Divine and Timely Gatesiders
1 February
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Divine Gateside Eco-activitists
The Gateside Primary School eco-activities group have been working with the NAC Garnock Valley Countryside Ranger, getting in touch with the spirit of nature and learning the importance of light to humans, animals and plants.
The pupils first made two divining or dowsing rods each from fencing wire and then they were taught how to use them. The rods are held pointing straight out, horizontal and parallel to each other. The person walks slowly forwards, picturing in their mind all the time the thing they are looking for and if the rods cross over or completely swing apart then below should be the object, such as a coin, water, metal cable, etc.
The ranger placed water and or a coin beneath two of five plastic discs and the pupils then dowsed for these several times to add an empirical slant to the process. The success rate is debateable, however the pupils made a spirited attempt at getting in touch with the spirit of nature.
On the theme of light the pupils started to make 'Tide Sundials' which are the oldest form and measure eventide, morningtide, ect in three hour blocks, giving the 'cardinal' hours of 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, and bed at 6pm!
The keen horologists will be visiting a unique Scottish Sundial next week, with multiple faces, dating from 1736. The ranger will bring a long a selection of different types of sundials, including pocket sized ones.
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