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SBlandfo

@sblandfo.bsky.social
894 followers 857 following 736 posts

Poet. Nature, conservation, history, archaeology, art, architecture, politics & the pleasures of reading. Doyenne of #IronworkThursday. Still #yallmasking

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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 11h
#31DaysOfGraves Day 2: Urn. Double memorial at Corby Glen, #Grantham, with an elegant classical urn carved above the inscriptions.
Dark grey gravestone with crisp cursive inscriptions to Thomas Brewster and his wife Mary who died within a few months of each other in 1846. The memorial stands in a grassy sunlit  churchyard.
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Jeremy Bartlett @jeremybartlett.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/new-pro...
norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
New project gives Norfolk's water voles a lifeline | Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Norfolk Wildlife Trust has launched a new project, funded by Natural England and working in partnership with the Norfolk Rivers Trust, to help water voles thrive once more throughout the Wensum and Ya...
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Bodleian Libraries @bodleian.ox.ac.uk · 01/10/2026
October is the time to make wine - and work on your scorpion drawings. 📖 A man treads grapes. Scorpio. Calendar from a Psalter. 13th century digital.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/objects/5…
Medieval manuscript page showing two illustrations. A man treading grapes in brass-bound tub; drinking from bowl; an assistant tips grapes into tub. Vine on right. A scorpion representing Scorpio is below. The page has handwritten Latin text in red and black ink.
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Parody Nigel Farage @parodypm.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"I should just point out that we don't have any Lib Dems on the panel as they only have 71 MPs, but Suella Braverman is here because Reform have 8 MPs"
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Anti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"BREAKING: REFORM LOSES CONTROL OF DURHAM — ANOTHER COUNCILLOR FROM REFORM RESIGNED Another one bites the dust. Reform UK councillor Aaron Hillam has reportedly quit the party — leaving Durham County Council in No Overall Control. Reform swept into Durham promi..." www.facebook.com/politicsinth...
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Edward's Boys @edwardsboys.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The next production by Edward’s Boys will be Your Five Gallants by Thomas Middleton, a playwright with whom we have had some dealings. Mid-March 2027. Tour is a work in process - although Stratford-upon-Avon, London and Paris (France) are confirmed. Please spread the word. More details to follow.
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Mark Avery @markavery.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Filbert Cobb (not his real name) RIP. I never met Filbert Cobb although he was a regular commenter on my blog and wrote four wonderful guest blogs. Today he is being laid to rest. See markavery.info/2026/10/02/f... 📷 Hazel nuts/Cobs/Filberts Wolfgang Vreder/Unsplash
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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Celebrating the first day of October with the October page from the early 15th Century Book of Hours, the Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Preparing the fields for winter and sowing seeds against a backdrop of the magnificent Louvre Palace. As usual the blue colour is superb.
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Simon Knott @simonknott.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
It's the first day of a new month, so time for a monthly peek at the 12th Century Labours of the Months font at Burnham Deepdale, Norfolk. The October panel is second from the right and shows a man filling a barrel with wine or beer.
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Mr and Mrs Trellis @thenorfolkcoast.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Norfolk Wildlife Trust has launched a new project, funded by Natural England and working in partnership with the Norfolk Rivers Trust, to help water voles thrive once more throughout the Wensum and Yare rivers... www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/new-pro...
norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
New project gives Norfolk's water voles a lifeline | Norfolk Wildlife Trust
Norfolk Wildlife Trust has launched a new project, funded by Natural England and working in partnership with the Norfolk Rivers Trust, to help water voles thrive once more throughout the Wensum and Ya...
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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Thank goodness for all the participants in this #sea rescue operation: the #RNLI Stromness lifeboat, two #HMCoastguard helicopters, coastguard rescue teams, a maritime aircraft from the #RoyalAirForce, local vessels in the vicinity and #NorthLinkFerries
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Church Monuments Society @churchmonuments.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Look at the prompts and see what you could post.
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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We definitely need “Click to Cancel” here in the UK too!
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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A memorial at St Mary’s Church Long Ditton in #Surrey for Day 1 of #31DaysOfGraves - a mourner laying a wreath of #flowers
The memorial features a  Rolex female mourner half kneeling to lay a wreath of flowers. The inscription on the plinth below (not shown) reads as follows: In loving memory of a devoted husband and father, Rodolph Howell, born 19th June 1862, died 9th Feb 1934, and of his wife, our beloved mother, Laura Emma Howell, born 26th November 1869, died 23rd November 1954.
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Daniel Trilling @trillingual.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
You can also support your local independent book shop, for instance here: uk.bookshop.org/p/books/if-w...
uk.bookshop.org
If We Tolerate This: The rise of the far right and what we can do to stop it
A short, urgent and illuminating book about the rise of the far right in Britain, and what we can do to stop it.'Read this book!' – James O'Brien'A lucid primer on how to resist the appeasement of Ref...
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Daniel Trilling @trillingual.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Some news... 1. If We Tolerate This sold just shy of 5,000 copies in its first two months. Thanks to everyone who has read, responded to or shared the book so far. 2. If you haven't yet, it's only 99p on kindle for the whole of October. Get involved! www.amazon.co.uk/If-We-Tolera...
The cover of "If We Tolerate This: How the British Establishment Made the Far Right Respectable", which features the title plus an illustration of a frog in boiling water.
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Rhodri Marsden @rhodri.biz · 30/09/2026
The recording of this "101 TV Adverts" album continues apace – well, not apace, but I'm chipping away at it – and I'm reminded of the sheer beauty of Chris Gunning's music for the classic Martini advert (video of me working it out 6 years ago)
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European Movement UK @europeanmovement.co.uk · 29/09/2026
At Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Andy Burnham said what so many of us know is true - Brexit has done more harm than good.
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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
There was a time when you needed to take the operative part of your “car phone” out of your car with you when you parked, otherwise someone would smash your car window and nick it… In the 1970s maybe?
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Mr and Mrs Trellis @thenorfolkcoast.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Today is the end of the 'bathing season'. That means regular water quality testing at designated bathing waters in England and Wales stops until next May... 🌊 How do you use the water? 🌊 datahq.sas.org.uk/recreational...
datahq.sas.org.uk
Where do you surf, swim, paddle or play? - Surfers Against Sewage • Data HQ
Recreational Data HQ Updated by Kirsty Davies Where do you swim, surf, paddle or play? Are you a 'bather'? no, we thought not. In the legislation that
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Simon Knott @simonknott.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Today's the feast of St Jerome, 4th Century theologian, translator and one of the Four Latin Doctors. Here he is on the screen at Cawston, Norfolk wearing his cardinal's hat and carrying his works. He appears on 18 medieval rood screens or pulpits in Norfolk, often on the doors.
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Met Office - weather and climate @metoffice.gov.uk · 29/09/2026
Some heavy rain is expected for some of us overnight and early on Wednesday 🌧️ Especially in the west. But the areas which need the rain most, will again not see as much.
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Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 29/09/2026
The Wild West approach to dockless e-bikes cannot continue. I'm setting out my plan to improve safety and data sharing, tackle poor parking and create consistent standards across London. TfL licensing is the key to making these schemes safer and better managed.
standard.co.uk
Sadiq Khan announces London-wide crackdown on e-bikes 'Wild West'
Mayor of London lays out plans for a licensing scheme for e-bike operators in the capital amid anger at badly parked or abandoned bikes
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Mr and Mrs Trellis @thenorfolkcoast.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
South West Water fined almost £8m for sewage spills in Bodmin, Harlyn, Playing Place, and Polperro in Cornwall, and Plymouth in Devon... www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
South West Water fined almost £8m for sewage spills
South West Water previously entered guilty pleas to pollution offences spanning six years.
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Malcolm Sinclair 💀✍️ @malcolmwriter.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Tis Michaelmas, the feast day of St Michael and sometimes also his fellow Archangels Gabriel & Raphael. Here are the three of them at Great Cheverell by Mary Lowndes in 1920.
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Simon Knott @simonknott.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
St Michael as 'Victory' and St Raphael as 'Peace', both 1920, flanking St George, 1905 at Nacton, Suffolk. The central figure is by Clayton & Bell, the workshop for the outer two not recorded, but may well be C&B as well. Today's the feast of the archangels Michael Gabriel and Raphael.
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The Autistic Coach | Mati (he/they) @theautisticcoach.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“Can I do it?” is a terrible measure of disability. Yes, I can do it. Can I do it repeatedly? Can I do it safely? Can I do it without support? Can I do anything afterwards? Can I do it tomorrow too? What does doing it COST? These tell me a lot more about my capability.
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Simon Knott @simonknott.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
'and there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon' A late 14th Century boss from the apocalypse sequence in the cloister vaulting, Norwich Cathedral. It depicts Revelation 12:7. The Norwich Apocalypse is one of the most vivid medieval apocalypse sequences in the world.
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Best for Britain @bestforbritain.org · 28/09/2026
A new YouGov poll commissioned by Best for Britain found that restoring EU membership is the most popular option for the UK’s relationship with Europe in 628 of GB’s 632 constituencies. The polling suggests that full membership itself is becoming a mainstream preference across the country.
leftfootforward.org
Brexit’s last strongholds? Only Reform and Restore constituencies reject rejoining the EU
The polling suggests that full membership itself is becoming a mainstream preference across the country.
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Ennius @enniusredloeb.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
29th September is the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. Here is a prayer to St Michael BL Egerton MS 1139; The 'Melisende Psalter'; 1131 CE-1143 CE; Eastern Mediterranean (Jerusalem); f.205r @blmedieval.bsky.social
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Josiah Mortimer @josiahmortimer.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI: Announced to Labour conference today: The government will consider public-ownership of trains rather than leasing "where it’s best for passengers and taxpayers" Part of new strategy for trains across Great British Railways, "joining up operations to create a simpler, more reliable railway"
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Anne Louise Avery @annelouiseavery.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Dawn and the first latchet of heavy light was seeping over the downs.
Along the quiet chalk lanes and the old Roman roads, edged with teasels and burnt dock and tall purple daisies, came the Newcomer.
A fox of the North wind, teller of tales, righter of wrongs, bringer of deep autumn and the golden tide of the high angels of harvest.
His wagon was gold too, and the clear blue of September skies and the startling red of rose hips.
Above him, the hawks cried and made their circles, tours known to heaven, as old as the earth.
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Ray Newman @raynewman.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
“Out of more than 1,000 empty units he helped audit nationally, on average more than half didn't have a letting agent actively marketing the property. He says some councils don't even know who the landlords are.” www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
My hometown shows that high streets have to change or die
Aberdeen is launching an ambitious bid to revive its struggling centre. Could it offer lessons for other high streets?
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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
A while back I ordered a beautiful #kingfisher and berries mug from Carl @carlbovisnature.bsky.social and every time I use it it makes me smile
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Anti-Reform @antireform.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Yet again Farage goes absent from Parliament absent from his Clacton constitueny this time to campaign for an imminent general election which isn't going to happen ... "Anything to avoid doing his taxpayer funded job… " via Reform Are Not Your Friends
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Liam Thorp @liamthorp.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I do find this country mad. Anyone can see that social care is in a state of devastating crisis in this country and that it is the key source of the NHS crisis as well. There is no feasible way to solve it without everyone contributing. Burnham is honest about that and is already getting pelters.
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Tom Cox @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
“A unique voice, tone and heart.” Everything Will Swallow You has been chosen as one of the top ten paperback releases so far of 2026 by this week’s Bookseller Magazine. Free international delivery here in case you’ve not got yours yet: blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/pro...
A round up of the year’s best paperbacks, beginning with my latest novel.
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Carin Ruff @carinr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
For Ceolfrith's day, I'll reup the link to the Codex Amiatinus online — still there, deo gratias! See the thread for tips on getting to the downloadable pages you want if you want to save images.
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Marburymoths @marburybirds.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I have been asked a lot lately how to make friends with Ravens/Crows and I think the most important thing is consistency. I walk the same route every day and the Ravens know my routine & that I carry boiled eggs! This year there are only 4 days were we haven’t seen each other 😄
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Little Green Space @lgspace.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A request! We can't grow this account fast enough. So please follow us if you aren't already, and please share this post to spread the word. Help us do our bit to share positive solutions to the nature & climate emergencies, and bring more nature into people's lives. Thank you 😊🐝
A bumblebee on a yellow dandelion
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Anne Louise Avery @annelouiseavery.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🍁🐉 Please join my patreon & support a writer! Only the price of a cup of chocolate! Daily stories & recipes & a magnificent archive! Today, for example, learn how to make the "Dragon of Kensington Church Street's Restorative Soup for Colds and Influenza." 🐉 🍁https://patreon.com/c/annelouiseavery
The Dragon of Kensington Church Street
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Ed Davey @eddavey.libdems.org.uk · 25/09/2026
They will try to break our country, we will stop them.
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Lunatraktors @lunatraktors.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We've been skulking about Devon for our exhibition at Field System Gallery, Ashburton. Always lovely to see one of @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social's books in the wild. Petworth Sessions tonight and still some tickets left: www.tickettailor.com/events/petwo...
The book 'Curious Incidents Occurring in Our Neighborhood' by Tom Cox beside Libby Bove's 'Oracle Cards' and other items on a shelf in the Field System Gallery gift shop.
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
triumph came at a cost. Harold’s army had been bloodied and exhausted and there was little time to recover... The rest as they say is history!
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
fatal. Tostig refused Harold’s offer of surrender and continued the fight, but he too was eventually slain. With their leaders dead and their army surrounded, the Norwegians were finally overwhelmed. Stamford Bridge was a significant English victory. Yet the
The image shows the memorial stone and plaque commemorating the Battle of Stamford Bridge in the village of Stamford Bridge Image: Battle of Stamford Bridge, Egghead06, Public Domain
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
pressed the attack. The famous Icelandic saga, Heimskringla, written by Snorri Sturluson provides a detailed narrative of the battle. It describes how Harald fought fiercely, grew enraged, and charged forward before being struck in the throat by an arrow, which proved
This 1870 painting by Peter Nicolai Arbo depicts the Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066), a clash marking the traditional end of the Viking Age. The dynamic composition centers on the dramatic fall of the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada amid chaotic combat against Anglo-Saxon forces. Through intense movement, rich colours, and tragic heroism, Arbo captures the violent climax of the invasion, immortalising a pivotal turning point in English and Nordic history. Image: The Battle of Stamford Bridge, 1870, Peter Nicolai Arbo, Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum,
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
accounts, the Norwegians formed a shield wall and initially held their ground, with the narrow bridge creating a formidable obstacle. One Norwegian warrior is said to have held the bridge single-handedly until he was killed from beneath it, allowing the English to cross. Whether
According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a single massive Norse warrior blocked the narrow bridge. He reportedly cut down up to 40 Englishmen before he was finally killed Image: The Stamford Bridge Tapestry.
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
English king could reach them. Some were on the eastern side of the River Derwent, while others were gathered around the bridge itself. The sudden appearance of Harold’s army turned their confidence into a fight for survival. The English attack came swiftly. According to later
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History and Heritage Yorkshire @handhyorkshire.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Eight Days in September 1066 - 5 The Battle of Stamford Bridge 🧵On 25 September 1066, Harold Godwinson’s army appeared at Stamford Bridge, catching Harald Hardrada and Tostig by surprise. The Norwegians had left much of their armour behind, believing they had time before the
This famous 13th-century manuscript painting illustrates the climax of the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Created around 1250–1260 and attributed to the chronicler Matthew Paris, it depicts the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada wielding a massive battleaxe. True to medieval artistic traditions, the figures wear anachronistic 13th-century chain mail and armour rather than accurate 11th-century equipment, reflecting the era of the artist rather than the event. Image: The Battle of Stamford Bridge, from The Life of King Edward the Confessor by Matthew Paris. 13th century. Cambridge, Cambridge University Library, 1250-1260
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SBlandfo @sblandfo.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Simultaneously using an academic’s work as an exemplar in an assessment process - and abolishing it. World-class hypocrisy! (I would love to study “Austen’s Afterlives” - wouldn’t you?)
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