High Moorland Majesty: Exploring Warley Moor, Fly Flatts Reservoir, and Halifax's 'Top Withins

The landscape of the South Pennines, just above Halifax, West Yorkshire, holds a unique, rugged beauty. The images captured here from August 2016, despite the impressive, moody clouds rolling overhead, perfectly encapsulate the dramatic and open feel of this upland area – a world away from the pleasant valley bottom. We're looking at the stunning area of Warley Moor and its centrepiece, the expansive Warley Moor Reservoir, known locally to many as Fly Flatts Reservoir.

A Reservoir with Two Names and a Great History

The reservoir, completed in 1872, is a key piece of Victorian engineering, built under the direction of John Frederick La Trobe Bateman to supply drinking water. Covering around 90 acres (or 68 acres according to some sources) and sitting at an altitude of approximately 410 meters (1,350 feet), it has earned its reputation not just as a water source but as a premier sailing spot.

Halifax Sailing Club: The Highest in England

Nestled on the shore of Fly Flatts is the home of the Halifax Sailing and Watersports Club. Formed in 1959, this friendly, member-run club proudly claims the title of the highest sailing club in England. The altitude ensures that they enjoy clear, strong winds, making for some top-quality, if often challenging, dinghy sailing.

The club, which is an RYA Recognised Teaching Establishment, offers dinghy racing, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding, and more, welcoming members of all ages. The sight of brightly coloured sails against the often deep, peat-stained waters and the wild moorland beyond, as seen in the photographs, is a distinctive feature of the Warley Moor landscape. The very elements that can make the moor feel remote—the altitude and the wind—are precisely what make this location an active and exhilarating water sports hub.

The Myth of 'Top Withins'

It's a testament to the wild, windswept nature of this high ground that locals in the area, particularly those from the nearby village of Wainstalls, sometimes refer to this upper moorland expanse as 'Top Withins'.

This local nickname is, of course, entirely distinct from the famous Top Withens ruin near Haworth, miles to the north, which is renowned worldwide for its association with Emily Brontë's novel, Wuthering Heights. The Brontë-land 'Top Withens' has become a place of literary pilgrimage. However, it’s understandable that the sheer isolation and dramatic beauty of the moorland above Wainstalls and Mixenden would also inspire a name suggesting the 'top of the willows' or simply, 'the highest place'—a perfect description for this high-altitude corner of Calderdale.

The photos perfectly capture this atmosphere: the wide, open sky, the dark blanket of cloud that seems to cling to the horizon, the heather and rough grasses, and the long, winding roads that disappear into the landscape. It is a place where you feel the scale of the Pennines and the resilience of those who live and play on them.

Whether you're visiting for the exhilarating sailing, a peaceful moorland walk, or simply to experience the dramatic, untamed nature of a West Yorkshire summer day, Warley Moor and Fly Flatts Reservoir offer a truly memorable slice of upland life.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 28th August 2016, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Salvage Archive: Unpacking a 35mm Slide of Brocklesby Junction Station

There's a unique thrill in revisiting old 35mm slides. Each one is a frozen fragment of history, offering clues that can unlock the story of when and where it was taken. This particular slide, from my personal collection, instantly grabbed my attention – a serene railway scene at a station clearly labelled "Brocklesby Jn".

Let's dive in and see what we can discover about this intriguing image, starting with the all-important question of when it was captured.

The Key to Dating: The Train Itself

The most significant clue in dating this photograph lies in the train pulling into the station. This is a British Rail Class 142 "Pacer" diesel multiple unit (DMU).

• Introduction: The Class 142 Pacer units were introduced into service by British Rail between 1985 and 1987.

• Livery: The train is wearing the distinctive "Sprinter" livery (blue and grey with a yellow front). This livery was standard for British Rail's new generation of DMUs in the mid-to-late 1980s.

Given this information, we can confidently place the photograph sometime after 1985.

Pinpointing the Location: Brocklesby Junction

The station sign, proudly proclaiming "Brocklesby Jn", makes the location unambiguous.

• Brocklesby Junction Station: Located in Lincolnshire, England, this station has a fascinating history. It's a junction where the line from Grimsby splits, with one branch heading towards Lincoln and the other towards Barton-on-Humber.

• Architectural Features: The station buildings themselves are quite distinctive, with ornate gables and prominent chimneys, suggesting a Victorian era construction. They stand as a testament to the grander days of railway architecture. The building on the left, with the large multi-paned window, appears to be the main station building or perhaps a waiting room. The building on the right looks like the opposite platform's waiting room or building.

The "Pacer" Era at Brocklesby

The Pacer trains were designed as a low-cost solution for rural and branch lines, utilizing bus body technology. They became a very common sight on lines like those serving Brocklesby Junction.

• Operation at Brocklesby: Class 142s regularly operated services on the Grimsby to Barton-on-Humber line and the Grimsby to Lincoln line, both of which pass through Brocklesby Junction.

• Decommissioning: The Class 142 Pacers were eventually withdrawn from service between 2019 and 2020 as part of fleet modernization plans.

The "Feel" of the Image

Beyond the technical details, the photograph exudes a particular atmosphere:

• Clear, Bright Day: The lighting suggests a clear day, possibly morning or late afternoon, given the shadows.

• Quiet Station: There's a sense of tranquillity; no passengers are visible on the platforms, giving the impression of a quiet rural station between trains. This is very characteristic of smaller junction stations during the Pacer era, especially outside of peak commuting times.

• Well-Maintained but Classic: The station buildings, though clearly older, appear well-maintained. The platforms look tidy, and the track is clear.

Putting it All Together

Based on the evidence:

• Train Type: British Rail Class 142 "Pacer" DMU.

• Train Livery: British Rail "Sprinter" livery.

• Station: Brocklesby Junction, Lincolnshire.

This photo was almost certainly taken sometime between 1985 (when the Pacers were introduced) and the early 1990s. By the mid-90s, the privatised railway companies started to introduce new liveries, making it less likely to see a Pacer in full BR "Sprinter" colours much beyond that point, although some did last. A safer bet would be the late 1980s, perhaps 1987-1990.

It's a wonderful capture of a specific era in British railway history, showcasing both the functional, modern (for its time) rolling stock and the enduring, historical architecture of the railway network. These images truly are little time capsules!

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Stone, Steeple, and Stories: The Enduring Heart of Huddersfield, St Peter's Parish Church

The sunlit stone and towering steeple of St Peter's Parish Church, or Huddersfield Parish Church, are an unmissable landmark in the heart of the town. These pictures, taken on a beautiful clear day, showcase the Grade II* listed building in all its Gothic Revival glory, a monumental presence at the junction of Kirkgate and Byram Street. But this is more than just a magnificent building; it is a repository of history and some truly fascinating tales.

Roots in the 11th Century

The church you see today, with its impressive 135-foot clock tower dominating the skyline, is actually the third church to stand on this venerable site. Its origins date all the way back to the 11th century, shortly after the Domesday Book.

Legend has it that the very first church was established around 1090-1100 by Walter de Lacy, a Norman nobleman, who vowed to build a church after surviving a terrifying fall from his horse into a swampy marsh between Huddersfield and Halifax. A dramatic promise for a dramatic building site!

The Victorian Rebuild and a Cost-Saving Secret

The current, grand structure was built between 1834 and 1836 by the renowned York architect James Pigott Pritchett. The previous 16th-century church had simply become too small for Huddersfield's rapidly expanding population during the Industrial Revolution, and it was also structurally unstable.

In an interesting, and perhaps cautionary, piece of history, Pritchett was tasked with keeping costs down. To do this, he reused bricks from the dismantled 16th-century church in the new construction. While admirable for the effort to recycle, the quality of the old materials was poor, which unfortunately led to the church needing regular, extensive maintenance work almost from the start!

Architectural Highlights and Unique Features

The church is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture, characterised by its pointed arches, ornate tracery, and crenellated (battlemented) parapets. But its interior holds some of the most compelling stories and facts:

• The Highest Clock: The prominent west tower, with clocks on all four sides, was deliberately built to an unusual height of 135 feet to ensure the time could be seen from all parts of the burgeoning industrial town.

• The War Memorial Masterpiece: The sanctuary is dominated by a gilded timber Baldachino (a ceremonial canopy over the altar) and the East Window, which together form the parish's First World War Memorial. They were installed in 1923 and designed by the famous early 20th-century architect, Sir Ninian Comper.

• Underground Dining: The church's large crypt now hosts "The Keys" café/restaurant, providing a wonderfully quirky and atmospheric venue for visitors and locals alike, continuing the church's role as a true community hub.

From a dramatic rescue in the 11th century to a cost-cutting compromise in the 19th, and from architectural mastery to a hidden mouse, St Peter's Parish Church is a place that truly weaves the spiritual, social, and industrial history of Huddersfield into its very stone. Next time you're in the town centre, take a moment to step inside and appreciate the stories held within this magnificent building.

I took these pictures with a Nikon d3300 on the 27th May 2023, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Night at the Gas Works Bridge: Sowerby Bridge's Industrial Past

Sowerby Bridge, a town steeped in industrial history, offers a unique blend of rugged Pennine landscape and a rich heritage shaped by its canals and rivers. As the sun sets and the streetlights cast a warm, golden glow, places like the Gas Works Bridge come to life, telling a story of a bygone era.

Standing on this unassuming pedestrian bridge over the River Calder, you're not just looking at a waterway; you're looking at the lifeblood of an industrial revolution. The River Calder, flowing beneath the bridge, was a key artery for trade, powering the textile mills and feeding the Calder and Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal, which meet just a stone's throw away. This confluence of waterways made Sowerby Bridge a vital trans-shipment hub, connecting the industrial heartland of Yorkshire to the ports of Hull and Liverpool.

But the Gas Works Bridge has its own fascinating history, one that's closely tied to the very name it bears. Built in 1816, this bridge is a significant piece of engineering. Made of cast iron by Aydon and Elwell of Shelf Ironworks in Bradford, it's one of the earliest surviving cast-iron bridges in the Calderdale area. Originally a road bridge, it was widened in the mid-19th century with a steel overlay, and today it serves as a footpath, a quiet walkway for those looking to connect with the town's past.

The bridge's name, however, isn't just a label—it's a historical marker. It was built for Thomas Fearnside & Son of Mearclough Bottom Mill, but it’s the nearby gas works that gave it its enduring name. The former gas works site, located near the bridge, was a crucial part of the town's infrastructure, supplying power for streetlights, factories, and homes. In fact, a gas-making plant was installed in Sowerby Bridge as early as 1805, a remarkably early example of commercial gas production. Though the gas works closed in 1954, the bridge remains as a testament to this important part of Sowerby Bridge's industrial legacy.

As you stand on the bridge at night, the lights of the town and the distant beacon of Wainhouse Tower on the hill create a striking contrast against the dark sky and the reflective surface of the river. The photos capture this atmosphere perfectly—the warmth of the lamplight, the cool blue of the distant town, and the haunting silhouette of bare winter trees. It's a scene that bridges the past and present, a quiet moment of reflection in a place that once thrummed with the energy of industry and innovation. The Gas Works Bridge is more than just a crossing; it's a silent guardian of Sowerby Bridge's history, a place where you can feel the echoes of its industrious past in the calm of the night.

I took these pictures on the 29th December 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Salvage Archive: Lost on an English Lane, A 1970s Snapshot from My Slide Collection

There’s something truly special about digging through old 35mm slides. Each one is a tiny window to a moment frozen in time, and recently, I found one that perfectly captures a quintessential piece of British history. This image, which I've now digitized, immediately caught my eye with its vibrant colours and classic elements.

When Was This Taken? The Clues Are in the Cars!

One of the most exciting parts of these old slides is playing detective with the details. In this shot, the two cars on the road give us some excellent clues:

• The Green Morris Minor Traveller: This iconic "Woody" estate car is a true British classic. What's even better is that we can clearly make out its registration plate: OCK 74J. In the UK, the single-letter suffix on number plates indicates the year of registration. The 'J' suffix was issued between August 1, 1970, and July 31, 1971. This dates our photo pretty precisely to the early 1970s!

• The Red Car: Further down the road, a smaller red car, likely a Mini or similar compact, follows. Its presence further solidifies the early 70s vibe.

So, we can confidently say this photo was snapped sometime between late 1970 and the mid-1970s.

Where in England?

While the exact spot remains a mystery, the elements in the picture strongly suggest a location:

• The Red Telephone Box: This is the famous K6 'Jubilee' kiosk, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. These boxes are synonymous with Britain and were a common sight in towns and rural areas.

• The Tree-Lined Road: It looks like a classic B-road or a quieter A-road, winding through what appears to be the English countryside, bordered by a traditional stone wall and lush greenery.

• The 'OCK' Registration: Interestingly, the "OCK" prefix on the Morris Minor's plate was issued in the Oxfordshire region. While cars travel, this provides a strong hint that the photo might have been taken in or around Oxfordshire, or a neighbouring county in the South or Central Midlands of England.

A Scene of Simple Beauty

What I love about this photograph is its everyday charm. It’s not a grand landscape or a momentous event, but a quiet, ordinary moment on a road that has undoubtedly seen countless journeys. The vivid red of the telephone box stands out against the greens of the trees and grass, a burst of colour that feels so distinctly British. The cars, now considered classics, were simply part of the flow of traffic then.

It reminds us of a time when these phone boxes were vital communication hubs, and when a journey down a country lane felt a little more timeless, a little less hurried.

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A Journey into the Heart of Whitby: Where the Harbour Meets History

There are some places that feel like a story waiting to be told, and Whitby is one of them. Nestled on the rugged North Yorkshire coast, this ancient fishing port is a captivating mix of salty sea air, winding cobbled streets, and a history as rich and deep as the North Sea itself. While many are drawn to its Gothic clifftops, a true understanding of Whitby begins at the water's edge, in the bustling town and the timeless harbour that defines it.

The Pulse of the Port: A Living History

Whitby’s lifeblood has always been its harbour. Divided by the iconic swing bridge, which gracefully pivots to let vessels pass, the harbour is a constant hub of activity. Here, the everyday rhythm of a working port is on full display. Fishing trawlers chug in and out, their holds filled with the day's catch, while pleasure boats like the replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour offer a glimpse of the town from the water.

The harbour is also a place of simple, timeless pleasures. You’ll find families huddled on the quayside, lines in hand, engrossed in the great British seaside tradition of crabbing. It’s here that the seagulls, ever-present and vocal, create the classic soundtrack to a day out. As the tide goes out, the mud and sand of the River Esk are exposed, a reminder that this is a place shaped by the very forces of nature.

Whitby's maritime heritage is monumental. It was once a powerhouse of shipbuilding, where legendary vessels—including those for Captain James Cook's epic voyages—were constructed. The town also had a significant role in the whaling industry, a past remembered today by the striking Whalebone Arch on the West Cliff, a powerful tribute to this bygone era.

Wandering the Labyrinth: East and West

From the harbour, the town rises on both sides of the River Esk, each with its own distinct character. On the east, a warren of narrow, cobbled alleys and hidden courtyards invites you to get lost. It's a place where history is etched into every stone, with ancient streets and a market place dating back to the 17th century. Here, independent shops overflow with treasures, including the famous Whitby Jet, a black gemstone polished to a deep shine. Its history, from its formation millions of years ago to its rise to popularity in Victorian England, is as fascinating as the town itself.

Crossing the swing bridge to the west side, the streets open up into a more modern but equally charming area. This is the place for a classic British seaside experience. The air is thick with the irresistible aroma of freshly cooked fish and chips, a local delicacy for which Whitby is renowned. A visit isn't complete without a trip to one of the famous chippies, where you can enjoy your meal straight from the paper while watching the boats bob in the harbour.

Whether you're exploring the historic landmarks, browsing the shops for a unique souvenir, or simply soaking in the atmosphere with a delicious portion of food, Whitby’s town and harbour offer an experience that is both authentic and unforgettable. It's a place that tells a story of discovery, industry, and enduring coastal charm, a perfect starting point for any North Yorkshire adventure.

The pictures below were taken in August 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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The Salvage Archive: Discovering the Charm of the Welsh Coracle

I recently rediscovered a fantastic piece of history—a 35mm slide from my collection, likely dating back to the 1960s. After digitizing it, I just had to share this glimpse into a timeless piece of Welsh heritage: the Coracle boat.

This photograph captures a beautifully rustic coracle resting on a shingle bank beside a river, its single, broad-bladed paddle lying across the wooden seat. It's a snapshot that transports you straight to the quiet waterways of Wales over half a century ago.

The Tiny Boat with a Huge History

If you're not familiar with it, a coracle (cwrwgl in Welsh) is a small, light, round or oval-shaped boat, designed for one person. It’s essentially a frame, historically made of woven willow or ash laths, covered with a waterproof material—in ancient times, animal hide, but by the mid-20th century, typically canvas or calico coated with tar or bitumen paint.

What makes them so fascinating is their incredible history. Coracles date back to pre-Roman times! They are one of the oldest forms of water transport in the world, with Julius Caesar even noting their use by the ancient Britons.

A River-Wise Design

The coracle's design is perfectly suited to its environment:

• Keel-less and Flat-Bottomed: This allows the boat to float in just a few inches of water, making it ideal for navigating shallow streams and fast-flowing rivers like the Teifi and Tywi in West Wales.

• Lightweight: Crucially, a coracle is light enough to be carried on the fisherman's back, often using a strap attached to the seat. This meant they could easily be transported between different stretches of water or carried home along with the day’s catch. This portability is key to the craft's endurance.

• Unique Propulsion: They are propelled by a single paddle, used in a figure-of-eight 'sculling' motion. This allows the fisherman to steer and move while keeping the other hand free for fishing—often for salmon or sea trout using a long, fine net, a traditional method still practised under license in parts of Wales today.

A Glimpse into the 1960s

The boat in the slide looks like a traditional working craft—its dark, tarred covering and simple wooden seat speak to utility and tradition. While the 1960s were a time of rapid change, this image reminds us that some ancient crafts were still very much a part of everyday life along Wales's rivers.

It's a wonderful memory to unearth from an old box of slides. Clicking the image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Behind the Stands: A Glimpse of Huddersfield's Accu Stadium on a Quiet Day

On a bright late-May day in 2023, with a Nikon D3300 in hand, I took a stroll around the perimeter of what is currently known as the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield. The gates were closed, meaning no peek inside at the hallowed turf, but even from the outside, the stadium's distinctive architecture and the quiet hum of its surroundings offered plenty to appreciate and reflect upon.

Currently known as the Accu Stadium, and previously known as the John Smith's Stadium, Kirklees Stadium, the Galpharm Stadium and the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, this multi-purpose venue is a true landmark for Huddersfield. It's the proud home of two significant sporting institutions: Huddersfield Town AFC, affectionately known as "The Terriers," and the Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club.

The stadium's design is striking, particularly its curved roofs and distinctive white trusswork that arch over the stands. This architectural flair isn't just for show; it's a testament to modern stadium design when it opened. The images capture these arches beautifully against the clear blue sky, hinting at the vastness within, even when empty. Opened in 1994, it was initially a ground-breaking venture, moving both clubs from their historic but aging homes – Leeds Road for Huddersfield Town and Fartown for the Huddersfield Giants. This move was a significant step forward, providing state-of-the-art facilities for both clubs and their fans.

One of the most interesting facts about the stadium is its innovative funding model. It was developed through a unique partnership between Kirklees Metropolitan Council, Huddersfield Town AFC, and Huddersfield Giants. This collaborative effort ensured that the town retained significant ownership and control, a model that has since been emulated by other clubs. The stadium company, Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL), manages the venue, overseeing everything from match days to conferences and concerts.

Even on a quiet Saturday, with no match-day crowds or roaring fans, the stadium exudes a certain presence. The surrounding pathways and car parks, usually teeming with activity, were empty, allowing for a different perspective on the venue. You can imagine the roar of the crowd emanating from within the stands, where a glimpse of the blue seating is visible through the gates. The towering floodlights, stand sentinel, ready to illuminate evening games and create that special atmosphere under the lights.

The external signage, such as "THE CORE STAND" and "THE TERRIERS,", proudly displays the stadium's identity and its connection to its sporting tenants. It's a reminder that this isn't just a building; it's a home, a place of shared memories, triumphs, and sometimes, heartbreaks for thousands of supporters.

Driving around the stadium, as captured in the various images, you get a sense of its integration into the local landscape. Nestled amongst trees and green spaces, it's a substantial structure that nonetheless blends with its surroundings. The approach roads and parking areas, while functional, are softened by the greenery, where the stadium peeks out from behind lush foliage.

While I couldn't step onto the pitch or sit in the stands this time, these external shots offer a valuable insight into the Accu Stadium (or Kirklees Stadium, as it is widely known). They showcase its architectural significance, its role as a dual-sporting arena, and the quiet dignity it holds even on a non-match day. It's a place that buzzes with life and passion, and even from the outside, you can feel the echoes of countless sporting moments.

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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