They've certainly got guts - it's as though the harder the task the higher the feeling of achievement.
We can do the same here in Ulverston.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
The Choir - Episode 2
Just watched this:
They've certainly got guts - it's as though the harder the task the higher the feeling of achievement.
They've certainly got guts - it's as though the harder the task the higher the feeling of achievement.
Ulverston is Special - SLDC Car Parking Charges
I noticed this when in London on Thursday:
Greening's warning
Justine Greening, the new Transport Secretary, has been extraordinarily forthright in her views on Westminster council's plans for off-peak parking charges. Westminster is, she says, trying "to put some extra money in their coffers". Using parking charges to raise general revenue is against government guidelines and could be challenged in court. It would be astonishing for a Tory council to ignore the views of the Conservative cabinet member with major responsibilities in this area. The proposal is politically contentious as well as economically disastrous: the council should back down.
( See second item on the Evening Standard Editor's page )
We in Ulverston are fedup with the attitude of Kendal SLDC towards our use of our carparks.
Of particular interest is :
"Using parking charges to raise general revenue is against government guidelines and could be challenged in court"
On what grounds can this be challenged in Court?
Can't we do it here?
It is clear that other business leaders are also very unhappy with their council's kneejerk reaction to raising money:
Here in Wiltshire
Can we not pool information on how to fight for our car parks.
We in Ulverston are fedup with the attitude of Kendal SLDC towards our use of our carparks.
Of particular interest is :
"Using parking charges to raise general revenue is against government guidelines and could be challenged in court"
On what grounds can this be challenged in Court?
Can't we do it here?
It is clear that other business leaders are also very unhappy with their council's kneejerk reaction to raising money:
Here in Wiltshire
Can we not pool information on how to fight for our car parks.
Saturday, 26 November 2011
How can you watch and listen to this -
. . . .
And not cry ?The power of singing together!
People who live lives under real pressure with loved ones in Afghanistan . . .
Sing .
I learnt a lot.
You've got until Monday to watch this episode and then a few more days to watch the rest.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Singing in the park
It was great joining in with these people who really impressed me with the sense of enjoying life to the full. People came along with the book of words - if you hadn't got one they would share.
A real feel good factor.
It all started here!
A real feel good factor.
It all started here!
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Is it time to get blogging again ?
 |
| What a great picture - who do I thank? |
Spending time with hands on activities like practicing the piano, relating to young children, house maintenance, digging the allotment (and cropping delicious vegetables) and talking to real people in the street - and even keeping up with friends on dare I say it the pervasive Facebook: all these are vastly superior to engaging with people on this blog.
The thing I enjoy about Facebook is that there you relate to real people who you know whereas here most people are so reluctant to share their real names so that relationships cannot grow; what a bore; what a load of cowards, I think to myself.
Are there any people out there that have something interest to say- my assumpition is that most readers work for the council and come here just to check what's being said about them. I'm amazed for instance how quickly David Parratt (our Town Clerk ) responds to something he doesn't like on this blog.
Do many of his ilk check this blog every morning as part of their dull and boring routine?
I wonder.
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Protect the freedom of the Internet
AVAAZ explains that action in the USA can have a real effect on our freedom of communication because so much hardware actually sited in the USA. I suggest that it is very important to support them.
* * * * * * * *
Right now, the US Congress is debating a law that would give them the power to censor the world's Internet -- creating a blacklist that could target YouTube, WikiLeaks and even groups like Avaaz!
Under the new law, the US could force Internet providers to block any website on suspicion of violating copyright or trademark legislation, or even failing to sufficiently police their users' activities. And, because so much of the Internet's hosts and hardware are located in the US, their blacklist would clamp down on the free web for all of us.
The vote could happen any day now, but we can help stop this -- champions in Congress want to preserve free speech and tell us that an international outcry would strengthen their hand. Let’s urgently raise our voices from every corner of the world and build an unprecedented global petition calling on US decision makers to reject the bill and stop Internet censorship. Click below to sign and then forward as widely as possible -- our message will be delivered directly to key members of the US Congress ahead of the crucial vote:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/
For years, the US government has condemned countries like China and Iran for their clampdown on Internet use. But now, the impact of America's new censorship laws could be far worse -- effectively blocking sites to every Internet user across the globe.
Last year, a similar Internet censorship bill was killed before reaching the US Senate floor, but it's now back in a different form. Copyright laws already exist and are enforced by courts. But this new law goes much further -- granting the government and big corporations enormous powers to force service providers and search engines to block websites based just on allegations of violations -- without a trial or being found guilty of any crime!
US free speech advocates have already raised the alarm, and some key Senators are trying to gather enough support to stop this dangerous bill. We have no time to lose. Let's stand with them to ensure American lawmakers preserve the right to a free and open Internet as an essential way for people around the world to exchange ideas, share communication and work collectively to build the world we want. Sign below to stop US censorship, and save the Internet as we know it:
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/
In the past months, from the Arab Spring to the global Occupy Movement, we've seen first hand how the Internet can galvanize, unify and change the world. Now, if we stand together, we can stop this new attack on Internet freedom. We've done it before -- in Brazil and Italy, Avaaz members have won major victories in the fight for a free Internet. Let's take the fight global, and mobilize to defeat the most powerful censorship threat that the Internet has ever seen.
With hope,
Luis, Dalia, Diego, Emma, Ricken, Aaron, Antonia, Benjamin and the rest of the Avaaz team
More information:
Op-Ed: Blacklist Bill allows Feds to remove websites from Internet (Digital Journal)
http://digitaljournal.com/article/313463
Disastrous IP Legislation Is Back – And It's Worse than Ever (EFF)
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/10/disastrous-ip-legislation-back-%E2%80%93-and-it%E2%80%99s-worse-ever
Silicon Valley legislators oppose online piracy act (SFGate)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/11/15/BUO81LV0KI.DTL
House Hearing on Stop Online Piracy Act Scheduled (PC World)
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/243659/house_hearing_on_stop_online_piracy_act_scheduled.html
Growing Chorus of Opposition to "Stop Online Piracy Act"
https://www.cdt.org/report/growing-chorus-opposition-stop-online-piracy-act
The stop online piracy act: summary, problems, and implications
https://www.cdt.org/files/pdfs/SOPA%202-pager%20final.pdf
Why Is Justin Bieber So Pissed Off?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-karr/why-is-justin-bieber-so-p_b_1071055.html
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A wonderful event
We all enjoyed it immensely.
The sixteen keen workers, the three groups of musicians and most important the four hundred and fifty people who came.
The feedback has been tremendous.
To find out more visit the Ulverston Candlelit Walk Facebook page
I'm always amazed how you can revisit a place that had so much activity the night before and next morning there's not a trace of all that activity. All the candle jars and pottery lights have gone, The music and "grandstand" is as it was - a lot of choppy grass.
What happened the night before is totally in the memory of those that took part and even then every single person has a different memory of what happened. One of the things that impressed people is the kind of people who they came across. Everyone was so appreciative and enjoying the wonder of the event.
Sadly those that hear about it from others who were there will never have the chance of witnessing a similar event. Next year will be totally different even though someone may attempt to repeat the magic: it just can't be done. In fact next year may not happen unless new people get involved in the making and planning, prior to the event as I will only be present as a helper - if in fact help is needed.
If you want something to happen next year, now is the time to say so, so that those willing to get involved can make tentative plans.
What is tangible today is that Gill Banks upper and lower paths are totally dog shit free. Much of the paths have been swept and the stretch by the first picnic table where the two paths join, have had mud and weeds removed with spades by some very hard and dedicated workers. One discovers that actually the path is now quite wide!
Enjoy Gill Banks if you're out for a stroll.
The sixteen keen workers, the three groups of musicians and most important the four hundred and fifty people who came.
The feedback has been tremendous.
To find out more visit the Ulverston Candlelit Walk Facebook page
I'm always amazed how you can revisit a place that had so much activity the night before and next morning there's not a trace of all that activity. All the candle jars and pottery lights have gone, The music and "grandstand" is as it was - a lot of choppy grass.
What happened the night before is totally in the memory of those that took part and even then every single person has a different memory of what happened. One of the things that impressed people is the kind of people who they came across. Everyone was so appreciative and enjoying the wonder of the event.
Sadly those that hear about it from others who were there will never have the chance of witnessing a similar event. Next year will be totally different even though someone may attempt to repeat the magic: it just can't be done. In fact next year may not happen unless new people get involved in the making and planning, prior to the event as I will only be present as a helper - if in fact help is needed.
If you want something to happen next year, now is the time to say so, so that those willing to get involved can make tentative plans.
What is tangible today is that Gill Banks upper and lower paths are totally dog shit free. Much of the paths have been swept and the stretch by the first picnic table where the two paths join, have had mud and weeds removed with spades by some very hard and dedicated workers. One discovers that actually the path is now quite wide!
Enjoy Gill Banks if you're out for a stroll.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Incredibly beautiful
Hold me in your arms
Make my world round again.
When you hold me in your arms
You make the world round again
If I'm not by your side
Where else could I be?
If If I'm not in your eyes
Who else is there to see me?
Your senses make my world disappear
Your lips on my skin make time not begin
Your love around my heart means I will never die
And kissing you is like kissing the sky.
Make my world round again.
When you hold me in your arms
You make the world round again
If I'm not by your side
Where else could I be?
If If I'm not in your eyes
Who else is there to see me?
Your senses make my world disappear
Your lips on my skin make time not begin
Your love around my heart means I will never die
And kissing you is like kissing the sky.
By Rita Baugh of Ulverston
Monday, 24 October 2011
Join us next Monday evening - even if you have no kids around
The Candlelit Walk promises to be a magical experience again.
Quite different from last year.
This time more dramatic with the powerful flickering wax flames that rage and spit in wet windy weather, as they illuminate the beck and surrounding wood.
Trying to record the effect doesn't work on camera - you have to be there.
Shimmering lights in the high branches of the old trees, reflections off the babbling water and the eerie sound of a group of wailing singers and musicians who are making music specially for this event.
The combination of sight, sound and friendly people makes this early evening event very special.
Read what David and Janet Fellows had to say about their experience last year!
Here are the words of an enthusiast who has been to every event:
Along with the visual spectacle of all those flickering candles,
musicians will also be adding to the spooky atmosphere. Ulverston
singers Geertje Baugh and Naomi Edwards have been working on some
bewitching ballads with a folk flavour to fill the night with haunting
melodies.
“It gives me tingles seeing all those candles lighting up the woods,”
said Gill resident Jennie Dennett who's helping organise the walk.
“And the donated wax is also scented, so there's that brilliant smell
of burning wax, wet leaves and then the sweetness of cake shops all at
the same time. It's a real multi-sensory experience!”
It's an easy walk with lots of quiet very aware people. Parking in The Gill right at hand.
6:30 pm Gill Banks off The Gill, Ulverston this next Monday 31st October.
To keep in touch Go to our Facebook Page
For more information : Contact me by email - gd at tygh.co.uk (written this way to avoid spam) or by phone 01229 480347
Quite different from last year.
This time more dramatic with the powerful flickering wax flames that rage and spit in wet windy weather, as they illuminate the beck and surrounding wood.
Trying to record the effect doesn't work on camera - you have to be there.
Shimmering lights in the high branches of the old trees, reflections off the babbling water and the eerie sound of a group of wailing singers and musicians who are making music specially for this event.
The combination of sight, sound and friendly people makes this early evening event very special.
Read what David and Janet Fellows had to say about their experience last year!
Here are the words of an enthusiast who has been to every event:
Along with the visual spectacle of all those flickering candles,
musicians will also be adding to the spooky atmosphere. Ulverston
singers Geertje Baugh and Naomi Edwards have been working on some
bewitching ballads with a folk flavour to fill the night with haunting
melodies.
“It gives me tingles seeing all those candles lighting up the woods,”
said Gill resident Jennie Dennett who's helping organise the walk.
“And the donated wax is also scented, so there's that brilliant smell
of burning wax, wet leaves and then the sweetness of cake shops all at
the same time. It's a real multi-sensory experience!”
It's an easy walk with lots of quiet very aware people. Parking in The Gill right at hand.
6:30 pm Gill Banks off The Gill, Ulverston this next Monday 31st October.
To keep in touch Go to our Facebook Page
For more information : Contact me by email - gd at tygh.co.uk (written this way to avoid spam) or by phone 01229 480347
The background to Ulverston's Candlelit Walk - Monday 31st October at 6:30
It all started on 22nd March 2009 with an email from Sue Sellers suggesting that I might be interested in a community pottery project using what turned out to be one ton of Terra Cotta clay that Susan Thwaites of Dalton wished to find a home for.
All this clay has now been used (and fired!) and a second ton was started three months ago.
In subsequent months the project grew from pottery on the garden wall to pottery on the wall of Union Lane, to The Railings , Gill Banks and then Lightburn Park and Mill Dam - much of this is documented on this web site
Having found a way of attaching pottery to the railings, presence of spikes provoked the though that they needed covering. A few things were made but quickly got nicked because they were attractive including a hiker made by Jennie Dennett.
The though occurred that the railings could be used along their full length - lower path and upper path. The idea of the candlelit walk was born.
By September 2009 we had set ourselves the target of making 100 pots to hold Candles in Jars - one every ten metres so as to light the upper and lower paths of Gill Banks which we achieved with some hard work from Geoff who made nearly all the blanks whilst Bernard and Elisabeth Ellis decorated about 25 about forty people in all decorated the pots - many of them children. See this Youtube video.
October 31st 2010 saw the raising of the target for candle lights raised from 300 to 1000 - some of these still remain upside down in the bushes.
Wax Lyrical (Colony Candles) of Lindal provide the thousand candles). The concept of filling loo rolls was used then for the first time came from Gladys Hobson whose son revealed the concept. 20 larger spike lights were used to dramatic effect above the pottery on The Railings - wax overflow still to be seen.
The visual effect in 2010 year was intensified by having a small talented musical group of three musicians who played music to enhance the experience.
Because the 2010 candle lights still had many burning hours available they are again being used. Also because of the high work intensity using of candles all over the wood and the lack of helpers these are being kept for the paths. What is new is having some 60 larger flames which are being used for the first time to light up the beck as it runs along close to the beck.
The making of new spike lights has been limited to 15 this year made by six potters and one family.
What is very special is that we now have two musical groups playing involving with some very talented new singers who know how to create eerie music suited for the occasion. Rita Baugh is one of them.
We anticipate to have about 10 helpers on the Monday afternoon .
As much work as possible will be done over the Saturday and Sunday in preparing the path making it safe, free of slippery leaves and dog dirt.
Most people make a real effort to dress up - so much so it's difficult to tell who is who. At this time many parents are making costumes for themselves and their children.
There is no charge for the event which will cost very little to actually run this year as most of the pottery and candles were made last year and the year before. The walk itself costs are about twenty pounds with additional low costs for drinks afterwards. Some funds will be need next year for pottery and candle supplies.
No policing is required for the event : the numbers so far have been in the vicinity of 200 participants. who walk without torches in order to see the lights more effectively.
The greatest need is for involvement in making pots, candles and wax flames and musicians and workers on the night, not for money.
Next year's event will be on a Tuesday evening.
The event now has it's own Facebook page : " Ulverston Candlelit Walk"
All this clay has now been used (and fired!) and a second ton was started three months ago.
In subsequent months the project grew from pottery on the garden wall to pottery on the wall of Union Lane, to The Railings , Gill Banks and then Lightburn Park and Mill Dam - much of this is documented on this web site
Having found a way of attaching pottery to the railings, presence of spikes provoked the though that they needed covering. A few things were made but quickly got nicked because they were attractive including a hiker made by Jennie Dennett.
The though occurred that the railings could be used along their full length - lower path and upper path. The idea of the candlelit walk was born.
By September 2009 we had set ourselves the target of making 100 pots to hold Candles in Jars - one every ten metres so as to light the upper and lower paths of Gill Banks which we achieved with some hard work from Geoff who made nearly all the blanks whilst Bernard and Elisabeth Ellis decorated about 25 about forty people in all decorated the pots - many of them children. See this Youtube video.
October 31st 2010 saw the raising of the target for candle lights raised from 300 to 1000 - some of these still remain upside down in the bushes.
Wax Lyrical (Colony Candles) of Lindal provide the thousand candles). The concept of filling loo rolls was used then for the first time came from Gladys Hobson whose son revealed the concept. 20 larger spike lights were used to dramatic effect above the pottery on The Railings - wax overflow still to be seen.
The visual effect in 2010 year was intensified by having a small talented musical group of three musicians who played music to enhance the experience.
Because the 2010 candle lights still had many burning hours available they are again being used. Also because of the high work intensity using of candles all over the wood and the lack of helpers these are being kept for the paths. What is new is having some 60 larger flames which are being used for the first time to light up the beck as it runs along close to the beck.
The making of new spike lights has been limited to 15 this year made by six potters and one family.
What is very special is that we now have two musical groups playing involving with some very talented new singers who know how to create eerie music suited for the occasion. Rita Baugh is one of them.
We anticipate to have about 10 helpers on the Monday afternoon .
As much work as possible will be done over the Saturday and Sunday in preparing the path making it safe, free of slippery leaves and dog dirt.
Most people make a real effort to dress up - so much so it's difficult to tell who is who. At this time many parents are making costumes for themselves and their children.
There is no charge for the event which will cost very little to actually run this year as most of the pottery and candles were made last year and the year before. The walk itself costs are about twenty pounds with additional low costs for drinks afterwards. Some funds will be need next year for pottery and candle supplies.
No policing is required for the event : the numbers so far have been in the vicinity of 200 participants. who walk without torches in order to see the lights more effectively.
The greatest need is for involvement in making pots, candles and wax flames and musicians and workers on the night, not for money.
Next year's event will be on a Tuesday evening.
The event now has it's own Facebook page : " Ulverston Candlelit Walk"
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