The slide below is part of my 35mm slide collection I am currently digitising and restoring - giving new life to, the slide features a picture of Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, North Wales taken in the 1970's or 80s.
The original picture which can be seen below was restored with a new sky added, the picture was turned in to a black and white image before re-colouring to give the image shown above which can also be seen on Clickasnap. Click the image and a link should open in another window to the version there.
Clicking the image above should open a link in another window to my vintage images album on Clickasnap, featuring pictures before the year 2000.
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Below is a set of 35mm slides I recently restored, they were taken in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. During the restoration i replaced the sky with something a bit more dramatic as the original sky featured in each picture was washed out and had no life.
Taken in the early 1980's the picture shows the Arc de Triumph in Paris, France.
Aros Castle ruins on the Isle of Mull, the castle is also known as Dounarwyse Castle. The picture was taken in 1969.
Shrewsbury Abbey, Shropshire picture sometime in the 1970's.
Taken in the 1960's this picture which I restored to colour shows a Welsh coracle boat.
Taken sometime in the late 1960's this shows the Wye Valley, Herefordshire, sadly the exact location is not known despite attempts to find it.
Clicking any image should open a link in another window to the un-watermarked, higher resolution version on Clickasnap.
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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.
These artworks were inspired by the joint bid by England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to host the Euro 2028 finals. They were put together for a short video collection - slideshow.
I am currently only sharing these pictures on here, copies are available to purchase from EBay UK if you would like sized 6x4.
The nation's Shrines is a short video I recently uploaded to YouTube featuring a collection of 25 cigarette trading cards from a collection released in 1929 called the nation's Shrines. Each card is an image of an historic place from either England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and the complete set if featured in the video. They were released by Player's Cigarettes.
The images feature a number of abbey's, Cathedral's, Castle's and other places of interest in the United Kingdom. Sadly Kenilworth Castle is missing, the video software only aloud a brief glimpse of it between John Milton's cottage and Manorbier Castle. The pictures below are the ones that feature in the video. The break down of places represented is 17 sites from England, 3 from Wales and Ireland and 2 featured from Scotland. In this modern age i'm sure that split would be a bit more representative and certainly feature a few more sites of interest from the Celtic nations.
One of my hobbies is the sport of Rugby League, I am a supporter of Halifax RLFC, who recently changed there name to Halifax Panthers. The club has had it's success throughout it's history being league champions 4 times and challenge cup winners 5 times. Since relegation from Super League in 2003 the club has been a mainstay of the championship. It was from the recent decision by Super League to refuse re-entry to the competition to Toronto Wolfpack and open up a bidding process to clubs from the championship to enter super league and league ones clubs to enter the championship that I started to have a look at the grounds of the League 1 clubs.
From this interest the idea of creating a short video of each clubs ground from the air was born, originally I had planned to only show the league 1 clubs grounds, but found I had enjoyed the process as it differed from what I normally put together so I then completed videos of all the Championships clubs and Super League clubs home stadia.
League 1.
League 1 currently features 10 clubs, with future admissions possible from a reborn Toronto Wolfpack, Ottawa Aces, New York City, Belgrade, Valencia, Bristol and Liverpool, Ottawa the only confirmed one for 2022. For the 2021 season the league will be made up of Barrow Raiders, Coventry Bears, Doncaster RLFC, Hunslet Hawks, Keighley Cougars, London Skolars, North Wales Crusaders, Rochdale Hornets, West Wales Raiders and Workington Town.
Championship.
Probably the most competitive league in the British rugby system where a good start to the season could see any one of the 14 clubs either promoted or relegated. The 2021 season will see Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, Oldham RLFC, Sheffield Eagles, Swinton Lions, Toulouse Olympique, Whitehaven RLFC, Widnes Vikings and York City Knights do battle.
Super League.
The Super League is the highest level of rugby league competition in the UK and the 2nd highest worldwide. After the ejection of Toronto Wolfpack, Leigh Centurions were promoted to level the competition to 12 clubs for the 2021 season and the rest are, Castleford Tigers, Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Hull Kingston Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Salford Red Devils, St Helens RFC, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Warrington Wolves, and Wigan Warriors.
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As a collector of postcards, I often find myself lost in the stories they silently tell – tales of travel, connection, and moments frozen in time. Today, I'm excited to share a couple of intriguing additions from my large collection, one of which presents a delightful little historical puzzle!
Take a look at this charming postcard:
This particular card, featuring The Priory, Llandogo, Monmouthshire, Wales, carries a fascinating journey within its aged fibres. What immediately captivated me was the postmark: June 4th, 1954, from the picturesque town of Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. It was addressed to a "Chapman" at 36 Hill Road, West Worthing, Sussex – a lovely, tangible link to lives lived decades ago.
However, a closer inspection of the stamp has thrown a delightful spanner in the works! The stamp clearly depicts King George VI. For those familiar with British history, you'll know that King George VI sadly passed away in 1952.
This discrepancy immediately sparks a few questions:
Was the postcard truly posted in 1954? It's possible that a stamp from 1952 (or earlier) was still in use and valid for postage two years later. Royal Mail often allows for a period where old stamps remain valid after a new monarch accedes to the throne. This would be the most straightforward explanation.
Could the postmark be slightly misread or unclear? While I've checked it carefully, sometimes aged ink and paper can play tricks on the eyes.
Is there a less common scenario at play? Perhaps it was a special issue or a collector's item used unusually? (Though this is less likely for a standard postcard.)
This little puzzle only adds to the charm and historical value of the postcard for me. It's a tangible reminder that even seemingly simple artifacts can hold layers of history and intrigue. It also highlights the importance of scrutinizing every detail when exploring historical items!
The image itself, of The Priory in Llandogo, offers its own quiet beauty. Nestled in the heart of Monmouthshire, Llandogo is a village known for its stunning Wye Valley scenery. I can almost imagine the sender enjoying the tranquillity of the area before sending this snapshot across the country.
The postcard reads as best as I can as follows, if I can't make the word out I will just underscore
The Priory - Llandogo
Via Chepstow, Herefordshire.
Dear Denis, Eva and All,
We are having an enjoyable time here, had a v. wet journey on Saturday. Rain almost all the way. Arrived without Jerry at 3.00, had to wait at ____Jerry arrived 7.30 just as the dinner bell went the weather has been _______ __ ______ __ day was nice we walked to a beacon hill and villages ___ most of the rest of the card I unable to make out but it ends with, I hope you fix something up soon, love to you all ______Love from Hugh and Jerry.
The 2nd postcard I want to feature is of Happy Valley, Llandudno, these are a set of gardens that are home to wildlife animals and plants and still popular today. Llandudno Pier can also be seen in the picture.
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There’s something truly magical about holding a piece of history in your hands, especially when it’s a vintage postcard. Each one tells a story, not just of the place it depicts, but of a moment in time, a connection between people, and a glimpse into a bygone era.
Part of my own collection is this charming postcard, offering a serene view across Happy Valley Gardens in Llandudno, with the elegant town pier stretching out into the distance.
Frozen in Time: August 11th, 1950
What makes this card particularly special is its postmark: August 11th, 1950. Imagine the scene on that summer's day. Was it a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or a peaceful escape to the Welsh coast? The card itself doesn't tell us who sent it or to whom, but it invites us to ponder the lives connected by this small piece of cardstock.
In 1950, Britain was still recovering from the war years, but tourism was steadily re-emerging. Llandudno, with its grand Victorian architecture and stunning natural beauty, was already a popular destination. Picture the visitors strolling through Happy Valley, enjoying the vibrant flower beds, perhaps riding the cable car or the Great Orme Tramway, and then heading towards the pier for a leisurely walk, an ice cream, or even a paddle in the Irish Sea.
The Enduring Charm of Happy Valley and Llandudno Pier
Looking at the postcard, it's striking how much, and yet how little, has changed. Happy Valley Gardens remains a beautiful, tranquil oasis, nestled on the slopes of the Great Orme. It's still a place where you can find peace, enjoy panoramic views, and escape the hustle and bustle.
And the Llandudno Pier? It's as iconic today as it was 74 years ago. A magnificent example of Victorian engineering, it continues to be a focal point of the town, bustling with arcade games, kiosks, and people simply enjoying the sea air.
This postcard isn't just a picture; it's a window. It reminds us of the timeless appeal of Llandudno, a place that has welcomed visitors for generations. It also serves as a beautiful testament to the simple act of sharing a moment, a memory, and a view with someone far away.
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Posted to a Mr & Mrs R. Acton
34 Worsley Road
Lower Walton
Warrington
Lancs.
The text as best I can make reads as follows,
Llandudno, Thurs
Having a very enjoyable holiday and regret it is nearly over. Weather has been mixed, but we have not been forced indoors. Had some lovely tours, and found N. Wales as beautiful as ever.
Love Helga & Harry
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While exploring the Neath Abbey Business Park area, I stumbled upon a section of the Tennant Canal, a waterway steeped in history and a testament to one man's unwavering vision. Intrigued, I delved into the story of this remarkable feat of engineering, and what I discovered was truly inspiring.
George Tennant, a Lancashire solicitor's son, wasn't a canal builder by trade. Yet, in 1816, after purchasing the Rhydings estate, he took on the challenge of revitalizing the disused Glan-y-wern Canal. Tennant's ambition wasn't just to reopen the canal; he envisioned a significantly enlarged and extended waterway, capable of accommodating larger barges and connecting the River Neath to the River Tawe near Swansea harbour. He saw the potential for this canal to spur development in the region, believing Swansea's docks offered a superior shipping point compared to Neath or Giant's Grave.
Undeterred by a lack of support from local landowners, Tennant bravely funded the entire project himself. He leased the Glan-y-wern Canal from the Earl of Jersey and, under the guidance of engineer William Kirkhouse, work commenced in 1817. By autumn 1818, the canal stretched from Swansea to the River Neath, exceeding its initial design and accommodating even larger barges than planned. The Glan-y-wern branch was also reopened, providing a vital coal supply.
But Tennant's vision didn't stop there. He aimed to connect with the Neath Canal, a challenging endeavor that involved navigating complex terrain, including the treacherous Crymlyn Bog. This phase of the project was fraught with difficulties, including quicksand and legal battles with landowners like L.W. Dillwyn. Tennant's persistence, however, eventually prevailed. He secured agreements with the Neath Canal and, after overcoming significant engineering hurdles, including constructing an impressive ten-arched aqueduct across the River Neath, the expanded canal finally opened in 1824.
The Tennant Canal, initially known as the Neath and Swansea Junction Canal, eventually reached a length of 8.5 miles. Tennant even developed the area around the Swansea terminus, naming it Port Tennant. While the canal did boost the local economy and carried substantial amounts of coal, timber, and other goods, it didn't initially generate the profits Tennant had hoped for. Nevertheless, his legacy lived on, with the canal playing a crucial role in the region's industrial development for many years.
The story of George Tennant is a powerful reminder that vision, determination, and a willingness to overcome obstacles can lead to extraordinary achievements. His canal, a testament to his audacious spirit, remains a fascinating piece of South Wales' industrial heritage. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most significant contributions are born from the passion and perseverance of individuals who dare to dream big, even when others doubt.
The pictures were taken in September 2017 with a Nikon D3300 Camera. Clicking any image 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.
