Tag Archives: History

Devon days. Part 4…

12 Friday Jun 2026

Posted by in Devon, Food and drink, History, Photography, Railways, Travel

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The weather finally let us down on Thursday. The rain stayed with us for most of the day with the skies remaining leaden throughout. We even had sea mist nearer the coast, so the plan for a long walk went out of the window. Instead, Clive drove us all to Hartland Quay, a former harbour near the north-western tip of the Devon coast. It’s famous for its rcky outcrops and rough seas, which we had a small taste of. There’s also a hotel and pub, which we took refuge in to enjoy a hot drink and chips after being battered by the wind. The rock formations here are amazing and well worth seeing.

The sea shows off its power.

Our next stop was somewhat more eccentric. The Merry Harriers garden centre, which features something I’ve never encountered before. A Gnome garden! No that wasn’t a typo – it really is a garden full of gnomes – of all different shapes, sizes and poses!

Heading back to base afterwards the rest of the team relaxed whilst I went for another wander into Bideford, where I crossed the river and popped in to the old railway station which is the base of the Bideford railway heritage centre. The group have reinstated a short length of track and have a small Planet diesel locomotive and a brake van which they plan to give rides on.

The old signalbox has been restored, along with a old SR parcels van and a Mk1 coach which is used as a cafe.

The day was rounded off with a visit to a restaurant and bar in nearby Northam. The Crow Bar has only been open for 9 weeks. It’s modern feel and variety of seating makes it an interesting venue. The food is tapas based with the beers locally sourced. The owner has installed their own micro-brewery which isn’t in production at the moment but will be opening just as soon as time permits. We really enjoyed our visit. The food was excellent as was the atmosphere.

A view of the main area and bar which has a mezzanine floor above containing comfy seating.
The Spanish style croquettes.
Today’s special was a delicious Trout.

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/

Cheers,

Paul

Devon days. Part 3…

11 Thursday Jun 2026

Posted by in Devon, Food and drink, Photography, Railways, Travel, Walking

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Our third day in Devon was less about trekking and more about touring – although we still managed an old railway walk! Clive drove the three of us over to Tavistock, a lovely old town neither Dawn nor I had ever visited before. Tavi’ has a fantastic indoor market which is well worth a visit. It certainly separated us from some money!

Tavistock once had two railway lines serving the town. Both have been closed. Tavistock South was on a line from Plymouth owned by the Great Western Railway whilst Tavistock North was part of the London and South Western Railway. The LSWR was built above the town, which it crossed on on a high viaduct. This is now part of a cycle and walking trail which offers good views across town.

Moving on from Tavi we had a tour of Dartmoor which is reminiscent of North Yorkshire. After which we called in at Okehampton, where the town was restored to the national railway network in 2021. Here’s a few pictures from our travels…

Inside Tavistock’s Pannier market. There’s a great selection of stalls selling all sorts of stuff, old and new…
Need a guitar or ukulele?
Bob’s East End cafe in the Pannier market. A great place for an all day breakfast at very reasonable prices.
The LSWR viaduct in central Tavi was completed in 1890. It’s 420ft (128m) long and is made up of eight spans; five of 50ft (15m) and three of 32ft, (10m) with a height of 70ft (21m) to the road below. The old station is behind the camera but access is restricted as it’s now a private dwelling.
The view from the viaduct looking over town.
Walking along the old line. The trackbed has been raised in many places. – hence the low height of the overbridge.
Dartmoor. You can see why they built a prison up here…
Okehampton station has been restored and repainted in Southern railway colours, although…
The Great Western Railway had the last laugh as the current train service to Exeter is operated by the GWR franchise – until it’s absorbed into the nationalised Great British Railways anyway…

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/

Cheers,

Paul

Devon days, part 2…

10 Wednesday Jun 2026

Posted by in Devon, History, Photography, Railways, Religion, Travel, Walking

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Day 2 of our trip saw us on another long walk whilst visiting some historic places with rich social histories. Clive drove us to Westward Ho! the only place with an exclamation mark in its name. The name came from a Charles Kingsley book, titled Westward Ho! It was a best seller and brought a new wave of tourism to the Bideford area leading to the creation of the village, which has grown considerably in recent years.

Our walk took us along the coast on the trackbed of an old railway that I’d never heard of before. This was pretty unique too as it’s possibly the only standard gauge passenger railway that was never connected to the national network. The Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore railway had a very short life. It opened in 1901 and closed in 1917. Having walked along part of its route along the cliffs I’d have thought it would have made a great preserved railway and tourist attraction, but it never survived World War 1.

The course of the old railway makes a great coastal path. Here it is at Abbotsham Cliffs West of Westward Ho!
At this point the old railway swung inland to head towards Bideford. You can see the course of the line and a couple of breaches in the trackbed near the top of the picture. This is a lovely place to stop and admire the coastline.
The wind was whipping up quite a few white capped waves during our walk. Here’s the view looking East towards Baggy Point.

Back in Westward Ho! We explored the village and I discovered its link with one of Britain’s most famous authors whom I’ve long admired. Rudyard Kipling. Kipling went to school in Westward Ho! and he’s remembered by plaques and a line of his most famous poem ‘if) being incorporated into the seafront pavement.

Memories of Kipling in Westward Ho!
A colourful row of houses in Westward Ho! with several being repainted for the summer season.

Having driven back to Northam we popped into the local church where Ann volunteers at their regular coffee and cake days. I’ve always enjoyed visiting country churches as they often provide fascinating glimpses into British social history and St Margaret’s was no exception. Oh, and the cakes were excellent!

Many a well-to-do family’s line ended like this during the First World War, with the death of the only son.
Segregated church services!
Coffe with Passionfruit and lemon cake. Yum!

Having returned home to take our ease I couldn’t resist on last wander into Bideford to make the most of the weather in order to get a few pictures.

The most substantial surviving structure of the old railway is the engine and carriage shed in Bideford. Nowadays it’s used as a car-wash.
The old bridge in Bideford with the modern bridge in the background.

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/

Cheers,

Paul

 

Devon days, part 1…

09 Tuesday Jun 2026

Posted by in Devon, History, Photography, Railways, Travel

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Monday was our first full day here in Devon. We’re staying with our friends Ann and Clive here in Bideford, a lovely area on the North Devon coast. I’ve not time to write a full blog so I’m going to leave you with pictures from the days activities which involved a long walk into Appledore, the ferry across the river to Instow and then a hike along the Tarka trail (the old railway) from Instow to Barnstaple before getting the bus back.

Looking across to Lundy Island.
Rather poignant seeing as the anniversary of the D-day landings was only a few days ago.
Looking back to Appledore as we cross the river Torridge on the little ferry.
Instow station on the Tarka trail. The old signalbox and some other rail features have been restored.
Heading towards Okehampton on the Tarka trail. The trackbed had been tarmaced, making an easy surface for cycling/walking.
The cafe and information centre at Fremington Quay on the Tarka trail. This was once a busy port, transhipping coal and clay from rail to ship. The quay closed in 1969. The cafe here serves a range of food and drink – and great cakes!
An abandoned yacht on the edge of the River Taw as we approach Barnstaple.
Nice here, innit? Rather bigger than Bigland Towers too…

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/

Cheers,

Paul

From coast to hills…

05 Friday Jun 2026

Posted by in Photography, Railways, Southport, Travel, West Yorkshire

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Friday saw me travel back from Southport to West Yorkshire, swapping the coast for the hills and sunshine for cloudy weather – along with a significant drop in temperature!

I was in no rush to get back as Dawn was busy working all day so I had plenty of time to soak up the sun, stretch my legs and get in some exercise before catching the train. I’ve really enjoyed staying at my sisters and reacquainting myself with the town I grew up in (but left so long ago). Splitting my time between between Southport and Halifax gives me the best of both worlds. I’ve lots of stories in the bank to blog about when I have time. But for now I’ve other things in mind.

Dragging my suitcase and camera kit to Meols Cop station I caught a type of train from another chapter of my life – my 25 years living in London, when the Thameslink Class 319s often carried me around the capital. Now, most have gone for scrap, but a few have been converted to bi-mode (diesel and electric) Class 769s which are a staple on Northern services from Southport to Stalybridge and Manchester Oxford Rd.

Once, these 100mph electric trains carried passengers from Bedford, though central London to Brighton. Now they’re seeing out their retirement as bi-mode units, but still working from city to coast – just a very different city and very different coast! Here’s 769434 arriving at Meols Cop, a station in Southport which is well looked after by local station friends.

They’re a definite improvement in quality compared to the old 1980s built Class 150s which are also regulars on the route. Especially as they still have the former 1st Class area with its roomy 2+1 seating, making them ideal to sit back and relax in as the rich farmland of the West Lancashire plain trundles past the window before we call at Parbold where the landscape becomes more hilly. By Wigan the landscape changes again, as the route onwards to Bolton was dominated by the mines and cotton mills of the industrial revolution. Nowadays all the pits have disappeared, as have many of the mills, and the scars on the landscape they left behind are gradually healing.

On arrival at Manchester Victoria I swapped the comfort of my 4-car Class 769 for a rammed 2-car Class 195 which was working a Chester-Leeds service. This was totally inadequate for the numbers travelling but Northern seem to have problems with short-formed services at the moment. I’m glad that I don’t have to do this part of the trip every day as I ended up standing all the way back to Sowerby Bridge. Fortunately, Dawn was available to pick me up as pulling a suitcase a mile uphill whilst wearing a 12kg camera bag is a bit of a minority sport!

Now I have a full day back at Bigland Towers before we’re on the move again – but not by train this time. The pair of us are driving down to Devon where we’ll be staying with friends for a week. Hopefully, I’ll find time to blog. They may not be wordy, but they’ll certainly contain some different pictures of a part of the UK I’ve not visited for many years.

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/

Cheers,

Paul

Back to the hills…

28 Thursday May 2026

Posted by in Architecture, History, Photography, Railways, Travel

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I’m back in Halifax for the day after returning to visit the dentists for my six-monthly check-up. Fortunately, neither Dawn nor I needed anything doing other then the regular clean

Like most people across the North-West and Wales, I was woken up at 03:00 by the most i thunderstorm. I didn’t get to see any lightning, but the cracks of thunder and torrential rain certainly made an impression! When I left Southport this morning I was amazed to see hardly any sign of the storm. I’d half expected flooding, but the streets were dry. It was the same on the journey across West Lancashire as we were treated to yet another hot and sunny day. As I had an appointment to keep I only stopped off a couple of times en-route. The first was to admire the famous listed Deep Pit footbridge at Hindley, which has been rebuilt as part of the electrification programme.

There are now history boards at each end of the bridge which explain how it was constructed.
There’s a massive new ramp on the Hindley side of the line which has been designed to fit in with the original structure.
The bowstring bridge has been lifted to give clearance for the new electric wires. The width gives you an idea of just how many running lines there were here originally.

Now I’m having a relaxing night with Dawn before heading back to the coast for part of the weekend I have to travel South to work on Community Rail week – but more of that later. I’ll be blogging from my travels tomorrow, so see you soon…

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/

Cheers,

Paul

Right, let’s try that again shall we?

19 Tuesday May 2026

Posted by in Down memory lane, History, Photography, Southport

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My idea of catching up with blogging last week turned into a dismal failure for a variety of reasons, but we’re now into a new week. After spending the weekend back at Bigland Towers I’ve returned to Southport for a few days, which will give me time to do what I need to do – which includes blogging.

Today I’m out shopping and finding a temporary ‘office’ where I can work in peace whilst getting my steps in ‘commuting’ to and from my sisters. The commute has often turned into an exploration as I try and take a different route into town each day. This involves suddenly deciding to take a detour and explore streets I’ve not visited since I moved to London back in 1986, or even before as some were near my old school which I left a decade earlier!

One thing that’s caught my eye is how the corner shop had died a death. There used to be loads of them around my parents house. Now they’re almost all gone. The newsagents/tobacconists of old are almost extinct, as are local butchers, grocers and chip shops. Even hairdressers have disappeared in some parts as people retire, or realise their business has become unprofitable. Trying to remember where these places were and what they were has become a new game. In some cases it’s easy to spot them because of the way the building’s been converted rather than demolished. In others there’s hardly any clues. Mind you. it’s not just shops. Many pubs have disappeared too, like this one – the George, where I spent many an hour with an old friend who lives around the corner.

By the George is a large old cemetery where my grandmother used to take us young kids on walks. It’s not as well maintained as I remember, but I did find this memorial which I recalled as a child. It’s to the crew of the lifeboat Eliza Fernley, as 14 of the 16 members perished, along with 13 members of the St Annes lifeboat whilst both boats were trying to rescue the crew of the ship ‘Mexico’ in 1886.

Before I made it into town I passed one last empty shop, but this one has family connections. DM Rogers was the family business. It was opened by my mum and dad and named after my mother (Doreen Myfanwy Rogers, her maiden name). When my dad gave up the business it was taken over by my brother David who moved it from Nelson St to Shakespeare St. This was the third incarnation after moving across the road. Dave retired last year and now workers are converting the shop for another tenant, so this is the last time I’ll see the sign and name.

How times change…

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/

Cheers,

Paul

Another TRU update…

13 Monday Apr 2026

Posted by in Photography, Railways, Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade, TRU, West Yorkshire

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16:00.

The sun’s shining here in West Yorkshire so I’m taking a break from decorating to have time out to check on progress with the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade (TRU) on the railway line from Huddersfield to Leeds.

I’ve not been out that way for a while, and today seemed like the ideal opportunity. Right now I’m aboard a Northern service from Halifax to my first stop en-route. Mirfield. My first train was worked by one of the company’s aged Class 150s, which have been plying their trade since the mid 1980s.

150270 on arrival at Mirfield.
A GBRf Class 66 hauls a biomass train from Liverpool to Drax power station through Mirfield

Mirfield was interesting as the new footbridge adds an elevated vista, allowing a different perspective of the station and its approaches. Having got the shots I wanted I headed off along the nearby canal to get to Ravensthorpe. It’s a journey you can’t do by rail anymore as the old station’s been demolished and the new one won’t open for several years.

The canal towpath’s a lovely walk and an insight into how much railway and other industry has disappeared.

The remains of the old railway from Mirfield towards Heckmondwyke seen from the canal.
The canal basin at Shepley Bridge shows its industrial heritage but now leisure activities keep it going.

Having strolled as far as Ravensthorpe I found the weather decided not to play ball as more and more cloud appeared. Even so, there was still chance to get some good record shots.

A TPE service passes the site of what will be the new Ravensthorpe station which will be just behind the train.
Here’s what was the old station (to the left). All gone now. The only familiar landmark is the signal gantry. Meanwhile, behind it, the abutments of the new fast lines flyover take shape behind it.

15th April update.

Sorry folks. I got waylaid for various reasons that I’ll explain in the next blog.

Now, where was I? Oh, yes, Ravensthorpe. As you can see from the pictures, it’s changed a bit. The old station’s vanished and there’s some serious civil engineering taking place where it was situated. That said, the bridge I was stood on to get these pictures will disappear too. You can see the new one in the picture before last.

Ravensthorpe is an odd place. I’m sure a new station will help to regenerate the area, but it’s going to take a lot, lot more. As there’s no trains I had to wander up to the main road in order to get to Dewsbury. There’s some lovely old terraced houses in the area but the air of decay and lack of civic pride is all to obvious.

Fly-tipping on a public space in Ravensthorpe.

I was tempted to walk all the way to Dewsbury but I was running out of time. Instead, I so brandished my bus pass and took the easy option. Doing so deposited me at a part of Dewsbury I’d never visited. The bus station, which is seeing major investment. The town’s an odd place. The old Victorian buildings are a solid testament to the prosperity it once had. But the world’s moved on, and like many Northern towns it’s been ignored by a series of Governments from Left to Right.

Victorian buildings to die for. If they were anywhere else…

After a swift pint in the institution that’s the West Riding refreshment rooms on the station I caught a train to Huddersfield. This allowed me to see some major TRU changes en-route that demand another visit. That said, work at Huddersfield hasn’t exactly stood still as part of a new over bridge has appeared since my last visit.

The over bridge will eventually extend to the left when the new through platforms are completed.

Having explored, I’ve realised I’ve some catching up to do on TRU. Expect an update soon…

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/

Cheers,

Paul

4th March picture of the day…

04 Wednesday Mar 2026

Posted by in Donald Trump, iran, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Politics

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We’ve had an absolutely glorious day here in the Calder valley as we’ve seen blue skies and warmer temperatures all day. It really does feel like Spring has arrived. Just getting out to feel the sun on my skin again (no need for winter woolies) has been wonderful. Almost overnight blossom has started to appear on trees near us, whilst the birdsong has reached a crescendo as our feathered friends realise it’ll soon be time to find a mate – and they’re on it!

What’s been less inspiring has been human activity and Trump’s ‘operation divert from the Epstein files’, AKA the undeclared war on Iran. This reached a new low today when an American submarine sank an Iranian military ship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Why? Other than the fact they could, because they had a submarine in the area? The 1,500 tonne ‘Dena’ was no threat to anyone. It had been taking part in joint exercises with the Indian and other navies 3000km away from Iran. Over 100 sailors have died. I hold no candle for the theocrats of Iran, but this seems like a completely unwarranted attack that not only demeans the US but also paints a big target on US ships not in a war zone as it sets a precedent. There’s something else that’s uncomfortable too. The US submarine – despite being in absolutely no danger from anyone – failed to assist survivors. Even German U-boat captains during world war 2 were known to help survivors of the ships that they sunk (despite the risks). This does not look good on America, but I’ve no doubt their apologists will be out in full flow.

I can’t help thinking that Trump and his acolytes are taking the USA in a very dark direction. Far from being the ‘beacon of democracy’ they now look no better than some of the countries they criticise. America’s gone from the world’s policeman to the world’s bully. I also note that the Americans don’t call this a war, it’s akin to a ‘special military operation’. Now, where have we heard that before, and who from? That SVO’s going as well as can be expected too…

We live in dark times. Well, apart from spring appearing here in the UK, obviously. So, on that brighter note, I leave you with a picture I took just down the road earlier today.

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/

Cheers,

Paul

Bigland Towers annexe. Day 4…

20 Tuesday Jan 2026

Posted by in History, Photography, Railways, Travel, West Yorkshire

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Hooray! The weather finally cleared today, giving me the opportunity get out with the camera and enjoy decent visibility for a change. We even had some sunshine, but as usual, it was always at the most inopportune moment!

As the freight train I’d been stalking was running along the copy pit line today I decided to head out along the line to get pictures. The location I wanted was a good hour’s walk away, but that didn’t deter me as it gave me chance to explore along the Burnley road as far as my destination, just outside Cliviger, the site of the old colliery that was known as Copy Pit.

It was an interesting if somewhat sad walk, past many old mills, some converted to housing, other derelict and decaying. The mixture of housing styles was also interesting. Old stone farmhouses rubbed shoulders with Victorian terraces and bigger homes that betrayed how wealthy the area was when it was a hive of industry based around mills and coal. All these buildings were squeezed together in what’s actually a narrow valley. Nowadays much of it is tree covered, but go back 70-100 years and it would’ve been quite a bleak landscape, and polluted too, with all the soot and smoke from coal fires being trapped in the valley.

Just before Cliviger the valley opens up and you cross the modern-day boundary between West Yorkshire and Lancashire. I was headed for a bridge over the railway at a place called Dean Farm, which allows great views along the railway. On arrival I found that the train I was waiting for was running an hour late so I filled my time by walking further up the Burney road which parallels the railway at this point, allowing me to get shots like this, looking back towards Dean farm.

BR built class 150 number 150142 passes working 2K67, the 11:19 Blackburn to Headbolt Lane (Merseyside). The rural nature of this section of line is a marked contrast to the area the train’s heading in to.

Having managed various shots I headed back to the bridge in time to capture the train I wanted.

Direct Rail Services Class 66 number 66429 hauls 6E73, the 09:09 Shap Summit Quarry to Doncaster Up Decoy yard. Copy Pit was just out of shot behind the train, behind a road bridge on the Burnley Road. There used to be a loop line to the right of the train but this disappeared many years ago. Back in the 1950s-early 60s this bridge would have been shaken by the thunderous roar and clank of steam engines hauling (and banking) heavy coal trains up the hill.
Looking the other way from the bridge as a Blackpool North – Leeds service passes. Where the light coloured houses are by the railway was the site of a goods yard and sidings that served Portsmouth station which was just out of sight around the curve. The station was closed in July 1958 and no traces of it remain.

Having achieved my aim I headed back into Todmorden. Remembering that I now have a bus pass (which I’d never used) I caught a bus back into town, reflecting on the fact that I’d chosen to walk all the way uphill, then get a bus back downhill. D’oh!

Back in ‘Tod’ I stopped off to get one last picture before calling it a day. I’d spotted this view the other day but wanted to wait until the weather had improved.

150144 crosses the wonky viaduct in the centre of Todmorden whilst working a train from from Headbolt Lane to Blackburn.

You can find more pictures from my day here.

Sadly, tomorrow’s weather is due to revert to rain, so my chances of doing much are minimal. That said, Dawn’s not having to commute to Halifax, so I’m planning to take her into ‘Tod’ to explore, so there may be some pictures to be had…

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/

Cheers,

Paul