thomson

Boronia pinnata or Pink Boronia is an open, spreading shrub with dark green sweetly scented leaves. It flowers profusely in spring producing sprays of fragrant, pretty light pink flowers. This Boronia is a popular cut flower in Australia and is one of the most attractive of all native species. Source: www.gardensonline.com.au/gardenshed/plantfinder/show_861....

Fiery flowers of the silky oak, Grevillea robusta. Silky oaks are older than dinosaurs and literally drip nectar – but watch out for the cyanide. Of all the grevillea, the silky oak is the one that catches my eye. It’s the largest and tallest of the species, reaching up to 30 meters. They’re now blooming along the east coast and in some inland places – like huge orange light bulbs dominating the skyline. Grevilleas literally drip nectar, much to the delight of native birds and bees. Aboriginal people enjoyed the sweet nectar straight from the plant or mixed with water — the original lolly water. But you have to know which species to taste as some, including the silky oak, contain hydrogen cyanide that could make you ill. Like other grevilleas the silky oak also contains tridecyl resorcinol, which causes an allergic reaction leading to contact dermatitis. The chemical is similar to the toxicodendron in poison ivy. Silky oak timber was widely used in colonial times. Then it was marketed as “lacewood”, and that name persists today among some who use it. Source: theconversation.com/silky-oaks-are-older-than-dinosaurs-a...

The loss of life in WW2 defies belief but WW1 is so heartbreakingly tragic. That King and country call to arms signified the end of an age that is gone forever...or has it?

CWGC has this additional information: Of Stockbriggs, Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire. Only son of Catherine Thomson (now of Largs, Ayrshire) and the late William Thomson.

From my own personal experience Soldering is a noble profession and always will be. Solders always believe they will survive whatever is happening around them, During periods of active service ie Afghanistan, Iraq et al the British armed forces have a surge of recruits wanting to see action. It will never change. However my deffinition of war is 'A total failure of politicians to find a peaceful solution'. Regards JDW

Help piece together the Life Stories of more than 8 million men and women who made a contribution during the First World War at www.livesofthefirstworldwar.org/