Distractions, reflections

The conference dinner for OR50 was scheduled at the National Railway Museum in York.  As we approached the venue, the size of the Yorkshire Wheel became apparent.

The material and techniques to construct the wheel should have been low in complexity, given today’s technology.  The form, however, is still impressive.

I had arrived on one of the later buses, because our driver got lost on the way.  Most of the other attendees had already had their ride on the wheel.

Each pod seats up to 6 people.  Read more... (351 words, 17 images, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Beverley — a market town, with a long history in Yorkshire — is where some of the professors at the University of Hull live.  After a day in seminars, we chose the town as a destination for drinks and dinner.  There’s been a market cross in Beverley since the 1700s, although the current structure must have been constructed more recently.

The market only happens on Saturday morning, so the space is a parking lot for the rest of the week.

The street named Toll Gavel may have been where road charges were paid in the 13th century.

As is common in most small British towns, stores don’t open late.  Window shopping is the only option.  Read more... (200 words, 8 images, estimated 48 secs reading time)

I’ve come to enjoy train travel in Britain. Looking out the window, there’s always a variety of sights that remind me of Grade 9 history class: rolling meadows, low stone walls, and factories from the industrial revolution. On the train down to King’s Cross, there’s more than one instance signalling a more modern era.

 Read more... (155 words, 3 images, estimated 37 secs reading time)