A Glimpse Through Time: Exploring Northern England's Past, Brotton, Skipton and Walsden

 Ever wonder what life was like in your local village decades or even centuries ago? There's something truly captivating about seeing old photographs and postcards that transport you back in time. I've been diving into my collection of images, both personally taken and carefully gathered, to create a series of video slideshows that offer a unique look at three distinct Northern English locations.

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Brotton: From Domesday to Decline

First up, we travel to Brotton, a village nestled in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland. With a history stretching back before the 1086 Domesday Book – its name literally meaning "Brook Farm" – Brotton holds centuries of stories within its ancient boundaries.

Today, Brotton has a population of around 5,400, a significant decrease from its peak. This decline directly correlates with the fading of its once-thriving ironstone mining industry. The early 20th century saw a downturn, and by 1954, the last mine had closed its doors. The images in this slideshow are a fascinating mix of collected postcards and public domain treasures, offering a visual narrative of Brotton's past.

Skipton: A Market Town's Enduring Charm

Next, we journey to Skipton, a bustling market town in North Yorkshire. Home to approximately 14,600 residents, Skipton is a hub of activity, intersected by the River Aire, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the Airedale Railway Line.

My slideshow of Skipton is another collection built from vintage postcards I've gathered over time. These images capture the essence of a vibrant market town, showcasing its enduring charm and how its key transportation routes have shaped its development.

Walsden: A West Yorkshire Village with Lancashire Roots

Finally, we head to Walsden, a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. With a population of roughly 5,200, Walsden is characterized by the flow of Walsden Water (which feeds into the River Calder), the Rochdale Canal, and the A6033 Rochdale Road. It even boasts its own railway station on the Caldervale Line.

What's particularly interesting about Walsden is its historical identity. While it's now firmly part of West Yorkshire, it was once historically part of Lancashire and administered by Rochdale Corporation. Unlike the other two slideshows, all the pictures in the Walsden video were taken by me in August 2017, offering a more contemporary, yet still reflective, look at the village.

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Capturing Lanzarote: A Novice's Cinematic Journey

 In 2013, during a memorable holiday to Lanzarote with my daughter, I embarked on an unexpected venture into filmmaking. While I was just beginning to explore the world of photography, videography was entirely new territory for me. Yet, armed with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, I was determined to capture more than just still images; I wanted moving memories of our adventures and the breathtaking landscapes we encountered. These short recordings are a testament to that initial, enthusiastic attempt.

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Panoramic Vistas from Peñas del Chache

Our cinematic journey begins high above the island at Peñas del Chache, Lanzarote's highest public viewing point. Though a slightly loftier, militarily restricted area existed nearby, the sweeping panorama from our vantage point – a restaurant car park – was utterly unobstructed. Standing approximately 670 meters above sea level, I filmed the mesmerizing descent to the ocean below. This particular clip was captured during an organized island tour, providing a perfect opportunity to immortalize the island's dramatic topography. Peñas del Chache isn't just a daytime spectacle; it's a magnet for stargazers. With minimal light pollution, the summer nights here reveal a celestial tapestry where the constellations of Sagittarius and Scorpius blaze with particular brilliance.

Underwater Wonders at Aquarium Lanzarote

Our next series of clips transports us to the fascinating depths of Aquarium Lanzarote, conveniently located in Costa Teguise, just a short stroll from our hotel. While not sprawling in size, the aquarium offered a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Beyond housing a diverse array of marine life, it thoughtfully emphasizes species native to the Canary Islands, providing a unique glimpse into the local underwater ecosystems.

Wild Encounters at Rancho Texas Park

The adventure continued at Rancho Texas Park, where my recordings capture some of its animal inhabitants. This popular park offers engaging daytime shows, including captivating displays by sea lions and majestic birds of prey – thankfully, not together!

The Volcanic Heart of Timanfaya

Finally, the concluding clip in this collection takes us to the raw, untamed beauty of Timanfaya National Park, an iconic symbol of Lanzarote's volcanic soul.

There are also some slideshow videos of the island that can be seen on my YouTube channel, just search Lanzarote on my clips.

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