View from Royal Observatory Greenwich overlooking London skyline

Amateur Photographer magazine held its Festival of Photography at the University of Greenwich. Getting to the south bank area of London from Birmingham was a long journey, but I was pleasantly surprised by how quick and efficient London’s transport system was, with tubes and buses linking up seamlessly. I arrived an hour before the start, which gave me ample opportunity to wander around the beautiful buildings of the old Navy School.

Historic architecture of the University of Greenwich photographed at sunrise
Historic architecture of the University of Greenwich photographed at sunrise (featured by the BBC)
Historic architecture of the University of Greenwich photographed at sunrise
Reflection of the sunrise at the old Navy Buildings, Greenwich
A runner passes part of the historic coat of arms at old Navy College, Greenwich.
A runner passes part of the historic coat of arms at the old Navy College, Greenwich.

I took several pictures as the early sun began to rise, and one was selected by BBC Weather. The conference itself was very good. During the morning session, I heard several speakers, including Ron Timehin and Amanda Akokhia, both of whom gave lively talks packed with photographic advice.

Discussion at the Amateur Photographer Festival of Photography, Greenwich
Peter Dench interviewing Ethan Parker and James Manning at the Amateur Photographer Festival of Photography, Greenwich.

One session was a discussion forum on “A Career in News and Documentary Photography.” Peter Dench interviewed Ethan Parker and James Manning, two young photographers who have quickly become established in their field. James works for PA Media, while Ethan is a recent winner of the Amateur Photographer Emerging Photographer of the Year award. The discussion covered many issues in documentary photography, and all three panellists kept the conversation engaging and insightful. All the lectures I attended were excellent and provided valuable tips on improving photography.

The Royal Greenwich Observatory towering above the town.
The Royal Greenwich Observatory towering above the town.

At lunchtime, I visited the National Maritime Museum and then had time to walk up the hill to the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The view from the summit is amazing, and I found that my iPhone zoom captured a lovely compressed image of the old Navy School against the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. This picture is at the start of my blog and below is the panoramic view of London.

Panorama view of London from the Royal Obersvatory Greenwich
Panorama view of London from the Royal Obersvatory Greenwich

That afternoon, I took part in a photowalk with Mr Whisper, which is the subject of another blog. On the way back home, I took a river bus operated by Uber and enjoyed spectacular views of Canary Wharf lit up by the setting sun.

Evening river bus journey with London skyline views.
Evening river bus journey with London skyline views.

Enjoy this then here is another London blog posts to read.

Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025

If you want to escape the Hell’s Kitchen that is Euston Station whilst waiting for your train, visit this delightful pop-up park. The theme echoes the past people and life of the area, providing a quiet place to sit and watch the world go by.

Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025
The entrance to Starcross Yard
Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025
Striking artwork within the pop-up park.

I came across Starcross Yard by accident. My train was delayed at Euston Station, which is a common story. I therefore went out to the west of the station and walked along Drummond Street. I often walk along here to and from the station, using it as a shortcut to Triton Square, where there are sparkling skyscrapers and interesting pieces of art to photograph. To get there, you must walk across an area slated for the HS2 station. There is not much going on there now, as there is still debate over whether the station will be built. As you move along, security is intense, with several guards and wardens stationed near the entrance to Drummond Street.

camdengreenloop
Old ironwork vs new steel buildings.


Instead of going straight on, I turned right into Starcross Street, and this is where I found the pop up park. Starcross yard sits on the former site of the Maria Fidelis School, which was closed and relocated due to HS2 construction. Now, it has been transformed into a temporary pop-up park. With a triangular footprint, the small green area features a circular yellow mural and several benches. An interesting structure of four metal posts forms a canopy—these posts were taken from King’s Cross Station and thus maintain the railway connection. At one end, there is a training centre, and along the railings, information boards share stories of past people and events in the area.

Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025
A drink at the Exmouth Arms

Drummond Street and Starcross Yard are now home to a diverse community, mainly Bengali and Pakistani. Drummond Street boasts a rich mix of restaurants, sweet shops, and eateries, as well as a few public houses serving independent brews. As the sun streamed down, the shimmering glass towers of Triton Square loomed in the distance, but my attention remained on the pop-up park. I appreciated the little details that made the space unique, as my pictures show.

Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025
Echoes of place on the railings of Starcross Yard

The park also inspired me to research the names and histories mentioned on the information boards. I have returned a couple of times and plan to visit again in the future. How long the park will remain is uncertain, given the ongoing debate about HS2’s future at Euston, but until then, it will continue to be a welcome space for the community to enjoy.

Starcross Yard, Euston, HS2, March, 2025
The view of the Skyscrapers of Triton Square.
Manchester July 2022

I visited Manchester as part of a PhD examination at the Univeristy, and it gave me the chance to see the city again.  Manchester is part of my early life and as a dental student, I loved being in the city.  In the seventies, life was very different, but the music scene was a big part of my life including Punk Rock, and the rise of Joy Division and the Buzzcocks.  Manchester looks and feels very different today and I struggle to find the same landmarks in many parts of the city.  Old buildings have been renovated. High rise living is everywhere.  You can now stroll along the Rochdale canal rather than being able to walk on the water due to the rubbish.  

Manchester July 2022
The Manchester tram seen from Piccadilly station.

These are the pictures taken on my walk from Piccadilly Station to the University of Birmingham and back again.  I walked through the Gay Village along the canal and then onto Oxford Road.  I varied my route the next day to take in a few more areas as I returned to Piccadilly station.  Cities like Birmingham and Manchester are under constant change and all for the better in most cases.  I hope you enjoy my view of Manchester.

Manchester July 2022
Light and shadows on the canal
Manchester July 2022
Flowers on the canal
Manchester July 2022
Young people on the canal

Manchester July 2022
Colour on the canals
Manchester July 2022
Oxford road building

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