Lunchtime

This sculpture is known locally as the Onion, and is on Albert Street, which runs down to Wheeler Gate. It is a water feature, but it was switched off a few years ago for health reasons. So now it is where people sit to eat their sandwiches, read or just watch the world go by.

Treemendous

Here's a young sapling that's growing out of a wall. I don't know how, as there isn't any soil up there. But it seems to be doing quite well, and gently blowing in the breeze.
I wonder how long it will remain there before the building's owners pull it out?

The World's Our Lobster

An oft quote from Arthur Daley in Minder introduces today's theme day, which is about showing a photo of another city. And what better than Sydney, Australia. Possibly the best city in the world. Certainly the most attractive. I took this whilst enjoying a helicopter flight over the area, which was a wedding gift from my relations who live there.

Lights From Another Area

As an early introduction to tomorrow's theme day. Here are some street lights I took, when I recently visited Wolverhampton. I like the white of the fitting against the blue of the sky. And I am intrigued by the design of the little crowns on the tops of the fitting.

The Chocolate Factory

Here's a shot of the famous Cadbury factory, near Birmingham. It doesn't look very exciting, and certainly nothing like the one Charlie visited with his golden ticket. Today's Cheltenham DP mentions the chocolate company.

Hot Chocolate

You may have noticed that I haven't done a post for a few days. That's because I have been away on business in Birmingham. Whilst there, I called into Cadbury World, the tourist attraction based around the production of chocolate. As chocolate & Cadbury's are universal names, and a lot is eaten in my household, I thought I'd put on a photo of the founder: George Cadbury.

Saint's Preserve Us

Yesterday was St George's Day, and it was celebrated in the usual low key style, that we've come to expect. No public holiday like in Ireland, no parties or celebrations. Looking around the city; besides a couple of card shops promoting the day, this was about the best I could come up with.

Lighting Up Time

This is a close up of the entrance to the Council House, where all the decisions, good and bad are made, that affect people that live in the city. You've seen the building before in previous postings, but today I thought I'd show you the Gothic style lights.

Let Us Eat Cake!

Here is one of the best stalls of the farmers market. One that sold fairy cakes. They look too good to eat. I've tweaked the colour saturation a little; just to make them even more tempting!

Cooking Up Some Interest

Yesterday there was a large farmer's market in the Market Square. There were many stalls selling goodies like locally produced cheese, fudge, ostrich meat, cakes and wine. Much tastier than some supermarket fare & a lot better for the planet. Whilst munching on an ostrich burger (delicious), I watched this cookery demonstration. Rachel Green's car (Toyota RAV 4)had an interesting number plate. It is C11 HEF!

A Matter of Perspective

This small arcade is on Bridalsmith Gate; a few short steps from Waterstone's and used to be called King John Chambers. It contained a cafe, a charity shop, offices and a boutique. It's now been painted up and renamed Bridalsmith Walk. But alas none of the shops or companies have returned. Still I think it is a good example of converging perspectives.

Books and Mortar

Waterstone's on Bridalsmithgate, is the biggest bookshop in Nottingham. It houses 5 floors of books, magazines and a coffee shop. On the 6th floor is an art gallery and small lecture theatre. When I popped in the other day, there was an exhibition showing wedding photographs from different companies, which demonstrated their particular style.

Climb Every Mountain

Another tenuous Sound of Music link, this time referring to this mobile mini mountain, that arrived in the Market Square last week. I'm not very good with heights, so didn't queue up for a go.

Fields of Gold

Whilst coming back home from a business trip today, I got stuck in a traffic jam on the A453 near Clifton. Naturally I had my camera with me, and so had a go at taking a photo of these fields of rape seed plants. This one has a touch of Panavision about it, as I had to do a fair bit of cropping.

Hall's Well

Here's a closer view of Wollaton Hall, which has just re-opened after a £9 million restoration. The work is still ongoing, but last weekend the doors were opened once again.

Steam Power

Besides the gardens and grounds, Wollaton Park has a small, but informative industrial museum. Amongst the many exhibits is a very big steam powered beam engine. Once a month and on special occasions, the boiler is lit and people can see it in action as in todays photo. It's noisy and hot, but is a great spectacle.

Blue, Green and Stone

Here is a shot of Wollaton Hall taken from the garden. It reminds me of the castles you find in Germany or Switzerland. I can imagine Julie Andrews living there and looking after all the Von Trapp children.

Tree of Life

I love the way the sun has cast a shadow of a nearby tree across this part of the castle. You could almost climb up it to the windows above. You can see the remains of the original stonework at the bottom & the replacement at the top, which took place in the 19th century.

Dinnertime Dinosaur

This is Barney the Dinosaur, who entertained the children at lunchtime last week in the Square. As it was the Easter holiday, the area was packed with kids and their parents, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the purple one.

Fountain of Youth

These two girls were posing for a professional photographer and getting very wet at the same time. I tried to ask him where he was from & he just said the national press. So perhaps he was working for a travel brochure or publicity material.