Paul Jepson

Paul seems to have another day job he's not telling us about!

It was then that it was decided to put it down for its own welfare, said ZSL's veterinary pathologist Dr Paul Jepson, who carried out the post-mortem tests.

"While I was drawing the lethal injection, she died," he said.

"The last few days have been an unforgettable and ultimately sad experience for us all, and we are now determined that the whale did not die in vain.

"The incident has demonstrated a clear message of the nation's passion for these animals and their conservation."

Dr Jepson dismissed speculation that the whale's death was caused by anti-submarine sonar from Navy vessels.

Aviary

Gold star for the person who gives the full name of this beauty. Hint: It's not a strawberry bird as was claimed by one of the other visitors yesterday.

Waddesdon Manor

From (http://www.waddesdon.org.uk/2005/)
Hi, just thought of posting this post-visit recapitulation of why the Waddesdon Manor was set up. Notice that the purpose of setting up the apiary was not mentioned.

Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, creator of Waddesdon, loved France and French art. With his French architect Destailleur and his landscape gardener Lainé, he built this Renaissance-style château in a dramatic setting. Waddesdon has one of the best collections of French 18th century decorative arts in the world, paintings, furniture, carpets and curiosities, lovingly assembled over 35 years by Ferdinand to please his weekend guests. Outside, his creation includes an aviary, flamboyant bedding, winding walks, colourful trees and panoramic views. Ferdinand's legacy was a splendid foundation on which subsequent generations of the family could build. His sister, Miss Alice, then James and Dorothy de Rothschild and now the present Lord Rothschild have all set their stamp on Waddesdon, whether through developing the Garden or adding to the Collection. It is this continuing care and involvement which helps to make Waddesdon the vibrant place it is today.

HISTORY
The Rothschild banking dynasty was immensely powerful in 19th century Europe. From roots in the Jewish ghetto in Frankfurt, Mayer Amschel's five sons set up a banking network in the then five major financial centres of Europe - London, Frankfurt, Paris, Naples and Vienna. The Five Arrows, as they became known, created vast wealth and established themselves at the very peak of European society. Waddesdon Manor was built (1874-1889) by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. Fascinated by the history and culture of France, he commissioned a French architect, Gabriel Hippolyte Destailleur, to build him a Renaissance-style chateau, based on those in the Loire Valley, and employed a French garden designer, Elie Lainé to lay out the grounds. Like other members of his family he wanted a retreat outside London and chose Buckinghamshire because several of his cousins already had houses there (it was known as "Rothschildshire" in the late 19th century). The Manor was only used for weekends in the summer months, for Ferdinand's famous house parties, and was the last word in luxury with electric lights, lifts and under-floor heating. Single or unaccompanied male friends stayed in the Bachelors' Wing, complete with Billiard and Smoking Rooms. Couples stayed in one of the 9 suites in the Main house. After Ferdinand's death in 1898, the pace of entertaining slackened, but his sister and heir, Miss Alice, maintained the house, collection and grounds to impeccable standards. James and Dorothy de Rothschild, who inherited in 1922, did not add to the collection until the death of James' father Baron Edmond, at which point a third of the Barons collection arrived, including over 2000 18th century drawings. James' main interest was horse racing and he built the stud at Waddesdon. The war years brought a different emphasis to the Manor, and following James' death in 1957, it was bequeathed to the National Trust and opened to the public, with Dorothy in charge of management. Now, the Manor is run by a family charitable trust chaired by the present Lord Rothschild. The Collection continues to grow, new features and displays are added to both House and Gardens and we offer a varied programme of events and activities. Almost 300,000 visitors were welcomed to Waddesdon last year.

Hilary timetable

Hey folks - here's the timetable. Options in yellow, core in blue. The Global Food option changed to Mondays. There is also a Law option that i haven't listed on here. Also Latin American Environments is not listed; it starts in Week 3. Hope it helps. - njy

Happy New Year Everyone

Hey all, Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing you all back in town with some good tales to tell.