Sand And Showers

Today apparently is World Photography Day.

As according to the history books, the first photo was taken 177 years ago today. Of course this is one that I've taken today.

Not particularly exciting, as it has been raining all day, and so not a lot was happening. But it does show some abandoned deckchairs in the beach area of the Old Market Square.

In fact the whole beach area was deserted, except for a couple of guys propping up the bar of the Beach Bar and a brave child on one of the rides.

The rain has been about the first for about three weeks, and is welcome, as the plants in the garden are starting to look a bit sorry for themselves. I have got the hosepipe out a few times, but probably not as much as I should have.

The forecast is for similar over the weekend, so I certainly won't have to do any more watering for a few days, which means more time for photography.

Seaside Special

The Nottingham beach has returned to the Old Market Square for the summer, and today was the opening ceremony.

I was quite fortunate to be around to see it, as I had been busy at work, and wasn't sure at what time I would get my lunch break, let alone at what time it was the opening was to take place. A good case of Serendipity.

My main aim today was to test out a vintage Pentacom 30mm f3.5 lens that I'd bought yesterday from a charity shop for a few pounds, so was looking for somewhere to try it out.  And what better than Nottingham's own seaside.

Here's the sheriff and lord mayor of Nottingham posing for a photo that will be appearing in tomorrow's Post newspaper.

Pimp My Ride

You can tell that the kids have gone back to school today, because not only is the beach being dismantled, but the city centre was a lot quieter at lunchtime today.

Highfields was also nearly empty. Only the joggers and students were there. This rocking horse in the playground looks forlorn, and nobody wants to ride him, as all the kids are at home doing their homework. He will have to wait until the weekend before he is turned into Black Beauty, Trigger or Redrum. But for now, he's just sitting there watching the world go by.

It's Not What You Think

So this is today's headline in our local paper. What do you make of it?

Do you think, ugh how disgusting, using the sand in the Old Market Square as a toilet?

Well you'd be wrong. Sadly the headline refers to a man who was stabbed with a knife yesterday afternoon. Fortunately the police have arrested the person responsible and is currently helping them with their enquiries as they say.

Tide's In

The Nottingham Riviera is back in the Old Market Square. It actually opened last week, but as I was still recovering from my illness, I couldn't see it.

So I popped along at lunchtime to see if it was any different from last years. While I was out, it started to rain. Although it had been fairly dull and cold since first light. This of course had a disastrous effect on the rides and especially the beach, as all the deckchairs had been put away and the sand was left to the pigeons, rather than the kids with their buckets and spades.

Sun, Sand And Stripes

This week Beeston has had it's very own seaside called Beeston Bay, as the council has turned Broadgate Park into a costal resort.

It's been great for the kids, with sand, games, entertainment and stories to keep them amused during the present holiday season.

Today Beeston Bay has become Party in the Park, with live bands, fairground rides and water boats. There has also been a giant mermaid walking around and squirting people with bubbles. It's been lovely and sunny too.

It's a shame that the event has only been on for the week, as it has given the children and parents something to do, and without having to spend bus fare on going to the one in the Old Market Square.

The Heat Is On

Despite there being the first snowfall of the year, a seaside beach hut, complete with sand and palm tree appeared in the Old Market Square today.

Don't worry, the Nottingham Riviera hasn't appeared six months early, it was a publicity stunt for the Jet2 Holidays company. They were handing out leaflets entitling people to £60 off the cost of one of their holidays.

They were also running a photo competition to win one of their holidays. I took part, so I'll just have wait and see if I'm a winner.

That Rivera Touch

The famous or infamous, Nottingham by the Sea opened today for the next six weeks or so, while the kids are on their summer break.

This is the yearly, free extravaganza designed for people that either don't want, or can't afford to go away on holiday. So the holiday comes to them. There's a sandy beach to build sandcastles on, a paddling pool and some rides; together with some pier style slot machines and a bar.

I have to say that this years looks better than the last one. They have introduced a few new attractions, like this pirate ship swing, which I am tempted to have a go on, depending on how much it costs. There is also a  model of a shark hung upside down, so people can stick their heads inside the open jaw, like they were in the well known Spielberg film of the same name.

I sadly missed the opening, as I had lunch with some old workmates, two of which are leaving today. Unfortunately one couldn't actually make it, as the office had had a power cut, and she had to stay to help sort it all out.

I will have a closer look round it on Monday, when I  have more time to stroll about with my camera. Just hope it stays sunny, as its been a glorious, cloudless blue sky today.

Desert Strip

On my way to lunch with some of my former workmates yesterday at a pub situated opposite the castle, I saw this army Jeep in desert colours. The sort that are presently deployed in the Middle East.

I don't know why it was there, as there is nothing of a military nature going on at the moment, or shows taking place, so I had no idea why it was parked outside Severns House.

There were a couple of men in khaki, soldiers presumably standing at the back of the vehicle. I thought about asking them why they were there and to pose for me, but I was keen to see my friends and eat; so I left them to smoke their cigarettes alone.

Lost In Transit

This weeks Headbanger theme is 'lost' and comes courtesy of Kathy.

Well I am certainly feeling lost at the moment without my Mac. Still struggling on with my Netbook, whilst waiting for the Apple technician to call. Pressing on regardless, although it makes uploading a photo a long process.

Talking of which this weeks entry is from the archive. February 2009 to be precise. Fortunately I have been slowly exporting my photos to an external hard drive, so I was able to find something, as Kathy's email had somehow got lost in Cyberspace and didn't know what the theme was until Monday evening, so not giving me much time to find something new.

This was taken on Queen Street. I saw the guy on the phone standing next to this poster and thought it would make a great pic. Is he ringing for directions?

To see what the others are up to, I'm directing you to their pages.

Today's photo is another one from the archives and is also on the theme of lost. In this case petrol from this tanker. I had heard that the police had blocked the road and that the fire service were on hand, so I just had to pop over in my lunch hour to see the action. Fortunately most of the fuel had been soaked up by using sand, so there wasn't that much to see. But I think it is a good visual record of the event.