Chasing the Last Light: An Atmospheric Day in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

There’s a unique, nostalgic magic that settles over the British coast as summer reluctantly gives way to autumn. On September 7th, 2024, I found it draped across the cliffs and lapping the shores of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was a day of transition—the vibrant crowds of high summer had thinned, leaving behind a profound sense of place, perfectly captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300.

This wasn't about seeking out picture-postcard sunshine. It was about atmosphere, the contrast of Victorian grandeur against the raw, rugged North Sea.

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The Headland’s Timeless Watch: Castle and Lighthouse

The journey to the heart of Scarborough always starts with the dramatic headland, where the past is literally carved into the rock. The formidable ruins of Scarborough Castle stand guard, silently surveying both the bustling South Bay and the calmer North Bay. From this vantage point, you feel the weight of over 3,000 years of history, from Roman signal stations to Civil War sieges.

Looking down towards the harbour, one of the most compelling scenes unfolds: the South Bay beach, the colourful boats, and the sturdy white and red stripe of the Scarborough Pier Lighthouse.

On a day like this, the air was thick with a salty, invigorating mist, softening the edges of the town and lending a timeless, cinematic quality to the light. The lighthouse, a beacon of safety since 1806, seemed to glow from within, a stark, steadfast pillar against the movement of the sea. Capturing this composition—the power of the ancient castle looming over the industry of the harbour—is the essence of Scarborough.

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The Elegance of Iron: Scarborough's Spa Bridge

As you move away from the wild coastline, you encounter the architectural elegance that cemented Scarborough's status as Britain’s first seaside resort. The Cliff Bridge, often still referred to as the Spa Bridge, is an astonishing multi-span cast iron footbridge dating back to 1827.

Spanning the valley from St Nicholas Cliff to The Spa complex, the bridge is more than just a convenient shortcut; it’s an iconic piece of Georgian engineering and Grade II listed beauty. Its green iron arches cut a striking silhouette against the sky. Walking across it, high above the valley, offers a unique perspective on the town.

It was designed to transport Victorian gentry effortlessly to the natural Spa waters—a testament to the town’s luxurious heyday. The intricate ironwork, still perfectly preserved, feels like a delicate lacework against the sheer drop, contrasting the brute force of the coastline with a touch of civilised finesse.

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In the Frame: A Photographer’s Love Letter to the D3300

As a photographer, there’s a certain satisfaction in using a workhorse like the Nikon D3300. While the latest models boast incredible features, the D3300’s 24.2-megapixel sensor and robust handling prove that you don't need the most expensive gear to capture breath taking images.

On this September day, the challenge was the atmospheric light. The D3300 excelled at rendering the deep, moody blues and greys of the overcast sky and the texture of the sea. I paid particular attention to:

1. Composition: Using the strong vertical lines of the lighthouse and the horizontal lines of the pier and bridge to anchor the images.

2. Detail: Focusing on the incredible detail in the castle stone and the rust on the fishing boats, showing the town's character.

3. Timing: The mid-morning light, diffused by the cloud cover, was perfect for capturing the muted, gentle colour palette that defines the early autumn seaside.

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The Enduring Charm

My day in Scarborough was a reminder that the best seaside towns offer more than just a beach and a handful of arcades. They offer layered history, architectural marvels, and a constantly changing, dramatic landscape.

Whether you're visiting for the fish and chips, a walk along the Cleveland Way, or to find a quiet spot to watch the tide come in, Scarborough remains utterly captivating.

If you’re planning a trip to the North Yorkshire coast, make sure to pack your camera—you won’t regret capturing the enduring, powerful beauty of Britain’s original seaside resort.

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The Enduring Arch: Why County Bridge is the Heart of Sowerby Bridge

Standing at the confluence of history, water, and industry in the Upper Calder Valley, County Bridge in Sowerby Bridge is more than just a means to cross a river—it is the very foundation and namesake of the town.

Inspired by the powerful collection of images that capture this pivotal spot, from the solid stone arch of the bridge itself to the converging torrents of the River Calder and the River Ryburn, and the soaring architecture of the railway viaduct, we explore the deep significance of this Yorkshire landmark.

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A Name Etched in Stone: The County Bridge

Sowerby Bridge owes its name entirely to this crossing point. Long before the bustling industrial town we know today, the original settlement, Sowerby, clung to the hillside to the west. As trade and life began to spill into the valley floor, a bridge was essential.

First referenced as early as 1314, with a stone structure mentioned by 1517, the County Bridge was the vital link. It was the commercial artery that allowed traders to cross the powerful River Calder, connecting the historic hilltop communities with the burgeoning valley settlement. This bridge was the seed from which the modern town grew, making it the oldest and most fundamental piece of infrastructure in Sowerby Bridge. Its sturdy, soot-darkened stone is a testament to centuries of relentless traffic, floods, and the sheer grit of the West Riding.

The Lifeblood: Where Two Rivers Meet

The County Bridge stands directly at a geographical and historical nexus: the meeting point of the River Calder and the River Ryburn.

The confluence here speaks to the immense natural power that shaped the town. These waters were the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution. The steep gradients of the valleys and the consistent flow of the rivers provided the power to turn the wheels of the textile mills that defined Calderdale’s prosperity.

• The Ryburn, flowing down from the hills of Rishworth and Ripponden, brings the energy of the uplands.

• The Calder, a wider, grander river, continues its journey eastwards through the valley towards Elland and Wakefield.

The marriage of these two rivers at the bridge was the key to Sowerby Bridge becoming a commercial centre, supporting not only water-powered mills but also the complex network of canals that soon followed.

The Age of Iron: The Sowerby Bridge Viaduct

Look beyond the bridge, and your eye is instantly drawn to the monumental Sowerby Bridge Railway Viaduct, a magnificent counterpoint to the medieval stone arch.

The viaduct represents the next, even faster, age of industry. Opened in the mid-19th century, this Victorian engineering marvel of stone and steel sliced through the valley, bringing the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway to the town.

This colossal structure, with its rhythmic arches, overshadows the County Bridge, symbolising the moment the railway superseded the rivers and canals as the primary mover of goods and people. The contrast between the squat, centuries-old County Bridge and the soaring, dramatic lines of the viaduct perfectly encapsulates Sowerby Bridge: a town built in layers of ambition, from the packhorse trails to the steam engine.

A Glimpse of Local Life

The photographs of the bridge often capture fragments of the local businesses that grew up around this central hub. A striking image referencing T Whittaker, Warley, County Bridge gives us a personal connection to the commerce that thrived here.

Warley was one of the historic townships that fed into the development of Sowerby Bridge. The mention of a local name like Whittaker connected to Warley and the bridge reminds us that this was not just a place of grand industrial schemes, but a community built by families, tradesmen, and local entrepreneurs. Every stone of the bridge, every ripple in the river, has witnessed the daily transactions and lives of the people who worked and lived by its banks.

A Timeless View

The story of County Bridge is the story of Sowerby Bridge itself: a tale of necessity, industry, and the power of location. It is a place where three defining features of the landscape—the two powerful rivers and the ancient crossing—converge with the ambition of the railway age.

Next time you cross this modest but mighty bridge, pause to appreciate its significance. You are standing on the very piece of Yorkshire ground that gave a town its purpose, connecting the past to the present and reminding us that at the heart of every great industrial town is a simple, enduring arch of stone.

The images were taken with a Nikon d3300 on the 3rd May 2025, 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 of Tease and Glamour: Dating the Southwest Burlesque Showcase Poster

This vintage-style poster is a fantastic piece of burlesque memorabilia, capturing the spirit and glamour of a live showcase. Its distressed look, bold pin-up art, and classic typography instantly transport you to a golden age of entertainment, even though the event itself is from the modern revival of burlesque.

Based on the information on the poster and a quick check of historical records, we can confidently date this event to Friday, February 20, 2009.

🔎 The Detective Work: How We Dated the Event

The poster provides three key pieces of information:

1. Event: "3rd Annual Southwest Burlesque Showcase"

2. Date: "One Night Only! February 20, 8PM"

3. Venue: "The Historic Kimo Theatre" (in Albuquerque, New Mexico)

By searching for a "Southwest Burlesque Showcase" at the "Kimo Theatre" on a "February 20th," historical records confirm an event with these exact details took place on Friday, February 20, 2009. The fact that it was the "3rd Annual" lines up perfectly with a documented history of the event.

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Fascinating Facts About the Showcase and the Poster

Here are a few interesting details about the event and the context of the poster itself:

• The Headliners of the Revival: The featured performers listed—like Kitty Irreverent (NM), September Smith (NM), Savannah Bloom (NM), Scarlet Letter (CA), Sultana Salome (NM), and Scarlet Grace (NM)—are names from the contemporary burlesque scene, confirming the event as part of the worldwide burlesque revival that gained traction in the early 2000s.

• A Regional Hub: The poster shows the event drew performers and troupes from across the Southwest—New Mexico (NM), California (CA), Arizona (AZ), and Texas (TX)—underscoring the Albuquerque Kimo Theatre as a significant regional hub for the art form.

• The Venue is a Star: The Historic Kimo Theatre itself is a piece of New Mexico history, built in 1927 in the unique Pueblo Deco architectural style, blending Art Deco design with traditional Pueblo Native American motifs. The theatre is famously rumoured to be haunted by the ghost of a little boy, Bobby Darnall, who was killed in a 1951 explosion. Performers often leave offerings (like doughnuts!) backstage to appease his spirit.

• The Masters of Ceremonies: The hosts, Devin D. & Dr. Shocker, are integral to the burlesque and variety show circuit, playing a crucial role in maintaining energy, humour, and flow throughout a large showcase.

• A Nods to History: The presence of the "Burlesque Hall of Fame" logo suggests a relationship or promotion with the national organization dedicated to preserving the history of burlesque. The phrase on the poster's banner, "Burlesque as it Was," is also the name of one of the participating troupes—Colorado's Burlesque as it Was—a clever play on words that highlights their commitment to the classic art form.

• Affordable Entertainment: The $15 advance ticket price (plus fees) reflects the accessibility of the burlesque revival shows, which often serve as a fun, affordable night out for audiences.

This poster isn't just an advertisement; it's a vibrant snapshot of the flourishing neo-burlesque movement in the American Southwest in the late 2000s!

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The copyright of the poster remains the property of the relevant owner.

Bridging the Past: An Archival Look at Shrewsbury's English Bridge

 There’s a certain thrill in acquiring a random box of old 35mm slides—you never know what little piece of forgotten history you might uncover. Recently, this striking image of the English Bridge in Shrewsbury caught my eye. It's a beautifully composed shot, capturing the bridge's classic stonework and the distinctive spires of the town rising beyond the River Severn.

Let's dive into the history of this iconic landmark and see if we can use the photograph itself to determine when this particular moment was frozen in time.

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The History of the English Bridge

The English Bridge is a major gateway into the historic loop of Shrewsbury town centre, and its history is a long and winding one, mirroring the River Severn it crosses:

• A Crossing Since Medieval Times: A bridge has stood on this spot since at least the 12th century, likely wooden initially, before being replaced by a more substantial stone structure known as the Stone Bridge or Great Bridge.

• The Second Incarnation (1774): The current structure's direct predecessor was built between 1769 and 1774 by renowned architect John Gwynne. It was considered a magnificent example of Georgian engineering, featuring elegant stone balustrades.

• The Modern Bridge (1926): The bridge we see today is a widening and rebuilding of Gwynne's 18th-century structure. Due to increased traffic and narrowness, it was demolished and reconstructed between 1924 and 1926 by engineer Sir Thomas Peirson Frank and the Shrewsbury Borough Surveyor, A. W. Ward. The new design retained the look of the Georgian original but was significantly wider and structurally reinforced. It was formally opened by Queen Mary on October 20, 1926, and is the Grade II listed structure we admire today.

The spires visible in the background are another clue to the town’s rich past: the tall, Gothic-style spire to the left is likely St Mary's Church, while the one near the centre belongs to St Alkmund's Church.

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Dating the Slide: Clues from the Film and Foliage

While the bridge's architecture confirms it was taken after its 1926 reconstruction, we can narrow the date down significantly by looking at the photograph's characteristics:

1. The Colour Palette: The rich, slightly muted reds and browns in the foliage, the deep green of the grass, and the distinct blue of the sky suggest a colour slide film from the 1970s or early 1980s. The colour saturation and overall "look" are typical of slide film from that era, such as Kodachrome or Ektachrome.

2. The Foliage: Crucially, the trees on the far bank show sparse leaves and definite autumnal tones, while the grass in the foreground is still lush and green. This points clearly to a photograph taken in late autumn (October or November).

3. Modern Clutter: The lack of heavy, modern signage or overt 21st-century street furniture also reinforces an earlier date.

Conclusion on Date: Based on the film's distinct colour rendering and the seasonal state of the trees, this beautiful vista of Shrewsbury’s English Bridge was most likely captured during a clear, crisp day in Autumn between 1975 and 1985.

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Platform Echoes and Calder Valley History: A Love Letter to Sowerby Bridge Railway Station

The air here smells of damp stone, railway ballast, and the promise of journeys. Standing on the platform at Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, you're surrounded by more than just tracks and metal—you're immersed in the layered history of the Calder Valley. Inspired by a set of photographs I took back in 2016, I was reminded of this unassuming, yet characterful, hub in West Yorkshire.

The pictures capture the essence of a traditional, two-platform British railway station, a snapshot of its quiet utility. The deep red canopies, supported by sturdy white columns (with a matching red trim!), provide a welcome shelter, a classic regional railway look you might recognise across the north.

Looking down the lines, as seen in photos above, the twin tracks curve away, following the natural contours of the valley, a constant reminder of the engineering prowess of the Manchester and Leeds Railway which first brought the line here in 1840.

A Turbulent History of Stone and Steam

Sowerby Bridge hasn't always looked like this. The original station was situated further west, but the current site opened in 1876, built by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. By all accounts, it was once a grand structure, even winning the "Best Kept Station" award in the 1960s.

But time, and tragedy, changed things. The late 1970s saw a period of decline, culminating in a serious fire in 1978. Much of the original building was subsequently demolished in 1980, despite local campaigns. The station you see today, with its simplified, yet functional, platforms and canopies, is the result of that rebuilding effort in the early 1980s.

It’s a phoenix, of sorts—one that retained a vital connection to its past.

The Charm of the Underground Passage

Perhaps the most atmospheric part of the station, and beautifully captured in the photos above, is the entrance and the subway connecting the platforms. The deep stone staircase, flanked by lush greenery, plunges into a cool, arched underpass. This pedestrian tunnel, with its whitewashed brick walls and classic red handrails, is a timeless feature.

Look closely at the walls inside the subway and you see the colourful, slightly faded signage for Sowerby Bridge, a simple yet effective mix of red, white, and green on a dark background. It's an enclosed piece of transit history, a brief retreat from the light and sound of the tracks before you emerge onto the platforms.

Details and Dedication

While the station is unstaffed today (the original ticket office survives and now houses a popular independent bar, the Jubilee Refreshment Rooms), its platforms show signs of local pride.

The picture above shows a simple yet effective planted area next to the seating—bright red metal chairs contrasting against the dark slatted fence and the vibrant green foliage. It’s a touch of unexpected beauty, a sign of the care poured into the station environment, likely the work of the Friends of Sowerby Bridge Railway Station volunteer group. These small acts of gardening and tidying bring life to the functional space, echoing the dedication of those who maintained the station in its 'Best Kept' glory days.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station, serving the Caldervale Line, remains a crucial transport link. It’s a gateway to Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, and Manchester, and the wider world beyond. But it's also a destination in itself. It is a place where every train whistle carries a whisper of the past, and every quiet moment on the platform feels like a connection to the enduring spirit of the Calder Valley. It’s not flashy, but it is authentically Sowerby Bridge.

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Great Scots, Part V: The Final Ten—Reformers, Field Marshals, and Polar Pioneers

We've reached the end of our exploration into the captivating 1933 Mitchell's Cigarettes "Great Scots" collection. This final block of ten figures brings us face-to-face with the men and women who shaped Scotland's religious, military, and exploratory past, providing a fitting conclusion to a century-spanning historical survey printed on humble tobacco cards.

God, Glory, and Generals

This final group is dominated by figures from military command and religious reform who fundamentally altered the course of Scottish history.

King David I: The card portrays the 12th-century King of Scotland, likely overseeing an architectural project alongside a monk. Known as "the Saint" for his devotion, David I was a transformative figure who introduced feudalism and established many of Scotland's great abbeys and burghs (towns), fundamentally modernizing the country and laying the foundations for its medieval kingdom.

John Knox: The central figure of the Scottish Reformation, Knox's card shows him preaching in a kirk. His relentless efforts established Presbyterianism in Scotland, permanently changing the country's religious and political landscape.

Earl Haig (Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig): A highly recognizable contemporary figure in 1933, Haig was a senior officer during the First World War, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) from 1915. His card, showing him on horseback, celebrates his prominent, though controversial, military legacy.

Sir Ralph Abercromby: A distinguished British lieutenant-general, Sir Ralph Abercromby is known for his successful military campaigns, particularly in the West Indies and Egypt, where he was mortally wounded in 1801. His card depicts a cavalry charge, capturing the action of his command.

Lord Heathfield (George Augustus Eliott, Baron Heathfield): A famous general known for successfully defending Gibraltar during the Great Siege (1779–1783). His card shows him on horseback, giving orders on the battlefield, a clear nod to his military prowess.

David Leslie (Lord Newark): A formidable military commander during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Leslie commanded the Covenanter army. His card is a dramatic depiction of a cavalry engagement, celebrating his strategic skill.

The Explorer and the Administrator

This section highlights the global reach of Scottish achievement, from the frozen poles to the political machinations of the Covenanters.

Sir James Clark Ross: A renowned naval officer and polar explorer. His card shows him in an icy environment with colleagues, commemorating his vital work mapping the magnetic North Pole and exploring Antarctica.

The Earl of Loudoun (John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun): A nobleman and military officer, he was an important figure during the mid-18th century, particularly as a commander during the French and Indian War in North America. His card shows him in a scene of deliberation or planning with other officials.

The Women and Writer

The collection concludes by showcasing influential women and one of the greatest storytellers of the Victorian age.

Jane, Duchess of Gordon: An influential social and political figure in 18th-century Scotland, the Duchess was a famous society hostess and an effective recruiter for the Gordon Highlanders regiment. Her card features her in elegant attire, greeting and encouraging recruits, highlighting her role in military life.

Robert Louis Stevenson: The author of timeless classics like Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His card shows him traveling with a donkey, reminiscent of his travel writing, Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes, and capturing his spirit of adventure.

The Complete "Great Scots" Collection: A 1933 Time Capsule

Completing this 50-card set reveals something profound about what Mitchell's Cigarettes considered the "Essential Scotland" in 1933.

The collection is a near-perfect blend:

• Foundational Leaders: Wallace, Bruce, Macbeth, King David I.

• Literary & Intellectual Giants: Hume, Scott, Burns, R.L.S., Barrie, Carlyle.

• Architects of Change: Knox, James Watt, William Paterson.

• Rebels & Cavaliers: Montrose, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora MacDonald.

• Military & Naval Heroes: Earl Haig, Sir John Moore, Duncan of Camperdown.

• Influential Women: Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Anne MacIntosh, Jane, Duchess of Gordon.

These cards are small paper windows into the collective memory of Scotland, showing how national identity was communicated to the masses during the inter-war period.

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The High Andes? A 35mm Mystery on the Mountain Slope

 This latest find from my collected box of 35mm slides is a breath taking one. It’s a truly dramatic shot, capturing a hiking or trekking group making their way up a steep, rocky, scrub-covered slope towards a towering, snow-capped mountain and a visible glacier. The sheer scale and rugged beauty immediately make it one of the most compelling photos in the collection.

The image is so rich in detail that I'm hoping we can use it to pinpoint its location and perhaps even the date it was taken. Let’s do some photographic detective work!

Clues to the Location: Where in the World?

The geography is the biggest clue here. This isn't just any mountain; it possesses specific characteristics:

1. High Altitude Environment: The presence of a large, accessible glacier and the rocky, barren terrain indicates a very high elevation, likely above the treeline.

2. Vegetation: The foreground is covered in tussock grasses and low, tough scrub. This type of vegetation is often characteristic of alpine tundra or páramo environments.

3. Mountain Structure: The peak itself is intensely craggy and heavily glaciated, suggesting a geologically young and very high mountain range. The style of glaciation (steep ice faces, deep crevasses) is notable.

4. Trekking Style: The people visible are carrying significant backpacks and seem to be on a well-established, though rocky, trail. This looks like a multi-day high-altitude trek.

Based on these factors, my strongest initial suspicion leans toward the South American Andes, specifically in areas known for dramatic glacial peaks and trekking, such as Peru (like the Cordillera Blanca) or Bolivia. The intense light, the nature of the rock, and the type of scrub feel very Andean.

Clues to the Date: A Vintage Vibe

Dating the slide requires looking at the gear and the photographic style:

• The Look of the Film: The image exhibits a high-contrast, slightly grainy quality with a distinctive colour palette—particularly the rich, almost overly saturated golden-browns and olive-greens in the foreground foliage. This is highly suggestive of Ektachrome or a similar film stock from the 1970s or early 1980s.

• The Gear: Take a close look at the trekkers' backpacks. They appear to be external frame or early internal frame packs, which were popular from the 1970s through the 1990s. The colours (greens, reds) and materials look "vintage" compared to modern synthetic, sleek packs.

• Clothing: The visible clothing is bulky and layered, but not necessarily modern technical wear. There's a look of heavy, possibly wool or thick canvas materials.

Combining the film characteristics and the gear suggests this photo was most likely taken sometime in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

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