On the concrete wall of Owlerton Stadium in Sheffield someone once painted scenes of the wondrous activities that took place inside: greyhounds racing, speedway bikes crunching into sliding corners. They are faded now as are the wonders they depict.
LINDLEY CLOCK TOWER, HUDDERSFIELD : An inscription above the door reads “erected by James Nield Sykes Esq JP of Field Head, Lindley, for the benefit of the inhabitants of his village” It was built in 1902, and, at the time, the word was that it was erected to make sure the villagers arrived on time at Sykes’ nearby Acre Mills.
HERITAGE EXCHANGE, LINDLEY : It was a mill, full of clacking looms and potent frames; now it is urban living and prime office space. One heritage exchanged for another.
We went to Manchester and walked along the Rochdale Canal. The water seeping up through the stone sets mingled with the water streaming down from the sallow sky.
A cold and wet night: fog keeps the light from the street lamps close to home, rain shines the footpaths, a bus stop looks forlorn.
The canal in Brighouse flows under Briggate, encased in a stone-sided artery. For over 250 years it has brought life-blood to the town, and even in retirement, it still brings beauty.
An old mill, loomless and quiet; a church spire, bell-less and orphaned; and a busy car park: Halifax on a wet Sunday afternoon.
