Ermita de Los Delores: Lanzarote's Church of Miracles

 Ermita de Los Delores is an 18th Century church in the village of Mancha Blanca on the Island of Lanzarote. The stunning little church was part of a tour of the island I took and has an interesting story or legend attached to it.

The last great volcanic eruptions to hit Lanzarote had lasted for 6 years when in April 1736, the villages of Mancha Blanca went with a priest carrying the Virgin Nuestra Senora de los Delores to meet the lava flow heading towards the village. When they reached Guigan they prayed and inserted a cross in to the ground, promising to build a church in the honour of the Virgin if she stopped the lava flow towards the village and fertile fields nearby.

The lava flow changed direction away from the villages and over a previous lava field, and the villages soon forgot their promise to build a church. In 1774 the Virgin appeared to a local shepherd girl and told her to remind the villagers they needed to construct the church, the girl was eventually believed and work started taking 10 years to complete the build of the church paid for by inhabitants from all over Lanzarote.

The church was closed in 1850 for restoration, reopening in 1861. It was again in need of restoration by 1988 and on the 18th June all the contents were removed to the Parish of Tinajo, including an image of the virgin. Just a few hours later the dome of the church collapsed.

I took 4 pictures of the church with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, they were taken on the 30th July 2013. Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Tracing History: A Snicket in Halifax

In the world of photography, some images capture not just a place but a moment in time, a feeling of an era. One such photograph is Bill Brandt's "A Snicket in Halifax," taken in 1937. His iconic black-and-white image documents a simple, cobbled path—a "snicket," as they're known in Northern England—climbing from Old Lane, Dean Clough towards North Bridge. It's a snapshot of a bygone industrial age, leading to a bridge that once spanned the Queensbury Lines Railway.

Inspired by Brandt's work, I recently revisited this very spot. While the railway is long gone, the snicket and its bridge remain, a testament to the enduring character of this town. The old railway line below is now a verdant, overgrown space, a green ribbon running through the urban landscape.

The building in the background of the photos is the imposing Bowling Mill, part of the vast Dean Clough complex. Once a bustling hub of textile production, it now houses a different kind of industry, a vibrant center for arts and business.

Walking up this unassuming path, you can't help but feel a connection to the past. The worn cobbles, the rugged stone wall, and the towering mill building all tell a story of Halifax's rich industrial heritage. A "snicket" might just be a small passageway, but in places like this, it feels like a path through history itself.

I took this image on Sunday 3rd July 2022 using a Nikon d3300 SLR. Clicking any of the pictures should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle,

The original colour version I took of the picture can also be seen on Clickasnap and below,

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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.

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Climbing to a Legend: A Visit to St. Mary's Church, Whitby

There are few places in England as steeped in history and folklore as Whitby, and at the heart of its most famous tales stands the Church of St. Mary. Reaching this iconic landmark is a pilgrimage in itself—a climb up the legendary 199 steps, which rewards you with breath taking views over Whitby's bustling harbour and red-roofed town.

Founded on this dramatic clifftop site in 1110, in the shadow of the imposing Whitby Abbey ruins, the church has witnessed centuries of change. The oldest parts of the building, including the tower and transepts, date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, though many additions and alterations have been made over time, with the interior largely reflecting the style of the 18th century.

But it's not just the age of the church that draws visitors. The church and its graveyard are famously part of the setting for Bram Stoker's gothic masterpiece, Dracula. Stoker's visit to Whitby in 1890 was a pivotal moment in his writing. He found inspiration in the town's atmosphere and the windswept graveyard of St. Mary's. While researching at the public library, he stumbled upon the story of Vlad Tepes, the real-life figure who would lend his name to the fictional count.

The allure of the novel still echoes through the graveyard. For years, visitors have searched for "Dracula's grave," a fictional tomb in a real place. The story of a cracked, weathered tombstone, where a former rector would direct curious seekers, has become a legend in its own right. The truth is, while some gravestones feature a skull and crossbones—often mistaken for a pirate's mark but more likely a mason's symbol—there is no real Dracula buried here.

The photographs, taken on a beautiful August day in 2018 with a Nikon d3300 SLR, capture the essence of the place. They show the stunning views, the ancient, crooked tombstones, and the solid, weathered stone of the Grade I listed church. Visiting St. Mary's is more than just a trip to a historic building; it’s a journey into the heart of a literary legend and a chance to feel the sea breeze that inspired one of the world's most famous tales.

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The church stands besides the former Abbey overlooking the town.

Taken across the harbour from West Cliff.

Looking up from the harbour.

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Sun, Sand, and Sirocco: A Look Back at a Lanzarote Getaway

Sometimes, a trip's memories are best preserved in photos, a snapshot in time that tells a story. I recently rediscovered a set of pictures from a family holiday to Lanzarote in July-August 2013, taken at the Hotel Club Sirocco in Costa Teguise. Looking back on them after nine years, it's not a review—just a collection of moments from a fantastic stay.

The photos bring back the feeling of that summer: the bright, white-washed buildings contrasting with the deep blue sky, the vibrant swimming pools, and the unique, volcanic gardens. I remember the hotel making a fuss over my daughter's 14th birthday while we were there, a small but kind gesture that made the trip even more special for us.

From the inviting pool area, complete with sun loungers and palm trees, to the spacious restaurant where we enjoyed our meals, the pictures capture the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the hotel. I'm unsure what the hotel is like today, and I believe it may have since become an adults-only resort. Still, these images from 2013 serve as a reminder of a wonderful family vacation.

These photos are a testament to the timeless nature of happy memories. They sit on my hard drive, waiting to be rediscovered, a little slice of Lanzarote sunshine on a cloudy day.

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One of the hotels garden pathways. The black ash providing a base
for the plants that need little water to survive. Lanzarote being just off the
coast of Saharan Africa averages 16 days of rainfall per year.

The restaurant.

Looking over the hotel skywards from
the room balcony.

The swimming pool.

The hotel's poolside bar.

Another of the swimming pool.

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Christ Church, Barkisland: A Winter's Tale

There's a special kind of quiet that settles over a churchyard in the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall. The air is crisp, the world is hushed, and the familiar landscape is transformed into something serene and timeless. I recently had the chance to visit Christ Church in Barkisland, a small village near Halifax, West Yorkshire, and found it to be the perfect subject for a winter photography session.

Built in 1852 on land donated by William Baxter of Barkisland Lower Hall, this Anglican church holds a tranquil history. A memorial inside the church honors Baxter, and the building itself is a testament to the work of the architects Mallinson and Healey, who were responsible for constructing about a dozen other churches in the area. Christ Church was granted Grade II listed status in 1984, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

Wandering the grounds on a cold December day, I was struck by the contrast between the sharp angles of the Gothic Revival architecture and the soft blanket of snow covering the gravestones. The light caught the stone just right, highlighting its texture and creating a sense of warmth against the cold, winter sky. The snow-dusted tombstones stood like silent sentinels, each one telling a small part of the community's story.

The photos, taken on December 29, 2014, with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, capture this unique atmosphere. In both colour and black and white, the images show the church's charming details—the arched windows, the slate roof, and the simple yet elegant spire. This beautiful little church in Barkisland is a hidden gem, and seeing it cloaked in snow felt like capturing a piece of its history frozen in time.

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Step Back in Time in Saltburn-by-the-Sea

There's something magical about a town that feels suspended in time, and Saltburn-by-the-Sea is one of them. Nestled on the North Yorkshire coast, this Victorian-era gem offers a nostalgic escape from the modern world, inviting you to wander through its history. Looking at these images, you can almost feel the sea spray and hear the echoes of generations of visitors enjoying the coast.

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The Pier and Promenade

The heart of Saltburn's coastal charm is its magnificent pier. Stretching out into the North Sea, it's a testament to Victorian engineering and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. The old photos show it as a lively hub, with people dressed in period clothing enjoying the fresh sea air. This sense of timeless enjoyment remains today. The long wooden walkway, with its sturdy iron railings, feels like a bridge connecting the past and the present. It’s a wonderful place to watch the waves crash or simply take in the vast horizon.

The promenade below the pier is just as captivating. In these photos, you can see people gathering, strolling, and enjoying the lively atmosphere with the pier buildings and cliffs as a dramatic backdrop. It's a reminder of a bygone era when seaside towns were the ultimate destination for leisure.

The Saltburn Tramway

One of the most unique features of Saltburn is its Cliff Tramway. This funicular railway, seen in several of the images, is a marvel in itself. It was built to transport visitors from the town's elegant clifftop gardens down to the promenade and pier below. The tramway's charming little cabins look like they belong in a fairy tale, and its steep descent down the cliff face offers incredible views of the coast. It’s not just a ride; it’s an experience that tells the story of the town’s development as a Victorian resort.

A Tale of Two Cliffs

The pictures also beautifully capture the stunning geology of the area. On one side, you have the dramatic, crumbling slopes that the tramway descends, with the grand Zetland Hotel perched at the top like a crown. On the other, the imposing Hunt Cliff stands tall, its sheer face a striking contrast to the gentle curves of the beach.

Below Hunt Cliff, you can see the cluster of buildings that make up the Ship Inn. With its long history as a smugglers' haunt, the inn and the surrounding cottages feel rugged and authentic, perfectly blending into the landscape of the bay.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea is more than just a place; it's a journey. From the bustling pier and the historic tramway to the dramatic cliffs and the quaint cottages, every corner has a story to tell. It’s a place to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and appreciate a slice of coastal history.

These artworks are based on very old postcards, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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