Michael Bass was born in 1799. His family owned a brewery in Burton-on Trent, which had been founded by his … More
Author: Pete
I am semi-retired after a career in medical sciences. I now work from home doing independent research and consultancy amongst other things. One advantage of this is that I do have time to indulge my interests including birdwatching, natural history, steam trains and history particularly ancient history.
Derby Cathedral
Founded in the mid-10th century, the church was rebuilt in 1725 except for the tower which dates from the 16th … More
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
The Museum was opened in 1878 in a building it shared with the public library. It was extended when a … More
Bonnie Prince Charlie in Derby
Charles Edward Stuart was the grandson of King James II who had been forced to abdicate from the British throne … More
The History of Derby
There is evidence of Pre-historic occupation in the Derby area. The Romans built a fort on the site in 50AD … More
All Saints Church, Snodland
Keith and I were fortunate that as we were exploring the grounds of the church in Snodland, a lady kindly … More
Naturelog: 25th April
An unpromising weather forecast but Keith and I decided to head off to New Hythe and Leybourne Lakes in search … More
Ring-Necked Parakeet
Sometimes also known as the Rose-ringed parakeet, these birds originally from Africa and Asia have become established in the South … More
Naturelog:22nd April
A Bank Holiday Monday morning visit to the Kent Wildlife Trust reserve at Sevenoaks to look for Little Ringed plover … More
45379: Black 5
The Stanier Black 5’s were designed as an all purpose engine for the London Midland and Scottish Railway. 45379 was … More
