The historic Iron Bridge within the grounds at Cragside estate was opened earlier this year, the first time in nearly 30 years. The 19th century foot bridge spans the Debdon Burn and had been closed due to safety concerns. The grade II listed bridge has undergone 9 months of renovation. It is now possible for visitors to walk across the bridge, providing magnificent views of the house and rock garden along with views of the Debdon valley with its waterfalls.
The bridge was manufactured in the Elswick Works and transported in bits to Cragside where it was constructed in situ. The bridge was designed by the owner of the estate, Lord Armstrong, who wished to provide walking access from the house to the formal gardens.
Now visitors can walk on the bridge it has become quite difficult to get photos of it, without hoards of people in the way 
Tags: Cragside, History, National Trust, Northumber- land, Vacation
Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.
Unknown -Spanish Proverb
Tags: Cherie's Place Thought, Cow, Vacation, Yorkshire
There has been a water mill on this site since before 1300 although it has been altered several times of the years, ultimately falling into disuse in 1957. Following which the mill rapidly became derelict and damaged by the silt that was washed in during river floods.
During the 1960’s it was hoped that the National Trust might take it over, but due to insufficient funds it wasn’t possible. Instead Heatherslaw Mill Charitable Trust was formed in 1972 with the object of restoring the mill and developing it as a working museum.
The Upper Mill has been fully restored to working order and currently produces around 7 tons of flour a year. Some of the flour goes into bread, cakes and biscuits made in the bakery at the mill, which is sold in the shop and Granary Tea Room.
The Lower Mill is not operational, but is used to demonstrate parts of the milling process that normally takes place out of site.
The mill still produces flour using the traditional methods and combines the best of old and new technology. It was a fascinating place to visit especially as I was lucky enough to pick the day when they were changing to a new batch of grain. Every harvest is different and it meant the careful tweaking of the machinery until the flour was just right. The mill kept speeding up and slowing down until it worked on the grain, eventually it settled down into a smooth rhythm.
More information on the mill can be found here.
Tags: Corn Mill, Heatherslaw Mill, Northumber- land, Vacation
In the near future I will be doing a series of posts based on some of the places that were significant for the Battle of Flodden. But for now I shall leave you with the following words.
For more of this weeks PhotoHunt pictures check out tnchick.
***Index to my posts on Flodden.***
Tags: Branxton, Church, Floddon, History, Northumber- land, PhotoHunt, Vacation
As you can see the castle itself is very dramatic and dominates the coast line.
The principle castle remains date from the 14th century when the Earl of Lancaster (a cousin of Edward II of England) began the construction of a massive fortress which was later enlarged by John of Gaunt.
The castle is the largest in Northumberland enclosing the entire 11 acres of headland but it didn’t play a significant part in the border warfare with Scotland. During the wars of the roses (between 1455 and 1485) the castle was held for the Lancastrians. The extensive damages that is sustained from canon during this time were not repaired and the castle fell into decay.
Info from Wiki.
Tags: Dunstanburgh Castle, English Heritage, History, National Trust, Northumber- land, Ruin, Sea, Vacation
Stepping away from the village of Craster there wasn’t a signpost to warn less able people quite how far they would have to walk to get to the castle. I think there probably should have been a signpost showing the miles on the gate you have to pass through. Here are some of the views I saw on my way to Duntsanburgh, but I am saving the ones of the castle itself for tomorrow.
Tags: Coastline, Cows, Dunstanburgh, Northumber- land, Sea, Seabirds, Vacation
Yesterday the PCS President Janice Godrich visited my workplace to speak at a meeting of PCS members and address their concerns on the Government’s recent proposed changes to the civil service compensation scheme (CSCS). The new plans would radically reduce the compensation that would be paid to civil servants if they were made redundant.
Janice explained the PCS view on the proposals and gave examples of how this would affect serving civil servants. She explained that PCS were totally opposed to the reduction of terms and conditions of service for current employees. She stated that PCS lawyers have the view that the proposals are unlawful and with this in mind PCS in conjunction with the other civil service trade unions will be seeking a Judicial Review.
Following her talk there was time for members to ask questions. Janice was able to give the reassurance that despite the fact that members have been notified of the proposals in a way that makes it look like they have trade union approval, this was not in fact the case.
Whilst in the area she visited two other Shropshire branches and has two more days of meetings in the West Midlands area.
Tags: Civil Service, HMRC, Janice Godrich, MoD, PCS, Trade Union
