Leaving In Style

There was a big funeral in town today, that took place at St Peter's Church.

The weather wasn't very nice, but the two horses that were pulling the hearse didn't seem to mind. Fortunately the driver had his heavy clock and top hat to keep him dry.

While I was passing, a lot of people emerged into the street from the church. So whoever it was must have had a lot of friends and a lot of money, as hiring one of those hearses can't be cheap. In fact I've only ever seen them in movies; especially those featuring East End gangsters.

Whilst I had a quick look on Twitter this afternoon, I came across a post from someone who had also taken a photo of the hearse, who also works for BBC Radio Nottingham. But what was interesting, was the message that came with it. They had been to the funeral and had said whose it was. A former local ballet teacher called Nora Morrison.

Doing a quick search on Google, revealed that she was 98 and had taught ballet since the 1930s, and was still teaching up to her death. She received an MBE in 2010. Apparently she was very well known in Nottingham, but unfortunately not to me.

Nag's Head

These brass horses are actually part of very dramatic door handles that I came across today whilst at my local police station.

No, it's OK, I hadn't been arrested for taking photographs, which seems to happen a lot these days, but was on a conducted tour round the building, which was built in the 1930s and is full of art deco architecture.

Privates On Parade

Around 200 soldiers who have been fighting in Afghanistan were given the freedom of the city today, during a parade in the Old Market Square.

They were from the Royal Horse Artillery E Battery, and many of them were there to also receive a medal for 6 months active service in Afghanistan.

Lots of people were there, and fortunately the sun came out so it was a lovely day for everyone who was there.

Dark Side Of The Gloom

A bit of tweaking in Lightroom on this photo, which I took tonight when I went over to Beauvale Priory.

I'm going to be involved in the Eastwood Arts Festival again this year, when I dress up as a monk and give guided tours around the ruined monastery at the end of July.

I took my OMD and fisheye lens with me, as I wanted to see what sort of shots I could get. But it was raining, and so I quickly took a few shots of the farmland, rather than the priory, as I didn't want too many raindrops hitting the lens. Due to the shape of the glass, you can't put a filter over it, so you have to be careful, otherwise it can get a bit dirty.

Horseplay

A bit of an arty shot today, as the cupboard is a little bare at the moment.

The fairground ride in the Old Market Square. The guy looks like he's enjoying the horses going round. Just hope he hasn't put a bet on one of them!

Love And Marriage

I put up a photo the other day of a newly married couple posing in an open topped car which was parked outside the Council House.

Well, here's a similar shot. Only this time it is of a horse and carriage. Alas it was raining when I took the photo, so you can't see the newlyweds, as they were tucked up inside the coach. Everyone else has to get wet.

A Horse With No Name

Here's another photo from Ross on Wye. A nice sunny day. Very rare for this month, and so an opportunity to take a decent photo for a change. I wonder when the sun will pop its head out again?

Horsing Around

I've been away on business this week to Essex, but have still managed to put on the odd photo. The hotel where I was staying is in a village & whilst walking around taking photos (what else), I came across a field of horses. This one was rather nosy & came over to say hello and smile for the camera.

I know it's not really related to Nottingham. But I couldn't resist it.