Probably the worst-executed dish I've ever had at Caprice. The cassoulet at the bottom was nicely done with softened beans and squid, but the tiger prawns were overcooked.

 

It's amazing how expectation and emotion are worked into what, where, and how we eat. When I bit into the prawn, a visceral sense of disappointment washed over me. Immediately, I thought, "This isn't Caprice." Caprice, in all my visits, has never made such a basic mistake in technical execution. So to have not only one but four over-cooked tiger prawns sit in front of me hit me hard, especially when a dining companion ordered the same dish and was perfectly happy with her shrimp.

 

It also demonstrates that kitchens operating at such high levels cannot make missteps such as this, which might be shrugged off at lesser restaurants. Despite all the delicious dishes of this lunch, it will be hard to forget these over-cooked prawns at Caprice.

 

Each year, Recipe for Success Foundation executes a series of exquisite dinner parties to celebrate the shared meal. Hosted in private homes and featuring fabulous chefs, A Gala in Small Bites has raised over $700,000 over the years. 2012 is the 7th annual series, which kicked off at the home of Gracie and Bob Cavnar with Chef Robert DelGrande's perfumed dinner created to complement the new Cartier fragrance, Baiser Vole. Nine more dinners will follow throughout the spring. 2012 sponsors are Whole Foods, Farmhouse Delivery and Cartier. For more information, see www.recipe4success.org

The Azerbaijan Soldiers, and U.S. Army A. Company 1-4 Infantry Division, partnered up for a simulated forceful takeover and occupation of the fictional town of Kittensee during Saber Junction 2019, Joint Multinational Readiness Center’s (JMRC) exercises, in Hohefels Germany, Sept. 24-26, 2019. Saber Junction 19 (SJ19) is an exercise involving nearly 5,400 participants from 16 ally and partner nations at the U.S. Army’s Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels Training Areas, Sept. 3 to 30 Sept. 2019. SJ19 is designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Army’s 173rd Infantry Airborne Brigade to execute land operations in joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with participating allies and partner nations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Michael Bezares, 138th Public Affairs

Detachment)

 

HUD Secretaries Visit Puerto Rico to Execute Disaster Grant Agreement

Jafar Kazemi and Mohammad Ali Hajaghaei, activists from the People's Mujahedeen of Iran (PMOI), the exiled Iranian opposition have been executed by hanging for their involvement in the anti-government demonstrations and riots in Tehran following the disputed Presidential election of 2009, where President Ahmadinejad was accused of having rigged the election outcome. Iranian authorities claim the two acted under instructions from foreign leaders based out of England. Iranian authorities claimed the two activists referred to as Monafeghins, had distributed photographs and banners of the demonstrations, and had participated in the chanting of favorable slogans in the name of the PMOI. Thousands of demonstrators had been arrested during the course of the riots, along with many beaten, wounded and killed. Inspired by ABC news ow.ly/3Koeo image source Persian2English ow.ly/3KohL

Final highspeed shot, perfectly executed by Oscar and shot by Hans Brauer.

Foto: Malin Bryntesson

(•) – The Lockheed Martin HC-130J Hercules The Combat King II is the U.S. Air Force's only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform and is flown by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and Air Combat Command (ACC). This C-130J variation specializes in tactical profiles and avoiding detection and recovery operations in austere environments. The HC-130J replaces HC-130P/Ns as the only dedicated fixed-wing Personnel Recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. It is an extended-range version of the C-130J Hercules transport. Its mission is to rapidly deploy to execute combatant commander directed recovery operations to austere airfields and denied territory for expeditionary, all weather personnel recovery operations to include airdrop, airland, helicopter air-to-air refueling, and forward area ground refueling missions. When tasked, the aircraft also conducts humanitarian assistance operations, disaster response, security cooperation/aviation advisory, emergency aeromedical evacuation, and noncombatant evacuation operations.

 

Features

Modifications to the HC-130J have improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasures systems. The aircraft fleet has a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning systems, and night vision goggle, or NVG, compatible interior and exterior lighting. It also has forward-looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, satellite and data-burst communications, and the ability to receive fuel inflight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI).

 

The HC-130J can fly in the day; however, crews normally fly night at low to medium altitude levels in contested or sensitive environments, both over land or overwater. Crews use NVGs for tactical flight profiles to avoid detection to accomplish covert infiltration/exfiltration and transload operations. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that include incorporating no external lighting or communications, and avoiding radar and weapons detection.

 

Drop zone objectives are done via personnel drops and equipment drops. Rescue bundles include illumination flares, marker smokes and rescue kits. Helicopter air-to-air refueling can be conducted at night, with blacked out communication with up to two simultaneous helicopters. Additionally, forward area refueling point operations can be executed to support a variety of joint and coalition partners.

 

Background

The HC-130J is a result of the HC/MC-130 recapitalization program and replaces Air Combat Command's aging HC-130P/N fleet as the dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st and 79th Rescue Squadrons in Air Combat Command, the 550th Special Operations Squadron in Air Education and Training Command, the 920th Rescue Group in Air Force Reserve Command and the 106th Rescue Wing, 129th RQW and 176th Wing in the Air National Guard will operate the aircraft.

 

First flight was 29 July 2010, and the aircraft will serve the many roles and missions of the HC-130P/Ns. It is a modified KC-130J aircraft designed to conduct personnel recovery missions, provide a command and control platform, in-flight-refuel helicopters and carry supplemental fuel for extending range or air refueling.

 

In April 2006, the personnel recovery mission was transferred back to Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Va. From 2003 to 2006, the mission was under the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Previously, HC-130s were assigned to ACC from 1992 to 2003. They were first assigned to the Air Rescue Service as part of Military Airlift Command.

 

General Characteristics

Primary function: Fixed-wing Personnel Recovery platform

Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Corp.

Power Plant: Four Rolls Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines

Thrust: 4,591 Propeller Shaft Horsepower, each engine

Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)

Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.57 meters)

Height: 38 feet, 9 inches (11.58 meters)

Operating Weight: 89,000 pounds (40,369 kilograms)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds (74,389 kilograms)

Fuel Capacity: 61,360 pounds (9,024 gallons)

Payload: 35,000 pounds (15,875 kilograms)

Speed: 316 knots indicated air speed at sea level

Range: beyond 4,000 miles (3,478 nautical miles)

Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)

Armament: countermeasures/flares, chaff

Basic Crew: Three officers (pilot, co-pilot, combat system officer) and two enlisted loadmasters

Unit Cost: $66 million (fiscal 2010 replacement cost)

Initial operating capability: 2013.

Des oeuvres éphémères, conçues pour un endroit précis et exécutées sur place, avec des moyens légers et destinées à disparaître ou à être démontées à l'issue de la manifestation.

 

L'exposition rassemble et réinstalle vingt-six d'entre elles au Centre Pompidou en reconstruisant les espaces.

 

Jusqu'au 4 juillet 2011 au Centre Pompidou à beaubourg

FR :

 

C’est dans la campagne devant cette chapelle qu’étaient exécuté(e)s les condamné(e)s à mort, notamment durant la période dite de “caccia alle streghe” (chasse aux sorcières) aux 16ème et 17ème siècles. Condamnations prononcées à l’époque par le "ministre de la justice" (bourreau) véritablement au nom de ce qu’on appellerait aujourd’hui la superstition, l’ignorance, et l’intolérance religieuse.

 

La loi de l’époque ne connaissait pas la présomption d’innocence.

 

Le nombre exact d’exécutions (quelques dizaines ou plusieurs centaines) reste inconnu puisque toutes les archives de la soi-disant Sainte Inquisition du diocèse de Milan de 1314 à 1764 ont été délibérément détruites le 3 juin 1788.

 

Certaines victimes d’exécutions ont été depuis réhabilitées, après étude de divers procès-verbaux d’origine des chanceliers de l'époque. Ces procès-verbaux nous rappellent des traditions populaires, des prétendus malheurs, des crimes odieux, des tortures atroces, des superstitions absurdes et des injustices flagrantes du passé qui ont également marqués les vallées alpines.

  

ITA :

 

Fu nella campagna di fronte a questa cappella che i condannati a morte furono giustiziati, in particolare durante il periodo noto come "caccia alle streghe" nei XVI e XVII secoli. Condanne pronunciate all'epoca dal "ministro della giustizia" (il boia) proprio in nome di ciò che oggi chiameremmo della superstizione, dell'ignoranza e dell'intolleranza religiosa.

 

La legge dell'epoca non prevedeva la presunzione di innocenza.

 

Il numero esatto delle esecuzioni (qualche decina o qualche centinaio) rimane sconosciuto poiché tutti gli archivi della cosiddetta Santa Inquisizione della Diocesi di Milano dal 1314 al 1764 furono deliberatamente distrutti il 3 giugno 1788.

 

Alcune vittime delle esecuzioni sono state riabilitate, dopo aver studiato vari verbali originali dei cancellieri dell'epoca. Questi verbali ci ricordano tradizioni popolari, presunte disgrazie, atroci delitti, atroci torture, assurde superstizioni e palesi ingiustizie del passato che hanno segnato anche le valli alpine.

  

ENG :

 

It was in the countryside in front of this chapel that people sentenced to death were executed, especially during the period known as "caccia alle streghe" (witch hunt) in the 16th and 17th Centuries. Condemnations pronounced at that time by the "minister of justice" (torturer) truly in the name of what we would call today superstition, ignorance, and religious intolerance.

 

The law of the time did not know the presumption of innocence.

 

The exact number of executions (a few dozen or several hundred) remains unknown because all the archives of the so-called Holy Inquisition of the Diocese of Milan from 1314 to 1764 were deliberately destroyed on June 3, 1788.

 

Some victims of executions have since been rehabilitated, after studying various original reports of the chancellors of the time. These reports remind us of popular traditions, alleged misfortunes, heinous crimes, atrocious tortures, absurd superstitions and blatant injustices of the past that also marked the Alpine valleys.

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville

The LK371 executes a turn with trawling net out which attracts hundreds of seabirds. She flies the Scotish flag amidships. It is amazing what one sees during a day of just sitting on a cliff at Lambaness. I had a Sea Otter pull out on a rock close by and eat a fish catch.

County Hall (Welsh: Neuadd y Sir Rhuthun) is a municipal building in Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, Wales. The structure is the headquarters of Denbighshire County Council.

 

The first public building in the town was the old court house in St Peter's Square which, in its current incarnation, dated back to 1421. It was succeeded by the old county hall in Record Street, which was designed by Joseph Turner as a record office for the Court of Great Sessions in Wales and completed in 1790. It was enhanced by the addition of a tetrastyle portico with Doric order columns supporting a modillioned pediment in 1866. The building also served in a judicial capacity as the venue for the courts of assize, with the justices meeting there on a regular basis. Following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1888, which established county councils in every county, Denbighshire County Council set up its headquarters in the building. However, by the early 20th century, the county leaders considered the building to be too small and decided to commission a more substantial structure.

 

The new building was designed by Walter Douglas Wiles in the neoclassical style, built in a combination of Eyarth stone and Runcorn stone and was completed in March 1909. The design involved a symmetrical main frontage on the corner of Market Street and Wynnstay Road. The corner bay featured a round headed doorway with a fanlight and voussoirs on the ground floor and a carved panel above; there were three small windows on the first floor separated by colonnettes; the bay was flanked by full-height Ionic order columns supporting a modillioned segmental pediment. The Market Street and Wynnstay Road elevations were decorated in a similar style with slightly projecting bays which featured tri-partite windows on the ground floor, windows separated by colonettes on the first floor and full-height pilasters supporting triangular pediments. Internally, the principal rooms were the council chamber and the offices for the county officers.

 

Following local government reorganisation in 1974, the building became the offices of Glyndŵr District Council and, following the creation of unitary authorities in 1996, it became the offices of the new Denbighshire County Council.

 

Most of the building was demolished in 2002, but retaining the main facades to Wynnstay Road and Market Street. A large modern building was then built behind the facade, with the works being procured under a private finance initiative contract. The works were undertaken by Ion Developments at a cost of £20 million and was completed in May 2004. In November 2015, the county council bought the developer out of its 25-year contract at a cost to the council of £17 million.

 

Ruthin is a market town and community in Denbighshire, Wales, in the south of the Vale of Clwyd. It is Denbighshire's county town. The town, castle and St Peter's Square lie on a hill, skirted by villages such as Pwllglas and Rhewl. The name comes from the Welsh rhudd (red) and din (fort), after the colour of sandstone bedrock, from which the castle was built in 1277–1284 The Old Mill, Ruthin, is nearby. Maen Huail, a registered ancient monument attributed to the brother of Gildas and King Arthur, stands in St Peter's Square.

 

The population at the 2001 census was 5,218, of whom 47 per cent were male and 53 per cent female. The average age was 43.0 years and 98.2 per cent were white. According to the 2011 census, the population had risen to 5,461. 68 per cent of which were born in Wales and 25 per cent in England. Welsh speakers account for 42 per cent of the town's population. The community includes the village of Llanfwrog.

 

There is evidence of Celtic and later Roman settlements in the area. However, little is known of the history of the town before the construction of Ruthin Castle was started in 1277 by Dafydd, the brother of prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. However, he forfeited the castle when he rebelled against King Edward I with his brother; Edward's queen, Eleanor, was in residence in 1281. The original name was Castell Coch yng Ngwern-fôr (Red Castle in the Sea Swamps). The Marcher Lord, Reginald de Grey, Justiciar of Chester, was given the Cantref (an administrative district) of Deffrencloyt (Dyffryn Clwyd, the Welsh for Vale of Clwyd), and his family ran the area for the next 226 years. The third Baron de Grey's land dispute with Owain Glyndŵr triggered Glyndŵr's rebellion against King Henry IV, which began on 16 September 1400, when Glyndŵr burned Ruthin to the ground, reputedly leaving only the castle and a few other buildings standing.

 

The Lord de Grey established a Collegiate Church in 1310. Now the Collegiate and Parish Church of St Peter, it dominates the Ruthin skyline. It has a double nave and boasts two medieval carved roofs. These days it is known for its musical tradition. It has a large choir of children and adults and a four-manual Wadsworth-Willis organ. Behind the church can be seen the old college buildings, school and Christ's Hospital.

 

A Ruthin native, Sir Thomas Exmewe was Lord Mayor of the City of London in 1517–1518.

 

The half-timbered Old Court House (built in 1401), on the square, features the remains of a gibbet last used to execute a Franciscan priest, Charles Meehan, also known as Mahoney. He was shipwrecked on the Welsh coast at a time when Catholicism was equated with treason – Meehan was hanged, drawn, and quartered in 1679. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1987 as one of the Eighty-five martyrs of England and Wales.

 

During the English Civil War, the castle survived an eleven-week siege, after which it was demolished by order of Parliament. It was rebuilt in the 19th century as a country house, which has now been turned into the Ruthin Castle Hotel. From 1826 until 1921 the castle was the home of the Cornwallis-West family, members of Victorian and Edwardian high society.

 

In its 18th-century heyday as a town on drovers' routes from Wales into England, Ruthin was reputed to have "a pub for every week of the year". By 2007, however, there were only eleven pubs in the town. The public records of 23 October 1891 show 31 such establishments serving a population of 3,186; most have been converted into housing or shops. The Ruthin Union Workhouse was built in 1834.

 

The first copies of the Welsh national anthem, Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, were printed in what is now the Siop Nain tea and gift shop on Well Street.

 

In 1863 the Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway, which linked in Denbigh with the Vale of Clwyd Railway (later part of the London and North Western Railway, the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and British Rail) reached the town. The route ran from Rhyl along the north coast through Denbigh and Ruthin to Corwen, before joining a route from Ruabon through Llangollen, Corwen and Bala to Barmouth. The railway and Ruthin railway station closed in 1963 under the Beeching Axe. The site of the station is now occupied by a large road roundabout (Brieg Roundabout) and the Ruthin Craft Centre, which opened in 1982, but was rebuilt and reopened in 2008.

 

Ruthin hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1868 and 1973. The Urdd National Eisteddfod visited Ruthin in 1992 and 2006.

 

The town's principal school is Ysgol Brynhyfryd (Brynhyfryd School), a comprehensive school for 11 to 18 year olds. Its Grade II listed building was built about 1830 as the home of local solicitor, before becoming in 1898 Ruthin County School for Girls. (The town's boys travelled five miles by train to Denbigh High School.) The school went co-educational in 1938, with feeder junior schools up to around six miles away. Building work in the 1950s and the early 1970s increased the number of pupils from 700 to 1000 in a few years, as the minimum school-leaving age rose from 15 to 16). In 2001–2002 the listed building became the Sixth Form Centre. The school's sports facilities, including the swimming pool, are used as the town's Leisure Centre. It also features a theatre and arts complex, Theatr John Ambrose, named after a headmaster of the school in the 1980s and 1990s. This was opened by the actor Rhys Ifans, a former pupil of Ysgol Pentrecelyn and Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, but brought up in Ruthin.

 

In 1574 Gabriel Goodman re-founded Ruthin School which was founded in 1284, making it one of the oldest private schools in the United Kingdom. In 1590, Goodman established Christ's Hospital for 12 poor persons around St Peter's Church on the square, and was Dean of Westminster for 40 years (1561–1601). Ruthin School is now a co-educational boarding and day school, with 227 pupils overall, 145 of them boarders in 2014. In September 2013, the school bought Ye Old Anchor, after its closure as a hotel in November 2012, and converted it into a boarding house for 30 upper sixth-form students.

 

Ruthin has daytime bus services on Mondays to Saturdays, with the last bus on most routes leaving between 5.30 and 7.30 pm. There is no service on Sundays or public holidays.[11] Routes serving Ruthin are Stagecoach 1 and 2 to Mold (1 via Llanarmon and Llanferres, 2 via Llanarmon, Graianrhyd, and Erryrys), X1 runs three times a day to Chester via Llanferres and Mold – frequency of the buses to Mold varies throughout the day between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Route X51 by Arriva runs basically hourly between Rhyl, St Asaph, Denbigh, Ruthin, and Wrexham (Rhyl bus station is next to the railway station, providing Ruthin's most convenient access to the national rail network, while Wrexham railway station is a short distance from its bus station.) Route 55, by Llew Jones Coaches, operates to Corwen at intervals of 50–135 minutes through the day, with three buses extended to Llangollen, and two of these via Llangollen to Wrexham. Route 76, by M & H Coaches, runs six times a day between Denbigh and Ruthin via Llandyrnog, Llangynhafal, and Llanbedr DC; two of these also serve Llanfair DC, Graigfechan, and Pentrecelyn. Less regular services include a weekly route 71 on Fridays between Corwen, Cerrigydrudion, Ruthin, and Morrisons' supermarket in Denbigh, and route 72 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for Cyffylliog, Clocaenog, Bontuchel, Betws Gwerfil Goch, Melin-y-Wig, Derwen, and Clawddnewydd. Ruthin town has route 73, operating three buses a day around Ruthin on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

 

The Ruthin railway line and station closed in the 1960s. They had connected Ruthin to Denbigh and Rhyl to the north and Corwen to the south.

 

In 1858, it was intended to extend the Vale of Clwyd line from Denbigh to Ruthin, running alongside the race-course in the town park (now Parc-y Dre housing) to the Station Hotel. However the West family prevented the line crossing the Castle Park towards Corwen. The route was diverted to the north alongside the road to Wrexham and the Station Hotel renamed the Park Place Hotel. Opposite Station Road lies Railway Terrace, a row of Grade II listed buildings, built in 1864 with evidence of trains running in a cutting in front. The first sod was cut in September 1860 by Mrs Florence West, with an inaugural service starting on St David's Day 1862. To mark this, a song was composed with words by T. Ab Gwilym, music by B. Williams and published by Isaac Clarke. The line ran 6.75 miles (10.9 km), with stations at Rhewl and Llanrhaiadr.

 

The local football club is Ruthin Town. In rugby union, Clwb Rygbi Rhuthun/Ruthin RFC has several teams: 1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV, Youth, Juniors & Women's XV.

 

On 13 June 1981, Ruthin hosted the Annual General Meeting of the International Football Association Board, the body which determines the laws of football.

 

Facilities at Ruthin Leisure Centre on Mold Road include a swimming pool, sports hall and fitness suite. Llanfwrog Community Centre on Mwrog Street provides tennis courts, a golf driving range and bowling greens.

 

The first House of Correction, or Bridewell, was built at the bottom of Clwyd Street, next to the river, in 1654, to replace the Old Court House, where able-bodied idlers and the unemployed were sent to work. Following John Howard's investigations into prison conditions the Denbighshire justices resolved to build a new model prison in Ruthin on the site of the old Bridewell. Work began in January 1775. In 1802 the prison had four cells for prisoners and nine rooms for debtors. By 1837 it could hold 37 inmates. The Prisons Act of 1865 set new standards for the design of prisons – as the Ruthin County Gaol did not meet the standards, plans were drawn up for a new four-storey wing. The new prison for up to 100 prisoners was built in the style of London's Pentonville Prison at a cost of £12,000. On 1 April 1878 the Ruthin County Gaol became HM Prison Ruthin, covering the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Merionethshire. As far as is known, only one person was ever executed in the prison: William Hughes of Denbigh, aged 42, who was hanged on 17 February 1903 for the murder of his wife, his plea of insanity having failed. Another prison personality was John Jones, known as Coch Bach y Bala – who was a kleptomaniac and poacher who had spent more than half his 60 years in all the prisons of north Wales and many in England; he twice escaped from Ruthin Gaol, first on 30 November 1879 when he walked out of prison with three others while the staff were having supper – a £5 reward was offered for his capture, which happened on the following 3 January. On 30 September 1913 he tunnelled out of his cell and using a rope made out of his bedding he climbed over the roof of the chapel and kitchen and got over the wall; after seven days living rough on the Nantclwyd Estate several miles away, Jones was shot in the leg by one of his pursuers, 19-year-old Reginald Jones-Bateman. Jones died of shock and blood loss, while Jones-Bateman was charged with manslaughter, though the charges were subsequently dropped.

 

Ruthin Gaol ceased to be a prison in 1916, when the prisoners and guards were transferred to Shrewsbury. The County Council bought the buildings in 1926 and used them for offices, the county archives and the town library. During the Second World War they were used as a munitions factory. They were then returned to the County Council and became the headquarters of the Denbighshire Library Service. In 2004 the Gaol was renovated and reopened as a museum.[15]

 

Most Haunted: Midsummer Murders filmed the series' fifth episode in Ruthin, where the team investigated a Victorian Era murder. Locations included the Old Gaol and the town library.

 

The Craft Centre had ten studios occupied by crafters who could be watched while they worked at glass blowing, ceramic manufacture, painting, furniture restoration, etc. The original Craft Centre was demolished early in 2007, and a new Craft Centre opened in July 2008 in a £4.3 million scheme, which contains six craft workshops, larger galleries and an expanded craft retail gallery, two residency studios, an education space and a tourist information centre, and a restaurant.

 

Nantclwyd y Dre (previously known as Tŷ Nantclwyd), in Castle Street, was built about 1435 by a local merchant Gronw ap Madoc. The building was sold to the county council in 1982, restored from 2004, and opened to the public in 2007. It contains seven rooms which have been restored to represent various periods in the building's history. Visitors can also observe a colony of Lesser horseshoe bats in the attic rooms.

 

Behind the house are two gardens, the 13th-century inner garden and the outer Lord's Garden, itself believed to have been part of a 13th-century developed castle garden. Restored in the 18th century, Lord's Garden is now itself Grade II listed. In December 2013, the council successfully applied for a grant of £177,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which will see Lord's Garden restored and opened to the public by 2015.

 

This is Ruthin's main park area, which includes a children's play area, a lake, walks and picnic area. A skate park was built in 2007 and a zip wire and trim trail added later. The River Clwyd runs through the park.

 

Gŵyl Rhuthun Festival was founded in 1994 and has been held annually since 1996. The festival is a week filled with events and performances held in various locations around the town, beginning with Ruthin Carnival. The pinnacle of the festival is the Top of Town event held on Ruthin’s historic town square on the last Saturday of the week.

 

According to the historian Peter Smith, "Until the 18th century most towns in Wales had many black-and-white houses (such as Tŷ Nantclwyd y Dre). Ruthin is the only example we have left. It should be carefully conserved, as the last memory we have of these towns." Seven Eyes is a Grade II* listed building of some importance, situated in St Peter's Square.

 

St Peter's Church is the parish church of Ruthin. It is in the diocese of St Asaph. Parts are as old as 1282.

 

The Myddleton Arms is also known as the Seven Eyes. It is said to have been built in the 14th century. The Dutch style design, long, steeped roof is attributed to Sir Richard Clough, an Elizabethan merchant. It has four tiers of dormer windows, each at a different elevation, known locally as the seven eyes of Ruthin. The property was acquired in 1595 by Sir Hugh Myddleton, who provided London with it first fresh water supply. The view of The Myddleton on the square is in fact of the rear of the building. The front looks out over the Clwydian Hills.

 

Formerly a confectionery and bakery shop rented by Thomas Trehearne, the property was owned by the Castle estate. The property also served as a chemist's shop and later as Dick's boot store. On 1 May 1898, Harris Jones took a lease of the property for 21 years as a draper, hosier, glover and dressmaker; he also sold oilcloths, linoleum and other floor coverings. The shop and house were put up for sale in the 1913 by the castle estate along with the Castle Hotel and the Myddleton Arms, which were purchased by William Owen. His lease expired in 1919 with Jones transferring to what is now Gayla House, where he converted the ground floor from residential to retail premises in 1923. The premises are now owned by the HSBC Bank.

 

Formerly the Beehive, this served for 75 years as general drapery and millinery shop. The exact date of the building is not known, but remains of timber framing with wattle and daub indicate that the building is very old. An advertisement claimed the building had been built before 1397. The main section of the building was demolished to make way for the bank. Ruthin Court Rolls refer to a man named Telemann in Ruthin and to a house "in the high St." The rolls record that in 1397, Howell de Rowell passed it on to John Le Sergant. Little is known of the family – possibly a retainer of Edward 1st or Reginald de Grey, probably of Norman French descent. On 24 February, Sergant transferred the tenancy to his daughter Sibilia. The property passed to the Exmewe family by the marriage of Sibilia to Richard Exmewe, their son Thomas being Lord Mayor of London in 1517. Little is known of Exmewe family.

 

Thomas moved to London, deciding to sell his Ruthin Estate of Exmewe House to a fellow mercer, Edward Goodman. Exmewe House or Nant Clwyd-y-Dre may have been the birthplace of Gabriel Goodman, as the family had connections with both properties.

 

Details of the next 200 years are unclear. It became the King's Arms in the occupation of John Price. It then became the Queen's Arms (during the reign of Queen Anne, 1702–1714). The property was purchased for £300 on 5 November 1718 by Robert Myddleton of Chirk. The property served as a chemist's through the 19th century until 1913. It was then sold as part of the Castle Estate sales in 1913/1919, for £1275 to Mr Lecomber, who in turn sold it to Barclays Bank, which modernised it to what can be seen today.

 

Now trading as the Celtic Hair Studio at 2 Well Street. Originally a public house, it was reputedly built in 1401, making it the oldest pub in Ruthin. Lewis Jones, in his 1884 "Handbook For Ruthin and the Vicinity", stated that the old property, formerly the Ruth Inn, had been adapted as a post office some 25 years before. It ceased trading in 1773. In 1850, the building was converted into a drapery, then becoming the town post office again until 1904.

 

The site of the present post office may have been a medieval Carmelite priory of White Friars, said to have been founded and built by Reginald de Grey and partly destroyed by the Reformation. De Grey also provided a large piece of land close to the castle known as Whitefriars. During the 1860s and 1870s the site housed the Queen's Head public house and a horse-feed chandler; both buildings were destroyed by a 1904 fire; the new post office was built in 1906.

 

Located at 33, 35 and 37 Clwyd Street opposite the gaol and now a florist, it was originally the Red Lion public house. In 1824 the hangman, Sam Burrows, was staying at the Red Lion on the night before the execution of John Connor, a highway robber. He gave a detailed demonstration of how he actually hanged a man, unfortunately the stool was accidentally kicked away and Burrows almost hanged himself. The public house ceased trading in 1905.

 

Now flats, the Royal Oak is one of the finest buildings in Ruthin, having three cruck frames, it is a Grade II* listed building.

 

At No. 65 Clwyd Street, this Grade II* listed building retains much of the medieval timber frame internally, the oak for which was felled in 1455 and 1456. Its original purpose is unknown, although it has a medieval arched doorway facing towards the 13th-century mill, and a 15th-century solar (private living quarters) with an open roof with cusped windbraces. It is said to have been converted for domestic use in 1586 and occupied by the Moyle family. A two-storey porch with glazed windows (previously described as a balcony) and internal timber panelling was added, possibly in 1655 when further alterations were made. The building was extensively altered in the 19th century, being converted partly into a shop. Porth y Dŵr originally formed a single building with No. 67 Clwyd Street (listed Grade II), and adjoined the medieval west gate to the town, which was demolished in 1786.

 

All buildings on Castle Street are listed by Cadw. These are the earliest settlements outside the walls of the castle. Some have burgage plots at the back, established by de Grey in 1283. The plots and linear arrangement have barely changed since their foundation.

 

While there were residential properties at the castle end of the street, commercial properties appeared at the end close to St Peters Square. The one exception was the pub Yr Iwerddon at No. 15. The house retains a name referring to its connection with Irish drovers attending markets and fairs.

 

Other establishments of interest include No. 1, now Boots, formerly the Raven Inn, which in 1560 may have been the birthplace of Bishop Richard Parry, pupil and master (1584) of Ruthin School. He was involved with Dean Gabriel Goodman and others in translating the Bible and prayer book into Welsh. The main contributor was Bishop William Morgan, but Parry's revision in 1620 became the accepted authorised version.

 

The Ruthin Royal Bowling Green used the Raven as their headquarters until the Cornwallis-Wests came to live in Ruthin Castle. The club met at the Raven for its annual and quarterly meetings. When competitions took place, the staff of the Raven would take "cwrw da" (good beer) to the players. With the arrival of the Wests, the bowling green laid out inside the curtilage of the castle forced the club to find an alternative green. The option accepted was the rear of No. 8 Castle Street "Gorphwysfa", then called the Constitutional Club, later renamed the Conservative Club.

No. 2. The Wine Vaults with a six-column Tuscan colonnade were 'known as the Black Horse in the 1820s. This is verified by the Welsh Office survey.

No. 7. Sir John Trevor House served as Totty's the Lawyers in the 1700s, later as an antique shop and tea shop, and finally as a private residence offering bed and breakfast accommodation. Sir John Trevor was Speaker of the House of Commons from 1690 to 1695, when he was dismissed for embezzlement. He was the only Speaker forced to resign, until the forced departure of Michael Martin on 19 May 2009.

"Gorphwysfa" was part of the Castle estate until sold off its owners in 1919. The Rifle Volunteer Corps founded in 1859 stored its armoury at the house until a drill hall was built in Borthyn in 1885. The property became the Conservative Club in November 1885.

No. 9, known as "Corwen", held the offices of Phillips the Attorney. It is now a private residence.

No. 11, Ardwyn, is a private residence on three storeys, formerly the offices of the attorneys Smarts.

No. 12, Plas-yn-Dre, cannot be dated accurately. It was rebuilt in 1823, as recorded by a stone above the front door. It housed the North and South Wales Bank. L. G. Thomas, prime mover in the founding the Presbyterian Church in Wynnstay Road in 1886, was bank manager and lived here.

Nos 16 and 18 are wooden-framed buildings with a 19th-century frontage. They formed part of the Castle estate sales of 1913 and 1919. They probably represent the first use of stucco in Ruthin.

 

The Old County Hall, now Ruthin Library, is a Grade II Listed Building in Record Street, originally named Stryd y Chwain (Welsh for Flea Street) due to its very low standard of living. The inferior housing was demolished to make way for the county court and much grander houses between 1785 and 1788. The present name reflects the storing of records from the assizes and shire hall. In 1860 it became the county court, with a portico added at that time. It served as an assize court and housed its records until the 1970s. The library opened in the early 1990s.

 

The police station is a Grade II listed building of 1890. Before it was built, the original one was housed in Ruthin Gaol. The new one gave convenient access to the courts. It contains four cells, which are no longer used, and a much reduced number of police officers.

 

Castle Mews, a Grade II listed building is now a shopping precinct. It dates back to the 15th century, with examples of wattle and daub just inside the building on the right hand side. Remodeled in the early 19th century, it became the Cross Keys coaching inn serving the Ruthin to Chester route, with a change of horses in Mold. It later became a temperance commercial hotel and was home to one of the three Ruthin Friendly Societies: groups of male workers of similar background who contributed small amounts on a weekly basis for insurance against injury and old age. At a later date it was the offices of Ruthin Rural District Council.

 

Nos 10 and 12, a late 18th-century family town house, is Grade II listed. It retained its late Georgian character until converted into today's boutique hotel and art gallery. The cellars are said to have been built of stone from Ruthin Castle. The building has had many uses: as a boarding house for Ruthin School until 1893, a doctors home, a family home, whose most famous resident was Cynthia Lennon, wife of John Lennon while their son Julian attended Ruthin School, a restaurant from the 1930s and a hotel. Today's hotel architecture and art have won several awards.

 

The Wynnstay Hotel And Wayfarer Wool Shop, two separate buildings, were once connected by an archway, through which coaches and horses entered to the rear of the properties, where there were stables. The present Wayfarers shop is shown in the title deeds as an outbuilding consisting of "an old saddle room, l with a room over and Gentleman's Convenience".

 

The Wynnstay Hotel, now a private house, is first recorded in 1549 and known for many years as the Cross Foxes, which formed the heraldic arms of the Wynnstay family, which originated from Wrexham. Its members boasted they could travel from Chester to the Llŷn Peninsula without once leaving their own land. It was an important coaching inn for Ruthin to Denbigh travellers and served the Ruthin, Mold and Chester Royal Mail service. The pub in its heyday had a bowling green and tennis courts, and a central porch demolished in 1969.

 

Plas Coch (also known as the Conservative Club) is a Grade II listed building of medieval origin and a former 17th-century town house. It was rebuilt in 1613 using red sandstone from the castle and became home to the castle Constable. The building has two storeys with attics and four large windows on each floor. In 1963 it became a banqueting hall owned by Rees Jones, who used to trade at the village hall in Llanfair. It became the Conservative Club in 1977, and having been slightly altered, now offers all-round function facilities.

 

The Spread Eagle recalls the coat-of-arms of the Goodwin family. Formerly an inn, records show it traded only from 1792 to 1915, after which it became a temperance hotel, then a retail shop.

 

Rose Cottage is a privately owned residence and a Grade II* listed building on the corner of Rhos Street and Haulfryn. It is listed as an "exceptional survival of a medieval cruck-framed hall-house of relatively low status, retaining its plan-form, character and detail".

 

Situated in the Corwen Road just past Ruthin Castle, Scott House was built 1933 to house the nursing staff of Duff House Sanatorium, which acquired Ruthin Castle and 475 acres (192 ha) of land for their private clinic in April 1923. The Grade II listed building set in landscaped grounds was later divided into flats.

 

Ruthin Town Hall is located in Market Street. It was designed by J. W. Poundley and D. Walker in the High Victorian Gothic style and completed in 1865.

 

Notable people

Ida de Grey (1368 in Ruthin Castle – 1426), a Cambro-Norman noblewoman

Sir Thomas Exmewe (ca.1454–1529), Lord Mayor of London 1517–18

Gabriel Goodman (1528–1601), Dean of Westminster, re-founded Ruthin School

Godfrey Goodman (1582/3 – 1656), Anglican Bishop of Gloucester.

Lloyd Kenyon, 1st Baron Kenyon (1732–1802), politician and barrister, went to Ruthin School.

Joseph Ablett (1773–1848), philanthropist, purchased Llanbedr Hall in Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd

Dorothea Eliza Smith (1804–1864), a botanical artist noted for painting South American fruit.

Daisy, Princess of Pless (1873 in Ruthin Castle – 1943), society beauty, wife of Prince Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg

Wynn Edwards (1842–1900), American farmer and politician

Stanley J. Weyman (1855–1928), English novelist, lived in Ruthin for 33 years and died there.

Sir Henry Haydn Jones MP (1863–1950), politician, slate quarry owner, and owner of the Talyllyn Railway

Władysław Raczkiewicz (1885–1947), the first president of the Polish government in exile, died at Ruthin Castle.

Hafina Clwyd (1936–2011), journalist, town councillor, then mayor of Ruthin (2008–2009)

Cynthia Lennon (1939–2015), first wife of John Lennon, settled in Ruthin. Her son, musician Julian Lennon (born 1963) attended Ruthin School.

Robin Llwyd ab Owain (born 1959), author, poet, and Wikipedian, lives in Ruthin.

Rhys Meirion (born 1966), English National Opera classical tenor; taught near Ruthin

Actors Rhys Ifans (born 1967) and his brother Llŷr Ifans (born 1968) come from Ruthin.

Seren Gibson (born 1988), glamour model, attended Ysgol Brynhyfryd.

 

Sport

Eric Jones, 2019

John Challen (1863–1937), amateur sportsman, played first-class cricket and football

Charles Foweraker (1877–1950), football manager of Bolton Wanderers F.C. from 1919 to 1944

Eric Jones (born 1935), climber, skydiver and BASE jumper.

Doug Dailey MBE (born 1944), racing cyclist

Tom Pryce (1949–1977), Formula One racing driver

Eifion Lewis-Roberts (born 1981), rugby union player for Ruthin RFC, lives in Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd.

Rob Higgitt (born 1981), Scarlets rugby union centre, a former resident.

Neil Taylor (born 1989), footballer with 338 club caps and 43 for Wales, attended Ysgol Brynhyfryd.

 

Ruthin is situated on the River Clwyd, at the point where it enters the low-lying pastures of the Vale of Clwyd. The Clwydian Range lies to the east and the Clocaenog Forest and Denbigh Moors to the west.

 

By road, Ruthin is 8 miles (13 km) south-east of Denbigh, 12 miles (19 km) north of Corwen, 10 miles (16 km) west of Mold and 14 miles (23 km) east of Cerrigydrudion.

 

The nearest major urban centres are Wrexham at 17 miles (27 km), Rhyl at 18 miles (29 km), Chester at 23 miles (37 km) and Liverpool at 34 miles (55 km) to the north-east. Ruthin is skirted by villages such as Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Pwllglas and Rhewl.

 

Denbighshire is a county in the north-east of Wales. It borders the Irish Sea to the north, Flintshire to the east, Wrexham to the southeast, Powys to the south, and Gwynedd and Conwy to the west. Rhyl is the largest town, and Ruthin is the administrative centre. Its borders differ from the historic county of the same name.

 

Denbighshire has an area of 326 square miles (840 km2) and a population of 95,800, making it sparsely populated. The most populous area is the coast, where Rhyl (25,149) and Prestatyn (19,085) form a single built-up area with a population of 46,267. The next-largest towns are Denbigh (8,986), Ruthin (5,461), and Rhuddlan (3,709). St Asaph (3,355) is a city. All of these settlements are in the northern half of the county; the south is even less densely populated, and the only towns are Corwen (2,325) and Llangollen (3,658).

 

The geography of Denbighshire is defined by the broad valley of the River Clwyd, which is surrounded by rolling hills on all sides except the north, where it reaches the coast. The Vale of Clwyd, the lower valley, is given over to crops, while cattle and sheep graze the uplands. The Clwydian Range in the east is part of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

 

This part of Wales contains the country's oldest known evidence of habitation – Pontnewydd (Bontnewydd-Llanelwy) Palaeolithic site has Neanderthal remains of some 225,000 years ago. The county is also home to several medieval castles, including Castell Dinas Brân, Denbigh, and Rhuddlan, as well as St Asaph Cathedral. Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod takes place in the town each July.

 

The main area was formed on 1 April 1996 under the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, from various parts of the county of Clwyd. It includes the district of Rhuddlan (formed in 1974 entirely from Flintshire), the communities of Trefnant and Cefn Meiriadog from the district of Colwyn (entirely Denbighshire) and most of the Glyndŵr district. The last includes the former Edeyrnion Rural District, part of the administrative county of Merionethshire before 1974, covering the parishes of Betws Gwerfil Goch, Corwen, Gwyddelwern, Llangar, Llandrillo yn Edeirnion and Llansanffraid.

 

Other principal areas including part of historical Denbighshire are Conwy, which picked up the remainder of 1974–1996 Colwyn, the Denbighshire parts of 1974–1996 Aberconwy, and Wrexham, which corresponds to the pre-1974 borough of Wrexham along with most of Wrexham Rural District and several parishes of Glyndŵr. Post-1996 Powys includes the historically Denbighshire parishes of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, Llansilin and Llangedwyn, which formed part of Glyndŵr district.

 

Researchers have found signs that Denbighshire was inhabited at least 225,000 years ago. Bontnewydd Palaeolithic site is one of the most significant in Britain. Hominid remains of probable Neanderthals have been found, along with stone tools from the later Middle Pleistocene.

 

In 2021 February, archaeologists from Aeon Archaeology announced a discovery of over 300 Stone Age tools and artifacts in Rhuddlan. They revealed scrapers, microliths, flakes of chert (a hard, fine-grained, sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz), flints and other rudimentary tools. An expert, Richard Cooke, believes the lithic remains belonged to ancient peoples, who while passing through the area, made camp by the river more than 9,000 years ago.

 

The eastern edge of Denbighshire follows the ridge of the Clwydian Range, with a steep escarpment to the west and a high point at Moel Famau (1,820 ft (555 m)), which with the upper Dee Valley forms an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley – one of just five in the Wales. The Denbigh Moors (Mynydd Hiraethog) are in the west of the county and the Berwyn Range adjacent to the southern edge. The River Clwyd has a broad fertile Vale running from south–north in the centre of the county. There is a narrow coastal plain in the north which much residential and holiday-trade development. The highest point in the historic county was Cadair Berwyn at 832 m or 2,730 ft), but the boundary changes since 1974 make Cadair Berwyn North Top the highest point. Denbighshire borders the present-day principal areas of Gwynedd, Conwy County Borough, Flintshire, Wrexham County Borough, and Powys.

 

Rhyl and Prestatyn form a single built-up area in the north of the county, with a population of 46,267. They are immediately adjacent to the Kinmel Bay and Abergele built-up area in neighbouring Conwy, and at the eastern end of series of coastal resorts which that also includes Colwyn Bay and Llandudno further west.

 

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, Denbighshire's population was approximately 95,800. According to previous censuses, the population of Denbighshire was 93,734 in 2011 and 93,065 in 2001. The largest towns on the coast are Rhyl (2001 population c. 25,000) and Prestatyn (2001 population c. 18,000). According to the 2011 Census returns, 24.6 per cent stated they could speak Welsh.

 

Since the 20th-century demise of the coal and steel industries in the Wrexham area, there is no heavy industry in the county. Although most towns have small industrial parks or estates for light industry, the economy is based on agriculture and tourism. Much of the working population is employed in the service sector. The uplands support sheep and beef cattle rearing, while in the Vale of Clwyd dairy farming and wheat and barley crops predominate. Many towns have livestock markets and farming supports farm machinery merchants, vets, feed merchants, contractors and other ancillaries. With their incomes on the decline, farmers have found opportunities in tourism, rural crafts, specialist food shops, farmers' markets and value-added food products.

 

The upland areas with their sheep farms and small, stone-walled fields are attractive to visitors. Redundant farm buildings are often converted into self-catering accommodation, while many farmhouses supply bed and breakfast. The travel trade began with the arrival of the coast railway in the mid-19th century, opening up the area to Merseyside. This led to a boom in seaside guest houses. More recently, caravan sites and holiday villages have thrived and ownership of holiday homes increased. Initiatives to boost the economy of North Wales continue, including redevelopment of the Rhyl seafront and funfair.

 

The North Wales Coast Line running from Crewe to Holyhead is served by Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast services. Trains leaving Crewe to pass through Chester, cross the River Dee into Wales, and continue through Flint, Shotton, Holywell Junction (closed in 1966), Prestatyn, Rhyl, and stations to Bangor and Holyhead, which has a ferry service to Ireland.

 

There are no motorways in Denbighshire. The A55 dual carriageway runs from Chester through St Asaph to the North Wales coast at Abergele, then parallel to the railway through Conwy and Bangor to Holyhead. The A548 run from Chester to Abergele through Deeside and along the coast, before leaving the coast and terminating at Llanrwst. The main road from London, the A5, passes north-westwards through Llangollen, Corwen and Betws-y-Coed to join the A55 and terminate at Bangor. The A543 crosses the Denbigh Moors from south-east to north-west, and the A525 links Ruthin with St Asaph.

 

There are local bus services between the main towns. Several services by Arriva Buses Wales run along the main coast road between Chester and Holyhead, linking the coastal resorts. Another route links Rhyl to Denbigh.

 

Denbighshire is represented in the House of Commons by three MPs. The Welsh Labour Party lost to the Welsh Conservatives in the 2019 general election for the first time.

 

The following MPs were elected from Denbighshire in 2019:

Simon Baynes (Welsh Conservatives) in Clwyd South, first elected in 2019.

David Jones (Welsh Conservatives) in Clwyd West, first elected in 2005.

James Davies (Welsh Conservatives) in Vale of Clwyd, first elected in 2019.

 

Denbighshire is also represented in the Senedd by three members elected in 2021:

Ken Skates (Welsh Labour) in Clwyd South, first elected in 2011

Darren Millar (Welsh Conservatives) in Clwyd West, first elected in 2007

Gareth Davies (Welsh Conservatives) in Vale of Clwyd, first elected in 2021.

In 2019, research by UnHerd in association with the pollster FocalData showed that most people across the county support the British monarchy.

Coalition forces with Isis to join operations are executed against a Jordanian for the rescue of the pilot studies was inconclusive. In syria, the plane shot down after it was captured by Jordanian pilot Muaz Al-kesasibe killed the published videos showing. In the videos, the Jordanian pilot is placed in an iron cage, and was burned alive, not seen. ISIS, who was killed the pilot to return to the country for Sajida Al risavi the release he wanted. Jordan is the pilot's right to prove in the case of trade has announced that it is ready. Bloody wanted it recently $ 200 million in ransom, he didn't get the two Japanese hostages killed.

Palestinian teenager Muhammad Abu Latifa was "executed" during an arrest raid in the Qalandiya refugee camp on Monday, his family said, refuting claims that he fell from a rooftop while being chased by Israeli soldiers. Locals said that Israeli military vehicles raided the camp early Monday and broke into the home of Muhammad Abu Latifa, 18, in an attempt to detain him. Israeli soldiers opened fire at the teenager as he attempted to run away, hitting him in the lower body. Israeli police said that Abu Latifa fell to his death while he was running away across rooftops in the camp. Muhammad's uncle, Jamal Abu Latifa, refuted the police statement, saying that Israeli soldiers detained Muhammad after shooting him in the feet. "He was chased at 5:30 a.m., shot in the feet then arrested alive. Surprisingly, the Israeli soldiers shot him in the chest, then tied him with electricity wires and we have evidence that some of his body parts were fractured as a result of the assault by soldiers," he told Ma'an. Read more here: ift.tt/1LMIdGh - ift.tt/1GTI0cq

Executing the winning pass in the women's pro class at the 2011 Roswell Criterium...

A street performer executes a somersault over a row of tourists near the foot of Brooklyn Bridge outside City Hall in downtown Manhattan on May 31, 2013 in New York City, USA

 

(c)Stefan Jeremiah/BearWitnessPictures

 

(No photograph or digital file may be reproduced, cropped or modified digitally or otherwise without prior consent, and the spirit of the caption must be respected.)

Executing the right turn, out over the Irish Sea, onto a heading of 155.

The Sanctury of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church features three beautiful 1880s Ferguson and Urie stained glass windows; Faith on the left, Charity in the middle and Hope on the right. All are executed in iridescent reds, yellows, greens and blues, to reflect the colour palate used in other Ferguson and Urie windows elsewhere around the church.

 

Built on the crest of a hill in a prominent position overlooking St Kilda and the bay is the grand St Kilda Presbyterian Church.

 

The St Kilda Presbyterian Church's interior is cool, spacious and lofty, with high ceilings of tongue and groove boards laid diagonally, and a large apse whose ceiling was once painted with golden star stenciling. The bluestone walls are so thick that the sounds of the busy intersection of Barkley Street and Alma Road barely permeate the church's interior, and it is easy to forget that you are in such a noisy inner Melbourne suburb. The cedar pews of the church are divided by two grand aisles which feature tall cast iron columns with Corinthian capitals. At the rear of the building towards Alma Road there are twin porches and a narthex with a staircase that leads to the rear gallery where the choir sang from. It apparently once housed an organ by William Anderson, but the space today is used as an office and Bible study area. The current impressive Fincham and Hobday organ from 1892 sits in the north-east corner of the church. It cost £1030.00 to acquire and install. The church is flooded with light, even on an overcast day with a powerful thunder storm brewing (as the weather was on my visit). The reason for such light is because of the very large Gothic windows, many of which are filled with quarry glass by Ferguson and Urie featuring geometric tracery with coloured borders. The church also features stained glass windows designed by Ferguson and Urie, including the impressive rose window, British stained glass artist Ernest Richard Suffling, Brooks, Robinson and Company Glass Merchants, Mathieson and Gibson of Melbourne and one by Australian stained glass artist Napier Waller.

 

Opened in 1886, the St Kilda Presbyterian church was designed by the architects firm of Wilson and Beswicke, a business founded in 1881 by Ralph Wilson and John Beswicke (1847 - 1925) when they became partners for a short period. The church is constructed of bluestone with freestone dressings and designed in typical Victorian Gothic style. The foundation stone, which may be found on the Alma Road facade, was laid by the Governor of Victoria Sir Henry Barkly on 27 January. When it was built, the St Kilda Presbyterian Church was surrounded by large properties with grand mansions built upon them, so the congregation were largely very affluent and wished for a place of worship that reflected its stature not only in location atop a hill, but in size and grandeur.

 

The exterior facades of the church on Barkley Street and Alma Road are dominated by a magnificent tower topped by an imposing tower. The location of the church and the height of the tower made the spire a landmark for mariners sailing into Melbourne's port. The tower features corner pinnacles and round spaces for the insertion of a clock, which never took place. Common Victorian Gothic architectural features of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church include complex bar tracery over the windows, wall buttresses which identify structural bays, gabled roof vents, parapeted gables and excellent stone masonry across the entire structure.

 

I am very grateful to the Reverend Paul Lee for allowing me the opportunity to photograph the interior of the St Kilda Presbyterian Church so extensively.

 

The architects Wilson and Beswicke were also responsible for the Brighton, Dandenong, Essendon, Hawthorn and Malvern Town Halls and the Brisbane Wesleyan Church on the corner of Albert and Ann Streets. They also designed shops in the inner Melbourne suburbs of Auburn and Fitzroy. They also designed several individual houses, including "Tudor House" in Williamstown, "Tudor Lodge" in Hawthorn and "Rotha" in Hawthorn, the latter of which is where John Beswicke lived.

 

The stained glass firm of Ferguson and Urie was established by Scots James Ferguson (1818 – 1894), James Urie (1828 – 1890) and John Lamb Lyon (1836 – 1916). They were the first known makers of stained glass in Australia. Until the early 1860s, window glass in Melbourne had been clear or plain coloured, and nearly all was imported, but new churches and elaborate buildings created a demand for pictorial windows. The three Scotsmen set up Ferguson and Urie in 1862 and the business thrived until 1899, when it ceased operation, with only John Lamb Lyon left alive. Ferguson and Urie was the most successful Nineteenth Century Australian stained glass window making company. Among their earliest works were a Shakespeare window for the Haymarket Theatre in Bourke Street, a memorial window to Prince Albert in Holy Trinity, Kew, and a set of Apostles for the West Melbourne Presbyterian Church. Their palatial Gothic Revival office building stood at 283 Collins Street from 1875. Ironically, their last major commission, a window depicting “labour”, was installed in the old Melbourne Stock Exchange in Collins Street in 1893 on the eve of the bank crash. Their windows can be found throughout the older suburbs of Melbourne and across provincial Victoria.

 

I found executing the camera obscura to be particularly tricky. The image appeared at an angle on the adjacent wall, instead of the opposite one, and only projected in a small area. I will keep experimenting with this, possibly trying a larger hole and in a different house where the view and lighting conditions may be better.

The CECOM command group executed the new Army Combat Fitness Test in August of 2022 on Aberdeen Proving Ground. Capt. Crawford executes the Standing Power Throw portion of the fitness evaluation.

Walsworth County, SD

Listed: 05/23/1986

 

The Mobridge Auditorium is significant as an example of Works Progress Administration art deco architecture and for its mural art work also commissioned by the WPA and executed by acclaimed Sioux Indian artist, Oscar Howe. Howe's work is important within the context of 20th Century American Indian art and South Dakota mural art as it represents his revolution in style from the Santa Fe Studio style to his own unique vision.

 

Constructed in 1936, the Mobridge City Auditorium was a local WPA project designed by architect, Roland Wilcken. Wilcken was an

Aberdeen architect who had several WPA commissions for schools and who also did work for the Episcopal Church's Indian mission schools and churches. Contractor/builder Fred E. Peterson also had his offices in Aberdeen. He worked as a carpenter and drew architectural plans for small commissions. A native of Malmo, Sweden, he came to the United States in 1900. The other contractors who worked on the building were William F. Rose who did the plumbing and heating, Anton Fredburg, engineer and Albin Peterson, superintendent of construction. Constructed for $115,000 in 1936 and officially opened on May 6, 1937, the building has served a multitude of purposes.

 

The design qualities of the building are focused on the front facade. Here the typical art deco treatment is used. Of greater interest are the murals. Within the context of South Dakota mural art, the Oscar Howe murals are an outstanding example. Howe chose for the Mobridge Auditorium a combination of Indian and South Dakota pioneer history motifs, which refer to specific events or myths of the region. Unlike almost all other murals in the state, Howe's are rooted in the very history and cultural legacy of the area. While Howe had been taught to use muted colors, he chose instead the vibrant hues seen in Sioux quilting, quillwork, leather painting and beadwork. The rich blues, golds, and reds were masterfully used to give a depth and emotional impact to the murals.

WILMINGTON, N.C. - Sgt. 1st Class Michael Grady is a Greeneville Police Officer when he is not in uniform. Citizen-Soldiers assigned to NC National Guard's Detachment 2, 1132nd Military Police Company support Port of Wilmington’s police force during Operation Vigilant Seahawk from June 13 - 22, 2016. They will conduct site security operations across the entire port. This exercise provides a realistic location for the NCNG to plan, execute and assess emergency response capabilities that closely replicate a real world event. In this exercise scenario, the ports of Wilmington and Morehead City require additional assets to secure their facilities due to damage from a hurricane and cybersecurity threats. “We are impressed with the Guard’s professionalism and expertise in checkpoint and vehicle searching techniques,” said Port of Wilmington Chief of Police, G.S. Teague. “They are a great partner and wish we could have them around longer than one week.”

Protesters set out from different locations in Cairo converged on the Ministry of Defense on Friday, demanding the execution of Field Marshal Tantawi, Mubarak's minister of defense who heads the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces; putting the army generals on trial for murder, corruption and treason; and the handover of power to civilians.

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Two Resistance fighters who were executed near Hill 60.

From the nearby sign:

"On 2nd September 1944 Pierre Marchant and Lucien Olivier, two Frenchmen, members of the Resistance, were on a lorry loaded with munitions near the station of their hometown La Madeleine, close to Lille (France).

"A German train arrived in the station and a group of S.S. circled immediately the lorry. The driver and his escort were captured and taken on the train to Belgium. This train, packed with soldiers and firearms, stopped at the border between Zillebeke and Hollebeke. As usual, it must wait an extra reinforcement from a locomotive coming from Ypres.

"What happened exactly at the place was not clearly established.

"Have they tried to escape from the train?

"Have they received the order, from the Germans, to jump out the train?

"Residents have heard gunshots that evening.

"On one of the verges of the railway, two hundred meters from here the inanimate bodies of this two young people were found.

"A burial place in the Zillebeke's village temporarily accommodated them.

"Later, their bodies were transported to their residence's place where each received a final burial place."

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Following a 2 year absence due to Covi,, the 2022 Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival. (and Parade) will be held as per usual this year.. Unfortunately the Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess competition has had to be postponed until next year due to time constraints.

  

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Shocking news from ABF,

  

* There's been a stunning development at ABF. *

 

Apparently in a new younger generation there are those who harbor resentment towards our nations history, for English colonialism, and even for the Monarchy ? Other minority groups have voiced discontent over the diversity and inclusion issue ? And so it seems that the current ABF Board of Directors has listened to the concerns and complaints of a few small minority groups while apparently ignoring and excluding the overwhelming majority of Valley residents ? And it appears that this current Board of Directors chose to resolve such discontent by simply moving to implement and execute the nuclear option and the final solution ? And therefore after a highly successful lengthy run of 87 consecutive years in a row, the extremely anticipated, very popular, family oriented, inclusive and diverse, multi village Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess Pageant along with the prestigious Royal Coronation crowning ceremonies held in Wolfville have all been terminated forever by this current board of Directors ?

  

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-----------------------It's The End of an Era-----------------------------

  

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep."

  

Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival 2023 - ABF Board of Directors has announced drastic new changes in format and even deeper cut-backs to the annual People's Festival ? Concerns over ceremony, symbolism, the monarchy and colonialism, along with some complaints over inclusion and diversity may have had an influence on the current ABF board of Directors and they have seen a need to update the long running Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess pageant in order to bring it up to a standard they view as being more relevant to the current times ? And so the Directors must have held an extremely private 'think tank' last Winter, and without notifying, caring, considering or consulting with any of the long time participating Valley communities, they had decided that rather than trouble themselves any further with this pesky issue, why not just take the easy way out and simply get rid of it ? And so it seems they made a final decision in private last Winter and moved to execute the final and fatal solution to their problem by ordering that the iconic 87 year old Pageant competition be immediately shut down and terminated forever ? And therefore, as a result of an uninclusive and uncontested decision made in private, one of the longest running, popular, identifiable, well known, highly anticipated, most inclusive and diverse, proud all family events that has ever benefited Valley residents of every age, has just been taken away ?

This unconditional act of finality will now end the long running 88 year reign of her royal Heinous Queen Annapolisa and will terminate all participation of the 7 to 10 Apple Blossom Princess contestants and their child attendants that represent 7 to 10 local Valley communities ? It will also mean the end of the many beautiful hand crafted award winning Princess floats that always highlight Grand Street Parade, and it will also signal the end of the ultra glamorous Queen and Ladies-in-waiting Crowning ceremonies held annually and televised each year from Acadia University in Wolfville ? This also puts an end to the many popular community Princess Tea events, and also ends all Royal Party visitations to local Schools, hospitals and old folks homes that are so welcome and appreciated by Students, Seniors and shut-ins ? This also signals the end of Royal Party appearances at Kentville Children's Parade, at the Memorial Park Friday night open air concert and fireworks, and all Royal attendances at many other events held annually throughout the Valley and the Province ?

It appears now that current ABF Officials led by President Logan Morse along with Kentville town rep Lindsey Young have not only interrupted the Pageant in 2022 when they temporarily postponed it, but have now in 2023 moved to terminate this prestigious event forever explaining that their radical decision has been made to improve, include, modernize and evolve the famed beauty pageant ? This final act of termination ends almost 90 years of royal pageantry and also leaves a huge gap in the Festival itself ? It will also negatively affect so many of the nearby Valley communities who always participate and enter contestants in the Pageant ? The ending of such an important multiple community event and the taking away of the better half and Star of the Apple Blossom Festival brings forth the question of what replacement is planned, and what are local towns and villages that always play major roles in both the Queen and Princess competition suppose to do now ? And what about Valley youth and the childhood dreams of one day becoming a child attendant or an Apple Blossom Princess or even a Queen ?

You have to marvel at the level of ego and disrespect shown by this latest Board of Directors who have dared appoint themselves as the ones that will end the Pageant and then to think that Valley residents are stupid enough to believe that by cancelling and taking away a cherished and long running event, that they have in some perverted way of thinking moved the Valley forward or improved and modernized anything ? It seems far more likely that they have taken the Valley on a giant leap backwards and robbed the people of a much beloved, long running, multi community, all inclusive and live local production that has always been the most anticipated all Valley highlight of the year for the past almost 90 consecutive years ?

Why the current ABF Management, who claim to be stewards in charge and responsible for the promotion and presentation of this event, appear unable to perform their duties or to perform the job they're paid to do and now do what their predecessors have always done so well each and every year for the past 87 years, often in far more trying circumstances and in far less prosperous times, is difficult to comprehend ? And you have to wonder, Whatever happened to the # 1 rule in business that says that if you can't do your job because of your inexperience, immaturity, inability, personal bias, laziness, or just plain stupidity, then,, YOU'RE ALL FIRED ! (and a Class action recovery suit may be forthcoming ?)

  

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ABF news updates :

  

Logan Morse and a newcomer ABF Board of Directors break the hearts of Valley families especially the Children when they move to terminate the historic and long running Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess Pageant after 88 years ? ABF Directors show no remorse, while boasting that their bold action was needed to improve, evolve and bring the pageant up to their modern standards ? www.pressreader.com/canada/annapolis-valley-register/2023...

 

May 26, 2023 - We Are the Ones. An unusual degree of arrogance and disrespect is shown when the long running Valley Peoples Pageant is cancelled without either of consideration or consultation ? A modern generation of newcomer ABF Directors with bold new ideas have apparently proclaimed themselves to be the one generation to interrupt and permanently end 88 years of wonderful multi Valley village Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess enjoyment ?

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/apple-blossom-festival...

 

Annapolis Valley families are in shock and children cry upon learning their beloved Queen Annapolisa Pageant has been cancelled without notice, consultation, consideration or compassion ? Newcomer Directors say they are taking their bold action to improve, evolve and modernize the historic Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival ? www.saltwire.com/atlantic-

 

Valley residents lose long time major yearly entertainment event when the ever popular ABF Greenwood Airshow is terminated and will be no more. Fast forward to Aug 24, 2024, and to corporation greed ? Air Show Atlantic Inc. now charges big bucks to see taxpayer owned aircraft at a taxpayer owned airport in their vastly inferior airshow ? Air Show Atlantic Inc. does not offer a discount Seniors ticket category for Senior citizens ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/52345513615

 

How dare They ! Kentville IS the Cornwallis Inn and the Cornwallis Inn IS Kentville ! If you were to google the 2 words Cornwallis Inn you will get over 600,000 entries with almost all of them married to the word Kentville.. (what a great promotional tool) . The world famous Cornwallis Inn is the source of many fond memories for all local and Valley residents.. "It was the centre of everything’: The past and present of Kentville’s iconic Cornwallis Inn"

www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/lifestyles/it-was-the-centre...

 

Kentville identity crisis. Help, Is there a Superhero anywhere out there to save Kentville from the newcomer agenda ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54418705157/in/album-7...

 

The controversial 2017 Grand Street Parade - Has Kentville once again been targeted for exploitation ? After Warden Brothers, (Greenwood ) and Liberal MP L Glavine (Kingston) had all but hijacked Waterville Airport before relocating it to their own home riding in the Kingston/Greenwood area, it seems that the town of Kentville must face yet another attack from the Kingston area when Alxys Chamberlain, the Kingston Apple Blossom Princess, and other ABF Directors attempt to take yet another major source of revenue and major attraction away from the town of Kentville ?

Et tu, Madama Chamberlain ? The unconscionable attempted hijacking and subsequent recovery of Kentvilles's most beloved yearly event ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/18506181065

 

2023 Kentville Grand Street Parade - Disregard for safety shown as unrestrained Senior citizens are precariously perched atop an unsheltered, open sided, stop and go, large unstable jerking motion moving platform ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53900780519/in/album-7...

 

Exploiting Queen Annapolisa for a photo op ? Politicians at the official opening ceremony of the 2023 Apple Blossom Festival pretending there's still a Pageant in a photo while knowing full well that Queen Annapolisa and the Apple Blossom Princesses have been terminated forever and will no longer be a part of this year's Festival ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/53755100811/in/album-7...

 

2023 Kentville Grand Street Parade - Newcomer ABF stewards seem to defy and ignore our Liberal Government special plea for diversity and inclusion ? Many nearby local Valley towns and villages that normally attend are excluded from this year's parade ? This exclusion means the loss of the enormous diversity that is always provided by the attendance of these many nearby local communities ? Where is Canning, Digby, Annapolis Royal, Hantsport Greenwood, Windsor ? Where's our Queen Annapolisa ? Where's the Apple Blossom Princesses and wdrtr's all of the individual Town floats including Princess Kentville ? To view complete 2023 Kentville Grand Street Parade press here, www.dailymotion.com/video/x8lchie www.dailymotion.com/video/x8lchie

 

Facebook, Friends of Kentville - The site Administrator, a new arrival from PEI, says she wants to see Kentville as the queerest town in all of Nova Scotia ? www.facebook.com/groups/2588266877982288

 

Will a drag Queen replace an apple blossom Queen in Kentville ? www.nsbuzz.ca/life/kentville-all-ages-drag-show-draws-pro...

 

Nov 16 2023 - Apple Blossom Princesses call for a return of Queen Annapolisa,

www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/communities/former-apple...

 

The Town of Kentville has moved to cut back and eliminate many hours of traditional public outdoor entertainment that have always been a standard part of the Apple Blossom Festival ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/52094784785

 

A medley of the guest Tribute bands that have performed at Memorial Park Kentville - Always free of charge in the past when performing at the Apple Blossom Festival : Petty Larceny, Fleetwod Mix, Keep the Faith, Stones Tribute, Green River Revival, Viscious, Eddy's Basement, Matt Minglewood,

www.dailymotion.com/video/x5hqti9

 

Corporate greed shown by newcomer ABF directors in this year's Apple Blossom Festival ? Instead of providing a free guest Tribute band as per normal at the free Memorial Park Friday night concert, it will now cost 50.00 pp to see a 'Queen tribute band' performance. that's 50.00 per ticket in 2025 ? acadiau.universitytickets.com/

 

Town of Kentville rips off its own citizens right at Apple Blossom Festival time ? Cold heartless capitalism shown by Kentville and by the newcomer ABF management ? Citizens burdened with out of pocket expense of TWENTY DOLLARS each just to attend an outdoor street dance held downtown on taxpayer owned property during the Apple Blossom Festival ? Is there no shame ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54546051832/in/photost...

 

They've Ruined It ! Our great Festival is no longer even recognizable ? How could anyone take a world class event and turn it into something that can only be described as stupid ? President Erica Gillis has to be the worst ever ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54418705157/in/album-7...

 

Directors Erica Gillis, www.appleblossom.com/about/

Mayor Andrew Zebian www.facebook.com/andrewzebian

 

2025 Kentville Grand Street Parade - is this a joke ? A brief 45-minute bare minimum compact Kentville Grand Street Parade this year ? Zero in large marching street bands and majorettes other than the one RCMP (mini version) marching unit, no Sottish pipers or pipe bands, zero in Apple Blossom Royalty and their famous royal floats, Most of the regular nearby Valley village participants not there, no horse and wagon entree, no armaments, soldiers, bands or displays from Aldershot or Greenwood, etc etc, ? And yet Guest parade announcer proclaims in quote @ 29:17, " this parade is the largest in Canada, incl Toronto - it's the longest with the largest route and the most entries. " Wha-a-a-t ? Where did she come from and what is she talking about ?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQuaIdrQi00

 

A different rider is now sitting in a makeshift Royal throne that has been set aboard the historic Apple Blossom Princess float for its famous trip down Kentville's Main Street on Apple Blossom festival Saturday. It seems our new Mayor will now grace the famous Town Princess float on its annual trip in the famous Grand Street Parade ?

' Somebody get that King a crown and sceptre '

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54557663677/in/dateposted

 

They've ruined it part 2 ! May 31st, 2025 Grand Street Parade - From 100,000 down to 10,000, Parade attendance shrinks to all time low - They've ruined the Festival and the Parade too ! www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54568017261/in/photost....

www.facebook.com/avabf

 

ABF Directors may disapprove of and have now terminated our beloved Queen Annapolisa pageant and multiple village Apple Blossom Princess competition but nevertheless Valley residents will always conyinue to admire, support, respect and remain fond of the British Monarchy. And, most Valley citizens are delighted to hear that his Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla are invited and will be coming for a royal visit to Canada on May 26 and 27, 2025. This year's incomplete and now Royalty-less ABF starts on the 28th, www.cbc.ca/news/politics/king-charles-canada-visit-1.7524946

 

A long and proud history of past Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess winners has been removed from sight and erased from the official Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival website ? A special honorary history page dedicated to previous Queen Annapolisa winners from 1933 thru 2019 has been taken down and apparently replaced with jumbo size portraits of the newcomer President and other ABF directors who have taken over and ruined the world famous Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival ? www.appleblossom.com/history/past-queens

Meet the directors,

www.appleblossom.com/about/

 

May 30th, 2025 - 20 dollar burgers and bouncy castles ??? High level of security brought in for this year's Memorial Park Friday night rock concert ? ( must have taken up most of the budget ) ? Town of Kentville brings in outside police, closes roads, and sets up a defensive security perimeter around the event with manned traffic guard posts to provide heightened G7 level security for their Friday night Memorial Park Apple Blossom outdoor concert that in past years had always featured guest rock bands, interesting demonstrations and displays, and a Royal Queen Annapolisa visit following her prestigious coronation ceremony in Wolfville, but appears now to have deteriorated into some kind of an outdoor romper room type family show featuring food trucks, inflatable air bouncy castles and the usual band that always plays around here as the featured invited guest star main stage star performer, with nothing much to do for anyone over elementary grade school level other than purchase some food at the upscale restaurant prices to dine on a paper plate using plastic utensils while standing up in a crowd of unruly kids and being lustfully observed by hungry saliva drooling pet dogs leashed to their owners ? And thanks to the upgraded crowd control, the heavy police presence, and enforcement of the strict traffic control surrounding the site perimeter, there was a report of a parking violator being successfully apprehended and a runaway pet was captured and returned to its owner ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54558198569

 

May 30th, 2025 Memorial Park Kentville - Seniors and those with disabilities made to walk long distances in order to reach this year's disappointing ABF Friday night outdoor rock Concert that didn't bring in a rock band, (nor much of anything else) ? www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54558198569/in/photost...

 

Oct 4th, 2025 - the annual Harvest Festival held in Centre Square

Kentville - A disappointing harvest festival effort this year that seemed to forget about the family horse-drawn hay wagon ride, the pumpkin people scarecrow making class and group demo, the Valley harvest, Valley livestock and the Valley farmer ? Replaced by multiple kiosks selling merchandise unrelated to the harvest, childrens bouncy castles, and expensive food trucks ?

 

Upgrade 2025 ? photo taken from front of Phinneys dept store - A massive expenditure budgeted for a major upgrade to the Mayor's business backyard - Downtown Kentville Webster Street gets a complete and total beautification makeover with new installations of street paving, paint, new double sidewalks both sides, driveway entrances, and new curb and gutter both sides ? All other streets that surround the Phinneys' downtown business block have also been upgraded including Aberdeen Street, Cornwallis Street, and Main Street ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/54835340734/in/photost...

  

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An Identity Crisis ;

  

Can an identity crisis be looming in the town of Kentville ?

 

A proud, neighborly salt of the earth working class community with generous hard working friendly citizens and a rich historic Railroad, agriculture and farming background is losing many of its longtime local traditions, themes and trademarks while elected Town officials, many of them new arrivals, just stand still, watch, and even enable ? Having always been identified as a main Provincial railroad center ever since the old Dominion Rail days dating back to 1869, the town has since lost all of its passenger and freight train rail service in and out including a modern passenger Dayliner service that traveled back and forth to Halifax every day ? And after the railway had been shut down it seemed they couldn't clear out the now useless brand new station, dig up the tracks and demolish the old roundhouse fast enough ? And so now, in what seems to be cruel mockery, the only railroading in Kentville left over from past glory days and from what was once the largest and most important and active railroad center west of Halifax, is just an old and faded hand painted train mural etched onto the weather beaten side of one of the downtown business establishments ?

Unfortunately the loss of the railway wasn't the last humiliating major transportation loss forced on the people of a small rural town as Kentville was soon to become even more isolated from the outside World when for no apparent logical, rational or reasonable reason the aviation community at Waterville municipal Airport CCW3 were told to get out when they had done nothing wrong and had no where else to go ? This long time invaluable contributor to the local area economy was lost when an established municipal airport, a well known Canadian sky diving facility, and an internationally known pilot training and licensing academy, and many privately owned aircraft with local owners, and many other established aviation businesses were told to get out ? The cold hearted eviction also left our young Air Cadets over at Camp Aldershot without a base to train on and so now the next generation has to grow up without their nearby aviation training and education facility ?

And so, a group of out-of-towners that mostly don't even live in this community had transformed an active thriving local Aviation business center that had taken decades to build and establish, into a barren and useless place where unsupervised Michelin children now ride bikes and dodge weeds poking their heads thru a deteriorating asphalt runway that was once a platform for private and commercial aircraft to fly in and out of the local area on a daily basis ? To add salt to the wound, this unwarranted calculated forced closure and loss of a vital member of the local economy was to be hailed by the executioners at Kings Council, ( and also by the prestigious Ivany Report Committee ) as being a bold and brilliant business decision that will greatly improve and benefit the local area ?

After months of homelessness and uncertainty over the future, a few evicted tenants found new sites elsewhere and relocated at their own expense to start all over again, while others just quit, while others were finally redirected to a new location in Greenwood which just happened by chance to be the Kings Council County Warden's home riding ? And so, in the end this devastating loss for Kentville and local area became a windfall for the Kingston Greenwood area, and, Kentville was left to carry on without either a Railway or an Airport ?

 

When the original KCA town School closed down, existing high school students were separated from their home school and had to be bused to the nearby town of Canning ? This would leave only the Grade 1 to 8 age groups to now identify Kentville as their home school, an education reality that still exists in Kentville ? There is no longer a movie theater in Kentville as the downtown movie theater has been closed forever, and the popular Edge sports bar, eatery and pool hall also closed down and never replaced ? Harvey's Hamburgers drive thru closed down and it never was replaced ? The longtime bowling alley in New Minas was bought out by developers, torn down, and replaced with a business office complex ? We lost the local salvage, reclamation and disposal site in South Alton when ordered shut down by the Provincial Government, but these same people who shut it down never ever offered to replace it with another leaving the community without this vital facility ? One day a portion of roof blew off the long time town funeral home and it never re-opened leaving only one such establishment left in town ? And, just as the citizens of Kentville were learning that both the Apple Blossom Princess and the Queen Annapolisa pageants were to be cancelled after 87 consecutive years, at the same time there was an all age Drag Queen show getting ready to entertain at the Kings Arms Pub in a total flip flop from the popular Irish Rovers or Scottish pipers that most Kentville citizens identify with at this time of year ? Numerous local restaurants and small businesses have all come and gone - mostly gone - and the main town supermarket Jasons IGA had a fire and was forced to close down for over a year so there was no supermarket to provide groceries for the local citizens ? The ever popular multi venue Wandlyn Inn burned down with all venues now lost to the community ? It wasn't replaced after the fire and now there's just a fast food MacDonald's take out to replace all of Wandlyn's many facilities including hotel rooms, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna, nightclub, dual convention centers and dual restaurants ? Not a very good exchange for the community ?

 

The traditional July 1st Canada Day town sponsored party event of fun, food,speeches and local entertainment held each year at the wading Pool was curtailed by the Town due to budget considerations ? And so now, if you want to enjoy July 1st entertainment or fireworks you have to go to New Minas, Hantsport or Berwick ? Access to clean drinking water is well known as one of the most identifiable entitlements provided by a town ? Billions are currently being spent by the Canadian taxpayer to provide First Nations people with free safe drinking water ? Yet the Kentville water commission charges the customer 10,000 dollars just to turn their town water on at roadside ? And then after this rather large up front financial layout paid for by the brand new customer, he will still have to pay for all of his yard trenching and household plumbing work ? And in return for this large initial forced surcharge, the valued new customer will be rewarded with a water bill courtesy of the town of Kentville each month hereafter ?

They even managed to take away Kentville's most famous of all and most instantly identifiable town landmark in the hotel name Cornwallis Inn ? Cornwallis Inn is a well known trademark hotel name that is synonymous World wide with the name of Kentville, and this name represents a multitude of fond memories for the local area residents and for other residents living all over the Valley ? It was hard to understand why the Town would ever allow this historic name to change,, and also hard to understand why a previous Town of Kentville planning dept would ever allow subsidized apartment units to be built onto the side of such a respected Town centerpiece and also block the access lane to the rear parking lot while doing it ? The Cornwallis Inn will always be an important Valley landmark and a future protected Canadian heritage site ?

They have even changed well known identifiable names of some Streets and even the local traffic bridge traversing the Cornwallis River ? And so now many local residents and delivery drivers don't know what they're talking about when these stupid new names are used ? This name change is especially hard on Kentville's Seniors who can become confused with such absurd name changes and has in some cases, created safety hazards ?

In 2017 ABF Directors tried to move Kentville's 87 year old yearly Grand Street Parade to different location in the Valley, and the town was forced to claw and battle its way just to get its own local yearly parade returned back home to them after hosting it for the last 90 years ? And in yet another major step backwards that same year, ABF and the Town decided to cease and desist all public ABF Wednesday, Thursday and weekends of fun, food, music, displays, amusements, local student performances, etc. etc. held at Memorial Park during the Apple Blossom festival week ? No explanation was given and no replacement or apology was ever offered by the Town for such a devastating loss to be absorbed by the citizens of Kentville ? Kentville has now lost its most identifiable of all citizens, that being their beloved Apple Blossom Princess Kentville, when newcomer ABF Directors had shown an uncommon degree of disrespect, as well as their disregard and insensitivity when presuming to appoint themselves as the ones entitled to end the long running iconic 88 year old iconic Queen Annapolisa and Apple Blossom Princess competition ? This termination means all public Royal party appearances including the Princess Teas, Kentville Children's Parade, all Royal visitations to schools, shut-ins, Seniors, and hospital attendances that are normally made by Queen Annapolisa and the Royal Princesses are now cancelled and no longer take place ?

In 2022 the Kentville Grand Street Parade was quite understandably very limited and downsized following the 2 previous Covi year cancellations, but this year's 2023 effort wasn't much better ? The immense contribution and the wonderful diversity supplied by nearby Valley communities from Windsor to Digby was no longer included in the Parade ? Apple Blossom royalty and all Princess floats were no longer included in the Parade ? And many local residents expressed disappointment when Apple Blossom Princess Kentville and her child attendant were no longer seen or to be included in the Town Parade ? It seemed that Kentville had lost yet another identifiable citizen and wonderful Ambassador that always performed her official duties including advertising, promoting the town and representing Kentville with charm, grace, dignity, talent and beauty wherever she went ?

After the long running 3 consecutive Apple Blossom weekdays of afternoon and evening mid week entertainment at the Park were all cancelled and Apple Blossom Week entertainment was cut down to a bare bone single Friday night affair, ( which btw will no longer include the highlight of the evening Royal Party visitation and rock music by Eddy's Basement ), it seems Officials were still unsatisfied and found yet another way to take away even more ? And this year they want to charge inflation stressed locals a fee to see entertainers like Matt Minglewood and Kevin Davison at private shows when in the past these entertainers appeared on a public stage free of charge ? Cut backs were also apparent in fireworks, (which btw will no longer be started by Queen Annapolisa at her official Royal Party visitation to the Park following Coronation ceremonies in Wolfville) ?

And so, in summing up, the citizens of Kentville are frustrated with cutbacks, the many steps backwards, and the cancellations and closures that never seem to be replaced once gone ? Both the Provincial Railway and municipal Airport are now permanently closed down and even Acadia Van lines inter provincial bus transit no longer stops ? The Wandlyn Inn complex and all of its popular hotel and restaurant services were lost by fire and never replaced ? Extreme cut backs were made to the historic Apple Blossom Festival that saw a week long fun filled period of public entertainment at Memorial Park reduced to one minimal Friday night affair followed the next day by a shortened mundane parade of less than an hour ? Concerns also remain about the absence of an in-Town High School for Teens, the loss of a key funeral home, the loss of the Pool Hall, the absence of a movie theater, the loss of Harveys drive thru burgers, the loss of one of the 2 dt Tim Hortons, the loss of the dt pizza parlor, the loss of Chinese food take out, the loss of the local fruit and vegetable market, the absence of a 7/24 convenience store, the closure of the bakery, and also the loss of the local disposal site when no replacement was ever offered by the Government that shut it down ? There was also the shocking cancellation and heartbreaking termination of her royal heinous the Apple Blossom Princess Kentville and the end of the prestigious Acadia U Coronation ceremonies in Wolfville ? There was also the erasing of, and then the changing of the name of Kentville's biggest most identifiable internationally known Cornwallis Inn name logo that is instantly recognizable world wide and symbolically married for decades to the Town name of Kentville ? There remains the problem of a serious local shortage of rental rooms and local dining spots for tourists created when the Wandlyn hotel complex burned down and when not one of these many hospitality, business, tourist, restaurant, hotel, night club, and recreational venues were ever replaced ?

And now, in a more recent issue, we are seeing more and more small businesses located all over the Valley that have not only provided local employment but also served as popular meet and greet gathering spots for friends and neighbors for years and years now, changing hands after being bought out and turned over to total strangers that are not from Halifax or from N.S. nor even Canada but have come here from another Continent ? A strange new phenomenon of foreign take-overs has arrived in the Valley that includes replacing the management, assuming full control of the business and taking over the labor force of many traditional Valley fast food, gas, and coffee businesses ? Some of these now include : the Petrocan in New Minas, many Valley Tim Hortons, the Subway, KFC, DQ, Burger King, and the Mary Brown's in New Minas to name a few ? And in another concern, because many newcomer employees are unfamiliar with the currency it is advisable to count your change carefully if paying by cash ? There are also some indications that nepotism is now being shown in the hiring of employees once these establishments are taken over by new foreign management, and that our local students can't get Summer jobs any more ? Another major local employer, Eassons Trucking, also seems affected by the current influx of new foreign workers with some reports of untrained, unlicensed, unqualified, (and Government subsidized) drivers behind the wheel, and rumors of some units with multiple drivers on board having a hole drilled in the floor of the sleeper cabin to accommodate a long piece of ABS plumbing pipe used to transfer raw shidzen sewage directly from the interior of the truck down onto the open highway below to avoid pit stops at the Big Stop ?

And, from the looks of a recent Town municipal election, most candidates might be unfamiliar with the Town's long time traditions, customs, character, and past history ? Some candidates even naively describe the town as a kind of happy go lucky, blissful, Hallmark or Who-ville movie set type of place teaming with busy villagers and joyful munchkins frolicking up and down picturesque cobblestone streets lined by colorful quaint shops and internationally known boutiques and fancy eateries which does not accurately describe the Town ?

And apparently the new Mayor who is also a new local business owner, appears to have befriended the ex- Kings County Warden Brothers who represents and resides in the Kingston/Greenwood area and who had previously sold out Kentville when she led the charge to shut down and evict our local municipal Airport, the well known skydiving academy, the international flight training academy and many other prosperous Waterville airport aviation businesses ? And who could forget the Mayors' recent New Year's message of congratulating himself on enlarging the size of his downtown retail store and expressing personal happiness over a new (taxpayer funded) installation of a brand new sidewalk in front of it, but failing to mention serious town issues like terrible poverty and youth unemployment, racial profile hiring at Tim Hortons, the opioid drug crisis, high cost of living crisis, the homelessness crisis, the devastating cancellation of thr Princess Kentville competition, the vacationers and travelers concerns over there being no place to stay in Kentville, and the much needed indoor town recreation facility, (no one wants to get their daily exercise by hiking down crude outdoor trails while attacked by mosquitos or witness a homeless user shoot up in the privacy of the forest) ? There was also the decimation of the Apple Blossom Festival and sad deterioration of the world famous Grande Street Parade ? And there's also the current Town housing crisis, the sudden high increases in rent, the alarming rate of downtown business bankruptcies, and also the urgent need to honor Kentvilles glorious past railroading history with a museum and outdoor display of some sort ? Adding to this there appears to be a newly elected Town Council that has immediately started to cancel and cut back on important traditional town public events when, ( due to a drop of rain ) they had cancelled this year's Military march-on and (best in the area) outdoors Remembrance Day ceremonies traditionally held at the Memorial Cenotaph on Park Street ? There was also this years' poor presentation of a Grande Street Parade and one unsafe situation in the newcomer Parade where normal residents (incl Seniors) were seen perched precariously aboard a stop and go, unsheltered, jerking motion, no sided vehicle without restraining devices, water or protection from the sun ? There was also the ridiculous changing of many of the long time well known town names including the most famous of them all the Cornwallis Inn ? There's also local residents plea to 'bring our high school students back home again' , and some complaints about the Town's failure to provide public outdoor entertainment events exceeding the grade school level ? There was also the controversy over the hanging up of the biggest pride flag money can buy above the main entrance of the honored heritage site Cornwallis Inn, and of course, also the recent down town flooding crisis ? The mayor did not address the question of why a Provincial Government would force the local reclamation and disposal site to permanently close down its operation and then those who ordered this major loss to the welfare of the community would not offer to replace it but would just leave the area without such a facility ? And, there was no mention of the need for an inquiry into the exorbitant five figure fee charged to customers by the Kentville water commission just to turn water on at the road ? And there are also concerns over the recent rash of sudden unopposed takeovers of small businesses by newly arrived foreigners from Asia when our locals around here can't find work ? And what about growing concerns over the formation of an exclusive Ontarioville newcomer type town growing within an already established town ? There were also many concerns expressed over the Spring pothole epidemic that made some streets unfit to drive on, at a time when a brand new double lane sidewalk was being installed in front of Phinneys that was smooth as a baby's bum ? And then there was the refusal by the Town to help citizens with expensive auto repairs caused by their dangerous unattended potholes ? And there was also the inadequate street lighting and residential streets and sidewalks that are still in need of attention ? There was also the inconvenience felt by many local residents when ultra slow motion repairs on Canaan Ave moved at three legged turtle racing speed causing this vital access route to remain closed to traffic, incl emergency vehicles, for many many Months, (very much unlike the speedy workmanship and high priority given to the new downtown sidewalk installation in the front of Phinneys) ?

And so, can it be time to stop the come from away newcomer mentality, and make it mandatory for all candidates bidding on these important Town governing positions to be born and raised and reside in Kentville in an effort to preserve, protect and retain the Town's unique character, history, diversity, identity, and its many longtime local traditions ?

 

OUCH ? ( could someone please remove the daggers from our back ), Et tu, Warden Brothers and u tu Leo ? March 10th 2014 - A Date That Will Live on in Infamy - Warden Brothers, (Greenwood riding) and the Kings County Council use a calculated forced eviction to shut down the Waterville Airport aviation complex and then relocate some components to the Kingston/Greenwood area ?

www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/28588465413/in/album-7...

 

Newcomer ABF directors trying to erase history ? The page showing all past Queens and Apple Blossom Princesses has been removed from the official Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival site ? The popular history page honoring all past Queen Annapolisa winners 1933-2018 with photos and bios has been taken down and apparently replaced with huge portraits of the newcomer directors ?

Meet the newcomer directors,

www.appleblossom.com/about/

 

How dare They ! Kentville IS the Cornwallis Inn and the Cornwallis Inn IS Kentville ! If you were to google the 2 words Cornwallis Inn you will get over 600,000 entries with almost all of them married to the word Kentville.. (what a great promotional tool) . The world famous Cornwallis Inn is the source of many fond memories for local and Valley residents.. "It was the centre of everything’: The past and present of Kentville’s iconic Cornwallis Inn"

www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/lifestyles/it-was-the-centre...

  

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On the recent 2023 edition of the Grand Street Parade :

  

"it looked as if some spectators along the route just joined in and began to walk along and make themselves a part of the parade ? "

 

May 27th, 2023 - Dismay, disillusion and some extreme disappointment prevail in Kentville over shocking changes and many missing regular entrees in this years 2023 Grand Street Parade ? Where is our famous Queen Annapolisa and where are the many Apple Blossom Princesses and their child attendants riding in their beautiful hand crafted decorated floats ? Where's the town criers ? And what about the dazzling majorette groups, the Scottish pipers and large multi instrumental marching bands that always attend ? And where are the Hantsport and Windsor floats and their large delegations ? And where are Digby, Aylesford, Annapolis Royal, Canning, Middleton, Wolfville, and more ? Why are so many of the Valley towns and villages that normally participate not included in the parade this year ? It was also a major disappointment for many when for the first time ever, Kentville Apple Blossom Princess (aka Miss Kentville) was no longer included as there are many town residents young and old who identify with the Apple Blossom Princess at this time of year ? However, the now purposeless Apple Blossom Princess float was used this year to transport a grouping of everyday town residents as they sat around together in a social scene meant to identity Kentville with diversity and inclusion ? The New Minas float also did not include an Apple Blossom Princess for this year, however her float was transformed into an advertisement for the famous New Minas UFO incident which all New Minions identify with. The Berwick float didn't include a Princess Berwick this year either. but was altered to proudly identify with the town's upcoming Centennial celebrations. And the Kingston float was also missing an Apple Blossom Princess this year but was instead promoting their long running Kingston Steer Barbecue that all Kingstonians readily identify with. It was good to see an RCMP contingent again although they sent far less officers this year than usual ? And it was notable that only 1 other large marching band appeared in the parade when usually 4 or more big bands, many with many pipers usually attend after traveling up from places like Cape Breton, Bridgewater, Dartmouth etc ? And where have all the pets and animals gone ? There's no horse teams, wooden wagons, riders or livestock this year ? Even the usual greyhound dogs weren't there ? Also noticed that some spectators must have just joined in and began walking along within the parade, and others must have come over from the Children's parade with their strollers to join in ? There was a variety of advertisers, most from out of town but some local ? There were various Political parties represented, with the largest delegation coming from the Kody Blois Liberals ? All in all, this Year's parade seemed a bare minimum and a weak effort that really missed the inclusion of royal pageantry and the 7 to 10 spectacular Princess floats, and also missed the large marching bands and majorette groups that usually enter, the usual agriculture horticulture and livestock component, the popular Scottish pipers bands that always attend, and also the many large out of town contingents that always normally participate ? This was not the famous grand street parade that patrons are accustomed to seeing, and did not represent the high standards and degree of professionalism set by all previous Grand Street Parades ? It became obvious that what was being advertised as a newer, bolder, more inclusive and more diverse parade was instead the exact opposite because this new version of our Grand Street Parade had lost the inclusion, diversity and the major contribution put forth by the absent Valley communities along with their individual Princess contestants and Child attendants that always come to Kentville to participate in the Queen Annapolisa competition, the Friday evening coronation gala at Acadia University in Wolfville, the many Princess Teas, and the Royal attendances at schools, hospitals, senior citizen homes and shut-ins, as well as appearances at the Friday night Memorial Park outdoor concert and fireworks, Royal attendances highlighting the Saturday morning Children's Parade, and a Royal trip down Main street Kentville aboard a beautiful hand crafted royal float in the famous Grand Street parade ?

And so, to quickly sum up, can a strange looking, incomplete, shortened, now Royal-less, newcomer mentality amateur version of our elite world-famous Kentville Grand Street Parade that was now missing her heinous Queen Annapolisa and also missing 7 to 10 Apple Blossom Princesses and their individual 7 to 10 beautifully handcrafted Town Princess floats, and also missing much of the unique character and diversity usually provided by the numerous Valley villages and communities who were no longer included, and that also failed to include many of the large out of town marching bands and pipers and majorettes who usually attend, and that also lacked representation from local area farming, agriculture and livestock,, now signal the end of the once glorious Grand Street Parade era ?

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Some previous parades :

 

2011 Grand Street Parade Kentville 79th ABF

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVgh3Dh2xn8&t=208s

  

2012 Grand Street Parade Kentville www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB1VBx50b18

  

2014 Kentville Grand Street Parade www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEo14IZKxp8&t=11s

  

2015 Kentville Grand Street Parade

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBifeG2SdPY&t=47s

 

2016 Kentville Grand Street Parade www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2wedvN5_Iw&t=8s

 

2017 Kentville Grand Street Parade www.youtube.com/watch?v=JozwyGpvfSY&t=1978s

 

2018 Kentville Grand Street Parade www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOK1GmiLmNk&t=986s

 

2019 Kentville Grand Street Parade www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMdEx8Zf-q0&t=1492s

 

2025 Grand Street Parade - The exclusion of many participants and the denial of their valued diversity have marred the 2023 Grand Street Parade ? Many nearby Valley communities were missing in the Parade when longtime participants were no longer included ? Where is Canning, Digby, Annapolis Royal, Hantsport Greenwood, Windsor ? Where's Queen Annapolisa ? Where's the Apple Blossom Princesses and all of the individual Town floats including Princess Kentville ? To view a complete (newcomer version) of the world famous Kentville Grand Street Parade press here www.dailymotion.com/video/x8lchie www.dailymotion.com/video/x8lchie

  

A concerned Kentvillian must finally speak out, www.flickr.com/photos/74039487@N02/44424045874

  

Kentville is an incorporated town in Nova Scotia. It is the most populous town in the Annapolis Valley. As of 2021, the town's population was 6,630.

  

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This project was being executed during the Transformers 3 movie period .It took me quite awhile to finish .I still remember when first saw FR leaderclass ironhide which inspired me with 2 large cannon attached on its arms ,it was amazing I couldn't resist to make one ,so I quickly went to my nearest toysrus store and bought 1 .I guess this was a completed kitbash too as I have dismantle part by part and figure out the way to make it more majestic .It took me almost 1 month to kitbash it and come with its 2 freaking big cannon which I think its worth the wait .YES it can be TRANSFORMED TO ITS TRAIN MODE.

Here are the spec :

Build in with head light white glowing eyes blue LEDs

Independent interchangable LEDs on its cannon up to 3 colours ,RED,BLUE,GREEN

Head modify with 360 turn.

Both hands modify with live adjustable fingers and attachable wraist with very strong durable earth magnet.

Comes with 2 freaking big cannons with interchangable LEDs light build in ,attachable and deattchable to its arms .

Painted with durable lacquer paint added a few protective layer of gloss for its durability.

Over 20 points of articulated areas very posable.

Lightwave International uses 39W of full color lasers to honor NBA star LeBron James as MVP on a massive scale. With just 24 hours notice, Lightwave executed this spectacle for Nike on a 100'x 212' black banner draping a building adjacent to the arena.

 

When you think of a movie projection screen, you think of a white screen. Imagine, instead, that you go to see your favorite movie at the theatre and the screen is black. You would probably request a refund and leave early. Certainly, you would not be able to see any images on the screen.

 

Lightwave visual designers faced a similar challenge here: the projection screen is black. Producing results as seen in these pictures would require massive laser power. In fact, it would take an assembly of the world's largest full color lasers: four of them were on-site for this event.

 

The laser projectors were combined on the screen to increase brightness threefold, and elimate all flicker that is common with inproperly used lasers or slow scanning speeds. This technique produced a net scanning speed of nearly 100,000 points per second on-screen.

 

This allowed viewers to photograph the presentation with point and shoot cameras, cellphone cameras, etc -- and expose images identical to what they were seeing in real life. Thousands of visitors captured photographs, and many examples are visible on social netorking and media sharing sites such as: Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, etc.

 

Network and news video cameras also found the images incredibly simple to capture as a result of this technique. Footage from the overhead blimp and from cameras on the surface received impressive airtime for our client on the major networks.

 

To complete this piece of art, Lightwave visual designers also added a lighting package to properly illuminate LeBron's image. The clever programming of lasers cut out behind LeBron and the dimension created by the lighting created a depth and realism to the project that could only be experienced by firsthand viewers.

 

www.lasershows.net

  

In the early hours of the morning (Tuesday 5 December), Operation Vulcan executed a warrant as part of their ongoing commitment to tackle the prescription drug trade in Cheetham Hill.

 

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of importing class C drugs, conspiracy to supply class C drugs and knowingly evading prohibition of importing a controlled drug.

 

Over the last few months, partners at Border Force have intercepted several packages destined for addresses in Greater Manchester, consisting of tens of thousands of illicit tablets.

 

A meticulous investigation by detectives in Operation Vulcan has resulted in this morning’s raids.

 

Detective Sergeant Matt Donnelly, one of Operation Vulcan’s specialist officers said: “A lot of work with partners continues to go on behind the scenes, and collaboration with Border Force has been vital to the success of Operation Vulcan. They have played a key role in identifying illegal packages coming into the UK destined for Cheetham Hill, whether that’s counterfeit clothes or illicit prescription medication, and officers from our team have worked tirelessly to trace these items, resulting in several arrests and charges.

 

“Today’s operation is a really positive step forward to not only take action against those responsible for these crimes, but to also help get control of an illegal drug market that has such a negative impact on our communities.

 

“The illegal supply of any drug carries so much danger for those purchasing and using them as there is no way of knowing where it has come from or how it’s been produced. Operation Vulcan and partners will continue to gather intelligence and crackdown on markets like this which inevitably lead to the deterioration of neighbourhoods and increased anti-social behaviour and exploitation.”

 

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

 

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

 

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

 

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

 

The United States has illustrated its barbarity by carrying out an execution of a mentally disabled woman in Virginia on September 23, 2010. 12 women have been executed in the U.S. since 1976.

(•) – The Lockheed Martin HC-130J Hercules The Combat King II is the U.S. Air Force's only dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform and is flown by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and Air Combat Command (ACC). This C-130J variation specializes in tactical profiles and avoiding detection and recovery operations in austere environments. The HC-130J replaces HC-130P/Ns as the only dedicated fixed-wing Personnel Recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. It is an extended-range version of the C-130J Hercules transport. Its mission is to rapidly deploy to execute combatant commander directed recovery operations to austere airfields and denied territory for expeditionary, all weather personnel recovery operations to include airdrop, airland, helicopter air-to-air refueling, and forward area ground refueling missions. When tasked, the aircraft also conducts humanitarian assistance operations, disaster response, security cooperation/aviation advisory, emergency aeromedical evacuation, and noncombatant evacuation operations.

 

Features

Modifications to the HC-130J have improved navigation, threat detection and countermeasures systems. The aircraft fleet has a fully-integrated inertial navigation and global positioning systems, and night vision goggle, or NVG, compatible interior and exterior lighting. It also has forward-looking infrared, radar and missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, satellite and data-burst communications, and the ability to receive fuel inflight via a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI).

 

The HC-130J can fly in the day; however, crews normally fly night at low to medium altitude levels in contested or sensitive environments, both over land or overwater. Crews use NVGs for tactical flight profiles to avoid detection to accomplish covert infiltration/exfiltration and transload operations. To enhance the probability of mission success and survivability near populated areas, crews employ tactics that include incorporating no external lighting or communications, and avoiding radar and weapons detection.

 

Drop zone objectives are done via personnel drops and equipment drops. Rescue bundles include illumination flares, marker smokes and rescue kits. Helicopter air-to-air refueling can be conducted at night, with blacked out communication with up to two simultaneous helicopters. Additionally, forward area refueling point operations can be executed to support a variety of joint and coalition partners.

 

Background

The HC-130J is a result of the HC/MC-130 recapitalization program and replaces Air Combat Command's aging HC-130P/N fleet as the dedicated fixed-wing personnel recovery platform in the Air Force inventory. The 71st and 79th Rescue Squadrons in Air Combat Command, the 550th Special Operations Squadron in Air Education and Training Command, the 920th Rescue Group in Air Force Reserve Command and the 106th Rescue Wing, 129th RQW and 176th Wing in the Air National Guard will operate the aircraft.

 

First flight was 29 July 2010, and the aircraft will serve the many roles and missions of the HC-130P/Ns. It is a modified KC-130J aircraft designed to conduct personnel recovery missions, provide a command and control platform, in-flight-refuel helicopters and carry supplemental fuel for extending range or air refueling.

 

In April 2006, the personnel recovery mission was transferred back to Air Combat Command at Langley AFB, Va. From 2003 to 2006, the mission was under the Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Previously, HC-130s were assigned to ACC from 1992 to 2003. They were first assigned to the Air Rescue Service as part of Military Airlift Command.

 

General Characteristics

Primary function: Fixed-wing Personnel Recovery platform

Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Corp.

Power Plant: Four Rolls Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines

Thrust: 4,591 Propeller Shaft Horsepower, each engine

Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)

Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.57 meters)

Height: 38 feet, 9 inches (11.58 meters)

Operating Weight: 89,000 pounds (40,369 kilograms)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 pounds (74,389 kilograms)

Fuel Capacity: 61,360 pounds (9,024 gallons)

Payload: 35,000 pounds (15,875 kilograms)

Speed: 316 knots indicated air speed at sea level

Range: beyond 4,000 miles (3,478 nautical miles)

Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)

Armament: countermeasures/flares, chaff

Basic Crew: Three officers (pilot, co-pilot, combat system officer) and two enlisted loadmasters

Unit Cost: $66 million (fiscal 2010 replacement cost)

Initial operating capability: 2013.

Sebastian Saavedra and Dragon Racing execute a pitstop in Toronto

"Pakarina» band execute an ancient traditional Andean music, new age, arrangements of popular tunes, played on ethnic instruments, arrived in Russia from Ecuador and the first performances won the hearts of the people of the northern capital of St. Petersburg

  

The group has been acting in various metro stations in St. Petersburg with national musical instruments, gathering large crowds of listeners.

 

Their tools reproduce the sounds of wind, water, stormy ocean, warbling of birds

  

Genre: NewAge, Ethnic, Panflute, Instrumental

Musical Instruments: samponas, toyos, quena, quenacho, charango, acoustic guitar, bass, batteria, syntheizer

Efectos: Palo de lluvias, chacchas, pitos, pajaritos and okarina.

 

At the moment of two albums:

 

2007 - Melodies of the Heart

2010 - Panflute Melodies.

Officers forced entry into an abattoir on Higher Bury Street in Stockport on Thursday 30th January 2025, while a second warrant was executed simultaneously at a residential property on Merlin Road in Blackburn, Lancashire.

  

A man and a woman – both in their thirties – were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and an offence of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, contrary to S1 and s2 of The Modern Slavery Act.

  

A man also in his thirties was arrested at the abattoir after he tried to evaded police, fleeing from the site and hiding on a nearby roof. We discovered he was an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK. He is now being processed by Immigration Enforcement.

  

This operation took place after we received disclosure alleging a man who previously worked at the abattoir was a victim of modern day slavery. The claims are that he was forced to live in the abattoir and work around the clock to pay off extortionate debts that were said to be associated with a sponsorship visa and travel expenses.

  

Detectives acted quickly, following lines of enquiry, gathering potential evidence, and coordinating a joint response with national agencies: the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Home Office Border Security and Asylum. This included the Salvation Army and Crime and Justice charity.

  

The team involved in the late-night raid interviewed 30 employees onsite with a keen eye for spotting signs of exploitation. We also seized mobile phones, computer equipment and documentation as our investigations continue.

  

Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough from GMP’s Stockport Challenger Team said: “We hope this robust and coordinated action taken in response a concerning report instils confidence in our approach to tackling modern slavery head on.

  

“Officers spoke with every employee working within the abattoir last night, they were receptive to our presence, and we engaged in good discussions around their working conditions, payment, and terms of employment.

  

“It’s so important we do this diligence and thankfully there were no further claims of exploitation. We have communicated the support that is available and how to access it should anyone choose to come forward.

  

“This activity forms one of several active modern slavery investigations within the force. In 2024 we supported more victims of modern slavery and held more offenders accountable for the misery they caused as 80 charges were laid – 40% more than the previous year – and 19 convicted were secured, up from seven, with several cases continuing to progress through the criminal justice system.

  

“Modern slavery is happening across Greater Manchester, and we encourage anyone who is a victim of this crime, or suspect someone they know could be, to report it. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.

  

“You can report modern slavery to us using our online crime reporting service."

  

Debi Lloyd, Head of UK Counter Trafficking Operations at Justice and Care, said: “Our Victim Navigators were deployed alongside police and other agencies on Thursday and it was fantastic to see a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to tackling alleged modern slavery.

  

‘Navigators are embedded in police forces across the UK and help survivors to rebuild their lives and secure justice against exploiters. We are supporting the survivor in this case and commend their bravery in coming forward.

  

‘If you are experiencing exploitation, please know you are not alone, and support is available.

  

‘Every person out there can play a part in fighting modern slavery by learning to spot the signs and reporting any concerns to police or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.”

  

Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Investigations Manager Michael Heyes said: “The GLAA works to stop the exploitation of workers in the UK and ensure that they are treated fairly. We have powers to investigate modern slavery offences and work with law enforcement and other partners to achieve this end.

  

“The GLAA has been involved in at least seven modern slavery and human trafficking investigations in Greater Manchester between April 2024 and January 2025.

  

“The GLAA is an intelligence-led organisation. Anyone with information or concerns about workers being exploited for their labour should email contact@gla.gov.uk or use the online reporting form which can be found at www.gla.gov.uk.”

  

Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Major Kathy Betteridge said: "The Salvation Army was on site today with Greater Manchester Police to make available specialist support for any potential victims of modern slavery identified. It is vital that victims’ needs are assessed, and they receive immediate access to protective care and specialised support, available through a Government contract operated by The Salvation Army.

  

“We work with survivors as they begin the long journey to rebuild their lives and their trust in humanity. Support provided by The Salvation Army can include intensive 24/7 support for people with high-level needs as well as safe accommodation, counselling and help with returning home, finances and finding employment.

  

"If you suspect that you, or someone you have come into contact with may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, please call The Salvation Army’s 24-hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733."

  

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, said: “Modern slavery is an abhorrent crime that dehumanises people for profit. We are committed to tackling it in all its forms and giving survivors the support and certainty they need to rebuild their lives.

  

“We know that many people are sold lies about their ability to live and work in the UK and are often subjected to squalid conditions and illegal working hours for little to no pay.

 

“That’s why, as well as playing a critical safeguarding role, our immigration officers are also ramping up enforcement activity across the country to clamp down on illegal working and the exploitation of illegal workers to put a stop to the abuse of our immigration system and ensure those involved face the full consequences.”

  

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, said: "Modern slavery is an appalling crime that has no place in our communities. Exploiting vulnerable people for profit is utterly unacceptable, and I fully support the efforts of our teams in bringing those responsible to justice.

  

"I’d like to welcome the way different agencies are working in partnership to tackle this disgusting crime. Through Programme Challenger, our partnership with GMP and a broad range of partners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to tackle serious and organised crime, we are making a real difference, ensuring victims are protected and offenders face the consequences of their actions.

  

"We all have a part to play in spotting the signs of modern slavery. If something doesn't feel right, take action and report it. And I ask businesses specifically, please consider your supply chains and whether there may be a risk that modern slavery is happening where you access goods and services.

  

"Greater Manchester will not tolerate such exploitation, and we remain committed to rooting it out wherever it occurs."

  

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

  

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

  

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

  

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

 

Date of unveiling: September 30, 2001 Material: Bronze Sculptor: Valeriy Medvedev Architects: Roman Kukharenko, Yuriy Melnychuk

 

The "Executed Children" memorial stands opposite the exit of the Dorohozhychi metro station. The bronze composition depicts a young girl and broken children's toys, symbolizing the tragedy of the children who perished in Babyn Yar during the Nazi occupation of Kyiv.

 

As of today, the memorial remains an integral part of the Babyn Yar National Historical and Memorial Reserve, which is dedicated to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims and other tragic events associated with this site.

Servicemembers execute sling load rigging exercises on a CH-47D Chinook during Day 5 of Air Assault School on Camp Smith, N.Y., July 25, 2010. (U. S. Army photo by Pfc. Jose L. Torres-Cooban/Not Released)

Servicemembers execute sling load rigging exercises on a CH-47D Chinook during Day 5 of Air Assault School on Camp Smith, N.Y., July 25, 2010. (U. S. Army photo by Pfc. Jose L. Torres-Cooban/Not Released)

Servicemembers execute sling load rigging exercises on a UH-60 Blackhawk during Day 5 of Air Assault School on Camp Smith, N.Y., July 25, 2010. (U. S. Army photo by 1st Class Rodrick J. Jackson/Not Released)

Well-designed and executed pedestrian malls remain a bewildering rarity in North American cities, and in our hometown of Vancouver they are frustratingly non-existent. We were surprised to find many New Zealand cities follow the lead of their European counterparts in this realm. While Auckland clearly prefers the shared space model, this hasn’t stopped them from pedestrianizing a number of streets, including Te Ara Tāhuhu (Maori for ‘ridgepole’, the backbone of the traditional meeting house) – the central pedestrian street that connects Britomart Transport Centre to Britomart Place, which is lined with shops, restaurants, offices, and a large public square, along with Vulcan Lane – which has been pedestrianized for almost fifty years.

CEA Project Logistics recently executed a project for the Nissan Motor Company which involved the transportation of factory parts with a total weight of 5,200 tons.

The factory parts arrived by ship at Laem Chabang Port and were unloaded by the vessel onto the dock below. Two CEA 50 ton cranes were then used to lift the parts on to three different types of trailer Flatbed, Lowbed and Multi Axle, this was due to the cargo being oversized and varying in weight. All cargo was secured with ratchet straps and transported to the CEA yard in Laem Chabang for two weeks storage until delivery date.

Upon delivery date the same configuration of trailers made the 82km journey to the Nissan facility in Samut Prakan. As these parts were oversized cargo CEA employed the services of the local Highway Police for a full escort to ensure safety to all road users.

 

Greater Manchester Police Bolton executed a series of drug warrants across Bolton this morning,Thursday 15 August 2023.

 

This is part of the ongoing efforts to crack down on criminal activity across the borough and to maintain a visible police presence.

 

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

 

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

 

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

 

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

 

Robert Thegerström, 1857-1919

 

Date Executed c. 1886

 

Marie Louise Catherine Breslau, Swiss, born 1856-12-06, dead 1927-05-12

_____________________________________________

www.nationalmuseum.se/en

  

Nationalmuseum (or National Museum of Fine Arts) is the national gallery of Sweden, located on the peninsula Blasieholmen in central Stockholm.

 

The museum's operations stretches far beyond the borders of Blasieholmen, the nationalmuseum manage the National Portrait gallery collection at Gripshom, Gustavsbergporclain museum, a handful of castle collections and the Swedish Institute in Paris (Institut Tessin). In the summer of 2018 Nationalmuseum Jamtli opened in Östersund as a way to show a part of the collection in the north of Sweden.

 

The museum's benefactors include King Gustav III and Carl Gustaf Tessin. The museum was founded in 1792 as Kungliga Museet ("Royal Museum"). The present building was opened in 1866, when it was renamed the Nationalmuseum, and used as one of the buildings to hold the 1866 General Industrial Exposition of Stockholm.

 

The current building, built between 1844 and 1866, was inspired by North Italian Renaissance architecture. It is the design of the German architect Friedrich August Stüler, who also designed the Neues Museum in Berlin. The relatively closed exterior, gives no hint of the spacious interior dominated by the huge flight of stairs leading up to the topmost galleries.

 

The museum was enlarged in 1961 to accommodate the museum workshops. The present restaurant was instated in 1996. The museum building closed for renovation in 2013 and reopened on 13 October 2018. The $132 million overhaul sought to put more of the museum’s collection on display and to match the security, accessibility, fire safety and climate control of a modern institution.

 

The museum collection consists of about half a million drawings from the Middle Ages to 1900, a prominent 17th-century collection of Rembrandt and other Dutch painters, and a collection of porcelain items, paintings, sculptures, and modern art as well. In total the collection amounts to circa 700 000 objects. The museum also has an art library, open to the public and academics.

 

Nationalmuseum holds the largest collection of portrait miniatures in the world, with more than 5 200 works. The collection features miniatures from many European school's, including works by Nicholas Hilliard, Isaac Oliver, Louis-Marie Autissier among others. A significant portion of works derives from the master collector Carl Fredrik Dahlgren, while the more exclusive works were donated by Hjalmar Wicander, a cork factory owner. Production of bottle corks for the brewery industry provided the basis of his fortune. Wicander also donated funds specifically for additional purchases of miniatures

  

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nationalmuseum

...

Officers forced entry into an abattoir on Higher Bury Street in Stockport on Thursday 30th January 2025, while a second warrant was executed simultaneously at a residential property on Merlin Road in Blackburn, Lancashire.

  

A man and a woman – both in their thirties – were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking and an offence of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, contrary to S1 and s2 of The Modern Slavery Act.

  

A man also in his thirties was arrested at the abattoir after he tried to evaded police, fleeing from the site and hiding on a nearby roof. We discovered he was an Albanian national living and working illegally in the UK. He is now being processed by Immigration Enforcement.

  

This operation took place after we received disclosure alleging a man who previously worked at the abattoir was a victim of modern day slavery. The claims are that he was forced to live in the abattoir and work around the clock to pay off extortionate debts that were said to be associated with a sponsorship visa and travel expenses.

  

Detectives acted quickly, following lines of enquiry, gathering potential evidence, and coordinating a joint response with national agencies: the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and Home Office Border Security and Asylum. This included the Salvation Army and Crime and Justice charity.

  

The team involved in the late-night raid interviewed 30 employees onsite with a keen eye for spotting signs of exploitation. We also seized mobile phones, computer equipment and documentation as our investigations continue.

  

Detective Sergeant Lee Attenborough from GMP’s Stockport Challenger Team said: “We hope this robust and coordinated action taken in response a concerning report instils confidence in our approach to tackling modern slavery head on.

  

“Officers spoke with every employee working within the abattoir last night, they were receptive to our presence, and we engaged in good discussions around their working conditions, payment, and terms of employment.

  

“It’s so important we do this diligence and thankfully there were no further claims of exploitation. We have communicated the support that is available and how to access it should anyone choose to come forward.

  

“This activity forms one of several active modern slavery investigations within the force. In 2024 we supported more victims of modern slavery and held more offenders accountable for the misery they caused as 80 charges were laid – 40% more than the previous year – and 19 convicted were secured, up from seven, with several cases continuing to progress through the criminal justice system.

  

“Modern slavery is happening across Greater Manchester, and we encourage anyone who is a victim of this crime, or suspect someone they know could be, to report it. You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support is available.

  

“You can report modern slavery to us using our online crime reporting service."

  

Debi Lloyd, Head of UK Counter Trafficking Operations at Justice and Care, said: “Our Victim Navigators were deployed alongside police and other agencies on Thursday and it was fantastic to see a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to tackling alleged modern slavery.

  

‘Navigators are embedded in police forces across the UK and help survivors to rebuild their lives and secure justice against exploiters. We are supporting the survivor in this case and commend their bravery in coming forward.

  

‘If you are experiencing exploitation, please know you are not alone, and support is available.

  

‘Every person out there can play a part in fighting modern slavery by learning to spot the signs and reporting any concerns to police or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700.”

  

Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Investigations Manager Michael Heyes said: “The GLAA works to stop the exploitation of workers in the UK and ensure that they are treated fairly. We have powers to investigate modern slavery offences and work with law enforcement and other partners to achieve this end.

  

“The GLAA has been involved in at least seven modern slavery and human trafficking investigations in Greater Manchester between April 2024 and January 2025.

  

“The GLAA is an intelligence-led organisation. Anyone with information or concerns about workers being exploited for their labour should email contact@gla.gov.uk or use the online reporting form which can be found at www.gla.gov.uk.”

  

Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Major Kathy Betteridge said: "The Salvation Army was on site today with Greater Manchester Police to make available specialist support for any potential victims of modern slavery identified. It is vital that victims’ needs are assessed, and they receive immediate access to protective care and specialised support, available through a Government contract operated by The Salvation Army.

  

“We work with survivors as they begin the long journey to rebuild their lives and their trust in humanity. Support provided by The Salvation Army can include intensive 24/7 support for people with high-level needs as well as safe accommodation, counselling and help with returning home, finances and finding employment.

  

"If you suspect that you, or someone you have come into contact with may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, please call The Salvation Army’s 24-hour confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733."

  

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle MP, said: “Modern slavery is an abhorrent crime that dehumanises people for profit. We are committed to tackling it in all its forms and giving survivors the support and certainty they need to rebuild their lives.

  

“We know that many people are sold lies about their ability to live and work in the UK and are often subjected to squalid conditions and illegal working hours for little to no pay.

 

“That’s why, as well as playing a critical safeguarding role, our immigration officers are also ramping up enforcement activity across the country to clamp down on illegal working and the exploitation of illegal workers to put a stop to the abuse of our immigration system and ensure those involved face the full consequences.”

  

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Kate Green, said: "Modern slavery is an appalling crime that has no place in our communities. Exploiting vulnerable people for profit is utterly unacceptable, and I fully support the efforts of our teams in bringing those responsible to justice.

  

"I’d like to welcome the way different agencies are working in partnership to tackle this disgusting crime. Through Programme Challenger, our partnership with GMP and a broad range of partners from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to tackle serious and organised crime, we are making a real difference, ensuring victims are protected and offenders face the consequences of their actions.

  

"We all have a part to play in spotting the signs of modern slavery. If something doesn't feel right, take action and report it. And I ask businesses specifically, please consider your supply chains and whether there may be a risk that modern slavery is happening where you access goods and services.

  

"Greater Manchester will not tolerate such exploitation, and we remain committed to rooting it out wherever it occurs."

  

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

  

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

  

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

  

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

 

Execute Flying against Abhay Singh, 1977

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s County Lines team executed seven warrants across Bolton this morning, working alongside specialist Challenger and complex safeguarding teams to secure several arrests.

 

The early morning wake-up calls for the residents across the various addresses was a direct result of the team’s work in tackling county lines drug supply and the exploitation of vulnerable people in the Bolton area.

 

Additionally working with members of GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime team, four arrests were made:

Three men, aged 21, 24, and 26, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply drugs, participation in an organised gang and modern slavery offences.

One man, aged 26, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

 

During searches of the properties, numerous items were discovered and seized, including an e-bike, Class A and Class B drugs. The four remain in custody for questioning.

 

County Lines is the use of dedicated phone lines to deal drugs from one location to another. In some instances of county lines gangs, vulnerable people are exploited in order to sell and store drugs.

 

This can include young children who are lured into a life of crime by older people seeking to convince them to take part in illegal behaviour.

 

Vulnerable adults may also be forced into similar acts – by people who pretend to be their friend or otherwise threaten them for not assisting with their criminality. In some cases, homes will be taken over and taken advantage of.

 

Across Greater Manchester, officers work tirelessly every day to tackle drugs and the people who supply them. From our specialist Programme Challenger teams to neighbourhood officers in your local community, GMP seizes significant quantities of drugs and ill-gotten money every week, combatting everything from anti-social drug users to organised criminal dealers.

 

Detective Inspector Zoe MacDonald, from GMP’s County Lines Team, said: “Drugs and the people who supply them can cause an incredible amount of harm in our community. From addiction to the exploitation of the most vulnerable, illicit substances cause so many types of hurt and criminality across so many towns and cities.

 

“This morning’s work has targeted reports of county lines operating in Bolton, and the drug supply in the town and wider area. We have successfully hit several addresses across the district and shown criminals that we will never tolerate them.

 

“I want the people of Bolton to know that we are dedicated to protecting them and ensuring we keep criminals off the streets.

 

“From regular patrols to intelligence gathering to crucial work with partner agencies, we put considerable resources in to tackling the scourge of drug-related criminality on our streets.

 

“If you have any concerns about drug supply or county lines operating in your area or feel like you have witnessed something suspicious, please do get in touch with us. You can report information to the police on 101, via gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

 

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “County lines gangs exploit the most vulnerable in society and inflict considerable harm on the wider community.

 

“As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we have worked jointly with Greater Manchester Police to disrupt the activity of these gangs and hold those responsible to account.

 

“As a council, we will always be relentless in identifying anyone who exploits others and take decisive action to keep Bolton’s children and vulnerable adults safe.

 

“Our specially trained staff continue to work with the victims and to support all those affected.”

 

You should call 101, the national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.

 

Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.

 

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.

 

You can access many of our services online at www.gmp.police.uk

Many prisoners executed in 1798 rebellion were buried in the Croppies Acre, Dublin. ('Croppies' comes from the cropped hair of the rebels).

 

Dublin, Ireland

 

Requiem for the Croppies

 

The pockets of our greatcoats full of barley...

No kitchens on the run, no striking camp...

We moved quick and sudden in our own country.

The priest lay behind ditches with the tramp.

A people hardly marching... on the hike...

We found new tactics happening each day:

We'd cut through reins and rider with the pike

And stampede cattle into infantry,

Then retreat through hedges where cavalry must be thrown.

Until... on Vinegar Hill... the final conclave.

Terraced thousands died, shaking scythes at cannon.

The hillside blushed, soaked in our broken wave.

They buried us without shroud or coffin

And in August... the barley grew up out of our grave.

 

Seamus Heaney

     

14th century blind arcade, executed in hard chalk, or clunch, now very worn but once of great status and beauty.

 

There has been a Church in Upchurch since about 1100 although the current building dates mainly to the 13th & 14th century. Sir Francis Drake's father was vicar here in the sixteenth century. The church is known for its odd shingled spire, a little like that at Bexley. It is four-sided to start with and suddenly changes into an octagon a third of the way up. It was once believed that the distinctive shape was chosen to serve as a navigational aid for shipping on the river, but as similar shaped spires are known elsewhere, far from rivers or other places requiring navigation aids, this is no longer thought to be true. There seems to be no structural reason for this change and it may purely be for decorative purposes.

 

Inside the church there is much work of the thirteenth century including three sedilia which, unusually, stand under the arch to the south chapel. The arch is finished by a very crisply carved head (possibly too crisp - it may result from Blomfield`s restoration of the church in 1875). Behind the sedilia, separating the seats from the chapel, is a charming wooden screen, with nine tall ogee-headed arches and a panel of pierced trefoils and quatrefoils. Both north and south chapels contain fragments of medieval glass while in the north chapel you may find a collection of medieval tiles, including one that shows a hunched figure with a staff and hat - possibly representing a pilgrim.

 

Under the church is a small crypt (a charnel house) where bones were kept when the churchyard was full. It was discovered in the late 19th century and the bones re-interred.