Nigel's Photo Blog

Introduction This evening, I am reporting on a cricket match at Bamburgh Castle in Northumbria, N.E. England. Information and images. Participants  Game in process against background of famous castle Game in process   Game in process   Game in process  Overall, this was a very pleasant community based event played out in warm sunshine.

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on Ad Gefrin a new Anglo-Saxon themed museum in Wooler in the far NE of Northumberland together with the associated archaeological site at Yeavering, just a few miles west of Wooler. Scene from audio visual depicting interior of Royal quarters.   More information on Ad Gefrin. In 1949 aerial photographs revealed unusual outlines in crop fields which in the 1950s and 1960s were found to be halls, houses and a grandstand which pointed to a powerful Anglo-Saxon settlement which reached its peak in 627 AD.At this site the Northumbrian King, Edwin invited a Christian preacher called Paulinus to spend 36 days converting local people and baptising them in the River Glen.  Aerial view of site  The information curated from the archaeology has been distilled into a state of the art museum allowing visitors to connect with the Anglo-Saxon period, including development of the English language and the English nation.The museum is fitted out to a very high

 Introduction This afternoon I am providing images and information on Beadnell Bay, just a few miles south of Bamburgh and Seahouses on England's N.E. coast. Watersports  Information on Beadnell Bay. A vast expanse of sand, especially at low tide, where families enjoy traditional British seaside activities whilst water conditions can offer good opportunties for water sports. Pleasure boats at low tide.  Water sports  Long-distance hikers   Stranger on the shore Kite flying Wind surfing Jellyfish Windsurfer  

  Introduction Today, I am posting information on the unique herd of wild cattle at Chillingham, Northumberland, NE England. Information on the Chillingham herd.  Chillingham Cattle   Key aspects: The herd amounts to just 100-200 and for about 800 years or so have enjoyed freedom from major human interference.They freely roam in their natural surroundings in the 365 acre Chillingham Park. The herd may be descendants of medieval cattle assembled around AD 1250.  Compared to modern cattle the Chillingham animals are of modest proportions resembling the typical size of beasts prevelant before the Agricultural Revolution. Other than in exceptional adverse weather conditions (e.g. a harsh winter) the animals are left to their own devices and do not benefit from feed supplements and animal medicines.They are not ear tagged. All the cattle are genetically identical with each animal receiving identical genes from its sire and dam.This feature is unique among wild living mammals and arises from

 Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the town of Seahouses in Northumberland, NE England.  Seahouses Harbour  Information on Seahouse Seahouses is just three miles from Bamburgh , as featured yeaterday. Seahouses Lifeboat  Seahouses Harbour Seahouses has a population approaching 2000 persons. It is a bustling fishing town that provides a gateway to the world-renowned Farne Islands National Nature Reserve. Seahouses is home to a wide range of shops and eateries.The harbour is both a working fishing port and embarkation point for the regular, daily boat trips which transport large numbers of visitors to view the Farne Islands and the local wildlife. Farne Islands scene with puffins in foregound.  Grey Seals basking on rocks Key members of the wildlife population include Atlantic Grey Seals and Puffins. Farne Islands lighthouse. Basking seals Shag drying wings Seabirds on Farne Islands

Introduction This evening, I am reporting on the Northumberland seaside village of Bamburgh in NE England. Landscape view of castle.  Information on Banburgh Bamburgh (pop 400) has recently been rated as the best seaside town taking into account its beach, seafront, scenery, tourist attractions and peace and quiet. Dominating the village is Bamburgh Castle which stands on a volcanic outcrop of rock above miles of white, sandy beach. The name Bamburgh is derived from Bebbanburge c 710-720 'Stronghold of a queen called Bebbe'.(Old English). . View of castle from village  View of North Sea from castle.  Village houses Old fashioned 'phone box (no longer in use). Specialist retailer Sandy beach (at low tide) Surfing Classes Bamburgh Beach at low tide. One of castle entrance gates. Aspect of castle Village retail outlet Cricket pitch View of village from castle. White Deer painted on rocks at northern end of beach. More information Bamburgh is a high-end destination with variou

Introduction This afternoon, I am posting information on a fascinating example of mid-19th century architecture in Glasgow, Scotland.  Kirkhaven Church, Duke Street, Glasgow, Scotland Information on Kirkhaven Church . Images show a former Presbyterian church building the history of which is as follows: Built 1857-8 when known as Sydney Place United Presbyterian Church. Design by architects Peddie and Kinnear. Subsequently changed name to Trinity Duke Street Church. Became redundant after a fire in 1996. In 1998 was acquired by the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust who undertook restoration and repairs, a project which was completed in 2003. Now linked with adjacent former school and known as the Wellpark Kirkhaven Enterprise Centre. Location is Duke Street, in Glasgow’s East End, opposite Tennent’s Brewery and close to Glasgow Cathedral and Glasgow Necropolis. Architectural style is neo-Greek, which was popular at the time under local exponent Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson . Note