Galmptom Traction Engine

Galmpton: Encountering a Superb Traction Engine! (1.8.2024)

Indeed, what Goldsworthy Gurney first envisioned as an “Automobile” to be driven on open roads – became widely known as a “Traction Engine” from around 1850 in the UK. Ironically, whilst carry a single driver on country roads – whilst moving between farming fields – these devices were not allowed to evolve into the Motor Car envisioned by Goldsworthy Gurney. Only much later would a petrol-driven motor car be allowed to be developed. Whilst driving back from Exeter to Galmpton on Friday evening (Friday, August 1st, 2024) – whilst traversing the narrow streets of Galmpton – we encountered the above “Traction Engine” which was apparently joining many other examples in a local fayre that was about to be held! How lucky we were!

Come On England! Euro 2024!

Final Euro 2024 – England Vs Spain – It’s Coming Home! (14.7.2024)

Today, the Men’s England Football Team is playing Spain in the Final of the UEFA Cup (Euro 2024) – after successfully navigating their way through all the rounds! It has not been easy – but the luck of the draw has been on England’s side – with the English players coming to the aid of the team with magnificent last gasp goals! A salute must go to England’s players of African and Caribbean descent – without their expertise – England would not be in this Final! In my lifetime England has never won a major tournament – so perhaps this will change tonight. If not – I am happy with the sheer glory that this superb side has won for the history of English Football! I still remember Gareth Southgate missing his penalty in the World Cup Semi-Final in Italy 1990! He is now one of the greatest Managers England has ever seen! He took the sadness of his experience and positively directed it into a very successful career in steering England to world success! Never give-up and always look for a way to prevail! The Three Lions never give-up!

Genius of Alexis Godillot: A History of the French Attaché (and English “Brief”) Case – and Why Shoes Fit on the “Left” & “Right” Foot! (29.10.2023)

The original article (reproduced here and referenced below) states:

‘In 1826, Godillot had another bright idea – developing a lightweight case with a hinged iron frame and a carpet covering. He had conceived it as being ideal for hunting and fishing – since these activities required lots of equipment but were too rugged for traditional trunks.’

As Alexis Godillot was born in 1816 – it is unlikely that he would have invented the Attaché Case in 1826 aged just “10-years old”! In fact, evidence suggests that Alexis Godillot invented the Attaché Case around 1843 – when Godillot was aged around 27-years old. The problem with this history is that sources state that Godillot founded a luggage firm (with his son) in 1843 – but if this was the case – his son could not have been older than 9-10-years old! What follows is essentially an informative advertisement – which I do NOT endorse. It is merely a convenient (but flawed) vehicle that conveys the fascinating history of the French inventor – Alexis Godillot! ACW (29.10.2023)

The Dangers of Extreme Yoga – the Joshua Maddux Story! (17.3.2023)

All this misdirection impressed Joshua Maddux and he became susceptible to the suggestions of Andrew – who had the bizarre idea of Joshua Maddux assuming Yogic postures hanging upside down (like a ‘bat’) whilst secreting himself in a nearby chimney-stack! The idea of this was activity was to link an aggressive internet advertising campaign associated with Meatloaf’s ‘Bat Out of Hell’ – whilst dressed in a ‘Batman’ outfit! 

According to rumours, Andrew administered a ‘relaxing’ injection to Joshua – who could then fit easily up the desired chimney-stack – but Andrew gat the dose incorrect and the although Joshua had assumed the right position – he had not yet doned the ‘Batman’ outfit and Andrew had not yet set-up the camera and sound system designed to blast-out Meatloaf’s masterpiece! Joshua’s body re-assumed its natural muscular tension too early and despite his best efforts – Andrew could not pull his friend from the Chimney! Andrew quickly placed the breakfast bar over the entrance of the fire-place as a means to ‘stop the cold wind’ blowing through the passage – and disappeard into the night!