Category Archives: Snippets

A short post of a quick snippet, like a link

Pictures, Snippets

Removal of Aldermaston Wharf lift bridge for refurbishment

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In early January 2024 the lift bridge of the A340 Basingstoke Road over the Kennet and Avon canal in Aldermaston Wharf had to be removed for some major refurbishment work. During the initial preparation for its removal there wasn’t much to see, although I did manage to get some decent shots of the bare bridge in the afternoon light one day. Then on Friday 12/Jan/24 I was lucky enough to catch a good part of the loading of the bridge on to a trailer during my lunch break walk:

Picture of a lifted up bridge during preparations for its removal
01 – Bare bridge from the side: View from the towpath while the bridge was being prepared for removal
Picture of a lifted up bridge during preparations for its removal
02 – Bare bridge from the road: The lifted up bridge seen from the A340 as it was being prepared for removal
Picture of a removed lift bridge on a towpath
03 – Bridge on the towpath: The bridge on the towpath being prepared to be lifted on to the trailer
Picture of a canal bridge hanging on a crane over a canal boat
04 – Bridge hoisted over a canal boat: I was surprised the allowed the canal boat to stay there, if anything had gone wrong the boat would have been crushed
Picture of a lift bridge hanging from a mobile crane
05 – Bridge over the canal (1): The massive mobile crane is starting to move the bridge over the canal
Picture of a lift bridge being hoisted over a canal
06 – Bridge over the canal (2): A worker catching a rope to control the bridge while it is hoisted over the canal
Picture of a bridge hanging from a crane while being lifted over a canal
07 – Bridge over the canal (3): The bridge still over the canal, but starting to arrive on the other side
Picture of a lift bridge hanging from a mobile crane over a road
08 – Bridge over the road: The bridge has arrived on the other side and is edging towards the trailer (hidden from view behind the cottage)
Picture of a lift bridge over a specially constructed trailer
09 – Bridge over the trailer (1): The bridge approaching the specially constructed trailer
Picture of a lift bridge being loaded on a special trailer
10 – Bridge over the trailer (2): A wider view of the bridge being loaded on to the trailer
Picture of a lift bridge being lowered on to a trailer to be taken away for refurbishment
11 – Lift bridge on the trailer: Almost there, the bridge being lowered on to the trailer for transport to the workshop

The bridge will now receive some long overdue maintenance and improvements over a few weeks before being reinstalled in mid March 2024. I’m hoping to be lucky again and be out for my lunch break walk at the right time, but obviously can’t promise anything.

For a few pictures and a video from the original removal check this report in Newbury Today.

Bands New To Me, Snippets, Video

On heavy rotation just now: What’s The Point In Life

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I’ve mentioned Wet Leg on this blog a while ago, now it’s time for another band from the Isle of Wight, which probably will extend to a Bands New To Me post later this year. The band is Coach Party, the song is (obviously) What’s The Point In Life:

Coach Party – What’s The Point In Life (Official Video)

Just under three minutes of pleasant noise with catchy lyrics, what’s not to love?

Snippets, Video

The Gaslight Anthem are back…

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It’s been quite a while since their last album and at times I was wondering if their indefinite hiatus would ever end. Well, they got back together a short while ago and now their first new single is out. With a little help from The Boss.

The Gaslight Anthem – History Books (ft. Bruce Springsteen) – Official Video

The album will be released at the end of October, I guess there will be one or two more singles from the album until then to bridge us over.

Good to hear they’re back.

Snippets, Thoughts, Video

Music for this Friday evening: The Big Moon, Live

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OK, not just for this Friday evening, but for any evening really. First watched it / listened to it a few days ago and I’m certain I will watch and listen to is many times again. An absolutely stunning performance by The Big Moon with three songs from their latest album “Here Is Everything”:

The Big Moon – The Big Moon: Live

I hope they do more like that. While I think their videos to the studio recordings are among the best if not the best this might be even better.

Bands New To Me, Snippets, Thoughts, Video

Bass Drum of Death – Get Found

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The song is over a decade old, but I only came across it a few weeks ago. It’s been on heavy rotation ever since and probably will be for quite some time. I love the “dirty” sound, the guitar riff, the banging drums, the pounding bass. And the band name is pretty cool as well.

Bass Drum of Death – “Get Found” (Official Video)

What do you think, do you like it?

PS: I probably should write a Bands New To Me entry about them, they have a few more nice tunes…