Gig Time

Went to a gig in Leeds with Paul, Emilie and Danielle. Nubiyan Twist are a hip Jazz band formed in Leeds, now in London. Fantastic venue, great crowd, vibrant gig. We all loved it.

 

YOS continued

I asked visitors to pick their three favourite images from those that I was exhibiting (65 in total). This is always of interest to me. The top ten so far (half way through) is an interesting mix of old favourites and new shots. Number one at the moment is this piece of beautiful Barnsley history - an old packhorse bridge. 

Line of Beauty

YOS Weekend 1

The first weekend of 2026 York Open Studios is over. It went well, with plenty of visitors, sales pretty good, and interest high. I had little time to photograph things, but here is a shot.

 

Stroll 60 Sheffield to Hathersage

The path from the centre of Sheffield up to the Peak District is a great experience. Leaving the pleasing city centre up on the hill, the path goes through the University, then the marvellous botanical gardens before following Porter Brook through, first a formalised park, then a wilder public space, before leaving it and climbing to the moors. That is where I found this beautiful track across the peat bogs. Right up my street.

 

Stroll 59

From the same canal, this house had a bit of a creepy feel.

I have been very busy getting ready for Open Studios. Treating the wood on the front of the house, trimming the hedges, sweeping the yard. And doing the labels, putting up the signs etc.

All starts tomorrow.

 

Stroll 59 Congleton to Macclesfield

Tuesday was a spring day. First Shorts Day for me too. Just perfect for a walk on the wonderous Macclesfield canal through Cheshire lands. Plenty of people getting their boats ready for the summer too.

 

Stroll 58 Sunderland to South Shields

 

I walked along the North Sea coast to complete the section of my stroll from Middlesborough to the Tyne in  Newcastle. An amazing walk, the beach and rocks at Sunderland never fail to surprise me with their drama and beauty.

Easter

 Rowan came home for Easter, a very pleasant time. Adrian and Cathy came for Sunday lunch, and we had Alfie for the night as well. 

We walked at Escrick, you can see Danielle Rowan and Alfie to the left, with Layla cooling off in the beck.

Stroll 57 pt2

 

There is no doubt about it, having Jarrow Abbey surviving in this most unpromising environment is a thing of wonder.

Stroll 57 Newcastle to South Shields

 

I took the path along the south side of the Tyne. A pretty amazing route past old industrial units, repurposed shipyards, abandoned collieries and Jarrow Abbey home to the Venerable Bead.

This shot is of a strangely unreal horse staring straight at me and the dog as we walked past.

London 7

 The Tuesday I got the North London Line (now renamed the Mildmay Line) from Highbury & Islington to Richmond. One of my favourite journeys. Then I walked along the Thames to Olympia, and got the train back in time to meet Danielle at Kings Cross. Danielle was running a work event on the Wednesday, so we walked to the hotel at Farringdon, then met Rowan for a meal together. The next day, I got the train home, with Danielle arriving later on after a successful event. Emilie had been looking after the house and the dog. Phew. 

Down by the river

London 6

Monday Rowan was off to work, whilst I took the train to Ally Pally then walked through old haunts to see Rob's widow Kath at her house in Crouch End. She is doing pretty well, and has friends all around her. I then walked through Highgate woods, and Waterlow Park before meeting up with Rowan in town. We had something to eat in a vegan place on Wardour Street then went to the Totally Football live show off Leicester Square. This was my Christmas present from Rowan, and we both really enjoyed the podcast-derived show.