text:
Home / Home
Family says they cannot find closure after Grayling man gets lengthy prison sentence
Dan Sanderson | Staff Writer
A Crawford County Circuit Court judge stuck to the high end of guidelines when he sentenced a Grayling man for bludgeoning a 46-year-old woman using a can of yams.
46th Circuit Trial Court Judge Colin G. Hunter on Thursday, July 11, sentenced John Robert O'Connor to serve a minimum of 31 years and three months to a maximum of 50 years for second-degree murder. He was given credit for 574 days served in the Crawford County Jail.
A jury of seven men and five women delivered a guilty verdict for O'Connor, 57, on April 25.
O'Connor killed Michelle Kukulski on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017. They had lived together for 29 years, and had three children. The couple was estranged when the incident occurred.
O'Connor was also given a sentence of 57 months to 120 months in prison for disinterment and mutilation of a dead body, a charge he pled guilty to on April 9 for moving Kukulski's body from the location of her death.
Kukulski went to O'Connor's home on Dec. 7 to retrieve some items for their daughter.
During her time at the residence, she helped fold her daughter's clothes and cleaned her room.
Kukulski had not been living in the home for several months. A point of contention was Kukulski started dating Larry Farley, who was released from prison in 2016 after serving 28 years for kidnapping. The case involved torturing a woman with a group of other men and chaining her to a tree in January winter weather.
Initially, O'Connor told police that Kukulski tripped over a dog and fell while walking from the home into a garage. He then said he fell on top of Kukulski, which caused her neck to break.
In testimony at his trial O'Connor said he was carrying a bag of food in one hand and the can of yams in the other hand. As Kukulski was walking out, she said that Farley was going to be part of her life, therefore he was going to part of their daughter's life.
It was then O'Connor hit Kukulski in the head three times with the can of yams.
O'Connor wrapped Kukulski's body in a blanket and placed it in her van.
O'Connor hid the body off a two-track trail in Oscoda County.
O'Connor left the van by a Big Boy Restaurant near the Baldwin Commons Shopping Center in Clarkston. O'Connor claimed he was downstate to pick up a part for his home, where he said his truck broke down.
"I know sorry doesn't work," O'Connor said before he was sentenced. "It was heinous. I never hated Michelle. I didn't understand what was going on."
O'Connor, who had a daughter that was abused from a previous marriage, said he feared the same would happen to his daughter.
"My anxiety turned into fear, which turned into something I couldn't control," he said.
O'Connor acknowledged he was first telling investigators false stories about what happened, but then gave them details on where Kukulski could be located.
"I had to come clean, and I had to do it for the family to have closure and tell them where Michelle was at," he said.
Jean Kukulski's, Michelle's mother, said closure was beyond the realm of possibilities after the sentencing hearing.
"I'm glad it's over with," she said. "As far as closure goes, there will never be closure, because we've lost somebody and there's no way you can have closure for that. I'm just so glad that he won't be out."
Hunter said he would not consider a life sentence for O'Connor, because that would have made him potentially eligible for parole after serving 15 years in prison.
If he serves the minimum sentence, O'Connor will be well into his 80s when he released, if he lives that long.
"By that point, the physical danger you would pose to others is gone," Hunter said.
Hunter also chastised people who wrote letters to the court on O'Connor's behalf. He said comments written about Kukulski amounted to "victim badgering" and were "unacceptable and reprehensible" and did nothing to support O'Connor.
"I don't know what idea that motivated these people to write these letters, but they did nothing but disgust me," Hunter said.
The sentencing lasted a little more than an hour as Hunter went over the Prior Record Variables (PRV) and Offense Variables (OV) with Crawford County Prosecutor Sierra R. Koch and Timothy Corr, O'Connor's defense attorney.
Although the couple's daughter has gone through counseling and is receiving medical attention, Hunter deemed that other family members saying they have suffered no physiological injuries did not factor into the sentencing.
"The mere fact that treatment has not been sought is not conclusive," Hunter said.
Hunter called the murder a brutal act, but did not question if there was continued aggravated abuse after Kukulski was struck based on the testimony and evidence presented during the trial.
"This occurred in a period of two to three seconds – very quickly," Corr said.
Finally, Hunter deemed that acts of unlawfully driving away of Michelle's van, placing her in the van, burning her cloths, tampering with evidence, and throwing her cell phone out the van window could be considered as ongoing felonious conduct.
"He did numerous things to threaten the administration of justice," Koch argued.
Surveillance footage, taken from Patrick O'Connor's business in Florida, was also considered as part of the sentencing. The judge and jury viewed the footage of John throwing bricks and a chair at his dad as he became enraged that checks that were written to him were torn up that he planned to cash before returning to Michigan.
Koch said the couple's children are having a tough time coping with the situations.
"These people lost their mother as a result of this," Koch said.
Koch also countered a claim made to her by a juror who said there were all bad people involved in the case.
"These were not all bad people," she said. "The victim was not a bad person. She did not deserve this."
Corr argued that O'Connor was in a fit of rage when the incident occurred.
"One thing's for sure," he said. "This was a sudden loss of control."


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text:
Востротин — русская фамилия. Известные носители:
 Востротин, Валерий Александрович (род. 1952) — председатель Союза десантников России, Герой Советского Союза.
 Востротин, Степан Васильевич (1864—1943) — путешественник-полярник, депутат III и IV Государственной думы, кадет.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
The Studios
Studio Two
Studio Three
The Penthouse
The Gatehouse
The Front Room
Recording & Mixing Engineers
Giles Martin
Online Mastering
Stem Mastering
Mastering Engineers
Transfer & Archive
De-mix
Mastering Partners
Production Hub
Online Vocal Tuning
The Incubator
American Express for Abbey Road
Backed by American Express
American Express joined forces with Abbey Road Studios to launch 'Backed By' – a nationwide initiative offering members of the public the chance to be backed by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Abbey Road Chief Creative Advisor, Nile Rodgers.
The campaign was devised to celebrate the backing American Express has been giving customers throughout its 168-year history, and in addition to advice and practical support the winner would also have take part in a unique mentorship experience provided by American Express. Nile Rodgers personally selected the campaign winner, rising star Kyan, and embarked on an incredible journey of mentorship and support. The mentorship played out against the unique backdrop of Abbey Road, where Nile shared advice and insight from his decades of success as a songwriter and producer, before Kyan performed for the Chic legend in the iconic Studio Three.
The mentorship continued at one of Nile's high-profile live shows, where Kyan joined the soundcheck and spent time with Nile and the legendary band CHIC. The pair finally reunited at Abbey Road for an intimate performance by Kyan in front of invited guests and media. The PR content-led campaign was supported through a media partnership with the Huffington Post on a newly created 'Backed By' channel on their website, achieving huge global reach. Commenting on the campaign, Nile Rodgers said "I would have never gotten to where I am today without the backing of my jazz guitar teacher. He taught me to be open-minded and to realise that all music that was popular, even if I didn't like it, was not only relevant but extremely special. That's why I'm working with American Express to provide my backing to Kyan and hopefully help propel him forward. Everything I know was inspired by someone else. It's my honour and privilege to be able to now back people myself. I mentor everyone who works with me."
Watch the campaign videos below:
Jeremy Huffelmann
Head of Partnerships & Licensing
3 Abbey Road
NW8 9AY
Please note that Abbey Road is a working studio and business and as such, is not open to the general public for visits or tours. For information on vacancies and internships in the UK, please visit the Universal Music website.
Thank you for joining up.
We will be in touch soon with all the latest news from Abbey Road Studios.
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Build 2019.04.02
Abbey Road Studios | 3 Abbey Road | St. John's Wood London NW8 9AY | tel: +44 (0)20 7266 7000
Abbey Road Studios, a business name of Virgin Records Limited. Registered in England no. 01070953.
Registered office: 4 Pancras Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AG

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Manufacturer carves out a Vital niche
Duane Johnson
djohnson@nnbw.biz
Vital Systems' Hamid Zaidi addresses a group during a tour of the company's facility.
COURTESY VITAL SYSTEMS |
In the mid-1980s, Hamid Zaidi took his last paycheck from his previous employer and started a tiny company that helped fill northern Nevada's need to build weapons-grade electronic applications for the defense industry.
"Back then there was nobody in Reno doing quality work in defense contracts," Zaidi said. "I got certified by the Navy and the Department of the Defense. "I started out of a garage and worked in other businesses before finally getting a business license in 1986," said Zaidi, the founder and owner of Vital Systems.
Upon obtaining its business license, the firm was situated in a small facility on Edison Way in Reno. It relocated five times before settling in its current location on Aircenter Circle in southeast Reno.
Back in the 1980s, Zaidi said the company was the first to offer such technologies in Nevada.
It was a leader in innovating such components as surface mount devices for the defense industry.
Today, Vital Systems Corp. marks the beginning of its 30th year in business, and now provides electronic design and manufacturing solutions to markets across the globe. It employs about 50 at its 20,000-square-foot facility. The business also generates millions of dollar in sales annually.
Vital Systems' technology can also be found in products such as televisions and smartphones as well as aerospace equipment.
With the dangers of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries for amateur and professional athletes, the subject has gained much attention. Vital Systems developed an application for a device that can be worn on an athlete's head and detect whether or not that person suffered a head injury.
Another product that Vital Systems is engineering is for the transportation industry.
After an oncoming train killed two workers on a railway in San Francisco, the industry saw a need for safety measures and worked with Vital to make a warning device. What the company developed was a buzzer that alerts workers of eminent danger and gives them 20 seconds to clear the area.
Vital Systems' clientele ranges across the U.S. and abroad, particularly in the burgeoning Chinese market.
What Zaidi says sets his company apart from its competition, both in the U.S. and abroad, is the capability to design and manufacture products in one place. He noted many similar companies don't have the capabilities to do both.
Vital is able to bring an idea from a customer and get it into production, often within a 4-6 week time frame. Zaidi also insists products are designed and produced one time without repeated modifications, to save time and money for Vital and its customers.
To be able to have a one-stop shop is due in part to an in-house computerized management systemVital designed itself.
The system, which is called B2, keeps a recorded database of every one of its customers since its inception, such as product designs, invoices and even defective product recall records. It also stores 'manufacturing recipes' of every product built and has the ability to communicate with every machine on the company's production floor.
Clients can also access the system on Vital Systems' Web site at: http://www.vitalsystems.com. It also serves as a virtual human resources center for the company. It keeps records of employee information such as timecards, personal information and forms such as I-9s.
And it keeps the company almost paperless, something that Zaidi stresses is important for efficient customer service.
"You take some of this information, you write it down on a piece of paper, you come back into the office and lose it and you don't know what you did," Zaidi said. "With this the information stays there."
He also noted that the company is looking into possibly marketing and selling the technology in the future, hopefully by 2017.
One of the few industries Vital System's products can't be found is gaming.
"We were never able to break into the gaming industry for one reason or another," Zaidi said.
Zaidi was born and raised in Pakistan and always had an appetite for the electronics industry.
He worked for a business installing intercom systems for offices in his native country during the 1970s, including building nurse attendant calling systems in hospitals, which was revolutionary for the area at the time.
Eventually, he got a call from the Office of the President of Pakistan. He wanted Zaidi to install an intercom system so that the president could talk to his generals and not be intercepted by the opposition.
Zaidi's brother had already immigrated to the United States to serve as a nuclear physicist for the government during the Cold War era, and helped Zaidi to come to the United States with his family. Zaidi eventually settled in Reno and worked for various companies including Radio Shack, where he managed the store in the old Parklane Mall.
He quit his job to start Vital Systems, although he took positions with other companies, including one as program director at Sierra Nevada Corp. with the U.S. Army and Navy to augment his income. Once Vital Systems got off the ground, he turned his attention solely to Vital Systems. Although he has built a highly successful business, the humble Zaidi still calls himself "a small businessman" and refers to his venture as a hobby. He disdains vacations and even a few days away from his business leaves him chomping at the bit."It was the American Dream that brought me here, and I worked hard enough to achieve that dream," Zaidi said.
$47 million remodel project underway at Reno's Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Reno-based design firm MBA Architecture and Design is assisting on the $47 million Caesars Entertainment project in downtown Reno.
Nevada resort seals deal with NHL to host 2 outdoor games next month
Lawyers battle over lawsuit seeking halt to Nevada mining tax hike proposals
Chick-fil-A to hold grand opening Jan. 21 in Carson City


text:
"""
Sensor for USPS packages.

For more details about this platform, please refer to the documentation at
https://home-assistant.io/components/sensor.usps/
"""
from collections import defaultdict
import logging

from homeassistant.components.usps import DATA_USPS
from homeassistant.const import ATTR_ATTRIBUTION, ATTR_DATE
from homeassistant.helpers.entity import Entity
from homeassistant.util import slugify
from homeassistant.util.dt import now

_LOGGER = logging.getLogger(__name__)

DEPENDENCIES = ['usps']

STATUS_DELIVERED = 'delivered'

def setup_platform(hass, config, add_entities, discovery_info=None):
    """Set up the USPS platform."""
    if discovery_info is None:
        return

    usps = hass.data[DATA_USPS]
    add_entities([USPSPackageSensor(usps), USPSMailSensor(usps)], True)

class USPSPackageSensor(Entity):
    """USPS Package Sensor."""

    def __init__(self, usps):
        """Initialize the sensor."""
        self._usps = usps
        self._name = self._usps.name
        self._attributes = None
        self._state = None

    @property
    def name(self):
        """Return the name of the sensor."""
        return '{} packages'.format(self._name)

    @property
    def state(self):
        """Return the state of the sensor."""
        return self._state

    def update(self):
        """Update device state."""
        self._usps.update()
        status_counts = defaultdict(int)
        for package in self._usps.packages:
            status = slugify(package['primary_status'])
            if status == STATUS_DELIVERED and \
                    package['delivery_date'] < now().date():
                continue
            status_counts[status] += 1
        self._attributes = {
            ATTR_ATTRIBUTION: self._usps.attribution
        }
        self._attributes.update(status_counts)
        self._state = sum(status_counts.values())

    @property
    def device_state_attributes(self):
        """Return the state attributes."""
        return self._attributes

    @property
    def icon(self):
        """Return the icon to use in the frontend."""
        return 'mdi:package-variant-closed'

    @property
    def unit_of_measurement(self):
        """Return the unit of measurement of this entity, if any."""
        return 'packages'

class USPSMailSensor(Entity):
    """USPS Mail Sensor."""

    def __init__(self, usps):
        """Initialize the sensor."""
        self._usps = usps
        self._name = self._usps.name
        self._attributes = None
        self._state = None

    @property
    def name(self):
        """Return the name of the sensor."""
        return '{} mail'.format(self._name)

    @property
    def state(self):
        """Return the state of the sensor."""
        return self._state

    def update(self):
        """Update device state."""
        self._usps.update()
        if self._usps.mail is not None:
            self._state = len(self._usps.mail)
        else:
            self._state = 0

    @property
    def device_state_attributes(self):
        """Return the state attributes."""
        attr = {}
        attr[ATTR_ATTRIBUTION] = self._usps.attribution
        try:
            attr[ATTR_DATE] = str(self._usps.mail[0]['date'])
        except IndexError:
            pass
        return attr

    @property
    def icon(self):
        """Icon to use in the frontend."""
        return 'mdi:mailbox'

    @property
    def unit_of_measurement(self):
        """Return the unit of measurement of this entity, if any."""
        return 'pieces'

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The Nevada State Athletic Commission has fined and suspended the infamous UFC 109 bag of ice, which broke open and spilled its contents in-between rounds during the Melvin Guillard/Ronnys Torres bout – an act that delayed the resumption of the bout and required swift action by commission officials to clean up the resulting mess. Citing provision NAC 467.7962, which lists as a foul "Interference by the corner", NSAC Chief Heat Miser Keith Kizer stated that "if a bag of ice can't hold itself together, and it instead gets in the way of the execution of an official bout, then it shouldn't be licensed by the Commission. End of story." Calls to the bag of ice for its reaction to the fine and suspension have gone unanswered. Stay tuned for more as this story develops.


The Oregon Senate on Tuesday approved a proposal for a first-of-its-kind statewide rent control policy, as well as new restrictions on evictions without cause. Senate Bill 608 now heads to the Oregon House, where it's expected to have an equally friendly reception. With the bill's expected passage, Oregon would become the first state to enact a statewide rent control program. In other states with rent control policies, cities enact and administer local programs.
The bill would cap annual rent increases to 7 percent plus inflation throughout the state. Annual increases in the Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, for Western states has ranged from just under 1 percent to 3.6 percent over the past five years. The bill also would require most landlords to cite a cause, such as failure to pay rent or other lease violation, when evicting renters after the first year of tenancy.


Random.org selected Condo Blues as the winner of the pass to the Beyond Social 101 conference and Amanda from Homestead in my Heart for the Madagascar Live tickets. Congratulations! Thanks to all who entered.


text:
Today saw the final inspection of the Wirksworth to Idridgehay section by Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate. After some discussion of our Safety Management System and supporting documentation there was a very thorough physical inspection of the locking arrangements at Wirksworth and the condition of the track, signage, vegetation clearance and fencing to Idridgehay. This was followed by a return trip in the 2 Car Met-Cam dmu at line speed,an examination of the Idridgehay detraining ramp and the arrangements for its use.
The result was an unqualified approval to open the line to passengers at 25mph and an axle weight maximum of 25 tons. I invite you, again, to raise a glass, or two, to this remarkable achievement. Many, many thanks are due to the men and women who made this possible by sweat of brow and financial contribution. We are now the longest heritage railway in Derbyshire with another 5 miles to go! The grand opening can proceed next Saturday with much fanfare.
Meanwhile, carriage cleaning continued for the event and the Incline dmu coach was released back into traffic with its first outing on Sunday. It is now a most splendid vehicle providing new photo opportunities.
The Permanent Way team had a mixed day with shunting and ballast fettling amongst their activities. The tamper rounded off its time with us by completing the section from the Sewage Works through to the north end of Road 2 in time for the Inspector's journeys. The effect of the machines work over three days has been to create a splendid finish to the track ensuring a very stable and comfortable ride.
The Booking Hall received visitors and the Buffet Car was prepared for Sunday. Dorothy fed the Inspection team with the soup being particularly welcome after a very wet walk.
I think we may crow just a little bit with an achievement of three distinct operational passenger railways, Ravenstor, Gorsey Bank and Idridgehay in 7 short years - not bad at all!!
A somewhat fractious day with the stress of completing our Idridgehay project beginning to take its toll. Nonetheless I am sure a glass of Scotland's finest product helps put matters into perspective - it certainly works for me!
Rod was able to report the completion of the Idridgehay boarding platform - this considerable task reflects great credit on him and the ever supportive Mary. John (79) requested yet more paint for the Idridgehay gates and associated fencing - I think the drivers will require dark glasses as they approach the installation.
Much activity on the north foot crossing at Wirksworth with painting, creosoting and preparation for tarmacing continuing apace. The tamper has reached the Sewage Works and will have an early start tomorrow to complete the job to Wirksworth. The Incline dmu car received further lining out and was gleaming in today's sunshine. Attention was given to the footboards, corridor end connection and underframe to ensure its is in tip top condition for the opening.
Ballast was dropped and fettled on the north end of Road 2 at Wirksworth and, all being well, will be tamped tomorrow. Sleepers were further positioned at the north foot crossing ready to be slotted into place next week. Our Multicar Road/Rail lorry received a full service with many niggling faults resolved and the Booking Hall received visitors and many phone calls. The Mess Hall had a good clean and the Met-Cam 2 Car unit cleansing continued. Further fitting out and stocking of the Information Centre and Shop was under way together with painting into the Company livery.
The Maintenance Facility team finally completed all the steelwork and is ready for sheeting. This really has been a marathon task reusing and reconfiguring material recovered from the former dust dock and, again, reflects great credit on those involved. Trains were formed up ready for next weeks activities which will form the basis for the final physical preparations for the Idridgehay opening.
Yellow flags are now on site with thanks to Bridget Birtwistle.
New Stock List Available for Download
A new stock list is available for download by clicking on Enthusiasts at the top and then on Stock List.
The stock list has been updated to include new arrivals Claire, Jana and Iris.
Wed 27th Feb
Evevin' all,
A great deal of effort today on a wide range of activities. It started
with the Tamper departing for Idridgehay at first light (nearly). The
line was tamped from there to the bottom end of the 'racing straight'.
north of mp 139.25. Work continues tomorrow. Some 'Boxing in' was also
undertaken at the Idridgehay end.
The Per way team completed the task of installing replacement
sleepers, so all available sleepers have now been laid,I appreciate
that there are thousands more to be changed, but those can wait for
another day. Unless we can put in an insurance claim that the
earthquake damaged our sleepers! They also started 'Operation Hover'
the tidying of the line of the remaining logs and waste sleepers. The
team have done an absolutely first class job in difficult conditions,
and deserve the praise of us all.
In the Maintenance Facility,all of the Lateral Struts have been
installed, once again this team have been adding to their rather large
Mecanno kit and are to be congratulated.
Dave Mee has continued with the painting and lining out of the Incline
coach, ready for its role in the Opening trains next week. Meanwhile
John Evans continued with the painting of Idridgehay crossing agtes.
A start was made on the final fixing of the nrthern foot crossing
between platforms 1 and 2 at Wirksworth.
Dave and Chris were busy pulling lengths of wire and cable around the
place, this was for PA and other communications systems.
More stocking out, exterior painting and ramp building for the new
Information Room/EVRa shop on Platform 1.
Passenger services were kept busy with visitors as well as taking
bookings for the first trains. Regretably, all First Class seats have
now been sold, more fine planning for the event also took place - the
logistical problems associated with next weeks event are growing by the
minute, but everything is in hand (its says here).
The lorry had some routine servicing carried out, this is now nearly
in daily use.
Off for a soak, and wait for my Red Cross parcel bringing relief to
those who suffered in the earthquake.
Up to 33% off Norton Security from Tiscali - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/securepc/
An extremely busy day with a great deal of activity to record. The VCT stepped into the breach by repairing the broken derailer sign post and making that part of our safety system secure. They also dealt with the remaining unfenced garden on Bournebrook Avenue so we can now say that stretch of line is as protected from trespass as we can make it. The VCT also feature in the hanging of the delightful gates for the foot crossing - looking every inch railway gates that complement the overall look of the station. Much fence painting was also achieved and this part of the project is nearing completion.
Owing to a design fault the timber foot crossing at the north end of Wirksworth station was removed by the Permanent Way team and new timbers collected from the Wash Green weighbridge. These will be installed tomorrow all being well.
Two machines were on test today, the first one was a form of "cherry picker" that was tested at height by Phil - he is now lying down in a darkened room, the second was a tamper that journeyed to Duffield and return. This machine will now work for us and tamp the Wirksworth to Idridgehay section over the next three days providing an economical solution to this usually quite expensive task. Expanding our internationalist role the first machine was constructed in Antwerp and was accompanied by two Belgians. The tamper crew are staying at the Rising Sun injecting even more money into the local economy.
The Information Centre and Shop filled with sale items and the logging department were in production. Progress was made with the power and water supplies to Platforms 2 & 3 and instruction was given on how to oil underneath Claire - great fun for Hylton and preparation for raking out the ashpan on future visitors. Sir Peter & Lady Hilton was started after a period of inactivity and took over the Works Train this afternoon. The Permanent Way team also achieved sleeper changing during the morning making it a varied day for them.
Great strides were made at the Maintenance Facility with the steelwork nearing completion. Dmu maintenance continued and further deep cleaning of the Met-Cam 2 car set was achieved.
John (79) was observed with the great painting project at Idridgehay and had the pleasure of opening the gates for our test vehicle and the Booking Hall played a splendid role in dealing with the phone ringing itself of the cradle. The train staffs were equipped with new brass plaques revealing their new roles and the Wash Green ground frame was reconfigured to require two staffs to permit its operation, again a requirement of our new Safety Management System.
I think that's all!
The track inspection team undertook a fishplate bolt examination over two miles of the Idridgehay section tightening up as required. It was a good proving exercise for the new regime of track inspections and took place after two dogfish (ballast hoppers) were placed in the dock this morning for stone delivered this afternoon. The ballast is required as and when the tamper finds areas where more stone is required.
A further team, aided by two scaffolding towers hired for the week, made steady progress with the north end steelwork of the Maintenance Facility and dmu maintenance continued apace. The Incline dmu coach had its ceiling work completed and sparkles with its second coat of green. All being well lining out will take place followed by a coat of varnish - weather permitting.
The Information Centre received further fitting out and preparations for its access ramp. Mr Craft was seen learning how to operate the till - a technical advance of amazing proportions.
The head of VCT arrived to wind the station clock claiming it was not the only work he would achieve today - to be fair he has been manufacturing the gates for the new foot crossing in his workshop at home.
A survey team descended on Duffield to prepare the master plan for our southern terminus, multiple platforms, shopping mall, underground carpark, overall roof and catering outlets are just the beginning!
Meanwhile, the Booking Hall fielded an abnormal number of phone calls as interest in the forthcoming opening quickens.
Press release: Ready for the Opening - Vintage Railcar Arrives as Belle of the Ball for March Gala
Wirksworth, 25th February 2008: As preparations intensify for the reopening of the 3½-mile stretch of the Ecclesbourne Valley railway between Wirksworth and Idridgehay on 8th March, a new arrival at Wirksworth this weekend will be the 'Belle of the Ball' at the reopening gala.
A 1956-vintage railcar, number M79900 but known to all as 'Iris' from her days as a test train for British Railways, has arrived to take her place in the railway's fleet of historic railcars. Iris was saved from the scrapheap in the 1990s and has been preserved by a private owner.
Meanwhile, preparations are proceeding for the March reopening, which the line's two level crossings re-commissioned and old sleepers being replaced at a rate of nearly 30 per day by a dedicated volunteer team.
A few tickets remain for the 'Ecclesbourne Express' reopening special on Saturday 8th March at £20 per person, standard class. Call Wirksworth Station on 01629 823076 or visit www.e-v-r.com for details.
High-quality digital images are available to download:
First of all, this fascinating pair of images show a 'Derby Lightweight' railcar at Wirksworth in 1954 and 'Iris' in exactly the same location on 24th February 2008:
http://www.e-v-r.com/press/001.jpg
Note that a second track was added in the 1970s.
The following image depicts volunteers at Wirksworth Station giving 'Iris' a wash and brush-up shortly after her arrival.
The final image shows 'Iris' on the main line between Wirksworth and Idridgehay.
About the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway:
WyvernRail plc is working with the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association to reopen the Duffield to Wirksworth railway in the heart of Derbyshire.
The line passes through the beautiful Ecclesbourne Valley to the award winning and beautifully restored town of Wirksworth, nestling at the foothills of the Peak District.
The line is a time capsule, with its intermediate stations largely intact and the layout at Wirksworth virtually unchanged since the days of steam.
There are 8½ miles of single-track railway, which meet the Midland Main Line at Duffield Junction near Derby. There are five station sites, two level crossings, a yard with extensive sidings and a mineral branch to the old Middlepeak quarry at Wirksworth. The mineral branch was re-opened by the railway in September 2005 as its Ravenstor extension, serving the National Stone Centre and High Peak Trail and the line reopens to Idridgehay in March 2008.
Sunday 24th Febuary 2008 Progress Report
Today has seen very few vistiors which we managed to welcome who travelled on the Ravenstor services.
With a limited number of volunteers, activity has only been on a few fronts.
(a) The Gatex has been open and welcomed a number of vistiors
(b) "Iris" has had a wash and brush up and thoroughly cleaned with further work carried out
(c) all the points in the yard have been oiled by the conscripts
(d) Further work has been carried out on the 31
(e) Ravensor station platform has been cleaned up ready for the big day
Thanks to all
J.Ball
Duty Manager.
Saturday 23rd Feb Progress Report
Today has seen a "better than average" turn out for a Saturday. There has been astounding progress on many fronts:
a.. Electronic equipment was upgraded at first light
b.. The dust dock was tidied and cleared ready for the opening day, with theaid of a conscript
c.. A plethora of drivers turned out to have their knowledge expanded, which included an amusing 1950s black and white video on how to drive a DMU
d.. This knowledge was then put to the test with first-hand practice in the car park
e.. Our new arrival, "Iris" was taken to Idridgehay to measure stopping distances against the new platform and several drives trained
f.. "Iris" was then thoroughly cleaned and perfectly photographed on its return to Wirksworth
g.. M55006 Bubble Car also took a trip to Idridgehay as a Guards route learning trip
h.. The car park was emptied of narrow gauge rail
So all in all, a very, very productive day!
Friday 22nd February 2008
A varied day with the first test run of the rail/road Landrover and it successfully negotiated all our pointwork. The vehicle would seem to be everything we would wish of it and familiarisation opportunities commenced today. The Information Centre and Shop received further shop fitting attention and the Guards training run to Idridgehay was successful. This proved that the new detraining platform is the right addition to Idridgehay.
Driver training on the Bubble Car continued and Iris was the subject of a check over following its arrival from the Churnet Valley Railway. Ballast was dropped and ploughed in various areas were stone was needed and the Incline dmu received more green paint - it is truly gleaming now and will be a credit to the opening. It is hoped that the painting and lining out will be complete next week - weather permitting. The Gorsey Bank passenger line had a track patrol in preparation for the return of Tube Lines next week.
The Booking Hall had some sales and dealt with phone calls. The Buffet Car was prepared for its Sunday opening.
We should recognise the sterling efforts being made by Anton and Neil for the opening events - there is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes that should result in yet another jolly good show!
The frantic action continues with Idridgehay featuring the completion of the new detraining platform all but some paint and John (79) demanding more paint for the crossing gates and associated fencing. The Permanent Way team aided by a strong group from the Probation Service achieved another magnificent 30 sleepers giving every chance of completing this marathon task next week. Phil managed to hire in a generator this morning whilst our machine receives a well deserved overhaul.
The VCT's fencing sub department made great progress with the new fencing at the north end of Platforms 1 & 2 in connection with the foot crossing and rose to the challenge of fencing off two gardens at Bournebrook Avenue. Fred and Iris completed a deep clean of the two 2 Car dmu sets to be used for the opening specials and the Incline dmu is now green all over with much thanks to Ernie Bradley and Dave Mee. Lining out will take place tomorrow if the weather is fine.
The Information and Shop suite was the scene of more shop fitting and the Booking Hall Harry (73) kept control of the usual phone calls. At the end of the day our road/rail Landrover swept down the drive, it will be a very useful addition to our fleet to easily move teams to site. Tom Birtwistle had quite an eventful journey from New Cumnock including a blow out on Shap, a prolonged service in Carlisle and two new tyres in Morecambe. We will put it on track tomorrow and see whether it performs as advertised! As darkness fell the dmu fleet were being shuffled ready for drivers technical training on Saturday.
All in all, another good day.
Evenin' all,
Yet another day of frantic activity with various comings and goings.
The Low loader that brought Iris last night, left around 0500 this
morning en route to Teeside, and returned after lunch with he Tamper,
this is now awaiting its testing run next week followed by some tamping
work for us.
Rod went to Idridgehay, where work continues on the 'Umbrella'
platform, He was aide by a 'willing' volunteer and his minder. Together
they have achieved a great deal.
The Per way team have again been in operation, firstly moving recently
changed rails from the 4' to the Cess where they will be collected at a
future date, and then carried onsleeper changing. Another 16 were
changed before the generator decided that it had had enough. The team
are now north of MP 140, with another 46 rotters to eispose of.
Various electrical type chaps were playing with bits of wire around
the place, with the new cable inserted on Tuesday having a start made
on its termination end. Meanwhile the communications and webcam boys
were measuring, and installing various bits and pieces (accompanied by
much head scratching)
Work continued on the fitting out of the new Information room' shop.
One item I forgot yesterday weas the return of the old station clock.
This has been lovingly restored to working order. It is stored in a
secure area and will be in situ for the Idridgehay opening.
Several visitors agin braved the cold weather and went on the
Ravenstor train, several cameras were noted especially pointing at
Iris.
Tomorrow sees more sleeper changing - I am intending to get the
generator in for a service first thing and will hire a power unit, if
one is available.
What can Tiscali do for you? Visit www.tiscali.co.uk/services
Iris at Wirksworth - Photo Exclusive!
You may be pleased to learn that the Marketing department got out of its comfy chair this evening and witnessed the arrival of 'Iris' at Wirksworth.
Two full-size images can be found at the gallery site below:
http://wyvernrail-plc.fotopic.net/p48535041.html
Tues 19th Feb
Another day of mass activity in the run up to opening. A day when the
temerature did not seem to rise above freezing as well as fog saw the
'umbrella' platform deliverded to Idridgehay and the start of its
final assembly. The Per way team worked in the cold a and managed to
change a further 19 sleepers - not bad seeing as they had to fight for
each 'rotter' as the ballast was frozen and each one had to be hacked
out. Two more wagons of top stone also arrived ready for dropping
A drainage problem in Idridgehay cutting was also attacked and we
await developments there, the ice was over an inch thick!
The VCT worked at a furious pace constructing the walkway at the
northern end of Wirksworth station, new fencing was added and it is now
taking shape.
The cold weather caused problems with the loco fleet, with engines
being difficult to startm and with air resevoirs and brakes being
frozen. The Bubble car eventualy was able to operate on the Incline
service with several visitors.
'Iris' finally arrived late this afternoon and was unloaded almost in
the dark. This magnificent vehicle was towed across to the Pit area for
a check over. The team who brought Iris, are overnighting at Wirksworth
and then going to Teeside to return tomorrow with the Tamper.
Tommorow sees another big push with the sleepers, only about 60 left
to change - a last offensive to rid the section of the rotters.
A cold but sunny day saw much activity at the Maintenance Facility with steelwork being cut and welded together with the spectacular arrival of the sheeting that will cover the structure. This significant investment in the project has been funded by EVRA and brings the objective of covered accommodation tantalisingly near.
Two new Multicar drivers were given a basic induction and 32 tonnes of ballast was received and quickly dropped and ploughed in an area between Bournebrook Avenue, 49 steps and Derby Road bridge. More stone arrives tomorrow for dropping on Friday. Action around the new Wirksworth foot crossing saw power and public address cables being routed under the track together with a water pipe for supply to the Buffet Car. Preparation by the head of VCT prepared the way for further fencing work at the crossing tomorrow.
John (79) was seen continuing his work to paint the Idridgehay gates and associated fencing and the enlarged Idridgehay detraining platform was loaded to the Flatrol and Lowmac for transit tomorrow.
The Information suite received further attention and the Booking Hall dealt with visitors and a flurry of telephone calls associated with the forthcoming opening.
PS - I am trying to source two yellow flags for use by crossing keepers when Gorsey Bank and Idridgehay are manned. If anyone has these they would be gratefully received.
PPS - Just a reminder that we just have the remainder of this week and all next week to complete the resleeping process before the arrival of the tamper - all hands welcome and needed!
Progress Report for Saturday 16th February
On behalf of Mike Evans, Duty Manager, here is today's report:
A bright sunny day began with the departure of the weekend PW gang to Barnsley Lane where a great deal of ballast was moved from the sleeper tops to enable tamping to take place shortly. At base there then followed Shunt of the Month in which most vehicles in the yard were moved from one siding to another, in some cases more than once (this is due to the limitations of our siding space and having a lot of vehicles). At the end of the day both two car DMU sets were in platform 1 for cleaning and trailer car 56289 was in the car park for the continuance of its refurbishment. Work proceeded on the class 31, and the 03s also received attention. In the shed area work proceeded on the burying of drains in connection with the work on the Temporary Storage Facility. (Any large loose stone which may be collected around the yard can be used to help bury the blue drainage pipe which runs by the shed roadway, there being no conscripts to attend to this duty today).
A meeting of the global IT team took place to consider the connection between the server and the 2 webcams on Mr Henshaw's, er, pole. Our entire stock of strangely coloured cloth, bedsheets and pelmets was removed from the stores and transfered to the Eatch Family SPV, for the flag project (thanks to Debbie). Painting the interior of the Emporium and Information Suite proceeded and work was done on the station north end foot crossing. The Booking Hall received over 30 visitors and the Gat Ex was aired and various material moved from it in preparation for its upcoming role as VIP waiting area for the Opening.
The drain covers on the west side of the car park were completely rebuilt, as were the steps to the Training Room and the Passenger Office. The car park was re-stoned, swept and re-marked; many items remain to be moved, however. At Duffield, work proceeded in the compound. A supply of EVR logo hi-vis vests was brought from Milton Keynes (where else) and these will be on sale in the Booking Hall in a very soon moment.
We are truly becoming a seven day week enterprise with another substantial turn out on what, historically, been a quiet day. Another customer was with us today with two machines and the process went very smoothly and all their objectives achieved. Two Permanent Way teams were in action, one tending to missing track spikes between Wirksworth and Gorsey Bank on the Duffield line and conducting a track inspection of this line and the Gorsey Bank passenger line. The second team walked Wirksworth to Ravenstor inspecting the track and correcting minor faults and logging work to be done in the future. This all added up to a pleasing start to a new, more regimented track inspection regime in preparation for an extension of our passenger operations. The teams came together in the afternoon to jack and pack a section alongside Bournebrook Avenue that had dropped so that the tamper visit the week after next will be productive on that section.
Cable was delivered for the link to the new distribution box at Platforms 2 & 3 can be energised in the not too distant future and initial preparations were made to install it. The work on a new ceiling for the Incline dmu coach continued and the north end corridor connection of the Gatwick Express was repaired and secured again.
Fitting out of the new Information Centre and Shop progressed and the Buffet Car prepared for action on Sunday. The great Idridgehay detraining platform received further attention with the prospect of it being delivered to site next week.
The Booking Hall acted as mission control receiving visitors and fielding the usual phone calls.
Another good day.
Idridgehay Opening Update!
Just to let you know that all of the First Class tickets for the opening train are now fully booked!
There are, however, still tickets available in Standard Class.
Thurs 14th Feb
Fresh back from my fact finding trip to study the SNCF in Tunisia, it
was back to reality with a bump.
Three main areas of activity in various locations. Firstly the Per way
team marked up the remaining defective sleepers and dropped off 85
sleepers at the respective locations, they also replaced a further 9
rotters, the trouble is that they are now more spaced out (a bit like
the team who have been working extreemly hard to keep to schedules).
Extra new sleepers wer picked up from further along the line where thay
had been used for a on/off tracking point.
A team were busy clearing mud off the sleepers between 139.5 and
139.75, this is very hard work but they made steady progress, they also
managed to creat more drainage facilities.
The VCT were in operation at the north end of Wirksworth platforma
where work continues on the northern foot crossing. fences are being
built on both ramps along with associated hard surfacing. great changes
have occured.
The Idridghay new platform Co. were busy with their timber, it is
hoped to transport the new 'umbrella' platform to Idridgehay next week.
Meenwhile, more rubbing and painting was carried out to Idridgehay
crossing gates as well as some gardening opposite the platform.
In the woodyard, another consignment of assorted bits of trees were
deliverd to the logging dept for conversion to domestic fuel.
More strategic planning, where daily events for the next three weeks
activities were drawn up. There is not much time left to get everything
ready for the Opening!
Wenesday 13th February 2008
Well, I run out of superlatives - the daily sleeper changing record has been surpassed again! Thirty in one day is truly a record and the team achieved this whilst marooned as the Works Train had to return to base after dropping them off to permit a paying guest to traverse the line. The team also included a new recruit who was very rapidly gathered in, inducted and despatched to site.
Work continued on the new foot crossing where some of the non slip felt was fixed and the Information Centre received more fitting out. Further mytesttrack bookings were taken and stores of wood, steel and cable ordered for the Idridgehay project.
There was some rearrangement of the Car Park to prepare for the arrival of Iris, now scheduled for Friday, and the narrow gauge inched forward. The Idridgehay enlarged detraining platform was preassembled and now seems the right size for a helicopter landing pad.
Much activity surrounded the preparation of the dmu fleet for its starring role and there was great progress on the Maintenance Facility steelwork. John (79) continued painting at Idridgehay and again was able act as crossing keeper for today's customer.
The Booking Hall received a number of visitors on a very pleasant sunny day. The site finally closed down at around 1900 hrs and over the next few days will have two night watchmen to surprise any uninvited guests.
Operation Trackman
Very, very unusually for me I am deviating from the proper subject matter for the eGroup but hope the following will be of interest. The author is Bob Gibbens whose son Spencer has a special place in our history. For it was Spencer that facilitated our entry to the line to start clearance and negotiated, on behalf of Network Rail, the purchase.
The Wolsztyn Experience (WE) in Poland, run by an Englishman Howard Jones, has given many hours of fulfilment to aspiring steam engine drivers from all over the world, is now looking for help by aspiring trackmen.
The WE is associated with the still operational 750mm gauge Smigiel railway. The railway runs a sparse passenger service with a single car dmu and sees occasional freight services. The WE has acquired a PX48 0-8-0 tender steam locomotive which it would like to run at Smigiel but, unfortunately, the track is in a poor state to run the steam locomotive on and the Smigiel company do not have enough money to improve the track.
The Manager at Smigiel, through WE, has asked if UK enthusiasts would like a working week on the track to make a start on the improvements to allow the steam loco to run at Smigiel.
It is proposed to go out from the UK Sat/Sun 26/27th April and work on the track from Monday 28th April to Friday 2nd May returning to the UK Sat/Sun 3rd/4th May. However. this weekend 3rd/4th May is the grand parade of steam engines at Wolsztyn and a steam operated train to Wroclaw. WE will give participants free tickets to these events.
The cost of the working week will be travel to Poland and accommodation. Dependent on how many volunteers come forward, it is anticipated that the final decision to go ahead with Operation Trackman will be taken in the last week of March.
Anyone who is interested please contact Bob Gibbens on 01332 557095, 07715 374 636 or bob@5689ajax.fsnet.co.uk
Another extremely pleasant day with, almost, a sense of hysteria as the Idridgehay opening day rushes towards us. The Permanent Way team departed for the south and had a very full day with 20 sleepers achieved and a load of logs gathered from the 49 steps area on return. A more youthful new recruit to the team confessed to being exhausted by the "old hands".
Much activity took place to create the north end foot crossing at Wirksworth with the VCT cracking on with fencing, Craft and Co nailing the crossing into place and a department of one tending to the ducts for power and water. Dmus were fettled and the 03s received attention with the opening in mind.
Our small S&T team, after expressing loud exasperation at not being able to find the gas bottles, cutting gear and small grinder, pressed on with the locking at Wash Green. When visited, problems seem to be resolved by the application of a large sledgehammer and a more sunny atmosphere prevailed. The gas bottles have been found but if anyone has "borrowed" the small grinder could they return it to the Weighbridge promptly!
Claire had a battery charge and work continued on the narrow gauge and Idridgehay detraining platform. The Booking Hall opened at 0800 with a new recruit who has recently retired from Security at Lubrizol and has been in "go" mode all day. Stuffing of invitations to the opening has been completed and a useful roundup of all the tasks to be undertaken conducted.
Derbyshire Police supplied a Crime Prevention Officer to review the security of the Wirksworth site and one of his recommendations implemented tonight. This is to leave the site in darkness rather than provide illumination for unwelcome visitors. This will mean that volunteers overnighting will need to equip themselves with torches. Other recommendations will implemented over time.
Customers are on site tomorrow and Friday necessitating flexibility in our work methods on these two days.
News from "up north" was the confirmation that the road/rail Landrover has been collected from New Cumnock and, all being well, will cross the border tonight.
Exhausted of Wirksworth
Couple of Site Updates
Just a couple of site updates I thought I would report.
Minor changes on the Idridgehay station page.
Minor changes to the information regarding the Opening Day (check the Saturday afternoon and Sunday running information).
Updated 2008 Accommodation List
But, probably the biggest update is the progress with the webcams. You can now access feeds by clicking CCTV at the top of the homepage. At the moment we are still very much testing this new way of serving the images and therefore they may go offline or change without notice. We hope to be adding more cameras in the near future.
If a feed fails to load, simply refresh the browser. If you get an offline message, don't worry, the image should be back shortly afterwards.
The normal peace of a Monday was shattered by activity! We welcomed a new customer to mytesttrack with a road/rail bulldozer hosted, in Phil's absence, by Hylton and the process occupied quite a long day. The remains of Wee Yorkie were further reduced by the lifting of the engine to free the wheelsets for transport to Burton-on-Trent to enable new tyres to be fitted. The reduced very Wee Yorkie now rests on sleepers in the Maintenance Facility area.
Rod and Mary continued their efforts with the Idridgehay detraining platform and it is certainly taking shape. John (79) made progress with the Idridgehay fence and gate painting and was pleased to see passing traffic allowing him to open and close the level crossing.
The North End foot crossing received attention from the head of VCT ready for the whole team's visit tomorrow. The webcam controls were tended to and the Booking Hall received, amongst the usual dross, a call from another potential new customer.
A very good day in pleasant sunshine.
Progress Report Saturday 9th February 2008
By the miracle of t'internet, I speak to you now from the wifi enabled
front desk of Mr Won Hung Low's emporium of Chinese delights (2 number
45s with egg fried rice). A bright sunny day was had, perfect for
trackwork. Indeed, Miss Toseland's PW Gang were off bright and early
(Miss Toseland possibly being at the hairdressers but having made sure
the ganger was here first) and have, in a fine demonstration of their
masculine prowess, cleared the mud off all the sleepers between 40 steps
and Derby Road Bridge, also inspected the line to Idridgehay and picked
up the Marketing Manager at Barnsley Lane on the way.
At Wirksworth a great mote of engineers were in attendance and work was
carried out on many of the parts of the class 31, Clare and Jana, and
the 03s, which involved some shunting; in addition, the chassis of an
0-4-0 steam engine, possibly Wee Yorkie, or possibly not, was also
shunted pending work next week. Some red paint was applied to the
Temporary Storage Facility with a very small brush.
Some clerking took place as the Marketing Manager is presently dealing
with some Opening related matters, and a number of visitors were
received. The coffee machine returned from Turnditch but is not fully
operational yet, requiring a small part. Work proceeded on the new
Emporium and Information Suite.
As much as £8 was spent on a new rake and a small body of conscripts
raked the minor loose stone off the wideway, the large stone having been
removed over a 3 week period. This was the last task to be done on the
wideway, which, you will remember, began some time ago in the form of
levelling a large amount of Costly Railway Aggregate Piles. This job is
now finished. The conscripts will be redeployed shortly on something
suitable, probably involving moving many heavy things from one place to
Firstly we welcome John Evans to the VCT in the post of painter at Idridgehay. You have heard of Roy (72) and Les (77), we now have John (79)!!! and he came to receive his safety briefing fresh from the gym.
There was a small but perfectly formed Friday Permanent Way team, supplemented for part of the day by a young offender and minder, who achieved a truly remarkable 14 sleepers changed. Work continued on the Idridgehay detraining platform enlargement and the Information Centre had further work to its electrics.
The "Bubble Car" was engaging in driver training on the Gorsey Bank passenger line and progress was made with the Incline dmu car's ceiling replacement. The Mess Hall was tended to and the Buffet Car prepared for the weekend.
An Herculean effort was made by Dorothy to unblock the gents toilets, not an enviable task. There was some success but I fear further work will be required.
There was good news about the Tube Lines contract advising that the next arrival is scheduled for 22nd February. It will be nice to see this project rolling again. Confirmation was also received that the Company's bid to acquire a road/rail Landrover had reached a conclusion with Network Rail and the machine is ours. We collect the vehicle from New Cumnock next week with a full service planned in Carlisle and delivery to Wirksworth the week after next. Many thanks to Tom Birtwistle for facilitating all this.
The Booking Hall received a few visitors and further bookings for the Idridgehay opening trains.
All in all, a satisfactory day with the sun shining down on us.
An industrious day on many fronts. Much activity at the Maintenance Facility with continued progress with the steel work preparation and fixing. Jana had an appraisal of the work needed to put it into service on our line and Claire will be lifted this weekend to try and cure an axle box that is prone to overheating. Also at the north end of the yard a pile of redundant telephone equipment and assorted other rubbish was consigned to the wheelie bin for disposal. Anthony Gell students continued their assistance of the renovation of Wee Yorkie although, to the untrained eye, there seems to be less and less of the locomotive!
Rod and Mary returned to the Idridgehay detraining platform enlargement project and seem to be bottoming this quite demanding task.
With the help of a team from the Probation Service, trenches were dug for the power and water supplies to cross from Platform 1 to Platforms 2 &3 and the Buffet Car. The VCT also worked in this area to undertake the initial work for the north end foot crossing, recovering some of the necessary timber from the "nursery" area above the Wash Green dock.
The Permanent Way team changed a further twelve sleepers and dropped more off on site for tomorrow's special extra work party - all welcome to this very unusual Friday opportunity departing at around 0930hrs. The PW team also gathered a quantity of household rubbish previously dumped at Gorsey Bank and hauled up the embankment to tidy the area up. I think our activities alongside Bournebrook Avenue have finally dissuaded our neighbours from using the Railway as a dump.
We welcomed a customer for a fairly short test, the machine being incapable of coping with bull head track. This is the value of testing! Work continued on the narrow gauge extension and fitting out of the new Information Centre progressed.
The Booking Hall welcomed a number of visitors and further Idridgehay Opening bookings. Lastly, it was very satisfying to take payment from George Millward for 20 sleepers after some years of cheques moving in the other direction.
The day started with holes dug at Wash Green for "benches" that support the point rodding for the revised locking of the crossover necessary for the Idridgehay service. I am told that this project will be largely completed next week. This involved the Permanent way team who where joined at 1100 by other volunteers on site to witness the scattering of John Bentley's ashes at Wash Green by Lorna and their son, Ross. Coffee and tea were taken afterwards in the Buffet Car along with John's favourite buscuits - shunters dunkers - prepared by Dorothy. Fittingly a "train" passed the site during the scattering from one of our test customers.
Virgin, now Arriva Dave resumed his work with us, after a long break over Christmas and New Year while he was rebranded, and commenced an overhaul of our mileposts that he last painted 5 years ago! Four down and 32 to go. Hand point handles were also in receipt of a spruce up. The Permanent Way gang moved down the line after the "bench" work and managed to change six sleepers despite being somewhat disrupted by our customer's requirements.
At the Maintenance Facility there was further steel preparation and erection together with the fitting out of the 40 ft container with lights. The new Information Centre was being fitted out and the Booking Hall received a number of visitors and received more Idridgehay opening bookings. Rod and Mary commenced revisions to the Idridgehay detraining platform necessary following last week's visitors from HMRI.
Thus a day of progress and mixed emotions.
Tues 5th Feb
The Per way teamsettled back into the rythem of sleeper changing,
after a week or twos break. They were working in the muddy remains of
the floods from several weeks ago. 16 got changed, not bad for the
conditions!
The VCT were in action at Idridgehay completeing fencework. This is
now finished, some landowner adjacent to our line was so impressed with
the work being carried out by our team that they carried on the good
work and have trimmed the hedge, put new gates on etc. A touch of
clever work by the fencing chaps has closed the gaps.
The Pit area saw work carried out in the new container and strip
lighting being installed, it will take a few days to complete but is
promising.In the same area, logs were cut, and surplus waste material
gathered in.
Work was also carried out around the site of the new interplatform
crossing at the North end of platform 1 and 2 The position of the new
service trenches were marked up ready for digging on Thursday.
On Platform 1, the boys with the black stuff were busy and have
resurfaced around the new Information suite and surfaced around the new
troughing route, as well as the new entrance gate.
Behind the scenes a great deal of admin work involving the 1001 tasks
involved with dealing with all of the various authorities, meanwhile
more MTT bookings. The diary between now and opening is filling up with
all manner of activities. It is a conjuring job trying to fit it all
in, especially with the Testing side as well, but the Testing side does
pay for many of our costs.
Get up to £150 by recycling your old mobile - visit www.tiscali.co.uk/recycle
Supplemental Monday 4th February 2008
The Memorial Sleeper was put into place to commemorate those working volunteers that made a significant contribution to our project during their lifetime. EVRA have organised this tasteful tribute that carries brass plaques in honour of Stuart Baines, Pam Hill, Colin Blower and John Bentley. It is located in the quadrangle at Wirksworth Station and reminds us of absent and missed friends. Given our collective advanced ages there remains ample room for the future!
A delivery of sleepers today should bring great cheer to the Permanent Way Team! Surplus "short" sleepers from the narrow gauge project have been donated for the north end foot crossing at Wirksworth so that part of the plot can get under way. Roy (72) and Les (77) have been usefully gathering our scrap aluminium for conversion into cash and tidying the site at the same time.
The Booking Hall acted as "Mission Control" and two new mytesttrack bookings were taken. Arrangements were firmed up for Grant Rail's tamper to visit and work during the last week in February. There is a happy coincidence of a need for the machine to visit for testing and our requirements pre-opening.
A report has been received from the Sunday Permanent Way team who continued the vital work of clearing the tops of sleepers and maximising the amount of ballast in the right place. They will be in action again both days this weekend and would appreciate any help.
Progress 3rd February 2008
Slow start in regard to passengers with the cold weather, but a good afternoon, with the Ravenstor services in which a good number of visitors who travelled.
Activity has been on several fronts during the day with a limited number of volunteers:
(a) Further work cleaning sleeper's towards Idridgehay Station with the lorry
(b) Stone clearing on the embankment futher up the yard carried out by the youngconscripts
(c) Gatex open for light refreshments wich welcomed a number of visitors
(d) Work carried out on sleeper's for norrow gage railway
(e) Further work on the garden carried out tyding up, oppsite car parkFurther work carried out on the DMUs and 31.
Thanks to all concerned for your efforts
Friday 1st February 2008
Well, after the Lord Mayor's show! A gentle day that saw driver training on the "Bubble Car" and back to the mundane with more drain rodding. The Mess Hall had a good going over and the Buffet Car was readied for Sunday.
The Booking Hall received a few visitors and I am pleased to say that mytesttrack appears to be coming back to life after a lean period in December and January. Sleepers scheduled for delivery today are now arriving Monday ready for next week's activity.
Press release: Ready for the Opening - Vintage Rai...


text:
Attempted abduction of 15-year-old girl reported in Uptown
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE - The attempted abduction of a 15-year-old girl early Monday has police looking for suspects in the North Side Uptown neighborhood.
The teenager was walking on a sidewalk about 6:50 a.m. when a car pulled up next to her in the 1000 block of West Montrose, according to a community alert from Chicago Police. Someone inside opened the passenger door and asked her if she needed a ride, then someone else pushed her from behind toward the open door.
The girl avoided being pushed into the car and ran away, police said. She ran away and the suspects drove off.
The descriptions of the suspects weren't detailed, but the offenders were in a gray or silver 4-door car with possible out-of-state license plates, police said.
Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call Area North detectives at (312) 744-8261.


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I confess, that I'm really interested in this whole NaNoWriMo thing (also I find it hilarious that for it to be about writing novels, it's so commonly abbreviated into one word...) The idea of 50,000 words makes me a little nervous though, so I'm starting smaller. Writing prompts, journaling, considering the whole novel thing and what I could possibly write about... So I'm going to start participating in the Write or Die linkup! This week's prompt is this fantastic picture, here we go!
This is such a serene and beautiful picture. Part of me wishes I could just pick up and plop down in this field, lay up watching the clouds, read a book, and forget about everything. The other part of me just hears Dandelion by Kacey Musgraves playing on repeat. It almost bums me out. That's one of those songs that I'm sure almost everyone can relate to and then you think about broken hearts and wasted wishes.
I've always thought dandelions were incredible. Who was the first little girl who picked one up (because you know it was a hopeful, daydreaming, bright eyed little girl who picked one up) and thought, this isn't a weed, this is something beautiful and it will make my wishes come true. We've all made those wishes, little ones, big ones, making sure to blow all the little seeds off or else it won't come true, like your birthday cake candles. Making those wishes is such good karma too, since you're sending out more seeds for more dandelions for more little girls to make wishes on.
Sometimes I miss being that little girl, running around barefoot wishing for all the puppies and a life of adventure and to finally beat the boys at any game. I miss climbing up into a tree and reading for hours on end, without a care in the world, imagining that I was Frannie, or Hermoine, or any other heroine you can think of. Before you really learned that dandelions, shooting stars, lucky pennies, and birthday candles wouldn't make your wishes come true, only you could do that. I still make wishes on all of them though, don't you?
I love Kacey Musgraves as well. Really enjoyed reading your post reminiscing about childhood. I miss those days as well.
Great post. I wish we could go back to the days when life was as simple as making a wish on a dandelion!
oh thanks! I've been trying to bring that level of bright eyed hopefulness back into my life. treating every day as an adventure rather than a chore..
isn't Kacey great? she's so sassy + down to earth. thanks for stopping by!!!
NaNo is so intense and wonderful. It's my first time and it has been really eye opening to see what makes your ideas flow! Beautiful post, beautiful pictures and BEAUTIFUL song! Thank you.
I feel so overwhelmed by the 50,000 number. I feel like I should set a goal of 500 words or more per post this month + maybe that will help me get closer! I'm glad you liked the song!!
all children should be taught to do the same!!!
I love how you pointed out the naivety of being a child and thinking wishes would come true by simply blowing a flower or candles. Sometimes I think we need that sort of magical thinking as adults. To be hopeful the way we were before LIFE got a hold of us.
I enjoyed your post and hope to see you again next week!!
oh I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I have been making a conscious effort to look at the day like I did as a kid, "what kind of adventures will we have today?" rather than "oh great, it's Monday again."
Oh, and when I first clicked on your link, I thought it said "Spent My Wishes on Weed"
I thought we were really going to talk about weed aka pot.
OMG. I just noticed that's what blogger decided to shorten it to. that's the best!
hahahaha maybe next time! I didn't realize that blogger shortened the link to that, but it's HIIIILARIOUS.
Hey. I'm doing NaNoWriMo. You should totally try it. I've successfully finished a couple years.
I'm NaNoWriMoing as "scrabbleplaya". Would you like to be writing buds?
I tell other people's children that! like, dude being an adult is SO overrated!
I just don't know what I would write about! I used to write stories all the time, I'm worried I lost that creativity when I became a so-called "grownup"
Confession: I Miss Weekly Confessions.
Weekly Wishes + One Lovely Blog!
Babes In Blogland + A Giveaway!
I'm Breaking ALL The Rules Today..
Goals + Wishes + Pictures, Oh My!


WELL, Rest those avatars again cause I just hosed them trying to fix them.
Im thinking the forum update will be sooner than plan.
Will it be an update to another platform?
(not that I particularly like that piece of Software. I still prefer my good old BB Codes).
Right now it all depends on if I can save our data and images, but I've been leaning toward the vB update (just to v4 and mobile, I'm not interested in the v5 frontend) I'm pretty sure our issue is because the forums db was on an older php/mysql setup and when I pulled it into the newer one, it fubared the images. Once I get the current reviews put back in the main site. I'm going to setup a database locally and see if I can resolve the issue or not.
I'm guessing it's failing when restoring from a table dump. If all else fails, you can implement a script to iterate over all the records in the troublesome table copying from the old server install to the new.
I'll be shutting down the forums and performing an update either Sat or Sun night. I've not sure just how long this will take. Trying to do everything I can to save what we have and recover the attachments and so forth. I'll post on the main page and the FB page when I start.
Yes. It's more like if people actually came to jonnyguru.com to use the off topic sub-forum or read the news.
Man what a nightmare this has been. Argh!


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National Indigenous Peoples Day
Please find below Unifor's statement on the 2020 National Indigenous Peoples Day. More materials for sharing in your networks can be found at unifor.org/june21.
We're asking you to share pictures of any activities that you participate in during National Indigenous History Month using the hashtag #IndigenousPeoplesDay and tag @unifortheunion.
Statement: 2020 National Indigenous Peoples Day
Unifor is proud to commemorate National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous History Month. June 21 provides an important moment to celebrate Indigenous peoples' diverse and enduring culture, history and achievements.
Unifor also acknowledges that action from our union is needed every day of the year. It begins with a recognition that Canada itself is founded on colonialism and cultural genocide against Indigenous people. And while that pain cannot be undone (or ignored), we can collectively work to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other efforts to recognize the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.
Those rights have been internationally codified in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP). Last summer, stalling from Conservative Party caucus members in Canada's unelected Senate obstructed the long-awaited adoption of UNDRIP as law. Unifor will again join with Indigenous organizations to lobby forcefully to have UNDRIP adopted in 2020.
In addition to the overdue adoption of UNDRIP, Indigenous communities are also still waiting for the Government of Canada to make good on its June 2019 promise to develop a National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited peoples. Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Carolyn Bennett has admitted not only was no plan going to be in place by June 2020, but there is no timeline for the plan's completion. Unifor echoes the concerns raised already by the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, and many others. Unifor members can write to Minister Bennett online to demand better.
Inherent in the fight for Indigenous rights is the fight for access to resources, natural or otherwise. Across the continent, defending freshwater resources has been a top concern for Indigenous communities—and for good reason. Lack of safe water is a major concern for day-to-day health, but it also raises concerns about preventing the spread of COVID-19. Unifor calls on the federal government to ensure there is adequate funding in place to meet its 2015 promise to eliminate long-term drinking water advisories for all Indigenous communities in Canada.
For its part, Unifor re-commits to the national campaign for the adoption of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Download the shareable
Download the Poster
Jerry Dias


Are you looking for functional and resistant shelves for your pop-up shop? Here a DIY kit of modular shelves for exhibits. Simple OSB and white bilaminated boards of thickness between 16 and 19 mm (¾" and ⅞"). A practical and quick to assemble structure, flat-pack and light to be transported.
The project can be built both in an horizontal or vertical sense by constructing two levels of rectangles where to exhibit your products.
As a first step, build the basement using the longest wooden boards and join them through PlayWood Connectors' system.
Then add three smaller wooden boards in correspondance of each connector in a vertical sense: the side walls of the shelves are done.
To add more rectangles to the structure, repeat the same operation and you will get another level of shelves.
In few steps, a modular, easy to transport and disassemble furniture. Thanks to PlayWood connectors, you will be able to redesign your project on the basis of the space at disposal.


text:
Lazana
The Sassy Bryce Harper Hair Style
Bryce Harper is a baseball player who achieved celebrity status not just because of the way he plays out in the field. It's also in the way he plays around with his hair. His funky hairstyles and good looks have earned him a following of fans equal to that of Hollywood actors.
Bryce is every man's hair inspiration. The subtly teased top and shaved sides isn't a hairstyle that you should keep under a baseball cap.
He looks dashing in this variation of the brushed up look. He put on a lot of hair gel to achieve this style.
This slicked back hairstyle has the Bryce Harper signature in it. It sets of a trendy vibe that most men are now sporting this look.
Undercuts and shaved sides emphasize the long top of hair Bryce has on his head. He can style the top anyway he likes and he still looks amazing.
He looks very playful in this hairstyle that is parted on the side and flipped at the bangs. It looks very neat and naughty.
Bryce prefers slick and simple hairstyles. With this, he just applied gel to this long hair top and he's all set to go.
Bryce popularized this mid length top that is neatly slicked back to the sides. He maintains the top layered and the sides of his hair closely shaven.
Once in a while he uses an asymmetric hairstyle by flipping his long top to one side of his head. This messy layered cut looks perfect for any hair type.
Bryce adds volume to his hair by keeping it up and bouncy using a lot of hair products. The highlights in his hair enhance this attractive long-at-the-top hairdo.
He looks rebellious in this hairstyle where he grew his top longer than usual. He just puts gel to keep his hair in place and combed away from his face.
The Unforgettable Michael Jackson Before and After Plastic Surgery Pictures
Michael Jackson, the famous King of Pop, was one of the most iconic influences of the music industry while he was still living. Up to today, most of his music is the inspiration of today's music genre. The innovative changes he made with his lifestyle, style of music and dancing is what makes him truly unforgettable. Thru the years, Michael Jackson's before and after plastic surgery pictures are still the topic of conversations because it's truly controversial.
By looking at Michael Jackson's before & after plastic surgery pictures, you will see how different he looks from the days he was younger.
The first noticeable change is his hairstyle. From a kinky hairdo, he opted for smaller curls and side cuts. He also started to look paler than before.
Reports said that he became obsessed in becoming white. In his latter pictures, you'll notice he has a higher nose bridge and an all-white face.
Michael claims that he has a skin disease that caused white spots to appear on his skin. So he underwent treatment to make his skin tone white all over.
But you'll also notice he suddenly developed a cleft chin. He had that surgically done because he felt it looks better on him.
The bizarre changes did not stop there. He now has a sharper jawline making his chin look smaller. He even has droopier eyes.
But people learned to love him despite the many changes he did with his body. People were more concerned with his health and the effects the surgeries had on him.
Who will forget his iconic red leather suit and zombie like appearance in his Thriller music video? Up to this day, this is the Michael Jackson look that is still being replicated.
On the day he died, it was concluded that he overdosed on pills he was taking to further enhance his physical looks.
But thank God, even with all the changes he did with his physique, it did not affect his golden voice at all. And that is what he is most famous for!
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Battle of Lexington and Concord Facts – A Closer Look at the American Revolution
Fun Facts about the Skeletal System – What kids need to know