Heptonstall and the Old Grammar School

On a grey, autumnal day in November 2013, a Samsung Galaxy tablet captured a series of images that perfectly encapsulate the enduring charm and rich history of Heptonstall, a village perched on the hills above Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire. The subject of these photos, the Heptonstall Museum, is more than just a building; it's a Grade II-listed testament to centuries of change, a cornerstone of a community steeped in history.

The building that now houses the museum has had a fascinating journey through time. Its origins trace back to around 1600, when it was constructed not as a place of learning, but as a warehouse. This was a time when the woollen trade was the lifeblood of the Pennines, and Heptonstall was a bustling centre for handloom weaving. You can still see hints of this industrial past in the large first-floor windows of many local cottages, designed to maximise the light for the weavers working within.

In 1771, the building was given a new purpose when it was converted into the Heptonstall Grammar School. The photos from 2013 show the solid stone structure and classic architecture, elements that have witnessed generations of students passing through its doors. The school served the community until its closure in 1889. While the modern world moved on, the building's story didn't end there. For a time, it housed the Yorkshire Penny Bank, before finally reopening its doors in August 1972 as the Heptonstall Museum.

The museum today is a treasure trove of local history, offering a window into the past. It tells the story of the village's prehistoric beginnings and its role in significant events, including the Battle of Heptonstall during the English Civil War in 1643. One of the most captivating exhibits delves into the notorious Cragg Vale Coiners, a gang of counterfeiters who plagued the area in the 18th century. Their leader, "King" David Hartley, is buried in the nearby churchyard—one of the many historical figures whose stories are woven into the fabric of Heptonstall.

Speaking of the churchyard, it is perhaps one of the most unique in the country. It is home to not one, but two churches. The ruins of the Church of St Thomas a Becket, founded in the 13th century and severely damaged in a storm in 1847, stand as a hauntingly beautiful shell. Just yards away, the newer St Thomas the Apostle church, built in the 1850s, stands proudly, a symbol of resilience. This dual churchyard is also the final resting place of American poet Sylvia Plath, a poignant connection to the wider literary world.

The Heptonstall Museum, housed in its old grammar school building, serves as a perfect starting point for exploring this remarkable village. It's a place where the past isn't just displayed, it's alive in the very stones of the building and the stories they tell.

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The Salvage Archive: Abingdon-on-Thames and Its Iconic Bridge

There’s a certain magic to slides that are not only beautiful but also come with a precise date! This 35mm slide from my collection, captured in July 1986, instantly transports you back to a glorious summer's day at Abingdon-on-Thames. What a classic English scene it presents!

The photograph perfectly frames the tranquil River Thames, dotted with an array of pleasure boats, all set against the backdrop of Abingdon's historic architecture and its famous bridge, though only a glimpse of the bridge itself is truly prominent in this angle.

The Heart of Abingdon: The River and its Spire

The most striking feature, beyond the bustling river life, is the magnificent spire of St Helen's Church piercing the blue summer sky. This distinctive spire is an unmistakable landmark of Abingdon, confirming our location instantly. The red-tiled roofs of the buildings nestled among the trees complete the picturesque English townscape.

Life on the Thames in the Mid-80s

The river itself is a hive of gentle activity:

• Pleasure Boats: A variety of motor cruisers and cabin boats are moored along the banks or gliding on the water. These vessels, with their classic 1980s designs, really help to solidify the image's date. They evoke a sense of leisurely summer holidays and weekend escapes.

• Abingdon Bridge: While not the central focus of this specific shot, the Abingdon Bridge is just out of frame to the left, and the scene is set directly alongside the famous crossing. The perspective here shows the lively river banks downstream or upstream of the bridge. The older buildings would be part of the historic riverside.

• Riverside Life: On the left, people are enjoying the sunshine on the grassy bank. Some are seated on a bench, others strolling, taking in the peaceful atmosphere. The relaxed clothing and hairstyles are also subtle nods to the mid-80s fashion.

• Boat Hire/Information: The small building on the right, nestled among the boats, looks like a boat hire facility or a river information point, a common sight on popular stretches of the Thames.

The Charm of a July Day

The light in the photograph is typical of a bright English summer day – a mix of sunshine and soft clouds, creating a lovely, diffused quality. The lush green of the grass and trees speaks to the height of summer, making you almost feel the warmth and hear the gentle lapping of water against the boats.

This slide isn't just a photograph; it's a sensory memory of a specific moment in time. It reminds us of leisurely days spent by the river, the simple joy of a sunny afternoon, and the enduring beauty of historic English towns.

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The Secret Stairways of Halifax: A Journey Up the Snickets

In the heart of West Yorkshire lies a town where history is etched into every stone wall and winding street. Halifax is a place of grand Victorian architecture and industrial heritage, but its true character is often found in the hidden corners and forgotten paths. For those with a curious spirit, these places are an invitation to step back in time. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the town's numerous snickets, narrow alleyways or passages that often take the form of steep, cobbled stairways.

Inspired by a recent trip to Old Lane near Boothtown, I captured two such snickets, each a unique testament to the town's past.

Snicket 1: The Gentle Ascent

The first snicket appears almost as an open invitation. Its worn stone steps are wide, leading up a gradual slope between two sturdy stone walls. On the left, a weathered wooden fence hints at a private garden, while a bare tree stands as a silent sentinel. The path is littered with autumn leaves, and the wet cobbles gleam under the grey sky.

This snicket feels like a well-trodden path, a practical shortcut used by generations of locals. It's a connection between two worlds: the quiet residential street below and whatever lies at the top. The image evokes a sense of tranquillity, a brief moment of quiet contemplation before returning to the rhythm of daily life.

Snicket 2: The Vertical Climb

Just a short distance away, the second snicket presents a stark contrast. This is not a path for the faint of heart. Narrow and steep, it rises like a vertical ribbon of stone. A metal handrail runs alongside the towering stone wall, a necessary aid for those brave enough to make the climb. The walls themselves are a patchwork of different-sized stones, telling a story of repairs and rebuilds over the decades. The vegetation on the left, overgrown and wild, adds to the feeling of a passage carved directly from the landscape itself.

This snicket is a challenge, a true "Boothtown" climb that speaks to the rugged terrain of the area. It feels more secluded and intimate than the first, a hidden passage known only to those who need to use it. It is a reminder that in Halifax, some of the most beautiful and interesting places require a bit of effort to discover.

Why We Love the Snickets

These images, captured in stark black and white, highlight the texture and form of these pathways, stripping away the distractions of colour to reveal their raw, historical beauty. They show us that a snicket is more than just a shortcut; it's a living part of the community's history. These aren't manicured tourist attractions; they are the veins and arteries of the town, connecting homes, streets, and people. They are a physical representation of the town's resilience and its enduring spirit.

Next time you find yourself in Halifax, I encourage you to look beyond the main roads. Seek out a snicket. Take a moment to feel the history under your feet and imagine the countless journeys that have been made on those very same stones. You might just discover a new appreciation for the secret stairways that define this incredible town.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green. These were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 23rd December 2023.

The Salvage Archive: Uncovering the 1970s Office Vibe

There's something incredibly evocative about scanning through old 35mm slides, especially when they feature people. This particular slide from my collection immediately caught my eye, capturing a moment that feels both familiar and distinctly from another era. What makes it even more interesting is that this image, originally a black and white photograph, has been colourised, bringing a whole new dimension of vibrancy and detail to the scene.

Let's dive into this fascinating snapshot and try to pinpoint when it might have been taken.

Dating the Image: A Mid-70s Mystery

Several elements in the photograph scream "1970s," helping us to narrow down the potential date:

• Fashion:

  • The Top: Her ribbed, long-sleeved top with cut-out or slashed details on the arms is very characteristic of mid-to-late 1970s fashion, specifically the disco era or more casual stylish wear.

  • The Skirt: While partially obscured, the patterned, slightly flared or A-line mini-skirt silhouette was popular in the 70s.

  • The Boots: Those boots! High, often chunky heels and a sleek, mid-calf or knee-high rise were incredibly fashionable throughout the 1970s. The light colour (thanks to the colourisation!) also aligns with trends of the time.

  • Hair: Her long, straight, parted hair is a classic 1970s style, often referred to as 'Farrah Fawcett' hair, though hers is a straighter, earlier version of that trend.

• Office Equipment:

  • The Typewriter: The electric typewriter, with its beige casing and sleek (for its time) design, looks like a model from the mid-to-late 1970s. Manual typewriters were still around, but electric models were becoming more common in modern offices.

  • The Telephone: The push-button telephone (rather than a rotary dial) with its distinctive shape also points to the 1970s or very early 80s.

  • The Desk and Chair: The metal-framed office chair with its relatively simple upholstery and the sturdy wooden desk are typical of office furniture from this period.

Putting it together, I'd estimate this image was originally taken around 1974-1978, with a strong lean towards the mid-1970s.

The Magic of Colourisation

What's truly remarkable about this slide is the transformation from its original black and white state. Colourisation, whether done by hand historically or through modern digital techniques, breathes new life into an image. It allows us to:

• See the Fashion: The creamy white of her top, the pattern of her skirt, and especially the light beige of her boots pop, giving us a much clearer sense of the style of the era.

• Appreciate the Office Environment: The muted browns of the desk, the darker tones of the office equipment, and the subtle variations in her blonde hair become apparent, adding depth and realism.

• Feel the Atmosphere: Colour adds a layer of warmth and immediacy that sepia or monochrome often can't convey, making the scene feel more present and less like a distant past. It’s almost as if you can walk right into that office.

The woman herself, with her focused yet gentle expression as she types, seems to embody the changing role of women in the workplace during the 1970s. She's stylish, professional, and engaged in her task.

This slide is more than just a picture; it's a window into a specific cultural and aesthetic moment, made all the more vivid by the wonderful addition of colour. It makes you wonder about her story, the office gossip, and what she was typing!

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My original 35mm slide, the one below is a version I colourised.

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The Rochdale Canal from Mytholmroyd to Moderna

There's a special kind of magic to be found along the old towpaths of England's canals. On a quiet July day, a walk along a short stretch of the Rochdale Canal in West Yorkshire offers a journey back in time, connecting the bustling village of Mytholmroyd to the tranquil stretch toward Moderna.

Starting near Bridge 10 in Mytholmroyd, you immediately feel the canal's rich history. The stone arches, weathered by centuries of rain and traffic, frame the waterway perfectly. Here, you're surrounded by a mix of old stone buildings and lush greenery, a testament to how nature and industry have coexisted for generations. The cool, damp air under the bridge is a sensory experience, a brief and refreshing escape from the open sky.

As you emerge from the tunnel of the bridge, the path opens up. The gentle ripples on the water reflect the cloudy sky and the towering green hills that hug the valley. The path itself is a mix of packed earth and gravel, worn smooth by the countless feet of boatmen, walkers, and cyclists over the years. You'll pass industrial buildings that stand as silent reminders of the canal's working past, their reflections shimmering on the water’s surface. Yet, the scene feels far from industrial. The constant, soft sound of the water, the rustling of leaves, and the occasional bird call create a soothing soundtrack for your walk.

The route from Mytholmroyd is a testament to the canal's blend of rural and urban landscapes. One moment you're passing modern buildings, and the next you're enveloped in a tunnel of trees, where the light dapples through the leaves onto the path. This is especially true as you approach Moderna Bridge 9. The path narrows, and the greenery becomes more dense, almost reclaiming the land. This part of the canal is particularly peaceful, with the water often still enough to provide a perfect mirror image of the trees and sky. It's a place to pause, to breathe in the quiet, and to appreciate the simplicity of a world moving at a slower pace.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a bit of local history, or just a beautiful backdrop for a morning walk, the section of the Rochdale Canal between Mytholmroyd and Moderna is a perfect choice. It’s more than just a path; it’s a living piece of history that invites you to be a part of its story.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 21st July 2018, 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 pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

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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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.