Brentor Church in Monochrome.

One from this mornings venture to get a shot of the bluebells before they die off. Getting up at 5am hurt, a lot, but I’m happy I came away with one shot.

This is probably the only woodland shot you’ll get from me this year so behold in all its glory!

 

A bit of imagination never hurt anybody :D

Flies in the wood

were british a wee bit of rain wont hurt...............

Early one morning on the beach ,just us and a couple of surfers on dawn patrol . These are the rocks that hurt when you come off your board in heavy surf , got the T shirt on that .

my head hurts....its been a long week!

Leather Tor Bridge over the River Meavy

Another shot of this bridge taken from a slightly different angle and zoomed in. This one shows more of the bridge.... Not sure which one I like best.

 

I was struggling a bit on this walk as I took a hard tumble earlier and think I might have cracked a rib! I felt very foolish - not looking where I was going - and like most photographers when you fall you try to save the camera!!

I was determined to persevere with the walk as it didn't hurt too much when just walking, and I was pleased that I managed to complete it.... Could have been worse!

 

Skin JM:MAI Devon Sakuran

little trip to princetown today with a friend and the snow/hail was so hard it was hurting our faces

You get yourself ready, you’re looking forward to the date, you go there, and "absolute nightmare" they stand you up. There’s the rejection, the humiliation. It’s certainly not nice.

 

Being "stood up":

 

If your date doesn’t show, doesn’t text, and you’re just left waiting with no sign of them – you’ve been stood up.

 

It also means that if you get yourself ready, get yourself there, you text to see if they’re on their way and they then tell you they can’t make it – you’ve still been stood up.

  

Keep Your Cool

 

First up then, if you get stood up, and you’re still out at the venue – whatever emotions start to wash over you, take some deep breaths. Keep your cool and stay composed.

 

Yes it hurts, yes perhaps it feels a little embarrassing. But no-one knows what’s going on, no-one’s watching you or judging you – no matter how self-conscious you may now feel. So try to relax and don’t get too worked up.

 

Dating for me was half a century ago so the memories have faded - but not entirely gone. The poor girl looks devastated.

Sunburn hurts you in more ways than one. The danger goes far beyond any short-term pain, redness and discomfort, because after the sunburn fades, lasting damage remains.

 

Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

 

Sunburn is bad news, but the good news is that it’s totally preventable.

  

Sunburn is an inflammatory reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to the skin’s outermost layers. At the heart of it all is melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color and defends it against the sun’s rays. Melanin works by darkening your unprotected sun-exposed skin. The amount of melanin you produce is determined by genetics, which is why some people get sunburned while others tan. Both are signs of cellular damage to the skin. For people with less melanin, prolonged unprotected sun exposure can cause skin cells to become red, swollen and painful, also known as sunburn. Sunburns can range from mild to blistering.

  

Hemyock, Devon, UK.

England - Devon - Exmoor National Park

 

Copyright - All images are copyright © protected. All Rights Reserved. Copying, altering, displaying or redistribution of any of these images without written permission from the artist is strictly prohibited

'' Nature is not a place to visit, it is home ''

  

Ten years into my enjoyable time here on Flickr and I wanted to take a few moments of reminiscence, a trip down memory lane to look at a few of the photographs that have meant the most to me along the way. They might be commercial successes, personal favourites or images that evoke for me great memories or a turning point of some sort. Each has a few words about the events behind the frames.

  

(15) MISTY SUNRISE OVER FOOTS CRAY MEADOWS

  

This photograph represents to me the moments in time in which I am at one with Mother Nature, Nikon in hand doing the thing that I have since I was a small boy back in the 1970's. Landscape and wildlife were always at the top of my list for favourite subject matter, and loving Science and the Universe, with childhood recollections of vacations in the then dark sky areas of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, it seemed a natural progression to turn my lenses to the Golden hour.

  

Technically, when you get right down to it, there are blurred lines between what is actually dusk and dawn, first light, the blue hour, the golden hour. There are four times each and every day when the light is just about perfect for outdoors photography and these are known as the golden hour and the blue hour. They occur during the hour before the sun rises (blue) and the hour after (golden) and then the opposite in the evening, an hour before the sun sets (golden) and the hour after (blue). The lines blur when you have a blue coloured golden hour through cloud cover or weather conditions or a golden coloured blue hour.

  

It's always been mind blowing to me that the sun is 93 Million miles away from Planet Earth and Sunlight travels at the speed of light at around 186,000 miles per second and Photons emitted from the surface of the Sun need to travel across the vacuum of space to reach our eyes, taking on average 8 minutes and 20 seconds to travel from the Sun to the Earth. In real terms then, if we were watching a sunrise or sunset at any point, without knowing it, the sun might just have exploded already and we wouldn't know for another eight minutes! Back to reality and to make things simple, I tend to call my shots taken in the early morning before and as the sun rises, the golden hour. I'm incorrect but it's simpler that way.

  

I love to take photographs during the early morning when the first light is breaking through and the sun is beginning to make it's presence felt, rather than after the sun rises as that can be much harder to control in terms of flaring and ghosting across a seascape where I shoot a lot of the time. My whole working life from a young age saw me having to rise each morning from 2am to 4am and so it has never been a problem for me to set an alarm, get up and shower and head out into the darkness. A drive to the coast in the wee small hours, timing things so that you arrive with a low tide and the light just beginning to form always give me a buzz, and setting up on a beach or shoreline in the glorious fresh air with the waves lapping around you, the smell of the salty water and seaweed and the sound of the gulls above as they swoop and swirl can make you feel glad to be alive.

  

I also love the challenge of low light golden hour photography and the discipline it takes to set up correctly, nail your settings and then change them constantly with the coming of the sun rays. To me each and every sunrise is individual, unique, and even shooting in some of my familiar locations in Kent and over in Canada and the USA, each morning brings a uniquely different hue and light, and the results can be so different. I learned as a younger man that the rules of photography are that there are no rules of photography. They are there as guidelines for you to study and learn and then make work in a way which suits your own preferences and style of shooting. I personally do not favour high ISO photography, and tend to try and keep my ISO as low and close to the camera sensor's base unit as possible. In film days it was generally 200 ASA (and I stored my 35mm roll film in the fridge as it made a difference to the colours), nowadays with my Nikon D850 I try to shoot at 64 ISO even in the darkest light.

  

Shooting on a sturdy Manfrotto tripod (Italian designed and made and the best I've ever used) with a Nikon MC-DC2 remote wired shutter release going through my Nikon GP-1 GPS module is my method, and at 64 ISO I can preserve the quality of the RAW file and shoot at thirty seconds for example to allow light or movement. I've always owned and used filters and in more recent years made the move from Lee filters 100 to their flagship SW150 range with a dedicated ring kit for the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED IF starting things off before they made the brilliant decision to expand the possibilities by making a range of adapter rings in a range of sizes, 77mm and 95mm meeting my current needs. That means I can now use one range of Lee SW150 adapters and filters for all of my lenses including the Nikkor 14-24mm and the Nikkor AF-S 16-35mm f/4 G ED IF VR, my Nikkor AF-S 24-120 f/4G ED VR and even my Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 as I tend to use a Circular polarizer glass filter for wildlife shots.

  

I am currently in consultation with Lee filters excellent technicians in trying to come up with a special one off adapter for the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3DG OS HSM SPORTS as it such an important lens to me, and currently I am using my own custom made fitment to take the Lee SW150 system which I would like to improve on. Currently with a custom made one sided sticky velcro ring inside the Lee SW150 filter holder, I can mount that directly onto the Sigma lens barrel. The moulded end of the lens makes itself impossible to fit a standard Lee adapter and so I've been sending photographs to them of the lens and they are working hopefully on a solution.

  

Using filters on golden hour shots also opens up a world of possibility and I tend to carry them whenever on a low light shoot. Reverse neutral density glass filters are essential kit, the downside of filters being their cost initially. My Lee SW150 kit runs into the thousands, so they will be with me forever now! For me after an early shoot, I return home feeling content in so many ways, having been in the open air, hopefully watched a beautiful new day beginning, the exercise which can never hurt and the anticipation and hope that I got my settings and focus, especially manual focus shots, just right.

  

My processing system is old fashioned and simple, using a very old copy of Adobe Photoshop elements 8 from about 1925 I think, I send the RAW file as a NEF to the programme, and use as little processing as I can to release the colours, tone and contrast in the RAW file and perhaps a touch of sharpening when necessary. That's it. Convert to a JPeg and send to my desktop and the resulting files can be anything up to 60MP JPegs ready for my agents or Flickr.

  

This photograph was taken on a stunning morning in June after getting up at around 02:30am and making the twenty five minute journey down to a favoured location in Kent. On what used to be my daily commute to work every morning for seventeen years until I retired in July 2019, just down a steep, narrow cut through off Rectory Lane in the grounds of Foots Cray Meadows, over the River Cray in Bexley, Kent, England. It's a lovely spot next to All Saints a small church courtyard that opens up into a beautiful recreational park and on to a lake and an arched bridge where bats fly and birds gather. Being low in the valley when conditions are right there is often a low forming or all encompassing mist that sweeps around and envelopes you, and perfect for atmospheric, ethereal photography. Again that discipline of the ever changing light, mist cover and shapes within it created by the forest and the sun rising through it, are a joy and a challenge to capture. I NEED to come here every so often to show me the beauty of a new morning.

  

This frame was chosen on February 12th 2019 to appear on FLICKR EXPLORE (Highest Ranking: #47) becoming my 116th to be on Explore. It was published in the Shutterstock Commercial Collection on February 7th 2019. Whilst I am grateful to them and it has sold, I no longer submit to Shutterstock thanks to artistic differences. They believe that any image that is not taken at f/14 with everything in focus is 'Out of focus', and having returned dozens of my photographs shot at f/2.8 focussing on close objects with a creamy depth of focus as 'Out of focus', I decided it wasn't worth my time and effort bothering with them. Versions of this image and others from the same shoots made it into one of my published books, have been published online and also published by my agents Getty Images. It is also symbolic of a location I've loved for decades and a time of day that is pure heaven to my eyes.

 

It was also selected for a second time on FLICKR EXPLORE on Thursday 19th August 2021 with a highest position of 460th and became my 206th photograph to appear on Explore.

  

It was a great little team of Nikons used to capture this frame in the utterly superb Nikon D7200, the third in the 7000 that I owned, and the amazing and versatile Nikkor AF-S 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, a true gem of a lens that I managed to talk two photographers I used to work with and teach to purchase. The Nikon D7200 introduced in February 2013 was a cracking little high end APS-C crop factor DX gem offering the same 24.2 megapixel quality that the once fully professional Nikon D2x and D2Sx offered, and improvements in low light performance improved auto focus and a larger buffer than it's predecessors all in a lightweight package here with loads of features. The little 10-24mm, oh what a lens, giving me an ultra wide dx equivalent to my full frame 14-24mm Nikkor, in a 2.4 times zoom with an angle of 109 degrees to 61 degrees or 15-36mm in 35mm format. Three aspherical and two ED glass elements, a silent wave motor, quiet autofocus and tiny 460 gramms weight made it a must have companion and it worked so well with the D7200. That was a dream team of equipment in my opinion, coupled on this occasion with my Manfrotto 055Xprob Carbon Fiber Tripod 3 Sections, Manfrotto 327RC2 Magnesium Ball Head, Manfrotto quick release plate, Nikon MC-DC2 remote shutter release, Hoodman H-EYEN22S soft rubber eyecup. Matin quick release very soft and comfortable neckstrap and my Nikon GP-1 GPS module.

  

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©All photographs on this site are copyright: ©DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES (Paul Williams) 2011 – 2021 & GETTY IMAGES ®

  

No license is given nor granted in respect of the use of any copyrighted material on this site other than with the express written agreement of ©DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES (Paul Williams). No image may be used as source material for paintings, drawings, sculptures, or any other art form without permission and/or compensation to ©DESPITE STRAIGHT LINES (Paul Williams)

  

This photograph was taken at an altitude of Twenty nine metres, in the height of a misty and ethereal golden hour around sunrise, (Sunrise was at precisely 04:42am), at 03:59am on Tuesday 20th June 2017, off Rectory Lane in the grounds of Foots Cray Meadows, over the River Cray in Bexley, Kent, England.

  

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Nikon D7200 Focal length: 20mm Shutter speed: 1/400s Aperture: f/4.5 iso100 RAW (14Bit) Size L (6000x4000) Focus mode: Auto focus AF-C with 3D-tracking enabled Exposure mode: Manual exposure Metering mode: Matrix metering White balance: Auto white balance Auto Active D-lighting

  

Nikkor AF-S 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED. Phot-R 77mm UV filter.Nikon MB-D15 Battery grip pack. Nikon EN-EL battery (2). Manfrotto 055Xprob Carbon Fiber Tripod 3 Sections. Manfrotto 327RC2 Magnesium Ball Head. Manfrotto quick release plate 200PL-14. Jessops Tripod bag. Nikon MC-DC2 remote shutter release. Hoodman H-EYEN22S soft rubber eyecup. Matin quick release neckstrap. My Memory 32GB Class 10 SDHC. Lowepro Flipside 400 AW camera bag. Expert Shield screen protector for D7200. Nikon GP-1 GPS module.

  

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LATITUDE: N 51d 25m 20.50s

LONGITUDE: E 0d 7m 15.80s

ALTITUDE: 29.0m

   

RAW (TIFF) FILE SIZE: 69.00MB

PROCESSED (JPeg) SIZE: 22.50MB

  

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PROCESSING POWER:

  

Nikon D7200 Firmware versions A 1.10 C 1.02 (9/3/17) L 2.015 (Lens distortion control version 2)

  

HP 110-352na Desktop PC with AMD Quad-Core A6-5200 APU 64Bit processor. Radeon HD8400 graphics. 8 GB DDR3 Memory with 1TB DATA storage. 64-bit Windows 10. Verbatim USB 2.0 1TB desktop hard drive. WD My Passport Ultra 1tb USB3 Portable hard drive. Nikon ViewNX-1 64bit (Version 1.2.4 24/11/2016). Adobe photoshop Elements 8 Version 8.0 64bit.

   

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Autumn is here, that means pretty colors on the trees, warm coffee behind the window while it's raining, nice smells and.. hunting ! Foxes ! Of course we don't hurt them, it's mostly a, run and catch game.. While we explain to the dogs that Foxes are our friends and that we don't bite them, looks like the little fellow already started to play around with the puppies while mom and dad are getting ready to work !

 

Thanks to my friends, Ayame and Nox for posing with me ♥

 

----------------------------------- Blog Post -----------------------------------

 

On Horse

 

➵ Coat : :AppyBottoms: Teeglepet - Felix Coat

 

On Human

 

➵ Outfit : Cheval D'or - Henrietta Dressage Outfit (with AppyBottoms FoxHunt Applier)

 

On Fox

 

➵ Avatar : TWBM - Wolf Pup Avatar

 

On Dogs

 

➵ Front Dogs : [Teegle] "Charlie" the Labrador Retriever (with AppyBottoms DaringHound Shape Mod)

 

➵ Background Dogs : [Teegle] "Tater Tot" the Puppy

 

➵ Dogs Coats :

 

:AppyBottoms: TeeglePet DOG - Ellis Pelt

:AppyBottoms: TeeglePet DOG - Harrison Pelt

:AppyBottoms: TeeglePet DOG - Reggie Pelt

 

Decor

 

➵ Stable : Sovereign - Luz Clarita Barn

 

Available at Sovereign @ Briarwoods

 

➵ Carriage : Show Society - Landau Carriage

 

➵ Grass : Konoha - Drinker's Hayfield

 

------------------------------------- More -------------------------------------

 

➵ Horse tack : Cheval D'or / Teegle Avatar / Devon Hunter Tack Set.

 

Can be found at Cheval d'Or Mainstore

On returning from a trip up country (Plymouth) a month ago, we decided to have a drive across Dartmoor and view what stage the autumn colours were at.

 

Even then it was noticeable this was going to be a different autumn. In past years I have seen autumn bursting into colour around mid to late October.

 

We made a few stops in order to survey water levels and possible photographic opportunities for a revisit. The one stop I had to make was my favourite location which is Holne Bridge, a fascinating structure and surroundings.

 

A couple of days ago I revisited three locations on Dartmoor where I took a couple of shots at each. The recent storms had certainly taken its toll on the colours and quantity of leaves.

  

I will leave you with this thought, there is an old saying ‘That the truth hurts’, but not as much as jumping on a push bike after someone has nicked the seat 🙈😱👹.

 

I hope everyone out there in Flickerland has a good weekend.

The comments and banter are so appreciated🍺🍺🍺🍷🍷🍷😎😂😂😂

   

It's time for a drink!

 

The theme for week 8 is "Product Shot". This is my product, Ashcombe Cider. It never hurts to have an updated product shot so I have tried something a bit different with lighting on all sides.

 

We have made the cider for over ten years and it has become more and more popular. Last summer St Nectar won first prize at the Devon County Show, with White's Original coming second. The Whites Original won a silver medal at Taste of the West and we have entered the slightly sweeter St Nectar into the ToW contest for 2022 with the expectation of a gold (fingers crossed * EDIT... yes it won GOLD!). Next week we begin the blending of the 2021 harvested crop. We have one rule. It's only allowed to have apples in it.

 

The sparkling cider is 4.2% to 5.5% ABV. The slightly more cloudy and drier White's Original is named after the farming family who originally planted the trees on the estate. St Nectar is named after Ashcombe church's patron saint; St Nectan.

view large...B l a c k M a g i c

 

I've been after a shot from this location for ages but never had the bottle to clamber down the cliff face to it until now. I wouldn't do it on my own so relied on my Dad to scramble down first and let me see how bad it was:-) I broke my ankle bigtime a few years back taking pictures and have lost a great deal of confidence as a result.

 

I've done some fairly crazy things to make images in the past and this is definitely up there. Climbing back up it in the dark wasn't the best of fun either.

 

the tide wasn't as low as I had reckoned so it wasn't as easy to compose as I would have liked. The waves were massive tearing into this bay and I didn't want to venture too far along these ledges as there is no way you would get out of here if you happened to get hurt.

 

Anyway, hope you all think it was worth it, I know I do!

 

5Dmkii 16-35miiL 30 secs @ f.8 iso 100 Lee 0.75 hard grad & 1.2 nd

  

"It is as if a stranger came into your house. And they would want to hurt your family, your children, your wife. Any man would behave the same way".

 

A growing number of Ukrainians living in Britain are buying surplus military equipment and preparing to head for the front lines in their homeland.

 

With so many volunteers now joining the ranks in Ukraine, wearing a range of jackets, there's a risk of misidentification on the battlefield which could lead to fighters injuring their own forces.

 

Bright yellow armbands currently used to identify "friendly forces" bring their own risk of being spotted by the Russian military.

-------------------------------------- Story --------------------------------------

 

There are days like this where we would like to go back.. But it's impossible.. Take me back..

 

This day had however started well, the weather was mild, no more hot weather like we have had in recent weeks. As usual, in the morning we fed the Ranch horses and then took them to the paddocks.

 

At the beginning of the afternoon, we brought in a few to brush them, pamper them and then ride them a little. Late afternoon, around 5p.m., I took our 3 year old resident for a little jumping training. She is also a reformed racing mare, we have already saved a number of them. She's been with us for a good 2 weeks and she's one of the sweetest mare on the Ranch. We chained the jumps one after the other, small at the start then we took them bigger, until this one..

 

The mare stumbled at the start of the obstacle but she still took off above, unbalanced, she tried to catch up as she could on the other side but her hoof twisted under our weight and her impulse .. She ended up on her knees, her nose on the floor and her rear end passed over her, I flew away, luckily I fell far enough not to be crushed by her weight but her.. She fell down from all her weight on her back and rolled onto her side before trying to get up, it seemed like an eternity to me but it lasted five minutes.. The mare ended up getting up but her right front leg seemed out of place, she didn't put it on the ground. while my friend ran towards us, worried.

 

We examined the mare before noting the damage.. It was quite serious.. We did not waste a second before calling the veterinarian explaining the situation to him. He told us that he would arrive in ten minutes, fortunately the clinic is not that far..

 

The ten minutes that followed the vet's wait were endless. The mare was stressed, panicked and above all she must have been in pain. We took her saddle off while talking to her and caressing her to try to calm her down. The veterinarian's 4x4 arrived with the trailer, he got out and headed towards us with his bag to carry out first aid if necessary. He examined the mare in turn and looked serious.. He told us that he was going to have to take her for X-rays because her leg was probably broken..

 

We nodded then the vet took a syringe out of his bag before filling it with a tranquilizer, or a painkiller who knows.. So that we could transport the mare to safety. We walked to the van slowly with the limping mare, at every step, her shoulder seemed to dislocate from its position.. It was truly horrible to watch, and she must have been in pain.. This sight and imagining the pain that she had made me sick but I continued to advance to the back of the trailer. She wasn't reluctant to get in and we tied her up, the vet made her an emergency harness to hold her shoulder during the journey. He closed the trailer's gates and told us he will contact us as soon as he have news, good or bad.. I asked if I could go with him he said no, cause he will immediately take her in radiology. I said alright and he went back in his 4x4 before starting and leaving for the clinic.

 

I stood there watching the vehicle leave until I no longer saw it along the way. Tears rolled down my cheeks as my friend asked me if I had hurt myself somewhere. Honestly I didn't know anything about it at the time but I knew that my heart hurt to see this young mare in bad shape, and it was my fault.. If only I hadn't been riding her today, or we probably would have been on a ride and this accident probably wouldn't have happened.. I just want to go back..

 

----------------------------------- Blog Post -----------------------------------

 

➵ Coat : Texture Barn: Legends Series Ruffian for Teegle (LIMITED EDITION)

 

Can be found at The Texture Barn Main Store

 

And also at The Texture Barn Teegletown

 

Found more on The Texture Barn Website

 

➵ Bridle : Cheval D'or / Teegle Avatar / Devon Hunter Tack Set.

 

➵ Saddle : Cheval D'or / Teegle Avatar / Kingsley Tack Set.

 

➵ Boots : Cheval D'or / Teegle Avatar / Cosmo Splint Boots.

 

➵ Polo Wraps : Cheval D'or / Teegle Avatar / Polo Wraps/Bandages.

 

Can be found at Cheval d'Or Mainstore

Tales in Omos Chapter 4: Festival Of The Kaid

 

Koruel rushed to the town square, some guards were attacking an Elven woman, but something seemed amiss as they did. Koruel noticed a few of the guard’s eyes were buzzing with a dark shade of red, they seemed to be mindlessly violent and were unresponsive to his questions. Koruel and this Elven woman worked together to knock out the brainwashed guards and were greeted by their shocked Captain, Devon. He thanked them for their help and expressed his confusion on why his own men would turn on him and an innocent civilian. The Elven woman introduced herself as Lia Starbreeze, her family name brought Captain Devon to his knees, he apologised for not having bowed sooner. Lia dismissed this formality and seemed rather fed up with such actions from people, she wished to be treated like any other. Captain Devon asked the two to accompany him to visit the Kaid and tell them of what transpired. They left to do so, after freeing Sekarr from his imprisonment after the previous ‘misunderstanding’.

 

The party entered the glamourous gold and white halls and walked towards where the Kaid was residing. At this time he was in deep conversation with the Meejay, but stopped to listen to Captain Devon. The presence of raw strength from the room was incredible, the Meejay were some of the most powerful men and women in the realm. The party discussed what had happened and the Kaid seemed troubled. It was stated that one of the Meejay, Corina had been recently killed. Alister, the Meejay who had assisted the party before, stormed out of the room after this information was mentioned. Sekarr broke the tension by proposing that it could in some way be related to the events that just took place. Sekarr continued to talk, his savage upbringing meant he had little regard for manners. Lugan, one of the largest men in the room threatened Sekarr for speaking out of turn, The party assumed he would’ve learnt from his recent imprisonment, but he hadn’t. Sekarr continued to speak, and Lugan continued to grimace. Before he got the party killed, Koruel cast a sleeping spell to shut Sekarr up. The Kaid thanked the adventures for their information and he promised to investigate things further. With this the party left.

 

Lia expressed her interest in staying with Sekarr and Koreul, as she longed for adventure and enjoyed fighting with Koruel in the city streets. They welcomed her onboard, happy to have another strong warrior join them. The group decided it was wise to explore Siwa and find something to eat. The found their way to a nearby Tavern and eat there. Their meal was quickly interrupted by some drunk men who began hitting on Lia and causing a scene. The party dealt with them… but as usual Sekarr took things a little too far, and got them kicked out of the tavern.

 

The party met up with some of Lia’s family, she was of noble blood, though she didn’t seem to enjoy that she was. They were escorted to The Starbreeze Manor, Lia’s Home. They were told they could stay the night here. Things between Lia and her family were tense, they wanted her to stay with the family, but she was determined to live her life, go on an adventure and have some sense of freedom. Lia’s mentor, Oromis disagree with the rest of the family. He checked to see if Lia was hurt, and then gave her a strange green emerald necklace telling her she needed to leave to assist the Kaid.

 

Things between Sekarr and Koruel were tense. Koruel had been lying to Sekarr, and refusing to share his past. Sekarr welcomed his company but couldn’t trust someone who was so suspicious and secretive. Before Koruel went to sleep, Sekarr drew his bow on him, demanding that he be honest with him. Koruel had said before he had killed an innocent person, Sekarr had a high moral standing and refused to work with murderers. Koruel expressed his past was hard to talk about, but told him aspects that he was willing to share. The person he had killed was his daughter, and it was not his choice that she died. He also expressed that his magic can be unstable and he was sorry for the times it had hurt him and the party in combat. Sekarr was satisfied and the two were on good terms.

 

The following morning the party left together to explore Siwa. As they did a rather flamboyant man pranced up toward Koruel expressing how happy he was to see him. Confusion spread across Koruel’s face as this man, later introducing himself as Sophomore proclaimed that he needed an actor for the performance tonight, and Koruel was the perfect man for the job. Lying threw his teeth Koruel expressed that he was a seasoned actor and would be happy to help. Sophomores offer for a hefty amount of payment was also enough to entice Koruel.

 

The party left in confusion and mild excitement. They heading to the theatre and Koruel began his preparation. The play wouldn’t start until much later tonight, so Lia and Sekarr decided to explore Siwa together while they waited. The Festival of the Kaid was on in the city and much celebration and excitement filled the streets, more so then normal. Sekarr had never seen such things, Lia disliked the politics and formalities, but enjoyed the festival. As they walked the city streets, two children rushed past them in a flash, stealing some of their weapons. Sekarr and Lia raced after them and found themselves in a dark alleyway. The kids simply wanted a laugh and left their weapons there, running off giggling. As they went to pick up their stolen weapons, several shady men walked into the alleyway, weapons drawn and looking for trouble. Without hesitation Sekarr rushed into battle, as did Lia. The two of them made quick work of these would be attackers. Sekarr was rather impressed by Lia’s skills in combat.

 

The stars and the moon filled the sky, followed by fireworks and celebration across Siwa. Lia and Sekarr continued to enjoy themselves and proceeded to head back to the Solaris theatre in time to watch Koruel in his performance debut. Koruel was a natural, even though this was his first performance, it was as if he had been acting for years! As the show continued, hooded figures rose from the seats around them, they too seemed to be mindlessly moving, and the sides of their eyes buzzed a dark shade of red. They drew daggers and began to mindlessly slaughter the audience. Screams filled the air, and Sekarr and Lia drew their weapons…

To Be Continued…

 

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The image might be a tad dark for you, if so turn up your brightness ;)

 

Continuing things, hadn't posted any new ones in a bit, but it takes a bit to write the stories. We're currently up to Chapter 13, so I'll be sure to marathon the stories soon (All the pictures for each chapter I'm caught up on though ;)

More soon!

Nice paintwork, nice chrome, fat bellies and big boots - - but not "real bikers", far too clean.

 

No gloves, no armour in the jeans open faced helmet with no face covering. If you have ever ridden a bike for any distance above 30 miles an hour you will know that a fly in the face or a wasp or a stone chipping hurts and your fingers get exceedingly cold exceedingly quickly. But I suppose if you ride at 30mph on a bike that weighs a third of a tonne, then I suppose you sort of topple over rather than crash.

 

Now the guy on the left has the right idea; and the gear to go with it.

 

Candid street shot, Brixham, Devon, UK.

I couldn't sleep one night so I got in my car and went on a drive up to Dartmoor as I sometimes do. I took my camera with me since it was a full moon and I had in mind a particular place that I had found on a previous trip. When I got there it was bitterly cold but I had walked a fair bit up a hill in the dark so I thought I would make the most of it. I had recently bought a light stick to do some light painting but a few shots in I was still struggling to get the right settings and couldn't get a smooth trail since it was very uneven ground and didn't want to hurt myself in the middle of nowhere. I then had the idea to do some long exposures and thought it would be a good time to try and get some shots with me in it (I normally hate being in front of the camera). I set up my camera on the tripod and then went up onto this outcrop and then posed for a while and so to not have to climb up too many times I did several long exposures on after the other, only to realise that after about the second one, the lens started fogging up so I had been sitting perfectly still in the cold for nothing!

 

This shot I really liked as the silhouette came out really strongly and would never have imagined that the sky would come out so well. I had a few niggles in the top left corner after doing a bit of editing when converting the RAW file to a JPEG and sadly seemed to lose a lot of image quality. But I was still really happy with this shot, and even though this was the only decent photograph that came out that night I think it was still worth it.

 

Best viewed on Black.

“Oh child,” the old woman said, as she looked up to see a young girl walk underneath the patterned tapestries into her tent. The elder patted her thin fragile hand beside her on the ground, gesturing to the girl to sit. “I can see with that look on your face why you're here,” she said. "Come sit, you’re troubled. The world is a troubled place. Each of us have had our hardships. None of us are immune to them.” The young girl walked over and kneeled on the ground, facing the elder shrouded in robes. The girl sat there, shaken and distraught.

 

There was clearly pain in her eyes. Taking a deep breath in before a slight pause, the elder stared into the young girl’s eyes. A loss was is seen inside them. Deep and cavernous pupils reflecting a tragedy of great measure, rippled through a community of her people. She’s tried to stuff the hurting down, holding herself up and trying to appear strong, but with every few moments, she lay gutted inside again over the loss.

 

“I’ve too seen unspeakable things my dear.” The old woman lifted her sleeve, revealing the word “sinner” carved in her skin. She reached over with her other hand and traced her fingertips over the raised letters. “We all have our stories and with every tragedy should come change. We should be comprehending these travesties, adapting and learning from the wickedness thrown at us by them. Figuring how we’re going to transition and continue on with living our lives. Being dragged down by difficult trials is going to change you, but you must cope and pray to honesty prevent yourself from not moving past tragedy. Fastened pain will only weigh heavily on your shoulders.”

 

That evening, the young girl walked out of the village. She traveled far to be alone, to be at peace. She climbed through the hills of the abstract countryside during dusk, humming hymns of peace as she read the scripts of her lord. She swept the air full of beaming specs of light while in prayer, sending hope into the world. The wind blew and swayed the orbs into the sky, carrying them across the landscape. They shortly danced together in the winds as a final goodbye before dispersing towards the horizon, into the night.

Eldhraun Lava Field, Iceland. 2015

----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Le vœu de Paix

"Oh mon enfant" dit la vieille dame alors que ses yeux se posèrent sur une jeune fille soulevant la lourde tapisserie pour entrer dans sa tente. L'aînée tapota de sa main fragile le sol à côté d'elle, invitant la jeune fille à s'assoir. "Je peux voir à ton regard pourquoi tu es là," dit-elle. "Viens t'assoir, tu es agitée. Le monde est un lieu agité. Chacun de nous a ses batailles. Personne n'y échappe." La jeune fille traversa la tente et s'agenouilla sur le sol, face à l'aînée enveloppée de foulards. Elle s'assit là, tremblante et désemparée.

 

Il y avait sans nul doute de la douleur dans ses yeux. Prenant une grande inspiration, puis une mince pause, l'aînée plongea ses yeux dans ceux de la jeune fille. Un vide les emplissait. Ses pupilles profondes et caverneuses reflétaient une grande tragédie qui avait éclaboussé la surface de sa communauté. Elle essayait de cacher la souffrance, se contenant et essayant d'apparaître forte, mais à presque chaque instant, elle risquait de laisser s'écouler le flot de son deuil.

 

"J'ai moi aussi vu des choses indescriptibles mon enfant." La vieille dame remonta sa manche révélant le mot "pêcheur" sculpté dans sa peau. De sa main libre, elle passa ses doigts sur le relief des lettres. "Nous avons tous nos histoires et de chaque tragédie découle un changement. Nous devons tenter de comprendre ces mascarades, nous adapter et apprendre de la vilenie qui nous est jetée au visage. Il faut découvrir comment s'en sortir et continuer à vivre nos vies. Être touchée par ces épreuves difficiles va te changer, mais tu dois tenir le coup, prier pour te préserver et t'échapper de cette tragédie. Te cramponner à la douleur ne la fera que peser plus lourd sur tes épaules."

 

Ce soir-là, la jeune fille s'éloigna du village. Elle marcha longtemps pour être seule, pour être en paix. Alors que le crépuscule l'enveloppait, elle grimpa les collines, passant à travers les paysages abstraits des champs, fredonnant des hymnes de paix tirés des saintes écritures. Pendant qu'elle priait, elle sema dans l'air une multitude d'éclats de lumière, répandant ainsi l'espoir sur le monde. Le vent souffla et dispersa les lueurs dans le ciel, les emportant au loin.Très vite, elles commencèrent à danser ensemble dans les courants d'air et, après un salut final, elles disparurent à l'horizon, absorbées par la nuit nuire.

 

Eldhraun Lava Field, Iceland. 2015

 

Behind the Scenes and Dedication: www.zukephotography.com/blog/2015/12/11/behind-the-scenes...

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/zukephoto

Parámetros :: Parameters :: Paramètres: Canon EOS 7D; ISO 3200; 0 ev; f3.5; 1/80 s; 18 mm Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM HSM.

 

Título :: Title :: Titre ::: Fecha (Date): Interiores :: Interior :: Intérieur ::: 2015/08/29 19:21

Palabras Clave, Keywords: Oscuridad, Grano, Monasterio, Piedra, Parque, Natural, Pareja, Luz, Fray, Agua, Gotas, Zaragoza, Nuévalos, Tordesillas, Sórdido, Valladolid, Tortura, Macabro, Toro, Dark, Grain, Monastery, Stone, Park, Natural, Couple, Light, Brother, Water, Drops, Zaragoza, Nuévalos, Tordesillas, Sleaze, Valladolid, Torture, Macabre, Bull, Sombre, grains, Monastère, Pierre, parc, naturel, Couple, Lumière, Frère, l'eau, baisses, Saragosse, Nuévalos, Tordesillas, Sordide, Valladolid, la torture, Macabre

 

(Es). Historia: Parque Natural del Monasterio de Piedra. Nuévalos. Zaragoza. España. El día antes, viernes, nos anuncian las noticias que el sábado será un día caluroso en España. Entonces: ¿qué hacemos mañana por la tarde?. Alguién apunta que podemos ir al Monasterio de Piedra… Reviso en la página de Internet del Parque Natural si está autorizada la entrada de mascotas, España es aún un país muy retrasado en estos avances como sociedad. Llamo por teléfono y sorprendentemente se pueden introducir mascotas, pero sujetas con correa. Perfecto. Vamos mañana por la tarde; por la mañana hay trabajo.

 

Al llegar y comenzar a caminar por el Parque comprendí que era más que aconsejable el llevar a las mascotas sujetas y continuamente controladas. Ese Parque Natural tiene varias cascadas de agua que pueden ser muy peligrosas; si una mascota se introduce en el agua inadvertidamente es muy probable que acabe cayendo por alguna de las cascadas, que pueden llegar a tener más de 20 metros de altura.

 

Os recomiendo visitarlo y planificar el dedicarle al menos entre tres y cuatro horas para disfrutarlo tranquila y completamente. En otoño debe de tener un colorido espectacular. Habrá que repetir dentro de unas semanas. Buscaremos cualquier disculpa para volver a Navarra y acercarnos hasta allí. La cascada de Cola de Caballo es una de las más altas y tiene un acceso estrecho y empinado, con zonas dentro de la roca, que permite colocarse en la parte interior de la zona de caída del agua. Allí está tomada la foto.

 

Desde luego es más aconsejable visitar este Parque Natural de España, en vez de acercarse a lugares en los que practican actos macabros, la tortura y maltrato animal como diversión, tal y como ocurre en el sórdido pueblo de Tordesillas, en la provincia de Valladolid. Allí se mata un toro cada año, acosado por cientos de personas armadas de lanzas de más de 50 cm de largas; unos a pie y otros a caballo. Clavan las lanzas al toro múltiples veces hasta que no puede seguir en pié y se tumba dolorido y moribundo. Luego un cruel y cobarde verdugo le intentará dar la puntilla para provocar el triste final. El ganador de esa masacre se lleva los órganos genitales del toro. Actos como éste son los que aún se mantienen por políticos con nula sensibilidad en esta España actual, pero que neciamente permiten mantener costumbres macabras propias de hace cientos de años.

 

El alcalde actual de ese sórdido pueblo es de un partido de centro/izquierda. El anterior era de centro/derecha. Es indiferente: la mente de los políticos españoles está aún anclada en tradiciones dolorosas de hace varios siglos. Esto, tristemente, también es España.

 

Toma: La caída de agua no es sólo en la zona de la cascada que se ve a la izquierda sino que todo el techo de la cueva está goteando continuamente, lo que complica la toma de las fotos. Además el agua de la cascada que golpea el suelo produce una nube de finas gotas que terminan mojando todo el equipo. Eso supone tener la cámara protegida y, después de analizar el encuadre y características con las que se quiere hacer la toma, preparar rápidamente la cámara, analizar por el visor y disparar rápidamente. El objetivo se empaña rápidamente y la escena se torna borrosa en unos segundos. La sensibilidad la tengo que elevar a 3200 para disponer de una velocidad aceptable, lo que producirá cierto grano en la imagen final; por tanto me decanté en hacer la toma más desde el punto de vista de creatividad personal que de concepto técnico. Simplemente espere a la postura de los personajes y a no mojarnos demasiado.

 

Tratamiento: Con Aperture. Original en RAW. Con una sensibilidad de 3600 ISO reduzco la definición a un valor nulo, evitando en la medida tener demasiado grano. Aumento ligeramente la vibración de color. En el histograma aplico un recorte de la parte derecha que apenas tiene información. Aplico finalmente una viñeta para suavizar el foco de luz de la parte superior izquierda.

 

¡Eso es todo amigos!

 

(En). The History: Natural Park of Monasterio de Piedra. Nuévalos. Zaragoza. Spain. The previous day, Friday, we heard on the news that Saturday will be a hot day in Spain. So what do we do tomorrow afternoon ?. Someone says we can go to the Monasterio de Piedra ... I check the website of the Natural Park is authorized to check the entry of pets, Spain is still too far behind in this progress as a society. I make a phone call and surprisingly pets can be entered, but leashed. Perfect. We'll go tomorrow afternoon; we have work in the morning.

 

Arriving and start walking through the park I realized that it was very advisable to carry pets subject and continuously monitored. This natural park has several waterfalls that can be very dangerous; If a pet is inadvertently introduced into the water it is very likely to end up falling for one of the waterfalls, which can have more than 20 meters high.

 

I recommend the walk to visit and plan to invest at least three to four hours to enjoy quiet and completely. In autumn you should have a colorful spectacular. We will return in a few weeks to be in the autumn atmosphere. We look for any excuse to return to Navarre and closer up there. The cascade of Horsetail is one of the highest in the park and has a shape narrow and steep access to areas within the rock, which allows positioned on the inside of the water landing area. There is taken the photo.

 

Of course it is infinitely more advisable to visit this Natural Park Spain, rather than closer to places where they practice macabre acts, torture and animal abuse as fun for people, as occurs in the seedy town of Tordesillas, in the Valladolid. There a bull each year, beset by hundreds of armed with spears of more than 50 cm long people are killed; some on foot and others on horseback. Spears nailed bull on multiple times until the animal can not go on foot and lies hurt and dying. After a cruel and cowardly executioner try to give the lace to bring the sad end. The winner of that slaughter the bull genitals takes. Acts like this are those who still stand by politicians with no sensitivity in the current Spain but foolishly allow customs own macabre keep hundreds of years ago.

 

The current mayor of this dingy town is a party center / left. The former was center / right. It is immaterial: the mind of Spanish politicians still tied in painful traditions of many centuries. This, sadly, is also Spain.

 

Taking up: The waterfall is not only in the area of the waterfall is on the left but the full ceiling of the cave is continuously leaking, which makes taking pictures is complicated. On the other hand, water from the waterfall hitting the ground produces a cloud of fine droplets throughout the wetting end photography equipment. That means keeping the camera protected and, after analyzing the frame and features that you want to do the shot, the camera quickly prepare, look through the viewfinder and shoot quickly. The objective lens is fogged quickly and blurs the scene within seconds. The sensitivity to the need to raise 3200 to provide an acceptable rate, resulting in some grain in the final image; therefore I chose to make the decision from the point of view of personal creativity that technical concept. Just wait for the posture of people no longer get wet too.

 

Treatment: With Aperture. Original RAW. With ISO 3600 sensitivity must we reduce the definition to a null value, thereby avoiding too much grain display. Slightly increase the vibration of color. In the histogram I apply a cut on the right side that has little information. Finally apply a vignette to soften the spotlight of the upper left.

 

That's all folks !!

 

(Fr). Histoire: Parc Naturel du Monasterio de Piedra. Nuévalos. Zaragoza. L'Espagne. La veille, vendredi, nous avons entendu aux nouvelles que le samedi sera une journée chaude en Espagne. Alors, que faisons-nous demain après-midi?. Quelqu'un dit que nous pouvons aller à la Monasterio de Piedra ... Je vérifie le site du Parc Naturel est autorisé à vérifier l'entrée des animaux de compagnie, l'Espagne est encore trop loin derrière dans ce progrès en tant que société. Faire un appel téléphonique et étonnamment animaux peuvent être saisis, mais tenus en laisse. Parfait. Nous irons demain après-midi; nous avons du travail dans la matinée.

 

Arrivée et commencer à marcher à travers le parc, je compris qu'il était très utile pour réaliser animaux sujet et surveillé en permanence. Ce parc naturel a plusieurs chutes d'eau qui peuvent être très dangereux; Si un animal est introduit par inadvertance dans l'eau est très susceptible de finir par tomber pour l'une des chutes d'eau, qui peuvent avoir plus de 20 mètres de haut.

 

Je recommande la promenade à visiter et à planifier d'investir au moins trois à quatre heures pour profiter de calme et complètement. En automne, vous devriez avoir une coloré spectaculaire. Nous reviendrons dans quelques semaines pour être dans l'atmosphère de l'automne. Nous cherchons une excuse pour revenir à la Navarre et plus proche là-haut. La cascade de Prêle est un des plus élevés dans le parc et a une forme accès étroit et raide aux domaines relevant de la roche, ce qui permet positionné à l'intérieur de l'aire d'atterrissage de l'eau. Il est pris la photo.

 

Bien sûr, il est infiniment plus conseillé de visiter ce parc naturel en Espagne, plutôt que près des endroits où ils pratiquent des actes macabres, la torture et les mauvais traitements des animaux aussi amusant pour les gens, comme cela se produit dans la ville miteux de Tordesillas, dans le Valladolid. Il taureau chaque année, en proie à des centaines de armés de lances de plus de 50 cm de long gens sont tués; les uns à pied et d'autres à cheval. Spears cloué taureau sur plusieurs fois jusqu'à ce que l'animal ne peut pas aller à pied et se trouve mal et de la mort. Après un bourreau cruel et lâche essayer de donner la dentelle pour apporter la triste fin. Le vainqueur de ce massacre les organes génitaux de taureau prend. Actes de ce genre sont ceux qui se dressent encore par des politiciens sans sensibilité dans l'Espagne actuelle, mais permettent bêtement coutumes propres gardent macabre il ya des centaines d'années.

 

L'actuel maire de cette ville sale est un centre de parti / gauche. L'ancien était le centre / droite. Il est sans importance: l'esprit des hommes politiques espagnols encore attachés aux traditions douloureux de nombreux siècles. Ceci, malheureusement, est aussi l'Espagne.

 

Prendre: La chute d'eau est non seulement dans le domaine de la cascade est sur la gauche, mais le plafond complet de la grotte est continuellement fuit, ce qui rend la prise de photos est compliquée. D'autre part, l'eau de la cascade de toucher le sol produit un nuage de fines gouttelettes au long de la fin de mouillage équipement de photographie. Cela signifie garder la caméra protégé et, après analyse de la structure et les caractéristiques que vous voulez faire le coup de feu, la caméra rapidement préparer, regarder à travers le viseur et tirer rapidement. L'objectif est embué rapidement et brouille la scène en quelques secondes. La sensibilité à la nécessité d'élever 3200 pour fournir un taux acceptable, résultant en un peu de grain dans l'image finale; Je ai donc choisi de prendre la décision de la point de vue de la créativité personnelle que concept technique. Juste attendre que la posture de gens ne sont plus trop se mouiller.

 

Traitement: Avec Aperture. Original RAW. Avec la norme ISO 3600 sensibilité devons-nous réduire la définition d'une valeur nulle, évitant ainsi l'affichage de grain trop. Augmenter légèrement la vibration de la couleur. Dans l'histogramme Je demande une coupure sur le côté droit qui a peu d'informations. Enfin, appliquez une vignette pour adoucir le feu des projecteurs de la partie supérieure gauche.

 

Voilà, c'est tout!

 

Wake up Maggie I think I got something to say to you

It's late September and I really should be back at school

I know I keep you amused but I feel I'm being used

Oh Maggie I couldn't have tried any more

You lured me away from home just to save you from being alone

You stole my heart and that's what really hurt

 

~Rod Stewart~

Jamal: Tre, you seem like a nice guy, but you should

know - if you ever make our Nikki cry, you'll have to

answer to us, men of this family. You better never make

our sistah sad, right? We won't let anyone upset Nikki,

you'll have to answer to me and Tyrese.

 

Tre: * gulp *

 

Little Mike: Yeah, and to me!

 

Tyrese: * trying to look as serious as he can. *

 

Nikki: * staring at Jamal's head, deciding if she should hit her bro

with a toaster, or laugh it off, or play along, because Jamal sounds so

believable! While everyone in the fam knows he won't hurt a fly. *

 

Baby Jada: giggling and patting Tre's shoulder to cheer him up a bit.

 

Devon: * just enjoying the scene. She remembers similar show when

she brought her first boyfriend to meet the fam. That boyfriend

happened to be Tyrese. *

 

(they sit this way in their shelf, so i decided to imagine what the conversation is like)

Collected today from Devon is a new addition to the Brighton Horizon fleet this Volvo B10M Plaxton Excalibur 57 seater coach. With an increase in numbers on one of our school contracts the need for a higher capacity non standard vehicle is needed (only offer 49 execs). Originally the plan was to acquire a short term 57 seater while we upseat one or possibly two of the Levante’s to make them high capacity. I was very hesitant to even consider operating something like this again but 57 seaters are very hard to come by and short term won’t hurt. On the drive back to Sussex my opinion certainly changed from only wanting this is a short term motor which will cover the extra capacity needed and then can be sold as quickly as possible and be forgotten about to this is actually a really nice coach. It has to be the tidiest Plaxton Excalibur i’ve seen and inside despite being the oldest even the dashboard buttons have no signs of wear too! When new it would of been a high spec Excalibur with a telma (not standard on these back then) , front fog lights & air con all optional extras at the time. This coach will also be registered K123 BUS in the coming weeks

Paragon Dance Animations presents Alia Vintage Belly Dance Pack. Exclusively Available at Uber sl August 25. maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Uber/188/189/19

 

Full Video can be seen here: www.facebook.com/pinky.claridge/posts/3314206448663652

 

Alia channels this pure, classic and soulful style of belly dance. Vintage style emphasizes on being connected with the essence of the dance by being one with the music through free-style, rather than relying on physicality of choreography.

Bento hands with optimized frame rates for the smoothest motion, these are newest and hottest belly dances on the grid made by the most prominent figure of vintage belly dance.

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❗❗Product Description❗❗

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

8 vintage style belly dances, all free-styled performance captured by Alia Mohamed, an esteemed authority/specialist on vintage style belly dances.

Alia channels this classic style of belly dance from the 50's to 60's, the Golden Era of Belly Dance," characterized by improvisation, simplicity, and glamour, mesmerizing crowds worldwide.

Dance 01 to 04 originally danced to "Dala" by Hany Mehanna

Dance 05 to 08 originally danced to "Raks Layli El Charrk (Dance of Oriental Nights) by George Abdo

Dance 01 - 28.10 sec

Dance 02 - 27.25 sec

Dance 03 - 29.55 sec

Dance 04 - 29.55 sec

Dance 05 - 27.45 sec

Dance 06 - 28.40 sec

Dance 07 - 27.70 sec

Dance 08 - 29.35 sec

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Dance Pack Contents

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 01_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 02_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 03_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 04_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 05_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 06_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 07_PARAGON

Alia - Vintage Belly Dance 08_PARAGON

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

❗❗Product Features❗❗

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

◘ Bento hands/fingers (detailed finger articulation)

◘ Motion-captured on an 15-camera Optitrack Prime 13 optical mocap system for the smoothest and natural flowing animations.

◘ Authentically danced/choreographed and mocap recorded by Alia Mohamed.

*Licensed by Alia Mohamed*

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❗❗ PARAGON LINKS ❗❗

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FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/ParagonDanceAnimations/

FLICKR:

www.flickr.com/photos/paragondanceanimations/

INSTAGRAM:

www.instagram.com/paragondanceanimations/

MARKETPLACE

marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/214265

INWORLD GROUP URL

secondlife:///app/group/6f12165e-7e7b-3e6a-b858-1a9e8ae45d4b/about

 

Directed by: Pinky Devon owner of Jamworld Studios

 

Song used: Truth Hurts feat. Rakim - Addictive

 

I do not own the rights to the music or sound bites included in the content of this video. All content is presented strictly under the fair use act. All rights reserved to original content creators.

o.m.g. love Daisuke so much it hurts

B E N D E R- Gogo Dress in Gold

B E N D E R- Miss-Treated Thigh Boots in Gold

Taox Tattoo Fingerless Lace Tattoo Gloves

Reckless Tattoo- Fatale

{Letituier} Athena Hair in Fatpack

JUMO Fashion and Beauty-Devon Skin in Ebony

=Zenith= Farewell My Concubine Rings

The Mesh Project Moody Head

Euphoric Milano Mesh Eyes- Set 03

Slackgirl- LeBrow Eyebrows

 

wp.me/p45sIE-1kb

 

Blackdown hills hedge association competition, 12th March, Hemyock, Devon.

 

Tricky cider is fairly strong and things can get a little "boisterous".

 

No one got "out of hand" and no one got hurt during the making of this photograph.

 

A great day out.

Collected today from Devon is a new addition to the Brighton Horizon fleet this Volvo B10M Plaxton Excalibur 57 seater coach. With an increase in numbers on one of our school contracts the need for a higher capacity non standard vehicle is needed (only offer 49 execs). Originally the plan was to acquire a short term 57 seater while we upseat one or possibly two of the Levante’s to make them high capacity. I was very hesitant to even consider operating something like this again but 57 seaters are very hard to come by and short term won’t hurt. On the drive back to Sussex my opinion certainly changed from only wanting this is a short term motor which will cover the extra capacity needed and then can be sold as quickly as possible and be forgotten about to this is actually a really nice coach. It has to be the tidiest Plaxton Excalibur i’ve seen and inside despite being the oldest even the dashboard buttons have no signs of wear too! When new it would of been a high spec Excalibur with a telma (not standard on these back then) , front fog lights & air con all optional extras at the time. This coach will also be registered K123 BUS in the coming weeks

4 months after snapping my achilles tendon and I have my weekly trip to see the physios who are in charge of my very slow recovery. I asked if I could go back on my bicycle soon.... but they say not yet. The new exercises are murder, it wouldn't hurt as much to just leave it alone but that would leave me unable to run, jump or do much else so I have to keep going. I guess going surfing later today was also not on their recommended list! (not my long board I might add... I'm only slightly crazy)

25080 stands at Peters Marland clay works, Meeth on Saturday 12th April 1980. Note that there are no platforms, on arrival the doors opened and everyone jumped out, and guess what, nobody got hurt! What would the fashion police make of it though?

The Postcard

 

A Town & City Series postcard published by Raphael Tuck & Sons, art publishers to Their Majesties the King and Queen. The card has a divided back.

 

The card was posted in Plymouth, but the stamp has been removed, along with the date of posting.

 

The card was posted to:

 

Mr. Harry Howard,

52, East Street,

Stonehouse,

Devon.

 

The brief message on the divided back was as follows:

 

"Another one for

your collection".

 

Somerset House

 

Somerset House is a large Neoclassical building situated on the south side of the Strand in central London, overlooking the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The Georgian quadrangle, which was built on the site of a Tudor palace belonging to the Duke of Somerset, was designed by Sir William Chambers in 1776.

 

It was further extended with Victorian outer wings to the east and west in 1831 and 1856 respectively. Somerset House stood directly on the River Thames until the Victoria Embankment was built in the late 1860's.

 

The Georgian structure was built to be a grand public building housing various government, and public-benefit society offices. Its present tenants are a mixture of various organisations, generally centred around the arts and education.

 

16th. Century

 

In the 16th. century, the Strand, the north bank of the Thames between the City of London and the Palace of Westminster, was a favoured site for the mansions of bishops and aristocrats, who could commute from their own landing stages upriver to the court, or downriver to the City and beyond.

 

In 1539, Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford (died 1552), obtained a grant of land at "Chester Place, outside Temple Bar, London" from his brother-in-law King Henry VIII. When his nephew the young King Edward VI came to the throne in 1547, Seymour became Duke of Somerset and Lord Protector.

 

In about 1549 he pulled down an old Inn of Chancery and other houses that stood on the site, and began to build himself a palatial residence, making liberal use of other nearby buildings, including some of the chantry chapels and cloisters at St Paul's Cathedral. These were demolished partly at his behest as part of the ongoing dissolution of the monasteries.

 

It was a two-storey house built around a quadrangle, with a gateway rising to three storeys, and was one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in England.

 

Before it was finished, however, the Duke of Somerset was overthrown, and in 1552 was executed on Tower Hill. Somerset Place, as the building was referred to, then came into the possession of the Crown. The duke's royal nephew's half-sister, the future Queen Elizabeth I, lived there during the reign of her half-sister Queen Mary I (1553–58).

 

The process of completion and improvement was slow and costly. As late as 1598 John Stow refers to it as "yet unfinished".

 

17th. Century

 

Old Somerset House was a sprawling and irregular complex with wings from different periods in a mixture of styles.

 

Later in the 17th. century, the house was used as a residence by royal consorts. During the reign of King James I, the building became the London residence of his wife, Anne of Denmark, and was renamed Denmark House. She commissioned a number of expensive additions and improvements, some to designs by Inigo Jones.

 

After his death in April 1625, King James' body was brought from Theobalds to lie in state at Denmark House, and the state rooms were hung with black velvet. There was at that time no chapel at Denmark House, and so the hall was converted for that purpose, and the body moved there on the morning of the funeral.

 

Between 1630 and 1635 Inigo Jones built a chapel where Henrietta Maria of France, wife of King Charles I, could exercise her Roman Catholic religion. This was in the care of the Capuchin Order, and was on a site to the southwest of the Great Court. A small cemetery was attached, and some of the tombstones are still to be seen built into one of the walls of a passage under the present quadrangle.

 

Royal occupation of Somerset House was interrupted by the Civil War, and in 1649 Parliament tried to sell it. They failed to find a buyer, although a sale of the contents realised the very considerable sum for that time of £118,000.

 

Use was still found for it however. Part of it served as an army headquarters, with General Fairfax (the Parliamentarians' commander-in-chief) being given official quarters there; lodgings were also provided for certain other Parliamentarian notables. It was in Somerset House that Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell's body lay in state after his death in 1658.

 

Two years later, with the Restoration, Queen Henrietta Maria returned, and in 1661 began a considerable programme of rebuilding, the main feature of which was a magnificent new river front, again to the design of the late Inigo Jones, who had died at Somerset House in 1652. However she returned to France in 1665 before it was finished.

 

It was then used as an occasional residence by Catherine of Braganza, wife of King Charles II. During her time it received a certain notoriety as being, in the popular mind, a hot-bed of Catholic conspiracy. Titus Oates made full use of this prejudice in the fabricated details of the Popish Plot, and it was alleged that Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey, whose murder was one of the great mysteries of the age, had been killed in Somerset House before his body had been smuggled out and thrown into a ditch below Primrose Hill.

 

Somerset House was refurbished by Sir Christopher Wren in 1685. After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, Somerset House entered on a long period of decline, being used (after Queen Catherine left England in 1692) for grace and favour residences. In the conditions of the time, this meant that little money could be found for its upkeep, and a slow process of decay crept in.

 

During the 18th. century, however, the building ceased its royal associations. Though the view from its terraced riverfront garden, open to the public, was painted twice on his London visit by Canaletto (looking up- and downriver), it was used for storage, as a residence for visiting overseas dignitaries, and as a barracks for troops. Suffering from neglect, Old Somerset House began to be demolished in 1775.

 

Somerset House (Sir William Chambers, 1776)

 

Since the middle of the 18th. century there had been growing criticism that London had no great public buildings. Government departments and the learned societies were huddled away in small old buildings all over the city. Developing national pride found comparison with the capitals of continental Europe disquieting.

 

Edmund Burke was the leading proponent of the scheme for a "national building", and in 1775 Parliament passed an act for the purpose of:

 

"Erecting and establishing Publick Offices

in Somerset House, and for embanking

parts of the River Thames lying within the

bounds of the Manor of Savoy".

 

The list of public offices mentioned in the act comprised The Salt Office, The Stamp Office, The Tax Office, The Navy Office, The Navy Victualling Office, The Publick Lottery Office, The Hawkers and Pedlar Office, The Hackney Coach Office, The Surveyor General of the Crown Lands Office, The Auditors of the Imprest Office, The Pipe Office, The Office of the Duchy of Lancaster, The Office of the Duchy of Cornwall, The Office of Ordnance, The King's Bargemaster's House, and The King's Bargehouses

 

Initially a certain William Robinson, Secretary to the Board of Works, was commissioned to design and build the new Somerset House, but he died in 1775 shortly after being appointed.

 

So Sir William Chambers, Comptroller of the King's Works, (who had in any case been vying for the commission) was appointed in his stead, at a salary of £2,000 per year. He spent the last two decades of his life, beginning in 1775, in several phases of building at the present Somerset House.

 

Thomas Telford, then a stonemason, but later an eminent civil engineer, was among those who worked on its construction. One of Chambers' most famous pupils, Thomas Hardwick Jnr, helped build parts of the building during his period of training. He later wrote a biography of Chambers.

 

The design influenced other great buildings: Charles Bulfinch's Massachusetts State House, begun in 1795, has been described as a work "frankly derivative" of Somerset House.

 

The Design of Somerset House

 

Chambers' own influences stemmed from Palladianism, the principles of which were applied throughout Somerset House, inside and outside, both in its large-scale conception and in its small-scale details.

 

The footprint of the building was that of the old palace, ranging from its gateway block in the Strand across what was originally a gently sloping site down to the river. Chambers experimented with at least four different configurations of buildings and courtyards in drawing up his designs.

 

His final version provided a single courtyard, 300 ft (91 m) by 200 ft (61 m), flanked by a pair of terraces, the whole presenting a unified frontage to the river, 500 feet (150 m) wide.

 

Around the courtyard, each block consisted of six storeys: cellar, basement, ground, principal, attic and garret. The public offices and learned societies which were accommodated around the courtyard varied greatly in size, but each occupied all six floors of its allotted area, the upper floors often providing living space for a secretary or other official. Large vaults for storing public documents were provided, extending under the entire northern section of the courtyard.

 

Construction of Somerset House

 

The North Wing, fronting the Strand, was the first part of the complex to be built. Its design was based on Inigo Jones's drawings for the riverfront of the former palace. By 1780 the North Wing was finished and occupied, and Chambers reported to Parliament that the rest of the quadrangle was complete up to a height of two storeys.

 

Construction of the riverside wing followed; it was finished in 1786. At the time of construction, the Thames was not embanked, and the river lapped the South Wing, where a great arch allowed boats and barges to penetrate to landing places within the building. Meanwhile, work continued on the East and West Wings, which began to be occupied from 1788, and by 1790 the main quadrangle was complete.

 

It was originally envisaged that the main quadrangle would be flanked by two terraces of houses, one to the east and one to the west, providing accommodation for several of the Commissioners whose offices were based there.

 

However the outbreak of war with France in 1793 caused delays through lack of money. Chambers died in 1796, whereupon James Wyatt took over as architect. In the end, only the western terrace was built, and by 1801 the building was deemed to be complete, at a cost of £462,323.

 

Ornamentation of Somerset House

 

In addition to applying a rich scheme of architectural decoration, Chambers enhanced the exterior of Somerset House with a multiplicity of sculptures and other visual embellishments.

 

Designs were produced by Giovanni Cipriani, and the sculptors included Joseph Wilton, Agostino Carlini, John Bacon, Joseph Nollekens, John Cheere and Giuseppe Ceracchi. There was also a bronze group of statues (consisting of Neptune and George III) in the main courtyard, facing the main entrance from the Strand.

 

Inside, most of the offices were plain and business-like, but in the North Wing the formal rooms and public spaces of the learned societies were enriched with painted ceilings (by Cipriani, Benjamin West, Angelica Kauffman, J. F. Rigaud, Charles Catton and Joshua Reynolds), ornamental plasterwork, and casts of classical sculptures. Many of the ceiling paintings were removed by the Royal Academy when they vacated their premises.

 

A Home for Arts and Learning

 

A key reason for rebuilding Somerset House was to provide accommodation for a diverse variety of learned societies, public offices and naval administrators.

 

The North Wing of Somerset House was initially fitted out to house the Royal Academy, the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries. The Royal Academy took up residence first, in 1779, followed by the other two institutions the following year.

 

The Royal Academy occupied the western half of the wing and the Royal Society the eastern half; their main entrances faced each other across the central vestibule leading from the Strand to the courtyard, topped by busts (of Michelangelo and Isaac Newton respectively) which are still in place today.

 

The Society of Antiquaries was also accommodated in the eastern half of the wing, though its premises were limited to a first-floor meeting room, a ground-floor library, an apartment in the attic and a kitchen in the basement.

 

The Geological Society was also accommodated in the Somerset House from 1828, as was the Royal Astronomical Society from 1834.

 

The annual Royal Academy Exhibition was held in Somerset House from 1780 onwards, until the Academy moved out in 1837 (initially to rooms in the new National Gallery, then to Burlington House, Piccadilly).

 

Its former accommodation was given over to a newly established Government School of Design (which was much later to become the Royal College of Art); it remained in the complex from 1837 until, in 1853, the Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths needed to expand its office space, and the School relocated to Marlborough House.

 

In 1857, the Royal Society moved out of Somerset House, followed in 1874 by the Society of Antiquaries, the Geological Society and the Royal Astronomical Society; they were all provided with new purpose-built accommodation in Burlington House.

 

The Navy Office

 

In 1789 the Navy Board moved into grand riverside rooms in the western half of the newly completed South Wing. It was soon followed by its subsidiary Boards, the Victualling Commissioners and the Sick and Hurt Commissioners, which (along with the autonomous Navy Pay Office) occupied the West Wing; they had all hitherto been based in the City of London.

 

Thus the various Navy offices occupied around a third of Chambers' completed building. In addition, the terrace to the west of the quadrangle provided dwelling-houses for the Comptroller of the Navy, the Secretary to the Board and three Commissioners of the Navy, along with the Chairman, Secretary and two Commissioners of Victualling, with the Treasurer of the Navy allotted the 'mansion' at the river end of the terrace (which included a coach house and stables for ten horses in the vaults under the terrace).

 

As well as providing office space and accommodation, Somerset House was the place where examinations for promotion to the rank of lieutenant took place, sat by several hundred midshipmen each year. The Admiralty Museum (a precursor to the National Maritime Museum) was also accommodated there, in the central room above the south portico.

 

In 1832 the Navy Board and its subsidiaries were abolished, and their departments placed under the direct oversight of the Admiralty. Their administrative staff remained in Somerset House, but communications with the Admiralty (based a mile away in Whitehall) were problematic as what became known as the "civil departments" of the Admiralty guarded their independence.

 

In 1868, the Admiralty took the decision to move all their staff from Somerset House to Whitehall; this necessitated reconfiguring what had been a set of residences there pertaining to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty into office accommodation. Nevertheless, the move was completed by 1873, and the expanding Inland Revenue immediately took over the vacated space in Somerset House.

 

Taxes, Stamps and the Inland Revenue

 

From the beginning of the new Somerset House there was a fiscal presence in the shape of the Stamp Office and the Tax Office, the former occupying the eastern part of the South Wing from 1789 and the latter occupying part of the East Wing.

 

The Stamp Office had the task of applying an impressed duty stamp to various specific items to show that the required duty had been paid. For example, up until 1855 (when the relevant duty was abolished) every newspaper produced in the country had to be brought to Somerset House to be stamped.

 

The Tax Office administered and collected various taxes, including income tax (first levied in 1799). Introduced as a means of raising revenue in wartime, it was collected during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars; though repealed in 1816, it was reintroduced in peacetime (in 1842) and has been collected ever since.

 

The Inland Revenue was created by a merger of the Stamp and Taxes Office and the Excise Office in 1849; in 1854 the Excise Office staff were moved from their old headquarters in the City of London into the newly built New Wing.

 

Somerset House continued in use by the Inland Revenue throughout the 20th. century. In 2005, the Inland Revenue was merged with HM Customs and Excise; its successor HM Revenue & Customs continued to occupy much of the building, although its executive and senior management moved to 100 Parliament Street shortly after the merger.

 

Various divisions and directorates of HMRC continued to occupy the East Wing until 2009, the West Wing until 2011 and the New Wing until March 2013, by which time all staff had been relocated (with most moving across the street to the southwest wing of Bush House). This brought to an end a 224-year association of the revenue services with Somerset House.

 

Somerset House Laboratory

 

In 1842, the Excise Office had established a laboratory within its Broad Street headquarters for the prevention of the adulteration of tobacco products. It had started as basically a one-man operation by an employee of the Excise, George Phillips.

 

After the Excise Office had been merged with the Office of Stamps and Taxes to form the Inland Revenue, the latter took over the laboratory; by 1858 it was re-established in Somerset House as the Inland Revenue Laboratory (with Phillips remaining in charge).

 

It was also known as the Somerset House Laboratory. Under the Inland Revenue, the Laboratory's work expanded to encompass the testing of many different substances, including food, beer and spirits, as well as tobacco.

 

Phillips retired as principal chemist in 1874. James Bell was then the principal chemist of Somerset House Laboratory until his retirement in 1894. He was replaced as principal chemist by Sir Thomas Edward Thorpe. At the same time, the laboratory was amalgamated with a similar facility that had been established within HM Customs and it was renamed the Government Laboratory. In 1897, Thorpe moved the Government Laboratory from Somerset House to a new building of his own design.

 

Registry of Births, Marriages and Deaths

 

In 1837, following the establishment of civil registration in the United Kingdom, the Registrar General of Births, Marriages and Deaths set up his office in the North Wing of Somerset House, establishing a connection that lasted for over 130 years. This office held all birth, marriage and death certificates in England and Wales until 1970, when the Registry and its associated archives were moved to nearby St Catherine's House at Aldwych.

 

From 1859 until 1998, the Principal Registry of the Court of Probate (latterly the Principal Probate Registry of the Family Division) was based in Somerset House, prior to its move to First Avenue House, High Holborn.

 

Other Public Offices

 

In addition to the learned societies, the ground floor rooms of the North wing housed the Hawkers and Pedlars Office (on the west side) and the Hackney Coach Office, the Lottery Office, the Privy Seal and Signet Offices (on the east side).

 

The Hackney Coach commissioners had been established on a permanent footing in 1694, while the Board of Commissioners of Hawkers, Pedlars and Petty Chapmen dated from 1698. The latter was abolished in 1810 and its work taken over by the Hackney Coach Office until its abolition in 1831, whereupon responsibility for licensing both of hackney carriages and of travelling traders passed to the Stamp Office.

 

The Lottery Office, established in 1779, was also abolished in 1831 and its residual business likewise passed to the Stamp Office. The Signet Office was abolished in 1851, and the Privy Seal Office in 1884.

 

One of the first occupants of the building had been the Duchy of Cornwall Office. It was accommodated in the East Wing along with the Tax Office and various Exchequer offices (including the Pipe Office, the Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer's Office and the Office of the Clerk of the Estreats).

 

As early as 1795 the Exchequer was requesting that more space be made available; Sir John Soane was engaged to redesign their offices, and as part of the scheme the Duchy was relocated to another part of the East Wing, prompting complaints from its officers.

 

Pipe rolls and other ancient records of the Treasury and Exchequer (which had been moved to Somerset House from the Palace of Westminster in 1793) remained stored in the basements until the establishment of the Public Record Office in 1838.

 

The office of Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer ceased to exist in 1833 and the Pipe Office was abolished in 1834; however space in Somerset House continued to be at a premium: in 1854 an Act of Parliament was passed noting that:

 

"The Duchy's rooms in Somerset House

are now needed for the use of the

Commissioners of Inland Revenue, whose

present office is insufficient for the Business

thereof, and adjoins the said Office of the

Duchy of Cornwall".

 

The Act provided for the Duchy Office to move to new, purpose-built premises in Pimlico: now known as 10 Buckingham Gate, the building still serves as head office for the Duchy.

 

19th-century expansion

 

Magnificent as the new building was, it was something short of what Chambers had intended, for he had planned for an additional terrace of houses to the east, as well as to the west of the quadrangle.

 

Eventually King's College London was erected between 1829 and 1834 to the east (the government granting the land on condition that the design conformed to Chambers' original design). The architect was Sir Robert Smirke.

 

Then, increasing demand for space led to another and last step. The western edge of the site was occupied by a row of houses used as dwellings for Admiralty officials who worked in the South Wing. Between 1851 and 1856, this terrace was substantially expanded and remodelled to provide the Inland Revenue with an entire new wing of additional office accommodation.

 

As part of this development, its architect James Pennethorne created a monumental new façade alongside the approach road to Waterloo Bridge (which had not been in existence when Chambers was alive). 150 years later this part of the building is still known as the "New Wing".

 

20th-century Modifications

 

By the start of the Great War the Prince of Wales' Own Civil Service Rifles Battalion had its own Morris tube firing range at Somerset House. The calibre of the rifle was reduced for indoor operation by a use of a tube, and the range was fitted with vanishing and running targets.

 

Bomb Damage During WWII

 

Somerset House had its share of trials and tribulations during the London blitz in the Second World War. Apart from comparatively minor blast effects at various times, sixteen rooms and the handsome rotunda staircase (the Nelson Stair) were completely destroyed in the South Wing, and a further 27 damaged in the West Wing by a direct hit in October 1940.

 

Still more windows were shattered and balustrades toppled, but the worst was over by the end of May 1941. It was not until the 1950's that this damage to the South Wing was repaired.

 

The work required skilled masons, whose services were hard to come by in the early post-war years. Sir Albert Richardson was appointed architect for the reconstruction. He skilfully recreated the Nelson Room and rebuilt the Nelson Stair. The work was completed in 1952 at a cost of (then) £84,000.

 

A Centre for the Arts

 

In 1984 the Somerset House Act was passed, legislating the way for Somerset House to be redeveloped as a centre for the arts. In 1997 the Somerset House Trust was established as a charity to maintain the building and develop it as a centre for arts and culture.

 

In the late 20th. century the building began to be reinvigorated as a centre for the visual arts. The first institution to move in (in 1989) was the Courtauld Institute of Art, including the Courtauld Gallery, which has an important collection of old master and impressionist paintings. The Courtauld occupies the North Wing.

 

21st-century Redevelopment

 

The main courtyard, which had been used as a civil-service car park, and the main terrace overlooking the Thames were refurbished and opened to the public. Grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund financed the conversion of the South Wing between 1999 and 2003: a visitor centre featuring audio-visual displays on the history of the building, the gilded state barge of the Lord Mayor of the City of London and a shop and café were opened, overlooking the river.

 

The Gilbert Collection of decorative arts, and the Hermitage Rooms, which stage exhibitions of items loaned from the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg, moved into the same area. The last Hermitage exhibition took place in 2007 and the Gilbert Collection galleries closed in 2008; the collection moved into new galleries at the Victoria and Albert Museum in June 2009. Somerset House now puts on a programme of art exhibitions, drawing on various sources.

 

In stages from 2009 to 2013, HM Revenue and Customs withdrew from the other parts of the building; since March 2013 the Somerset House Trust has had oversight of the entire complex. Its management policy has been to rent out the upper floors at a commercial rate to "creative businesses", while devoting the ground floor to "public realm" activities.

 

The trust receives no public subsidy and relies on income from rent and private hire to fund the upkeep of the estate and relies on ticket sales, merchandising and sponsorship to fund its artistic and cultural programme.

 

In the winter the central courtyard is home to a popular open-air ice rink, as seen during the opening credits of the 2003 Christmas-themed film Love Actually.[ At other times, an array of fountains display 55 vertical jets of water rising to random heights.

 

The courtyard is also used as a concert venue. In July each year the "Summer Series" of music events take place, which have included performances from artists such as Lily Allen.

 

Somerset House is now residence to more than a hundred tenants, comprising a large and diverse collection of creative organisations and artists.

 

Somerset House as a Filming Location

 

Somerset House is a popular filming location, with its exterior featuring in several big-budget Hollywood films. These include two James Bond films, GoldenEye (1995) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and several scenes of the 2003 film Shanghai Knights, starring Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson, were filmed in the courtyard of Somerset House.

 

The courtyard was also used in the 1991 comedy King Ralph. Elements of the 2008 film The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, were filmed in October 2007. Somerset House was also used as a filming location in several Sherlock Holmes films, including 1970's The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes and, more recently, Sherlock Holmes (2009), starring Jude Law and Robert Downey, Jr.

 

Exterior shots of Somerset House were used in the 1999 Tim Burton horror film Sleepy Hollow, starring Johnny Depp, and the 2006 film Flyboys. Somerset House was a filming location in the 2012 Bollywood film Jab Tak Hai Jaan.

 

Somerset House Courtyard was also used in the 2008 movie Last Chance Harvey, with Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson.

 

Scenes were filmed in Somerset House for the Olympus Has Fallen sequel, London Has Fallen (2016).

 

Exterior shots of Somerset House stood in for Himmler's HQ in Berlin in the 1976 film The Eagle Has Landed.

Political Ignorance: How what we don’t know can hurt us.

In brief:

 

The theory of Political Ignorance (along with Public Choice and Complexity Theory) charts the limits to how much we can hope to accomplish through large, centralised organisations like most modern governments. Because of the complexity of politics, much of what occurs in political systems is ‘irrational’. Complex political systems lead people to rely on oversimplified worldviews based on ideology. These ideologies stand in the way of social progress by dividing people into ‘parties’ or ‘camps’ and ignoring important aspects of the world. Transcending them with results-based projects and good social theory is the job of radical social entrepreneurs.

 

One thread unifying all of these theories for radical social entrepreneurs is that human society is marvelously complex. Politics is no exception. But while people are not expected to understand sophisticated arguments from physics or biology to navigate the natural world, politics – especially democracy – demands that people make informed decisions in the social world.

 

As it turns out, evidence continues to mount that many people are surprisingly uninformed about the basic workings of government.

 

In my opinion "they" don't want you to know what's going on.

 

-----------------------------

Candid street shot, Beer, Devon,UK.

B E N D E R- Gogo Dress in Gold

B E N D E R- Miss-Treated Thigh Boots in Gold

Taox Tattoo Fingerless Lace Tattoo Gloves

Reckless Tattoo- Fatale

{Letituier} Athena Hair in Fatpack

JUMO Fashion and Beauty-Devon Skin in Ebony

=Zenith= Farewell My Concubine Rings

The Mesh Project Moody Head

Euphoric Milano Mesh Eyes- Set 03

Slackgirl- LeBrow Eyebrows

 

wp.me/p45sIE-1kb

Wonder who Romeo takes after as he is really rather cute as kids go.......................

- dippy, greatwideyonder, 12/4/2011 3:53

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It seems that she wants to call the baby "Santa " because of Santa Monica......Victoria if you read i suggest Monica would be a really nice name and it's also the name of Virgin Mary's mother!!!!!!!

- Jessica, Venice Italy , 12/4/2011 3:37

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Sat on the grass..whoopee doo doo, Thats big news. And still as miserable as ever....

- I have a lovely life, THE UK , BRITISH AND PROUD OF IT, 12/4/2011 3:08

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Isn't she turning from Victoria to Morticia Addams? That hairstyle is not very flattering. She looks as a good mum, touhg and I wish her the best in her pregnancy

- Ana, Madrid, Spain, 12/4/2011 3:01

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What is wrong with flat shoes Victoria? - Charlotte, Croydon, 11/4/2011 10:52 What is wrong with high heels?

- Catherine, CA, USA, 12/4/2011 1:51

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I continue to wonder why she doesn't smile. Many people/close friends say she is a lovely woman and I have to say she looks beautiful when she does. Try it Victoria. The whole world isn't against you!

- Jan, Surrey, 11/4/2011 23:20

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Does this woman ever smile? She always looks so 'glum'....... - Lorraine, Connecticut, USA, 11/4/2011 12:02============Why should she have a teeth out all the time like some cheap back street woman. Try being followed around by strangers 24/7 for just a week.

- Tamo, Scotland, 11/4/2011 22:48

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stilletos in th park......

- JOHN DOBO, WOLVES, 11/4/2011 22:22

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Always in those ridiculously high heels...

- Wanda, Pennsylvania, USA, 11/4/2011 21:48

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Justagirl, London I know she's excited to be having another baby, but Victoria really seems to HATE being pregnant - or rather, seems to hate being photographed pregnant...sad, really. You could carry that statement on forever!! Never in the history of the world has someone courted the attentions of the press and all it entails for every appearance she makes as much as Victoria Beckham .... who? .......... and then she gurns like a good-un!! Would it really hurt her to 'smile' once in a while for a photograph. She comes over as being so utterly miserable every time we see her. If she hadn't played up to the media so much they would have been left alone. Plenty of real celebrities manage to stay well out of the media so why couldn't they?

- Barbara, Edinburgh, Scotland, 11/4/2011 21:32

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I love victoria!

- Ruby, Wigan, 11/4/2011 21:29

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Ok where are the "why is she embarrassed about her bump?" posts?! I'll answer you in advance - her pregnancy is none of your business!!!! - Fiona, Glasgow, 10/4/2011 ------------------------------------------------------------------------No, then why were they so quick to announce it, because if they had not done so I doubt anyone would guess. And why tell us the sex of the unborn, is that our business? Could it be because they actually WANT all of this publicity. Very few pictures of any celebritys are truly papped these days, theyare just staged to look papped, so then celeb can weep crodile tears and cry, 'why wont they leave me alone' when it suits them!

- anon, uk, 11/4/2011 21:09

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I'm sure the reason why she doesn't smile, is because her feet are killing her! Nothing worse!

- Anon, South Wales, UK, 11/4/2011 20:37

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Isn't it warm over there now ? What's with the cardi and all that black ??!!

- judephf, Leeds, 11/4/2011 20:37

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Hi Cathy, Watford, England, Well said!

- Jade, Sussex, 11/4/2011 20:35

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Does this woman ever smile? She always looks so 'glum'....... - Lorraine, Connecticut, USA, 11/4/2011 12:02 Why do you feel the need for VB to be a performing seal? I'm sure she realises that while the publicity is good for brand Beckham, I doubt anyone really wants cameras shoved in their faces 24/7. As for those criticising the heels-well I'm sure she's mature enough to decide for herself what to wear. Most of you would be better off stopping fixating about 'celebs' who have no direct impact on your life.

- Steve , Oxford, 11/4/2011 20:23

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Can she design sunglasses for stomachs?

- MumOfThree, Marbella, Spain, 11/4/2011 20:17

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What is wrong with flat shoes Victoria? - Charlotte, Croydon, 11/4/2011 10:52 -------------------------------- What's wrong with high heels, Charlotte?

- Matilda, London, 11/4/2011 20:10

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Having read many of the comments, I learn she hates her smile, she has bunions, she doesn't like being short and has a complex about it, she's funny, she's happily married with three delightful boys, she's pregant (oh yes she is!). The headline tells me 'she relaxes ... '. One thing I'm sure of, she never looks relaxed in public.

- Maggie, Cyprus, 11/4/2011 20:04

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I think its about time you stop mentioning in every article about the Beckhams that their son suggested Justine Bieber as a name! It's getting old!

- rebecca, hove, 11/4/2011 19:45

Click to rate Rating 3Report abuse

Never mind looking miserable...If I was married to David Beckham I wouldn't be able to stop grinning!!

- jan, leeds, 11/4/2011 19:38

Click to rate Rating 3Report abuse

Does this woman ever smile? She always looks so 'glum'.......

- Lorraine, Connecticut, USA, 11/4/2011 19:02

Click to rate Rating 74Report abuse

I really don't think anyone has the right to judge how a pregnant woman dresses. Some women like are proud to show off their bumps but others don't like to - it doesn't mean they aren't happy to be pregnant or are bad mothers. When I was pregnant I hated showing off my bump, and not for a fear of looking fat, I just somehow felt vunerable! I'm always surprised by how horrible the comments about Victoria Beckham are - what has she actually done wrong - apart from be successful, happily married and stylish?!

- Claire, Darlington, 11/4/2011 18:54

Click to rate Rating 395Report abuse

I hope this miserable woman stays in America....why oh why, did she get an invite to the royal wedding?

- Vicky, London, 11/4/2011 18:24

Click to rate Rating 249Report abuse

If I were her kids, I would be saying, "cheer up mummy, life's not that bad...in fact we are pretty charmed so smile!"

- Caroline, London, 11/4/2011 18:23

Click to rate Rating 94Report abuse

What is wrong with flat shoes Victoria?

- Charlotte, Croydon, 11/4/2011 17:52

Click to rate Rating 117Report abuse

I know she's excited to be having another baby, but Victoria really seems to HATE being pregnant - or rather, seems to hate being photographed pregnant...sad, really. But it explains how she managed to completely avoid being photographed during her pregnancies with Romeo and Cruz, and why she covers herself up so quickly now. Someone needs to tell her she needn't worry - we all know the difference between fat and pregnant, and heaven forbid we ever thinks she's the former. - Natalie, Bristol, 10/4/2011 20:35 I think it's more of a protective gesture that she covers her tummy while being completely mobbed by paparazzi all the time. Have you ever seen how pushy some photographers get?

- Justagirl, London, 11/4/2011 17:44

Click to rate Rating 193Report abuse

Are there no limits to this woman's vanity? Wearing stiletto heels on the grass at a kids' soccer game is beyond ridiculous.

- Mary, Canada, 11/4/2011 17:13

Click to rate Rating 14Report abuse

People posting on here are always moaning about Mylene Klass and other pregnant celebs taking plaster casts of their bumps, wearing next to nothing or cupping their hands under their bumps. Saying they are all show offs and that they are not the first people to get pregnant. Then along comes Victoria Beckham, who keeps her bump to herself, the complete opposite of these other celebs and that is wrong too. Some of you should make your minds up. I'd far rather see VB than any of these other celebs. Perhaps all you VB haters should google interviews that she has given. She is actually a very funny, loving, caring person, mother and wife. She doesn't like her smile, she thinks it's wonky, which is why she doesn't smile and she wears heels because she is short and because she likes them. What crime has she committed that make so many of you haters. She has stuck by David when rumours of infidelity were rife and is successful. GREEN EYED MONSTERS SPRINGS TO MIND.

- Cathy, Watford, England, 11/4/2011 17:01

Click to rate Rating 28Report abuse

and still... no smile!

- Jess, Plymouth, 11/4/2011 16:47

Click to rate Rating 11Report abuse

Im not too sure what the point of this article is.. A pregnant woman sits down whilst her husband gets his legs waxed?

- Anonymouse, Mouseland, 11/4/2011 16:31

Click to rate Rating 25Report abuse

still as rough as ever. and i thought pregnant women "glows?" URGH imagine what her feet looks like!!!

- Catherine, London, 11/4/2011 16:29

Click to rate Rating 18Report abuse

i love VB, but is it me or does she always wear pretty mach the same thing all the time? black blazer, dark top and skinny jeans - and of course a pair of stilettos. haha.

- hannah, mid glamorgan, 11/4/2011 15:59

Click to rate Rating 5Report abuse

Crikey, it was a slow news weekend wasn't it? What with Posh Spice and Billip Piper sitting down, Katie Price went food shopping, Katona went to Alton Towers (with her film crew), some bird from Essex went to the hairdressers.... it's exciting stuff!

- Richard Castles NOTEPAD, Left pocket, hiding behind the blackberry , 11/4/2011 15:43

Click to rate Rating 41Report abuse

Justine Beiber Beckham ha ha ha, kids are so funny. Bless him. Good luck to the Beckhams, lovely family.

- Gail, Ipswich, 11/4/2011 15:19

Click to rate Rating 21Report abuse

Most of us have seen a pregnant woman. If we hadn't, there has been a positive parade of celebrity expectant months over recent months. So much so that I began to wonder why you don't just have a preggers page. We don't need Post to 'reveal' her bump and if she prefers to cover up - that is her choice. I think most people would be self-conscious to have photographers invading all aspects of our life with our (very personal) pregnancy in mind.

- Jo, Bournemouth, England, 11/4/2011 14:23

Click to rate Rating 50Report abuse

Most women love to show off to the world their bump when they are pregnant, she just looks embarrassed by it.

- hellbentyaz, manchester, 11/4/2011 14:14

Click to rate Rating 35Report abuse

sullen, sullen and sullen, does she never give herself a day off?

- estebe, bristol, 11/4/2011 13:26

Click to rate Rating 70Report abuse

Probably taking weight off those bunions!!! Sorry but those shoes are positively awful, it's no wonder she had to sit and rest, they make my feet ache just looking at them! Fancy going to a football game in them too, you would think that just once, she could actually really "relax" and let her hair down........but vb is too aware of the paps for that. Self indulged prima dona

- Chris, Spain, 11/4/2011 13:20

Click to rate Rating 169Report abuse

***STOP PRESS*** Pregnant woman sits down!

- Martina, Bexley, GB, 11/4/2011 12:58

Click to rate Rating 419Report abuse

Please, for all that is Holy: EAT SOMETHING!

- Marie, Tampa, FL USA, 11/4/2011 12:31

Click to rate Rating 125Report abuse

Oh dear DM, Your hot-off-the-press gems today include stories about people: Sitting in a park (VB and Piper) Grocery shopping (Price) At an all expenses paid day out w kids (Katona) People simply walking down the road (Knightly and SJP) and a drug addicts nose (TPT), which incidently left her face years ago. Hardly a rivetting read really hey ? Although most are simply stalking cases, i would have a fiver on Katona's people ringing up to tell you where she was going. - dave, hk, 11/4/2011 03:23 It hasn't stopped you reading the website though has it?

- Aideyb, Somewhere, UK, 11/4/2011 11:56

Click to rate Rating 86Report abuse

Oh dear DM, Your hot-off-the-press gems today include stories about people: Sitting in a park (VB and Piper) Grocery shopping (Price) At an all expenses paid day out w kids (Katona) People simply walking down the road (Knightly and SJP) and a drug addicts nose (TPT), which incidently left her face years ago. Hardly a rivetting read really hey ? Although most are simply stalking cases, i would have a fiver on Katona's people ringing up to tell you where she was going.

- dave, hk, 11/4/2011 10:23

Click to rate Rating 115Report abuse

If this was any other celebrity mom people would be praising her for spending time with her children BUT since its Victoria people will find something to criticize her, in this case the heels and hiding baby bump comments are pouring. I have seen pics of her kissing her sons and being affectionate but DM seems to choose not to publish it.

- jane, NY, 11/4/2011 10:20

Click to rate Rating 56Report abuse

This woman is totally stupid why has she got the heels on please someone tell me its beyond me i am so disguisted why cant she be natural and wear flats because obviously she will be caught out without her image of i am the greatest mother in the world you are a law untoo yourself victoria not posh enough for public school and most certainly not posh in my eyes money cannot buy you class of which you and your family sadly lack - elimay335, middlesbrough, 10/4/2011 23:36 Would all the money in the world buy you some punctuation? Or are you too busy being bitter, hating someone you know next to nothing about?

- Matthew, Belfast, Ireland, 11/4/2011 9:13

Click to rate Rating 38Report abuse

How nice to see a woman taking care of herself and staying attractive for her hubby throughout her pregnancy, after all you don't stop being a wife because you are carrying a child... - Em, Az, 10/4/2011 17:24 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ugh staying attractive for your hubby???? I find this portion of this comment quite nauseating. I can't stand Victoria but I will say that her overzealous vanity is for the benefit of her public image and for her massive ego and has little to do with staying attractive for David's benefit. Ridiculous comment all the way around.

- Princess Edwina(In a State of Grace), Edwina Manor, Edwinashire , 11/4/2011 9:06

Click to rate Rating 13Report abuse

Some nasty comments on this site. I don't think she is trying to hide her bump, I don't think she has much of a bump (some women don't have a big bump you know). I am not a big fan of Victoria but credit where credit is due, she seems to be a good mother also when I have heard her being interviewed she comes accross as having a good sense of humour and not snobby at all.

- cents, nowhereland, 11/4/2011 8:28

Click to rate Rating 45Report abuse

Lay off the poor girl, you don't know that she hates being pregnant, I think she looks a whole lot better than the usual Hollywood women who wear tight dresses or tops that stretch over their baby bump. There's nothing glamourous about them, they look awful. As for her heels, she's always worn high heels and she's obviously comfy in them too. She and David appear to be great parents, at least they have their children with them and she is at the game to watch her son, unlike so many of these so called stars whose children you see only when it's a good photo op. Reading some of these comments the word "Mieow" comes to mind. Good luck Victoria.

- doreenmoles, san diego california, 11/4/2011 7:36

Click to rate Rating 54Report abuse

I felt vile and extremely tired and ill during all of my pregnancies, she might be feeling rotten and only be out and about for the sake of her boys. Why should she she have to smile and flash her tummy to the world? Also, I'm pretty certain I would not be smiling if strangers were always hiding in the bushes trying to take pictures of my children. I'd be cautious and on-guard, as any caring Mum would be.

- RM, New Zealand, 11/4/2011 7:33

Click to rate Rating 131Report abuse

Leave her alone! Being pregnant isn't a reason to turn into an unstylish whale. Judging her for wearing heals is utterly ridiculous, either you can walk in heels or you can't. As for people assuminng she is hiding her bump, ever think that it might be subconsciously protecting it from the glare and scrutiny of most of the jealous, small minded women such as those leaving comments on this site. I just had a baby and wore my louboutins to the hospital after going into labour and believe it or not CPS didn't come to whisk away my son at birth. How nice to see a woman taking care of herself and staying attractive for her hubby throughout her pregnancy, after all you don't stop being a wife because you are carrying a child...

- Em, Az, 11/4/2011 7:24

Click to rate Rating 100Report abuse

wow people are so mean and nasty...u don't even know the woman. She looks like a great mom, always with her kids and at their games and practices. Leave her alone. And as for her bump...it is so sad that the fact she isn't showing it to the world or that she wears heels while pregnant offends everyone. It certainly doesn't bother me...not like shes smoking or drinking while preggars. If the woman wants to wear heels and kill her back, let her!

- Ashten, New Orleans USA, 11/4/2011 6:48

Click to rate Rating 114Report abuse

This woman is a joke! At least by having the baby in LA she will get what she always wanted - American citizenship.

- Doctor of Philosophy, UK, 11/4/2011 6:43

Click to rate Rating 152Report abuse

i'm the one scared for her being on those heels! by the way, i wonder where she's carrying the baby in her body, i see no big area on her at all.

- hermie weasley, surrey, 11/4/2011 6:40

Click to rate Rating 51Report abuse

This woman is totally stupid why has she got the heels on please someone tell me its beyond me i am so disguisted why cant she be natural and wear flats because obviously she will be caught out without her image of i am the greatest mother in the world you are a law untoo yourself victoria not posh enough for public school and most certainly not posh in my eyes money cannot buy you class of which you and your family sadly lack

- elimay335, middlesbrough, 11/4/2011 6:36

Click to rate Rating 131Report abuse

Looking at these pictures, you can almost feel her silly fear to gain too much weight during her pregnancy, she looks almost as skinny as usual. It must be an enormous challenge for her to 'eat for two', but I doubt she even does it...I can already see the headline 'Posh sheds baby weight in 7 days' , after their baby girl is born. That woman is just insanely vain!

- celebobsessed, Berlin, Germany, 11/4/2011 6:32

Click to rate Rating 36Report abuse

I tell you, I like any WAG in the world above Victoria. She is so contrived and addicted to her image that I don't know how any one can warm to her. I am often baffled at the positive and even nauseatingly adoring comments she receives. Really cringeworthy, and very odd, especially when you read the negative comments directed at Alex Curran and the others.........I often do wonder at the double standards.

- Princess Edwina(In a State of Grace), Edwina Manor, Edwinashire , 11/4/2011 6:31

Click to rate Rating 51Report abuse

Makes me laugh when she tries to cover her bump up. Why? Well she was all too quick to announce she was pregnant and then announce it is a girl, so why the false modesty at 'pretending' to hide her bump? Typical attention seeking and typical stupid press response - annabel, leeds, 11/4/2011 5:49 I don't know if she's trying to cover her "bump" or not but I'd certainly prefer her modest demeanor towards her pregancy than all those other pregnant celebrities who can't be photographed without a hand or both tellingly cupped under their bellies complete with skin-tight clothing (or no clothing at all). Leave her alone, your criticism is truly pathetic.

- Reubenene, Somewhere In The World, 11/4/2011 6:29

Click to rate Rating 46Report abuse

Why should she parade her pregnancy in front of the whole world? Just to satisfy you?! She is clearly a good mother to her sons and undoubtedly will be to her little girl as well so why is it any of your concern that she does not enjoy being pregnant? She doesn't need to embrace her pregnancy as long as she'll be a good mother, it's not like the baby will ever remember what her mom was like when she was pregnant with her! And I admire her for not conforming to the big grin routine set out by DM readers!

- Diana, NC, 11/4/2011 6:26

Click to rate Rating 390Report abuse

This will all takes its toll on her body in about 20 years.

- opinionated, usa, 11/4/2011 6:25

Click to rate Rating 71Report abuse

You can all disparage her all you want, if it makes you feel better, but the facts are still the facts . . . she seems to have a strong and thriving marriage, and three beautiful children to whom she and her husband are devoted. Unlike many celebs, she appears to have her priorities straight--her family comes first, and that is really all that matters. Where is the problem?

- Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY, USA, 11/4/2011 6:24

Click to rate Rating 657Report abuse

She looks amazing! Victoria looks incredible and just like the mother that should be a role model for all the WAG fans... Victoria and Davis are wonderful parents and this unwanted (yet taken while being parents like so many of us with children just try and be, without the pappz) I think they are a role model set of parents and role models to any of us who have children should look up on... Rather then the other celebs we read about...

- vodkacat, England, 11/4/2011 6:23

Click to rate Rating 242Report abuse

at least she has her own babies, instead of "buying/adopting" them like some celebs....

- sue, Australia, 11/4/2011 6:16

Click to rate Rating 194Report abuse

she seems more concerned aboout her image than her safety

- sami, brighton, 11/4/2011 6:16

Click to rate Rating 180Report abuse

NO ONE CARES XX

- lollie x, strawberry xxx, 11/4/2011 6:15

Click to rate Rating 98Report abuse

Puts her feet up? She doesn't have a proper job for starters. Miserable as usual, childishly hiding her bump.

- Tina Sparkles, UK, 11/4/2011 5:53

Click to rate Rating 173Report abuse

Natalie I completely agree with you. It's not as if she even has a giant bump to hide! if there is a bump there at all it has to be pretty small because she is still wearing her superskinny jeans unless she has had some especially made with a stretchy tummy! that she hides under her slightly looser tops.

- Colette, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, 11/4/2011 5:46

Click to rate Rating 39Report abuse

Silly woman!! Best not have my belly on show, I've had an edame bean for lunch..... Ugh!!! I look so fat now!!! Pathetic woman!!! And teetering on those Christian Laboutin boots is utterly irresponsible. High heels are bad for your back when you are not pregnant but when you are pregnant, it tilts your pelvis the wrong way. Oh I forgot ......Victoria is too Posh to Push!!!

- NL , London, 11/4/2011 5:36

Click to rate Rating 103Report abuse

Lea, Paris, France, 10/4/2011 21:49....Well said!...My thoughts exactly.!

- Anna, Sunny Britain, 11/4/2011 5:30

Click to rate Rating 19Report abuse

Does this woman ALWAYS sulk?

- Jill, London, 11/4/2011 5:30

Click to rate Rating 18Report abuse

How come some celeb kids have their faces fuzzed out while others dont? It is because some like to pimp out their kids more than others? Just curious... no red arrows needed. :P

- Milly, London, 11/4/2011 5:15

Click to rate Rating 8Report abuse

I wouldn't want to be around her if she took her shoes off. Have you seen the state on her feet? On second thoughts i have no wish to be around her at all. I'd rather be down the pub with my mates.

- taff, wales, 11/4/2011 5:15

Click to rate Rating 40Report abuse

she covers her bump all the time :( she should be proud and not be afraid to show it x

- Laila, UK, 11/4/2011 5:14

Click to rate Rating 47Report abuse

Is it healthy for this woman to sqeeze her pregnancy into tight fitting jeans (because odds on she isn't wearing maternity jeans!). I appreciate some women can have 'small' pregnancies, but she looks completely unnatural, given that according to most media reports she is 5 months pregnant!!! As to those heels, I have little respect for any pregnant woman stupid enough to wear tottering heels like that, they are at a far higher risk of taking a tumble and according to medical experts it tilts the womb!!!

- JT, London, 11/4/2011 5:10

Click to rate Rating 10Report abuse

How can she feel comfortable wearing such high heels when she's pregnant? I'd be afraid of falling over!

- JoJo, Somewhere in Surrey, 11/4/2011 5:09

Click to rate Rating 34Report abuse

Why does Victoria never embrace her pregnancy. She has always seemed to want to hide it.

- Cathy, Brittany , France, 11/4/2011 5:07

Click to rate Rating 53Report abuse

how interesting

- nige b, west yorks, 11/4/2011 5:06

Click to rate Rating 13Report abuse

does she ever wear flats !!!!! i dunno wen i was preg i cudnt do heels was too worried wud harm my posture n baby

- laura, london, 11/4/2011 4:53

Click to rate Rating 18Report abuse

I bet she always calls the paps to come around and plays this pathetic plastic persona for the cameras because it's not possible to look so lifeless, joyless and utterly sad when out with her boys each and every time. I click on the articles about her because I'm into fashion and want to see what she's wearing but her joyless "public" existence fills me with desperation

I sincerely hope she takes this look off her face when alone with her family and friends, she's so much to be thankful for after all. She hasn't just lost her home and relatives in Japan, even those people look more hopeful than this weird sourpuss.

- Lea, Paris, France, 11/4/2011 4:49

Click to rate Rating 33Report abuse

Why would anyone not be proud of their baby bump? She seems embarrassed by it. She is so vain. Poor David!

- Emma, Derbyshire UK, 11/4/2011 4:47

Click to rate Rating 38Report abuse

Since announcing her pregnancy earlier this year she hasn't relaxed her demanding schedule which includes designer her collections "Designer her collections? Oh dear DM. ha ha hahaaaaaa!

- THERESA ARCARI, TENERIFE, 11/4/2011 4:32

Click to rate Rating 8Report abuse

Just looking at the size of those heels make my feet burn

- Jennifer, Lancashire, England, 11/4/2011 4:28

Click to rate Rating 25Report abuse

Has she had something done to her lip? Her top one looks a bit Troutish!!

- Troupstar, Kent, UK, 11/4/2011 4:24

Click to rate Rating 33Report abuse

well isn't young Romeo the absolute image of his father?! and good for them enjoying some normal family time together, certainly the weather for it

- laurie, cheltenham, england, 11/4/2011 4:21

Click to rate Rating 99Report abuse

She Looks Ridicolous, as always, in thoes heels! I bet she goes to bed with her towers just in case she needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night so that she won't feel short and imperfect.

- Mar, SPAIN BARCELONA, 11/4/2011 4:20

Click to rate Rating 30Report abuse

Ok where are the "why is she embarrassed about her bump?" posts?! I'll answer you in advance - her pregnancy is none of your business!!!!

- Fiona, Glasgow, 11/4/2011 4:19

Click to rate Rating 71Report abuse

ugly & hightly dangerous heels - especially when would do anything to have a girl ! its still early into the pregnancy

- claire, TQ devon, 11/4/2011 4:03

Click to rate Rating 38Report abuse

Victoria looked fabulous and take note,her 3 beautiful boys are growing fast esp. Brooklyn

- bernarda m.gonzales, leeds, 11/4/2011 3:55

Click to rate Rating 111Report abuse

Makes me laugh when she tries to cover her bump up. Why? Well she was all too quick to announce she was pregnant and then announce it is a girl, so why the false modesty at 'pretending' to hide her bump? Typical attention seeking and typical stupid press response

- annabel, leeds, 11/4/2011 3:49

Click to rate Rating 73Report abuse

I know she's excited to be having another baby, but Victoria really seems to HATE being pregnant - or rather, seems to hate being photographed pregnant...sad, really. But it explains how she managed to completely avoid being photographed during her pregnancies with Romeo and Cruz, and why she covers herself up so quickly now. Someone needs to tell her she needn't worry - we all know the difference between fat and pregnant, and heaven forbid we ever thinks she's the former.

- Natalie, Bristol, 11/4/2011 3:35

Click to rate Rating 134Report abuse

I wish I looked that glam whilst being pregnant. I am 5 months and feel like a whale. High street clothes don´t off the same sense of sophistication.

- LR, somewhere out there, 11/4/2011 3:20

Click to rate Rating 305Report abuse

She has a complex about her height, being short, you would want to wear tall heeled, stiletos.

- Amy, UK, 11/4/2011 3:16

Click to rate Rating 66Report abuse

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Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1375479/Victoria-Be...

Candid shot, Mid-Devon County show.

 

NOTE the individuals in the photograph have nothing to do with my commentary, the image just sparked a train of thought.

------------------------------

Those who are bullies in childhood often continue to be bullies as adults. The victims of adult bullying may find little or no sympathy from their co-workers, friends and family members. After all, you are big now; you should not let silly things like bullying bother you. Or should you ?

 

Much time and effort are spent trying to discover what motivates a person to bully others, especially in childhood, where this type of behaviour usually begins. On-the-spot amateur psychology, however, probably won’t spare you any hurt when a bully comes to call. Remember that, if you find yourself the victim of bullying, a bully’s bad behaviour is entirely his or her responsibility, not yours, no matter what the bully may tell you. Compassion has an important role in rooting out the causes of bullying, but in practical terms, it is unproductive to waste time trying to ‘mend’ a bully, or ‘understand’ how he or she came to enjoy such cruel behaviour, whilst you are being made a victim. When faced with a bully, your responsibility is to protect yourself from the emotional, social, or physical harm that the bully intends to cause.

 

What Can I Do To Stop It?

 

When someone is bullying you, it is unlikely that there is anything you can say or do to make the bully feel like being nice to you. The best strategy is to change how you respond to the bullying behaviour. Bullying behaviour cannot continue to have its desired effect if the intended victim successfully stands up to the bully. Once you have identified a bully and know what to expect from him or her, you must choose not to be a victim, if you want the bullying to stop. Expose the bullying for what it is. Take a stand, and don’t back down…

 

Bullies tend not to pick on those who can fend for themselves; a bully’s enjoyment depends on a victims’ inability (or unwillingness) to fight back. Most bullies are careful to do their bullying when no witnesses are about. Making a creditable complaint against a bully who is generally liked, admired, or respected for some position of authority, can be extremely difficult, and possibly hazardous, for the victim. If you are a bully’s victim, and you perceive, for whatever reason, that you cannot defend yourself, all is not lost.

  

Try These:

 

Tell someone you trust.

 

Arrange for a witness to the bullying.

 

Confront the bully. You can do this yourself if you feel able; your trusted person or witness can do it on your behalf; you can hire a solicitor; you can go to the police or other authority. The important point here is to expose the bully and call him or her to account. Confrontation and exposure, with evidence to support a victim’s accusations, are what the bully tries hardest to avoid. Once exposure happens, the bullying is likely to stop.

  

Don't Try These:

 

Getting into a fight.

 

Returning the abuse.

 

Acting out in frustration.

 

Suicide. It may stop you from enjoying anything else, ever again, but it won’t stop the bully from finding a new victim. If you are having thoughts about ending your own life, GET HELP IMMEDIATELY.

  

UK National Bullying Helpline Tel: 0845 22 55 787

The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, is the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force (RAF) based at RAF Waddington. The team was formed in late 1964 as an all-RAF team, replacing a number of unofficial teams that had been sponsored by RAF commands.

 

The Red Arrows have a prominent place in British popular culture, with their aerobatic displays a fixture of British summer events. The badge of the Red Arrows shows the aircraft in their trademark diamond nine formation, with the motto Éclat, a French word meaning "brilliance" or "excellence".

 

Initially, they were equipped with seven Folland Gnat trainers inherited from the RAF Yellowjacks display team. This aircraft was chosen because it was less expensive to operate than front-line fighters. In their first season, they flew at 65 shows across Europe. In 1966, the team was increased to nine members, enabling them to develop their Diamond Nine formation. In late 1979, they switched to the BAE Hawk trainer. The Red Arrows have performed over 4,800 displays in 57 countries worldwide.

 

History

Predecessors

In 1925, No. 32 Squadron RAF flew an air display six nights a week entitled "London Defended" at the British Empire Exhibition. Similar to the display they had done the previous year, when the aircraft were painted black, it consisted of a night-time air display over the Wembley Exhibition flying RAF Sopwith Snipes which were painted red for the display and fitted with white lights on the wings, tail, and fuselage. The display involved firing blank ammunition into the stadium crowds and dropping pyrotechnics from the aeroplanes to simulate shrapnel from guns on the ground. Explosions on the ground also produced the effect of bombs being dropped into the stadium by the aeroplanes. One of the pilots in the display was Flying Officer C. W. A. Scott, who later became famous for breaking three England–Australia solo flight records and winning the MacRobertson Air Race with co-pilot Tom Campbell Black in 1934.

 

In 1947, the first jet team of three de Havilland Vampires came from RAF Odiham Fighter Wing. Various teams flew the Vampire, and in 1950, No. 72 Squadron was flying a team of seven. No. 54 Squadron became the first RAF jet formation team to use smoke trails. Vampires were replaced by Gloster Meteors, No. 66 Squadron developing a formation team of six aircraft.

 

Hawker Hunter aircraft were first used for aerobatics teams in 1955, when No. 54 Squadron flew a formation of four.

 

The official RAF team was provided by No. 111 Squadron in 1956, and for the first time, the aircraft had a special colour scheme, which was an all-black finish. After a demonstration in France, they were hailed as "Les Fleches Noires" and from then on known as the Black Arrows. This team became the first team to fly a five-Hunter formation. In 1958, the Black Arrows performed a loop and barrel roll of 22 Hunters, a world record for the greatest number of aircraft looped in formation. The Black Arrows were the premier team until 1961, when the Blue Diamonds (No. 92 Squadron) continued their role, flying 16 blue Hunters.

 

In 1960, the Tigers (No. 74 Squadron) were re-equipped with the supersonic English Electric Lightning and performed wing-overs and rolls with nine aircraft in tight formation. They sometimes gave co-ordinated displays with the Blue Diamonds. Yet another aerobatics team was formed in 1960 by No. 56 Squadron, the Firebirds, with nine red and silver Lightnings.

 

In 1964, the Red Pelicans, flying six BAC Jet Provost T Mk 4s, assumed the role of the RAF's leading display team. In that same year, a team of five yellow Gnat trainers from No 4 Flying Training School displayed at the Farnborough Airshow. This team became known as the Yellowjacks after Flight Lieutenant Lee Jones's call sign, "Yellowjack".

 

In 1964, all the RAF display teams were amalgamated, as it was feared pilots were spending too much time practising formation aerobatics rather than operational training. The new team name took the word "red" from the fact that the Red Pelicans' planes had been painted red (for safety reasons, as it was a far clearer and more visible colour in the sky) and "arrows" after the Black Arrows.

 

Establishment

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the formal name of the Red Arrows, began life at RAF Little Rissington in Gloucestershire, then the Central Flying School. The Red Arrows moved to RAF Kemble, now Cotswold Airport, in 1966 after RAF Fairford became the place of choice for BAC to run test flights for the Concorde supersonic airliner. When RAF Scampton became the CFS headquarters in 1983, the Red Arrows moved there. As an economy measure, Scampton closed in 1995, so the Red Arrows moved just 20 miles to RAF Cranwell; however, as they still used the air space above Scampton, the emergency facilities and runways had to be maintained. Since 21 December 2000, the Red Arrows have been based again at RAF Scampton, near Lincoln. On 13 October 2022, the Red Arrows moved to their new base at RAF Waddington.

 

The first team, led by Squadron Leader Lee Jones, had seven display pilots and flew the Folland Gnat T1 jet trainer. The first display in the UK was on 6 May 1965, at Little Rissington for a press day. At the subsequent National Air Day display, three days later, at Clermont Ferrand in France, one French journalist described the team as "Les Fleches Rouges", confirming the name "The Red Arrows". By the end of their first season, the Red Arrows had displayed 65 times in Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium and were awarded the Britannia Trophy by the Royal Aero Club for their contribution to aviation.

 

In 1968, the then team leader (Sqn Ldr Ray Hanna) expanded the team from seven to nine jets, as he wanted to expand the team's capabilities and the permutations of formation patterns. During this season, the 'Diamond Nine' pattern was formed and it has remained the team's trademark pattern ever since. Ray Hanna served as Red Leader for three consecutive years until 1968 and was recalled to supersede Squadron Leader Timothy Nelson for the 1969 display season, a record four seasons as Leader, which still stands. For his considerable achievements of airmanship with the team, Ray Hanna was awarded a bar to his existing Air Force Cross.

 

After displaying 1,292 times in the Folland Gnat, the Red Arrows took delivery of the BAE Hawk in 1979. Since being introduced into service with the Red Arrows, the Hawk has performed with the Red Arrows in 50 countries.

 

Later years

In July 2004, speculation surfaced in the British media that the Red Arrows would be disbanded, after a defence spending review, due to running costs between £5 million and £6 million. The Arrows were not disbanded and their expense has been justified through their public relations benefit of helping to develop business in the defence industry and promoting recruitment for the RAF. According to the BBC, disbanding the Red Arrows will be highly unlikely, as they are a considerable attraction throughout the world. This was reiterated by Prime Minister David Cameron on 20 February 2013, when he guaranteed the estimated £9m per annum costs while visiting India to discuss a possible sale of Hawk aircraft to be used by India's military aerobatics team, the Surya Kiran.

 

With the planned closure of RAF Scampton, the future home of the Red Arrows became uncertain. On 20 May 2008, months of speculation were ended when it was revealed that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) were moving the Red Arrows to nearby RAF Waddington. However, in December 2011, those plans were put under review. The MoD confirmed in June 2012 that the Red Arrows would remain at RAF Scampton until at least the end of the decade. Scampton's runway was resurfaced as a result.

 

In July 2018 the RAF announced that RAF Scampton, the wartime base of No. 617 Squadron also known as The Dambusters, would close by 2022. In March 2019, the MoD indicated that RAF Waddington, alongside RAF Leeming and RAF Wittering, was being considered as their future home. It was confirmed in May 2020 that Waddington had been selected. The move was completed on 13 October 2022. The Red Arrows will continue to use airspace above RAF Scampton for their training.

 

Misconduct inquiry

In December 2021, Chief of the Air Staff Mike Wigston ordered an RAF inquiry into the Red Arrows, which The Times later reported related to allegations of bullying, misogyny, sexual harassment and drunkenness. Up to 40 personnel on the squadron, many of whom were female, described the culture as "toxic". While the inquiry was ongoing some pilots left, leaving a smaller display team. An inquiry delivered in November 2022 concluded that at least two pilots from the team had enough of a service case against them to warrant their discharge from the service. In November 2022 it was announced that the commanding officer had been suspended for investigations. The whole team were required to attend courses on "unacceptable behaviour" and "active bystander" training after one former female member claimed that newly arrived females on the team were seen as "fresh meat", and would be inundated with unwanted WhatsApp messages.

 

A further formal investigation into the command, leadership, and management of the squadron was conducted in 2023, and redacted versions of both reports were published on 1 November 2023. Chief of the Air Staff Sir Richard Knighton apologised and stated "I was appalled when I read the investigations’ findings" and that few serving at that time were still in the squadron and he had confidence in the current command. Four of the victims who made formal complainants subsequently criticised the inquiry in a Sky News documentary, and stated that the RAF had falsely told a parliamentary committee that the sexism allegations did not meet a criminal threshold.

 

Pilots

Since 1966, the team has had nine display pilots each year, all volunteers. Pilots must have completed one or more operational tours on a fast jet such as the Tornado, Harrier, or Typhoon, have accumulated at least 1,500 flying hours, and have been assessed as above average in their operational role to be eligible. Even then, more than ten pilots apply for each place on the team. Pilots stay with the Red Arrows for a three-year tour of duty. Three pilots are changed every year, such that normally three first-year pilots, three second-year pilots, and three in their final year are on the team. The team leader also spends three years with the team. The 'Boss', as he is known to the rest of the team, is always a pilot who has previously completed a three-year tour with the Red Arrows, often (although not always) including a season as the leader of the Synchro Pair.

 

During the second half of each display, the Red Arrows split into two sections. Reds 1 to 5 are known as 'Enid' (named after Enid Blyton, author of the Famous Five books) and Reds 6 to 9 are known as 'Gypo' (the nickname of one of the team's pilots back in the 1960s). Enid continue to perform close-formation aerobatics, while Gypo perform more dynamic manoeuvres. Red 6 (Syncro Leader) and Red 7 (Synchro 2) make up the Synchro Pair and they perform a series of opposition passes during this second half. At the end of each season, one of that year's new pilots will be chosen to be Red 7 for the following season, with that year's Red 7 taking over as Red 6.

 

The Reds have no reserve pilots, as spare pilots would not perform often enough to fly to the standard required, nor would they be able to learn the intricacies of each position in the formation. If one of the pilots is not able to fly, the team flies an eight-plane formation. However, if the Team Leader, 'Red 1', is unable to fly, then the team does not display at all. Each pilot always flies the same position in the formation during a season. The pilots spend six months from October to April practising for the display season. Pilots wear green flying suits during training, and are only allowed to wear their red flying suits once they are awarded their Public Display Authority at the end of winter training.

 

The new pilots joining the team spend their first season flying at the front of the formation near the team leader. As their experience and proficiency improve, they move to positions further back in the formation in their second and third seasons. Pilots who start on the left of the formation stay on that side for the duration of their three-year tour; the pilots on the right side stay on the right. The exception to this are Reds 6 and 7 (the Synchro Pair), who fly in the 'stem' of the formation - the two positions behind the team leader.

 

During an aerobatics display, Red Arrows pilots experience forces up to five times that of gravity (1g), and when performing the aerobatic manoeuvre 'Vixen Break', forces up to 7g can be reached, close to the 8g structural limit of the aircraft.

 

As well as the nine pilots, 'Red 10', who is the team supervisor, is a fully qualified Hawk pilot who flies the tenth aircraft when the Red Arrows are away from base. This means the team have a reserve aircraft at the display site. Red 10's duties include co-ordination of all practices and displays and acting as the team's ground safety officer. Red 10 often flies TV cameramen and photographers for air-to-air pictures of the Red Arrows and also provides the commentary for all of the team's displays.

 

On 13 May 2009, it was announced that the Red Arrows would include their first female display pilot. Flt Lt Kirsty Moore (née Stewart) joined for the 2010 season. Flt Lt Moore was not the first female to apply to become a Red Arrow, but was the first to be taken forward to the intense final selection process. She joined the RAF in 1998 and was a qualified flying instructor on the Hawk aircraft at RAF Valley. Prior to joining the team, she flew the Tornado GR4 at RAF Marham.

 

The 'Blues'

The engineering team that supports the Red Arrows is known as "The Blues" and consists of 85 members drawn from various technical and support trades in the RAF. Each season nine members of the Blues are selected to be members of the 'Circus'. The position of "Circus 1" (the engineer who accompanies the "Boss", Red 1) is normally occupied by the Junior Engineering Officer. Similarly, the position of Circus leader (Red 6 or 7) is occupied by a technician of sergeant rank; the other slots being filled by technicians holding corporal or senior aircraftman rank. Each member of the Circus works with the same pilot for the duration of the season and is responsible for servicing their aircraft and preparing their flying kit prior to each display. Circus members fly in the back seats of the jets during transit flights.

 

Aircraft

The team use the same two-seat training aircraft used for advanced pilot training, at first the Folland Gnat which was replaced in 1979 by the BAE Systems Hawk T1. The Hawks are modified with an uprated engine and a modification to enable smoke to be generated; diesel is mixed with a coloured dye and ejected into the jet exhaust to produce either red, white or blue smoke.

 

Displays

The first display by the Red Arrows was at RAF Little Rissington on 6 May 1965. The display was to introduce the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team to the media. However, the first public display was on 9 May 1965 in France, at the French National Air Day in Clermont-Ferrand. The first public display in the UK was on 15 May 1965 at the Biggin Hill International Air Fair. The first display with nine aircraft was on 8 July 1966 at RAF Little Rissington.

 

The first display in Germany was at RAF Laarbruch on 6 August 1965. The Red Arrows performed in Germany a further 170 times before formation aerobatics were banned in Germany following the Ramstein airshow disaster in 1988.

 

During displays, the aircraft do not fly directly over the crowd apart from entering the display area by flying over the crowd from behind; any manoeuvres in front of and parallel to the audience can be as low as 300 feet (91 m), the 'synchro pair' can go as low as 100-foot (30 m) straight and level, or 150-foot (46 m) when in inverted flight. To carry out a full looping display the cloud base must be above 5,500 feet (1,700 m) to avoid the team entering the cloud while looping. If the cloud base is less than 5,500-foot (1,700 m) but more than 2,500-foot (760 m) the Team will perform the Rolling Display, substituting wing-overs and rolls for the loops. If the cloud base is less than 2,500-foot (760 m) the Team will fly the Flat Display, which consists of a series of fly-pasts and steep turns.

 

The greatest number of displays flown in any year was in 1995, when the Red Arrows performed 136 times. The smallest number of displays in one year was in 1975, after the 1973 oil crisis limited their appearances. At a charity auction in 2008, a British woman paid £1.5 million to fly with them.

 

By the end of the 2009 season, the Red Arrows had performed a total of 4,269 displays in 53 countries. The 4,000th display was at RAF Leuchars during the Battle of Britain Airshow in September 2006.

 

Following the accidents during the 2011 season, the Red Arrows retained Red 8 and moved the original Red 10 to the Red 5 position to enable them to continue displaying with nine aircraft. In March 2012, the MoD announced that the Red Arrows would fly aerobatic displays with seven aircraft during the 2012 display season as Flt Lt Kirsty Stewart had moved into a ground-based role with the team. It is believed this was due to the emotional stress she had been suffering over the loss of her two Red Arrows colleagues the previous year. As a consequence of this, Red 8 also dropped out of the display team to enable an odd number of aircraft to perform and thus maintain formation symmetry. However, the team carried out official flypasts with nine aircraft by utilising Red 8 as well as ex-Red Arrow display pilot and then Red 10 Mike Ling. The Red Arrows returned to a full aerobatic formation of nine aircraft in 2013.

 

In 2014, The Red Arrows celebrated 50 years of Aerobatic history as a display team returning to RAF Fairford for the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT). For the entirety of the 2014 display season, the aircraft carried special 50th Anniversary markings on their tails instead of just the red, white and blue stripes.

 

After the 2016 display season, the Red Arrows embarked on an Asia-Pacific and Middle East Tour. They performed flypasts or displays in Karachi in Pakistan; Hindon and Hyderabad in India; Dhaka in Bangladesh; Singapore; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; Danang in Vietnam; Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Zhuhai in China; Muscat in Oman; Manama in Bahrain; Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. The programme was the first time the team had displayed in China, and the first time a British military aircraft had deployed to Vietnam.

 

The summer 2019 display season took the team on a tour of North America, known as Western Hawk 19. After performing at RIAT, the team departed across the Atlantic at the end of July. As well as performing at US and Canadian air shows, they promoted the UK through school visits and meetings with business leaders. This was the Red Arrows' biggest-ever tour, flying to more than 25 cities, 21 displays and 30 flypasts. On 2 June 2022 Trooping the Colour, as part of Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II, closed with the Queen and Royal Family observing a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

 

For the 2022 display season, The Red Arrows are flying a seven aircraft display, due to "2 formation pilots moving to other roles within the RAF". Flypasts are still intended to be performed with nine aircraft, with experienced Red Arrows pilots flying the remaining 2 aircraft. On 2 June 2022 Trooping the Colour, as part of Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II, closed with the Queen and Royal Family observing a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

 

Display charges

In 1977, a charge of £200 was introduced by the MoD for a Red Arrows display. By 2000, the charge had risen to £2,000 (including VAT and insurance). In 2011 the team manager quoted the charge as £9,000.

 

Transits

On a transit flight (getting to or from a display location) the team may fly at the relatively low altitude of 1,000 feet (300 m). This avoids the complication of moving through the cloud base in formation, and also avoids much controlled air space. Jets are more efficient at higher altitude, so longer flights are made at 35,000 to 42,000 feet (11,000 to 13,000 m). On transit flights, the formation can include spare planes. Sometimes a C-130 Hercules or an Atlas C.1 accompanies them, carrying spare parts. They often provide flypasts and brief displays to smaller events if they are already passing over or it is a small detour.

 

Air Base in Greece

As the fuel capacity of the Hawk sets a limit to nonstop flight distance, and the Hawk is incapable of air-to-air refuelling, very long flights between display sites may need landings on the way to refuel. For example, a flight from RAF Scampton to Quebec for an international air display team competition had to be done in seven hops: RAF Scampton, RAF Kinloss (Scotland), Keflavík (Iceland), Kangerlussuaq (west Greenland), Narsarsuaq (south tip of Greenland), Goose Bay (Newfoundland) and Bagotville (Quebec).

 

For the same reason, Red Arrows displays in New Zealand are unlikely because there is no land near enough for a Hawk to land and refuel to reach New Zealand on the most fuel that it can carry.

 

Smoke

The smoke trails left by the team are made by releasing diesel into the exhaust; this vaporises in the hot exhaust flow, then re-condenses into very fine droplets that give the appearance of a white smoke trail. Dyes can be added to produce the red and blue colour. The diesel is stored in the pod on the underside of the plane; it houses three tanks: one 50-imperial-gallon (230 L) tank of pure diesel and two 10-imperial-gallon (45 L) tanks of blue and red dyed diesel. The smoke system uses 10 imperial gallons (45 L) per minute; therefore each plane can trail smoke for a total of seven minutes: – five minutes of white smoke, a minute of blue and a minute of red.

 

In 2021, the MoD asked the civil sector to help develop an environmentally friendly smoke system for the team's aircraft. This is part of its drive to make the RAF net-zero by 2040.

 

Incidents and accidents

Data from: Ejection History – Red Arrows

 

26 March 1969

Gnat XR573 hit trees while joining formation during a practice at RAF Kemble. Flt Lt Jerry Bowler did not activate the ejection seat and was killed.

16 December 1969

Two Gnats crashed, XR995 at Kemble, on fire and XR992 in a field near Chelworth. The pilots both ejected safely although a fire warning from air traffic was intended for XR995.

20 January 1971

Gnats XR986 and XR545, collided during the cross-over manoeuvre over the runway at Kemble, with four fatalities.

13 December 1971

Gnat XR567 crashed on approach to RAF Upper Heyford. Flt Lt Clem Longdon and Flt Lt Richard "Dick" Michael Storr did not eject and were killed.

16 February 1976

Gnat XP531 struck a cable and made emergency landing at RAF Kemble; damaged beyond repair. Both crew ejected safely.

June 1976

Gnat XR987 – Flight instrument technician in the rear seat ejected during check flight to investigate uncommanded control movements. Pilot Flt Lt Dudley Carvell – Cpl Ginger Whelan ejected through the canopy from the back seat when he thought control of aircraft had been lost. "No-one was hurt and we had the aircraft flying again the next week"

24 June 1976

Gnat Red 1 XS111 – The undercarriage collapsed when the aircraft ran into the overrun area after the brakes failed on landing at RAF Kemble, Gloucestershire; Sqn Ldr Richard "Dickie" Duckett was unhurt.

3 March 1978

Gnat Red 4 XR981 – Struck ground whilst practising Vic rollback aerobatics at RAF Kemble. Pilot Flt Lt Stephen Edward Noble and Wg. Cdr. Dennis George Hazell AFC died;[65] XR981 happened during pre-season practice, specifically while the team were practicing roll-backs at low altitude. The aircraft ended up inverted and neither occupant left the aircraft. One seat fired, but I can't remember which, but couldn't go anywhere. Steve Noble survived initially but died later that day. Quote: "3 Mar 1978, in the footnote you are not sure which ejection seat fired. It was the rear seat (Wg Cdr Hazell). The aircraft had hit the ground and then bounced back into the air, one wing then dug in and the aircraft cartwheeled eventually ending up upside down. During this time it was still travelling at some speed and as the rear seat was a little higher and the canopy was broken, it made contact with the ground pulling the top handle of the seat and setting off the ejection sequence, but as you say the seat could not go anywhere and so the seat rails came out through the bottom of the floor. Sadly I witnessed this crash from start to finish, with many others, as it was a families day for the Red Arrows and many people were there to watch the practice".

22 May 1979

Gnat XP539 had a fuel blockage that caused engine problems and aircraft was abandoned at RAF Leeming, Yorkshire. Wg Cdr Ernie Jones ejected OK (XP539 actually belonged to the Red Arrows, but was a reserve ship not fitted with smoke. It was flown by Wg Cdr Ernie Jones, who was the only person on board, and was visiting Training Command HQ. The accident was due to asymmetric fuelling of the aircraft – when one side ran out of fuel the flow proportioner, which equalised usage from both sides, cut the fuel flow off from the other side, causing embarrassment).

17 May 1980

Hawk XX262 hit a yacht mast at an air show in Brighton, Sussex. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Steve Johnson, ejected safely.

21 March 1984

A Hawk hit the ground at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus, while practising a loop. The pilot, Flt Lt Chris Hirst, suffered serious injuries when the impact with the ground forced the ejection seat through the canopy and deployed the drogue chute, dragging him out.

31 August 1984

Hawk XX257 crashed into the sea 3 miles off Sidmouth, Devon after the engine suffered a failure of a rotor blade in the low pressure compressor. Pilot, Flt Lt P.D. Lees was rescued by a Sidmouth independent inshore rescue boat.

1986

A Hawk rammed into the back of another on a runway.

3 November 1986

Hawk XX297 flown by Flt Lt Dan Findlay flew into the jet wash of the leading aircraft during a practice display at RAF Scampton and was unable to relight the Hawk's engine. The pilot ejected safely after unsuccessfully attempting an emergency landing back at RAF Scampton.

16 November 1987

Hawks XX241 & XX259 collided during a winter training practice with one aircraft crashing into a house in the village of Welton, Lincolnshire. The aircraft of Flt Lt Spike Newbery struck the aircraft of new Team Leader Sqn Ldr Tim Miller from behind, knocking off the tail. Both pilots ejected successfully. Flt Lt Newbery suffered a broken leg and had to leave the team.

24 June 1988

Hawk XX304 crashed whilst attempting to take off, and the fuel tanks exploded. The pilot Sqn Ldr Pete J. Collins, Red Arrows' deputy leader, ejected safely.

22 January 1988

Hawk XX243 crashed practising a "roll back" at RAF Scampton. The pilot Flt Lt Neil Duncan MacLachlan was killed.

17 October 1998

Flt Lt R. Edwards landed short of the runway after a practice run at the Red Arrows then home base, RAF Cranwell, and ejected safely at low altitude.

9 September 2003

A Hawk overshot the runway while landing at Jersey Airport in advance of an air display. The pilot Flt Lt Jez Griggs ran the jet into a gravel pile and little damage was sustained.

12 January 2007

The wingtip of a Hawk hit the tail of another during a practice flight near RAF Scampton.

23 March 2010

Two Hawks were involved in a mid-air collision. The synchro pair were practising one of their manoeuvres when the two aircraft collided. Red 7 (Flt Lt David Montenegro) landed his plane safely, but Red 6 (Flt Lt Mike Ling) ejected and suffered a dislocated shoulder. The incident took place during pre-season training in Crete. Due to his injuries, Flt Lt Ling was unable to participate in the forthcoming display season and was replaced by 2008's Red 6, Flt Lt Paul O'Grady.

20 August 2011

Stone base with three gently twisting steel trails rising upwards, each topped with a red glass aircraft

Memorial to Flt Lt John Egging at East Cliff, Bournemouth

A Hawk aircraft crashed into a field near Throop Mill, one mile from Bournemouth Airport following a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival. Flt Lt Jon Egging, pilot of Red 4 (XX179), died in the accident. The investigation into the incident determined that Flt Lt Egging was incapacitated due to the effects of g-force induced loss of consciousness until very shortly before impact. A memorial to Egging was originally unveiled in 2012 at East Cliff, Bournemouth, before being moved to a new location nearby in 2017 following a landslip. His widow Emma Egging was made an OBE in the 2021 Birthday Honours.

8 November 2011

Pilot Flt Lt Sean Cunningham was ejected from his aircraft while it was on the ground at RAF Scampton and subsequently died from his injuries. He was shot 220 feet (67 m) into the air and received fatal injuries when his parachute failed to open. The UK Health and Safety Executive announced in 2016 that it would be prosecuting the ejection seat manufacturer Martin-Baker for breach of Health and Safety law. The company has since pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

20 March 2018

A Hawk crashed at RAF Valley. Two people, the pilot and an engineer, were on board at the time. The pilot of Red 3, Flt Lt David Stark, was hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries whilst the engineer, Cpl Jonathan Bayliss, was killed. According to the coroner the crash could have been avoided. Flt Lt Stark was unable to resume his place in the 2018 display team and was replaced by Sqn Ldr Mike Ling, outgoing Red 10.

28 August 2022

A bird strike smashed the cockpit canopy of Red 6 during the closing display at Rhyl Air Show. As a result the display was cut short and the Red Arrows returned to Hawarden airfield where they were based for the weekend. The pilot, Sqn Ldr Gregor Ogston was unharmed. Images shared on The Red Arrows social media accounts showed his helmet had taken the impact force of the bird strike.

 

Video game

In 1985, Database Software released a flight simulator called Red Arrows, made in cooperation with the flight team. In the simulator, stunts have to be performed while flying in formation. It was available for the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, Acorn Electron, BBC Micro and Atari.[93]

copyright © 2008 sean dreilinger

   

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view sequoia gets his bath on - _MG_1559 on a black background.

 

Candid shot, Blackdown Hills Beer and music festival 2016.

 

When you can't stand up straight its time to stop drinking.

 

At least when you fall down in a field, you don't generally get hurt.

 

A great afternoon.

Well-known heart attack symptoms can include chest pain and radiating discomfort in the left arm. But, as Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum explains, there are several other ways your body may tell you when something isn’t quite right, potentially with your heart.

 

four silent heart attack symptoms that women should most definitely be aware of.

 

Shortness of breath

 

According to Steinbaum, director of The Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, women often struggle to breathe a few weeks before experiencing a heart attack.

 

“If you are used to doing a certain amount of activity and then, all of a sudden, you can’t get enough air, that is when I get concerned,” says Steinbaum.

 

Back pain

 

Irregular pain in the lower or upper back can indicate stress to the heart muscle, Steinbaum says.

 

Jaw pain

 

“I had one patient who would feel her jaw start to hurt every time she got on a treadmill,” Steinbaum says. “But once she stopped, her jaw pain would go away. She went to a dentist, but there wasn’t anything wrong with her teeth.”

 

This discomfort continued until the woman experienced a heart attack. When she came into Steinbaum’s office after the event, it was evident that the jaw pain was directly linked to what was happening in her heart.

 

“Sometimes the heart isn’t able to give a good signal and, instead, the pain can radiate to the neck, jaw and back,” she says.

  

Nausea

 

Flu-like symptoms are often reported weeks and days before a heart attack.

 

---------------------------------

Candid street shot, Chagford, Devon, UK.

Wild Bilberries or European Blueberries near the Little Inn/Gospodka Forester Lodge, Marianowo Administrative Country District/Solectwo Marianowo (Vaccinium myrtillus L., many common, regional names: blaeberry in Scotland, blue whortleberry, common bilberry, fraughan, hurtleberry, myrtleberry, urts or hurts in Cornwall and Devon, whinberry, whortleberry, wimberry, or winberry; jagoda, czarna jagoda, czernica in Poland). It is a holarctic, primarily Eurasian species of shrub with edible fruit of dark blue color and is widely used as a medicinal plant (or for other purposes). The plant lower blood sugar level. Dried blueberry fruits have been used in traditional medicine because of their high concentrations of anthocyanins (antibacterial effect), as a medicine for diarrhea and bloody dysentery, in folk medicine against pinworms, and in relation to colorectal cancer inhibition and prevention, inducing apoptosis and regulating angiogenesis.

 

biogo.pl/blog/wlasciwosci-dzialanie-i-zastosowanie-czarne...

www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-proven-benefits-of-bluebe...

The Postcard

 

A postally unused Auto-Photo Series postcard bearing an early image of London Bridge.

 

The Sale and Removal of London Bridge

 

By 1896 the bridge was the busiest point in London, and one of its most congested, with 8,000 pedestrians and 900 vehicles crossing every hour. To designs by engineer Edward Cruttwell, it was widened in 1904 by 13 feet (4.0 m), using granite corbels.

 

However subsequent surveys showed that the bridge was sinking an inch (about 2.5 cm) every eight years, and by 1924 the east side had sunk some three to four inches (about 9 cm) lower than the west side. It was concluded that the bridge would have to be removed and replaced.

 

Council member Ivan Luckin put forward the idea of selling the bridge, and recalled:

 

"They all thought I was completely

crazy when I suggested we should

sell London Bridge when it needed

replacing."

 

Subsequently, in 1968, Council placed the bridge on the market and began to look for potential buyers. On the 18th. April 1968, Rennie's bridge was purchased by the Missourian entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch of McCulloch Oil for $2,460,000.

 

The claim that McCulloch believed mistakenly that he was buying the more impressive Tower Bridge was denied by Ivan Luckin in a newspaper interview.

 

Before the bridge was taken apart, each granite facing block was marked for later reassembly. The blocks were taken to Merrivale Quarry at Princetown in Devon, where 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) were sliced off the inner faces of many, in order to facilitate their fixing.

 

Stones left behind were sold in an online auction when the quarry was abandoned and flooded in 2003. 10,000 tons of granite blocks were shipped via the Panama Canal to California, then trucked from Long Beach to Arizona.

 

They were used to face a new, purpose-built hollow core steel-reinforced concrete structure, ensuring that the bridge would support the weight of modern traffic. The bridge was reconstructed at Lake Havasu City, Arizona, and was re-dedicated on the 10th. October 1971 in a ceremony attended by London's Lord Mayor and celebrities.

 

The bridge carries the McCulloch Boulevard and spans the Bridgewater Channel, an artificial, navigable waterway that leads from the Uptown area of Lake Havasu City.

 

Terror Attacks on London Bridge and Nearby

 

There have been four terror attacks on or near London Bridge dating back to 1884. They are as follows:

 

(1) The 1884 London Bridge Terror Attack

 

On Saturday 13th. December 1884, two American-Irish Republicans carried out a dynamite attack on London Bridge as part of the Fenian dynamite campaign.

 

The bomb went off prematurely while the men were in a boat attaching it to a bridge pier at 5.45 pm during the evening rush hour. There was little damage to the bridge, and no casualties other than the bombers.

 

However, there was considerable collateral damage, and hundreds of windows were shattered on both banks of the Thames. The men's boat was so completely destroyed that the police initially thought the bombers had fled.

 

On the 25th. December 1884 the mutilated remains of one of the bombers were found. The body of the other man was never recovered, but the police were later able to identify the dead men as two Americans, William Mackey Lomasney, and John Fleming.

 

The men were identified after a landlord reported to police that dynamite had been found in the rented premises of two American gentlemen who had disappeared after the 13th. December, enabling police to piece together who was responsible for the attack.

 

The men had already been under surveillance by the police in both America and Great Britain.

 

(2) The 1992 London Bridge Bombing

 

On Friday the 28th. February 1992, the Provisional IRA exploded a bomb inside London Bridge station during the morning rush hour, causing extensive damage and wounding 29 people. It was one of many bombings carried out by one of the IRA's London active service units. It occurred just over a year after a bomb at Victoria station.

 

-- The 1992 Bombing

 

At around 8:20 am, someone rang Ulster Television's London office warning that a bomb was going to explode in a London station, without saying which one.

 

About ten minutes later, the bomb detonated, which made debris fly almost 50 feet (15 m) away from the blast area. Twenty nine people were hurt in the explosion, most of them from flying glass and other bits of debris; four were seriously hurt, but nobody was killed.

 

The victims were treated at Guy's Hospital.

 

-- Aftermath of the 1992 Explosion

 

The head of Scotland Yard's anti terrorist squad, George Churchill-Coleman, said that the 2 lb (910 g) bomb of high explosives was "clearly designed to kill."

 

Investigations suggested that the bomb had been placed in the men's restrooms. Churchill-Coleman added that the IRA's warning was "deliberately vague," and was given too late to act upon.

 

Prime Minister John Major said that the bombing would not change British policy in Northern Ireland:

 

"It was pointless. It was cowardly. It was

directed against innocent people and it

will make absolutely no difference to

our policy -- no difference at all."

 

Fearing additional IRA attacks on public transport, the security services warned commuters "more than ever" to stay on guard at all times. The next day, another bomb went off in London, by the Crown Prosecution Service office, injuring two more people and bringing the total injured to 31 in the space of just over 24 hours.

 

This was one of dozens of bombs that detonated in London that year, the biggest of which was the Baltic Exchange bombing, killing three people and causing almost £1 billion worth of damage.

 

The IRA maintained this pressure, bombing mainland Britain and especially the City of London as much as possible until the ceasefire of 1994.

 

(3) The 2017 London Bridge Attack

 

On the 3rd. June 2017, a terrorist vehicle-ramming and stabbing took place in London when a van was deliberately driven into pedestrians on London Bridge, and then crashed on Borough High Street, just south of the River Thames.

 

The van's three occupants then ran to the nearby Borough Market area and began stabbing people in and around restaurants and pubs. They were shot dead by Metropolitan and City of London Police authorised firearms officers, and were found to be wearing fake explosive vests.

 

Eight people were killed and 48 were injured, including members of the public and four unarmed police officers who attempted to stop the assailants. British authorities described the perpetrators as radical Islamic terrorists.

 

The Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

 

-- Background to the 2017 Attack

 

In March 2017, five people had been killed in a combined vehicle and knife attack at Westminster. In late May, a suicide bomber killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

 

After the Manchester bombing, the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical", its highest level, until the 27th. May 2017, when it was lowered to severe.

 

-- The 2017 Attack

 

The attack was carried out using a white Renault Master hired earlier on the same evening in Harold Hill, by Khuram Butt. He had intended to hire a 7.5 tonne lorry, but was refused due to his failure to provide payment details.

 

The attackers were armed with 12-inch (30 cm) kitchen knives with ceramic blades, which they tied to their wrists with leather straps. They also prepared fake explosive belts by wrapping water bottles in grey tape.

 

At 21:58 on the 3rd. June 2017, the van travelled south across London Bridge, and returned six minutes later, crossing over the bridge northbound, making a U-turn at the northern end and then driving southbound across the bridge.

 

It mounted the pavement three times and hit multiple pedestrians, killing two. Witnesses said the van was travelling at high speed. 999 emergency calls were first recorded at 22:07. The van was later found to contain 13 wine bottles containing flammable liquid with rags stuffed in them, along with blow torches.

 

The van crashed on Borough High Street after crossing the central reservation. The van's tyres were destroyed by the central reservation, and the three attackers, armed with knives, abandoned the vehicle.

 

Then they ran down the steps to Green Dragon Court, where they killed five people outside and near the Boro Bistro pub. The attackers then went back up the steps to Borough High Street and attacked three bystanders.

 

Police tried to fight the attackers, but were stabbed, and Ignacio Echeverría helped them by striking the terrorist Redouane and possibly Zaghba with his skateboard. Echeverría was later killed outside Lobos Meat and Tapas.

 

Members of the public threw bottles and chairs at the attackers. Witnesses reported that the attackers were shouting:

 

"This is for Allah".

 

People in and around a number of other restaurants and bars along Stoney Street were also attacked. During the attack, an unknown man was spared by Rachid Redouane, but despite many efforts the man was never found.

 

A Romanian baker hit one of the attackers over the head with a crate before giving shelter to 20 people inside a bakery inside Borough Market.

 

One man fought the three attackers with his fists in the Black and Blue steakhouse, shouting:

 

"F*** you, I'm Millwall."

 

His actions gave members of the public who were in the restaurant the opportunity to run away. He was stabbed eight times in the hands, chest and head. He underwent surgery at St Thomas' Hospital, and was taken off the critical list on the 4th. June.

 

A British Transport Police officer armed with a baton also took on the attackers, receiving multiple stab wounds and temporarily losing sight in his right eye as a consequence.

 

Off-duty Metropolitan police constables Liam Jones and Stewart Henderson rendered first aid to seriously injured members of the public before protecting over 150 people inside the Thameside Inn and evacuating them by Metropolitan marine support unit and RNLI boats to the north shore of the Thames.

 

The three attackers were then shot dead by armed officers from the City of London and Metropolitan police Specialist Firearms Command eight minutes after the initial emergency call was made.

 

CCTV footage showed the three attackers in Borough Market running at the armed officers; the attackers were shot dead 20 seconds later. A total of 46 rounds were fired by three City of London and five Metropolitan Police officers.

 

-- Aftermath of the 2017 Attack

 

The Metropolitan Police issued 'Run, Hide, Tell' notices via social media during the attack, and asked the public to remain calm and vigilant.

 

All buildings within the vicinity of London Bridge were evacuated, and London Bridge, Borough and Bank Underground stations were closed at the request of the police.

 

The mainline railway stations at London Bridge, Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Cannon Street were also closed. The Home Secretary approved the deployment of a military counter terrorist unit from the Special Air Service (SAS).

 

The helicopters carrying the SAS landed on London Bridge to support the Metropolitan Police because of concerns that there might be more attackers at large.

 

The Metropolitan Police Marine Policing Unit dispatched boats on the River Thames, with assistance from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), to contribute to the evacuation of the area and look for any casualties who might have fallen from the bridge.

 

A stabbing incident took place in Vauxhall at 23:45, causing Vauxhall station to be briefly closed; this was later confirmed to be unrelated to the attack.

 

At 01:45 on the 4th. June, controlled explosions took place of the attackers' bomb vests, which were found to be fake.

 

An emergency COBR meeting was held on the morning of the 4th. June. London Bridge mainline railway and underground stations remained closed throughout the 4th. June. A cordon was established around the scene of the attack. London Bridge station reopened at 05:00 on Monday the 5th. June.

 

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that there was a surge of hate crimes and islamophobic incidents following the attack.

 

New security measures were implemented on eight central London bridges following the attack, to reduce the likelihood of further vehicle attacks, with concrete barriers being installed. The barriers have been criticised for causing severe congestion in cycle lanes during peak hours.

 

Borough Market reopened on the 14th. June.

 

-- Casualties of the 2017 Attack

 

Eight civilians died in the attack: one Spaniard, one Briton, two Australians, one Canadian and three French citizens were killed by the attackers, and the three attackers themselves were killed by armed police.

 

Two of the civilian fatalities were caused in the initial vehicle-ramming attack, while the remaining six were stabbed to death. One body was recovered from the Thames near Limehouse several days after the attack.

 

48 people were injured in the attack, including one New Zealander, two Australians, two Germans and four French citizens.

 

Of the 48 people admitted to hospital, 21 were initially reported to be in a critical condition.

 

Four police officers were among those injured in the attack. A British Transport Police officer was stabbed, and suffered serious injuries to his head, face and neck. An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer was seriously injured when he was stabbed.

 

Two other Metropolitan Police officers received head and arm injuries. As a result of police gunfire, a bystander received an accidental gunshot wound, which was not critical.

 

-- The 2017 Attackers

 

On the 4th. June the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, said that:

 

"We are confident about the fact that

they were radical Islamic terrorists, the

way they were inspired, and we need

to find out more about where this

radicalisation came from."

 

Amaq News Agency, an online outlet associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), said the attackers were ISIS fighters.

 

On the 5th. June, two of the attackers were identified as Khuram Shazad Butt and Rachid Redouane. The third of the three attackers, Youssef Zaghba, was identified the following day.

 

(a) Khuram Shazad Butt

 

Butt (born 20th. April 1990) was a Pakistan-born British citizen whose family came from Jhelum. He grew up in Great Britain, living in Plaistow.

 

He had a wife and two children. Neighbours told the BBC that Butt had been reported to police for attempting to radicalise children; he had also expressed disgust at the way women dressed.

 

He was known to police as a "heavyweight" member of the banned extremist group al-Muhajiroun. A BBC interviewee said he had a verbal confrontation with Butt in 2013 on the day after another Al-Muhajiroun follower had murdered Fusilier Lee Rigby.

 

Butt was part of an al-Muhajiroun campaign in 2015 to intimidate Muslims who planned to vote in the UK general elections of that year, on the basis that it was forbidden in Islam.

 

He was known for holding extreme views, having been barred from two local mosques. He appeared on a 2016 Channel 4 Television documentary, The Jihadis Next Door, which showed him arguing with police over the unfurling of an ISIL black flag in Regent's Park.

 

According to a friend, he had been radicalised by the YouTube videos of the American Muslim hate preacher Ahmad Musa Jibril. Butt was known to have taken drugs before he became radicalised.

 

After radicalisation, Butt started to stop his neighbours on the street and ask them whether they had been to the mosque.

 

Butt had worked for a man accused of training Mohammad Sidique Khan, the leader of the July 2005 London bombing. The police and MI5 knew of Butt, and he was investigated in 2015. The investigation was later "moved into the lower echelons", and his file was classed as low priority.

 

Butt sometimes manned the desk of the Ummah Fitness Centre gym, where he prayed regularly. CCTV footage was released of Butt, Redouane and Zaghba meeting outside the gym days before the attack. A senior figure at a local mosque had reported the gym to police.

 

The New York Times said that Butt and his brother were part of the UK government's Prevent programme, which aims to stop people from becoming terrorists, and which reports suspected radicals to police programmes.

 

At the time of the attack he was on police bail following an allegation of fraud, though the police had intended to take no further action due to a lack of evidence. He had previously been cautioned by police for fraud in 2008 and common assault in 2010.

 

(b) Rachid Redouane

 

Redouane (born 31 July 1986) was a failed asylum seeker in the UK, whose application was denied in 2009, and not previously known to police. He had claimed to be either Moroccan or Libyan.

 

Redouane worked as a pastry chef, and in 2012 he married an Irish woman in a ceremony in Ireland. He beat and bullied his wife.

 

He used to drink alcohol. He lived variously in Rathmines, a suburb of Dublin, also in Morocco and the UK. According to his wife, Redouane was most likely radicalised in Morocco. Later the couple stayed in the UK on an EU residency card where they had a daughter in 2015.

 

The couple separated in 2016 and she divorced him after he tried to force his extremist beliefs on her.

 

At the time of the attack, he was living in Dagenham, East London.

 

(c) Youssef Zaghba

 

Zaghba (born 1995 in Fez, Morocco) was at the time of the attack living in east London where he worked in a fast-food outlet. He also worked for an Islamic television channel in London.

 

Zaghba was born to a Moroccan Muslim father and an Italian Catholic Christian mother who had converted to Islam when she married. Zaghba had dual Moroccan and Italian nationality.

 

When his parents divorced, he went to Italy with his mother. In 2016, Zaghba was stopped at Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport by Italian officers who found ISIS-related materials on his mobile phone; he was stopped from continuing his journey to Istanbul.

 

Italian authorities said Zaghba was monitored continuously while in Italy and that the UK was informed about him. Giuseppe Amato, an Italian prosecutor, said:

 

"We did our best. We could just monitor

and surveil Zaghba and send a note to

the British authorities, that's all we could

do and we did it.

Since he moved to London, he came back

to Italy once in a while for a total of 10 days.

And during those 10 days we never let him

out of our sight."

 

According to The New York Times, the Italian branch of Al-Muhajiroun had introduced Butt to Zaghba.

 

-- Investigation of the 2017 Attack

 

On the morning of the 4th. June, police made 12 arrests following raids in flats in the Barking area of east London, where one of the attackers lived; controlled explosions were carried out during the raids.

 

Those held included five males aged between 27 and 55, arrested at one address in Barking, and six females aged between 19 and 60, arrested at a separate Barking address. One of the arrested males was subsequently released without charge.

 

Four properties in all were searched, including two in Newham in addition to the two in Barking. Further raids and arrests were made at properties in Newham and Barking early on the morning of the 5th. June.

 

On the 6th. June, a man was arrested in Barking, and another in Ilford the following day. By the 16th. June, all those arrested had been released without charge.

 

-- The Inquest Into the 2017 Attack

 

On the 7th. May 2019, an inquest into the deaths of the victims opened at the Old Bailey in London. Judge Mark Lucraft QC, Chief Coroner of England and Wales, presided, and people related to the dead gave accounts of what happened and who they had lost.

 

The inquest concluded on the 16th. July 2019 that all three attackers had been lawfully killed.

 

(4) The 2019 London Bridge Stabbing

 

On the 29th. November 2019, five people were stabbed, two fatally, in Central London. The attacker, Briton Usman Khan, had been released from prison in 2018 on licence after serving a sentence for terrorist offences.

 

Khan was attending an offender rehabilitation conference in Fishmongers' Hall when he threatened to detonate what turned out to be a fake suicide vest.

 

He started to attack people with two knives taped to his wrists, killing two of the conference participants by stabbing them in the chest.

 

Several people fought back, some attacking Khan with a fire extinguisher, a pike and a narwhal tusk as he fled the building and emerged on to London Bridge, where he was partially disarmed by a plain-clothes police officer.

 

He was restrained by members of the public until additional police officers arrived, pulled away those restraining him, and shot him.

 

-- Background to the 2019 Attack

 

A conference on offender rehabilitation was held on the 29th. November 2019 in Fishmongers' Hall, at the northern end of London Bridge, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Learning Together. This is a programme run by the Cambridge Institute of Criminology to help offenders reintegrate into society following their release from prison.

 

Learning Together was set up in 2014 by University of Cambridge academics Ruth Armstrong and Amy Ludlow from the Faculty of Law and Institute of Criminology:

 

"To bring together people in criminal justice

and higher education institutions to study

alongside each other in inclusive and

transformative learning communities."

 

The programme served to enable students and prisoners to work together.

 

Former prisoner Usman Khan had been invited to the conference as a previous participant in the programme, and although banned from entering London under the terms of his release, he was granted a one-day exemption to attend.

 

-- The 2019 Attack

 

At 13:58 on the 29th. November, the police were called to Fishmongers' Hall after Khan, wearing a fake suicide vest, threatened to blow up the hall. The police reported that there had been no prior intelligence of the attack.

 

Holding two kitchen knives taped to his wrists, Khan began stabbing people inside the building. Several fought back, including a South African-born Londoner, Darryn Frost, who grabbed a 1.5-metre-long (4.9 ft) narwhal tusk from the wall to use as a weapon, former prisoner John Crilly, and Steven Gallant, a convicted murderer attending the conference on day release from prison.

 

Khan fled and began stabbing pedestrians outside on the north side of the bridge.

 

Several people were injured before members of the public, including a tour guide and a plain-clothes British Transport Police officer, later seen walking away with a knife, restrained and disarmed Khan on the bridge.

 

One of the people who stepped in to fight the attacker drove him back by spraying a fire extinguisher.

 

Armed officers of the City of London Police arrived at 14:03 and surrounded the attacker, who at the time was being restrained by a Ministry of Justice communications worker attending the rehabilitation meeting.

 

The officers pulled this person away to provide a clear shot, before one fired twice. Around 10 minutes after this, Khan started to get up; he was then shot 9 further times by 6 firearms officers. Khan had not been secured after the initial shooting due to the suicide vest. Khan died at the scene.

 

A Transport for London bus which had stopped adjacent to the site of the shooting was found to have damage to both its front and rear windows, possibly caused, according to the Metropolitan Police, by a ricocheting bullet.

 

-- The Victims of the 2019 Attack

 

Three of the victims were associated with Cambridge University's Learning Together prison-rehabilitation programme; two died and one was injured.

 

The two who died from their stab wounds were Jack Merritt and Saskia Jones.

 

Merritt was a 25-year-old law and criminology graduate from Cottenham, Cambridgeshire who had studied at the Universities of Manchester and Cambridge. He worked as a University of Cambridge administration officer, and was a course coordinator for Learning Together.

 

Jones was a 23 year old former Anglia Ruskin University and University of Cambridge student from Stratford-upon-Avon.

 

Funeral services for Merritt and Jones were conducted on the 20th. December 2019.

 

Two other women were seriously injured, while a chef who was working at the event was stabbed but had less serious injuries.

 

-- The Terrorist Usman Khan

 

Usman Khan was a 28-year-old British national from Stoke-on-Trent, of Pakistani descent. Khan appears to have left school with no qualifications after spending part of his late teens in Pakistan.

 

He was known to police, and had links to Islamist extremist groups. In December 2018 he had been automatically released from prison on licence, where he was serving a 16-year sentence for terrorism offences, and was wearing an electronic tag.

 

Khan had been part of a plot, inspired by Al-Qaeda, to establish a terrorist camp on his family's land in Kashmir and bomb the London Stock Exchange. The plot was disrupted by MI5 and the police, as part of MI5's Operation Guava (police Operation Norbury), and Khan was given an indeterminate sentence.

 

Of the nine men involved, Khan was the youngest at 19 and according to Mr Justice Wilkie, Khan and two others were “more serious jihadis” than the others.

 

In 2013, Khan's sentence was revised after an appeal, and he was ordered to serve at least 8 years of his new 16-year sentence, with a 5-year extended licence allowing recall to prison.

 

According to the anti-extremism group Hope not Hate, Khan was a supporter of Al-Muhajiroun, an extremist group with which scores of terrorists were involved. He was a student and personal friend of Anjem Choudary, an Islamist and terrorism supporter.

 

Post-mortem examination showed evidence of occasional use of cocaine by Khan.

 

-- Aftermath of the 2019 Attack

 

The news of the attack was broken live as it happened on the BBC by one of its reporters, John McManus, who witnessed members of the public fighting Khan as he crossed the bridge, and heard two shots being fired by police officers.

 

McManus said that he was certain that more than two shots were fired during the incident.

 

The police, ambulance, and fire services attended the scene, and a major incident was declared. A large police cordon was set up in the area and residents were told to stay away. Police closed both Monument Underground station and London Bridge station after the attack.

 

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, returned to Downing Street following the incident, after campaigning in his constituency for the forthcoming general election. Johnson commended the "immense bravery" of the emergency services and members of the public, and claimed that anyone involved in the attack would be hunted down.

 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, thanked the emergency services and members of the public who helped to restrain the attacker, saying they had shown "breathtaking heroism".

 

The Conservative Party, Labour Party and Liberal Democrats temporarily suspended campaigning in London for the general election. A parliamentary election hustings event scheduled to be held at Great St. Mary's Church in Cambridge on the 30th. November was cancelled and replaced by a memorial vigil for the victims of the attack.

 

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick made a statement following the attack. She said that there would be an increased police presence on the streets, and that cordons in the London Bridge area would remain in place. An appeal was made for the public to submit any film or picture evidence or information that could assist the investigation.

 

In Pakistan, publication of Khan's Pakistani origins by the leading newspaper Dawn were deemed unpatriotic and defamatory, and led to demonstrations demanding that the publisher and the editor be hanged.

 

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Its news agency, Amaq, claimed Usman Khan was one of its fighters. A janaza prayer for Khan was held at a mosque in Birmingham, and he was buried in his family's ancestral village in Pakistan, following objections to his burial in the UK by local Muslims in his native Stoke.

 

In 2021, following an inquest, Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation Jonathan Hall QC called for those involved in the planning or preparation of terrorist attacks to be given automatic life sentences. Hall stated:

 

"It is hard to underestimate how serious

Usman Khan’s original offence was."

 

-- Investigations Into the 2019 Attack

 

London Bridge was closed until the early hours of the following Monday for forensic investigation of the scene. A property in Stafford and one in Stoke-on-Trent were searched by police.

 

An inquest into the deaths of Merritt and Jones was opened on the 4th. December 2019 at the Central Criminal Court in London, and was subsequently adjourned.

 

A pre-inquest review hearing took place at the Old Bailey on the 16th. October 2020, before the Chief Coroner of England and Wales, Mark Lucraft QC.

 

The inquest re-opened on the 12th. April 2021, presided over by Lucraft. On the 28th. May 2021 the jury concluded that the victims had been unlawfully killed.

 

They further concluded that insufficient monitoring of Khan, unreasonable belief in his rehabilitation, a lack of information sharing between agencies, and inadequate security planning at the event were all contributing factors in their deaths.

 

Khan's inquest, also overseen by Lucraft, found in June 2021 that Khan was lawfully killed by the police.

 

-- Royal Prerogative of Mercy for Steven Gallant

 

Steven Gallant was granted the Royal prerogative of mercy by the Lord Chancellor on behalf of the Queen in October 2020, in order to bring his parole hearing forward by ten months to June 2021.

 

The Ministry of Justice stated that:

 

"This is in recognition of his exceptionally

brave actions at Fishmongers’ Hall, which

helped save people's lives despite the

tremendous risk to his own".

 

Though the parole board still has to decide on whether to release him, it was reported that it would be unlikely for his case to be denied after the Queen's intervention. The families of both Merritt and of Gallant's 2005 murder victim approved the action due to his heroic deeds and efforts to turn his life around since the murder.

This memorial is located in Chester Cathedral

 

HMS CHESTER ROLL OF HONOUR

THE BATTLE OF JUTLAND MAY 31st 1916

 

Cyril Ambrose WALTON, MA, Chaplain Royal Navy died aged 39. Son of Thomas Isaak and Barbara Walton, of Ickleford Rectory, Herts; husband of May Walton, of The School House, Old Town, Clapham, London. M.A. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

George Henry Walker WILLIAMSON. Mentioned in Despatches. Lieutenant, Royal Navy Reserve died aged 27. Son of George and Mary Jane Elizabeth Clark Williamson, of 40, St. Andrew's Road., Southsea, Hampshire. Born at Barragully, Murree Hills, Punjaub, India. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

George SPILLETT. Petty Officer 1st Class 158579 Royal Navy. Born 21 October 1875 at Faversham, Kent enlisted 31 January 1891 on HMS Wildfire, died aged 25 Son of Benjamin Reuben and Lydia Spillet nee Millen. In 1881 he was living with his parents and siblings at Prince of Wales Inn, 14 Conduit Street, Faversham, Kent. 1911 living with wife Emma and daughter Georgina aged 2 years at 72 Gardiner Street, Gillingham, Kent. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Edward George ARTER. Leading Seaman, (formerly Petty Officer 1st Class to 2nd June 1915) 185328 Royal Navy died aged 36, Born 25 May 1880 at Dunton, Norfolk to Noah and Mary Ann Arter, of Dunton, Norfolk; husband of Alice Maud Mary Arter, of 22, Mariners Street, Lowestoft, Suffolk. Enlisted 17 August 1895 on HMS Boscawen, occupation prior to enlistment, messenger. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

John William FURBY. Ordinary Seaman J/50936 Royal Navy died aged 21. Born 12 March 1895 at Dalston, London to John William and Louisa Maria Furby, nee Songhurst of 47, Baxter Road , Essex Road , Islington, London. He enlisted 24 February 1916 on HMS Pembroke I, occupation prior to enlistment plumbers mate. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at the above address and was a plumbers labourer.

Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

John WELLS. Ordinary Seaman J/51633 Royal Navy died aged 28. Born 27 April 1886 at Petersfield, Hampshire to Mr. and Mrs. H. Wells, of Heston, Hounslow; husband of Florence Elizabeth Wells, of 18, Hounslow Road, Whitton. Twickenham, Middlesex. He enlisted 13 March 1916 on HMS Pembroke I, occupation prior to enlistment, market gardener. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

John Henry YELLOLY. Ordinary Seaman SS/7076 Royal Navy died aged 18. Born 7 February 1898 at Lambeth, London, enlisted 13 March 1916 on HMS Pembroke I. occupation. Occupation prior to enlistment plumbers mate. Son of Thomas and Louisa Yelloly nee Grist. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 45 Wake Street, Lambeth Walk, Lambeth. His mother was notified of his death and she was living at 38 St Albans Street, Kennington, London SE. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Sidney WISE. Ordinary Seaman J/51143 Royal Navy died aged 19. Born 19 August 1896 at Orford, Kent to Charles and Rose Wise, of 6, Willow Terrace, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent. He enlisted 7 March 1916 on HMS Pembroke I, occupation prior to enlistment, railway porter. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

John Nicol KIRKPATRICK. Ordinary Seaman CH/J49613 Royal Navy on HMS Chester died of wounds 1 June 1916. Born 8 September 1892 at Glasgow enlisted 31 May 1916 on HMS Pembroke I occupation prior to enlistment, motor cycle repairer. Son of Robert Marshall and Alice Ann Kirkpatrick, nee Haw. In 1911 he was living with his parents and siblings at 445 High Road, Ilford, occupation, and apprentice cycle maker. Commemorated on a Screen Wall in Buckingham Road Cemetery, Ilford, Essex.

 

James David WAGHORN. Ordinary Seaman J/51712 Royal Navy died aged 24. Born 2 December 1892 at Grevesend, Kent to James and Alice Florence Waghorn, of 4, Kent Cottages, Chalk, Gravesend. He enlisted 14 March 1916 on HMS Pembroke I, occupation prior to enlistment, milk man. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

William Henry ROY. Chief Yeoman of Signals 185294 Royal Navy died aged 38. Born 25 March 1879 at Clerkenwell, London enlisted 2 August 1895 on HMS Boscawen as Boy 2nd Class. Occupation prior to enlistment, steward. Son of William and Georgina Mary Roy, nee Hall. Husband of Eleanor Caroline Roy, of 53, Bramshott Road, Southsea, Portsmouth. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

 

James Vincent OLDERSHAW. Yeoman of Signals 228506 Royal Navy died aged 28. Born 21 March 1888 at Aldershot, Hampshire to James Henry and Louisa Elizabeth Oldershaw, nee Trow. Husband of Florence Beatrice Oldershaw, nee Banks of 4, Best Street, Chatham. He enlisted 30 October 1903 on HMS Ganges, occupation prior to enlistment, painters boy. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

George LISTER. Yeoman of Signals 227230 Royal Navy died aged 28. Born 5 April 1888 in Lincoln, enlisted 5 April 1906 on HMS Ganges. Occupation prior to enlistment, farm hand. Son of William and Ellen Sophia Lister nee Thompson. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings on the family farm at Torskey Lincolnshire. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

George Ernest DINN. Leading Signalman 214901. Royal Navy. Died of wounds 11th June 1916. His last ship was HMS Pembroke with rank of Leading Signalman. Born 18 March 1886 at Swerford, Oxfordshire, enlisted 22 January 1901 on HMS Impregnable. Occupation prior to enlistment, Hall Boy. Son of Joseph Edward and Lucy Sarah Dinn, nee Buck. In 1891 he was living with his parents and siblings in part of mixed school of Swerford, parents, school teachers. At the time of his death his mother was living at 13 Anne Street, Creswell, nr Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. At rest in All Souls Cemetery, Kensal, London. N.B. No other 'Dinn' in the Royal Navy

 

Frederick George McKENZIE. Signalman J/7577 Royal Navy died aged 23. Born 21 December 1893 at Woolwich, Kent enlisted 18 May 1910 on HMS Impregnable. Occupation prior to enlistment, shop assistant. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Harry FOSKER. Sailmaker's Mate 233918 Royal Navy died aged 27. Born 4 December 1888 at Northfleet, Kent to Fredrick and Caroline Fosker, nee Horscroft of 10, Gordon Road, Rosherville, Northfleet, Kent. He enlisted 20 May 1905 on HMS Impregnable, occupation prior to enlistment, errand boy. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

William Hide COOPER. Ship's Corporal 1st Class 225272 Royal Navy died aged 28. Son of Charles and Mary Cooper, of Blue Cottage, Leybourne, West Malling, Kent. Native of Kimpton, Hertfordshire. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Percy Frank BLAKE. Officer's Steward 3rd Class L/5680 Royal Navy. Born 14 August 1895 at Highgate London. Enlisted 30 Sepetember 1914 on HMS Pembroke I. Occupation prior to enlistment, pawnbrokers assistant. Son of Frank and Mary Ann Blake nee Parker. In 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings at 70 Beversbrook Road, Tufnell Park, North Holloway. Occupation, assistant in a tailor shop. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Raymond William THORP. Bugler CH/18245, Royal Marine Light Infantry died aged 17. Son of Abraham and Jane Thorp, of 214, Elmhurst Mansions, Manor Street, Clapham, London. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Albert Henry TUCKER. Private CH/17433, Royal Marine Light Infantry died aged 21. Son of Henry and M. K. Tucker, of 19, Senior Street, Harrow Road, Paddington, London. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Thomas PRESTON. Private CH/20048, Royal Marine Light Infantry died aged 18 Son of Charles and Sarah Preston, of Wreningham, Norwich. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

John Porter GIBBS. Private CH/16102 Royal Marine Light Infantry died aged 27. Husband of Kate Gibbs, of Chart Road , Chart Sutton, Maidstone, Kent. Native of Burton-on-Trent, Stafffordshire

 

William SMITH. Private CH/14230, Royal Marine Light Infantry died aged 34. Son of Charles and Harriet Smith, of London, husband of Annie J. E. Smith, of 304, Kentish Town Road, London. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

Edward FASSNIDGE, Private CH/20012 Royal Marine Light Infantry He died fighting bravely at his gun aged 19. Formerly served with the Isle of Wight Rifles prior to joining the marines. Born 7 January 1897 at High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Son of Harry Charles and Rhoda Fassnidge, nee Hawes. At the time of his death his widowed mother was residing at High Street, Lane End, High Wycombe Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

 

James Martin William GRIMLEY. Private CH/18024, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Born 31 March 1896 at St Baranbas, Worcester, enlisted 12 July 1913 and died aged 20. Son of Elizabeth of 2 Green Hill, Bath Road, formerly of 25 Lansdowne Street both in Worcester.

Extract from record on Ancestry.

Enlisted 12/7/1913Chatham Bn. at Ostend, Dunkirk & Defence of Antwerp 1914 ; RM Brigade 12/9/14-16/12/15 ; 3/12/14 Granted Hurt Cert. for wound to right upper Arm ; MEF 6/2/15-about 30/4/15 Bullet wound finger right hand, rejoined Chatham Bn. 24/6/15-20/10/15 Dysentery, Invalided to UK 25/11/15 ; Embarked HMS "Chester" 2/5/16-31/5/16 DD. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

William John PATTERSON. Private PO/10319, Royal Marine Light Infantry. Born 1st September 1880 at Woolwich, London. Brother to Mrs Anariotte Longram, The Common, Fareham, Hampshire. Commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial, Hampshire.

 

Albert Ernest CHOWNS. Boy 1st Class J/42519 Royal Navy died aged 16. Son of Richard and Annie Kezia Chowns, of 3, Windsor Gardens, Harrow Road, Paddington, London. Born 12 September 1899 at Paddington, London, enlisted 21 July 1915 on HMS Vivid I. Occupation prior to enlistment , factory hand. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

 

Robert John ASHTON. Boy 1st Class J/41852 Royal Navy died aged 16. Born 18 January 1900 at Kensington, London, enlisted 22 January 1915 on HMS Vivid I. Occupation prior to enlistment, junior clerk. Son of William and Margaret Jane Ashton, nee Pratt of 6 Testerton Street, Kensington. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

John Travers CORNWELL. V C, Mentioned in Despatches. Boy 1st Class J/42563 died of his injuries 2 June 1916 aged 16. Son Eli and Alice nee Carpenter Cornwell, of 10, Alverstone Rd., Manor Park, Essex, and the late Lily Cornwell(nee King), of 745, Commercial Road, Stepney, London. Born Leyton,West Ham. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent

 

His father, Private 15823 Eli Cornwell. 57th Protection Coy Royal Defence Corps died 25 October 1916 aged 64. Both rest together in Manor Park Cemetery, Essex

His half brother Private 495333 Arthur Frederick Cornwell. 13th Kensington Battalion, London Regiment killed in action 29 August 1918 aged 30. Husband of May Elizabeth Cornwell, of 60, Stafford Road , Forest Gate, Essex. His father Pte E Cornwell and half brother, Boy 1st Class John Travers Cornwell VC, also died. At rest in H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France.

 

Reginald Alfred RAVEN. Boy 1st Class J43463 Royal Navy. Born 9 February 1899 at Woodford, Essex, enlisted 7 August 1915, occupation prior to enlistment, barmans assistant. Son of Alfred and Emily Hannah Raven, nee Hoare. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

 

James Fred LACEY. Boy 1st Class. J43496 Royal Navy died aged 16. Born 6 January 1900 at Chislehurst Kent enlisted 17 August 1915. Occupation prior to enlistment, gardeners boy.Only son of James Fred and Agnes Mary Lacey, of 13, Bridgeway, Lyon Park, Wembley. At rest in Wembley Old Burial Ground, Middlesex.

 

Edward Thomas PEARCE. Boy 1st Class DEV/143571 Royal Navy died aged 17. Son of Charles John and Edith Emily Pearce, of 9, Clarence Gardens, Osnaburgh Street, Regent's Park, London. Born at Westminster. At rest in Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium, Middlesex.

 

Percy LAWLESS. Mentioned in Despatches. Able Seaman 204601 Royal Fleet Reserve, Royal Navy died aged 33. Born 7 January 1883 at Canterbury, Kent enlisted 8 May 1899 on HMS St Vincent. Occupation prior to enlistment, footman. Son of Tom and Carry Lawless, of Canterbury, husband of Charlotte Victoria Lawless, nee Beckett of 21, Jackson Street, Woolwich Common, London. Commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial, Kent.

 

John Henry LUXTON. Able Seaman, Mersey 4/35 Royal Naval (VR) died aged 28. Born 2 February 1889 to Henry George and Margaret Anne Luxton, nee Williams of 3 Brook Square Birkenhead, husband of Hannah Luxton, of 68, Beckwith Street, Birkenhead. Commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon.

   

No child was injured or hurt in the production of this image.

Playing silly devils in our back garden.

Le Temple de Sinawava est un cirque naturel aux parois verticaux. Le Zion canyon commence en réalité beaucoup plus en amont et se dirige vers le sud à travers un goulet avant d'atteindre le Temple, où un affluent saisonnier plonge en chute d'eau pendant le ruissellement printanier et après de fortes pluies.

 

ENGLISH :

Our way to the Riverside walk through the "Narrows" stops here, no Temple of Sinawava for us not wanting to hurt or damage our bare feet or our unique walking shoes, we must turn back.

 

The Temple of Sinawava is a natural amphitheater with vertical walls. The Zion canyon actually begins much earlier and headed south through a bottleneck before reaching the Temple, where a tributary seasonal waterfall plunges during spring runoff and after heavy rains.

Motown the Musical

 

CLIFTON OLIVER (Berry Gordy)

Clifton Oliver is honored to be a part of the Motown family. Broadway: The Lion King (Simba), In The Heights (Benny opposite Jordin Sparks), Wicked (Fiyero). Nat'l Tours: The Lion King (Simba), Rent (Benny & Collins), Ragtime (Ensemble). Regional: Pal Joey (Arkansas Rep.), Kinky Boots (Lola's standby for Bill Porter), West Coast Tour of The Scottsboro Boys (Charlie/Victoria), Smokey Joeâs Cafe (Victor), Godspell (Judas) MUNY. Television: "Law and

READ MORE ?

  

ALLISON SEMES (Diana Ross)

Chicago native. B.M. Opera at UIUC, M.M. from NYU-Steinhardt. Broadway credits: Motown the Musical, Florence Ballard & The Book of Mormon, Nabalungi U/S, Swing. Other credits include: The Color Purple National Tour, Dreamgirls, Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz, Candide. I want to thank you Bethany and everyone at Telsey, Renee, my CCC/ KACC/ GIAME families, Momma & Poppa Bear, Emile, QVD, and my friends for the unconditional love and support!

READ MORE ?

  

NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER (Smokey Robinson)

Born in Bermuda and raised in Boston, MA. Studied at both The Boston Conservatory and The Juilliard School. 1st National Tour: In The Heights. Off-Broadway: Rent, Hurt Village. Thank you family, friends and SMS for your lurve and support.

  

JARRAN MUSE (Marvin Gaye)

A native Jersey boy couldn't be happier living his dream. God is good yall. Broadway/NYC: Motown The Musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Dreamgirls; International Tours: American Idiot, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, 42nd Street. Regional Theater: Marriott Lincolnshire, Portland Center Stage (Will Parker in Oklahoma!), Goodspeed, Fulton Opera Houses, Pittsburgh CLO. Thank you to Mr. GORDY, Charles, and Telsey for this new opportunity to bring Marvin to stage

READ MORE ?

  

ERICK BUCKLEY (Ensemble)

Broadway/National Tours: Valjean in Les Miserables, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Dave in The Full Monty, Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera, Gangster #1 Kiss Me, Kate, Roger in Grease. Favorite roles; Husband to Robin, Dad to Miranda.

  

PATRICE COVINGTON (Ensemble)

The Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls (Effie), Ainât Misbehavinâ (Armelia). Find her self-titled original album & the Grammy nominated Ain't Misbehavin on iTunes. Numerous National Voiceovers. Instagram: @Sangtrice. âDonât be a starâ¦be a galaxy!â

  

JAMARICE DAUGHTRY (Ensemble)

From Bartow, Florida, Bethune Cookman Univesity Alum. Member of the Stellar Award Winning Group âGroup Therapy.â Winner of the âGrady Rayam Prize in Negro Spirituals.â Thank you to my mom Sharon for always supporting me!

  

ASHLEY TAMAR DAVIS (Ensemble)

Tours: Prince. Theatre: Perry Productions. TV: "SNL," "BRIT Awards." Grammy-nominated; co-wrote "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Graduate of USC School of Music. Thanks to God, family, friends! www.tamardavis.com.

  

LYNORRIS EVANS (Ensemble)

Lynorris is thrilled to join the National Tour of Motown the Musical. Broadway: Leap of Faith. Tours: Flashdance, Memphis. Cirque Du Soleil: Viva Elvis. BFA: Fordham University. Thanks to my supportive family and friends.

  

MELANIE EVANS (Ensemble)

National/International: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Junie B Jones, Disney's Believe (original cast). New York Workshop: Amazing Grace. Regional: Sarah/Ragtime, and Nehebka/AIDA. AMDA graduate. Thank you to The Mine and Telsey casting!

  

DEVON GOFFMAN (Swing)

Hometown: BUFFALO, NY! Tours: Jersey Boys, Grease (w/ Frankie Avalon), Titanic, Buddy. Film: Michael & Javier. Thank you Bethany, everyone at Telsey & Judy Boals. Love to my family! In loving memory of Jack Greenan.

  

JENNIE HARNEY (Swing)

Brooklyn Baby! Broadway: Broadway Rising Stars (featured). National: We The People (Dawn). Regional: Dreamgirls (Deena), Thunder Knocking On the Door (Glory), Beehive (Jasmine), Pearl (Pearl Bailey) AUDELCO Nominee. Thanks to God, Mom & Dad!

  

LATRISA A. HARPER (Swing)

Fort Pierce, Fl. Ailey II. Broadway: The Color Purple, The Lion King. Broadway workshop: Beehive with Debbie Allen. A.R.T: Witness Uganda. Love to family and Susan Batson Studios.

  

ROD HARRELSON (Swing)

Excited to be a part of the Motown Tour! Originally from Greensboro, NC, began dancing at UNC-Chapel Hill. Love and thanks to God and family. This one's for Cynthia.

  

ROBERT HARTWELL (Ensemble)

Proud magna cum laude University of Michigan. Broadway: Memphis (Wailin' Joe), Nice Work (Astaire Award nominee), Cinderella. Tours: Dreamgirls. Host and Interior Designer of web series "Broadway Quick Change". Jeremiah 29:11. As always, for Nana.

  

RODNEY EARL JACKSON, JR. (Ensemble)

So honored to be part of a theatrical experience surrounded by love. Broadway/Tour(s): Book of Mormon. Born/raised in the heart of San Francisco where he founded the Bay Area Theatre Company (BATCo). CMU Drama BFA.

  

TRISHA JEFFREY (Ensemble)

2013 Broadway World Chicago Best Actress for âCelieâ in The Color Purple! Broadway: Little Shop Of Horrors; All Shook Up; Rent. Tour: Sister Act; Rent. Full bio: trishajeffrey.com. @trishajeffrey. Love & gratitude.

  

GRASAN KINGSBERRY (Ensemble)

A Juilliard alumnus, Grasan joins this company directly from the Broadway production of Motown. Broadway: Nice Workâ¦, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Color Purple, Aida. Tour: Dreamgirls (u/s Curtis). Film/TV: I Am Legend, âSmash,â âAll My Children.â www.grasan-kingsberry.com.

  

ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS (Ensemble)

Off-Broadway: Mama I Want To Sing (Minister Of Music), Sing Harlem Sing, We Are. Regional: Once On This Island (Papa Ge), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit). Film: Mama I Want To Sing, America (Rosie OâDonnell). Would like to thank my family and all who have helped along the way. www.elijahahmadlewis.com.

  

JARVIS B. MANNING JR. (Ensemble)

Houston, TX native. This is his first Equity production and he feels honored and blessed that it's with Motown! This performance is dedicated to his AMAZING family, especially his Aunt Barbs! THANK YOU GOD!

  

KRISHA MARCANO (Ensemble)

Broadway: Motown on Broadway; The Color Purple (Squeak, Original Cast); Sweet Charity; Aida; Fosse (1st Nat Tour). Concert Dance: Martha Graham Dance Co.; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Krisha is a proud member of AEA.

  

MARQ MOSS (Ensemble)

Background Vocalist: Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Carole King, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross. Graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Bâway Tour: The Lion King (u/s Simba). Thanks God, family and friends. Hey, Mom!! www.marqkmoss.com.

  

RASHAD NAYLOR (Ensemble)

Broadway: Hairspray (Thad, Seaweed U/S, Original Cast Album), Jersey Boys (Barry Belson). Off-Broadway: RENT (Benny), Tours: Rock of Ages, The Book of Mormon. Regional: The Rat Pack (Sammy Davis Jr.), The Wiz (Scarecrow).

  

CHADAÃ NICHOL (Ensemble)

Chicagoland Native, Ball State grad, Chadaé is overjoyed to embark on this historic Motown Tour! Regional: Showboat, Oklahoma, Cabaret, Little Shop. Thanks to God, And my support system! Brittyn you are my star. Matt 5:14. @ChadaeNichol.

  

LEON OUTLAW JR. (Young Berry/Stevie/Michael Jackson)

At a very young age Leon began to sing and dance to the amazement of his parents. Inspired by Michael Jackson and James Brown, Leon made his stage debut at age 9. Ecstatic about being a part of Motown and Thanks God, family & Friends. Facebook, Leon-C-Outlaw-Jr; Twitter, @leoncoutlawjr; Instagram, LJOutlaw312.

  

RAMONE OWENS (Ensemble)

A Los Angeles native, Ramone is beyond thrilled to be a part of Motown. Regional: Disney's Aladdin, Dreamgirls, Man of La Mancha. BFA, Boston Conservatory. Thanks to God, Mom, Dad and my "we knows". Hab: 2:3.

  

NIC ROWE (Swing)

Nic is thrilled to be joining Motown! Last seen in the world-premiere Duncan Sheik musical, Because of Winn Dixie. Love to my family and friends, boys & girl at Henderson/Hogan Agency. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory.

  

JAMISON SCOTT (Ensemble)

Broadway: Spider-Man, Memphis, Grease. Tour/Regional: Grease, Hairspray, We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever, Altar Boyz. Recordings: Hairspray movie, Killer Queen- A Tribute to Queen, Grease 2007 Cast Album. To God be the glory! ILYHMS. @JamisonScottR.

  

REED LORENZO SHANNON (Young Berry/Stevie/Michael Jackson)

Reed was trained at NC Theatre Conservatory. He has performed roles in NCTC productions of Whoâs Tommy, In the Heights and on the main stage in Oliver!. Reed received rave reviews while in the cast of âLes Misérableâ (2014 â Gavroche) with NCT and Broadway Series South. www.reedshannon.com.

  

DOUGLAS STORM (Ensemble)

Broadway: Les Miserables, Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Dance of the Vampires, Chess in Concert; Off-Broadway: Bat Boy (original cast); Other: Disneyâs Tarzan, Because of Winn Dixie, Heathers; 20yr member of Actors Equity Association.

  

MARTINA SYKES (Ensemble)

Native of St. Petersburg, FL and graduate of the University of Florida. Favorite credits (Regional): Raindogs, Rent, Hairspray. "I would like to thank GOD, my family and friends for their unconditional love and support). Ephesians 3:20.

  

CHRISTIAN DANTE WHITE (Ensemble)

Scottsboro Boys: Broadway/London. NY/Tours: Book of Mormon, Hairspray, The Wiz, Lost In the Stars, Cotton Club Parade, Jersey Boys. TV: NBC pilot "Manâs World," "Tonys Awards." Mom, Boo, Tosh, Kerrs, Sheehans, Headline, SBI, memory of UNC BROTHER.

  

GALEN J. WILLIAMS (Swing)

Galen is is THRILLED to be on his very first tour with Motown. Favorite past credits: Black Nativity, Passing Strange, Three Little Birds, 2-2 Tango, BDF Circle of Dreams. BFA, Howard University.

Motown the Musical

 

CLIFTON OLIVER (Berry Gordy)

Clifton Oliver is honored to be a part of the Motown family. Broadway: The Lion King (Simba), In The Heights (Benny opposite Jordin Sparks), Wicked (Fiyero). Nat'l Tours: The Lion King (Simba), Rent (Benny & Collins), Ragtime (Ensemble). Regional: Pal Joey (Arkansas Rep.), Kinky Boots (Lola's standby for Bill Porter), West Coast Tour of The Scottsboro Boys (Charlie/Victoria), Smokey Joeâs Cafe (Victor), Godspell (Judas) MUNY. Television: "Law and

READ MORE ?

  

ALLISON SEMES (Diana Ross)

Chicago native. B.M. Opera at UIUC, M.M. from NYU-Steinhardt. Broadway credits: Motown the Musical, Florence Ballard & The Book of Mormon, Nabalungi U/S, Swing. Other credits include: The Color Purple National Tour, Dreamgirls, Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz, Candide. I want to thank you Bethany and everyone at Telsey, Renee, my CCC/ KACC/ GIAME families, Momma & Poppa Bear, Emile, QVD, and my friends for the unconditional love and support!

READ MORE ?

  

NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER (Smokey Robinson)

Born in Bermuda and raised in Boston, MA. Studied at both The Boston Conservatory and The Juilliard School. 1st National Tour: In The Heights. Off-Broadway: Rent, Hurt Village. Thank you family, friends and SMS for your lurve and support.

  

JARRAN MUSE (Marvin Gaye)

A native Jersey boy couldn't be happier living his dream. God is good yall. Broadway/NYC: Motown The Musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Dreamgirls; International Tours: American Idiot, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, 42nd Street. Regional Theater: Marriott Lincolnshire, Portland Center Stage (Will Parker in Oklahoma!), Goodspeed, Fulton Opera Houses, Pittsburgh CLO. Thank you to Mr. GORDY, Charles, and Telsey for this new opportunity to bring Marvin to stage

READ MORE ?

  

ERICK BUCKLEY (Ensemble)

Broadway/National Tours: Valjean in Les Miserables, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Dave in The Full Monty, Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera, Gangster #1 Kiss Me, Kate, Roger in Grease. Favorite roles; Husband to Robin, Dad to Miranda.

  

PATRICE COVINGTON (Ensemble)

The Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls (Effie), Ainât Misbehavinâ (Armelia). Find her self-titled original album & the Grammy nominated Ain't Misbehavin on iTunes. Numerous National Voiceovers. Instagram: @Sangtrice. âDonât be a starâ¦be a galaxy!â

  

JAMARICE DAUGHTRY (Ensemble)

From Bartow, Florida, Bethune Cookman Univesity Alum. Member of the Stellar Award Winning Group âGroup Therapy.â Winner of the âGrady Rayam Prize in Negro Spirituals.â Thank you to my mom Sharon for always supporting me!

  

ASHLEY TAMAR DAVIS (Ensemble)

Tours: Prince. Theatre: Perry Productions. TV: "SNL," "BRIT Awards." Grammy-nominated; co-wrote "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Graduate of USC School of Music. Thanks to God, family, friends! www.tamardavis.com.

  

LYNORRIS EVANS (Ensemble)

Lynorris is thrilled to join the National Tour of Motown the Musical. Broadway: Leap of Faith. Tours: Flashdance, Memphis. Cirque Du Soleil: Viva Elvis. BFA: Fordham University. Thanks to my supportive family and friends.

  

MELANIE EVANS (Ensemble)

National/International: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Junie B Jones, Disney's Believe (original cast). New York Workshop: Amazing Grace. Regional: Sarah/Ragtime, and Nehebka/AIDA. AMDA graduate. Thank you to The Mine and Telsey casting!

  

DEVON GOFFMAN (Swing)

Hometown: BUFFALO, NY! Tours: Jersey Boys, Grease (w/ Frankie Avalon), Titanic, Buddy. Film: Michael & Javier. Thank you Bethany, everyone at Telsey & Judy Boals. Love to my family! In loving memory of Jack Greenan.

  

JENNIE HARNEY (Swing)

Brooklyn Baby! Broadway: Broadway Rising Stars (featured). National: We The People (Dawn). Regional: Dreamgirls (Deena), Thunder Knocking On the Door (Glory), Beehive (Jasmine), Pearl (Pearl Bailey) AUDELCO Nominee. Thanks to God, Mom & Dad!

  

LATRISA A. HARPER (Swing)

Fort Pierce, Fl. Ailey II. Broadway: The Color Purple, The Lion King. Broadway workshop: Beehive with Debbie Allen. A.R.T: Witness Uganda. Love to family and Susan Batson Studios.

  

ROD HARRELSON (Swing)

Excited to be a part of the Motown Tour! Originally from Greensboro, NC, began dancing at UNC-Chapel Hill. Love and thanks to God and family. This one's for Cynthia.

  

ROBERT HARTWELL (Ensemble)

Proud magna cum laude University of Michigan. Broadway: Memphis (Wailin' Joe), Nice Work (Astaire Award nominee), Cinderella. Tours: Dreamgirls. Host and Interior Designer of web series "Broadway Quick Change". Jeremiah 29:11. As always, for Nana.

  

RODNEY EARL JACKSON, JR. (Ensemble)

So honored to be part of a theatrical experience surrounded by love. Broadway/Tour(s): Book of Mormon. Born/raised in the heart of San Francisco where he founded the Bay Area Theatre Company (BATCo). CMU Drama BFA.

  

TRISHA JEFFREY (Ensemble)

2013 Broadway World Chicago Best Actress for âCelieâ in The Color Purple! Broadway: Little Shop Of Horrors; All Shook Up; Rent. Tour: Sister Act; Rent. Full bio: trishajeffrey.com. @trishajeffrey. Love & gratitude.

  

GRASAN KINGSBERRY (Ensemble)

A Juilliard alumnus, Grasan joins this company directly from the Broadway production of Motown. Broadway: Nice Workâ¦, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Color Purple, Aida. Tour: Dreamgirls (u/s Curtis). Film/TV: I Am Legend, âSmash,â âAll My Children.â www.grasan-kingsberry.com.

  

ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS (Ensemble)

Off-Broadway: Mama I Want To Sing (Minister Of Music), Sing Harlem Sing, We Are. Regional: Once On This Island (Papa Ge), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit). Film: Mama I Want To Sing, America (Rosie OâDonnell). Would like to thank my family and all who have helped along the way. www.elijahahmadlewis.com.

  

JARVIS B. MANNING JR. (Ensemble)

Houston, TX native. This is his first Equity production and he feels honored and blessed that it's with Motown! This performance is dedicated to his AMAZING family, especially his Aunt Barbs! THANK YOU GOD!

  

KRISHA MARCANO (Ensemble)

Broadway: Motown on Broadway; The Color Purple (Squeak, Original Cast); Sweet Charity; Aida; Fosse (1st Nat Tour). Concert Dance: Martha Graham Dance Co.; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Krisha is a proud member of AEA.

  

MARQ MOSS (Ensemble)

Background Vocalist: Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Carole King, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross. Graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Bâway Tour: The Lion King (u/s Simba). Thanks God, family and friends. Hey, Mom!! www.marqkmoss.com.

  

RASHAD NAYLOR (Ensemble)

Broadway: Hairspray (Thad, Seaweed U/S, Original Cast Album), Jersey Boys (Barry Belson). Off-Broadway: RENT (Benny), Tours: Rock of Ages, The Book of Mormon. Regional: The Rat Pack (Sammy Davis Jr.), The Wiz (Scarecrow).

  

CHADAÃ NICHOL (Ensemble)

Chicagoland Native, Ball State grad, Chadaé is overjoyed to embark on this historic Motown Tour! Regional: Showboat, Oklahoma, Cabaret, Little Shop. Thanks to God, And my support system! Brittyn you are my star. Matt 5:14. @ChadaeNichol.

  

LEON OUTLAW JR. (Young Berry/Stevie/Michael Jackson)

At a very young age Leon began to sing and dance to the amazement of his parents. Inspired by Michael Jackson and James Brown, Leon made his stage debut at age 9. Ecstatic about being a part of Motown and Thanks God, family & Friends. Facebook, Leon-C-Outlaw-Jr; Twitter, @leoncoutlawjr; Instagram, LJOutlaw312.

  

RAMONE OWENS (Ensemble)

A Los Angeles native, Ramone is beyond thrilled to be a part of Motown. Regional: Disney's Aladdin, Dreamgirls, Man of La Mancha. BFA, Boston Conservatory. Thanks to God, Mom, Dad and my "we knows". Hab: 2:3.

  

NIC ROWE (Swing)

Nic is thrilled to be joining Motown! Last seen in the world-premiere Duncan Sheik musical, Because of Winn Dixie. Love to my family and friends, boys & girl at Henderson/Hogan Agency. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory.

  

JAMISON SCOTT (Ensemble)

Broadway: Spider-Man, Memphis, Grease. Tour/Regional: Grease, Hairspray, We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever, Altar Boyz. Recordings: Hairspray movie, Killer Queen- A Tribute to Queen, Grease 2007 Cast Album. To God be the glory! ILYHMS. @JamisonScottR.

  

REED LORENZO SHANNON (Young Berry/Stevie/Michael Jackson)

Reed was trained at NC Theatre Conservatory. He has performed roles in NCTC productions of Whoâs Tommy, In the Heights and on the main stage in Oliver!. Reed received rave reviews while in the cast of âLes Misérableâ (2014 â Gavroche) with NCT and Broadway Series South. www.reedshannon.com.

  

DOUGLAS STORM (Ensemble)

Broadway: Les Miserables, Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Dance of the Vampires, Chess in Concert; Off-Broadway: Bat Boy (original cast); Other: Disneyâs Tarzan, Because of Winn Dixie, Heathers; 20yr member of Actors Equity Association.

  

MARTINA SYKES (Ensemble)

Native of St. Petersburg, FL and graduate of the University of Florida. Favorite credits (Regional): Raindogs, Rent, Hairspray. "I would like to thank GOD, my family and friends for their unconditional love and support). Ephesians 3:20.

  

CHRISTIAN DANTE WHITE (Ensemble)

Scottsboro Boys: Broadway/London. NY/Tours: Book of Mormon, Hairspray, The Wiz, Lost In the Stars, Cotton Club Parade, Jersey Boys. TV: NBC pilot "Manâs World," "Tonys Awards." Mom, Boo, Tosh, Kerrs, Sheehans, Headline, SBI, memory of UNC BROTHER.

  

GALEN J. WILLIAMS (Swing)

Galen is is THRILLED to be on his very first tour with Motown. Favorite past credits: Black Nativity, Passing Strange, Three Little Birds, 2-2 Tango, BDF Circle of Dreams. BFA, Howard University.