Things I made in 2016
With a few bits of wood and a couple of tools, here’s some of the things I made this summer without spending much. Hope it inspires others to have a go!
Scientific Facts – Set in Stone?
There used to be a time everyone believed the Earth was at the the centre of the Universe. It was a ‘scientific fact’. Then a naughty chap called Copernicus suggested it wasn’t, backed up a dude called Galileo just a few years after Copernicus died. They were are told off, ridiculed, persecuted and in no doubt told they were naughty chaps to challenge the status quo. Read more
Loving the Light show!
Dear Council.
I know many people have complained about the various road schemes in Norwich but wanted to write a complimentary letter to say thank you for the increasing abundance of traffic lights you have so wonderfully installed. I am convinced there must be a Mr Traffic Light working for you, he’s doing an amazing job of calming traffic (if not the drivers). In fact, I’d say he is doing an amazing job of not just calming things, but bringing traffic to a complete halt. Read more
From atheism to Genesis
For most of my life I was an atheist, wholeheartedly believing in the ‘scientific fact’ of evolution. I was told it was true right from the start of my education, through to studying molecular biology at University.
going off grid
About 25 years ago, the term ‘going off grid’ was first used to signify disconnecting from some future network that connected everything to everything, before the internet was what it now is. Almost like a prophecy, it signified people breaking their 24/7 global connection, becoming more local, more connected with what was around you at any given time and less connected to what wasn’t.
Photos, Pylons, Wood and Misty Mornings
Well, things aren’t here for ever so I took some photos of pylons and wood from an old staithe in Trowse. Taking photos of pylons is quite easy, you are on dry land and they don’t move. Taking pictures of wood in a river that you can only see at low tide, when the sun is in a particular position, and the river isn’t moving too much so the canoe doesn’t whizz off, well, that’s a challenge! The webs were from some photos I took on a warm, misty morning in front of the house.
Enjoy the pics.. Read more
Trowse Research Ship Launched: Boaty McBoatface II
Well despite the popular vote, it always looked unlikely that the people at Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) would take the name ‘Boaty McBoatface’ to name their new £200m polar research vessel, so I thought I would TRS Boaty McBoatface II is the name of the new ebay-sourced Trowse Research Ship, who’s purpose is to explore Norfolk and discover and discover the wilds of Norfolk via the waterways. Read more
Beef Burger as you Like it!
If there is one thing that really annoys me about the UK is its health and safety nannying. For years, I’ve been going into gastro pubs and restaurants, ordered a burger and asked it to be cook rare or even blue. Time after time I am told the same thing “We can only do it medium, due to health and safety.” Many a time I’ve suggested I could write and sign a disclaimer to say I am prepared to take responsibility for my own risky living, but alas, never has anyone been willing me to take my chances with food that I ask to be cooked in a certain way. Until now..
The Joy of Not Having Much
A few days ago my vicar came back from Sierra Leone and gave a moving talk on what he saw. Whilst the poverty was mind blowing, there was something else that touched me profoundly. That was the abundance of joy and the strong sense of community. Whilst us in the UK have an abundance of material things, it seems to me that we’re very poor when it comes to joy.. Read more
St Albans Norwich – Some Historical Photos
St Thomas in Norwich has seen a massive growth, so as a result has been given a new church to look after, St Albans in Grove Walk Norwich. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of a team that is helping bring life back to the old building, and along the way came across some photos. Built pre-second world war, the building has an interesting history until it’s closure just a few years ago. But Rev Dave Lloyd has some amazing vision for transforming St Albans back to what it once was, a heart of the vibrant community. Here’s some photos from the last 80 or so years. Read more
Things I Learnt This Summer
Alas, this summer has been one of making things. I’ve rediscovered the joy of learning new kills and putting them into practice. here’s some of the things I’ve made and what I’ve learnt along the way.. Read more
why not scoot?
At a dinner party recently, a man’s interest in finding a quicker, cheaper more efficient way of getting from A to B was quickly dismissed as ‘too dangerous’ by his partner. Sadly, this kind of response to anything with two wheels and an engine is typical of people’s fears. I fully understand it, because if you come off anything with two wheels (even without an engine) it hurts. So, this little ditty is a message of support for the humble scooter.
red light norwich
One curious thing that many people say about Norwich for the first time, after the great shopping etc, is why on earth are there so many traffic lights in places that really don’t seem to need them. Although a mainly Vespa driver in the city, it is really frustrating even for me to whizz to the front of the many queues for traffic lights and see so little action at the crossing they are there to control.. Read more
Fun with Crossbows
A lovely friend of mine lent me a couple of crossbows, and together with my son’s new OnePlusOne camera phone, we managed to capture this video. Dont try this at home.
Meet Audrey
Out of all the things I experienced in New York it was time spent with a lady called Audrey that left the biggest impact. She’s a true New Yorker who I bumped into and chatted for ages about everything from the difference of Android, Windows and iOS, to her views on the various mayors of New York. She’s one of the 20,000 or so rough sleepers that we would in the UK describe as ‘fallen through the net’. Yet you quickly realise there is no net in New York to fall through. When the money dries out, you fall directly out on to the street. Read more
Why I think what I do about the Creation/Evolution Debate
If all you read is this first paragraph, here’s what I want to say. When I look at the creation/evolution debate at a mature level, creation is a much more rational explanation of the scientific evidence than evolution.
Want to read on? Read more
Mary and Joseph visit Norwich Market
Meet Stewart
Many of you (particularly if you live in Trowse, go to Trowse Church or St Thomas in Norwich) have met Stewart. He’s a kind and gentle giant (6 foot 4) of a chap, who’s nickname is appropriately ‘Biggun’. He’s got a fascinating history and wanted to share this with you as it’s a great example how a little help and a welcoming authentic community can change someone’s life. Read more
no more school runs :-(
Remember when you dropped your child off at school for the first time? That little body wobbling through the door of the school door with their bag into a new world for them? It’s a moving time for most parents, but here’s a story about the other end as my son achieves freedom from L-plates, and the joy and what is like to share good stuff with others. Read more
May Train 2014
I love the train. Not only do you not generally have to worry about driving, but you are surrounded by strangers which I really love. It’s great to strike up conversations with new people, get a brief glimpse into their lives and share a bit of yours. So on a trip to London on May 1st with my trusty Nokia Lumia 1020 I took the following photos, edited them on the train and here’s the result! Read more