Lonely Swimmer

This dead leaf was the only thing in the water of the new fountain. I don't know where it came from, as all the old leaves had disappeared, or been swept up. A different sort of still life.

Happy Birthday to NDP

Yes, that's right, this blog site is one year old today. I didn't know whether I'd be able to keep up the momentum of putting on a photo a day, let alone trying to find suitable subjects. But in spite of one or two setbacks & holidays I've made it.

So the problem now is what to publish today. Some bloggers go for a display of all their photos, but I don't know how you do that, so I'll settle for this group shot of some girls in the Market Square holding some silver balloons. They are not coming to the party, but have just visited the latest New Look clothes store that has opened in the city.

Pictures from the Past

As part of the celebrations for the opening of the new square, the council are running an exhibition showing old photographs of the city. They are also inviting members of the public to bring their own snaps in to display. Here's an example of some photos on offer. The highlights here are comedians Morecambe & Wise and Carry On actor Sid James messing about on Raleigh bicycles.

Give my Regards to Broadway

This is the Broadway cinema, an independent movie house in the heart of the Lace Market. Besides old and recent usual well known films, they show all sorts of weird and wonderful movies from around the world that don't make the main chains like the Showcase. They also have special events and run courses on film appreciation and production.

Her Light Materials

A woman was selling a large range of fabric in the Broad Marsh Centre the other day. They had been specially designed for patio furniture seats & covers, which with no surprise were on display too. Quite a number of people were milling about, but I don't think they were buying.

Jets of Water

The Old Market Square again. This time a close up of the fountain's water spouting out into the air. It's quite relaxing watching water run by. Perhaps everyone should have a water feature at home, to help them wind down after a busy day at work.

Train of Thought

Here's a photo for all you trainspotters out there. This is one of those special engineering locomotives that tests & checks the tracks for problems etc. Here's a weblink to the company that makes the equipment.

Water Disaster

As I reported yesterday, a fault has caused the new water feature to be turned off for repairs. This shot shows where the problem lies and the amount of effort the engineers have had to take to get it mended. I've no idea how long it's going to take to get it going again.

Mirror Image

Another view of the new water feature in the square. This time it's of the top, so you can see the reflections of the sky and surrounding buildings. I saw on the news last night, that they've had to switch it off, as a problem with the pump has developed.

Watch the Birdie

There have been quite a few photographers walking round the square taking photos of the new layout. I think this guy is from the council, taking shots for a future promotional film or advert about the city. Whoever he is, he spent a lot of time setting up his points of interest.

Bye Bye

The new Old Market Square is now open for business and here we see a truck being loaded with the last of the bollards, which have been blocking off the area for the last 18 months. You should be seeing some more photos from this location over the next few weeks, as some celebrations of its completion will be taking place.

Party Time

At the weekend, Nottingham played host to the Conservatives Spring get together. Most of the action took place at the Royal Centre. This was a first for the city, as usually political parties have their conferences at seaside locations like Blackpool, or Brighton.

I didn't really know anything about it, otherwise I might have gone to have a look with my camera. But I took this as a reminder, before it's covered over with publicity for the next show.

Water Falls

As promised, here's a shot of the other water feature newly installed and being tested. it's a strange shape and design, as on one side it's just like a brick wall that looks like it's sprung a leak in a few places, the other side is sloped. This is one end, with a cascade. More pictures to come.

Square Bashing

The new, Old Market Square is going through it's final preparations before the big opening on Thursday. So here's a bit of an exclusive picture, of the new water feature that was being tested. The barriers are still around it, but it appears to be in two parts. Here's the first & tomorrow I'll show you the second.

The Luck of the Irish

As many people will know, today is St Patrick's Day; the patron saint of Ireland. Of the four UK saints, more seems to be made of St Patrick than the others. I don't know if that's anything to do with drinking Guinness?

Today's photo shows a market stall decked out with Ireland's national flag. I'm not sure if he was selling them, but it's a way of making a quick buck. Or should that be a quick Euro?

Flushed With Success

Not every loo seat has to be boring white plastic, or imitation pine. From this bathroom shop, you can buy all sorts of highly decorated seats. I especially like the fish one. Very amusing.

Apologies for the poor quality of the photo. As I'm sure you've all found out, reflections in shop windows are a nightmare sometimes.

A Quiet Life

Although it was a bright sunny lunchtime, for some reason not that many people were walking about. If you look carefully, you can see one old chap having a quiet drink in the sunshine.

Painted Lady

Whilst strolling along the canal, I came across this narrow boat with a great name & picture. Although I am a Piscean, my wife is a Capricorn.

If you owned a canal boat, what would you call yours?

I'm Only Here For The Beer

Some of you may remember that slogan from the early 1970's, for a pint of Double Diamond. 30 years on and according to this empty beer glass, the slogan is Chill Out. I took this photo, because I liked the letters appearing in the glass's shadow and also the way that the froth had dried.

Horn of Plenty

Most cities have buskers, and Nottingham is no exception. Here's a guy called Gavin Randle, who's blowin a mean tune on his sax. Unfortunately no one was stopping to listen, let alone buy one of his CD's. I think his bike & trailer are great. Just the thing for doing your shopping with.

Cuddly Monsters

Habitat is normally known for its kitchen & living room furniture, and has been around since the late 1960's. But now they've launched a range called VIP for children. 12 celebrities have designed toys and furniture for the little ones. The designer Christian Lacrox, has created 3 dolls in the shape of friendly , but badly dressed aliens, which you can see here.

Sign Your Name Across My Single

Passing the HMV shop near Broad Marsh yesterday, I was intrigued by a crowd that were amassed near the front doors. Going over, I saw that there was a special event taking place. A band that I had never heard of called Biffy Clyro, were promoting their new single called Saturday Superhouse. I managed to take this grab through the window, as I couldn't get a clear shot from inside, as there were too many people queuing up to meet them.

Look to Your Left

This sign showing where the Nottingham Playhouse is to be found, and is another new edition to the streets of the city. It's a simple design, replicating the two main attractions of the Playhouse; namely the stage & the Sky Mirror.

Trained Flight

I know Nike trainers have air in the soles to make the wearers feel more comfortable etc, but I didn't know that the trainers were actually lighter than air. Otherwise how did they manage to get hung up on this street light? Unless they fell out of an aeroplane of course!

Wii've Won!

For various reasons, my local Curry's had set up a Wii video game station for people to try out. When I went past, two guys were pretending to be boxers and trying to knock the stuffing out of each other. Personally, like most Bloggers, I'd rather be out taking photographs, than being inside staring at a tv screen.

How?

Here's a puzzle for you. What have these two Red Indians got to do with drinking? The answer is that they are above the entrance to a pub called The Stage Door. Which co-incidentally is opposite the Theatre Royal. Although I have absolutely no idea why they are there & why one of them is holding a giant cigar!

Monkey Business

This is Charlie the Chimp, and he has been an attraction at Gordon Scott's shoe shop in the Broad Marsh shopping centre for over 30 years. There was some worry about him recently, as he had been missing from the shop window for some time. Apparently he had been away to be renovated, as spending years and years doing flips, had taken its toll on his workings.

Disco Bus

Here's another 'back of a bus' shots, that I sometimes do and seem to be quite popular. This one is advertising a new club called the Love Shack. Named probably after the B52's hit of 1990. The person is clearly based on Geri from the Spice Girls. I love the way that the bolt on the window is just in the right place to make her look like a cyclops.

Carmen Get Her

This sculpture is called Carmen, and stands outside the Theatre Royal. She's been there a few years now and was designed by Hilary Cartmel and is made of stainless steel and concrete.
Personally I think it is quite an ugly statue, and quite likely to scare people on a dark night. But that's modern art for you.

Men At Work??

Today is theme day. I am still taking part, even though I was unfortunately too late to be included as a participant. My working men, are actually taking a break from whatever their job is, and having an enjoyable pint in the sun. As they are all wearing blue overalls, I take it that they may work in a factory, or at the Castle Rock brewery which is close by.