3: March

Just when is the first day of spring? March the 1st as some say, or the Vernal Equinox (March 20th 2010 at 17.32 GMT). I think that perhaps the Snowdrops may have already reached their decision.

Batteries, so common they are almost invisible, or ignored until they need changing. Thats what happened today and when this random arangement of dusty batteris in my battery box caught my eye.

Trying to ID a bird of prey that has been seen around the area for a couple of days.
My final virdict, a Sparrowhawk.

Sophie one of three fountains given to the village of Horsley (Derbyshire) in 1824 by the Rev Sitwell, a relative of the Sitwells of Stainsby Hall in nearby Smalley. He had arranged for spring water to be pumped from the Old Hills to the village. The three wells were named after his daughters Blanche, Sophie and Rosamund.

John Flamsteed (1646-1719. The first Astronomer Royal (1675-1719), born at Denby, Derbyshire, on the 19th of August 1646. The only son of Stephen Flamsteed, a maltster, he was educated at the free school of Derby.

This memorial celestrial globe is the center piece of the John Flamsteed memorial park opposite the Church of St Mary the Virgin (cir 1135) in Denby.

This was supposed to be an action shot of Ginger the Hamster going mad as she often does in her super 30cm turbo-wheel, but as can be seen she just curled up went to sleep!

The 13th Century Church of St Giles, Hartington, Derbyshire. St Giles is a large cruciform church with a tower that dates from the 1300's. This church is believed to have been built shortly after the Domesday survey, although it is not mentioned in the Doomsday Book there are parts of the church that date from around that time. There are also parts of the church which may date from an earlier Saxon church building.

The Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay, now a visitors center with cycle hire, this was a rural LNWR station from 1899 until it's closure by Dr Beeching in 1963.Now it is busier than ever with walkers and cyclists using the Tissington Trail.

In the long running dispute over territory, the two boy bun's decided to confront the cat over the ownership of the bottom of the garden!

It is said that all good things come to those who wait, well four days with the camera on a tripod paid off, this is the shot I tried to get on day 65!

Two ex-battery hens, released to enjoy their new found right to roam where ever they choose at a local animal rescue center.

It's back! After an absence of what seems like a few weeks the lone Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) has returned to it's usual rock at the local nature reserve.

The second of the warehouses to be built at Wheatcroft's Wharf, Cromford. Construction began in 1824 the warehouse was built specifically to store goods awaiting transport by boat which, because of the overhanging section (clearly shown in the photograph) could be loaded under cover.

The ground floor of this building remains in use today as both a cafe and a wildlife bookshop.

An image I wanted to take yesterday, but it was too busy. The original warhouse at Wheatcroft's Wharf, built in 1794. The building is still in use today as a meeting room/conference facility.

The wier on the river Derwent at Milford Derbyshire. Sitiated between "The Mill" public house and the garden center, thousands of motorists on the A6 pass this wier everyday probably with out realising that it is there.

I have often wondered how these wiers were built, especially as many in this area were constructed in the late 18th to middle 19th century.

The Bickenhill Parish Council Centenery Clock 1894-1994 "A Century Of Local Democracy". The clock was erected by public subscription and donations in memory of parich council chairman George Aston 1932-1996.

Believe it or not , I have driven past this clock near to my place of work on a regular basis for almost six years, and never really noticed it until today.

The Eco Wall at the LG Stadium and concert venue, NEC Birmingham (UK). A verticlly striped living wall of plants, even at this time of year it makes an attractive image, I really must make a note in my diary to return if or when the plants are in bloom.

An unusual octagonal cottage, this is on the road between Walton=Upon-Trent and Croxall near the Staffordshir/Derbyshire border. Given the proximity of this cottage to the nearby Catton Hall, I wonder if it was originaly a game keepers cottage or something similar.

An evening game of chase by Homer and Marge at the bottom of the garden. Since the boy bunnies recently reclamed this area from the cats (see day 68) the bun's head out there at every opportunity.

Rosamund the third of three fountains given to the village of Horsley (Derbyshire) in 1824 by the Rev Sitwell. This one like the first (Sophie Day 63) is easily found as it is located on a small triangle of grass at the junction outside the Coach and Horses public house.

Dispite my best efforts I have yet to locate the second (middle) fountain Blanche. I have asked a couple of villagers and been met with blank faces. I think I need to do a bit more research.

Blanche the center fountain of the three given to the village of Horsley (Derbyshire) in 1824 by the Rev Sitwell. Unlike the other two fountains (Sophie Day 63 and Rosamund Day 79) this one was not quite so obvious, but is in plain view if you know where to look!

Blanche is to be found embeded into the garden wall of a house on the corner of Church Street and French Lane, directly opposite the Primary School. Sometimes a bit of research pays off!

Sky rail, a free automated tranit system from Birmingam International Airport to Birmingam Internatioal Rail Station, now a pair of cable driven trams, it used to be called Maglev (magnetic levitation monorail) but it proved too costly to maintain.)

Another dull day, and another walk to Birmingham International Airport, This time a pair of large 360 degree sign posts caught my eye, so out came the camera nad after a short chat with a Police officer, this is the image I took of one of them. No excuse for not knowing which way is home from this car park!

Several evenings of late I have been forced to take a different route home due to traffic. I saw this bridge on the Birmingam and Fazeley Canal at Fazeley, and thought how unusual it was.

Back in the office chaos reigns supreme, time to visit the local horses and chill, a few barley rings in a pocket alway helps though. Especially as this brown horse is the most nervous of the three and usually stays well away.

It never fails to amaze me how a bit of sunshine, and a small amount of time with such animals can be so calming.

Once again the change of route home has provided an image, rows of canal boats neatly lined up in a boat yard at Fazeley, with the sky reflecting on the water between them.

A waterfall at the top of the cascade above Chatsworth House. Not readily seen from the house it can be herd from the main path through the woodland above the house, track down the sound ant follow the narrow stone steps for this view of the waterfall, and a lovely view of Chatsworh Park from a well positioned high vantage point.

Jasmine [Jasminum polyanthum]. I really love the way the smell of these flowers hang in the air near the top of the stairs. Today's challange to photograph these blooms without moving them from their usual position.

The formal gardens at Markeaton Park, Derby. As viewed looking west from the Orangary towards the tennis courts.

The local stream in full flow. The usual gentle flow between two pools is today something of a torrent due to the recent rains and inclement weather.

Cromford Mill, the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill, was built in 1771 by Sir Richard Arkwright. Due to problems with the water supply around 1840 severe limitations were imposed on the textile production at Cromford Mill and the buildings were put to other uses. These included a brewery, laundries, and cheese warehousing.

This is the view into the pit that used to house the great water wheel that powered the complex. Looking down into the pool at the bottom of the pit, trout can often be seen swimming in the turblent waters.

Return to Top of Page.