Cross Hills to Colne, An Early Morning Drive Through a Rural Setting.

I've just uploaded a couple of new dashcam videos to my YouTube channel, both featuring a trip along the A6028. This journey takes us from the level crossing at Cross Hills, West Yorkshire, all the way to the outskirts of Colne, Lancashire.

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Video 1: A Real-Time Roll Through Cross Hills

The first video is a short, real-time clip that focuses on the drive through Cross Hills village. It's a quick glimpse of the immediate area around the level crossing, giving you a feel for the local surroundings as we start our adventure.

Video 2: Time-Lapse Dawn Drive to Colne

The second video is where the real magic happens. This is a 4x speed time-lapse of the entire journey from the level crossing right through to Colne. You'll see us pass through charming spots like Glusburn, Cowling, and Laneshawbridge. What makes this particular drive interesting is the lighting: we started in near darkness as dawn was just breaking behind the wagon. So, while the video begins with a distinctly nocturnal feel, the early morning light gradually floods the landscape by the time we reach our destination.

It's a fantastic way to see the transition from night to day and experience the changing scenery of this cross-county route. Let me know what you think of the videos in the comments once you've had a chance to watch them

They were filmed on my dashcam on Friday 29th November 2019.

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Stocksmoor Station: A Quiet Stop on the Penistone Line

Stepping off the train at Stocksmoor Station, you immediately feel a sense of stepping back in time. As the fifth stop on the Penistone Line when heading from Huddersfield, it’s a place that truly embodies the term "rural stop." When I visited in May 2016, I was the sole soul on the platform, camera in hand, soaking in the stillness. It’s hard to imagine, given the quiet, that this station actually averages just under 400 passengers a week, based on 2017-18 figures.

A Station with a Story

Stocksmoor isn't just a quiet halt; it's a survivor. Opened way back on July 1st, 1850, this station has witnessed its fair share of railway history. It’s one of the last remaining stretches of double track on the line, serving as a vital passing loop for trains between here and Shepley. The entire line was converted to single track in 1989, but not before it fought off yet another closure attempt. And speaking of closures, Stocksmoor has been unmanned since 1966, when the first bid to shut down the line was successfully reversed.

Minimalist Charm

In terms of facilities, Stocksmoor is decidedly minimalist. You’ll find step-free access to both platforms, which is always a plus, but don't expect much else. There are no toilets or shops, and shelter from the elements is limited. On my visit, there was no ticket machine, electronic notification board, or even a passenger help point. I do understand, however, that a ticket machine has since been installed, which is a welcome addition.

Despite the lack of modern amenities, or perhaps because of it, Stocksmoor holds a unique charm. It’s a testament to the resilience of smaller railway lines and a reminder of a bygone era of train travel. If you’re ever exploring the Penistone Line, make sure to give Stocksmoor a moment of your time. You might just find yourself, like I did, as its only visitor, enjoying the peaceful solitude of a truly rural station.

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Experience the Magic of Venice: A New Video Journey!

Get ready to be transported to the enchanting canals and historic piazzas of Italy's most unique city! I'm thrilled to announce my latest YouTube upload: "A Trip to Venice."

This captivating video, approximately 2.5 minutes long, is a curated collection of scenes I captured during my few days exploring Venice at the end of October and beginning of November 2018. From the moment you hit play, you'll glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a mesmerizing boat trip, witnessing the city's grandeur from its watery arteries.

The video also takes you through the bustling and magnificent St. Mark's area, showcasing its architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the famous landmarks, you'll discover various other short, intimate clips highlighting Venice's charming smaller canals, intricate bridges, and the timeless beauty of its ancient buildings.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and historic architecture, holds an undeniable allure. But in October-November 2018, during my visit, the city offered a stark, firsthand glimpse into its unique challenges. I arrived to find Venice battling what hotel staff informed me was its worst flooding since 1968. My 1-minute, 50-second video, "St Marks Square Flooding," captures various scenes filmed around the iconic square on random days and times during my stay, showcasing the pervasive nature of the acqua alta.

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Waist-High Waters and Resilient Spirits

The moment I stepped off the vaporetto, the reality of the situation hit me – literally. I had to wade through waist-high water across St. Mark's Square just to reach my hotel. It was an immediate and unforgettable introduction to Venice's watery embrace. Every single day of my trip, the area was flooded to some degree, a constant reminder of the city's delicate balance with the sea.

What struck me most, beyond the sheer volume of water, was the incredible resilience of the Venetian people. They didn't lament or complain; they simply accepted the flooding as part of their everyday life. I saw locals navigating the submerged streets with a calm pragmatism, adapting their routines to the ever-present water. Their spirit was truly fantastic, a testament to generations of living in harmony with – and at the mercy of – the tides.

A Lingering Concern for Venice's Future

Recent news reports have sadly indicated that Venice has experienced even worse flooding since my 2018 visit. My heart goes out to the residents, and I feel desperately sad for the continuous challenges they face. It highlights the urgent need for long-promised flood defences, such as the MOSE project, to finally be completed and become fully effective. One can only hope that these crucial measures will soon provide the protection Venice so desperately needs, allowing its beauty and unique way of life to thrive for generations to come.

My video serves as a small, personal document of a truly impactful experience, a visual diary of a city learning to live with its extraordinary watery landscape.

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Milner Royd Junction: A Secluded Spot to Watch Time and Trains Go By

There are places that, for reasons often indefinable, simply call to you. For me, one such spot is Milner Royd Junction, nestled approximately a mile to the east of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station in West Yorkshire. It's not a grand tourist attraction, nor is it bustling with activity. Instead, it offers a quiet retreat, a place where the rhythm of passing trains provides a unique kind of solace.

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Where Lines Converge and History Lingers

Milner Royd Junction is a fascinating intersection of railway history and modern transport. This is the point where the Caldervale line, heading towards Halifax, diverges from the Calder Valley line, which leads towards Brighouse. The Calder Valley line, being the older of the two, carries a rich heritage. Interestingly, the section towards Brighouse was closed to passenger services in 1970, primarily serving as a freight line until its reopening for passengers in 2000.

Even today, the old signal box stands sentinel at the junction, a silent testament to a bygone era of railway operations, now redundant but still a proud fixture of the landscape. The junction itself is spanned by a distinctive four-arch bridge. This bridge once offered a pathway towards Norland, but for as long as I can remember, access from its northern side has been locked off. While the higher southern gate is typically unlocked, reaching it is a bit of an adventure, as the surrounding area is often overgrown.

Despite these minor access quirks, Milner Royd Junction remains a cherished spot. It's a place where you're virtually guaranteed to be left alone, allowing you to simply observe the constant flow of train transport passing by – a truly meditative experience for any railway enthusiast.

An Unforgettable Encounter: A Steam Train on the Valley Line

One particular day stands out vividly in my memory at Milner Royd Junction: Sunday, November 3rd, 2019. I had heard whispers that a majestic steam train was scheduled to journey along the valley, passing directly through the junction. This was an opportunity not to be missed. The train was making its way from Blackburn to Wakefield Kirkgate, a journey that promised a spectacular sight.

Knowing that punctuality isn't always a hallmark of British railways, I made sure to arrive early. This decision proved to be incredibly wise, as the steam train, defying expectations, arrived ahead of schedule! It was a truly exhilarating moment, the air filled with the iconic chuffing sound and the scent of coal, as the magnificent locomotive thundered through the junction.

The following two videos, from my YouTube account, capture the magic of that day, allowing you to experience a glimpse of that unforgettable steam train passage through Milner Royd Junction.

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The Enduring Charm of Venice's Accademia Bridge

Venice, the city of canals, bridges, and unparalleled romance, offers countless iconic views. Among its many crossings, the Accademia Bridge, or Ponte dell'Accademia as it's known to locals, holds a special place in my heart. My photographic exploration around this beloved landmark in October and November 2018 revealed not just a crucial link over the Grand Canal, but a structure imbued with a rich, evolving history and a unique charm that set it apart.

A Bridge Reborn, Again and Again

The Accademia Bridge marks the southernmost crossing of the Grand Canal, just before it gracefully sweeps into St. Mark's Basin. While it feels like an ancient part of Venice's fabric, its history is surprisingly dynamic. The first official crossing at this point was a steel structure opened in 1854. This was a significant development, especially given previous unsuccessful attempts by locals to establish a bridge here.

However, steel wasn't to be its final form. In 1932, a new wooden structure replaced the original. This wooden incarnation stood for decades, becoming a familiar sight to Venetians and visitors alike. But the story doesn't end there. In the early 1980s, local politicians once again sought designs for a replacement. The result, opened in 1985, was a faithful wooden replica of the 1932 bridge.

There's been talk of yet another replacement, a notion that personally fills me with a touch of apprehension. I sincerely hope they decide against it. The current wooden design feels perfectly suited to Venice's historic aesthetic, offering a warmer, more inviting feel than a modern alternative might.

A Favourite Among Giants

During my time in Venice, I had the opportunity to experience three of the four bridges that span the Grand Canal. While each has its own distinct character, the Accademia Bridge quickly became my favorite. Compared to the more ornate yet perhaps less captivating Scalzi Bridge, the Accademia offers a more interesting and visually appealing design. And in stark contrast to the often overwhelmingly crowded Rialto Bridge, the Accademia always felt significantly calmer, allowing for a more serene and contemplative experience.

Perhaps it's the gentle creak of its wooden planks underfoot, or the unparalleled views it offers of the Grand Canal stretching out towards the open lagoon. Whatever the reason, the Ponte dell'Accademia embodies a certain Venetian spirit – resilient, beautiful, and steeped in a history that continues to unfold. It's more than just a crossing; it's a vantage point, a piece of art, and a quiet witness to the timeless rhythm of Venice.

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The Ever-Evolving Heart of Halifax: The Piece Hall, A Photographic Journey

Some landmarks aren't just bricks and mortar; they're living chronicles, evolving with the pulse of a community. For me, The Piece Hall in Halifax is one such place. Being right on my doorstep has allowed me to witness its incredible transformations first hand, not just as a casual observer, but through the lens of a camera.

From Humble Beginnings to a Photographic Passion

My photographic journey with The Piece Hall began in December 2013. Back then, I was a nascent enthusiast, armed with just a Samsung Tablet. My aim was to capture the hall before it closed its doors in January 2014 for a monumental £19 million, three-year restoration project. Little did I know that this initial visit would spark a deeper interest in photography, prompting me to return in 2017 after its grand reopening. The difference was astonishing – from a tired, aging space to a vibrant hub of shopping, leisure, and community.

A Tapestry of History: The Piece Hall Through the Ages

Opened on January 1st, 1779, The Piece Hall was originally conceived as a bustling marketplace for local cloth traders. Imagine the clamour of merchants, the rustle of fabrics, and the vibrant exchange of goods that once filled its grand courtyard. However, as the textile industry modernized and industrialized, the hall's traditional role waned. In 1868, it was acquired by the Halifax Corporation and soon converted into a wholesale market, a function it maintained until 1971. At this point, with the wholesale market dispersed, the unthinkable was considered: demolition.

Thankfully, this fate was averted. After a period of refurbishment, the hall reopened on July 3rd, 1976, reborn as a tourist destination featuring shops, a museum, and an art gallery, along with an outdoor market. Yet, visitor numbers once again began to decline. This led the Calderdale Council to devise a comprehensive plan, securing funding from various sources for another extensive refurbishment. The hall closed its doors to the public on January 16th, 2014, for its much-anticipated three-year transformation.

The grand reopening on August 1st, 2017, coinciding with Yorkshire Day, marked a new era for The Piece Hall. Today, it’s a thriving space offering restaurants, bars, shops, and live entertainment, including music concerts. It even proudly served as the starting point for the renowned Tour de Yorkshire.

A Heritage Protected: Grade I Listed Status

The Piece Hall's significance extends far beyond its commercial history. On November 3rd, 1954, it was granted Grade I listed status, a testament to its exceptional historical, architectural, and cultural importance. The reasons cited were compelling:

• Historic interest: Its unique role in the cloth trade.
• Rarity: It stands as the only remaining cloth hall in Yorkshire.
• Architectural interest: Its distinctive and impressive design.
• Architectural layout: The remarkable and innovative structure of the building itself.

Overlooking the hall are Beacon Hill and the spire of the Square Church. Only the spire remains of the church, damaged by fire and partially demolished in the 1970s, now forming an integral part of the recently opened Halifax Central Library.

Whispers of the Past: Supernatural Tales and Enduring Mysteries

Like many old buildings, The Piece Hall isn't without its share of intriguing supernatural stories. One of the units in the southwest corner is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl known as Amy. The popular TV show Derek Acorah's Ghost Towns even broadcast from the hall in March 2006, with Acorah claiming to have made contact with spirits named Mary and Joseph in the cellars.

Another enduring mystery surrounds the Hand Prints at the Westgate entrance. Though sadly less visible than they once were, these prints have spawned numerous local legends. Some believe they were left by a local witch, while a more widely known story suggests they were imprinted by a murderer making his desperate escape. These tales add another layer of intrigue to an already fascinating historical landmark.

My most recent photographic outing to The Piece Hall was on October 12th, 2019, using a Nikon D3300. These images, along with others taken on various occasions with different cameras, aim to capture the enduring spirit and evolving beauty of this remarkable building. 

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The pictures below were taken with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet on the 1st December 2013. This was before the halls refurbishment.

The following pictures were taken on the 20th October 2018 with a Nikon d3300.

The following pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 3rd October 2017.

This final set of pictures was taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 22nd September 2019.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.