I am sometimes accused of being obsessive about my choice of subjects but occasionally I do stray away from Heritage Railways and classic bus events. If something else captures my attention I am more than happy to photograph and film it. Generally speaking it usually involves transport, as it used to be.
Blackpool in Lockdown
Like everywhere else in 2020 Blackpool was in Lockdown due to Covid 19. For almost Five months there has been no Heritage Trams running.
Preston Riversway Festival
Spent a couple of hours at the Riversway Festival on 21st July 2012. Visitors were entertained with musical acts and Street Performers. A variety of Boats including HMS Charger sailed around the Dock area in beautiful weather. There was also the added bonus of the Ribble Steam Railway's Friendly Engines for the kids.
Spent a couple of hours at the Riversway Festival on 21st July 2012. Visitors were entertained with musical acts and Street Performers. A variety of Boats including HMS Charger sailed around the Dock area in beautiful weather. There was also the added bonus of the Ribble Steam Railway's Friendly Engines for the kids.
The Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway
I have wanted to visit this Railway for a very long time. I finally managed to visit The Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway for the Diesel Gala on the 28th and 29th July 2012. I was not disappointed. Leaving Bo'ness Station, the train travels along the Banks of the Forth where there is a walkway with the Forth being a wonderful backdrop for the Railway offering some fantastic views.
A very impressive variety of Locomotives along with Glasgow class 303 'blue train' operated an intensive timetable all day Saturday and Sunday, with trains running into late evening on the Friday.
On arrival I was greeted with some foul weather, heavy rain and wind, but this didn't dampen (no pun intended) the enthusiasm of everyone who attended. The weather did improve over the weekend, the wind remained, with only some heavy showers but mostly it was lovely and sunny.
All in all apart from getting wet a few times it was a great event and I will certainly be returning.
I must say thanks to everyone at the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for the warm welcome,and for all the hard work you obviously put in producing an excellent Diesel Gala. See you all next time
A very impressive variety of Locomotives along with Glasgow class 303 'blue train' operated an intensive timetable all day Saturday and Sunday, with trains running into late evening on the Friday.
On arrival I was greeted with some foul weather, heavy rain and wind, but this didn't dampen (no pun intended) the enthusiasm of everyone who attended. The weather did improve over the weekend, the wind remained, with only some heavy showers but mostly it was lovely and sunny.
All in all apart from getting wet a few times it was a great event and I will certainly be returning.
I must say thanks to everyone at the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway for the warm welcome,and for all the hard work you obviously put in producing an excellent Diesel Gala. See you all next time
Black Country Living Museum
Step back in time at The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.
This is a fantastic journey back into how we used to live.
This was my first visit to the Black Country Museum and I was very impressed, only thing is the time really passed so fast that I will have to pay another visit as soon as possible.
Bancroft Mill
Had a great time at the Bancroft Mill at Barnoldswick on 18th August for one of their Steaming days. Why not pay a visit and help keep our Heritage alive. Anyone with a passion for steam will love it. Many thanks to all the volunteers who were so friendly, and very informative about the engines and the history of the mill.
Summerlee
I was shocked to realise that it was 10 years since I had been to The museum of Scottish Industrial Life in Coatbridge. As I was in Glasgow I decided to rectify this and pay another visit. The site of the nineteenth century steelworks in Coatbridge. It is also the home of The Summerlee Transport Group who operate the Heritage Tram fleet within the museum grounds. This small selection of Photos concentrate mainly on the trams operating on the day of my visit, and briefly on some of the exhibits in and around the museum itself. Trams in service were Lanarkshire Tramways Company No. 53, Düsseldorf 392 and last but not least Glasgow Corporation Tramways 1017.
My sincere thanks to everyone from The Summerlee Transport Group, especially George, Alexander and Innes for everything they did, It was very much appreciated.
My sincere thanks to everyone from The Summerlee Transport Group, especially George, Alexander and Innes for everything they did, It was very much appreciated.
Beamish Living Museum
The Beamish Living Museum held the 'Our Friends Electric' event from 4th to the 7th April 2013. The Beamish Home Fleet Trams and visitors Lisbon No.730 and Glasgow 1068 were in service and delighted everyone at the event. I was there on the Friday and Saturday and was lucky enough to see the unloading of late arrival Glasgow 1068 on Friday before entering service on Saturday morning, The event itself was Brilliant with the weather cold but dry on the Friday, Dry and reasonably warm on the Saturday.( has Spring finally arrived ) The Saturday night Evening Tram Parade and Photo session was very well organised and enjoyable. Many Thanks to everyone involved for a well run event, I am sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Additional Thanks to all the Drivers,Conductors and the Ladies and Gentlemen in period dress for doing such a great job at the Photo session, and for your patience with us photographers.
Beamish Living Museum
There's not a lot that can be said about Beamish that hasn't been said before. It is a wonderful place well worth a visit. Here is a museum that brings the past to life right in front of your eyes.
Travel on various forms of transport between the Town, the railway station or the pit village amongst other places or simply walk around and see what you find. Its a great place to explore and I think if you are anything like me one day isn't enough time to see everything in Beamish, so its just as well that your entry fee allows you to return as many times as you like for one year.
I shall be returning soon to see what I have missed.
Travel on various forms of transport between the Town, the railway station or the pit village amongst other places or simply walk around and see what you find. Its a great place to explore and I think if you are anything like me one day isn't enough time to see everything in Beamish, so its just as well that your entry fee allows you to return as many times as you like for one year.
I shall be returning soon to see what I have missed.
Summerlee
The Summerlee Heritage Park located at Coatbridge is Scotland's noisiest museum. Summerlee is home for a large collection of working machinery. You can also take a ride on trams lovingly restored by The Summerlee Transport Group. This visit was in 2003 when the Museum was about to close for Refurbishment.
The Summerlee Heritage Park located at Coatbridge is Scotland's noisiest museum. Summerlee is home for a large collection of working machinery. You can also take a ride on trams lovingly restored by The Summerlee Transport Group. This visit was in 2003 when the Museum was about to close for Refurbishment.
Astley Green Colliery Museum
The Astley Green Colliery museum occupies fifteen acres and the museum's 98ft highsteel headgear can be seen for miles Along with the huge steam winding engine and headgear the museum houses many exhibits. The museum is now run and maintained by the Red Rose Steam Society Limited. If you are interested in the history of this Industry a visit to The Astley Green Colliery Museum is a must.
The Astley Green Colliery museum occupies fifteen acres and the museum's 98ft highsteel headgear can be seen for miles Along with the huge steam winding engine and headgear the museum houses many exhibits. The museum is now run and maintained by the Red Rose Steam Society Limited. If you are interested in the history of this Industry a visit to The Astley Green Colliery Museum is a must.
Haworth
Haworth 1940s Weekend 2010
Beamish Living Museum
This visit was for the' Our Friends Electric' event but there is so much to see at The Beamish Living Museum. This is a small selection of photos of the things, and the people that makes The Beamish Living Museum such a wonderful place.
Haworth
My journey back to the 40's began with a KWVR train ride from Oxenhope to Haworth. A nice selection of Heritage buses from the Aire Valley Transport Group provided a free service from Haworth Station to the the village. It didn't take long for the village to become very busy and take on a 1940s feel with a large number of visitors in 40s dress.Many Thanks to everyone for a wonderful day. Only wish I could have stayed longer. I look forward to returning next year.
Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen 2003
Kirkby Stephen 2004
The Annual Cumbria Easter Rally is held at Kirby Stephen on 8th and 9th April 2023. With Vehicle displays in various locations and a Classic Bus service between Kirkby Stephen and Brough. Plenty of stalls from memorabilia to local produce to suit all tastes. Many Thanks to all drivers,owners of all the vehicles and everyone involved with organising a fantastic event.
Queen Street Mill
Spent the day to The Queen Street Mill and Textile Museum on 31st August 2014. Demonstrations in the Weaving Shed and Warehouse of the machinery used by the mill workers and when you are told of the conditions they worked in, you soon realise that the life of a mill worker was not an easy one.
The Engine House is the home of the horizontal tandem engine built by William Roberts Co. in 1894, and is really impressive when you watch it operating.
Friendly Staff are always ready to answer any questions you might have. If you have an interest in the history of the Mills or how we used to live and work, a visit to The Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is highly recommended, and very enjoyable.
The Engine House is the home of the horizontal tandem engine built by William Roberts Co. in 1894, and is really impressive when you watch it operating.
Friendly Staff are always ready to answer any questions you might have. If you have an interest in the history of the Mills or how we used to live and work, a visit to The Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is highly recommended, and very enjoyable.
Threlkeld Quarry
I made my way to the Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum on 28th July for their Annual Steam Gala.
Hudswell Clarke 'Kanaka', Kerr Stuart 'Joffre',Kerr Stuart ' Peter Pan',Hunslet 'Sybil Mary',Wilbrighton Works 'Paddy' and Resident Bagnall 'SirTom' worked both Passenger and Freight trains.
I found it to be a very friendly place and will certainly pay another visit.
Thanks to everyone involved for such a memorable event.
Threlkeld Quarry
Threlkeld Quarry held their annual Steam Gala marking the Fiftieth anniversary of the last steam workings and closure of Penrhyn Quarry. Six visiting Locos, The Ffestiniog Railway's Hugh Napier' and 'Lilla', Marchlyn and 'Sybil Mary' from The Statfold Barn Railway, 1238 and 'Stanhope' from the Mosley Railway and Threlkeld's very own 'Sir Tom' all operated Passenger and Goods trains.The Statfold Navvy was a sight to see at the top of the Quarry.
Many Thanks to everyone involved for a superb event.
Threlkeld Quarry
The Threlkeld Quarry Railway Steam Gala on 29th July 2017.
Resident Locomotive Sir Tom was joined by Jack Lane, Statfold and CSR No.19 from The Statfold Barn Railway. Irish Mail from The West Lancashire Light Railway and Cloister from The Hampshire Narrow Gauge Railway Trust.
Bolton Steam Museum
Paid a visit to The Bolton Steam Museum at Atlas Mills. The Museum is operated by the Northern Mill Engine Society. The museum has a large number of engines operating and is an absolute must for steam lovers.
The Museum is entirely run by volunteers who are more than happy to answer any questions you might have.
There is no charge for entry to the Museum. There only income is through Membership and donations on entry.
Why not pay a visit and support these guys keeping our Heritage alive.
Newcastle United FC
A visit to St. James' Park. Home of Newcastle United Football Club for a look around the stadium, and very impressive it is too.
Preston Marina
Preston Marina
Keighley Bus Museum
Keighley Classic Vehicle Rally 17 June 2001
Keighley Bus Museum
Keighley Classic Vehicle Rally 17 June 2001
Fleetwood Tram Sunday
Tram Sunday 2002
Haworth 1960s Weekend
Haworth 1960s Weekend
Ellenroad Engine House
Ellenroad Engine House is home of Victoria and Alexandra, The worlds largest working steam mill engines. Today The MAD Theatre Company were also there to commemorate the start of World War 1.
It was very well presented through Poetry, Letters from soldiers on the front line, Extracts from the Rochdale Observer and song, and certainly made you think of the impact this day had on ordinary folk.
As always it was an excellent day at The Ellenroad Engine House made all the memorable by the poignant presentation from The MAD Theatre Company
Fleetwood Tram Sunday
Tram Sunday 2003
Helmshore Mill Museum
I paid a visit to The Helmshore Mills Textile Museum on 27th April 2014. There are demonstrations of the machinery used by the mill workers and you are told of the conditions they worked in, you soon realise that the life of a mill worker was not an easy one.
The Museum Staff are all friendly and are very informative and certainly help in making a visit to the Helmshore Mills Textile Museum very enjoyable.
British Commercial Vehicle Museum
I visited the Commercial Vehicle Museum at Leyland on the 12th April 2015, The day of The Bus and Coach Show. This is a few of vehicles on show with plenty more to please everyone with an interest in vintage vehicles.
I was very impressed with the Museum and would recommend a visit.
Spring Transport Show 16th April 2023
Ellenroad Engine House
A visit to Ellenroad Engine House on 7th June for the June Steaming Day. A number of Classic cars were on show outside the Engine House with visitors inside being entertained by the Littleborough Oakenhoof Dancers and Black Nan Band, and of course the engines were all in steam.
Many thanks to Zoe and all the Ellenroad volunteers,the classic car owners and the Littleborough Oakenhoof Dancers and Black Nan Band for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
A visit to Ellenroad Engine House on 7th June for the June Steaming Day. A number of Classic cars were on show outside the Engine House with visitors inside being entertained by the Littleborough Oakenhoof Dancers and Black Nan Band, and of course the engines were all in steam.
Many thanks to Zoe and all the Ellenroad volunteers,the classic car owners and the Littleborough Oakenhoof Dancers and Black Nan Band for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Museum of Scottish Railways Bo'Ness
I managed to pay a visit to The Museum of Scottish Railways for a few hours and was very impressed with the variety of Steam and Diesel Locomotives, Brake vans and wagons in various stages of restoration they have. As the Museum is next to Bo'ness Station with regular Steam or Diesel Trains operating there is plenty to do and see, Making this is a 'must' for anyone interested in Scotland's Railway past.
I managed to pay a visit to The Museum of Scottish Railways for a few hours and was very impressed with the variety of Steam and Diesel Locomotives, Brake vans and wagons in various stages of restoration they have. As the Museum is next to Bo'ness Station with regular Steam or Diesel Trains operating there is plenty to do and see, Making this is a 'must' for anyone interested in Scotland's Railway past.
Blackpool Tower Eye
First time out of the house this year and a bit of a different day for me. Not having felt well for the last month and having been given tickets for the Sea Life Centre and the Blackpool Tower Eye at Christmas, I took my opportunity to escape and headed for Blackpool. Many times I've thought of buying tickets for these two venues but not being overly into fish and not particularly keen on heights, I always thought of excuses not to do so. How wrong could I have been? Both Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower Eye were brilliant. I only wish I had went sooner, although I will be perfectly honest with you, I needed a pint before I stood on the Glass platform on the Tower. An added bonus was Blackpool Heritage Trams in action as well. I was also lucky enough to catch the RNLI guys training. All in all a great day in Blackpool, many thanks to everyone in the Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower - what a friendly and helpful bunch.
Blackpool Sea Life Centre
A bit of a different day for me. Not having felt well for the last month and having been given tickets for Sea Life Centre and the Tower Eye at Christmas, I took my opportunity to escape and headed for Blackpool. Many times I've thought of buying tickets for these two venues but not being overly into fish and not particularly keen on heights, I always thought of excuses not to do so. How wrong could I have been? Both Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower Eye were brilliant. I only wish I had went sooner, although I will be perfectly honest with you, I needed a pint before I stood on the Glass platform on the Tower. An added bonus was Blackpool Heritage Trams in action as well. I was also lucky enough to catch the RNLI guys training. All in all a great day in Blackpool, many thanks to everyone in the Sea Life Centre and Blackpool Tower - what a friendly and helpful bunch.
British Commercial Vehicle Museum
The 10th of May saw me paying my second visit of the year to the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland. This time for the Spring Transport Show. With plenty enthusiasts there and a good variety of vehicles, and the added bonus of good weather this was a very enjoyable event. Many thanks to all the vehicle owners and everyone at the Museum for a great show.
The 10th of May saw me paying my second visit of the year to the British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland. This time for the Spring Transport Show. With plenty enthusiasts there and a good variety of vehicles, and the added bonus of good weather this was a very enjoyable event. Many thanks to all the vehicle owners and everyone at the Museum for a great show.
Very enjoyable visit to The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland. The Museum has only recently re-opened after major refurbishment and looks great. The vehicles on display are outstanding and the Museum Volunteers are very friendly. A great way to spend a few hours, Well worth a visit.
Blackpool
A very enjoyable weekend in a beautifully Sunny Blackpool. The 2019 Easter weekend was unusually warm and sunny for four days and a lot of people took advantage of the weather and went to the seaside, as I did.
This is a selection of photos taken in and around Blackpool over the weekend ranging from bus,coach and various Blackpool scenes. Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours had a very nice variety of Trams in service over the entire weekend.
A very enjoyable weekend in a beautifully Sunny Blackpool. The 2019 Easter weekend was unusually warm and sunny for four days and a lot of people took advantage of the weather and went to the seaside, as I did.
This is a selection of photos taken in and around Blackpool over the weekend ranging from bus,coach and various Blackpool scenes. Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours had a very nice variety of Trams in service over the entire weekend.
Ellenroad Engine House
The Ellenroad Engine House opened its doors with their first Steaming in 2013 on the 3rd February. A large number of visitors took the opportunity to watch the Marsden Engine and 'The Big Engine' in action.
This was my first visit and I found everyone there very friendly and enthusiastic. There was a good atmosphere about the place that made you feel very welcome.
There's not a lot can be said about Britannia Coconut Dancers that hasn't been said before,so I'll just say they are brilliant and highly entertaining. I was exhausted just watching them.
I'll have a pint of whatever they are on.
I would highly recommend a visit to Ellenroad Engine House to anyone looking for a great day out.
This was my first visit and I found everyone there very friendly and enthusiastic. There was a good atmosphere about the place that made you feel very welcome.
There's not a lot can be said about Britannia Coconut Dancers that hasn't been said before,so I'll just say they are brilliant and highly entertaining. I was exhausted just watching them.
I'll have a pint of whatever they are on.
I would highly recommend a visit to Ellenroad Engine House to anyone looking for a great day out.
Hanger 42
Something completely different for me this weekend. A visit to the Hangar 42 Visitor Centre, Located at Blackpool Airport, Home of the Lytham St. Annes Spitfire Ground Display Team. This was my first visit and I was very impressed with what I saw. All the volunteers are friendly and very knowledgeable and only too happy to answer any questions. Certainly a hidden Gem in Blackpool that I was unaware of. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Something completely different for me this weekend. A visit to the Hangar 42 Visitor Centre, Located at Blackpool Airport, Home of the Lytham St. Annes Spitfire Ground Display Team. This was my first visit and I was very impressed with what I saw. All the volunteers are friendly and very knowledgeable and only too happy to answer any questions. Certainly a hidden Gem in Blackpool that I was unaware of. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
South Cheshire American Classic Car Club
South Cheshire American Classic Car Club 23 April 2017. Passing by the Church House Inn in Congleton and came across this beautiful selection of American cars on display. I just couldn't pass by without having a good look, and a pint.
The Friends of the 502 Group
The Friends of the 502 Group held their Heritage Transport Rally at Tebay on Saturday 29th October 2011.
The unique Class 502 Electric Multiple Unit from the National Railway Museum has been handed over to The Friends of the 502 Group and was on show along with commercial, military and public service vehicles.
This was the first Heritage Transport Rally held at Tebay, and what would have been a great event was spoiled by awful weather.
Thank you for all the hard work you all put in organising the event and I look forward to the next one.
Tram Sunday 2019
Tram Sunday 2019
The National Coal Mining Museum Wakefield
The National Coal Mining Museum Wakefield