Brig Dale

Brig Dale in the Yorkshire Wolds

Thursday 30th April 2015

With rain forecast later in the day, I took a walk into Brig Dale on the Wolds. It is Open Access, so it is nice to be able to freely walk up or down dale. It is good to see trees in the Wolds valleys.The lambs are getting to the stage where they will soon be on their way to market! 

Abstract

Abstract Pattern

Wednesday 29th April 2015

I quite like abstract work. I like things that make me think and move me into another dimension. No I am not on drugs! I took a small object, lit and photographed it. The object itself was quite boring, but I wanted to make the simple boring into something else. Using the photography tools (Photoshop) at my disposal, I played about with the image until I began to see something developing. To me, it looked like a flattened skeleton of a bird, the beak and head clearly visible, but it could be something entirely different. I love the colours and the patterns and would happily frame it and put it on my wall. I wonder if those mushrooms I had for tea were okay?

Storm over the power station

Storm over West Burton Power Station

Tuesday 28th April 2015

Took a trip to Gainsborough in Lincolnshire today. The route was Humber Bridge M180 to Gunness Wharf west of Scunthorpe and then we followed the River Trent on the west side, through Owston Ferry all the way to Gainsborough. Interesting place, smell of malt in the air from the Paddock Maltings, but the wharves on the River Trent were all empty. Clearly inland river traffic has deserted the town. We took a walk over the eighteenth century bridge into Nottinghamshire and walked north on the riverside path, observing the "nodding donkeys" pumping oil from the nearby oilfield (no joke). We had only walked a mile or so, when we noticed black storm clouds approaching from the west. We decided to do a 'U' turn and head back. We got to the bridge and saw that the storm was passing directly over the power station, you could see the rain falling, but behind was sunshine. We were only a mile or so from the power station, yet I was able to take the photograph without getting wet, five minutes later, blue sky and fluffy clouds!

Wolds Gold

Gold on the Wolds

Monday 27th April 2015

I couldn't help but notice how much the oil seed rape crop has blossomed in this last week. Suddenly, vast swathes of the Wolds are turning yellow. With blue skies and contrasting yellow fields, all I needed was a tree to give a picture some scale and point of interest. Fields, with a tree stuck in the middle is something the Wolds doesn't do, so I had to settle for a wind turbine in the neighbouring field!

Light Trails

Blowing bubbles!

Sunday 26th April 2015

Doing my National Park duty at the publicity caravan at Robin Hoods Bay today. I met a very interesting lady by the name of Debbie North http://www.accessthedales.com/ . She has chronic degeneration of the spine and had just completed the Coast to Coast in a very interesting 'Terrain Hopper' electrically powered off road wheelchair http://www.terrainhopper.com/ . Not an easy journey on some of the bridleways, but a great machine. She is raising money to provide one of these, for The Calvert Trust, Outdoor Adventure Centre in Kielder Forest, for people with disabilities. Well done Debbie and good luck raising the money.
My own image for today is an experiment with bubbles! Yes, children's bubbles. Blowing bubbles into the air against a black background and lit by a single light from below. I used a slow shutter speed and captured the trails as some descended, then firing flash to pick out some bubbles. Something I might return to another day, when I buy my Grandson some more!

Old door

It's a door!

Saturday 25th April 2015

Tied up with various things today including attending a talk on 'Roman Catterick' at Thornton le Street village hall near Northallerton. I arrived early for the talk and had a wander around St. Leonard's Church (not open), next to the car park. It is an old church, but as I looked at the size of the village (very small), I thought about the number of services and size of congregation. My eye was constantly drawn to this old timber door on the south side of the church and in particular the cobwebs, handle and lock. I understand this is the 'Priest's door'. What year did the Priest last turn the key in the lock, I wonder?

Shark hunting?

Is it a shark about to attack?

Friday 24th April 2015

I'm sorry if the 'one a day' is starting to become a travel diary and perhaps a bit boring. I have not put enough thought into creating images this last couple of weeks. Yes, I have put one image up every day, but they have been simple shots. I think I have probably being going through the phase of 'giving up' - I can't be bothered. I decided tonight I had to go back to basics in an effort to recapture my interest in the project. Taking a simple object, lighting it and creating something. So, the mouth, the eye, the twist in the body reminds me of shark about to strike. Closer inspection reveals a size 15 rawlplug! 

Pink Tulip

Pink Tulip

Thursday 23rd April 2015

The sunshine has brought out the tulips and the cold nights are keeping them fresh. This pink tulip has feathery petals and although not a perfect example looked stunning in the garden today. I used a very shallow depth of field to blur the background and some of the outer petals.

Swans on the increase

Nest building

Wednesday 22nd April 2015

Wondered where the two swans on the Driffield Beck had gone. We turned a corner and there they were, busy building a nest. A well defended site had been chosen, with very thick willow and blackthorn forming a barrier at the rear, to keep out wandering foxes. The nest itself, on the left of the picture is already quite high and on an island. The male on the right of the picture was busy pulling out branches and reeds and taking them to the female. She was constantly pulling up the 'gifts' onto the nest and re-arranging it. He had already seen me as a threat and was preparing to confront me, even though I was quite some distance away. Let's hope all goes well and we have an increase in the swan population.

Confluence of Ouse and Nidd

The confluence of the rivers Ouse and Nidd

Tuesday 21st April 2015

Made a trip to Beningbrough Hall, north of York, today. The air was still, it was hot and felt like summer was just around the corner. One place that I always wanted to visit was where the river Nidd flows into the river Ouse near Beningbrough Hall. Why? Because it is really a tale of three or four of Yorkshire's major rivers. The river Swale flows into the river Ure just east of Boroughbridge, the Ure then continues to a place called 'Cuddy Shaw Reach' (about 3 miles upstream from the photograph), when its name changes to the Ouse, it then meets with the river Nidd, then continues as the Ouse to the Humber! The picture shows the river Ouse flowing right to left with the Nidd joining at the centre. Not a very picturesque spot, lacks a duck or a boat, but very peaceful and calm. Nun Monkton village is beyond the steps on the right hand bank.

Spring comes to Burdale pond

Burdale Pond

Monday 20th April 2015

About half way between Fimber and Thixendale, there is a triangular grass area near Burdale House Farm, which has the appearance of a village green - but no village. Next to this is a beautiful pond, marked on the O.S. map as a spring. I quite liked the location, steep hills all around with the pond in the middle of a bowl and spring trees coming into leaf reflecting in the water. There are two ducks in the picture under the trees on the left. I waited about fifteen minutes for one of them to swim into the centre of the picture, but they refused!

Last day at Sledmere

Sledmere House

Sunday 19th April 2015

The Driffield Photographic Society Exhibition in the Triton Gallery at Sledmere has now come to a close. We opened on Good Friday and finished this afternoon. From the comments people made, it was a great success. It being the last day, I had to include a photograph of Sledmere House in the sunshine. Thanks to all at Sledmere for making the exhibition possible. For anyone thinking of taking their photography further, we meet in the Maple room of the Bell Hotel in Driffield every Monday night at 7.30pm. We are always pleased to welcome new members. Please check out our website for further details: http://www.driffieldphotographicsociety.co.uk

Robin Hoods Bay

Robin Hoods Bay from Cowfield Hill

Saturday 18th April 2015

Found myself at Robin Hoods Bay today doing my Volunteer Ranger patrol on a walk out to Fyling Hall and Ramsdale Mill. The day started out with bright sunshine, soon to be replaced by cloud blown in from the east. I was coming back into Robin Hoods Bay along the Cleveland Way, when the sun decided to shine briefly, so I took the photo of the bay, almost at high tide from Cowfield Hill.

New hedge at Wetwang

A new hedge at Wetwang

Friday 17th April 2015

I have lost count of the number of times I have driven through Wetwang recently and wanted to stop and take a photograph of this new hedge, but traffic didn't permit. I think it is a fantastic example of hedge laying. I remember seeing a man busy labouring over the hedge a couple of months ago and thought how much care he was taking. With new shoots appearing I just had to get a shot before it was completely green! I know there are different styles of hedge laying around the country. I assume this is a Yorkshire hedge?

Snake's Head Fritillary

Snake's Head Fritillary

Thursday 16th April 2015

A couple of years ago we decided to create a wildflower meadow in our garden. Last year, most of the plants did not appear and because we didn't mow, it looked very untidy. We decided it wasn't going to work so we cut down the grass and reverted back to lawn. I was very surprised when my wife announced this week that all the Snake's Head Fritillaries were in flower. I do like the way the flowers hang like bells, protecting the pollen from rain. Might think about the meadow again!

Malo Cross North York Moors

Malo Cross under a threatening sky

Wednesday 15th April 2015

On a very overcast day, I met three friends from Northumberland at Saltergate car park for a walk on the Moors, taking in Malo Cross, Blakey Topping and The Bridestones. The photograph is of Malo Cross, boundary cross at the end of Saltergate Brow. According to Historic England's listing it was erected in 1619 by Sir Richard Egerton and his initials appear on the arms of the cross. The 'k' at the top of the cross relates to the fact that he was a knight.

Duggleby Howe Round Barrow

Duggleby Howe Neolithic Round Barrow

Tuesday 14th April 2015

Visited the Church at Kirby Grindalythe to see the beautiful wall mosaic, heading home via Duggleby, we were diverted onto a back road through the village. There standing tall (about 20 feet) in a corner of a field was Duggleby Howe burial mound. It is late neolithic and dates from around 5000 years ago and is one of the largest in the country. It was excavated in 1890 by J.R. Mortimer of Driffield and contained a number of bodies and even more cremations as well as flints, bowls and arrow heads. I chose to photograph it in black and white to give it a sense of time and place.

Primula flower

Primula

Monday 13th April 2015

The Primulas are still putting on a good show in our garden, thought it was about time I took a photograph. Using a shallow depth of field I was able to focus on the centre and let the rest of the flower blur.

Rocket on the Wolds

Sir Tatton Sykes Memorial Tower

Sunday 12th April 2015

I have passed this English Heritage Grade 2 listed monument ten times in the last week, to and from the Triton Gallery on the Sledmere Estate. Standing 120 feet high on the top of Garton Hill, it can be seen for miles around. It is dedicated to the memory of Sir Tatton Sykes 4th Baronet of Sledmere who died in 1863 and was erected by voluntary subscription in 1865. This photograph was taken as the low evening sun gave a golden glow to the tower. I have heard it called 'The rocket on the Wolds', I have to confess with eyes screwed up, it does have a similar appearance to a Saturn five rocket on the launch pad!

Hello Jack

Jack in the box

Saturday 11th April 2015

Searching for something in a cupboard when I happened to accidentally hit the button to release the Jack in the box. It made me jump. The lid flips up and Jack slowly uncoils pushing the lid back to an awful squeaking sound. It being late and not having taken a photo for today, I decided to try and photograph Jack popping out with a slow shutter speed to blur his movements. Wish I had more time to experiment!

Wrong Mother!

Lamb and Llama

Friday 10th April 2015

In a field full of sheep and lambs and one llama this little lamb was a bit confused. Lambs quite often mistake which ewe is their mother, but this one could not even get the colour and size right! The llama's expression suggests, "If I ignore it, it might go away". Amazing what you can see on the North York Moors!

What's green and crinkly?

A Common Toad

Thursday 9th April 2015

Today I was doing my bit with the Cleveland Way volunteers. We were clearing drains and converting a gate to a kissing gate on Scarth Wood Moor near Osmotherley. I arrived early at the meeting point, Sheep Wash car park. It was a lovely sunny, hazy morning so I had a walk to Cod Beck reservoir. I was aware of something in the road moving towards the reservoir. On closer inspection, it was a toad. I could hear the sound of a car approaching, so I went into the middle of the road, picked it up and put it on the grass near the reservoir. I then saw another and another. In total I helped five toads across the road. All around was evidence of the ones that didn't make it, poor things.

Wednesday at Sledmere

The Villa, Main Street, Sledmere

Wednesday 8th April 2015

Spent the afternoon at Sledmere manning our photography exhibition. I decided when the exhibition closed, I would take a picture of Sledmere House - but it was closed today. I therefore turned my attention to one of the Sledmere Estate houses - 'The Villa', situated on the main road and on the opposite side from Sledmere House. I remember the first time I drove through the village and saw this beautiful red brick house, it had so much character with the bays, the windows and the porch, I wanted to live there! Not all the Estate houses are this grand, but they are well designed and distinct.

Peasholm the Willow Pattern Park

Peasholm Pagoda, Scarborough

Tuesday 7th April 2015

Standing aloft in Peasholm Park is the Chinese pagoda. It sits on top of Peasholm Island in the middle of the lake and is accessible via a very ornate wooden footbridge. The design of the park was inspired by Thomas Minton's willow pattern China plate and was opened in 1912. Everywhere has an oriental feel, from the buildings, stone ornaments and band stand to the dragon boats on the lake. The island, when I was young, was home to 'Tree Walk' with illuminations and tableaux, but now it hosts Chinese gardens and island walks. It really is one of the most beautiful places in Scarborough. I have often photographed the pagoda from the other side to include the waterfall and the lake. I liked this unusual view, the wall helping to screen the midday sun from the lens.

Life on the canal

Edith Rose at Riverhead Driffield

Monday 6th April 2015

After another stint at Sledmere House, I just had to get out and about earlier and take advantage of the sunshine. Passing Riverhead, the terminus of the Driffield Canal, I saw some beautiful reflections in the still water. It is nice to see a boat on the canal and this one has been moored there for a while now. The old Bradshaw's Riverhead Mill building provides a good backdrop and 'Edith Rose' foreground interest. Let's hope it is not too long before we see more pleasure craft on the canal again. It is a great asset to the town, but under used.

Sunday final resting place

Respecting the dead

Sunday 5th April 2015

It was a lovely day today - or so I am told. I spent the whole day in the Triton Gallery at Sledmere House manning our photography exhibition. When I emerged near tea-time, I couldn't believe what a glorious day I had missed! I just had to go out with my camera after tea. I half guessed there might be a reasonable sunset, so I set off west and found myself photographing this tumulus (ancient burial mound) complete with Ordnance Survey trig point overlooking Millington and the western edge of the Wolds. The sunset was not that dramatic, but there was enough colour in the sky for me to silhouette the trees and the mound itself and to give the place feeling!

Colourful Scallop shell

Scallop Shell

Saturday 4th April 2015

Noticed our large basket of shells we collected on the beaches of Northumberland over the years. There were razor shells, oyster shells and this quite colourful looking scallop shell. None of the shells were perfect examples and this one had one or two barnacles on the outside, but I thought it would make a good subject. I really wanted to put down some sand and place the shell in sand, but we didn't have any. I settled on rough art paper and lit it with a couple of lights. This is just one half of a scallop.

More cheese Gromit!

Not Wensleydale but Cheddar

Friday 3rd April 2015

Out all day at Driffield Photographic Society Photography Exhibition at Sledmere House (runs until April 12th in the Triton Gallery). Just about to have some supper when I realized I had not taken a photograph today. Had the cheese and cracker on a plate so decision made, photograph them as seen. Note how I hacked at the cheese rather than cut a fine slice, still tasted great.

Dark Satanic Mills

Salts Mill and the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Saltaire

Thursday 2nd April 2015

A return to Yorkshire and a pilgrimage to one of my favourite places from the late Industrial Revolution, Sir Titus Salt's 'Saltaire'. Salt a great philanthropist, made his fortune from fine woollen fabrics manufactured in Bradford. He decided to move his mills and workforce out of Bradford and built his new mills in 1851 and a complete town for his workforce beside the canal and railway. Saltaire is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There were lots of people visiting, it being the Easter holidays, but I managed to wait and take a shot of the mill and canal without people! The stone work is now very clean, so black and white had to reflect an image of those Victorian dark satanic mills.

Waterfall

Stockghyll Force waterfall, Ambleside

Wednesday 1st April 2015

Heavy rain again, prompted a visit to the walking shops in Ambleside. We then decided to have a short walk to Stockghyll Force waterfall at the back of the town centre. The waterfall was in full spate. I picked out a portion of the falls to photograph. The spray was hitting surrounding rocks and creating ghostly shapes. I decided on a slow shutter speed to exaggerate the effect and black and white to add mood.

Brothers Water Rainbow

Rainbow over Brothers Water

Tuesday 31st March 2015

A special day for me - my birthday! In gale force winds and with snow in the forecast, we set off from Cow Bridge at the northern end of Brothers Water (at the bottom of Kirkstone Pass) to do a circular seven mile walk. We got caught in several hailstorms before managing to take refuge halfway round in the Brothers Water Inn at Sykeside. Leaving there suitably refreshed, we visited the end of Dovedale, gazing up at the lofty Dove Crag in a fierce hailstorm before taking the path on the western side of Brothers Water back to the car. Just as we approached the southern shore, the hail stopped, the sun shone and a fantastic rainbow appeared above Brothers Water. On returning towards Ambleside the road at the top of Kirkstone Pass was covered in snow, we just made it.

Jennings

Jennings Brewery Cockermouth

Monday 30th March 2015

Another gloomy day on holiday, but we decided to keep dry and visit Wordsworth's birth place at Cockermouth in Cumbria. Having toured the National Trust establishment, I learned that the large detached house he was born in, went with his fathers job as land agent to the vast Lowther Estate and the Wordsworth family didn't own it, as I had thought. Cockermouth to me does not say 'Wordsworth' but 'Jennings'. I have long been a fan of Jennings beer, in particular their Cumberland Ale and best of all 'Sneck Lifter' a dark winter beer. Jennings was taken over by Marstons, but they still brew the beer in Cockermouth. I went into the brewery shop (in picture) and inquired about a brewery trip, sadly, my wife was feeling ill and this was as near as I got to the brewery trip! I had a pint of Jennings that night and thought of what might have been!

Rosie & Jim

Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Skipton

Sunday 29th March 2015

Back again. Well, a few days away and out of contact with the outside world - joy! Still taking the one a day. Sunday, battling rain and high winds and I was alongside the Leeds & Liverpool canal at Skipton. The weather was awful as I wandered around the canal basin which is also the junction of a spur canal to the back of Skipton Castle. Plenty of narrow boats with their chimneys issuing the smell of wood smoke as their crews stayed warm and dry. I had a broad smile as I noticed the names of the two boats 'Rosie' and 'Jim', I remembered watching children's TV many years ago (with my sons - I think!) a programme of that name which featured the adventures of two rag dolls on a narrowboat. I had to take a photograph. It really was the best bit of the day!