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Waterbodies & Maritime
Chatham Dockyard
Topic: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
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Topic: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area (Read 11192 times)
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #19 on:
May 07, 2014, 18:27:03 »
From: Lieutenant Commander M.W. Morris, Royal Navy.
Office of the Flag Officer, Medway,
27th July, 1971.
Dear Sir,
The Flag Officer, Medway has directed me to write to you in connection with the recent press reports concerning the figurehead Forte. If, when it considers the future of the figurehead, the Rural District Council should decide that it would prefer to return Forte to the Admiralty, arrangements can easily be made for this to be effected locally.
The admiral does not, of course, wish to suggest that Forte should be returned if the Council has other plans in mind, but he thought that you might care to know, that, if the Council itself put forward the suggestion, no difficulty or inconvenience would be caused to the Admiralty.
Yours faithfully,
M.W. Morris
Sheppey Rural District Council.
Council Offices,
Sheppey, ent.
3rd August, 1961.
Dear Sir,
Ships Figurehead Forte.
Your letter of 27th July was submitted to the Council at its meeting yesterday in connection with a recommendation coming before the Council to the effect that the figurehead be returned to the Admiralty.
Apart from various other letters the Council has received from persons interested in the purchase of this ships figurehead, including antique dealers, a letter was also submitted to the Council from the Sheerness Harbour Company Limited indicating that their company would welcome the opportunity of acquiring it, having already several figureheads presented to them by the Admiralty when the Company acquired Sheerness Dockyard which, together with other items of historic interest, the Company state they are forming into a collection with a view to the establishment of a harbour museum.
In view of the foregoing, the Council amended the Committees recommendation to return the figurehead to the Admiralty to the effect that the Harbour Company be invited to negotiate direct with the Admiralty with a view to Forte passing into their possession.
In the circumstances, perhaps you will let me have the views of the Admiralty on this before I communicate with the Harbour Company.
Fourth Sea Lord
Admiralty, London, S.W.1.
Head of Military Branch II
Approved to re-allocate the figurehead Forte to the Sheerness Harbour Company Ltd.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #18 on:
May 07, 2014, 15:45:12 »
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #17 on:
May 07, 2014, 12:38:57 »
Military Branch II.
Deputy Secretary, (P),
In view of the general tone of Mr. Frank Carrs letters, M. Branch is of the opinion that the National Maritime Museum would be most reluctant to release one of the three figureheads which it has acquired.
Attached is a copy of this Branchs note to P.S. to Secretary about the figurehead of Forte. This figurehead might well be proving an embarrassment to the Sheppey Rural Council and we may be invited to have it back. Assuming this materialises, possibly this figurehead might meet the First Lords requirement.
Alternatively, should it be found unsuitable for installation in the Admiralty owing to its size, it may be possible to exchange it for one in the National Maritime Museum.
*. Petrie
For Head of Military Branch II.
14th July, 1961.
Deputy Secretary (P),
17th July, 1961.
The figurehead of Forte, which was given to the Sheppey R.D.C., has been removed by them and put in store because it haunted 84-year old Mrs Woolley and her husband.
Would you be able to get an unofficial contact to the R.D.C. to intimate that we would welcome it back?
It might not do for First Lords lobby, but it would surely be possible to find a better use for it, (perhaps as a swop) than lying in a local authoritys store.
F.N.N. Synnott
Director of Stores
As you know, the First Lord has for some time been looking round for various ways to embellish that part of the corridor just outside his office. We are finding a few pictures, but there is a special problem for an alcove just opposite where there used to hand an old Nigerian tusk which has now gone to the British Museum. At his request, I have been looking into the possibility of getting a ships figurehead, but it appears that none is available. As an alternative, it occurred to me that a suitable decorative trophy to put there might be one of the old carved royal coats of arms, such as in fact you have yourself got in your own lobby just above. I saw one lying about at Chatham the other day, but it was too big.
2. Do you have any of these or do you know where you could put your hands on them, e.g., in some of the old trophy stores?
Alternatively, is there a suitable one anywhere which might be copied? I expect that Vote 12 would pay the cost if one has to be specially made. Not more than 5 ft. load, or 4 ft. high or less.
14th July, 1961.
Deputy Secretary (P)
In reply to your enquiry dated 14th July, 1961, concerning a decorative trophy to put in the First Lords corridor, we have nothing of this sort in Naval Store custody, but, as you suggest, there may be something suitable in the R.N. Trophy Stores administered by the R.N. Barracks at Portsmouth and Plymouth. M. Branch II deals with enquiries in respect of these trophies and I have passed a copy of your enquiry, and also of this note to the Head of M.II for section.
F.C. Wilkins
Director of Stores
26th July, 1961
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #16 on:
May 06, 2014, 16:51:58 »
Deputy Secretary (P)
It has been confirmed, after consultation with Secretary to Flag Officer Medway, that all the figureheads which became available as a result of the closure of the Nore Command have been re-allocated and disposed of in accordance with Admiralty instructions.
2. With regard to figurehead Chesapeake, it is considered that its condition is such that any attempt to remove it from its present position would be likely to result in its disintegration. Chesapeake, together with Poitiers and Goliath, were offered to Messrs. Buildings Development, Ltd., on condition that the figureheads were left in situ as long as possible and that Admiralty approval would be sought to their removal.
3. According to the latest information in this Branch, however, there are approximately 26 figureheads situated at H.M.S. Pembroke and in Chatham Dockyard list attached. It is thought that out of this selection one of suitable size and in good condition could be found, which Flag Officer, Medway would be please to make available for the First Lord.
4. It is suggested that, as a start, the First Lord should indicate on the list any figurehead in which he is interested, and that the D.G.N.W. should then be asked to advise on size and condition. Installation would have to be carried out by the Ministry of Works.
18th May, 1961.
Thank you for your letter of 27th June asking whether there is a suitable figurehead at Chatham for the corridor outside the First Lords room. Unfortunately the re-allocation of all the figureheads that became available as a result of the closure of the Nore Command has already been effected in accordance with the directions given on 25th April, 1960.
I am unable to propose the transfer of any of the figureheads in the Admirals Walk, H.M. Dockyard or in H.M.S. Pembroke which have been in place for very many years and are regarded with considerable affection locally. However I am sure that you did not have this in mind. From the records held here, it appears that either Daphne or North Star both of which were allocated to the National Maritime Museum might have been suitable, and you may care to write to *** and ask if he is prepared to give one of them back.
The Face Will Haunt No More
Reynolds News Reporter.
The face haunted 84-year-old Mrs. Henrietta Woolley and her husband. For two years its staring eyes have looked directly into their sitting-room. Even at night the swarthy, bearded face can be seen silhouetted against the street lamps. They have asked Sheppey Rural Council, Kent, to remove the man with the staring eyes.
What is the face that stands in the forecourt of the Council offices opposite the couples bungalow at Minster, Sheppey? A ships figurehead. It was given to the Council by the Navy two years ago, when the Sheerness Dockyard closed down.
The Council agrees with Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wooley that it is not a very enjoyable thing to look at. So its going to be put it into storage until a new home is found for it.
Military Branch II.
P.S. to Secretary,
I have discussed the press report about the figurehead of Forte with the Clerk of the Sheppey Rural District Council and there is no doubt as to its authenticity.
The figurehead has been removed from its position outside the Councils offices and has been temporarily placed in storage. Its future is to be discussed at the next council meeting and, should the Council be unable to find a suitable position to re-site the figurehead owing to its size (including the plinth approx.. 7 ft high), Admiralty instructions regarding disposal will be sought, in accordance with the conditions governing the presentation of this item to the Sheppey R.D.C.
It is understood that the figurehead is in very good condition and there should be no difficulty in placing it in a suitable home.
The First Lord is particularly desirous of have a figurehead installed in the Admiralty, and no doubt this requirement may be borne in mind when, and if, the question of Fortes disposal arises.
R.N. Petrie
For Head of Military Branch II.
12th July, 1961.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #15 on:
May 02, 2014, 14:37:30 »
I am on a roll today! A Sheerness figurehead update for you with text quoted from the NMM website.
Search Results for: "Sheerness"
Kidbrooke Stores, National Maritime Museum.
Black-and-white painted and part-gilded figurehead in the form of a half-length bust of King Edward VII, in naval uniform with epaulettes, emerging from a foliate scroll head. It comes from a model brig built by Edward VII in 1904 for his grandchildren and sailed on Virginia Water. It was based on a 42-foot naval cutter, reconstructed and rigged as a 10-gun brig at Sheerness Dockyard. On completion it was towed up the Thames as far as Brentford then loaded onto road transport for the short journey to Virginia Water, where it was actively used by the royal children for 13 years. In 1919 it was condemned and broken up, the figurehead and stern nameboard (FHD0065.2) being saved.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #14 on:
May 02, 2014, 14:33:48 »
An addition for you! There are two Chatham made figureheads gathering dust in the NMM stores at Kidbrooke, namely those of HMS Bulldog of 1845 and HMS Forester of 1832. I can't fathom that if they are hidden away in storage why they cannot be loaned back to Chatham for public display!!
Also there is a 1938 publication by the name of "Figureheads in Dockyard, Royal Naval Barracks and Royal Naval Hospital, Chatham". I have never seen it but would assume the NMM has a copy.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #13 on:
May 02, 2014, 14:00:58 »
Thank you. I am glad someone is enjoying it!
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #12 on:
May 02, 2014, 13:58:03 »
I have followed this Figureheads subject with great interest. Just a couple of notes that might help. The 'Southern Gate', which was to be permanently closed when the barracks closed, was the one that opened onto Medway Road, Gillingham. The figurehead of Rinaldo is now located at the Plymouth Naval Base Museum.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #11 on:
May 02, 2014, 10:19:44 »
5th September, 1960.
Dear Mr. Wake,
You will remember that about 3 weeks ago, I discussed with you on the telephone the question of allocating the figurehead North Star to the National Maritime Museum in place of Rinaldo, as it was Admiral Durnford-Slaters personal wish that, provided you had no objection the latter should go to H.M.S. Dauntless.
On receipt of your agreement that the Museum would be more than happy to meet the Admirals wishes, I got in touch with the Admiralty, explained why it was desired to make this switch and asked them if they would be kind enough to approve the change.
I understood at the time that this would be done, but I have now been informed that the Admiralty is not prepared to do so unless they have confirmation in writing that the National Maritime Museum is willing to accept North Star in place of Rinaldo.
I do apologise for giving you this extra work but would you be very kind and let me have a short note to this effect.
Yours sincerely,
B.S. Mallory
9th September, 1960.
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your letter of 5th September.
The question of the substitution of the North Star figurehead for that of the Rinaldo has been discussed by our Chairman of Trustees and Director, and I am authorised to inform you that the Museum has no objection to this change in the allocation of the figureheads, being effected.
I hope this information will now be sufficient for the necessary switch to be made.
Yours sincerely,
A. H. Waite,
Deputy Curator of Models and Relics.
13th September, 1960.
Allocation of Figurehead to H.M.S. Dauntless
(a) Nore of 13th July, 1960.
(b) Admiralty of 8th August, 1960.
Be pleased to submit that Their Lordships decision in paragraph 1 of reference (b) may be reconsidered.
2. I have personally inspected both figureheads and there is no doubt in my mind that North Star is not a suitable figurehead to allocate to a W.R.N.S. Training Establishment.
3. The Chairman and Director of the National Maritime Museum, as confirmed in thee enclosure, are willing to accept North Star in place of Rinaldo and under these circumstances it would be appreciated if the change proposed in paragraph 3 of reference (a) may be approved.
Robin Durnford-Slater
23rd September, 1960
Allocation of figurehead to H.M.S. Dauntless
(a) Nore of 13th July, 1960.
(b) Admiralty of 8th August, 1960.
(c) Nore dated 13th September, 1960.
I am to inform you that the re-allocation of the figurehead Rinaldo to H.M.S. Dauntless, as proposed in paragraph 3 of reference (a) is now agreed.
2. The Director, National Maritime Museum is being informed of the change.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #10 on:
May 01, 2014, 17:03:07 »
13th July, 1960.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Items of Naval Interest for H.M.S. Dauntless
(a) Admiralty Letter of 25th April, 1960.
(b) Nore of 22nd June, 1960.
(c) Nore of 31st May, 1960.
Be pleased to inform Their Lordships that a recent visit to H.M.S. Dauntless revealed the fact that this establishment is very lacking in items of Naval interest.
2. I therefore intend, when the Nore Command Closes, to re-allocate the following items to H.M.S. Dauntless:
The figurehead Rinaldo Admiralty House, Chatham
Two Brass Ornamental Cannon South Entrance, R.N. Barracks, Chatham. (Gate to Maritime Headquarters.)
3. It is requested that reference (b) may be cancelled as it is intended to allocate North Star to the National Maritime Museum in place of Rinaldo, and that the Director of the National Maritime Museum may be informed of this changed allocation. Rinaldo is considered to be the more suitable figurehead to allocate to a W.R.N.S. Training Establishment.
4. The Admiral Superintendent, Chatham is requested to arrange delivery of these items to H.M.S. Dauntless in early March, 1961.
Robin Du*ford-Slater
Office of the Fourth Sea Lord,
London, S.W.1.
Head of Military Branch II
Ships Figureheads
Fourth Sea Lord has seen your loose minute of 26th July, 1960 and Commander-in-Chief, The Nores submission of 13th July, 1960.
2. He is not prepared to support the Commander-in-Chiefs intended re-allocation of the figurehead Rinaldo to H.M.S. Dauntless. This is one of the figureheads selected by the National Maritime Museum when they were offered their choice of three of those becoming available for disposal and this allocation is not to be disturbed.
3. Although Fourth sea Lord has already allocated the figurehead North Star to the S.P.D.C., Eaglescliffe as a result of Commander-in-Chief, The Nores earlier submission, he would have no objection to the further re-allocation of this figurehead to H.M.S. Dauntless if the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore so wished.
4. The Commander-in-Chief, The Nore should be informed accordingly and his wishes regarding the possible re-allocation of North Star to H.M.S. Dauntless should be sought.
Secretary to Fourth Sea Lord
27th July, 1960.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #9 on:
May 01, 2014, 10:13:37 »
29 February, 1960
Commander-in-Chief, The Nore
Copy to: Captain-in-Charge, H.M. Dockyard, Sheerness
Disposal of Figureheads
Further to Admiralty letter MIII/35/58 dated 31st December, 1959, I am to acquaint you that Their Lordships have approved the re-allocation of figureheads ex establishments in the Sheerness and Chatham areas as follows:-
(i) To offer the three good Sheerness Dockyard figureheads (Scylla, Forte and Ocean) to the local civic authorities, subject to the condition that if at any time they are no longer required further disposal should first be agreed with the Admiralty;
(ii) That the Director of Armament Supply be given the choice of selecting two figureheads out of the four from his establishments, namely one at the Gunwharf (Basilisk), one at Lodge Hill (Briton) and two at Grain (Rattlesnake and Scylla), for re-allocation to other Armament Supply establishments;
(iii) That the National Maritime Museum be offered the choice of any three figureheads from the two remaining ex Armament Supply establishments, the four from R.N. Hospital (Daphne, Isis, Octavia, Scout), and the two at Admiralty House (Forester and Rinaldo). Also the Museum may be offered the three in poor condition remaining in Sheerness (Goliath, Poitiers and Chesapeake).
The five figureheads then remaining will be re-allocated by Fourth sea Lord personally to other naval establishments at a later date.
2. With regards to (i) above, packing and transport costs would normally be recoverable. If the Sheerness civic authorities use their own transport and personnel for these services, it is possible that handling charges, e.g. crainage and labour, may be incurred, in which case these would be recoverable from the local councils.
3. The Director of Armament Supply has been informed as in (ii) above, and a copy of a letter to the National Maritime Museum is attached for information.
By command of Their Lordships,
T. Cullen.
14th March, 1960.
Disposal of Figureheads
With reference to your letter of the 29th February, I have now consulted with the Museum experts with regard to the figureheads which Their Lordships have been kind enough to offer to the National Maritime Museum; and I am not able to inform you that the three which we would like among those offered in the first list, would be those of the Daphne, ex R.N. Hospital, Chatham, and the Forester and Rinaldo, ex Admiralty House, Chatham.
As these three would be our first choices in any event, we need not wait until the Director of Armament Supply has chosen two from the four offered to him before communicating our decision to Their Lordships.
With reference to your paragraph 2. I am informed that examination by our experts of the three figureheads in Sheerness Dockyard, namely the Goliath, Poitiers and Chesapeake, shows that these are very heavily embedded in, and repaired with concrete, to such an extent that it would not be feasible in our opinion, to remove them from their present position without them disintegrating. In these circumstances, we feel that it would be better not to attempt to disturb them, but to leave them where they are, and to hope that those who take over sheerness will treat them with the case and respect which they deserve, and to keep them preserved as long as possible.
My Trustees further note with appreciation and gratitude that packing and transport services will be undertaken from R.N. sources, and that no charge will be made to the Museum.
In conclusion, I am directed by my Trustees to request that you would please be kind enough to convey to Their Lordships an expression of their very grateful appreciation and thanks.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
Frank carr
Deputy Secretary (G)
Disposal of Figureheads
Reference your note of 18th February, 1960.
2. Now that the Sheppey local authorities, D.A.S. and the National Maritime Museum have had their pick I propose, subject to your agreement, that the five remaining figureheads be re-allocated as follows:-
Isis R.N.A.S. Arbroath.
Octavia R.N.A.S. Yeovilton.
Scout H.M.S. Cambridge.
Basilisk F.O.S.T. for Base.
Rattlesnake H.M.S. Thunderer.
4th April, 1960.
22nd June, 1960.
The Secretary of the Admiralty.
Disposal of Figureheads
Be pleased to inform Their Lordships that a check of the figureheads available for disposal when the Nore Command closes shows that there is an additional one which should be added to the list in the reference.
2. This is the figurehead North star which stands at the Southern Gate to R.N. Barracks, Chatham. This fate will be permanently closed when the Barracks ceases to function as such in March 1961, and this part of the property disposed of. It is not requires for reallocation to any other part of H.M.S. Pembroke.
3. It is requested, therefore, that disposal instructions may be given for North Star. For ease of reference, a description of this figurehead is as follows:-
Dimensions :- Height 6 6; length 3 6 overall.
Condition :- Good
Condition of decoration :- Fair. Paint work peeling badly in patches.
Colours :- Hair: Black, Mantle and sash: Blue and gold.
F. H. Thomas
Head of Military Branch
Reference your note of 4th July, 1960, the Fourth Sea Lord would like this figurehead to be allocated to the Spare Parts Distribution Centre, Eaglescliffe.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #8 on:
April 30, 2014, 20:19:17 »
12th November, 1959
Dear Sir,
I understand that various naval establishments, e.g. Sheerness Dockyard and the R.N. Barracks, Chatham, will be closing in the next year or so. I have a very dreary little back yard which faces north, and would very much like to get hold of a figurehead or two to cheer it up, and I am wondering whether there are any steps I should take to help me acquire them, if there are to be any for disposal as the establishments close. If so, would you be kind enough to tell me what I should do. Is there some waiting list or some way of making a formal application?
Yours sincerely,
Mrs Gertrude Hardie
Secretary of the Admiralty,
Military Branch II,
P.S. Perhaps there are some for disposal now?
Disposal of Figureheads
I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the admiralty to refer to your letter dated 12th November, 1959, and to inform you that the question of the disposal of figureheads which might become available in the Chatham area has been under consideration recently. From enquiries already received, however, it is apparent that the demand will be far in excess of the supply, but your application will be borne in mind when the final allocation of figureheads is decided.
I am, Madam,
Your obedient Servant,
W.N. Hanna
Statement C
Disposal of Ships Figureheads.
List of Naval Applicants.
Flag Officer Sea Training (1 for official residence, and 1 for base).
H.M.S. Excellent
R.N.A.S. Yeovilton
R.N.B. Devonport
R.N.A.S. Arbroath
H.M.S. Thunderer, R.N. Engineering College, Manadon
H.M.S. Cambridge
H.M.S. Fisgard
R.N. Spare Parts distribution centre (U.K.)
R.N.P.F. Caerwent
R.N.A.D. Bull Point
S.N.O. Northern Ireland
R.N. Store Depot, Almondbank
R.N.A.D. Broughton Moor
Requests also received from:-
R.N.A.D. Ernesettle
R.N.A.D. Dean Hill
R.N.A.D. Marchwood
R.N.A.D. Corradino (Malta)
R.N.A.D. Benghaisa (Malta)
R.N.T.D. Kalagrama (Malta)
R.N.A.D. Beith
R.N.A.D. Ditton Priors
R.N.M.D. Wrabness
R.N. Proof Yard, R.O. Factory, Chorley
List of Civilian Applicants
National Maritime Museum (2)
Dover Harbour Board
Sheerness Urban District Council
Society of Merchant Venturers
Requests also received from:-
Queenborough Rural District Council
Sheppey Rural District Council
Wellesley Nautical School
Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania
Surgeon Rear Admiral Mussen
Pinto Collection of Wooden Bygones
DG Kno*** Land, L*tin Chambers
Hawley Lester Smith II, Brazil
Upper Thames Sailing Club
Adm. Sir Henry Moore
Mrs. G. Hardie
Science Museum, S. Kensington
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #7 on:
March 14, 2014, 19:19:07 »
The secretary of The Admiralty,
I enclose a copy of a letter which I wrote to Admiral Thompson which is self-explanatory, together with a copy of his reply.
May I now formally ask that my name on behalf of the Upper Thames Sailing Club may be placed on the waiting list of applicants.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
H. Scott Freeman
21 October
Figureheads ex R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
With reference to your letter dated 7th October, 1959, I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that from the enquiries already received, it would appear that the demand is likely to exceed the supply, but your request will be borne in mind when finally deciding the re-allocation of the figureheads.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
W.N. Hanna
Figureheads ex R.N. Barracks, Chatham.
I thank you for your letter of the 21st instant, and hope that I may hear further in due course that, apart from the Club, the Thames Conservancy would be a deserving case.
Some years ago, the Admiralty were good enough to sell to me a Ships Bell which has ever since been in daily use here.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
H. Scott Freeman
The Beck,
6th November, 1959.
My Dear Lang,
The first: It has been suggested to me that sometime next year, when I have finished my job as High Sheriff, and have more free time, I should take up my pen, and write a memoir of Sir Dudley Pound. This rather appeals to me, as I feel there has been a spate of memoirs etc. recently written by people who all seem to have been solely responsible for winning the war!, and very few people, I am afraid, ever give a thought to the man who held the fort, as far as the Navy was concerned, through the most critical period of the war, when we so nearly came to grief.
Before I can consider doing this, can you tell me whether I would be able to get permission to have access to the secret papers dealing with the activities up to the time of Dudley Pounds death? I suppose I saw most of them during my time as V.C.N.S. I think it would be essential for me to be able to see these if I was to undertake the job at all. I would of course, ask George Pounds permission before I finally decide to go ahead.
Secondly: Can you tell me whether by any chance, it would be possible for me, as a former Commander-in-Chief of the Nore, to acquire one of the smaller figureheads which I suppose, will be scattered around when Chatham finally closes down? The one I particularly would like, would be the Lady who used to look across at the front door of Admiralty House when I was there, but who seems to have been moved to new pastures green since then, as I found an unfamiliar figure head there the other day, when I dined with the Commander-in-Chief.
All good wishes,
Yours ever,
Harry Moore.
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #6 on:
February 11, 2014, 10:43:57 »
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Re: Disposal of Ships Figureheads in the Chatham Area
Reply #5 on:
February 11, 2014, 10:31:35 »
Disposal of Figureheads
25th November, 1958
Be pleased to inform Their Lordships that an application has been received from the Dover Harbour Board to view the figureheads at Sheerness with a view to offering to purchase one of them.
2. Before granting this request, it is requested that Their Lordships policy on civil applications of this kind may be made known as, if granted, it may be expected that others will follow. Two other civil applications have already been received, one from a retired Surgeon Rear Admiral for one figurehead from the R.N. Hospital, Chatham, and the other being that given in reference (b) to the above reference.
3. It is considered here that the number of figureheads in Naval possession is not so great that any reduction, except perhaps to museums, should be envisaged. Furthermore it is certain that several Naval applications will in due course be received from the figureheads becoming available from Sheerness and from Chatham Barracks.
4. Their Lordships views are requested.
Vice Admiral.
Letter from The Pinto Collection of Wooden Bygones.
15th April, 1959.
We thank you for your letter of April 14th, and note that the disposal of figureheads is being held over until 1960/61. We are grateful to you for saying that you will keep our enquiry in mind.
Undoubtedly, this would be a very fitting resting-place for some of the figureheads, because this collection is recognised by the Ministry of Education as having considerable value, and during each session, it is visited by many thousands of schoolchildren in organised parties.
Yours faithfully,
Edward and Eva Pinto.
Admiral Superintendents Office
H.M. Dockyard
1st October, 1959
Dear Mr. Scott Freeman,
I was very interested to get your letter of the 29th September and to be in touch with someone who has been interested for so long in a club of such standing as the Upper Thames Sailing Club.
You will appreciate my feelings if I start this letter with a flat contradiction. Chatham Dockyard has served the Crown for 412 years and is not, and may I repeat the word not, going to close down; in fact, I have every hopes that the Dockyard will continue in the service of the Crown for another 412 years, or maybe longer.
From this it follows that you will get no figureheads from Chatham Dockyard.
I think you are confusing the Dockyard with the Royal Naval Barracks at Chatham which are to close down in March 1961, a date when, regrettably, the Commander-in-Chief will also haul down his flag after some 270 years. These combined will probably make available for disposal some figureheads, but the Admiralty have made it clear that no figureheads are to be disposed of without their authority.
I suggest therefore that you write to the Secretary of the Admiralty and get in your application now, so that it may be considered with all the applications.
I agree with you that it would be very nice to have these figureheads preserved in places where they are appreciated and I am sure the Admiralty will be interested in your application.
With kindest regards, and may I seek your held in dispelling the idea that chatham Dockyard is going to close? Far too many people make that mistake and I am at pains to get their ideas straight.
Yours sincerely,
J. Y. Thompson.
17 March, 1960
Disposal of Figureheads
Further to Admiralty Letter MII/111/35/58 dated 14th April, 1959, I am commanded by Mt Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that, in the event, only a very small number of figureheads ex-establishments in the Chatham area become available for disposal. These have been re-allocated to other Royal Navy establishments and Museums, and My Lords regret that there are now none available for sale to the general public.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
W. N. Hanna
18th March, 1960
Dear Sir,
re: Disposal of Figureheads
Thank you for your courtesy in writing to us regarding the above.
The only point that we would make is that this Collection is, in fact, a museum open to the public (we are members of the Museums Association), and it is a museum which is recognised by the Ministry of Education as having considerable educational value. It is much visited by schools, and out of the nearly 11,000 visitors who came last year, approximately half were children. If, therefore, you have a figurehead available for a museum, we hope you will offer it to us as we are not making the application as members of the general public.
Yours Truly,
Edward and Eva Pinto
17 March, 1960
Disposal of Figureheads
Further to Sir Maurice Adams letter to you dated 25th March, 1959, I am commanded by My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to inform you that, in the event, only a very small number of figureheads ex-establishments in the Chatham area become available for disposal. These have been re-allocated to other Royal Naval establishments and museums, and My Lords regret that They are unable to offer one to the Dover Harbour Board for erection on the Prince of Wales Pier.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
W. N. Hanna.
The letter above was also sent to the Royal Yacht Club in Tasmania, Hobart.
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Today there was the most beautiful sunset on my way home – so I pulled over and took two photos with different exposures. I have always wanted to try photoshop two images into one by blending them together.
I followed this website and I think it turned out ok – I will keep practicing though.

subset: commoncrawl


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Workshop Activity 1: Finding and sharing resources or/and experiences on teaching and learning
Cloud created by:
Giota Alevizou
6 November 2009
Participants will be split into groups. You will discuss and also contribute your thoughts to four of the five clouds on the following topics:
- Cloud 1: Key issues and strategies for designing learning resources or activities (20 mins)
- Cloud 2: Share your knowledge and use of OERs (20 mins)
- Cloud 3: Discuss motivations for and barriers to teachers and learners sharing and remixing OER (20 mins)
- Cloud 4: How might web 2.0 tools (such as Cloudworks) be used to support the design of learning activities or OERs (20 mins)
- Cloud 5: Set up a cloud on your own topic. Suggested topics you might like to consider, include:
- What Quality Assurance issues are likely to arise with OERs?
- What training and support might practitioners need in terms of OER use?
- What kind of technical infrastructure is needed to support OER?
- What kind of representations are possible for OERs and how can these be shared?
- Discussion about Open Exeter
Extra content
- Discussion (0)
- Links (0)
- Academic References (2)
Contribute to the discussion
Please log in to post a comment. Register here if you haven't signed up yet.


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Ageing, Disability and Home Care nurses face loss of award conditions – who will be next?
More than 1000 New South Wales nurses, who care for people with the greatest physical and intellectual disabilities, stand to lose some annual leave, some shift penalty rates, all annual leave loading and other award conditions.
Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) nurses working under the Department of Family and Community Services, are the first nurses to face sweeping cuts to their awards by the state Liberal/ National government.
The O'Farrell Government says it will ask the NSW Industrial Commission to change 98 awards for about 80,000 public sector workers, including ADHC nurses, clerical staff, librarians, parks and gardens staff, school administration assistants, regulatory inspectors and legal officers.
A spokeswoman for the Finance and Services Minister, Greg Pearce, told the Sydney Morning Herald that most nurses employed under the Public Health System Nurses and Midwives' State Award would be exempt from the cuts. But she confirmed that nurses employed by the Department of Family and Community Services would be targeted.
"To have these cuts imposed on staff on top of the government wages policy [which caps salary rises to 2.5%] is outrageous," Judith Kiejda, Assistant General Secretary of the NSWNMA said. "The meanness of this government beggars belief."
Judith said a meeting of NSWNMA delegates from across the state had voted unanimously to support ADHC nurses in a campaign against the cuts and for a decent pay rise.
"If this government can get away with doing this to ADHC nurses, it will use the precedent to attack the pay packets of all nurses."
What's at risk?
The O'Farrell Government's proposed cuts to awards covering public sector workers such as ADHC nurses includes:
•Abolishing the 17.5% annual leave loading.
•Cutting penalty rates by restricting the definition of a shift worker to someone who works outside 7.30am to 6pm.
•Cutting shift workers' annual leave from six and seven weeks for some, to a maximum of five weeks for all.
•Abolishing Family and Community Service (FACS) leave.
•Stopping injured workers from using sick leave to make up the difference between the amount of workers' compensation payable and their ordinary rate of pay.
•Cutting travel allowances.
•Cutting benefits for remote workers, including remote allowance, additional leave and travel assistance.
You'll automatically become a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation


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Reserve this plot now and move in for Christmas! A three-bedroom semi-detached house with single leasehold garage under coach house and parking
This three bedroom home offers a separate kitchen/breakfast area, living/dining room with French doors opening onto the patio and turfed rear garden. There is also a cloakroom to the ground floor. Upstairs, the master bedroom comes with fitted wardrobes and en-suite shower room. There are two further bedrooms and family bathroom.
Ground Floor (Click to enlarge)
First Floor (Click to enlarge)


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Robert E. Wahlgren was a banking executive who in midcareer became an affordable housing advocate in DuPage County and worked to expand housing options for the homeless and low- and moderate-income families.
"Bob was always thinking of better ways to do things and he was always driven to help someone and asked, 'Is this a good way we can help our clients,' to make their lives better," said Mark Milligan, a longtime collaborator. "He really was not afraid to take on or do anything."
Wahlgren, 73, died of complications from pancreatic cancer on Oct. 23 at his home, said his daughter, Christine Edison. A longtime Glen Ellyn resident, Wahlgren also had been battling lymphoma, his daughter said.
Wahlgren graduated from Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago and then earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1965. He went on to work for Continental Bank for more than 20 years before taking an early retirement at age 45 in 1988.
Wahlgren and Milligan were both volunteering on the overnight shift at a DuPage homeless shelter when they noticed that there were a lot of families there with young children, his daughter said.
"They thought it was terrible that any child should have to grow up in a homeless shelter," she said.
Wahlgren and Milligan co-founded Bridge Communities, a Glen Ellyn-based nonprofit group aimed at helping the homeless get back on their feet. Starting with managing one apartment for a formerly homeless family, Bridge has gone on to now oversee 13 buildings that house 150 people each night. Wahlgren was chairman of Bridge Communities for two decades.
"Bob could solve problems by creating avenues for affordable housing that others couldn't or didn't think of," said former Bridge Communities Executive Director Joyce Hothan. "And he took his business background into his not-for-profit work and was able to develop sustainable models."
Mary Ellen Durbin, the retired executive director of the People's Resource Center in Wheaton, recalled being inspired by Wahlgren and Milligan as Bridge Communities was launched. Within two months of meeting with them, Durbin and her late husband, Ron, resolved to do something similar in their hometown of Lisle. So they formed Daybreak of Lisle Transitional Housing, a group aimed at moving homeless families toward greater self-sufficiency by providing them with temporary housing.
"Bob had an absolute compulsion to give back. I don't know that I've ever met anyone who had more intensity about giving back," Durbin said. "He had been blessed in his life, and he was so selfless that it meant he would be schlepping furniture and cleaning up floors and doing the hard, hard work that it takes."
In 1997, Wahlgren became the executive director of the Wheaton-based nonprofit group Community Housing Advocacy and Development, which seeks to place low- and moderate-income families in affordable rental housing. Over the next 13 years, Wahlgren increased the group's housing portfolio from 100 units to 400.
"The people graduating from the Bridge program oftentimes were going into the CHAD housing, so it was kind of a natural progression for him to move into that role," his daughter said.
Hothan said Wahlgren was comfortable with making moves like buying apartment buildings outright.
"He was a can-do kind of person, and when he saw the opportunity, he just went for it," she said.
Through his work at CHAD, Wahlgren in 2003 started a community land trust program called Just Homes, as a way to help first-time buyers. The Just Homes program, which resulted in the construction of eight town homes in Glendale Heights and the purchase of 22 other homes — all for low-income residential use — was part of a concept where the price of the home is separated from the cost of the land. The program, which was the first of its kind in Illinois, makes mortgages far more affordable.
"That was an opportunity that people would not have (otherwise) had to buy housing," Hothan said.
DuPage County community development specialist Carrol Roark praised Wahlgren for his impact on the homeless and others in low-income brackets.
"Thousands of parents have kissed their children good night in a safe and cozy home because Bob Wahlgren pursued new ways of thinking about housing, built new housing, rehabilitated old housing and advocated for families in need of housing," Roark said.
"He was a man of both big ideas and boots on the ground, as we spent hours in freezing temperatures touring foreclosed houses during the housing crisis trying to figure out how to stop this blight on the hardest-hit neighborhoods."
In addition to his daughter, Wahlgren also is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kay; a son, Bill; four grandchildren; and a brother, David.
Services were held.
Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.


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MISSOULA – Students in the Ecosystem Science and Restoration program at the University of Montana invite volunteers to help build erosion-prevention structures on roadside slopes of the Anaconda smelting hills. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 29.
Volunteers should meet at Albertsons in Anaconda and caravan to the project site alongside Highway 569.
This project will give volunteers an opportunity to learn about restoration efforts, damage by smelting and how erosion impacts plant growth. UM students will lead volunteers in building check-dam structures to prevent future erosion. Students also will educate volunteers about the history of the Anaconda smelter, ecological impacts in the area and restoration techniques.
"This event will be a great chance for community members to get involved in an active restoration project and see the impacts of human activity on this landscape," said Jeff Cahill, one of the students organizing the project.
The Anaconda copper smelter emitted toxic fumes for a century, severely degrading the surrounding land. Heavy metal deposits killed off existing plants, and heavy logging of the surrounding hills' timber for the smelter also caused the soil to lose stability.
Volunteers should bring water, sunscreen and work clothes, including work gloves and boots. Warm clothing layers are advised. A limited amount of gloves will be provided. Volunteers can RSVP to arrange carpools from the UM campus or meet at 9:30 a.m. in Anaconda at Albertsons. Volunteers should bring snacks to eat throughout the day, but pizza will be provided afterward at Galacano's pizza.
Volunteers should RSVP to Jeff Cahill by calling 406-546-9535 or emailing firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Original Research ARTICLE
Front. Integr. Neurosci., 09 October 2009 | https://doi.org/10.3389/neuro.07.023.2009
Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
This study examined the contributions of the primary and secondary motor cortices (M1 and M2) to action differentiation and sequencing in mice. In Experiment 1, mice with excitotoxic lesions of M1 and M2 and sham controls learned to emit lever presses exceeding a criterion duration to earn food rewards. Duration differentiation obeys Weber's law – i.e. the spread of the distribution is proportional to the average duration. M1 or M2 lesions did not affect differentiation of press durations. Experiment 2 studied the effects of the same lesions on the learning of a simple sequence consisting of two lever presses, one distal, and the other proximal, to the reward. M2 lesions impaired the acquisition and reversal of this sequence. M1 lesions, by contrast, had no effect on acquisition but impaired sequence reversal. Moreover, duration of the first press in a sequence was on average twice as long as that of the second press, though this ratio was not affected by motor cortex lesions. Together these results offer a first glimpse into the cortical substrates of instrumental differentiation in mice.
All behaviors take place in time. Two fundamental temporal dimensions of behavior are duration and order (Lashley, 1951 ; Bernstein, 1967 ). These dimensions can be modified by instrumental learning, in a process known as differentiation (Skinner, 1938 ).
To differentiate means to generate actions fulfilling some criterion. Differentiation can be contrasted with discrimination, in which animals are trained to perform one response to one discriminative stimulus, and a different response to a different discriminative stimulus (Konorski, 1967 ), with the stimuli differing in some specified dimension such as direction of motion (Newsome and Pare, 1988 ). In differentiation, by contrast, no antecedent stimuli are manipulated. Animals learn to generate behaviors that satisfy some arbitrary criterion, relying on an internal program to select the appropriate action (Skinner, 1938 ; Platt et al., 1973 ; Kuch, 1974 ).
This study focuses on the differentiation of action duration and action order. Duration is the duration of a discrete lever press, the period between the pressing and the release of a lever. Order is the serial order of two presses on two different levers. Studies have demonstrated that rats are capable of duration and order differentiation (Platt et al., 1973 ; Kuch, 1974 ; Balleine et al., 1995 ), but little is known about how the brain coordinates these behavioral parameters. Neuropsychological and electrophysiological data from primates (including humans) point to a critical role of the motor cortices in the fine control of movement (Luria, 1966 ; Tanji et al., 1996 ; Shima and Tanji, 2000 ). The present study assessed the effects of excitotoxic lesions of primary motor cortex (M1) and secondary motor cortex (M2) on duration and order differentiation.
All experiments were conducted in accordance with Duke University Animal Care and Use Committee guidelines. Twenty-four male C57BL6/J mice (Jackson Laboratories, Maine), aged 8 weeks at the start of the experiments, were used. One week after surgery, the mice were food deprived to reduce their weight to 80–85% of their normal weight. Their target weight was maintained by feeding them 1.5–2 g of home chow each day after testing and training. Water was available at all times in the home cages.
Surgery and Histology
Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane (1–2%) during surgery. A stereotaxic frame was used for all surgeries (Kopf, CA, USA). After fixing the head, the scalp was cut to expose the skull surface, and small burr holes were drilled into the skull just above the target sites using a electric drill (Fine Science Instruments, CA, USA). Bilateral lesions were made by manually infusing N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA, 0.1 M in phosphate buffered saline) into either the M1 or M2 at a rate of 0.1 μl/min using a 0.5 μl Hamilton syringe. For M1 lesions, NMDA was infused into four sites, two on each side of the brain. The coordinates (mm, relative to bregma) are: anteroposterior (AP) + 2, mediolateral (ML) ± 2, dorsoventral (DV, relative to dura) − 1.5; AP + 1, ML ± 1.6, and DV − 1.2. For M2 lesions, the same volume was injected at the following coordinates: AP + 2, ML ± 0.7, and DV − 1; AP + 1, ML ± 0.5, and DV − 0.5. The needle was left in place for 5 min to allow the drug to diffuse. Sham lesions were made using the same procedures except that the needle was not lowered and no drug was infused.
After behavioral testing, the mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and perfused transcardially with 0.9% saline followed by 10% buffered formalin solution. The brains were sliced into 50 μm coronal sections with a Vibratome 1000 Plus (Vibratome, MO, USA). Mounted on glass slides and stained with thionin, the sections were examined under a light microscope to verify the placement and extent of the lesions.
Instrumental Training
Training and testing took place in 8 Med Associates (St Albans, VT, USA) operant chambers (21.6 cm L × 17.8 cm W × 12.7 cm H) housed within light-resistant and sound attenuating walls. Each chamber contained a food magazine that received pellets from a dispenser. The food reward used was Bio-Serv 14 mg Dustless Precision Pellets (Bio-Serv, NJ, USA). Each chamber contained two retractable levers on either side of the magazine and a 3-W 24-V house light mounted on the wall opposite the levers and magazine, with an infrared beam to record head entries into the magazine. A computer with the Med-PC-IV program was used to control the equipment and record behavior. The duration of each lever press was measured at a resolution of 10 ms using custom-written programs (available upon request).
Lever Press Training
Magazine training began with one 30-min session, during which food pellets were delivered on a random time schedule (on average every 60 s), with no levers extended, allowing the mice to learn the location of food delivery. The next day, lever-press training began on the left lever. At the beginning of each session, the house light was illuminated and the lever was inserted. At the end of each session, the house light turned off and the lever retracted. Initial lever-press training consisted of three consecutive days of continuous reinforcement (CRF), during which the animals received a pellet for each lever press. Sessions ended at 90 min or 30 rewards (whichever came first).
Fixed-Criterion, Discrete-Trial, Press Duration Differentiation
After CRF training, the mice were successively shifted to three different temporal differentiation schedules: >400 ms, >800 ms, and >1600 ms. A discrete-trial program was used to train mice to produce lever presses with a minimum duration. Each trial began with the insertion of a lever, and ended with its retraction as soon as the lever was pressed and released. The trial was repeated, with an inter-trial-interval (ITI) of 8 s, until 50 earned pellets or 90 min. If the press lasted longer than the criterion duration, a food pellet was delivered immediately into the food magazine. If not, no pellet was given. Mice were trained for six daily sessions on each criterion: 400, 800, 1600 ms.
Sequence Acquisition and Reversal
After the end of duration differentiation training, the same mice were used for sequence training. For sequence training, two levers, approximately 11 cm apart, were inserted at the beginning of each trial, which ended after two presses on any lever. The ITI was 8 s. The only reinforced sequence was left→right. After 14 sessions, the reinforced order was changed to right→left, and animals received an additional 14 sessions on the new sequence.
To ensure that initial lever press training as well as temporal differentiation training did not bias sequence acquisition, an additional group of naive mice was also trained on the discrete-trial sequence task. These mice never received any duration differentiation training. Moreover, they first learned to press the right lever (under CRF) instead of the left lever as did the lesioned groups. After CRF, they learned the same left→right sequence, followed by a reversal of the serial order (right→left). The sequence training was thus identical to that received by the lesioned animals, except the naïve animals were only trained for 13 days on each sequence.
Data Analysis
The saved data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Graphpad Prism, and Matlab.
Histological Analysis of Lesions
The extent of motor cortical lesions is shown in Figure 1 . NMDA infusions clearly caused substantial damage in the targeted cortical areas. Mice with inaccurate lesions were excluded. Final group sizes were n = 8 for Group Control, n = 8 for Group M1, and n = 6 for Group M2.
Figure 1. Histological analysis of motor cortex lesions. Photomicrographs of the M1 (A) and M2 (B) lesions. Representative lesions as well as illustration of the largest (gray) and smallest (black) extent of lesions are shown. The diagrams are based on a mouse brain atlas (Paxinos and Franklin, 2003 ). The numbers indicate distance in mm from bregma.
Initial Lever Press Training
Figure 2 illustrates the initial acquisition of lever pressing under CRF. Motor cortical lesions had no effect on the rate of pressing or head entries, as confirmed by a planned comparison on the last (third) day of training (ps > 0.05). Thus all groups learned to press the lever for food reward under CRF.
Figure 2. Initial acquisition of lever pressing under continuous reinforcement (CRF, each lever press reinforced with a food pellet). (A) Median duration of the lever press during initial acquisition. (B) Interquartile range (IQR) of the press durations during the same period. (C) Variation coefficient (IQR/median). (D) Rate of lever pressing during 3 days of CRF training. (E) Rate of head entries into the food magazine.
There was a general reduction in the average press duration, and proportionally in the spread of press duration (Figures 2 A,B). Median and interquartile range (IQR) were used as measures of average duration and relative dispersion. IQR decreased over 3 days of training. A mixed two-way ANOVA with Time and Group as factors revealed a main effect of Time (F2,38 = 17.9, p < 0.05), but no effect of Group (F < 1), or any interaction between Time and Group (F4,38 = 1.64, p > 0.05). The same is true of median duration (main effect of Time, F2,38 = 7.68, p < 0.05; main effect of Lesion, F < 1; Lesion × Time interaction, F < 1). The coefficient of variation (IQR/median) was also reduced during this initial learning phase in all groups (interaction, F < 1; Lesion, F < 1; Time, F2,38 = 5.9, p < 0.05).
During the initial acquisition of the action-outcome (press-pellet) contingency, therefore, there was an initial burst of variability in the press duration. This is the first report of a significant reduction in duration and IQR of press duration during early acquisition of instrumental actions. Neither M1 lesions nor M2 lesions had any effect on this pattern.
Temporal Differentiation of Lever Presses
After CRF training, the mice were trained on the duration differentiation task. All mice reached asymptotic performance after six sessions for each criterion duration (Figure 3 ). On each day, the median press duration value of each mouse was used as a measure of the timing of the action (see Figure 4 ). A mixed two-way ANOVA revealed no main effect of Lesion (400 and 800 ms, Fs < 1; for the longest duration, 1600 ms, the median duration was numerically lower for the M2 group, but this difference was not statistically reliable (F2,95 = 2.27, p = 0.12). Nor was there any interaction between Time and Lesion, for any duration criterion (Fs < 1). For all three criterion durations, the median duration increased over six sessions of training (main effects of Time: 400 ms, F5,95 = 30.6, p < 0.05; 800 ms, F5,95 = 35.4, p < 0.05; 1600 ms, F5,95 = 11.92, p < 0.05).
Figure 3. Temporal differentiation of lever pressing. The distributions of press durations are shown for the first and last sessions for each criterion duration. (A) 400 ms. (B) 800 ms. (C) 1600 ms.
Figure 4. Median press durations during temporal differentiation.
The duration distributions from all three duration criteria are shown in Figure 5 . To assess whether the press duration data from all three groups are scalar, i.e. the spread is proportional to the average duration, a coefficient of variation was calculated (without assuming a Gaussian distribution, IQR/median from the last day of training on each criterion duration). Using this value as a measure of relative spread, a two-way mixed ANOVA was conducted with Group and Criterion Duration as factors. There was no main effect of Group (F2,38 = 2.40, p > 0.05) or of Criterion Duration (F < 1), nor any interaction between them (F4,38 = 1.31, p > 0.05).
Figure 5. Lever press durations of mice are scalar. The left panels show 'steady-state' distributions of press durations during the last session of training for all three duration criteria. The spread of these distributions is proportional to the average, exhibiting Weber's law. Dotted lines indicate the criterion durations. The right panels show individual examples. (A) Distributions of press durations for controls. (B) Distributions of press durations for Group M1. (C) Distributions of press durations for Group M2.
That the coefficient of variation did not change with increasing criterion durations suggests that the distribution of lever press durations exhibits the scalar property, at least for the three criterion durations used in this study. This observation extends the previous literature on interval timing, which has found the scalar property to be a fundamental property of the psychophysical judgment of temporal duration (Gibbon et al., 1984 ). Motor cortical lesions, however, did not have a significant impact on this measure.
Acquisition of Serial Order
Two measures were used to quantify acquisition of a left-right (LR) sequence: proportion of LR sequences (of all possible sequences – LL, RR, LR, RL), and the conditional probability of R given L. As shown in Figure 6 , M2 lesions impaired the acquisition of the LR sequence. This observation is confirmed by a two-way mixed ANOVA conducted on the conditional probability of R given L, with Lesion and Time as factors. There was a main effect of Lesion (F2,247 = 4.7, p < 0.05), a main effect of Time (F13,247 = 38, p < 0.05), but no interaction between these factors (F26,247 = 1.2, p > 0.05). As shown by a planned comparison of performance on the last day of training, M2 group were significantly lower than either the M1 or the control group (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between the M1 and control groups (p > 0.05).
Figure 6. Acquisition of a simple left lever→right lever sequence. (A) Conditional probability of right lever press given left lever press. (B) Proportion of correct sequences. (C) Inter-response-times (IRT) of correct sequences.
The inter-response-time between two actions in a correct sequence decreased significantly during training, but this measure did not differ between groups (Figure 6 ). A two-way mixed ANOVA conducted on data from the first and last days of training revealed a significant main effect of Time (F1,19 = 29.2, p < 0.05), no main effect of Lesion (F2,19 = 1.3, p > 0.05), and no interaction between these factors (F2,19 = 1.6, p > 0.05).
Reversal of Serial Order
After 14 days of initial sequence training, the correct sequence was reversed to right→left (RL), and the mice were trained for another 14 days. Figure 7 illustrates the acquisition of the reversed serial order. When the reinforced sequence was changed to right→left after 14 days, the mice gradually learned to reverse the sequence. Again, M2 lesions produced a significant deficit on sequence reversal; but unlike initial acquisition, M1 lesions also impaired the learning of the opposite sequence. This conclusion was confirmed by statistical tests. A two-way mixed ANOVA conducted on the conditional probability of L given R (normalized to the baseline conditional probability during last day of LR training) revealed no main effect of Lesion (F2,247 = 1.6, p > 0.05), a main effect of Time (F13,247 = 28.5, p < 0.05), and a significant interaction between these factors (F26,247 = 2.0, p < 0.05). Planned comparison of data from the last day of RL training revealed that Group M2 and Group M1 were significantly lower than Group Control (ps < 0.05). Moreover, the deficit in sequence reversal could not be explained by perseveration of the old sequence (LR). An analysis of the change in the proportion of LR sequence during reversal training showed no main effect of Lesion (F < 1), a main effect of Time (F13,247 = 5.4, p < 0.05), and no interaction between Lesion and Time (F26,247 = 1.2, p > 0.05).
Figure 7. Reversal of serial order from left-right to right-left. (A) Conditional probability of left press given right press. (B) Proportion of right→left sequences expressed as percentage of the RL proportion on the last day of training for the previous left→right sequence. (C) Inter-response-times (IRT) of correct sequences on the first and last days of training.
Duration of Presses in a Sequence
An interesting observation is the difference in duration distribution between the left (distal) and right (proximal) presses. The distal press is generally longer and more variable than the proximal press (Figure 8 ). A two-way mixed ANOVA was conducted on the duration data from the last day of left-right sequence training. There was no interaction between Order and Group (F2,19 = 2.4, p > 0.05), no main effect of Group (F2,19 = 1.6, p > 0.05), but a main effect of Order (F1,19 = 21.2, p < 0.05). Given no group differences, data from all three groups are combined and the mean median duration of the left press is 0.26 ± 0.03 s, and 0.13 ± 0.01 s for the right press, showing a rough 2:1 ratio.
Figure 8. Lever press duration distributions of the first and second actions during the acquisition of the sequence.
However, as shown in Figure 9 , when the serial order was reversed, the relative durations of the two presses in a sequence were only partially reversed.
Figure 9. Lever press duration distributions of the first and second actions during sequence reversal.
Sequence Acquisition and Reversal in Naïve Mice
The difference in duration distribution between distal and proximal presses in a simple sequence is the first such observation reported in the literature. But two peculiarities of the training procedure may be responsible for the observed results. The mice were trained on the duration differentiation before sequence training, and they all learned to press the left lever first. To rule out possible effects of previous training, five naïve mice were first trained to press the right lever, and then, without any specific duration training, they were trained on the same LR sequence followed by RL. These mice showed similar acquisition and reversal (data not shown). Most importantly, as shown in Figure 10 , the duration distribution of the lever press depends on its relative position in the sequence. A planned comparison revealed that the median duration of the first press is significantly longer than that of the second press for both left-right (p < 0.05) and right-left sequences (p = 0.05).
Figure 10. Sequence acquisition and reversal in naïve mice without previous temporal differentiation training. Lever press duration distributions of the first and second actions on the last day of training for left-right sequence (LR) and for right-left sequence (RL). Also shown is the mean of the median press duration of the two actions for LR and RL sequences.
Introducing two simple techniques for studying action duration and sequencing in mice, this study reports the effects of motor cortical lesions on temporal and sequential differentiation of behavior.
The findings can be summarized as follows: (1) Selective reinforcement of an arbitrary duration or serial order produced rapid learning of these behavioral parameters in mice. (2) All mice, regardless of lesion group, reduced their press duration and variability during initial acquisition (Figure 2 ). (3) Motor cortical lesions did not affect the acquisition or performance of lever pressing per se. (4) Temporal differentiation of lever press duration in mice obeys Weber's law – it displays the scalar property, i.e. the spread of the distribution is proportional to the median (Figure 5 ). (5) Motor cortical lesions did not alter the temporal differentiation of actions, though M2 lesions resulted in a small reduction of median duration at the longest criterion duration (1600 ms; Figure 4 ). (6) The distal and proximal presses in the two-press sequence differ in their duration distribution: Whereas the distal action is longer and more variable, the proximal action is shorter and more stereotypical (Figure 10 ). The first action is on average twice as long as the second, though this ratio was not affected by motor cortical lesions. (7) M2 lesions impaired the learning of serial order, but M1 lesions did not (Figure 6 ). Both M1 and M2, however, appeared to be critical for the reversal of serial order (Figure 7 ).
M2 appears to be a critical neural substrate for the learning of serial order. M1 is not necessary for the acquisition of a new serial order, but is needed for flexible reversal of an acquired order. Neither area is needed for instrumental learning or performance per se. Neither area is needed for the differentiation of action duration, though M2 lesions resulted in numerically lower median durations at the highest criterion value.
Differentiation of Actions
Differentiation is the selection of certain forms of behavior by their consequences, a fundamental learning process by which adaptive behavior is generated. Differentiation is central to what is broadly called operant or instrumental learning. Traditional studies on instrumental learning emphasize the rate of behavior, on 'rate differentiation', by selectively reinforcing higher rates of behavior. In the most extreme case, namely CRF schedules, the differentiation is between action and no action, e.g. pressing is reinforced, not pressing is not. But not all behaviors are effective on account of their rate of occurrence. Nor does rate differentiation suffice to reveal the true representational capacity of the brain. For in addition to rate, behavior has many other properties, such as force, duration, order, etc., which are germane to the question of 'how to do something', or skills, and therefore critical for the generation of adaptive behavior.
Differentiation is a powerful method to study how actions are represented and how instrumental control (the control over consequences) is achieved through the successful selection of the self-generated behavioral parameters. For successful selection to occur, it must operate on a substrate of behavioral variability, requiring some representation of the individual variants, or action representations, which can then be linked to the consequent reward. As shown in Figure 2 , the initial variability in press duration was high but decreased rapidly as the mice learned to press the lever to earn rewards. This initial burst of variability is not necessary to earn reward. It is an active exploratory process by which the animal gathers information about the world. There being no a priori reason for a press of a particular duration to be effective, under such a state of uncertainty, which characterizes much, if not most, of the contingencies in the animal's interaction with its environment, the optimal strategy is to produce a sufficient level of variation at a specific point in time, such as the beginning of the interaction with a lever. When such variability is established by experience to be unnecessary, it is then reduced and a specific policy yielding the most rewarding outcomes pursued.
The variants – action representations in the broadest sense – are constrained in many ways. One constraint is cost. For example, despite a wide range of possible press durations, only relatively brief durations are actually produced, because the longer the press duration the higher the cost of action. The actually emitted duration therefore represents a compromise between maximizing reinforcement probability by exceeding the criterion and minimizing effort by producing the shortest possible duration (Skinner, 1938 ; Kuch, 1974 ). The same is true of sequence acquisition, the discrete trials design sets a limit at two presses and only four possible sequences (LL, RR, LR, RL), and some of which are easier than others (e.g. LL is easier than LR).
Implications for the Study of Timing
Two procedures have been used to study interval timing in the range of seconds to minutes. In temporal discrimination, animals time the duration of a stimulus (Roberts, 1981 ; Zeiler, 1985 ). In temporal differentiation, animals time the duration of self-generated actions. Of the two, temporal discrimination has been much more popular, in part due to better experimental control of the duration to be timed. The present results suggest that within the range studied here (400-1600 ms), differentiated lever presses obey Weber's law, an established property of interval timing data from traditional temporal discrimination studies. Thus a link can be established between the present results and the temporal discrimination literature. An intriguing question is whether neural substrates for discrimination and differentiation are also similar. Although differentiation and discrimination are very different processes, as noted above, the scalar property observed in both may reveal common underlying mechanisms. This possibility remains to be investigated. Of great significance to electrophysiological investigations of interval timing, the differentiation procedure does not require a separate reporter of timing such as rate of lever pressing, as is the case in traditional peak interval procedures used for temporal discrimination, thus avoiding a major confounding variable, and enabling direct investigations of the scalar property of timing.
The Effects of Motor Cortical Lesions
No previous study has examined the effects of motor cortical lesions on differentiation of action duration and serial order in rodents. And of the substantial literature on the motor cortices in primates, one can find little on the role of these structures in self-initiated action in the absence of discriminative stimuli. Historically the most dominant tradition in the study of the motor cortices has used cued movements, with experimental designs that do not permit an examination of the functional role of the motor cortices in self-initiated and reward-guided action differentiation. The present study is in fact the first to report a significant functional dissociation of primary and secondary motor cortices in mice.
Motor cortical lesions did not impair the ability to generate the required variants. Mice with M1 or M2 lesions were perfectly capable of producing the required action duration or sequence. Rather the impairment, mostly observed after lesions to the M2, lies in the selection of the appropriate variants. M2 lesions resulted in numerically lower median press duration at the highest criterion duration (1600 ms), but this effect was not statistically significant, suggesting that M2 is not critical for the control of action duration. Whether M2 merely plays a secondary role in representing action duration and, if so, what this secondary role is, remains unclear. A recent study found cells in the monkey supplementary motor cortex, an area roughly comparable to M2 in mice (see below), that show spiking activity correlated with the duration of actions (Mita et al., 2009 ). Yet it is not known whether lesions of the supplementary motor cortex in monkeys impair control of action duration. Although present results do not indicate a critical role of the M2 in this process, further work is needed to clarify the role of M2 in temporal differentiation.
On the other hand, M2 lesions did produce a significant deficit in sequence learning and reversal (Figures 6 and 7 ). M2 may be functionally similar to the supplementary motor cortex in primates, lesions of which impair the learning of new sequences without causing paralysis or akinesia (Chen et al., 1995 ; Thaler et al., 1995 ). Moreover, cells in this area fire before the production of a specific sequence of actions (Tanji et al., 1996 ). The encoding of serial order, therefore, appears to be a major function of the secondary motor cortices in both primates and rodents, suggesting phylogenetic continuity in the functional role of this neocortical area.
More surprising, perhaps, is the observation that M1 lesions have no effect on acquisition and performance of lever pressing, on the differentiation of action duration, or on the acquisition of action sequences. It is possible that the M1 lesions in this study are incomplete, and that a deficit might emerge with more complete lesions. But comparable damage to the M2 did severely disrupt sequence learning and reversal, clearly dissociating the roles of these two motor cortical areas. Thus, at least in mice, M1 is not necessary for the control of action duration or for instrumental learning per se.
A previous study showed that motor cortical lesions produced only transient effects on grooming sequences, which are more innately organized action patterns in rodents (Berridge and Whishaw, 1992 ). The only significant effect of M1 lesions observed here was impaired reversal of an acquired sequence, supporting a role for M1 in the flexible control of learned serial order. This impaired flexibility in reversal the serial order of behavior after damage to the primary motor cortical has never been reported in any species before.
Differences Between the Proximal and Distal Actions in a Sequence
An intriguing result is the difference in press duration between the proximal and the distal actions in a simple sequence. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the distal action is longer on average, with a correspondingly broader distribution, whereas the proximal action is shorter in duration, with a narrower distribution (Figures 8 and 9 ). When the sequence was reversed, so were the relative durations, though not completely given the amount of reversal training given here. It is therefore the relative position in a sequence that determines the relative duration distribution. The distal action is roughly twice as long as the proximal action. On a trial-by-trial basis, however, no consistent correlation was detected between the first press and the second press in a sequence (data not shown).
Long-short patterns of action duration have been reported previously in the swing ratios of human Jazz performance, though it is not clear how analogous these phenomena are (Friberg and Sundstrom, 2002 ).
It is important to emphasize that this natural distribution of press durations in a sequence cannot be explained by trivial factors such as the sound of the pellet dispenser, which is not activated until the proximal lever press is released. A more likely explanation is suggested by previous work demonstrating differences in motivational control between the proximal and distal actions in a sequence (Balleine et al., 1995 ; Corbit and Balleine, 2003 ). Distal actions are thought to be more instrumentally controlled (i.e. by the action-reward contingency), whereas proximal responses are more susceptible to control by Pavlovian stimulus-reward contingencies. These distinct motivational systems, which are thought to depend on dissociable neural systems, may show trademark durations. Thus in a behavioral sequence, the more distal and instrumentally controlled component tends to be longer in duration than the more proximal and consummatory component under Pavlovian control. At present, however, no satisfactory explanation can be given for these differences.
Probing the representational capacity of the brain requires the development of precise and sensitive tools for behavioral analysis. Here two simple operant techniques are used to assess action differentiation, more specifically the control over the duration and order of actions, and reveal for the first time distinct roles of the primary and secondary motor cortices in these behavioral parameters in mice. These analytical tools, combined with a model organism with readily available genetic tools, have considerable advantages in studying voluntary behavior and its neural substrates.
The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
This work is supported by Duke University. I would like to thank Warren Meck for his advice and Oksana Shelest, Jay Gupta, and Alberto Lopez for their help with the experiments.
Balleine, B, W., Garner, C., Gonzalez, F., and Dickinson, A. (1995). Motivational control of heterogeneous instrumental chains. J. Exp. Psychol. Anim. Behav. Process. 21, 203–217.
Berridge, K. C., and Whishaw, I. Q. (1992). Cortex, striatum and cerebellum: control of serial order in a grooming sequence. Exp. Brain Res. 90, 275–290.
Chen, Y. C., Thaler, D., Nixon, P. D., Stern, C. E., and Passingham, R. E. (1995). The functions of the medial premotor cortex. II. The timing and selection of learned movements. Exp. Brain Res. 102, 461–473.
Corbit, L. H., and Balleine, B. W. (2003). Instrumental and Pavlovian incentive processes have dissociable effects on components of a heterogeneous instrumental chain. J. Exp. Psychol. Anim. Behav. Process. 29, 99–106.
Friberg, A., and Sundstrom, A. (2002). Swing ratios and ensemble timing in Jazz performance: evidence for a common rhythmic pattern. Music Percept. 19, 333–349.
Gibbon, J., Church, R. M., and Meck, W. H. (1984). Scalar timing in memory. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 423, 52–77.
Kuch, D. O. (1974). Differentiation of press durations with upper and lower limits on reinforced values. J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 22, 275–283.
Mita, A., Mushiake, H., Shima, K., Matsuzaka, Y., and Tanji, J. (2009). Interval time coding by neurons in the presupplementary and supplementary motor areas. Nat. Neurosci. 12, 502–507.
Newsome, W. T., and Pare, E. B. (1988). A selective impairment of motion perception following lesions of the middle temporal visual area (MT). J. Neurosci. 8, 2201–2211.
Platt, J. R., Kuch, D. O., and Bitgood, S. C. (1973). Rats' lever-press durations as psychophysical judgements of time. J. Exp. Anal. Behav. 19, 239–250.
Roberts, S. (1981). Isolation of an internal clock. J. Exp. Psychol. Anim. Behav. Process. 7, 242–268.
Shima, K., and Tanji, J. (2000). Neuronal activity in the supplementary and presupplementary motor areas for temporal organization of multiple movements. J. Neurophysiol. 84, 2148–2160.
Tanji, J., Shima, K., and Mushiake, H. (1996). Multiple cortical motor areas and temporal sequencing of movements. Brain Res. Cogn. Brain Res. 5, 117–122.
Thaler, D., Chen, Y. C., Nixon, P. D., Stern, C. E., and Passingham, R. E. (1995). The functions of the medial premotor cortex. I. Simple learned movements. Exp. Brain Res. 102, 445–460.


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Infertility-a reason for personal worry
Even in the emerging scenario of making a choice of no kids, a term popularly coined as DINKS (Double Income No Kids) group of people, there is still a dark truth hidden behind the four walls.
There are many more marital alliances which suffer from the childless syndrome, which can be medically attributed to a list of different unidentified reasons. While we definitely don't propagate this decision in either way, considering it's a personal matter between couples, however, we are not even surprised about the fact of mental trauma associated with infertility in India. They may not be making noise in the society, but this mental condition of a couple can only get worsened with the time. Says Dr Sagarika Aggarwal, Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist Indira IVF Hospital Delhi.
There are many psychological factors associated with the undue attention, which a non-conceiving health condition warrants, eventually. Health experts continue to cite a loss of sense of personal stability to having no hope for the future kind of sinking feeling every time.
Chances of developing a low self-esteem leading to depression only increase with the time. In a more societal context, the inability to carry forward your family genetics or legacy can weigh heavy on the couple's mind. As a result, even a strong foundation base of a marital cord can be shaken, based on the social taboo.
Medically speaking, more often than not, the women have to bear the brunt of not giving birth. Today, quality healthcare service is much more accessible, and people are more aware of their problems.
Clinically detecting the exact reason doesn't present much of a challenge. However, there are still many complications which remain unfolded medically. Such as male infertility due to diabetes can also be a chief reason for complicating the situation.
If a woman is suffering from diabetes, there can be major health concerns for both mother and the baby.
While we discuss the topic in detail as this article follows, just to give a broader outline for the consequences; an increased level of glucose in the blood increase the risk of embryo being implanted in the uterus, thus leading to miscarriages.
A c-section becomes a must as the baby is born larger than the normal size, with other health deformities likely to be attached after giving the birth. It can be a serious concern for the mother too, leading to infection for both mother and the baby. We feel it's important to delve a bit more on the topic, so as to help couples make a wise decision with right amount of information.
Infertility in women
Dr.Sagarika Added In case of obese women, the risk associated with type 2 diabetes is higher as the factor of insulin resistance is even greater. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Dysmetabolic Syndrome X are two serious medical causes for a high degree of infertility in women. PCOS has been identified as a proven condition for female infertility; while PCOS is also found to be high in women suffering from insulin resistance, especially an obese woman. Both the factors are clinically associated with obesity and, as a result diabetes too.
Another serious infertility condition is associated with the type 1 diabetes, in which your natural metabolism or insulin cells are destroyed in the body. Such a patient suffers from high glucose levels, which leads to the embryo not being implanted in the uterus. The chances of miscarriage are very high in such cases, with the woman having to deal with the failure of chances of getting pregnant, again and again.
Infertility in men
The cause of neuropathy or nerve damage can lead to serious infertility consequences for men. Erectile difficulties, which can be directly correlated with the nerve damage from diabetes, can be a major cause of infertility in men.
High levels of blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol, all clubbed together only aggravate the problem of getting a proper erection in men. The problem of nerve damage can also be extended to retarded ejaculation when nerves in the penis get damaged.
The nerve damage from diabetes can also lead to a condition where the nerves are unable to control the bladder, and as a consequence, instead of from closing at the point of ejaculation, the semen entering exits via the penis.
In a more genetically defined context, type 1 diabetes in men can lead to DNA damage in their sperm, thus seriously hampering the chances of impregnating the partner, or reducing the chances of live birth and even healthy, normal fetus.
According to Dr.Sagarika Aggarwal Gynaecologist IVF Expert Indira IVF Hospital Delhi . it is important to understand your medical condition for giving birth, for both men and women; the high risk of infertility can be better managed by being more aware of the risks of a high insulin resistance in your body.
Type 2 diabetics can clearly try and get their weight up to an optimum level required for pregnancy. The researchers in this field have proved that type 2 diabetes women suffering from obesity are at a higher risk on not conceiving as compared to a non obese woman. Type 2 diabetes is only controllable if you can reduce the risk of being overweight which leads to an increased glucose level in your body.
A wise decision is to get A1C levels below 6.5 before attempting to get pregnant, and controlling your daily sugar intake before planning a pregnancy, and having a healthy baby. Fitness coupled with lifestyle changes can reduce the risk on this modern disease prevailing across the world.
Reducing the dependence on alcohol and quitting smoking are some of the factors to reduce Erectile Dysfunction. Retarded ejaculation is also associated with certain psychological problems. It is advisable to seek proper clinical counseling, or psychosexual therapy to reduce this burden.


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Blood Youth Made A Documentary And We're Premiering It Here
Blood Youth have been kind enough to let us premiere From The Ground Up, a 10 minute documentary that includes footage from their recent support shows with Prophets of Rage in London and Germany. Beautifully shot film by Adam 'Spud' Webb, it gives an insight into the members' feelings about their success and delves into the story of the band.
"Not long ago we had the extreme pleasure of going out on the road with Prophets Of Rage," the band told us, "We decided to take our friend 'Spud' along to document the experience, and to give you all an inside look into what it's like being on the road with us. Enjoy!"
Catch Blood Youth on tour with While She Sleeps at the following dates:
5 Feb - O2 Academy, Bristol
6 Feb - O2 Institute, Birmingham
8 Feb - O2 ABC, Glasgow
10 Feb - O2 Ritz, Manchester
And have a listen to their debut album, Beyond Repair, right here:
Listen to Blood Youth's huge new single, Playing The Victim.
According to the band's Instagram, the exchange appears to be all in good humor.


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I know you think the world has turned on it's access because I'm posting so often, but not really. I've just gotten things done, and that is such a nice feeling. Today I'm going to show you the fabrics I've picked for the Midnight Mystery QAL, as well as the fabrics Sharla picked. Yes, she saw what I was doing and decided to join in as well.
On Thursday, Cheryl of Meadow Mist Designs, gave us the fabric requirements. I think one of the reasons I joined the QAL is that it has a limited number of fabrics. Of course you can do a scrappy version if you want, but doing a more simple version really appeals to me...and Sharla. I decided I needed to shop my stash for this one. I bought a lot of fabric a couple of years ago when JoAnn's was moving in my town, and got most of them for 70% off the normal price. They are great fabrics, but they weren't purchased for any specific project which makes them great for me to use.
When Sharla and were talking about it on Friday, I thought I would go with red, blue, yellow and white, because I knew we had some of those colors. But when I started looking the first fabric that jumped out at me was an aqua color. I quickly pulled other fabrics that I thought would go with it. I first thought I would used the dark blue as the background, but realized I didn't have nearly enough. I kept playing and found what I wanted for fabrics A, B and D, but I just wanted something a little different for C. I pulled yellow first, but the ones I have are too bright or too gold, then I pulled hot pick, which I liked but was almost too bright. Then I found a rose red/pink that I really liked. I tried taking photos outside and inside but the light fabric just kept washing out. This is the best shot I could get. These are aligned in reverse order (D, C, B, A).
Sharla started by looking at her favorite color combination, pink and green. This has been her favorite for as long as I can remember. We went through the greens we had first and she found four she liked, but they were all so similar that we were afraid there wouldn't be enough contrast. Then we added a pink, and another pink, then tossed in a white. Anyone that knows her would instantly know that these are the fabrics she picked out. These go in the order of A, B, C and D. We may try and find a lighter pink for the background (D) fabric, but for now this is what she is using.
All in all we are very happy with our fabric choices, and can't wait until the first Thursday of next month. If you want to join there is still plenty of time. I've tested quilts for Cheryl before and she always writes easy to follow instructions, so I know you'll have a good time. This mystery QAL is going to last June '15 to March '16. You can find info about it on the Meadow Mist Designs Mystery Quilt page.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Midnight Mystery QAL- Fabric Selection
7 comments:
How fun and great fabric selections! :)ReplyDelete
These fabrics selections are very nice! Thank you so much for quilting along!!ReplyDelete
Love your fabric ChoicesReplyDelete
Nice picks, Shauna, and isn't it interesting how pattern influences our ideas? I'm trying to jump into this MQA, too. Thanks for the heads up!ReplyDelete
Julie @ Pink Doxies
So beautiful fabric combo.Your quilt will be stunning.Happy sewing!ReplyDelete
Looling good! I have 3 of my colours picked - still pondering #4 or should that be D!ReplyDelete
So Beautiful.ReplyDelete
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