Monthly Archives: September 2022

Rolling blog. Taking our leave…

09 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Rolling blogs, Travel

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08:30.

Time to go home.

We’ve had an excellent week here in North Norfolk which has been made all the more enjoyable by the fact the weather’s been far better than was forecast. Oh, we’ve had a few thunderstorms and torrential rain, but the downpours have been during the night and the thunderstorms have merely added some dramatic skies as a backdrop. Now it’s time to pack the car and begin the trip back to West Yorkshire, although we’ll be taking the long way home as we’re in no rush. Besides, we have to be out of our accommodation by 10:00 so we have plenty of daylight to play with. Stay tuned to see what we get up to…

10:45.

We’re taking the scenic route along the coast from Cromer to Kings Lynn which is proving to be fun! Heavy rain has flooded the road in many places, especially at Cley next the sea.

Shortly afterwards we passed a new Landrover which had it and totalled someone’s car at a crossroads. Nasty…

11:45.

Having traversed the coast we made a pit-stop in Hunstanton at the site of the old railway station. There’s not a lot left.

We didn’t hang around. The weather’s cold and cloudy and the place is pretty deserted. We’re heading for Kings Lynn instead.

14:30.

Kings Lynn was far more interesting. The town has a fascinating collection of old buildings including the last remaining Hansatic league structure left in the UK.

Another interesting structure I had time to get shots of (thanks for stopping, Dawn) was the old rail/road swing bridge known as Cross Keys Bridge at Sutton Bridge.

The grade 2 listed Cross Keys Bridge was built in 1897 at a cost of £80,000. The nearest (Westbound) span was the one used by the Midland and Great Northern joint railway (M&GNR). Here’s a look down the old railway side.

20:45.

We’ve made it home finally after dodging some torrential rainstorms en-route. I’m beginning to hate the A17. Whilst traversing it on the way out we learned that the National Rail Awards was being postponed due to the rail strikes. This time on the way home we learned that the re-arranged awards was being postponed yet again (this time until October) due to the death of the Queen. Sadly, the revised date means that I’ll be unable to attend for the first time since 2003, but then so many things are up in the air right now.

The rest of the trip was uneventful – unless you count keeping out for people who really shouldn’t be let loose behind a steering wheel. The standards of driving we saw on the A1m, M1 and A616 (never mind in North Norfolk) was often awful. Thankfully we made it home in one piece. Mind you, it’s not just the standards of driving. I was looking at some of the stuff around the Queens funeral plans and came across this absolute gem of misinformation and sloppy journalism from @TimeOutTravel on Twitter. Not having checked any facts and having cribbed from 18 month old articles in newspapers they came up with this guff about the Royal Train being used to convey the Queen’s body from Scotland to London.

Thankfully, such a nightmare scenario has been avoided by flying the Queen’s body back from Scotland, much to the relief of ordinary passengers, rail staff and the British Transport Police. It’s bad enough when the general public cause chaos on the line as the ‘Flying Scotsman’ goes past. People throwing bunches of flowers onto 25,000 volt overhead wires on the East Coast Main Line or trespassing to do so doesn’t bear thinking about!

Over the next few days I’ll be catching up with editing all the pictures that I’ve taken over the past week. There’s not a huge amount as I’ve mostly been on holiday (honest!). Even so, there’s enough to keep myself and viewers occupied. I’ll post links to my Zenfolio website when they’re viewable.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

8th September picture of the day…

08 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by in Architecture, History, Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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Today’s our last day here in North Norfolk as tomorrow we head back to West Yorkshire. There’s going to be a very short blog from me tonight as there’s too much to do in the way of packing and also – how do I blog about the events of the week in just a few minutes? A week where we’ve ‘gained’ a new Prime Minister and a right-wing disaster of a government – and also lost a Queen who’s been on the throne for 70 years? To quote Bob Dylan, “the times, they are a changin”…

The UK’s reaching a critical path in its history and I’m really not sure how this is going to pan out, so I’m going to take time to ponder to myself and enjoy the last day of the holiday before facing a new reality. Right now, I’ll leave you with the picture of the day, which is of a place we visited today – Blickling Hall.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

7th September picture of the day…

07 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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We’ve had another great day exploring North Norfolk, made all the better by the fact the predicted rain has only ever dumped on us overnight, then promptly buggered off by morning! Today we revisited some places we’d previously checked out and decided they warranted further exploration – as well as finding new gems. Our first stop was at Walsingham which is a lovely little village that boasts the remains of an Austinian monastery but that’s still an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Moving on we headed for Holt, an upmarket market town whose surrounding wealth is reflected in the quality of its shops. Such a small town that boasts two ‘Joules’ clothing shops (one purely for children) can hardly be called poor.

Next we checked out the beach at nearby Salthouses. There’s not a lot there apart from the shingle beach but it’s provided the picture of the day. As soon we arrived, I spotted this chap relaxing and clearly enjoying his own company.

Solitude…

Making our way back from Salthouses we made our final stop in Cromer where we stocked up on some superb seafood from the local fishmongers before visiting the excellent Red Lion pub (pictures in another blog) for a beer before home.

Tomorrow’s our final day in Norfolk before heading home which is going to be a bit of a wrench as we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed it, yet there’s so much more to see…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

6th September picture of the day…

06 Tuesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Architecture, Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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Having suffered heavy overnight rain we began to think today might have been a washout so we plumped for a last minute change of plan and a trip into Norwich on the basis that – if it’s going to rain – at least there’s plenty to do undercover in a city!

As it was the weather was a pleasant surprise. We had more than our fair share of sunshine and I enjoyed showing the trio around a city they didn’t really know. It was fun for me too as I also got to explore some nooks and crannies I’d not visited before.

So, no long blog from me tonight, just an image from the inside of Norwich Cathedral, a 900 year old special place which is ideal for some quiet contemplation.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. North Norfolk wandering…

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by in Abandoned railways, Norfolk, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

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07:45.

I’ve left the rest of the family sleeping whilst I’ve hot up early to indulge my joint passions of walking and exploring. Next to where we’re staying is a remnant of the old Midland and Great Northern Railway (M&GNR) which closed to passenger in March 1959 and completely on the 1st January 1966. This section has been converted into a footpath known as the ‘Weaver’s Way’ so I’m off to explore.

I’ll post pictures and updates later…

10:00.

I’m now taking a break at North Walsham station after a beautiful walk. This is a fantastic time of year for rambling as the hedgerows are bursting with summer fruits. As I was starting from the middle of nowhere the initial part of the route was deathly quiet. I passed a couple of cyclists and thatcwas about it. The old line’s heavily overgrown in parts but still easily navigable. It makes a superb wildlife cortidor. There’s a mixture of cuttings and embankments so the line has a variety of structures (over and underbridges) plus the remains of the single platform station (complete with old building) at Framlingham. Here’s some initial pictures

Summer bounty…
The road bridge near Pine Tree farm where I first accessed the old line.
Mature trees have grown up along the line since it closed 66 years ago.
The well preserved platform at the old Framlingham station, looking East towards North Walsham.
Platform and former station building at Framlingham.

11:00.

I decided to flag the next train from North Walsham in order to look around and get some pictures. I must admit, it’s not the most exciting place and a bit of a disappointment. It’s run down compared to the other market towns we’ve visited. Still, it gave me chance of a break.

One of Greater Anglia’s excellent Stadler built 4-car bi-mode trains working to Cromer and Sheringham.

Right now I’m waiting for the return working of this unit which I’ll catch as far as Hoveton and Wroxton on the edge of the Norfolk broads where I’ll meet up with everyone else.

11:50.

Train time!

22:00.

The end of the day. There’s so much more I could write about our travels as we went on to explore the Norfolk broads but I’m meant to be on holiday! Instead, I’ll leave you with a final picture from Hoveton and Wroxham on the Bure Valley Railway as one of their services arrives at the end of the line – just as a freight train heading for North Walsham passes on the main line. If only one had been earlier and the other later…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

4th September picture of the day…

04 Sunday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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We’ve had a lazy (ish) Sunday here in North Norfolk. There’s been no long walks, instead we’ve been touring by car as I’ve introduced Dawn Jon and Norah to the delights of the coastline and the fabulous marshes and beaches that you find West of Sheringham. Oh, we’ve also explored some of the pretty inland villages like Walsingham and market towns like Holt. As I’ve been tour-guide there’s been little time for photography today but I do still have a picture of the day. With it being Sunday, the school holidays and great weather the seaside has been teeming with tourists – especially Wells next the sea which has a gorgeous golden sand beach that’s fringed with pine woods guarded by a phalanx of colourful beach huts. It’s a real contrast to the more rugged coastline around Cromer/Sheringham with their narrow pebble beaches.

Monday’s not only a new week, it’s also meant to see the weather begin to change. The glorious sunshine we’ve experienced is due to give way to showers and thunderstorms later in the week – although that could be fun from a photographic perspective. But, before it does, I’m heading out early tomorrow to do a solo walk along part of the ‘Weavers Way’ into North Walsham which utilises an old railway that passes close to where we’re staying. The rest of the family will catch up with me later. I’m looking forward to the walk and the opportunity to get out with the camera without cramping everyone else’s style. Watch out for pictures tomorrow.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

3rd September picture(s) of the day…

03 Saturday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel

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Our first full day in North Norfolk has been blessed with far better weather than was first predicted – even if we did have to occasional slight spatter of rain. Today was spent orientating Dee and her parents who don’t know this part of the world, so it was enjoyable acquainting them with the delights of Cromer and Sheringham and fun for me rediscovering places I’d not been to for donkey’s years. I’m not going to go into great detail as It’s late and we’ll have a busy day again tomorrow. Instead, I’ll leave you with a couple of pictures. One is (yet another) pier. I seem to be amassing quite a collection of pier shots, having snapped two in a fortnight! This time it’s the 1902 built (and grade 2 listed) Cromer pier which is 151 meters long and boasts its own lifeboat station.

It’s a lovely place for a stroll where you can watch people fishing or crabbing. Cromer is famous for its shellfish and the crabs are delicious. The lifeboat station at the end of the pier’s well worth a visit. Inside are plaques listing the various rescues the Cromer lifeboats have been involved in over the years, some of which are truly heroic. They’re a testament to the bravery of the crews, all of whom are volunteers.

Moving on Westwards we popped in to Sheringham which has a different atmosphere to Cromer, despite the two towns being similar. One thing the latter that that the former doesn’t is the North Norfolk railway, a preserved line that runs Westwards to Holt. We didn’t have time to travel on it, but I did nip in to get some photographs. Here’s BR Standard Class 4 No 76084 about to depart with an afternoon train. This loco was built at Horwich in Lancashire in March 1957 – which makes it only a couple of years older than me. It spent its entire working life (of only 10 years) in the North-West before being taken to Barry scrapyard in South Wales in 1967. It languished there until 1982 when it was preserved. It finally returned to steam in 2013.

Tomorrow we’ll explore more of the coast Westwards….

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. East Anglian holibobs…

02 Friday Sep 2022

Posted by in Norfolk, Photography, Travel

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11:00.

Slightly later than planned (why does packing always fill the time alloted – and then some) we’re off on our East Anglian break. First stop is to pick up Dee’s parents over in Huddersfield, then begin the trek via the M62, AIM, then cross country. It always seems like a long drive to that neck of the woods, although we haven’t done it for years. I much prefer going by rail as a consequence.

Right, let’s see what happens..

12:40.

Having picked up the in-laws and repacked the car we’re now bowling down the M1. For a Friday the traffic around Sheffield ain’t bad.

13:10.

I’m glad we’re heading South and not North on the A1. We’ve just passed miles of queueing traffic!

15:00.

Time for a coffee break at the lovely Insomnia Coffee Co, just outside Sleaford.

15:30.

We’re back on the road again and I’ve just checked my emails to find the awful news that the National Rail Awards has had to be postponed. This massive event was due to be held on Thursday September 15th – a day the ASLEF and RMT unions have announced their next strike. I really feel for my friends at RAIL as this must have been an awful decision to have to make. The logistics of such an event are huge – and extremely complex. Over 1000 people from all over the UK attend the prestigious awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane and the strikes mean many may have to be on duty during the strike – or are simply unable to get there.

Dawn and I had a hotel booked which we’ll have to either re-arrange when we know a new date – or try to claim back on our insurance. Ho hum…

20:20.

And relax! We’re settled into the house we’ve rented for the week which is just outside the pretty little town of Aylsham. This is an ideal location as it’s so central. We’re within striking distance of Norwich, Cromer, Sheringham and so many places along the North Norfolk coast. There’s even an excellent looking village pub just 10 mins walk away across the fields in nearby Banningham.

The rear of our cottage, complete with patio and barbecue.
Dee posing in the doorway of the living room. A lovely space for a rainy day and evening but I expect we’ll be spending more of our time in the kitchen/diner.

Now, having stocked up on provisions we’re settled in for the night. Tomorrow’s another day…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

1st September picture of the day…

01 Thursday Sep 2022

Posted by in India, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel

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There’s a very short blog from me tonight as – despite the fact it’s been a busy and varied day – there’s no time for blogging as we’re busy packing for our trip to North Norfolk, so expect a rolling blog tomorrow. That shouldn’t be too difficult because as there’s four of us we’re taking the car. I’ll be navigating/riding shotgun which should give me time to type.

In the meantime I’ll leave you with a picture of the day. Today’s is from a backlog of scanned slides from India in the 1990s that I’ve yet to get around to edit. Now, India back in 1995 was a very different country to the one it is now. Forget the internet, there wasn’t even many TV channels and Satellite TV was in its infancy, so the place was a lot more conservative which is why I did a double-take when I saw this surreal hand-painted billboard.

I’d loved to have known what was going through someone’s (well, a man’s, obviously) mind when they decided that a woman in a low-cut, tight black dress and playing a saxophone was just what you needed to sell bathroom fittings…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!