Christmas Eve Magic: Timeless Cheer and Treasured Moments

Can you believe it's December 24th already? The air is buzzing with that unique, sparkling energy that only Christmas Eve brings. As we cosey up for the night before Christmas, let's take a moment to soak in the vintage charm and heart warming traditions that make this season so special—just like the beautiful old cards that inspire us!

---

A Nod to Nostalgia: Vintage Cheer

Take a look at these classic holiday images! They capture a spirit of innocent joy and simple pleasures that resonate across the decades:

• The Skating Caroller: We see a sweet figure, bundled up in a cosey red and white outfit, gliding across the snow, holding a wreath and a sign with "Christmas Greetings." It reminds us of the active, bright joy of a winter holiday, complete with the evergreen promise of the wreath and the sweet indulgence of a candy cane.

• The Happy Singers: Another picture shows two children wrapped in festive scarves and long hats, singing their hearts out against a snowy backdrop, with a faithful little dog looking on. This beautifully embodies the tradition of Christmas carolling—sharing music and spreading cheer throughout the community.

• A Grand Celebration: The third image transports us to a grander indoor scene, where children in Victorian-style clothes are gathered around a table with a banner wishing "Compliments of the Season." They're enjoying what looks like a classic activity of the time—perhaps pulling a Christmas cracker! It’s a snapshot of a formal gathering where family, games, and gifts were the focus.

---

What Will Tomorrow Bring?

These pictures beautifully illustrate how the Christmas season is built on a few timeless pillars: Family, Feasting, and Fun!

• Sharing a Meal: Whether it's a simple, rustic gathering or a grand, multi-course feast, Christmas Day is synonymous with gathering around a table with loved ones.

• The Joy of Giving: Just like the old tradition of exchanging small, symbolic gifts, the excitement of giving and receiving presents—whether large or small—is a core part of the morning.

• Festive Garb and Decorations: From the bright reds and greens of the outfits to the wreaths and the general sense of holiday sparkle, decorations and special clothing set the mood for a day unlike any other.

---

Your Christmas Eve Countdown

Tonight is the night for final preparations and soaking up the anticipation!

• The Quiet Moments: Are you leaving out cookies for a certain jolly visitor? Getting one last festive movie in? Or maybe listening to the beautiful sound of carols?

• The Anticipation: For those who celebrate Christmas tomorrow, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing the magic of Christmas Day is only a few hours away.

No matter how you celebrate, we wish you a Christmas Eve filled with warmth, wonder, and wonderful memories. May your night be quiet and your tomorrow be bright!

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

I'll be sharing another set of vintage Christmas cards on the big day tomorrow.

Riding the Rails of History on the Blackpool Tramway

The British seaside is a place steeped in nostalgia, fish and chips, and the unmistakable scent of salt air. But in Blackpool, this classic coastal experience is elevated by a living piece of history: the iconic Blackpool Tramway. These two photos, taken on a beautiful summer's day in July 2018, perfectly encapsulate why this tram system is a national treasure.

A Legacy on Wheels

The Blackpool Tramway holds a distinction that few other transport systems in the world can claim. Opening in 1885, it is one of the oldest electric tramways in the world and remains the only operational first-generation tramway in the United Kingdom.

The beautiful double-decker trams featured in these images are not just tourist attractions; they are a direct link to the golden age of British seaside holidays.

The Star of the Show: The Green and Cream Double-Decker

The stunning tram visible in both photos, with its rich green lower deck and creamy-yellow upper half, is an unmistakable heritage tram. This livery and design instantly evoke the mid-20th century.

In this first picture, the tram dominates the frame, showcasing its magnificent design against a backdrop of classic seaside architecture—a red-fronted arcade and various shops, with the overhead wiring crisscrossing the summer sky. The text on the side, "BLACKPOOL TRANSPORT ILLUMINATION," suggests this tram is ready to participate in the legendary Blackpool Illuminations, a seasonal light festival that requires the very best of the heritage fleet.

The second picture offers a wider vista, capturing two heritage trams side-by-side near a curve in the track and the open expanse of the seaside. The juxtaposition of the historic vehicles against the contemporary street furniture and the brilliant blue sky over the sea highlights their enduring appeal.

The Atmosphere: July in Blackpool

These photos perfectly capture the quintessential feeling of a summer's day on the Fylde Coast:

1. The Coastal Light: The bright, slightly diffuse light suggests a day with a mix of sun and clouds—perfect weather for a seafront stroll or a tram ride. The shadows are sharp, emphasizing the geometry of the trams and the tracks.

2. The Environment: The tracks run parallel to the coast, with a strip of dry, coastal grass and gravel visible in the foreground of the first image, contrasting with the wide, modern pavement and the sea beyond in the second.

3. A Blend of Eras: Blackpool today features a mix of high-tech Bombardier Flexity2 trams (introduced in 2012) and the preserved Heritage Fleet you photographed. This dual system offers passengers the choice between a modern, smooth journey and a historic, rattling ride—a choice between efficiency and experience.

Why This Tramway Matters

The continued operation of the heritage fleet is a testament to dedication. Since 2012, the main line has been upgraded, but a selection of the older trams, like the ones captured, are maintained for special services, particularly during holidays and the Illuminations season.

Riding one of these historic vehicles is more than just transportation; it's a sensory experience:

• The whine of the electric motor as it starts up.

• The clatter and sway of the carriage on the rails.

• The unique vantage point of the upper deck, offering unparalleled views of the Promenade, the Piers, and the Irish Sea.

These photographs freeze a moment in time: a classic Blackpool summer, where history rolls right alongside the modern world, inviting all who visit to hop aboard and experience a truly timeless trip.

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!

The pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Lost on an English Lane: A 1970s Snapshot from My Slide Collection

There’s something truly special about digging through old 35mm slides. Each one is a tiny window to a moment frozen in time, and recently, I found one that perfectly captures a quintessential piece of British history. This image, which I've now digitized, immediately caught my eye with its vibrant colours and classic elements.

When Was This Taken? The Clues Are in the Cars!

One of the most exciting parts of these old slides is playing detective with the details. In this shot, the two cars on the road give us some excellent clues:

• The Green Morris Minor Traveller: This iconic "Woody" estate car is a true British classic. What's even better is that we can clearly make out its registration plate: OCK 74J. In the UK, the single-letter suffix on number plates indicates the year of registration. The 'J' suffix was issued between August 1, 1970, and July 31, 1971. This dates our photo pretty precisely to the early 1970s!

• The Red Car: Further down the road, a smaller red car, likely a Mini or similar compact, follows. Its presence further solidifies the early 70s vibe.

So, we can confidently say this photo was snapped sometime between late 1970 and the mid-1970s.

Where in England?

While the exact spot remains a mystery, the elements in the picture strongly suggest a location:

• The Red Telephone Box: This is the famous K6 'Jubilee' kiosk, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. These boxes are synonymous with Britain and were a common sight in towns and rural areas.

• The Tree-Lined Road: It looks like a classic B-road or a quieter A-road, winding through what appears to be the English countryside, bordered by a traditional stone wall and lush greenery.

• The 'OCK' Registration: Interestingly, the "OCK" prefix on the Morris Minor's plate was issued in the Oxfordshire region. While cars travel, this provides a strong hint that the photo might have been taken in or around Oxfordshire, or a neighbouring county in the South or Central Midlands of England.

A Scene of Simple Beauty

What I love about this photograph is its everyday charm. It’s not a grand landscape or a momentous event, but a quiet, ordinary moment on a road that has undoubtedly seen countless journeys. The vivid red of the telephone box stands out against the greens of the trees and grass, a burst of colour that feels so distinctly British. The cars, now considered classics, were simply part of the flow of traffic then.

It reminds us of a time when these phone boxes were vital communication hubs, and when a journey down a country lane felt a little more timeless, a little less hurried.

Clicking the image 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!

More Than a Pub: Uncovering the Timeless History of The Navigation Inn

 The sepia-toned photographs, captured in 2014, offer a window into the timeless character of a truly historic building: The Navigation Inn in Sowerby Bridge. Nestled by the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, the pub, affectionately known as "The Navi" by locals, is a place where history isn't just a story—it’s etched into the very stone walls.

The building itself is a Grade II listed structure, a testament to its architectural and historical significance. Its roots are said to extend as far back as the 15th century, and for a period, it was the site of the local Moot Hall, a place for local gatherings and the administration of justice. This means that for centuries, this very spot has been a hub of community life.

The current building likely dates from the early-mid 17th century, though it has seen its share of changes. In the late 18th century, it was converted into cottages with a weaving shop above, reflecting the region's booming textile industry. It was only in the early 19th century that it found its true calling as a public house, a conversion that was undoubtedly a direct result of the thriving canal trade.

The name "The Navigation" is, of course, a nod to its waterside location. The area was a key interchange point between the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, making it a bustling centre of commerce. The bridge here, known as Chain Bridge, even had a chain fixed across it on Sundays to prevent boats from entering the wharf.

As you look at the images, you can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era—the clatter of horse-drawn carts, the murmur of lock-keepers, and the conversations of weary boatmen sharing a pint. The stone fireplace inside, with its "IMW 1722" inscription, serves as a tangible link to a specific moment in time, a reminder of John and Mary Wainhouse who once owned the house.

While The Navigation Inn has undoubtedly adapted to the modern world, offering a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of today, its true appeal lies in its enduring history. It's a place that connects the present to the past, a living monument to Sowerby Bridge's industrial and social heritage.

The pictures below were taken with Samsung Galaxy Tablet and Polaroid IS2132 in January 2014. Clicking any of the images 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