Random Stuff!

[Kevin Farnell]

I realised it wasn't functional but was amazed at the level of intricacy and skill involved. Apparently it had taken him months to make it and was housed in a glass case - trying to dust it would have been asking for trouble.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

The brass playable version is intricate also and I could never get to grips because of shape and balance needed and it is somewhat heavy to hold and play. However it produces a divine sound.....

 

[rollo]

According to wicki there was a chap called Bill Hunt who played French horn the hunting horn and keyboard with them in 1971-72.

No idea if it was the person you mentioned.

 

[JENNYJET]

Could be himself rollo, Hunt is ringing rusty bells in my mind.

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Following up on Rollo's post regarding Bill Hunt, I found this -

Bill Hunt

States he was born in Birmingham and I'm not sure the dates fit. But there is a photo.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

This leaves the question of the North American accent he spake to us when instructing his charges! The relevant years were 1970 to 1977.

 

[Ray Finkle]

Fortunately Mrs Yokel is a cricket fan and we've visited the MCG twice on our Oz visits. It's a wonderful stadium. We've been there for a Sheffield Shield game to watch Victoria against Western Australia when fewer than 1,000 spectators were present, and for a World Cup quarter-final between India and Bangladesh when 60,000 mainly fanatical Indian fans made for an unforgettable, joyous occasion with an Indian win the icing on the cake for them. We were sitting amongst them and became honorary Indian supporters for the day. We've never been there when an Ashes series has been on though.

Mrs Yokel is also partial to a drop of wine so we've managed to make quite a number of wine trips in various Oz states. We became very friendly with the president of the Victoria Wine Guild and his wife who live near our daughter and her family on the Great Ocean Road which was extremely fortuitous.

South Africa sounds a fantastic experience. I always think of the Blue Train when anyone mentions visiting that country.

Several years ago we spent a few days in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and had a fabulous time, well from what we can remember, with the scenery as beautiful as the wine. I have a feeling that South Africa wouldn't disappoint.

I was never one of those people that found shopping a must do on a holiday. Even at the airport, I avoided shops as it wasted spotting time before boarding. I would much prefer a sedentary activity like the long excursions or indeed a cricket match.

Thankfully Mrs F isn't much of a shopper what suits me fine. She does like a tour of the airport departure lounge though but I think it's more of a way to pass the time as the only purchases she ever seems to make are books.

 

[Nethercote2019]

More very poor journalism from Birmingham mail, I like the term ‘ massive ‘ & the bit where it explains where the airport is...

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/ne...ngham-airport-plane-spotters-stunned-19151621

 

[JENNYJET]

The relevant editor should consider his position for not correcting the writer and would suggest a visit to East Midlands airport where 'massive ' Soviet era aircraft are regular visitors or go to You Tube to see them for himself.

I do not know about journalism and how the trade describe a fact to be truthful, a core pillar I assumed. Yet I found the article of interest but difficult to read once it drifted into football

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Given the title, I was expecting to see an Antonov An-22 '***Please Read Forum Terms of Service***' or An-225 'Cossack'.

Kevin

 

[Brum X]

Leaves, leaves, leaves everywhere View attachment 17378

View attachment 17379

 

[JENNYJET]

Is that the little church in Jewellery Quarter, St.Pauls? The back end of Snow Hill perhaps!

 

[Brum X]

Is that the little church in Jewellery Quarter, St.Pauls? The back end of Snow Hill perhaps!

It sure is JENNYJET and isn't she beautiful

 

[JENNYJET]

Possibility the finest in Birmingham not spoilt by crowds except perhaps lunchtime for local workers.

Thank you Brum X for posting a bit of the real Birmingham.

 

[HPsauce]

Sad to learn of the death of Spencer Davis, founder of The Spencer Davis Group. Although Swansea born, he set up the band in Birmingham where he had moved to as a youngster. Died 19th October at his current home in Los Angeles.

 

[HPsauce]

An article in today's Sunday Times about the demise of Ian Allen Bookshops. The Birmingham branch closed a few years ago, along with Manchester and Cardiff branches. Although primarily aimed at railway enthusiasts initially, they went on to cater for all aspects of travel, with an excellent range for aviation lovers. Many happy hours were spent in the Brum shop. Stephenson Street i recall.

 

[JENNYJET]

It was Ian Allen that helped educate me in aircraft recognition and his books were required reading. I admit to not remembering the Birmingham shop though a reminder will rectify that!!

 

[Kevin Farnell]

Leaves, leaves, leaves everywhere View attachment 17378

View attachment 17379

I love the first photo. Gorgeous Autumnal colours. We have a photography thread - why not post them there too?

Kevin

 

[Kevin Farnell]

An article in today's Sunday Times about the demise of Ian Allen Bookshops. The Birmingham branch closed a few years ago, along with Manchester and Cardiff branches. Although primarily aimed at railway enthusiasts initially, they went on to cater for all aspects of travel, with an excellent range for aviation lovers. Many happy hours were spent in the Brum shop. Stephenson Street i recall.

Weren't Ian Allen involved in the BHX viewing lounge at some point as well?

Kevin

 

[HPsauce]

I can't confirm that Kevin. I don't recall Ian Allen having any presence at BHX. We certainly had the Ron Swinburn Aviation shop, situated in the Viewing Gallery entrance (upstairs) at what was then the new 1984 built terminal. Prior to that Swinburn had what amounted to a shed to trade from on Hanger Road on the old Elmdon side.