An October Morning in Venice: A Golden Hour Tour of St. Mark's

 There's a magic to Venice that's best found in the stillness of dawn. On an early October morning in 2018, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, the legendary city transformed. The canals lay glassy and still, reflecting a sky streaked with the softest pastels, and the air was thick with a quiet anticipation. This is the Venice that few travellers get to experience—the one before the crowds arrive.

The Grand Entrance to a Grand Square

Wandering towards the heart of the city, the journey's destination was clear. The light was liquid gold, and it seemed to coat every building in a warm, ethereal glow. The Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is the only true "piazza" in Venice. For centuries, it has been the city's political and religious hub, and Napoleon himself famously called it the "drawing room of Europe." In the tranquillity of the morning, you can truly appreciate its scale and grandeur.

The two towering columns, the Colonna di San Todaro and the Colonna di San Marco, stood sentinel at the edge of the water. The first holds a statue of St. Theodore atop a crocodile, Venice’s original patron saint, while the second is crowned by the city’s iconic winged lion, the symbol of its current protector, St. Mark. They mark the grand gateway from the lagoon, and seeing them at sunrise feels like stepping through a portal to another time.

The Dazzling Basilica and the Tower of the Master

Dominating the square is the breath taking Saint Mark's Basilica, a spectacular masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. With its intricate marble carvings and five great domes, it's a testament to the city's immense wealth and power as a trading hub. Known as the "Basilica d'Oro" or the Golden Basilica, its facade sparkles with mosaics that hint at the gold leaf covering its interior. Legend has it that the church was built to house the relics of St. Mark, smuggled out of Alexandria by Venetian merchants in the 9th century.

Standing guard next to the basilica is the imposing St. Mark's Campanile, Venetians' beloved "master of the house." This brick bell tower, at nearly 100 meters tall, has a fascinating history. It's not the original tower; the first one collapsed in 1902 and was rebuilt exactly "as it was, where it was" (com'era, dov'era). From its top, you can get a spectacular panoramic view of the city, its bell regulating the pulse of Venetian life for centuries.

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Off to the side of the main square, tucked beside the Basilica, lies a quieter space: the Piazzetta dei Leoncini, or the "little square of the lions." Named for the two squatting red marble lions that stand guard, this area offers a more intimate experience. While the main square buzzes with energy, this corner provides a tranquil space to pause and take in the magnificent architecture of the Basilica from a different perspective.

As the morning light grew brighter and the first cafe tables were set out, the magic of the golden hour began to fade, replaced by the vibrant energy of a new day. But for a brief, beautiful moment, Venice belonged to the sunrise.

I took these pictures on the 31st October 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Piazzetta dei Leoncini.

Colonna di San Todaro and the Colonna di San Marco.

St Mark's Campanile.

San Giorgio Maggiore Church.

Doge's Palace.

St Mark's Square.

St Mark's Basilica.

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Autumn along the Calder and Hebble Navigation

 Inspired by pictures taken in October 2017, this blog post captures the essence of an autumn stroll along the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, exploring the stretch from Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin to Copley. As the late October sun casts long shadows and a crispness fills the air, the canal reveals its layered history and serene beauty.

Our journey begins at the Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, a vibrant hub where the Calder and Hebble Navigation meets the Rochdale Canal. This basin is a testament to the area's rich heritage, with its historical buildings and a long tradition of boat building and repair. A short walk from the basin lies the formidable Tuel Lane Lock, one of the deepest locks in Britain. While it's on the Rochdale Canal, its presence here highlights the engineering marvels that connected these two vital waterways.

As we leave the bustle of the basin behind, the towpath towards Copley becomes a tranquil tunnel of autumnal colours. The trees that line the canal banks are a spectacle of gold, red, and orange, their leaves fluttering down to carpet the path and the water’s surface. This is a stretch of the canal that feels particularly remote and peaceful, a stark contrast to its bustling past.

This man-made section of the canal, part of a longer cut from Brighouse to Sowerby Bridge, was an artery of the Industrial Revolution. Its construction, starting in the mid-18th century and completed to Sowerby Bridge in 1770, was a significant undertaking, led by engineers John Smeaton and James Brindley. The canal was the M62 of its day, a crucial link that allowed for the transport of raw materials and finished goods, particularly for the textile industry that once boomed here.

As the towpath winds its way towards Copley, you'll pass the remains of old mills, silent sentinels to a bygone era. The canal, now primarily used for leisure, is a peaceful route for walkers, boaters, and cyclists, a place where you can feel the pulse of history beneath your feet while soaking in the beauty of the Yorkshire landscape in all its autumnal glory.

I took these pictures in October 2017 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The entrance to the canal basin.

Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin, Wainhouse tower visible in the distance.

Shire cruisers boats moored up waiting for their next passengers.

Kirkham Turn, the junction of the Calder and Hebble Navigation with the Rochdale Canal.

Chain Bridge.

Chain Bridge and the Navigation Inn. The bridge is so called because in days gone by they used to put a chain across to prevent boats accessing the wharf on Sunday's.

Walker Lane Bridge.

Mearclough Bridge.

The previous 3 pictures were all surrounded by a large mill until it's destruction by fire in the late 1970's - early 80's.

When the picture was taken the houses to the right were in the process of being built on the former Sterne Mills site, these are now complete.

Sterne Bridge.

The previous 2 pictures show Copley Footbridge.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

More Than a Pub: Uncovering the Timeless History of The Navigation Inn

 The sepia-toned photographs, captured in 2014, offer a window into the timeless character of a truly historic building: The Navigation Inn in Sowerby Bridge. Nestled by the Calder and Hebble Navigation canal, the pub, affectionately known as "The Navi" by locals, is a place where history isn't just a story—it’s etched into the very stone walls.

The building itself is a Grade II listed structure, a testament to its architectural and historical significance. Its roots are said to extend as far back as the 15th century, and for a period, it was the site of the local Moot Hall, a place for local gatherings and the administration of justice. This means that for centuries, this very spot has been a hub of community life.

The current building likely dates from the early-mid 17th century, though it has seen its share of changes. In the late 18th century, it was converted into cottages with a weaving shop above, reflecting the region's booming textile industry. It was only in the early 19th century that it found its true calling as a public house, a conversion that was undoubtedly a direct result of the thriving canal trade.

The name "The Navigation" is, of course, a nod to its waterside location. The area was a key interchange point between the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, making it a bustling centre of commerce. The bridge here, known as Chain Bridge, even had a chain fixed across it on Sundays to prevent boats from entering the wharf.

As you look at the images, you can almost hear the echoes of a bygone era—the clatter of horse-drawn carts, the murmur of lock-keepers, and the conversations of weary boatmen sharing a pint. The stone fireplace inside, with its "IMW 1722" inscription, serves as a tangible link to a specific moment in time, a reminder of John and Mary Wainhouse who once owned the house.

While The Navigation Inn has undoubtedly adapted to the modern world, offering a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of today, its true appeal lies in its enduring history. It's a place that connects the present to the past, a living monument to Sowerby Bridge's industrial and social heritage.

The pictures below were taken with Samsung Galaxy Tablet and Polaroid IS2132 in January 2014. Clicking any of the images 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

Discovering the Tranquil Beauty of Mixenden Reservoir

 Nestled in the rolling hills of West Yorkshire, just a stone's throw from the bustling town of Halifax, lies a hidden gem of industrial heritage and natural beauty: Mixenden Reservoir. Beyond its shimmering waters and tranquil walking paths, this seemingly quiet spot holds a fascinating history that speaks to the ingenuity of a bygone era and the enduring spirit of the local community.

Inspired by my visit and the captivating scenery captured in these images, we've delved into the story of Mixenden Reservoir to uncover some of its most intriguing facts. It's more than just a place for a Sunday stroll; it's a living monument to the past.

The Man Behind the Water: J.F. Bateman's Legacy

The story of Mixenden Reservoir begins not with a shovel in the ground, but with the vision of one of the 19th century's most celebrated civil engineers, John Frederick Bateman. As the Industrial Revolution boomed, so did the population of Halifax, creating an urgent need for a reliable water supply. The town turned to Bateman, a man whose reputation stretched far beyond the Yorkshire moors—he had already designed major waterworks for cities like Glasgow, Dublin, and Belfast.

Bateman's grand scheme was to harness the moorland water above the town, using gravity to supply water to the growing population. On May 1st, 1867, the Mayor of Halifax, Thomas Shaw, ceremonially cut the first sod, marking the beginning of construction. The reservoir was built to hold a staggering 106 million gallons of water, covering 22 acres of land. Six years later, in 1873, the project was complete, and Mixenden Reservoir officially opened, becoming a vital part of the Halifax water supply system and a testament to Bateman's engineering genius.

Interestingly, Bateman's work was influenced by his travels abroad, particularly to Egypt. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and even represented them at the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869—a fact that adds a touch of international flair to this very local landmark.

A Landscape Rich in History

The reservoir itself is a relatively modern addition to an ancient landscape. The name 'Mixenden' itself has a rich past, derived from the Old English 'gemot-denu,' meaning "valley where meetings are held." This suggests the area has been a place of gathering for centuries.

Walking the paths around the water, you're treading on ground that has witnessed countless historical moments. In 1963, a local archaeological group made a remarkable discovery on the nearby Ogden Moor: a section of an ancient Roman road that once ran from Manchester to Ilkley. This road actually crosses the northern end of the reservoir, a fascinating link to a time long before Halifax's mills and factories. The area's history runs even deeper; a large Bronze Age urn containing cremation remains was found here in 1877, a powerful reminder of early human settlement.

The local council and community have embraced this history, creating an interactive "Mixenden History Hike." The trail features a series of wooden posts, each with a QR code that, when scanned, plays audio clips detailing snippets of local history. It's a brilliant way to bring the past to life and a perfect activity for families exploring the area.

A Modern Retreat for All

Today, Mixenden Reservoir is no longer just a functional piece of water infrastructure. It has been transformed into a cherished recreational space for the local community and visitors alike. As the photographs show, the views are breath taking, with the still water reflecting the open skies and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal spot for a moment of quiet reflection, a vigorous walk, or a bit of birdwatching—the reservoir is known to attract various species, including cormorants, gulls, and goldeneye.

Recent community-led projects, in partnership with Yorkshire Water, have focused on revitalizing the area. Volunteers have cleared overgrown paths and installed new footbridges, making the routes more accessible. A parallel initiative, the "Wild Walk," is a 1km circular route with 12 posts dedicated to local wildlife, encouraging younger explorers to listen for the drumming of a green woodpecker or the call of a tawny owl.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Mixenden Reservoir offers something for everyone. It's a place where the grandeur of Victorian engineering meets the quiet beauty of the Pennine landscape, a testament to a local history that continues to evolve. So next time you're in the Halifax area, lace up your boots and take a walk around Mixenden—you'll be walking through a rich and inspiring past.

The pictures below were taken with a Polaroid is3132 camera on the 7th June 2015, clicking any of them 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.

Ince and Elton Railway Station

 Ince and Elton Railway Station, nestled in the heart of Cheshire, is more than just a stop on the line; it's a living piece of railway history. Stepping onto the platform, you can't help but feel a connection to the past, a sense of a bygone era when the railway was the lifeblood of the nation's industry and travel.

The station, which serves the neighbouring villages of Ince and Elton, has a rich and interesting history. Originally opened on 1st July 1863 as "Ince" by the Birkenhead Joint Railway, it was later renamed "Ince & Elton" in April 1884 to reflect the community it serves. For many years, services were a joint operation between the London and North Western Railway and the Great Western Railway, a partnership that continued until the 'Grouping' of 1923.

The station's location on the Hooton-Helsby line meant it was a key route for freight, particularly from the docks at Birkenhead and the later oil refineries at Ellesmere Port. This industrial heritage is still very much a part of the landscape you can see today.

Like many smaller stations, Ince and Elton faced the threat of closure under the infamous Beeching Axe proposals of the 1960s. Fortunately, the station was saved, though its passenger service has been significantly reduced over the years. Today, it operates a very limited "parliamentary service" to avoid full closure, with just a couple of trains a day in each direction. This sparse schedule gives the station a quiet, almost forgotten, charm, making it a unique spot for rail enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The images capture this tranquil atmosphere perfectly. You can see the platforms, which despite their age, are well-kept, thanks in part to the efforts of the "Adopt-a-Station" scheme. The lone shelter, the signage, and the railway tracks stretching into the distance all tell a story of a place that has endured.

In a world of high-speed rail and bustling hubs, Ince and Elton Railway Station stands as a testament to the local, community-focused railways of the past. It’s a quiet corner of the network, a place where you can pause, reflect, and appreciate the enduring legacy of the railways that helped build modern Britain.

The pictures below were taken on the 27th July 2024 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them 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.