Disturbing activity at Big Ben

[Stobart Stopper]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/uk_enl_1186831081/img/laun.jpg

I hate it when this happens. Big Ben was the first London landmark I fell in love with when I was a kid.
Turned on BBC Breakfast this morning at 8 and it was all happening, the hands were moving forwards.:eek:

[lights.out.london]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/articles/2007/08/09/bigben_silence_feature.shtml

[Stobart Stopper]

When Pig was working in central London, he managed to get himself an invite inside the clock tower, lucky git. I was so jealous.:mad:

[Stobart Stopper]

Just found this on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BgLF-Z9AqM

[chymaera]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/07/uk_enl_1186831081/img/laun.jpg

I hate it when this happens. Big Ben was the first London landmark I fell in love with when I was a kid.
Turned on BBC Breakfast this morning at 8 and it was all happening, the hands were moving forwards.:eek:


Apparently they are having to renew some main bearings in the clock mechanism and are taking the opportunity to give the clock faces and the rest of the clock a "birthday". (Given the bearings have lasted since the clock was built whoever made them must have done an excellent job.)

[lang rabbie]

When Pig was working in central London, he managed to get himself an invite inside the clock tower, lucky git. I was so jealous.:mad:

Ah, but was he inside for the chimes at noon? Your skull vibrates for ten minutes afterwards.

But not quite as deafening as being at the top of the camapanile of San Giorgio Maggiore at noon, though. I remember the look of horror on the monk leading the tour when he realised the lift was non funzionando and wouldn't arrive to take us down before the bell started striking.

ETA: Some health and safety fascist probably now requires you to wear industrial ear protectors before they let you in nowadays.

[Groucho]

It's an omen isn't it...Big Ben goes silent, impressive meteorites due tonight on a new moon, stock markets crashing.....

:eek:

:)


eta it's a new moon...

[chymaera]

It's an omen isn't it...Big Ben goes silent, impressive meteorites due tonight on a full moon, stock markets crashing.....

:eek:

:)


One of the old Quatermass series is also being re-run on Freeview . The one starring John Mills, where all the Hippies get vapourised by aliens. :eek: :D

[Groucho]

One of the old Quatermass series is also being re-run on Freeview . The one starring John Mills, where all the Hippies get vapourised by aliens. :eek: :D

Good point...a little bird was in my kitchen this morning too...:eek:

[T & P]

Until I read about this today in the papers I hadn't realised that the gongs on the BBC4 news were actually live every time.

How wonderfully and eccentrically British :D

[lang rabbie]

Until I read about this today in the papers I hadn't realised that the gongs on the BBC4 news were actually live every time.

How wonderfully and eccentrically British :D

In the "new honesty at " BBC, after the disclosure of rigged Blue Peter contests etc. will there have be a statement by the announcer every day for the next month that "The following chimes were pre-recorded, but the BBC will use its best endeavours to ensure that the loud bong is actually on the hour ". :confused: :D

[quimcunx]

When Pig was working in central London, he managed to get himself an invite inside the clock tower, lucky git. I was so jealous.:mad:


Clock Tower Tours
Parliamentary Works Services Directorate
1 Canon Row
London
SW1A 2JN

[lang rabbie]

Clock Tower Tours
Parliamentary Works Services Directorate
1 Canon Row
London
SW1A 2JN

No, that has been another victim of the "war on terror". AFAIK that was only ever the address if you were an overseas visitor, and you had to write three months in advance.

You have to write to your MP.

Tours of the tower are free and open to UK residents who have requested a visit through their local MP. Children under the age of 11 are not permitted. When demand is high those with a proven interest in clocks or bells will be given preference. Tours for overseas visitors are currently not permitted.

http://www.parliament.uk/about/visiting/big_ben.cfm

[quimcunx]

Is that why I never got a reply to my hoax letter to them asking to have my daughter locked up in the small prison cell there.....