Fielden Square: A Canvas of Todmorden's Past

Todmorden's Fielden Square is a place with a story etched into its very foundations. Today, it serves as a busy car park, but a century ago, it was a space designed for a grander purpose: to honour one of the town's most influential figures, John Fielden.

Fielden was a local businessman, a major benefactor, and a dedicated social reformer. The town chose this square as the perfect spot for his statue, a place where his legacy could be a constant reminder to the people he served. However, in 1939, the statue was moved to Centre Vale Park, leaving the square to evolve with the changing needs of the town.

This photograph, taken on a cold November day in 2013, captures the square's modern-day utility. The sky, which was originally flat and grey, has been replaced with a vibrant, dramatic cloudscape, a testament to the power of digital editing. This change breathes new life into the image, giving it a sense of dynamism that the original lacked.

The picture also features a few other key Todmorden landmarks. To the left, you can see the Golden Lion Pub, which was closed at the time due to severe flooding. Its reopening a year later was a symbol of the town's resilience. Looming over the entire scene is the stunning spire of Todmorden Unitarian Church, a building that the Fielden family themselves helped to construct. This connection reinforces the lasting impact the family had on the town's identity.

Fielden Square may no longer hold a statue of its namesake, but the ghosts of its past are still very much present, in the architecture, the history of its surrounding buildings, and the stories they tell.

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The image remains the copyright of Colin Green.

Discovering the Ryburn: A Journey Through Time and Nature

 The River Ryburn, a quiet yet powerful force, carves a path through the heart of West Yorkshire. From its source high in the Pennine hills above Baitings Reservoir, it travels approximately seven miles, nourished by 12 tributaries, until it concludes its journey by merging with the River Calder near Sowerby Bridge.

The route of the Ryburn is a tapestry of history and natural beauty, flowing through or near the villages of Rishworth, Ripponden, Kebroyd, and Triangle. As it winds its way downstream, it passes underneath 13 bridges, each a testament to human ingenuity and a connection between the communities it serves.

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The Final Mile: Where Nature and Industry Collide

These images, captured in October 2013, focus on the final leg of the river's journey, from Watson Mill Lane to its dramatic meeting with the River Calder. This stretch offers a unique glimpse into a landscape where nature and industrial heritage coexist.

One image captures the river flowing under the imposing Sowerby Bridge Viaduct. The weathered stone of the viaduct's arches stands as a silent witness to a bygone era of steam and rail, while the dark, churning water below shows the river's unceasing energy. This spot, where the river meets the railway, perfectly encapsulates Sowerby Bridge's character—a place defined by both its natural setting and its industrial past.

Further upstream, near Watson Mill Lane, the river adopts a more serene and natural feel. Here, the banks are lush with trees and foliage, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. The riverbed, scattered with rocks and pebbles, hints at the river's journey over time, carving and shaping the landscape. In another photo, a group of geese and ducks glide peacefully on the water, a stark contrast to the lively, cascading waters further downstream.

The images offer a moment of quiet reflection, showing us not only the physical river but also the life it supports and the history it has flowed through. The Ryburn, while small in stature, plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and the lives of the people who live along its banks.

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A Photographic Time Capsule

Shot on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, these photos serve as a digital time capsule. They remind us that the most powerful images often don't require the most sophisticated equipment. Instead, they need a keen eye and an appreciation for the world around us. These snapshots from over a decade ago invite us to consider how the river has changed and how it remains the same.

The River Ryburn is more than just a waterway; it is a vital part of the West Yorkshire landscape, carrying with it stories of nature, industry, and community. Next time you're near Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to walk along its banks. You might just discover your own story waiting to be told.

These pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in October 2013. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Geese and ducks in the River at Victoria Bridge

The Ryburn flowing in to the River Calder from underneath Sowerby Bridge railway viaduct, the former bridges bar can be seen on the right, as of September 2022 this is being demolished having stood empty for a number of years.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Ardrossan's Golden Shore: The North Beach

Ardrossan, a charming coastal town in Ayrshire, Scotland, boasts not one but two delightful beaches. Today's pictures were taken on Boydston Beach or North Shore.

Ardrossan North Beach stretchers out in a welcoming curve of golden sand, perfect for picnics, sandcastle building, and leisurely strolls. Feel the sand between your toes as you wander along the shoreline, letting the sound of the waves lull you into a relaxed state. For the more adventurous, the beach offers opportunities for paddling, swimming, and rock pooling in the cool waters of the Firth of Clyde. Remember to check the tides and weather conditions before heading into the water.

The true magic of Ardrossan North Beach unfolds when you turn your gaze outward. The beach offers stunning views across the Firth of Clyde, the majestic Isle of Arran, its peak visible on the horizon, and Horse Island, a nearby bird-watching sanctuary with its iconic 19th-century tower. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the rolling hills of the Scottish Mainland to the north.

The beach is close to the town centre, allowing visitors to seek out the Victorian Promenade, and check out the town's rich maritime history by visiting the harbour. There are also a number of places to seek out refreshments nearby.

Ardrossan North Beach is a fantastic starting point for exploring the wider Ayrshire coast. Consider hopping on a ferry to the Isle of Arran for a day trip filled with natural beauty and historical intrigue.

For a dose of culture, head to the nearby town of Saltcoats and explore its art galleries and museums.

The pictures were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 28th November 2013. 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.