Famous Scots is a set of 2 videos I put together recently with a set of 50 cigarette trading cards I had in my possession from 1933. I was in the process of listing them for sale so took the time to scan and create 2 videos of 25 images each for YouTube.
The images feature poets, playwrights, inventors, politicians, royalty and much more. They can be seen below and on YouTube. please take a moment to subscribe to my channel.
and part 2,
The cards were released in packs of Mitchells Cigarettes which was a Scottish tobacco company based in Linlithgow, the company had merged with Imperial Tobacco by 1901 although the cards were released with Mitchells branding.
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Put together using images I have collected or taken these are 3 recent videos - slideshows I have uploaded to YouTube.
Old Photo's of Brotton.
Brotton is a village in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland in the North of England. Their has been a settlement here since before the Domesday Book was completed in 1086 and name Brotton means Brook Farm. The village has a population of approx. 5400 which is a largely down on it's peak which was when the area was given over to the mining of ironstone, this decreased in the early part of the 20th century and the last mine closed in 1954. The pictures are postcards I have collected or public domain .
Old Skipton in Picture Postcards.
Skipton is a market town in North Yorkshire, it has a population of approx. 14600 and is passed through by the River Aire, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and the Airedale Railway Line. These pictures were again put together using postcards I have collected.
Walsden in Pictures.
Walsden is a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale, West Yorkshire. It has a population of approx. 5200 and is passed through by Walsden Water which flows in to the River Calder, the Rochdale Canal, the A6033 Rochdale Road and the town has a Railway Station on the Caldervale Line. Although now part of West Yorkshire, Walsden was historically part of Lancashire and administered by Rochdale Corporation. All the pictures were taken by me in August 2017.
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Whilst sorting through my large postcard collection I have decided to digitise them all and share occasionally in addition to my own pictures.
The pictures in this post are unposted and undated but I am told they are from between the wars from the 1920's - 30's. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
Aspremont is a small village in south-east France, 10km north of Nice with a population of approx. 2190. I have searched for the tower in the background beyond the apartment blocks and I believe it is the tower of the Church of Saint-Jacques le Mejeur.
Jaffa (Yafo Hebrew, Yafa Arabic) is a port city in Tel-Aviv, Israel. The picture on the postcard which is unposted so not dated shows the coastline from what is the modern day Tel-Aviv Promenade.
Meggen is a mining community of approx. 2900 residents in Lennestadt, Western Germany.
The Taj Mahal, the most famous picture of the postcards featured. The "Crown of Peace" is a mausoleum close to the Yamuna River, Agra, Indian. Built between 1632 -53 as a tomb by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Mumtaz Mahal.
A late addition to the postcards I uploaded on the 23rd May 2020, is the following one, I missed when writing the post.
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I'm thrilled to share a new project I've been working on that's really close to my heart: a series of three YouTube videos featuring historic pictures of Sowerby Bridge.
These aren't just any old photos; they're a window into our town's past, spanning the last 150 years! I recently came across a fantastic collection of images, and I've been advised they're all public domain and copyright-free. Some of these even belong to a Lilywhites postcards collection, meaning they're over a century old – imagine the stories they could tell!
My aim with these videos is to bring a bit of Sowerby Bridge's rich history to life for everyone to enjoy. You'll see familiar landmarks and perhaps even discover areas of the town as they looked generations ago.
Of course, if I've been misinformed about any copyright, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm more than happy to credit the source or remove any picture at your request.
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Nestled on the Caldervale Line, midway between the bustling metropolises of Leeds and Manchester, lies Smithy Bridge Railway Station. While it might appear, at first glance, to be a modest, unstaffed two-platform stop, its history is anything but ordinary, a testament to the evolving needs of a community and the enduring importance of rail travel.
A Modern Yet Modest Hub
Today, Smithy Bridge Station serves as a vital link for the local community, evidenced by its impressive passenger numbers – 167,000 in 2017/18, equating to over 3,200 journeys per week. Despite its unstaffed status, the station offers essential facilities. Small shelters on both platforms provide respite from the elements, while information boards keep passengers informed. For convenience, ticket machines are available for both purchasing and collecting tickets prior to travel.
Accessibility is a key feature, with both platforms reachable via ramps, ensuring that the station is usable by all. A small car park sits between the station and the picturesque Rochdale Canal, though passengers are advised this is not station property. A defining characteristic of Smithy Bridge is its proximity to the level crossing that carries Smithy Bridge Road, a route leading up to the scenic Hollingworth Lake – a popular local attraction.
From Victorian Origins to Modern Revival
The story of Smithy Bridge Station is a fascinating journey through time, a narrative of closure and triumphant re-opening. The original station, a product of the Victorian railway boom, was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in October 1868. This was nearly three decades after the initial line through Smithy Bridge had been laid, extending to Littleborough. For over 90 years, this initial incarnation of Smithy Bridge Station served its purpose, connecting the community to the wider rail network.
However, the mid-20th century saw significant changes in the railway landscape. British Rail, undergoing rationalisation, made the difficult decision to close Smithy Bridge Station in May 1960, a common fate for many smaller stations during this era. For 25 years, the tracks through Smithy Bridge lay silent, at least in terms of passenger services.
But the story didn't end there. Thanks to the foresight and financial backing of Greater Manchester PTE (Passenger Transport Executive), a new chapter began. On August 19th, 1985, a new Smithy Bridge Station, built on the very site of its predecessor, was officially opened. This revival underscored a renewed understanding of the importance of local rail connections and the role they play in sustainable transport and community development.
Echoes of the Past: The Signal Box
Just to the east of the current station, a level crossing marks a spot with a more recent historical footnote. Until 2014, a signal box stood proudly on the opposite side of the road to the station, diligently controlling the crossing. These iconic structures, once ubiquitous along railway lines, are now a rare sight, gradually being replaced by modern signalling systems. The Smithy Bridge signal box, a silent sentinel for many years, was ultimately taken out of use and subsequently demolished, another sign of the ever-evolving nature of the railway infrastructure.
A Snapshot in Time
The accompanying images, captured on a Nikon D3300 SLR camera on a crisp December day in 2019, offer a contemporary glimpse of Smithy Bridge Station. They show a station that, while unstaffed, is clearly well-used and continues to serve its community effectively. They are a visual reminder of the station's present-day function, a testament to its successful rebirth.
Smithy Bridge Railway Station is more than just a stop on the Caldervale Line. It's a living piece of railway history, a testament to the ebb and flow of rail travel, and a vital link for the people it serves. Its journey from Victorian origins to modern revival highlights the enduring value of accessible and well-connected public transport, a story that continues to unfold with every passing train.
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The following is taken from my YouTube channel.
All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
Stepping off the train at Stocksmoor Station, you immediately feel a sense of stepping back in time. As the fifth stop on the Penistone Line when heading from Huddersfield, it’s a place that truly embodies the term "rural stop." When I visited in May 2016, I was the sole soul on the platform, camera in hand, soaking in the stillness. It’s hard to imagine, given the quiet, that this station actually averages just under 400 passengers a week, based on 2017-18 figures.
A Station with a Story
Stocksmoor isn't just a quiet halt; it's a survivor. Opened way back on July 1st, 1850, this station has witnessed its fair share of railway history. It’s one of the last remaining stretches of double track on the line, serving as a vital passing loop for trains between here and Shepley. The entire line was converted to single track in 1989, but not before it fought off yet another closure attempt. And speaking of closures, Stocksmoor has been unmanned since 1966, when the first bid to shut down the line was successfully reversed.
Minimalist Charm
In terms of facilities, Stocksmoor is decidedly minimalist. You’ll find step-free access to both platforms, which is always a plus, but don't expect much else. There are no toilets or shops, and shelter from the elements is limited. On my visit, there was no ticket machine, electronic notification board, or even a passenger help point. I do understand, however, that a ticket machine has since been installed, which is a welcome addition.
Despite the lack of modern amenities, or perhaps because of it, Stocksmoor holds a unique charm. It’s a testament to the resilience of smaller railway lines and a reminder of a bygone era of train travel. If you’re ever exploring the Penistone Line, make sure to give Stocksmoor a moment of your time. You might just find yourself, like I did, as its only visitor, enjoying the peaceful solitude of a truly rural station.
Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.
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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.
