I spotted this collection of rowing boats in Bridlington, more than 40 years ago. What struck me was the names: they all have everyday names of the time - like a roll-call of classic TV characters ... Karen & Keith, June & Ron. And amongst them all, is the Duchess of Montrose!
The Cuppa Stop
Most car journeys of my youth would involve stopping for a cup of tea. If it was a short journey - one of the regular weekend "runs" around West Yorkshire - there would be a flask of milky tea. Longer journeys - those day trips to Bridlington of Blackpool - might necessitate a Camping Gas … Continue reading The Cuppa Stop
Fish Heads And Ice
1001 PHOTOS No. 30 GRIMSBY FISH DOCKS (1985) It's the first chapter in the story of fish and chips: a concrete palace lined with fish heads and ice. The photograph dates from the 1980s: a time when I would escape to the rare beauty of Cleethorpes and Grimsby Fish Docks whenever I got the opportunity.
Old And New And Glorious
Without intending to do so, I appear to have produced a trio of images of the junction between Cross Hills and North Bridge, Halifax. Friday's was a photograph of mine from 40 years ago, yesterday's a picture postcard from 120 years ago, and today's an image from just two years ago. I've messed about with … Continue reading Old And New And Glorious
Such A Lovely Place
A small, 120 year old piece of cardboard. On one side, history is captured in the form of a picture of North Bridge, Halifax flanked by long-lost mills and theatres. On the other side, life is captured in the form of a prehistoric text message to Miss Speechley who lives in the Isle of Man. … Continue reading Such A Lovely Place
Triumph Of The Grey
An old fire escape and a new flyover; course concrete and bilious billboards: for me the 1980s always seemed like a monochrome decade. There was black and white and not much in-between, and we seem to be moving in that direction again. Oh, for the triumph of grey.
With Best Love
Sometimes I choose the subjects for my daily desktop calendar, other times they choose themselves. This redoubtable character chose herself. It might be my Great Aunt Ruth-Annie or her sister Miriam or it might be any of a half dozen sisters from a different branch of the family. Whoever she is, she sent her portrait … Continue reading With Best Love
Brighouse In Transition
1001 PHOTOS 29 : BRIGHOUSE IN TRANSITION : This photo of mine from the 1960s shows Brighouse from the hillside above Clifton. It captures the town in transition. Look carefully and you can still see working mills before they became apartments, and flour silos before they became climbing walls. You can also see new industry … Continue reading Brighouse In Transition
Have Bed Ready
The postcard dates back to the first decade of the 20th century and shows the Winter Gardens and Pier in Great Yarmouth. As is so often the case, the message on the back of the card is far more interesting than the somewhat crude image on the front. "Dear Mother, Just a line hoping you … Continue reading Have Bed Ready
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