The Tees Transporter Bridge: An Icon at a Crossroads

The Tees Transporter Bridge, a colossal symbol of industrial heritage, holds the distinction of being the longest remaining transporter bridge in the world. Yet, this magnificent structure, a testament to early 20th-century engineering, currently faces an uncertain future, standing closed and in dire need of significant repairs.

Opened in October 1911 at an impressive cost exceeding £68,000, the bridge revolutionized crossings over the River Tees. It replaced a long-standing ferry service, providing a more efficient and reliable link between Middlesbrough and Port Clarence. The decision to build a transporter bridge, rather than a conventional one, was a stroke of genius. This design allowed large ships to navigate the Tees unhindered, preserving vital shipping routes to industries further upstream—a crucial consideration for the burgeoning industrial landscape of the era. Interestingly, when first constructed, the bridge sported a vibrant red hue, only to adopt its now-iconic blue livery in 1961.

The bridge's historical and engineering significance has been formally recognized on several occasions. It was granted Grade II listed status on June 21, 1985, acknowledging its architectural and historical importance. Further recognition came in December 1993 with a Heritage Plaque from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, celebrating its ingenious design and construction.

Despite its storied past and undeniable significance, the Tees Transporter Bridge has been closed to the public since August 2019 due to safety concerns. Its continued closure casts a shadow over its future, raising questions about the extensive work required to bring it back to a safe and operational state. Will this grand dame of engineering be restored to its former glory, or will it remain a static monument to a bygone era? Only time will tell if this vital piece of the Tees Valley's identity will once again carry passengers and vehicles across the river it has faithfully served for over a century.

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Original Artworks of England International Test Cricket Grounds

 This collection of Test Cricket Ground pictures was created by me recently and uploaded to YouTube and ClickASnap. All current test cricket venues that host the England international Team are featured.

More information and all the pictures can also be found below, they are also available to view on Clickasnap, where they can be seen full size, resolution and un-watermarked. The pictures are shown in the order of newest test ground to oldest. There are 2 pictures of each ground roughly from opposite side.

The Rose Bowl

The Rose Bowl

Currently known as the Ageas Bowl for sponsorship reason's, the Rose Bowl was opened in 2001, as the new home of  Hampshire CCC. It has a current capacity of 25000 and hosted a first test match from 16 - 20 June 2011, when England drew with Sri Lanka.

Sophia Gardens

Sophia Gardens.

The Cardiff Wales Stadium opened in 1967, the home of Glamorgan CCC the stadium also host's England games as the cricket team represents England and Wales. The current capacity is 15643 and it hosted a first test match from 8-12 June 2009 when England and Australia played out a draw in the 2009 Ashes series. 

The Riverside Ground

The Riverside Ground

The Riverside Ground at Chester-le-Street is the home of Durham CCC. Opened in 1995 it can hold up to 17000 for international games. The first test match hosted at the Riverside was England v Zimbabwe on from the 5-7 June 2003, England won by an innings and 69 runs.

 

Edgbaston

Edgbaston

Edgbaston Ground opened in 1882 and is home to Warwickshire CCC, Birmingham Bears and Pheonix Cricket Teams. It has a capacity of 25000 and hosted its first test match from the 29 - 31 May 1902 when England met Australia in the first test, the match ended in a draw.

Headingley, both Cricket and Rugby Stadiums

Headingley

Headingley is the home of Yorkshire CCC and was opened in 1890. The current capacity 18350 and it hosted its first test match from 29 June - 1 July 1899 when England and Australia drew the third test of that's years ashes series. The cricket ground is joined on to the home ground of the Leeds Rhino's Rugby League team.

Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge

Trent Bridge opened in 1841 and is the home of Nottinghamshire CCC and has a current capacity of 17500. The first test match hosted was England V Australia from the 1-3 June 1899 in a drawn match.

Lord's

Lord's

Lord's is known as the Home of Cricket and is owned by Marylebone Cricket Club. It was opened at it's current location in 1814 and is also home to Middlesex CCC. The ground hosted England for the first time in a test match from 21-23 July 1884, England beating Australia by an innings and 5 runs.

Old Trafford

Old Trafford

Old Trafford is the home of Lancashire CCC and opened in 1857, the capacity for international cricket is 26000. The first test match hosted was England v Australia from 10-12 July 1884, a match that ended in a draw.

The Oval

The Oval

The Kia Oval named for sponsorship reasons is the oldest test cricket ground in England. Opened as the home of Sussex CCC in 1845 the ground is traditionally the home of the final test in each series. The current capacity is 27500 and it has also be home to FA Cup Finals and England Football matchers. The first test match hosted here was from 6-8 September 1880 England beating Australia by 5 wickets.

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A Misty Morning on the Moors: Exploring Eastwood Lane, Blackshaw Head

There's a unique beauty to the Pennine landscape, especially when a gentle mist hangs in the air, softening the edges of the hills and adding an ethereal quality to the surroundings. These photos, taken on a misty May 22nd, 2022, capture just such a day around the top of Eastwood Lane, Blackshaw Head – a truly captivating corner of West Yorkshire.

Our journey begins with glimpses of quintessential country life. The scene is one of quiet solitude, with distant fields stretching out under a muted sky. The lush green of the pastures, bordered by dry stone walls, speaks of a timeless rural existence. A lone tree stands sentinel by the roadside, its branches still hinting at the cooler days of spring, while a hidden cottage peeks out from the trees, a cosy haven tucked into the landscape.

Venturing deeper, we find ourselves on a narrow, winding path – the kind that promises adventure and discovery. Overgrown with vibrant green foliage and sturdy ivy, it feels like stepping into a secret world. The path, likely well-trodden by walkers over generations, invites you to slow down, listen to the rustle of leaves, and breathe in the damp, earthy scent of the woods. It's a reminder of the many hidden routes that crisscross these hills, connecting isolated hamlets and offering breath taking views.

Further on, the landscape opens up to reveal the dramatic contours of the land, showcasing the top of Jumble Hole Clough, near Hebden Bridge. Here, the raw beauty of the moorland is on full display. A small stream meanders through the valley bottom, carving its way through the verdant slopes. The varied shades of green, from the bright, almost fluorescent grass to the deeper, richer hues of the heather-covered ground, create a rich tapestry under the overcast sky. It’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the rugged yet serene character of the Pennines.

But perhaps the most striking feature of this walk is the imposing presence of Great Rock, Blackshaw Head. Emerging from the rolling moorland, this magnificent rock formation stands like an ancient sentinel, its weathered face hinting at centuries of exposure to the elements. On a misty day like this, its grandeur is amplified, almost appearing to float amidst the swirling fog. It's a landmark that demands attention, a natural sculpture carved by time and weather, and a fantastic focal point for anyone exploring this part of the world.

These images truly capture the essence of a tranquil, yet powerful, landscape. The subtle light and muted colours of a misty day highlight the textures of the land, from the ancient rocks to the soft moss and damp grass. It’s a reminder that even on a seemingly grey day, the British countryside offers an abundance of beauty and opportunities for quiet reflection.

If you ever find yourself near Hebden Bridge, make sure to explore the trails around Eastwood Lane and Blackshaw Head. You might just discover your own hidden gems in the mist.

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Great Rock

Perched dramatically on the edge of Staups Moor, Great Rock isn't just any stone. This imposing natural formation, sculpted from Kinderscout Grit (a rugged form of Millstone Grit), is steeped in local lore. Among the many tales whispered about its origins, one stands out, giving the rock its chilling moniker: Devil's Rock.

Legend has it that the Devil, in a audacious wager with God, attempted to stride across the valley all the way from Stoodley Pike to Great Rock. He failed, of course, but not without leaving a lasting impression. To this day, it's said that his hoof print remains seared into the rock's surface—a testament to his hubris and a permanent scar on the moorland landscape.

The following pictures were taken along Staups Lane before I took the path down to Jumble Hole Clough.

The last picture was taken at the top of Jumble Hole Clough before heading down to find Staups Mill, the purpose of my visit. The stream would have powered the mill and eventually flows in to the River Calder at the valley bottom.

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Scottish Premiership Football Stadiums Season 2021/22

 My latest upload to YouTube is a slideshow of artworks of Scottish Premiership Football Stadiums season 2021 / 22 created by me, based on public domain images. The stadiums are featured in team alphabetical order in the video

The images below feature in the video, although below they are in stadium name order.

Almondvale Stadium opened in 1995 as the home of Livingston FC, it has
a current capacity of 9512. The record attendance was 10112 v Rangers Fc
on the 27 October 2001.

Celtic moved to their current location in 1892, the stadium has been modernised
several times and now has a capacity of 60411. The record attendance is
83500 v Rangers on the 1 January 1938.

Dens Park is the home ground of Dundee FC and opened in 1899. It is just 200yds
from the ground of city rivals Dundee United. The capacity is 11775 and the record
attendance 43024 was v Rangers on 7 February 1953.

Hibernian FC play at Easter Road, Edinburgh which has a current
capacity of 20421. The largest crowd ever was 65860 on the 2 January 1950
when they played city rivals Hearts of Midlothian. They played their first
game here in 1893.

Fir Park has been the home of Motherwell FC since 1895 and has a capacity of 13677.
The largest crowd ever was 35632 for a game against Rangers on 12 March 1952.

Rangers FC have played at Ibrox Park, changed to Ibrox Stadium in
1997, since 1899 and the current capacity is 50817. The record attendance which is
also the largest ever for a domestic football match in Britain is 118567 for a league
fixture against Old Firm Rivals Celtic on the 2 January 1939.

McDiarmid Park in Pert is the home stadium of
St Johnstone FC. The capacity is 10696 and since opening in 1989
the record attendance is 10721 v Rangers on the 26 February 1991.

Pittodrie Stadium has been the home to Aberdeen FC since September 1899,
there are plans to replace the ground with a new build stadium but this has
been planned for at least 15 years. The current capacity is 20866 and the
record attendance is 45061 v Hearts of Midlothian 13 March 1954.

St Mirren Park hosted it's first game on the 31 January 2009, built to replace
the previous home of Love Street the ground has a capacity of 8023. The
record attendance is 7732 v Dundee United on the 26 May 2019. Their best
at Love Street was 47438.

Dundee United have called their home Tannadice Park since 1909 and the record
attendance is  28000 v Barcelona on the 16 November 1966. This is unlikely
to ever be beaten as the current capacity is around half that at 14223.

Tynecastle Park has a current capacity of 19852 and has been home to Hearts
of Midlothian since 1886. The record attendance is 53396 for a Scottish
Cup game against Rangers FC on the 13 February 1932.

Victoria Park opened in 1929 as the home ground of Ross County FC.
It has been the most northerly ground in senior British football since being
elected to Scottish Football League Division Three in 1994. The
current Capacity is 6541 and the record attendance was set
v Rangers in the Scottish Cup on the 28 February 1966.

I thought that because Celtic had the biggest home ground in Scotland and had massive support that they would also feature mostly in the other teams record attendances, surprisingly they were only the highest attendance once for a game against Rangers, Rangers were highest 7 times with Hearts of Midlothian featuring twice. Dundee United had the only non domestic highest for a game against Barcelona.

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Copley Railway Viaduct: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled discreetly between the Old Rishworthians Sports Ground and the picturesque North Dean Woods, the Copley Railway Viaduct (officially known as MVN2/160 or Copley Bottom Bridge) stands as a testament to the rich railway history of West Yorkshire. This impressive structure, carrying the railway over the River Calder, is a true hidden gem just east of Copley village.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened way back in August 1840 by the Manchester and Leeds Railway, this bridge was once a vital artery for main railway traffic through the entire Calder Valley. Imagine the hustle and bustle of early trains rumbling across its arches! Its prominence shifted somewhat with the construction of nearby lines at Milner Royd and Greetland Junctions, which diverted rail traffic towards Halifax.

Despite its historical significance, the line over Copley Viaduct faced closure plans in the late 1970s, especially after the closure of Brighouse (1970) and Elland (1962) stations. However, it persevered! It continued to serve as a crucial diversionary route for passenger trains and remained active for freight-only traffic during this period.

The year 2000 marked a significant turning point with the reopening of Brighouse Station. This brought passenger trains regularly crossing the Copley Viaduct once more, reconnecting this historic bridge to modern-day rail travel.

Photography Hotspot and Safety First!

One of the fantastic aspects of the Copley Viaduct is the open nature of the North Dean side, offering superb opportunities for photography enthusiasts. If you're keen on capturing the majesty of passing trains, especially the often-seen steam trains, this is an excellent spot.

However, and this is a crucial point, always remember to prioritise safety when near railway tracks. If you're venturing out to photograph, make sure to keep a safe distance away from the tracks. Staying well within the tree line, is always a good idea. Your safety is paramount!

These images were captured on a crisp 25th February 2019 using a Nikon d3300 SLR, showcasing the bridge's enduring beauty against a bright sky.

So, next time you're looking for a little piece of local history, consider seeking out the Copley Railway Viaduct. It's a truly impressive structure with a fascinating past and a continuing role in the Calder Valley's railway network.

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The Copley side of the viaduct

Taken on the North Dean side of the bridge, looking in the
direction of Copley.

The bridge again taken from the North Dean side.

Taken from the far end of Old Rishworthians sports ground.

The top of the bridge, the open nature of the track at the bottom of North
Dean Woods allows great access for taking pictures of trains passing.
Please be aware of a safety when near the lines, this is level with the tree
line which i consider a safe distance from the track. although when
trains are approaching I stand much further back than this.

The River Calder flows underneath the bridge,

The River Calder, taken looking towards Copley from underneath
the viaduct.

Again in the direction of Copley but from the other side of the bridge.

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