Sunday, May 21, 2006

Rain, rain, rain ...

... and not only that, but dark as well. I've heard about theories of global dimming, and on days like this I wonder if they are true. Today I wondered if it was worth taking the camera out with me, but then stuffed it in my pocket all the same, and captured a few images.



First up, we have a view up Halfpenny Lane from the "ramp" that connects it with King Street and Love Lane.



Here we have a few little flowers growing out of a wall, which I would not have thought would be their ideal habitat. Well, it just goes to show, life can thrive in the oddest of places.



Finally, I thought I would throw in yet another view of Pontefract's ubiquitous sandstone crags and cliffs, most likely formed through quarrying and road building in the past. These are some of the highest and most dramatic, and are near Halfpenny Lane. I don't think I would like to live in the little house perched at the top.

Monday, May 08, 2006


OK - here's a photo that is not of Pontefract, but, who knows, there may be some past local residents in it. I came across this one walking through Leeds market - the open market that is between the covered market and the bus station, where all kinds of second hand paraphernalia can be found - old tobacco tins, badges, magazines, books, photos, etc.

The location of this shot is evidently one of the terraces of the Houses of Parliament, in fact it may well be the terrace of the House of Commons. You can see Westminster Bridge in the background. It looks as though there has been some kind of ceremony, possibly some kind of presentation, as medals are very much in evidence - particularly on the women, who seem to form the majority of the crowd.

As the photo turned up in Leeds, it may be reasonable to assume that somebody travelled down from Leeds to this event.

The approximate date of this gathering is a bit of a mystery - some have said it may be just after the Second World War. Any ideas? If you think you know the year and the event let us know via the commments.