Spectacle Bridge

This was the perfect day. The Elders, augmented by Phil, did a cushy autumn walk near Kirkham Priory, in East Yorkshire. The bridge shown takes the road over the River Derwent at Kirkham. I remember from school geography that the Derwent rises relatively near the coast and then flows inland for twenty or thirty miles before tuning back seawards again. About two miles downstream from here is a weir and an old mill under restoration, but instead of a paddle wheel power is generated by a huge Archimedes screw. We were told that it can produce up to 30 kilowatts of electricity, which makes the mill self sufficient, with a bit left over to sell to the national grid. Afterwards we enjoyed a post prandial tipple in the local hostelry - the Stone Trough - which was very pleasant. (Photo by JC)