None For Tea

A list has recently been compiled regarding the winners & losers during this bad weather. Obviously one of the winners have been umbrella sellers, while some of the losers have been tourist attractions, and as with this photo; cafe & restaurant owners. Here we see several empty chairs and tables, whereas if it was sunny, people would be sitting there eating snacks and drinking tea.

Caves of Good Hope

Yesterday I was telling you about the Brewhouse Yard Museum, but I didn't say is that the building itself is built into the rock that the Castle is built upon. Today's photo shows the join and it's where the World War 2 display is held, and how people survived during the Blitz.

You Can't Buy Things This Way Anymore

Close to the Castle, and adjoining the Trip to Jerusalem is the Brewhouse Yard Museum. It's a small museum, but each room is packed with things from a bygone age. One of the rooms, which I am showing here represents a corner shop. These used to be quite common across the country, before the giant supermarkets swallowed up all the trade.

Oh Look, It's Raining

Every day I cycle into work, and most nights over the last couple of weeks I have got soaked cycling home. Last night I hoped I'd be lucky and arrive home dry. But the heavens opened, and there was this almighty storm. So I thought I'd take a photo to remind people who are having hot, sunny weather, what rain looks like.

Flower Jamboree

This brilliantly designed flowerbed in the Castle grounds, has been created to mark the centenary of the Scouting movement. It's 100 years sing Lord Baden Powell decided to teach boys how to tie knots, start campfires and sing "Ging Gang Goolie".
I was never a scout, but thousands of boys have been. Were you one?

Ride My Silver Unicorn

On at the moment in the Castle, is an exhibition entitled 'cult fiction: art and comics'. Quite a few drawings and comic books are on display. But I was attracted to this sculpture of a unicorn. I had to take the photograph quickly, as you're not supposed to use a camera inside the castle, so I don't think I've done the model justice, as it's quite detailed.

Snake on the Road

This is the emblem of an AC Cobra sports car. It's an interesting and very striking design. One you wouldn't really connect with motoring. Jaguars yes, being sleek and quick. I guess they are saying that their cars are also quick and also have some bite (speed).

"Eyes Down, Look In"

These words are very familiar to those people that play bingo. But these days, this former cinema on Alfreton Road has become a church. So it is at least being used, even though it is looking a bit run down and forlorn.

The building is a great example of art deco architecture, and Nottingham is lucky enough to still have a few left, although they are no longer used as cinemas.

Lion in the Grass

Here's another lion photo. This time taken in the Market Square. I don't know where this particular lion is off to, sitting majestically in his trolley. One of the stone lions doesn't look too pleased with this interloper.

Oh La La

A French market came to town on Friday, selling everything from cheese to pottery. They should have sold umbrellas, as it rained all day long. There weren't that many customers about, so I managed to take this one with no problems. These shoes & bags were about the brightest things, on what was a very dull day.

The Mane Chance

Just spotted this lion sculpture by accident, as I was looking at something else to snap at the time.

Ham (London DP), seems to have elephants as a regular theme. With me it appears to be lions, as this is about the 5th picture I've taken so far.

Stairway to Heaven

Not quite, but this photo shows what the inside of a newly constructed building looks like. This building is part of the Trinity Square shopping development, close to the Victoria Centre. The area has gone through several changes down the years. Before these buildings arrived, it was a multi-storey car park, and before that, the Holy Trinity church stood there, which had the tallest steeple in the city.

The War Film

At the moment in the Central Library's Angel Row Gallery, an exhibition is running about the civil war in Croatia. It is presented by a number of Croatian artists. With drawings, paintings and a very strange short film. Here is a photo I took from the film. I don't know if the people wearing white cardboard boxes on their heads are goodies & brown boxes are baddies, and why they are standing in what looks like a very big greenhouse?

Going Through Changes 2

A few weeks ago (June 16), I showed you a photo of a building that is getting a new lease of life, after being shut for several years. Here is an update. Although the inside has been completely gutted, it looks very similar on the outside with just the old shop sigh being replaced and the wooden panels being painted blue.

Wanted, Somebody to Love

Passed this shop window on Huntingdon Street the other day, and was instantly taken by the line up of characters. They looked a bit like a soft toy version of 'The Usual Suspects'. The shop actually sells cups, plates etc that you can decorate yourself. Which makes for an interesting and unique gift for someone.

So who would like to take one of these adorable cuddly animals home?

Help!

If there's ever a serious disaster or accident in Nottingham, here's a range of vehicles that would come to our aid. There was an event earlier in the week, where the emergency services showed off their hardware and what would would happen in a serious emergency. It's reassuring to know that they are out there ready.

At The Rainbow's End

The wet weather is continuing across Britain, and has been predicted to remain for the rest of July. As last night it was raining and sun shining at the same time, a rainbow appeared in the sky.

I've tried to capture it the best I could. But I think it's difficult to snap something that isn't really there.

The Sky's The Limit

As many of you will know, England has been experiencing some very strange weather recently. It has rained practically everyday for the last 3 weeks or so. Some parts of the country have had, and still have floods. But then we have had really hot sun. A typical summer's day.

The sky itself is constantly changing. One minute it is very dark grey and full of rain. The next it is clear and blue, with little fluffy clouds.

Here is a shot of the sky which sort of contains the two. I think it looks very dramatic, and colourful.

Window Wiper

Last year I published a photo of a window cleaner who was using a very long pole. This window cleaner has an even longer one. In fact it was so long, I couldn't get the end into my shot. A passer by is in active conversation with him, so he's a little obscured.

Pigeon Post

My small salute to Abraham Lincoln's Brookville DP wonderful site, where most days he posts a photo of an animal or bird that visits his garden. Alas my small British garden doesn't run to raccoons, exotic birds or rabbits. This pigeon seemed quite happy to have his photo taken, and didn't blink an eye, as I edged closer and closer.

July 1: Theme Day - Red

My offering for the theme day is this reflection of a sports car on another sports car. The cars in question are Caterham Seven's. You have the choice of buying it either in kit form, or ready assembled. The vehicle is probably most famous for being the one that Patrick McGoohan drove in the 1960's TV series; The Prisoner.

Here is the list of sites that are participating this month:
Shanghai, China - Mumbai, India - New York City (NY), USA - Manila, Philippines - Albuquerque (NM), USA - Hamburg, Germany - Stayton (OR), USA - Los Angeles (CA), USA - Hyde, UK - Oslo, Norway - Brookville (OH), USA - Melbourne, Australia - Stavanger, Norway - Bellefonte (PA), USA - Bucaramanga (Santander), Colombia - Joplin (MO), USA - Singapore, Singapore - Selma (AL), USA - Cleveland (OH), USA - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Chandler (AZ), USA - Stockholm, Sweden - Seattle (WA), USA - Boston (MA), USA - Arradon, France - Evry, France - Baton Rouge (LA), USA - Maple Ridge (BC), Canada - Boston (MA), USA - Grenoble, France - Cottage Grove (MN), USA - Greenville (SC), USA - Hilo (HI), USA - Nelson, New Zealand - La Antigua, Guatemala - Brisbane (QLD), Australia - Singapore, Singapore - Tel Aviv, Israel - Hong Kong, China - Sequim (WA), USA - Paderborn, Germany - Saarbrücken, Germany - Rotterdam, Netherlands - Tenerife, Spain - Kyoto, Japan - Tokyo, Japan - Sydney, Australia - Naples (FL), USA - Cologne (NRW), Germany - Wassenaar (ZH), Netherlands - Saint Louis (MO), USA - Cypress (TX), USA - Ocean Township (NJ), USA - Mainz, Germany - Toruń, Poland - Menton, France - Monte Carlo, Monaco - Singapore, Singapore - North Bay (ON), Canada - Jakarta, Indonesia - Montréal (QC), Canada - Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Minneapolis (MN), USA - Baziège, France - San Diego (CA), USA - Prague, Czech Republic - Ampang (Selangor), Malaysia - New York (NY), USA - Kajang (Selangor), Malaysia - Sharon (CT), USA - Newcastle (NSW), Australia - Port Angeles (WA), USA - Nottingham, UK - Villigen, Switzerland - Chicago (IL), USA - Torquay, UK - Brussels, Belgium - San Diego (CA), USA - Mexico (DF), Mexico - Saint Paul (MN), USA - Cape Town, South Africa - Paris, France - Seoul, Korea - Manila, Philippines - Milano, Italy - Austin (TX), USA - Chennai, India - Madrid, Spain - Seoul, South Korea - Wailea (HI), USA - Toronto (ON), Canada - Ajaccio, France - Buenos Aires, Argentina - Silver Spring (MD), USA - Zurich, Switzerland - Sydney, Australia - Budapest, Hungary - Moscow, Russia - Auckland, New Zealand - Torino, Italy

No Smoking

Today is the last day in England where you can smoke in enclosed public places, such as restaurants, pubs, buses etc, because as from midnight it will be illegal.

As a non smoker myself, I will be quite happy, as there is nothing worse than going for a drink and coming out smelling like an ashtray.

To promote the new law, yesterday this guy was dressed up as a cigarette and handing out nicotine patches, to help people give up. These two girls seemed to be enjoying the moment.

Tower of Learning

This very ornate tower is part of the Trent University campus. At the moment some demolition work is going on there, and I wonder if this will get knocked down. It will be a shame if it does, as I think it looks quite splendid and should be preserved.

Window Display

This etched window can be found on a pub on Mansfield Road. As you can guess from the picture, the pub is called the Peacock. It is one of these traditional early 20th century watering holes that are popular with both students and the working man.

Blow Up

My local Virgin record store has a sale on at the moment. And to publicise this, they've covered the entrance in balloons. The assistants have also filled one of the windows too.
I wonder whay they've used blue balloons, when Virgin's colour is clearly red?

Water, Water Everywhere

Yesterday was about the wettest on record, with about one month's rain falling in one day. Some parts of Nottingham have been flooded. We've got off lightly where I live. But I had a bit of difficulty cycling into work, as I had to ride through a mini ocean, as one of the drains couldn't cope with the amount of water and had turned into a fountain.

Rabbit On

This display is in the window of Paul Smith's first shop on Byard Lane. It's a small shop and so the display area is small. For some reason the things the store puts on display don't appear to have any relation to the clothes etc that the shop sells.

Was That It??

Summer seems to have disappeared behind black rain filled clouds. Hopefully the sun will return shortly, and last until at least October. But for now here's a sun drenched Nottingham skyline, taken from the Castle.

Anyone For Tennis 2?

As I informed you all the other week, Nottingham has just finished playing host to a major mens tennis tournament, before Wimbledon starts next week. Here's a photograph taken from University Boulevard of the spectators watching one of the closing matches of the week long programme. Some have been delayed by the bad weather we have been experiencing. Notice the dark sky and umbrellas. I couldn't really get any closer due to the location of the courts and security.

Cheers!

Here's a sign that should gladden the heart of most drinkers. 20% off their favourite tipple. As long as it's wine though.

Personally I prefer white and Australian.

What's yours?

Shattered

I like the way this shop window has fractured, from one tiny point, and spread out into little shapes. Like ripples on a pond. Modern panes of glass are made so that they don't just shatter into tiny pieces on the ground. So they are a lot safer. Of course they are expensive, as this mobile phone shop will find out when they get the bill.

You Need Hands

Is it art? Is it vandalism?

You decide.

I took this photo on Stoney Street in the Lace Market. On the building where I first started my working life in. Back in the tail end of the 1970's. Such a lot has changed in the area since then. The biggest being that there are hardly any lace companies there now. If any.

Message For The Masses

This Land Rover carries the message that everyone should follow, although not everyone does, due to their own particular circumstances. We should all make the best of whatever hand we've been dealt, and to make the most of any opportunities that come our way.

I Can See You

This statue is of Major Jonathan White, and stands in the grounds of Nottingham Castle. At this moment in time, I know nothing at all about him. It's a shameful thing to admit I know. But does everyone know the history of all the statues in their town?

Hot Days and Golden Evenings

As you may know from a previous posting, Gail & I were on holiday in Kusadasi, Turkey last week. We had a great time & ended up making friends with a local optician called Necdet, as Gail wanted some new glasses. I sent him the weblink to this site, and have helped him start up a Kusadasi photo blog. Here's the link: http://laraoptik.blogspot.com/
So please drop by and welcome him to our community.

Today's photo is the sunset over our hotel's swimming pool.

Going Through Changes

This building on Angel Row has been empty for well over 3 years now. It is just been bought and will be going through a refit, and opening as something different. The previous shop was called "What Everyone Wants" and sold cheap clothes, toys and household textiles. Not sure why it closed. Poor sales perhaps.

I think the agents have a sense of humour, as they've put 'too late' on the board, rather then the usual 'sold'.

I'm Glad I Don't Look Like This In The Morning!

I have now returned from Turkey, with a slight suntan and enough photos to start a Kusadasi photo page.

But back in Nottingham, this Frankenstein like figure is the work of artist called Simon Mitchell, who graduated from Nottingham Trent University last year.
His aim is to produce works of art for people on ordinary incomes, and he has an exhibition running at the moment at the Friar Lane art gallery.

He certainly has a style of his own, but I'm not too sure that I'd like to see this particular canvas on my living room wall.

The Golden Lady

Here's another one of those street acts that appear more and more over the summer months. She remained very still for quite a while, then she would just move a little bit, and become a statue again. I like the bemused expression on the mans face, as he is walking by.

Gail and I are off to Turkey for a weeks holiday. I don't have a DP buddy to help me out, so my next post will be on the 15th. Try not to miss me too much.

Airbourne Dummy

Here's what a pilot has to wear when they take to the air, and whizz round the skies at 600mph. Personally I prefer to go a bit slower and enjoy watching a film and sip a drink as I'm flying through the air, on the way to some foreign destination.

Ground Control To Major Tom

The Royal Air Force were in town last week on a recruitment campaign, with various stands and military hardware on show. The pride of place being this training jet. I am fortunately too old for them and I do come from a sea faring family, as one of my granddad being a captain in the Royal Navy.

Lines

Gail and I went to a motor show at Wollaton Park yesterday. I naturally took a number of photos. But instead of showing you the whole vehicle, I thought I'd publish this abstract. It is in fact the running board of a vintage car, with the black lines reflected in the very shiny paintwork.

Angels With Dirty Faces

This weatherbeaten & waterstained carving is on a building tucked away along a little side street off Mansfield Road. With the head covering she's wearing, to me she looks like either a nun or a nurse. One for the architectural historians I think.

Anyone For Tennis?

Every June for the past few years, Nottingham hosts a mens tennis tournament as a warm up for Wimbledon. It's normally televised by Sky TV. I must try to pop along after work, to see if there's any shots worth taking.

This gigantic poster was appearing on the side of the Park Plaza Hotel on Maid Marian Way.

3rd June update. As you can see, I've managed to put a photo on. It's not as good as the one I originally wanted to show you, but Blogger is just refusing to publish it.

Freemasonry

Almost everyone has heard of the Freemasons, but hardly anyone knows what they do, or why they do it. It is a secretive world, only known to a few. I do know it started a few hundred years ago, as a sort of union for stonemasons. But these days its run for people in power, such as the Police, Government officials and the like.

Eye In The Sky

This crane looks brand new and of the latest design, as the cab is rounded, rather than the usual square box.

I'm not very good with heights, but it must be great sitting up there and looking down over the whole city. To quote an old Who song; "I can see for miles and miles".

Mine of Information

The windows of a local Chinese supermarket are absolutely crammed with posters for cheap international phonecalls, flights and services that might be of interest to Nottingham's Chinese community and student population.

The Pink Bubblegum Car

This vehicle belongs to our local BBC radio station, called naturally enough BBC Radio Nottingham. The station has recently started a marketing campaign to help promote the city, by giving out car stickers with the N01ttingham branding on it.

Lights, Camera, Action

Yesterday I told you about the BBC being in the Market Square. Well I popped along at lunchtime & took some photos. It was interesting to watch, but was a bit disappointed to find out that it was mainly aimed at schools and not the licence paying public. I would have liked to have seen some history about the channel and perhaps have a tape running with some highlights over the last 80 years of broadcasting.

Broadcast News

For the past few days, engineers from the BBC have been setting up a mobile television studio in the Market Square. The aim is to demonstrate how the news & weather are put together, ready for transmitting to the nation.

It's open to the public today. So I'll be going along at lunchtime, to see what is on offer, and of course take some photos. Come back tomorrow for the results.