Author Archives: Paul Bigland

16th November picture of the day…

16 Tuesday Nov 2021

Posted by in Flora and Fauna, Musings, Photography, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire

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It’s been a quiet one here at Bigland Towers – albeit a long on as I was up at 06:30 as I needed to get a magazine article finished and various pictures from COP26 sent out to clients. Not that I minded. The weather’s been pretty miserable here in the Calder Valley so I was happy to be spending most of it in the warmth whilst watching the antics of our feathered friends outside the office window.

I’d completed the urgent tasks by lunchtime, which seemed like a good time to take a break and walk down into Sowerby Bridge as part of my daily constitutional and also pick-up some shopping. I was foiled on the last part. I’ve developed a taste for the low-alcohol version of Leffe, the famous Belgian beer. I can normally pick it up in our local Tesco but they’ve run out. Sadly, it was the same situation in Sowerby Bridge. Oh, well, back to the low-alcohol Adnam’s ‘Ghost Ship’ it is then…

Back home I had the house to myself as Dawn was working in Huddersfield all day, so I knocked off early as I had the kitchen to myself and knocked up a pan of pea and ham soup using the gammon joint I’d slow cooked the day before. I’m gradually restocking the freezer for the winter and home-made soups are a good way to do it. They make a lovely lunch after a chilly walk.

As the weather worsened by the evening I’ve not been tempted to do anything more than stay indoors and catch up on some more picture editing whilst being entertained by the local foxes. I’d cut up the fat off the gammon and put it out the back for the birds – only one of the foxes got there first this evening and snaffled most of it whilst being watched by ‘Popi’, the neighbours three-legged cat. Neither creature bothered the other, although Popi did keep a wary eye on the much larger male Fox – just in case…

Tomorrow’s going to be another day working at home. The weather’s expected to be mild but dull, but I’ll have the excitement of preparing a load of invoices, so I’m not complaining too much as it’s the beginning of the reward at the end of all the hard work. Maybe I’ll get to nip out with the camera later whilst there’s still some leaves on the trees, who knows? They’ve certainly provided some stunning colours this year, as today’s picture which was taken in Sowerby Bridge on Sunday shows…

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

15th November picture of the day…

15 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in Architecture, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Travel, West Yorkshire

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I had to nip out for a few hours today in order to amass a few pictures for a forthcoming article. Tempting as it was to do a rolling blog I decided not to put myself under any pressure in order to enjoy the trip and exploring. Having travelled via Bradford and Leeds I arrived at my destination – Wakefield. Although I’ve passed through the town many times and had one night out there with a bunch of friends when we were on a canal holiday many moons ago – I can’t say I really know the place. So, having bagged the pictures I needed I had a wander – and was quite surprised at what I found. Normally, I’ve passed through the town in transit between the two stations Westgate and Kirkgate and never really deviated from the route. Today I explored further by taking random turns just to see where I’d end up. Despite suffering from the problem every UK town has nowadays (a surfit of empty shops) I was pleasantly surprised to see how much of the centre has been pedestrianised. It makes a huge difference to the feel of a place. The scale of the new developments around town surprised me too. Not just around Westgate station – although that impressive enough, but also the area now known as the Trinity Walk shopping centre. Now shopping’s really not my bag, but I have to say that for anyone who does indulge, Wakefield seems a good choice. Modernism aside, I love some of the older buildings and the narrow streets and alley’s between them. There was always something to see – from tucked-away pubs to old stables. The local Civic Society have provided plenty of blue plaques that record a buildings provenance, which was both useful and informative. I’d certainly pop back again with the camera.

Having enjoyed my perambulations I headed back home, retracing my steps via Leeds, but this time detouring to take the train to Bradford Forster Square in order to walk across town to Interchange. I love the buildings of Bradford. It’s another place I keep meaning to have a day out in, just looking at the architecture. The area known as ‘Little Germany’ sounds fascinating, but I’ve only ever skirted the edge of it. Maybe it’s a project for the winter…

Now, back home I’m editing today’s pictures ready for a busy day tomorrow. So here’s a snippet from Wakefield. Sadly, this grand-looking pub which is adjacent to Wakefield Westgate station has closed. But the city has a habit of reusing these buildings, so who knows what its next incarnation may be…

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

14th November picture of the day…

14 Sunday Nov 2021

Posted by in Down memory lane, India, Musings, Travel

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Today finds me in a reflective mood due to a number of recent events. Partly it’s the come-down from the buzz and excitement of the past couple of weeks being up in Glasgow for COP26. That was such an amazing time with so much going on that it’s unsurprising the rush wearing off is having an effect. Even so, I was actually looking forward to coming home, but things haven’t quite gone the way I was hoping.

Part of that is due to hearing about the sudden deaths of two people. One of whom was an old friend. The other was someone I’d never met in the flesh but whom I’d spent years sharing social media with. I found out yesterday that a chap called Russell Saxton had died unexpectedly. Russell and I had been sparring partners (99% of the time on the same side) on social media for 15 or more years. We had a lot in common (politics, music, railways etc) but had never actually got around to meeting. Oh, we’d planned it. But other things always got in the way. But then you often think ‘there’s always next time’. Until there isn’t…

The other death was that of someone I’ve known for far longer. I first met Axel Honslaar in India back in the mid 1990s. Lynn had met him and his partner Lucie Walta in Goa, India when she was out there without me (on a work trip). Afterwards Lynn decided to have a couple of week’s holiday and pitched up in Arambol, Goa – a place I’d first introduced her to in 1993. Axel and Lucie had cycled all the way from the Netherlands to India and fell in love with Arambol. So much so they decided to stay and set up their own little business selling Dutch apple pies to the travellers and restaurants that lined the beach. They called their business ‘Double Dutch’. I met the pair of them when Lynn and I returned a year or two later. The four of us instantly hit it off. Axel and Lucie’s business really took off too. So much so that they ended up opening their own cafe, employing several local women which was a first as working in Chai shops and restaurants was a male preserve. The pair of them were philanthropists, not just employers, they did a tremendous amount of charity work (in fact Lucie still does). Off season they’d go to Nepal, where they started a small charity in the village of Barpak in Gorkha district. In 1998 Lynn and I joined them on one of the Nepal treks they used to organise to raise money for the charity. It was a fabulous 10 days trekking away from the usual tourist trails.

When Lynn and I visited them in Arambol we’d end up sitting with the pair of them, chatting and drinking – including Axel’s favourite local tipple – Old Monk rum. They were lovely times, but times change. Lynn and I last visited Goa in 2003, then we split up in 2010. Axel and Lucie also split up. Lucie stayed in Goa, maintaining the business and charity work, whilst Axel eventually returned to the Netherlands, but we all stayed in touch via Facebook, although that platform being what it is – you didn’t always get to see what each other were doing. Axel and I would swap messages and I’d always thought that – one day – when I was over in Holland I’d look him up and we’d swap tales over a few beers. So, you can imagine my shock when I saw Lucie post earlier this week that Axel had died. It was a beautiful message as – despite the fact they’d split many years ago, there was obviously still love and affection there.

The four of us had such happy times together back in the 90s and ‘noughties’. But now 50% of us are gone. Time waits for no man (or woman) but that universal truth doesn’t make those losses any easier. I can’t help but reflect on those amazing times and realise just how much I miss the experiences we all shared. Those were special times. Now I’m left with memories and the increasing feeling of ‘Carpe Diem’ as I’m not getting any younger…

So, today’s picture of the day is a reminder of dear Axel – and Lucie. I took this picture in December 1997 at the house they were renting in Arambol. It was a typical night at their place with lots of people, music and alcohol! Happy days…

Sleep easy Axel. See you on the other side…

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

13th November picture(s) of the day…

13 Saturday Nov 2021

Posted by in Derbyshire, Photography, Railways, Travel, Walking

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As promised by the weather forecast Saturday turned out to be a bright, crisp and sunny day – so the pair of us tore ourselves away from computer screens and headed over to the Hope Valley in Derbyshire for an afternoon out walking somewhere where we’d been promising to revisit but had never got around to doing so. The 517m high Mam Tor and the ridge Eastwards to Lose Hill along the South side of the valley is a wonderful (if at times challenging) walk. The views South across the Hope Valley and North across Edale are sublime.

With the weather being so good the area was teeming with walkers and it was great to see so many people of all ages and backgrounds enjoying walking. Oh, and not to mention the paragliders who were also out in force! The skies above the ridge were teeming with them as they drifted lazily on the winds.

Here’s a few pictures from the day.

The ridge affords some excellent photograph opportunities to capture shots of trains passing through Edale between Manchester and Sheffield. Here’s a Trans-Pennine Express service made up of units 185103 and 185123 working.1B79, the 1226 Cleethorpes to Manchester Piccadilly.
Northern trains run the only local stopping service. Here’s one of their Class 195s working 2S72, the 1349 Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield passing the base of Lose Hill. The autumn colours and low light in Edale were stunning.
Walkers descending Lose Hill on their way East into the Hope Valley with the railway curving away in the centre of the picture. The edge of the village of Castleton can be seen to the right.
This is the 463m high Win Hill seen Eastwards across Edale from Lose Hill along with some rather moody skies on the horizon.
The same view from Mam Tor and zoomed out to show the landscape and colours in slightly different light.

All the high-res versions of these pictures can be found (and purchased) from my Zenfolio website by following this link.

Sadly, I don’t think I’m going to be getting out to do much exploring like this over the next week. Instead, I’ll be glued to a screen at home writing for a living. Not that I’m complaining as there’s a damn sight worse ways of earning a living, and if I get lots of type-swiping done quickly, who knows what I might be able to get up to later in the week?…

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

HS2rebellion: The fat lady’s sung (day 32)…

13 Saturday Nov 2021

Posted by in Hs2, HS2Rebellion, Politics, Protest

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This morning the final two useless anti HS2 protesters came out of the pointless Wendover tunnel. Oh, you didn’t know that three had given up earlier in the week? Neither did the rest of the world as it received no media attention – much to the chagrin of HS2rebellion and the rest of the protesters! The world’s moved on and the fact a tiny bunch of people were holed up in a tunnel that wasn’t even on the route of HS2 so couldn’t possibly stop any work wasn’t in any way newsworthy.

Now the final two, a lad who calls himself ‘Satchel’ plus the much better known but equally useless ‘Swampy’ have given up after being cornered by the bailiffs.

So much for all the bluster about staying underground for months! They made 28 (pointless) days, whilst the whole eviction took 32. Whilst they’ve played troglodyte the former camp above their heads has been demolished and gradually cleared by bailiffs – which has beeb a major task due to the massive amounts of crap these supposed ‘environmentalists’ have dumped on the site. It was a shit-tip, as these pictures from inside the camp show.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before the inevitable happened and those underground were forced to give up.

And the sum total of what they’ve achieved is? Zip. Nada. Nothing. Sweet FA.

Not a single days work building HS2 has been lost because of the stupid actions. At the end they didn’t even get the media attention they craved as no-one from the mainstream news agencies could be bothered with them. This whole (non)event ended with a whimper. The protesters weren’t even arrested as it’s not a crime to seal yourself in a tunnel where you couldn’t possibly get in the way of HS2 construction (as the court case against the Euston protesters established). Criminally stupid, yes, but not illegal. Of course, the protesters are trying to claim this as some sort of ‘victory’, but it’s obvious to anyone with half a brain it’s anything but!

So that’s it. No ‘protection’ camps survive on the phase 1 route of HS2, every single one (and there were only a handful) ended in failure.

The fat lady’s sung….

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

12th November picture of the day…

12 Friday Nov 2021

Posted by in Glasgow, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Scotland, Transport

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Today’s been a ‘come-down’ day after all the running around and excitement of the past couple of weeks working up in Scotland during COP26. Most of my day’s been spent sitting in the office at home wading through and editing hundreds of pictures taken at various events. I’ve managed to get the last batch out to a client who needed them for press releases and publicity, now I can take my foot off the gas as the last ones are less time-sensitive. Now I’ve got to move on to the words, not pictures as I’ve a whole series of articles to write for various magazines.

I must admit, as much as I enjoyed the fun and games in Scotland it’s nice to be home for a while – even if the weather’s been crap! I’ve really not minded being chained to the computer today when then rain’s lashing down and the winds doing its best to whip the remaining leaves off the trees. Being so busy I didn’t get chance to venture out for my normal exercise and had to make do with a late in the day walk to the supermarket to pick up some bits for the weekend. Even that earned me a soaking, leaving the bathroom looking like a Chinese laundry as all my waterproofs were spread out to dry as they’ll be needed again tomorrow.

The pair of us have decided to have a day off tomorrow. Next week is going to be full on and we’ve not had much quality time together recently, so the idea is to have Saturday off and get out for a long walk somewhere with lunch as part of it. The forecasts looking favourable for a foray into Derbyshire, so (for now) that’s the plan – unless the weather changes overnight. There’ll be no rolling blog, but there might be a few pictures…

Talking of pictures, here’s today’s. This shot was taken in Glasgow earlier this week and shows a pair of old BR ordered Class 156 diesel multiple units approaching Glasgow Central station, threading their way out of the station through the complex trackwork on their way to East Kilbride. Built between 1987 and 1989 by Metro-Cammell’s Washwood Heath works in Birmingham, 114 of these 2-car, 75mph units were built. All remain in service

Two of the lines these trains operate an extensive service on (East Kilbride and Barrhead) are being electrified at the moment with the work expected to be completed in 2022, so these trains are living on borrowed time. Scotland has an ambitious transport decarbonisation plan that’s legally binding so these trains are likely to find themselves being cascaded to services in England – probably in the North-West, where many of the rest of the class already operate. I wonder what will replace them in Scotland?

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

Back to Scotland and COP26. Day 4 (and home)…

11 Thursday Nov 2021

Posted by in COP26, Glasgow, Photography, Politics, Railways, Scotland

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Apologies for the lack of a blog yesterday but Wednesday turned out to be extremely hectic. As usual, plans kept changing due to ‘events’. I had to miss the last day of the railfreight conference as there was just too may things going on at once. I really could’ve done to clone myself. I kept getting phone-calls from agencies who’d spotted that I was in town and wanted to book me for other COP26 events. Us photographers were much in demand, which made a pleasant change after 2020!

Whilst I was at Glasgow Central I got t a tip-off that the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson was arriving by train and would be visiting (albeit very briefly) the Battery and Hydrogen trains on his way through the station. Needless to say, this turned into the usual security hoo-ha involving police sniffer dogs and heightened security, but I managed to be in the right place at the right time and get the shots I needed. Including this one…

Apart from the fun and games I also travelled on the Hydroflex and the D-Train, pictures of all these events will appear on my Zenfolio website by the weekend.

Today *should* be less frantic. I’m working on the Hydroflex again covering events taking place on the train, after which I get to go home, although I’ll be just as busy there editing and writing up my experiences. I’ll add more to this blog later in the day, hopefully from the Hydroflex, but if not, certainly from my train back South…

17:00.

17:00.

Phew! Yet another busy day. I’m writing this from my Southbound Pendolino as I head home. Part of me is glad it’s all over as it’s been a frantic time and there’s oh, so many pictures to edit and words to write, another part is going to miss the buzz as (from a railway perspective) it’s been brilliant and very positive couple of weeks. On a personal level, I’ve had a great time catching up with old friends (and making some new ones) as well as getting to know Glasgow far better thanks to Peter who took me to places I’ve never explored before. I’ve also enjoyed the camaraderie, which is something that Covid had put the mockers on for the past year. My only hope now is that COP26 actually delivers on the changes we need…

My Pendolino’s busy but not overly so. I’ve managed to bag a table on which to set up the mobile office in order to edit pictures and get then out to a client in time for a press release. Opposite me is a chap who’s been at COP26 who’s on his way back to London. He’s as knackered as I am and is snoring gently as he catches up on some much needed sleep! Sadly, the great weather we enjoyed in Glasgow didn’t last more than a few dozen miles outside the city. We’re forging our way South through the dark and rain.

18:25.

I’m back to kicking my heels in Preston, waiting from my connection home. The Glasgow train arrived 14 minutes late due to being trapoed behind late running trains but that’s actually worked to my advantage as I’d nearly an hour to wait here anyway.

Having been away in the in the land of Saltire liveried trains for so long it seems odd to see Northern trains bland blue and white again.

19:00.

On the last leg home care of a 3-car Northern Class 195, which is busy but not unbearably so – and not as packed as my Southbound Pendolino! As COP26 is drawing to a close thousands of people are departing the city. Many of them by rail. Well, unless you’re an idiot Green Party Council Leader from Brighton who decided to take an internal flight from Gatwick as the trains were “too unreliable”. The other irony? He opposes us building HS2! Oh, he was at COP26 to lecture others on cutting carbon emissions too. I hope Greta kicked his sorry arse…

22:40.

Right, I’m home, fed and watered and about to spend the rest of the evening away from screens to catch up with my other half as it’s our 4th wedding anniversary today! Goodnight!

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

Back to Scotland and COP26. Day 2…

09 Tuesday Nov 2021

Posted by in COP26, Glasgow, Railways, Scotland

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09:00.

I’m currently on my way from Central Glasgow to the freight conference at Mossend for the morning session. Hopefully it will be just as interesting and informative as yesterday although sadly, I’ll have to leave early.

23:30.

OK, apologies for a really crap blog today. I was full of good intentions but the day just ran away with me as I had so many things to do and places to be in.

Day 2 of the freight conference was just as interesting as day 1. The focus changed slightly which helped to keep it fresh and the range of speakers and their experiences added to that. I managed to stay longer than I expected but still missed one of the speakers I was really looking forward to listening to (Freightliner’s Heather Waugh) due to technical issues and a rejigging of the timetable. Despite that, I’ll give full credit to all the organisers for putting on a great event.

I made it back into Glasgow in time to meet up with friends from Vivarail, Porterbrook and the Rail Industry Association (RIA) – and enjoy the sight of battery and Hydrogen train together.

RIA had arranged an event on the Vivarail D-train which involved young and old rail professionals to meet and chat on an out and back trip to Barrhead and back. Meanwhile Porterbrook were just as busy showing people around their Hydrogen train between its regular runs out and back on the Cathcart circle.

I’ve many more pictures and anecdotes to add, but they’re going to have to wait for tomorrow when…

Rolling blog. Back to Scotland and COP26. Day 1…

08 Monday Nov 2021

Posted by in COP26, Glasgow, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Scotland, Travel

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06:15.

After a decent (but short) nights sleep I’m about to wander across the road to Carlisle station to head on up to Scotland for more COP26 rail events. I’ll update this blog throughout the day, so feel free to keep popping back and see what I get up to. My first port of call will be Glasgow before heading across to Mossend for the opening of the three day ‘low carbon logistics’ event…

07:10.

Carlisle station’s a bit ‘brown bread’ (cockney rhyming slang for dead) at 06:30 on a Monday morning. A couple of folk were keeping warm on the early train to Morpeth but it wasn’t until the London and Glasgow trains arrived almost simultaneously at 06:48 that the station started to wake up. I’m now sat on Trans-Pennine Express’ 07:48 to Glasgow which has made its way North from Manchester airport. Bizarrely, those who oppose High Speed 2 (HS2) argue that services like this help airport expansion. Despite their mental gymnastics they can’t cope with the fact that if people are going to fly it’s far better than people take less carbon-intensive forms of transport to airports. It’s why more advanced countries than our are phasing out internal flights and putting people on services like this instead. It’s yet another example of why the UK ‘green’ movement is often anything but.

07:30.

I’ve just had a wander through the train and reckon loading is at about 15%, which isn’t bad (but isn’t great either) for such an early morning service. There’s a real mix of ages. An old lady in a wheelchair is in my car, along with several dozing younger people. In the next coach are a a couple of guys working (one with his table strewn with paper printouts) whilst a besuited gent grabs some shut-eye.

I’ve got a table bay of four to myself and set up the mobile office to do some work en-route. The trolley’s been round meaning I have coffee (and a Kitkat) so all’s well with the world!

10:45.

Getting to Mossend was easy. There’s regular Scotrail trains to nearby Bellshill where the event had arranged for shuttle buses to carry people to the site where marquees had been set op to hold the event which was opened by Scottish Transport Minister Graeme Dey MSP who gave an in-depth speech on the way Scotland is determined to tackle transport Co2 emissions.

12:28.

We’ve had some really interesting presentations (details later) but now we’re off to see one of the freight locomotives being named. So (of course) the heavens have decided this is a good time to open! The organisers were prepared and we’ve been given natty DB red umbrellas.

13:55.

We’re about to kick off the afternoon session after lunch and the the loco naming. GBRf named one of their Class 92s after the founder of PD Stirling. The engine was named by Stirling family members.

From L-R: Andrew Stirling, Julie Stirling, David Stirling and Tim Hartley from GBRf.

23:00.

Time to bring the day to an end. The afternoon session at the conference was really interesting. Alex Hynes came back to speak once more, then we had an excellent panel session chaired by Bill Reeve of Transport Scotland. Called “Scottish Businesses & Industry Delivering Low Carbon Logistics” the panel consisted of Tim Hartley, Business Development Director, GB Railfreight. Kenneth Russell, Commercial and Strategy Director, John G Russell Transport. David Turner, Rail Director, Malcolm Logistics. Chris Swan, Head of Rail, Tarmac and Catherine Hall, Head of Strategic Planning, Network Rail.

The final session of the day came from Stephen Carr, Group Commercial Director of Peel Ports whose presentation on changing the face of how logistics networks work in the UK demonstrated how many road miles and tonnes of carbon could be saved by reappraising how the existing networks worked.

There was far too much ground covered to fit in this blog but I’ll be writing about it in detail at a later date.

As the afternoon unfolded emails I received changed my plans yet again. It seems that I’m much in demand here at COP 26 as two more short-notice jobs were arranged for me. This means I’m going to be doing a very good impression of a blue-arsed fly for the rest of my time here in Scotland.

Tonight I’m back in Glasgow staying with a good friend. Tomorrow is another day. Watch out for a disjointed rolling blog as I bounce around from event to event…

I’ve a favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this blog, 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 to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site – and right now (because of Covid), us freelances appreciate all the help that we can get to aid us in bouncing back from lockdowns. Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Thank you!

Making a break for the border…

07 Sunday Nov 2021

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Sunday began in a lazy fashion. After all, it’s the weekend – what’s the rush? But the pace picked up after brunch as I decided to make the most of the mild weather and dry day to scratch off a few chores before heading North once more. The flower beds were in need of cutting back and tidying up, a job I was happy to do in preparation for the winter. That said, I was surprised how much was still flowering. I still have some yellow poppies flowering in the front garden and a couple of stray flowers have appeared on an Azalea bush out the back. The seasons seem to be as confused as me sometimes! Another little job was to top up the bird feeders so that Dawn has some colourful company whilst I’m away.

Good deeds done the pair of us managed to get out for a walk through Scarr woods and up to Savile Park and back just to blow the cobwebs away. Both of us were surprised just how many leaves are left on the trees on both sides of the valley, despite the fact you’re ankle deep in them walking through the woods. Is autumn longer and later this year? We can’t quite work it out…

As dusk began to set it was time for me to bid adieu to both Dawn and the Calder valley once more. As I’ve (literally) got a suitcase in tow this time Dee gave me a lift to Halifax station where I caught the 17:29 Northern service bound for Preston. Normally, these Blackpool services are worked by 3-car Class 195s but today we were treated to a 2-car which I expected would get ‘cosy’ en-route but in actual fact it was fine as far as Preston. The whole journey was completed in darkness which was a shame but – hey – it’s November! I contented myself with getting some writing done instead of window gazing.

On arrival at Preston I didn’t have long to wait before my next train arrived. This was another CAF product in the shape of a Trans-Pennine Express Class 397 on a Liverpool Lime St – Glasgow Central service. Seats were at a premium but I managed to find a pair of free airline seats by a luggage rack at the end of car 2. Sitting over the bogie’s always a good place to be able to judge the quality of the ride and (as usual with CAF products) it was hard. I rather like the interior of these units and the pull-out extension to the seatback tables is great for being able to use a laptop, but it’s easy to miss keystrokes when the trains bouncing around so much. Despite the niggles, the performance of these trains is impressive. They’re 125mph trains and they can certainly shift – even without tilt.

397007 having arrived at Carlisle.

I’m now in Carlisle where I’m staying for the night before heading up to Glasgow in time for the start of the three day ‘Low-carbon logistics’ event at Mossend yard just outside Motherwell. This is a strategic stop just South of the border that gets me in range for getting to the start of the event (which would be impossible from home). Compared to how it can be on a Friday-Saturday night (when every village idiot for miles around descends on the place) Sunday in Carlisle seems quite civilised. Not that I’m venturing far – my hotel is literally across the road from the station.

An early night beckons as there’s little of interest to photograph at Carlisle station on a Sunday night. Instead, a quiet night tucked up with the laptop preparing some more articles seems like a good move. However, expect a rolling blog with plenty of pictures tomorrow…

I’ve a favour to ask…
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