Demolition permit approved. The bridge was not maintained after the line to Koroit and Port Fairy closed in the 1970's. Heritage Victoria have approved its demolition.

Location

OVER MERRI RIVER, DENNINGTON, WARRNAMBOOL CITY

Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) Number

H0151

Level of Significance

Registered

Extent of Registration

1. The bridge structure marked B1 on Diagram 0151 held by the Executive Director

2. All the land marked L1on Diagram 0151 held by the Executive Director including 5 metres on the upstream and downstream sides of the bridge and 10 metres at either end of the bridge.

Statement of Significance

What is significant?

Dennington Railway Bridge is a long single-track railway bridge of timber-beam on timber piers construction built in 1890 as an important component of the Warrnambool-Koroit section of the Terang-Port Fairy Railway. The bridge spans the Merri River immediately west of Dennington township in an area of open treeless farmland making the long low bridge visible from a considerable distance.

Completion of the Warrnambool-Port Fairy sections of the railway allowed the rapid transport of fresh fish and crayfish from the coast and potatoes and onions from the Koroit area via the Dennington Bridge to the metropolitan markets of Melbourne and Geelong. The section of railway line between Warrnambool and Koroit for which the Dennington Railway Bridge was created, was also a key link-section providing access to a wide-ranging network of western Victorian railways linked up through major railway-junction points at Koroit, Hamilton, Horsham and Ararat. From the 1890s the railways were able to provide more efficient transport than road haulage to coastal steamers and competition to the shipping of Warrnambool, Belfast and Portland, that had previously provided the far Western District's main freight links with Melbourne and the wider world. The section of rail line from Warrnambool to Port Fairy that includes the Dennington Railway Bridge closed in 1977.

Dennington Railway Bridge was constructed to a standard 15 feet (4.6 metres) span length and comprises forty-one spans, giving a total deck length of 188 metres. It was originally constructed to the in the Victorian Railways standard design of 1877 with two piles per pier, braced with stay-piles. The bridge was subsequently converted to its present four piles per pier through the addition of a longer cross head and two outer raked piers as part of a state-wide upgrade of railway bridges following the introduction of heavier and faster trains after 1900. In most bridges this upgrade resulted in the removal of stay piles however at Dennington the main stream section of the bridge retains an extensive and intact system of stay-piles on both the up and down stream sides of each four pile pier, thought to be the largest remaining set of stay piles in Victoria.

How is it significant?

Dennington Railway Bridge is of historic and scientific (engineering) significance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

Dennington Bridge is of historic significance as a key component of the Terang-Port Fairy Railway, the final stage of east-west rail service connecting Geelong to Warrnambool and Port Fairy which, when completed in 1890, for the first time enabled the rapid and efficient transport of the agricultural and fishing produce from the far Western Districts to the metropolitan markets of Geelong and Melbourne.

Dennington Bridge is of scientific (engineering) significance to the state of Victoria in being the most intact surviving example of a large timber-beam rail bridge with an extensive system of stay-piles on either side of its main river-channel section. Dennington Railway Bridge with its deck length of 188 metres is also of significance as the fourth-longest surviving rail bridge built to the standard Victorian Railways fifteen-feet (4.6 metre) timber-beam-span design, developed in the 1870s. A small number of surviving early long timber railway bridges of this design include the bridge over the Wannon River on the Branxholme - Casterton line (1884, 293 metres); the Yarra Glen viaduct on the Lilydale Healesville line (1880s, 260 metres) and the Latrobe River overflow bridge on the Traralgon - Stratford line (1877, 242 metres).

The Dennington Bridge is of aesthetic significance at a local level for the contribution of the long low timber bridge to the rolling farmland landscape of the Western District.

Bangor bash Barban boys

by Roger Corbett

On a perfect afternoon for rugby, Bangor maintained their good winning streak by recording another bonus point victory against Dromore, eventually winning by 38-17.

With Bangor and Dromore looking secure in 3rd and 4th places respectively in the league, this game could have been viewed as a dead fixture. However, with Dromore no doubt wanting to reverse their earlier defeat, and Bangor wanting to maximise their points tally, the game was certainly competitive.

Bangor got proceedings underway, playing into a slight breeze that was blowing diagonally across the pitch. From the outset, Dromore used this slight advantage to gain good ground through well taken positional kicks. However, were equally happy to run the ball back and produced several good attacks in reply. In fact the home side could have been a couple of scores up in the first quarter, but the ball didn’t run for them at the crucial moments. However, the breakthrough eventually came when the handling across the backs was crisp and secure, giving Neil Cuthbertson on the right wing the opportunity to stretch his legs and dive over in the corner for a well-taken try. The difficult kick was missed, but the scoreboard had started in Bangor’s favour by 5-0.

The next twenty minutes were almost a copy of the first quarter, with Bangor making most of the attacking opportunities, only to be thwarted by a stubborn Dromore defence. For Dromore’s part, they also had their chances, and came close from a kick through that Cuthbertson managed to shepherd into the goal area and get the resulting twenty two drop-out. However, a slack response by Bangor handed the initiative back to Dromore who, after several surges, managed to push over for their first try in the right hand corner, levelling the scores at 5-5 with just a minute or two left in the first half.

Bangor’s reply from the restart was immediate and in complete contrast to how they approached the previous drop-out. Mark Thompson’s kick hung in the breeze, allowing Jamie Clegg to leap for it and continue running at the static Dromore defence. He then passed inside to Jason Morgan who then passed again to Mike Weir at outside centre. Although Weir had the option of Cuthbertson on the wing, he fooled the Dromore defence and made a charge for the line, just managing to squeeze over in the right hand corner. The conversion was missed, making the score 10-5.

With 2 minutes of stoppage time having elapsed, there was just enough time for Dromore to restart once more. However, another apparent lapse in concentration by Bangor in securing and then clearing the ball, allowed Dromore to come straight back and score an opportunist try in the corner and level the points at 10-10. As the referee blew for half time, the home supporters were stunned, feeling their side should have been well in front by this time.

As the teams turned around, Bangor produced their now familiar second half surge. Within 5 minutes, a good break by James Henly was stopped just inside the Dromore twenty two. Although the ball went to ground, good support play by Curtis Stewart saw him pick up and run through to score under the posts. Cuthbertson’s kick was good, and Bangor were back in front by 17-10.

An injury to full back Chris Morgan resulted in changes to both the forward and backs line-up, with Adam Rushe coming off the bench to take James Henly’s wing forward position, allowing Henly to move to outside centre, and moving Mike Weir to full back as a result. There followed a brief period of settling to this new structure, before Bangor struck again. Seeing a flat Dromore defence ahead of him, Jason Morgan chipped over their heads and began the chase for the line. The ball bounced favourably for him, and he just managed to gather and touch down ahead of the nearest defender. The kick was successful extending the lead to 24-10, and now with the additional bonus point.

Although Dromore maintained their own pressure, it was Bangor who were calling most of the shots. Just 7 minutes later, the ball went wide to Mark Widdowson on the left wing whose pace and footwork left several Dromore players floundering, before darting through to score under the posts. The addition of the simple conversion brought the score to 31-10.

With only 5 minutes remaining, Dromore produced a late push and brought play deep into Bangor’s twenty two. Although Dromore won their scrum close to Bangor’s line, it looked like Bangor had the attack covered. However a defensive mix-up left a gap that provided a simple run through for Dromore to score beside the posts. With the successful conversion, the gap had closed to 31-17.

Obviously annoyed by this mistake, Bangor came back at Dromore, forcing the visitors to concede a penalty inside their twenty two. Spurning the kick at goal, Thompson kicked for touch and an attacking line-out. With the ball safely won, Bangor started to drive forward, but the strong Dromore pack held it up. However, the ball was quickly recycled by Ricky Armstrong to Mark Thompson, who then passed to Jason Morgan who pushed off his tackler to score the final try of the day and, with the conversion, bring the final score to 38-17.

This was a good day for North Down sides playing Mid Down opposition. Bangor’s success against Dromore was matched by neighbours Donaghadee who produced an inspired performance to beat Ballynahinch 2nds and earn a place in this year’s Towns Cup final as a result – congratulations to all.

Bangor’s final fixture in this year’s league is away to Cooke next Saturday. The weekend is then topped off on Sunday afternoon with what should be a highly entertaining game between the Perennials and a Bangor Select XV. With several familiar faces from seasons past, this is sure to be a fun event, and one to come along and enjoy.

Bangor side: P Whyte, A Jackson, B Worthington (S Irvine), R Corbett, C Stewart , R Latimer, J Henly, J Clegg (c), R Armstrong, M Thompson, M Widdowson, J Morgan, M Weir, N Cuthbertson, C Morgan (A Rushe)

Subs: S Irvine, A Rushe

Bangor scores: N Cuthbertson (1T, 4C), M Weir (1T), C Stewart (1T), J Morgan (2T), M Widdowson (1T)

MANEUVER AREA TRAINING EQUIPMENT SITE, Fort Stewart, Ga., April 5, 2016 – Brigadier General Thomas Carden, commander of the Georgia Army National Guard, meets with Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers of the Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site at Fort Stewart, Ga.

Georgia National Guard photo by Capt. William Carraway | Released

Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018.

Baltic CECCATO wash

A well-maintained vehicle fleet is the best business card for any private or public transport company.

This need is met by the new versatile "baltic" system from CECCATO which is the ideal response to maintenance problems, allowing the most diverse types of vehicles to be washed in a completely automatic way, such as cars, vans, buses, trucks, articulated buses, with costs particularly contained management.

Construction details:

-Structure in thick, hot-dip galvanized sheet metal. This process allows for a seven-year guarantee against perforating corrosion.

- Portal movement with two towing gear motors.

-Safety anti-tipping devices.

- Plant controlled by PLC for greater flexibility of operation and management problems.

- Dispensing of chemical products with dosing pumps for an optimal containment of consumptions.

All the movements are of the electric type, therefore it does not need to be powered by compressed air. The electrical cabinet, mounted on board, is completely watertight and is equipped with an electric safety door lock.

The system is designed for up to 14 different washing programs.

TECHNICAL DATA:

Max plant height: 5 mt

Max plant width: 4.6 meters

Max plant length: 2.8 mt

Useful washing height: 4.2 mt

Useful washing width: 2.7 meters

Rail gauge: 3.78 mt

Rail length: 18/26 mt

Translation speed: 6 mt / min

Max absorbed power: 4.5 Kw

Water consumption: 80 lt / min

Plant weight: 1800 Kg.

Maintaining livelihoods in an environment surrounded by explosive remnants of war. Pweto, DR Congo.

The toilet will usually tell you when something is wrong. It will run continually or flush inefficiently. If this is the case, you can clear the clog, replace the parts so that it flushes better or contact a plumber for some help. However, there are some things you can do to avoid problems so you don’t have to make repairs.

First of all, do not put anything into the toilet except toilet paper. Wipes, sanitary napkins, paper towels or anything heavier than toilet paper can clog the pipes. Young children often try to flush toys and other objects. To prevent this, consider getting a toilet lock. Not only will it be better for your pipes it will also be safer for small children who can fall head first into a toilet. Also, keep a small trash can near the toilet to provide a place for those items that should not be flushed.

Secondly, it is important to know how to turn off the water in your home if there is a leak or over-flow. If the toilet in the bathroom started to leak, would you know how to turn the water off to minimize the damage? If the answer is “no” then it is time to learn. Walk around your home and find all the shut-off valves for each set of pipes and create a chart for quick reference when you are in need of it.

Next, provide regular maintenance of your plumbing lines. Your options are getting your lines snaked or jetted. Jetted is a newer technology that many believe is more effective than having lines snaked. However, your Charlotte plumber can suggest the right procedure for your home.

Also, you should check how well your toilets are flushing. If the handle needs to be played with in order to keep the water from running constantly, or if it needs to be held down several times in order to flush, you may need to switch out some of the parts in your tank. This is not expensive, and it could help reduce your monthly water bill. It could also mean that you avoid the embarrassment of the flushing system breaking when you have visitors!

Lastly, don't shrug off that trickle coming from your toilet as a small problem. Even the tiniest leak can be quite expensive in the long run as you end up wasting potentially hundreds of gallons of water. See if you can find the root of the leak, or seek out professional advice, and keep your toilet running efficiently.

It is important that you know how to take care of plumbing in the bathroom, but it is more important that you get your data from a reliable source. If you are in need of advice, repairs or assistance in the Charlotte area, call us here at Bullseye Plumbing. We have been serving Charlotte and the surrounding area for 15 years. (704) 336 - 9671

(further pictures and a lot of information you can see by clicking on the link at the end of page!)

Hofburg Michaelertrakt

Michaelertrakt

Famous dome

In his monumental outline to redesign the Hofburg Johann Lucas von Hildebrand in 1724 provided a large semi-cylindrical structure at St. Michael's Place, which was surmounted by a dome. For cost reasons, the overall planning was badly received by Emperor Charles VI. Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach had to design three new projects. They contained for the time being no central dome. Finally, he began with the construction of the Winter Riding School adjoining wing of the building, but this remained unfinished around 1735. Later pictures show a half-finished, to the cornice progressed rotunda. The whole thing gave a somewhat ruin-like impression. Under the following Habsburgs the provisional status quo was maintained. In place of the left wing of today's Michaelertrakt was namely since the times of Emperor Ferdinand I a small ballroom in which the Court society played badminton. Maria Theresa in 1740 allowed the Court musician Johann Selliers to convert these sports venue into a comedy house, which should be at disposal both the Yard and the High Society. After several renovations, it had in 1760 found its final shape. Here was almost 130 years written theater history and cultivated the famous Burgtheater German. The Hofburgtheater was a meeting place for the Viennese society. The royal box through a corridor was connected with the imperial apartments.

Michaelertrakt

1888, the last performance took place. Shortly thereafter, the theater was demolished. Meanwhile, it had been replaced by the new Burgtheater on the Ringstrasse. Only now was the chance to close the gap between the Hofburg Imperial Chancellery Wing and the Winter Riding School and erect a representative portal. The already 72 years old castellan of the castle Ferdinand Kirschner took on this task, basing himself on the plans of the architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, which after the construction of the Imperial Chancellery Wing remained unimplemented. Nevertheless, the door building of St. Michael's tract is an independent work of the late historicist Viennese Ringstrassen era. It was strongly influenced by unexecuted designs of Nicolaus Pacassi (1769) and Carl von Hasenauer (1888 ). Construction work was completed after four years of construction 1893. As building material largely Zogelsdorfer sandstone was used. By the end of the monarchy, the St. Michael's gate served as the main entrance to the Imperial Palace. Only in the year 1919 the passage for public has been opened. In the years 1987/88 an extensive exterior restoration took place which was followed by an interior restoration of the dome in 1990.

Michaelertrakt

The Michaelertrakt limits with its concave wings the southeast side of St. Michael's Square. It extends between the Winter Riding School and the Imperial Chancellery Wing. The large central dome and two side domes give the building an imperial expression, so that hardly any of the always numerous photographing tourists would hit upon the idea that with it only 25 years before the end of the monarchy a centuries-old provisional solution was removed. Art historically more significant than the two wings is Michaelertor (gate). The huge Rotundenbau (rotunda building) is Vienna's largest passageway. The main cornice of the portal building is supported by four fluted column pairs. The large groups of figures on the parapet above it were created by the sculptor Johann Benk. They symbolize the three virtues that every ruler should possess - justice, wisdom and strength. Just above the main gate are the by two genii supported imperial coat of arms of Johann Silbernagel and a building inscription attached. The entrances into the rotunda are flanked by four giant Heracles figures that stem from different sculptors (Edmund Hofmann, Anton Paul Wagner, Johann Scherpe and Josef Lax). They correspond to the Heracles groups that created Lorenzo Mattielli at the castle yard side. Already Fischer von Erlach had provided at the curved fronts on Michaelerplatz large niches for monuments. Kirschner here had two monumental fountains of Laaser marble attached, whose sculptures should symbolize the power and glory of Austria. The "power at sea" at the facade to the riding school was designed by Rudolf Weyr and the "power on land" at the corner to Schauflergasse by Eduard Hellmer.

Michaelertrakt

The powerful, with sheet copper covered dome over the rotunda looks like a giant emperor's canopy. It is decorated with gilded valances and is illuminated by barred oculi (Ochsenaugen, bulls eyes) inside. Their height is 54 m outside and inside 35 m. Similar designed but slightly smaller are the two side domes. In addition to the thoroughfare for the wagons and the cars, two large side portals for pedestrians lead into the rotunda. The upper part of the driveway is completed by a high-quality hand-forged decorative lattice. On the walls of the left pedestrian entrance the "welfare of the Emperor" (Providentia Augusti) and the "hope of the fatherland" (Spes Publica) are represented allegorically. The right passage shows the "piety of the Emperor" (Pietas Augusti) and the "loyalty of the people" (Fides Publica). At the left side the former stage door of the Old Burgtheater was preserved as a window. To St. Michael's square, in the passages two groups of figures can be found, the "departure of the ruler in the war" by Otto König and the "Victorious Homecoming" by Stefan Schwartz. From the large circular hall two staircases lead into the two adjoining wings up. The Batthyány staircase is named after Karl Graf Batthyány, a general of Prince Eugene, who later became educator and lord chamberlain of Emperor Joseph II. It led till the fall of the monarchy into the offices of the dreaded Lord chamberlain's office. The opposite Feststiege (grand staircase) is an imposing, späthistoristische (late historicist), three-arm staircase. On the ground floor is on the right the entrance to the eye-popping exhibition rooms of the royal table and silver chamber and the Imperial Apartments. On the left, in 2003 a new foyer for the Spanish Riding School was created. In the exit to the Inner Castle yard stand in pillar niches four groups of sculptures the mottoes of the Emperor Charles VI, Maria Theresa, Joseph II and Franz Josef II symbolizing. They originate from the studios of the sculptors Anton Brenek, Richard Kauffungen, Franz Becher and Josef Beyer. The rooms on the piano nobile of the Michaelertrakt are equipped with gilded stucco ceilings and doors from the turn of the century. Three paintings by Josef Fux in magnificent oak-wood frame show the pageant for the silver wedding of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth.

Location/Address: 1010 Vienna, St. Michael's Square

Activities: The Rotunda is accessible at any time, the Imperial Apartments and the Hofsilberkammer daily 9:00 to 17:00 (July/August 09:00 to 17:30)

www.stadt-wien.at/wien/sehenswuerdigkeiten/hofburg-michae...

Contract workers conduct maintenance on military equipment in June 2015 in support of the European Activity Set at ASLAC, a government-owned, contractor-operated facility that provides maintenance services for the Army’s Prepositioned Stocks (APS) program. ASC, which oversees the APS program, has taken steps recently to ensure that Army commands have the tools and the business training to manage service contracts throughout their life cycle.

Ever since my son became interested in LEGO, I’ve been building “what ifs” for him. “What if” is a constrution that could be an official LEGO set, playable, buildable, fun, easy to maintain and repair, built according to LEGO’s rules in terms of durability, build flow, brick volume and so that I can make simple instructions for my kid to build these things.

This here is a 9V steam loco heavily inspired by Reinard “Ben” Beneke’s fake set of a BR 39 steam engine for April fools joke from 2004 (brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=95045).

I went that route mostly because I don’t care much for reinventing the wheel, saw that locomotive running and clearing switches so why sit and rethink a perfectly good drivetrain? Especially because in it’s day Ben spent a great deal of his time to perfect steam engines that would clear the LEGO tracks*.

Actually, my original idea was simply to reverese engeener and build it in black, but in the end no stone was left “unturned” (høhøhø), and although at first glance the engines seem similar they are different in almost every aspect. Main difference is that mine could be an official set. It is built following all LEGO rules and guidelines, and I’m sure that with a few tweaks here and there it could become an official set.

I’d shoot it’ll be a set for ages 10 and up, it’s a lot of black, and the drive wheels need to be built in certain order to insure their functionality.

I really wanted a “fire” in the boiler, and

tried very hard to run a 9V cable from the motor to the fire place, but while looking thru my kid’s junk yesterday, I found the remains of a Batwing/Brother Eye set which has a light brick and boom, “real” light in the fireplace. That’s nothing we’d do at LEGO, but for my kid it’s fine.

The train cars are from an official LEGO Set (2126 from 1997 > I’m 16 years old!)...

*Actually, the shown version, although it runs perfect on a closed oval, doesn’t clear the LEGO switches because it’s too low. The reason for that is the old style wheels that look sooooo much better than their modern counterparts with and give the train that 80ies catalogue vibe I love so much. The old wheels are smaller in diameter though, so the 2x4 brick they sit in must be turned on it’s side to line up with the other wheels. To play I simply swap the front and rear buggies for ones with wheels from 40370...

I have reunited back with my old best frenemy - disciplining me to maintain a healthy body. Gotta love measuring tapes!

Maintaining fiscal discipline and controlling spending helped government balance the budget and post a modest surplus of $353 million last fiscal despite lower than forecast revenues, Minister of Finance Michael de Jong announced with the release of the 2013-14 Public Accounts.

Government revenues were $511 million lower than forecast in Budget Update 2013, primarily due to a drop in taxation revenues and lower-than-anticipated earnings for self-supported Crown corporations. Even with the decline in revenues, government increased spending on health by $360 million and education by $299 million compared to 2012-13.

Read more: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/07/audited-public-accounts-co...

Senior Airman Aaron Roper and Airman 1st Class Darren Strange, both with the 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, perform diagnostics on an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft on the flightline at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Dec. 19, 2016. The squadron supports the 6th Reconnaissance Squadron, as well as the 9th and 29th Attack Squadrons, enabling the graduation of pilots and sensor operators in support of the Air Force's largest formal training unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.)

Aircraft maintainers work at a steady pace on April 1, 2015 to prepare a C-5M Super Galaxy from the 22nd Airlift Squadron for an upcoming record-setting flight at Travis AFB, California, April 1, 2015. The flight will take place early April 3, with the intent to claim 45 aeronautical records in one flight, positioning the U.S. military's largest airframe as the world's top aviation record holder with a total of 86 world records. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ken Wright)

This handwritten service log dates to the 1960s and contains the handwritten signatures of engineers who were maintaining the brewery's lift machinery several decades ago.

Today 2nd September 2018 I visited this magnificent site, a few miles from Mintlaw Aberdeenshire Scotland.

This Abbey founded back in 1219 is well maintained and perfect for historians to visit, I enjoyed my day , just perfect .

Deer Abbey was a Cistercian monastery in Buchan, Scotland.

] It was founded by 1219 AD with the patronage William Comyn, jure uxoris Earl of Buchan, who is also buried there. There was an earlier community of Scottish monks or priests.

The notitiae on the margins of the Book of Deer record grants made to the Scottish religious community in the 12th century and a claim that it was founded by Saint Columba and Saint Drostan.

The old religious community was probably absorbed by the new foundation. The history of the abbey after the 1210s is obscure until the 16th century, when it was beginning to be secularized.

The abbey was turned into a secular lordship for Commendator Robert Keith II (becoming Lord Altrie) in 1587.

The Abbey was included in the lands obtained by Lord Pitfour and became part of the Pitfour estate in 1766. His son, the third laird built the 5 metres (16 ft) high enclosing wall in 1809 and used the grounds as an orchard. He also discovered some of the graves but did not disturb them.

The fifth laird had the site cleared and used the stones from the Abbey building to have a mausoleum constructed in which to bury his daughter when she died aged 21 years in 1851. The only other person buried in the mausoleum was Ferguson's mother-in-law.

The mausoleum was destroyed in the 1930s when the Abbey was transferred to Roman Catholic ownership and parts of it were used to build an entrance; however this was undertaken without disturbing the graves of Lady Langford and Ferguson's daughter, Eliza.

Reference (1952)

The Cistercian Abbey of Deer was founded in 1219. The secularization of the abbey began in 1543 and its lands erected into a barony in 1587.

The dismantling of the buildings seems to have begun about 1590. They have been reduced to little more than foundations except for the south range which still remains to a considerable height, although they were partly rebuilt in 1809.

W D Simpson 1952

Excavation (1986)

An application to develop the land between the guardianship site and the estate wall prompted a small excavation to estimate the extent of medieval activity in that area. Some medieval features were found, particularly to S of the Abbey buildings and to W, where the line of the main drain was identified. To E of the Abbey there was no trace of structures, and it seemed that burials may have been confined to the guardianship area.

J A Stones 1986.

Watching Brief (April 2002)

NJ 968 481 Archaeological monitoring was undertaken in April 2002 at Old Deer Abbey during the initial phase of construction of a new wooden porch. Nothing of archaeological significance was found.

Archive to be deposited in the NMRS.

Sponsor:HS

G Ewart and D Stewart 2002.

Excavation (24 June 2017 - 2 July 2017)

NJ 9672 4819 (Deer Abbey NJ94NE 5) The 24 June – 2 July 2017 season of research digs focused on the fields around Deer Abbey, and Rose Geophysical Consultants also carried out survey work.

Four trenches targeted possible structures in the field to the W of the Abbey. The two northern trenches were located on higher ground above South Ugie Water and both contained remains of circular structures. Structure 1 was a series of postholes with a raft of stone on top. Pottery from the raft included 12th–14th-century medieval pottery and a group of hand-made pottery sherds. Residue on one of the hand-made sherds was dated 1276–1395AD. Structure 2 included a hearth dated 1147–1250AD from charcoal. On the N side of the hearth was a shallow ditch, which contained a number of stakeholes suggesting a wattle structure or windbreak had been located to protect the hearth. It is hoped to return in 2018 and further excavate Structure 1 to get dating evidence for the earlier building. These structures may be associated with the monastery where the Book of Deer was annotated in early Gaelic around 1000AD or may

be structures associated with the abbey which was founded in 1219AD. School classes, local volunteers, students and archaeologists participated in this dig. The whole excavation was filmed by Midas Media for BBC Alba.

Archive: NRHE

Funder: The Book of Deer Project

Alison Cameron - Cameron Archaeology

(Source: DES Volume 18)

Geophysical Survey (27 March 2017 - 5 April 2017)

NJ 96855 48107 (NJ94NE 5) A programme of geophysical survey was undertaken, 27 March – 5 April 2017, within and around Deer Abbey, a Cistercian establishment founded in 1219. The abbey’s history is not well understood but the community could never have been large. In 1544 an abbot and 11 monks were recorded. The abbey fell into disrepair in the late 16th century, being partially dismantled from c1590. In 1809 the ruins were cleared of rubbish and repaired by James Ferguson of Pitfour with the S range being partially rebuilt. In 1854 this was largely destroyed by Admiral Ferguson in order to build a mausoleum in the grounds. In 1930, the remains were bought by the Roman Catholic Church who gave custody to the Ministry of Works. The mausoleum was removed and the abbey repaired and laid out as it is seen today.

The survey was undertaken in two stages. Stage one within the HES PIC boundary which covers the 0.64ha area of the extant remains of Deer Abbey. Stage two over the c3.5ha of adjacent fields, which lie within boundary walls erected by Ferguson. The resistance and GPR survey of the HES PIC area identified several anomalies of possible archaeological

interest, with data from both surveys dominated by paths dating from the late 1700s. There is some correlation between the resistance and the GPR data particularly within the SE of the survey area where anomalies suggestive of buried remains associated with the abbey have been detected. Anomalies and trends have been noted within the church which may be of archaeological interest, although interpretation is tentative given the past excavation at the site.

Within the wider area of the orchard and gardens the resistance survey data are dominated by responses from the 1700s paths. Additional anomalies have also been noted, particularly in the N of the area, some of which show some correlation with buildings depicted on plans from the late 1700s/early 1800s. Additional anomalies are also evident in the NE of the orchard area.

Archive: Rose Geophysical Consultants

Funder: Cameron Archaeology/Book of Deer Project

Susan Ovenden – Rose Geophysical Consultants

External Reference

(Location cited as NJ 9685 4810: nominated as Site of Regional Significance). Remains of Deer Abbey; Cistercian, founded in 1219. The abbey's history is obscure and, judging from the remains, the community could never have been large. In 1544 an abbot and eleven monks were recorded. The abbey fell into disrepair in the late 16th century, being partially dismantled from c. 1590.

In 1809 the ruins were cleared of rubbish and repaired by the then proprietor, James Ferguson of Pitfour (the S range being partially rebuilt), but in 1854 it was practically destroyed by Admiral Ferguson in order to build a mausoleum in the grounds. In 1930, the remains were bought by the Roman Catholic Church who gave custody to the Ministry of Works. The mausoleum was removed and the Abbey repaired and laid out as it is today.

The remains of the church and cloister can be seen along with the domestic W and S range with the kitchen and refectory, also the chapter-house, toilets, abbot's house and infirmary.

A symbol stone, sculptured on both sides, stood some years ago at the E end of a range of buildings, but there is now no trace of it.

Finds from Stones' excavations of 1985 are held in Aberdeen [City] Museum.

A coalition force member maintains security during a controlled detonation in Farah province, Afghanistan, Nov. 26, 2012. Afghan National Security Forces have been taking the lead in security operations, with coalition forces as mentors, to bring security and stability to the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau/Released)

Some solutions to maintaining crop yields despite extreme weather. And some of the issues that still have to be addressed.

Moderator:

Nina Gardner, Founder and Director, Strategy International, Adjunct Professor, Johns Hopkins, SAIS, and Member of the Women’s Forum Program Committee

Speaker:

Carlo Carraro, Professor of Environmental Economics and former President of the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Director of the Climate Change and Sustainable Development Programme at Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei, Director of the International Centre for Climate Governance

Marion Guillou, President, French Agricultural, Veterinary and Forestry Institute (IAVFF)

Robin Willoughby, Policy Adviser, Food and Climate Justice, Oxfam GB

Maintain extra blankets in your home, a wind up flashlight and radio, candles and matches, first aid kits, a manual can opener and for your outdoors use keep a snow shovel and salt readily on hand. If you have a toddler or a baby in the family get extra diapers to keep in the home. You may not be able to get to the store to purchase these items once the crisis has struck your area. It goes without saying that you should keep several days' supply of food, water, and necessary medications on hand. Foods selected should be those which are easy to prepare and does not need to be cooked or refrigerated.

During the winter season always watch your thermostat to keep track of your homes temperature. The elderly and infants are particularly sensitive to cold spells and must be considered appropriately. If some reason you have lost power to your home and have no emergency heater you should seriously consider staying at a friends or family members home until power is restored. It is always best in the winter months to dress in several layers of clothing so that your body heat can be properly maintained. You can always remove clothing if you happen to get too warm. Keeping adequate blankets in your home can also help to conserve body heat. There you have our second article for our Winter Awareness Month. I hope you find the enclosed information useful and of value in the coming cold months.

thelostwaysbookreview.com/

Devils Garden Trail

Longest of the maintained trails in the park, Devils Garden Trail goes to seven impressive arches, with several more visible from the trail. Your time, interest, and hiking ability are important factors as you choose a trail route in Devils Garden.

Attention: Climbing or walking on arches is prohibited.

To Double 0 Arch

The trail between Landscape Arch and Double 0 Arch is more difficult, winding along the narrow tops of exposed sandstone fins, then up and down short, steep crevices where steps have been cut into the rock. This section is not recommended for hikers with a fear of heights or when lightning, snow or ice are present.

Primitive Loop Trail

This rugged portion of Devils Garden includes frequent scrambling and rocky surface hiking on a less-developed trail, difficult to follow in places. It loops around from Double 0 Arch to Landscape Arch by way of Fin Canyon, adding a mile (1.6 km) to the return. Not recommended when rock is wet or snowy.

To Landscape Arch

This trail is easy and well-graded, providing a close look at one of the longest natural stone spans in the world. Short side trips to Tunnel and Pine Tree Arch are options.

Rockfalls can occur at any time. If you hear loud poppong and cracking noises, move aways from the rock.

Trail Data

Length:

Devils Garden Trail : 7.2 miles (11.5 km), entire trail to all points of interest, returning on Primitive Loop Trail (red trail)

To Landscape Arch (green trail): 0.8 mile (1.3 km) one way

To Double 0 Arch (blue trail): 2 miles (3.2 km) one way

Elevation Change: Considerable up and down throughout trail length; less in beginning

Starting and Ending Point: Devils Garden parking areas.

Best Time of Day: Mornings are cooler and better light for photographing.

Be prepared!

• Carry and drink water-1 gallon or 4 liters per day.

•Trails are marked by cairns (small piles of rocks). Watch carefully for them.

• Wear comfortable footwear, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. Avoid shoes with open toes, high heels, or slick soles.

• Climbing on slickrock can be dangerous; it's easier to go up than come down. Be careful.

• If you become lost, find a shady spot and wait for someone to come to you.

• Return to your vehicle when lightning storms are near.

• Use caution when rocks are wet, icy, or snowy.

Trail Rules

• Pets, motorcycles, and bicycles are not permitted on trails or in the back country.

• Carry out all trash.

• All park features—both natural and cultural-are protected by law. Leave everything as you find it.

• Firearms must not be discharged in the park.

It's Alive!

Along the trail you may notice patches of black crust on the ground. Known as "biological soil crust," it's a mixture of cyanobacteria, mosses, lichens, fungi, and algae. These remarkable plants provide seedbeds for other plants, absorb moisture, produce nutrients, and help prevent erosion. In its developmental stages, it's nearly invisible

The crust is so fragile that one footstep can wipe out years of growth.

Please stay on designated trails to protect the living soil.

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Devils Garden Trail

Arches National Park

Utah National Parks Trip 2021

September 4 - 10, 2021

Bangor bash Barban boys

by Roger Corbett

On a perfect afternoon for rugby, Bangor maintained their good winning streak by recording another bonus point victory against Dromore, eventually winning by 38-17.

With Bangor and Dromore looking secure in 3rd and 4th places respectively in the league, this game could have been viewed as a dead fixture. However, with Dromore no doubt wanting to reverse their earlier defeat, and Bangor wanting to maximise their points tally, the game was certainly competitive.

Bangor got proceedings underway, playing into a slight breeze that was blowing diagonally across the pitch. From the outset, Dromore used this slight advantage to gain good ground through well taken positional kicks. However, were equally happy to run the ball back and produced several good attacks in reply. In fact the home side could have been a couple of scores up in the first quarter, but the ball didn’t run for them at the crucial moments. However, the breakthrough eventually came when the handling across the backs was crisp and secure, giving Neil Cuthbertson on the right wing the opportunity to stretch his legs and dive over in the corner for a well-taken try. The difficult kick was missed, but the scoreboard had started in Bangor’s favour by 5-0.

The next twenty minutes were almost a copy of the first quarter, with Bangor making most of the attacking opportunities, only to be thwarted by a stubborn Dromore defence. For Dromore’s part, they also had their chances, and came close from a kick through that Cuthbertson managed to shepherd into the goal area and get the resulting twenty two drop-out. However, a slack response by Bangor handed the initiative back to Dromore who, after several surges, managed to push over for their first try in the right hand corner, levelling the scores at 5-5 with just a minute or two left in the first half.

Bangor’s reply from the restart was immediate and in complete contrast to how they approached the previous drop-out. Mark Thompson’s kick hung in the breeze, allowing Jamie Clegg to leap for it and continue running at the static Dromore defence. He then passed inside to Jason Morgan who then passed again to Mike Weir at outside centre. Although Weir had the option of Cuthbertson on the wing, he fooled the Dromore defence and made a charge for the line, just managing to squeeze over in the right hand corner. The conversion was missed, making the score 10-5.

With 2 minutes of stoppage time having elapsed, there was just enough time for Dromore to restart once more. However, another apparent lapse in concentration by Bangor in securing and then clearing the ball, allowed Dromore to come straight back and score an opportunist try in the corner and level the points at 10-10. As the referee blew for half time, the home supporters were stunned, feeling their side should have been well in front by this time.

As the teams turned around, Bangor produced their now familiar second half surge. Within 5 minutes, a good break by James Henly was stopped just inside the Dromore twenty two. Although the ball went to ground, good support play by Curtis Stewart saw him pick up and run through to score under the posts. Cuthbertson’s kick was good, and Bangor were back in front by 17-10.

An injury to full back Chris Morgan resulted in changes to both the forward and backs line-up, with Adam Rushe coming off the bench to take James Henly’s wing forward position, allowing Henly to move to outside centre, and moving Mike Weir to full back as a result. There followed a brief period of settling to this new structure, before Bangor struck again. Seeing a flat Dromore defence ahead of him, Jason Morgan chipped over their heads and began the chase for the line. The ball bounced favourably for him, and he just managed to gather and touch down ahead of the nearest defender. The kick was successful extending the lead to 24-10, and now with the additional bonus point.

Although Dromore maintained their own pressure, it was Bangor who were calling most of the shots. Just 7 minutes later, the ball went wide to Mark Widdowson on the left wing whose pace and footwork left several Dromore players floundering, before darting through to score under the posts. The addition of the simple conversion brought the score to 31-10.

With only 5 minutes remaining, Dromore produced a late push and brought play deep into Bangor’s twenty two. Although Dromore won their scrum close to Bangor’s line, it looked like Bangor had the attack covered. However a defensive mix-up left a gap that provided a simple run through for Dromore to score beside the posts. With the successful conversion, the gap had closed to 31-17.

Obviously annoyed by this mistake, Bangor came back at Dromore, forcing the visitors to concede a penalty inside their twenty two. Spurning the kick at goal, Thompson kicked for touch and an attacking line-out. With the ball safely won, Bangor started to drive forward, but the strong Dromore pack held it up. However, the ball was quickly recycled by Ricky Armstrong to Mark Thompson, who then passed to Jason Morgan who pushed off his tackler to score the final try of the day and, with the conversion, bring the final score to 38-17.

This was a good day for North Down sides playing Mid Down opposition. Bangor’s success against Dromore was matched by neighbours Donaghadee who produced an inspired performance to beat Ballynahinch 2nds and earn a place in this year’s Towns Cup final as a result – congratulations to all.

Bangor’s final fixture in this year’s league is away to Cooke next Saturday. The weekend is then topped off on Sunday afternoon with what should be a highly entertaining game between the Perennials and a Bangor Select XV. With several familiar faces from seasons past, this is sure to be a fun event, and one to come along and enjoy.

Bangor side: P Whyte, A Jackson, B Worthington (S Irvine), R Corbett, C Stewart , R Latimer, J Henly, J Clegg (c), R Armstrong, M Thompson, M Widdowson, J Morgan, M Weir, N Cuthbertson, C Morgan (A Rushe)

Subs: S Irvine, A Rushe

Bangor scores: N Cuthbertson (1T, 4C), M Weir (1T), C Stewart (1T), J Morgan (2T), M Widdowson (1T)

Deutschland / Baden-Württemberg - Mainau

Mainau [ˈmaɪnaʊ] also referred to as Mav(e)no(w), Maienowe (in 1242), Maienow (in 1357), Maienau, Mainowe (in 1394) and Mainaw (in 1580) is an island in Lake Constance (on the Southern shore of the Überlinger See near the city of Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany). It is maintained as a garden island and a model of excellent environmental practices. Administratively, the island has been a part of Konstanz since December 1, 1971, when the municipality of Litzelstetten, of which Mainau was part, was incorporated into Konstanz. Mainau is still part of Litzelstetten, now one of 15 wards (administrative subdivisions) of Konstanz.

The island belongs to the Lennart Bernadotte-Stiftung (eng. The Lennart Bernadotte Foundation), an entity created by Prince Lennart Bernadotte, Count of Wisborg, originally a Prince of Sweden and Duke of Småland. It is one of the main tourist attractions of Lake Constance. Beside flowers there is a park landscape with views on the lake. There is a greenhouse as well with tropical climate and thousands of butterflies.

Mainau Bay is the location of their university's sailing club.

Geography

Position

The island averages out at a height between 395 metres (1,296 ft) (roughly equals the lake’s average medium water-level) and 425 meters (1,394 ft) above sea level. Its highest peak is located at the Großherzog-Friedrich Terrace (historic water reservoir). Mainau Island is 610 metres (2,000 ft) long from North to South and a 1,050 meters (3,440 ft) wide from West to East. The island’s circumference is about three kilometers (1.9 mi). The shortest distance between the downwelling molasse slice and the lake’s shore is about 130 meters (430 ft).

Population

Few people inhabit Mainau Island. Due to its small amount of inhabitants, it is considered a hamlet. Meyer’s Lexikon’s issue of 1888 declared that 28 people lived on Mainau Island. During the census of 1961, a population of 123 was verified. Count Björn Bernadotte is living in the castle on Mainau Island.

Parks and gardens

Mainau Island is a "flowering island" notable for its parks and gardens. Frederick I, Grand Duke of Baden, created the island's arboretum, which now contains 500 species of deciduous and coniferous trees, many exotic and valuable, including fine specimens of Sequoiadendron giganteum (1864) and Metasequoia glyptostroboides (1952). The island also contains about 200 rhododendron and azalea varieties.

Due to the advantageous climate at the lake, palm trees and other Mediterranean plants can grow on the drop-shaped island. Because of its rich subtropical and partly even tropical vegetation, Mainau Island is also called "flowering island in the Lake Constance". Count Lennart Bernadotte, who died in 2004, liked to call his island "Blumenschiff" (engl. flower ship). He also described the famous destination as follows: "She is a coquettish little Lady, Mainau Island, who constantly demands much attention, even more love and ceaselessly new clothes." - Lennart Bernadotte. By "new clothes", he probably meant the blossoms, plants and flower-beds which are constantly renewed by the gardeners.

Apart from the historic buildings, the centerpiece of Mainau Island is the Arboretum with its 500 different types of rare and valuable broad-leaved trees and conifers, which was created in 1856 by grand duke Friedrich I. Among those is one of Germany's "oldest" dawn redwood trees (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). The tree, which originated from China, was planted on the island in 1952, when it was just 70 centimeters (28 in) tall. Particularly mighty are some exemplars of the giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Their seeds came from California in 1853 and were planted on the island in 1864, which makes them one of the oldest of their kind in Europe. You can find the above-mentioned giant redwoods as well as Cedars, Dawn Redwoods and Tulip Poplars on the island. The Arboretum expands towards the north-west of the island.

Spring marks the beginning of the "Blumenjahr" (eng. Flower Year) with an exhibition of orchids. From March to May you can see several types of flowers in full bloom, like Tulips, Daffodils, Primroses, Forget-Me-Nots and Hyacinths. To show the full beauty of all these flowers the so-called „Frühlingsallee“ (eng. Spring Alley) was opened, which is a path across the island surrounded by beds of these plants. From May to June over 200 kinds of Rhododendrons and Azaleas are in full bloom. To the west of the "Comturey-Keller" you can find an Italian rose garden commissioned by Friedrich I. This rose garden is strictly geometric and consists of pergolas, sculptures and fountains. In general, over 1200 kinds of roses can be found on the island.

„Frühlingsallee“ leads to „Mediterran-Terrassen“ (eng. Mediterranean Terrace) where exotic plants such as palm families, agaves, cacti and bougainvillea are presented in pails during summer. Lake Constance and its surroundings as well as the Alps can be seen in a panoramic view from here. In July the blossoms of brugmansia and hibiscus are blooming on Mainau Island and in August the blossoms of passion flowers bloom.

On the southern end you can find “Südgarten” (eng. South Garden) where in autumn fields of dahlia with approximately 20,000 dahlia bushes and 250 varieties gleam from September until October. Spring and summer flowers such as different kinds of fuchsia are growing on the affiliated shore garden to the eastern side of “Südgarten”.

The “Bodenseerelief” (eng. Relief of Lake Constance) is a very popular photo motive. It is a relief with the picture of a flower which is changed by season. A small harbor with a landing place is situated to the northern side of Mainau Island. Excursion boats lay in here and another entrance to “Frühlingsallee” can be found here.

History

Until the Napoleonic mediatisations and secularisations of small German fiefs this island belonged to the Order of Teutonic Knights. It was later sold into private ownership. In 1853 Grand Duke Frederick I of Baden purchased the island as his personal property and used the palace built by the Teutonic Knights as summer palace. At the end of World War I Baden became a republic with the abdication of Grand Duke Frederick II, son of Frederick I. The former Grand Duke retained his private property including Mainau. When he died childless in 1928 the island passed to his sister Victoria of Baden, wife of King Gustaf V of Sweden. Upon her death two years later she bequeathed the island to her second son Prince Wilhelm, Duke of Södermanland and his descendants. In 1932 Prince Wilhem gave Mainau to his only child Lennart Bernadotte who owned it until 1974 when he transferred the island to a foundation. Count Bernadotte formed Enterprise Mainau GmbH in 1991 as a private enterprise to manage the island for the benefit of the Lennart Bernadotte-Stiftung. The Count remained active in managing Mainau until his death in 2004 but had appointed his second wife Sonja co-manager in 2001. Widowed, she and their children ran both the foundation and the management company until 2007. Since January 2007 Bettina Bernadotte, the eldest daughter of Lennart and Sonja, directs the Mainau GmbH as current manager, and since 2011 her brother Björn Bernadotte has joined her.

Pre- and Early History

In 1862, signs of an earlier population were discovered along the south banks of Mainau and soon exploited by domain administrator Walter: among the items were wedges, a potsherd, flint splinters, an axe and a muller. The pile dwelling settlement made up of six houses was uncovered in the 1930s and dated back to the Neolithic Age ( 3.000 b.c.). Lake-dwelling settlements of the Neolithic and the Bronze Age were located along the northern shore and the southwestern island along the shallow water zone.

(Wikipedia)

Die Insel Mainau, als Mav(e)no(w), Maienowe (1242) bzw. Maienow (1357), Maienau, Mainowe (1394) und Mainaw (1580) erwähnt, ist mit etwa 45 Hektar Fläche die drittgrößte Insel im Bodensee. Der Molassekalkfelsen befindet sich im Überlinger See genannten, nordwestlichen Teil des Bodensees. Sie ist vom Südufer des Überlinger Sees über eine Brücke zu erreichen und verfügt über einen Schiffsanleger, der von Kurs- und Ausflugsschiffen der Weißen Flotte bedient wird. Die nächsten größeren Städte sind Konstanz, Meersburg und Überlingen. Die Insel gehört zum Stadtteil Litzelstetten der Stadt Konstanz und befindet sich seit 1974 im Besitz der von Graf Lennart Bernadotte gegründeten gemeinnützigen „Lennart-Bernadotte-Stiftung“. Die gräfliche Familie ist bis heute wichtiger Teil der Attraktion der Mainau. Die Insel liegt an der Oberschwäbischen Barockstraße.

Geographie

Lage

Die Insel liegt auf einer Höhe zwischen 395 (Seeniveau bei mittlerem Wasserstand) und 425 Meter über Normalnull. Der höchste Punkt ist laut amtlichen Karten bei der Großherzog-Friedrich-Terrasse (historisches Wasserreservoir auf dem Vogelherd). Ihre Nord-Süd-Ausdehnung beträgt 610 Meter, ihre größte Breite (West-Ost) rund 1050 Meter. Der Umfang der Insel beträgt rund drei Kilometer. Die kürzeste Entfernung der abgesunkenen Molassescholle zum Seeufer beträgt 130 Meter.

Bevölkerung

Die Insel Mainau hat nur wenige Einwohner, Meyers Konversationslexikon von 1888 gab eine Bevölkerung von 28 an. Zur Volkszählung 1961 war eine Bevölkerung von 123 nachgewiesen. Auf der Insel Mainau lebt Björn Graf Bernadotte mit seiner Familie.

Anlage

Park- und Gartenanlagen

Bedingt durch das günstige Bodenseeklima wachsen auf der tropfenförmigen Insel Palmen und andere mediterrane Pflanzen. Wegen ihrer reichen subtropischen, teilweise auch tropischen Vegetation wird die Mainau auch als „Blumeninsel im Bodensee“ bezeichnet. Der 2004 verstorbene Graf Lennart Bernadotte nannte seine Insel gerne das „Blumenschiff“. Weiterhin beschrieb er das bekannte und für Besucher gegen Eintrittsgelder zugängliche Ausflugsziel mit folgenden Worten:

„Sie ist eine kokette kleine Dame, diese Mainau, die stets und ständig große Aufmerksamkeit fordert, noch mehr Liebe und vor allem unaufhörlich neue Kleider.“

– Lennart Bernadotte

Wobei er mit den „neuen Kleidern“ zuerst den immer wieder neu von Gärtnerhand gewebten Blütenüberwurf gemeint haben mag.

Herzstück der „Blumeninsel“ ist neben den historischen Gebäuden das von Großherzog Friedrich I. ab 1856 angelegte parkähnliche Arboretum der Insel Mainau mit seinen 500 verschiedenen Arten von zum Teil seltenen und wertvollen Laub- und Nadelgehölzen. Darunter befindet sich einer der ältesten Urweltmammutbäume (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) Deutschlands. Der aus China stammende Baum war 1952 als 70 Zentimeter großes Bäumchen im Ufergarten ausgepflanzt worden. Besonders mächtig sind einige Exemplare des Riesenmammutbaums (Sequoiadendron giganteum). Die Samen dieser Bäume kamen 1853 aus Kalifornien, und 1864 ließ Friedrich I. zahlreiche Bäume auf der Mainau pflanzen. Damit gehören sie zu den ältesten ihrer Art in Europa. Neben den riesigen Mammutbäumen befinden sich Zedern, Metasequoien und Tulpenbäume. Das Arboretum dehnt sich nordwestlich vom Schloss auf der Hochfläche aus.

Im Frühjahr Ende März/Anfang April beginnt auf der Mainau das Blumenjahr im Palmenhaus mit einer großen Orchideenschau. Von Ende März bis Mitte Mai blühen auf der Mainau Tulpen, Narzissen und Hyazinthen. Hierzu wurden im östlichen Teil der Insel an der sogenannten „Frühlingsallee“ parallel zum Weg Tausende von Tulpen-, Narzissen- und Hyazinthenzwiebeln gepflanzt. Ebenfalls im Frühjahr gedeihen auf der Insel Stiefmütterchen, Vergissmeinnicht und Primeln.

In der Übergangszeit von Mai und Juni zeigen sich die Blüten der 200 Rhododendren- und Azaleensorten. Westlich des Comturey-Kellers kommt man zu dem ebenfalls durch Großherzog Friedrich I. im italienischen Stil angelegten Rosengarten. Der sogenannte „italienische Rosengarten“ ist eine streng geometrische Anlage mit Pergolen, Skulpturen und Brunnen. Im Sommer betört der Duft der rund 500 verschiedenen Rosensorten, vor allem Beetrosen. Auf der ganzen Insel finden sich etwa 30.000 Rosenstöcke von 1200 Sorten. Eine Barocktreppe führt hinauf zur aussichtsreichen Schlossterrasse.

Die „Frühlingsallee“ führt zu den „Mediterran-Terrassen“ mit ihren exotischen Kübelpflanzen, wo im Sommer Palmengewächse, Agaven, Kakteen und Bougainvilleen gezeigt werden. Von hier hat man ein Panorama auf die Bodenseelandschaft. Im Juli zeigen sich auf der Mainau die Blüten der Engelstrompeten und des Hibiskus, im August die der Passionsblumen.

Südlich breitet sich der „Südgarten“ aus, wo im Herbst von September bis Oktober die Dahlienfelder mit etwa 20.000 Dahlienbüschen von 250 Sorten blühen. Im östlich anschließenden Ufergarten wachsen Frühlings- und Sommerblumen, darunter eine Sammlung verschiedener Fuchsienarten. Ein beliebtes Fotomotiv ist das Bodenseerelief, ein nach Jahreszeit unterschiedlich gestaltetes Blütenbild in Form des Bodensees.

An der Nordseite der Insel liegt der kleine Hafen mit Schiffsanlegestelle, wo die Ausflugsschiffe anlegen und es einen weiteren Eingang gibt.

Im ganzjährig geöffneten Schmetterlingshaus auf der Insel, mit etwa 1000 Quadratmeter das zweitgrößte seiner Art in Deutschland, können Besucher zwischen 25 °C und 30 °C Wärme und 80 bis 90 Prozent Luftfeuchtigkeit durch eine tropisch anmutende Umgebung mit Wasserfällen und exotischen Gewächsen gehen. Je nach Saison fliegen 700 bis 1000 bunte Falter bis zu 80 verschiedener Schmetterlingsarten, vor allem südamerikanischer Herkunft, frei zwischen den Besuchern. Rund ein Drittel der gezeigten Schmetterlingsarten vermehrt sich hier auf natürliche Weise. Doch ist es ganz unterschiedlich, wie viele Nachkommen es gibt. Aus diesen Gründen bekommt das Schmetterlingshaus wöchentliche Lieferungen von 400 Puppen von Züchtern aus Costa Rica, England und Holland. Rund 20.000 Euro beträgt das Budget im Jahr für neue Raupen. Die Gartenanlage rund um das Schmetterlingshaus wurde als Lebensraum für heimische Schmetterlinge gestaltet. Angeschlossen ist ein Duftgarten mit mehr als 150 Duftpflanzenarten.

Außer den Park- und Gartenanlagen gibt es einen Streichelzoo mit Ziegen und Ponys und den „Mainauer Bauernhof“ mit Alpakas, Hasen, Hühnern, Eseln, Schafen und Katzen sowie einige gastronomische Einrichtungen.

Für Kinder gibt es das rund 1100 Quadratmeter große Mainauer Kinderland „Wasserwelt“, einen Spielplatz mit einem 60 Zentimeter tiefen Wasserbecken, das von Flusssteinen mit einem Gesamtgewicht von rund 130 Tonnen eingefasst wird. In der Mitte des mit 170 Kubikmeter Wasser gefüllten Sees liegt eine Insel. Auf dem See können die Kinder mit Flößen umherfahren oder sich mit einer Holzfähre hinüberziehen. Rundherum stehen Holzhäuser als Klettergerüste, die laut Planern an die Zeit der Pfahlbauten erinnern sollen. Verbunden sind die Häuschen durch Hängebrücken und Kettenstege. Dazu gibt es Wasserrinnen und extra Matschtische. Falls ein Kind beim Spielen allzu tief in die Wasserwelt eingetaucht sein sollte, haben die beiden Mainauplaner Matthias Wagner und Markus Zeiler auch vorgesorgt: Am Spielplatz wurde in einem Kiosk ein Wäschetrockner aufgestellt, in dem die Eltern nasse Kleidungsstücke selbst trocknen können. Die Spiellandschaft wird wie alle anderen Spielplätze vom TÜV SÜD abgenommen und regelmäßig inspiziert.

(Wikipedia)

Graduated bob, classic look that is easily to maintain.

"If you want something done right you have to do it yourself."

Vader turns in his light-saber for a squeegee. He must clean the windows on his Tie Fighter before he goes out and does battle with the Jedi force.

I was helping my mom move and came across some of my toys when I was a kid. This original Tie fighter is almost 30 years old. It is in pretty good condition except for some dust, so I came up with the idea for this shot from it being dirty.

Strobist:

SB-800 with shoot-thru-umbrella @ 1/8 camera right, fired optical slave

Qflash behind toy @ 1/64, fired via sync cord

Fill cards on both sides of toy

A coalition force member maintains security during a security patrol led by Afghan National Police to deny enemy freedom of movement in Farah province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2012. Afghan National Security Forces have been taking the lead in security operations, with coalition forces as mentors, to bring security and stability to the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau/Released)

Albanian Officer Candidate Endri Deda maintains watch during an assault training mission at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 26, 2014. During a three-day field leadership exercise, members of Albanian Officer Candidate Class 001 were evaluated by the platoon training officers on their leadership potential. During the exercise, the candidates performed various situational training exercises including assault, recon and ambush. Situational training exercises are short, scenario-driven, mission-oriented exercises designed to train one collective task, or a group of related tasks or battle drills, through practice. Albania is the first State Partnership Program country to send its officer candidates to the United States to attend an Officer Candidate School (OCS) program. The 12-week NJARNG OCS program is modelled after the active-duty program at Fort Benning, Ga., and includes classroom instruction, physical and leadership training. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen/Released)

OTARU, Japan (Feb. 04, 2017) - Lt. j.g. Shelly Baldwin, assigned to the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), right, gives a tour of the ship to members of the Japan Coast Guard and members of the city of Otaru Police Department while the ship is in port Otaru. McCampbell is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Graham/Released) 170204-N-HI376-042

** Interested in following U.S. Pacific Command? Engage and connect with us at www.facebook.com/pacific.command and twitter.com/PacificCommand and www.pacom.mil/

Maintainers at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., refurbish an F-16 Fighting Falcon to be fly worthy before flying to Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Fl. to be converted into a QF-16 unmanned aerial target. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Perry Aston)

Low hours (450) and spotless, "Grand Slam" has been professionally maintained and serviced by a local yacht management company to look and to perform like the day she did when she was purchased. Loaded with many friendly extras to include stern thruster, KVH Satellite TV Antenna, LCD TV's, Zodiac, and upgraded Eisenglass she is ready to find her new port with you. The Cruisers 455 Express Motor Yacht offers first-class accomidations with spirited performance. Posh three stateroom interior has salon, galley, and a slightly raised dinette on same level. Forward guest cabin with walk-in closet is nearly as large as many other vessels owner's stateroom in this class. The owners stateroom aft of the vessel includes a whirlpool in addition to a separate stall shower. Combined helm in the cockpit area keeps captain and passengers in close proximity. Extended swim platform can support PWC. Powered by Volvo TAMD75P Diesel Engines, Grand Slam can cruise at 22 knots with a top end of 28-29 knots. Trades considered!

Contact Christopher Cooke Central Listing Agent at 1-888-Yacht-14 for more information.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia

Philadelphia, commonly referred to as Philly, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the second-most populous city in the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Philadelphia is known for its extensive contributions to United States history, especially the American Revolution, and served as the nation's capital until 1800. It maintains contemporary influence in business and industry, culture, sports, and music. Philadelphia is the nation's sixth-most populous city with a population of 1,603,797 as of the 2020 census and is the urban core of the larger Delaware Valley (or Philadelphia metropolitan area), the nation's seventh-largest and one of the world's largest metropolitan regions consisting of 6.245 million residents in the metropolitan statistical area and 7.366 million residents in its combined statistical area.

Philadelphia was founded in 1682 by William Penn, an English Quaker and advocate of religious freedom. The city served as the capital of the Pennsylvania Colony during the British colonial era and went on to play a historic and vital role as the central meeting place for the nation's founding fathers whose plans and actions in Philadelphia ultimately inspired the American Revolution and the nation's independence following the Revolutionary War. Philadelphia hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774, preserved the Liberty Bell, and hosted the Second Continental Congress during which the founders signed the Declaration of Independence, which historian Joseph Ellis has described as "the most potent and consequential words in American history". Once the Revolutionary War commenced, the Battle of Germantown and the siege of Fort Mifflin were fought within Philadelphia's city limits. The U.S. Constitution was later ratified in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Philadelphia remained the nation's largest city until 1790, when it was surpassed by New York City, and it served as the nation's first capital from May 10, 1775, until December 12, 1776, and on four subsequent occasions during and following the American Revolution, including from 1790 to 1800 during the construction of the new national capital of Washington, D.C.

With 18 four-year universities and colleges, Philadelphia is one of the nation's leading centers for higher education and academic research. As of 2018, the Philadelphia metropolitan area was the state's largest and nation's ninth-largest metropolitan economy with a gross metropolitan product of US$444.1 billion. The city is home to five Fortune 500 corporate headquarters as of 2022. As of 2023, metropolitan Philadelphia ranks among the top five U.S. venture capital centers, facilitated by its proximity to New York City's entrepreneurial and financial ecosystems. The Philadelphia Stock Exchange, owned by Nasdaq since 2008, is the nation's oldest stock exchange and a global leader in options trading. 30th Street Station, the city's primary rail station, is the third-busiest Amtrak hub in the nation, and the city's multimodal transport and logistics infrastructure, includes Philadelphia International Airport, and the rapidly-growing PhilaPort seaport. A migration pattern has been established from New York City to Philadelphia by residents opting for a large city with relative proximity and a lower cost of living.

Philadelphia is a national cultural center, hosting more outdoor sculptures and murals than any other city in the nation. Fairmount Park, when combined with adjacent Wissahickon Valley Park in the same watershed, is 2,052 acres (830 ha), representing one of the nation's largest and the world's 45th-largest urban park. The city is known for its arts, culture, cuisine, and colonial and Revolution-era history; in 2016, it attracted 42 million domestic tourists who spent $6.8 billion, representing $11 billion in economic impact to the city and its surrounding Pennsylvania counties.

With five professional sports teams and one of the nation's most loyal fan bases, Philadelphia is often ranked as the nation's best city for professional sports fans. The city has a culturally and philanthropically active LGBTQ+ community. Philadelphia also has played an immensely influential historic and ongoing role in the development and evolution of American music, especially R&B, soul, and rock.

Philadelphia is a city of many firsts, including the nation's first library (1731), hospital (1751), medical school (1765), national capital (1774), university (by some accounts) (1779), stock exchange (1790), zoo (1874), and business school (1881). Philadelphia contains 67 National Historic Landmarks, including Independence Hall. From the city's 17th century founding through the present, Philadelphia has been the birthplace or home to an extensive number of prominent and influential Americans. In 2021, Time magazine named Philadelphia one of the world's greatest 100 places.

Additional Foreign Language Tags:

(United States) "الولايات المتحدة" "Vereinigte Staaten" "アメリカ" "美国" "미국" "Estados Unidos" "États-Unis"

(Pennsylvania) "بنسلفانيا" "宾夕法尼亚州" "Pennsylvanie" "पेंसिल्वेनिया" "ペンシルベニア" "펜실베니아" "Пенсильвания" "Pensilvania"

(Philadelphia) "فيلادلفيا" "费城" "Philadelphie" "फिलाडेल्फिया" "フィラデルフィア" "필라델피아" "Филадельфия" "Filadelfia"

Alice Gast, President, Imperial College London, United Kingdom speaking during the Session "Maintaining Innovation" at the Annual Meeting 2017 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 20, 2017. .Copyright by World Economic Forum / Manuel Lopez

Maintaining windmills on the Isle of Eigg. From islandsgoinggreen.org/

Lost...! What happened...?

Maintaining fiscal discipline and controlling spending helped government balance the budget and post a modest surplus of $353 million last fiscal despite lower than forecast revenues, Minister of Finance Michael de Jong announced today with the release of the 2013-14 Public Accounts.

Government revenues were $511 million lower than forecast in Budget Update 2013, primarily due to a drop in taxation revenues and lower-than-anticipated earnings for self-supported Crown corporations. Even with the decline in revenues, government increased spending on health by $360 million and education by $299 million compared to 2012-13.

Read more: www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/07/audited-public-accounts-co...

Iowa Supreme Court's Unanimous Ruling: "Therefore, with respect to the subject and purposes of Iowa’s marriage laws, we find that the plaintiffs are similarly situated compared to heterosexual persons. Plaintiffs are in committed and loving relationships, many raising families, just like heterosexual couples. Moreover, official recognition of their status provides an institutional basis for defining their fundamental relational rights and responsibilities, just as it does for heterosexual couples. Society benefits, for example, from providing samesex couples a stable framework within which to raise their children and the power to make health care and end-of-life decisions for loved ones, just as it does when that framework is provided for opposite-sex couples."

"Iowa Code section 595.2 is unconstitutional because the County has been unable to identify a constitutionally adequate justification for excluding plaintiffs from the institution of civil marriage. A new distinction based on sexual orientation would be equally suspect and difficult to square with the

fundamental principles of equal protection embodied in our constitution. This record, our independent research, and the appropriate equal protection analysis do not suggest the existence of a justification for such a legislative classification that substantially furthers any governmental objective. Consequently, the language in Iowa Code section 595.2 limiting civil marriage to a man and a woman must be stricken from the statute, and the remaining statutory language must be interpreted and applied in a manner allowing gay and lesbian people full access to the institution of civil marriage."

Reportedly maintains its original BMW radial engine - a docent told me the sound is unique and memorable, though I didn't get to experience it.

Maintained and operated by the La Habra Heighrs Fire Dept.

To see more OES Fire Apparatus be sure to visit the CAL-OES Flickr group.

www.flickr.com/groups/cal-oes/

All Access Construction has the expertise and experience necessary to design and execute your landscape, concrete or retaining wall project. Why? Because we believe our work “Starts with commitment, deliver with quality, and finish with success. Contact us at 510-701-4400

Paragliding is the recreational and competitive adventure sport of flying paragliders: lightweight, free-flying, foot-launched glider aircraft with no rigid primary structure. The pilot sits in a harness suspended below a fabric wing consisting of a large number of interconnected baffled cells. Wing shape is maintained by the suspension lines, the pressure of air entering vents in the front of the wing and the aerodynamic forces of the air flowing over the outside.Despite not using an engine, paraglider flights can last many hours and cover many hundreds of kilometres, though flights of 1–2 hours and covering some tens of kilometres are more the norm. By skilful exploitation of sources of lift the pilot may gain height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand metres.Paragliders are unique among soaring aircraft in being easily portable. The complete equipment packs into a rucksack and can be carried easily on the pilot's back, in a car, or on public transport. In comparison with other air sports this substantially simplifies travel to a suitable takeoff spot, the selection of a landing place and return travel.Paragliding can be of local importance as a commercial activity.Paid accompanied tandem flights are available in many mountainous regions, both in the winter and in the summer. In addition there are many schools offering courses, and guides who lead groups of more experienced pilots exploring an area. Finally there are the manufacturers and the associated repair and after sales services.

Il parapendio è il mezzo da volo libero più semplice e leggero esistente, derivato dai paracadute da lancio pilotabili.La storia del Parapendio comincia nel 1965 con la messa a punto della Sailwing da parte di Dave Barish. Egli chiamò questa nuova disciplina slope soaring (volo di pendio). Parallelamente a questa invenzione, Domina Jalbert creò un paracadute dotato di cassoni da utilizzarsi al posto del paracadute parabolico: il parafoil.Dave Barish e Dan Poynter effettuarono, nel 1966 e nel 1968 numerose dimostrazioni di slope soaring su di un trampolino da Salto con gli sci. Numerosi alpinisti cominciarono ad interessarsi a questa pratica, vedendovi un modo rapido ed efficace, e non ultimo divertente, di planare dopo un'ascensione.Nel 1978, tre paracadutisti francesi (Jean Claude Bétemps, Gérard Bosson e André Bohn) decollarono con i paracadute rettangolari dal monte Pertuiset, presso Mieussy in Alta Savoia (F). Furono solo i primi di molti paracadutisti che cominciavano ad interessarsi al volo di pendio.Laurent de Kalbermatten inventò nel 1985 il Randonneuse, il primo parapendio concepito specificamente per il volo. Era un mezzo più efficiente, più facile da gonfiare e dalle maggiori prestazioni dei paracadute di allora. Il parapendio non cesserà più di evolversi, tanto come materiali utilizzati che come tecniche di costruzione, divenendo un sport a se stante.Il primo campionato del mondo di parapendio si tenne nel 1987 a Verbier, mentre il primo campionato del mondo di acrobazia si è tenuto nell'agosto del 2006 a Villeneuve.

Font : Wikipedia

Maintaining vegetation under power lines is one of the most important steps taken by FirstEnergy utilities each year to enhance service reliability for customers.

FirstEnergy uses a variety of tree contractors to trim trees and manage vegetation for both distribution and transmission lines.

A well maintained Ford Capri near the Circuito do Estoril, I just love it.

Olympus XA2 + Agfa CT Precisa 100 Cross Processed.

The London Street Art Walking Tour, as part of the London flickr meet-up last June.

I know my stream has been a bit scrappy in recent weeks, but I'm clearing out some of the archive in lieu of sorting out my image/negs filing system. (As well as getting a whole heap of recent stuff developed and scanned, so that I can start afresh.) Thanks for bearing with me...

Schloss Elmau is calling Calico Electronico every night

Newari women in Nepal making traditional straw mattress.

©ILO/Pradip Shakya

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 IGO License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/igo/deed.en_US.

Canadian Armed Forces Maintainers, from the Canadian Air Task Force Lithuania, await the pilots to disembark their McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) CF-18 "Hornet's" (official military designation CF-188), first is (S/N 188756), 2nd is (S/N 188771), 3rd is (S/N 188782), and last is (S/N 188791), to greet them and prepare the aircraft for the coming mission at Šiauliai, Lithuania, during Operation REASSURANCE, in support of NATO Baltic Air Policing, Block 36 on August 26, 2014.

Maintainers park a B-52 Stratofortress during Global Thunder 2019 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Nov. 3, 2018. Global Thunder is an annual U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) exercise designed to provide training opportunities to test and validate command, control and operational procedures. The training is based on a notional scenario developed to drive execution of USSTRATCOM and component forces’ ability to support the geographic combatant commands, deter adversaries and, if necessary, employ forces as directed by the President of the United States. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Bryan Franks)

Bangor bash Barban boys

by Roger Corbett

On a perfect afternoon for rugby, Bangor maintained their good winning streak by recording another bonus point victory against Dromore, eventually winning by 38-17.

With Bangor and Dromore looking secure in 3rd and 4th places respectively in the league, this game could have been viewed as a dead fixture. However, with Dromore no doubt wanting to reverse their earlier defeat, and Bangor wanting to maximise their points tally, the game was certainly competitive.

Bangor got proceedings underway, playing into a slight breeze that was blowing diagonally across the pitch. From the outset, Dromore used this slight advantage to gain good ground through well taken positional kicks. However, were equally happy to run the ball back and produced several good attacks in reply. In fact the home side could have been a couple of scores up in the first quarter, but the ball didn’t run for them at the crucial moments. However, the breakthrough eventually came when the handling across the backs was crisp and secure, giving Neil Cuthbertson on the right wing the opportunity to stretch his legs and dive over in the corner for a well-taken try. The difficult kick was missed, but the scoreboard had started in Bangor’s favour by 5-0.

The next twenty minutes were almost a copy of the first quarter, with Bangor making most of the attacking opportunities, only to be thwarted by a stubborn Dromore defence. For Dromore’s part, they also had their chances, and came close from a kick through that Cuthbertson managed to shepherd into the goal area and get the resulting twenty two drop-out. However, a slack response by Bangor handed the initiative back to Dromore who, after several surges, managed to push over for their first try in the right hand corner, levelling the scores at 5-5 with just a minute or two left in the first half.

Bangor’s reply from the restart was immediate and in complete contrast to how they approached the previous drop-out. Mark Thompson’s kick hung in the breeze, allowing Jamie Clegg to leap for it and continue running at the static Dromore defence. He then passed inside to Jason Morgan who then passed again to Mike Weir at outside centre. Although Weir had the option of Cuthbertson on the wing, he fooled the Dromore defence and made a charge for the line, just managing to squeeze over in the right hand corner. The conversion was missed, making the score 10-5.

With 2 minutes of stoppage time having elapsed, there was just enough time for Dromore to restart once more. However, another apparent lapse in concentration by Bangor in securing and then clearing the ball, allowed Dromore to come straight back and score an opportunist try in the corner and level the points at 10-10. As the referee blew for half time, the home supporters were stunned, feeling their side should have been well in front by this time.

As the teams turned around, Bangor produced their now familiar second half surge. Within 5 minutes, a good break by James Henly was stopped just inside the Dromore twenty two. Although the ball went to ground, good support play by Curtis Stewart saw him pick up and run through to score under the posts. Cuthbertson’s kick was good, and Bangor were back in front by 17-10.

An injury to full back Chris Morgan resulted in changes to both the forward and backs line-up, with Adam Rushe coming off the bench to take James Henly’s wing forward position, allowing Henly to move to outside centre, and moving Mike Weir to full back as a result. There followed a brief period of settling to this new structure, before Bangor struck again. Seeing a flat Dromore defence ahead of him, Jason Morgan chipped over their heads and began the chase for the line. The ball bounced favourably for him, and he just managed to gather and touch down ahead of the nearest defender. The kick was successful extending the lead to 24-10, and now with the additional bonus point.

Although Dromore maintained their own pressure, it was Bangor who were calling most of the shots. Just 7 minutes later, the ball went wide to Mark Widdowson on the left wing whose pace and footwork left several Dromore players floundering, before darting through to score under the posts. The addition of the simple conversion brought the score to 31-10.

With only 5 minutes remaining, Dromore produced a late push and brought play deep into Bangor’s twenty two. Although Dromore won their scrum close to Bangor’s line, it looked like Bangor had the attack covered. However a defensive mix-up left a gap that provided a simple run through for Dromore to score beside the posts. With the successful conversion, the gap had closed to 31-17.

Obviously annoyed by this mistake, Bangor came back at Dromore, forcing the visitors to concede a penalty inside their twenty two. Spurning the kick at goal, Thompson kicked for touch and an attacking line-out. With the ball safely won, Bangor started to drive forward, but the strong Dromore pack held it up. However, the ball was quickly recycled by Ricky Armstrong to Mark Thompson, who then passed to Jason Morgan who pushed off his tackler to score the final try of the day and, with the conversion, bring the final score to 38-17.

This was a good day for North Down sides playing Mid Down opposition. Bangor’s success against Dromore was matched by neighbours Donaghadee who produced an inspired performance to beat Ballynahinch 2nds and earn a place in this year’s Towns Cup final as a result – congratulations to all.

Bangor’s final fixture in this year’s league is away to Cooke next Saturday. The weekend is then topped off on Sunday afternoon with what should be a highly entertaining game between the Perennials and a Bangor Select XV. With several familiar faces from seasons past, this is sure to be a fun event, and one to come along and enjoy.

Bangor side: P Whyte, A Jackson, B Worthington (S Irvine), R Corbett, C Stewart , R Latimer, J Henly, J Clegg (c), R Armstrong, M Thompson, M Widdowson, J Morgan, M Weir, N Cuthbertson, C Morgan (A Rushe)

Subs: S Irvine, A Rushe

Bangor scores: N Cuthbertson (1T, 4C), M Weir (1T), C Stewart (1T), J Morgan (2T), M Widdowson (1T)

This wetland on Jarrett Creek is classified as a Swamp Forest-Bog Complex and a beaver maintained Piedmont/Mountain Semipermanent Impountment wetland. There are many active beaver dams in the complex. Many large trees have been killed and some have fallen down. If the process continues I am sure it will eventually become a mountain bog.