Quote from: Bealman on Today at 09:40:18 AMHow about during the Olympics?

That's still safer than when PSG lose at home in the Champions League, or when the CGT kick off against the CRS. 

How about during the Olympics?

Many thanks all for the advice.

I have been to Paris quite a few times over the years, so I am not worried about security. 

They're checking out the two-up, not the bowls 

Looks like a great view George.  Just the thought I was having. Enjoy the evening

Quote from: Bealman on Today at 08:21:27 AMI have no problem at all with Anzac Day, in fact exactly the opposite, but I do have a problem with the blow-ins who you never normally see here who use the day as an excuse to get intoxicated and generally act like 

And that's just the boys in blue!

Did they get to play an end?

Anzac Day here in Oz. It is legal to play two-up. The bowlo fills up with people you've never seen before in your life.



The boys in blue spend the day driving around venues checking activities:



I have no problem at all with Anzac Day, in fact exactly the opposite, but I do have a problem with the blow-ins who you never normally see here who use the day as an excuse to get intoxicated and generally act like 

And so, Eli and Giles embarked on an enchanting walk through the snow-covered gardens of Trevelver Castle. The gardens, usually vibrant with seasonal colours, are now a serene landscape of white, the steadily falling snowflakes gently covering everything in sight. The trees, their branches heavy with snow, stood tall and silent, their bare branches creating intricate patterns against the night sky.

Suddenly, a soft hoot echoes through the stillness, a haunting yet beautiful sound that seems to resonate with the quiet of the winter night. They look up, and there, against the backdrop of the starlit sky, is a Tawny Owl, a species commonly seen in the castle grounds. Its large, round eyes glow with a mysterious light, reflecting the faint glow of the moon. Its feathers, a mix of mottled brown and cream, seem almost ethereal in the soft moonlight. The owl's wings, wide and powerful, move with a grace that is almost mesmerising. With each silent beat, it seems to glide effortlessly through the air, weaving its way between the snow-laden branches.

The sight of the owl, so at home in the wintry night, adds a touch of magic to their walk. As they watch the owl disappear into the distance, they feel a sense of peace settle over them, the memory of the owl's flight forever etched in their hearts. The shrubs, dusted with a fresh layer of snow, add a touch of magic to the scene, their shapes softened and transformed by the winter's touch. The stone fountains, usually bubbling with life, are now still, their water frozen in time, creating an enchanting spectacle under the moonlight.

The carved stone statues scattered throughout this area of the castle gardens are adorned with a blanket of snow, giving them a new, ethereal beauty. Each one seems to tell a story; their marble faces watching over the gardens with timeless grace. In the garden, adorned with a blanket of snow, stand five ethereal stone statues, each telling a unique story.

As the moonlight falls upon the pristine snow, it reflects a soft, silvery light that bathes the entire garden in an ethereal glow. This glow seems to breathe life into the marble statues, their features becoming more pronounced under the gentle illumination. The snow on their surfaces sparkles like a thousand tiny diamonds, adding to their mystical allure.

The statues, each unique in their design and pose, stood tall and majestic against the snowy backdrop. The moonlight reflecting off the snow casts long, dancing shadows that add depth and drama to the scene. It is as if the statues have come alive, their stories unfolding in the silent whispers of the winter night.

Eli and Giles stand and admire the beauty of it all. The moonlit statue garden, with its snow-covered figures, seems like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. It is a sight they will remember for a long time, another magical memory of a very special night.

The first statue, the Weeping Maiden, located near the entrance of the garden, is not an abstract figure of sorrow. It depicts a survivor, the last young Queen Priestess of Lost Atlantis. Her face buried in her hands, she mourns the loss of her realm. The snow delicately clings to her flowing hair and draped gown, adding a layer of tranquillity to her eternal sorrow.

Standing tall in the centre of the garden is the Stoic Guardian, a representation of a Trevelver knight. His stern gaze surveys the landscape, embodying the courage and honour of the family. The snow accentuates the intricate details of his armour and the sword he holds, symbolising his eternal vigilance.

Nestled in a grove of trees, the Dancing Nymphs are caught in various dance poses. Each statue, skillfully carved from the finest marble, captures the grace and fluidity of the nymphs in motion. One nymph is poised on the balls of her feet, her arms raised as if reaching for the stars. Another is caught mid-twirl, her flowing robes seeming to flutter in the breeze. Yet another nymph is bent at the waist, her arms extended, fingers delicately touching the snowy ground.

The robes of the Dancing Nymphs, skillfully carved from the same marble as the figures themselves, are a marvel to behold. They are depicted in a state of fluid motion, capturing the essence of the dance in the stillness of stone. The robes, clinging and flowing around the nymphs' bodies, alternately reveal and conceal their beautiful figures.

In some places, the robes are carved to fit closely to the body, accentuating the graceful curves of the nymphs. The moonlight, reflecting off the smooth marble, highlights these areas, drawing the eye to the beauty of their forms. The delicate carving of the marble gives the illusion of soft fabric against skin, creating a striking contrast between the hardness of the stone and the softness it portrays.

In other places, the robes billow out as if caught in a gust of wind. These parts conceal the nymphs' figures, leaving their forms to the imagination. The folds and creases of the robes, masterfully rendered in the marble, create a sense of movement and dynamism, adding to the overall impression of the dance.

The alternation of reveal and conceal creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. It invites the viewer to imagine the rest of the story, to fill in the blanks with their own interpretations. This interplay of light and shadow, of seen and unseen, is part of what makes the Dancing Nymphs such a captivating sight in the moonlit, snow-covered garden of Trevelver Castle. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the sculptor, who has managed to capture not just the physical beauty of the nymphs but also the spirit of their dance.

The snowflakes, each one unique and intricate, seem to join their dance, swirling around the statues in a mesmerising ballet of their own. They settle gently on the nymphs, adorning their hair and robes with a dusting of white, creating a scene of frozen merriment. The moonlight, reflecting off the snow, casts a soft, silvery glow on the scene, making the nymphs appear as if they are glowing from within.

The sight is breathtaking, a moment of winter magic frozen in time. The Dancing Nymphs, caught in their eternal dance, seem to come alive under the moonlit sky, their joy and merriment echoing through the silent garden. It is as if the snowflakes are their partners, twirling and swirling with them in a dance as old as time itself.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68889345

Bring back BR Blue 



Ed

As well as French model shops, you can enjoy the benefits of the EU single market for your online shopping. I use DM Toys (https://www.dm-toys.de/fr/index.html) on a regular basis as they have a good selection of Farish and Dapol rolling stock on offer.

Don't be put off going to the shops on the rue de Douai, the area is safe and the shops are worth a visit. There is also "Au Pullman" (https://aupullman.com/) nearby on the rue d'Amsterdam that is worth a visit.

Bonnes courses !
Kevin