The sun descends- is this dusk?
I wait!
Perhaps this is the one?
I’m usually homeward bound by dusk, but Paula’s theme for this week requires that I loiter. This once, I didn’t mind. Have a look at Thursday’ Special. I think you’ll find that it is!
Magdalene Odundo exhibit, National Glass Centre, Sunderland
Last week I suggested that it was a great time of year to visit museums. One of my very favourites in the North East of England is the National Glass Centre at Sunderland. I’m always excited to see the new creations and exhibitions.
The shot above is of Magdalene Odundo’s Transition II and you can see a video of its creation on the link. It was captivating seen from any angle.
I love the shadows, rippling across the floor
With the occasional flare of colour
Of course, I couldn’t resist the lure of the display cabinets and the new items in there.
Isn’t this a lovely piece?
And, naturally. there were owls!
And joyful elephants- why not?
I imagine you can see just why I love going there. Maybe we’ll pop in again on my Monday walk, next week.
In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “New.”
In short supply, the winter sun sets over Whitby harbour
I’ve taken you walking along the Whitby cliff tops in summer time, but winter can be a very different proposition. Yet I was amazed at how many people thronged the narrow cobbled streets, leading to Whitby Abbey, on New Year’s Eve day this year.
It was bitterly cold, but I expected the numerous steps around Whitby would soon warm me up. And on such a day, fish and chips would be almost compulsory. Anyone fancy joining me?
James Cook has a beautiful, if chilly, view
The road across the York Moors had the merest dusting of snow- delicious and crisp, though I don’t know if the sheep would be impressed. I didn’t stop to ask. Stepping out of the car on West Cliff, the air was bitingly brisk. The good news, though, was that parking, often scarce in this town, was free of charge until the end of March.
My destination was St. Mary’s Church, clearly visible on the cliff top across the bay. That meant either steps down, a meandering road downward, or a combination of the two, and then steps up the other side. I paused for breath, and to admire the view, alongside the statue of James Cook, who served his apprenticeship in the town. HMS Endeavour, commanded by Captain Cook on his voyage to Australia and New Zealand, was built in Whitby, in 1764.
I started down the steps from the Whalebone Arch, symbolic of the town’s whaling past. A ‘halooo’ in the ‘Screaming’ tunnel, allegedly associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, just had to be done. Childish, I know! If ghost walks are your idea of fun, it’s possible to tour the town with a guide who will point out all the Dracula connections.
Through the tunnel, the steps continue on down, winding between the backs of houses until you reach the quayside. Easy going from here, as you make for the Swing Bridge.
The Swing Bridge spanning the River Esk
There are plenty of shops and cafes to distract you in the cobbled streets beyond the bridge, but inevitably you will arrive at the foot of 199 steps. The Abbey, and St. Mary’s Church, await on the cliff top above. Take your time. It doesn’t matter if someone overtakes you. There is space, and opportunity, to loiter and enjoy the view of Whitby harbour down below. Fill your pockets with goodies from Justin’s before you start. It might help!
Justin’s can tempt at any time of year
You may think I’m a sadist dragging you up here, but there is a purpose. Originally the Church Stairs were wooden steps leading to St. Mary’s. The church can be reached by road, by a circuitous route, but more often a coffin would be carried up the steps for burial in the churchyard. There are resting places to make this an easier passage.
Our journey today is not so sad. I’m climbing the steps to see the Christmas trees donated to St. Mary’s by local businesses each December. Schools take part as well, and it is a lovely enterprise. I noticed this year a Prayer tree where you can tie on a shred of ribbon to leave your personal prayer. My Six word Saturday featured many of the tree decorations so here I’ll concentrate more on the church.
There was a lovely atmosphere as people came and went, and the volunteers shared their knowledge of the church, some of which dates from the 12th century. The link will give you much more information. Meantime, I had a rendezvous with the pier in mind. The decision whether to have your fish and chips before or after is up to you. I should tell you that Rick Stein favours The Magpie Cafe, over on Pier Street, but I have a preference for Hadleys, which is just around the corner from here, at 11 Bridge St.
At the bottom of Church Stairs there is a right hand turn into Henrietta St., a row of fishermen’s cottages. If you follow it past the Smoke House, where you might catch the delicious aroma of smoking fish, it will take you down steeply to one arm of the pier. This is the point at which you will need that warm hat!
The steep descent to the pier
Beware people doing a crazy dance (to keep warm?)
And turn your attention to the view
Or look out to Saltwell Nab
But I think it must be time to go
Retrace your steps to the Swing Bridge and you will see a narrow street ahead of you, rising towards the West Cliff. It’s a little steep for the first few yards, but then you can distract yourself by looking in the shop windows as you follow the gentle curve back around to the car park.
NB. You can walk out along the other arm of the pier, which is less strenuous but just as chilly!
I hope you have enjoyed our outing today. I know some of you will have seen parts of this walk before, but I thought that it was a story worth telling. As time goes by I will probably need to revisit a few old haunts, but they look different as the seasons change. I will try to keep them fresh for you.
Over the festive season, people have been too busy to do much walking, but I’m happy to say that I still have some walks to share with you. If you’d like to share a walk in the future, that would be great! My Jo’s Monday walk page gives you the details, or you can just click on the logo.
Extra special thanks to my contributors this week. Let me just pop that kettle on and we’ll start.
It was so peaceful with Jude this week, I was compelled to sit a while. Yes, even me! :
Garden Portrait : Harmony and Balance
Meanwhile, Drake has excelled himself, again! Don’t miss his beautiful mill in Samso :
Gilly has a gentle riverside walk for us and you’ll love it!
Anyone chased their grandbaby round a zoo lately? And in the heat of the day, too! Thanks a lot, Rosemay :
Hope to see you all out walking again next week. Till then, take care!
On New Year’s Eve I paid a visit to St. Mary’s Church in Whitby. High on the cliff top, the chilly graveyard looks out to sea but, at this time of year, inside the church is bathed in a warm glow.
It’s the light of numerous Christmas trees, contributed by the community, and a huge boost to the church funds. If you’re lucky you might even catch a carol service.
There are some beautiful Advent scenes
A last dusting of WordPress snow sets them off rather nicely. I saw a little of the real thing on the road across the Moors- but not much! I guess you know now where my Monday walk will be taking us next week? Winter woollies will be required.
Until then, enjoy your weekend, and don’t forget to call in on Cate at Show My Face. You wouldn’t want her to play Six Word Saturday all alone, would you?
Tea, anyone?
It may be January, but that’s no reason to sit at home. I’ve already seen my first snowdrops of the year but, if you don’t like the cold and the great outdoors, there’s plenty of entertainment to be found in museums. My Monday walk Beside the Tees took me to a local favourite, Preston Park. Best known for its Victorian Street, the museum is also packed full of titbits of history.
It’s quite fascinating to wander through your past. My childhood was unexceptional but I rediscovered, with delight, a hand puppet of Muffin the Mule, and cardboard cutout dolls that kept a younger me engaged for many happy hours. Baby dolls were so ugly in those days, with their nubbly heads and screwed up faces!
The rag rugs were all too familiar from our hearthside, and that modern contraption, a television set, had me chuckling. The wavy lines on the screen just about made identifiable images, yet I remember being glued to a similar wiggly picture(or even the test card!) Of course, you younger people won’t have a clue what I’m talking about.
Many a parent was engaged in the ‘how and the why’ of the exhibits, and I was not the only one to exclaim in joy over a recognition. I featured many of the museum pieces in a previous post, so I won’t dwell too long on the past. What I do want to show you is the exhibition space.
This is devoted to the Cleveland College of Art and Design and I found it fascinating to view the screen sets and the student’s work. This intriguing creature greeted me at the entrance.
What a work of imagination and craftsmanship! Step inside with me.
Isn’t this backdrop lovely?
With amazing intricacy
I hope that you like what you’ve seen so far, but now it’s your turn. You must have a local museum or two? I’d love to see inside. After all, I can’t hang about in the open all Winter, now can I?
You might have seen A little something extra? It gave all the details of Cleveland College of Art’s connection to the museum. Some of the work is amazing.
Well, I’m off out into the cold again now. See you soon!
It might come as no surprise to you to find that my most popular posts this year were my walks. Along the shore came out marginally ahead, and I only have to look at the blue sky and shimmering sea to want to be transported back there myself.
Could anywhere be more different from the Algarve than Fountains Abbey, in Yorkshire? But I did have a blue sky day, again. And it WAS beautiful!
But I was delighted that my personal favourite was popular too. The Village of Giverny was very special to me because I spent my Silver Wedding anniversary there. (with a certain other someone too, of course!) I’d wanted to visit for many years, and it totally did not disappoint.
Isn’t this perfection?
Monet’s garden at Giverny was one of the most enchanting places I have ever been. How about you? What was the highlight of your year?
I don’t have much of a plan in place for next year, but I’m pretty sure that I’ll still be out and about walking. And you are all more than welcome to join me. We’ll stop and have a cuppa and a chat somewhere, won’t we?
I really just wanted to thank you all for making this such a happy year of blogging for me. I look at the world differently when I know that I’m going to be sharing it with you. Wishing you all a New Year full of love and kindness.
With just a hint of sparkle
One set of lights have already blown on my tree, but we’re still looking festive. Just a quick round-up of the neighbours… the photo above is for Colline.
And, of course, beautiful cards!
That sum’s it up, doesn’t it? Hope you had a good Christmas and are looking forward to a new year. I’m just going to pop in on Cate at Six Word Saturday. See you soon!
An elusive sun hovers over the River Tees
Crisp, frosty mornings in the Christmas holidays. What do you do? Lie in bed, wallowing in the warmth? Well, that’s one option. But you know that this is Jo’s Monday walk, and really, you’ll feel so much better if you get out for a bit of fresh air.
A scarf would be good, and maybe a hat. Let’s not loiter and you’ll soon warm up. I have a nice spot for you, and there’s even a Victorian tea room to round things off in. Bet that got your attention, didn’t it?
I’m going to Preston Park this morning, beside the River Tees. There’s ample free parking and a good playground, if any of you have children. (or surplus energy)
Isn’t there something about watery reflections?
And clouds!
There’s not much activity down at the landing stage today, but in summer there are boats to hire. A couple of regal swans gaze disdainfully at the ducks. Well, they are rather common!
The landing stage
The path runs alongside the Tees in both directions, so spin a coin or follow your instincts. You can loop back into Preston Park when you’ve seen enough. The Teesside Heritage Trail will take you all the way to neighbouring Yarm, but you have to leave the river bank and follow a stretch of road to join it. This morning we’ll stay close by the river.
The Tees looks pretty full right now
But the trees are rather forlorn!
The sun casts some interesting shadows
And the dogs just love to romp here. Can you see one?
The dogs are having their own excitable game of ‘tiggy’ and it’s not easy to track one down with the camera. There are lots of dog walkers out and about, and a relaxed, happy, holiday feeling.
Aren’t these wispy clouds really lovely?
But I bet that water’s cold!
Let’s head back up into the park
Anyone feeling active?
Or there’s a skate park, if you fancy?
You’ll remember I suggested a cuppa in the Victorian tearooms? I’d promised my husband a toasted teacake (hoping to get him out of bed on a chilly morning) but it didn’t quite work out that way. It was fine, though.
The Victorian Street was looking very festive
Chocolate anyone?
But there’s a welcoming light on in the tearooms
It was fresh outside and I could see a smiling face beckoning from behind the counter. Two smiling faces, in fact, and no customers except us. Because it was the holiday period, the tearooms were being run by volunteers from the museum staff. You’ve guessed it- no toasted teacakes, but there were complimentary mince pies or biscuits with our mug of coffee.
Plenty of spare tables
And a beautifully decorated mirror
You know how these things work. Seeing us cosily inside, people began to drift in from the courtyard. A couple with a toddler were encouraging her to play skittles, but the warmth lured them too. Time for us to move on.
You may remember, I’ve visited Preston Park museum before. It was back in February and I was given a ticket valid for a full year (for only £1!) so I thought I’d have a look and see what was new. I found an interesting exhibition, which I’ll share with you another day, but you can get a flavour of the museum from my link.
The conservatory was closed to the public, for a wedding reception later in the day, but I still managed a bit of a peek.
There were paper stars suspended from the ceiling
Pretty, don’t you think?
But the best bit was the polar bears and penguins! I borrowed a couple of photos from the museums’s Facebook page. I’m sure they won’t mind.
Our last walk of 2014! It wasn’t too strenuous, was it? I do hope you’ll join me next year. I so look forward to your company.
First, I have some lovely walks to share. If you’d like to contribute, it’s very straightforward. Take a look at my Jo’s Monday walk page or click on the logo. Many thanks to everybody for this week’s efforts. Let’s put that kettle on and have a read, shall we?
Drake is taking me somewhere new this week. And watery! It looks fabulous…
And here’s one worth waiting for! Part 2 of the Botanic Gardens with Jude :
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and the Domain, part 2
Aren’t they stylish in Canada? I love these door decorations from Violet Sky :
And Colline has shared some beautiful windows from Toronto. I know you’ll love them!
It just remains to wish you all a joyous and peaceful New Year. Happy walking!
The Deer House
I’ve visited the Deer House and park at Auckland Castle many times, but seldom have I seen it lit by the sun. I felt especially privileged to have timed my arrival, intending to view the castle, with a glorious, blue-sky, December day.
Known locally as the Bishop’s Palace, Auckland Castle has been a seat of power since the time of the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. The original building was a manor house or hunting lodge constructed in the late 1100s, but 100 years later it was to become the seat of the Prince Bishops. The king had granted the Bishop of Durham enormous power. As the Prince Bishop, it was his job to protect the north east of England from Scottish marauders. In order to do this, he could raise money from taxes, mint his own coins and lead his own army, so long as he remained loyal to the king.
The then Bishop of Durham, Bishop Beck, established himself at Auckland Castle because he preferred the vast hunting grounds, that went with the estate, to Durham Castle. Today the park and grounds are open to the public and still retain elements of the Medieval deer park. Have you ever seen a Deer House? Well then, let’s go!
We start from the Market Place in Bishop Auckland
Bishop Auckland is a small market town in County Durham, 12 miles south-west of the city of Durham. It sits at the confluence of the River Wear and its tributary, the River Gaunless. Entry to the castle grounds is through the 18th century gatehouse, just off the Market Place.
The Robinson Clock Tower and Gatehouse
Pass by the castle gates. We’ll come back later!
The Bishop’s Stroll
The River Gaunless meanders through the estate, and is crossed by several bridges. In 1760 the park’s most charming feature was built. The Gothic Revival style folly was built to provide shelter for the deer and a place for them to be fed. Guests could watch from a viewing area. Today sadly there are no deer, but the folly is a romantic backdrop for strolling and picnics.
The path drops away from the castle walls
And suddenly you can catch a glimpse, through the trees
Isn’t it beautiful?
Within the grounds there is also an Ice House. Ever practical, after they’d been hunting, the Bishops needed to keep their meat chilled. On this occasion I didn’t walk far as I was eager to see inside the castle, but there is a network of paths to enjoy throughout the park.
I was particularly keen to see inside the palace. I knew very little about the contents, but the one thing I did know was that some very special religious artwork resided there. The 13 paintings by Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran have hung in Auckland Castle for 250 years. They were painted between 1640 and 1644 and 12 of them were bought by Bishop Richard Trevor in 1756, for £125. He was outbid at auction for the thirteenth, but commissioned Arthur Pond to produce an exact copy of ‘Benjamin’.
The paintings hang in the Long Dining Room, which was redesigned specifically to house them. They depict chapter 49 of the Book of Genesis, and represent Jacob’s death-bed blessings to his 12 sons. Each son would become a founder of the 12 Tribes of Israel, the beginnings of the Jewish faith. This was a very deliberate act by Bishop Trevor. Religious tolerance, especially towards the Jews, was in short supply in the 18th century. Displaying the paintings publicly was an appeal by him for greater consideration of our fellow men.
In 2001 the Church Commissioners planned to sell off the artworks, whose estimated value was £20 million. A staggering £15 million donation from Yorkshireman and investment banker, Jonathan Ruffer, secured their future, and the Auckland Castle Trust came into being. Exciting plans for the castle are afoot.
Shall we go inside?
Not wishing to tease, but the first place I’m going to take you to is St. Peter’s Chapel. Widely acknowledged as the largest private chapel in Europe, it started life in the 12th century as the Banqueting Hall, with buttery, wine cellar and minstrel gallery. The original chapel was demolished following the English Civil War, but when the Prince Bishops were restored to power, Bishop John Cosin set about the rebuild, in 1660. Isn’t history a roller coaster?
From the chapel you enter the castle proper. This has been decorated for Christmas in the old style, with dried fruits and foliage. Mounting the stairs to the first floor, my eye is drawn to the lovely view framed in the elegant window. Throughout the house, the views to the parkland and beyond command attention.
The entrance hall
Something of a surprise next! The Paradise State Bed, used by the Tudors, and an elaborate and unique piece of 15th century oak carving. Click on the link for more details.
The Throne Room follows, and a feature that made me smile. The 200 year old windows (designed by James Wyatt) are of very pale green and pink tinted glass, ‘to make the ladies appear less pale in the bright sunlight’. I’ll just flutter my fan a little!
The view to the lawns
The moment has arrived- the Long Dining Room and Zubaran’s paintings. I cannot pretend to do them justice. You need to see them yourself. The links give more detail.
Four of Zubaran’s masterpieces
While I browsed around the room, one of the guides approached with a tray. Ginger wine with apple juice and warm mince pie (a Medieval recipe) seemed a nice seasonal gesture.
The guide explained that the size of the cake related to power and prestige. There was obviously no shortage. I am delighted to have been able to feature Auckland Castle in my Monday walk this week. I was lucky enough to catch the last weekend of the year and it will now be closed to the public until February. The grounds are still open if you fancy an invigorating walk meantime, and, of course, there’s a tearoom.
I realise that this post is a little long, but hope that you have enjoyed it, and can find time to check the links to see how special this place is. I feel sure that it will repay time and investment.
It’s my last chance this year to thank everybody for making Jo’s Monday walk a success. I have had some really wonderful contributions and hope that they will continue next year. Let’s have one last cuppa and a good read :
With all that was happening in Sydney I was so relieved to find Jude fit and well in the Botanic Gardens :
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and the Domain, Part 1
While Paula showed me the glory of the Ginkgo tree in Autumn :
Drake always has a sunny disposition, even in the fog!
Lovely to have Suzanne join us, with a rather unsettling walk. Please do welcome her!
Amy’s doing a blogging round up of her walks. There are some real beauties :
A Walk through my Monday Walks
I wasn’t at all familiar with Portsmouth, till Ana took me on a guided walk :
A self-devised and self-guided walk round Portsmouth
Forest walks are always popular and it’s wonderful to have Indah (and her dog Dante) show us a Rotterdam park. Welcome to the walks, Indah!
Winter walk in Kralingse Forest
And where better than NYC for a walk at Christmas time? Thanks, Suze!
New York City- Falling for the High Line
Or for a dash of culture, join Joan, in London :
Want to see how they celebrate in Canada? Then join Colline!
If you’re not too tired (and full!) I hope you manage to get out for a walk over the Christmas period. I plan to! Till then, have a wonderful Christmas.
I really meant to add a ‘twinkle’ to the WordPress weekly challenge last week. But then I decided to save it, for you. You might be needing it by now. Christmas can be a challenging time, but I’m doing my best to be laid back this year. I hope you’re managing to do the same.
I think the snowman’s managed it!
Just off to wish Cate Merry Christmas too. 52 Six word Saturdays is no mean feat!
restlessjo 
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