable by virtue of its low, wraparound - as opposed to V-shaped - windscreen, smaller and entirely retractable hood, lower door waistline, horizontal trim strip at the level of the door handles, and twin bucket seats - all of which served to emphasise its sporting image - the Speedster was, in effect, an 'economy' model intended to compete with the cheaper British sports cars. The Speedster was powered initially by the 1,5-litre version of Porsche's horizontally opposed four, gaining the new 1,6-litre, 60bhp engine with the introduction of the improved 356A in 1955. Priced at $ 2.995, the Speedster was the lightest of the 356s, enjoying a commensurate performance boost that meant over 100mph was possible. Allied to its already renowned handling characteristics, this meant that the Speedster was an instant success in the burgeoning American sports car racing scene.

Testing the Speedster alongside its Coupé sibling in 1956, Road & Track magazine declared, 'A more comfortable sports car for long, high-speed journeys would be very hard to find and certainly no other car achieves the combination of comfort, performance and fuel economy of the Porsche Continental Speedster or Coupé.' Its combination of style, performance and value for money made the Speedster deservedly popular - 4,822 examples being constructed between 1954 and '58 - and today this most handsome of the 356 variants enjoys iconic status.

One of only 1.700 1500/1500S Speedsters built, this early 'Pre-A' 1500 Super Speedster, one of circa 150 believed to have been built, left the factory on 3rd March 1955 and was delivered new to Hoffman, New York. The car was originally finished in 'Signalrot 601' with 'black leatherette' trim, and was registered for the first time on 10th June 1955. In 1991, the car moved to Belgium where it was owned by a Mr van de Wiele in Antwerp. Mr van de Wiele kept the Speedster until 2000 when it moved to the Netherlands where it has been ever since.

The Speedster was subject to a total restoration some years ago, while the vendor - a passionate Porsche enthusiast – advises us that the engine was totally overhauled just over a year ago (invoice and photographs on file). Refinished in the beautiful colour combination of pastel yellow with brown trim, the Speedster has been driven only some 200-or-so kilometres by its enthusiastic owner since the restoration's completion. Accompanying documentation consists of current Netherlands registration papers; Porsche Classic 'Bestätigung' of the model (1500S Speedster) and its factory specifications (engine number, colour, etc); correspondence between Mr van de Wiele and Porsche Classic; and a copy of the old Belgian registration papers (1991).

Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais

Bonhams

Sold for € 368.000

Estimated : € 350.000 - 550.000

Parijs - Paris

Frankrijk - France

February 2017

Burra and Kooringa.

Copper was discovered in 1845 by two shepherds, William Streair and Thomas Pickett. Streair told Henry Ayres about the location of the copper whilst Pickett told Francis Dutton of the Kapunda Mine. Streair was given £3 for the information and Pickett was rewarded with £10, a team of bullocks and £1 a year for life! Two companies were formed to take out mining leases but Governor Grey insisted the area by surveyed first at a cost of £20,000. The two companies joined together to raise the money agreeing that a card drawn out of a bag would decide the “winner” of the mine area. Dutton’s group, called the Princes Royal Mining Group or the Nobs was one, and Ayer’s group, called the South Australian Mining Association or the Snobs was the other group. Ayer’s group, the Snobs drew the lucky card. Ayers went on to become premier of South Australia seven times, and Ayers Rock was named after him. He lived in Ayers House on North Terrace at one stage. The Nobs extracted no worthwhile amounts of copper from their area of the survey.

The mine commenced on September 29th, 1845 and within a few hours the first load of ten tons of red copper oxide was loaded on drays for the journey to Adelaide. The mine was to provide not only great wealth for the shareholders but also for the state of South Australia. It helped stave off bankruptcy for SA and it gave rise to the first major settlement apart from Adelaide, whilst providing the capital and impetus for a railway into the mid north. The so-called Nobs did operate mines at Burra but they recovered only £7,000 worth of copper. Ayer’s Snobs, on the other hand, produced £4.7 million worth of copper. At a later date a third group attempted mining at Burra, the Bon Accord Mine on the boundary of the Snobs land. It too was a failure and did not produce adequate returns for its shareholders. The mine at Burra was worked with underground shafts, which reached depths of 183 metres. The extracted ore averaged over 20% of copper in the first thirty years. Water was always a major problem in the mine; hence the huge pump known as Morphett’s pump. It began operations in 1860 after a convey of 40 bullock drays dragged it to Burra from Adelaide. It worked for the next 17 years without a pause, using ten tons of firewood each day. The big mine in Burra closed in 1877.

Burra is not an Aboriginal word as some might surmise. It was not uncommon for shepherds to have Indian assistants with them whilst tending the large flocks of sheep in this district. William Streair, who discovered copper at Burra was accompanied by an Indian shepherd and it was he who provided the Hindustani word for “big big” which is “burra burra” for the name of the town. This word was so appropriate as Burra was to become the biggest copper mine in the world in its day.

By 1849 Burra could boast of a smelter of its own and a large mining workforce, from both Cornwall and Wales. At the beginning Burra was very much a company town with the company providing houses for the miners, and a doctor service too - but at a cost to the miners. Money was deducted from everyone’s wages to cover housing and medical services. When wages were reduced by Henry Ayers in 1848 South Australia had its first labour strike. The company directors used assistance from the police to break the strike and they even banned the sale of the Adelaide newspaper in Burra when it published an editorial critical of management’s treatment of its miners! Miners could never buy a house, only rent it, and they were forced to use the medical services of the company doctor. The company’s benevolence came at a cost for the miners. Yet despite this style of management Ayers became premier of SA seven times, including 1867-68.

Kooringa, the central part of the present Burra township, became the first company town in Australia in 1845 and was a privately owned town. In 1848 the government surveyed a town called Redruth which provided a police station and gaol for the settlements. Later in 1857 another private township was surveyed called Hampton (an English settlement). This township had 22 dwellings by 1872, a Wesleyan chapel and more. The stone ruins of this deserted township are still visible on the hills above Redruth Gaol. Other private towns surveyed in the area were Aberdeen and New Aberdeen (Scottish settlements), associated with the Bon Accord mine, and Llwchwr, a Welsh settlement. These private towns and the government town were separated from Kooringa (present day Burra) by the Monster Mine and the smelting works. Despite the provision of the township by the company there were still about 1,500 people living in dugouts on the banks of Burra Creek even in 1850. Although the dugouts were whitewashed inside, ventilation was poor, they were subject to flooding, and disease was common as all rubbish was dumped outside in the creek. Outbreaks of typhus and typhoid fever were common. To avoid these problems the company announced in 1851 that it would no longer employ any miners who lived in the dugouts. Burra Creek rises near Mt Bryan and flows east towards Morgan.

By the beginning of 1851 Burra was the largest inland town in Australia with a population of around 5,000. Brisbane, for example only had 2,500 people then, and Adelaide had a mere 18,000. It has been estimated that about 1,000 of the town’s population were directly involved in working for the mines. In addition to this, non-company people lived in the townships- blacksmiths, wheelwrights, saddlers, chaff merchants and the like. Wood carters were also employed to bring wood to the town from the Murray Mallee at the east of the Burra Hills for use in the smelters.

Much of what you will see in Burra today was built in the 1850s and 1860s before the mine closed in 1877. There are over 100 significant buildings in Burra, with a number of them classified by the National Trust. The structures were built of local stone and they display great craftsmanship and architectural merit. In particular the mine stacks and buildings, Redruth Gaol (1856), Paxton Square cottages (1849-52), the churches - Roman Catholic (1873-74) and Anglican (1879), the Court House and Police Station (1857), the School (1876), the Post Office (1860) and some others all enhance the historical charm of Burra. Other interesting buildings in Burra include the Brewery Cellars (1873); the bridge over the Burra Creek (1878), and the Princess Royal Homestead (1864) located some miles out of town.

A few of the nearly 200 photographers participating in the nightshoot event at the Nationaal Militair Museum (Dutch National Military Museum) on August 30, 2024

in order to make me a more tolerable human being these days, i need to have mass amounts of alcohol after i get off of work ;)

today's random fact: this one drink is mass amounts of alcohol for me.

this is day 311 of a year in pictures, 2009

Par une belle écharpe framboise et cassis sur fond gris mauve et rosé

In desperate need of spiked tyres...

Fiddling with a torch at night to see what effects I can get - I can see a rocket ship - what do you see?

Today, Sunday 26th January 2025 marks the tenth anniversary since Lynxbus of King’s Lynn commenced operation. From these early beginnings the company has expanded to become the major bus operator in King’s Lynn and the surrounding area with a route network covering much of North West Norfolk.

I last stood here on Monday 26th January 2015 to capture Lynxbus Optare Tempo type number 2 - YJ55 BJE on the first day of service - see below. Today we see Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 MMC type number 32 - YY24 ELC as it passes Church Lane while heading along Hunstanton Road in Heacham with the above King’s Lynn bound service 34 journey. In the background we can see the impressive church which is dedicated to St Mary-the-Virgin.

WW2 Re-enactments-Victory show-Cosby

Knightrider of Shotts commenced a service from Edinburgh to London King's Cross via Livingston, Bathgate and Hamilton and a second from Cumbernauld to King's Cross via Airdrie, Coatbridge, Glasgow and Hamilton in November 1991. It initially ran four Volvo B10M's on the Ganal licence before its own was granted. Scottish Citylink retaliated by re-activating Bruce's Londonliner service on identical routes and timings, but at lower fares. The new services didn't last long.

The four coaches used were :-

A1KRT (F691ONR) V B10M/VH C51Ft ex MCT

A3KRT (E748JAY) V B10M/D 340 C53Ft ex Crawfords

A4KRT (E749JAY) V B10M/D 340 C53Ft ex Crawfords

A6KRT (E299UHE) V B10M / P 3500 C53Ft ex Ganal

Seen at Barnet High Street is UNO 604 YY15NKC operating route 383 towards Woodside Park Station, this is the first London bus route to be operated by UNO as it is a bus company run in Hertfordshire when the 383 commenced operating on 25 July 2015.

With it only a month before airlines commence their S23 schedule for this summer, it is expected that many destinations not already reopened following COVID-19 will finally begin to see passengers returning to regular numbers.

For China, one of the last countries to reopen their borders have seen airlines beginning the process of reopening reservations to various destinations within the country; whilst capacity and frequencies may not be the same from previous years, at least there is more of a semblance of normality returning to pre-pandemic levels of traffic

For China's flag-carrier, Air China have begun the process of reopening reservations on their long-haul routes as borders reopen and countries begin accepting passengers originating from China. At present, Air China's operations into London Heathrow are nowhere near the level of service that existed prior to COVID-19, although we are now expected to be back to pre-2014 levels of service.

From 26th March 2023; Air China will see their once weekly flight from London Heathrow to Beijing-Capital increasing back to daily operations, this level of frequencies last seen in 2014. CA937/938 will utilise Boeing 777-300ERs, replacing Airbus A350-900 operations. Whether there are plans for Air China to return back to twice-daily remains to be seen, this is dependent on slots at London Heathrow.

Currently, Air China operates 28 Boeing 777s, all of which are Boeing 777-300ERs.

Seven Nine Five Two is one of 28 Boeing 777-300ERs operated by Air China, delivered new to the flag-carrier on lease from BOC on 8th November 2016 and she is powered by 2 General Electric GE90-115B engines.

Boeing 777-39L/ER B-7952 on short finals into Runway 27L at London Heathrow (LHR) on CA575 from Beijing-Capital (PEK).

Fort Cunningham, Paget Island, Bermuda.

A polygonal fort built to defend the channel into St Georges Harbour.

Work commenced to remodel it for the RML era in 1866.

It was the most heavily armed RML work in Bermuda.

It mounted two 9 inch, five 10 inch and two 12.5 inch RML guns .

The seven bigger guns are still there, having been dropped into the dry ditch when the fort was rearmed with 6 in Breech Loading guns in 1900s.

These guns are all RGF,

10in MkII 18 tons. Nos 338, 340, 342, 356, 357. 1878

12.5 in MkI 38 tons. Nos 87, 95. 1878

One of the most significant aspects of this fort is that it was built with two faces of iron armoured shields mounting the seven heavy guns.

These iron shields consist of a sandwich of layers of 5 inch thick plates separated by iron concrete amounting to over 24 inches thick backed by further plate, supporting girders and large triangular casings filled with concrete, all bolted together with 2 inch dia bolts.

The only other forts constructed with this extent of armour plating are the circular ones in the UK at Spithead, Portland and Plymouth Breakwater Forts, and armouring was required where forts might be attacked at close range by ships.

Unusually Cunninghams armoured shields are two straight continuous lengths but otherwise of similar construction to the circular UK ones, and mounted two guns and five guns in the two faces.

Also Cunningham, like Plymouth Breakwater Fort was fitted with small gun ports by the Inspector General of Fortifications, although the Director of Artillery did not want this, and faced with changing them afterwards, compromised by providing a special small port gun carriage to mount the guns and Cunningham was given priority.

Cunningham cost so much to build (virtually everything was shipped there from UK ) that one exasperated MP in Westminster stood up to ask “is Cunningham made of Gold” – I V Hogg

Very many thanks for the assistance of Bermuda Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation, Bermuda Police Service, and Outward Bound Bermuda.

Fort Cunningham is situated on Paget island and not open to the public and permission is needed to land on the island.

If you are interested in Bermuda Forts and their armament see

Bermuda Forts 1612 – 1956 by Dr Edward C Harris.

If you are interested in historic ordnance see the Ordnance Society Web Site

www.ordnancesociety.org.uk

Commence a new decade of Flickr Photos!

Vintage shopping break in hamilton.

Nicki and Cam.

Nicki's reading...maybe:P

would REALLY like some critism on this, i actually dont know if i did a good job or was just messing around and came up with shit.

Thanks!

north norfolk

"Commencée en 1488, la construction de l'ancienne collégiale royale de Saint-Vulfran s'arrêta en 1539, faute d'argent. Le choeur, de style gothique bâtard, ne fut achevé qu'au 17ème." (Le Guide Vert Picardie)

E-Zec Medical Transport Services Ltd commenced operation of the WESTlink Demand Responsive Transport service today , with 29 Mercedes minibuses , some new and most second hand. They are operating from the former HCT depot in Parson Street , Bedminster , Bristol , and the two drivers I had today had both worked for The Big Lemon until last week.

I used the app to book a ride from Yatton to Clevedon , for which KN23NRF arrived and I was dropped off at the Saltings in Clevedon. My return journey was on KN21JZV , which dropped me at The Market Inn , Yatton , before turning round in the Station car park. I was the only passenger , but KN23NRF followed closely behind with more passengers from Clevedon.

KX21 JZV is a Mercedes Benz 514CDI / Treka B16FL which was new in May 2021, possibly to Enterprise.

Wrapping has commenced but only just - Very behind this year

This image is not the Three Brothers built by Alexander Croll and John Wright at Bungwahl, Myall Lakes in 1872 - 77 tons. There is no known image of the vessel in existence.

But at least we have your attention!

Alexander Croll, John Wright and John Rodger left the employ of Duncan McRae at Boolambayte on the Myall Lakes in 1872 and commenced sawmilling and shipbuilding at Bungwahl - also on the Myall Lakes. Their sawmill at Bungwahl was the third mill in the Port Stephens area.

Wright and Croll built the Caledonia in 1867 and Wright and Croll built the Clio in 1875. The Three Brothers was built at Boolambayte/Bungwahl by Alexander Croll with, no doubt, considerable input from John Wright. As was the Caledonia, she was officially recorded as being built in Port Stephens.

Details

Name: Three Brothers

Type: Topsail schooner

Registration: ON 64407 4/1873 Sydney

Length: 85.4 ft

Breadth: 20.1 ft

Depth: 7.0 ft

Builder: Alexander Croll and very likely John Wright – Bungwahl (recorded in Registry as Port Stephens)

Pearling

Three Brothers was launched in December 1872 (details unknown) and registered on 6th January 1873 (4/1873) when sold to Craig Bros. in early 1873.

No time was wasted - she departed Sydney for the Torres Strait – Captain R.F. Scott - on 25th January 1873. Over the next two years pearl shell was harvested and taken back to Sydney. On one trip that returned to Sydney on February 7th 1874, she was reported to be carrying 41 tons of pearl shell. Empire (Sydney) - 9 February 1874

She made her final voyage from the Torres Straits arriving in Sydney on 19th July 1875.

New Zealand

After arriving back in Sydney in July, 1875, Three Brothers was sold and departed for Napier, New Zealand, departing 14th August 1875 under Captain J. Blair.

It is at this point that a real issue in terms of identity comes to the surface. In the Underwriters Register of 1886/7 there are three vessels named Three Brothers:

ON 46530 Cutter 18 tons built Whangarei Owner John Blair; Master John Blair -

ON 52203 Lighter 24 tons built Napier Owner J.G. Kinross; Master G. Mitchell

ON 64407 Schooner 77 tons built Pt Stephens Owner T.A. Dibbs; Master J. Blair

Astoundingly there were two vessels whose Master was reported as J. Blair; the Captain of the schooner that left Sydney for Napier in August 1875. New Zealand Herald, 27 July 1880.

Fate

It is clear that the cutter Three Brothers simply vanished in July 1880 carrying a load of firewood from The Barrier to Auckland; she was captained by Thomas Blair.

It is almost certain that the there is only one candidate for the 1872-built vessel Three Brothers, bought by John Helier VAUTIER, one time Mayor of Napier. She sailed from Napier on 6th October 1875 for Mercury Bay under the command of Captain Blair; she was never heard of again. The Press reports stated "NAPIER November 5. The Three Brothers, from Napier to Mercury Bay, supposed to be lost. Insured for £l,500 in the New Zealand, and reinsured in the Victoria for £500. Owned by Vautier [John Helier VAUTIER], of Napier. She sailed on 6th October." Patea Mail, 10 November 1875.

While the final demise of the schooner Three Brothers remains uncertain, it is highly likely that she had only a short career after leaving Sydney for Napier.

Any feedback on the fate of this vessel would be greatly appreciated.

Image Source: Springfield Museums

Acknowledgements: The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.

All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.

GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index --> Boat builders Index --> Tags List

Shoreditch London Old Street and City Road Silicon Roundabout Major Road Works.

This was due to be completed Autumn 2022 which has been delayed until Early 2024. The project commenced way back in 2019.

This cycle lane change was initially a three-year project. Now Five Years. The road is the inner ring road for London. They have blocked one of the tube entrances which includes the underpass. Ironically, cyclist do not even use this route since they blocked off the backstreets to traffic. They are trying to sabotage London. The situation is disgusting.

Commence solar body praising.

bit.ly/1R9JdIh

As the rain eases off temporarily, SSR's 3444 loaded grain starts to work the stiff grade of Morrison's HIll at Jindalee with BRM001, C506 and SSR102 doing the grunt. The train had loaded at Temora Sub Terminal and would travel to Newcastle to tip at NAT Carrington.

Today, Sunday 26th January 2025 marks the tenth anniversary since Lynxbus of King’s Lynn commenced operation. From these early beginnings the company has expanded to become the major bus operator in King’s Lynn and the surrounding area with a route network covering much of North West Norfolk.

With no let up in the gloomy conditions, Coastliner branded Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 MMC type number 64 - YX72 OLO is captured on the A149 at Holme-next-the-Sea Crossroads while working the above Hunstanton bound Coastliner service 36 journey. The village of Holme is famous for the Seahenge, discovered in the late 1990s and the ancient Peddars Way track which runs from Holme to a point at Knettishall situated on the Norfolk/Suffolk border some 46 miles away. The village sign atop the circular stone base was erected to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Although we can’t see from this angle, it features a Roman Galley, Oystercatcher and a Pedlar.

A shot nearer the camera would have been my preferred choice, but in this one number 64 is doing an excellent job at removing a white van from the scene.

L'abbaye cistercienne de Trois-Fontaines, sur la commune de Trois-Fontaines-l'Abbaye, fut fondée en 1118 au diocèse de Châlons-en-Champagne ; elle était la première fille de Clairvaux sous l'abbatiat de saint Bernard.

Une première construction en pierre fut commencée dès le XIIe siècle ; les vestiges de l'église, de style roman, en sont encore visibles aujourd'hui.

L'église originelle reprend le plan cistercien de Clairvaux II. Elle avait un plan de croix latine :

longueur : environ 70 m

longueur du transept : environ 40 m

largeur du transept : 12 m

avec un chevet rectangulaire de 6,50 m par 6 mètres. Le nef comprend 8 travées. Chaque bras du transept comprend trois chapelles rectangulaires côté est. Le bras nord du transept était un peu plus court que le bras sud. Les croisées d'ogives sont d'origine mais la forme des nervures a été modifiée au XVIIIe siècle. Les bas-côté reprennent les berceaux transversaux qui semblent être apparus à l'abbaye de Fontenay. Leur voûtement est très aigu.

L'abbaye fut ensuite reconstruite au XVIIIe siècle, dans un style classique aux accents baroques. Un portail monumental donne accès à une cour fermée par deux hauts pavillons. L'église romane fut conservée mais redécorée, les arcs et les ogives étant resculptés.

À la Révolution française l'abbaye fut vendue comme bien national et en partie démolie ; la destruction de l'église a laissé le portail occidental, et la nef couverte de voûtes, mais les toitures n'existent plus. Des pans de grandes arcades gisent à terre et l'abside n'existe plus, composant parmi des arbres un site romantique tel qu'en rêvèrent les artistes du XIXe siècle.

Le site est désormais privé, mais mis en valeur par une association qui l'ouvre au public. Le vaste parc qui conserve un bassin et des statues allégoriques est planté d'arbres imposants.

Source: wikipedia

Like many truck builders, Maudsley commenced business building private cars, but switched to commercial vehicles after the first world war. In 1948, Maudslay joined AEC and Crossley in the new Associated Commercial Vehicles (ACV) Ltd. When The Maudley name was phased out in 1950, the plant was retained to assemble AEC products and there were some badge-engineered Maudslays to give AEC extra space at motor shows. Look closely at the radiator on this Maudsley for British Road Services and it is possible to see what appear to be an AEC badge under the Maudsley name. Thanks to Graham Newell for the base image (updated 26-Dec-16)

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