Why Trench Z?....The Holm Cairn…...From OISF…..
by Bernie Bell - 07:41 on 30 August 2024
Why Trench Z?....
Some folk might have wondered why, on the last year of the dig at the Ness of Brodgar, the decision was made to open a new Trench. The People of the Ness do know what they’re doing. The following might answer the question….’Why Trench Z?’…..
https://archaeologyorkney.com/2024/08/28/ness-wall/
The Holm Cairn…...
https://archaeologyorkney.com/2024/08/29/holm-cairn-2024/
I mentioned this in my review of this year’s Archaeology Society Review….
http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=16842
…which is still available from the OAS on-line shop…
https://shop.orkneyarchaeologysociety.org.uk/
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From OISF…..
"It’s just a week away!
The Festival’s a chance to look at past, present and future in an island setting. We look back to the making of the Pentland Firth, with scenes from Caithness and Stroma to Rackwick and the Old Man of Hoy. The power of its tides is one of the elements making Orkney the perfect testbed for renewable energy, and we’ll hear about new horizons opening up on several fronts, including offshore wind. Orkney’s Arctic past is the context for news of new links taking shape with points north, and there’s music from along the old Norse island sea-routes as well. There are Viking genes, seabird studies, three centuries that made modern Orkney, two centuries of lifeboat design and rescue, the challenge of sustainable seafood, and the riches of seaweed as a food for past and future.
It's an opportunity to visit many places, and if you're going to the Friday evening talks in the Hoy Kirk, you might want to make a day of it and include an outing to Rackwick, the "hidden valley of light".
It's an opportunity to hear about new approaches to tackling big problems for island and urban communities. The opening talk highlights the fresh approach of green chemistry, transforming waste into food, fuel and pharmaceuticals and designing materials that are safe and recyclable. On the closing day we hear how desktop-sized systems can turn ocean plastic into creatively usable material. We also hear about the power of music to help to heal, with an opportunity to sing along. There’s stories of conservation of coral reefs and how underwater structures can become new ecosystems for marine life.
The five buffet lunches of Orkney fare in the Peedie Kirk are a treat to look forward to, combining fine local food with much company to enjoy and a warm tribute to a notable Orcadian. The evenings round off in the Orkney Club, with interviews, a quiz evening, music, and sometimes food and drink to sample too.
There are many events for the whole family, with two sparkling chemistry shows, Arcs and Sparks, a lunar visit from Mr Boom, and a Family Day packed with activities in the Pickaquoy arena. And don't forget The Science of Superheroes - they're on the way to Orkney and four of the islands as well!
There’s a journey back through time in St Magnus Cathedral with powerful images of Antarctic exploration, and the rich colours of a quilt stitched by many hands for an astronomy bicentenary. And across the street in the Town Hall words and music combine with star plates for a total experience created by an Orkney artist around the cometary discoveries of the remarkable Caroline Herschel.
Every festival should provide an opportunity to do something you’ve never done before – so this is a good time to think about swimming with gravitational waves! It starts with an astrophysicist’s introduction, and then we all get into the pool to dive into the sound and light above and below the water’s surface. This year you can also see an artwork based on a barometer provided to Stromness by the captain of the ship that Darwin sailed, in, and you can hear of an old Shetland legend with clues to ancient astronomy. You can see electric sparks so great that they are really indoor lightning, and you can help to build a city of numbers.
We look forward to welcoming you!”
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