MYSTERY OBJECTS

[Tizer]

Still no correct answer. China got part of the answer with `transporting rocks' and Gloria almost got another part with `spreading lime'. But let's be more specific about the type of rock and, technically, it's not `lime'. You're right with the Chinook spreading stuff out in the countryside but you haven't yet got the reason why. A clue: it's in the UK but has a link with New Zealand.

[chinatyke]

Let's start again then. I know they also spread gypsum on fields. They also used gypsum rocks to improve field run-off water quality. Could it be this?

Clue: New Zealand - Anchor butter - to anchor the fence posts!

[Gloria]

Think I'm with Chinatyke.....gypsum??

[StoneRoad]

The Chinook is bringing chalk to spread on the Burford Kiwi, the dust is from the down draft.

[Tizer]

No, think again...a white rock that's not gypsum. Gloria was closer when she said lime.

Blimey, I'd just written the above and tried to post it and up came Stone Road's post - and he's got it dead right. It's Salisbury Plain and the Chinook is dropping chalk to redo the Kiwi that was originally made by exposing chalk on the hillside, like many of the other emblems etc on those hills. The Kiwi was made by NZ soldiers billeted nearby at Bulford just after the end of WW1. They got restless, wanting to go home, and caused damage at the barracks so the officers occupied them with making the Kiwi. Bulford Kiwi

Well done, StoneRoad!

[StoneRoad]

Ta ever so, Tizer.

No great feat - just that I remembered seeing something about the Kiwi refurbishment in a recent Current Archaeology.

(have been looking for our copy to confirm the details)

[Gloria]

Interesting, never seen that.

[Stanley]

That was a good one!

[Tizer]

Ta ever so, Tizer. No great feat - just that I remembered seeing something about the Kiwi refurbishment in a recent Current Archaeology. (have been looking for our copy to confirm the details)

No wonder you got it - the photo I used was scanned from that Current Archaeology issue. We subscribe and it's an excellent magazine, I'd recommend it to anyone. You don't have to be an archaeologist to enjoy it and it doesn't just cover `ancient stuff' - they run articles on recent things too and the latest issue has one about the remains of an old jazz club in Manchester! Some condensed versions of their articles are put for free access on their web site each month. Many magazines and newspapers these days are full of typos and poorly edited whereas CA is excellent in this respect too. And the images are high quality. Current Archaeology

[Stanley]

Try this oldie again. Any idea what they are?

[Tizer]

For opening something?

[PanBiker]

Is it for opening the covers on old street lighting standards?

[Stanley]

You're both on the right track but what needs opening?

[Gloria]

Opening a gas meter?

[Stanley]

Sorry Gloria no. Clue..... the answer is quite alarming. That ought to trigger it!

[StoneRoad]

electrical switchgear cabinet (if it isn't a gas meter cupboard)

[Stanley]

Funny isn't it, I thought this one would be latched on to immediately! I'll give it another day.......

[Wendyf]

Are they for turning off a fire alarm? Or winding up the mechanism....

[Stanley]

Well done Wendy, you are close enough. It is for opening the case of the alarm either to release pressure on the operating button to test the function or, in the case of a glass having been broken to initiate the alarm, to open the case so that a new glass can be installed.



The engine stop buttons and fire alarms were very similar. The only difference was that the engine alarm glasses were slightly bigger.
Next for shaving?

[Stanley]

Can anyone tell me what is going on here?

[Tizer]

Re-pointing the bricks on the inside of a chimney?

[chinatyke]

Do I spot Stanley's brown shoes? Not a safety officer within 10 miles! Those were the good old days.

[Stanley]

You're right Tiz, the top of Ellenroad stack. You're right also China, Even if there were they wouldn't have been allowed to climb the chimney! Not done the right courses. Things were so much simpler then and we worked miracles on small budgets. No paperwork or permissions, just make sure your hat wouldn't blow off and get climbing!
Next for shaving?

[Stanley]

Try this oldie.......

[Tizer]

You can put a sheet of something in the gaps and tighten the screws to hold it. But a sheet of what, and why?