View allAll Photos Tagged Scheming
We decided to go for a city break rather than sun in Tenerife again this September. Other than a few days in the North East we haven’t been away since last March and wanted a change and hopefully some sun. The problem is getting flights from the north of England to the places we want to go to. We chose Valencia as we could fly from East Midlands – which was still a pain to get to as it involved the most notorious stretch of the M1 at five in the morning. In the end we had a fairly good journey, the new Ryanair business class pre-booked scheme worked quite well and bang on time as usual. It was dull when we landed with storms forecast all week, the sky was bright grey – the kiss of death to the photography I had in mind. I was full of cold and wishing I was at work. It did rain but it was overnight on our first night and didn’t affect us. There has been a drought for eleven months apparently and it rained on our first day there! The forecast storms didn’t materialise in Valencia but they got it elsewhere.
Over the course of a Monday to Sunday week we covered 75 miles on foot and saw most of the best of Valencia – The City of Bell Towers. The Old City covers a pretty large area in a very confusing layout. There was a lot of referring to maps – even compass readings! – a first in a city for us. The problem with photography in Valencia is that most of the famous and attractive building are closely built around, some have poor quality housing built on to them. Most photographs have to be taken from an extreme angle looking up. There are no high points as it is pan flat, there are a small number of buildings where you can pay to go up on to the roof for a better view and we went up them – more than once!
The modern buildings of The City of Arts and Sciences – ( Ciutat de Las Arts I de les Ciencies ) are what the city has more recently become famous for, with tourists arriving by the coachload all day until late at night. They must be photographed millions of times a month. We went during the day and stayed till dark one evening, I gave it my best shot but a first time visit is always a compromise between ambition and realism, time dictates that we have to move on to the next destination. I travelled with a full size tripod – another first – I forgot to take it with me to TCoAaS! so It was time to wind up the ISO, again! Needless to say I never used the tripod.
On a day when rain was forecast but it stayed fine, albeit a bit dull, we went to the Bioparc north west of the city, a zoo by another name. There are many claims made for this place, were you can appear to walk alongside some very large animals, including, elephants, lions, giraffe, rhino, gorillas and many types of monkey to name a few. It is laid out in different geographical regions and there is very little between you and the animals, in some cases there is nothing, you enter the enclosure through a double door arrangement and the monkeys are around you. It gets rave reviews and we stayed for most of the day. The animals it has to be said gave the appearance of extreme boredom and frustration and I felt quite sorry for them.
The course of The River Turia was altered after a major flood in the 50’s. The new river runs west of the city flanked by a motorway. The old river, which is massive, deep and very wide between ancient walls, I can’t imagine how it flooded, has been turned into a park that is five miles long. There is an athletics track, football pitches, cycle paths, restaurants, numerous kids parks, ponds, fountains, loads of bridges, historic and modern. At the western end closest to the sea sits The City of Arts and Sciences – in the river bed. Where it meets the sea there is Valencia’s urban Formula One racetrack finishing in the massive marina built for The Americas Cup. The race track is in use as roadways complete with fully removable street furniture, kerbs, bollards, lights, islands and crossings, everything is just sat on the surface ready to be moved.
We found the beach almost by accident, we were desperate for food after putting in a lot of miles and the afternoon was ticking by. What a beach, 100’s of metres wide and stretching as far as the eye could see with a massive promenade. The hard thing was choosing, out of the dozens of restaurants, all next door to each other, all serving traditional Paella – rabbit and chicken – as well as seafood, we don’t eat seafood and it constituted 90% of the menu in most places. Every restaurant does a fixed price dish of the day, with a few choices, three courses and a drink. Some times this was our only meal besides making the most of the continental breakfast at the hotel. We had a fair few bar stops with the local wine being cheap and pleasant it would have been a shame not to, there would have been a one woman riot – or strike!
On our final day, a Sunday, we were out of bed and down for breakfast at 7.45 as usual, the place was deserted barring a waiter. We walked out of the door at 8.30 – in to the middle of a mass road race with many thousands of runners, one of a series that take place in Valencia – apparently! We struggled to find out the distance, possibly 10km. The finish was just around the corner so off we went with the camera gear, taking photos of random runners and groups. There was a TV crew filming it and some local celebrity (I think) commentating. Next we came across some sort of wandering religious and musical event. Some sort of ritual was played out over the course of Sunday morning in various locations, it involved catholic priests and religious buildings and another film crew. The Catholic tourists and locals were filling the (many) churches for Sunday mass. Amongst all of this we had seen men walking around in Arab style dress – the ones in black looked like the ones from ISIS currently beheading people – all carrying guns. A bit disconcerting. We assumed that there had been some sort of battle enactment. We were wrong, it hadn’t happened yet. A while later, about 11.30 we could hear banging, fireworks? No it was our friends with the guns. We were caught up in total mayhem, around 60 men randomly firing muskets with some sort of blank rounds, the noise, smoke and flames from the muzzles were incredible. We were about to climb the Torres de Serranos which is where, unbeknown to us, the grand, and deafening, finale was going to be. We could feel the blast in our faces on top of the tower. Yet again there was a film camera in attendance. I couldn’t get close ups but I got a good overview and shot my first video with the 5D, my first in 5 years of owning a DLSR with the capability. I usually use my phone ( I used my phone as well). Later in the day there was a bullfight taking place, the ring was almost next to our hotel, in the end we had other things to do and gave it a miss, it was certainly a busy Sunday in the city centre, whether it’s the norm or not I don’t know.
There is a tram system in Valencia but it goes from the port area into the newer part of the city on the north side, it wouldn’t be feasible to serve the historic old city really. A quick internet search told me that there are 55,000 university students in the city, a pretty big number. I think a lot of the campus is on the north side and served by the tram although there is a massive fleet of buses as well. There is a massive, very impressive market building , with 100’s of stalls that would make a photo project on its own, beautiful on the inside and out but very difficult to get decent photos of the exterior other than detail shots owing to the closeness of other buildings and the sheer size of it. Across town, another market has been beautifully renovated and is full of bars and restaurants and a bit of a destination in its own right.
A downside was the all too typical shafting by the taxi drivers who use every trick in the book to side step the official tariffs and rob you. The taxi from the airport had a “broken” meter and on the way home we were driven 22 km instead of the nine that is the actual distance. Some of them seem to view tourists as cash cows to be robbed at all costs. I emailed the Marriot hotel as they ordered the taxi, needless to say no answer from Marriot – they’ve had their money. We didn’t get the rip off treatment in the bars etc. that we experienced in Rome, prices are very fair on most things, certainly considering the city location.
All in all we had a good trip and can highly recommend Valencia.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the fourth week of June 2017.
Back in January/February 2017, we saw posters indicating public disquiet about these latest Council proposals, and the meetings called to discuss possible action.
I offered an observation at the time.
Matters have clearly moved onward now.
The work is happening.
This view is from the opposite side of the river, Glenwood Road.
============================================
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) – Part XI.
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) – Part 8.
Construct an Access Ramp into the River Dargle, and make the fencing to the People’s Park removable at the West end of the People’s Park, adjacent to River Lane, in the townland of Bray Commons, in the Municipal District of Bray.
The purpose of the proposal is to provide the means to access the River Dargle to maintain the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme in the area of the People’s Park.
Background:
Wicklow County Council (and the former Bray Town Council) have almost completed the construction of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. This Scheme consists of a number of interventions including deepening and widening the river, and constructing embankments and river walls. These interventions are designed so that a fluvial (river) event of 1% probability of exceedance will remain within the banks (or walls) of the River Dargle. In other words, that means that the likelihood of an event occurring that would breach the river walls (and embankments) is in excess of one in a hundred years. This is the standard that the OPW set for Flood Defense Schemes.
In addition to the civil engineering measures, Wicklow County Council have, in close consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, constructed weirs and narrow channels, mostly of large rocks or boulders, in order that the environment is as natural and attractive as possible for fish life. Some more in-river fish environment works will be done in Summer 2017, also in consultation with IFI.
It is an inescapable fact that sands, gravels and even cobbles will be moved by the river. Also the more water that flows in the river, the more material will be carried downstream. For years, Bray Town Council, (now Wicklow County Council) have removed gravels and other deposited material from the river to ensure the capacity of the river to carry water is maintained.
For Wicklow County Council (or the OPW) to get access to the River in the stretch from Fran O’Toole Bridge to the lower end of the Slang, it is essential that there be an adequate access ramp. The works described in this proposal would ensure the availability of such an access ramp.
It is intended that this new ramp would be accessible by driving along River Lane.
It is intended that the new ramp would only be used for essential maintenance of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. While the frequency of use of the ramp is dependant on the frequency of significant flooding events, experience of Bray Town Council would suggest that it would be required less often than every two years. Also, the duration of use is unlikely to exceed one or two weeks in each case.
Works Outline
The works consist of
1. Diverting existing ESB cables that would be over the proposed ramp.
2. Constructing sheet pile and masonry walls, alongside the River
3. Constructing a concrete ramp into the River
4. Constructing a removable, masonry clad, reinforced concrete (RC) panel at the top of the ramp with removable railings in and around the ramp.
These works are shown on drawings number B1282.3_7000, B1282.3_7001, B1282.3_7003 and B1282.3_7004.
Timescale:
It is intended to carry out the construction work in Q2 and Q3 of 2017, subject to approval of the Part 8 procedure.
___________________________________
Marc Devereux
Senior Engineer
Wicklow County Council
20th December 2016
When the Walden's Ridge Railroad acquired FA2 #605, they saved a treasure. This age old Alco began it's life on the L&N as #310 in June of 1956 and served the system wholeheartedly until it changed hands to the Long Island Railroad and wore several other paint schemes under the new ownership. The scheme it now rusts in was painted in the early 90's, yet nothing will ever beat the glorious black and cream of the L&N. One can only hope it may one day carry the blessed scheme again, though let us be thankful that this thing still exists.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the 2nd week of September 2017.
Back in January/February 2017, we saw posters indicating public disquiet about these latest Council proposals, and the meetings called to discuss possible action.
I offered an observation at the time.
Matters have clearly moved onward now.
The work is just about completed.
This view looks across to the opposite side of the river, from Glenwood Road towards the Access Ramp running out of River Lane down to the Dargle River.
============================================
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) – Part XI.
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) – Part 8.
Construct an Access Ramp into the River Dargle, and make the fencing to the People’s Park removable at the West end of the People’s Park, adjacent to River Lane, in the townland of Bray Commons, in the Municipal District of Bray.
The purpose of the proposal is to provide the means to access the River Dargle to maintain the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme in the area of the People’s Park.
Background:
Wicklow County Council (and the former Bray Town Council) have almost completed the construction of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. This Scheme consists of a number of interventions including deepening and widening the river, and constructing embankments and river walls. These interventions are designed so that a fluvial (river) event of 1% probability of exceedance will remain within the banks (or walls) of the River Dargle. In other words, that means that the likelihood of an event occurring that would breach the river walls (and embankments) is in excess of one in a hundred years. This is the standard that the OPW set for Flood Defense Schemes.
In addition to the civil engineering measures, Wicklow County Council have, in close consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, constructed weirs and narrow channels, mostly of large rocks or boulders, in order that the environment is as natural and attractive as possible for fish life. Some more in-river fish environment works will be done in Summer 2017, also in consultation with IFI.
It is an inescapable fact that sands, gravels and even cobbles will be moved by the river. Also the more water that flows in the river, the more material will be carried downstream. For years, Bray Town Council, (now Wicklow County Council) have removed gravels and other deposited material from the river to ensure the capacity of the river to carry water is maintained.
For Wicklow County Council (or the OPW) to get access to the River in the stretch from Fran O’Toole Bridge to the lower end of the Slang, it is essential that there be an adequate access ramp. The works described in this proposal would ensure the availability of such an access ramp.
It is intended that this new ramp would be accessible by driving along River Lane.
It is intended that the new ramp would only be used for essential maintenance of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. While the frequency of use of the ramp is dependant on the frequency of significant flooding events, experience of Bray Town Council would suggest that it would be required less often than every two years. Also, the duration of use is unlikely to exceed one or two weeks in each case.
Works Outline
The works consist of
1. Diverting existing ESB cables that would be over the proposed ramp.
2. Constructing sheet pile and masonry walls, alongside the River
3. Constructing a concrete ramp into the River
4. Constructing a removable, masonry clad, reinforced concrete (RC) panel at the top of the ramp with removable railings in and around the ramp.
These works are shown on drawings number B1282.3_7000, B1282.3_7001, B1282.3_7003 and B1282.3_7004.
Timescale:
It is intended to carry out the construction work in Q2 and Q3 of 2017, subject to approval of the Part 8 procedure.
___________________________________
Marc Devereux
Senior Engineer
Wicklow County Council
20th December 2016
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the 1st week of November, 2017.
The levels of activity have fluctuated along this stretch of the riverbank, and especially around the Irish Rail bridge, informed by the tides and priorities.
Since Summer 2016, this is where the heavy-duty engineering works have been taking place.
This is a section of the flood protection scheme that I have not covered in detail -- it's inconvenient for me to access, and others cover it much better.
Standing on the new riverside walkway alongside Seapoint Court, we could see construction activity sited along the Ravenswell Road, temporarily closed due to on-going works.
That was the site of the old Bray Golf Club -- hotly contested as a (potentially) poorly considered as a site for a shopping centre development complex, and still an area of ground that has to act as a flood plain in the event of tidal surges.
As well as raising a heightened flood protection wall, they've created an access ramp down to the riverside.
The area in the background, site of the old Bray Golf course, was both a works compound and vehicle route for the transportation of material to/from the other sectors along the River Dargle involved in construction works.
By now, most of the heavy works have been completed.
Along the Ravenswell Strip, the guys are now accessorising the wall, creating viewing platforms along this ('to be') pedestrianised walkway.
=========================================================
Between Bray Bridge and the Railway Bridge there was a wooden footbridge linking Ravenswell Road and the Seapoint Road, this bridge was built at the time of the railway coming to Bray.
It closed in 1870 and was removed shortly afterwards.
"The Little Book of Bray and Enniskerry" by Brian White.
==========================================================
The Irish Rail Bridge, Bray Harbour:
Phase 1 flood defence works to the Irish Rail bridge commenced in August 2016.
Phase 2 flood defence works will be completed during May to September 2017. This work is being undertaken directly by Irish Rail.
The work includes strengthening the integrity of the bridge by creating buttresses around the base of each pillar.
To do this they have to pile-drive sheets into the river bedrock.
The work is complicated by;
(a) the need not to damage or disturb in any way the actual bridge itself (Irish Rail train and DART carriages pass overhead on an hourly basis), (b) the confined spaces under the bridge, and (c) the twice-daily rising tides from Bray Harbour which spill upriver into the newly expanded basin.
The length of the Ravenswell Road is to be landscaped into a pedestrian 'experience', with plants, seating and viewing points created in the sea-wall. This will link up with a new road and pathway being constructed around to Little Bray.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken in the first week of November 2014.
There is a noticeable drop-off in the level of activity on this site now.
There's still some finishing touches to the river bed itself, cosmetic work along the riverbank sides, and a jig-saw pattern of large boulders placed in mid-stream.
The main (final) focus will be on completing the profiles to the sheet-steel wall, securing the structure with poured concrete, and then the completion with the pre-fabricated stone capping.
The majority of operatives who attended through the summer months have since moved on to other sites/tasks.
And we can see a slow repatriation of heavy-duty equipment back to base.
The guys are attached steel frames to the recess of the sheet-steel uprights, prior to filling with concrete.
There's still a surprising amount of intricate manual work involved in completing tasks -- machines can only do so much!
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken in the third full week of November 2014. There's a big drop-off in activity on this site now. Continued removal of equipment, back to base or other construction sites. The last 'crawler crane' is being stripped down. Heavy-duty vehicular access to the far bank is restricted by the width and load-bearing capacity of the temporary bridge at Coburg, so the crane has to propel itself out and across the river to a waiting low-loader.
A Liebherr LTM 1050/1 All Terrain Mobile Crane is used for the job. It's telescopic boom, in working mode, extends to 40 m. At a near-vertical angle of 83º it could lift 7.4 ton. In secured compacted mode (10.5 m height), it could lift 50+ ton. Overall length: 8.7 m, - overall width: 2.5 m.
The boom arm of the 50-ton CCH3000 Crawler Crane is broken down into sections, and shipped out by truck. The working capacity of this machine is scalable, only dependent on the boom attached, and counterweight mounted on-board.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the fourth week of July, 2016.
And we're back to the Rehills/Slang section -- between La Vallee and Rivervale.
Where previously this area was an organised structure of vast earth mounds, which ebbed and flowed with the removal of material, saw the import and removal of enormous mounds of stone material, and emerged as a relatively levelled piece of ground -- we saw the arrival of a fleet of 4-axle trucks bearing fresh mounds of stone. This continued for the best part of a week.
And what has been dumped, has to be sorted, and piled, and graded . . . and ultimately moved on to somewhere else!
In fairness to this contractor (Jons Construction) they recognise the need to control the working environment . . . and YES, that involves watering the access route to the disposal zone.
Hold on, are you telling me that it hasn't been raining recently in Ireland/Wicklow/Bray?
Apparently, not enough.
Hence the arrival of our little friend -- the Ruscon 2000 Slurry Tanker, used as a water bowser/sprayer.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the 2nd week of September, 2017.
The levels of activity have fluctuated along this stretch of the riverbank, and especially around the Irish Rail bridge, informed by the tides and priorities.
Since Summer 2016, this is where the heavy-duty engineering works have been taking place.
This is a section of the flood protection scheme that I have not covered in detail -- it's inconvenient for me to access, and others cover it much better.
Standing on the new riverside walkway alongside Seapoint Court, we could see construction activity sited along the Ravenswell Road, temporarily closed due to on-going works.
That was the site of the old Bray Golf Club -- hotly contested as a (potentially) poorly considered as a site for a shopping centre development complex, and still an area of ground that has to act as a flood plain in the event of tidal surges.
As well as raising a heightened flood protection wall, they've created an access ramp down to the riverside.
The area in the background, site of the old Bray Golf course, was both a works compound and vehicle route for the transportation of material to/from the other sectors along the River Dargle involved in construction works.
By now, most of the heavy works have been completed.
Along the Ravenswell Strip, the guys are now accessorising the wall, creating viewing platforms along this ('to be') pedestrianised walkway.
=========================================================
Between Bray Bridge and the Railway Bridge there was a wooden footbridge linking Ravenswell Road and the Seapoint Road, this bridge was built at the time of the railway coming to Bray.
It closed in 1870 and was removed shortly afterwards.
"The Little Book of Bray and Enniskerry" by Brian White.
==========================================================
The Irish Rail Bridge, Bray Harbour:
Phase 1 flood defence works to the Irish Rail bridge commenced in August 2016.
Phase 2 flood defence works will be completed during May to September 2017. This work is being undertaken directly by Irish Rail.
The work includes strengthening the integrity of the bridge by creating buttresses around the base of each pillar.
To do this they have to pile-drive sheets into the river bedrock.
The work is complicated by;
(a) the need not to damage or disturb in any way the actual bridge itself (Irish Rail train and DART carriages pass overhead on an hourly basis), (b) the confined spaces under the bridge, and (c) the twice-daily rising tides from Bray Harbour which spill upriver into the newly expanded basin.
The length of the Ravenswell Road is to be landscaped into a pedestrian 'experience', with plants, seating and viewing points created in the sea-wall. I think this might link up with a new road and pathway being constructed around to Little Bray.
Through the past few weeks/months, we can see the construction in and around the Irish Rail bridge, where new and extensive reinforced concrete collars are built up to support the existing support pillars/piers. The river and sea beds are also engineered to control the flow of tides and river flows.
For all the convenience, speed and efficiency that modern machinery offers, the scale and nature of this specialised construction works still requires the team of workers to get down and 'hands-on' with the river-bed and the associated fittings that go to shape the upgraded flood defence works.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the first week of April 2017.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
However, the soil-shifters are at it again.
Smaller operation than before, but a steady process of removing soil, shifting soil and reshaping the banks.
Said it before, and I'll say it again . . . . .
I call it the 'Biggest Sandpit/Playarea' in Wicklow, in Leinster, in Ireland.
The place is a mess. Aesthetically, the uneven flow to the ridges and terraces annoys me.
Along this strip of the riverbank, they are landscaping a strip of land, installing public seating and creating picnic area.
The pedestrian tracks running around are called 'Hoggin paths'.
Nice idea. I hope it is properly used and well maintained.
================================================
'Hoggin' is a compactable groundcover that is composed of a mixture of clay, gravel, and sand or granite dust that produces a buff-coloured bound surface.
The material is aesthetically suited to older properties and is lower maintenance than gravel alone since it does not need regular raking. Once laid, the surface is somewhat permeable to water and therefore does not easily hold puddles or generate rapid surface runoff.
The material is increasingly being used at domestic properties as a low cost and environmentally friendly alternative to concrete and block paving in paths and driveways.
A compacted sub-base of larger crushed stone is often laid prior to the top layer of hoggin, especially if the area to be covered is soft ground, or prone to puddling.
The larger rocks provide a firm base for the hoggin, and improved drainage.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were by the end of the 3rd week of September 2017.
Hard to believe - but I've been recording this project now for 5+ years.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
The soil-shifters have finished. The main area of land has been seeded and growth is already happening. In selected areas, plants/shrubs have also been planted.
The plan now will be to allow nature to complete the task of reverting this section back to a wild habitat.
The deer, the foxes, the herons, the raptor birds and other associated wildlife can reclaim the banks . . until the planners decide on their next, belated, unnecessary intervention.
============================
Between the M11 motorway, and the Upper Dargle Road / Hazelwood areas, a stream has run for many years. As well as running from the Fassroe region (west above the M11) this also funnels much of the water run-off from the motorway itself.
There is a culvert running under the road and draining directly into the river opposite The Slang/Rehills.
A branch also runs parallel and through the Egan Business Park before exiting under the road and into the Dargle close to what is identified in historic Ordnance Survey maps as 'Rose Cottage - Laundry'.
There are plans to lay a proper pipe system to channel this water directly across to the Dargle. No doubt a welcome relief to householders along this stretch of road, given that their properties have been victim to the flash flooding that is happening more often due to changes in the meteorological systems, compounded by developments on the opposite side of the motorway.
The downside of this work is the removal of many trees here, and the consequent unwelcome exposure to said properties.
However, recently the contractors have 'filled-in' a large swathe of the previously cleared opening.
To develop this new pipeline, they need to channel a branch pipe under the Upper Dargle Road, discharging into the adjacent Dargle River itself.
This is not a simple 'cut and fill' overnight operation. They have to excavate deeply, pile-drive the cuttings for support, and lay the pipe sections. The plan here is to close off one lane of the road, at a time, while the work proceeds.
This is quite a busy road, with traffic especially heavy during morning and evening rush hour.
Control traffic lights allow contra-flow systems.
This is causing yet more inconvenience for local residents.
Unfortunately, based on previous bad experience with mindless hooliganism, the temporary compound now requires 24-hour security to protect the assembled machinery.
============================
It's a little-known fact that the Dublin-Wicklow county boundary runs down the line of this stream.
To the right, as we look, it's 'County Dublin', while to the left it's 'County Wicklow'.
The county boundary follows the line of the stream as it swings back up across the M11 motorway, heading up through Fassaroe district.
The boundary line also runs along this road we're standing on, 'Blind Lane', back up into Hazelwood.
Supermarine Spitfire LFVb EP120 G-LFVB
• Aircraft Type: Supermarine Spitfire Vb EP120
• Operator: The Fighter Collection
• Year of Manufacture: 1942
• Powered by: one Rolls Royce Merlin engine
• Colour Scheme: 402 Sqn, “City of Winnipeg” RCAF coded AE-A
Our Mk.V Spitfire is one of the most credited historic aircraft left anywhere in the world with an impressive SEVEN confirmed kills. EP120 was built at the Castle Bromwich factory where she was probably test flown by the legend that was Alex Henshaw. She was taken on charge by the RAF in May 1942 with 45 MU at Kinloss in Scotland. She was assigned to 501 Sqn the following month and scored six of her confirmed kills with Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Northcott at the helm. A ground collision saw her returned to Castle Bromwich for repair following which she was allocated to 19 Sqn in Cornwall. In April 1944 she was taken on charge with 402 Sqn ‘City of Winnipeg’ RCAF, coded AE-A, which are the colours she wears today.
Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB BE505
If there is a "Famous Four" of the most important allied fighter aircraft of World War II, then the cream of allied fighter technology must undoubtedly include the Supermarine Spitfire, the North-American P-51 Mustang, the Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk and surely, the unsung hero of the Battle of Britain, the legendary Hawker Hurricane. This aircraft, born of the famous Hawker design stable, was the creation of the great Sydney Camm and was his response to the RAF's urgent requirement for a low wing monoplane fighter to balance the threat from Nazi Germany and its re-armament during the mid 1930's. Currently, there are only twelve Hurricanes in airworthy condition throughout the world; this is in spite of a total production of some 14,231 aircraft in the period from 1937 to 1944. Surviving Hurricanes in flyable condition are therefore amongst the rarest of all warbirds. Our example, originally built in 1942 has been restored to stock Mk IIB fighter-bomber status, the only flying example of the famous ‘Hurri-bombers’.
The Hurricane IIB gained prominence at a time when RAF Fighter Command went over to the offensive following the end of The Battle of Britain during which it had been. The 'Hurri-bombers', as they came to be known, bravely carried the fight to the European mainland in late 1941 and early 1942, initially armed with a pair of 250lb bombs and later with two 500lb bombs, together with an up-rated armament of twelve Browning .303 inch machine guns from the original eight.
The Hurricane is undoubtedly the most complex of the wartime fighters to restore, with its intricate melange of steel, aluminium, wood and fabric, it represents an enormous challenge to return to flying condition. As such, this major restoration project was undertaken by the internationally renowned and pre-eminent Hurricane specialists, Hawker Restorations Ltd. This company has restored no less than five of the thirteen currently airworthy Hurricanes and has a reputation within the historic aircraft restoration industry for work of the finest quality. Based in Suffolk, UK and run by Tony Ditheridge, the undisputed Hurricane 'guru', HRL has a knowledge that spans many years of research and restoration of these wonderful aircraft.
The engine is an original Packard Merlin 29 and has been fully overhauled to zero time by Maurice Hammond at Eye Tech Engineering. Maurice is undoubtedly the finest V-12 engine re-builder outside the USA and his attention to detail and originality is second to none. All other major components were tested, refurbished and returned to service and wherever possible we used the original parts, commensurate of course with safety. She ran for the first time in September 2008 and completed a comprehensive programme of ground runs.
The complexity of the Hurricane’s primary structure, particularly Sydney Camm’s rejection of simple welded joints in favour of complex fabricated connections, was entirely aimed at easing mass production by relatively unskilled workers. Each joint and task was broken down into simple parts and jobs to allow sub-assemblies to be contracted out to non-aviation industries such as furniture manufacturers. These methods were familiar however to both Hawker production workers and the RAF fitters who maintained these aircraft. The legacy of this methodology, when compared to the Spitfire with its all metal 'monocoque' construction, is that the Hurricane is a truly massive undertaking to restore today. The average number of man hours allowed for a professional Spitfire restoration is generally estimated at around 12,000 hours. That should be considered against the Hurricane, upon which around 30,000 hours must be lavished before that distinctive shape can take to the skies once more.
The history of our aircraft is one which begins at the Canadian Car & Foundry Company factory in 1942 as construction number CCF/R20023. The aircraft was originally ordered as a Mk.1 for the RAF and allocated the military serial number AG287. The production batch was subsequently diverted to RCAF use and a new Canadian serial, 1374 was allocated. Delivered on 11 February 1942, she served with the RCAF until being returned to the factory in 1943 to be up-graded to Mk.XII standard - this included the installation of the more powerful Packard built Merlin 29 engine. Returning to RCAF use she was issued to No.1 (F) OTU (Bagotville, Quebec) where she remained until struck off charge on 6 September 1944.
Following the end of hostilities the airframe was sold off to the private sector, as were many surviving RCAF Hurricanes at that time, often becoming much needed 'hardware stores' donating their parts to keep the tractors and machinery running on the many enormous farms of the Canadian prairie. Our aircraft was lucky and remained substantially whole and was acquired by collector Jack Arnold in the 1970's. After passing through the hands of other collectors she was purchased by Tony Ditheridge of Hawker Restorations Ltd. Returning to the UK and initially stored as a future personal project, restoration work began in earnest in 2005 at HRL's facility in Suffolk. The project made steady progress until it was acquired by Hangar 11 Collection in 2007 and re-registered as G-HHII. The comprehensive restoration was completed in January 2009 and saw this rare Hurricane rolled out in fighter-bomber configuration resplendent in the markings of BE505, a Manston based Mk IIB operated by 174 (Mauritius) Squadron in spring, 1942. Her first post-restoration flight took place from North Weald on January 27, 2009.
Since then, BE505 has joined the Hangar 11 Collection and has become a firm favorite at air displays, representing as she does such a rare version of this famous and much loved classic British fighter.
KLUhv Spitfire Mk IX 3W17
The legendary Spitfire is without any doubt one of the most beautiful propeller-driven aircraft of the Second World War. Although the Dutch Spitfires had clipped wing-tips instead of the more elegant elliptical wing planform, it is the shapely lines of the single-seat fighter that make the heart of any aviation enthusiast beat faster. The Spitfire was designed by R.J.Mitchell as early as 1934. He was a brilliant aircraft designer who unfortunately died at the age of 42. The prototype made its maiden flight in 1936 and was powered by a 990-hp Merlin engine driving a two-blade propeller. Our Mk.IX has a 1720-hp Rolls-Royce Packard Merlin 224 engine and a four-blade propeller. In all, 20,351 Spitfires have been built. All of the 56 Spitfires that served in the Dutch Air Force were Mark IXs.
The SKHV Spit was built in 1943 and took part in the D-day fighting. In 1946, the 322 Fighter Section (322 JaVA) was established, which in 1947 was renamed 322 Squadron, and which included our Spit as H-25. After its return from the East Indies, 322 Squadron adopted the role of a “monthly” squadron. In that period the H-registration was replaced by the 322 Squadron code (3W) followed by a serial number, our Spit becoming 3W-17. 1953 saw the end of the military career of this legendary aircraft. The greater part of the Spitfires came to a sorry end, being plundered by souvenir hunters and scrap dealers, or being burned in fire-fighting exercises.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the second week of June 2017.
Back in January/February 2017, we saw posters indicating public disquiet about these latest Council proposals, and the meetings called to discuss possible action.
I offered an observation at the time.
Matters have clearly moved onward now.
The work is happening.
Liebherr PR 732 bulldozer, sitting in the construction compound at the western part of The People's Park, adjacent to the River Lane access ramp.
============================================
Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) – Part XI.
Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) – Part 8.
Construct an Access Ramp into the River Dargle, and make the fencing to the People’s Park removable at the West end of the People’s Park, adjacent to River Lane , in the townland of Bray Commons, in the Municipal District of Bray.
The purpose of the proposal is to provide the means to access the River Dargle to maintain the River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme in the area of the People’s Park.
Background:
Wicklow County Council (and the former Bray Town Council) have almost completed the construction of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. This Scheme consists of a number of interventions including deepening and widening the river, and constructing embankments and river walls. These interventions are designed so that a fluvial (river) event of 1% probability of exceedance will remain within the banks (or walls) of the River Dargle. In other words, that means that the likelihood of an event occurring that would breach the river walls (and embankments) is in excess of one in a hundred years. This is the standard that the OPW set for Flood Defense Schemes.
In addition to the civil engineering measures, Wicklow County Council have, in close consultation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, constructed weirs and narrow channels, mostly of large rocks or boulders, in order that the environment is as natural and attractive as possible for fish life. Some more in-river fish environment works will be done in Summer 2017, also in consultation with IFI.
It is an inescapable fact that sands, gravels and even cobbles will be moved by the river. Also the more water that flows in the river, the more material will be carried downstream. For years, Bray Town Council, (now Wicklow County Council) have removed gravels and other deposited material from the river to ensure the capacity of the river to carry water is maintained.
For Wicklow County Council (or the OPW) to get access to the River in the stretch from Fran O’Toole Bridge to the lower end of the Slang, it is essential that there be an adequate access ramp. The works described in this proposal would ensure the availability of such an access ramp.
It is intended that this new ramp would be accessible by driving along River Lane.
It is intended that the new ramp would only be used for essential maintenance of the River Dargle Flood Defense Scheme. While the frequency of use of the ramp is dependant on the frequency of significant flooding events, experience of Bray Town Council would suggest that it would be required less often than every two years. Also, the duration of use is unlikely to exceed one or two weeks in each case.
Works Outline
The works consist of
1. Diverting existing ESB cables that would be over the proposed ramp.
2. Constructing sheet pile and masonry walls, alongside the River
3. Constructing a concrete ramp into the River
4. Constructing a removable, masonry clad, reinforced concrete (RC) panel at the top of the ramp with removable railings in and around the ramp.
These works are shown on drawings number B1282.3_7000, B1282.3_7001, B1282.3_7003 and B1282.3_7004.
Timescale:
It is intended to carry out the construction work in Q2 and Q3 of 2017, subject to approval of the Part 8 procedure.
___________________________________
Marc Devereux
Senior Engineer
Wicklow County Council
20th December 2016
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken in the last week of October 2014.
Throughout the days, it' a constant 2-way stream of Volvo trucks -- some bringing varying grades of hardcore down to the riverside to build up the rear of the steel wall - or removing previously laid temporary access shelf on the outside of the steel wall.
The guys are now actively rebuilding the riverbed itself: digging out the previous 'temporary' core material, and replacing with large, profiled boulders.
The intention being to (a) provide better habitat for fish stock, and (b) seek to slow the speed of river flow during periods of heavy rain and high river levels.
It's interesting how technology now assists the CAT excavator operators: a nearby tripod-mounted rotating laser is aligned to a sensor/receiver on the shovel arm of the CAT, and allows precise control of digging down to precise levels and depth.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the first week of October 2017.
I've been recording this project now for 5+ years.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
The main area of land has been seeded and growth is already happening. In selected areas, plants/shrubs have also been planted.
The plan now will be to allow nature to complete the task of reverting this section back to a wild habitat.
The deer, the foxes, the herons, the raptor birds and other associated wildlife can reclaim the banks . . until the planners decide on their next, belated, unnecessary intervention.
============================
Between the M11 motorway, and the Upper Dargle Road / Hazelwood areas, a stream has run for many years. As well as running from the Fassroe region (west above the M11) this also funnels much of the water run-off from the motorway itself.
There is a culvert running under the road and draining directly into the river opposite The Slang/Rehills.
A branch also runs parallel and through the Egan Business Park before exiting under the road and into the Dargle close to what is identified in historic Ordnance Survey maps as 'Rose Cottage - Laundry'.
There are plans to lay a proper pipe system to channel this water directly across to the Dargle. No doubt a welcome relief to householders along this stretch of road, given that their properties have been victim to the flash flooding that is happening more often due to changes in the meteorological systems, compounded by developments on the opposite side of the motorway.
The downside of this work is the removal of many trees here, and the consequent unwelcome exposure to said properties.
However, recently the contractors have 'filled-in' a large swathe of the previously cleared opening.
To develop this new pipeline, they need to channel a branch pipe under the Upper Dargle Road, discharging into the adjacent Dargle River itself.
This is not a simple 'cut and fill' overnight operation. They have to excavate deeply, pile-drive the cuttings for support, and lay the pipe sections.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the first week of December 2016.
There are still considerable levels of traffic here with hard material being trucked out of the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
I believe the Council have contracted for the removal and transport of soil material from this site to a new (road) construction site down at Calary.
The previous 'mountains' and terraces are slowly but steadily shrinking. The place is a mess. Aesthetically, the uneven flow to the ridges and terraces annoys me.
On occasion, we have seen a line of 13 such trucks lined up first thing in the morning, ready to haul soil.
The Upper Dargle Road, while a minor one, is a busy little throughway, and is especially busy with the morning/evening rush hours.
Introducing such a level of heavy-duty trucks on to this road, where they need to drive in and out of the Slang/Rehills compound, only serves to further aggravate the traffic flows. The entrance to the site is close to a blind bend. Not good.
On a regular basis, we have seen (and felt) the effects of the trucks as they thunder by, particularly the unladen ones returning to pick up another load.
There is the 'speed limit' and then there is 'driving in a manner inappropriate to the road conditions'.
The heavy truck traffic also brings debris and soil on to the road.
The contractors struggle to keep the road washed and swept. And the slow progress of their road-sweeping vehicles, in turn, cause delay and frustration for other road users. Not good.
It's not a good experience, right now, for the residents along this stretch of road.
Republic P-47G-10-CU Thunderbolt (in the scheme of P-47D 'Snafu' 42-74742) taking off at Duxford UK (QFO/EGSU) during Flying Legends 2012, July 1st. (photo 998-2). See more on this P-47 at fighter-collection.com/cft/p-47g/
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were by the end of the 3rd week of September 2017.
Hard to believe - but I've been recording this project now for 5+ years.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
The soil-shifters have finished. The main area of land has been seeded and growth is already happening. In selected areas, plants/shrubs have also been planted.
The plan now will be to allow nature to complete the task of reverting this section back to a wild habitat.
The deer, the foxes, the herons, the raptor birds and other associated wildlife can reclaim the banks . . until the planners decide on their next, belated, unnecessary intervention.
============================
Between the M11 motorway, and the Upper Dargle Road / Hazelwood areas, a stream has run for many years. As well as running from the Fassroe region (west above the M11) this also funnels much of the water run-off from the motorway itself.
There is a culvert running under the road and draining directly into the river opposite The Slang/Rehills.
A branch also runs parallel and through the Egan Business Park before exiting under the road and into the Dargle close to what is identified in historic Ordnance Survey maps as 'Rose Cottage - Laundry'.
There are plans to lay a proper pipe system to channel this water directly across to the Dargle. No doubt a welcome relief to householders along this stretch of road, given that their properties have been victim to the flash flooding that is happening more often due to changes in the meteorological systems, compounded by developments on the opposite side of the motorway.
The downside of this work is the removal of many trees here, and the consequent unwelcome exposure to said properties.
However, recently the contractors have 'filled-in' a large swathe of the previously cleared opening.
To develop this new pipeline, they need to channel a branch pipe under the Upper Dargle Road, discharging into the adjacent Dargle River itself.
This is not a simple 'cut and fill' overnight operation. They have to excavate deeply, pile-drive the cuttings for support, and lay the pipe sections. The plan here is to close off one lane of the road, at a time, while the work proceeds.
This is quite a busy road, with traffic especially heavy during morning and evening rush hour.
Control traffic lights allow contra-flow systems.
This is causing yet more inconvenience for local residents.
Unfortunately, based on previous bad experience with mindless hooliganism, the temporary compound now requires 24-hour security to protect the assembled machinery.
Medical Check-up is only the initial step in a great scheme of progress which involves the improvement of not only the physical but the mental and moral development of the children.
Corporate Social Responsibility / CSR Projects in Bangalore, Karnataka, India by www.trinitycarefoundation.com/csr ~ The healthcare programmes conducted by Trinity Care Foundation is eligible under the ambit of CSR provision as given in schedule VII of the New Companies Act, 2013.
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We decided to go for a city break rather than sun in Tenerife again this September. Other than a few days in the North East we haven’t been away since last March and wanted a change and hopefully some sun. The problem is getting flights from the north of England to the places we want to go to. We chose Valencia as we could fly from East Midlands – which was still a pain to get to as it involved the most notorious stretch of the M1 at five in the morning. In the end we had a fairly good journey, the new Ryanair business class pre-booked scheme worked quite well and bang on time as usual. It was dull when we landed with storms forecast all week, the sky was bright grey – the kiss of death to the photography I had in mind. I was full of cold and wishing I was at work. It did rain but it was overnight on our first night and didn't affect us. There has been a drought for eleven months apparently and it rained on our first day there! The forecast storms didn't materialise in Valencia but they got it elsewhere.
You May notice discrepancies in the spelling of some Spanish words or names, this is because Valencian is used on signs, in some guide books and maps. There are two languages in common use with distinct differences. There may also be genuine mistakes - it has been known!
Over the course of a Monday to Sunday week we covered 75 miles on foot and saw most of the best of Valencia – The City of Bell Towers. The Old City covers a pretty large area in a very confusing layout. There was a lot of referring to maps – even compass readings! – a first in a city for us. The problem with photography in Valencia is that most of the famous and attractive building are closely built around, some have poor quality housing built on to them. Most photographs have to be taken from an extreme angle looking up. There are no high points as it is pan flat, there are a small number of buildings where you can pay to go up on to the roof for a better view and we went up them – more than once!
The modern buildings of The City of Arts and Sciences – ( Ciutat de Las Arts I de les Ciencies ) are what the city has more recently become famous for, with tourists arriving by the coachload all day until late at night. They must be photographed millions of times a month. We went during the day and stayed till dark one evening, I gave it my best shot but a first time visit is always a compromise between ambition and realism, time dictates that we have to move on to the next destination. I travelled with a full size tripod – another first – I forgot to take it with me to TCoAaS! so It was time to wind up the ISO, again! Needless to say I never used the tripod.
On a day when rain was forecast but it stayed fine, albeit a bit dull, we went to the Bioparc north west of the city, a zoo by another name. There are many claims made for this place, were you can appear to walk alongside some very large animals, including, elephants, lions, giraffe, rhino, gorillas and many types of monkey to name a few. It is laid out in different geographical regions and there is very little between you and the animals, in some cases there is nothing, you enter the enclosure through a double door arrangement and the monkeys are around you. It gets rave reviews and we stayed for most of the day. The animals it has to be said gave the appearance of extreme boredom and frustration and I felt quite sorry for them.
The course of The River Turia was altered after a major flood in the 50’s. The new river runs west of the city flanked by a motorway. The old river, which is massive, deep and very wide between ancient walls, I can’t imagine how it flooded, has been turned into a park that is five miles long. There is an athletics track, football pitches, cycle paths, restaurants, numerous kids parks, ponds, fountains, loads of bridges, historic and modern. At the western end closest to the sea sits The City of Arts and Sciences – in the river bed. Where it meets the sea there is Valencia’s urban Formula One racetrack finishing in the massive marina built for The Americas Cup. The race track is in use as roadways complete with fully removable street furniture, kerbs, bollards, lights, islands and crossings, everything is just sat on the surface ready to be moved.
We found the beach almost by accident, we were desperate for food after putting in a lot of miles and the afternoon was ticking by. What a beach, 100’s of metres wide and stretching as far as the eye could see with a massive promenade. The hard thing was choosing, out of the dozens of restaurants, all next door to each other, all serving traditional Paella – rabbit and chicken – as well as seafood, we don’t eat seafood and it constituted 90% of the menu in most places. Every restaurant does a fixed price dish of the day, with a few choices, three courses and a drink. Some times this was our only meal besides making the most of the continental breakfast at the hotel. We had a fair few bar stops with the local wine being cheap and pleasant it would have been a shame not to, there would have been a one woman riot – or strike!
On our final day, a Sunday, we were out of bed and down for breakfast at 7.45 as usual, the place was deserted barring a waiter. We walked out of the door at 8.30 – in to the middle of a mass road race with many thousands of runners, one of a series that take place in Valencia – apparently! We struggled to find out the distance, possibly 10km. The finish was just around the corner so off we went with the camera gear, taking photos of random runners and groups. There was a TV crew filming it and some local celebrity (I think) commentating. Next we came across some sort of wandering religious and musical event. Some sort of ritual was played out over the course of Sunday morning in various locations, it involved catholic priests and religious buildings and another film crew. The Catholic tourists and locals were filling the (many) churches for Sunday mass. Amongst all of this we had seen men walking around in Arab style dress – the ones in black looked like the ones from ISIS currently beheading people – all carrying guns. A bit disconcerting. We assumed that there had been some sort of battle enactment. We were wrong, it hadn’t happened yet. A while later, about 11.30 we could hear banging, fireworks? No it was our friends with the guns. We were caught up in total mayhem, around 60 men randomly firing muskets with some sort of blank rounds, the noise, smoke and flames from the muzzles were incredible. We were about to climb the Torres de Serranos which is where, unbeknown to us, the grand, and deafening, finale was going to be. We could feel the blast in our faces on top of the tower. Yet again there was a film camera in attendance. I couldn’t get close ups but I got a good overview and shot my first video with the 5D, my first in 5 years of owning a DLSR with the capability. I usually use my phone ( I used my phone as well). Later in the day there was a bullfight taking place, the ring was almost next to our hotel, in the end we had other things to do and gave it a miss, it was certainly a busy Sunday in the city centre, whether it’s the norm or not I don’t know.
There is a tram system in Valencia but it goes from the port area into the newer part of the city on the north side, it wouldn’t be feasible to serve the historic old city really. A quick internet search told me that there are 55,000 university students in the city, a pretty big number. I think a lot of the campus is on the north side and served by the tram although there is a massive fleet of buses as well. There is a massive, very impressive market building , with 100’s of stalls that would make a photo project on its own, beautiful on the inside and out but very difficult to get decent photos of the exterior other than detail shots owing to the closeness of other buildings and the sheer size of it. Across town, another market has been beautifully renovated and is full of bars and restaurants and a bit of a destination in its own right.
A downside was the all too typical shafting by the taxi drivers who use every trick in the book to side step the official tariffs and rob you. The taxi from the airport had a “broken” meter and on the way home we were driven 22 km instead of the nine that is the actual distance. Some of them seem to view tourists as cash cows to be robbed at all costs. I emailed the Marriot hotel as they ordered the taxi, needless to say no answer from Marriot – they’ve had their money. We didn’t get the rip off treatment in the bars etc. that we experienced in Rome, prices are very fair on most things, certainly considering the city location.
All in all we had a good trip and can highly recommend Valencia.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the second week of December 2017.
I've been recording this project now for 5+ years.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
===================================
'River Dargle Boardwalk'
Opened by Cathaoirleach Pat Fitzgrald, Wicklow County Council, in the presence of Cathaoirleach Steven Matthews, Bray Municipal District.
20th May 2017.
In recognition of the contribution made by Councillor Jane Murphy, Cathaoirleach 1982.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the third week of August 2014.
Work is now on-going in this area of the The Slang/Dargle River, involving: -- Site preparation and mobilisation comprising sheetpile flood defence walls.
The site preparation required the removal of mature trees and vegetation along the riverbank. Section-by-section, long lengths of steel sheet piling are aligned within a frame, and then driven partially into the bedrock by crane-suspended hydraulic hammers.
The guys were now working to reinforce the riverside of the sheetpiling, buttressing with large boulders, and an overlay of smaller gravel. Work also started on the other side of the river, again driving sheet piles.
A new access ramp down to the riverbed was carved out to accommodate the extra pile driving. Other sub-contractors are now engaged in securing the riverbanks+sheet piles by drilling and securing rock anchors.
Directly under the La Vallee building, the final anchor rods angled in approx 14 meters underground before being anchored to suitably solid ground.
Elsewhere along the stretch of the riverside, where the ground was more clay based, the rods had to extend to a distance of approx 17+ metres before being anchored securely in place.
====================================
M6A-1 Casagrande drilling rig.
M6A-1 – Technical Data:
Weight :-
in working condition - 12000 kg
Undercarriage 2310mm width, with hydraulically adjustable steel track pads, 400mm wide
Deutz diesel engine type BF4M 1013C, 104Kw
Mast 5200mm long, rotary head stroke 4000mm
Rotary head type T1000 6V, max torque 13500kgm, 6 speeds up to 530rpm
Blocking and breakout clamps type M4/M4S, max dia 305mm (to be confirmed)
Handling winch type A2, 2t capacity
6.5 million women in Morocco work in rural food production, and 1.8 million in Tunisia; more than half of these women are informal workers without a contract, and therefore without access to social protection, healthcare or formal structures that would allow them to benefit from governmental support in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agricultural sector has been particularly affected by the pandemic due to the limitation of the movement of people and goods, the closure of usual markets and points of sale, and changes in consumer practices, including apprehension towards products whose production cannot be traced. This has further exacerbated many women’s risk of job loss, poverty and disease.
The FLOWER project will increase women workers’ awareness of their socio-economic rights, of the health risks of the pandemic, and of the opportunities available in terms of law, funds and functioning of the market, in order to achieve better working conditions, production processes, quality and hygiene of food products, distribution channels and access to local and national markets. It will also train young local coaches on mechanisms of funds access and business management, and enable women’s groups to become familiar with economic, commercial and financial approaches to crisis management.
Painting and markings:
This time I did not go for a scheme in “Hinterhalt” colors, but rather adapted a typical German three-tone scheme to my personal late WWII colors that I have already used on other fictional German vehicles: Dunkelgelb (RAL 7028), Helloliv (RAL 7003, very similar to RLM 02), and Schwarzgrau (RAL 7021).
The paint scheme was built up like a typical tank would have been camouflaged: an all-over factory finish in Dunkelgelb (Tamiya TS-3 from the rattle can), with the other two tones added on top of that in the field with whatever tools at hand. Revell 45 and Humbrol 67 were consequently applied with a flat, dry brush, in a rather simple and one-dimensional pattern. Breaking the rule to leave the wheels free from any camouflage pattern, I gave them this time various mottles in the two contrast tones.
After basic painting I was skeptical about the outcome, because there was only little contrast between the light shades. However, after the model had received an overall washing with a mix of black ink and sone brown acrylic artist paint, this somehow improved and I stuck to it.
The steel rims were painted with Revell 91 (Iron). The black vinyl track was treated with dark grey and red brown acrylic paint, plus some dry-brushing with medium grey.
Decals are minimal, with small Balkenkreuz markings on the hull and a tactical code on the turret flanks, all in simple white.
The decals were protected with a thin coat of varnish and then the hull was dry-brushed with khaki drab (Humbrol 72) and light grey (Revell 75). Watercolors were used to add some rust stains and dust residues around the lower hull and recessed all around the SPAAG. And after a final coat with matt acrylic varnish some grey-brown mineral pigments were dusted into the track and the running gear.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the third week of November 2017.
I've been recording this project now for 5+ years.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
The main area of land has been seeded and growth is already happening. In selected areas, plants/shrubs have also been planted.
The plan now will be to allow nature to complete the task of reverting this section back to a wild habitat.
The deer, the foxes, the herons, the raptor birds and other associated wildlife can reclaim the banks . . until the planners decide on their next, belated, unnecessary intervention.
============================
Between the M11 motorway, and the Upper Dargle Road / Hazelwood areas, a stream has run for many years. As well as running from the Fassroe region (west above the M11) this also funnels much of the water run-off from the motorway itself.
There is a culvert running under the road and draining directly into the river opposite The Slang/Rehills.
A branch also runs parallel and through the Egan Business Park before exiting under the road and into the Dargle close to what is identified in historic Ordnance Survey maps as 'Rose Cottage - Laundry'.
The plan here has been to lay a proper pipe system to channel this water directly across to the Dargle. No doubt a welcome relief to householders along this stretch of road, given that their properties have been victim to the flash flooding that is happening more often due to changes in the meteorological systems, compounded by developments on the opposite side of the motorway.
One downside of this work was the removal of many trees here, and the consequent unwelcome exposure to said properties.
However, recently the contractors have 'filled-in' a large swathe of the previously cleared opening.
To develop this new pipeline, they've channelled a branch pipe under the Upper Dargle Road, discharging into the adjacent Dargle River itself.
This was not a simple 'cut and fill' overnight operation. They had to excavate deeply, pile-drive the cuttings for support, and lay the pipe sections.
============================
It's a little-known fact that the Dublin-Wicklow county boundary runs down the line of this stream.
To the right, as we look, it's 'County Dublin', while to the left it's 'County Wicklow'.
The county boundary follows the line of the stream as it swings back up across the M11 motorway, heading up through Fassaroe district.
The boundary line also runs along this road we're standing on, 'Blind Lane', back up into Hazelwood.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the 4th week of May 2017.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
However, the soil-shifters are at it again.
Smaller operation than before, but a steady process of removing soil, shifting soil and reshaping the banks.
Said it before, and I'll say it again . . . . .
I call it the 'Biggest Sandpit/Playarea' in Wicklow, in Leinster, in Ireland.
The place is a mess. Aesthetically, the uneven flow to the ridges and terraces annoys me.
You don't have to be a certified civil engineer to figure out that there are quicker and more efficient ways to move the soil.
Using one excavator, a few dumper-trucks and a single bulldozer is a process not driven by time/cost.
If you 'really' had to complete this work quickly, you'd line up a few 'bigboy' bulldozers . . . . . and shift the soil in days, rather than weeks-months.
This 'hurdler on the ditch' simply comments on the piecemeal nature of this planning!
Hard to believe - but I've been recording this project now for 5 years.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken in the third full week of November 2014. There's a big drop-off in activity on this site now. Continued removal of equipment, back to base or other construction sites. The last 'crawler crane' is being stripped down. Heavy-duty vehicular access to the far bank is restricted by the width and load-bearing capacity of the temporary bridge at Coburg, meaning that the crane has to propel itself out and across the river to a waiting low-loader. The boom arm of the 50-ton CCH3000 Crawler Crane is broken down into sections, and shipped out by truck. A Liebherr LTM 1050/1 All Terrain Mobile Crane was used for the job. The steep angle of the bank meant that the attending CAT 3300L had to nudge and lift the crawler crane at critical moments. These guys knew what they were doing, had done it many times before and never faltered for a moment. A great lunch-hour show for me to watch.
This little montage features a veritable gathering of four Mean Green Machines.
Let's take a look at the back of the bus, and see where you could have been going had you not missed it!
Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.
October 2010.
The “Bobby Men” at work supporting the elderly and vulnerable in Bedfordshire
The Bobby Scheme was established in 1999, and is part of the Bedfordshire Police Partnership Trust. The trust aims to help elderly or vulnerable victims of crime by giving advice, support and practical help in improving their home security. The Bobby Men also spend nearly 60 per cent of their time carrying out preventative measures to help people avoid becoming victims.
There are now four Bobby Men working throughout the county, and since 1999 over 18,000 house calls have been made.
Typical of the service provided is the tale of an elderly lady in Dunstable, who has been a victim of an attempted distraction burglary. A man knocked on her door to say a fence panel had been broken and he would fix it for a fee. As she later explained: “I didn’t think he looked right so I managed to shut the door, but I did feel uncomfortable.” The lady found it hard to close the door – she has difficulty walking and is currently attached to a permanent oxygen supply. “I didn’t report the man to the police at first” she said. “It wasn’t until I read a similar thing in the local paper about a man offering to fix a broken fence in Dunstable that I called the police.” It was at this point that a visit by the Bobby Men was arranged.
Her daughter was present when the Bobby Men, Graham and Mark, arrived: “I’d seen the Bobby Van around” she said, “But I never really knew what it was for, I was impressed when they turned up so quickly. They had so many different options for mum after they’d done their checks and they let her decide what would work best given her condition. Some of their ideas were so simple but they make a huge difference.”
The lady quickly pointed out other things the Bobby Men had been responsible for: “They fitted the intercom at the front which connects to a phone so I can find out who is at the door without having to get up. They also checked the whole house, fitted a door chain and recommended a local electrician who can fix my security lights. I have to admit, the first thing I said when they came round was – how much will this cost?’ To find out the service was free was wonderful. Graham and Mark are so friendly and helpful; we had a good old chat as they fitted the bits and pieces for me.”
At Bedfordshire Police our aim is "fighting crime, protecting the public."
We cover 477 square miles, serve a population of around 550,000 and employ in the region of 1,260 Police Officers, 950 police staff and 120 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
For more information about the Bobby Scheme, visit our website, www.bedfordshire.police.uk/tackling_crime/protecting_you/...
Multi-village schemes that was built by UNICEF, in collaboration with the regional water bureau and water offices, Afdera town in Afar Region. Serving 9000 people with safe drinking water.UNICEFEthiopi/2020/NahomTesfaye
This is a model for the Lego Ideas Scheme found here ideas.lego.com/dashboard Please vote for it if you want to see it put into production
Early morning in Shibuya, the animal girls group together and plot their mischief for the day. Shot this right before the one in pink started howling at me to stop taking photos. Sassy hamsters!
A scheme to radically redesign Rawtenstall’s town centre is currently underway. Initial works for the £5.5 million Spinning Point development, which will transform the former Valley Centre, has already been completed. The Town Hall has been renovated and reopened as office space and the town’s former police station has been demolished. Works planned for the future, some dogged by controversy, are a new bus station and a possible new leisure development with a hotel, spa and retail space.
For Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, it is an exciting proposal for the town. ‘These are plans that will change and improve Rawtenstall for the future,’ she said. ‘It is an incredibly exciting development that will bring real benefit to the town. We want to create a modern experience for people living, working and visiting the area as well as boost the wider Rossendale area. Rawtenstall is a very special town and I’m thrilled to see these plans coming together.’
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the third week of August, 2016.
Constant traffic nowadays with hard material being trucked in and dumped in storage areas along The Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
Further work is now being undertaken to upgrade the protection of the riverbank edge with the laying down of extra stone material.
At the same time, the guys are working (or playing?) on changing the profile of the stepped terrace along the face of the Slang/Rehills section.
Seems like every time they do this, and we believe it is a 'finished' piece of work, they confound us later by ripping it up all over again.
I know there is value in maintaining this area as a smooth accessible strip. But the degree of attention they apply to this is then wasted by the randomness with which they undo all the previous work.
I call it the 'Biggest Sandpit/Playarea' in Wicklow, in Leinster, in Ireland.
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The River Dargle is a valuable salmon and sea-trout fishery.
Wicklow County Council, in planning the Dargle flood relief scheme have taken cognisance of this fact and have worked closely with Inland Fisheries Ireland, from the planning phase of this project, to ensure that the flood relief programme will not have negative consequences for this valuable fishery.
The four "claret spritzer" Scania OmniDekkas are normally dedicated to the route 21a extra term-time journeys between Reading Station and Reading University. However outside of term times they are often pressed into service on more conventional duties. No.809 is seen in Friar Street on Thursday 21st June operating a journey on the parent route 21 to Lower Earley, substituting for the more usual claret-liveried ADL Enviro400 MMC.
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken during the 4th week of May 2017.
Most of the main civil engineering works have ceased along the Slang/Rehills section of the river bank.
However, the soil-shifters are at it again.
Smaller operation than before, but a steady process of removing soil, shifting soil and reshaping the banks.
Said it before, and I'll say it again . . . . .
I call it the 'Biggest Sandpit/Playarea' in Wicklow, in Leinster, in Ireland.
The place is a mess. Aesthetically, the uneven flow to the ridges and terraces annoys me.
You don't have to be a certified civil engineer to figure out that there are quicker and more efficient ways to move the soil.
Using one excavator, a few dumper-trucks and a single bulldozer is a process not driven by time/cost.
If you 'really' had to complete this work quickly, you'd line up a few 'bigboy' bulldozers . . . . . and shift the soil in days, rather than weeks-months.
This 'hurdler on the ditch' simply comments on the piecemeal nature of this planning!
Hard to believe - but I've been recording this project now for 5 years.
This is a model for the Lego Ideas Scheme found here ideas.lego.com/dashboard Please vote for it if you want to see it put into production
River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme.
These images were taken by the end of the 3rd week of November, 2017.
Standing on the new riverside walkway, previously known as Ravenswell Road, temporarily closed due to on-going works.
That was the site of the old Bray Golf Club -- hotly contested as a (potentially) poorly considered as a site for a shopping centre development complex, and still an area of ground that has to act as a flood plain in the event of tidal surges.
As well as raising a heightened flood protection wall, they've created an access ramp down to the riverside.
The area in the background, site of the old Bray Golf course, was both a works compound and vehicle route for the transportation of material to/from the other sectors along the River Dargle involved in construction works.
By now, most of the heavy works have been completed.
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Between Bray Bridge and the Railway Bridge there was a wooden footbridge linking Ravenswell Road and the Seapoint Road, this bridge was built at the time of the railway coming to Bray.
It closed in 1870 and was removed shortly afterwards.
"The Little Book of Bray and Enniskerry" by Brian White.
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The Irish Rail Bridge, Bray Harbour:
Phase 1 flood defence works to the Irish Rail bridge commenced in August 2016.
Phase 2 flood defence works will be completed during May to September 2017. This work is being undertaken directly by Irish Rail.
The work includes strengthening the integrity of the bridge by creating buttresses around the base of each pillar.
To do this they have to pile-drive sheets into the river bedrock.
The work is complicated by;
(a) the need not to damage or disturb in any way the actual bridge itself (Irish Rail train and DART carriages pass overhead on an hourly basis), (b) the confined spaces under the bridge, and (c) the twice-daily rising tides from Bray Harbour which spill upriver into the newly expanded basin.
The length of the Ravenswell Road gas been landscaped into a pedestrian 'experience', with plants, seating and viewing points created in the sea-wall. This will link up with a new road and pathway being constructed around to Little Bray.
Through the past few weeks/months, we can see the construction in and around the Irish Rail bridge, where new and extensive reinforced concrete collars are built up to support the existing support pillars/piers. The river and sea beds are also engineered to control the flow of tides and river flows.
Ornamental railings and abstract wooden hangings are fashioned on-site.