Category Archives: Uncategorized

Gresgarth Hall Gardens near Lancaster

Posted on November 22, 2017 by admin

Gresgarth Hall, where is that?  That’s what I said.  About 5 miles east of Lancaster on the road to Kirkby Lonsdale, turn right at Caton and there it is.   On a bend the long tree lined drive hides the house. … Continue reading →

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Williamson Park, Lancaster

Posted on November 17, 2017 by admin

Under a mile from Lancaster city centre up a hill is Williamson Park, a small lake and fountain, a wooded area, the Ashton Memorial, Butterfly House, aviary, mammal house and cafe.  Most of all there is a scenic view of … Continue reading →

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East Lancashire Railway and The Whitaker Museum

Posted on October 26, 2017 by admin

A visit to the ELR on Saturday 14th October for the Steam Event.  Running were ex Southern 34092 City of Wells and ex-LNER 60009 Union of South Africa plus some local locos. We drove to Rawtenstall which is the nearest … Continue reading →

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Northern Powerhouse v Midlands Engine

Posted on April 22, 2017 by admin

Traditionally Birmingham has been known as the ‘second city’ after London.  For the last 20 years Manchester’s star has been rising and it now makes a valid claim to be second city.  The Northern Powerhouse seemed to support this call … Continue reading →

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Railway Electrification in the North West

Posted on April 11, 2017 by admin

Work is underway at a fairly slow pace on electrifying more track in the North West of England. Currently the Manchester to Blackpool line is forecast for completion for the summer timetable of 2018.  Work on re-aligning the track is … Continue reading →

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Offshore Windfarms near Lancashire

Posted on January 5, 2017 by admin

If you visit the north Lancashire coast you can see rows of windmills near the horizon.   The closest is Barrow, 90MW.  Nearby are 3 others:  West of Duddon Sands 389MW,  Ormonde 150MW, Walney 9MW.   Just off the Mersey … Continue reading →

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Parliamentary Boundary Review 2018

Posted on September 9, 2016 by admin

The Electoral Commission is to publish initial findings on the 13th September for its review of boundaries.  There will then be a 12 week public consultation period and two other public reviews before the September 2018 presentation to Parliament.   … Continue reading →

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Lake District and Yorkshire Dales Extended

Posted on August 9, 2016 by admin

On the 1st August it was announced that the Lake District will be extended eastwards to the M6 and the Yorkshire Dales will be extended westwards to the M6. From the west coast to the east coast there is now … Continue reading →

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Attractive Lancashire hill country

Posted on July 31, 2016 by admin

Lancashire has some interesting places.   We visited Slaidburn in the Forest of Bowland with the Friends of the Lancashire Archives.  That area has large parts of the Duke of Westminster’s Estate.   From the west you can access it … Continue reading →

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EU Referendum – the North West votes

Posted on June 29, 2016 by admin

June 23rd was the day the UK voted to leave the EU by 52%/48%.   In England the country and towns voted to leave while the big cities voted to remain.  Wales voted out.  Scotland, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar voted … Continue reading →

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EU referendum impressions at the end of May

Posted on May 31, 2016 by admin

Seems like everyone I speak to or read on Facebook wants out of the EU.  On this basis the result will be 90/10 for leaving. Yet the pundits say it’s a very close thing and Remain is likely to win. … Continue reading →

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North West Plastic Bag Factory Closure

Posted on May 31, 2016 by admin

A packaging company in Nelson, East Lancashire, has closed due to cheap imports of plastic packaging and the 5p charge on plastic bags.  Some 50 manufacturing jobs lost in an area that needs jobs.  Bad news.

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Trident Nuclear deterrent?

Posted on February 28, 2016 by admin

A decision is due on replacing the existing submarines for the Trident nuclear weapon system.  These submarines are built in the North West of England. Those who support it believe it is a deterrent and weapon of last resort that … Continue reading →

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The Beauty of the North West

Posted on March 30, 2015 by admin

The North West of England is a great place to live.  The northern half is all hills and lakes with attractive towns like Ambleside and Keswick.  Even the roads are great, the M6 winds through the hills at Tebay and … Continue reading →

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Who will land on Mars first

Posted on December 6, 2014 by admin

The USA stepped up its space programme yesterday with the test launch and recovery of the Orion capsule designed for a manned journey to Mars and back.   The flight was the first time an inhabitable capsule has gone beyond … Continue reading →

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Fit for purpose?

Posted on February 15, 2010 by admin

Time of year to be thinking about getting over Christmas. Wonder why we buy so much chocolate at Christmas. My own worry is more about clogging up the veins as weight isn’t much of a problem.  I know I can … Continue reading →

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Opening Post

Posted on November 11, 2009 by admin

Welcome to the new blog that is to bring an opinion on topical events as viewed from north west England. The opinions probably won’t be typical but they will be topical. No axes to grind, only a few maybe, but … Continue reading →

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