Queensbury Tunnel (Updated)

 I previously posted about the Queensbury Tunnel in December 2017, a number of the pictures that were featured in that post were lost over time so I recently thought I would go back and have a look at what I had and repost them. The full set can be seen here, on Flickr, and on Clickasnap, with some put together to make the following video available to see here and on YouTube, please take a moment to subscribe to my channel.

The video features modern and vintage images taken along the trackbed from Strines Cutting to the former site of Queensbury Station. The Historical images and ones inside the tunnel that are not mine are all Creative Commons licensed or copyright unknown. Credits are given were possible.

Strines Cutting was a railway cutting on approach to the southern portal of Queensbury Tunnel. It was approx. 1030ft long and 59ft deep and ran through solid rock. The cutting was crossed by an Aqueduct that carried Strines / Ovenden beck over the railway. This bridge is still standing today although the ground below is now infilled and it looks more like a wall across some waste ground. The cutting is now largely filled in with only a short section to the tunnel entrance still remaining although this is mostly flooded as drainage along the cutting and in to the tunnel has always been an issue.

Queensbury Tunnel was built by the Great Northern Railway to provide a link from Holmefield Station, Halifax to Queensbury Station allowing travel beyond to Bradford and Keighley. Construction was started in May 1874 and took over 3 years to complete opening to goods traffic on the 14th October 1878. Passenger trains not being introduced until December 1879 when the station at Queensbury was completed. It was to be another 5 years before those same passengers could complete the journey to Keighley, the line from Queensbury to Keighley making slow progress due to financial issues.

Once completed the tunnel ran for 7503ft making it the longest on the Great Northern Railway and also one of the deepest in the country. There had been plans to have 8 air shafts, the plans changing then to 7 and finally 5 due to significant water ingress (the tunnel and cutting has always suffered issues due to water drainage). The deepest shaft completed was 379ft deep, although shaft number 5 would have reached a depth of 414ft had it been completed. Around 700 men were involved in the tunnels construction and at least 10 are thought to have died during the build period with many more injured. 

Once opened the tunnel was operational until the 1950's, the line suffering as passenger numbers declined, but freight traffic remained busy until after the 2nd World War. The high cost of maintaining the tunnel and cutting made the tunnel an early favourite for closure during the post war economy measures and the now with hindsight short sighted decision was made to close the line to traffic. Passenger services were withdrawn on the 23rd May 1955, with goods traffic withdrawn on the 28th May 1956. The line through the tunnel was then mothballed until 1963 when it was finally uplifted.

There is now a campaign for the tunnel to be reopened as part of a cycleway connecting Bradford with Halifax. Engineers are currently trying to push through a scheme to abandon and fill the tunnel with concrete. I  am hoping the people campaigning to save the tunnel are successful in the fight. To find out more please take a moment to view the site at http://www.queensburytunnel.org.uk/

Strines / Ovenden Beck Aqueduct. Strines cutting used to run to a depth of approx 59ft beneath where I was stood to take the picture.

The southern portal of Queensbury Tunnel after it had been drained to allow engineers to asses the damage inside. The entrance rocks are what remains of Strines Cutting.

This is what the entrance to Queensbury Tunnel normally looks like.

Taken on the former Queensbury - Thornton - Keighley trackbed looking towards the former site of Queensbury Station. Opened in 1879 the station was triangular in shape, when opened being one of only 4 shaped that way in England. The station had connections with Bradford, Halifax, Keighley and beyond. The station was 400ft lower than the town and closed to passengers in 1955, and goods, excursion traffic in 1963, other than trackbed nothing of the station now remains.

Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my railway images album on Clickasnap.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Bescar Lane Railway Station

 Bescar Lane Railway Station is a small countryside stop on the Manchester to Southport Line. It can be found in the village of Scarisbrick approx. 7 miles to the east of Southport. It is unmanned with only limited facilities with no car parking, ticketing or refreshment facilities on the station or nearby. The station has small passenger numbers with only 3988 recorded users in 2016 / 17, an average of just 77 passengers per week.

The station was originally opened in April 1855 and has undergone a number of changes since then. rly 1990's both platforms were opposite each other with the remains of the westbound platform still showing despite it moving to the other side of the level crossing a few years ago. The station was served by a signal box alongside the level crossing but this was also removed around the time of the platform redevelopment.

The set of pictures was taken on August 21st 2018 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. They can be seen below or on Clickasnap full size, resolution and un-watermarked by clicking any image. link will open in another window.

The remains of the goods yard.

Taken from the level crossing the stations disused platform can be seen
overgrown and long since abandoned. When this platform was taken
out of use it was replaced by another at the other side of the level crossing.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media. The pictures can also be seen on Clickasnap by clicking on any image.

Thanks for looking, please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

View my YouTube channel to see more videos like this.

Bill Ward Pin Up Girls

 In addition to my own photography I am also a collector of images, having purchased many collections of photographs, images, 35mm slides, postcards over the years. A few years ago I bought a job lot collection of pin up girl cartoons and images, I was advised at the time that they were all copyright free or public domain so there is no intention to infringe any copyright by me.

Bill Ward was an American "Good Girl" artist and cartoonist who was notable as the creator of the comic character Torchy.  Born William Hess Ward on the 6th March 1919, he grew up in Ridgewood New Jersey where he developed illustrating as a hobby. Attending the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, Ward graduated in 1941 and obtained a job as an assistant at a Manhattan art agency, where he was eventually fired for cutting through a half finished illustration of a Ford motor car. After this Ward went to work for comic book artist Jack Binder, the creator of Daredevil a modern Marvel comics hero. Over the next several decades Ward worked on features such as Captain Marvel, Bullet Man, Blackhawk, Judge Dredd, and his most famous creation Torchy.

The following video features 20 of his "good girl" images with the original caption displayed in the clip.

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Todmorden Unitarian Church (April 2017)

 Todmorden Unitarian Church is located at Honey Hole Road, Todmorden, West Yorkshire. The church was built in the memory of John Fielden a local mill owner, social reformer and member of parliament for Oldham between 1832-1847. Fielden was also a prominent member of the local unitarian movement. Building work began in 1865, paid for by his 3 sons Joshua, John and Samuel on land the Fielden family donated, the budget was not limited by them with the final bill over £35000 ( over £3.5 million at 2020 rates). The work was completed in 1869 with the church opening in April with a sermon preached by William Gaskell to a congregation of over 800 people.

The church continued to grow until the early pert of the 20th Century when like most other religions in the UK, congregations started to decline. As numbers decreased it became increasingly harder to fund the upkeep of the building and by 1987 the decision was taken to close the main church building and move services to the nearby lodge at the entrance to the church grounds. These services continued until 1992 when the church and grounds were closed completely.

After the complete closure the church decayed and was subject to large amounts of vandalism. In 1994 the Historic Chapels Trust took over the church and over the next few years spent over £1million pounds on repairs. The church is licensed for weddings and is used locally as a meeting place.

The church was granted Grade I listed status on the 22nd November 1966, with the lodge at the entrance gaining Grade II listed status on the 22nd February 1984.

The following pictures were taken with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 22nd April 2017.

All the pictures taken in my various visits can also be seen in my video on YouTube. Please take a moment to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share. All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green

Slaithwaite Railway Station

Slaithwaite Railway Station is a village stop 4 miles west of Huddersfield towards Manchester. Opened in December 1982 to replace a earlier station.

The original station was a larger complex, consisting of 4 platforms all with canopies and waiting areas, and all in alignment with each other, and it also had a large goods area, the modern day Manchester bound trains platform is now sighted here. It remained a popular busy station until closure in October 1968, despite campaigns to keep it open, these continued after closure and site clearance until the early 1980's when Metro (West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive) revealed plans to re-open the station.

The new station features 2 platforms staggered either side of Crimble Bank Bridge. There are limited facilities, only basic cover, no toilets or refreshments and the station is unmanned. Step free access to both platforms is available. Passenger numbers in 2018/19 were 208000 per year at an average of approx. 4000 per week.

These pictures were taken  on the 25th July 2020 using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. There are a total of 15 which can be seen here, on Flickr and Clickasnap.

Crimble Bank Bridge, the station's platforms are staggered either side of the structure. Platform 2 is accessed by the road to the left, Platform 2 on the other side of the bridge.

 The steps can be seen opposite the entrance to platform 1 at the station. The lead up to housing on Bank Top.

The station entrance to the Manchester bound platform 2. The cobbled road used to lead up to the goods yard.

Train passing platform 1 for Huddersfield bound trains. Platform 1 sits upon the site of the original station which featured 4 platforms including a central island one. When the original station closed the line capacity was halved.

Platform 1

Platform 1 pictured from platform 2

Platform 2 occupies a site on the original station goods yard.

This artwork - bench can be found at the entrance to platform 1.

The pictures can be seen on YouTube, please take a moment to subscribe to my channel there.

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Clicking any picture should open a link to the un-watermarked version on Clickasnap. The pictures shown were updated on the 1st September 2023.

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sgurr Nan Gillean and the Cuillin Hills, Isle of Skye.

Just a short post featuring a picture that forms part of a collection of images I am currently digitising, this shows the peak of Sgurr nan Gillean in the Cuillin Hills on the Isle of Skye, Scotland. Sgurr nan Gillean rises 3169ft above sea level and is stunning triangular profile can be viewed for miles around the hills. The reflections on the front of the image is of Loch Sligachan.

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Clicking the image will open a link in another window to my vintage images album on Clickasnap.

The Mighty Wall of Todmorden

Have you ever wondered about the imposing wall that lines a stretch of the Rochdale Canal in Todmorden? It's not just a simple retaining wall; it's a testament to the industrial might of the 19th century.

A Canal's Guardian

Constructed in 1881, this colossal structure was erected to support the expansion of Todmorden railway station's goods yard. Over 4 million bricks were used to build this engineering marvel, which stretches from near Lock 19 (known Todmorden and Library Lock) to Dobroyd Bridge (Bridge No. 30).

A Bygone Era

Before the advent of railways, the Rochdale Canal was a vital artery for transporting goods. However, as rail networks expanded, the canal's importance diminished. The construction of the wall was to expand the railway goods yard at Todmorden Station.

A Forgotten Legacy

Today, the goods yard has long been abandoned, and the land above the wall is now a peaceful woodland path. The wall itself, however, remains a striking reminder of the industrial past of Todmorden. Its imposing presence and intricate brickwork continue to captivate visitors.

Capturing the Wall's Grandeur

To truly appreciate the scale and beauty of this historic structure, check out these photographs captured on August 27, 2018.

So, the next time you're exploring the picturesque Rochdale Canal, take a moment to admire the mighty wall of Todmorden. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be recognized and appreciated.

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

The wall viewed from Dobroyd Bridge.

Dobroyd Bridge.

Todmorden Lock.

The following video features a slideshow of the 13 images that were originally posted and can be seen below and on YouTube.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

A Glimpse into the Past: Unearthing a Blackpool Illumination Gem from 1933

There's something uniquely satisfying about sifting through a collection, especially when it's something as tangible and evocative as vintage postcards. Each one holds a tiny slice of history, a frozen moment in time, often whispering tales of faraway places and long-forgotten journeys. Recently, while diving deep into my own sizeable postcard archives, I stumbled upon a true treasure that instantly caught my eye.

It's a postcard from the renowned Scottish publisher Valentine & Son of Dundee. For any postcard enthusiast, the Valentine name is synonymous with quality and a vast output of beautifully designed cards, particularly throughout the early to mid-20th century. This particular find, however, felt extra special.

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Blackpool's Dazzling Spectacle, Captured in Paint

The card features a vibrant depiction of the Blackpool Illuminations from the North Pier. What makes this one stand out is its captivating artistic style – it's not a photograph, but rather a beautifully rendered painting, transforming the electric spectacle into a work of art. The Blackpool Illuminations themselves are legendary, a beloved annual event that has drawn visitors to the Lancashire coast for over a century. To see them captured in this painterly fashion on a postcard from so long ago is truly a delight.

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A Date with History: 1933 and Beyond

One of the most fascinating aspects of collecting postcards is being able to date them, and this card offered a clear clue. Its serial number, 221812, definitively places its printing in 1933. That means this humble piece of cardstock is roughly 87 years old! Imagine the world in 1933: the Great Depression was in full swing, global tensions were simmering, and yet, here was Blackpool, offering a dazzling escape, immortalized on this very card.

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Unposted and Enduring

Despite its impressive age, this postcard tells another interesting story: it was never posted. There are no stamps, no handwritten messages, no postmarks to betray a journey through the postal system. It's a blank canvas, preserved almost as it was the day it rolled off the printing press. While it shows some signs of wear and tear, as you'd expect from an item approaching its ninth decade, its overall condition is remarkably good. The colours remain surprisingly vibrant, and the details of the painted scene are still wonderfully clear.

Holding this card, you can't help but wonder about its original owner. Was it bought as a souvenir and simply never sent? Did it sit in a drawer, waiting for a message that never came? Or perhaps it was part of a collection from the very beginning, cherished for its artistic merit and historical significance.

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This small, unposted postcard from 1933 is more than just a piece of paper; it's a tangible link to the past, a vibrant reminder of Blackpool's enduring appeal, and a testament to the artistry of Valentine & Son. It's moments like these, unearthing such gems, that make the hours spent sorting through a collection truly worthwhile.

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Then and Now: A Glimpse into Halifax's People's Park

There's something magical about holding a piece of history in your hands, especially when it offers a window into a familiar place from a bygone era. I recently acquired a charming old postcard depicting People's Park in Halifax, a true vintage gem looking from south to north towards the iconic Crossley Pavilion. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to go and see how much – or how little – has changed.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I ventured out to recreate the postcard's perspective. The modern-day scene, captured in my recent photograph, tells a fascinating story of transformation. While the essence of the park remains, it's now noticeably more mature, with a lush canopy of trees that has grown significantly over the decades. In fact, the foliage is so dense that it now gracefully obscures the spire of the Park United Reformed Church. This church, which still stands proudly across the road from the park's north-western corner, has, I'm told, found new life as a business centre – a testament to how buildings adapt and evolve with the times.

What's truly captivating about these old postcards isn't just the visual record they provide, but also the fleeting personal messages they carry. The back of this particular postcard, while not bearing a postmark to date its journey, simply conveys "best wishes" to its recipients, a Mr & Mrs Butterfield of Leeds. It's a small, anonymous detail, yet it connects us directly to individuals from the past, adding a layer of human interest to the historical landscape.

Comparing these two images – the faded sepia of the postcard and the vibrant greens of today – offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time. People's Park continues to be a vital green space in Halifax, a place where generations have strolled, relaxed, and enjoyed nature. The trees have grown taller, buildings have repurposed, but the spirit of the park endures.

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

The postcard I recently purchased.

A comparison shot from a similar position.

The modern comparison picture.

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