Ben complains that its luggage limits do not allow him to take his firefly to S Wales but a surfboard may just be possible.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Another attempt to reach Scilly?
Ben complains that its luggage limits do not allow him to take his firefly to S Wales but a surfboard may just be possible.
Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Dreckly Come Dancing (NMMC style)
by Mike Pennell
In the normal course of events, a shortage of visitors can make a Volunteer’s shift very tedious and this can lead to muttering in the ranks, discontent and in exceptional cases, mutiny.
We are therefore most grateful to the management for engaging the renowned Cherry Pickers Dance Troupe to entertain us in Main Hall during the past week. At short notice, I imagine it was impossible to obtain two identical teams, but the smaller pair, in their yellow creation and blue headgear, gave a very polished performance when pitted against a larger solo rival – decked out in green with illuminated accessories.
Although performing in a limited space, all competitors produced some extremely professional movements during their routines, and the height of the green entrant’s display was exceptional. His reverse chasee (with fishtail) was a delight to watch and it is possible that with this degree of sophistication, he could well be invited to join the Cornish Formation Equipment Team.
Judging was accomplished from the sidelines by a mixed panel of two men & one lady. Whilst overall performances were of a high standard, both competitors showed a certain 'jerkiness' in the rise & fall movements and turns were not always executed neatly.
After much discussion, each team was awarded a 6 for stamina and an 8 for interpretation.
Didn’t they do well!
In the normal course of events, a shortage of visitors can make a Volunteer’s shift very tedious and this can lead to muttering in the ranks, discontent and in exceptional cases, mutiny.
We are therefore most grateful to the management for engaging the renowned Cherry Pickers Dance Troupe to entertain us in Main Hall during the past week. At short notice, I imagine it was impossible to obtain two identical teams, but the smaller pair, in their yellow creation and blue headgear, gave a very polished performance when pitted against a larger solo rival – decked out in green with illuminated accessories.
Although performing in a limited space, all competitors produced some extremely professional movements during their routines, and the height of the green entrant’s display was exceptional. His reverse chasee (with fishtail) was a delight to watch and it is possible that with this degree of sophistication, he could well be invited to join the Cornish Formation Equipment Team.
Judging was accomplished from the sidelines by a mixed panel of two men & one lady. Whilst overall performances were of a high standard, both competitors showed a certain 'jerkiness' in the rise & fall movements and turns were not always executed neatly.
After much discussion, each team was awarded a 6 for stamina and an 8 for interpretation.
Didn’t they do well!
Grumpy Volunteer's Corner
by Keith Evans
We must publicize our presence at every opportunity, especially this time of the season. A midday gun fired from the tower would help, especially if the odd live round fired at Paul's Warts was included.
This reminds me of the Irish sexton, Paddy, who set the church clock by the gun fired from the castle overlooking the town. One day he met Danny the castle curator. "Danny" he said, "how do you know when to fire the gun?" "Easy," said Danny "I have a telescope trained on the church clock."
We missed a golden opportunity for publicity during the recent freeze. We should have had a dog-sleigh shuttle service from the car park. I've always fancied shouting 'Mush! Mush!' to a team of dogs. Alternatively we could have had a more sedate reindeer sledge. Of course we'd have to have a feasibility study. Health & Safety would have said you must have dogs on a lead with a maximum length of 1.275 metres and the reindeer wouldn't like the snow.
We must publicize our presence at every opportunity, especially this time of the season. A midday gun fired from the tower would help, especially if the odd live round fired at Paul's Warts was included.
This reminds me of the Irish sexton, Paddy, who set the church clock by the gun fired from the castle overlooking the town. One day he met Danny the castle curator. "Danny" he said, "how do you know when to fire the gun?" "Easy," said Danny "I have a telescope trained on the church clock."
We missed a golden opportunity for publicity during the recent freeze. We should have had a dog-sleigh shuttle service from the car park. I've always fancied shouting 'Mush! Mush!' to a team of dogs. Alternatively we could have had a more sedate reindeer sledge. Of course we'd have to have a feasibility study. Health & Safety would have said you must have dogs on a lead with a maximum length of 1.275 metres and the reindeer wouldn't like the snow.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Changeover week 4
Monday, 18 January 2010
Changeover week 3
It is foggy and almost warm this morning; views of Flushing are distant memories but the end of the pontoon is just visible.
There is a distinct buzz inside the Museum. 20/20 are in installing graphics on the ramps in the Hold while MacSalvors have turned up to start work on the heavy stuff. The first to be installed is the light vessel optic in the Main Hall which is put into a temporary position so that we can have a play to see what we think.
Later this week, A2 will be in to start re-hanging some boats and the Main Hall will be almost ready.
There is a distinct buzz inside the Museum. 20/20 are in installing graphics on the ramps in the Hold while MacSalvors have turned up to start work on the heavy stuff. The first to be installed is the light vessel optic in the Main Hall which is put into a temporary position so that we can have a play to see what we think.
Later this week, A2 will be in to start re-hanging some boats and the Main Hall will be almost ready.
Mixed Messages
from Colin Spargo
You may have read this before but, bearing in mind our new exhibition, we thought we'd include it in Nauti News.
The following conversation is alleged (probably by a Canadian) to have taken place between two radio operators - one American, one Canadian.
Canadian: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
American: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
Canadian: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
American: This is the captain of a US navy ship. I say again, divert your course.
Canadian: No. I say again, you divert your course.
American: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north - I say again, that's one-five degrees north - or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Canadian: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
You may have read this before but, bearing in mind our new exhibition, we thought we'd include it in Nauti News.
The following conversation is alleged (probably by a Canadian) to have taken place between two radio operators - one American, one Canadian.
Canadian: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
American: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision.
Canadian: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision.
American: This is the captain of a US navy ship. I say again, divert your course.
Canadian: No. I say again, you divert your course.
American: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that you change your course 15 degrees north - I say again, that's one-five degrees north - or counter-measures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Canadian: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
Friday, 15 January 2010
The Changeover - the end of week 2
The temperature rises to a giddy 9 degrees by the end of the week and opening the large boat doors is no longer a serious health risk.
Little is going in in the Hold as MacSalvors are operating at their own pace and have promised to return on Monday to start the assembly of the various large pieces of metal and glass. A2 have removed several boats in the Main Hall to clear some space for Trevor and Co to repair and renew the high bay lights. Graham, on the other cherry-picker attacks the inches of dust which adorn the hanging boats.
The lighthouse room is now pretty much complete and awaiting Milly's set-dressing.
Having taken everything apart or had deliveries of new items, next week will be a week of construction.
Little is going in in the Hold as MacSalvors are operating at their own pace and have promised to return on Monday to start the assembly of the various large pieces of metal and glass. A2 have removed several boats in the Main Hall to clear some space for Trevor and Co to repair and renew the high bay lights. Graham, on the other cherry-picker attacks the inches of dust which adorn the hanging boats.
The lighthouse room is now pretty much complete and awaiting Milly's set-dressing.
Having taken everything apart or had deliveries of new items, next week will be a week of construction.
Waterfront reprisals not included in basic training
by Mike Pennell, galleries volunteer
1. Having made the Polar bear growl, I wonder what the Penguin could do on obstreperous children!!
2. I find that a strident “Force 6” shout & pointed finger can reduce some of the younger ones to tears and thus make another boat available to the waiting queue.
3. If a boat is “Dunked”, the Duty Volunteer can just remove it from the pool without further ado, and await comments. (Think twice before doing it to an adult, if larger than you)
4. A variation on (3) above. When boat is “Dunked”, Duty Volunteer looks mortified and switches off the fans, muttering about Health & Safety. Remaining “Contestants” then direct their anger at the culprit, thus allowing Volunteer to make a lengthy detailed examination of yacht – until other Contestants have either wounded the culprit of left the area.
5. Since corporal punishment is not permitted, I’m thinking of retaining our Electrical wizard to design a low-voltage Taser, as “Required Waterfront Volunteer Equipment.”
1. Having made the Polar bear growl, I wonder what the Penguin could do on obstreperous children!!
2. I find that a strident “Force 6” shout & pointed finger can reduce some of the younger ones to tears and thus make another boat available to the waiting queue.
3. If a boat is “Dunked”, the Duty Volunteer can just remove it from the pool without further ado, and await comments. (Think twice before doing it to an adult, if larger than you)
4. A variation on (3) above. When boat is “Dunked”, Duty Volunteer looks mortified and switches off the fans, muttering about Health & Safety. Remaining “Contestants” then direct their anger at the culprit, thus allowing Volunteer to make a lengthy detailed examination of yacht – until other Contestants have either wounded the culprit of left the area.
5. Since corporal punishment is not permitted, I’m thinking of retaining our Electrical wizard to design a low-voltage Taser, as “Required Waterfront Volunteer Equipment.”
The Demographic Riddle
written by a volunteer who probably shouldn't be named for their own safety!
This is not to be seen as a rift within the select band of Grumpy Old Men, but purely an observation to avoid one of our number being pilloried by any ladies who might take umbrage at his recent comments regarding the Ladies Christmas Lunch.
The demographic male/female inbalance is the RESULT of a number of factors, NOT the cause.
The cause is quite easy to understand when considered in detail:-
Most men spend their married lives working hard to provide their spouses with all the GOOD THINGS in life. This entails personal sacrifice on an unprecedented scale, is very wearying, expensive, and requires long hours of additional effort to enable the female half of the marriage to maintain her position in society - thus enjoying a life of ease and relaxation with the freedom to shop for expensive clothes - and attend to household matters in slow time. Children can be tiring, but Mothers have plenty of time to attend to them, provided that Dad “works late at the Office” as often as possible.
As the years pass, this physical and mental strain takes its toll on a man.
The result is that there are more mature ladies than men.
Quod Erat Demonstrandum.
This is not to be seen as a rift within the select band of Grumpy Old Men, but purely an observation to avoid one of our number being pilloried by any ladies who might take umbrage at his recent comments regarding the Ladies Christmas Lunch.
The demographic male/female inbalance is the RESULT of a number of factors, NOT the cause.
The cause is quite easy to understand when considered in detail:-
Most men spend their married lives working hard to provide their spouses with all the GOOD THINGS in life. This entails personal sacrifice on an unprecedented scale, is very wearying, expensive, and requires long hours of additional effort to enable the female half of the marriage to maintain her position in society - thus enjoying a life of ease and relaxation with the freedom to shop for expensive clothes - and attend to household matters in slow time. Children can be tiring, but Mothers have plenty of time to attend to them, provided that Dad “works late at the Office” as often as possible.
As the years pass, this physical and mental strain takes its toll on a man.
The result is that there are more mature ladies than men.
Quod Erat Demonstrandum.
Thursday, 14 January 2010
A Lighthouse Story
by Clive Mathison, Galleries Volunteer
Having read the NMMC press release in the West Briton about the February 2010 new exhibition Lighthouses: Life on the Rocks, I said to my wife "Joy, this is a most interesting event for the staff and volunteers to facilitate after the fantastic Titanic exhibition." Her immediate response was "Did you know that my Great Uncle William Symonds was a Lighthouse Keeper at the Azores and Northumbria?" This caused me to immediately attempt to research his past service as a Lighthouse Keeper by getting in touch with Trinity House via the internet. Alas their internet personnel records available to the public view only cover a period in the 1800s. I did request information on dates that my wife's Great Uncle William would have possibly been stationed in the Azores and Northumbria but have not had any feedback as yet.
My continued search for information on where he served as a Lighthouse Keeper has uncovered a fascinating 'historical ev
ent' about the Azores lighthouse. The lighthouse was subjected to damage by a volcanic eruption which lasted 13 months from 2 September 1957 until 24 October 1958. The ruined lighthouse and visitor's centre of the Azores is now a tourist destination and, on 27 September 2007 special commendations marked the 50th anniversary of the volcanic eruption and its effect on the island's history and people which was broadcast in Portugal and throughout the Azorean dispora. A question I would wish an answer to is was our Great Uncle William in the lighthouse service at the time?
P.S. My wife was charmed by the Marks & Spencer Lighthouse Keeper advertisement on TV but said that for her it was not true; she wanted to marry a Royal Air Force NCO from Coastal Command (which she did).
Having read the NMMC press release in the West Briton about the February 2010 new exhibition Lighthouses: Life on the Rocks, I said to my wife "Joy, this is a most interesting event for the staff and volunteers to facilitate after the fantastic Titanic exhibition." Her immediate response was "Did you know that my Great Uncle William Symonds was a Lighthouse Keeper at the Azores and Northumbria?" This caused me to immediately attempt to research his past service as a Lighthouse Keeper by getting in touch with Trinity House via the internet. Alas their internet personnel records available to the public view only cover a period in the 1800s. I did request information on dates that my wife's Great Uncle William would have possibly been stationed in the Azores and Northumbria but have not had any feedback as yet.
My continued search for information on where he served as a Lighthouse Keeper has uncovered a fascinating 'historical ev
ent' about the Azores lighthouse. The lighthouse was subjected to damage by a volcanic eruption which lasted 13 months from 2 September 1957 until 24 October 1958. The ruined lighthouse and visitor's centre of the Azores is now a tourist destination and, on 27 September 2007 special commendations marked the 50th anniversary of the volcanic eruption and its effect on the island's history and people which was broadcast in Portugal and throughout the Azorean dispora. A question I would wish an answer to is was our Great Uncle William in the lighthouse service at the time?P.S. My wife was charmed by the Marks & Spencer Lighthouse Keeper advertisement on TV but said that for her it was not true; she wanted to marry a Royal Air Force NCO from Coastal Command (which she did).
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Grumpy Volunteer Corner
by Keith Evans
Many thanks to the catering staff for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. The gentleman's repast was a convivial affair with good company, intelligent conversation, banter and laughter. I happened to be on duty during the ladies' lunch. The decibel level was significantly higher! Now ladies, calm down. Before you start sticking pins in my effigy let me explain. There are many more mature ladies than gentlemen. This is merely a reflection of the demography of the population. We gentlemen succumb earlier because of the stresses imposed upon us... You know, I wish I had never started this. All I wanted to do was to thank the catering staff. Do Trago sell bullet-proof vests?
Mention the Waterfront and volunteers tremble and then pale. In spite of asking them to desist, the little ones shove the boats off and play submarines with them. It's a real pain. I suggest the boats are fitted with sensors which when wetted activate a water jet over the stern, or better still a quick firing pea-shooter. That'll learn 'em. The polar bear could also be programmed to growl at them. Any other suggestions to the editor please.
Many thanks to the catering staff for a sumptuous Christmas lunch. The gentleman's repast was a convivial affair with good company, intelligent conversation, banter and laughter. I happened to be on duty during the ladies' lunch. The decibel level was significantly higher! Now ladies, calm down. Before you start sticking pins in my effigy let me explain. There are many more mature ladies than gentlemen. This is merely a reflection of the demography of the population. We gentlemen succumb earlier because of the stresses imposed upon us... You know, I wish I had never started this. All I wanted to do was to thank the catering staff. Do Trago sell bullet-proof vests?
Mention the Waterfront and volunteers tremble and then pale. In spite of asking them to desist, the little ones shove the boats off and play submarines with them. It's a real pain. I suggest the boats are fitted with sensors which when wetted activate a water jet over the stern, or better still a quick firing pea-shooter. That'll learn 'em. The polar bear could also be programmed to growl at them. Any other suggestions to the editor please.
Lighthouse Visitors
by NMMC Resident Poet
I’ve been looking at the pictures
of the changes in the Hold,
the lads are doing wonders
in the ice and freezing cold.
I’ve searched for two old friends of mine,
but haven’t seen them yet,
there’s Eddy Stone from Devon
(you’ve heard of him, I’ll bet).
The other chap’s from Dorset,
from a place near Weymouth town,
Old Portland Bill will get here,
for I know he’s coming down.
I’ve heard there is a plane en route
with a party from “Down Under”,
(knowing how they like their beer,
they’ll tear the place asunder!!).
The guy in charge is Charles Point,
there’s Art’ & Henry Head,
and everyone knows Vernon Rocks,
(though some thought he was dead).
The final member of the group
is drunken Frederick Reef,
and if the pubs are open,
he’s bound to come to grief!!
They’ll be here for the opening,
(if the ice has gone by then),
and Volunteers should welcome all
these fine Australian men.
I’ve been looking at the pictures
of the changes in the Hold,
the lads are doing wonders
in the ice and freezing cold.
I’ve searched for two old friends of mine,
but haven’t seen them yet,
there’s Eddy Stone from Devon
(you’ve heard of him, I’ll bet).
The other chap’s from Dorset,
from a place near Weymouth town,
Old Portland Bill will get here,
for I know he’s coming down.
I’ve heard there is a plane en route
with a party from “Down Under”,
(knowing how they like their beer,
they’ll tear the place asunder!!).
The guy in charge is Charles Point,
there’s Art’ & Henry Head,
and everyone knows Vernon Rocks,
(though some thought he was dead).
The final member of the group
is drunken Frederick Reef,
and if the pubs are open,
he’s bound to come to grief!!
They’ll be here for the opening,
(if the ice has gone by then),
and Volunteers should welcome all
these fine Australian men.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Changeover week 2
The week starts brightly enough as the snow promised for the weekend never materialised but then the phone calls come in: there is ice everywhere and key people are cut off. It is going to be a difficult week and we are in danger of falling behind. Use the link to see some pictures.
Monday, 11 January 2010
Sunday, 10 January 2010
It's a boy!
Congratulations to Katie & Charlie!
Alfie (pronounced with a fine Scottish burr as 'Elfie') William Newlands was born on Saturday 9th January 2010
Mother & son are reported to be doing well.
Friday, 8 January 2010
End of Changeover Week 1
It has been a frustrating week because of the weather. The cherry picker has not arrived from Bristol and it took MacSalvors two days to reach us from Pool. By Friday, things have started moving again with the departure of the Compression Chamber.
A weather story to end the week: the MacSalvors lorry arrived at about 11:00. The driver took one look at the Square and declined to drive over what he saw as sheet ice. After much umming and ahhing, and a phone call, a Jewson lorry arrived with a large bag of grit. He drove past the MacSalvors lorry and straight up the front of the Museum where he unloaded the bag and a wheelbarrow. The MacSalvors man, looking on, insisted on salt as well before he was prepared to go over the ice.
Two hours later still, and with no salt in sight, the MacSalvors man was finally embarrassed into driving across the gritted surface. Hey ho.
More snow is forecast for the weekend.
A weather story to end the week: the MacSalvors lorry arrived at about 11:00. The driver took one look at the Square and declined to drive over what he saw as sheet ice. After much umming and ahhing, and a phone call, a Jewson lorry arrived with a large bag of grit. He drove past the MacSalvors lorry and straight up the front of the Museum where he unloaded the bag and a wheelbarrow. The MacSalvors man, looking on, insisted on salt as well before he was prepared to go over the ice.
Two hours later still, and with no salt in sight, the MacSalvors man was finally embarrassed into driving across the gritted surface. Hey ho.
More snow is forecast for the weekend.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Post Code Lottery?
Lady Visitor’s question to Volunteer:
“When you’re out at sea – you know – when you can’t see any land, how do you know where you are – or where to go?”
Volunteer (retired seafarer):
“Ah, it was all different when I was at sea, but nowadays they use Satellite Navigation. You’ve heard of SatNav?”
Lady Visitor (with raised eyebrows):
“ Oh yes!!! But how do they know what Post Code to use?”
Volunteer:
“Well............."
“When you’re out at sea – you know – when you can’t see any land, how do you know where you are – or where to go?”
Volunteer (retired seafarer):
“Ah, it was all different when I was at sea, but nowadays they use Satellite Navigation. You’ve heard of SatNav?”
Lady Visitor (with raised eyebrows):
“ Oh yes!!! But how do they know what Post Code to use?”
Volunteer:
“Well............."
All Change
by the NMMC's resident poet
Now Twenty-Ten is here at last,
it’s time to change the scene,
to Lighthouses and Lightships
(where the Diving theme has been).
I could never be a Keeper,
No garden – Don’t like heights;
Then when the evening’s drawing in,
It’s psychedelic lights!!
Group Flash, Fixed or Occulting,
and usually red or white,
(I’m told that it helps a sailor
avoid costly groundings at night)
They all show different signals,
right up & down the coast,
The locals know which one is which,
(at least, that’s what they boast!!)
Let’s hope that the Visitors like it;
flashing’s quite rare in the Hold.
The Museum has never allowed it
(or so I’m reliably told!!)
Now Twenty-Ten is here at last,
it’s time to change the scene,
to Lighthouses and Lightships
(where the Diving theme has been).
I could never be a Keeper,
No garden – Don’t like heights;
Then when the evening’s drawing in,
It’s psychedelic lights!!
Group Flash, Fixed or Occulting,
and usually red or white,
(I’m told that it helps a sailor
avoid costly groundings at night)
They all show different signals,
right up & down the coast,
The locals know which one is which,
(at least, that’s what they boast!!)
Let’s hope that the Visitors like it;
flashing’s quite rare in the Hold.
The Museum has never allowed it
(or so I’m reliably told!!)
Monday, 4 January 2010
New Year changeover
A Happy New Year to all our readers.
The big changeover gets under way with the Big Return to Work and Under the Sea quickly gets reduced to piles of wood, barnacled objects and empty cases. In line with our usual policy, we will be following it on a daily basis. Click on the link on the right for a little photo essay of what has happened so far.
Lighthouses Rock!
The big changeover gets under way with the Big Return to Work and Under the Sea quickly gets reduced to piles of wood, barnacled objects and empty cases. In line with our usual policy, we will be following it on a daily basis. Click on the link on the right for a little photo essay of what has happened so far.
Lighthouses Rock!
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