England

Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 32
Leeds indoor market

Leeds Kirkgate Market

Returning from my daughter’s in Nottingham on Monday, the National Express bus decanted me into Leeds for an hour and a half, before my onward journey home.  It wasn’t the warmest of days and I was happy to escape into Kirkgate Market for a delicious chicken, mushroom and cheese pancake.  As an additional bonus I snapped a few windows in this beautiful building.

If you follow the link it will give you the convoluted history of the building.  For my purposes it’s enough to say that it’s the largest covered market in Europe, with around 800 stalls.  The market dates back to 1822, the first covered sections being added from 1850.  The domed, glazed roof was modelled on Paxton’s Crystal Palace in London’s Hyde Park.  It has enormous appeal.

One last snippet of information- Kirkgate Market was the founding location of Marks and Spencer, which opened initially as a penny bazaar.  A commemorative clock was unveiled to mark the centenary of M & S in 1984.  Today there is still a Marks and Spencer’s stall alongside the clock.

Famous Marks and Spencer and the centenary clock.
Anyone remember a penny bazaar?
The flower stalls are lovely.
And the dragons are splendid!
The balcony was used for “fancy goods”.
This way for fish!
That’s my little crepe bar along at the end.
I sat at the little “outside” table
Oops! How did this get in here?
Just a few sweets to finish!

Click on the gallery to wander the market with me.

Thanks Dawn, for reminding me every week how much I like windows.  To join the challenge, visit Lingering Visions.

Which way next?

IMG_7976 My stepping stones were much admired in last week’s Which Way post so I thought I’d share with you another idyllic and very English scene in the North Yorkshire village of Lealholm.  I don’t take many photos of people but this little family setting really made me smile.  Join me in the gallery.

Lealholm has the prettiest little bridge
And, of course, those stepping stones.
Here we have my husband looking downstream
At an intrepid youngster.
I love the patience of “big sis” and the determined little fella.
It’s a lovely tranquil spot.

Innocent pleasures!  It’s nice to see they’re still around.

I thought I’d take part in Cee’s Which Way Challenge again this week because it will be fortnightly from now on.  Alternate weeks will be a black and white photo challenge, and that’s a whole different ball game.

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Which ever Way
The swing bridge at Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales

The swing bridge at Reeth in the Yorkshire Dales

Earlier this week this bridge proved rather popular, and if I find a winning formula… well, you know how it is.  It was part of a five mile walk through lusciuous countryside in Swaledale.  I crossed over the bridge and followed the River Swale till I found another of my favourite ways- stepping stones.  Got your walking boots with you?

The swing bridge, or the doctors? Your choice.
Through a gate. The moors are capped with purple heather.
And there’s the bridge!
Set in stone.
I always like to read the history.
Over a stile
The stepping stones… but you might get a bit wet.
No worries- there’s another bridge.
And a confusion of signs.
Isn't the water a wonderful colour?

Isn’t the water a wonderful colour?

It was back to Reeth and the Copper Kettle Tearooms for us, but that’s another post.  This is my entry for Cee’s Which Way photo challenge on week 6.  Click on the crossroads to view the other entries.

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Black and White weekly photo challenge : Windows (and doors)
Spotted in the entrance to The Station, Richmond

An interesting view of windows and doors in The Station, Richmond.

You could be forgiven for thinking that I’m still participating in Sonel’s Abstract black and white photo challenge with the above shot, but you would be wrong.  One of many things I have gained from the challenges is the desire to look at things a little differently, and to experiment now and then.  No-one encourages this more than Sonel, and she very much enjoys to “play” with her photography and create wonderful effects.

Sonel gave us permission to post this week, although the challenge is sadly concluding.  You probably know I’m partial to windows (and doors) so I’m happy to contribute one last time.

A quirky window in Durham

A whimsical window in Durham

Trompe l'oeuil windows in a favourite Durham restaurant

Trompe l’oeuil windows in a favourite Durham restaurant

Spag B & W 2It was our 24th wedding anniversary yesterday and, in addition to receiving 24 red roses, I was taken to a favourite Italian restaurant in Durham, “La Spaghettata”.  The trompe l’oeuil panels always capture my attention, and I thought you might like them in black and white.

Colour will always be my first love, but I have enjoyed my flirtation with black and white.  I hope you have too.

Sonel, I don’t care whether you show me your delightful Vervet monkeys in black and white or in gentle colour.  All that matters is that you continue to share your enormous talents with us, as, and when, you can.  On behalf of all of us who have taken part in your Black and White photo challenge, thank you.

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Thursday : Lingering look at windows, week 30
Window box outside the Queen Victoria pub in Durham

Window box outside the Victoria pub in Durham

I seem to have my English appreciation society head on firmly this week so I’m staying with the theme for my lingering look at windows.  On Friday evening I was in the city of Durham as the sun set.  Now there’s a place to be!  Mind you, the company and the wine were wonderful too.

Windows reflected in windows here!
The red and white theme seemed to be going on all along the street
Then I hit a patch of grey, traditional style cottages
I do like those red and white boxes though
And round the corner, brash modernity!
Durham University Library- brand, spanking new architecture
But it was a relief to return to something older

The sunset reflected beautifully for me in that last shot, then I was spellbound by the colours around the cathedral.

It was a good week for sunsets and I captured a couple in windows on our estate at home.

Such a dreamy sky
And then the crazy colours

You can’t get more quintessentially English than the village of Lealholm in North Yorkshire.  Every Summer they organise a Duck Race, and hundrerds of yellow plastic ducks are tipped off the bridge into the River Esk to race for it!  They were selling tickets when I was there last week.

One of the pretty little village shops in Lealholm

One of the pretty little village shops in Lealholm

That’s my English round up for this week.  What do you think?  Let’s get out into our English countryside while this nice weather lasts.

Many thanks to Dawn at Lingering Visions for being our lovely hostess for this challenge.  Do you have some windows you’d like to share?  Just follow the link.

No time like the present
Seaham's burgeoning marina

Seaham’s burgeoning marina

I was pleasantly surprised, on Saturday, to come upon the view above.  Seaham Harbour, as I’ve always known it, is a former mining village, whose pithead once dominated the landscape. Regeneration has taken place, and the marina and visitor centre for the RNLI now lie in the old harbour, with its iconic lighthouse banished to the distance.

Come and take a closer look at these galleries with me.

It’s still a working port (just about), so not all of it’s pretty.
But I did try to pretty it up.
The road drops down into the harbour
And looking back you can see across the bay.
Then you’re in the marina
And my favourite hobby, boat spotting.
Add a cafe and a visitor centre and you’re all set.
It’s a nice enough outlook.

There’s a great cafe called “The Lookout” pointing right out to sea, and below that some exhibition space.  I really enjoyed the visitor centre for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.  It’s full of photos, nautical maps and stories of heroism. There’s no entry fee but it’s a pleasure to slip a few coins in the boat.  The bravery required on these sometimes stormy seas is worth every penny, and the staff were informative and very pleasant.

Lifeboats are the most complex and amazing vessels.
That grappling hook looks pretty fierce.
I love the patriotic colours.
The boat’s story gives me a lump in my throat
The display cabinets were a trip back in time.
Tinder boxes, old badges, all kinds of paraphernalia
A replica of RNLB George Elmy
I thought this was beautiful.

I gave a little history of the town, and it’s rather surprising connection to the poet, Lord Byron, in Windswept in Seaham.

There was a nice breeze blowing on Saturday, but not one to bend you double.  It’s raining again today so I’m using my normal walking time to look back at sunnier skies.  I almost forgot to mention the delicious pana cotta and Swiss chocolate icecream I indulged in.  I know there are a few of you with a sweet tooth.  “Leaf, bark and berries” was my cafe of choice.

A last look at the lighthouse

One last look at the lighthouse

Every which way?
A quick getaway by jet ski?

A quick getaway by jet ski?

With that blue, blue water and matching sky, you could be excused for thinking I’m somewhere exotic.  Well, it’s a matter of definition.  Seaham, on England’s north east coast, was enjoying a rare balmy day.

You can walk along the cliff top, or the beachside walk

You can walk along the cliff top, or the promenade, down by the beach

It's a nice little town

It’s a nice little town

With an industrial heritage

With an industrial heritage

And it’s the start point for my venture into Cee’s Which Way photo challenge.  There’s so much more I could tell you about Seaham, but I’ll save it for another day.  I know Cee rather likes a sign.  I almost captured this one.

Don't you love a coastal footpath?

Don’t you love a coastal footpath?

I wonder where else Cee might take me.  Click on the logo below or the links and we’ll go and see.

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Six word Saturday

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Classic example of getting it wrong!

The river bank at Yarm, North Yorkshire

The river bank at Yarm, North Yorkshire

A sultry Summer’s day seemed like an excellent time for a stroll by the River Tees, in search of a tempering breeze.  Yes, this is north east England I’m talking about.  Don’t fall out of your seat in surprise!  It happens.

We headed for Preston Park, knowing that we had access to the river there, and should be able to walk along the banks as far as the village of Yarm.  You’ll note that I said “should”.  It being an impromptu little outing, neither of us had consulted a map.

The park itself was heaving with picnics and families having a good time, so it was a relief to drop down onto the riverbank.  It felt wonderfully idyllic as we ambled through shoulder-high wild flowers, extravagant in their pink frocks.  The sunshine bounced and shimmered on the water.  All was right with the Bradley world.

Innocently following signs for The Cleveland Way, suddenly we found ourselves in the midst of a housing development.  The river was there somewhere, but we couldn’t find it!  Nothing to do but keep following our noses (and the signs) in the direction of Yarm.  It was a long walk beside a busy road!  I wished I’d had my bus pass with me.

Undeterred, but hot, we reached Yarm, and with relief descended again to the riverbank, alongside of the superbly positioned pub “The Blue Bells”.  Why it did not occur to us to seek refreshment at this point, I do not know, but good spirits were restored anyway.  Yarm is a pretty place, and peaceful, viewed from the opposite bank of the river.  Swans mingled with ducks and the bridge was in harmony too.

Again we were swathed in wild flowers, mainly whites this time, and meadows opened out behind us.  I was amazed at the form and variety of some of the plants, which seemed to have grown to a mighty height.  The sun beat hotly down as we followed the meandering riverbank.  Beautiful though it was, I was starting to wonder how much further, when catastrophe befell.

We had arrived at Eaglescliffe Golf Course, with its privileged riverside location, and there was no access beyond that point.  If it hadn’t been for substantial hedges I would have been a willing trespasser.  Irritatingly we could hear the golfers calling to each other, yon side of the hedge, but we had to head wearily inland to complete our walk.

We never regained the riverbank, but collapsed into “The Sportsman” for a reviving Guinness, then limped back to the car.  Fortunately the rest of the week’s walking was better planned.   Another lesson learned (till next time!)

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Hope you enjoyed our very English walk this week.  Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to take your map with you!   Do make time for Six word Saturday, with  Cate at Show My Face.

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Nostalgic

Funny how often two challenges collide, or rub shoulders.  I had barely posted Urban Design on Friday when the Weekly Photo Challenge loomed into view :  Nostalgic.  Old films and Nat King Cole.  But that very morning I’d been reliving nostalgia at the top of Christ Church tower.

IMG_7114I’d been on a mission to purchase a few “surprises” for my husband’s birthday next week.  The sky was blue.  My camera was in hand.  What better time to climb the tower for the promised “bird’s eye view” of Hartlepool?  I reached the top and was just starting to take some shots when I heard the door open behind me.  Darn, I thought.  It wasn’t a large space and I greedily wanted it all to myself.

The lady smiled at me, and of course, I smiled back, and as I never can resist doing, slipped into conversation.  She had been born and raised in the town, but had later married an American and now lived in the States.  Over the years she had visited mum and dad in Hartlepool, but now both were dead, and after settling their affairs she was saying a final farewell to the town.  She had climbed the tower because at last she could, knee surgery having given her back that ability.

Looking at the town below us, we traded memories.  Do you remember Lynn Street?  The Indoor Market with it’s treasure trove of stalls?  Corned beef slices, fresh from the tray?  The sweet shop with chunky “rhubard and custards”?  The docks were over there- do you remember the chain links and gangways?  Hasn’t the town changed?

On and on we went, reminiscing, exchanging snippets of our lives.  We parted, finally, and I made my way back down to the ground, full of nostalgia for what had been, but a little proud of the survivor that Hartlepool still is.   I can’t show you the past, but I can show you the now.

It was dark inside but I still could capture the sun
A first peek!
View from Christ Church tower over Hartlepool
Remember Blacketts, and Binns? Long gone.
The story of the church
A new, and modern, stained glass panel.

I don’t want to repeat the photos you can see on Urban Design, but I did want to share the experience.  I wish the lady the very best for the future.  I so enjoyed our memories.  This is my entry for Weekly Photo Challenge : Nostalgic.

Urban Design
View from Christ Church tower over Hartlepool

View from Christ Church tower over Hartlepool

I walked into town today, thinking about Jakesprinter’s theme for this week’s Sunday Post, Urban Design.  I live on a green and leafy estate, with a variety of housing styles.   Some of the older properties are full of character, but, as you approach the centre, many of them are rundown in appearance.

I was randomly taking photographs, and writing the captions in my head.  As often happens, the shopping I had set out to do was on the back burner.  We have a state of the art college of further education and I was thinking what a fine photo it would make, with the multi-national flags flying outside.  Alas, the flags weren’t flying today, but the sky was a beautiful shade of blue.  It struck me that it was the perfect day for something I had meant to do for quite a while- climbing Christ Church tower.

As a girl, I attended Sunday School at this church.  Over time it fell into disuse, but then was given a brilliant new lease of life as an art gallery.  A new stairwell has been constructed for safe access to the tower, from which the views were said to be wonderful.  I was warned that the church bells would chime noisily every 15 minutes, and off I went.

Looking down on the bells and hoping they won't chime just yet.

Looking down on the bells and hoping they won’t chime just yet.

Almost there!

Almost there!

Wonderful to look through the old walls to newer Hartlepool.

Wonderful to look through the old walls to newer Hartlepool.

Looking down Church St. to what used to be docks.

Looking down Church Street to what used to be the docks.

The railway station, and beyond, the Historic Quay and marina

The railway station, and beyond, the Historic Quay and marina.

That shiny new college of further ed I told you about.

That shiny new College of Further Ed I told you about.

My husband's beloved football ground- Hartlepool FC.

My husband’s beloved football ground- Hartlepool FC.

But never far away, the sea.

But never far away, a little industry and the sea.

And there you have it- a beautiful use for an unwanted church, and the town planners current version of Hartlepool.

I’m a little late with this challenge, but I always love to support Jake.  Come with me to look at his wonderful graphics, and check out the other entries.  The lucky snake or any of the links will take you there.

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