A Little Red, White And Blue

This classic American car was one of many that Gail and I saw at a local show on Bank Holiday Monday. It was a good sunny day & we had a picnic and talked about what car we'd have if we had some spare change. I love the shiny blue paintwork and the reflection of the flag.

It's A Curly Wurly World

Whilst walking around the Lace Market area of the city, I was enticed by this sign for a nightclub called Faces. Looking at it for a minute or so, I was then intrigued by the warped reflections of the Victorian buildings in it. So obviously a good subject for the blog. I was actually surprised by the amount of former lace factories that have been turned into clubs, and how quiet the area is now compared to when I started working there in 1979.

Lights, Camera, Action

I was passing through the Square at lunchtime today when I came across this VW camper van promoting Myspace films. There was a lot of people queuing up to have a go, mostly under 25. I didn't hang around waiting for my turn, as I'm not very photogenic, and probably look even worse on a computer screen. So I took some photos and went on my way to find some more pictures for tomorrows entry.
The Volkswagen camper reminds me of a line in the Men at Work song from the 1980's called 'Down Under'. Remember it? "Traveling in a fried out combi".

It's Still Rock n Roll To Me

Today I came across a new busker. One I'd not seen before. He was actually rather good & wouldn't surprise me if he was semi pro. He played a number of rock classics with a blues edge, like "I Shot The Sheriff". You can see that he's getting into the groove, and really feeling that music man!

Afternoon in the Sun

This is Highfields park. I have shown some parts of the park before, but this is of one end of the lake. It is a large lake and this is the quiet end. The weather this weekend has been good, which is unusual for a bank holiday, as we are nearly always guaranteed to have rain, or at best no sunshine. Gail & I went to a classic car show today, which was fun. I hope you had an enjoyable weekend too.

The Mane Attraction

A few weeks ago, I took a photo of a lion that was made out of grass. Well he's back, this king of the urban jungle. This photo shows how much the grass has grown, and how much the passers by are enjoying touching him. The flower in his ear is a nice touch, but it would be good if they managed to find him some eyes, so he could see where he is going.

A Question of Life?

This is a new living sculpture that has appeared on the streets of Nottingham. It is located on Canning Circus, which has recently gone through a bit of a facelift, with some new paving and road layout. I'm not sure what the artist is trying to tell us, and I wouldn't like to be the person who has to trim the topiary, as there is always the danger of cutting too much off and ruining the message.

Mine's a Pint

This pub, the Nags Head is on Mansfield Road, and is a typical example of a city centre pub. It's quite old (110 years) but has been slightly updated. The roof is clearly new. Country pubs differ, as they usually have exposed roof beams, horse brasses and similar things that go with rural living, but urban hostelries seem to lack a bit of character with the decor.

Art For Art's Sake

Here's an interesting piece of urban art. The shop that the wall is part of, sells turntables, amps and other DJing stuff. I'm not sure whether the painting has been done in honour of the shop, or the shop owner's done it himself as some free advertising.

Howzat!

That is what this floral display and sculpture is called. Obviously as it takes a cricketing theme. The design was originally on display at a Royal Horticultural Society flower show, where it won an award. It has been transplanted to the grounds of Nottingham Castle, so everyone can see it.

Exit, Stage Right

You can tell by the wear and tear on the metal, that this turnstile at the Castle has been in use for some years. I have no idea how long, but would guess at least 50, maybe more. Hundreds of people pass through the gate everyday, after they have been to look round the castle and its grounds.

Red Alert

I'm back after my trip down south, and as promised, here's a photo of a 1950's fire engine. Nothing like the sophisticated machines that we see on the streets these days. This one doesn't even appear to carry a ladder! It served the Retford area of Nottinghamshire, which is a small town to the north of the city.

Emergency

This week in the Old Market Square, various emergency services have been publicising what they do. To compliment this, they have been displaying some of their vehicles from yesteryear. Here are two ambulances from the 1950's and 60's. Both have been used in television programmes down the years.

Gail and I are off on a small roadtrip for a few days. I will be back with a photo of an old fire engine. So don't forget to look in again soon.

Stand Up And Be Counted

There has been a recent publicity drive by the council, reminding people that they should register, so they can vote in both future local and national elections. Not that many people do. In most elections, only around a third to a half of the population put their X in the box. It may have something to do with the lack of choice, or people have realised that politicians don't keep their promises once elected. Personally I think everyone should be made to vote & there should be a box on the voting form which says something like 'I don't like any of the candidates'.

A Merry Man?

Robin Hood's band of outlaws were collectively known as Merry Men. This actor posing as one at Nottingham Castle doesn't look too merry or happy. Maybe he's a bit fed up with all the visitors to the castle, asking him to pose for photos.

You Can Have Any Colour...

...as long as it's black. So goes the famous quote from Henry Ford about his Model T. It might be red now, judging from this photo taken from Nottingham Castle.
Do you drive a red coloured car?

Messing About On The River

What better than chugging along on the canal at no more than about 3mph? The owners of these 3 narrowboats have stopped off for a drink before carrying on to their next port of call.
A very relaxing way to spend the day.

Summer's Here At Last

Spotted this girl queuing up to buy an ice cream. I never saw her face, but I was taken by her outfit and punky style. She reminds me of one of the Bratz dolls, that are so popular these days.

Riders on the Storm

After leaving the railway station on Monday, I walked to where I was going to meet Gail for dinner. As I was walking along the canal, I looked up into the sky and saw the storm clouds gathering. I wondered if I would get wet before I got to the restaurant. I had to stop and take some photos. The rain didn't arrive until I had reached Pizza Hut, but then it came & was a heavy downpour for a short while, then the sun came out again.

Cartoon Time

Besides the funfair rides at the Riverside Festival, there were a number of stalls and workshops. Gail & I sat in on a cartoonist called Andy Gilbert, who was teaching people how to draw funny characters. We arrived just as he was drawing this cat. When he'd done, he asked if anyone wanted the drawing. I was quick to say yes. And so it's mine. Gail and I attempted to draw a horse, a bear and a whistling man. I've never been much of an artist, but they looked reasonable, as his instructions were easy to follow.

400

Today marks my 400th blog entry and this photo shows some of the visitors that came to the Riverside Festival on Sunday. They have decided to take a rest and watch life on the river go by. It also shows Trent Bridge in the distance.

I wonder if there are 400 people in this photo?

All The Fun Of The Fair

Yesterday I went to the Riverside Festival, that takes place every year at the side of the River Trent. I put a few photos of this event on the site last year, and so this year will be no different. Today's shot is of a fairground ride. I'm not sure if I'd like to be whizzed around in a circle, whilst just being strapped into a little chair.

Beware!

I saw this raised ramp to a private car park, and instantly thought of a wasp or bee. The same black and yellow that's shouting at you; WATCH OUT, it's dangerous. Just like you wouldn't want to be stung by one of those insects, you wouldn't want to damage your car trying to drive in.

Blues in the Sun

This guy is often busking in the city centre. He is actually very good and has a voice similar to say Muddy Waters. His guitar playing is good too and doesn't use any backing tracks like some do. A shame a record producer doesn't walk past & sign him up.

Shopper's Paradise

A new shopping centre is being constructed on Mansfield Road, on the site of a multi storey car park & old office block. This giant banner proudly proclaims that TK Maxx will be opening a new store there in September. They will then probably close the present one in the Broad Marsh Centre, as that is due to be rebuilt sometime in the near future.

Please Sir, Can I Have Some More?

What might you be asking is the link between Oliver Twist and today's theme day of breakfast? Well the answer is Kellogg's Crunchy Nut cereal. I love them so much, that I had to eat them before I took the photo. So alas all I can show is an empty bowl!

A number of other sites are participating in this series, but I was too late in getting the code, so please use one of the other sites.