View allAll Photos Tagged Those
To have those beautiful display tanks in our showroom we need to do regular maintenance. Luckily our cleaning crew works 24/7 to support the maintenance team :)
The 'Park of Honour of Those Who Were Shot'
Memorial and graves of resistance heroes and martyrs - brave Jews, brave Christians, dissidents, anti-fascists, socialists, rebels, samizdat journalists and organisers - those who dared to question and fight oppression, and the evil Powers That Be.
Here you see the faces of my brothers, my own dear family, my partners in fighting sheer political evil - resting in their graves here, in perhaps the most poignant place in all of Brussels, Belgium. Here lie those in Belgium who were shot fighting the Nazis of the 1940s - as I myself have nearly been killed fighting the more recent fascists, some of the 'new Nazis' of the 21st century.
Shortly after I arrived in Brussels as a political refugee from the US, under threat of murder by far-right political figures, this is one of the first places I visited. I came here to weep some tears amid the companionship of my anti-fascist comrades, who also looked death in the eye as they tried to speak and act for what is right.
The camera used here, and the chance to make these photos, are gifts of the brave dissident US Jewish physician, Dr Moshe 'Moss' David Posner, who risked and gambled his own life, to support me and help keep me alive in the face of threats by neo-Nazi assassins.
These are photos from the daily life of writer and political refugee from the US, Dr Les (Leslie) Sachs - photos documenting my new beloved home city of Brussels, Belgium, my life among the people and Kingdom who have given me safety in the face of the threats to destroy me. Brussels has a noble history of providing a safe haven to other dissident refugee writers, such as Victor Hugo, Karl Marx, Charles Baudelaire, and Alexandre Dumas, and I shall forever be grateful that Brussels and Belgium have helped to protect my own life as well.
(To read about the efforts to silence me and my journalism, the attacks on me, the smears and the threats, see the website by European journalists "About Les Sachs" linked in my Flickr profile, and press articles such as "Two EU Writers Under Threat of Murder: Roberto Saviano and Dr Les Sachs".)
This extremely moving memorial and gravesite, is known locally as the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusillerden (Brussels is bi-lingual French- and Dutch-speaking, so place names are given in both languages here.) - In English, the name is perhaps best rendered as the "Park of Honour of Those Who Were Shot".
The Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden includes many martyrs of the Belgian resistance of World War II, being both their gravesite and also the place where many of them were shot to death by a Nazi firing squad. - And it is also a memorial and the place of death, of other heroic figures who were shot to death in the previous German occupation of Belgium during World War I. One heroine from the First World War who was shot by the Germans and is now commemorated here, is the famous British nurse Edith Cavell.
The reason that this was a convenient place of execution by firing squad, is that it was originally part of a Belgian military training area and rifle range that existed here once upon a time, and you still see here the tall hillside that served as an earthen 'backstop' to safely absorb high-powered rifle bullets. The hillside was thus ready-made for the German commandants who occupied Brussels in both wars, to carry out their firing-squad executions.
Nowadays, the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden appears quite 'central' in urban Brussels, as it lies in the Schaerbeek - Schaarbeek commune, directly in the path from the EU institution area toward the roads that lead to the airport, and very near to the 90-metre high VRT-RTBF communications tower that has long been a major Brussels landmark.
The Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden is walking distance from the eastern Brussels 'prémétro', which is a grouping of tram lines that run underground for several stops on both the eastern and western sides of the Brussels city centre, supplementing the regular métro underground system with a similarly high frequency of service and also underground. If you continue along the prémétro lines south from the Diamant stop which is near the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, you shortly arrive at the elaborate 19th-century military barracks buildings which once housed the soldiers who used the rifle range and parade grounds, which later become the place of martyrdom for members of the anti-Nazi resistance.
This is a place of great emotion for me personally, because the resistance martyrs who lie in these graves - a number of them socialists, journalists and with Jewish-heritage, critics of corruption just like myself - are my comrades in my own ordeal. I barely escaped alive out of the USA, nearly murdered by neo-Nazi-linked thugs, who themselves spoke favourably of Hitler as they moved toward killing me, as well as trying to ban my ability to write and speak.
It is sad that this place, Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, is very little visited nowadays. Most of the time when I come here to contemplate and shed a few tears amid my comrades, and also to gain strength from their brave spirits, I am alone. Many of the family members and children of those who died or are buried here, have now themselves often passed away.
But on occasion there are people visiting, and on one day I was privileged to meet the daughter of one of the resistance martyrs who is buried here. She spoke to me of being a little girl, and seeing the Nazis arrest her father inside their home. She spoke about how they tied his hands behind his back, and yet how bravely he looked at her one last time. - She never saw her father alive again, and she is now in her seventies. - But when she spoke of her father, her voice grew energised and strong. She said she remembered the day of her father's arrest like if it was yesterday. And as she spoke, I could feel it and almost see it, as if I had been there myself.
The heroes in these graves are quite alive for me still. I am a religious man, a person of faith, and I believe in the life hereafter. - Many people have been afraid to help me, abandoning me to be murdered by the powerful forces of the American government - people too frightened to dare oppose the deadly US power of global assassination, the vicious US global media slandering of a dissident's reputation - Yet when I walk here at the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, I feel myself amid a powerful throng of comrades, among brave people who understand me, people who know what it is like to be menaced with murder and to look death straight in the eye. - I feel the spirits in these graves support me and sustain me, that they welcome me as one among themselves.
It is my privilege now to honour these brave companions of mine, giving their memory some further renown and support. And I have wanted very much to do so, as the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden still is in need of expanded documentation on the Web, before some of what can be seen here fades away much further.
One of the most powerful aspects of visiting this tree-lined and grassy cemetery and memorial, is that you see on a number of the grave markers, not only names and comments from loved ones, but in some cases actual pictures of these brave people, pictures rendered into sepia-type photos on porcelain. Though efforts were made to make these photographs permanent, the elements and the years and decades have taken their toll. Many of the pictures are now faded, or cracked, or broken, or fallen on the ground from their mountings. In one case I held a cracked porcelain image together with one hand, while taking the photo with the other hand. The years are passing, and I have wanted to document the faces of these brave heroes before they disappear, before time takes a greater toll on this place of sacred honour.
You look into the eyes of these brave people, and you see and feel the spirit of true bravery, of genuine resistance of oppression, resistance to the point of death, their hope that sacrificing one's own life in the fight, will yet do some good for others in the world. Look into their eyes, and you see their faces, faces of real people, quite like anyone in some ways, but in other ways very special, with a light in them that carries far beyond their own death - people who yet had the fire of faith in that Greater than mere earthly existence.
In this hillside that you see in the photos - the hillside in front of which many of these heroes stood in the moment as they were shot to death - in that hillside is a large memorial marker to the heroes of World War I who died here. On that marker it says:
Ici tomberent
sous les balles allemandes
35 héros victimes de leur
attachement à la patrie
Hier vielen
onder de duitse kogels
35 helden ten offer
aan hun liefde voor het vaderland
Here fell 35 heroes
who offered their lives
for their country
shot by the Germans
You'll notice that the 4th name down on the marker is that of Edith Louisa Cavell (1865-1915), with just her initial and last name and the date of her death here, on 12 October 1915:
Cavell E. 12-10-1915
The banners that you see here, in the colours of red, yellow, and black, are in the three colours of the national flag of Belgium
There are 17 rows of graves here at the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, 12 on the upper level closer to the hillside, and then five on the lower level below. Between the upper and lower levels is an obelisk serving as a kind of centre for the memorial as a whole. On the obelisk it says, on one side in Dutch, on the other side in French:
Opgericht door de Verbroedering van de Vriendenkringen der Nazikampenen Gevangenissen
XXVe Verjaring
April 1970
Erigé par le Fraternelle des Amicales de Camps et Prisons Nazis
XXVe Anniversaire
April 1970
In English this would be:
Constructed by the Association of Friends of Those in the Nazi Camps and Prisons
25th Anniversary
April 1970
Around this obelisk lay some faded but still visibly grand wreaths, placed here by the highest figures of Belgian public life. One great wreath at the centre, placed here by the King of the Belgians, Albert II, and his wife Paola, whose royal household has very quietly but effectively supplied some of the protection for me in Belgium, that has so far prevented me from being murdered here by foreign powers. - You see the ribbon say simply 'Albert - Paola'.
And another large wreath has a ribbon saying 'la Gouvernement - de Regering', from the government of Belgium.
Though many of the resistance martyrs buried here, were shot by firing squad right on this spot, a number of these martyrs died in other places, most especially in the Belgian concentration camp at Breendonk (Breendonck), which due to its stone structure is one of the best-preserved Nazi concentration camps. Breendonk can be visited today, about 40 kilometres north of Brussels in the direction of Antwerp, very near the Willebroek train station.
Among the graves here, a number are of heroes of the anti-Nazi resistance whose names are unknown: 'Inconnu - Onbekend' say the grave markers in French and in Dutch. In one row, there are six unknowns side-by-side; and then the entire final last row of the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, is all the resting place of unknown heroes, 21 altogether.
In any struggle against oppressive government, there are often unknown heroes. - And as I myself am a victim of brutal deceptive media smear campaigns, as well as the US regime ordering search engines to suppress my own websites, I can testify as to how hard the evil powers work, to try to see that those who fight the system, remain unknown, or else smeared and slandered with propaganda and lies.
There are perhaps yet other heroes of the World War II resistance, whose anonymous graves somewhere, may yet one day be found. One of the photos here is of a maintenance area by the side, where fresh grave markers are ready, some with crosses, some with a star of David, awaiting use for some other hero whose remains are yet to be discovered.
In addition to the photographs on the grave markers, which speak for themselves, a number of the graves are also marked with heartfelt statements by those who loved and honoured them. Most are in French, and with photos where there are such engraved statements, there are transcriptions of what you find, along with a translation.
Many of these resistance martyrs to the Nazis who lie here, are of course Jewish. The majority are Christians of Belgium, but a significant proportion of the heroes who lie here, are Jewish resistance martyrs of the Holocaust. And even more than one from the same family - the Livchitz brothers who lie here. Moreover, some of the Christians who are buried here, are of Jewish heritage as well - as I am myself, a unitarian Christian.
My own heritage on my mother's side is Jewish, and it was my commitment to honour the memory of relatives and other Jews who died in the Holocaust, that led to my being forced to become a political refugee from the United States. - Back when living in the US, I received a letter threatening the book-burning of the books of this Jewish-heritage writer, and I responded strongly. A few weeks later my freedom to speak and write was banned, and threats to extort and murder me were put in motion. This story has been told in other places (see link to press articles in my profile), but suffice it to say here, that it was my honouring the memory of murdered Jews, which led me to be a Jewish-heritage political refugee today in Brussels.
Though I am unitarian Christian by faith, the old Jewish sites of Brussels and Belgium strike deep chords within me, as I very much feel the spirit of the Jews who suffered and died under the kind of racist threats I have also suffered.
One of the things I am often-asked, as a Jewish-heritage political refugee, is why the Jewish groups and Jewish leaders, do not say or do more to defend me, against the threats to have me murdered, against the lies and hoaxes spread about me, against the blocking of my own journalism sites from the internet search engines. - For example, in my efforts to stay alive these last few years, I have received much more comfort and assistance and support from brave Muslims, than from the Jewish people who share my own heritage.
There are two main reasons for this kind of neglect of someone like myself by Jewish leaders. One is that I am not a political Zionist - I favour peace and justice for all the residents of the ancient holy lands of Palestine. - A second reason, is that there is a sad heritage among Jewish people, to stand by and do nothing while other Jews are attacked by the dominant power of the day. - It was that way in the old pogroms of Eastern Europe, it was that way under the Nazi-era exterminations, and it is that way today regarding the case of the United States. - Since it is the US regime which has been attacking me and forcing me to be a refugee here, Jewish 'leadership' simply does not want to confront the USA. Given that I am a non-Zionist, and a unitarian Christian in faith, well, that settles it as far as Jewish leaders are concerned, and they turn away and say nothing.
There are still some brave Jews, however, like one brave Orthodox Jewish physician in America, a friend who has helped me to be able to be here now, supplying these photographs of the Jewish and other martyrs of anti-Nazi resistance.
And the Jewish heritage is there in me, and I am glad I honoured the memory of the Holocaust dead, even though it led me into terrible sufferings at the hands of US political figures and the US regime.
There is a sense of profound spiritual achievement that I have, as I place on-line this historical record of the martyrs of the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden. It is perhaps only by the grace of God that I was able to escape the US alive, from the clutches of the people menacing to illegally jail me and murder me in a US jail cell. - My now being able to honour the memory of my fellow anti-fascist figures in Belgium, who were shot dead by the Nazis of an earlier era, feels to me to be one of the important purposes, for which I was kept alive by divine hands.
To visit the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden, you can walk about 600 metres from the Diamant 'prémétro' or underground tram stop which includes tram lines 23, 24, and 25. If you wish to get even closer by bus, you can take buses number 12, 21, or 79 the two stops from Diamant to the Colonel Bourg - Kolonel Bourg bus shelter sign. Alternatively, if you are in the EU area, you can take these same buses 12, 21 or 79 directly from the Schuman métro station by the EU's main Berlaymont building. Another route is that bus 80 from the Mérode metro station will also take you directly to the Colonel Bourg - Kolonel Bourg stop. A few tens of metres west of where the bus halts, along the rue Colonel Bourg - Kolonel Bourgstraat, you see the sign directing to the entrance of the Enclos des Fusillés - Ereperk der Gefusilleerden.
Those smart class 170's are used on most of the train services operating on Scotland's non electrified routes. This higher numbered batch is 2nd class only for local traffic.
Taken on a very stormy day at Rhossili - these two girls were out for a walk. As it was very difficult to even stand up due to the strength of the wind I felt that the footwear may have been a tad impractical! Apologies for the poor quality of the shot - due to non intentional camera shake due to the gales!
Ian was one of those strangers in the crowd at the Kemp Town Festival who definitely looked worth taking a photo of. Maybe even seeing if he wanted to be part of my 100 strangers project. The pretty daisies on his cheeks stood out across the crowds. I approached him and ask if it was ok to take his picture and he happily asked where I wanted him to stand. While I was taking the picture he suggested I should get a photo of his girlfriend as she'd painted his flowers on his face and he said the ones on her face were even better. He told me that she worked in the charity shop and to call in if I was nearby.
Later in the day I walked past the Age UK charity shop and saw Ian and his girlfriend Fran. We chatted and they were happy for me to take their photo together. One wall of the shop was a pretty orange so I asked them to stand against it as a backdrop for the photo. It was a bit of a balancing act as the wall had a flight of stairs running down it but we managed. Ian is taller so he went down a step and Fran was able to put her arm round his shoulder.
They were a lovely young couple who've been together for about 6 years. Ian has just qualified as a teacher and Fran works full time as a Special Needs Support Teacher for Autistic children. From the way she spoke it was clear it is a job she loves. She works in the shop on Saturdays. I learned that she's also a brilliant photographer and has her own photo blog on:
fransmith.photo.wordpress. I noticed when looking at her blog that she won the spring competition on Facebook. It's worth checking out the blog ;-))
Thank you so much Fran and Ian.
Check out the rest of the stranger portraits in my project at Chris's 100 Strangers Project: www.flickr.com/photos/chris_marina/sets/72157644764299551/
And find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page: www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/
Was parked at a store in Cody, Wy while my wife was inside when this truck pulled up next to me. In the bed of the truck was this Aussie dog named "Jake". While it's master was gone , this dog was really crying & trying to climb out of the truck to get to it's master. Fearing that it might jump out, I started talking to it to distract it. When it turned & looked at me, I was jolted by it's eyes, it was quite a shock ! © Glenn Dickey Photography 2010
"Ama chi ti ama,non amare chi ti sfugge,ama quel cuore che per te si strugge:Non t'ama chi amor ti dice ma t'ama chi guarda e tace".
"Love those who love you, do not love who escapes you, he loves the heart that yearns for you: Do not you love those who love tells you he loves you but who looks and silent".
- W. Shakespeare
Those that can act and remember the lines of the play get the best parts, everyone else is in the choir, if you can't remember the words, just make it look like you know them.
If you needed glasses, there were two types, a wire design as worn by the boy in front (typical British school boy of the 1950s to 1960s in glasses) often in either blue or pink, sometimes brown, or a plastic frame in brown or black, these normally broke after a short time either across the nose bar or at the hinge side, the method of repair was a piece of self adhesive sticking plaster, the repairs often had to last for up to a year.
A few children (not normally found in council schools) had parents who paid for private frames for their children's glasses, and some quite good designs could be found.
The standard NHS children's specs that were designed in the late 1940s lasted up to the mid 1970s Many children preferred to suffer and go without glasses due to the amount of teasing for any child wearing them received at the time.
Orange County Fashion Week 2015
Orange County, CA – The California Riviera is no stranger to luxury or style and this year’s OCFashion Week (OCFW) will exude both those traits during its full week of events, beginning with World of Fashion Photography Exhibit and gala at Newport Lexus on Friday, February 27th and culminating in the Couture Designer event at Dawson Fine Art on Thursday, March 5th.
Each night holds something magical and fashionable, beginning at 6 pm with cocktails. Showtime on the runway begins at 7 pm, with after-parties at 10 pm. Each night is presented by Newport Lexus with signature sponsors by Toni & Guy Academy Manna Kadar Cosmetics, runway styling by Betinnis in Brea and will spot light a different charity each night. Orange County Fashion Week is produced by Hauteoc Inc. Discover the World You've Been Missing. Discover the World of Orange County.
NEWPORT BEACH, FEBRUARY 28th, 2015 – OC Fashion Week is proud to announce that this season’s 2015 presenting sponsor, Newport Lexus of Newport Beach, will be the site for this year’s SUGAR RUSH. The event will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 6:00pm – 9:00pm and will showcase makeovers, a celebrity runway show and the Fashionably Responsible Awards Reception. The night will also feature models from popular television show America's Next Top Models.
Beginning at 7 pm, Brit B of BeachCandy Swimwear will open the presentation showcase of Orange County Sugar Rush designers with a preview of her latest collection of swimwear, followed by the Fabulous Life of Claire Farewell’s London designer wear. As the night continues, designers Victoria by Elizabeth, According to Kimberly and Men’s Undercover Underwear debuts an exciting runway tribute to OC Fashion Week’s to retailers and fashion designers that embrace both cause and commerce in their business practices. Jewelry, handbag and accessories designers will showcase their goods, alongside pop-up shops with a portion of the proceeds donating to Working Wardrobes, which has helped more than 70,000 victims of abuse and addiction regain control of their lives by helping them dress for success.
Additionally, guests will have the opportunity to receive makeovers throughout the evening by Manna Kadar Cosmetics founder and CEO Manna Kadar. A noted industry expert, beauty editor and makeup artist to an impressive roster of celebrity clients, Manna has made her mark as a true trendsetter in the world of beauty.
Other evening highlights include a runway show featuring past contestants from America’s Next Top Model and up-and-coming designers that give back to this fashion-studded evening.
Meet the Designers:
Brit B. of BeachCandy Swimwear: A native of Orange County, with her signature store in Corona del Mar, Brit B. creates custom swimsuits for clients with the goal of making every woman feel beautiful and comfortable.
Claire Farwell of Claire Farwell London: A former model and survivor of cancer, Farwell has not only succeeded in one of the toughest industries she has also been a tireless supporter of women fighting cancer.
Manoni Handbags and Accessories: Hand-crafted out of full-grained ostrich and crocodile, every handbag is designed for the chic, fashion-forward-thinking woman.
Victoria by Elizabeth: Pencil Skirt Designers innovating style bringing the elegance of women, by heart and soul.
Kimberly Luu of According to Kimberly: Born and raised in Orange County, the multitalented Luu is a clinician, blogger and designer whose first design won Top Five at OC Fashion Week’s 2011 Designer competition. That was just the beginning of her success story.
Salt Shoes SALT SHOES are uniquely designed with your comfort in mind. But having flexibility by way of look and color is what makes Salt Shoes the “IT” wedge or heel to get. Interchangeable straps allow you to create a new look with each outfit.
What a Betty
What A Betty designs have been seen everywhere from gorgeous brides, to celebrities on the red carpet and has been on hit TV Shows such as “Revenge” and "VH1", and high fashion and bridal magazines.
Undercover Underwear
Adriana Viano is the owner and founder of UnderCover MensWear Inc. Adriana always had the vision that the privilege of the right, sexy and comfortable underwear and loungewear should not only be for women. She always believed that men were in need of their own "Victoria's Secret". UnderCoverMensWear.com is an on line only boutique with unique and innovative products carefully chosen from around the world. All items sold in the on line store will not be found in any department stores.
Those paper plates (left over from parties in years gone by) are really ugly. I don't have enough real plates for a large party, but I'm going to figure out something different in the future. I bet I can find some kind of plastic plates (that I can reuse, thus not being environmentally wanton). If not, I think I would prefer to use the biodegradable paper plates made from potatoes and corn or whatever it is. (The little white cards in front of a couple of dishes are pointing out alcohol content.)
Ian's on the road again, wearing different shoes again.
Or something.
Yes, have audit will travel is taking me back to the north west and head office (UK) in Warrington.
I wasn't keen to go, as I would be one of those being audited, rather than being the auditor.
So it goes.
Up even earlier than usual, Jools went swimming first thing, while I woke up and packed.
It was to be a bright if cold day, and the promise of actual snow once I reached Manchester, so that was something to look forward to. No?
Jools dropped me off on the prom so I could have a walk, take some snaps before picking up the car.
It was cold.
Not Canada cold, clearly.
Minus three. And too cold to linger to watch the actual sunrise, so made do with snapping the reflected light of the hotels and a ferry coming into the harbour. I walked over Townwall Street, now cold to the bone, hoping the car hire place would be open on time.
It wasn't, but a couple of minutes later, a guy came to open up and let me inside where it was slightly warmer.
My old ruse of getting an automatic thus getting a larger car was ruined this time was I was given a Toyota Yaris. It struggled to get up Jubilee Way without the engine screaming. You'd better behave yourself for the next three days I told it.
Back home for breakfast, load the car and say goodbye to the cats. One last look, and I was off. The car had no sat nav, so had to use the phone.
Before going to the hotel, I was going to visit a former colleague who lives in Warrington, or nearly St Helens as I found out later, so programmed her address in, and off I went, along our street and towards the A2 and the long slog up to Dartford.
I connected my phone to charge, and straight away tunes from my Apple music store started playing. So, apart from the free U2 album it forced on all users, the rest was good if a little Skids and Velvet Underground heavy.
The miles were eaten up, even if I had to turn the music way up to drown the sound of the screaming engine.
Like all trips, I had something extra to sweeten the time away, and in this case it was a church. But not just any church, as you will see.
I watched a short documentary on Monday about Mary Queen of Scots, and remembered that she had been imprisoned and executed at Fotheringhay Castle in what is now Northamptonshire, and if I went over the Dartford Crossing, up the M11 to Cambridge, then were the A14 crossed the Great North Road, ten miles north was Fotheringhay.
So, I pressed on, under the river and into Essex, then along to the bottom of the M11, and north past Stanstead to Cambridge. Traffic wasn't bad, so I made good time, my phone telling me I would reach Fotheringhay at midday.
Turning off the A1, down narrow lanes, then the view to the church opens up, in what is possibly one of the finest vistas in all of England. St Mary and All Saints, 15th century and in its Perpendicular finest, it looks too good to be that old, but is.
Not only is the church mostly as it was, if plain inside, this was the parish church of the House of York, of several Kings including the final, Richard III.
This is real history.
I crossed over the narrow hump-back bridge that spanned the fast flowing, and nearly flooding, River Neane, into the village and parked outside the church. A set of grand gates lead off the main road to the northern porch, lined with fine trees, naked it being winter.
The tower seems over-large for the Nave and Chancel, it stands 116 feet tall, and is a chonker, the rest of the church seems small beside it, but the interior of the church is a large space, high to its vaulted roof.
I take shots, not as many as perhaps I should, but the church doesn't have centuries of memorials, but does have two House of York tombs, or mausoleums.
I had some time, so I thought I would visit any interesting church I might see before getting back on the A14.
That was the plan.
The road took me round Oundle, which had at least two interesting looking churches, but them being what you might call "urban", I passed both and carried on over the rolling hills of Northamptonshire, much hillier than you might have thought.
Just before the A14, I see a large tower, and a lane lead to the village of Titchmarsh.
Titchmarsh is the name of a very famous TV gardener over here in Britain, not sure if this is where he hails from.
The village itself is set along a long high street, lined with half-timbered houses, most thatched, which was very picturesque.
I parked up, screams from the primary school, out for lunch, filled the air. But I had eyes on the church.
Oddly, on the north side, the churchyard is marked by a haha, or half of one.
A ha?
Certainly not a ditch, but there was a grille in the wall to allow water to get out.
Access to the church was over a small bridge, the grand porch in front.
The door opened easily, and I saw first, lots of wall paintings. Not old, perhaps Victorian.
I set to work taking shots, using the compact to snap close ups of the windows.
In truth, not much of great interest, and I was aware from the radio there being talk of snow.
Better get going and head north.
Back outside, my phone tells me I should be in Warrington by four, my friend, Teresa, wouldn't be home until half past, so I could have another break on the way.
The sat nav took me back to the A14, and from there it is just a 60 mile drive to the bottom of the M6 and then the hike two hours north.
At least it was a sunny day, though clouds were building, and was it my imagination, or did it look like snow falling already?
No, it was snow. big, fat, wet flakes at first, not much to worry about, but I pressed on past Coventry to the toll road, I sopped for half an hour there, enough time to have a drink and some crisps, then back outside where darkness was falling, as well as more snow.
The M6 might have had its upgrade complete, but a trip on it is rarely without delays. And for me, an hour delayed just before Warrington due to a crash, so we inched along in near darkness.
Teresa lived the other side of Warrington, so I had to press on further north, then along other main roads, round a bonkers roundabout before entering the town. Roads were lined with two up/two downs, doors leading straight onto the pavement. Cozy and northern.
They have two dog-mountains, I'm not sure of the breed, but think of something like a St Bernard and go bigger. They had just been for a walk, were damp and happy to be inside, laying on the kitchen floor. Taking up all the kitchen floor.
We talked for an hour, then I received a call from a guy I was supposed to be meeting up with: heavy snow was falling, I should get there sooner than later. So, I said my goodbyes and programmed the route to the hotel. Sorry, resort. Golf resort.
16 miles.
Snow was falling heavy, not too bad on main roads back to the motorway, though traffic on that was only going 40, it was fast enough. But the final six miles was long a main road, but it was covered in snow, with more falling.
The the fuel warning light went on.
Ignore that, I just wanted to get to the hotel safe and have dinner. Not end up in a hedge.
The final mile was very scary, snow only an inch deep, but slippery. There was a gatehouse marking the entrance to the golf club, I turned in and parked in the first space I came to.
Phew.
I checked in, and the place is huge, swish, but full of golfers.
But it does a sideline in conferences, training centre and a hotel. It was full.
I checked in, walked to the room, which is huge, and very comfortable, dropped my bags and went to the bar for dinner of beer and burgers. The place was almost empty, I watched cricket live from South Africa while I ate and drank.
Would I be tempted by the cheeseboard?
I would, dear reader, I would.
To my room to watch the football and relax while snow fell outside.
--------------------------------------------------
Another bike ride into the wilds and wolds of Northamptonshire. I set off from Huntingdon railway station, and after a sixteen mile slog into the wind I crossed the county boundary at Clopton, a church I visited three weeks ago. Now, the real bike ride could now begin. Resisting a revisit to the church, I turned off on a very lonely, narrow lane through the woodlands. The Cambs/Northants borderlands are often like this, remote and lonely, wooded and rolling, devoid of houses outside the villages and with only the rare car, horse or other cyclist. It reminds me of parts of France.
After a couple of miles I came to Titchmarsh, and its splendid church, a big church in a pretty stone village. The tower is enormous ('The finest church tower in England outside of Somerset' - FJ Allen) and there is no spire. The churchyard is surrounded by a haha, with a little bridge across the moat. The church was being prepared for a rock concert, with a stage built up under the tower and tables and chairs in the nave. Not a huge amount to see in any case, although I liked the memorial to a servant who saved his master's life by getting in the way of an assassin's knife, only to later drown in the Nene. As you'd expect in this part of the world, good stone capitals in the arcades, with stiffleaves you could cut yourself on as well as dripping fruit.
And then it was on past the IKEA warehouse ('the largest building in the British Isles') into the town of Thrapston.
Simon Knott, July 2017.
www.flickr.com/photos/norfolkodyssey/35483761652/in/photo...
----------------------------------------------------
The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, standing in a prominent position on the higher ground to the North of the village, has been the centre of the Christian community in Titchmarsh for some 800 years.
The name of Tichmarsh (or the modern version Titchmarsh) seems to date from Anglo-Saxon times when a piece of land was granted to one Ticcea and became known as Ticcea’s marsh (Ticceanmersce, Tychemerche, etc).
The earliest records of the church date from 1240. It was from Tichmarsh that Viscount Lovell left his manor to fight with Richard III at Bosworth. Before that he had employed his Somerset mason to build what Pevsner described as “the noblest village tower outside Somerset”, on top of which in 1588 an Armada beacon was lit.
The church is remarkable for its magnificent tower, its long and lofty clerestory, its spacious chancel, and for its light and uncluttered interior. It also houses a collection of unique and interesting wall monuments, fine stained glass windows and a recently restored 1870 TC Lewis organ. (see separate links)
The building that you see today is not the first church to have existed on this site. The remains of a 12th century doorway in the chancel is the only relic of the Norman building, and the subsequent centuries have each made their distinctive architectural contribution. The building assumed its present appearance when, late in the 15th century, the tower, clerestory and porch were added, and the present perpendicular style windows were inserted. In the late 17th and early 18th century the Pickering family contributed a number of important memorials, including one to John Dryden the poet- laureate, who spent his childhood in Titchmarsh. In the 19th century a number of the windows had stained glass inserted, a vestry was added in the northwest corner, and much of the internal woodwork was replaced (including the pews, recently adapted to provide more mobile seating).
The focus of the church, both architecturally and spiritually, is the Altar. This is God’s table, at which the faithful share in the power of Christ’s Risen Life, by feeding on the Sacrament of his Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine. The reredos of Caen stone and Derby alabaster (1866) depicts the Old Testament scenes of Melchizedek’s offering of bread and wine, and Abraham’s offering of his only son Isaac, illustrating different aspects of the eucharistic theme.
The semi-circular Norman arch to the south side is a visible reminder that Christian worship has been offered on this site for at least some eight centuries.
The two-level sedilia and the piscine are of the 13th century, as is also the arcading which opens into the north chapel (now occupied by the organ). The opening known as a hagioscope or squint, gave additional visual access from the north chapel to the High Altar. The low, pointed 13th century doorway to the north of the Altar probably led to a tomb or chantry adjoining the Chancel on the north side. Much of this work can be attributed to the patronage of the Lovel family, who were Lords of the Manor from about 1268 until 1485.
Piercing the north-west corner of the Chancel wall are the remains of the stairway which originally led to the Rood-loft.
Dimly discernible in the apex of the Chancel arch is a crowned head. Experts suggest that it most closely resembles Edward IV who died in 1483 when Francis 1st (and only) Viscount Lovel was Lord of the Manor. The last years of the reign of Edward IV covered a peaceful period, favourable to the rebuilding of a church. In 1486 Henry VII granted the Manor of Tichmarsh to Sir Charles Somerset when Francis Lord Lovel who had supported Richard III was deprived of his estates at the end of the War of the Roses. This is the Lovell, who as Richard III’s Chamberlain and friend, was lampooned in the contemporary rhyme:
‘The Cat, the Rat, and Lovell our dog
Rule all England under the Hog’.
The walls and windows of the chancel were much embellished in Victorian times. The stained glass in the chancel windows is all by Messrs. Hardman of Birmingham. The east window depicts Christ’s Nativity, Baptism, Crucifixion and Ascension, and several episodes from the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom the church is dedicated. The windows on the south side of the chancel depict various incidents from the New Testament, giving particular prominence to St Mary Magdalene and St Peter.
The reredos of Caen stone and Derby alabaster were completed.
The organ, a good example of the work of TC Lewis was installed and first used in 1870. (fully restored in 2016). We learn from the Parish Magazine that prior to the installation of the instrument, music for Devine service had been supplied by a barrel organ, the introduction of which in 1837 replaced the services of the eight singers who had occupied a musicians gallery under the tower, and sang very loud. Singing was also led by string and woodwind instruments until 1861.
According to the parish magazines, the paintings on the chancel walls were by Miss Agnes Saunders, who was sister-in-law to the Rev. F M Stopford, (rector 1861-1912). The fine limed oak chancel screen was the gift of Canon A M Luckock, (rector 1912-1962).
The North Chapel and Transept
This was largely rebuilt in the 14th century, and now houses many mural memorials to the Pickering family
Gilbert Pickering bought the manor of Tichmarsh from Charles Somerset’s grandson in 1553, and for more than two hundred years it remained in the possession of his descendants. When the direct line came to an end, the estates were acquired in 1778 by Thomas Powys, later the first Lord Lilford.
John Pickering married Susannah Dryden of Canons Ashby in 1609, and twenty-one years later, Susannah’s brother Erasmus married John’s cousin Mary Pickering. Of these unions were born two men well known in the highest circles of their day, the notorious Sir Gilbert Pickering (1613-1668) and the famous John Dryden the poet (1631-1700).
Sir Gilbert was a convinced Parliamentarian, and became Lord Chamberlain to Oliver Cromwell. John Dryden’s upbringing in Tichmarsh is mentioned in one of the memorials. This and another were painted by Sir Gilbert’s daughter, Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Creed.
A woman of talent with needle, pen and brush, Elizabeth Creed was responsible also for the wording of the altar tomb and wall angle memorials of the south aisle as well as the Dryden monument which has been moved to the north transept.
The South Aisle
Here we find Mrs Creed lamenting the death of her husband, a boon companion of Samuel Pepys, of their son Christ’s family. By ancient custom the Font stands near the main (west) door of the physical building, as a reminder that it is through Baptism that we enter Christ’s Church.
The West Window
The tracery of the tower window is 15th century, (extensively restored in 2016). In 1904 the west window was filled with stained glass, the gift of Rev’d F M Stopford to mark his 50th year in Holy Orders. It is a powerful representation of Christ’s Second Coming and the Day of Judgement, and approximately balances the episodes of Christ’s first Advent depicted in the east window. The same firm of artists, Messrs Hardman of Birmingham, was employed for the work, and it is interesting to notice how the passage of some forty years makes a considerable difference in style and taste between the tower window and their earlier work.
The Bells
The tower houses a fine ring of eight bells. All were recast and re-hung in 1913 as a memorial to Rev’d F M Stopford who died in office in 1912 having been rector for 51 years, and a chaplain to Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V. Before recasting, the oldest bells dated from 1688, with additions in 1708 and 1781. The ring was completed in1885 by the gift of two bells in memory of Florence Augusta Stopford, the rector’s first wife. At the same time the present church clock, which strikes the hours and quarters, replaced the previous one made by George Eayre in 1745.
At the base of the tower are some interesting photographs of the re-hanging of the bells.
The South Porch
The original porch was a single storey structure, with window openings to east and west. The upper storey was added in1583 and housed the Pickering family pew, complete with fire place! After the death of the last Tichmarsh Pickerings the wall opening was blocked up. It was reopened in 1931, when Canon Luckock (rector 1912-1962) and his wife put in the present glass panel and hung the massive oak south door as a thanksgiving for their silver wedding. The seating around the walls of the porch is a reminder of its earlier function as a place of meeting.
The Exterior
The large and splendid tower is built in four stages, richly decorated with triple bands of quatrefoils in circles on the ground storey and similar bands on the second and third stages. The niches on the west face contain modern stone figures representing Moses and Aaron, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Peter, and the archangels Michael and Gabriel. The parish magazine for 1901 records that the rector’s wife paid for the replacements by breeding and selling black fantail pigeons.
The ‘crown’, ie. parapet and pinnacles above the fourth stage is considered by experts to date from about 1500. The will of one Thomas Gryndall, dated 1474, bequeaths money towards the building of the tower, probably completed except for the ‘crown’ in about 1480.
The prominence and size of the tower made it a significant landmark. In 1585 when the country prepared to resist the threatened invasion from Spain, the Lord Lieutenant, Sir Christopher Hatton of Kirby Hall, gave order for Beacons to be made in places accustomed and that ‘Tychemershe Beacon’ be sett upon Tychemershe church steeple
On the south wall of the tower is a painted sundial, dated 1798, and below it a disused clock face made in 1745. There are three scratch dials on the south side of the church – on the porch and on two of the buttresses.
The churchyard, which contains many good examples of local stonemasons’ work of the 18th and 19th centuries, is remarkable and perhaps unique in being bounded almost entirely by a ha-ha.
Acknowlegements: The Victoria County History of Northamptonshire; Northamptonshire by Niklaus Pevsner; and to various numbers of the Titchmarsh Parish Magazine; Titchmarsh Past and Present by Helen Belgion, published 1979
titchmarsh.info/church-of-st-mary-the-virgin/church-history/
•••
• Merci de regarder et pour vos commentaires
• Thank you for looking and comment.
• Vielen Dank für genießen und kommentieren
• Gracias por mirar y comentar
• Muito obrigado por apreciar e comentar
•••
Studio Boise, a local photography studio, hosts a monthly shootout that's free to models and photographers. It is a nice event but very chaotic, you have to use their lighting and backdrops, can't move anything, and you're vying for the attention of models. Despite all this it is a good place to meet new models for future collaborations.
As soon as I spotted Roree I knew I wanted to shoot with her, as did all the other shooters. I asked, she accepted, but there was a queue to use the designated backdrop. I saw the makeup mirror was free so we started there, and then moved to the backdrop. Roree's personality matches her looks.She is a college student home on Thanksgiving vacation but she will be back for Christmas so we're already pondering shoots then. Wish me luck!
I took these photos in mid-November 2023.
So, I'd just like to thank those who left me comments on yesterday's photo. It really cheered me up this morning and it was much appreciated. I again want to stress that I had no problem with what Mav's mom did for him, I quite enjoyed doing my own tribute and think he deserved it. I hope I didn't come off like I was whining.
Anyway, today was my 2nd day of vacation and I spent it in Birmingham shooting some more photos for a brochure that I'm working on (does anyone else work like this during their vacation?).
I did relax for a bit after getting back home though. I sat down and watched "The Reaping".
This photo is my third for our 365 Days Podcast mini-challenge. I remember seeing a similar version of this Rolling Stones cover back in the 80's and wanting so bad to one day be on the cover myself. But it was not to be. I came close a couple of times to getting to ink the deal, but some things are just not in the cards.
But if you'd like to hear a few of my creations, go download a few of my songs at www.myspace.com/onelikeson .
I thought about fleshing this out a little more, but I'm tired and I want to watch "Scarface".
Strobist Info: Canon 430ex through an umbrella.
...of AUTO on my D50, not understanding what the mystical word aperture meant. Bokeh? Never heard of such a thing...
Today I scrolled through some of my 'old' stuff, or let's say stuff from my former self, from the days I hardly knew anything about photographing. There were some keapers, and I even had bokeh in many of them, how peculiar. I learned to look for bokeh in September this year... Quite the newbie here, oh yeah.
This summery one is taken in the last days of May this year. I remember that day, it was my first visit to our summer house for this year. And that is always special.
It is so much fun to go through older photos, done with the knowledge you then had. Before this autumn, the only thing I was aware of was angles and composition, those I knew how to do, those were the things I went for. Everything else was a big question mark.
So why this rendevouz today, why now? Because I'm supposed to be cleaning my appartment, getting all the christmas stuff on their places. I really don't wan't to do that right now, so I just sit here, surfing the net and postponing the hidious thing called cleaning up.
Excellent choice Hannah.
(Edit: whazup with my spelling today.... here becomes hear and knew becomes new... oh dear, someone get me a new brain for today....)
Northern Light Masonic Lodge No. 266.
213 Louisa Street, Stayner, ON.
At the base of the tree on the right side there were a lot of forget-me-not flowers that had re-seeded themselves.
www3.sympatico.ca/earl.mcgauley/
History of the Lodge
Constituted 1872
More than a century ago, when the great pines were falling and giving rise to the Town of Stayner, among those pioneers who here sought homes for themselves were a number of Masons.
Always eager for the fellowship of the Lodge, they soon became members of Manito Lodge already meeting in the Town of Collingwood. But as the Town of Stayner grew so did the number of Masons. With the increase in numbers came the desire to form a Lodge in the Town. On February 8th, 1871, Manito Lodge passed a resolution recommending to Grand Lodge the petition of the Brethren of Stayner for a Lodge of their own. On October 4th of the same year the recommendation was again made and steps were then taken for the institution of Northern Light Lodge in Stayner.
The Charter bears the signatures of M. W. Bro. James Seymour as Grand Master, Thomas Harris as Grand Secretary, W. Bro. Arthur Moberly, Worshipful Master, Robert B. Hannah, Senior Warden, Benjamin Beatty as Junior Warden. The date of the Charter is July llth, 1872, so it is now at this time of writing, one hundred and thirty-five years since the Lodge was instituted.
For the first few years the Lodge met on main street in Stayner in a room over Devitt's Furniture store on the site later occupied by Besse's Dairy Products for a long period and is now two smaller retail stores. Here it met with misfortune when the building and much of the Lodge equipment was destroyed by fire. Following the fire the Lodge met in an upstairs room in the Gartland Block. It then moved to the 2nd floor of the building, just then completed by Mr. Richard Coleman, which later became the Pearson Block.
It should be noted, however, that the history of Northern Light Lodge includes other and more serious difficulties than that of finding shelter. During its earlier years the Lodge was not numerically strong and the revenue was frequently less than adequate. Indeed it is recorded that concerts were sometimes arranged as a means of balancing slender budgets. In those days it did not occur to the Brethren to raise their dues, or if it did the idea may have been dismissed as impractical. However that may be, it is recorded that on one occasion the financial outlook was so dark that M. W. Bro. John Ross Robertson advised that the Lodge be closed.
Happily such drastic action never became necessary, for early in the 1900's there fortunately came a new era of growth and prosperity. Gradually but steadily the membership of the Lodge increased and, down through the years, the Townships of Nottawasaga and Sunnidale as well as the Town of Stayner, (now known as the Township of Clearview) and in more recent years the Town of Wasaga Beach, have continued to offer some of their finest sons as candidates for Masonry. Indeed this healthy growth reached such proportions that in 1961, it finally became necessary to abandon the inadequate Lodge quarters in the Pearson Block, and to erect the new building on Louisa Street in which the Lodge is now comfortably housed.
It is perhaps an understatement to say that the building of a new Temple in the summer of 1961 was an accomplishment of which the brethren of Northern Light Lodge are proud. The completion of that project was the realization of a long-cherished dream and the story of how it came about that the dream was realized is long, interesting, and even dramatic. But here it must be told briefly.
There had been, of necessity, much previous deliberations and planning. Delegations from Northern Light Lodge had visited other Lodges with a view of gaining inspiration and studying their building plans. Indeed Grand Lodge had already approved a building plan that had been drawn by W. Bro. C. V. Tebbey to embody Northern Light Lodge's ideas. But it was not until the Lodge meeting held April 4th, 1961, that the Trustees introduced the following resolution. "That we be empowered to acquire land for a building site, and to build a Lodge building thereon, and to furnish it, and that we be further empowered to incur such expenditure as in our judgment shall become necessary and desirable."
As a matter of record, not only did the brethren of Northern Light Lodge clothe their trustees with those broad powers, but they also proceeded to set up executive committees: R. W. Bro. W. A. Blackburn was named General Chairman; W. Bro. Clarence Wood became Chairman of the Building Committee; and W. Bro. N. A. Oehm was appointed Chairman of the Finance Committee. Clearly the stage was set for action and, by way of underlining that fact, the Worshipful Master, Paul Stotesbury, spoke these significant words: "Brethren, it is time for us to be on the move."
With those marching orders ringing in their ears, the brethren moved accordingly. By common consent, Bro. Aubrey Perry (who mysteriously acquired the unofficial title of "Hiram") organized and directed the willing workers. So expeditiously and efficiently did they work that, in less than five months after the turning of the first sod on May 22nd, 1961, the new Temple was completed. With special dispensation from Grand Lodge, the first Lodge meeting was held in the new Lodge building on November 7th, 1961, on which occasion this resolution was adopted: "Resolved that we, the brethren of Northern Light Lodge here assembled in this newly-built Lodge Hall, desire to place on record our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Worshipful Master, to the Committee men, and all others who have assisted in erecting this new building with its splendid appointments. Realizing as we do that it would be invidious to mention the names of the individuals, we nevertheless wish all those whose support made this project a success, to know that we are sincerely grateful for a job well done. We salute all who gave of their time, their talent, and their substance."
Although the first meeting of the new lodge was held in November, 1961, it was not until April 9th, 1962, that the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. R. W. Treleaven, and his Grand Lodge Officers, found it possible to come to Stayner to dedicate the new Temple. On this auspicious occasion they were welcomed on behalf of the brethren of Northern Light Lodge by W. Bro. Alex H. Walker, Worshipful Master, as were a host of other distinguished guests including the D.D.G.M. of Georgian District, R. W. Bro. T. J. Purvis, and all twenty Masters of Georgian District.
Thus ninety years after the founding of the Lodge in 1872, history was made; thus was a project completed; and thus did a dream come true.
The brethren of Northern Light Lodge had hardly had time to settle in their new home when they began to make preparations for yet another important and historic milestone. In just ten short years, they would celebrate their one hundredth anniversary and the brethren looked ahead with eager anticipation to the centennial festivities.
Many months of hard work and preparation culminated on the evening of February 22, 1972 when a gratifyingly large number of members and visitors gathered for the dedication, rededication and consecration of the regalia, etc., of Northern Light Lodge. The packed Lodge room received a special treat that evening as the M. W. Bro. Harry L. Martyn journeyed from Toronto to be the guest speaker of the evening, and to invest our centennial Master, W. Bro. Ken Heatherington. On that splendid evening as the sun set in the west to close the day, the glitter of gold in our Lodge room was matched only by the proud, beaming faces of the brethren who had given so much of their time and resources to make this night the dazzling success it turned out to be. Northern Light was fortunate indeed in their centennial year to share several of our biggest moments with the brethren of Seven Star Lodge of Alliston, who were also celebrating their centennial.
On June 16th, 1972 an enthusiastic and happy throng of brethren and their wives crowded the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, where the two Lodges hosted a joint Ladies Night. The evening was without a doubt an unqualified success. Following a brief summer recess, the brethren of both Lodges gathered on Sunday, September 10th, for an outdoor church service in a beautiful outdoor setting in Stayner. The officials of the United Missionary Church had generously made the facilities of their Camp Grounds in the Pine Grove available for a Masonic Church Service jointly sponsored by the two Lodges. The speaker that afternoon was R. W. Bro. The Rev. Marshal Jess, Past Grand Chaplain of Collingwood. R. W. Bro's. Mancini and Borthwick assisted. The soloist, W. Bro. John Agnew, contributed greatly to the success of the service. Members of the two Lodges, their families and many well wishers from the whole District thus worshipped together on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with the scent of pines adding to the sacredness of the hour.
Unquestionably the high point of our year came on Friday, October 13th, 1972, when again in conjunction with Seven Star Lodge from Alliston we hosted the Grand Master M. W. Bro. William K. Bailey at a reception held at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston.
A large crowd of interested Masons from near and far gathered on that occasion to pay tribute to the Centennial Lodges and to greet the Grand Master. One could only say that the evening surpassed the most hopeful expectations of all who attended and provided a fitting climax to the centennial celebrations of our Lodges.
At such a time, it may not be amiss to pause and once again glance retrospectively at the past one hundred and thirty-four years.
On eight occasions Northern Light Lodge has been honoured by having its members elected as D. D. G. M. of Georgian District, R. W. Bro. W. B. Saunders in 1894, R. W. Bro. J. W. Bethune in 1908, R. W. Bro. R. J. Campbell in 1921, R. W. Bro. R. E. Ives in 1938, R. W. Bro. W. A. Blackburn in 1949, and to add further honour to our centennial year, R. W. Bro. T. Borthwick was elected to this high office in 1972. In 1990 the district was divided into Georgian South and Georgian North District, with R. W. Bro. Robert M. McArthur being elected in 1997 to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Lodge, and R. W. Bro. Earl T. McGauley in 2005.
Other members of Northern Light Lodge who are Past Grand Lodge Officers are: R. W. Bro. George Hinton, Past Grand Junior Warden; V. W. Bro. Ken Kerr, Past Grand Steward; V. W. Bro. J. R. Flynn, Past Grand Steward; V. W. Bro. E. E. Pottage, Past Grand Steward; V. W. Bro. Douglas Culham, Past Grand Steward; V. W. Bro. Robert Bates, Grand Steward in 1997; V. W. Bro. William Bates, Grand Standard Bearer in 1998. V. W. Bro. William Trotter, Past Grand Steward in 2005; and most recently V. W. Bro. Gary Christopher, Grand Steward in 2006.
In 1974 the first District Curling Bonspiel was held, the trophy was the Thomas Borthwick Trophy donated by R. W. Bro. Thomas Borthwick, Past D. D. G. M. During the 1980's the Lodge exchanged visits with Phoenix Lodge in Perrysburg, Ohio.
In 1993 Northern Light was again honoured when W. Bro. James Cooper was appointed Grand Chaplain and at a special meeting held at Northern Light Lodge on September 21, 1993, was installed into that office by M. W. Bro. C. Edwin Drew, Grand Master, and a number of Grand Lodge officers.
We in Northern Light Lodge have reason to be proud of these members of Grand Lodge. Masonry in this district is more highly respected and honoured because of their splendid contributions.
Our Lodge has now grown to a membership of one hundred and fifty and in one hundred and thirty-four years has initiated just over six hundred candidates.
In retrospect, the current members of Northern Light Lodge can indeed be proud of their Masonic Heritage. The hard times, though often trying, were endured with faith and served only to strengthen the spirit of Masonry in the brethren. The good times were a cause for joy and inspiration to all concerned.
In 1886, the cost of the Lodge notices was 23 cents per month. For the year 1906 our Secretary's account for postage and stationary was $5.10. By 1908 the rent for our Lodge Hall had risen to $36.00 per year and in 1916 annual dues were increased to $3.50.
Those days of course are gone forever and are memories for us to cherish. We similarly revere the memory of all who have preceded us in Northern Light Lodge.
In 1989 Northern Light Lodge changed their installation date from December to June with the first June installation in June of 1989.
In 1998 Northern Light Lodge celebrated their 125th Anniversary along with Seven Star Lodge in Alliston again and were joined by Minerva Lodge from Stroud. A reception for the Grand Master, M. W. Bro. William T. Anderson, was hosted and held in the Community Centre in Stayner. A total of 350 Masons from all over Ontario joined the three Lodges in their historic celebration.
Northern Light Lodge has been a generous donator to many community projects such as supplying a Palliative Care room in Collingwood Hospital, donation to Stayner Arena, donation to Stayner Library. Northern Light Lodge is a regular contributor for a bursary to the Stayner Collegiate.
Today, Northern Light Lodge is in a flourishing condition following our one hundred and thirty ninth birthday. We enjoy a steady stream of new members of high quality. We have adequate revenue. Peace and Harmony prevail; none may more truly say, "Happy to meet, sorry to part; Happy to meet again."
Those who have taken the sacred bath into the Hingol river, a ritual on their way to Hinglaj temple, are now getting their heads shaven so to make themselves remarked of ritual's completion.
HINGLAJ YATRA is the most sacred visit that the Hindu community living in Pakistan and around the globe perform every year and which activity takes place in Baluchistan, some 280 kilometres away from Karachi.
===========================================================================
© All rights reserved
Please don't copy, edit or use this image on websites, blogs or other media. However if you are interested in using any of my images, please feel free to contact with me.
===========================================================================
Those who are local to Seattle may be surprised to know that this was taken at Gasworks Park. Had to remove the background since that big rusty structure was looming in the background. But, it was a perfect chance for me to practice more post-processing! Fun times!! I took this during my lunch hour. Went back to work nice and dirty!
I was going for a dry, desert feel here. Thoughts are always welcome!
Those were the times: You drove a Renault 4 (or a Yamaha DT 250 two-stroke) and wore bell-bottoms.
I have bad memories of bell-bottoms. I wore them myself. Whenever I started my motorbike with the kickstarter, the lever slipped into my trouser leg, which is why I couldn't get my foot on the ground and then fell over in front of a delighted audience. By the time I found out what caused this, however, I had already involuntarily dismounted a few times.
The Renault, however, brings back good memories, because when hitchhiking through France in the pre-motorcycle days, it was often Renault 4L and Citroen 2CV drivers who gave us rides.
(Vintage, France, July 1979, Rollei 35S on Agfacolor)