National Trust acquires Hambledon Hill

Updated 8:55am Thursday 7th August 2014 in News

The spectacular Hambledon Hill, one of the finest Iron Age hillforts in Dorset, has been acquired by the National Trust.

Built over 2,000 years ago, the massive earthwork defences lie over one of the most significant early Neolithic landscapes in Western Europe, dating back almost 6,000 years, and is a place that half of British butterfly species call home.

Standing at twice the height of the White Cliffs of Dover and taller than the Shard in London, Hambledon Hill occupies an area of land the size of 50 football pitches. From the summit of the hillfort you can see across three counties Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire and get a real sense of its prehistoric strategic importance.

Jerry Broadway, a National Trust volunteer working on Hambledon Hill, said: When I come here I feel like someone would when they go into St Pauls Cathedral.

When there is no-one else around and I sit on the top of the hill looking at the view I feel very privileged. And to play a small part in looking after the hill is a good feeling.

This is the first hillfort acquired by the National Trust in Dorset for 30 years.

The Trust now cares for seven hillfort sites in a county which is internationally renowned for these special historical places.

Simon Ford, National Trust wildlife adviser, pictured right, said: The beauty of a magical place like Hambledon Hill is the combination of a rich natural and archaeological story that goes back thousands of years.

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National Trust acquires Hambledon Hill

SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ John Edens LAUREN COSTELLO SITA TAUFA SITA TAUFA SITA TAUFA WILMA McCORKINDALE/Fairfax NZ COLLEEN McKINNEL JOE WATT EVAN HARDING/ Fairfax NZ ASHLEIGH JACKSON MEG BARTON ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ DEBBIE JAMIESON/ Fairfax NZ DEBBIE JAMIESON/ Fairfax NZ EYETOEYE PHOTOS WILMA MCCORKINDALE/ Fairfax NZ JESSICA RAUBENHEIMER GORDON MCDIARMID GORDON MCDIARMID SHANAE FORBES Bruce Bernasconi NZTA CHRIS WATSON SUPPLIED Barry Harcourt Wilma McCorkindale

Traffic heads north into white-out conditions on SH1 1 (Tutu Hill Rd) in the Clutha District.

Trucks crawl north up SH1 at Kaihiku (between Balclutha and Clinton).

Traffic heads south into white-out conditions on SH1 (Tutu Hill Rd) in the Clutha District.

Emergency services personnel check out a truck crash on Beacon Hill Road about 6km north of Waipahi.

A grader gets to work on Edenale Hill in Southland.

A calf tests out the snow on the outskirts of Ohai.

Peter Templer of Puketihi Farm, Ohai, feeds out to his sheep.

The main street of Ohai is postcard pretty in the snow.

Rachael Johns, 15, gets towed by Shayna McLeod 14, both of Nightcaps.

Excerpt from:
Live: Heavy snow blankets the south

SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES SHANE RHODES ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ John Edens LAUREN COSTELLO SITA TAUFA SITA TAUFA SITA TAUFA WILMA McCORKINDALE/Fairfax NZ COLLEEN McKINNEL JOE WATT EVAN HARDING/ Fairfax NZ ASHLEIGH JACKSON MEG BARTON ROBYN EDIE/ Fairfax NZ DEBBIE JAMIESON/ Fairfax NZ DEBBIE JAMIESON/ Fairfax NZ EYETOEYE PHOTOS WILMA MCCORKINDALE/ Fairfax NZ JESSICA RAUBENHEIMER GORDON MCDIARMID GORDON MCDIARMID SHANAE FORBES Bruce Bernasconi NZTA CHRIS WATSON SUPPLIED Barry Harcourt Wilma McCorkindale

Traffic heads north into white-out conditions on SH1 1 (Tutu Hill Rd) in the Clutha District.

Trucks crawl north up SH1 at Kaihiku (between Balclutha and Clinton).

Traffic heads south into white-out conditions on SH1 (Tutu Hill Rd) in the Clutha District.

Emergency services personnel check out a truck crash on Beacon Hill Road about 6km north of Waipahi.

A grader gets to work on Edenale Hill in Southland.

A calf tests out the snow on the outskirts of Ohai.

Peter Templer of Puketihi Farm, Ohai, feeds out to his sheep.

The main street of Ohai is postcard pretty in the snow.

Rachael Johns, 15, gets towed by Shayna McLeod 14, both of Nightcaps.

Read more:
Snow blankets south

The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch launches (literally!) an impressive new outside feature, and its already drawing the generations.

On Monday, July 27, 2014, The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, was host to quite a new celebrity in the outdoor family mecca of the United StatesColorados first summer tubing hill. Its almost alarming that we didnt have one of these before, as we are toted as the extreme, family fun headquarters in America. This has to be one of the most accessible, non-queasy, pure 20-second joys for children ages 2 100. Thats what makes this summer tubing hill so brilliantnot only is it bright white against the lush green backdropits the most fun risk I know moms, little children and even my own mother would take, I assume. My mother will be testing this out this fall! This was one of best adventures my children and I have had in some time. And, you know we are a well-traveled crew.

The official ribbon cutting was a one-two punch. We got Colorados newest thrill ride AND snapshots of the extraordinarily large scissors that were originally designed for the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These were the very same scissors that reopened Highway 36 after the historical floods in fall of 2013. This was heartwarming; the scissors might be a good luck charm with ushering in healthy, happy and safe Colorado journeys. I had to have a cut myself. After presentations from Kent Meyer, President/CEO of YMCA of the Rockies, Robyn Bartling, Landscape Architect with Design Concepts; Duane Sanderson, President, TDS Construction and Steve Goldmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, YMCA of the Rockies.

It was time for the media and children to hit the slope. Never fearful was my 3-year-old, the youngest tuber of the day. I only wish I was as talented as the other mothers to capture her faces on video and instantaneously post. From sheer horror to overwhelming exuberance, we were up and down that tube hill 10 times in less than an hour! Hank the Tank, the more reserved of my children, was even more impressive. He had two YMCA staff members to accompany him and race down the hill over 15 times. He was the last one on the hill, Hank the Tank nearly missed lunch! But, not before we had some real tank women and men join us for the best surprise of the day. The Navy Seabees, as theyre called because of their initials CB for Construction Battalion, were working with the Department of Defenses Innovative Readiness Training on several projects at Snow Mountain Ranch and took a break as dirt devils swirled in their construction site a few hundreds yards away and hit the slope. Geared up, this was certainly a memorable moment not only for the core, but everyone present. Gosh, the YMCA really does make that magic of outdoor fun and multi-generational adventure affordable, accessible and most importantly, non-threatening. Whether you want to try it for the afternoon or book a longer stay at the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, this is to-do for every family. And, stay tuned, as this is only the first phase of the 22-acre site of the Family Adventure Park at the resort. There is drive-up access to the tubing hill with a new 13,000-square-foot plaza housing a concession and equipment stand, restrooms, look out points and lots of picnic seating. Capital improvements funds paid for the tubing hill and the remainder of the project will be dependent upon donations and operational funds. For schedules, prices and more visit, http://snowmountainranch.org/activities/summer-tubing-hill/. A special thanks to them for hosting!

Snow Mountain Ranch Summer Tubing Hill from YMCA Rockies on Vimeo.

Summer Tubing Hill: The Stats

Snow Mountain Ranch guests can use this tubing hill free of charge! Members of YMCA of the Rockies or another YMCA (with proof of membership) can use the tubing hill for $15 per person and receive a complimentary day pass.

The prices for day visitors are as follows: 13 and older: $35 per person; 6-12 years old: $25 per person; 3-5 years old: $15 per person. A full-day activity pass is included in this price, and gives access to our mini golf course, tennis courts, indoor pool and sauna, hiking and biking trails, free family programs and much more.

Go here to see the original:
Comment on Colorados First Summer Tubing Hill Opens at Snow Mountain Ranch by Gretchen Yoder

A tour of Distant Hill Gardens will be offered on Friday, Aug. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. Cheshire County Conservation District invites you to attend and get ideas for your own garden design at the garden tour.

Located at 507 March Hill Road in Walpole, Michael and Kathy Nerrie have created an outstanding landscape with plantings collected over 20 years from the annual Cheshire County Conservation District Plant Sale.

On the tour, these plants will be highlighted so that visitors can see what a bareroot can turn into.

Michael Nerrie will lead the tour and discuss how Distant Hill Gardens has approached using the annual CCCD Plant Sale as an affordable way to develop the landscape.

You can register by contacting the CCCD at 756-2988 ext.115 or sharlene@cheshireconservation.org

A suggested donation of $5 per person to benefit future CCCD programming would be appreciated.

Originally posted here:
Distant Hill Gardens to offer educational tour of landscape

Virginia Mayo

In this Dec. 12, 2013 file photo, World War I graves next to a farm on Messines Ridge in Messines, Belgium. The ridge was fought over fiercely by all sides during the entire four years of the war. One hundred years on World War I still resonates across Flanders Fields, where countless monuments and cemeteries as well as the relics of bunkers and trenches dot the modern landscape. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

Virginia Mayo

In this Saturday, June 14, 2014 file photo, red poppies bloom around the World War I Scottish monument on Frezenberg Ridge in Zonnebeke, Belgium. In 1917, three Scottish Divisions would march from this ridge into the Battle of Passchendaele. One hundred years on World War I still resonates across Flanders Fields, where relics of bunkers, craters and trenches still dot the now picturesque landscape. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

Virginia Mayo

In this photo taken on May 8, 2014, a farmer walks with World War I shells he found on his field in Boezinge, Belgium. One hundred years on World War I still resonates across Flanders Fields, where relics of bunkers, craters and trenches still dot the now picturesque landscape. As well at static relics there is also the danger of unexploded shells which appear every plowing season. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Virginia Mayo

In this photo taken on Dec. 18, 2013, a scarecrow with a Santa hat in a field near what would have been a World War I "No Man's Land" near Messines, Belgium. One hundred years on World War I still resonates across Flanders Fields, where countless monuments and cemeteries as well as the relics of bunkers and trenches dot the modern landscape. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Virginia Mayo

In this April 11, 2014 file photo, a World War I bunker in a field in Heuvelland, Belgium. One hundred years on World War I still resonates across Flanders Fields, where countless monuments and cemeteries as well as the relics of bunkers and trenches dot the modern landscape. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

Read the rest here:
AP Photos: A Belgian landscape shaped by war

The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch launches (literally!) an impressive new outside feature, and its already drawing the generations.

On Monday, July 27, 2014, The YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, was host to quite a new celebrity in the outdoor family mecca of the United StatesColorados first summer tubing hill. Its almost alarming that we didnt have one of these before, as we are toted as the extreme, family fun headquarters in America. This has to be one of the most accessible, non-queasy, pure 20-second joys for children ages 2 100. Thats what makes this summer tubing hill so brilliantnot only is it bright white against the lush green backdropits the most fun risk I know moms, little children and even my own mother would take, I assume. My mother will be testing this out this fall! This was one of best adventures my children and I have had in some time. And, you know we are a well-traveled crew.

The official ribbon cutting was a one-two punch. We got Colorados newest thrill ride AND snapshots of the extraordinarily large scissors that were originally designed for the other side of Rocky Mountain National Park. These were the very same scissors that reopened Highway 36 after the historical floods in fall of 2013. This was heartwarming; the scissors might be a good luck charm with ushering in healthy, happy and safe Colorado journeys. I had to have a cut myself. After presentations from Kent Meyer, President/CEO of YMCA of the Rockies, Robyn Bartling, Landscape Architect with Design Concepts; Duane Sanderson, President, TDS Construction and Steve Goldmann, Chairman of the Board of Directors, YMCA of the Rockies.

It was time for the media and children to hit the slope. Never fearful was my 3-year-old, the youngest tuber of the day. I only wish I was as talented as the other mothers to capture her faces on video and instantaneously post. From sheer horror to overwhelming exuberance, we were up and down that tube hill 10 times in less than an hour! Hank the Tank, the more reserved of my children, was even more impressive. He had two YMCA staff members to accompany him and race down the hill over 15 times. He was the last one on the hill, Hank the Tank nearly missed lunch! But, not before we had some real tank women and men join us for the best surprise of the day. The Navy Seabees, as theyre called because of their initials CB for Construction Battalion, were working with the Department of Defenses Innovative Readiness Training on several projects at Snow Mountain Ranch and took a break as dirt devils swirled in their construction site a few hundreds yards away and hit the slope. Geared up, this was certainly a memorable moment not only for the core, but everyone present. Gosh, the YMCA really does make that magic of outdoor fun and multi-generational adventure affordable, accessible and most importantly, non-threatening. Whether you want to try it for the afternoon or book a longer stay at the YMCA of the Rockies, Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, this is to-do for every family. And, stay tuned, as this is only the first phase of the 22-acre site of the Family Adventure Park at the resort. There is drive-up access to the tubing hill with a new 13,000-square-foot plaza housing a concession and equipment stand, restrooms, look out points and lots of picnic seating. Capital improvements funds paid for the tubing hill and the remainder of the project will be dependent upon donations and operational funds. For schedules, prices and more visit, http://snowmountainranch.org/activities/summer-tubing-hill/. A special thanks to them for hosting!

Snow Mountain Ranch Summer Tubing Hill from YMCA Rockies on Vimeo.

Summer Tubing Hill: The Stats

Snow Mountain Ranch guests can use this tubing hill free of charge! Members of YMCA of the Rockies or another YMCA (with proof of membership) can use the tubing hill for $15 per person and receive a complimentary day pass.

The prices for day visitors are as follows: 13 and older: $35 per person; 6-12 years old: $25 per person; 3-5 years old: $15 per person. A full-day activity pass is included in this price, and gives access to our mini golf course, tennis courts, indoor pool and sauna, hiking and biking trails, free family programs and much more.

See the article here:
Comment on Colorados First Summer Tubing Hill Opens at Snow Mountain Ranch by Amber

JOHNSTOWN There is an 11-mile path, cut through the woods between Meyersdale and Somerset, that is starting to look like a road.

Straightaways and turns are clearly discernible. A few bridge columns are in place.

More than 4 million cubic yards of earth have been moved.

Almost a year ago, in late August 2013, the area was mostly a forest when dignitaries gathered for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on the new stretch of U.S. Route 219.

The limited-access, four-lane highway is not scheduled to be completed until the autumn of 2017, but the transformation from wilderness to transportation route is obviously underway.

Its really nice, Thomas Helsel, project construction manager from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, said. Its an encouragement I think to everybody.

I have people tell me when they drive through this area and they see the progress that has been made, theyre starting to see how the highways taking shape and how theyre going to be able to drive on this highway someday.

Somerset County Commissioner John Vatavuk echoed those sentiments.

Im pleased with the progress, Vatavuk said.

People are really starting to see the progress now.

Read the original here:
Route 219 taking shape across Somerset County landscape

The physical landscape of downtown Pagosa Springs could be changed forever if town council follows a recommendation made by its planning commission this week.

Commission member Peter Adams, who recused himself from the Tuesday night discussion, was the one who had submitted the application to the planning department requesting the towns right of way (ROW) adjacent to his property be vacated and turned over to him.

Adams owns a strip of property between 6th Street and the shale cliff (along the San Juan River). He also owns more than half of the lots on the east side of 7th Street between Navajo and Piedra streets, on the top of the shale cliff. The town retains a ROW between those two properties that runs the full length of the ridge above the cliff.

Although the terrain would make construction of an alley nearly impossible in that area, and the strip of land remains undeveloped to this day, the towns ROW could also allow for other future uses, such as trails or utilities. However, if the town vacates its ROW, Adams plans to develop the area into private residences.

Although Adams could not testify at the planning commission meeting because it would be considered a conflict of interest, he did submit an email with his application to the planning department, and Town Planner James Dickhoff included it in the commissions agenda packet.

The alley in its (sic) current location will prevent me from getting to the crest of the hill to take advantage of the view, Adams wrote. As I consider developing this property it is simple economics. If I can utilize the views the nature of the housing I can provide will change dramatically. A more up scale experience with views of the river,town (sic) and mountains.

Without this option I would be forced to build lower income housing close to So. 7th. The rear yards would be a steep hill with none of the amenities mentioned above. This kind of construction is not my style and I would be reluctant to put my sign out front.

As a concession for Adams being able to take over the alley ROW and develop the top of the hill, Dickhoffs agenda materials explained, The Applicant has also stated he will work with the Town to formalize the 6th street ROW, which currently goes through his property. The town has a prescriptive Right (Easement) for 6th Street alignment, however, this is very limiting on what can occur along 6th Street. Formalizing the 6th Street ROW will ensure the Town can utilize the ROW for all utilities, road, future sidewalk/trails, etc.

Adams original application, which he submitted on March 27, asked the town to vacate the ROW for the entire alley between Navajo and Piedra, not just the portion next to his property. It also asked that the Navajo Street ROW from 6th Street to 7th Street be vacated, as well.

The April 29 planning commission meeting where this original application was to be discussed received proper notice, and a sizable crowd of neighbors showed up to offer public comments. However, at the last minute, Adams amended his application, narrowing the scope of the request to only include the portion of the alley ROW between his properties, excluding Navajo Street.

See the rest here:
Recommendation could change towns landscape

NEW YORK, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --The McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation today announced the winners of the 2014 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. Each will be presented with a $50,000 award during a ceremony at the New York Public Library on September 23. Now in its 27th year, the Prize honors innovators in education and focuses this year on those who have found ways to narrow a particular achievement gap in a broadly replicable manner. This year's winners are:

The 2014 winners represent the best innovative research and tactics being used worldwide to identify and narrow achievement gaps across the educational spectrum. Honorees are chosen by a distinguished independent board of judges from the education community.

"McGraw Hill Financial is proud to sponsor the Foundation and its activities, especially the Prize in Education. Closing student achievement gaps is vital to ensuring future generations have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed," said Harold (Terry) McGraw III, Chairman of the Board of McGraw Hill Financial. "Despite being confronted with unique gaps between students of different nations, genders and cultures, all three of the winners have brought innovative thinking and scalable solutions that are helping to reshape the educational landscape."

"We are very proud of this year's exceptional winners," said Ted Smyth, Vice President, McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation. "We congratulate each on the significant contributions they have made in helping close achievement gaps."

Additional information, including photos and more details about the 2014 winners, can be found here: http://www.mhfirf.org. Follow updates on the Prize on Twitter at @McGrawPrize (www.twitter.com/mcgrawprize).

About the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education:

The annual Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, sponsored by the McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation, recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to education innovation. It was established in 1988 to honor the late Harold W. McGraw, Jr.'s lifelong commitment to education, and to mark the Company's 100th anniversary. Since 1988 the Prize in Education has recognized 82 of some of the nation's most prominent and pronounced educational leaders. Visit http://www.mhfirf.org to learn more and see a complete list of winners.

About The McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation:

The McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation's mission is to support organizations, projects and activities that are advancing global education and knowledge in the 21st Century. To further this commitment, the Foundation educates, informs and raises awareness about: new methodologies to improve student and teacher performance; the use of technology and innovation to empower life-long learning; education for jobs; the need to improve financial literacy; and emerging societal issues and trends impacting the global community.

Emily Fredrix Goodman McGraw Hill Financial (212) 512-2825 emily.fredrix@mhfi.com

Originally posted here:
McGraw Hill Financial Research Foundation Presents the 2014 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education Winners