HEY HEY WE'RE THE TYNWALD

In complete contrast to yesterday's living legend photo of Lou Reed taking a walk on the wild side, we have Tynwald taking a walk on the mild side.

Sunday was the last day of Ramsey Week activities. Gary and I had a walk around Mooragh Park and happened upon, stalls and kiddies activities and just outside the cafe at the far end this band Tynwald. Obviously the name is from the Isle of Man Parliament called The Tynwald. What a great name for a home grown Manx band. They definitely seemed to be a fun bunch of fellows, belting out an array of older classics for the eager crowd that had gathered. What's really annoying is I've tried to find out more about the band to no joy. The Isle of Man news link and Manx Radio links are down, so again, if anyone can fill me in I'd love to to do an update on the guys.

A quick tip on the photo. I wanted to highlight the triangle of reds especially the Legs of Man on the drum. Honestly it's not hard just using a little photoshop. Take the saturation down to almost all the colour has gone on the master, all colours. Then push the saturate up again, but switch the master to reds. This way it took the green out and left the red, and the beige on the skin tones, guitar and brickwork. Wanted it to have an older feel without sepia, or monochrome, as I wanted the red triangle of colour to pop out. Try it it's so simple, honest. Hint it works a treat on red roses. My photos are generally as I take them, but if and when I manipulate an image for a specific effect I will always let you know how.

So I am eagerly awaiting for your photo results and any Tynwald feedback.

TYNWALD, A VIKING LEGACY

Tynwald

In 800 AD the Vikings founded Tynwald, the oldest working parliament in the world. This Parliament is still in existence on the island today. Iceland and San Marino lay claims to being older, but it is now acknowledged that The Isle of Man Tynwald, since it's conception, is the one with the unbroken record of service. Therefore, it is officially, the oldest known continuous Parliament and a model for followers of the Nordic System Of Parliament elsewhere.

Tynwald means open assembly in old Norse and can be linked to similar assemblies on Island (Tingvellir) and the Faroe Islands (Logting).

The Tynwald might have been local and regional to begin with and then later developed into one centralized assembly or goverment. These Tynwalds were already in operation before the establisment of Parliamentary Goverment in England. Long Before!

At Tynwald old laws or rules from the local areas were made official, new laws submitted and punishments were metered out to law breakers. Again, the Vikings implemented rules and regulations, and a system of government not just as we are often lead to believe plunder for spoils and sail away. In fact the evidence proves otherwise, with the Tynwald being the best, lasting legacy.

This is why I chose the photo to accompany the text today

National flower

The unofficial Manx National Flower is the yellow Ragwort, known locally as Cushag, which blooms in late summer. However landowners are legally obliged to clear it as it's poisonous to cattle. Gorse, spurned by farmers in many other parts of Britain, is an integral part of the Manx landscape and many gorse and earth sod hedges date back to Viking times. So again you see not only the Parliament is Norse, so too is the albeit unofficial National Flower, which just happens to grow on my beloved nature reserve.

SKYLIGHT OF RAMSEY

I took this yesterday afternoon as I knew today it would be too wet for the camera today. It's only good weather for ducks outside this friday, and even they have gone into hiding.. So a quick trip over to the nature reserve, at the back of my house, to snap this.

The Isle Of Man has (arguably, but it's claim is generally considered to be accurate) the oldest Parliament in the world, called Tynwald. The word again is Norse( as are so many relating to the island), and means meeting place or assembly. Founded in AD 979 it is definately the oldest continuous Parliament, with the 5th July, Tynwald day itself, not only a day of ceremonies at Tynwald Hill, but also a Bank Holiday for Manx residents.

Like the TT we suspiciously usually have good weather. Must be the Manx Fairy Folk working their magic.