The Ever-Evolving Heart of Halifax: The Piece Hall, A Photographic Journey

Some landmarks aren't just bricks and mortar; they're living chronicles, evolving with the pulse of a community. For me, The Piece Hall in Halifax is one such place. Being right on my doorstep has allowed me to witness its incredible transformations first hand, not just as a casual observer, but through the lens of a camera.

From Humble Beginnings to a Photographic Passion

My photographic journey with The Piece Hall began in December 2013. Back then, I was a nascent enthusiast, armed with just a Samsung Tablet. My aim was to capture the hall before it closed its doors in January 2014 for a monumental £19 million, three-year restoration project. Little did I know that this initial visit would spark a deeper interest in photography, prompting me to return in 2017 after its grand reopening. The difference was astonishing – from a tired, aging space to a vibrant hub of shopping, leisure, and community.

A Tapestry of History: The Piece Hall Through the Ages

Opened on January 1st, 1779, The Piece Hall was originally conceived as a bustling marketplace for local cloth traders. Imagine the clamour of merchants, the rustle of fabrics, and the vibrant exchange of goods that once filled its grand courtyard. However, as the textile industry modernized and industrialized, the hall's traditional role waned. In 1868, it was acquired by the Halifax Corporation and soon converted into a wholesale market, a function it maintained until 1971. At this point, with the wholesale market dispersed, the unthinkable was considered: demolition.

Thankfully, this fate was averted. After a period of refurbishment, the hall reopened on July 3rd, 1976, reborn as a tourist destination featuring shops, a museum, and an art gallery, along with an outdoor market. Yet, visitor numbers once again began to decline. This led the Calderdale Council to devise a comprehensive plan, securing funding from various sources for another extensive refurbishment. The hall closed its doors to the public on January 16th, 2014, for its much-anticipated three-year transformation.

The grand reopening on August 1st, 2017, coinciding with Yorkshire Day, marked a new era for The Piece Hall. Today, it’s a thriving space offering restaurants, bars, shops, and live entertainment, including music concerts. It even proudly served as the starting point for the renowned Tour de Yorkshire.

A Heritage Protected: Grade I Listed Status

The Piece Hall's significance extends far beyond its commercial history. On November 3rd, 1954, it was granted Grade I listed status, a testament to its exceptional historical, architectural, and cultural importance. The reasons cited were compelling:

• Historic interest: Its unique role in the cloth trade.
• Rarity: It stands as the only remaining cloth hall in Yorkshire.
• Architectural interest: Its distinctive and impressive design.
• Architectural layout: The remarkable and innovative structure of the building itself.

Overlooking the hall are Beacon Hill and the spire of the Square Church. Only the spire remains of the church, damaged by fire and partially demolished in the 1970s, now forming an integral part of the recently opened Halifax Central Library.

Whispers of the Past: Supernatural Tales and Enduring Mysteries

Like many old buildings, The Piece Hall isn't without its share of intriguing supernatural stories. One of the units in the southwest corner is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl known as Amy. The popular TV show Derek Acorah's Ghost Towns even broadcast from the hall in March 2006, with Acorah claiming to have made contact with spirits named Mary and Joseph in the cellars.

Another enduring mystery surrounds the Hand Prints at the Westgate entrance. Though sadly less visible than they once were, these prints have spawned numerous local legends. Some believe they were left by a local witch, while a more widely known story suggests they were imprinted by a murderer making his desperate escape. These tales add another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating historical landmark.

My most recent photographic outing to The Piece Hall was on October 12th, 2019, using a Nikon D3300. These images, along with others taken on various occasions with different cameras, aim to capture the enduring spirit and evolving beauty of this remarkable building. 

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

The pictures below were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 1st December 2013. This was before the halls refurbishment.

The following pictures were taken on the 20th October 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

The following pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 3rd October 2017.

This final set of pictures was taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 22nd September 2019.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Winter's Tale: Delivering Doors to the Edge of Argyll

Some journeys are simply about getting from A to B. Others, however, embed themselves in your memory, transforming a routine task into an unexpected adventure. Such was the case for a delivery driver in December 2015, whose route to Portavadie, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, unfolded into a stunning photographic odyssey.

The Unlikeliest of Photo Opportunities

It was the 15th of December, 2015, and the mission was to deliver doors to a redevelopment project near the picturesque Portavadie Marina. The delivery vehicle, laden with its cargo, set off from McInroy's Point, Gourock, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Little did the driver know, this trip across Scotland’s west coast, a distance of just over 30 miles, would become a memorable visual record. Armed with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, a tool not typically associated with professional landscape photography, a series of remarkable images were captured. The foresight to "snap a number of pictures," driven by the realization that this remote and beautiful area might never be revisited by me, proved to be a stroke of genius.

A Journey Through Scotland's Heart

The journey itself was a masterclass in Scottish scenery. After crossing the Firth, the route meandered along a series of A and B roads, each bend revealing a new vista. This wasn't a high-speed dash; it was a winding exploration through some of Scotland's most breath taking landscapes. The path wove through a scattering of small settlements, each with its own quiet charm, offering glimpses into local life.

The drive also encompassed a number of significant natural landmarks. The imposing Tarsan Dam stood as a testament to human engineering amidst the wild terrain, while the tranquil waters of Kylies of Bute, Holy Loch, Riddon Loch, and Striven Loch mirrored the dramatic skies of a Scottish winter. These lochs, with their dark, still surfaces and surrounding rugged hills, provided a stark yet beautiful contrast to the task at hand – delivering doors.

Capturing the Ephemeral

December in Argyll & Bute is a time of dramatic light and often moody skies. The pictures, taken in 2015, likely capture the crisp air, the low winter sun, and perhaps even the hint of frost on the landscape. A bridge camera, while not a professional DSLR, offers a good balance of features for capturing a wide range of scenes, making it an ideal companion for an impromptu photographic expedition. The resulting images, though taken by chance, serve as a powerful reminder of the unexpected beauty found on even the most routine of working days.

This delivery, far from being just another job, transformed into an impromptu photography tour, showcasing the rugged beauty of Argyll & Bute and proving that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are found on the road less travelled – or in this case, on a delivery route to the very edge of Scotland's stunning west coast.

The clip features all the images in a slide show video. The images below are a selection of the ones pictured on Flickr and Clickasnap that were taken on the journey. The rest can be seen on the Flickr album or video above.

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

McInroy's Point.

Gourock - Dunoon ferry.

Ardnadam Pier.

Tarsan Dam.

Loch Striven.

The previous 3 images are of the Kyles of Bute.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Watford North: A Glimpse into Abbey Line History

Nestled in the Hertfordshire suburb of North Watford, Watford North railway station holds a quiet significance. It's the very first stop on the Abbey Line, a charming branch line that meanders from Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey. You'll find it right next to the Bushey Mill Lane Level crossing.

While the line connecting Watford Junction to St Albans first opened its doors in 1858, Watford North station itself didn't arrive until October 1910. Back then, it was known as Callowland, reflecting the developing residential and industrial landscape of north Watford. This name stuck until 1927, when it was aptly renamed North Watford, a title it's proudly held ever since.

For decades, Watford North has stood resilient. It’s been unmanned since the infamous Beeching cuts of the early 1960s and has bravely fended off numerous closure threats over the years, a testament to its enduring role for local residents.

There have been whispers and plans for improvements along the Abbey Line and at the station in recent years, though none have come to fruition just yet. Ideas have included a nearby passing loop to boost service frequency from the current 45-minute intervals to less than 30, and even a proposal to run trams along the route. There was also a notable plan to extend the branch line to terminate at St Albans City Railway Station, which would undoubtedly enhance connectivity.

These pictures, offering a snapshot of Watford North, were captured with my Sony phone on July 9th, 2018. 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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Fond Farewell to J300 RAJ

It's funny how a single picture can unlock a flood of memories. Recently, I stumbled upon a photo that took me right back to my final days at RAJ Transport, a company I was proud to work for for over 11 years. The star of the show in that picture? J300 RAJ, my trusty chariot.

The End of an Era

RAJ Transport closed its doors in November 2018, but unlike many transport companies, it wasn't due to financial woes. The reason was far simpler, and in its own way, heartwarming: Bob, the boss, decided it was time to enjoy a well-earned retirement. It was a testament to the company's success and Bob's leadership that he could make such a decision.

A Unique Sight on the Motorway

This particular photo was taken a few months before the company closed. Normally, the trailers we ran were unbranded, just a distinctive yellow stripe against a green curtain. But on this day, I had one of only a couple of sign-written trailers hitched to my unit as I headed down to Wolverhampton from Huddersfield. It only struck me as I pulled into Stafford services southbound. I grabbed my camera, snapped a shot of the truck and trailer, and then, until now, completely forgot about it.

After a little digital tidying up, removing some of the colour from the trees in the background, this is the result. It's a bittersweet image now, a distant memory of a company that was genuinely enjoyable to work for. I just wanted to share it, as it brought back so many good times.

Clicking the image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Journey Through Brontë Country: Discovering Waterfalls and Wuthering Heights

Recently, while sifting through some old photos, I stumbled upon a collection I took in March 2014. These weren't just any pictures; they were from a memorable walk across the moors south of Haworth, a journey undertaken in search of the elusive Brontë Waterfall and the haunting ruins of Top Withens farmhouse. I've compiled a selection of these images into a short video, which you can now view below.

The Brontë Waterfall: A Hidden Gem

Our adventure began at the Brontë Waterfall, a modest yet captivating cascade nestled in the heart of Brontë Country. This area, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, holds deep connections to the legendary Brontë family. You'll find the falls are part of the picturesque South Dean Beck. Interestingly, the original bridge crossing the beck was swept away by flash flooding in 1989, only to be lovingly rebuilt the following year. A plaque now stands as a testament to its resilience.

Following the Trail to Top Withens

From the waterfall, we followed the Brontë Trail in a westerly direction, leading us deeper into the moorland expanse and eventually to the atmospheric ruins of Top Withens Farmhouse. It's truly difficult to fathom how anyone could have carved out a life in such a desolate and isolated spot, with only a couple of other farms for company – farms that were themselves abandoned in the 1870s and subsequently demolished.

Top Withens met a similar fate, abandoned around the same time. However, it experienced a brief revival in 1920 when a Mr. Ernest Roddie brought it back into use. Alas, its respite was short-lived, and by 1926, the farm was finally abandoned for good, left to slowly succumb to the elements and become the ruin we see today. This poignant shell of a home is widely believed to have been the inspiration for the iconic Earnshaw house in Emily Brontë's timeless novel, Wuthering Heights.

The pictures below are of the ruins at Top Withens. The full set can be seen in my earlier post on Top Withens. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The full set of 12 pictures at Top Withens can be seen on Clickasnap or my earlier blog post.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.