Whats going on here then ?

[paul_y3k]

Hi all,
My flickr feed is full of these type of photo's and I wondered if anyone can help tell me wha'ts going on in them ? I've googled to no avail and I'm even more curious as to why a nail in a pipe is so interesting ?



more examples :

https://www.flickr.com/search/?tags=amanwithastick

[digger the goat]

Ordnance survey datum points.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/benchmarks/

[Henry-F]

This was an early attempt by Barnsley and district council to stamp out nuiscence dog owners who allowed their pets to foul in public places. They built up an extensive database of excrement locations in order to best place the manpower of the local constabulary.

Forensic experts were brought in to analyise the fecal matter against samples taken from suspected offenders. It had marginal success but has since seen a surprise benefit from the black and white comedic greetings card market. Last year council tax bills in the area were reduced by a staggering £317 per property on the back of earnings from the cards.

My great uncle was employed to hold the poo stick prior to working in the Hovis factory. He did wash his hands first! That by the way is how it got the name. A. A. Milne plagiarised the name in his literary works.

Henry

[Simpo Two]

It was believable until the £317 and the final paragraph!

[GravelBen]

Excellent story.

Thats quite interesting to me if they are survey control points, being a surveyor and therefore a bit of a geek about such things! Quite different to what we use here in NZ, which are dedicated physical marks set in the ground.

[Simpo Two]

I think a nearby PH tog should undertake to match all the photos with modern ones...

[paul_y3k]

Hmmm so its the original poo stick location is it lol.
Like the idea about taking modern versions ... might have to give it a try.