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Post by Northy on Apr 30, 2019 10:04:16 GMT
Yes it is, inbetween the A49 (leigh Arms) and Saltersford Locks Nice. I think the Weaver once took a different route before the Manc ship canal was built. Something I hope to do some looking into over summer, particularly a place called More, near Frodsham. I suspect was once an ancient port.. Do you know More? This part of the Weaver was made navigatble as part of the salt industry and the Anderton Boat lift era, and changed it's path as well because of the Manchester ship canal. Frodsham used to be a port where the salt went to. Ive not heard of More, but heard of Moore, which is inbeteween Runcorn and Warrington and is where the Creamfields music festival is held, have a decent Rugby team. The last battle of the English Civil war was fought over a bridge over the Weaver near to Winnington near to where I live, there is a plaque on a sandstone bridge, need to scroll down a bit this link to see the plaque. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Booth,_1st_Baron_Delamer
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 10:14:09 GMT
Nice. I think the Weaver once took a different route before the Manc ship canal was built. Something I hope to do some looking into over summer, particularly a place called More, near Frodsham. I suspect was once an ancient port.. Do you know More? This part of the Weaver was made navigatble as part of the salt industry and the Anderton Boat lift era, and changed it's path as well because of the Manchester ship canal. Frodsham used to be a port where the salt went to. Ive not heard of More, but heard of Moore, which is inbeteween Runcorn and Warrington and is where the Creamfields music festival is held, have a decent Rugby team. The last battle of the English Civil war was fought over a bridge over the Weaver near to Winnington near to where I live, there is a plaque on a sandstone bridge, need to scroll down a bit this link to see the plaque. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Booth,_1st_Baron_Delamer Great stuff. Havn't got the maps and stuff to hand... but I'm certain it's more More than Moore I'm interested in. More southerly than Warrington/Runcorn.
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Post by Northy on Apr 30, 2019 10:21:28 GMT
This part of the Weaver was made navigatble as part of the salt industry and the Anderton Boat lift era, and changed it's path as well because of the Manchester ship canal. Frodsham used to be a port where the salt went to. Ive not heard of More, but heard of Moore, which is inbeteween Runcorn and Warrington and is where the Creamfields music festival is held, have a decent Rugby team. The last battle of the English Civil war was fought over a bridge over the Weaver near to Winnington near to where I live, there is a plaque on a sandstone bridge, need to scroll down a bit this link to see the plaque. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Booth,_1st_Baron_Delamer Great stuff. Havn't got the maps and stuff to hand... but I'm certain it's more More than Moore I'm interested in. More southerly than Warrington/Runcorn. Runcorn was where King Alfreds daughter led an army to defeat vikings on the wirral I think, and Frodsham an old saxon fortification/port, plenty of history in both areas as the nearby rivers and high ground make it obvious. Warrington also was a Roman port and there's iron age hill forts above Frodsham and at delamere on the sandstone ridge. Mumf would know, he used to say he was always outand about on Frodsham marshes.
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 10:32:41 GMT
Great stuff. Havn't got the maps and stuff to hand... but I'm certain it's more More than Moore I'm interested in. More southerly than Warrington/Runcorn. Runcorn was where King Alfreds daughter led an army to defeat vikings on the wirral I think, and Frodsham an old saxon fortification/port, plenty of history in both areas as the nearby rivers and high ground make it obvious. Warrington also was a Roman port and there's iron age hill forts above Frodsham and at delamere on the sandstone ridge. Mumf would know, he used to say he was always outand about on Frodsham marshes. My interest comes from tracking ancient trade routes from the Peak District to and from the Med +2000 BC. Via Wincle/Danebridge, the Dane and the original Weaver.
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 12:55:52 GMT
Yes it is, inbetween the A49 (leigh Arms) and Saltersford Locks River Weaver - coo! Well spotted, Cheesy, you clever little hawkeye, you! You deserve a reward, so here you are - there's a lot of info here, including details of the River Weaver's canal links and mentioning that in years gone by the main thing transported on the River Weaver was salt: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Weaver
Afraid I'd never heard of the River Weaver before (**she blushes**). However, I have definitely heard of 'Nick Bottom, a weaver'! (**looks cocky**) (PS: Sorry, I've just noticed that Northy's already mentioned the salt.)
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 13:07:01 GMT
Great stuff. Havn't got the maps and stuff to hand... but I'm certain it's more More than Moore I'm interested in. More southerly than Warrington/Runcorn. Runcorn was where King Alfreds daughter led an army to defeat vikings on the wirral I think, and Frodsham an old saxon fortification/port, plenty of history in both areas as the nearby rivers and high ground make it obvious. Warrington also was a Roman port and there's iron age hill forts above Frodsham and at delamere on the sandstone ridge. Mumf would know, he used to say he was always outand about on Frodsham marshes. Listen, King Alfred's poxy daughter can stuff right off, and I speak as a descendant of the Vikings. So she can sling it! ( )
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 13:28:10 GMT
As per the request from Murph (kind of) wondered if anyone would like to see our Bay Rays. These are pictures I took from last years return, about a month on from now as the water heats up a little. Reports are that the Bay is in good condition again this year and that the crabs will be very good. These were shot with the camera phone and, as it was very bright, were very much point and pray. Didn’t dare risk running back to get the real camera. Oh, brilliant, Maryl, thanks! Those pics are AMAZING - you can see the rays are swimming only just below the surface of the water because in a couple of places their 'wings' (I think they're called) are actually breaking the surface. It must have been magical to see them in person - how fantastic. More, please!
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Post by marylandstoke on Apr 30, 2019 14:29:44 GMT
Grew up (I use the term loosely of course) between the Weaver and The Dane. Have been lucky enough to have used the Anderton boat lift a couple of times.
Salt, as mentioned. The three witches. Romans everywhere. Sandstone, again, as mentioned with regards to the bridges but also creating great water from sandstone aquifers. Cycling to Oulton Park any weekend I could get there. The mighty Northwich Vic’s at their peak at the Drill Field.
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 15:03:54 GMT
Grew up (I use the term loosely of course) between the Weaver and The Dane. Have been lucky enough to have used the Anderton boat lift a couple of times. Salt, as mentioned. The three witches. Romans everywhere. Sandstone, again, as mentioned with regards to the bridges but also creating great water from sandstone aquifers. Cycling to Oulton Park any weekend I could get there. The mighty Northwich Vic’s at their peak at the Drill Field. Great stuff but there's a general perception that history began with the Romans... however there's a far deeper and richer history involving ancient folk from the Lebanon region. I'm pursuing the possibility that the Dane and associated names/places could as easily refer to the tribes of Dan... as they do Danes/Vikings etc. It's an hypothesis, theory under construction... the old kingdom of Mercia has links to Dunvallo etc... again links to Dan which predates the Danes of viking fame. Interesting stuff.
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Post by potterinleeds on Apr 30, 2019 17:01:18 GMT
Started the day driving over to East Yorkshire in a dense but almost luminous fog, causing all of the fields of oilseed rape on the Wolds to cast a strange, neon-yellow glow upwards. Once fog burnt off, saw my first hawthorn in blossom along the roadside - not yet the frothy foaming waves of white we'll soon get, but a welcome sight none the less. Also cow parsley coming out and some superb crab apple blossom round and about. Copper beeches unfurling pinkish leaves. East Yorkshire, like Staffordshire, is still a county of fantastic hedgerows - if I was ever to leave the country permanently, a good mature country hedgerow is one of the things I would really miss.
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Post by marylandstoke on Apr 30, 2019 18:59:48 GMT
Glorious day here and propelled me to the chores that needed to get everything tidy.
Moved the bigger feeders off the front of the house down to the tree in the front yard which meant....Ta Da, for the first time in years I have my hummingbird feeders out at the right time. First week in May is the charm for Maryland. They do say last week in April sometimes but we had gale force winds and some squally storms so this should work well.
Made the nectar a little stronger for the first batch. Let’s face it, after flying anywhere these days you need a stiff drink.
Really hoping to get some good pictures of the ruby throated hummers. I thought I had sisal seeds for the goldfinches but that’s on the to do list.
For the first time in this house I have cat birds which is nice. I have seen a mocking bird a few times but I don’t know if he will hang around. Had one at the old house and he had my phone ring down pat
Great time of the year.
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 19:13:37 GMT
Glorious day here and propelled me to the chores that needed to get everything tidy. Moved the bigger feeders off the front of the house down to the tree in the front yard which meant....Ta Da, for the first time in years I have my hummingbird feeders out at the right time. First week in May is the charm for Maryland. They do say last week in April sometimes but we had gale force winds and some squally storms so this should work well. Made the nectar a little stronger for the first batch. Let’s face it, after flying anywhere these days you need a stiff drink. Really hoping to get some good pictures of the ruby throated hummers. I thought I had sisal seeds for the goldfinches but that’s on the to do list. For the first time in this house I have cat birds which is nice. I have seen a mocking bird a few times but I don’t know if he will hang around. Had one at the old house and he had my phone ring down pat Great time of the year. Jealous of garden hummingbirds that must be mint. And catbirds are a new one on me. Googled them. Cheers.
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 19:16:16 GMT
Glorious day here and propelled me to the chores that needed to get everything tidy. Moved the bigger feeders off the front of the house down to the tree in the front yard which meant....Ta Da, for the first time in years I have my hummingbird feeders out at the right time. First week in May is the charm for Maryland. They do say last week in April sometimes but we had gale force winds and some squally storms so this should work well. Made the nectar a little stronger for the first batch. Let’s face it, after flying anywhere these days you need a stiff drink. Really hoping to get some good pictures of the ruby throated hummers. I thought I had sisal seeds for the goldfinches but that’s on the to do list. For the first time in this house I have cat birds which is nice. I have seen a mocking bird a few times but I don’t know if he will hang around. Had one at the old house and he had my phone ring down pat Great time of the year. Sounds heavenly! So when can me an' Chuff an' Cheesy an' Dees an' Fel an' Leedsy an' Northy come over to stay at your house for a free hol?
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 19:22:38 GMT
Glorious day here and propelled me to the chores that needed to get everything tidy. Moved the bigger feeders off the front of the house down to the tree in the front yard which meant....Ta Da, for the first time in years I have my hummingbird feeders out at the right time. First week in May is the charm for Maryland. They do say last week in April sometimes but we had gale force winds and some squally storms so this should work well. Made the nectar a little stronger for the first batch. Let’s face it, after flying anywhere these days you need a stiff drink. Really hoping to get some good pictures of the ruby throated hummers. I thought I had sisal seeds for the goldfinches but that’s on the to do list. For the first time in this house I have cat birds which is nice. I have seen a mocking bird a few times but I don’t know if he will hang around. Had one at the old house and he had my phone ring down pat Great time of the year. Jealous of garden hummingbirds that must be mint.And catbirds are a new one on me. Cheers. (PM TO CHEESY:) SAME HERE, DUDE. I've just done a cutesy lil' post to Maryl, but in truth I really wanted to say: YOU B*ST*RD, Maryl, I'M JEALOUS TO BLOODY DEATH.
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 19:26:01 GMT
Ermmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......... (**thinks**)........... How do PMs work again?????
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 19:27:56 GMT
Jealous of garden hummingbirds that must be mint.And catbirds are a new one on me. Cheers. (PM TO CHEESY:) SAME HERE, DUDE. I've just done a cutesy lil' post to Maryl, but in truth I really wanted to say: YOU B*ST*RD, Maryl, I'M JEALOUS TO BLOODY DEATH. We'll have to be content with the delights of the rather marvellous Hummingbird Hawkmoth. (And a little inflationary imagination).
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 19:46:16 GMT
(PM TO CHEESY:) SAME HERE, DUDE. I've just done a cutesy lil' post to Maryl, but in truth I really wanted to say: YOU B*ST*RD, Maryl, I'M JEALOUS TO BLOODY DEATH. We'll have to be content with the delights of the rather marvellous Hummingbird Hawkmoth. (And a little inflationary imagination). Don't talk to me about moths, mate, unless you want a hysterical, screaming lunatic on your hands........ (SHUT UP, FEL........)
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 20:07:25 GMT
We'll have to be content with the delights of the rather marvellous Hummingbird Hawkmoth. (And a little inflationary imagination). Don't talk to me about moths, mate, unless you want a hysterical, screaming lunatic on your hands........ (SHUT UP, FEL........) The Hummingbird HM is a day flyer. Np spook factor at all surely.
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 20:11:35 GMT
Don't talk to me about moths, mate, unless you want a hysterical, screaming lunatic on your hands........ (SHUT UP, FEL........) The Hummingbird HM is a day flyer. Np spook factor at all surely. DON'T CALL ME SHIRLEY
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 20:13:17 GMT
Don't talk to me about moths, mate, unless you want a hysterical, screaming lunatic on your hands........ (SHUT UP, FEL........) The Hummingbird HM is a day flyer. Np spook factor at all surely. PS: Yes, BIG spooks. BLUDDY BIG SPOOKS.
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Post by cheeesfreeex on Apr 30, 2019 20:19:35 GMT
Murphs..... learn to embrace the Moth.
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Post by murphthesurf on Apr 30, 2019 20:34:37 GMT
Murphs..... learn to embrace the Moth. HELL WILL FREEZE OVER FIRST.................... My terror knows no bounds! Picked one up in the garden once --- thought it was a dead leaf. Quote: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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Post by marylandstoke on Apr 30, 2019 20:37:50 GMT
The reason I need sisal seed.
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Post by potterinleeds on May 1, 2019 6:56:12 GMT
Happy May Day to all Oaties! The birds are singing, the air is fresh and there is greenery all around. Get out round a maypole if you can.
Also, don't forget it's Staffordshire Day today too, so (especially if you are exiled like me) make sure you big up the county to all around you.
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Post by murphthesurf on May 1, 2019 7:03:17 GMT
I decided to do a late afternoon walk over at Bateswood Nature park and reserve yesterday. For those who don't know it's an expanse of land in the middle of Halmerend, Alsagers Bank, Scot Hay and Leycett. There's a fantastic reveal as you approach from the bottom of Halmerend by the Railway pub end and it opens up to a full view of the lake and the park heading up the hill towards Alsagers Bank.
Yesterday I decided to use one of the offshoot paths which I'd meant to go on for years and ended up going through the most fantastic meadow full of cowslips and through a few miles of woodland ending up in Madeley Heath. Coming back through the enclosed nature reserve section there is a high wet plateau and the noise of the skylarks was almost drowning out the distant hum of the motorway.
If you drive down the M6 from J16 to J15 it's the fantastic piece of greenery on the left all the way to Keele services. Sounds fab, Fel. Fido would've loved to walk that route with you. Oh! Look at the date! Another couple of days and I'll be able to post the delightful song 'Now Is the Month of Maying' on 'ere again. Can't wait! DRUM ROLL......................... Wait for it, WAIT FOR IT...................
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Post by murphthesurf on May 1, 2019 7:10:04 GMT
Here you are, folks: 'Now Is the Month of Maying' by Sir Thomas Morley I think it's gorgeous.
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Post by potterinleeds on May 1, 2019 7:25:17 GMT
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Post by potterinleeds on May 1, 2019 7:28:44 GMT
Sounds fab, Fel. Fido would've loved to walk that route with you. Oh! Look at the date! Another couple of days and I'll be able to post the delightful song 'Now Is the Month of Maying' on 'ere again. Can't wait! DRUM ROLL......................... Wait for it, WAIT FOR IT...................I hope you have been out into the back garden and washed your face in May dew from the lawn this morning, Murph. I do it ever year and I am sure it accounts for my flawless complexion.
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Post by murphthesurf on May 1, 2019 8:04:37 GMT
DRUM ROLL......................... Wait for it, WAIT FOR IT................... I hope you have been out into the back garden and washed your face in May dew from the lawn this morning, Murph. I do it ever year and I am sure it accounts for my flawless complexion. My German Shepherd got out there before I did, Leedsy, so I gave it a miss!
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Post by Northy on May 1, 2019 10:11:00 GMT
Started the day driving over to East Yorkshire in a dense but almost luminous fog, causing all of the fields of oilseed rape on the Wolds to cast a strange, neon-yellow glow upwards. Once fog burnt off, saw my first hawthorn in blossom along the roadside - not yet the frothy foaming waves of white we'll soon get, but a welcome sight none the less. Also cow parsley coming out and some superb crab apple blossom round and about. Copper beeches unfurling pinkish leaves. East Yorkshire, like Staffordshire, is still a county of fantastic hedgerows - if I was ever to leave the country permanently, a good mature country hedgerow is one of the things I would really miss. I've driven to Stevenage
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