Time appears to be relative. I was intrigued to read, given the changing of the clocks,(http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/oct/23/changing-clocks-victorians-research-prize) that the adoption of Daylight Saving (apparently advocated initially by Kiwi Entomologist George Hudson in 1895, although Benjamin Franklin had suggested something similar) was actually taken up by Germany in 1915 after a 10 year campaign by a Petts Wood-based builder, Englishman, William Willett (1856-1915). William, who died on influenza (and is a direct ancestor of Coldplay's Chris Martin), did not live to see his idea come to fruition. His major motivations seem to have been linked to his enthusiasm for horse riding (he liked to get a gallop in before breakfast) and his horror of having his afternoon round of golf imperilled by fading daylight. Germany, in the First World War, adopted the measure largely to improve industrial efficiency and Britain followed suite in 1916 (the young Winston Churchill was an advocate). Strange, how our lives get modified by ancient enthusiasms!
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
(Upper Class) British Summer Time
Time appears to be relative. I was intrigued to read, given the changing of the clocks,(http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2009/oct/23/changing-clocks-victorians-research-prize) that the adoption of Daylight Saving (apparently advocated initially by Kiwi Entomologist George Hudson in 1895, although Benjamin Franklin had suggested something similar) was actually taken up by Germany in 1915 after a 10 year campaign by a Petts Wood-based builder, Englishman, William Willett (1856-1915). William, who died on influenza (and is a direct ancestor of Coldplay's Chris Martin), did not live to see his idea come to fruition. His major motivations seem to have been linked to his enthusiasm for horse riding (he liked to get a gallop in before breakfast) and his horror of having his afternoon round of golf imperilled by fading daylight. Germany, in the First World War, adopted the measure largely to improve industrial efficiency and Britain followed suite in 1916 (the young Winston Churchill was an advocate). Strange, how our lives get modified by ancient enthusiasms!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
It's a Dead Parrot!
Scientists (what do they know?) are generally agreed. Most think the Paris Accord of limiting global heating to 1.5 degrees Centigrade abov...
-
Garden plants in France, The Netherlands, The UK and Sikkim (NE India). -
Common toadflax ( Linaria vulgaris ) contains a moderately toxic glucoside. -
The UK's Deputy Prime Minister has been advising Brits on how to 'better prepare for future pandemics, disasters and cyber attacks&...
No comments:
Post a Comment