Darren Townsend
@forrishilier.bsky.social
Husband. Proud dad to 17yo boy. Codeclub leader, CoG at 3 fab schools. Digital Making advocate. RPi Certified Educator. Delivers bread.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Every year chocolates get smaller and more expensive. Extrapolating backwards, in 1906 a Creme Egg would have been the size of Rochester Cathedral and they would have paid you 12 guineas to eat it.
January 2, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Every year chocolates get smaller and more expensive. Extrapolating backwards, in 1906 a Creme Egg would have been the size of Rochester Cathedral and they would have paid you 12 guineas to eat it.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
There are now just 4 spaces left on my botanical illustration & mental health zoom workshop,10 Jan.
I teach you:
🌿how to draw plants
🧠how creative activity improves mental health
I trained as a molecular cell biologist & am also a professional illustrator: workshops.emmamitchell.uk/courses/bota...
I teach you:
🌿how to draw plants
🧠how creative activity improves mental health
I trained as a molecular cell biologist & am also a professional illustrator: workshops.emmamitchell.uk/courses/bota...
January 2, 2026 at 3:10 PM
There are now just 4 spaces left on my botanical illustration & mental health zoom workshop,10 Jan.
I teach you:
🌿how to draw plants
🧠how creative activity improves mental health
I trained as a molecular cell biologist & am also a professional illustrator: workshops.emmamitchell.uk/courses/bota...
I teach you:
🌿how to draw plants
🧠how creative activity improves mental health
I trained as a molecular cell biologist & am also a professional illustrator: workshops.emmamitchell.uk/courses/bota...
Reposted by Darren Townsend
I am once again reminding everyone that Hitler wasn't a genius. Hitler led his country to utter ruin. He killed himself in a bunker while his city was demolished by Russian tanks. His corpse was incinerated in a ditch like the garbage it was.
Curtis Yarvin, JD Vance’s friend & ideological influence, ended 2025 by claiming “only Hitler spoke the truth” about “too many subjects” & “Hitler was a genius.”
Extremism isn’t fringe on the right. Once marginal online extremists like Yarvin are influential at the highest levels of government.
Extremism isn’t fringe on the right. Once marginal online extremists like Yarvin are influential at the highest levels of government.
January 1, 2026 at 7:49 PM
I am once again reminding everyone that Hitler wasn't a genius. Hitler led his country to utter ruin. He killed himself in a bunker while his city was demolished by Russian tanks. His corpse was incinerated in a ditch like the garbage it was.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Reflecting on my year in 2025.
Highs and lows in 2025
The past year brought significant personal losses; but it also featured notable achievements, travel, and heartfelt connections.
andypiper.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 2:44 PM
Reflecting on my year in 2025.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Another day, another year and another of these mystery objects washed up. What are they and where are they coming from? Numerous suggestions have been put forward* but we still haven't found an exact match.
January 1, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Another day, another year and another of these mystery objects washed up. What are they and where are they coming from? Numerous suggestions have been put forward* but we still haven't found an exact match.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Only 0.9% of pubs close despite economic pressures - is an alternative headline to this one bit.ly/3YEbpJP
Britain’s ‘social fabric being lost’ as one pub a day closes
More than 360 pubs were demolished or converted for other uses in 2025, highlighting mounting pressure on the hospitality sector
bit.ly
January 1, 2026 at 10:32 AM
Only 0.9% of pubs close despite economic pressures - is an alternative headline to this one bit.ly/3YEbpJP
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Time-lapse of an ultrasonic cheese cutter at Rodolphe Le Meunier fromager.
January 1, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Time-lapse of an ultrasonic cheese cutter at Rodolphe Le Meunier fromager.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
A few months ago I got the story of a duck who aspires to curling greatness stuck in my brain and simply couldn't get it out until I did this
January 1, 2026 at 5:12 PM
A few months ago I got the story of a duck who aspires to curling greatness stuck in my brain and simply couldn't get it out until I did this
Reposted by Darren Townsend
For anyone who also follows me on X, please be aware that my account has been hacked - ignore any DMs from me over there!
January 1, 2026 at 6:40 PM
For anyone who also follows me on X, please be aware that my account has been hacked - ignore any DMs from me over there!
Reposted by Darren Townsend
An occasional post: Oxford in January 2025 – St Giles’, Broad Street, Port Meadow in mist, the Oxford Canal in winter. 3/3
oxfordinciter.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/o...
oxfordinciter.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/o...
January 1, 2026 at 6:41 PM
An occasional post: Oxford in January 2025 – St Giles’, Broad Street, Port Meadow in mist, the Oxford Canal in winter. 3/3
oxfordinciter.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/o...
oxfordinciter.wordpress.com/2026/01/01/o...
Reposted by Darren Townsend
This is a fascinating thread, especially as how many predictions were scarily accurate.
A List of Predictions Made in 1926 About 2026
🧵
🧵
January 1, 2026 at 6:42 PM
This is a fascinating thread, especially as how many predictions were scarily accurate.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Our Solar System is orbiting the center of our Galaxy at about 220 km/s so in 2025 we collectively traveled something like 7 billion kilometers across the Milky Way. Once in a while, when you have a moment, it’s worthwhile to take a look around, see where you are, and appreciate how far you’ve come.
January 1, 2026 at 5:27 AM
Our Solar System is orbiting the center of our Galaxy at about 220 km/s so in 2025 we collectively traveled something like 7 billion kilometers across the Milky Way. Once in a while, when you have a moment, it’s worthwhile to take a look around, see where you are, and appreciate how far you’ve come.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
The tl;dr for writers is — we are human, we write the books, and we are going to fucking win.
Here’s the inspiration I needed for the new year. Thanks @chuckwendig.bsky.social
Writer Resolution 2026: Wield The Weapon That Is You
It’s never precisely easy to be a writer — professional or otherwise. I mean, it’s easy in the sense of, hey, anybody can open a word processor and start (fiercely or methodically…
terribleminds.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:06 PM
The tl;dr for writers is — we are human, we write the books, and we are going to fucking win.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Harwell Campus is to light up the sky tonight to celebrate its 80th anniversary. From 5pm to 9pm, the UK’s most powerful display laser will shine from the centre of the iconic Diamond Light Source, creating ‘The Beam’, a vertical pillar of light in the night sky, visible across the county👇
A sky full of science: Harwell to light up Oxfordshire sky as it celebrates its 80th birthday on New Year's Day - Harwell Campus
Harwell Campus turns 80 with The Beam — a striking New Year’s Day 2026 laser display illuminating the sky from Diamond Light Source and visible across Oxfordshire.
www.harwellcampus.com
January 1, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Harwell Campus is to light up the sky tonight to celebrate its 80th anniversary. From 5pm to 9pm, the UK’s most powerful display laser will shine from the centre of the iconic Diamond Light Source, creating ‘The Beam’, a vertical pillar of light in the night sky, visible across the county👇
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Everyone does a 2025 roundup, but only the Clarion’s has:
🕊 Seagull attacks
🇺🇸 J.D. Vance’s summer holidays
💩 Sewage 1, housing 0
🦌 Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the A40
🗞 Our pick of the long reads
🔬 Lab space. So much lab space.
Read it online: oxfordclarion.uk/a-year-in-ox...
🕊 Seagull attacks
🇺🇸 J.D. Vance’s summer holidays
💩 Sewage 1, housing 0
🦌 Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the A40
🗞 Our pick of the long reads
🔬 Lab space. So much lab space.
Read it online: oxfordclarion.uk/a-year-in-ox...
A year in Oxfordshire, 2025
A growth corridor, a new stadium, a new branch line, a congestion charge, and partying seagulls. It’s been a busy year in Oxfordshire. Here are just a few of the highlights.
January
Growth, part on...
oxfordclarion.uk
December 31, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Everyone does a 2025 roundup, but only the Clarion’s has:
🕊 Seagull attacks
🇺🇸 J.D. Vance’s summer holidays
💩 Sewage 1, housing 0
🦌 Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the A40
🗞 Our pick of the long reads
🔬 Lab space. So much lab space.
Read it online: oxfordclarion.uk/a-year-in-ox...
🕊 Seagull attacks
🇺🇸 J.D. Vance’s summer holidays
💩 Sewage 1, housing 0
🦌 Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the A40
🗞 Our pick of the long reads
🔬 Lab space. So much lab space.
Read it online: oxfordclarion.uk/a-year-in-ox...
Reposted by Darren Townsend
I'm currently testing the waters doing some Intro to Making courses in my area.
Does anyone have a favorite single-sided SMD learn-to-solder kit? I have some wonderful double-sided ones, but would prefer to teach the hot plate method for beginners.
#makershelp
Does anyone have a favorite single-sided SMD learn-to-solder kit? I have some wonderful double-sided ones, but would prefer to teach the hot plate method for beginners.
#makershelp
January 1, 2026 at 3:24 PM
I'm currently testing the waters doing some Intro to Making courses in my area.
Does anyone have a favorite single-sided SMD learn-to-solder kit? I have some wonderful double-sided ones, but would prefer to teach the hot plate method for beginners.
#makershelp
Does anyone have a favorite single-sided SMD learn-to-solder kit? I have some wonderful double-sided ones, but would prefer to teach the hot plate method for beginners.
#makershelp
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Day 1/365 #FactOfTheDay
On this day in 1502 🇵🇹 navigators discovered Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro means “River of January”.
The Gregorian calendar starts today & was 1st adopted in 45BC. It’s named after Janus - the Roman god of beginnings & transitions who has 2 faces looking to the past & future
On this day in 1502 🇵🇹 navigators discovered Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro means “River of January”.
The Gregorian calendar starts today & was 1st adopted in 45BC. It’s named after Janus - the Roman god of beginnings & transitions who has 2 faces looking to the past & future
January 1, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Day 1/365 #FactOfTheDay
On this day in 1502 🇵🇹 navigators discovered Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro means “River of January”.
The Gregorian calendar starts today & was 1st adopted in 45BC. It’s named after Janus - the Roman god of beginnings & transitions who has 2 faces looking to the past & future
On this day in 1502 🇵🇹 navigators discovered Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro means “River of January”.
The Gregorian calendar starts today & was 1st adopted in 45BC. It’s named after Janus - the Roman god of beginnings & transitions who has 2 faces looking to the past & future
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Reposted by Darren Townsend
"Oxford's High Street booming, bucking national trend"
And this in a city where we've removed city centre parking and put in a congestion charge. Almost as if it's people who shop, not cars.
www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2573227...
And this in a city where we've removed city centre parking and put in a congestion charge. Almost as if it's people who shop, not cars.
www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2573227...
Oxford high street demand returns to pre-pandemic levels
Oxford’s high street is bucking the national trend, with demand rising and vacancy rates low
www.oxfordmail.co.uk
January 1, 2026 at 10:36 AM
"Oxford's High Street booming, bucking national trend"
And this in a city where we've removed city centre parking and put in a congestion charge. Almost as if it's people who shop, not cars.
www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2573227...
And this in a city where we've removed city centre parking and put in a congestion charge. Almost as if it's people who shop, not cars.
www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/2573227...
Reposted by Darren Townsend
We're looking for volunteer Hall Assistants! Can you help with packing food parcels, checking inventories, arranging pick-ups and deliveries, as well as general maintenance of our storage facility on Cowley Road? If so email volunteering@oxfordmutualaid.org #NewYearResolutionInspiration
January 1, 2026 at 3:16 PM
We're looking for volunteer Hall Assistants! Can you help with packing food parcels, checking inventories, arranging pick-ups and deliveries, as well as general maintenance of our storage facility on Cowley Road? If so email volunteering@oxfordmutualaid.org #NewYearResolutionInspiration
Reposted by Darren Townsend
You cannot have “AI” without having “machine that almost solely exists to create nonconsensual sexually explicit images of mainly women and children.” The former exists in tandem with the latter. That’s how this industry has worked so far, and it has only gotten worse with zero accountability
December 31, 2025 at 3:55 PM
You cannot have “AI” without having “machine that almost solely exists to create nonconsensual sexually explicit images of mainly women and children.” The former exists in tandem with the latter. That’s how this industry has worked so far, and it has only gotten worse with zero accountability
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Reposted by Darren Townsend
It's not getting better.
Build your own media server. Buy physical media.
They had their chance and they blew it.
Build your own media server. Buy physical media.
They had their chance and they blew it.
January 1, 2026 at 1:14 PM
It's not getting better.
Build your own media server. Buy physical media.
They had their chance and they blew it.
Build your own media server. Buy physical media.
They had their chance and they blew it.
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Is this a joke @washghost1 asks?
Gaining 1million views, and a comments section full of FUMING right wingers frothing at the mouth!
No, it’s not a joke
It’s not a thing
It is entirely made up to elicit exactly that reaction
(This is a twitter thing but the moral of the story holds here!)
🧵
1/7
Gaining 1million views, and a comments section full of FUMING right wingers frothing at the mouth!
No, it’s not a joke
It’s not a thing
It is entirely made up to elicit exactly that reaction
(This is a twitter thing but the moral of the story holds here!)
🧵
1/7
December 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Is this a joke @washghost1 asks?
Gaining 1million views, and a comments section full of FUMING right wingers frothing at the mouth!
No, it’s not a joke
It’s not a thing
It is entirely made up to elicit exactly that reaction
(This is a twitter thing but the moral of the story holds here!)
🧵
1/7
Gaining 1million views, and a comments section full of FUMING right wingers frothing at the mouth!
No, it’s not a joke
It’s not a thing
It is entirely made up to elicit exactly that reaction
(This is a twitter thing but the moral of the story holds here!)
🧵
1/7
Reposted by Darren Townsend
Have you seen a 'too good to be true' school book pack offer?
Q: Is postage included?
Q: What is the discount based on?
We link to UK Bookshop Org where the discount is clear and transparent for every book & postage for orders over £25 is free.
📚 uk.bookshop.org/shop/schoolr... 📚
Q: Is postage included?
Q: What is the discount based on?
We link to UK Bookshop Org where the discount is clear and transparent for every book & postage for orders over £25 is free.
📚 uk.bookshop.org/shop/schoolr... 📚
uk.bookshop.org
January 1, 2026 at 7:42 AM
Have you seen a 'too good to be true' school book pack offer?
Q: Is postage included?
Q: What is the discount based on?
We link to UK Bookshop Org where the discount is clear and transparent for every book & postage for orders over £25 is free.
📚 uk.bookshop.org/shop/schoolr... 📚
Q: Is postage included?
Q: What is the discount based on?
We link to UK Bookshop Org where the discount is clear and transparent for every book & postage for orders over £25 is free.
📚 uk.bookshop.org/shop/schoolr... 📚