SBlandfo
@sblandfo.bsky.social
Poet. Nature, conservation, history, archaeology, art, architecture, politics & the pleasures of reading. Doyenne of #IronworkThursday. Still #yallmasking
Reposted by SBlandfo
THREAD.
A collection of photographs of excellent goats I have met during walks in the British countryside.
You will find the all-important captions to each photo in the alt text.
A collection of photographs of excellent goats I have met during walks in the British countryside.
You will find the all-important captions to each photo in the alt text.
February 19, 2026 at 5:45 PM
THREAD.
A collection of photographs of excellent goats I have met during walks in the British countryside.
You will find the all-important captions to each photo in the alt text.
A collection of photographs of excellent goats I have met during walks in the British countryside.
You will find the all-important captions to each photo in the alt text.
Reposted by SBlandfo
That’s a first this year. I’m in Exeter and it’s not raining!
The iron cross on marks the site of St Mary Major last resting place of Katherine and her husband Walter Raleigh senior.
Out to lunch today with fellow authors from the Historical Novels Society.
#exeter
#historicalfictionauthor
The iron cross on marks the site of St Mary Major last resting place of Katherine and her husband Walter Raleigh senior.
Out to lunch today with fellow authors from the Historical Novels Society.
#exeter
#historicalfictionauthor
February 19, 2026 at 2:38 PM
That’s a first this year. I’m in Exeter and it’s not raining!
The iron cross on marks the site of St Mary Major last resting place of Katherine and her husband Walter Raleigh senior.
Out to lunch today with fellow authors from the Historical Novels Society.
#exeter
#historicalfictionauthor
The iron cross on marks the site of St Mary Major last resting place of Katherine and her husband Walter Raleigh senior.
Out to lunch today with fellow authors from the Historical Novels Society.
#exeter
#historicalfictionauthor
Reposted by SBlandfo
Harmondsworth Great Barn will be 600 years old this year! It is one of our London Sites of Geological lnterest. Read about it here londongeopartnership.org.uk/wp/wp-conten... #londongeology
February 18, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Harmondsworth Great Barn will be 600 years old this year! It is one of our London Sites of Geological lnterest. Read about it here londongeopartnership.org.uk/wp/wp-conten... #londongeology
Reposted by SBlandfo
Jim dismisses claims from the working class cats he used to hang around with that he has "got too fancy for his own good" since becoming fully domesticated and believes he has merely expanded his horizons.
This includes a burgeoning interest in the films of the French new wave.
This includes a burgeoning interest in the films of the French new wave.
November 26, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Jim dismisses claims from the working class cats he used to hang around with that he has "got too fancy for his own good" since becoming fully domesticated and believes he has merely expanded his horizons.
This includes a burgeoning interest in the films of the French new wave.
This includes a burgeoning interest in the films of the French new wave.
Reposted by SBlandfo
Excited to receive 'Churches of Lincolnshire' in the post this morning, @johnevigar.bsky.social's latest book, a guide to the least known of the great medieval churches counties. Beautifully illustrated, it brings back happy memories of travels in the county, some with John himself.
February 19, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Excited to receive 'Churches of Lincolnshire' in the post this morning, @johnevigar.bsky.social's latest book, a guide to the least known of the great medieval churches counties. Beautifully illustrated, it brings back happy memories of travels in the county, some with John himself.
Reposted by SBlandfo
Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service
www.itv.com/news/2026-02...
www.itv.com/news/2026-02...
February 19, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Keir Starmer has appointed Dame Antonia Romeo as Cabinet Secretary and head of the Civil Service
www.itv.com/news/2026-02...
www.itv.com/news/2026-02...
Reposted by SBlandfo
I've contacted my MP to ask him to attend the Brexit referendum anniversary debate on Tuesday 22 February
10 years on, it's time to admit the damage Brexit has done and rejoin the EU
Contact your MP here: www.europeanmovement.co.uk/contact-mp-e...
10 years on, it's time to admit the damage Brexit has done and rejoin the EU
Contact your MP here: www.europeanmovement.co.uk/contact-mp-e...
Urge Your MP to Attend the Debate on the EU Referendum Anniversary
Nearly a decade after the 2016 referendum, the effects of Brexit are no longer theoretical. They are visible in the economy, in pressures on public finances, and in the UK’s changing role internationa...
www.europeanmovement.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 8:18 AM
I've contacted my MP to ask him to attend the Brexit referendum anniversary debate on Tuesday 22 February
10 years on, it's time to admit the damage Brexit has done and rejoin the EU
Contact your MP here: www.europeanmovement.co.uk/contact-mp-e...
10 years on, it's time to admit the damage Brexit has done and rejoin the EU
Contact your MP here: www.europeanmovement.co.uk/contact-mp-e...
Reposted by SBlandfo
Brexit wasn’t a one-off rupture.
It was a choice to swap a seat at the captain’s table for a life raft beside the ship.
Now EU border controls tighten and truckers, farmers, exporters and shoppers pay the price.
We punished ourselves and chose
third-country decline.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
It was a choice to swap a seat at the captain’s table for a life raft beside the ship.
Now EU border controls tighten and truckers, farmers, exporters and shoppers pay the price.
We punished ourselves and chose
third-country decline.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
Brexit Britain’s truckers bear the brunt of new EU border controls
For many British drivers who rely on frictionless travel to do their jobs, the new checks could spell disaster.
www.politico.eu
February 19, 2026 at 7:20 AM
Brexit wasn’t a one-off rupture.
It was a choice to swap a seat at the captain’s table for a life raft beside the ship.
Now EU border controls tighten and truckers, farmers, exporters and shoppers pay the price.
We punished ourselves and chose
third-country decline.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
It was a choice to swap a seat at the captain’s table for a life raft beside the ship.
Now EU border controls tighten and truckers, farmers, exporters and shoppers pay the price.
We punished ourselves and chose
third-country decline.
www.politico.eu/article/eu-b...
Was never a fan, but #Thatcher was spot on with this prescient statement in 1975: “The choice is clear. We can play a role in developing #Europe, or we can turn our backs. By turning out backs we would forfeit the right to influence what happens. But what happens will invariably affect us”.
February 19, 2026 at 8:29 AM
Reposted by SBlandfo
A magnetometry survey of Lydsbury Rings Iron Age hillfort Hod Hill #Dorset
Zoom in (you know you want to)
If you do you'll see 100s of 10-15m diameter roundhouses clustered along a road system branching out from the NE gate
© Dave Stewart 2014 / Bournemouth University
Happy #HillfortsWednesday
Zoom in (you know you want to)
If you do you'll see 100s of 10-15m diameter roundhouses clustered along a road system branching out from the NE gate
© Dave Stewart 2014 / Bournemouth University
Happy #HillfortsWednesday
February 18, 2026 at 6:46 AM
A magnetometry survey of Lydsbury Rings Iron Age hillfort Hod Hill #Dorset
Zoom in (you know you want to)
If you do you'll see 100s of 10-15m diameter roundhouses clustered along a road system branching out from the NE gate
© Dave Stewart 2014 / Bournemouth University
Happy #HillfortsWednesday
Zoom in (you know you want to)
If you do you'll see 100s of 10-15m diameter roundhouses clustered along a road system branching out from the NE gate
© Dave Stewart 2014 / Bournemouth University
Happy #HillfortsWednesday
Dedicated efforts by the small Inverclyde Church Recorders team to record #WarMemorials facing an uncertain fate in Scotland’s redundant #churches
We've been drawing attention to this troubling issue for a number of years.
In November, Dr Peter Christie, one of the founders of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, also blogged about his concerns about these precious memorials:
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/lest-we...
In November, Dr Peter Christie, one of the founders of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, also blogged about his concerns about these precious memorials:
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/lest-we...
Lest we forget... What happens to War Memorials in closed and closing churches - Scotlands Churches Trust
Dr Peter Christie, of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, reflects on the uncertain future of war memorials located in closing churches
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 3:41 PM
Dedicated efforts by the small Inverclyde Church Recorders team to record #WarMemorials facing an uncertain fate in Scotland’s redundant #churches
Reposted by SBlandfo
We've been drawing attention to this troubling issue for a number of years.
In November, Dr Peter Christie, one of the founders of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, also blogged about his concerns about these precious memorials:
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/lest-we...
In November, Dr Peter Christie, one of the founders of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, also blogged about his concerns about these precious memorials:
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/lest-we...
Lest we forget... What happens to War Memorials in closed and closing churches - Scotlands Churches Trust
Dr Peter Christie, of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, reflects on the uncertain future of war memorials located in closing churches
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk
February 17, 2026 at 3:34 PM
We've been drawing attention to this troubling issue for a number of years.
In November, Dr Peter Christie, one of the founders of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, also blogged about his concerns about these precious memorials:
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/lest-we...
In November, Dr Peter Christie, one of the founders of the Inverclyde Church Recorders, also blogged about his concerns about these precious memorials:
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/lest-we...
Reposted by SBlandfo
The UK Govt's are ending the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, that covered the whole UK, replacing it with a scheme for England alone.
We've had a look at some of the data they used to justify change and blogged on what it means for Scotland 👇
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/listed-...
We've had a look at some of the data they used to justify change and blogged on what it means for Scotland 👇
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/listed-...
January 30, 2026 at 7:38 PM
The UK Govt's are ending the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, that covered the whole UK, replacing it with a scheme for England alone.
We've had a look at some of the data they used to justify change and blogged on what it means for Scotland 👇
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/listed-...
We've had a look at some of the data they used to justify change and blogged on what it means for Scotland 👇
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/listed-...
Does anyone know if anything is being done to ensure - in the torrent of redundant and sold-off #churches in #Scotland - that #WarMemorials are being not just recorded but preserved?
Our thanks to the amazing volunteers of Inverclyde Church Recorders for documenting another of Scotland's precious closing churches, before its next chapter begins, and to the congregation of Kilmacolm Parish Church for arranging their access
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/invercl...
(3/3)
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/invercl...
(3/3)
February 17, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Does anyone know if anything is being done to ensure - in the torrent of redundant and sold-off #churches in #Scotland - that #WarMemorials are being not just recorded but preserved?
Reposted by SBlandfo
Our thanks to the amazing volunteers of Inverclyde Church Recorders for documenting another of Scotland's precious closing churches, before its next chapter begins, and to the congregation of Kilmacolm Parish Church for arranging their access
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/invercl...
(3/3)
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/invercl...
(3/3)
February 17, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Our thanks to the amazing volunteers of Inverclyde Church Recorders for documenting another of Scotland's precious closing churches, before its next chapter begins, and to the congregation of Kilmacolm Parish Church for arranging their access
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/invercl...
(3/3)
www.scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk/blog/invercl...
(3/3)
Reposted by SBlandfo
Dedicated to St James, by its original United Free congregation it was rededicated for St Columba in 1957.
Housing a fine collection of stained glass and a marvellous pipe organ, the it has been kept in superb condition by successive generations of its congregations over the past 123 years.
(2/3)
Housing a fine collection of stained glass and a marvellous pipe organ, the it has been kept in superb condition by successive generations of its congregations over the past 123 years.
(2/3)
February 17, 2026 at 2:47 PM
Dedicated to St James, by its original United Free congregation it was rededicated for St Columba in 1957.
Housing a fine collection of stained glass and a marvellous pipe organ, the it has been kept in superb condition by successive generations of its congregations over the past 123 years.
(2/3)
Housing a fine collection of stained glass and a marvellous pipe organ, the it has been kept in superb condition by successive generations of its congregations over the past 123 years.
(2/3)
Reposted by SBlandfo
The wonderful Inverclyde Church Recorders were back at work at the weekend documenting St Columba Church in Kilmacolm, which was marketed for sale by the Church of Scotland in Autumn last year.
The A-listed church was built by the noted architect William Leiper from 1902-03.
(🧵1/3)
The A-listed church was built by the noted architect William Leiper from 1902-03.
(🧵1/3)
February 17, 2026 at 2:47 PM
The wonderful Inverclyde Church Recorders were back at work at the weekend documenting St Columba Church in Kilmacolm, which was marketed for sale by the Church of Scotland in Autumn last year.
The A-listed church was built by the noted architect William Leiper from 1902-03.
(🧵1/3)
The A-listed church was built by the noted architect William Leiper from 1902-03.
(🧵1/3)
Reposted by SBlandfo
The papal bull issuing the Gregorian calendar contained both the rule on whether 2000 was a leap year and reset the dates of Easter
February 17, 2026 at 8:49 AM
The papal bull issuing the Gregorian calendar contained both the rule on whether 2000 was a leap year and reset the dates of Easter
Reposted by SBlandfo
They were genuinely thinking quite far into the future. They hated calendar drift and wanted to solve it forever
February 17, 2026 at 8:51 AM
They were genuinely thinking quite far into the future. They hated calendar drift and wanted to solve it forever
Reposted by SBlandfo
Curiously, the earliest possible date for Shrove Tuesday is 3 February, the very day after Candlemas.
And so the two 40 day periods can never overlap.
The last 3 February Shrove Tuesday was in 1818. The next seems to be in 2285…
And so the two 40 day periods can never overlap.
The last 3 February Shrove Tuesday was in 1818. The next seems to be in 2285…
February 17, 2026 at 8:24 AM
Curiously, the earliest possible date for Shrove Tuesday is 3 February, the very day after Candlemas.
And so the two 40 day periods can never overlap.
The last 3 February Shrove Tuesday was in 1818. The next seems to be in 2285…
And so the two 40 day periods can never overlap.
The last 3 February Shrove Tuesday was in 1818. The next seems to be in 2285…
Reposted by SBlandfo
Shrove Tuesday
We have crossed the gap between Christmas and Easter.
in a way, the gap between midwinter and spring.
Candlemas, 2 February, is 40 days after Christmas.
Shrove Tuesday, 40 days before Palm Sunday and the start of Easter.
We have crossed the gap between Christmas and Easter.
in a way, the gap between midwinter and spring.
Candlemas, 2 February, is 40 days after Christmas.
Shrove Tuesday, 40 days before Palm Sunday and the start of Easter.
February 17, 2026 at 8:19 AM
Shrove Tuesday
We have crossed the gap between Christmas and Easter.
in a way, the gap between midwinter and spring.
Candlemas, 2 February, is 40 days after Christmas.
Shrove Tuesday, 40 days before Palm Sunday and the start of Easter.
We have crossed the gap between Christmas and Easter.
in a way, the gap between midwinter and spring.
Candlemas, 2 February, is 40 days after Christmas.
Shrove Tuesday, 40 days before Palm Sunday and the start of Easter.
Reposted by SBlandfo
Reposted by SBlandfo
For #FindsFriday here's a fabulous bronze boar from the Lexden Tumulus burial near Colchester, Essex
Dated to the late Iron Age ~10BC, it may have belonged to King Addedomarus of the Trinovantes tribe!
📍In the Colchester Castle #Museum
📸 Mine #archaeology #museums #ancientbluesky #blueskymuseums🏺
Dated to the late Iron Age ~10BC, it may have belonged to King Addedomarus of the Trinovantes tribe!
📍In the Colchester Castle #Museum
📸 Mine #archaeology #museums #ancientbluesky #blueskymuseums🏺
May 16, 2025 at 12:31 PM
For #FindsFriday here's a fabulous bronze boar from the Lexden Tumulus burial near Colchester, Essex
Dated to the late Iron Age ~10BC, it may have belonged to King Addedomarus of the Trinovantes tribe!
📍In the Colchester Castle #Museum
📸 Mine #archaeology #museums #ancientbluesky #blueskymuseums🏺
Dated to the late Iron Age ~10BC, it may have belonged to King Addedomarus of the Trinovantes tribe!
📍In the Colchester Castle #Museum
📸 Mine #archaeology #museums #ancientbluesky #blueskymuseums🏺
Reposted by SBlandfo
A ridiculous way for BBC ‘News’ to headline an article in which it’s clear that the Wildlife Trusts’ plans are overwhelmingly popular. But it has spurred me into making a donation towards this brilliant project—if you would like to chip in too, here’s the link 👇🏻
#Northumberland #Wildlife #Rewilding
#Northumberland #Wildlife #Rewilding
February 16, 2026 at 2:23 PM
A ridiculous way for BBC ‘News’ to headline an article in which it’s clear that the Wildlife Trusts’ plans are overwhelmingly popular. But it has spurred me into making a donation towards this brilliant project—if you would like to chip in too, here’s the link 👇🏻
#Northumberland #Wildlife #Rewilding
#Northumberland #Wildlife #Rewilding
After a long time on hold, I was able to report the lack of balance in this article to the #BBC: the views of single objector are given more coverage than those of a coalition of 47 wildlife bodies or 18,000 contributors to the appeal. And the click bait headline makes the lack of balance even worse
Fixed that headline for you:
‘One (1) farmer who farms 1,000 acres doesn’t like rewilding, we’ve made that the basis of our headline in a classic example of false balance.
PS everyone else in the story loves the idea of the Wildlife Trusts buying the Rothbury Estate’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
‘One (1) farmer who farms 1,000 acres doesn’t like rewilding, we’ve made that the basis of our headline in a classic example of false balance.
PS everyone else in the story loves the idea of the Wildlife Trusts buying the Rothbury Estate’
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
'Bid to buy Rothbury Estate as divisive as Brexit'
Funds are being raised to buy the Northumberland estate - but the plans have split opinion.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
After a long time on hold, I was able to report the lack of balance in this article to the #BBC: the views of single objector are given more coverage than those of a coalition of 47 wildlife bodies or 18,000 contributors to the appeal. And the click bait headline makes the lack of balance even worse