Nicks` Cabinet of Curios

This is a picture Mrs Nick took of  an old railway bridge on the edge of Straws` Bridge Nature Reserve, which is often referred to by it`s local nickname Swan Lake. The bridge leads from the main lake to two smaller ones nearby. The bridge that gives the reserve it`s name no longer exists, but was a bridge over the Nutbrook Canal.

Having mentioned the English Civil War in my previous post, that reminded me I`ve never posted this.  I`ll leave it to others to discuss the rights and wrongs of the life of Henry Ireton and just tell you that I noticed this plaque on the outer wall of a private house near Attenborough Nature Reserve, Nottinghamshire.  

The Non-Conformist Chapel at Heanor Cemetery aka Marlpool Cemetery is a particular favourite building of mine.  As I understand it, the term Non-Conformist was originally used for Protestants who did not `conform` to the edicts of the Church of England. You might think of them as wishing to remain independent of the state, with the Co of E standing for a "Church and State philosophy". Another group, similar in aims, also came to be referred to as Non-Conformists though in their time they were known as `Dissenters`. That`s literally all I know about the matter, except for the more general observation that the `dissenting` of these and similar groups was important in the run-up to the English Civil War. Presumably these groups were active in the area. There is still a `Free Church` in Heanor and apparently there was a Dissenters burial ground in Kirk Hallam, which is now a field.  Originally the Chapel had a steeple. I don`t know what happened to i...

This splendid-looking fellow is one of two stone lions given to Highfield Park, Nottingham by it`s sister city of Ningbo, China. I understand that a statue of Robin Hood was donated by Nottingham in return.  I`m pleased with the way this photo turned out, I like the juxtaposition (is that the word I`m looking for ?) between the  obviously oriental statue and the recognisable English trees in the background. I`d like to say I planned it that way, but in truth it just turned out that way. 

I make a point of not reviewing books unless they`re fresh in my mind, and unfortunately some weeks have passed since I finished this. Still, it may be worth me posting a few comments that may be of interest. The book contains 23 stories with sources ranging from Victorian writers to relatively contemporary ones.  11 of the stories are taken from other sources, the remaining 12 having been written specifically for this volume.  Some have a supernatural theme, whereas others are crime stories, though there is one which is neither.   For me personally, there was only one that didn`t deserve to be included, which is really not bad overall since obviously there were 22 which did.  I have to commend Richard Dalby for having found some distinctly unusual choices from the past, though I`d have to add the proviso that some of those are really just curiosities now. I myself don`t mind that, but others may see things differently.  Within the ...

I spotted this sign on a recent trip to Pleasley Pit. To be honest, I took this picture for no other reason than the fact that I liked it, but if you`re interested in Craven Bros there is a page about them on the Grace`s Guide website. There are also websites for Pleasley Pit Trust (the museum) and Pleasley Pit Nature Study Group (the nature reserve) which you should be able to find without too much difficulty..