iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

One shouldn’t overload young players with unrealistic expectation … but if Rogers is worth £117m what is #Madjo going to be worth when he is 23. #AVFC

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Natural History Museum, London.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Meanwhile - in the Natural History Museum … … dinosaurs and whale earwax

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Wonderful trip to the fabulous @covmusicm.bsky.social today - stuffed full of brilliant stuff and supported by amazing volunteers. Loved it 😀

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 11/01/2026

Nature experts … any ideas what left these tracks (Midlands, UK)? Rabbit or squirrel is my best guess but not sure they are classic of either.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Winter fun has started in these parts …

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 27/12/2025

I’m so old I can remember when Aston Villa used to lose football matches … #AVFC

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

The current top four in the Champions League table - sharing a stat that they were all beaten last time they played Aston Villa. Just saying … #AVFC #UTV

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

Very excited this evening to attend the launch of OPEN: The People's Exhibition at @leicestermuseums.bsky.social ... especially as it features my eldest's first piece to be on display in a public art gallery. #Stoneface by Edward Ellis

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Wet days at work bring extra duties … but all the umbrellas will be dry and ready for tomorrow’s intrepid explorers. (Featuring a wet floor sign for added safety)

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

As always it was a delight to be at the Royal Albert Hall today for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance - and I’m so proud of the part the National Memorial Arboretum plays in helping to bring society together to remember those who serve and sacrifice.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

It was great to slip onto site today to help our volunteers plant 35,000+ Poppy Tributes for the RBL Field of Remembrance here at the National Memorial Arboretum … my knees were a bit sore after an hour so huge respect and thanks to those who have been out doing it all day.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

A very special day at work as we dedicated the new LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial in the presence of His Majesty The King. Careers, livelihoods, and sometimes lives were lost as a result of the ‘gay ban’, and now people can serve regardless of who they are or who they love

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Today's hard work included a meeting at Lichfield Cathedral - the current home of the Fenland Table, a 13 metre long table made from Fenland Black Oak that has been preserved in peat for the last 5,000 years. Not only remarkable but also designed to be used (hence the coffee and pastry)

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

The changing of the seasons is marked by the pin oaks (Quercus palustris) displaying their gorgeous autumnal colours in Heroes’ Square at the National Memorial Arboretum. Not only a powerful reminder of the inherent beauty of nature but they also provide a great excuse for a daily walk around site

Three trees in various stages of turning from green to autumnal colours stand in front of a modern building

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

Ride To The Wall (RTTW) brings thousands of motorcycle fans from around the UK to the National Memorial Arboretum for huge show of remembrance and respect - always a highlight of my working year. And despite the challenges brought by Storm Amy this year’s event has been as great as always.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

An afternoon off near Coventry … and time well spent in my opinion

A cathedral spire standing at the end of a paved area between ruined walls

A bronze sculpture of a winged St Micheal holding a spear, hovering above a prone figure of Satan

A view down a cathedral nave with a huge figure of Christ above the alter

A metal sculpture in front of stained glass window.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

Amazing who you meet at work sometimes … On this occasion to dedicate a memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum to the 97 men who died in the Le Paradis Massacre in 1940: www.leparadismassacre.com/massacre-ove...

Myself, on the left, shaking hands with HRH The Princess Royal with the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire behind us.

A group of people stand watching HRH The Princess Royal preparing to return to her car, flanked by standard bearers.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 21/09/2025

After a very dry summer it’s lovely to see some vibrant greenery return to the National Forest before we head into autumn.

Green fields and trees under a blue sky scattered with some white fluffy clouds

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

Fixing a broken laptop hinge with nothing but some basic tools, a YouTube video and a sense of adventure … what could possibly go wrong?

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 14/09/2025

Next door’s cat waiting, with hope over expectation, that a bird decides to take a bath.

A black cat sits next to a green bird bath.

A black cat looking at the photographer whist sat next to a green bird bath and a chimera

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 13/09/2025

So you probably worked out my last post was Blackpool - and whilst I was there to discuss the many challenges facing the visitor attraction sector with some brilliant people from across our industry, it was also a lot of fun to be at Blackpool Pleasure Beach at night.

Illuminated roller coaster track over the heads of people walking through a theme park at night

The fabulous art-deco style entrance to The Grand National 'coaster illuminated at night at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The White Tower Restaurant building in twilight at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

The seafront in evening light from the balcony of the White Tower Restaurant at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

Can you guess where I am …

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

Oooo - that felt good Wordle 1,542 3/6 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ ⬜⬜⬜🟨🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

This week we bought both an Air Fryer and a Hair Dryer … we are, of course, now conflating them - “I’ll do some Cajun style chicken in the hair dryer this evening”. #OhHowWeLaugh

Close up off the controls on a hair dryer

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

Another brilliant weekend at @endoftheroadfestival.com - great bands, great food and drink (so many real ales on offer), great company and a stunningly gorgeous site. (The Garden Stage wins a prize for not only the best looking stage I have ever seen but also the best sound quality)

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 24/08/2025

The tap is fixed … I did all by myself … I am feeling just a little bit proud.

An old tap fixed to a wall with a yellow hosed attached.

Water spurting vertically out of a severed pipe.

A new tap joined to a length of new copper piping with a valve attachment bridging the gap to the old pipe.

A bright shiny new tap is releasing water. There are no unwanted leakages or drips.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Fabulous idea 🌺🐝🪻🐝🌳

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Reposted by Mark Ellis

Brent Toderian @brenttoderian.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

NEW: Ever heard of a grätzloase? It means “neighbourhood oasis”– a miniature park replacing a parking space, aka parklets. With the blessing of city hall, more than 100 of them have sprung up across Vienna since 2015. And in theory, anyone in Vienna can build one. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

theguardian.com

‘Why would you take away a parking place?’: the city where anyone can build an urban oasis

Grätzloasen – low-cost, urban ‘parklets’ built by volunteers – are on the rise in Vienna as sceptics are being won over by the splash of welcome greenery and boost to community spirits

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

All creatures great and small at Chester Zoo today.

A Sumatran Tiger laying on rock with its mouth open to display some very large teeth

A black and white butterfly on a pink flower

Two elephants, one reaching up with its trunk to feed from a suspended bag of hay

A lar gibbon sat on top of a wooden pole

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

Ok - DIY advice needed … I need to change this tap and it is stuck fast - if I apply more pressure I’m just bending the copper pipe it is fixed to. Any tips for loosening it or do I need to cut the pipe and join on a new section on which I can mount a new tap?

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

A few days after the VJ80 commemorations at the @natmemarb.bsky.social the memorials in the Far East section of the site are still looking wonderful, dressed in flowers and displaying the wreaths laid with such respect by so many people.

A grey granite memorial is surrounded by flowers. Poppy wreaths have been placed at the base of the Burma Star Memorial.

A stone plinth holds a statue of a mythical lion-like creature. The Chindit Memorial is dressed with flowers and has wreaths laid around the base.

A section of the original Burma Railway is dressed with flowers and wreaths

A wooden lych gate - originally built at Changhi Prsion and now installed at the National Memorial Arboretum - is dressed with flowers.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

I’ve just noticed that the oak in our garden is bursting with acorns (see picture) - way more than I have seen before. As a result I have learnt about ‘mast years’ - is this going to be one for oaks? www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/10...

Branches of an oak tree showing the distinctive shaped leaf and an abundance of green acorns.

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Reposted by Mark Ellis

BFBS Forces News @forcesnews.com · 11/08/2025

Lesbian veterans receive berets decades after ban Twenty veterans of the Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) have been formally presented with berets and cap badges at the National Memorial Arboretum Read more🔗⬇️

forcesnews.com

Lesbian veterans receive berets decades after ban kept them from remembrance events

A public apology marked an emotional day for former Women's Royal Army Corps members affected by the Armed Forces' historic gay ban

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

Might need a trip to Shropshire at some point … I love the story behind this walk.

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Reposted by Mark Ellis

Jim Hawkins @jimallthetime.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

No, homeless ex-service people are not being evicted to make space for asylum seekers Obviously Please share widely, particularly under the noses of anyone who might have seen the claim elsewhere www.bigissue.com/news/social-...

bigissue.com

No, homeless veterans are not being evicted to make room for asylum seekers

A claim that homeless veterans were evicted to house asylum seekers went viral. But it simply wasn't true. Here's what really happened.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

A wonderful episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow this evening filmed at the @natmemarb.bsky.social It’s a great place to start if you want to understand a bit more about the war in the Far East ahead of the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on 15th August. #WeWillRememberThem www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

bbc.co.uk

Antiques Roadshow - Series 48: 2. VJ Day Special

The roadshow visits the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, featuring interviews with veterans and the stories of those who took part.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 09/08/2025

Currently checking out new-to-me music ahead of heading to @endoftheroadfestival.com at the end of the month. Loving Black Country New Road, Sofia Kourties and BAMBARA this morning - my Clashfinder is beginning to fill up. #LiveMusic #Festival #EOTR

Illuminated letters spelling out End Of The Road

A marquee with the sides open. A sign outside proclaims “Ales & Ciders” with a pint advertised at a fetsival acceptable £6.

People sitting in front of a festival stage festooned with greenery. The Garden Stage at EOTR is possible the prettiest stage on the festival circuit.

A band plays on a festival stage that is awash with purple light. Th estate has a sign over the top that says End Of The Road.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

I’m often (well occasionally) asked how we keep the grounds at the @natmemarb.bsky.social in such great condition. There is no secret … just lots of dedication, care and hard work by a great team of staff and volunteers. #Horticulture

Three members of the team, one in a grey staff shirt with a mower and two in volunteer green tops kneeling at shrub beds, tend the grounds at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The picture is taken from beneath some trees and there are some low hanging leafy boughs at the top of the image.

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Reposted by Mark Ellis

Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 07/08/2025

🚨 Did you know Brexit could be affecting your favourite artist?🎸 🎶 📊 Best for Britain research shows Brexit is hitting the music industry hard. Find out why. ⬇️

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

This is good news - and reminds me that the very last conversation I had with my Dad was my reminisces of childhood conversations in which he would point out how much green there was in Birmingham.

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Reposted by Mark Ellis

Otto English @ottoenglish.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

The moment I saw that "trans bra" M & S story I sensed it was nonsense. Seconds later, having read the Telegraph piece I knew it was worse than that. It was deliberate hate mongering completely devoid of evidence, names and facts. Superb job of debunking it here www.thepinknews.com/2025/08/06/m...

thepinknews.com

Dispelling harmful misinformation about M&S 'trans' bra fitting row

Dangerous misinformation over an M&S 'trans' bra fitting story is spreading online; here's what we actually know.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 07/08/2025

In exciting news for old buildings in #Staffordshire ... It's so important we remind ourselves of our industrial heritage whilst also making sure important and beautiful buildings serve our modern communities. daily-focus.co.uk/2025/08/1-5m...

daily-focus.co.uk

£1.5m funding awarded to save two Stoke-on-Trent heritage sites - Daily Focus

Two Stoke-on-Trent heritage sites are among 37 in England to benefit from £15 million in repair grants, it has been announced this morning.

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Reposted by Mark Ellis

Green is a mission @greenisamission.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

There is a "machine" here that extracts CO2 from the atmosphere, produces oxygen, builds itself, is cheap and additionally delights us with its splendor and beauty.💚🌱🌿☘️🌲🌳🍀💚 👇👇👇It is called tree👇👇👇

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

A day off work so it seemed reasonable to spend some time strolling along the Ashby Canal at Snarestone. #Towpath #Canal #Outdoors #Countryside #Walk

A black and white photo of an arched brick bridge (number 54 according to the white plaque on the apex of the arch) spanning a canal.

A black and white photo showing a tall tree standing on an S bend of a canal.

A black and white photo showing ducks on a canal in the foreground, a narrow boat moored against the towpath, and an old Victorian brick pumping house in the background.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

#Cricket eh? Bloody Hell! Sounded like a great atmosphere at the Oval ... took me back to sitting at Trent Bridge in '05 as England edged to 129 in the 4th innings to go 2-1 up in that famous Ashes Series. It's always a reminder that you can't beat Test Cricket for excitement. Well done India 👏

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

I'm fascinated by both the shirt and the the "Barrett" sponsor in this. The kit in '82 was the one with blue sleeves and sides and I believe Davenports were the first shirt sponsor the next season. This was Brian Little's Testimonial: #AVFC 3-2 Eng. Does anyone know more about the what and why?

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

A touch more from our Bavarian adventures - priceless treasure and works of art in Munich … beautifully presented and awe-inspiring to see. (Check the ALT text for a little more info). #Bavaria 🇩🇪

An oil painting of some sun flowers in a vase. A small grey plaque next to them on a grey wall identifies the artist as Vincent van Gogh

Three huge oil paintings of religious scenes are mounted on a deep red wall. A single (unknown) person stands and looks at them.

The small deep red plaques on the deep red wall identifies the artist as Rubens.

A 16th Century bejewelled sculpture of St George, the Patron Saint of Bavaria (and also other places).

Very much a “no-no” in modern terms but this is an incredible carving on ivory of a crucifixion scene. It took three large elephant trunks to create the piece.

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Mark Ellis @mark-ellis.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

And we’re back from a fabulous couple of weeks exploring Bavaria in southeast Germany - amazing scenery, great history and so many wonderful places to visit. I may well share a few more highlights over the next few days (because what’s the point of travel if you don’t go on about it?) #Germany

A fairytale style castle, all turrets and towers and high walls, stands amongst tall trees high above a green, flat valley of fields and lakes.

Neuschwanstein Castle is said to have inspired the Disney Castle

A large Bavarian style building is painted with frescos and stands on a street with tree covered mountains in the background

A town square with brightly coloured buildings and a tall tower containing the arch of a medieval town gate.

Landsberg am Lech in Bavaria is beautifully preserved and presented and is reckoned to be one of the happiest places to live in Germany.

My family sat in a Beer Garden in Munich. With trees in the background and a green table on which stands my stein of beer.

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