A mixed bag

Today I thought I would post updates in case the relevant comments section has been missed.

First the Grand Designs Chiltern's Water Mill story; that has been updated as the situation develops, and a number of posts in the comments added, including today. However, it is perturbing to hear that visits are now being made, and, however well-intentioned, a reminder that both the 'water mill' and the home next door are private property. No-one has any entitlement to roam around off road without express permission from owners. The situation is stressful enough without worrying about further invasion of privacy.

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/02/chilterns-water-mill-grand-designs_07.html

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/02/grand-designs-and-that-watermill.html

Second, the inn signs, interesting comments and links added:

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/02/watering-workers-beer.html

Third, Pick n Mix:

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/01/pick-n-mix.html

It seems that last bag was auctioned on ebay, with amazing results! Thousands of pounds raised :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7903509.stm?lss

The money will go to the Retail Trust, a charity for retail industry workers.

Last, a link from a certain forum in a thread relevant was removed to this post, here it is again for those who want the links to wider reading and research:

http://nemesisrepublic.blogspot.com/2009/02/breathing-deeply-trash-plastic.html

Back soon!

Nem

Grand Designs and that 'watermill'

A quick blog post to point out that the 'missing' neighbour from Wednesday's episode has found this little corner of cyberspace, and has joined in the discussion about the programme on Confessions of a Conservation Officer ( a wry look at life, folks, don't take it all as chapter and verse!).

It will be interesting to hear the full story, which clearly we weren't going to get on TV.

http://conservationofficer.blogspot.com/2009/02/grand-designs-absent-friends.html?showComment=1233918600000#c5416981553417066405

Nem

This below is a genuine watermill - Houghton Mill, saved from destruction many years ago by a group which included the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, with cash raised from local subscriptions, and in the care of the National Trust.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-houghtonmill

http://www.ramseyabbey.co.uk/houghton_mill.html

"In its surroundings it has quite unusual beauty " (SPAB 1938)

"As part of the Heritage Lottery Project, the northern water wheel was re-instated in 1998/9 and a turbine installed to produce "green" electricity from waterpower. This provides an exciting contrast for interpretation, showing both modern and traditional uses of waterpower. Power generation could be increasingly important to the sustainability of the Mill as the world's fossil fuels diminish. The ownership of the northern banks of the river enables the Trust to protect the backdrop of the Mill. Upstream the riverbank is an important landscape setting and provide valuable public access opportunities as well as an income flow for the maintenance of the Mill. Houghton Mill is at the centre of a network of footpaths, bridleways and cycleways and is a much loved landmark in a designated "area of best landscape". The restored mill, together with the caravan park, tea room and riverside walks provide a green "oasis" of recreational and education opportunities for villagers and visitors."
Click to enlarge.

The above pics are mine, please feel free to enjoy but if you re-use do please credit Nemesis Republic.

Many more photos and information here:
http://www.joebridge.co.uk/tourism/houghton-mill.htm