ClivesGeneral Photos http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/ 79 rows en-gb 60 Fleetwood Mac at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena (NIA) http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1777208.html With thanks to JS for giving me his tickets when he had to fly to the US unexpectedly. What a superb show. Lyndsey Buckingham was the star for me with superb guitar playing. Just read up about him on Wikipedia - he is self taught and can't read music.... His rendition of 'Oh Well' made it for me... Now if only Peter Green was there...... Tuesday 3 November 2009: With thanks to JS for giving me his tickets when he had to fly to the US unexpectedly. What a superb show. Lyndsey Buckingham was the star for me with superb guitar playing. Just read up about him on Wikipedia - he is self taught and can't read music.... His rendition of 'Oh Well' made it for me... Now if only Peter Green was there......

The crowds were gathering....I reckon 10,000 people. Mick Fleetwood finally appeared in front of the drum kit where he'd been hiding.

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]]> Tue Nov 3 2009 Views over Portsmouth from The Spinnaker Tower http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1707443.html Stunning views across Portsmouth from the new Spinnaker Tower. Monday 4 May 2009: Stunning views across Portsmouth from the new Spinnaker Tower.

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]]> Mon May 4 2009 HMS Warrior at Portsmouth http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1694111.html Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria’s fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day and had a profound effect on naval architecture. Warrior was, in her time, the ultimate deterrent. Yet within a few years she was obsolete. Warrior’s survival was possible because of the extraordinary durability of her construction and the vision of Sir John Smith and those others who determined to save this great ship, one of the most influential warships ever built and the sole surviving 19th century capital ship in the world. Monday 4 May 2009: Warrior, launched in 1860, was the pride of Queen Victoria_s fleet. Powered by steam and sail, she was the largest, fastest and most powerful ship of her day and had a profound effect on naval architecture. Warrior was, in her time, the ultimate deterrent. Yet within a few years she was obsolete. Warrior_s survival was possible because of the extraordinary durability of her construction and the vision of Sir John Smith and those others who determined to save this great ship, one of the most influential warships ever built and the sole surviving 19th century capital ship in the world.

HMS Warrior

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]]> Mon May 4 2009 The Midland Hotel - Morecambe http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1633377.html After a brief visit to a very dank and overcast Lake District where the mountain-tops were lost in the mist we decided to turn off the motorway to take alook at the revamped Midland Hotel at Morecambe. This had featured a couple of times on TV including a piece in 'The Culture Show'. We were not disappointed by the building itself however the coffee table book of photographs that was on sale in the lobby, which we purchased immediately on arrival, proved to be a big disappointment as it contained images of how it used to look not how it is now. My wife successfully claimed her money back in a refund. Wednesday 31 December 2008: After a brief visit to a very dank and overcast Lake District where the mountain-tops were lost in the mist we decided to turn off the motorway to take alook at the revamped Midland Hotel at Morecambe. This had featured a couple of times on TV including a piece in 'The Culture Show'. We were not disappointed by the building itself however the coffee table book of photographs that was on sale in the lobby, which we purchased immediately on arrival, proved to be a big disappointment as it contained images of how it used to look not how it is now. My wife successfully claimed her money back in a refund.

The text is from a Wordsworth Sonnet written in 1802 .... AND HEAR OLD TRITON BLOWHIS WREATHED HORN The lobby of the hotekl decked out with a Christmas tree. The conservatory dining room The main hotel bar Stunning interior decoration The exterior of The Midland Hotel, Morecambe On a very misty freezing day at Morecambe Immediately opposite the hotel lies the original Morecambe mainline railway terminus building. Sadly it is all thats left of a once complete station.

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]]> Wed Dec 31 2008 Highland Adventure http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1566236.html WIP Friday 6 June 2008: WIP

On arrival at Plockton Interesting but pity they can't spell A jelly fish in Plockton harbour

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]]> Fri Jun 6 2008 Liverpool's Dock Road http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1549650.html To reach the Albert Dock I walked along the old dock road - Regent Road/Waterloo Road for the very first time and recorded a few images for posterity. Big efforts are being made to regenerate this run down area of Liverpool following the demise of traditional cargo handling and warehousing in favour of containerisation. Saturday 19 July 2008: To reach the Albert Dock I walked along the old dock road - Regent Road/Waterloo Road for the very first time and recorded a few images for posterity. Big efforts are being made to regenerate this run down area of Liverpool following the demise of traditional cargo handling and warehousing in favour of containerisation.

The masts of one of the tall ships appears over the 1848 built Bramley Moore dock wall. A scene from 100 years ago perhaps? The substantial wall along Regent Road dates back to 1848 The Stanley Dock Conservation area. Closed in the 1980's there are exciting redevelopment plans for the area that includes the extension of the Leeds-Liverpool canal from its terminus here through to the Albert Dock across the front of the Liver Buildings. The original Stanley Dock warehouse designed by Jesse Hartley was built in 1848 to a similar design to his Albert Dock. It is a Grade II listed building. The Stanley Dock Tobacco warehouse is a grade II listed building and is the world's largest brick built warehouse. Designed by A.G.Lyster the dock engineer and was built in 1901. With the decline of trade going through Liverpool, the warehouse fell into disuse in the 1980s and gradually into disrepair. More recently the building has featured in the Stop the Rot conservation campaign by the Liverpool Echo newspaper. Part of the ground floor of the warehouse is used for the Sunday Heritage Market. As of March 2007, plans have been unveiled for the Tobacco Warehouse to be redeveloped into 650 duplex apartments as part of a larger development of the whole Stanley Dock site. The plans involve digging out the centre of the warehouse to create a garden-filled courtyard I doubt whether this lift bridge will ever work again... Grammatically incorrect apostrophe? The far side of the Stanley Dock Tobacco warehouse. Closer towards the city the wall is of brick construction. A plaque recognises that 1.3million Irish took the boat to Liverpool as a result of the potato famine between 1845 and 1852 A wall embedded drinking fountain I suspect this building will collapse in the not too distant future with cracks like that.. Whoops! Even graffitti painters get it wrong sometimes. Lascar House on Waterloo Road. A Lascar was apparently an East-Indian sailor or an Anglo-Indian artilleryman. A search of Companies House records revealed that the Beldam Asbestos Company Ltd changed its name in 1988 to Beldam Lascar Seals Ltd and is now based at Goswell Road London EC1. We now know where they got their name from.. The changing scene at Princes Dock. This will be part of the new extension to allow barges and craft through to the Albert Dock This was the strengthened dock bridge entrance on the approach towards Riverside station. It allowed heavier locomotives to bring passenger trains direct to the Atlantic liners on the landing stage. Rail tracks were still in evidence here during my visit. They appear to be leaving the bridge in place and putting a road over it. The site of Liverpool's Riverside station to see what it used to look like go to http://www.subbrit.org.uk/sb-sites/stations/l/liverpool_riverside/index4.shtml Atlambtic Companion What a disgrace... Is razor wire really necessary? The Liver Building stands on the site of the Georges Dock.

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]]> Sat Jul 19 2008 The Tall Ships in Liverpool http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1549648.html The Tall Ships were on display in Liverpool this weekend. The largest ships were moored in Wellington Dock while the smaller ships were in the Albert Dock adjacent to the Pier Head. Work in Progress Saturday 19 July 2008: The Tall Ships were on display in Liverpool this weekend. The largest ships were moored in Wellington Dock while the smaller ships were in the Albert Dock adjacent to the Pier Head. Work in Progress

Our first Tall Ship wasn't what we expected. An 8foot tall pirate was enetertaining the crowds Queuing on Regent Road These pesky seagulls were hanging out and picking on passers-by Things to do with rope No 1 Things to do with rope No.2

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]]> Sat Jul 19 2008 Wimbledon 1st Day - Corporate Hospitality http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1534707.html I was invited to attend Wimbledon on the first day this year. Champagne reception, canapes, early luncheon with fine wines then the traditional strawberries and cream washed down with Pimms. An amazing day out It was inappropriate to carry an SLR camera today. I may have spilt my Pimms!. I had to make do with my mobile phone. Wednesday 25 June 2008: I was invited to attend Wimbledon on the first day this year. Champagne reception, canapes, early luncheon with fine wines then the traditional strawberries and cream washed down with Pimms. An amazing day out It was inappropriate to carry an SLR camera today. I may have spilt my Pimms!. I had to make do with my mobile phone.

On arrival at The Gatsby Club Smoked Salmon starter with lemon sorbet Rack of lamb Finally in our seats on no. 1 court Layton hewitt was in fine form I took a look around the outside courts. The main entrance was heavily guarded A few photos taken around the Centre Court I waited ages to get back to my seat. Not allowed until a suitable break in play!

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]]> Wed Jun 25 2008 Liverpool http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1473429.html A tour of The City of Liverpool - European Capital of Culture 2008 Saturday 1 March 2008: A tour of The City of Liverpool - European Capital of Culture 2008

St Georges Hall on Lime Street Facing St Georges Hall on Lime Street is the former North Western Hotel. The building lay empty for decades until taken over for student accomodation. Prince Albert stands on St Georges Plaza The Empire Theatre The Duke of Wellington stands on his column on Commutation Row. The Walker Art Gallery St Georges Hall A superb line of listed buildings on William Brown Street Liverpool Central Library The WORLD Museum Liverpool St Georges Hall gardens The national Conservation Centre formerly The Midland Railway Goods Offices. Built in 1874. Richmond Street off Whitechapel The entrance to Mathew Street off Stanley Street The Beatles store in Mathew Street Vivienne Westwood's shop on Mathew Street near The Cavern The famous Cavern Club You're nobody if you don't get your name on this wall. Hmm A dodgy bit of tourist tack opposite The Cavern Sweeting Street off Castle Street Liverpool Town Hall The Nelson Memorial behind The Town Hall An inappropriatly located row of bins... Come on Modern offices alongside The Pig & Whistle and an ex bomb-site carpark. Yes WWII bomb sites still exist! The Liver Building at Pier Head St Nicholas's Church on The Strand The classic waterfront photo is impossible at the moment not only because of the scaffolding but the construction of a canal link from Canning Dock to Princes Dock has effectively blocked off access to the river. The Liverpool Museum under construction over the old Chester Dock. Champions of Champions The last River Mersey Lightship stands unloved and up for sale in canning Half-Tide dock New buildings are changing the face of the city profile. Masts in the Albert Dock High Winds - damn right The Albert Dock Rodin's 'The Kiss' stands at the entrance to The tate gallery at The Albert Dock Queue's for The Beatles Exhibition The beatles Exhibition The brand new ECHO Arena... named after Echo & The Bunnymen perhaps? (Note the sarcasm) The Wacker Quacker Derelict buildings near the Anglican Cathedral The entrance to Chinatown Gilbert Scott's magnificent Anglican Cathedral

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]]> Sat Mar 1 2008 Sutton Manor Colliery near St Helens in Lancashire - 1990 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1465782.html For several years in the late 80's early 90's I worked at the Geest banana ripening centre in Sutton Manor to the south of St Helens. The view from my office was over the rooftops to the local colliery. It disappeared almost without trace after closure in 1991. I've uploaded these nostalgic images in tribute to the miners who worked there. If any viewer feels suitably moved to draft some authoritative narratives to go along with my photos I'd be very grateful. Tuesday 26 February 2008: For several years in the late 80's early 90's I worked at the Geest banana ripening centre in Sutton Manor to the south of St Helens. The view from my office was over the rooftops to the local colliery. It disappeared almost without trace after closure in 1991. I've uploaded these nostalgic images in tribute to the miners who worked there. If any viewer feels suitably moved to draft some authoritative narratives to go along with my photos I'd be very grateful.

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]]> Tue Feb 26 2008 River Avon floods at Barford http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1447186.html With overcast skys and heavy rain for several days it was good to have some sunshine at last to survey the damage. I took several photos of the River Avon around Barford in Warwickshire. Wednesday 16 January 2008: With overcast skys and heavy rain for several days it was good to have some sunshine at last to survey the damage. I took several photos of the River Avon around Barford in Warwickshire.

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]]> Wed Jan 16 2008 Liverpool - The Albert Dock and The Anglican Cathedral http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1428451.html A trip to Liverpool. I was amazed at how much building work was going on. About time too after decades of neglect. Whether any of it will be finished for the Capital of Culture 2008 is debateable. Saturday 22 December 2007: A trip to Liverpool. I was amazed at how much building work was going on. About time too after decades of neglect. Whether any of it will be finished for the Capital of Culture 2008 is debateable.

This could be an eastern European city! The last time I was walking along here the apartments on the right had an open view across the car park to the river. Now they've totally lost their view and values must have tumbled. Looking the other way at the docks area. The bridge across to The Albert Dock Liverpool Cathedral dominates the horizon From outside The Albert Dock a totally new vista has appeared. The Albert Dock as light rain begins to fall The Beatles story exhibition STOP! This classic view will soon be changed for ever. Views around The Albert Dock The expression tug-of-love has a new meaning for drama teacher Cathy Roberts, who has sailed her new home half-way around Britain to Liverpool. CATHY has come home. A drama teacher by profession, few theatrical events could match her own idiosyncratic arrival in Liver-pool. While love at first sight is not unknown, to fall so hard for a semi-derelict tug-boat puts you in a class of your own. Not only that, but a tug-boat stranded far from home on the other side of the country, deepest Yorkshire. But, as they say, love will find a way. Albeit, in this case, a rather long-winded way to unite the star-crossed lovers at their future permanent berth in Albert Dock, Liverpool, where Cathy Roberts, 43, will live aboard. Sadly, no amount of dieting (or metalwork surgery for that matter) would slim-down the loved one sufficiently to squeeze through the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Instead, Cathy had to stack her victuals, splice her mainbrace and start the engine for a round- Britain voyage aboard the former River Weaver Navigation maintenance tug, France-Hayhurst. All this was done after completing the tug’s refurbishment into seaworthy condition that met with the stringent Maritime & Coastguard Agency regulations. After a voyage of 11 days (plus stops) and around 1,500 miles, chugging along at six knots through the North Sea, Caledonian Canal and Irish Sea in the face of truly, deeply, filthy weather, the 65ft-long tug finally made it back to the Mersey. Cathy’s mother, Geraldine Roberts, and her sister, Carole, were on the Liverpool quayside to watch her momentous arrival at Canning Dock. ‘I’m very proud of what she’s done, she’s got a very adventurous streak,’ says Geraldine. Carole adds: “Mind you, she’s always been a bit quirky – but lovely with it.” Geraldine says: ‘I think this is the first circumnavigation of Britain by any female member of the family, although my father, Capt Francis Darby, worked here for Coast Lines.’ During her working life, France-Hayhurst’s ownership passed from the River Weaver Navigation trustees to Manchester Ship Canal, and then British Waterways, as an inspection launch and tug. Curiously, the tug switched to and fro between the contrary roles of mundanely towing dredger hopper barges and carrying canal top brass to inspect their empire, quaffing glasses of Pimms under a foredeck awning. BUILT in 1937-8, by Yarwood’s of Northwich, she was named after Weaver Navigation trust chairman Col William France-Hayhurst. After retirement, the tug was bought by a private owner who died. While abandoned at Knostrop, near Leeds, on the River Aire, arsonists set the vessel alight and she sank. Raised by new owners for conversion into a diving school support ship, this plan was shelved in favour of trans-formation into a house-boat, but, while only partly completed, France-Hayhurst was put on the market again. ‘That’s when I found her in September, 2005. I’d been looking for a boat for a while and I fell in love,’ says Cathy, who discovered the tug for sale on internet auction site Ebay. Love can hurt, though, and the price tag for this affair was £47,000, plus a further £25,000 to finish the conversion into a floating mobile home that can also venture out into the river and sea. The tug's original build cost was £4,565. However, her value is now nudging £100,000. Cathy is adamant France-Hayhurst was worth remortgaging and selling up her land-bound house to make her dream come true. ‘I’ve been trying to get the tug back here for a year and just whenever you thought everything was finished, other set-backs occurred, practical and bureaucratic. Luckily, I had a fantastic carpenter working for me. I knew it would be worth it, as this is a unique boat.’ During her British Waterways years, France-Hayhurst’s original Crossley diesel engine was replaced with a trusty Lister six-cylinder 138hp engine which powered her back to the Mersey. Torrential rain was now falling - typical! Inside The Tate - This was the top floor in the Tate. Ermmm How? Rodin's 'The Kiss' was in the lobby of the Tate Gallery In the lobby of The Tate Gallery The Cathedral has almost disappeared in the mist and rain. Another view of the Arena from the Albert Dock Mornington Terrace opposit The Cathedral The structure is immense The Oratory adjacent to Liverpool Cathedral The Anglican Cathedral and Oratory LIPA - The Liverpool Institute for performing Arts... or the Paul McCartney School of Fame The concrete luggage has been moved around. Did somebody crash into the first lot? Sunshine at last.... A view towards the Pier Head from the south east The magnificent Anglican Cathedral The Cathedral with the offices of HM Revenue & Customs The Liverpool waterfront outside the VAT office. This was the new brand multi storey car park - rip off.... With Canning Dock on the left and the Liver Building in view I hadly recognised it! The war memorial in front of The Liver Building WHAT on earth is that monstrisity! A better view of the monstrosity adjacent to the Thistle hotel.

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]]> Sat Dec 22 2007 Birmingham at Christmas http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1426229.html A visit was made last Saturday in the freezing conditions to Birmingham's German Christmas market in Victoria Square. The weather certainly didn't appear to have dampened anybodies spirits to enjoy themselves. Other photos show Brindley Place, Oozells Square and Queen Victoria! Friday 14 December 2007: A visit was made last Saturday in the freezing conditions to Birmingham's German Christmas market in Victoria Square. The weather certainly didn't appear to have dampened anybodies spirits to enjoy themselves. Other photos show Brindley Place, Oozells Square and Queen Victoria!

Balloon seller near The Bullring shopping centre The traditional Salvation Army brass band Street vendors The first of several German style bars Doughnuts - £1.50 each or 6 for a Fiver More German market vendors German sausage vendor Sweets of all shapes and sizes Candles Outside the Art Gallery Looking magnificent was the newly refurbished Town Hall A Carousel and Helter Skelter outside The Council House and Town Hall Victoria Square and the German Christmas market Sat in the upper pool, is a monumental female figure representing the life force. The figure has been nicknamed The River is also a fountain - one of the largest in Europe - with a flow of 3,000 gallons per minute. Birmingham's 'Town Hall' The german Christmas market stands in front of The Council House Antony Gormley's 'Iron Man' slightly overshadowed Queen Victoria was photographed in the art gallery. Across Centenary Square The ice rink and Symphony Hall The ice rink in Centenary Square At Symphony Hall a free jazz concert was underway with Andy Hamilton and The Bluenotes In the Symphony Hall walkway Brindley Place A long time exposure shows the fountains as cotton wool in Brindley Place The canal bridge The canal bridge towards Broad Street The canal bridge In the Symphony Hall walkway

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]]> Fri Dec 14 2007 Christmas Lights at Stratford upon Avon & Warwick http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1416950.html The lights are up at Stratford upon Avon. However what a mess at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.Its being rebuilt and the whole area is a construction site. Other shots were taken at Warwick including a shot of the Highland Lass Traction engine. Saturday 1 December 2007: The lights are up at Stratford upon Avon. However what a mess at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre.Its being rebuilt and the whole area is a construction site. Other shots were taken at Warwick including a shot of the Highland Lass Traction engine.

The River Avon and The Thai Boathouse Restaurant The Royal Shakespeare Theatre is hidden behind this new built temporary structure in the car park. One of two shots of Will Shakespeare's house William Shakespeare's house. Along Henley Street towards the town centre The view down Bridge Street I parked my car against the wall of Warwick castle around the back streets and walked down towards Lord Leycester Hospital. I couldn't believe it when I saw a traction engine climbing the hill on The High Street. I legged it all the way to the other end of the street as the only chance i had of a shot was if it stopped at the traffic lights. However the driver slowed right down in order to avoid stopping and crawled towards the lights until they turned green. I got my shot but its blurred! The engine is a Fowler built in 1931. If I ever get another chance I'll replace this shot! Lord Leycester Hospital. Built in the latter part of the 14th Century. Lord Leycester Hospital

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]]> Sat Dec 1 2007 Come with me on a walk around Claverdon http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1399021.html After a wet start to the day last Sunday the afternoon turned out bright and sunny. A walk through the countryside around Claverdon was essential. Tuesday 30 October 2007: After a wet start to the day last Sunday the afternoon turned out bright and sunny. A walk through the countryside around Claverdon was essential.

Across the footpath towards Ardencote Manor Hotel The autumn berries are in abundance Over to Yarningale Common The post box on Yarningale Common After taking the footpath across this field I headed into the woods... Fungi on a tree stump... After walking through the woods I found this house on Yarningale Lane was for sale. I checked the price - £1.1m! ...but it includes this barn conversion...and 1.9 acres The road turns into a footpath which continues down to the Stratford canal. The architecture of the lock keepers houses was unique to this canal. This is Bucket Lock Cottage. I didn't manage to catch a shot that included their indoor swimming pool. A view of Bucket Lock Its a very narrow set of locks. I always think of Harrison Ford and Callista Flockhart who (apparently) hired a barge and travelled this canal a couple of years ago. A slight leak in the lock gates. Wonderful autumn colours in the trees. Preston Bagot locks The locks near The Crabmill and a barge was going down... On the other side of the A4189 we see the barge appear into the bright sunshine Some canalside bulrushes and the barge was travelling slower than walking speed. Some swans appeared and were fed from the barge. My route was supposed to be through this field full of bullocks. I thought something with a very similar word and found a detour through some other fields....Call me chicken if you like but I don't know how aggresive they can get. The canal barge continues towards Stratford. In the middle of the field was a dead cygnet. It was under some overhead cables so must have crashed... A view towards Preson Bagot Houses of the rich and not so famous An arty shot... Another rather large house..... Along the footpath off Kington Lane I stumbled across these three houses under construction.... Across this sheep filled field... Who are you looking at? The sun was setting as I climbed up this bank Autumn colours Through this gate across the field and back onto Langley Road. Vanilla sky Another rather large house was somewhere at the end of this driveway... Claverdon Church Park Farmhouse on Church Road.... and almost home...

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]]> Tue Oct 30 2007 A weekend away in Somerset. http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1385761.html A trip to West Somerset including the delightful town of Dunster. Saturday 6 October 2007: A trip to West Somerset including the delightful town of Dunster.

The 17th Century Coaching Inn - The Carew Arms at Crowcombe was the accomodation venue for saturday evening. Sadly not much has changed since it was built. Out of the bedroom window at The Carew Arms The ancient front door at The Carew Arms Crowcombe Breakfast at The Carew Arms The locals bar for LOCAL people at The Carew Arms. The free heritage bus from Dunster station to Dunster town. This brought back a few memories. The driver granted my request to change the destination board to Accrington! The driver and conductor pose for the photographers at Dunster castle. Thank you gentlemen. A photo of a photo of a hunting gathering at Dunster in Edwardian days. Inside the yarn market The entrance to The Luttrell Arms Hotel The bar menu for The Luttrell Arms was superb. I had the smoked haddock on a bed of asparagus. MMMMmmm Dunster Yarn market building with the castle in the background surrounded by scaffolding and tarpaulins. Autumn has arrived Dunster police station. There must have been lots of villains in those days to warrant a station this big. The yarn market at Dunster The Luttrell Arms Hotel The Luttrell Arms Hotel on the left and the yarn market in Dunster The bar at The Luttrell Arms Hotel The Luttrell Arms Hotel

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]]> Sat Oct 6 2007 Zakynthos ..... part 2 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1378778.html Another collection of photos from my recent trip to Zakynthos. Friday 28 September 2007: Another collection of photos from my recent trip to Zakynthos.

What a wonderful way to cruise the Mediterranean. Arrival into Zante Town harbour One of the squares in Zante Town I'm always a bit worried when restaurants feel they need to have pictures of their food on the menu. It was the day before elections in Greece and political meetings and rallies were being held. The harbour at Zante Town from our hotel 8am and departure The ferry to Killini departs. The frontage of the museum on Solomos Square Inside the church on the front at Zante Town MV Vassilios XV at Zante Town How big???? Dionisios Solomos at Zante Town Inside St Dennis's church. Yes that is gold... The contrst between commercialism and religion. MV Alexandros 1 appears to be a small coastal oil tanker MV Captain Blue was also moored off the harbour at Zante Town Night time view across the harbour to the hotel The second part of the holiday was spent in Gerakas House. It was well hidden amongst the trees. Don't you hate it when the auto-focus doesn't quite hit the spot! The stairway at Gerakas House The view from the balcony. Gerakas beach must be the best on the island. Its a gentle sandy sea bed here. So refreshing....... Dafni beach and turtle nests are everywhere. Parts of the beach were roped off A cruise liner on the horizon. Anybody recognise it? The loggerhead turtle hatchling scoreboard. Yannis's empty bar at Gerakas. Ouzo & sprite was a favourite

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]]> Fri Sep 28 2007 The Lancashire Coast at Formby http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1371187.html Views taken from the sand dunes on the Lancashire Coast at Formby Wednesday 5 September 2007: Views taken from the sand dunes on the Lancashire Coast at Formby

The dune system is very mobile. See the fence that disappears into the dune to the bottom right. This is the view towards the mouth of the River Mersey estuary. Looking north west towards Blackpool A gas rig off the Southport coast Blackpool tower and the helter-skelter in Pleasureland 13 turbines of the Burbo flats 4 miles off the Sefton coast in the Mersey estuary. Burbo is operated by DONG (Danish Oil & Natural Gas) The distant 30 turbine wind farm of North Hoyle with ferries converging in the Mersey estuary. They're tough up north. It was freezing. Wind turbines on Burbo flats Burbo Flats wind farm location chart

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]]> Wed Sep 5 2007 Zakynthos..... http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1369738.html wip Friday 14 September 2007: wip

Dawn at Crystal Beach, Kalimaki. A Loggerhead turtle hatchling heads towards the water and safety The marine park warden keeps careful watch of the stragglers. On the tide line is a deposit of carbon from the devastating fires on the Greek mainland this summer. A crowd has gathered on Crystal beach to watch the Loggerhead turtle hatchlings while a rainbow forms in the background on Crystal beach Kalimaki. A Rainbow over Crystal beach. The final sunshine before the storm hit... Zante Town The roof bar of The Strada Marina Hotel Ugo Foscolo. Built 1986, 12,800 tons. Anez Lines The Strada Marina Hotel, Zante Town. The pool on the roof of The Strada Marina Hotel Several ships off Zante Town harbour Air Conditioning unit delivery... Evening entertainment for the locals

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]]> Fri Sep 14 2007 London & the South Bank of The Thames http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1348683.html A day in London... WOW. I've visited London many times over the years but this time as a proper tourist. With perfect sunny weather and so much to see along the river it was a wonderful experience. Photos of my visit to The Hayward Gallery on the South Bank and the Antony Gormley exhibition are in their own collection. Friday 10 August 2007: A day in London... WOW. I've visited London many times over the years but this time as a proper tourist. With perfect sunny weather and so much to see along the river it was a wonderful experience. Photos of my visit to The Hayward Gallery on the South Bank and the Antony Gormley exhibition are in their own collection.

Our train arrives at Warwick Parkway On arrival at Marylebone station. What a superb display by CHILTERN FLOWERS CHILTERN FLOWERS really brightens up the concourse at Marylebone Station The new footbridge alongside the Charing Cross rail line On the footbridge over the Thames A view back at Charing Cross Station Nelson mandela's bust reflected in the glass. SIGNS>>>> The brutal 1960's architecture of the South bank attracts lots of graffitti vandals. They are NOT artists. Even statues have to take a break These guys were amazing... Aliens near the Houses of Parliament Dali's elephant and the Houses of Parliament Stormtroopers have take over at County Hall Houses of Parliament at Westminster The River Thames and the London Eye Everybody calls this 'Big Ben' but of course thats the name of the main bell. The sun hiding behind Boudicea The London Eye HMS Belfast is now a floating museum HMS Belfast HMS belfast HMS Belfast & Tower Bridge Southwark Cathedral hides behind the trees A replica Golden Hind. This ship has circumnavigated the world twice already. Bankside Power Station - now Tate Modern with the wibbly wobbly bridge Sea Containers House. Home of the VSOE offices(Venice Simplon Orient Express) The Oxo Tower made famous by Terry Wogan.

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]]> Fri Aug 10 2007 Antony Gormley - Blind Light http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1345123.html Antony Gormley's "Blind Light" Exhibition was held at The Hayward Gallery on The SouthBank Centre from 17th May - 19th August 2007. However his "Event Horizon" installation featured 27 fibreglass and 4 cast iron figures located on surrounding buildings over a 1.5sq. km. area around the gallery.... Stunning concept. Friday 10 August 2007: Antony Gormley's "Blind Light" Exhibition was held at The Hayward Gallery on The SouthBank Centre from 17th May - 19th August 2007. However his "Event Horizon" installation featured 27 fibreglass and 4 cast iron figures located on surrounding buildings over a 1.5sq. km. area around the gallery.... Stunning concept.

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]]> Fri Aug 10 2007 Nick Drake Gathering 2007 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1341088.html The annual Nick Drake Gathering took place at Tanworth in Arden over the weekend. Who's Nick Drake? Well I first came across him in 1970 when I listened to a track on the 'Bumpers' sampler album. Now does that jog any memories? He sadly passed away in 1976 but his music has recently been re-discovered and can often be heard on film soundtracks, bckground music on TV programmes etc. He's reached cult status now. Saturday 4 August 2007: The annual Nick Drake Gathering took place at Tanworth in Arden over the weekend. Who's Nick Drake? Well I first came across him in 1970 when I listened to a track on the 'Bumpers' sampler album. Now does that jog any memories? He sadly passed away in 1976 but his music has recently been re-discovered and can often be heard on film soundtracks, bckground music on TV programmes etc. He's reached cult status now.

Tanworth in Arden parish church The stage is set....... St Mary Magdalene church was the venue for Saturday evenings concert Riverman. Mike bethel & Paul Witcomb. I'm looking forward to their gig at the Great Western pub in Warwick later this month. Riverman Emil Brynge from Sweden. Emil Brynge Sunset (Paul) Johnson Sunset (Paul) Johnson Sunset (Paul) Johnson The beautiful village of Tanworth in Arden. The arrow points to a long closed post office No wonder it closed. The demand for Ivy must be quite low. Another vacant shop in the village. Victim of the move to supermarkets. They still have a red telephone kiosk though A feast of musical opportunities The parish church at Tanworth in Arden The refreshment break during the concert Everything was provided free. Chris Healey I felt very uneasy about several male musicians wearing their hats in the church! James Edge takes the stage. James Edge. IMHO certainly one to watch for in the future. The organiser of the whole event - Denise Offringa. You deserve to appear but you didn't stand still long enough in the dimly lit church to enable me to catch a non-blurred shot... sorry. Sound engineer Peter Rice receives justified applause for his work on setting up the PA system for all the musicians. The Bumpers album cover from 1970 A quiet corner at Hollyhock Cottage in Tanworth in Arden Nick Drake's gravestone. Although I belive he was cremated! It lies adjacent to an oak tree A plea for sanity. The Village Hall Whalebone Cottage and its whalebones...

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]]> Sat Aug 4 2007 Warwick Folk Festival with Seth Lakeman http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1337991.html Seth Lakeman and his band were superb as the headline act on the first night of this years Warwick Folk Festival. Other artists seen were Harriett Bartlett, Kerfuffle, Mabon & Malinky Friday 27 July 2007: Seth Lakeman and his band were superb as the headline act on the first night of this years Warwick Folk Festival. Other artists seen were Harriett Bartlett, Kerfuffle, Mabon & Malinky

Organised confusion reigns Mabon were the first act on the main stage Some sunshine at last.... The main stage was inside a tent. I was all prepared for at least a foot of mud! Large sheets of plywwod had been put down to avoid the school field being converted to Glasto gloop. The sculpture at the front of Warwick School In the Bridge House Theatre we saw Kerfuffle with Hannah James on vocals, accordian and piano. Tom Sweeney on bass guitar, Sam Sweeney plays fiddle and percussion while the latest recruit, Dan walsh played guitar. On the mixing desk... Next on stage was Harriett Bartlett We first saw Harriett at the Warwick Folk Club 18 months ago. There were several hippie clothing vendors... Hmmmm. www.jansvan.co.uk .strange. Back on the main stage was Malinky. A Scots/Irish five piece band. The large area of grass at the front stayed empty of dancers... Preparations for the Seth Lakeman band were progressing and suddenly there was a rush to the front.....get in there... ...so I found myself standing right next to the stage... I tried several different techniques to capture an image.... ...with no flash but you had to be very lucky to catch no movement.... ...another no flash photo... with flash @ 1/60th second using fill-in flash to freeze the movement but still get some of the colourful lights... no flash again but using the telephoto lens... no flash - look at that hand moving... with flash again My best shot...Seth Lakeman in full flow... A BRILLIANT set. Thankyou. Oh and my daughter got the set list... Seth Lakeman set list

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]]> Fri Jul 27 2007 Flooding around Barford - AGAIN! http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1333098.html Flooding around Barford - AGAIN! Monday 23 July 2007: Flooding around Barford - AGAIN!

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]]> Mon Jul 23 2007 Pembroke and the castle http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1332595.html After travelling through torrential rain towards Pembroke the rain stopped 200 yards before the town and the streets were dry! Friday 20 July 2007: After travelling through torrential rain towards Pembroke the rain stopped 200 yards before the town and the streets were dry!

The Gatehouse entrance The massive Keep is on the right. The Chancery is to its left. Behind that is the Norman hall and the Great Hall is on the right. A description of the Wogan Inside the Wogan. Inside The Great Hall The imprisonment of John Whithorne. The only access point into the dungeon by lying the camera onto the grill I was able to get a shot of the 'prisoner' in the cell. With the camera lying on the floor this was a shot pointing upwards inside the castle keep Along the battlements towards the Gatehouse

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]]> Fri Jul 20 2007 A walk along the Pembrokeshire coastal path around Stackpole http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1332420.html A circular walk along the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Stackpole Quay and back through the Bosherston lilly ponds. Saturday 21 July 2007: A circular walk along the Pembrokeshire coastal path from Stackpole Quay and back through the Bosherston lilly ponds.

The start of the walk was at the National Trust location at Stackpole Quay. Here in the domain of 4x4's boats can be slipped into the water. After walking up onto the headland this shot looks back down onto the small harbour A view towards Stackpole Head Around the next headland Barafundle Bay comes into view Our walk took us behind the beach area through the sandhills. Jelly fungus was 'oozing' out of this tree a close-up of this strange fungus A cinnabar caterpillar To my untrained eye - this looks like a Cordulegaster boltonii - Golden-ringed Dragonfly The wild flowers in this coastal area are stunning The whole area is a lepidopterists paradise. However taking a photo of the many types of butterflies and moths was almost impossible. Which way was the prevailing wind? This was the small boat that we saw being launched earlier. The wild ponys on the headland are seen beyond a yellow carpet of flowers. How was it for you dear? Fishing just off the headland. The 'Smit Penally' - Firing Range safety boat from Milford Haven The end of Stackpole Head. Walking around to the next headland, Mowingword, reveals the gaps in the headland. A view to St Govans Head to the south west The wild ponies again A puff ball fungus looking like a golf ball A shot back to Stackpole head from Saddle Point Next Broad Haven beach came into view. A variety of Orchid. Which one? let me know. From Broadhaven we turned inland towards the lakes at Bosherston There were many Orchids of the variety Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) As we walked along the footpath I spied this weird pond. It was quite eery. This branch was covered in algae.. A green glade as we headed back towards the Stackpole Centre Over this stunning bridge and straight over the fields back to Stackpole Quay. A delightful walk

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]]> Sat Jul 21 2007 Weather? Whether it rains or NOT? http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1332205.html On my journey home from the office today.... Monday 23 July 2007: On my journey home from the office today....

I left the office while it was pouring with rain but drove out of it as I approached Barford. I looked over to the right and saw some weird clouds. I had to stop and record them. I walked over the new by-pass to take some shots of the Avon floods but this cloud bank was amazing.... The flooded Avon valley at Barford

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]]> Mon Jul 23 2007 Demolition of Solihull Hospital http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1317346.html A new solution is being tested to eradicate MRSA from hospital wards! Demolish the buildings. Saturday 30 June 2007: A new solution is being tested to eradicate MRSA from hospital wards! Demolish the buildings.

On a miserable wet day I parked up in the shoppers car park and looked over at the hospital. I do not understand what was wrong with this building? Can anybody tell me?

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]]> Sat Jun 30 2007 Llangennith beach on the Gower Peninsula http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1313720.html The Gower is a wonderful holiday destination Sunday 17 June 2007: The Gower is a wonderful holiday destination

The remains of a shipwreck exposed in the sand Looking back towards Worms Head Mating crabs in a small rock pool There I was minding my own business sitting on a rock when.... ....all of a sudden i get set upon by another gull... Clear off! The view to the west A sand wasp... A close up of a Pyramid Orchid, Anacamptis pyramidalis I realise now why the path to the beach is fenced off. I've never seen so many orchids together

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]]> Sun Jun 17 2007 The National Botanic Garden of Wales http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1307629.html The National Botanic Garden of Wales is based close to Carmarthen in South West Wales. The weather was poor with heavy grey cloud for most of the day but the sunshine managed to make an appearance later in the afternoon. During the day we were entertained by a gathering of dancers and singers for a Festival of Celtic Music and Dance. Saturday 16 June 2007: The National Botanic Garden of Wales is based close to Carmarthen in South West Wales. The weather was poor with heavy grey cloud for most of the day but the sunshine managed to make an appearance later in the afternoon. During the day we were entertained by a gathering of dancers and singers for a Festival of Celtic Music and Dance.

I almost stepped on this damsel fly on the grass. I was pleased that the auto-focus worked so well.

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]]> Sat Jun 16 2007 Zante 2007 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1298154.html Photos from a weeks holiday on the Greek island of Zante... Friday 8 June 2007: Photos from a weeks holiday on the Greek island of Zante...

Our Margarita apartment. Home for the week The Crystal beach Hotel has had a major upgrade. The lobby floor was stunning with cream marble throughout. Palm trees were delivered later to enhance the front The bar at the Klelia Hotel The Mermaid Restaurant. Excellent food and good service. Thanks for the bottle of wine.... I didn't get your name - sorry? A beautiful flower on a prickly pear cacti A new hut is being delivered for the Marine Park wardens to a location outside Stanis Taverna. That'll stop people sneaking onto the Loggerhead turtle nesting beach at night. It cant be long before this wartime german lookout meets a watery grave. Very thick deposits of sea grass were piling up on Kalimaki beach and could prove difficult for the turtles to overcome. Loggerhead Turtle (caretta caretta) A close up of a Loggerhead turtle more loggerhead turtle spotting A view across the road from the coffee shop towards the mermaid retaurant. A full moon over Kalimaki beach A shot from the Cava Doro towards laganas The bar at the Merlis Hotel Delivery at the Crystal beach Hotel of two huge palm trees. Cameo island otherwise known as Aghios Sostis. Watch out for GUSTS Lady drivers Heh! Gerakas beach is heavily protected by the marine park wardens. Gerakas beach is another important turtle nesting beach. It is closed from 7pm until 7am each night. The strange geological features behind the Gerakas beach are caused by rain and wind erosion. Iannis's bar at Gerakas. The mountains are getting lost in the clouds Wheres the mountains? The rain was coming down in buckets by this time. Wet, wet, wet. Some people were still sitting outside.... After Noahs flood we set off for dafni. The notices at the entrance to Dafni beach. Dafni beach - deserted I felt like Robinson Crusoe. It was deserted. You could almost surf on Dafni beach Sekania beach is a total no-go area. It is protected as it is the largest nesting beach in Europe for Loggerhead turtles. The brown colour in the water is run-off of rainwater from the hills after 24 hours of downpours. The deserted pool at Crystal beach hotel. I'd never seen such a high tide at kalimaki. All the sun beds ahd been moved up the beach leaving the umbrella bases behind.

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]]> Fri Jun 8 2007 The two Rufford Marinas and the canal http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1289180.html Rufford has seen an incredible amount of canalside development in the last few years with two marinas and associated developments. It has become a tourist destination. Ideal means of getting there is by train! Enjoy a walk along to the Old hall, followed by a meal or coffee at the new cafes' for a good day out. Monday 28 May 2007: Rufford has seen an incredible amount of canalside development in the last few years with two marinas and associated developments. It has become a tourist destination. Ideal means of getting there is by train! Enjoy a walk along to the Old hall, followed by a meal or coffee at the new cafes' for a good day out.

My first photo is from the archives. 23rd February 2003. The canal bank is a verdent green with no sign of marinas or development. However those trees on the right are the ones that appear in the next shot. This is the entrance to St marys Marina from the Rufford branch canal. I remember this as being a very boggy cow grazing field and part of the farm run from the farmhouse seen in the top right hand corner of the photo A view from the bridge over the entrance to Fettlers wharf marina. Beyond it is the railway station A hundred yards along the canal lies a lock. A close up on the ratchet system used for opening and closing the sluices. The water level must be equalized before the gates can be opened. I checked but couldn't see Moses in the bulrushes. A northbound view of the branch The entrance to Fettlers Wharf Marina At the railway station were several fascinating photos of St marys marina under construction. I will gladly give credit to the photographer if he makes himself known to me. A shot from the road bridge at St marys marina The entrance into Fettlers wharf marina is under this pedestrian bridge. Although the marina has only recently opened almost all the berths are occupied. The local post office in Rufford closed when the owners retired. However a local facility has been made available at the marina. Two hours only on Tuesdays A pleasure craft is seen entering the marina from the canal. A brand new barge was receiving its final coat of paint in the barge works. The barge appears very shallow. A wonderful facility for maintaining the barges. When the marina was constructed a huge mountain of subsoil was created which is only now being taken away bit by bit. However it provides a grandstand view over the marina. Two views over St marys marina Meanwhile a barge has entered the lock on the Rufford branch A final shot taken at St Marys marina The Bryn coffee shop at St Marys marina Of course if you're in need of something a little stronger.... Finally four photos taken in 2001 of the magnificent Rufford Old Hall

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]]> Mon May 28 2007 Two Hour Tour of Bristol http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1283759.html Some shots taken during a whistle stop visit to the City of Bristol. Two hours exactly. Saturday 19 May 2007: Some shots taken during a whistle stop visit to the City of Bristol. Two hours exactly.

The magnificent architecture of Bristol Temple Meads station. I headed over to the River Avon but what a muddy mess. The usual shopping trolley can be seen... This part of the city is built around the river with docks, locks and harbours. A sadly disfigured structure. Any idea what it was? I just did some research and found it was a very grim place indeed. Bristol Gaol. Jutting up like a broken tooth along the Cumberland Road it is all too easy to pass by the ruins of one of Bristol's last remaining execution sites. Commissioned in 1816 by the city council for a budget of £60,000 - in today's money that would cost the city over £2m - the New Gaol opened its doors to inmates in 1820. This is an extensive and commodious building, wrote the editor of the Mathew's Bristol, Clifton and Hotwell Guide in 1825. For health, convenience and excellent arrangement is not to be equaled in England, commanding extensive views of the surrounding countryside, he continued. The boundary wall (20 feet high) is built in hewn variegated marble which has a beautiful appearance. Among its first guests were prisoners transferred from Bristol's infamous Newgate prison that it replaced. Built to hold 197 prisoners of mixed sex the prison was a great improvement over its predecessors: Bridewell jail's prisoners had a cat put into their cells at night to stop rats from gnawing at their feet. The New Gaol's accommodation consisted of single cells that measured 6 ft by 9 ft. Water supplies were drawn from a well using a large treadmill that could hold twenty inmates - not an unusual practice in those days. Despite the forward-thinking design it didn't take too long for conditions to deteriorate. The water from the well proved to be undrinkable, small windows stopped air circulating and created a stale and fetid interior. Prisoners were poorly clothed and suffered in the winter months from the cold. At night the whole prison was enveloped in a shroud of darkness that even hampered the warders carrying out their patrols. All that remains to mark the site now is the grim granite front entrance, resembling a small castle complete with its rusting mock portcullis and a small section of outer wall. Designed not only as a entrance but as a platform for staging crowd-pulling public executions, the gatehouse's flat roof was built with a trap door. It was through this door the condemned dropped with a noose around their necks on the way to the next world. This ruin is the keeper of some gruesome tales of the judicial system in Bristol.In 1895, the prison was sold to The Great Western Railway for a sum of £22,000. It was then used as a coal yard and, with the exception of the granite gatehouse, most of its walls and buildings were demolished. Another two shopping trollies can be seen. The traffic cone and bike wheel were out of shot. Come on Bristol get this **** tidied up! I dropped down onto a pathway alongside this Avon New Cut A single track railway came in from the right.... Several vintage railway trucks were standing in a siding. From a footbridge i took this view back along the railway track and Commercial Road. A view the other way from the bridge Colourful houses overlooking the harbour Dockside cottages The tall ship Matthew was running a service up and down the waterway past SS Great Britain Apartment living .... Brunels SS Great Britain was saved from the beach on the Falkland Islands and returned across the ocean to its home.. Barely recognisable as the same vessel launched in 1843, she transported Welsh coal to San Francisco around Cape Horn. On her third trip, she ran into trouble around the Cape, and was forced to run for shelter in Port Stanley, in the Falkland Islands. The cost of repairs were not economic and she was sold as a coal and wool storage hulk in Port Stanley. the ship was built in 1843 at the Great Western Dockyard in Bristol, under the supervision of Brunel and his colleagues at the Great Western Steamship Company & Thomas Guppy, Christopher Claxton and William Patterson. Bristol will be a great place when its finished. Bit like Liverpool really. Bristol cathedral A wonderful corner outside the cathedral The Bristol Town Hall Inside Bristol cathedral Art More art Pero's Bridge at St Augustine's Reach A statue marking the fact that John cabot commenced his voyages of discovery from this harbour. The Minesweeper HMS Quorn Balmoral was built in Southampton in 1949 and operated under the Southampton Red Funnel Fleet for 20 years. She then moved round to the Bristol Channel where she became the last member of P&A Campbell's famous White Funnel Fleet. When they ceased operation in 1980, Balmoral moved to Dundee to become a floating restaurant, and there she stood, unsuccessful & gradually falling into disrepair, until she was rescued by the friends & supporters of the Waverley. Three old dockside cranes are the centrepiece for the planned museum of Bristol due to open in 2009. There were a number of restored railway goods wagons underneath. The line i'd walked alongside of earlier in my walk was a continuation of this track. HMS Quorn and Balmoral I had to miss out a visit to St mary Redcliffe church as I was time pressured to catch my train... Maybe next time. The facade of Brunels Terminus station at Bristol that is now a car park. Inside the old station A sad use for a wonderful structure.

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]]> Sat May 19 2007 Swansea and the Gower http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1270004.html Another visit to the Gower peninsula and Swansea marina Sunday 29 April 2007: Another visit to the Gower peninsula and Swansea marina

Our walk started at this shop/cafe/car park at Park Mill on the A4118 A lonely camper had set his flag up The distant view of Pennard castle above the valley A series of stone circles had been created near the beach. Driftwood on 3 Cliffs Bay beach The 3 cliffs There were some scary monsters about Snail Trails in the sand of a rock pool Sea anenomes in a rock pool A view onto 3 Cliffs Bay beach The stepping stones across the Pennard Pill Orchids in flower The 12th Century Pennard castle The castle was abandoned by the 14th century after it was inundated by sand Building construction was of very poor quality Pennard castle has a superb strategic location but never saw any action. Down at the Swansea marina Swansea Observatory looking more like Cape Canaveral. All craft have to negotiate two locks in order to reach the sea. Dylan Thomas looks over while I photograph his theatre Its ART Jim but not as we know it. the Mersey tugboat Canning was tied up at the museum Canning The Lightship Helwick I took this shot as a - BEFORE - image. I was told that a tower block is to be constructed here. Hence the rather tall crane.

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]]> Sun Apr 29 2007 The Architecture of Liverpool on a wet saturday in February http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1227036.html On a rare visit to Liverpool I found the city was the biggest building site I've ever seen. However it's about time some money was invested in the place. While viewing my photos ask yourself.."Where is everybody?" I for one was very puzzled. Although this was the business or "City" part of Liverpool it was like walking around a ghost town. I guess the rain didn't help much. Saturday 24 February 2007: On a rare visit to Liverpool I found the city was the biggest building site I've ever seen. However it's about time some money was invested in the place. While viewing my photos ask yourself.."Where is everybody?" I for one was very puzzled. Although this was the business or "City" part of Liverpool it was like walking around a ghost town. I guess the rain didn't help much.

The facade of Mercury Court was originally Liverpool Exchange station. In a side street can be found the entrance to The Cotton exchange. On the left are the remains of small cranes. The back of Liverpool Town Hall viewed from Exchange Flags. The Nelson memorial (1813) shows Nelson being rewarded for the victory at Trafalgar while death reaches out to touch him. The four shackled prisoners represent his victories at Cape St Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar. Liverpool Town Hall was built between 1749 and 1820 and is Liverpools finest Georgian building The external view of Exchange Flags. This office block is now being developed into trendy apartment accommodation. The distinctive Oriel Chambers (1864) is a Grade 1 listed building in Water Street designed by Peter Ellis. It features very advanced use of glass to maximise use of daylight The 1967 designed fountain is being refurbished and will be back in action soon. Placed in a pool, situated a short walk from the Liver building is the gushing sculpture. The buckets fill from water running from the large uprights, tipping over periodically. Very 1960's. Sculptures like this elsewhere have been dismantled following complaints that they sounded too much like flushing toilets. This one survives, complete with viewing platforms and an african shield. The Mersey ferry section of the landing stage sank in 2006. It appears that nothing has been done to recover it. What a disgrace! The lawns in front of the 3 Graces have become buidling sites. There were no signs indicating what was being done. The Liver Building was constructed in 1911 for The Royal Liver Friendly Society on the site of Georges Dock. It has become an Icon for Liverpool. I worked on the 4th floor for a couple of years in the 80's. The excavation of Manchester Dock on Mann Island. Downloaded from the web. A superb airiel view of the Manchester Dock showing the lock gates and Operational machinery locations (OM) that opened and closed the lock gates. A further downloaded web shot to show both Manchester Dock and the Chester basin. The site for construction of The Museum of Liverpool was formerly Manchester Dock and was filledin with spoil from the Mersey road tunnel in the 1920's. This view will soon be impossible to achieve once the museum is built. A detailed map of the Pier Head 1910. The year after the Liver Building was constructed. A view from Mann Island towards James Street with the distinctive White Star Line building on the corner. This building was designed by Richard Norman Shaw and was built in 1896. Shaw had just completed work on New Scotland Yard, Albert Hall mansions and the Savoy Theatre. This rather undistinguished building was until recently the showrooms for a Land Rover dealership - Road Range. A final shot at Mann Island shows the relatively new Porsche dealership building.

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]]> Sat Feb 24 2007 Barford & the River Avon floods http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1225695.html The Barford by-pass opened last week and finally the village of Barford has some relief from most of the through traffic that has plagued it for years. However in its first week following torrential rain the River Avon decided to overflow its bnanks and the valley looked more like a lake than a small river. Tuesday 6 March 2007: The Barford by-pass opened last week and finally the village of Barford has some relief from most of the through traffic that has plagued it for years. However in its first week following torrential rain the River Avon decided to overflow its bnanks and the valley looked more like a lake than a small river.

Looking north at the Barford bridge over the Avon. Since the opening of the new Barford by-pass this wonderful bridge can finally breathe a sigh of relief from the pounding lorries that have been passing over for the last 100 or so years. A view towards the new by-pass from the old bridge looking in the SW direction. Moving a bit further north the floodwaters can be seen flowing through this relief channel. I had originally thought that there was no need for this channel but having seen the floods this week I've revised my thoughts. Floodwaters at the Barford bridge over the River Avon A view looking towards Wasperton and Charlecote shows the whole of the Avon valley under water A rare quiet moment on the new barford by-pass.

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]]> Tue Mar 6 2007 Flooding in the Blyth Valley http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1224952.html Too much rain! Sunday 4 March 2007: Too much rain!

The River Blyth near Meriden had overflowed its banks on Sunday afternoon.

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]]> Sun Mar 4 2007 Some shots from Metal Box Palmers Green includes our football team 1975 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1207981.html A couple of scanned images taken when i worked at Metal Box Ltd at Palmers Green Monday 12 February 2007: A couple of scanned images taken when i worked at Metal Box Ltd at Palmers Green

Chris H, Ramesh, Bambos, me, John Beard and Mark H. The young lad was the accountants son but I can't recall his name. Ramesh Baradwa - kicked out of Uganda by Idi Amin, Chris Hempleman, Bambos - Went back home to Cyprus on a family holiday just as the Greek v Turkish war broke out and was drafted into the army... BAD timing, John Beard, Mark H and Kumar the accountant Barry, with his girlfriend Bernie, invited himself to my wedding in Melling, north of Liverpool in July 1975. He turned up at the church in a white suit and caused more tongue wagging than anybody else... Who the ****'* THAT? was the big question. When I joined MB at Palmers Green on a transfer from Aintree, Barry was a student working in the cash office. His musical taste and vast, mostly knocked off, LP collection influenced me greatly. Doobie Brothers was one band he introduced me to. We went to The Finsbury Park Rainbow to see them in '75. Bernie was Barry's girlfriend. I wonder what happened to her? Connie Hempleman RIP- The fastest comptometer operator in Edmonton

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]]> Mon Feb 12 2007 The Neath Valley and Rhossili http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1207958.html A visit to South Wales. Melincourt falls and Dan-yr-Ogof Rhossili beach and Worms Head Sunday 11 February 2007: A visit to South Wales. Melincourt falls and Dan-yr-Ogof Rhossili beach and Worms Head

Melincourt Falls The river had been swollen by recent snow melt and rain My first view of the waterfall. Melincourt falls, Resolven in the Neath valley Time for some experimentation with small apertures and long time exposures. The light rain has splattered on the lens unfortunately and I hadn't realised. My daughter and her boyfriend managed to stand over at the base of the falls but were getting soaked from the spray. The other falls was to the right of the first but again turning the lens up has caused rain to cover the lens. The National Showcase caves of Wales. Closed until Easter. We must read the details on the leaflets. Thestanding stones at the entrance to Dan-yr-Ogof Mumbles lighthouse and Bracelet bay Rhossili beach A kite surfer at Rhossili A view south to Worms Head Mountainous seas at Rhossili A kite skateboarder at Rhossili What a way to travel! Kiteboarding at Rhossili. A surfer caught standing up at Rhossili. There were three of them and i waited ages to catch this shot with tears streaming down my face due to the strong cold wind. Worms head with the waves crashing onto the rocks. Silhouette at Worms head Worms head as the causeway was beginning to clear from the receding tide.

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]]> Sun Feb 11 2007 Deep and Crisp and Even http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1203949.html BBRRRRRR After the first snow of 2007 I took a few photos around my village of Claverdon and then at Charlecote on the way to work.... Thursday 8 February 2007: BBRRRRRR After the first snow of 2007 I took a few photos around my village of Claverdon and then at Charlecote on the way to work....

A early morning view of the virgin snow taken through the kitchen window. Our road in Claverdon The Dorothea Mitchell Hall in Claverdon The old blacksmiths/smithy in Claverdon. Now a heating engineer showroom. This building was modelled as part of the Lilliput Lane ceramic series. You too can own one! The unique horseshoe entrance to the old smithy building Wheelwrights cottage on Church Road Church Road Claverdon The Claverdon Church Hall entrance An arty view of Claverdon Church Claverdon Church Claverdon Church and the Ha-Ha (sunken wall) Claverdon Church and one of the lamps in the churchyard A view down Church Road Claverdon Claverdon Church framed in the yew tree Park farm on Church Road, Claverdon Church Road Claverdon Charlecote church hidden behind the trees The grand entrance to Charlecote Park - National Trust Snow continues to fall - a view through the locked gates of Charlecote Park Charlecote

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]]> Thu Feb 8 2007 Bonfire night at Swansea http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1187986.html With my daughter at Swansea University we paid a visit on November 4/5th. What a wonderful place. Thursday 18 January 2007: With my daughter at Swansea University we paid a visit on November 4/5th. What a wonderful place.

The entrance to the Victorian Pier at Mumbles A view towards Mumbles lighthouse Details of the lifeboat station at Mumbles. Mumbles Pier The inshore rescue boat had been called out on a rescue and brought two people back. I guess they'd been caught by the tide on the headland. The crowds had gathered for the rescue Langland Bay Caswell Bay The moon over Swansea Marina Swansea marina The old tram bridge at the Marina The full moon over Swansea Bay Moonlight reflections A shot from our hotel window at The Marriott A shot from the Marriott Hotel window The seashore at Swansea marina It's THAT name again.. She gets every b***y where. The front at swansea Plain weird Some stylish apartments at the Marina Looking more like Cape Canaveral than an observatory. The swansea Observatory Arty stuff The last few fishing boats at Swansea Marina quayside The fish ladder at Swansea The mouth of the River Tawe The footbridge over the River Tawe The Sail Bridge at Swansea The sail Bridge at Swansea The Dylan Thomas Centre The wheel was just being erected when we were passing Restored georgian terraced houses in Swansea Swansea marina Remains of a distant past Swans landing Almost froze the action. Stanier 4-6-0 No 45565 Victoria? Or at least the fossilised remains of her. Paragliding at Rhossili What a view - Rhossili. The headlands at Rhossili Rhossili beach An old fishing shed at Rhossili headland Silhouettes on the headland The headland at Rhossili A zoom shot towards the Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel A passing two seater historic aircraft. Any idea what it is? Let me know... The internet is a wonderful thing... 2 and a half years after i posted this question I received an answer. Its a World War II Russian YAK 52 - part of a flight of 3 based at Swansea Airport. Thanks to JS for his response. I counted 16 paragliders over the hills. Oxwich Bay

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]]> Thu Jan 18 2007 Archive photos of Geest Banana Ripening Centres http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1143276.html I worked at both Sutton Manor, St Helens and then Stansted in Essex. These archive shots may bring back a few memories to former work colleagues. Wednesday 22 November 2006: I worked at both Sutton Manor, St Helens and then Stansted in Essex. These archive shots may bring back a few memories to former work colleagues.

1992 - Refurbishment at Sutton Manor, St. Helens banana ripening and packing centre has commenced. The wooden wall had to be constructed to ensure dust did not contaminate the bananas in the factory when the brick wall was taken down to increase the factory floor area into the former Roadrunners depot. Outside the St Helens Banana Ripening Centre. The VW Passat G753PCK was mine. The Toyota Camry was Tony Willcox's - the Area Manager's. The two roller shutters used to be where Roadrunners were located. They were a groupage operator for the Isle of Man. Terry O'Brian's BMW sits at the front of the building. To the right can be seen the condensors from the internal refrigeration system. During refurb. a wall was built to avoid contamination of the bananas by concrete dust. Jimmy Quirk used to live at the site (almost) In the ripening room corridor. The new production layout designed to speed up the operation. Compare this shot with the fisrt image. The removal of the wall into the old Roadrunners warehouse opened up a huge area and the two production lines were straightened out. At the end of the packing line Originally Jim Taylors office was up the stairs. He took 3 teaspoons of instant coffee in a cup - Scary.... Dave Hewitt then took over as manager with Terry O'Brian being promoted as his assistant. Jenny Chorley used to work on the calculation of the production incentive bonus in the outer office. She passed away several years ago while working at Geest Chippenham. Alongside the production line Pre-pricing scales, bubble wrap and conveyor belts.... Inside the warehouse with pallets of bananas being loaded on the curtain-siders One of the insultaed box vans rests inside the warehouse. 28lb boxes of Up the stairs to Dave Dixons office. he was the distribution manager and worked alongside Brian Landon. The back of the warehouse area.

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]]> Wed Nov 22 2006 Archive Images from 1994ish at Geest Bananas http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1130745.html I worked for Geest Bananas from 1985 until 1997. Firstly at Sutton Manor, St. Helens then I was moved to Stansted in Essex. These photos may bring back a few memories to former colleagues. This collection of images were taken during a couple of visits to the Windward Terminal at Southampton. Monday 6 November 2006: I worked for Geest Bananas from 1985 until 1997. Firstly at Sutton Manor, St. Helens then I was moved to Stansted in Essex. These photos may bring back a few memories to former colleagues. This collection of images were taken during a couple of visits to the Windward Terminal at Southampton.

Geestport at Southampton Geestport at Southampton A close up of the anchor and prow of Geestport More pallets of fruit for Stansted. Thanks guys.. It was clearly a rough Atlantic passage. These are some of the pre-palletised fruit boxes. Why was it always Stansted that ended up with these difficult loads On the bridge. Where's the wheel? Geestcrest stands at the Quayside at Southamptons Windward Terminal A shot into the sun at Southampton Geestcrest alongside the Windward terminal Inside the holding stores. Fruit can be held in its Inside the Windward terminal pallets are loaded into the back of trailers for despatch around the UK Outside the Windward terminal the fridge unit fitted trailers can be seen ready to distribute the loads of bananas around the UK. Temperatures were set at +14C. On one occasion I opened a trailer at depot that had been set at -14C. The fruit was frozen solid and was a complete write off. Security at Southampton were then tasked to check the temperature settings on departing units. A single seat tug unit on the left with a Geest tractor unit on the right. The driver was taking his break. The Windward terminal Deep inside the hold. There are several levels and as each is emptied the floor is lifted out. Pallet trucks are used in the ships hold. Wrapping a pallet for stability. It sits on a turntable and is wrapped as it rotates. Fjodors Bredihins at Southampton's Windward Terminal On the quayside at the Windward Terminal at Southampton during an admin managers visit to view the port operations - about 1994. Fjodors Bredihins was being offloaded. This Reefer vessel was operated by the Latvian Shipping Company of Riga, Latvia. I note that The Fjodors Bredihins Shipping Company Limited was struck off the company register in Malta on 28th July 2004. Managers from Airdrie (Angela), Shildon, Heathfield and Sutton Manor (Christine) are modelling some not very flattering hard hats. David ? from Shenstone depot and John Rayner from Spalding HO. On the deck of Fjodors Bredihins Loose stowed Hand balling loose stowed banana boxes Two pallets at a time are lifted clear of the ship The crane has lifted two pallets clear out of the ships hold and is being positioned on the quay Two pallets of Descending the gangplank from Geestport The dockside crane drivers are very efficient and accurate The prow of Fjodors Bredihins Mini Geest containers on the quayside

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]]> Mon Nov 6 2006 A trip to see Liverpool v Aston Villa http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1122901.html For the first time in about 25 years I went to a football match. Interesting transport from the train station to Anfield.... Oh I forgot to mention... Liverpool won 3-1. Sunday 29 October 2006: For the first time in about 25 years I went to a football match. Interesting transport from the train station to Anfield.... Oh I forgot to mention... Liverpool won 3-1.

I parked up at Maghull station. I was brought up in Maghull but had not been back to the station for about 15 years. The livery of the Merseyrail electrics is bright yellow. Sorry - it really should not be pasted all over these Victorian buildings. I worked at Mrs Fishers shop as a newspaper delivery boy from 1966 - 1971. I'm amazed that her name is still over the door. I was told it had been up for sale for a long time. On the northbound platform for Ormskirk trains the far building was used as the lamp room where oil lamps were prepared every evening and placed on the level crossing gates. The view south towards Liverpool. Major changes have taken place since the 1960's. The gates have been changed to the modern equivalent, the signalbox has gone completely. In its place is a grey box. The colour light signal on the platform is new (to me). Also tickets used to be sold from a walk-through wooden building at the top of the station slope. Thats completely disappeared. On the Liverpool side the tickets are dispensed from a new office built into the old under-cover waiting area. Class 508 unit no 508138 is arriving at Maghull with the 11am to Liverpool. Service frequency is now every 15 minutes. In the 60's it was every 20 minutes. To the left is the car park. I remember it as the goods yard and pick up freights were regularly calling. To the left and right of the line towards Poverty lane bridge were storage sidings. I recall a couple of the 1923 built electric units being stored there. We used to call them On arrival at Sandhills I grabbed a shot of the departing unit heading towards Liverpool. My transport arrived to take me to Anfield! And on arrival at Anfield. Thanks guys.... Bill Shankly's statue Not much has changed around the ground. Every street corner in Liverpool had a pub such as this. We arrived quite early but we wanted to savour the atmosphere. Jose Reina warms up before the match. The rest of the team were over on the far side of the pitch. Jermaine Pennant in the left of centre The pre-match Kop choir chorus Teams are presented the little Nikon S1 could not cope with the movement. Hence only a couple of shots... Luis garcia about to take a corner with steven gerrard Outside the Kop with the statue, shop and museum entrance Martin Laursen (All names provided by Steve - thanks) Peter Whittingham Isiah Osbourne Juan Pablo Angel Gary Cahill Didier Agathe Gabby Agbonlahor The Shankly gates and Hillsborough Memorial.

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]]> Sun Oct 29 2006 Holiday in Zante http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1109603.html A return visit to Zante was made in September 2006 to see for myself what improvements had been made for the environmental protection to the Loggerhead Turtle (caretta caretta) nesting beaches. It was good to see the effects of the severe fines that the EU Dept. of the Environment has imposed on the Greek Government. Funds have been restored to the Marine Park infrastrucure and they finally appear to be taking their responsibilities seriously regarding the protection of the Loggerhead turtles that nest on the island. Friday 1 September 2006: A return visit to Zante was made in September 2006 to see for myself what improvements had been made for the environmental protection to the Loggerhead Turtle (caretta caretta) nesting beaches. It was good to see the effects of the severe fines that the EU Dept. of the Environment has imposed on the Greek Government. Funds have been restored to the Marine Park infrastrucure and they finally appear to be taking their responsibilities seriously regarding the protection of the Loggerhead turtles that nest on the island.

At 4am (UK time) the new arrivals hall baggage claim area at Zante airport was a very frustrating place. Confusion reigns. There were two luggage carousels but no indication of which one our bags would appear on so it was a case of hopping backwards and forwards between the two. In true Greek fashion there was nobody around to ask. At Kalimaki beach a new Marine park warden hut had been constructed. Anna was very friendly and committed to the task. A credit to the cause. A view towards Marathonisi Loggerhead turtle hatchling tracks. The beaches are closed from 7pm until 7am as they hatch at night to avoid the heat of the sun and daytime predators Without the tracks leading away from this turtle nest it would be impossible to tell there was a nest actually there. More turtle tracks in the sand. It would be impossible to place markers for ALL the nests. However in their ignorance many visitors to the beach appear to think that nests are only located where there are markers. However the back of the beach is filled with nests. The NW end of Kalimaki beach had an accumulation of sea grass that was like walking on a mattress. A view towards Marathonisi and the kerri peninsula There are several of these towers on Kalimaki and laganas beach. They were designed for a Baywatch style lifeguard service. Sadly there were NO applicants for the jobs when they were advertised The marine park wardens hut and the Crystal beach area of Kalimaki beach Our hotel - the Cava Doro A FULL English breakfast was served at The Lighthouse cafe. The gardens at the Cava Doro Dusk from the balcony Sunset at Kalimaki beach The first straggler Loggerhead turtle hatchling that we saw was being guided by Anna, the Marine park warden to the water. In daylight the hatchlings are disorientated and tend to walk around in circles. It is vital that the turtle makes this trip as it will return in 20 years time to mate and lay eggs on the beach The tiny size of the creature can be seen against Annas hand. Finally in the water but with a slim chance of reaching maturity. A second hatchling was then spotted further down the beach. The Lighthouse cafe again There is strict control on the number of sun umberellas and sunbeds as they become major obstacles to the turtles at night. The Marine Park wardens can easily see whether there are any additional beds etc as they have provided them. One of the many serious fires has started over on keri At one point there were 4 fire fighting planes working on this fire. They were working non-stop for almost 4 hours dropping down to the sea to replenish their tanks then they bombed the source of the fire with their water. As dusk falls the smoke from the fire can be seen out to sea. A full moon. The hatchlings are drawn to the light (and the sea) so thats why no torches or any other lights (car headlights, taverna lights etc) should be used as they can disorientate the hatchling turtles. Kalimaki High Street My favorite hotel had recently changed hands and the new owners hadn't opened it for the season...Tourists can use any hotel pool. The main road to Laganas A couple of years ago there was always an old man sitting outside this house and always gave a cheery wave to us as we walked up to The Rainbow hotel. Sadly he was missing (presumed dead) Nick at The Rainbow Hotel has made more improvements to his hotel. I almost didn't recognise it. Nick was very helpful to my daughter when she was here as an Archelon volunteer. He allowed her to use his computer to access her e-mails and send messages home to us. The bar at The Rainbow This one was for sale. Offers? Georgios Restaurant was a favorite. It was afternoon and I only stopped there for a beer. Thats why its empty

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]]> Fri Sep 1 2006 Let's go to Birmingham - There's nothing to see is there? http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1044476.html I hope that viewing these photos makes you realize that theres absolutely loads to see and do. This was the result of a 1 hour fast walk around just one part of Birmingham. Why not travel to Birmingham from Stratford-upon-Avon on The Shakespeare Express. It completes a superb day out. Sunday 6 August 2006: I hope that viewing these photos makes you realize that theres absolutely loads to see and do. This was the result of a 1 hour fast walk around just one part of Birmingham. Why not travel to Birmingham from Stratford-upon-Avon on The Shakespeare Express. It completes a superb day out.

Birmingham Town Hall (correction Council House - thanks B) but what's going on? - Beach volleyball outside the Town Hall (correction Council House)! Stands had been constructed but I didn't have time to sit and watch. An action shot.. A view towards the Art Gallery with several statues and memorials. A view over Centenary Square Baskerville House has undergone a total refurbishment and looks in pristine condition. The Hall of Memory Memorial images Memorial images The Birmingham Eye An arty fountain and the Eye Birmingham Rep theatre The Birmingham Eye, Hyatt Hotel and Symphony Hall The walk through the International Conference Centre (ICC) to the canal basin A view inside Birmingham Symphony Hall More art! Cafe Society along the canalside Is this really Birmingham? Fancy fountains in Brindley Square Le petit Blanc - recommended. The Ikon Gallery - I've seen some weird stuff in here... Broad Street - loads of clubs are located here.. Back to the canalside with the National Indoor Arena (NIA) in the background And a view towards the Mailbox shopping Centre Fancy a canal trip? The Halcyon Gallery had an exhibition of signed limited editions of Lowry prints but there were several original Rembrands in their back room as well as original Lowry's. These guys were LOUD! Back to the beach volleyball.... Hmm I stayed and watched a bit longer this time. In mid-air. The waterfall in front of the Town hall (Whoops Council House -thanks B)- nobody had put washing powder in it this time... The main shopping area - New Street All the big names are here at The Bullring shopping mall Selfridges - I resisted... Amazing architecture Selfridges building

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]]> Sun Aug 6 2006 Hedgehog Day http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c1032653.html More creatures in the garden. We generally see hedgehogs about the shape of a table tennis bat on the roads. Drive more carefully please.... Tuesday 25 July 2006: More creatures in the garden. We generally see hedgehogs about the shape of a table tennis bat on the roads. Drive more carefully please....

Hedgehog No 1 Hedgehog No 2 Hmmm dinner. A couple of juicy slugs

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]]> Tue Jul 25 2006 A short break in Pembroke http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c992368.html The perfect weather at the weekend forced us to take a short b&b break to Manorbier and Tenby. Saturday 10 June 2006: The perfect weather at the weekend forced us to take a short b&b break to Manorbier and Tenby.

A deserted Tenby quayside A view across the harbour towards the old and new lifeboat slipways On the side of a cliff path at Old Castle Head, the King's Quoit is spectacularly placed above Manorbier Bay. This low tomb consists of two small sidestones that support a large capstone measuring 4.5 x 2.7m (15 x 9ft). At the south-east corner there is another stone, probably the southern end-stone of the chamber. The internal height of the monument is 0.8m (2.6ft) and the chamber is partially below ground, one side of the capstone being supported by earth alone. Recommended. The Tudor Lodge restaurant at Jameston Exterior view of the Tudor Lodge Restaurant. Update 2009 - Sadly they've stopped doing accommodation. Pity we'd hoped to go back there... Bosherton Lily ponds. Could almost be Giverny. Barafundle Bay A view towards Barafundle from the headland Up came a Grey seal Stunning colour from the wild flowers on the headland Broad Haven beach A wild Pyramidal Orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) The view towards the Bosherton lakes from Broad Haven En route to Caldey Island. Tenby in the background. The deserted Priory beach on Caldey Island. Priory Beach on Caldey Island A view towards the monastery St Davids church with the simple wooden crosses of the monks The monastery church (with a lone monk in detention for talking - perhaps? He has a bad habit there!) On the summit of the island, not far from the old Priory, stands the lighthouse which was erected by Trinity House in 1829 at a cost of £3,380 11s 7d. On either side of the tower and connected to it are two dwellings which were occupied by the keepers and their families prior to the conversion of the station to automatic unmanned operation in 1927. Caldey lighthouse was the last Trinity House lighthouse to be powered by acetylene gas until its modernisation which was completed in November 1997 when it was converted to mains electricity. The Priory, originally a fortified Norman house, was converted and extended to its present form by Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages. The monks’ original vaulted stone chapel now forms part of the sanctuary of the church. The spire was erected in the 14th century. The alter at St Illtyd's Inside the church stands the Caldey Stone, inscribed in Latin and Ogham, a reminder of the earlier Celtic monks. The monastic buildings have been unoccupied since the Dissolution in 1536, but St Illtyd’s Church is still a consecrated Roman Catholic church. A final view of the old Priory

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]]> Sat Jun 10 2006 Echo & the Bunnymen in Nottingham http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c980016.html A VIP trip to see Echo & the Bunnymen at Rock City Nottingham. Includes a rare photo of ME. Photos taken on a little Nikon S1. Not the best camera but discrete! Friday 2 June 2006: A VIP trip to see Echo & the Bunnymen at Rock City Nottingham. Includes a rare photo of ME. Photos taken on a little Nikon S1. Not the best camera but discrete!

Hmmm Stylish building Yes its Nottingham A fair number of bald heads. I'm not alone Backstage chatting to the guitarist Will Sergeant

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]]> Fri Jun 2 2006 Monty Python is living in MY GARDEN http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c979992.html A snake in my garden pond Friday 2 June 2006: A snake in my garden pond

Latest shots taken 6th July 06. I was having great difficulty getting the snakes head in focus. I was using a mini tripod but the auto-focus was focusing on the vegetation in front of the snake. So in order to deepen the depth of field I closed the aperture down to F29. That gave a shutter speed of 2.5 seconds. So in order to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter i used the timer control. Success at last after a dozen failures. As another exercise I attached the Nikon Speedlight and left the settings to the camera on program setting. F5.6 at 1/60 second. The flash bounce off the snake's eye though shines blue....

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]]> Fri Jun 2 2006 Starry night http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c963247.html Experimenting in the garden taking shots of the moon and stars at dusk Friday 5 May 2006: Experimenting in the garden taking shots of the moon and stars at dusk

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]]> Fri May 5 2006 A few days in Spain http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c943580.html A 6 night holiday at 3 of the superb Parador Hotels. First stop Javea about 20 miles NE of Benidorm, then up into the moutains to Cazorla (rather like travelling to the Outlook Hotel in the film "The Shining") then onto Mojacar where you may catch a shot of one of the earlier visitors signing in - King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia! Sunday 23 April 2006: A 6 night holiday at 3 of the superb Parador Hotels. First stop Javea about 20 miles NE of Benidorm, then up into the moutains to Cazorla (rather like travelling to the Outlook Hotel in the film "The Shining") then onto Mojacar where you may catch a shot of one of the earlier visitors signing in - King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia!

The view from the balcony of the Parador hotel at Javea A view across the Playa de Arenal from the hotel Javea Stralitsia Regina in flower at Javea The pool at Javea The town of Cazorla in the Spanish mountains. The Parador Hotel was a further 24kms up into the mountains and the roads got narrower, more twisty and potholed. View from the window at Cazorla Cazorla Parador Hotel A goat or is it a deer? The lounge at Cazorla Another view of the lounge at Cazorla In the mountains on the way back towards the coast from Cazorla. Next shot shows a zoom view of a large birds nest. In the crevasse was what looked like an eagle. Late news -- Research suggests that this may be a Any twitchers know what type of bird this is? A Bearded Vulture is the latest guess. They are noted in this area. Perfect roses. No black spot, no greenfly. Mojacar Mojacar I found Spanish cuisine quite bizarre. A The reception area at Mojacar with the photos of the King of Spain signing the visitors book on the wall. The King and Queen signing in. A Monmouth bus!

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]]> Sun Apr 23 2006 Australian Pink Floyd at the National Indoor Arena NIA http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c915366.html I saw the "real" Pink Floyd in Liverpool in 1967 and have little chance of ever seeing them again. However these guys are superb and are now capable of filling even the largest of venues. Superb sound and amazing light show. Friday 7 April 2006: I saw the "real" Pink Floyd in Liverpool in 1967 and have little chance of ever seeing them again. However these guys are superb and are now capable of filling even the largest of venues. Superb sound and amazing light show.

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]]> Fri Apr 7 2006 Jethro Tull at Symphony Hall - Birmingham http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c878019.html Last time I saw Tull was at Mountford Hall in Liverpool in 1972. Ian Anderson was just as eloquent and musically innovative as he was then. I had great difficulty holding the little Nikon S1 camera still and with a slow shutter speed they're a bit blurred.- sorry. Thursday 2 March 2006: Last time I saw Tull was at Mountford Hall in Liverpool in 1972. Ian Anderson was just as eloquent and musically innovative as he was then. I had great difficulty holding the little Nikon S1 camera still and with a slow shutter speed they're a bit blurred.- sorry.

The stage is set. Please stand still! Balls! Big bouncy balls. Violinist Lucia Micarelli stood still long enough for me to capture her image.

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]]> Thu Mar 2 2006 A last look at Christmas in Stratford upon Avon http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c818369.html Before the Christmas lights come down. Thursday 5 January 2006: Before the Christmas lights come down.

Stratford upon Avon branch of Barclays Bank where all of Warwick Energy's money lies - Deep & Crisp & Even.......

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]]> Thu Jan 5 2006 A walk around the Roman Walls of Chester http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c814109.html I arrived in Chester on board the steam hauled End-of-Year special from Birmingham. A walk around the walls was a must and what a contrast! The city centre was heaving with people but it was peace and tranquility up on the city walls. Friday 30 December 2005: I arrived in Chester on board the steam hauled End-of-Year special from Birmingham. A walk around the walls was a must and what a contrast! The city centre was heaving with people but it was peace and tranquility up on the city walls.

The magnificent Chester General station. The design is thought to have been based on Osbourne House in Isle of Wight. The former home of Queen Victoria. The Victorian clock above the Eastgate Street bridge The clock above the eastgate Street bridge A view out of town from the Eastgate Street bridge A view towards the city centre from the eastgate Street bridge What a contrast. The wall walk was deserted. A haven of peace and tranquility. The Roman wall heading towards the river Dee The Roman wall The bridge across Pepper Street A view of the Roman ampitheatre from the wall A example of Roman hypocaust flooring A view along The Groves towards the suspension footbridge The bridge and bandstand The weir from Handbridge in the sunshine The Roman wall from Handbridge The offices of Cheshire County Council A quiet sunlit park in front of the council offices The remains of Chester castle from the walls After crossing Grosvenor Road the wall passes The Roodee. Now a racecourse this was originally a port where Roman ships landed having navigated the River Dee The Roodee The Roman wall crosses the railway which itself crosses the canal. The wall turns to run parallel with the canal. A wall lock-up can be seen here. Looking back towards the river old canal buildings that have been converted into homes can be seen The bridge across Northgate Street The canal can clearly be seen in this view at the bottom of a deep gorge cut into the sandstone Chester Cathedral can be seen across the parkland King Charles Tower built into the wall King Charles' Tower The writing's on the wall for Charles The wall walk soon reaches a conclusion with the Eastgate Bridge in the distance The rear view of the Cathedral The front of the sandstone built cathedral in bright sunshine The Chester City Town Hall Another view of the cathedral Some of the superb B&W buildings on Northgate Street Northgate Street On A view from The Rows A final look at The cathedral and I'm off back to the station. Developments continue along the canal converting old buildings into flats and apartments.

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]]> Fri Dec 30 2005 Antony Gormley - "The Other Place" http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c790366.html Crosby beach, Merseyside ----------------------------------- IT'S ART Saturday 10 December 2005: Crosby beach, Merseyside ----------------------------------- IT'S ART

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]]> Sat Dec 10 2005 Coventry Blaze v Nottingham Panthers http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c770328.html Coventry Blaze took on arch rivals Nottingham panthers in the Elite league of Ice Hockey at The Coventry Skydome on Sunday evening. Panthers took an early lead which went to two ahead but a come back by the Blaze only managed to pull one back. A great game in front of a full house. Sunday 20 November 2005: Coventry Blaze took on arch rivals Nottingham panthers in the Elite league of Ice Hockey at The Coventry Skydome on Sunday evening. Panthers took an early lead which went to two ahead but a come back by the Blaze only managed to pull one back. A great game in front of a full house.

The north stand filled with Coventry supporters A view over to the Nottingham supporters The Zamboni ice resurfacer machine was out of action when it was needed at the first break. The match was stopped after 10 minutes of the 2nd period when they got it fixed. There was then no break between the 2nd and 3rd periods. They're all ignoring me! The poor little team mascot was a very lonely little lad. A Coventry goalmouth mellee The Nottingham panthers take their turn to do a lap of victory The Coventry Blaze team take a rest at the end.

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]]> Sun Nov 20 2005 Sunset at Claverdon http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c768084.html In sub-zero temperatures the village of Claverdon in Warwickshire, situated at the top of a hill, was basking in the sunshine while the town of Warwick and most of the surrounding countryside was shrouded in fog. Saturday 19 November 2005: In sub-zero temperatures the village of Claverdon in Warwickshire, situated at the top of a hill, was basking in the sunshine while the town of Warwick and most of the surrounding countryside was shrouded in fog.

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]]> Sat Nov 19 2005 A cold Autumn morning at Wroxall Abbey http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c767513.html Wroxall Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire was on my route home from Solihull on Saturday morning and with the sun just filtering through it was an ideal opportunity for a photo project. I ventured around the back and was rewarded with a couple of very satisfying photos with the frost and frozen leaves. Saturday 19 November 2005: Wroxall Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire was on my route home from Solihull on Saturday morning and with the sun just filtering through it was an ideal opportunity for a photo project. I ventured around the back and was rewarded with a couple of very satisfying photos with the frost and frozen leaves.

A view back towards the entrance along the driveway The church was re-modelled by Sir Christopher Wren Dating from 1868 the mansion is now fully refurbished as a hotel.

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]]> Sat Nov 19 2005 Echo & the Bunnymen at Birmingham http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c752985.html Echo & the Bunnymen played the Birmingham Academy on Sunday 31st October. A great gig. Sunday 6 November 2005: Echo & the Bunnymen played the Birmingham Academy on Sunday 31st October. A great gig.

Outside The Academy The setlist lying on the sound mixing board.... Will I get it??? Yes I got the setlist! They always play with lights behind them. Well they're getting on a bit and it would ruin their image! Will Sergeant on guitar (family connection) and Ian McCullough with mike The END

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]]> Sun Nov 6 2005 Warwick Energy goes to Nice http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c742389.html A strategy meeting was recently held in Nice. Well it was Nice all round really. Wednesday 26 October 2005: A strategy meeting was recently held in Nice. Well it was Nice all round really.

Waiting More waiting Even more waiting Jamie and Amanda En route via taxi minibus to our hotel Cycling rickshaws Rob, Val & Janet take the sea air A passing yacht Where did those clouds come from? Busy street scene The Hotel Nice Riviera Pre-meal drinks Molly and Amanda Todays first lesson is taken from the book of St Vincent - Patron Saint of winemaking Pauline, Val and Claire Vanessa wisely keeps her distance from Richard The grace with Mark, Rob and Richard, Claire and val Pauline demonstrates her flipper action In pensive mood Was my toupe slipping John? Perhaps not after all.... Jamie eats his snails while John says a prayer Extracting the snails Fresh oysters anybody? No thanks I just need to suck on a lemon after eating that snail. A dissected Lobster and Pauline munching an oyster You call THAT a lobster. We have prawns bigger than that! Richard and Claire Jamie & Amanda The under the table limbo competition commences Molly won the limbo competition. The prize? 12 more oysters! Ted, Rob & Vanessa In the FloNice Restaurant Mark playing the piano I'll drink to that After the superb meal A last look at the carnage we left behind. Deserted streets en route from Restaurant to Hotel A view out the hotel window. I was bored OK! The local synagogue Sunrise 27th October. Some people did meet the 8am target! Jamie puts his toe in the water Help Im drowning! The Great White was just out of shot

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]]> Wed Oct 26 2005 Liverpool FC - European Super Cup Winners 2005 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c724374.html Playing around with the camera - The subject deserves display.. I'm slightly biased though. Friday 26 August 2005: Playing around with the camera - The subject deserves display.. I'm slightly biased though.

Rafael Benitez being interviewed after the match Djibril Cisse Jamie Carragher lifts the cup Jamie Carragher Proud captain for the night Jamie Carragher lifts the cup Liverpool FC Winners Luis Garcia Monaco Stadium - Says it all Djibril Cisse interviewed after the match Captain Jamie Carragher

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]]> Fri Aug 26 2005 BBC filming Alistair McGowan's Gil Mayo murders in Claverdon http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c724126.html UPDATE>>>> First episode being screened 12th March 06..... BBC Filming in Claverdon in October 2005. BIG Impression comic Alistair McGowan is to star as a wise-cracking TV policeman. The impressionist, best known for mimicking famous faces such as David Beckham and Gary Lineker, will play detective Gil Mayo in a new eight-part BBC1 series. In the series, being shot in Leamington Spa, Warks, Mayo flirts with sexy detective sergeant Alex Jones - played by Jessica Oyelowo. It will be shown in the spring. Wednesday 12 October 2005: UPDATE>>>> First episode being screened 12th March 06..... BBC Filming in Claverdon in October 2005. BIG Impression comic Alistair McGowan is to star as a wise-cracking TV policeman. The impressionist, best known for mimicking famous faces such as David Beckham and Gary Lineker, will play detective Gil Mayo in a new eight-part BBC1 series. In the series, being shot in Leamington Spa, Warks, Mayo flirts with sexy detective sergeant Alex Jones - played by Jessica Oyelowo. It will be shown in the spring.

Park Farm house with the TV lights outside. The Grip unit. Eh??? Lighting outside Park Farm house The closed church carpark Alistair Mcgowans Honda NSX just over our fence. It was locked... Well I am a scouser. The Red Lion at Claverdon car park FULL of actors caravans The old smithy and filming direction signs

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]]> Wed Oct 12 2005 Shots around the Isle of Man July 2005 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c666348.html Shots around the Isle of Man July 2005 Tuesday 25 July 2006: Shots around the Isle of Man July 2005

The Bay hotel at Port Erin The Falcons Nest Hotel also at Port Erin Port Erin Departing from Port Erin The disused lifeboat station Full speed ahead Peel castle comes into view A seal poked its head up to say hello Where's my fish? The local bobbies - the same but different! A group were playing outside The Creek Inn at Peel. Their rendition of A lifeboat launch took place while we were at Peel Nice fishing boat... Oh We're in his berth QUICK lets go. Arrival back at Port Erin A local catch of crab My slaves drag the rib out of the water at Port Erin Meanwhile what should appear out of the sun but the Isle of Man ferry Ben-my-Chree on a round the island cruise to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the IOM Steam packet Co. It was low tide and still the ship came right into the bay The vessel stopped and turned a full 180 degrees and with a very long blast on the horn she slowly moved back out of the bay at Port Erin Ben-my-Chree nmoved slowly out of Port Erin With the sun very low on the horizon Ben-my-Chree moves out of Port Erin on its tour of the island. Any ideas? A shrew perhaps A last look at the bay at Port Erin A view across from the Chasms A plague of jelly fish greeted me on Port Erin beach

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]]> Tue Jul 25 2006 Saumur in the Loire valley http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c645770.html Saumur - home of Bouvet Ladubay, Gratien & Meyer, Ackerman, Veuve Amiot etc. Also home to Saumur Champigny. On Thursday 4th August a street party was held called La Grande Tablee de Saumur Champigny to celebrate the new years vintage. Over 4,500 people attended with two kilometeres of tables and chairs all set out in front of the town hall. An excellent evening - hic! Sunday 8 August 2004: Saumur - home of Bouvet Ladubay, Gratien & Meyer, Ackerman, Veuve Amiot etc. Also home to Saumur Champigny. On Thursday 4th August a street party was held called La Grande Tablee de Saumur Champigny to celebrate the new years vintage. Over 4,500 people attended with two kilometeres of tables and chairs all set out in front of the town hall. An excellent evening - hic!

The view across to the chateau from the hotel The town hall The chateau at Saumur A vineyard at Saumur In 2001 after torrentialrain a major collapse of one of the ramparts to the chateau occurred. Repairs are well underway but the chateau will not re-open until 2007. some of the rampart repairs Veuve Amiot Inside the cave at Veuve Amiot Bouvet Ladubay The new entrance drive to Gratien & Meyer An arty shot Gratien & Mayer The town centre at St Nicolas de Bourgueil A view over the River Loire Saumur Chateau Just setting up for this shot and a little lad ran round and got in my shot. Who is he? I have no idea. Another arty shot outside the Saumur Town Hall Some happy looking Frenchmen (not!) An arty shot of the Tricolor outside the town hall in Saumur Just down the valley is the Chateau de Montsorrel Ackerman's cave. You always wanted to know this. Could be a question on

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]]> Sun Aug 8 2004 Gardeners World LIVE at NEC http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c597838.html The National Exhibition Centre is a few miles away and is a good place to purchase garden kit a bit cheaper and see some excellent displays. Even bumped into the VT webmaster! Wednesday 29 June 2005: The National Exhibition Centre is a few miles away and is a good place to purchase garden kit a bit cheaper and see some excellent displays. Even bumped into the VT webmaster!

Joe Swift of BBC TV fame gives a talk

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]]> Wed Jun 29 2005 Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c594737.html Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa Monday 20 June 2005: Jephson Gardens in Leamington Spa

The suspension bridge over the River Leam The glass house in Jephson Gardens.

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]]> Mon Jun 20 2005 Warwick Castle http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c574882.html Warwick Castle is just down the road from where I live so having an annual season ticket means visits can be made regularly. This time I've tried to capture the feeling of the scenes inside the castle. The drapes are kept down to try and avoid the light fading the fabrics in the rooms. With flash photography banned inside the Royal Apartments a stable base for the camera using a relatively slow shutter speed was essential. Clearly a tripod was out of the question so I was using tables, chairs and even wedging the camera against the odd door frame to avoid the shakes. Saturday 11 June 2005: Warwick Castle is just down the road from where I live so having an annual season ticket means visits can be made regularly. This time I've tried to capture the feeling of the scenes inside the castle. The drapes are kept down to try and avoid the light fading the fabrics in the rooms. With flash photography banned inside the Royal Apartments a stable base for the camera using a relatively slow shutter speed was essential. Clearly a tripod was out of the question so I was using tables, chairs and even wedging the camera against the odd door frame to avoid the shakes.

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]]> Sat Jun 11 2005 Liverpool http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c528419.html The Greatest City in the World (I may be a bit biased with this statement written after a few glasses of wine in a week when Liverpool FC beat Chelsea). The rest, as they say, is History. European Champions for the 5th time. Thursday 5 May 2005: The Greatest City in the World (I may be a bit biased with this statement written after a few glasses of wine in a week when Liverpool FC beat Chelsea). The rest, as they say, is History. European Champions for the 5th time.

It says it all really. The concrete luggage on Hope Street with the Mersey Funnel (The catholic cathedral) in the background The Paul McCartney School of Fame The Liver Building, Cunard Building and Mersey Docks & Harbour Board Building - The Three Graces. I suspect the building with the Great Western Railway on it is wrong. The closest the GWR got was Birkenhead Woodside over the river. This was LNWR and then LMS territory. View from the Albert Dock The Pier Head buildings from Canning half tide dock Liverpool Town Hall at the top of Castle Street er.... dunno Minesweepers in the Canning Dock Minesweepers in the Albert Dock Liverpool - John Lennon - Airport The MAN himself looking down inside the airport concourse Liverpool Airport The Anglican cathedral with the catholic cathedral at the other end of Hope Street. The Pier Head, Albert Dock and maritime Museum sites HMS Ark Royal off the Liverpool Landing Stage The Liver Building at night HMS Arethusa on the Landing Stage. I was working in the Liver Buildings at this time and was able to take a stroll along the river at lunchtimes. The Tall Ships in Birkenhead Docks as evening falls A slide scan of Empress of Canada on the Liverpool Landing Stage in 1967. Taken from the New Brighton ferry. The Liver Building had not been cleaned at this time. It was jet black from 60 years of soot. In the late 70's a huge clean up program commenced and many buildings were sand blasted to tidy them up.

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]]> Thu May 5 2005 Rose Cottage - Isle of Man http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c471710.html Rose Cottage at Ballagreyney on the Isle of Man is a totally restored old farm cottage in a beautiful quiet setting in the hills above Colby. Philip and Kirrie have done a fantastic job in providing luxury 5 star self-catering accommodation and have thought of everything to make a holiday stay memorable. The latest addition for my third visit in 6 months has been Sky Digital TV. Its only 10 minutes away from Port Erin or Port St Mary and with its own huge grounds is ideal for a safe family holiday. Recommended. http://www.visitisleofman.net/index.html Monday 21 March 2005: Rose Cottage at Ballagreyney on the Isle of Man is a totally restored old farm cottage in a beautiful quiet setting in the hills above Colby. Philip and Kirrie have done a fantastic job in providing luxury 5 star self-catering accommodation and have thought of everything to make a holiday stay memorable. The latest addition for my third visit in 6 months has been Sky Digital TV. Its only 10 minutes away from Port Erin or Port St Mary and with its own huge grounds is ideal for a safe family holiday. Recommended. http://www.visitisleofman.net/index.html

Master bedroom Bathroom Bathroom The twin bedroom Stairway The balcony from the master bedroom Master bedroom The Lounge The lounge The fully fitted kitchen. Dishwasher, fridge, freezer, etc Rose Cottage Ballagreyney Ballagreyney post box with daffodils Ballagreyney entrance Nameplate Entrance Hall - Rose Cottage The balcony

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]]> Mon Mar 21 2005 Isle of Man http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c464474.html This was my first visit to the Isle of Man in late September 2004. It was far better than I had imagined and was quiet, very green and friendly. They even have a Parliament and Ministers. Dare I say it but its QUAINT. Recommended. Also take a look at a gallery of Isle of Man steam train photos at:- www.locoperformance.co.uk/edition20/pictures20ch.htm Tuesday 15 March 2005: This was my first visit to the Isle of Man in late September 2004. It was far better than I had imagined and was quiet, very green and friendly. They even have a Parliament and Ministers. Dare I say it but its QUAINT. Recommended. Also take a look at a gallery of Isle of Man steam train photos at:- www.locoperformance.co.uk/edition20/pictures20ch.htm

I had arrived at Heysham by car to catch the ferry but caught a shot of a service train from lancaster. The remains of Heysham Station are a mess! Ready to cast off. Very windy weather and dark grey clouds. I was not looking forward to this. Heysham nuclear power station. I stayed on the rear deck. Out of the wind and able to keep my eye on the horizon. No illness! Arrival at Douglas. The vessel pulled into the harbour and turned 180. Then she reversed onto the loading dock. Port St. mary with the lifeboat. A diver was examining the base of the harbour wall The lifeboat at port St. Mary The bar at the Bay Hotel, Port Erin. Port Erin Port Erin Looking over to the Calf of Man The hils are mostly rolling and easy Port Erin Castletown Square The harbour at Castletown Castletown (there's so many South Africans living there its known as Cape Town) The first office for the steamship company at castletown Harbour at Castletown On the dockside at Castletown Castletown Square The Laxey Wheel The Laxey Wheel I was there the day BEFORE the celebrations for the 150th anniversary! A close up of the wheel The Wheel was used to pump water from the zinc mines nearby Evening departure from Douglas harbour

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]]> Tue Mar 15 2005 David Austin Roses - Albrighton http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c456778.html I visited the nurseries of David Austin Roses at Albrighton, 8 miles west of Wolverhampton last September to make selections for the coming season. I used the visit as a technical photography exercise. Dont ask me the names of the roses! checkout their website....www.davidaustinroses.com Tuesday 8 March 2005: I visited the nurseries of David Austin Roses at Albrighton, 8 miles west of Wolverhampton last September to make selections for the coming season. I used the visit as a technical photography exercise. Dont ask me the names of the roses! checkout their website....www.davidaustinroses.com

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]]> Tue Mar 8 2005 Portmeirion http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c449147.html Walking into Portmeirion for the first time in 1984 was stunning. It was like walking onto a film set. Well it was a film set for The Prisoner TV series. We've been back many times since 1984 staying in the village and in the hotel. These photos were taken March 2004. Its a very relaxing place to take a holiday break. - Recommended Tuesday 1 March 2005: Walking into Portmeirion for the first time in 1984 was stunning. It was like walking onto a film set. Well it was a film set for The Prisoner TV series. We've been back many times since 1984 staying in the village and in the hotel. These photos were taken March 2004. Its a very relaxing place to take a holiday break. - Recommended

The stone boat The Hotel Portmeirion and the swimming pool The grotto The Piazza and Triumphal Arch The Pantheon The Triumphal Arch and Telfords Tower The Dolphin and the Bell Tower View from the Hotel The Blue Room in the Hotel Portmeirion The Blue Room The Blue Room The hotel lobby area Reflections in a tea pot at Castell Deudraeth Castell Deudraeth Castell Deudraeth. This was A view through the archway towards Battery Square Battery Square at night The No. 6 shop. Originally this was No 6's house The Blue Room in the evening Taking a rest at the hotel The view up to The Town Hall The base of the tower and Priors Lodging I agree!!! The Dolphin and Bell Towerfrom the hotel General View from the hotel

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]]> Tue Mar 1 2005 Warwick Castle Frost Fair - December 2004 http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c449143.html What a superb location for a skating rink! In the grounds of probably the best preserved castle in the country. December 2004. It is hoped to provide the same facilities next winter. Tuesday 1 March 2005: What a superb location for a skating rink! In the grounds of probably the best preserved castle in the country. December 2004. It is hoped to provide the same facilities next winter.

The main castle entrance - Sodium lights yuk The main gateway

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]]> Tue Mar 1 2005 Warwick and the Castle http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c446672.html Warwick Castle 2004. The joisting was very entertaining and skillful. The riders are all stuntmen and women and have appeared in films such as Lord of The Rings. Expensive for a day trip but as its just down the road from where I live its well worthwhile to purchase a season ticket and drop in any time. Sunday 27 February 2005: Warwick Castle 2004. The joisting was very entertaining and skillful. The riders are all stuntmen and women and have appeared in films such as Lord of The Rings. Expensive for a day trip but as its just down the road from where I live its well worthwhile to purchase a season ticket and drop in any time.

Warwick Castle from the Banbury road bridge The best view of Warwick Castle Tickets

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]]> Sun Feb 27 2005 Images around Claverdon, Warwickshire http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c443604.html Images around Claverdon, Warwickshire Thursday 24 February 2005: Images around Claverdon, Warwickshire

4965 Rood Ashton Hall with the Sunday lunchtime Shakespeare Express through Claverdon Park Drive Park Drive Station Road towards the Train Station An empty station in the snow No trains on this platform The old station buildings now a private office Looking back up the hill

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]]> Thu Feb 24 2005 Wellesbourne House & Charlecote Manor http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c441475.html Images from Wellesbourne House and Charlecote Manor - February 2005 Tuesday 22 February 2005: Images from Wellesbourne House and Charlecote Manor - February 2005

That tree just HAS to go! Half way gone... Watch out! The final bough breaks The main hall - Wellesbourne House Wellesbourne House Charlecote Charlecote manor in the snow Vulcan XM655 under a blanket of snow at Wellesbourne airfield Wellesbourne House

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]]> Tue Feb 22 2005 West Lancashire Images http://clivesgeneralphotos.fotopic.net/c429518.html Images are from scanned 35mm negatives that have not survived the last few years in the loft very well. No great works of art but they capture a moment in time. Saturday 12 February 2005: Images are from scanned 35mm negatives that have not survived the last few years in the loft very well. No great works of art but they capture a moment in time.

A E Walsby's shop on Chapel Street Southport Burscough Mill Methodist Church in Bescar lane The corner shop in Bescar lane. Now sadly closed. Lancaster bomber and fighter escort over Southport pier Lancaster bomber at southport Lancaster bomber at southport Lord Street and the CLC (Cheshire Lines Committee) Railway station. After the railway closed in the 1950's it became a bus station. Now its a Safeway (or Morrisson) supermarket. The grand entrance to the station. Demolition of Maghull Grammar School Demolition of Maghull Grammar School Demolition of maghull Grammar School. My form room was upstairs in the centre of the photo! National Westminster bank on bescar lane. Now a (small) house Frozen Rufford branch of the leeds Liverpool canal. The Swan public house behind Bescar Lane railway station. Everything in this image has gone now. The old signalbox was demolished, the pub has been demolished and a small housing estate constructed and of course the semaphore signal at the station has been superceded. Who pulled the plug out? The Leeds Liverpool canal drained for maintenance A view from our old house in Bescar lane. The little tractor sank then the big tractor came to pull him out and ALMOST got stuck as well! The Rufford branch of the Leeds Liverpool canal. Before the marina was constructed. Rufford (compare with the frozen canal shot) The closed and boarded up Hesketh Arms. The centre of Rufford. This pub has now been re-opened and Rufford is slowly becoming a tourist destination with two canal marinas being constructed over the last 5 years.

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