Tynemouth - Windy but sunny

Waves crash into the north face of the the pier.

A different world, the south facing side. Seabirds taking shelter in the sunlit lee of Tynemouth Pier

The statue of Collingwood, the naval officer rather than the cricketer.

A Geordie lad, he was the first to engage the enemy and Nelson's second in command at Trafalgar. He took over command when Nelson died. Ended his career Admiral Lord Collingwood, but died at sea circa 5 years after Trafalgar.

A rather more quirky shot, I do like quirky

Canon 5DII

TUC Day of Action - Gateshead Civic Centre

I was caught out and moved almost to tears by the band who played the old Methodist tune that I knew from my youth to "While Shepherds Watched", with the chorus "Sweet chiming Christmas Bells". Funny how an unexpected piece of music can carry you back to your childhood. The lovely banner is that of one of the teachers' unions.

For a protest primarily about pensions, there were a good number of relatively young participants.

Three smiling young nurses. This was a very sweet tempered event, most people were happy to pose for the camera.

Need I say more?

These and other photos of the event are on sale via the agency Alamy

Otters in Washington

They are to be seen wild down by the river Wear, but I photted these two at the Wetland Centre
They are the Asian short-clawed otters Rod and Musa.

Canon 5D 70-200L f4

North Shields - Clifford's Fort etc

Only the damaged walls of the fort remain, and, despite cycling past numerous times, I had not previously noticed this attractive piece of artwork on the riverside. I have carried out some "restoration" of the stained glass in photoshop, as it is in pretty poor condition. Eagle eyed observers might have picked up that what you see here is a mirror image of the actual object, but, this way, you can read what it says!

This lady threw out the remains of a fish and chip lot, which caused the local bird population to go beserk. Surprisingly the pigeons seemed to get the lion's share. Perhaps the gulls are feeding them up for Xmas?

Canon 5D

Lake District in Autumn

We enjoyed a fantastic weekend based in Keswick. The days started misty and cold, but then the sun came out and lit the soft autumnal colours of the fells.

Mist over Derwent Water

Borrowdale from Castle Crag

Another shot showing the mist over Derwent Water

Looking towards Rosthwaite From Castle Crag.

Canon 5D

Autumn Colour in Durham City

The old mill house and trees reflected in the mirror like surface of the river Wear.

The classic cathedral view, but none the worse for that!


Canon 5D

Beamish Museum in the Autumn

The replica London General Omnibus Co. bus passes a tree glowing with Autumn colour

The steam powered carousel

The driver of the reproduction steam locomotive "Locomotion", talks to visitors

Canon 5D

October Heatwave Hits Whitby!

Saturday 1st October 2011, and the sun shone at Whitby, perhaps to make up for its dismal performance throughout the summer!

The 40% scale replica of Captain Cook's HMS Endeavour enters Whitby harbour, all of the Whitby pleasure craft were kept very busy - an unexpected end of season bonus.

You can't go the seaside without eating fish and chips.

The beach was crowded

but there was still space for a cricket match!

Canon 5D

Spanish City - Whitley Bay

The Spanish City was thrown open to the public as one of a number of venues taking part in Heritage Open Day, within North Tyneside. The intention is that this building will become a part of a new hotel complex. The Spanish City features in Mark Knofler's Dire Straits song Tunnel of Love.

Visitors were able to climb up to the roof

but this is the interior view

The exotically clad young lady playing a tambourine

What you see from the roof, in the distance is St Mary's Island. Canon 5D 24-70L

Sunderland Folk Festival 2011

Saturday was not the best of days with a strong westerly wind and an overcast day, so the quayside performers took refuge within the lee of the National Glass Centre.

Click on any photo for an enlarged view. Follow the links in blue for more info.

Coming from a somewhat warmer clime, Zulu provided a thrilling display of dance and song.

Staying with the Z's, but a rather different form of entertainment, Zoot the comedic juggler made us all laugh.

Zoot involved two brave young volunteers.

Foot tapping music with the Appalachian Clogging side Step This Way and the Bones Creek Band

and youngsters demonstrating their skill at Irish dancing

Saltburn

I went to Saltburn for the Folk Festival, but got there early enough to get a few shots of the seafront.

A sleeping giant stirs, Redcar steelworks coming into life.

For some shots only black and white will do.

but I like the touch of colour in this one

Henry Pease who extended the Stockton and Darlington Railway to Saltburn.