Military Honours

St. James’s Palace, London SW1
30 September 2011

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011:

OBE

To be Additional Officers of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order:

Lieutenant-Colonel Christopher John Ghika, Irish Guards

MBE

Major James Alexander Humphreys, The Royal Irish Regiment


30 September 2011

The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following appointments to the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan during the period 1st October 2010 to 31st March 2011:

DSO

To be Companions:
Major Ian Alexander Jonathan Turner, Irish Guards,
Lieutenant-Colonel Colin Richard James Weir, MBE, The Royal Irish Regiment

Military Cross

MC

Sergeant Peter Keogh, The Royal Irish Regiment
Lance-Corporal Ratu Apenisa Qalitakivuna, The Royal Irish Regiment

DECORATIONS CONFERRED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

The Queen has been graciously pleased to grant unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following awards which have been conferred on the undermentioned in recognition of meritorious, gallant and distinguished services during coalition operations in Iraq:
 

Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) (2nd Award)

Brigadier Neil Alexander Crerar Baverstock, OBE, late The Royal Irish Regiment

What Ho, Horatio!

The ambiance and numbers at Horatio Todd's, a bar-restaurant in east Belfast, were spot on last night. We arrived at about seven o'clock. Despite it not being too busy, it still took them a while to serve us drinks. About five minutes, I imagine. In fairness, though, the staff behind the bar seemed to be preparing other orders.

A bit about the real H Todd:

Horatio Todd OBE JP was the first president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland; he was appointed an OBE and was also a Justice of the Peace. Within his Holywood Road pharmacy he prepared and dispensed many of his own products and he was an expert perfumier.  A range of original fliers and bottles from the pharmacy are on display in the bar.

We got a cushy sofa at a window beside the Upper Newtownards Road, which had what I think was a polished black granite table (and which was remarkably heavy: I moved it away slightly).

I stuck to the Tanqueray for most of the evening; though, at about ten-fifteen, a jolly pleasant waitress brought us all complimentary cocktails (was there a Promotion?), the names of which I cannot recall.

Moreover, when I returned from the loo, a platter of grub had mysteriously appeared: A veritable tray of really chunky pieces of battered chicken breast (exceedingly tender); some kind of savoury breads or pizza; and chunky chips in a piquant sauce.

Just what the doctor ordered. Ha! Complimentary food and drink.

In fact four girls arrived, students, two of whom were would-be doctors and the others solicitors. They sat opposite us.

Horatio's was more enjoyable for me on Thursday evening. I don't like it too crowded. I dislike having to stand in a crush in the middle of the floor or up at the counter.

It was a good evening. I walked home.

Fishery Cottage

I've read that the Salmon Fishery restoration project at Carrick-a-Rede, a property of the National Trust on the north Antrim coast, is progressing very well indeed.

Several of the original stone steps which lead up from the cottage to the path have been unearthed; hence new replacement steps can be replicated.

The collection of artifacts and tools, including pith helmets, dulse hooks and old boom bolts has been inventoried and placed in storage.

Apparently the Fishery required four men to operate it, a feat which would be impractical and uneconomical today.

The boom's hand-rail has been rebuilt  and the Wee Bench in front of the cottage has been restored, too.

Amazon Kindle

A good friend has generously given me a new 3G Amazon Kindle, complete with leather case and light. I have been aware of ebook readers, though hadn't realized their capabilities.

This little gadget has wi-fi Internet access, albeit basic. It can pick up wireless signals anywhere and even Lord Belmont's blog is available!

I have already downloaded about three free ebooks on Project Gutenberg: Right Ho, Jeeves, Dracula and one other. It takes a matter of seconds to download a whole book on my Kindle.

Do any readers have a Kindle and have you any tips, ebook recommendations?  I'd welcome your comments. It will be most useful on holiday. The screen can be read in bright sunlight, I have been assured.

Thriving Red Kite

Having been introduced to Northern Ireland four years ago, it seems that the red kite is thriving.

After an absence of 200 years, red kites have successfully bred in the forests of Northern Ireland.

This brings to 80 the total number of birds released by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in Northern Ireland.

Altogether five chicks have fledged from four nests across south Down.

Once widespread across Europe, red kites have suffered from persecution, including shooting and poisoning.

News of the breeding success news was announced by the RSPB at the third and final release of the majestic birds in County Down, part of the reintroduction programme.

The RSPB praised the co-operation of farmers and landowners in achieving the conservation milestone. The birds are now regularly seen across County Down and further afield. 

The RSPB said it was thrilled that, from having no Red Kites in Northern Ireland four years ago, there was now a fledgling breeding population.
"It has been a real labour of love and so many people have contributed to this process," Adam McClure, RSPB Red Kite officer said.

"The return of Red Kites to our skies is a tribute to all of them. Most important was the co-operation given by local farmers who have been extremely supportive; the fact that the Ulster Farmers' Union now has the Red Kite on their logo is superb."

Despite the successes, however, it has not all been good news for Red Kites.

Since the project began in Northern Ireland in 2008, they have suffered a number of losses due to misuse of pesticides in the countryside.

Jay and Squirrel

Motoring up the drive of the old school this evening, I spotted a jay and a grey squirrel within yards of each other in the grounds.

Although Campbell's campus comprises about forty or so acres, there is abundant wildlife within the grounds.

Country Weekend

Well I have been staying with good friends in the heart of County Antrim the whole weekend. That explains the inactivity of the noble earl on his blog. Ha!

Mandy, Robert, Clare and self dined in Cloughmills on Friday evening and, unsurprisingly, copious amounts of liquor were consumed throughout the weekend.

On Saturday I was a guest at the local Rugby club in Dunaghy, where we were most generously entertained to lunch. Dunaghy were playing Clogher Valley or Vale - I cannot recall the precise name.

Today, after Sunday lunch with my friends, exceptionally generous and hospitable hosts indeed, I'll depart later.