Dam Stones

hhhmmmm, Ok bad title but I’m that busy getting ready for Skye and my ABIPP accreditation  I think I fried my brain so it’s the first thing that came to me…

Not quite sure what the old stones were for but to the left of shot and further up the reservoir is the Derwent Dam scene of the Dambuster practice runs

“ Derwent reservoir was used by the RAF’s Dambusters to practise their low level flying techniques during 1943, in preparation for delivering Barnes Wallis’ famous ‘bouncing bombs’ to German dams. Located in the West Tower of the Derwent Valley Dam is the Derwent Dam (617 Squadron) Museum which houses a collection of memorabilia dedicated to the famous Dams Raid carried out by 617 “Dambusters” Squadron)”

Anyway back to the shot, as usual wellies on, knee deep in water/mud and sinking fast the symmetry was screening at me for a shot and I couldn’t refuse, I loved the reflection and lines of the stones, the dramatic skies adding to the composition, earphone pumping out some tunes, what a place.

Did some tutoring there Tuesday and even though it was dreary and damp it didn’t disappoint, Derwent always has an abundance of lines and reflections that always appear new to me. A place you have to keep returning to.

Stormy’s training class tonight, we had to stand in the naughty corner last week…..don’t ask!, needless to say I have been working hard training her this week so hopefully she will perform with perfection.

Have fun

Adrian

Church Of St Lawrence - Eyam

Beautiful church at Eyam, Church of St Lawrence holds such a sad past, you may remember the plague village in your history books at school….today it’s a major tourist attraction and well worth a visit to teh church and area.

A potted history  from the church website

Food and medical supplies were left at various points on the village boundary. Eyam church was closed and services were held in Cucklett Delf, a valley nearby where a Plague Commemorative Service is still held annually. There were no funerals and families buried their own dead near their homes. At nearby Riley a Mrs. Hancock buried her husband and 6 children in a space of 8 days. The Riley graves, as they are known, are still there.

The Plague ended in October 1666 and had claimed 260 lives in an 18 month period. Some of the cottages now carry a commemorative plaque. An authentic history of those fearful months is vividly told in the two floors of Eyam Museum which can be found near the coach park. The museum also looks at other aspects of village life in Eyam.

More later, enjoy your wednesday

Adrian

All Saint's Bakewell

Bakewell Church – All Saint’s Church in Bakewell, Derbyshire, England

Bakewell was mentioned in the Domeday book as having a church and 2 priests signifying its importance even then. In 1502 Bakewell was owned by the    Vernon family and passed on to the Manners family in 1567 when Dorothy Vernon married John Manners. Their son, Sir George Manners married Grace Pierrepont who in 1637 founded the grammer school, Lady Manners School. Monuments to the Vernon family can be found in the All Saints Parish Church which stands in a commanding position on the hillside where the town started.

Such a sad gravestone, a little girl only 9 months old, makes you think doesn’t it?,  it’s not a practice run, get out and enjoy yourselves.

We’re off to Leyburn to Cow Close Waterfall and then on to Sutton Bank if time allows, Stormy will enjoy the walk, hope my back holds up to it!

Have a great Sunday

Adrian

Eyam Well Dressing

Well , excuse the pun it’s that time of year again, the Peaks are awash with well dressings, the ritual for Eyam only started in 1951.

Eyam has several shops and tea rooms, plus one pub, the Miner’s Arms. This is dated 1630 and is the former meeting place of the Barmote Court, which dealt with lead mining disputes. It is also is reputed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Derbyshire, which would surely add interest to a night’s stay! Just outside the village is a public carpark and toilets with a small museum opposite. On the edge above the village there is a Youth Hostel.

Eyam has a well-dressing in late August.

managed to sneak a picture of the lady’s designing their dressing, think they look shocked enough.

will be heading out later to  Osmaston, a most beautiful village

Adrian

Heatherama - Over Owler 9

Had a wonderful afternoon out yesterday, although I paid for it terribly last night with back spasms and cramp. We finished up at Over Owler in The Peaks and instead of the intended  Stormy weather shots I was presented with a beautiful sunny summers afternoon, it was very warm indeed. As usual Stormy got loads of attention..I think I’ll come back as a cute husky next time, theres something about having your tummy rubbed!  oohhh eerrr.

Anyway I couldn’t believe my eyes The Peaks were awash with the most beautiful purple heather and the smell of honey was intoxicating, made me hungry!, everywhere I turned the purple landscape stretched away giving an amazing contrast against the sunny blue afternoon sky.

Now I know we get used to seeing the sunrise and sunset shots  from professional photographers but I still find it refreshing to present a “clean light” shot, one where you don’t have to adjust your screen brightness etc etc, they tend to be more magazine friendly too plus you get to have longer in bed.

As the title suggests there are at least 9 of these shots, I’ll post more later, several will be on Visit Peak District site later this morning.

have a great day

Adrian