A huge break-up Part 1: Aircraft disassembly and recovery. A conversation with Mark Gregory of Air Salvage International.

by Jools | Aug 27, 2023 | Tell me more

She is parked in at the corner of a scrap yard next to a heap of spent tyres.  Even with no nose and 4 holes where her engines should have been I know what she is. Her modest paintwork, distinctive 2 storey front section and wide body told me that even with my...

The Language of Woodland. A conversation with Joy Lo Dico.

by Jools | Aug 11, 2023 | Tell me more

I went for a walk with Financial Times journalist, broadcaster and forester Joy Lo Dico in her 100 acre wood in Gloucestershire.  “Let us cultivate our garden” – Voltaire “I think he found a hash cake in the woods and ate the lot! He was showing all the signs;...

Is it me, or is it hot in here? A look inside the Gloucester Incinerator

by Jools | Jul 20, 2023 | Tell me more

Every time I drive down the M5 past Junction 12 with Gloucester behind me and Bristol up ahead there is a looming green armadillo on my left. The steaming cream stack throwing out plumes of greyish vapour means that somewhere, deep in her viridescent belly, our...

“Scout leaders should strike for a pay rise” and a few things I learned at my first Scout camp.

by Jools | Jul 12, 2023 | Flint & Steel

“Scout Leaders should strike for a pay rise” and a few little things I learned at Strategy my first Scout camp. Don’t volunteer on the first night of camp, you keener! In classic newbie earnestness, I volunteered in advance to help with supper on the first evening of...

What would be the one thing you wouldn’t camp without?

by Jools | Jun 27, 2023 | Flint & Steel

“You have a tent, sleeping bag, mat and cooker.  What would be the 1 extra thing you wouldn’t camp without?” I asked a question to Scouts and Explorers (age 11-18) and to Leaders (aged 18 +++) who were at  camp in this weekend, it resulted in some fun chats so I...