Purple Rain - Mallow in the Meadow

Rings of Bright Water

Water Skaters creating rings of bright water in the brook

 

A White Queen

 The pale White legged Damselfly

 

Just To Stay Still Hovering

A glimpse of a wing and rotation of the other at 1/850th of a Second. That's fast! So much energy to stay airborne in one place. Makes you think about any friction and heat in the tiny wing joints, and fuel efficiency.

 

Why Chase Them

Sat waiting in the car thinking about finding something really bold to shoot, and it found me     

It had fallen upon my camera bag on the passenger seat, so I carefully picked it up.  


Why go chasing rainbows 

 

Lead in Colours

Lead in Colours. Using more vibrant selected colours to lead the viewer's eye in and around the scene

At the Heart

Freedom and Friendship

Liberty, Freedom, Partnerships and Community,
Openness, Inspiring Enterprise and Education,
Health and Happiness, in Safe hands,

 Compassion and Care.

Just a few of the words that inspired or came to mind as the design came together. 

Triptych Chandelier

Inclusion,  Crystal Clear,  Exclusion,        three elements combined for a bigger picture

Flu & Parkinson’s

 
Recent Events    (with bracket numbers indicating the level of pain on an imagined scale)

On January 28th 2014 we caught a Flu bug and while one family (non smoker) member’s progressed with additional Bronchitis, mine developed toward Sinusitis, and issues away from the lungs (yes sadly I still smoke tobacco) with the following symptoms.

Almost immediately, I developed very dry nasal passages with sticky hard white debris. The sensation in tightening of the inner scalp (most likely in the Myelin layer) with a dulled area between the temple and left ear, and a migraine over the right eye. Pain in the shoulders with shooting pain running into the left elbow and wrist. Intense pain (10/10) through to the bone marrow in the upper left arm, and lower down, across the inner pelvic muscles and the sciatic nerves, with increased immobility.

Prescribed Anti inflammatory medication made the pain intensify (11/10) and taking pain killers had no effect. Notably, the pain also intensified after taking Levodopa medication and immediately after meals with shooting pains making me want to climb its walls.

As things worsened I was eventually given Antibiotics and after 5 days the pain eased (6/10) and with no pain after eating meals the Levodopa medication could also be tolerated once again.

In March, I was given a second course of Antibiotics, plus physiotherapy 3 times per week. My mobility started to improve, while still with pain in limbs (4/10) and sharp pain for short periods inside the pelvis, right hip and thigh. Once the course of Antibiotics was finished, the levels in pain continued to decrease.

Now in April the Flu is still apparent in its surges. My nose still remains very dry with heavy sticky to solid white debris (occasionally with pink faint blood streaks), while the pain in the left shoulder, arm and right hip has become more periodic. Occasionally feeling dry in the mouth after drinks, and with a very occasional contraction in the lower throat, Oesophagus area, things appear to be going in the right direction.

 
Observations

Over a number of years, this is the third or fourth time I have noticed that an attack of Flu has had an instant or direct, similar effect upon my Parkinson’s. It is as though the Flu virus immediately disrupts or stops the division, regeneration and growth of Glial cells in the Myelin sheath around brain and central nerve, or radically changes its ability in function, as each time there has been a tightening or drying up sensation of the inner scalp, followed by losses in mobility and pain in the various areas of the back, and limb muscles that have coincidentally been seemingly over strained.

Each time, there has also been a tendency towards walking backwards for ease of movement (perhaps to avoid the possibility in freezing of gait) while my skin also appears to be losing some of its elasticity (more noticeably on the back of the hands).

The muscle pains intensifying in the tendons and nerve junctions along the spine seem to suggest a restriction of synapse through a ‘dry’ barrier in the central nervous system, even after the spine is decompressed in the floor exercises I do to relieve pressure on the Sciatic nerves. Given the order of all the effects from Flu, and the relief from taking Antibiotics, I am inclined to suggest the possibility that, in turn, the brain cells in the Substantia nigra region are not being sufficiently stimulated by the returning Synapse, two fold; because the virus also directly effects the muscle's capability. Resulting in inactivity within specific areas of the brain regarding mobility, the retention of unwanted protein, with the ongoing inactivity thereby causing a decline in cells to worsen the situation, instigating the (hopefully temporary) need to increase Levodopa.

The apparent wave in good and bad days as the Flu lingers on, also appears to follow the fluctuating pattern of nasal discomfort in debris associated with possible, further mutation of the Flu virus as the sneezes come and go. Perhaps underlining the theory that the virus and or altering bacterial factors effecting the water retention or fluidity within nerve tissues are playing a role within the overall picture of my predicament.

This train in thought may also be backed up by the fact that the BocowoA trial proved non effectual after the initial improvements had occurred; in that after the muscle tone improved on the right hand side of my body to match the less effected left-hand side, over time I have had to rely upon Levodopa medication once again, all be it still at relatively low doses to some sufferers of Parkinson’s disease.

　

Further thoughts

If the development of Parkinson’s disease, is directly connected to people catching a certain strain of a Flu virus, then the question as to why some people are more susceptible to this situation of ill than others, obviously needs to be considered in greater detail. And while prospective in nature as a thoughtful guess, perhaps there is an answer that suits, towards a possible further understanding.

The susceptibility to Parkinson’s may be an in built aspect generated within the genes during gestation; Whereby, a Foetus embryo is affected during certain periods of its development with a genetic re-coding, due to the expectant mother being infected with a particular strain of a Flu virus (while her immune system is altered due to her change in hormones). This re coding effectively altering how certain cell tissues physically divide and grow, such that the Foetus can come to maturity in a full term pregnancy to be born.

Once born, this now in built ability toward re-coding cells, would effectively then naturally kick in again, on the presence of re-infections as part of the child’s immune response system in response to similar rooted strains of Flu.

Subsequently, as cell regeneration naturally slows down as the body ages, the resulting aspects of Parkinson’s symptoms would naturally become more dominant too feature. And indeed as a Flu virus mutates strengthening its chances in survival, it is quite likely to inflict more potent damage; reflected by the symptoms in early onset of Parkinson’s appearing to show up at younger ages and in increasing number.


More food for thought

Strangely enough, for a short time I worked as a hospital porter during my early twenties, and automatically qualified for the Flu jab. This was the first time I noticed a minute continuous nervous tick that was sufficient for me to say to a nurse that I thought I had Parkinson's, when she described what was wrong with a bed bound PD patient on the men's ward.

Back then, once the minor Flu symptoms went I forgot all about the little misses in my rhythm, yet twenty plus years later it now figures in my thoughts once more. So while considering the possibility of a Flu jab in the future, I am edging more towards just going with a Vitamin D dose or two next winter to help arm me against future bouts.

Of course, the first usual comment I get when I say Antibiotics have helped my situation in Parkinson's and Flu, is a response that Antibiotics are for Bacterial infection not Viruses; which bypasses the whole point, by ignoring the inter- relationships and dependencies, that appear apparent with the physical pattern of well being that arises, each time the courses of various Antibiotics have been taken over the years.

To the point where I can say, 'Having had to increase Levodopa medication guickly over a short period of time in feeling off colour; After taking Antibiotics, I have then had too drastically reduce the Levodopa dosage, to levels that are lower than the levels being taken prior to realising the Flu. In an almost annual, three steps leap forward two steps back routine.'

 

Working With Nature

The whole philosophy behind Coldstream’r is that you cannot leave Flood Prevention to Nature, but you can work with Nature to prevent flooding.

With known capacities for Catchment runoff, Flood meadow, River and drainage channel flow rates, the Somerset Levels can be maintained accordingly and mindfully too allow for the heavy rainfall at certain times of the year.

Patrolling the waterways, the ColdStream’r would constantly be updating upon cross sections and flow rates wherever they roam, highlighting and immediately sweeping away any undesired silt into collection areas, so that silt deposits are not allowed to build up and create unwanted risk at appropriate times throughout the year.

Apart from the advantage in spotting blockages created by fallen trees and debris, by routinely maintaining the cross sections by de-silting on a regular basis, perhaps the biggest advantage will be to the benefit of Wildlife and the overall Environment.

By working seasonally with Nature, stretches of water can be managed to prevent them being over run with specific water plants by controlling germination numbers, sections can be left undisturbed during spawning and hatching periods, and the banks remain virtually undisturbed, with the more drastic hard landscaping measure of the dredge bucket reduced to a minimum in specified areas.


 

What’s in a name

News of the flooding on the Somerset Levels coinciding with my father’s death brought many thoughts rumbling together. Pa’s tales of his marching beneath the Queen’s bedroom window while on duty patrolling the palace and the Coldstream Guards attending his funeral; Colliding, with warm memories of living, working and walking beside the Parrett and Tone, the floods when we waded in Wellington boots, and now, the devastation because aspects along the rivers remained unattended.

The idea for a patrolling guard ColdStream’r fully kited out for action in a proactive approach to river management was soon down on paper and duly waiting for the next stages of development.

 

Artist impression of above water details

 

Working with Nature

Both these pictures were taken approximately 2.5 kilometers from the river’s source at a brief time of high water, and demonstrate, how the banks and a river’s course can be controlled and modeled by semi permanent or temporary means.

　

In the first picture the old tree stump serves to pinch the river on the left-hand bank to cause a speeding in current flow and a deepening along the right-hand flanks of the river for a considerably long way, as clearly indicated by the flow’s lines and string of bubbles as the water breaks.

When this part of the river is running back to its normal level, the gentle slope of silt along the left hand bank is revealed and the river course remains to the right hand side within the deeper channel.


The second photograph, was taken further up stream where the banks are more vertical and as you can see, there is an obstacle (rock) directly in front of the tree to cause pinching below the high (current) surface in water levels. While this and the tree are insufficient to alter the centerline of the river’s flow, they do however, cause the currents running (left to right in the shot) alongside the bank, to physically eddy and flow back upstream; undercutting and hollowing out the riverbank for a good few metres.

Again, when this part of the river is back to its normal levels, the vertical banks will remain, with the linear cave (now approximately 25cm x 3metres) suspended midway up the bank.

While these examples detail view able changes (to be seen at the surface) that have been made by Nature. It is this aspect, of achieving a variety of flow results, through the remodeling and the shaping of river bank and bed profiles, that Coldstream’r has been designed to assist with, in providing a new provision to the management of rivers and ultimately flood prevention.

Utilising new innovative techniques, in creating and sculpting semi permanent underwater features, refining, and or removing temporary modeling features (in targeted areas) throughout the seasons; Designed to, speed, slow, and or direct, changes in current and course, maximising the forces of Nature, toward and upon building a sustainable Flood Prevention Scheme.


 

"De-silting as they go"

Looking at the misery, financial losses and impact floods have upon community and the Environment, "de-silt as they go craft" may not be such a crazy idea.

Like the ColdStream’r craft, vessels can be design for purpose, tailored for their river environment, with the clear advantage of being able to work in areas where dredging bucket equipment cannot reach or go. With, a low above water profile and long reach, offering greater mobility and flexibility on route, such vessels will enable the management and control of sediment, directing it into deposit collection areas or sweeping it out to sea on prevailing currents.

I well imagine the lookout points of Burrow Mump, Burrow Hill and Glastonbury Tor, served well to direct work teams to various sections of water to managed individual defenses on a regular daily basis, in the times before dredging machines heralded in a more lazy approach to river management.

With modern technology (powered by renewable wind and solar Energy) the Levels can once again be managed economically on such a daily basis; with sedimentation kept on the move and not allowed to build up in unwanted places.

This more gentle daily management will minimise effects upon Wildlife, improving the quality of water in stagnated areas, ensuring minimal damage from foreign objects and pollutants, while above all, ensuring that there is the capacity within the overall system to handle periods of adverse rainfall.


 

ColdStream'r "de-silt as they go"

Coldstream’r Project

With the view that Flood Prevention is a matter upon striking the right balance in the management of Catchment water under prevailing and forecasted conditions.

The ColdSream’r Project is to create a fully automated, Proactive, Environment friendly, high-tech solution towards Flood Prevention. Utilising new technology, and the ability provided by a fleet of Coldstream'r drone watercraft, being developed to patrol, maintain, and manage waterway networks, with new Energy efficient (mechanical) techniques and monitoring, to advance and arrest situations at localised and regional levels.

Proactive by nature, once in place, the ColdStream’r system working 24/7 (all year round) will be able to identify any localised areas at high risk within its overall assessment. Enabling focused vessel deployment, for on the spot preventative de-silting works and other corrective measures to be undertaken instantaneously, prior to and in answer to forecasts in periods of inclement extremes.

The prime aim being; To provide the most accurate, least invasive, cost effective, management and maintainence possible. A system run on Renewable Energy that works with Nature to the benefit of Community, Business and Environment.

Further more, given the level in detail of correlated information that would become available; It will enable some evaluation of the possible consequences regarding proposals on new Inland Development Schemes, highlighting where there may be need for a levy or rebate within the granting of Planning Permission.

In theory, such a system would not only protect existing land mass, but could effectively assist in creating new areas of usable land, to address the aspect of the areas along the shoreline being lost to the sea.

 

Artist impression showing a ColdStream'r Flood Prevention vessel working 24/7 even on busy rivers.

 

ColdStream'r vessels could also assist in Lake management, or as a valuable tool for hands on search and rescue situations, with divers swimming and working along side.

 

 

 

Seeking Investors

Confident in the ability to good design and engineering, we are currently seeking Investment to get this new and pioneering Flood Prevention Equipment project launched.

So Sad

So sad to see the struggle in Somerset

In my opinion there was no excuse not to dredge the upper tidal reaches of Parrett and Tone. When we lived there, there was a promise made verbally in a meeting with EA (held at the Pigeons pub before it closed) that they would monitor the situation having decided upon a silt aggitation process rather than removal, and to dredge if the aggitation process was not performing sufficiently too protect the homes in that region.. The failure seems pretty obvious to me. Yes the EA do a wonderful job over all, but within that some failure has occurred.

The policy towards holding water in catchment areas slowing the flow on high ground before it reaches populated areas seems sensible, but holding it for too long in the Lowlands is pretty foolish to my mind, as it then only increases the risks upon the populated areas because there is to much water surrounding them! (While I'm not the brightest spark, that aspect upon water levels is seen by children every summer building sand castles on a sandy beach as the tide comes in!)

 

 

New Levels

England has changed dramatically since the days of "Little Holland" and today's way of life perhaps calls for a reinvention and expansion of that region.

The Levels have sadly settled over the years while the sea is gently rising due to climate change, and with flood waters effecting many more communities in Somerset, dredging deeper may not solve the problems.

Along side this, many other areas are affected by the rivers flowing into the Severn Estuary, so perhaps the responsibility falls upon better management on a larger scale, and the fore sight to expand usable land mass in a sensible and sustainable way; rather than continuing in the obviously failing, age old knee jerk reactions, that continue to absorb finances and drain the economy in the western regions.

With the rising population, housing problems and tax hikes within a bound up economy; It appears ludicrous to think about a multitude of isolated quick fix experimental localised flood protection schemes, that offer little by way of any guarantee in success or profitable long term return upon such investment; before being ruined by surrounding urban developments or the wants to invest in faster modes of transport between the major cities.

Surely, it makes more fiscal, and economic sense, to install a purpose built Energy Barrier across the Severn Estuary, with the ability to manage passage and the Natural Environment on a daily basis relative to the whole scale in situation.

Effectively, creating economic growth and development with a larger, manageable flood protection scheme, that has the ability to protect a vast area, while being sustainable through contributing Energy into the National grid for a foreseeable future.


 

Hold a Hand

 

It took a few attempts to capture the model moving with an apparent static left hand in a single shot