The (Ear) Wicker Man - Iron Maiden

At 06-00 the prospects of a good day weather-wise was already evident, and while the search of the local cemetery came to naught there was a combination of several hundred Swallow, House & Sand Martin and Swifts flying above Radipole Reserve. In addition, I was lucky enough to watch a Marsh Harrier cut high across the marsh, probably on its way back to Lodmoor, while a Little Egret was content to perch in a tree at the North Hide as c2 Common Terns once again fed at the east lake.

Catching the first bus to Portland I caught up with this perched Skylark at Barleycrates, where a far less obliging Stonechat (the blackest one I've ever seen) was much more camera-shy. Otherwise, things were extremely quite until I reached the Observatory where there was the expected mix of Ricky Lambert, Richard Newton and the Warden who soon had me looking at c2 Arctic Skua and a Balearic Shearwater, the first I've seen this year.

A cycle road race was also in progress, and I simply marveled at the stamina of the precipitants.

and then, I once again met up with Deborah and Simon Earwicker a guarantee of stimulating conversation. Not least, their unusual and novel surname which they enlightened me dates back to the Anglo-Saxons and relates to those who 'minded the hogs'. In the days of feudal farming, pigs were both a benefit and a nuisance if left to their own devices. Someone had to take care of this, which was left to the Earwicker's.

The afternoon, I returned to the Seafood Festival, and for a while watched last years 'Master Chef' winner Matt Foulus knocking up a bit of 'posh snap'. That's him on the right, who they tell me has a restaurant in Beaminster.

Further along I met up with The Captain, Gordon and Jill at their permanent 'seafood bar', before

moving on to Hope Square where Kenny Sharp was frantically waving for me to join him and his family for a drink. Ken and I have covered 'thousands' of sea miles together, and if I had to describe him in a few words, I would simply say the most 'resourceful' individual I have ever met - great to see you all Kenny!

Ken's long suffering missus Ann and daughter Charlotte.

Don't know what monika this motley bunch went under, but they knocked out some excellent 'Shanties'.

The crowd around Brewers Quay.

Weymouth Outer Harbour right bank.

Weymouth Outer Harbour left bank.

'Spirit of the Sea'

My Generation (The Who)

This is the power generator at Southwell Primary School on Portland. For many months, probably years, not only has it provided 'free & green' energy for the school, it has also been an eye-opener to just about every pupil. With an easily accessible and readable meter in the foyer the children could read energy generated, used etc, but now all of that has come to an end. Herring Gulls, not uncommon hereabouts have been flying into the blades regularly and often 'quartering' themselves as they do so. In the name of humane practice and to save the youngsters meeting with the carnage each morning it has been turned off. A great pity in my view, as I'm told the kids love it, but I guess the sensible option.

Magpie family (at least one young bird, right, with short tail).

As may be seen from the top picture, today was foggy to say the least in fact at the top of the hill at Portland a proverbial 'pea-souper' (an English expression for something you cannot see through). I was alerted to this as I left home in clear conditions, but all around me was surrounded by low visibility. As there is no restrictions on the 'bus pass' at the week-end I headed straight for Portland and coupled with High Water Spring Tides also bye-passed Ferry Bridge.

With little more than the Magpies to entertain me, the day was saved by what is always excellent conversation with Martin Cade (Warden PBO), John Lucas et al, and as added bonus re-meeting Simon and Deborah Earwicker. In fact after a brief chat at the Observatory I met them again on the East Cliff and had a further 40 minutes or so. Certainly look forward to seeing you 2 again!

Today also sees the middle of the annual 10 days 'Spirit of the Sea Celebration' in Weymouth, and day one of the 2 day 'Dorset Seafood Festival' so what better reason for heading back to town? As I walked along the sea-front you could already smell the crabs, scallops, prawns and paella cooking, but if there is one thing I believe they get wrong it's the extortionate prices, wot £2.00 for a side of Mackerel. Otherwise EXCEPTIONAL!

Stopping on the promenade, I can never resist the temptation to view the ever changing 'sand models', this month depicting The Mad Hatter's Tea Party (Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There). From left, the Queen of Heart's, March Hare, Mad Hatter, Alice, Hare's Pal and Bandersnatch (or is it a Jabberwock?).

Sand sculpture's whose work became one of the most famous attractions at Weymouth was started nearly 70 years by Fred Darrington. Mr Darrington died in 2002, just12 days short of his 80th birthday, but over those years what joy he brought to what must total 'millions'. Since his death his grandson Mark Anderson (b. 1966) has taken over the work. My personal favourite has always been what must have been his most intricate work, Westminster Abbey but a close second came his tribute to my 'all time hero'.

James (Jimi) Marshall Hendrix 27 November 1942 - 18 September 1970 (a photo from the archive) depicted in sand. All sculptures were made of just sand and seawater (plus water-based paints of course).

A little further along I came across this 'Steam Driven Car', a real novelty. The owner/driver told me he gets 40 miles to the tank full (water that is).

Arriving at Weymouth Quay-side, not surprisingly,the crowd had beaten me to it.

'Ernest & Mable' the Weymouth Lifeboat.

'Standard Diving' exhibition,

also called 'Hard Hat Diving' as the picture shows.

The Model Boat Society were here in force with everything from Motor Torpedo Boats to Nuclear Submarines,

local Fishing Vessels to Search and Rescue Cutter,

and even a pair of 'radio controlled' Mute Swans and a

pair of Canada Geese which, by looking at the man in the blue shirt, was gaining great pleasure as he made them 'honk'.

Something a Bit 'Fishy' About This Post

Last evening I visited a Barn Owls nest containing a number of feeding young, I had hoped for some photographs but in the event all of the birds were unwilling to oblige. I did however get to see (from a distance) a parent bird returning, with prey, and as every Owl lover knows, this is enough, any photos would have been a massive bonus.

Barn Owl - what might have been, from Wikipedia with thanks.

Weymouth All the Way

Look what we've achieved!

Thanks to the area's fantastic tourist industry businesses and a hard–working Economic and Tourism Development team at the Council, the Borough scooped an award for being the 4th 'up-and-coming' travel destination in the Whole World.

Emma O'Boyle of TripAdvisor presents the award to Borough Mayor Paul Kimber.

Paul Kimber and I were in the Royal Navy at the same time and before demob both our families settled on Portland around about 1967. After this we were 'shipmates' for some 18 years onboard various craft, and there can be no denying Paul has been a true and faithful servant to the Borough and further afield. Well done matey!

'Uplifting' celebration for town bridge 80th anniversary

What might be described as an

Open and

Shut case!

Sunday 4th July was the 80th anniversary of Weymouth Town Bridge, and residents and visitors lined the quay and visited a public exhibition at the Harbour Office to celebrate. Two residents with connections to the bridge, Gwendoline Hampton, and Matthew Pye, were invited to a special lifting ceremony, serenaded by local choir group the Waterside Singers. The party was invited back to the exhibition to view photos and memorabilia, and sample the bridge's birthday cake, provide by the Phoenix Bakery.

Councilor Peter Farrell and resident Gwendoline Hampton in the town bridge control room.

Despite Peter being of a totally different political persuasion to myself, we have been friends for more year than I guess either of us need to remember. Ousted from his post at the last local elections, he regained his 'seat' during the current round of voting. He too has been a stalwart in his dedication to the town of Weymouth and the local area in general, so forgetting red's and blue's it's good to see you back in your rightful place Peter.

Denizens of the Deep

Part I

These extraordinary photographs (if to be believed) were sent to me by John Down, friend and fellow birder, of a catch off Portland Bill. This sea area is renowned for its monster Bass which are veracious feeders and powerful fighting fish, not to mention excellent eating. I guess this one to be in the 8 to 10 pound category, with what looks like a Ballan Wrasse about half its own size. For me the Wrasse is the least palatable of local edible fish, not being unpleasant to the taste but so full of bones it's an evolution to get round them. As for the Bass, I can only say to the lucky (or skillful) angler bon appetit!

If the Bass were swallowing the Wrasse, how then would it have been hooked with its mouth full? Yes, there is the option of 'foul hooking' but

knowing the spinney make up of the Ballan Wrasse it is thought impossible the bass would be able to regurgitate it. Nonetheless, makes for an amusing couple of pictures - Thanks John!

Part II

Not quite so deep this time, as the creature concerned is the now world famous 'Paul the Psychic Octopus. Considered, incorrectly, by all to be German, Paul has offered 2 boxes filled with food, one marked with the German flag and the other the flag of the opposition nation they were about to play. Which ever tit-bit he chooses has, on every occasion, proved to be the winning side, even Germany's demise at the hands of Spain. However, us ultra-proud Weymouthians are quick to point out that the Octopus was in fact born at the Sea Life Center here in 'sunny' Weymouth where he lived until he was 2 years old. His life expectancy wasn't thought to extend much further than that, and a suggestion of turning him to Calamari was muted and that is where the Germans took over. He is now at the ripe old age of 9, still going strong and thought to be in good health. Oh, and not to mention making his owners a pocket full of Deutschmarks (more correctly Euros), so put away the 'deep fat frier' at least for now!

Paul seen here putting the wind up the Argentinians.

and finally on the subject of football, we congratulate both the Netherlands and Spain in a well won and well deserved place in the final of the Football World Cup. At the moment, the score stands at Holland 100 and Spain 11, but our Spanish readers will be pleased to know that is only the 'Readership Statistics' of this Blog. Someone out there has certainly been putting the word around for which I thank one and all - KEEP SPREADING THE WORD - Thanks Again!

I wish both teams, and Nations GOOD LUCK and may the best one win.

'Blog Stats Current Standing'

	Num	Perc.	Country Name
	2887	84.29%	United Kingdom
	142	4.15%	Estonia
	100	2.92%	Netherlands
	59	1.72%	United States
	40	1.17%	Canada
	30	0.88%	Romania
	23	0.67%
	22	0.64%	Australia
	21	0.61%	Japan
	12	0.35%	Argentina
	11	0.32%	Spain