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Where the signs outnumber the trees – HS2 progress
Everywhere I look, there are signs. There are warning signs, diversion signs, public right of way signs. They puncture the landscape, each one a reminder that HS2 is reshaping the countryside in ways both visible and invisible. Since my last visit, the HS2 works have progressed. The path where the trains will run is now clearly … Continue reading Blog
From Storm Clouds to Tudor Calm: My Visit to Canons Ashby
A visit to a new National Trust property is always exciting, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to explore Canons Ashby near Northampton. I drove from Rugby, where I had stayed the night, and my SatNav showed that the route was due south to the property. What it did not reveal, however, was … Continue reading Blog
A Foggy Morning at Cracks Hill
Cracks Hill is near the village of Crick, just over the border from Warwickshire. My daughter lives in Houlton, close to Crick, and I was visiting her when the weather forecast predicted thick fog for the morning. I drove over and walked across the fields, along the canal, and up to Cracks Hill. The fog … Continue reading Blog
A Library Without Books: More Photographs of the Library of Birmingham
I had been feeling a little jaded and in need of some new inspiration for my photography. To spark a fresh way of seeing, I decided to give myself a challenge: to photograph the Library of Birmingham without showing any books. It sounded simple, but it pushed me to look at the building differently and … Continue reading Blog
Burst of Colour on the Streets of Worcester
I travelled to Worcester in search of streets with burst of colour, even though the weather forecast looked less than promising. Accompanied by my daughter and grandson, we set off to explore the city’s urban art scene during the Worcester Paint Festival. From hidden alleyways to large murals, Worcester proved to be a colourful place, … Continue reading Blog
500 Blog Posts: A Milestone in My Photographic Journey
This is my 500th blog post — a remarkable milestone in my blogging journey. I first began writing my blog on this website on 27th December 2016, although my experience with online storytelling stretches back much further. Since 2006, I ran a work blog for the School of Dentistry, and even before that, in the … Continue reading Blog
Discovering St Alban the Martyr Church during Birmingham Heritage Week
St Alban the Martyr Church is situated in Highgate, Birmingham. To get there, I took the No. 35 bus and then walked up the hill towards the church. Birmingham Heritage Week is a highlight of September, offering Birmingham residents the chance to visit places that are normally closed to the public or venues that many may … Continue reading Blog
Discovering the Serbian Church of the Holy Prince Lazar in Bournville
Birmingham Heritage Week always reveals intriguing places to explore. Each year, the programme goes live at the end of summer, and tickets for the most popular destinations are quickly snapped up. For this year’s Birmingham Heritage week, I set my sights on two churches I had not previously visited, along with a guided walk in … Continue reading Blog
Railway Arches, Coffee Shops, and Quiet Streets: Discovering Balsall Heath
Balti Triangle, the Number 50 bus, Alcester Road, Ladypool Lane, Moseley Road Baths, and the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood. The diversity of Balsall Heath is renowned, which provides an insight into its character. The area does not stand still, with a rich history reflecting the growth and wealth of the city. Whilst Balsall Heath was initially … Continue reading Blog