The chance to stroll around Rugby Town with my camera was too good an opportunity to miss. Whilst the family were at the soft play premises in the town centre, I was able to take photographs on the streets.
Rugby town centre reflects how many small to medium-sized towns are evolving. The heart of the town is becoming lifeless and losing its atmosphere. There are people in the numerous coffee shops, but there are also many empty and boarded-up shops. This was a Sunday afternoon and, besides those shopping at the local supermarket, only a few individuals were moving around.
There are parts of the town that still have a dignified look, such as Regent Street. Other parts of the town centre are very quiet. The main Rugby Central shopping area is largely empty, with few people around.
During my walk, I headed down to Caldecott Park to see the large life-sized rugby ball. I then followed the road to the aptly named “The Black Path” bridge, which crosses the main West Coast railway line. This is always a good place for photographs. It is a major pedestrian thoroughfare, yet the caged structure and general grime create an atmospheric setting that is ideal for street photography.
While my black and white photography may have painted a bleak picture, there were some touches of colour, particularly around the yarn bombing of trees and benches. There is still laughter, too, attempting to lift the downbeat feel of the town.
If you liked this view of Street Photography in Rugby then I have provided a link to blogs on Edinburgh and Digbeth, Birmingham.
