Category: Uncategorized

York Minster

Or, in plainer English, York Cathedral.
One of the great cathedrals of Europe; a fabulous medaeval Gothic building. Even if you are not particularly interested in architecture or religion, don’t miss this if you are in the area. You’ll be impressed by this soaring creation of intricately carved stone. It shows what our ancestors thought was worth spending effort and money on – while the peasants lived in fetid huts, God and his servants got to use a building like this. And yes it has its own website: York Minster.

Rockingham Motor Speedway

The circuit was originally built in 2001 for American-style oval racing, but the middle has now been developed to allow for up to 13 track layouts. There is grandstand seating on one side of the oval, facing the pits and the lap display tower, allowing all spectators to be seated with a view of the whole circuit. It’s a big place, so you might want to bring binoculars. Some of the seating is under cover IIRC. All facilities are modern and there is plenty of hard-stand parking, unlike some other circuits! For some events, spectators were allowed to cross under the track at lunchtime and have a pit walk-about.

Boarstall Duck Decoy, Bucks

Small End of Duck Decoy
End of one duck decoy
The Decoy – a kind of funnelled duck trap – is next to a lake with a nature reserve walk. There is also a hut with an explanatory display. The warden lives in a cottage on-site. The first time I went, I didn’t see much of the actual traps, as it was rather windy that day, and because of “Elf ‘n Safety” I was not permitted to walk round the trail in case I was hit by a falling branch.
The second time, in May 2012, I was able to walk around the lake and see the curving funnel-shaped decoy nets placed over curving lake inlets.
Visiting dates are somewhat restricted.

Naseby Battlefield, Northamptonshire

There isn’t much for the casual visitor to look at, but if you are interested in Civil War history, you can arm yourself with a map, and drive or tramp around, visiting the various view points and seeing for yourself the terrain where the armed encounters took place.
I read that plans have been approved for a £3M. visitor centre at the site.

Naval Base, Devonport.

This is an operational base, so you can’t just turn up and have a look round! However there are a couple of ways of getting to see parts of it. One way is to apply for a place on the frequent guided tour (twice daily, several days a week). This could include a submarine or warship visit. They’ll let you know if your application is successful. You might want to enquire what you should bring with you, to avoid a panic attack on the day on the lines of “where’s my photo ID?!” I can’t tell you if they’ll run a security check on you or not…
It would be a good idea to check beforehand the location of the meeting point and how to get there. Devonport is a big place… Once you have located the meeting-point on the day, you should be able to park in front of the reception centre, assuming the armed guards let you in.
Another way of getting in is to wait for one of the Navy Days or Heritage Days, when you can just turn up and look at various museums, and go on timed minibus tours of parts of the site. This might include a submarine or warship visit, and historic buildings.
A note of caution: I don’t mean to be rude to the overweight and disabled, but for visiting warships and submarines, a certain standard of agility and fitness is required. Operational vessels have steep ladders and confined openings.

Stowe Parish Church

Church
Stowe Parish Church
The church is situated on the National Trust’s Stowe Park estate, and a few yards from the far end of the school building. This is a working parish church, not a museum, but anyone is welcome to visit. The church is screened by trees, so if you have no idea where it is, head towards Grenville’s Column and watch out for signs. The church dates from the 13th century.