J is for Journey

J is for Journey and what better than an away day Jaunt on this Leyland Leopard bus - seen in Shrewsbury at the weekend - perhaps we could travel in January - June or July - you choose!

We could sing Joyful Jingles or listen to Just Jazz Who will join me for a Jubilant Journey to celebrate the letter J ? More letter Js can be found at ABC Wednesday - Join me and we will call by!

Industry and the Environment

In the village where I live Bayston Hill - we have a very productive stone quarry - the workings first featured in maps as early as 1752 Recently the need for expansion was put forward and this involved extending the perimeters of the quarry. Proposals were pur forward of how this could be achieved and how the effect on the local faun and fauna could be minimised It was a massive project to be undertaken and now the new boundary walks are beginning to mature.

We walk these boundaries frequently and find that there is a strange stark beauty in the quarry walls and machinery etched against the skyline The above pic catches a striking sunset and was intended to finish the blog - but blogger thought otherwise!!

see the church spires of Shrewsbury in the distance? My pictures span a period of 12 months or more

Rocks have been found of fossilised tree trunks - fascinating - they have been placed on the boundary walk - this pic is now - taken last week

I just needed to take a macro shot!

This final picture was taken last summer of the tree trunks amongst the ox eye daisies - hard to believe that these are rocks ! I intend to post pics throughout the year - of the maturing meadows - I hope you will pop by and join me Thw quarry has been the source of much archaelogical speculation - so I have included this link - Iron Age Road The walks are also proving to be a haven for wildlife - especially the skylark - an endangered species in this area - I am still trying to capture a shot - they are far to quick for me - perhaps next time!! I am linking with Nature Notes and My World Tuesday -

ABC Wednesday and H is for Houses

It is ABC Wednesday and H is for houses - subject - black and white This weekend we made a last visit to our local town Shrewsbury to try and capture the winning shot for our local camera club competition. It was a lovely evening and the town was less crowded which was more suitable to the occasion. The following are some of my shots

Castle Gates House - next to the Castle

A tricky one to get- The Old Council House - on Castle Gates

Rowleys Mansion - once a museum - now houses the Tourist Information Bureau

Just loved this lantern - spotted while walking up one of the shuts - spooky feel to it !

Moving into Hills Lane off the Mardol

Grope Lane - the houses are so close together - I love walking down this little street

The houses were so solidly made in those days - made to last

The Prince Rupert Hotel with St Marys spire in the background

Fish Street looking along to St Alkmunds Church Finally = make your mind up time - I think I shall enter one of these last two shots taken during the last week or two

Much Wenlock the Guildhall and Holy Trinity Church

Berrington Hall - just outside Shrewsbury What do you think ? Thanks for calling - I am linking to ABC Wednesday - how about you!