uk12points

LANCASHIRE (N)
The county of Lancashire is located in the North West of England. This county has played a large role in the indusatrialisation of Britain, in particular cotton, as 85% of the cotton manufactured globally in the early 1800s was manufactured in Lancashire's cotton mills.
For the next few weeks this industrial county will be home to India @Dolby and Italy @Gianlu33@Henry_Leon@SteveParker@Pablita who will each stay in one of the regions great cities.
 
India - Blackpool
 

Having both travelled across Asia and Europe, the Indian delegation arrived at the seaside resort of Blackpool, a city with bustling promenades, fun fairs and a focus on tourism. Landmarks like the Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park and the Blackpool Tower (inspired by the Eiffel Tower) can be seen along the coast. Blackpool has followed the same journey of many seaside resorts across the country. The journey begins with sea bathing, a trend in Victorian Britain that was said to cure many diseases and became popular with wealthy city dwellers who would come to the coast for respite. But the most significant date for most seaside towns is the date the railways opened connecting these coastal towns to the city, for Blackpool this was 1846. After then holiday makers flocked to Blackpool during wakes week (the week when all the cotton mills closed), piers and amusements were built to cater for the tourists. Sadly, the package holiday abroad has resulted in the decline of Blackpool, but a strong culture remains in the seaside town.

One of the fmost famous events in Blackpool is the Illuminations, the illuminations themselves are over 6 miles long and use over a million bulbs. The festival began in 1879 and is still growing today, with greater business interest and a new focus on sustainability. And to welcome the Indian delegation here is the Blackpool Illuminatiosn in all their glory!

 
Italy - Manchester

The large Italian delegation required a big host area to cater for the 4 users and additional team, therefore Manchester as the UKs 2nd largest city is a perfect place for the Italian team to stay! Manchester, aptly nicknamed Cottonopolis, is the UKs 2nd most populated city, behind London and was the world's first industrialised city. And each Italian user will discover a little bit about the culture of one of Britain's most important cities.
Sport City
Manchester's sport is known world wide for the football teams of Manchester United and Manchester City, for the cricket ground where Shane Warne bowled the Ball of the Century in the 1993 Ashes, for being the host of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, for the location of the 'medal factory' the Manchester Velodrome where Team GB train for the Olympics and for many more. SportCity itself is the largest concentration of sporting venues in Europe and is rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 2023 European Games.
Creative City
Manchester's music scene exploded in the 90s, bands like Oasis and Take That were born and Manchester was put firmly on the musical map of Britain. Much of the new wave of culture in Manchester came from bands, painters and acting groups making use of cheap, worn down warehouses and factories in Northern Manchester.

Literary City
Manchester has a long tradition of producing great writers and poets and also as an important location in the creation of literature. Manchester was where the first meeting of Engels and Karl Marx took place and the two begain writing the Communist Manifesto in Chetham Library in Manchester. The John Rylands Library also holds the earliest known text of the New Testament. Famous books The Clockwork Orange and The Secret Garden were also written in the city.
Media City
Manchester is an important location in the UK media and film industry, it is one of ITVs and BBCs main studios and shows like Mastermind, Coronation Street and BBC Breakfast, have been filmed there. Salford Quays has been redeveloped as MediaCity and is home to many TV, Radio and print based media companies.

LANCASHIRE (N)
The county of Lancashire is located in the North West of England. This county has played a large role in the indusatrialisation of Britain, in particular cotton, as 85% of the cotton manufactured globally in the early 1800s was manufactured in Lancashire's cotton mills.
For the next few weeks this industrial county will be home to India @Dolby and Italy @Gianlu33@Henry_Leon@SteveParker@Pablita who will each stay in one of the regions great cities.
 
India - Blackpool
 

Having both travelled across Asia and Europe, the Indian delegation arrived at the seaside resort of Blackpool, a city with bustling promenades, fun fairs and a focus on tourism. Landmarks like the Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park and the Blackpool Tower (inspired by the Eiffel Tower) can be seen along the coast. Blackpool has followed the same journey of many seaside resorts across the country. The journey begins with sea bathing, a trend in Victorian Britain that was said to cure many diseases and became popular with wealthy city dwellers who would come to the coast for respite. But the most significant date for most seaside towns is the date the railways opened connecting these coastal towns to the city, for Blackpool this was 1846. After then holiday makers flocked to Blackpool during wakes week (the week when all the cotton mills closed), piers and amusements were built to cater for the tourists. Sadly, the package holiday abroad has resulted in the decline of Blackpool, but a strong culture remains in the seaside town.

One of the fmost famous events in Blackpool is the Illuminations, the illuminations themselves are over 6 miles long and use over a million bulbs. The festival began in 1879 and is still growing today, with greater business interest and a new focus on sustainability. And to welcome the Indian delegation here is the Blackpool Illuminatiosn in all their glory!

 
Italy - Manchester

The large Italian delegation required a big host area to cater for the 4 users and additional team, therefore Manchester as the UKs 2nd largest city is a perfect place for the Italian team to stay! Manchester, aptly nicknamed Cottonopolis, is the UKs 2nd most populated city, behind London and was the world's first industrialised city. And each Italian user will discover a little bit about the culture of one of Britain's most important cities.
Sport City
Manchester's sport is known world wide for the football teams of Manchester United and Manchester City, for the cricket ground where Shane Warne bowled the Ball of the Century in the 1993 Ashes, for being the host of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, for the location of the 'medal factory' the Manchester Velodrome where Team GB train for the Olympics and for many more. SportCity itself is the largest concentration of sporting venues in Europe and is rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 2023 European Games.
Creative City
Manchester's music scene exploded in the 90s, bands like Oasis and Take That were born and Manchester was put firmly on the musical map of Britain. Much of the new wave of culture in Manchester came from bands, painters and acting groups making use of cheap, worn down warehouses and factories in Northern Manchester.

Literary City
Manchester has a long tradition of producing great writers and poets and also as an important location in the creation of literature. Manchester was where the first meeting of Engels and Karl Marx took place and the two begain writing the Communist Manifesto in Chetham Library in Manchester. The John Rylands Library also holds the earliest known text of the New Testament. Famous books The Clockwork Orange and The Secret Garden were also written in the city.
Media City
Manchester is an important location in the UK media and film industry, it is one of ITVs and BBCs main studios and shows like Mastermind, Coronation Street and BBC Breakfast, have been filmed there. Salford Quays has been redeveloped as MediaCity and is home to many TV, Radio and print based media companies.

As a citizen of a state (Gujarat) with high cotton production and city (Ahmedabad) which is known for its textile industry, I am happy to be based in Lancashire, birthplace of modern textile industry. Since, there is still some time for the competition, I would like to enjoy the beautiful promenades and beaches before joining the Italian delegation in Manchester to see the Manchester derby. 
 
 

LANCASHIRE (N)
The county of Lancashire is located in the North West of England. This county has played a large role in the indusatrialisation of Britain, in particular cotton, as 85% of the cotton manufactured globally in the early 1800s was manufactured in Lancashire's cotton mills.
For the next few weeks this industrial county will be home to India @Dolby and Italy @Gianlu33@Henry_Leon@SteveParker@Pablita who will each stay in one of the regions great cities.
 
India - Blackpool
 

Having both travelled across Asia and Europe, the Indian delegation arrived at the seaside resort of Blackpool, a city with bustling promenades, fun fairs and a focus on tourism. Landmarks like the Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park and the Blackpool Tower (inspired by the Eiffel Tower) can be seen along the coast. Blackpool has followed the same journey of many seaside resorts across the country. The journey begins with sea bathing, a trend in Victorian Britain that was said to cure many diseases and became popular with wealthy city dwellers who would come to the coast for respite. But the most significant date for most seaside towns is the date the railways opened connecting these coastal towns to the city, for Blackpool this was 1846. After then holiday makers flocked to Blackpool during wakes week (the week when all the cotton mills closed), piers and amusements were built to cater for the tourists. Sadly, the package holiday abroad has resulted in the decline of Blackpool, but a strong culture remains in the seaside town.

One of the fmost famous events in Blackpool is the Illuminations, the illuminations themselves are over 6 miles long and use over a million bulbs. The festival began in 1879 and is still growing today, with greater business interest and a new focus on sustainability. And to welcome the Indian delegation here is the Blackpool Illuminatiosn in all their glory!

 
Italy - Manchester

The large Italian delegation required a big host area to cater for the 4 users and additional team, therefore Manchester as the UKs 2nd largest city is a perfect place for the Italian team to stay! Manchester, aptly nicknamed Cottonopolis, is the UKs 2nd most populated city, behind London and was the world's first industrialised city. And each Italian user will discover a little bit about the culture of one of Britain's most important cities.
Sport City
Manchester's sport is known world wide for the football teams of Manchester United and Manchester City, for the cricket ground where Shane Warne bowled the Ball of the Century in the 1993 Ashes, for being the host of the 2002 Commonwealth Games, for the location of the 'medal factory' the Manchester Velodrome where Team GB train for the Olympics and for many more. SportCity itself is the largest concentration of sporting venues in Europe and is rumoured to be preparing a bid for the 2023 European Games.
Creative City
Manchester's music scene exploded in the 90s, bands like Oasis and Take That were born and Manchester was put firmly on the musical map of Britain. Much of the new wave of culture in Manchester came from bands, painters and acting groups making use of cheap, worn down warehouses and factories in Northern Manchester.

Literary City
Manchester has a long tradition of producing great writers and poets and also as an important location in the creation of literature. Manchester was where the first meeting of Engels and Karl Marx took place and the two begain writing the Communist Manifesto in Chetham Library in Manchester. The John Rylands Library also holds the earliest known text of the New Testament. Famous books The Clockwork Orange and The Secret Garden were also written in the city.
Media City
Manchester is an important location in the UK media and film industry, it is one of ITVs and BBCs main studios and shows like Mastermind, Coronation Street and BBC Breakfast, have been filmed there. Salford Quays has been redeveloped as MediaCity and is home to many TV, Radio and print based media companies.

Our next qualification tournament has just concluded. The African Continental Table Tennis Qualifiers have decided their quotas.
 
Boys -
Girls -
 
Congrats to everyone.
 
Link.

Wish You Were Here....
 
 
As we await the Grand Final of the TISC Annual 2017 and as part of the Festival of Music, I decided to share some memories from the nations who have participated in the contest in the past but have sadly left us in the meantime.
 
 
For the purposes of the list I have included the song with the highest finish for that nation. First up in the series are Egypt, Vietnam, Ukraine and Latvia.....
 
 
 
Egypt
 
Participations: 5 (TISC Open 2013, 2014, 2015; TISC Annual 2014, 2015)
Best finish: 18th (TISC Open 2013)
 

 
 
 
 
 
 Vietnam
 
Participations: 1 (TISC Open 2013)
Best finish: 8th (TISC Open 2013)
 

 
 
 
 
 
Ukraine
 
Participations: 1 (TISC Open 2013)
Best finish: 27th (TISC Open 2013)
 

 
 
 
 
 
Latvia
 
Participations: 2 (TISC Open 2013, TISC Open 2014)
Best finish: 7th (TISC Open 2014)
 

 
 
 

POWYS (WAL)
The county of Powys is located in Wales on the border with England. This ancient county used to be the Kingdom of Powys and extended across the border into England.
For the next 3 weeks this ancient county will be home to Mexico @mrv86 and Moldova @Ionoutz24 who will enjoy a unique experience together of the dramatic landscape in Powys.
 
Mexico & Moldova - Glyndwr's Way
 

Having both travelled long distances the delegations were expecting a relaxing stay in the Powys countryside, but little did they expect to be going on a 217km hike across Powys for the next 3 weeks! Glyndwr's Way is a popular route that forms an extended loop through Powys, starting in Welshpool, heading to Machynlleth and ending in Knighton. Hikers have completed the route in 10 days, but our delegations will enjoy a more relaxing hike, taking just under 3 weeks and allowing them to stop over in some spectacular locations along the way. Here's a map for the teams, lets hope their orienteering skills will get them to the end in time for the Grand Final!


One of the first stops on the route is Lake Vyrnwy, which I have visited and is truely breathtaking! The Lake was the first stone-built dam in the world and still provides most of Liverpool's water today and lying beneath the water is the small village of Llanwddyn that was flooded when the dam was built.

The hike includes a variety of natural landmarks from Lakes and resevoirs to waterfalls and valleys. The walk is described as 'challenging' with regular and steep hill climbs and descents, and pack a raincoat, the Welsh valleys are lush and green for one reason alone, rain!

Reaching Machynlleth marks the halfway point, a town that claims to be the ancient capital of Wales, but has had it's request for city status declined on multiple occasions, (the Queen has to grant a town 'city status', there's no criteria, just if she says yes!). Why not visit the Centre for Alternative Technology whilst your in town, which demonstartes the potential of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

As you reach the end of the journey you'll reach the Valley of Nant Clywedog, home to many small villages with very Welsh names. Within the Valley lies Abbeycwnhir, a village with an Abbey that if fully built would have been the largest in the UK, but sadly the Abbeyr never reached its full size and has since remained unknown to most. The journeys end in Knighton will be sad for our hikers, but nevertheless relief that they will have made it in one piece, overcoming some of Wales most dramatic countryside and experiencing the natural, and underappreciated, beauty that Powys has to offer.
 

POWYS (WAL)
The county of Powys is located in Wales on the border with England. This ancient county used to be the Kingdom of Powys and extended across the border into England.
For the next 3 weeks this ancient county will be home to Mexico @mrv86 and Moldova @Ionoutz24 who will enjoy a unique experience together of the dramatic landscape in Powys.
 
Mexico & Moldova - Glyndwr's Way
 

Having both travelled long distances the delegations were expecting a relaxing stay in the Powys countryside, but little did they expect to be going on a 217km hike across Powys for the next 3 weeks! Glyndwr's Way is a popular route that forms an extended loop through Powys, starting in Welshpool, heading to Machynlleth and ending in Knighton. Hikers have completed the route in 10 days, but our delegations will enjoy a more relaxing hike, taking just under 3 weeks and allowing them to stop over in some spectacular locations along the way. Here's a map for the teams, lets hope their orienteering skills will get them to the end in time for the Grand Final!


One of the first stops on the route is Lake Vyrnwy, which I have visited and is truely breathtaking! The Lake was the first stone-built dam in the world and still provides most of Liverpool's water today and lying beneath the water is the small village of Llanwddyn that was flooded when the dam was built.

The hike includes a variety of natural landmarks from Lakes and resevoirs to waterfalls and valleys. The walk is described as 'challenging' with regular and steep hill climbs and descents, and pack a raincoat, the Welsh valleys are lush and green for one reason alone, rain!

Reaching Machynlleth marks the halfway point, a town that claims to be the ancient capital of Wales, but has had it's request for city status declined on multiple occasions, (the Queen has to grant a town 'city status', there's no criteria, just if she says yes!). Why not visit the Centre for Alternative Technology whilst your in town, which demonstartes the potential of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

As you reach the end of the journey you'll reach the Valley of Nant Clywedog, home to many small villages with very Welsh names. Within the Valley lies Abbeycwnhir, a village with an Abbey that if fully built would have been the largest in the UK, but sadly the Abbeyr never reached its full size and has since remained unknown to most. The journeys end in Knighton will be sad for our hikers, but nevertheless relief that they will have made it in one piece, overcoming some of Wales most dramatic countryside and experiencing the natural, and underappreciated, beauty that Powys has to offer.
 

POWYS (WAL)
The county of Powys is located in Wales on the border with England. This ancient county used to be the Kingdom of Powys and extended across the border into England.
For the next 3 weeks this ancient county will be home to Mexico @mrv86 and Moldova @Ionoutz24 who will enjoy a unique experience together of the dramatic landscape in Powys.
 
Mexico & Moldova - Glyndwr's Way
 

Having both travelled long distances the delegations were expecting a relaxing stay in the Powys countryside, but little did they expect to be going on a 217km hike across Powys for the next 3 weeks! Glyndwr's Way is a popular route that forms an extended loop through Powys, starting in Welshpool, heading to Machynlleth and ending in Knighton. Hikers have completed the route in 10 days, but our delegations will enjoy a more relaxing hike, taking just under 3 weeks and allowing them to stop over in some spectacular locations along the way. Here's a map for the teams, lets hope their orienteering skills will get them to the end in time for the Grand Final!


One of the first stops on the route is Lake Vyrnwy, which I have visited and is truely breathtaking! The Lake was the first stone-built dam in the world and still provides most of Liverpool's water today and lying beneath the water is the small village of Llanwddyn that was flooded when the dam was built.

The hike includes a variety of natural landmarks from Lakes and resevoirs to waterfalls and valleys. The walk is described as 'challenging' with regular and steep hill climbs and descents, and pack a raincoat, the Welsh valleys are lush and green for one reason alone, rain!

Reaching Machynlleth marks the halfway point, a town that claims to be the ancient capital of Wales, but has had it's request for city status declined on multiple occasions, (the Queen has to grant a town 'city status', there's no criteria, just if she says yes!). Why not visit the Centre for Alternative Technology whilst your in town, which demonstartes the potential of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

As you reach the end of the journey you'll reach the Valley of Nant Clywedog, home to many small villages with very Welsh names. Within the Valley lies Abbeycwnhir, a village with an Abbey that if fully built would have been the largest in the UK, but sadly the Abbeyr never reached its full size and has since remained unknown to most. The journeys end in Knighton will be sad for our hikers, but nevertheless relief that they will have made it in one piece, overcoming some of Wales most dramatic countryside and experiencing the natural, and underappreciated, beauty that Powys has to offer.
 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (MID)
The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the Midlands, home to the legend of Robin Hood!
For the next 3 weeks this Archery mad county will be home to the delegations of United States @dezbee2008 and Russia @vovanA, some of the most successful competing nations in Archery at the Olympics. You may be thinking what an unlikely pairing, but there is an important history to this region that makes this pairing very interesting..
 
United States - Sherwood Forest

With the longest journey yet Team USA arrived slightly tired, but excited for their next few weeks in the glorious Sherwood Forest, home to the legend of Robin Hood, an outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The county of Nottinghamshire is positively obsessed with the legend, placing him on their flag, road signs and across the county in statues. But the forest, originally called Birklands and Bilhaugh, has long been a royal hunting ground and is home to the Major Oak, thought to be almost 1000 years old.

The importance of Robin Hood to the region cannot be understated, the annual Robin Hood Festival recreates the medieval atmosphere and acts as a celebration of the legend that has put the region on the map. But perhaps for this pairing of countries there is something more important than Robin Hood hidden within Sherwood Forest.
There is one place in Sherwood Forest that dates back to Viking times called the Thynghowe, which was only discovered 10 years ago, yet during the 14th-17th centuries it was the place where people and communities came to resolve and settle their disputes. Maybe some of the magic of Sherwood Forest might send this pairing to the opening ceremony as best friends!
 
Russia - Nottingham

The Russian delegation arrived early this morning into the city of Nottingham, their home for the coming weeks. Nottingham was originally named Tigguo Cobauc, meaning 'City of Caves' and the famous Nottingham Castle itself sits atop a network fof sandstone caves. It is this castle that has housed Richard the Lionheart, who led the crusades and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But there are a few quirks in this town! Nottingham has one of the smallest cinemas in the world with just 22 seats, the worlds first professional football club (Notts County) and one of the oldest pubs, dating back to 1189, but beware Team Russia supposedly anyone who cleans the Trip to Jerusalem pub will die!

Most of the caves within Nottingham are man made and have been used thorughout history for a range of purposes from pubs to air raid shelters and sums. There are over 500 known caves, and over 100 of those have been discovered since 2010. But these cave shave a dark past of disease and revolt. In 1330, King Edward III and a group of conspirators crept through a secret tunnel into the city's castle and took prisoner Roger de Mortimer, a nobleman who had until then effectively been England's ruler. During the Industrial Revolution landlords would house the inlux of workers in the caves, creating slums where disease was rife. Today how about heading to the Hand and Heart pub located in the caves for a drink!
 

SOMERSET (SW)
The county of Somerset is located in South West England, home to the Glastonbury festival, Roman Baths and the Wurzels! For the next 3 weeks it will be home to the delegations of Denmark @Agger and Lithuania @Werloc, both former TISC host nations, but their contrasting experiences of urban and rural Somerset will make them wonder if they really are just a matter of miles away from each other...
 
Denmark - Somerset Levels

As the mist rises on the Somerset Levels at dawn the Danish delegation are about to arrive in an area renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. However, Team Denmark need to watch their step as the Somerset Levels is one of the most flood prone areas of the UK and by travelling to the Levels Team Denmark are helping the communities across the region who are attempting to increase tourism and gain World Heritage Site status in order to get better flood defences.

There is a long history in the Somerset Levels, with perhaps the most interesting tales of all being the legend of King Arthur. The Hill Fort at South Cadbury has long been thought to be Camelot, the home of King Arthur. Arthurian legends surround the region and many locations have some link to the legend.
TOP TRIP: Exploring the Arturian Legends at South Cadbury and Glastonbury Cathedral.

Glastonbury Festival - a celebration of british culture, music and a whole lot of mud! Somerset is internationally known for its flagship music festival, but the music culture in Somerset extends far beyond the tents of Glastonbury. The hippie and folk music scene across the region is long established, and even in the humble beginnings of the Glastonbury Festival, the Pilton Pop, Blues and Folk Festival celebrated the music of Somerset. Whilst team Denmark may be thankful to miss the thousands of festival goers they will certainly not miss the music. The ceilidh folk music of the South West can be seen in local pubs and small festivals and to welcome Team Denmark to the Somerset Levels here is a special performance by the aptly named Somerset Levellers. Enjoy a jig to the music and a local cider!

 
Lithuania - Bristol
 

On a beautiful Bristol evening some of the last balloons return from the skies as the Lithuanian delegation arrive! But not without panic, as the team had to rush back to the Bureau de Change minutes before the flight was set to depart, as they had forgot to buy their Bristol pounds, a local currency only for the city. But it is not the skies, but the water around Bristol that has brought the city is brightest and darkest times over the years. The first English ships to land in North America set off from Bristol, but at the height of the slave trade over 500'000 slaves were transferred through Bristol from Africa to North America. But it is modern Bristol that has really made a name for itself.

Street art, the home of Banksy, Bristol's rebellious streek. The city is not one to conform, but one to push boundaries and ask questions. Banksy has left his mark all over the world, yet some of his original work remains in Bristol and his work has inspired others creating a booming graffiti scene. Bristol has also been at the forefront of animation, with Wallace and Gromit proud products of the cities innovation.

The question now for the Lithuanian delegation is what to do will it be Banksy or Brunell, Boats or Balloons.
But really there's only one iconic choice in Bristol, it has to be balloon, so Team Lithuania better not have a fear of heights because its up, up and away!!

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (MID)
The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the Midlands, home to the legend of Robin Hood!
For the next 3 weeks this Archery mad county will be home to the delegations of United States @dezbee2008 and Russia @vovanA, some of the most successful competing nations in Archery at the Olympics. You may be thinking what an unlikely pairing, but there is an important history to this region that makes this pairing very interesting..
 
United States - Sherwood Forest

With the longest journey yet Team USA arrived slightly tired, but excited for their next few weeks in the glorious Sherwood Forest, home to the legend of Robin Hood, an outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The county of Nottinghamshire is positively obsessed with the legend, placing him on their flag, road signs and across the county in statues. But the forest, originally called Birklands and Bilhaugh, has long been a royal hunting ground and is home to the Major Oak, thought to be almost 1000 years old.

The importance of Robin Hood to the region cannot be understated, the annual Robin Hood Festival recreates the medieval atmosphere and acts as a celebration of the legend that has put the region on the map. But perhaps for this pairing of countries there is something more important than Robin Hood hidden within Sherwood Forest.
There is one place in Sherwood Forest that dates back to Viking times called the Thynghowe, which was only discovered 10 years ago, yet during the 14th-17th centuries it was the place where people and communities came to resolve and settle their disputes. Maybe some of the magic of Sherwood Forest might send this pairing to the opening ceremony as best friends!
 
Russia - Nottingham

The Russian delegation arrived early this morning into the city of Nottingham, their home for the coming weeks. Nottingham was originally named Tigguo Cobauc, meaning 'City of Caves' and the famous Nottingham Castle itself sits atop a network fof sandstone caves. It is this castle that has housed Richard the Lionheart, who led the crusades and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But there are a few quirks in this town! Nottingham has one of the smallest cinemas in the world with just 22 seats, the worlds first professional football club (Notts County) and one of the oldest pubs, dating back to 1189, but beware Team Russia supposedly anyone who cleans the Trip to Jerusalem pub will die!

Most of the caves within Nottingham are man made and have been used thorughout history for a range of purposes from pubs to air raid shelters and sums. There are over 500 known caves, and over 100 of those have been discovered since 2010. But these cave shave a dark past of disease and revolt. In 1330, King Edward III and a group of conspirators crept through a secret tunnel into the city's castle and took prisoner Roger de Mortimer, a nobleman who had until then effectively been England's ruler. During the Industrial Revolution landlords would house the inlux of workers in the caves, creating slums where disease was rife. Today how about heading to the Hand and Heart pub located in the caves for a drink!
 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (MID)
The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the Midlands, home to the legend of Robin Hood!
For the next 3 weeks this Archery mad county will be home to the delegations of United States @dezbee2008 and Russia @vovanA, some of the most successful competing nations in Archery at the Olympics. You may be thinking what an unlikely pairing, but there is an important history to this region that makes this pairing very interesting..
 
United States - Sherwood Forest

With the longest journey yet Team USA arrived slightly tired, but excited for their next few weeks in the glorious Sherwood Forest, home to the legend of Robin Hood, an outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The county of Nottinghamshire is positively obsessed with the legend, placing him on their flag, road signs and across the county in statues. But the forest, originally called Birklands and Bilhaugh, has long been a royal hunting ground and is home to the Major Oak, thought to be almost 1000 years old.

The importance of Robin Hood to the region cannot be understated, the annual Robin Hood Festival recreates the medieval atmosphere and acts as a celebration of the legend that has put the region on the map. But perhaps for this pairing of countries there is something more important than Robin Hood hidden within Sherwood Forest.
There is one place in Sherwood Forest that dates back to Viking times called the Thynghowe, which was only discovered 10 years ago, yet during the 14th-17th centuries it was the place where people and communities came to resolve and settle their disputes. Maybe some of the magic of Sherwood Forest might send this pairing to the opening ceremony as best friends!
 
Russia - Nottingham

The Russian delegation arrived early this morning into the city of Nottingham, their home for the coming weeks. Nottingham was originally named Tigguo Cobauc, meaning 'City of Caves' and the famous Nottingham Castle itself sits atop a network fof sandstone caves. It is this castle that has housed Richard the Lionheart, who led the crusades and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But there are a few quirks in this town! Nottingham has one of the smallest cinemas in the world with just 22 seats, the worlds first professional football club (Notts County) and one of the oldest pubs, dating back to 1189, but beware Team Russia supposedly anyone who cleans the Trip to Jerusalem pub will die!

Most of the caves within Nottingham are man made and have been used thorughout history for a range of purposes from pubs to air raid shelters and sums. There are over 500 known caves, and over 100 of those have been discovered since 2010. But these cave shave a dark past of disease and revolt. In 1330, King Edward III and a group of conspirators crept through a secret tunnel into the city's castle and took prisoner Roger de Mortimer, a nobleman who had until then effectively been England's ruler. During the Industrial Revolution landlords would house the inlux of workers in the caves, creating slums where disease was rife. Today how about heading to the Hand and Heart pub located in the caves for a drink!
 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (MID)
The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the Midlands, home to the legend of Robin Hood!
For the next 3 weeks this Archery mad county will be home to the delegations of United States @dezbee2008 and Russia @vovanA, some of the most successful competing nations in Archery at the Olympics. You may be thinking what an unlikely pairing, but there is an important history to this region that makes this pairing very interesting..
 
United States - Sherwood Forest

With the longest journey yet Team USA arrived slightly tired, but excited for their next few weeks in the glorious Sherwood Forest, home to the legend of Robin Hood, an outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The county of Nottinghamshire is positively obsessed with the legend, placing him on their flag, road signs and across the county in statues. But the forest, originally called Birklands and Bilhaugh, has long been a royal hunting ground and is home to the Major Oak, thought to be almost 1000 years old.

The importance of Robin Hood to the region cannot be understated, the annual Robin Hood Festival recreates the medieval atmosphere and acts as a celebration of the legend that has put the region on the map. But perhaps for this pairing of countries there is something more important than Robin Hood hidden within Sherwood Forest.
There is one place in Sherwood Forest that dates back to Viking times called the Thynghowe, which was only discovered 10 years ago, yet during the 14th-17th centuries it was the place where people and communities came to resolve and settle their disputes. Maybe some of the magic of Sherwood Forest might send this pairing to the opening ceremony as best friends!
 
Russia - Nottingham

The Russian delegation arrived early this morning into the city of Nottingham, their home for the coming weeks. Nottingham was originally named Tigguo Cobauc, meaning 'City of Caves' and the famous Nottingham Castle itself sits atop a network fof sandstone caves. It is this castle that has housed Richard the Lionheart, who led the crusades and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But there are a few quirks in this town! Nottingham has one of the smallest cinemas in the world with just 22 seats, the worlds first professional football club (Notts County) and one of the oldest pubs, dating back to 1189, but beware Team Russia supposedly anyone who cleans the Trip to Jerusalem pub will die!

Most of the caves within Nottingham are man made and have been used thorughout history for a range of purposes from pubs to air raid shelters and sums. There are over 500 known caves, and over 100 of those have been discovered since 2010. But these cave shave a dark past of disease and revolt. In 1330, King Edward III and a group of conspirators crept through a secret tunnel into the city's castle and took prisoner Roger de Mortimer, a nobleman who had until then effectively been England's ruler. During the Industrial Revolution landlords would house the inlux of workers in the caves, creating slums where disease was rife. Today how about heading to the Hand and Heart pub located in the caves for a drink!
 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (MID)
The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the Midlands, home to the legend of Robin Hood!
For the next 3 weeks this Archery mad county will be home to the delegations of United States @dezbee2008 and Russia @vovanA, some of the most successful competing nations in Archery at the Olympics. You may be thinking what an unlikely pairing, but there is an important history to this region that makes this pairing very interesting..
 
United States - Sherwood Forest

With the longest journey yet Team USA arrived slightly tired, but excited for their next few weeks in the glorious Sherwood Forest, home to the legend of Robin Hood, an outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The county of Nottinghamshire is positively obsessed with the legend, placing him on their flag, road signs and across the county in statues. But the forest, originally called Birklands and Bilhaugh, has long been a royal hunting ground and is home to the Major Oak, thought to be almost 1000 years old.

The importance of Robin Hood to the region cannot be understated, the annual Robin Hood Festival recreates the medieval atmosphere and acts as a celebration of the legend that has put the region on the map. But perhaps for this pairing of countries there is something more important than Robin Hood hidden within Sherwood Forest.
There is one place in Sherwood Forest that dates back to Viking times called the Thynghowe, which was only discovered 10 years ago, yet during the 14th-17th centuries it was the place where people and communities came to resolve and settle their disputes. Maybe some of the magic of Sherwood Forest might send this pairing to the opening ceremony as best friends!
 
Russia - Nottingham

The Russian delegation arrived early this morning into the city of Nottingham, their home for the coming weeks. Nottingham was originally named Tigguo Cobauc, meaning 'City of Caves' and the famous Nottingham Castle itself sits atop a network fof sandstone caves. It is this castle that has housed Richard the Lionheart, who led the crusades and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But there are a few quirks in this town! Nottingham has one of the smallest cinemas in the world with just 22 seats, the worlds first professional football club (Notts County) and one of the oldest pubs, dating back to 1189, but beware Team Russia supposedly anyone who cleans the Trip to Jerusalem pub will die!

Most of the caves within Nottingham are man made and have been used thorughout history for a range of purposes from pubs to air raid shelters and sums. There are over 500 known caves, and over 100 of those have been discovered since 2010. But these cave shave a dark past of disease and revolt. In 1330, King Edward III and a group of conspirators crept through a secret tunnel into the city's castle and took prisoner Roger de Mortimer, a nobleman who had until then effectively been England's ruler. During the Industrial Revolution landlords would house the inlux of workers in the caves, creating slums where disease was rife. Today how about heading to the Hand and Heart pub located in the caves for a drink!
 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (MID)
The county of Nottinghamshire is located in the Midlands, home to the legend of Robin Hood!
For the next 3 weeks this Archery mad county will be home to the delegations of United States @dezbee2008 and Russia @vovanA, some of the most successful competing nations in Archery at the Olympics. You may be thinking what an unlikely pairing, but there is an important history to this region that makes this pairing very interesting..
 
United States - Sherwood Forest

With the longest journey yet Team USA arrived slightly tired, but excited for their next few weeks in the glorious Sherwood Forest, home to the legend of Robin Hood, an outlaw who took from the rich and gave to the poor. The county of Nottinghamshire is positively obsessed with the legend, placing him on their flag, road signs and across the county in statues. But the forest, originally called Birklands and Bilhaugh, has long been a royal hunting ground and is home to the Major Oak, thought to be almost 1000 years old.

The importance of Robin Hood to the region cannot be understated, the annual Robin Hood Festival recreates the medieval atmosphere and acts as a celebration of the legend that has put the region on the map. But perhaps for this pairing of countries there is something more important than Robin Hood hidden within Sherwood Forest.
There is one place in Sherwood Forest that dates back to Viking times called the Thynghowe, which was only discovered 10 years ago, yet during the 14th-17th centuries it was the place where people and communities came to resolve and settle their disputes. Maybe some of the magic of Sherwood Forest might send this pairing to the opening ceremony as best friends!
 
Russia - Nottingham

The Russian delegation arrived early this morning into the city of Nottingham, their home for the coming weeks. Nottingham was originally named Tigguo Cobauc, meaning 'City of Caves' and the famous Nottingham Castle itself sits atop a network fof sandstone caves. It is this castle that has housed Richard the Lionheart, who led the crusades and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But there are a few quirks in this town! Nottingham has one of the smallest cinemas in the world with just 22 seats, the worlds first professional football club (Notts County) and one of the oldest pubs, dating back to 1189, but beware Team Russia supposedly anyone who cleans the Trip to Jerusalem pub will die!

Most of the caves within Nottingham are man made and have been used thorughout history for a range of purposes from pubs to air raid shelters and sums. There are over 500 known caves, and over 100 of those have been discovered since 2010. But these cave shave a dark past of disease and revolt. In 1330, King Edward III and a group of conspirators crept through a secret tunnel into the city's castle and took prisoner Roger de Mortimer, a nobleman who had until then effectively been England's ruler. During the Industrial Revolution landlords would house the inlux of workers in the caves, creating slums where disease was rife. Today how about heading to the Hand and Heart pub located in the caves for a drink!
 

Wow this is amazing @uk12points  
Bristol seems to be a really nice city!
I'm looking forward to where the other juries will be staying for the TAISC!

Thanks a lot for the lovely welcome, and thanks a lot for selecting a place reminding us so much about where we're from with barely any altitude!
And of course an area with so much history. I am looking forward to visiting the fort and the Cathedral.
But being from a festival loving country (I believe we're the country with most festivals compared to population), I would love to be in Glastonbury for the festival to experience one of the few festivals above our own Roskilde Festival in the rankings!

These are fantastic 
 
@Agger arrived early 

SOMERSET (SW)
The county of Somerset is located in South West England, home to the Glastonbury festival, Roman Baths and the Wurzels! For the next 3 weeks it will be home to the delegations of Denmark @Agger and Lithuania @Werloc, both former TISC host nations, but their contrasting experiences of urban and rural Somerset will make them wonder if they really are just a matter of miles away from each other...
 
Denmark - Somerset Levels

As the mist rises on the Somerset Levels at dawn the Danish delegation are about to arrive in an area renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. However, Team Denmark need to watch their step as the Somerset Levels is one of the most flood prone areas of the UK and by travelling to the Levels Team Denmark are helping the communities across the region who are attempting to increase tourism and gain World Heritage Site status in order to get better flood defences.

There is a long history in the Somerset Levels, with perhaps the most interesting tales of all being the legend of King Arthur. The Hill Fort at South Cadbury has long been thought to be Camelot, the home of King Arthur. Arthurian legends surround the region and many locations have some link to the legend.
TOP TRIP: Exploring the Arturian Legends at South Cadbury and Glastonbury Cathedral.

Glastonbury Festival - a celebration of british culture, music and a whole lot of mud! Somerset is internationally known for its flagship music festival, but the music culture in Somerset extends far beyond the tents of Glastonbury. The hippie and folk music scene across the region is long established, and even in the humble beginnings of the Glastonbury Festival, the Pilton Pop, Blues and Folk Festival celebrated the music of Somerset. Whilst team Denmark may be thankful to miss the thousands of festival goers they will certainly not miss the music. The ceilidh folk music of the South West can be seen in local pubs and small festivals and to welcome Team Denmark to the Somerset Levels here is a special performance by the aptly named Somerset Levellers. Enjoy a jig to the music and a local cider!

 
Lithuania - Bristol
 

On a beautiful Bristol evening some of the last balloons return from the skies as the Lithuanian delegation arrive! But not without panic, as the team had to rush back to the Bureau de Change minutes before the flight was set to depart, as they had forgot to buy their Bristol pounds, a local currency only for the city. But it is not the skies, but the water around Bristol that has brought the city is brightest and darkest times over the years. The first English ships to land in North America set off from Bristol, but at the height of the slave trade over 500'000 slaves were transferred through Bristol from Africa to North America. But it is modern Bristol that has really made a name for itself.

Street art, the home of Banksy, Bristol's rebellious streek. The city is not one to conform, but one to push boundaries and ask questions. Banksy has left his mark all over the world, yet some of his original work remains in Bristol and his work has inspired others creating a booming graffiti scene. Bristol has also been at the forefront of animation, with Wallace and Gromit proud products of the cities innovation.

The question now for the Lithuanian delegation is what to do will it be Banksy or Brunell, Boats or Balloons.
But really there's only one iconic choice in Bristol, it has to be balloon, so Team Lithuania better not have a fear of heights because its up, up and away!!

SOMERSET (SW)
The county of Somerset is located in South West England, home to the Glastonbury festival, Roman Baths and the Wurzels! For the next 3 weeks it will be home to the delegations of Denmark @Agger and Lithuania @Werloc, both former TISC host nations, but their contrasting experiences of urban and rural Somerset will make them wonder if they really are just a matter of miles away from each other...
 
Denmark - Somerset Levels

As the mist rises on the Somerset Levels at dawn the Danish delegation are about to arrive in an area renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. However, Team Denmark need to watch their step as the Somerset Levels is one of the most flood prone areas of the UK and by travelling to the Levels Team Denmark are helping the communities across the region who are attempting to increase tourism and gain World Heritage Site status in order to get better flood defences.

There is a long history in the Somerset Levels, with perhaps the most interesting tales of all being the legend of King Arthur. The Hill Fort at South Cadbury has long been thought to be Camelot, the home of King Arthur. Arthurian legends surround the region and many locations have some link to the legend.
TOP TRIP: Exploring the Arturian Legends at South Cadbury and Glastonbury Cathedral.

Glastonbury Festival - a celebration of british culture, music and a whole lot of mud! Somerset is internationally known for its flagship music festival, but the music culture in Somerset extends far beyond the tents of Glastonbury. The hippie and folk music scene across the region is long established, and even in the humble beginnings of the Glastonbury Festival, the Pilton Pop, Blues and Folk Festival celebrated the music of Somerset. Whilst team Denmark may be thankful to miss the thousands of festival goers they will certainly not miss the music. The ceilidh folk music of the South West can be seen in local pubs and small festivals and to welcome Team Denmark to the Somerset Levels here is a special performance by the aptly named Somerset Levellers. Enjoy a jig to the music and a local cider!

 
Lithuania - Bristol
 

On a beautiful Bristol evening some of the last balloons return from the skies as the Lithuanian delegation arrive! But not without panic, as the team had to rush back to the Bureau de Change minutes before the flight was set to depart, as they had forgot to buy their Bristol pounds, a local currency only for the city. But it is not the skies, but the water around Bristol that has brought the city is brightest and darkest times over the years. The first English ships to land in North America set off from Bristol, but at the height of the slave trade over 500'000 slaves were transferred through Bristol from Africa to North America. But it is modern Bristol that has really made a name for itself.

Street art, the home of Banksy, Bristol's rebellious streek. The city is not one to conform, but one to push boundaries and ask questions. Banksy has left his mark all over the world, yet some of his original work remains in Bristol and his work has inspired others creating a booming graffiti scene. Bristol has also been at the forefront of animation, with Wallace and Gromit proud products of the cities innovation.

The question now for the Lithuanian delegation is what to do will it be Banksy or Brunell, Boats or Balloons.
But really there's only one iconic choice in Bristol, it has to be balloon, so Team Lithuania better not have a fear of heights because its up, up and away!!

SOMERSET (SW)
The county of Somerset is located in South West England, home to the Glastonbury festival, Roman Baths and the Wurzels! For the next 3 weeks it will be home to the delegations of Denmark @Agger and Lithuania @Werloc, both former TISC host nations, but their contrasting experiences of urban and rural Somerset will make them wonder if they really are just a matter of miles away from each other...
 
Denmark - Somerset Levels

As the mist rises on the Somerset Levels at dawn the Danish delegation are about to arrive in an area renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. However, Team Denmark need to watch their step as the Somerset Levels is one of the most flood prone areas of the UK and by travelling to the Levels Team Denmark are helping the communities across the region who are attempting to increase tourism and gain World Heritage Site status in order to get better flood defences.

There is a long history in the Somerset Levels, with perhaps the most interesting tales of all being the legend of King Arthur. The Hill Fort at South Cadbury has long been thought to be Camelot, the home of King Arthur. Arthurian legends surround the region and many locations have some link to the legend.
TOP TRIP: Exploring the Arturian Legends at South Cadbury and Glastonbury Cathedral.

Glastonbury Festival - a celebration of british culture, music and a whole lot of mud! Somerset is internationally known for its flagship music festival, but the music culture in Somerset extends far beyond the tents of Glastonbury. The hippie and folk music scene across the region is long established, and even in the humble beginnings of the Glastonbury Festival, the Pilton Pop, Blues and Folk Festival celebrated the music of Somerset. Whilst team Denmark may be thankful to miss the thousands of festival goers they will certainly not miss the music. The ceilidh folk music of the South West can be seen in local pubs and small festivals and to welcome Team Denmark to the Somerset Levels here is a special performance by the aptly named Somerset Levellers. Enjoy a jig to the music and a local cider!

 
Lithuania - Bristol
 

On a beautiful Bristol evening some of the last balloons return from the skies as the Lithuanian delegation arrive! But not without panic, as the team had to rush back to the Bureau de Change minutes before the flight was set to depart, as they had forgot to buy their Bristol pounds, a local currency only for the city. But it is not the skies, but the water around Bristol that has brought the city is brightest and darkest times over the years. The first English ships to land in North America set off from Bristol, but at the height of the slave trade over 500'000 slaves were transferred through Bristol from Africa to North America. But it is modern Bristol that has really made a name for itself.

Street art, the home of Banksy, Bristol's rebellious streek. The city is not one to conform, but one to push boundaries and ask questions. Banksy has left his mark all over the world, yet some of his original work remains in Bristol and his work has inspired others creating a booming graffiti scene. Bristol has also been at the forefront of animation, with Wallace and Gromit proud products of the cities innovation.

The question now for the Lithuanian delegation is what to do will it be Banksy or Brunell, Boats or Balloons.
But really there's only one iconic choice in Bristol, it has to be balloon, so Team Lithuania better not have a fear of heights because its up, up and away!!

SOMERSET (SW)
The county of Somerset is located in South West England, home to the Glastonbury festival, Roman Baths and the Wurzels! For the next 3 weeks it will be home to the delegations of Denmark @Agger and Lithuania @Werloc, both former TISC host nations, but their contrasting experiences of urban and rural Somerset will make them wonder if they really are just a matter of miles away from each other...
 
Denmark - Somerset Levels

As the mist rises on the Somerset Levels at dawn the Danish delegation are about to arrive in an area renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. However, Team Denmark need to watch their step as the Somerset Levels is one of the most flood prone areas of the UK and by travelling to the Levels Team Denmark are helping the communities across the region who are attempting to increase tourism and gain World Heritage Site status in order to get better flood defences.

There is a long history in the Somerset Levels, with perhaps the most interesting tales of all being the legend of King Arthur. The Hill Fort at South Cadbury has long been thought to be Camelot, the home of King Arthur. Arthurian legends surround the region and many locations have some link to the legend.
TOP TRIP: Exploring the Arturian Legends at South Cadbury and Glastonbury Cathedral.

Glastonbury Festival - a celebration of british culture, music and a whole lot of mud! Somerset is internationally known for its flagship music festival, but the music culture in Somerset extends far beyond the tents of Glastonbury. The hippie and folk music scene across the region is long established, and even in the humble beginnings of the Glastonbury Festival, the Pilton Pop, Blues and Folk Festival celebrated the music of Somerset. Whilst team Denmark may be thankful to miss the thousands of festival goers they will certainly not miss the music. The ceilidh folk music of the South West can be seen in local pubs and small festivals and to welcome Team Denmark to the Somerset Levels here is a special performance by the aptly named Somerset Levellers. Enjoy a jig to the music and a local cider!

 
Lithuania - Bristol
 

On a beautiful Bristol evening some of the last balloons return from the skies as the Lithuanian delegation arrive! But not without panic, as the team had to rush back to the Bureau de Change minutes before the flight was set to depart, as they had forgot to buy their Bristol pounds, a local currency only for the city. But it is not the skies, but the water around Bristol that has brought the city is brightest and darkest times over the years. The first English ships to land in North America set off from Bristol, but at the height of the slave trade over 500'000 slaves were transferred through Bristol from Africa to North America. But it is modern Bristol that has really made a name for itself.

Street art, the home of Banksy, Bristol's rebellious streek. The city is not one to conform, but one to push boundaries and ask questions. Banksy has left his mark all over the world, yet some of his original work remains in Bristol and his work has inspired others creating a booming graffiti scene. Bristol has also been at the forefront of animation, with Wallace and Gromit proud products of the cities innovation.

The question now for the Lithuanian delegation is what to do will it be Banksy or Brunell, Boats or Balloons.
But really there's only one iconic choice in Bristol, it has to be balloon, so Team Lithuania better not have a fear of heights because its up, up and away!!

ROAD TO TISC 2017

 
With just under 3 weeks to go before the TISC final the time has come for the delegations to begin to head to Great Britain! Each country will find their temporary home in one of Britain's historic ceremonial counties and each county will be shared by 2 nations, but the experiences of each country will be totally different! 17 counties in 7 regions have been chosen and every day a new pair of countries will arrive, with the last landing just hours before the opening ceremony on Friday 28th April.
 
So welcome to Britain and I hope you can make your county feel like home!!
The arrivals begin today and the first pair to arrive will be based in....
 
SOMERSET

Youth Olympic Weightlifting World Championships Quota:
 
Men: (http://www.iwf.net/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2017/04/101MTEAM.pdf)
2 -
1 -
 
Women: (http://www.iwf.net/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2017/04/100WTEAM.pdf)
2 -
1 -