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Malcolm Wood

@ornamentalhermit.bsky.social
227 followers 843 following 297 posts

Wellington, Te Whanganui a Tara, New Zealand. Retired editor/writer. Former caver, climber and kayaker. Now occasional bikepacker and accumulator of Edwardian and earlier musical instruments.

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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
In the 1840s or thereabouts, this flute was carried on a three to four month sailing voyage from the UK to New Zealand. Now it is on its way by jet plane to Auckland, where it will be restored by Maurice Reviol and later played, just as its original owner intended. This makes me happy.
Richard Weekes Plymouth simple system flute in cocuswood and silver, circa 1840s.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
After Penk’s did-not-read-the-book book-review oped in Stuff comes Damian Grant’s obfuscation, including this: “… I am, perhaps, a little sanctimonious on the issue. Being the target of frequent, if factual, references to my past [convictions for fraud] certainly colours my perspective.” #DirtyWork
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
For a brief time I shared a house — or more accurately occupied a shipping container out the back of one — with John Lozowsky, who died in 9/11. John worked in IT and was known for his work dress of T-shirt and shorts topped by a construction helmet when cycling. He was a one-off. Vale John.
John Lozowsky, a dual NZ US national who died in 9/11.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Do you hew to old-fashioned values like trust and friendliness? Then vote toutouwai in this year’s Bird of the Year election. www.birdoftheyear.org.nz
Toutouwai or South Island robin perched on a mountain bike tire.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
A pop-up bike lane in Wellington as the city council debates curtailing cycleway funding, perhaps as a red-meat diversion from more pressing issues.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
Merri Kirihimete from Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
Welcome to the land of plenty. Cycle Wellington celebrates its anniversary.
A small child regards a loaded picnic table.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 23/11/2024
Cloud forest near the top of Mount Matthew, within sight of Wellington city
Cloud forest near the top of Mount Matthew, within sight of Wellington city.
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Reposted by Malcolm Wood
Bolts @boltsmag.org · 06/11/2024
RESULTS: Voters in Missouri and Colorado have passed amendments codifying abortion access in their state constitutions.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 31/10/2024
Bikes and broomsticks here in Wellington.
Cyclists in Halloween costume.Cyclists in Halloween costume.Cyclists in Halloween costume.Cyclists in Halloween costume.
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Reposted by Malcolm Wood
Mateusz Fafinski @calthalas.bsky.social · 23/10/2024
Mistakes happen! If you forget to insert that one sentence in a paragraph the solution is easy. Just draw a dude in a hood and he will pull the missing text to the right place with a piece of rope! Walters Ms. W.102 Book of Hours, late 13th/early 14th C. www.thedigitalwalters.org/Data/Walters...
A figure in a late medieval manuscript drawn on a margin. They are pulling a missing piece of text on a rope and pointing to a place where it should be inserted.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 30/05/2024
A larger protest than I can comfortably capture on camera.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 01/02/2024
How to comment on social media: lithub.com/rebecca-soln...
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 19/12/2023
Another Edwardian instrument accumulated. Made in 1904, rebodied to modern concert pitch in the 1930s. “Each flute is made by an experienced artiste and no work is done by mass production.”
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 14/10/2023
New Zealand, I am not angry, I am just very, very disappointed.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 29/09/2023
Loving this so far — a wonderful author.
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Malcolm Wood @ornamentalhermit.bsky.social · 29/09/2023
Thank you Bluesky.
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