It’s all a matter of perspective, isn’t it? Once Hartlepool had thriving docklands where we’re standing now. In 1913 alone over 1 million tons of timber and iron-ore were imported, and 2.5 million tons of coal and coke from the Durham pits left these docks. World War II brought change, as well as bombardment, but the town picked itself up and looked for new industries to replace the old.
In the 1990s a marina brought a new lease of life to the town. Old shipbuilding skills had not been lost and HMS Trincomalee was restored locally, soon to be joined by the paddlesteamer PSS Wingfield Castle. Both now form part of Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience museum. But what of the surrounds? There we have an issue or two with our local council. Jackson’s Landing was an attractive looking shopping complex, whose cafe enjoyed some of the best views in Hartlepool. Today it has been razed to the ground, after standing empty for countless years. The seagulls now enjoy the forlorn open space.
But it’s not all bad, as you can see. Great skies! And Thursday’s Special has me back in our marina again, thanks to Paula.
restlessjo 
I love the two so different blues of the sky and ocean as they meet in your photos…then interrupted by man’s creations! The figures from 1913 about the port are staggering…the ports have changed beyond recognition and so many decisions have yet to be made about their future.
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I felt so happy to be alive that day! The skies were just amazing, whatever man chooses to do. 🙂 🙂
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Glad they have the maritime museum Jo but a pity there is no cafe/restaurant overlooking the marina – it would be the perfect place to look out to sea. Lovely blue skies though – marinas are such lovely places 🙂
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There are lots of restaurants and cafes on the far side of the marina, by the lock gates, Rosemay, and they do very well. But this was a really attractive small shopping mall with a bird’s eye view of the marina. Unfortunately it didn’t thrive. 😦 Too much competition from Next and all the fashion stores, I guess.
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Yes alas that seems to be the problem Jo – much prefer the smaller shops myself!
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Beautiful skies here Jo. Hope they decide to build something useful and decorative on that site. It must be a premium location. A tired goodnight from me…
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Been ovedoing it again? How long do you have company for? 🙂 🙂
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Just being with children for more than an hour wears me out! Grandparents were not expected to join in – they sat in armchairs and read bedtime stories! I don’t know how Meg managed it in Poland.
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Yes, wonderful skies, what a pity the area isn’t fully used. I despair of local councils, we seem to have an endless load of restaurants and chain shops, but nothing is manufactured anymore. Every bit of land or old building that can be is made into student accommodation. So jobs are all about service industry and low paid. So how can those people afford to eat out all the time? Grrrhh, the worlds gone mad!$£$! 🙂
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I hear ya, Gilly 🙂 🙂 Big hugs!
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The councils here must be cut from the same cloth. 😉
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I think so! 🙂 🙂
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Amazing pictures, Jo, wonderful sky … wonderful mood …
regards
Achim
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The sky went through every possible mood that afternoon, Achim. And I stayed dry 🙂 🙂 Thanks a lot!
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At least you had a glorious day Jo. 😁
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I did! 🙂 🙂
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That first shot is a real stunner. It’s good to see Hartlepool with its new lease of life. But what is it about council’s? Don’t do things you want them to do, and then do things you really don’t want, or appear to be in no one’s interests. Hmph. Feel another dose of tetchiness coming on.
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Whisper bribery and corruption very softly 😦
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Those very words were on the tip of my tongue 😦
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Lovely shots, Jo.
janet
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You just have to love skies like that, Janet! Thanks a lot 🙂 🙂
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Beautiful sky. And great shots of the marina.
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It’s not bad for local scenery, is it, Emilio? People are sometimes quite disparaging about the north east, but I can find plenty to love. (apart from the council 🙂 ). Thanks, hon!
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You’re welcome!
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I can understand our similarities – just the sight of those old masts brings back the past (not that I can remember it mind you). Fantastic sky. It really sets it off and adds that ominous layer that is also added by your council’s actions.
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I love these old ships with a passion, Irene, and am so proud that Hartlepool has her ‘own’. The council- not so much! 🙂 🙂
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