"It is easier to forgive an enemy..

..... than forgive a friend"

William Blake


Half term week started with the delivery from  Moatt Sails on Portland who have been constructing the main element of the Pteranodon which will feature in the Jurassic Garden - although of course the Pteranodon is from the Cretaceous period - the sight of a sinister flying reptile overhead will hopefully spark debate and discussion amongst staff and pupils.

The base element of the Pteranodon

Another view of this beautifully crafted object

The base element was suspended on several strong wires to the four scaffolding poles.  It was decided to elevate the head and one wing  to give a more realistic impression of flight.

The mock up of the head made from cardboard

The mock up cardboard head and bill in position

Following a constructive discussion and a few modifications the group then returned to the work bench and constructed a head and bill shape in marine plywood.

Marine plywood being shaped with the jig saw

The mock up of the plywood head in position

Two days later the head had been finished.  The marine ply stained to match the body

The finished head

The Pteranadon in full flight!

We found some three pronged hoes which served for the forelimbs. Some minor modification was needed but they were quickly fitted at the leading edges of the wings.  We are working on the feet and hope to have this last detail sorted very soon.

Elsewhere we were pleased to see that the delightful Iris reticulata had flowered.  If you wander round the garden around the grass bed please watch your feet! They are very small and easily missed

The spendid Iris reticulata

It was decided that the time was right to start the seed potatoes off.  Stood carefully in egg boxes they should start to chit. Recent thought is that this process is unnecessary but as traditionalists we follow our hearts!

Desiree seed potatoes in the greenhouse

We are still waiting for three days good dry weather so that the final top layer of stone can be delivered and tamped down on the paths around the Jurassic Garden.  Maybe next weekend......