Sowerby Bridge: A Canal-side Journey Back in Time

On a grey and atmospheric day back on January 25th, 2014, I took a stroll with my Samsung Galaxy tablet along the Sowerby Bridge Canal Wharf. The weather, with its dramatic clouds and muted light, created the perfect backdrop for capturing the historic and slightly melancholic beauty of this industrial landscape in black and white.

The images I captured that day don't just show a collection of narrowboats and old buildings; they tell the story of a place where two significant waterways, the Rochdale Canal and the Calder and Hebble Navigation, converge. This junction is not just a geographical meeting point but a key part of Britain's industrial heritage.

A Hub of Industrial Life

Sowerby Bridge's canal basin was a hive of activity during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Calder and Hebble Navigation, completed in 1770, connected Halifax with Wakefield, providing a vital link to the Aire and Calder Navigation and, from there, to the North Sea. Just a few decades later, the Rochdale Canal opened in 1804, creating the first trans-Pennine waterway and a direct route between Manchester and Sowerby Bridge.

The two canals meet at Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, and the basin became a crucial transhipment point. Goods arriving from Manchester could be transferred to boats heading for Wakefield and beyond, and vice-versa. The old warehouses that line the wharf, many of which are now offices, pubs, and restaurants, were once buzzing with the sound of workers loading and unloading coal, wool, and other goods.

Echoes of the Past

As I walked along the towpath, the past felt very much present. The stone-built warehouses, with their large arched entrances and multiple windows, stand as silent witnesses to the area's former glory. Their sturdy construction speaks of an era when British manufacturing was at its peak.

The narrowboats moored along the bank, while now used for leisure or as homes, are the modern-day descendants of the working boats that once plied these waters. Their reflections shimmer on the dark water, mirroring the stark lines of the buildings and the bare branches of the winter trees. The scene is both peaceful and full of history, a quiet testament to the ingenuity of the engineers who carved these waterways into the landscape.

A Living History

Today, the Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin is far from abandoned. It's a vibrant space where history and contemporary life coexist. The old warehouses have been repurposed, breathing new life into the area, and the towpaths are a popular spot for walks and cycling. The constant flow of narrowboats, from long-term moorings to holidaymakers, keeps the spirit of the canal alive.

Revisiting these photos from 2014 reminds me that places like Sowerby Bridge are more than just landmarks. They are living museums, each brick and ripple telling a story of a time when the canals were the lifeblood of the nation. It was a privilege to capture a small part of that story on a memorable winter's day.

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The Enduring Charm of Baitings Reservoir

On a sunny day in May 2014, with a Polaroid iS2132 in hand, I set out to capture the serene beauty of Baitings Reservoir. It's a place that feels both grand and grounded, a testament to human engineering set against the dramatic landscape of the West Yorkshire Pennines.

Located in the valley of the River Ryburn, this impressive body of water was completed in 1956 to supply water to Wakefield. It's the higher of two reservoirs here, following the construction of Ryburn Reservoir in 1933. The sheer scale of the project is breath taking. The curved dam head is a massive 470 meters long and over 50 meters high. It took eight years to build, at a cost of £1.4 million—an extraordinary sum for the time.

One of the most fascinating details about Baitings is its connection to the past. Before the reservoir was built, an old road that linked Yorkshire and Lancashire passed through the valley, crossing the Baitings Bridge. The name "Baitings" itself is rooted in Old Norse, a combination of "beit" (pasture) and "eng" (meadow), hinting at the area's history long before the water arrived. To make way for the reservoir, a concrete viaduct was built to replace the old bridge. However, the original structure isn't lost forever. During periods of extreme drought, when the water levels drop, the forgotten stones of Baitings Bridge are revealed once more, offering a glimpse into a history now submerged beneath the surface.

The reservoir itself is a remarkable sight, covering 24 hectares and holding over 3.19 million cubic meters of water when full. Looking out over the shimmering expanse, it's hard to imagine the complex network of infrastructure that supports it. A tunnel stretching 2,400 meters, known as the Manshead Tunnel, was opened in 1962 to connect Baitings with other reservoirs to the north, allowing for the transfer of water.

The photographs from that spring day capture the reservoir's multiple moods—from the powerful cascade of water over the spillway to the calm, reflective surface of the water framed by rolling green hills. They show a place that is more than just a water source; it's a piece of local history, a place of quiet contemplation, and a beautiful spot for a walk in the heart of the Pennines. It's a reminder of how human ingenuity and nature can coexist, creating something both functional and truly beautiful.

The pictures below were taken on the 17th May 2014, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Subterranean Secret of Holmfield: A Glimpse into Queensbury Tunnel

Deep within the verdant landscape near Holmfield, a submerged secret lies hidden beneath a seemingly ordinary field. The Queensbury Tunnel, a monumental relic of Victorian engineering, is a testament to the ambition of the railway age and a captivating glimpse into a world now lost to time and water. These photographs, captured in July 2015, offer a rare and fascinating look at a section of this extraordinary structure, revealing both its forgotten surface features and its silent, waterlogged entrance.

The first image captures a curious concrete disc, a solitary manhole cover in the middle of a sun-drenched, grassy field. The long grass sways around it, creating a natural camouflage that would easily allow it to go unnoticed by the casual observer. This disc is no ordinary cover; it's a cap over one of the tunnel's ventilation shafts. These shafts were a vital part of the tunnel's design, providing much-needed air and allowing smoke from the steam locomotives to escape. In its quiet existence, this concrete cap is a powerful symbol of the colossal effort that went into building this tunnel. It speaks of a deep, unseen world, a world of iron and steam, that lies directly below. It’s a literal and figurative lid on history, hinting at a vast, dark space that has been sealed off from the world above for decades.

The other two images transport us to a different scene, one of profound stillness and mystery. Here, the tunnel's entrance is not a grand, arched portal but a tranquil, flooded chasm. The water, a striking shade of turquoise, reflects the sky and the surrounding foliage, creating a deceptive sense of serenity. Looking closer, we see the remnants of the tunnel's mouth. Two rusty pipes, possibly part of a former drainage system, emerge from the brickwork, their corroded ends facing the glassy water. The brick lining, discoloured and weathered by time, forms the backdrop to this aquatic scene. The water level is high, completely obscuring the track bed and swallowing the entrance in a liquid embrace.

These two photographs, seemingly identical but for the subtle shifts in light and reflection, capture a moment of perfect stasis. The tunnel is no longer a path for roaring trains but a calm, silent pool, a final resting place for its industrial past. The small trees and shrubs that have taken root around the entrance are a powerful symbol of nature's relentless reclamation. They are weaving themselves into the man-made structure, blurring the line between the natural world and the engineering marvel that once existed here. The reflection in the water adds a ghostly dimension, mirroring the overgrown surroundings and creating an ethereal portrait of a place in transition.

Together, these images paint a compelling picture of the Queensbury Tunnel at Holmfield. The concrete disc in the field and the flooded entrance at the hillside's edge are two sides of the same coin—one represents the hidden infrastructure on the surface, while the other reveals the silent, submerged reality of the tunnel itself. They are not merely pictures of a forgotten place but an invitation to contemplate the passage of time, the power of nature, and the fascinating stories that lie just beneath our feet. The Queensbury Tunnel, in its quiet, waterlogged state, continues to hold its secrets, inspiring a sense of wonder and curiosity about a remarkable chapter in our industrial heritage.

I took these pictures with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 5th July 2015, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Redcar's Coastal Gem: The Regent Cinema

There's something truly special about a day at the beach, and even more so when it's capped off with a film. In the charming seaside town of Redcar, this experience is elevated by the presence of The Regent Cinema. It's a modern architectural gem that stands proudly on the seafront, a beacon of culture and entertainment against the backdrop of the North Sea.

Unlike a typical inland cinema, The Regent offers a unique blend of cinematic pleasure and coastal views. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the upper levels provide a breath taking panorama of the vast, sandy beach and the rolling waves. Imagine settling in for a movie with the gentle sound of the sea just outside.

Beyond its striking glass and steel facade, The Regent is a testament to Redcar's spirit. It’s not just a building; it's a hub for the community, a place where locals and visitors alike can come together to share in the magic of film. Standing on the wide, sandy expanse at low tide, with the cinema rising from the shoreline, you get a real sense of its connection to the coast.

Whether you're visiting on a bright, sunny day or a moody, overcast afternoon, The Regent's presence is a constant. It's a perfect spot to escape a sudden downpour, or to simply enjoy a film after a long walk along the beach. With its inviting entrance and vibrant signage, it's a landmark that perfectly marries modern design with the timeless appeal of the British seaside. The next time you're in Redcar, a visit to The Regent is an absolute must—it’s more than just a cinema, it’s an experience.

I took these pictures on the 7th September 2025 with a Canon Camera. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The Redcar Beacon can be seen just beyond the Cinema.

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The skies in these photos below have been creatively retouched to bring out their unique beauty. Explore the collection and purchase them in various formats on Photo4Me.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Capture the Beauty: Bring Colin Green Photography into Your Home with Zazzle!

Are you looking for a unique way to bring stunning landscapes and captivating scenes into your everyday life? Do you appreciate the beauty of nature and the artistry of photography? Then you're in for a treat!

I'm thrilled to share with you my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle, where you can transform my passion for capturing breathtaking moments into personalized products that truly speak to you.

Zazzle is an incredible platform that allows you to take my carefully curated collection of images and turn them into a wide array of products. Whether you're looking for a small memento or a grand statement piece, my Zazzle store has something for everyone.

What you'll find in my store (and beyond!):

• Postcards: Send a piece of art to a loved one or keep a beautiful reminder for yourself. My postcards are perfect for sharing a moment of tranquility or an inspiring vista.

• 6x4 Photos: Classic and versatile, these prints are ideal for framing, creating a photo album, or adding a personal touch to your desk.

• Posters: Make a statement with a larger-than-life print that showcases the intricate details and vibrant colors of my photography. Perfect for decorating your living room, office, or any space that needs a touch of visual magic.

• Downloads: For those who love to get creative themselves, you can purchase digital downloads of my images. This gives you the flexibility to print them at home, use them as desktop backgrounds, or incorporate them into your own digital projects.

But here's where the magic of Zazzle truly shines: While I offer these popular products directly, the real power is in your hands!

Zazzle's intuitive editing tools empower you to take any of my images and apply them to a vast selection of other products. Imagine my landscapes adorning:

• Mugs: Start your day with a beautiful view.

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Not only can you choose your product, but Zazzle's powerful editing suite also allows you to customize the look that's just right for you. You can:

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It's an amazing opportunity to truly make my photography your own. You're not just buying a product; you're co-creating a personalized piece of art that reflects your style and appreciation for beautiful imagery.

So, why wait? Head over to my Colin Green Photography Zazzle store today and start exploring the endless possibilities. Whether you're looking for a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself, you're sure to find something that brings joy and beauty into your world.

If you like what you see, please share this post and any items that catch your eye with friends and family, I am always adding additional images to the store.

The View From Beacon Hill: A Snapshot of Halifax

On a clear day, there's no better spot to appreciate the town of Halifax than from the top of Beacon Hill. On August 11, 2018, I took my Nikon D3300 up there to capture the incredible views, and what I found was a town that perfectly blends its rich industrial past with its vibrant, modern present.

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A Tale of Two Halves

From this vantage point, you can see Halifax spread out below, a tapestry of old stone buildings and new architectural additions. Looking towards the town centre, the iconic spire of Square Church stands tall, a reminder of the town's Victorian heritage. Nearby, the dramatic, elliptical courtyard of the Piece Hall is instantly recognizable. This former cloth hall, now a stunning public square, sits next to the modern Central Library and the Industrial Museum, illustrating how the town honours its history while embracing the future.

Just a short distance away, the impressive headquarters of the Halifax Bank, a landmark in its own right, shows the town's long-standing connection to finance. As you scan the horizon, you'll also see the sprawling complex of Dean Clough Mills, once a massive carpet factory and now a hub for arts, business, and innovation.

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Past and Present, Side by Side

Halifax is a town of contrasts. Down below, you can spot the lively Broad Street Plaza and the modern flats that sit alongside older, traditional neighbourhoods. Even the Eureka! Museum, a glass-fronted building designed for children, is right next to the historic Halifax Railway Station, with its beautiful stonework and classic architecture. The North Bridge, a key piece of the town's infrastructure, effortlessly connects these different eras, spanning the valley with a graceful curve.

But the views aren't just about the town itself. From the Beacon, you can see far across the Calder Valley. The path that winds down the hillside reveals a rolling landscape of green fields and distant hills, a reminder of the beautiful countryside that surrounds Halifax. The very top of the hill is home to the Beacon itself, a striking metal structure with a path and a bench nearby—the perfect place to sit, breathe, and take it all in.

Standing up there, looking out over the landscape, it’s clear that Halifax is a place where history and modernity live in harmony. It’s a town proud of where it's come from and excited about where it's going.

Clicking any of the pictures below should open a link in another window to My Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.