Well, I'll be bowed...

Just when I thought it had finally been forgotten about, up pops that flippin' red-and-white bow cardigan again - as originally sported by Miss Lemon in an episode of Poirot.  This time it is the turn of the utterly charming and achingly authentic Nabby of This Old Life to take inspiration from this ubiquitous garment.

Not only that, but she has been kind enough to pass on a blog award to me.  The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award, no less!  Thanks awfully, Nabs!

Now the familiar caveat with this gong is that I have to share 7 random facts about myself.  Bearing in mind I struggled to think of seven interesting things the last time I got one of these awards, this could easily turn into something of a snore-fest.

(i) I used to do quite a few mountain walks and fell climbing in my younger days.  Mainly in Britain; such stunning locations as the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and North Wales but also to places in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.  I've climbed "unaided" (haha) up to 3,000 feet (and it was great fun watching the training aircraft from the local RAF station flying past a few hundred feet below were we were) and in Switzerland I went to the top of Mount Titlis (no giggling at the back!), via cable car I hasten to add, which is a staggering 10,000 feet high!  All this when I was still in my early teens.  Health permitting I would like to take it up again one day.  I still have my trusty fell-walking stick!

(ii) I also used to be something of a speed walker.  Never took it up as a sport, but being rather long of leg I would whiz from point A to point B quicker than you could say "Jack Robinson"(!) - without ever breaking into a run ("a gentleman will walk but never run", as Mr Sting sang in that favourite song of mine).  Although I've been forced to slow down a little in recent years I still find myself outpacing most people, and as a consequence I can't stand dawdlers (only if I've got somewhere to go, of course - if I were browsing the high street or strolling in the park I might check my pace a bit) or folk who wander about seemingly in a daze, stopping in the most inconvenient of places.  By Jove, that gets on my nerves!  Oxford Street had the right idea a few years ago, trialling a "fast lane" and "slow lane" on the pavements there.  If I were in charge, that would be rolled out nationwide!

(iii) During one of my aforementioned walking holidays, being a huge fan I visited the Laurel & Hardy Museum in Stan Laurel's home town of Ulverston, Cumbria.  The curator was an absolutely splendid chap and actually let me wear one of Stan's bowler hats that he used in some of their films!

(iv) As well as the three books mentioned previously as being the pride of my library, I also have a copy of Modern Boy magazine from 1933, it being the prize I won in a competition run by the Biggles fan club, of which I am a member.  It was the periodical in which the first Biggles stories were serialised, but it also contains many other wonderful articles and adverts which I shall try and fashion some posts around.

(v) I enjoyed my own Biggles experience about three years ago when I took a flight on a 1930s Douglas DC-3 Dakota (or C-47 Skytrain, in its military guise).  A company called Air Atlantique (as it was then) owned one of the few airworthy DC-3s in Britain and were taking it around the UK on a "farewell tour" as some stupid EU regulation was about to come into force forbidding DC-3s to carry passengers.  So I'm one of the last people to ever fly in a DC-3 in this country!  Taking off from my local airport we buzzed around the local area for about an hour, and it was absolutely great!  Someone on the flight had a camcorder, so there's even film of it:



(vi) The United States of America is the only country I have holidayed in where I have actually been given money in exchange for absolutely nothing at all!  Travelling through Pennsylvania we stopped at a rural arts and crafts store and I got talking to the shopkeeper.  I just mentioned in passing my hobby of collecting old money when she said "Wait there a minute".  Disappearing into a back room, she reappeared moments later brandishing a mint $2 bill.  "These are quite rare, I don't think I've ever seen another" she said.  "You're such a nice guy, I've so enjoyed talking to you, I'd like you to have it".  I didn't even buy anything, as I recall!
So now my collection includes an unusual $2 note, which will always remind me of my American holiday.

(vii) I don't own a car, I don't even own a full driver's licence!  I did take lessons a few years ago and even went for a couple of tests, but failed them both. ;-(  It could have been a case of "third time lucky" - on the other hand, it may not have been and by then I didn't fancy finding out!  Plus had I gone ahead, passed and got a car I would most likely still be typing this from my bedroom in my parents' house rather than in my own home - a car costs an absolute fortune to run these days.  I'll happily stick to public transport for now - bus and train (not to mention Shanks's Pony!) can more than suffice if one knows how to get the best out of them and there's still remnants of camaraderie and community spirit in some local bus services, something that many people more used to being cocooned in a motor car often overlook (not to mention the atrocious driving I see on the roads nearly every day - it actually makes me glad I don't drive!).  Time was when few people could stretch to the luxury of a car and good old public transport was the only other way to get around.  The way things are going, we may end up reliving that time again.  I'm just ahead of the curve(!).
I haven't even got to the ironic bit yet - I work in the motor trade!  (But in front of a computer screen, not underneath a bonnet.).  I do have a real interest in and love of cars, just not enough to really want to know how to drive one(!).  I see the motor car more as an amazing piece of technological tour de force and marvel at its various abilities, incarnations and history.  That and the knowledge I derive from it is enough to let me do my job.  People do find the disparity a bit odd sometimes, but it works for me!

My only regret in not having a driving licence is that I couldn't drive this...

Finally I should pass on this award to some fellow bloggers, in the time-honoured fashion.  However I will have to refrain in this instance from doing so, as it is proving difficult to find any bloggers that I haven't given an award to before, or who haven't received this same award from someone else!  As much as I am delighted to have received this award, I also can't help but notice its rather feminine style.  From female to male blogger (or vice versa) this presents no problem, but for a chap to give another chap the "Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award" is, I would say, not quite the done thing(!).  Still, here are some more recent of my favourite blogs - and should I be mistaken and any of you fellows (and lady) are happy to accept this award, here's where you may collect it.


Electric Edwardians
Mister Midwester
Tales of a Southern Retro
YONKS
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So thanks again to Nabby, but before I wind up this post, don't think I've forgotten what I said I'd do the next time I espied a Miss Lemon-themed post!  Murder in the Mews was the next episode of Poirot I intended to focus on, so here is Captain Hastings in that very one:

Set around the time of Guy Fawkes' Night, so some heavy winter wear makes an appearance.  I've always loved the way Hastings turns the collar up on his overcoat (and what an overcoat - it knocks the spots off Japp's!).  The scarf sets it off brilliantly, and is properly thrown round the neck - none of this modern "Q-knot" nonsense.

It's even firework-proof!  (Poor old Hastings.  I always smile at this scene).

Captain Hastings reminds us that when working on one's motor car, a proper set of overalls (and the assistance of a small boy) is invaluable.

Another great scene, as Hastings shows Poirot the finer points of golf.  The orange jumper paired with brown slacks is the ultimate casual, sporting look.

A closer look at the jumper.  A useful couple of pockets (properly buttoned, of course!) and the collar is just right to show off and compliment a bit of tie.

More jumper goodness, this time in grey-blue.  Another lovely collar design, quite redolent of men's knitwear of the period.  I actually had a jumper a bit like this as a boy, but sadly I was at a time in my life when I didn't fully appreciate its aesthetic qualities.  Besides which it almost certainly wouldn't fit me if I still had it!

I hope you've enjoyed this super-long, rather rambling post, encompassing blog awards, facts about yours truly and a little Captain Hastings fashion.  It's been a while since my last post as I suddenly found myself awfully busy, not to mention still not always feeling quite the ticket, but I've got a few articles lined up and a bit of free time in the offing, so it shouldn't be more than a week 'til my next post.  Until then, tinkerty-tonk!

Arthur Conan Doyle's first novel hits shops

Arthur Conan Doyle's first novel hits shops

I wrote last year about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's literary "debut" - a signed copy of A Study In Scarlet from 1887 - but now it is possible to walk into your local book shop and purchase a copy of an even earlier example of his work, his very first novel no less!

It seems that even the creator of Sherlock Holmes encountered problems with the postal system, leading to his first foray into fiction being lost in the aether (I wonder where it is now?).  Luckily (and despite his later self-deprecating dismissiveness of it) he kept his original notes which are now in the possession of the British Library, who have been allowed by the Conan Doyle estate to publish it.

It sounds quite interesting - a simple narrative yet it will no doubt contain thoughts and opinions that likely reflect those of Doyle, not to mention giving an insight into the politics and social aspects of the period.

I shall keep an eye out for this book the next time I am in my local booksellers.

WW2 Catalina flying boats return to Fermanagh base

WW2 Catalina flying boats return to Fermanagh base

I've been looking forward to writing up this one all week, as it concerns one of my favourite aircraft - the Consolidated PBY Catalina.  Not only that, it also involves the experiences and reminiscences of two ex-pilots who appear to have grasped the opportunity to fly in one of the few remaining airworthy examples with both hands - and why not?!  It sounds like they had a wonderful time and it's lovely to hear their recollections.

As well as the memories there is of course the interesting historical reminder of one of the ways in which the "neutral" Republic of Ireland was involved in the Second World War.  I myself was aware of similar operations (although not this particular one, I must admit) and of the part played by the Catalina in the sinking of the Bismarck, but as with so much about World War II it is important that such stories remain in the public consciousness - so it's good to see this 70th anniversary being celebrated and reported in such a fashion.

Like so many great aircraft of the war, the Cat has many impressive stories surrounding it and is a wonderful aircraft to see in the air - and on the water!  I well remember one year at my local airshow in Southend a Catalina performing a touch-and-go landing on a (rather rough!) Thames Estuary.  I've even dug out and dusted off my (I say "my" - this was actually built by my father, so long ago that I was probably younger than the "suitable age"!  It's still available, though!) own Airfix model that hasn't seen the light of day for years, especially for this post.

Although the American-designed Catalina had first flown in 1935 it wasn't until 4 years later that the British Air Ministry took an interest in it, and even then they only ordered one example for evaluation.  Having received this somewhat conservative order, Consolidated simply plucked a completed Catalina straight off the production line in San Diego and stuck a crew in it who, thanks to the aircraft's colossal 2,500-mile range, flew it directly from San Diego to Felixstowe in England.  When it arrived, many of those watching from the ground refused to believe that it had flown non-stop across the Atlantic, since its engines were still purring away happily without the slightest sign of strain or oil.  They were even more sceptical when the crew explained that, with the aid of the standard yet sophisticated on-board radio equipment, they had been in wireless contact with San Diego as they had landed.  Even then it wasn't until 1941 that the Catalina entered service with RAF Coastal Command, to perform some of the feats mentioned in this accompanying article.

Elsewhere Cats were performing valuable service with most branches of the U.S. armed forces, most notably as air-sea rescue craft with the U.S. Navy.  In one incident, on the 29th May 1945, a Catalina was sent up to provide support for a B-29 bombing raid on Japan.  On its return one bomber did indeed ditch in the Pacific and the Cat was sent to pick them up.  On arrival at the crash site, the Cat promptly landed in open sea and retrieved the bomber crew from their dinghy.  However on attempting to take off again, it was struck forcibly by three large waves which ripped the port engine and part of the wing clean off.  Crashing through the cockpit, it seriously injured the pilot.  The co-pilot was able to radio a back-up rescue submarine and, despite the substantial damage to its structure the Catalina remained afloat until the sub arrived the following day to pick up both crews.

Such are just two stories to go with the one detailed in the original news piece, there are undoubtedly many more involving this fantastic aeroplane.  May it continue to fly and keep the memories of its pilots and crew alive for many years to come.

Babbage Analytical Engine designs to be digitised

Babbage Analytical Engine designs to be digitised

The creation of a full-size replica of noted Victorian engineer Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, as reported in these pages previously, is one step closer to becoming reality now thanks to this latest piece of news.

It may still be early days, and a target date of 2021 seems a long way off, but the London Science Museum is to be commended for agreeing to convert Babbage's handwritten sketches and plans into an easy-to-access digital format.  This will surely be of great use to the team behind the campaign, making their job that little bit easier and ensuring that the project stays alive.

When completed the Analytical Engine will be an enormous machine (we're talking double-decker bus scale here) so it's just as well that Babbage's notes, while not complete, can be easily accessed and analysed before being applied to a computer model and then, finally, a complete and accurate facsimile.

Ten years will be a long time to wait but I'm sure that it will be well worth it, and this blog will continue to report on the progress of this remarkable undertaking.  Carry on, you fellows!

Tornado steam locomotive sets new record

Tornado steam locomotive sets new record

From pedal power to steam power now, and guaranteed to get to Scotland far quicker than any penny-farthing could, Tornado the modern-build steam engine has further added to its laurels.

Striking a blow for the steam locomotive in what must be a great vindication for its creators, 60163 Tornado proves that it has what it takes to go the distance (literally!) and easily overcome the two of the most difficult railway gradients in the British Isles during this record-breaking inaugural trip to Glasgow.  Not to mention weather that, as you can see, while as typically British as the scenery would be a challenge to any train.

There it once again captured the hearts and minds of all who saw her, bringing back happy memories for many and providing everyone involved with a marvellous experience.

I have a distinct feeling that this will not be the last 40-year old steam engine record that the mighty Tornado will break and I for one look forward to reading of its next great achievement.  Well done, chaps!

Penny farthing 'back on the production line'

Penny farthing 'back on the production line'

My favourite kind of news story, this - an historic and unusual device making something of a comeback.  In this case it is the magnificent penny-farthing, the instantly-recognisable Victorian bicycle.

Although there have long been penny-farthing designs available (if you know where to look), these have always been scale versions of the real thing - little more than a novelty; a modern-day pastiche of the classic design complete with BMX-style wheels. 

This one looks to be a different kettle of fish, however.  Practically the same as the original, by all accounts, but with all the bonuses modern industry can bring.  There again we see that great ideal of which I have spoken before - vintage aesthetics married to 21st-Century mechanics.  Perfect!

Roger Lovell (above, left), the chap behind their reintroduction, sounds like just the kind of thoroughly decent fellow who would espouse the cause of these machines - not surprising really as he races them for a hobby (a sport I have blogged about previously).  He is to be commended for bringing these wonderful bikes back into production, not to mention giving the local economy in Leicester a small boost and maintaining an historic link with the area's manufacturing history.

A splendid win-win situation, then.  Who knows, soon we may again all be whizzing about on Leicester-built penny-farthings.  Whee!

Documentary showcases woman pilots of the 1920s

Documentary showcases woman pilots of the 1920s

Proving that anything men can do women can do equally as well, if not better, this second aviation story of the week focuses on the pioneer aviatrices of the United States.

Ruth Nicols

In an amazing story that risked being lost in the mists of time, this new documentary looks at the 20 women including Amelia Earhart who undertook a nine-day flight across continental America in 1929, in what was the first all-female cross-country air race.

The accompanying article gives us a delightful taste of what went on during those 9 days and seventeen stop-overs and the details of this new documentary certainly sounds fascinating - a pity then that it looks to be confined to the US/Region 1 for it covers what was indeed a pivotal moment in the aviation history not of America but also the wider world and so really deserves a wider audience.  If it wasn't for this film producer stumbling across the story it might have remained untold for another 80 years!

As it is the story of this event has been saved for another generation, and for us to marvel at the sheer guts and determination of these early aviatrices - particularly in the face of attitudes to women at that time.