Discovering the Beauty of Bradford Cathedral (Exterior Exploration)

On a crisp December day (December 10th, 2022, to be precise!), I took my Nikon D3300 out to explore a true architectural gem in the heart of Bradford: Bradford Cathedral. While I focused my lens solely on the exterior – understanding that interior photography often requires special permission – the building itself offered an abundance of captivating details and a sense of timeless grandeur.

My journey began with the approach to the cathedral, and what an interesting entrance it is! The area around it feels steeped in history, with some beautifully intricate stonework.

Walking closer, I was drawn to the unique arched passageway leading up towards the main structure. It almost felt like stepping back in time, with the impressive stone staircase hinting at stories from centuries past. The ornate lantern hanging overhead added a touch of old-world charm.

Just beyond this entrance, nestled within an archway, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a beautifully arranged nativity scene. It was a lovely, festive touch, and the colourful figures against the ancient stone made for a striking contrast, especially with the subtle dappled lighting.

Continuing my ascent, another set of steps, complete with a distinctive blue handrail, guided me further up the grounds. The architecture here is a fantastic blend of robust stone and delicate decorative elements.

As I reached the higher ground, I was able to appreciate the full scale of the cathedral's impressive structure. Surrounded by a mix of evergreen and bare winter trees, the sheer size and intricate details of the building truly stand out. It’s remarkable how well it blends into the urban landscape while simultaneously commanding attention.

One of the most striking features, of course, is the towering clock tower. The beautiful blue clock face with its golden hands against the grey sky was particularly captivating. You can really get a sense of the craftsmanship that went into its construction, with every arch and buttress telling a story.

Taking a moment to wander around the perimeter, I noticed the peaceful pathways and scattered autumn leaves that still clung to the ground. Even in winter, there's a quiet beauty to the cathedral grounds.

Another charming entrance caught my eye, with its inviting open door and the warmth of the stonework. The lush bushes and smaller trees around it add a touch of softness to the grand architecture.

Finally, a wider shot encompassing the full glory of the cathedral from a slightly different angle. The intricate rooflines, the impressive tower, and the surrounding greenery all come together to create a truly magnificent sight. It makes you wonder about all the history and lives that have passed through its doors.

Even without venturing inside, Bradford Cathedral offers a profound sense of history and architectural splendor. It's a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a peaceful haven in the bustling city. If you find yourself in Bradford, I highly recommend taking some time to walk around its impressive exterior – you won't be disappointed!

A Glimpse into the Past

While the building is a stunning sight today, the site itself has been a place of Christian worship for nearly 1,400 years, dating back to Saxon times. The core of the present church, originally known as St. Peter's Parish Church, was largely rebuilt in the 15th century after an earlier stone church was burned down by Scottish raiders around 1327. The beautiful Perpendicular Gothic tower you can see today was added later, finished in 1508. The church was elevated to cathedral status in 1919 when the Diocese of Bradford was created, and subsequent extensions by architect Sir Edward Maufe in the mid-22th century gave the building its current, comprehensive form.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Salvage Archive: A 35mm Slide Journey Through Lost Lincolnshire Railways

I recently embarked on a fascinating journey through my personal collection of 35mm slides—a physical archive of railway history amassed over years. These tangible memories, often faded but always evocative, capture the rail network as it was, before digital dominance and modern rolling stock reshaped the landscape.

The four images I'm sharing today are particularly special, yet frustratingly vague. All that I know for certain is that they were captured somewhere in Lincolnshire. No dates, no specific locations, just stunning views of trains passing through the county's varied countryside and urban fringes.

Join me as we delve into these photographic mysteries, examining the rolling stock and scenery to try and piece together a story of a bygone era.

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The Trains of the Mystery Slides

The real clues to the era and atmosphere of these photographs lie with the trains themselves. By identifying the types and liveries, we can narrow down the potential time frame of these 'lost' railway scenes.

1. The Provincial Trio: Class 158 Express Sprinters

Three of the four slides feature the same type of train: a British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).

Lincolnshire 1

Lincolnshire 2

These show a long-distance version of the Class 158 in what is likely the East Midlands Trains (EMT) or possibly Central Trains livery. This striking blue, gold, and white scheme was common across the mid-2000s and into the 2010s. The long train formations suggest a busy, inter-urban route, perhaps linking a major city like Lincoln or Grimsby with the Midlands or even London.

Lincolnshire 3

This unit, visible from the front with the identifying number 158 A07, appears to be in an earlier livery, often associated with the early days of privatisation (mid-to-late 1990s) or the later regional liveries like Central Trains or even a Regional Railways hybrid.

The Class 158s are the workhorses of regional express services. Their presence suggests we are looking at a line designed for relatively high-speed travel, passing through sweeping fields and open countryside, which is quintessential Lincolnshire.

2. The Iconic 'Pacer': A True Piece of Railway Heritage

The final slide, "Train Hull Bound Pacer," captures a piece of railway history that is now almost entirely gone from the mainline: the British Rail Class 144 Pacer.

Pacer 1

The 'Pacer' units (Classes 141-144) were designed as low-cost, short-term rolling stock in the 1980s, famously built using bus bodies mounted on freight bogies. This particular unit, identified as 144 009, is in the distinctive Northern Spirit or Northern Rail red and cream livery—a colour scheme that firmly places this photo in the late 1990s or early-to-mid 2000s.

The destination board clearly reads 'HULL'. Given that the photo was taken in the Lincolnshire area, this Pacer could be on a number of local routes, such as the line north from Doncaster, or perhaps running an intermittent service on the Grimsby/Cleethorpes to Hull route, having crossed the Humber.

This Pacer photo is a brilliant capture of a train that has since been retired, marking a pivotal moment in the UK's railway evolution.

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The Scenery: Where in Lincolnshire?

Lincolnshire is a county of incredible contrasts, and these photos reflect that perfectly. While we lack specific geographical markers, we can make some educated guesses about the kind of lines they depict.

The Inter-Urban Stretch

In the Pacer and one of the 158 photos, we see lines with multiple tracks (at least two pairs or a double-track and loops).

• Clue: The background of the Pacer image shows a prominent, solid-looking stone building and a distinct junction, suggesting a location near a former industrial area or a reasonably large town/city. The hilly backdrop is less common in the flatter central and eastern parts of the county, perhaps hinting at a line further west or north, closer to the Yorkshire border.

• Hypothesis: Could this be near Gainsborough Lea Road or a major junction on the line leading toward Doncaster or the Pennines?

The Rural Idyll

The other two Class 158 photos are textbook representations of the English countryside: rolling green hills, meticulously farmed fields, and isolated lineside cottages and signal boxes.

• Clue: The line appears to be single or double track, cutting through deep green foliage and a high horizon, suggesting an area well away from major settlements. The vibrant blue sky and rich green fields point to a beautiful summer's day.

• Hypothesis: This feels like the scenic route between Grimsby and Lincoln (The Wolds Line) or perhaps part of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) which technically skirts the western edge of Lincolnshire. The quiet, idyllic setting strongly suggests a secondary or rural main line. The lone, charming signalman's hut in "Train Lincolnshire 2" is a beautiful, classic railway feature now rarely seen.

The Cuttings and Signals

"Train Lincolnshire 3" shows the train entering or leaving a cutting, with prominent railway infrastructure:

• Clue: A footbridge, an overhead road bridge, and a tall, traditional four-aspect colour light signal post. This concentration of features suggests proximity to a major station, a junction, or a key civil engineering point on the line. The bare trees and muted colours suggest a late winter or early spring setting.

• Hypothesis: This could be a commuter belt area, perhaps approaching Newark, or a busy junction closer to Lincoln. The overhead bridges are classic features of lines being modernised for higher speed or capacity.

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The Magic of Analogue Film

Beyond the facts, what these slides really capture is a feeling. The rich colour saturation, the deep contrast between the blue sky and the yellow/red of the trains, and the distinct grain are all hallmarks of 35mm slide film (likely a colour reversal film like Kodak Ektachrome or Fujichrome).

These images are more than just records; they are windows into a specific period of railway history, preserved with the unique aesthetic of analogue photography. They challenge us to become railway detectives, using our knowledge of rolling stock and geography to solve the mystery of their origin.

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Ending the Year on a High: A New Year’s Eve Trek to Stoodley Pike

Date: December 31, 2016 Location: Todmorden, West Yorkshire Camera: Nikon D3300

There are few better ways to say goodbye to an old year than by climbing above the noise of daily life and standing on top of the world—or at least, on top of the Calder Valley.

On New Year's Eve, 2016, I took my Nikon D3300 up the muddy tracks to one of West Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks: Stoodley Pike Monument. The air was biting, the light was fading into a winter gloaming, and the moors were silent.

Join me on a walk to the "Sentinel of the Valley."

The Ascent

The climb up to Stoodley Pike is never a casual stroll, especially in the depths of winter. The Pennine Way crosses here, and the path is well-trodden by centuries of boots. As I made my way up, the winter light began to shift, turning the rough moorland grass into a sea of rusted gold.

The approach. The muddy tracks leading the eye straight to the obelisk, standing solitary against the grey winter sky.

There is a stark beauty to the moors in December. The Nikon D3300 did a fantastic job capturing the texture of the dry grasses and the heavy, cloud-laden sky. It felt like the weather was holding its breath, waiting for the year to turn.

A View of Todmorden

As you gain elevation, the town of Todmorden falls away beneath you. One of my favourite shots from the day was looking back down into the valley..

The view from the heights. You can just see the streetlights and house lights flickering on in Todmorden, warm specs of amber against the cooling blue of the hills.

This image captures the isolation of the Pike. Down there, people were likely preparing for New Year's Eve parties, warming their homes. Up here, it was just the wind and the sheep.

The Peace Monument

Standing at 121 feet (37 meters) tall, Stoodley Pike Monument is imposing up close. Interestingly, the structure we see today is actually the second monument on this site. The first, built in 1814 to commemorate the defeat of Napoleon, collapsed in 1854 after a lightning strike and decades of weathering. The current structure was completed in 1856, built to mark the end of the Crimean War.

The monument framed by the rugged gritstone boulders that litter the summit.

Standing tall. The darkening stonework contrasts sharply with the pale winter sky, emphasizing the monument's brooding presence.

It is a structure born of war, yet built for peace, standing guard over the valley for over 160 years.

Into the Darkness

Unlike many follies and monuments that are sealed off, Stoodley Pike invites you in. The entrance is a small, dark opening at the base that leads to a spiral staircase. There are no windows on the way up—it is a pitch-black ascent (a torch or phone light is highly recommended!) that eventually opens up onto a balcony.

The heavy stone base and the entrance. The massive blocks of stone give you a sense of the engineering required to keep this standing against the fierce Pennine winds.

The Balcony View

Stepping out onto the balcony is a visceral experience. The wind usually hits you with renewed force, but the view is worth it. You are standing some 1,300 feet above sea level.

Looking out from the balcony. The weathered stone railing, carved with the initials of visitors from decades past, overlooks the vast expanse of the moorland plateau.

Final Reflections

As the light finally gave way, I captured a silhouette of the monument. It felt like a fitting end to the photo walk—a strong, enduring shape against the fading light of 2016.

The silhouette of the Pike. A simple, powerful geometry against the morning sky.

Visiting Stoodley Pike is a reminder of the permanence of the landscape compared to the fleeting nature of our years. If you find yourself in West Yorkshire, pack your boots and your camera. The hike is steep, but the perspective it offers is unmatched.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Art of the Slow Reveal: Introducing Postcard-Postscripts

 In a world of instant uploads and disappearing stories, we’ve lost the "thud" on the doormat. We’ve traded the tactile, weathered corners of a postcard for the sterile glow of a smartphone screen.

That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce a blog: www.postcard-postscripts.uk

This isn’t just a gallery of vintage images. It is an invitation to pause, flip the card over, and eavesdrop on a century of human connection. It’s about the "postscript"—that extra bit of life written in the margins.

Why Postcards?

As a photographer, I’ve always been fascinated by how we choose to frame our lives. A postcard is a curated reality. On the front, you have the grand "official" view: the soaring towers of Coughton Court or the sunset over The Bridge in Newquay. But on the back? That’s where the real grit and grace of life reside.

Caption: The West Front of Coughton Court. A grand facade that hides the quiet, everyday moments of the visitors who walked its grounds.

A Century of "Wish You Were Here"

When you explore the Postcard-Postscripts gallery, you aren’t just looking at architecture; you’re looking at personal history.

Take, for instance, a card from Boscombe Chine Gardens. On the front, a hand-tinted Edwardian dream of coastal hotels and lush valleys. It looks peaceful, almost frozen. But flip it over, and you find a message from February 1904. The writer mentions arriving home at "3:30 the other evening with a most lovely puncture in the front tyre."

It’s a perfect human moment. Over 120 years ago, someone was annoyed by a flat tyre, yet they still took the time to write home to Corfe Castle about enjoying the "contents of that bottle."

Caption: Architecture meets anecdote. The 1904 Boscombe card reminds us that even a century ago, travel had its hiccups.

From Regency Grandeur to 80s Sunsets

The collection spans the breadth of British history and photography styles. We move from the classical, painterly lithographs of Hyde Park Corner—capturing the "rough nature of the road surface" in 1829—to the saturated, warm glows of the 1980s.

There is something incredibly grounding about reading a card from Jennifer, John, Simon, and Matthew sent from Newquay. Written with a felt-tip pen and bearing a 13p stamp, it captures a universal truth of the British summer: "The boys like it here—it’s ideal for them with lots to do." It’s a snapshot of a family growing up, pinned to a moment where the tide was rising and the world felt at peace.

Caption: A 1980s sunset in Cornwall. The "Postscript" here is the simplicity of a family holiday well spent.

Take a Moment to View

I’ve designed this series to be viewed slowly. In the Postcard-Postscripts gallery, each entry features high-resolution scans of both sides. I encourage you to:

1. Study the Image: Look at the composition. Notice the grain of the print and the way the light was captured (or painted) at the time.

2. Read the Script: Observe the handwriting. From the elegant, flowing cursives of the early 1900s to the hurried block letters of the modern era, the penmanship is a photograph in itself.

3. Imagine the Journey: Think about the postmen, the sorting offices, and the hands this piece of card passed through before landing in this digital archive.

Join the Conversation

Photography is about more than just the "shot"; it’s about the story that survives the click of the shutter. Postcard-Postscripts is my way of honouring those small, fleeting stories.

I’ll be updating the gallery weekly with new finds from my collection. I invite you to take five minutes today—put the kettle on, move away from the "scroll"—and step into a different era.

The full stories behind these postcards featured and many more can be seen only on postcard-postscripts.uk.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

Keep the art of connection alive—visit www.postcard-postscripts.uk for more.

Chasing Winter Light: A Sunday Stroll in Sowerby Bridge

 Date: December 1, 2019 Location: Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire Gear: Nikon D3300

There is something uniquely crisp about the first day of December. It marks the meteorological start of winter, where the light sits lower in the sky, the shadows stretch longer, and the air bites just enough to make you walk a little faster.

Back in 2019, I took my Nikon D3300 out for a Sunday wander through Sowerby Bridge. This corner of the Calder Valley is a photographer's playground, offering a perfect triad of subjects: the industrial stillness of the Rochdale Canal, the raw power of the River Calder, and the skeletal beauty of Dixon Scar Woods.

Join me on a walk through the frost and the history of West Yorkshire.

The Glassy Stillness of the Cut

The walk began on the towpath of the Rochdale Canal. One of the joys of canal photography in winter is the lack of boat traffic, which turns the water into a near-perfect mirror. The greenery of summer has faded, revealing the structural "bones" of the landscape—the stone walls and the bare branches.

The long view along the Rochdale Canal. The blue sky reflects perfectly in the water, creating a peaceful, leading line through the valley.

Moving closer to the town centre, the relationship between the waterway and the industrial heritage becomes clearer. Sowerby Bridge was built on wool and engineering, and the old mills still tower over the water.

Where industry meets leisure. A boat sits quietly moored beneath the towering stone walls of the converted mills.

Crossing the Canal

Crossing over the Rochdale Canal, I headed toward the River Calder. Unlike the man-made tranquillity of the canal, the river is untamed and energetic. To get there, you often have to traverse the old infrastructure that stitches this town together.

I’ve always had a soft spot for the "Co-Op Bridge." It isn’t pretty in the conventional sense—it’s rusted, covered in graffiti, and utilitarian—but it has character. It frames the transition from the urban streets to the wilder woods perfectly.

The texture of the city. The rusted iron lattice and stone steps of the Co-Op Bridge provide a gritty contrast to the nature that surrounds it.

The Roar of Hollins Mill

Just downstream, the sound of water dominates the air. The weir at Hollins Mill is a reminder of the power that once drove the industry here. Even on a calm day, the water rushes over the stone steps with impressive force.

A wide view of Hollins Mill Weir. You can see how the houses cling to the hillside, overlooking the tumbling water.

I spent some time here playing with the shutter speed on the Nikon D3300 to capture the movement of the water crashing over the historic stonework.

The power of the Calder. The intricate stonework of the weir breaks the water into white foam as it heads downstream.

Into Dixon Scar Woods

Crossing the river leads you into Dixon Scar Woods. This area feels ancient, especially in winter. The leaves had mostly fallen, carpeting the floor in varying shades of brown and gold, allowing the low winter sun to pierce through the canopy in spectacular fashion.

Looking back at the river from the edge of the woods. The mossy trees dip their branches into the cold, blue water.

The highlight of the walk, however, was the light in the clearing. The sun was positioned just behind the tree line on the ridge, creating a stunning "starburst" effect that illuminated the frosty mist clinging to the meadow. It was one of those moments you have to be quick to capture before the clouds shift.

The golden hour strikes at midday. A perfect sunburst through the trees illuminates the frosty grass and a dog enjoying a morning run.

The quiet meadow. The frost lingers in the shadows of the valley floor, creating a cool, textured foreground against the wooded hill.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at these photos from 2019, I'm reminded that you don't need to travel far to find beautiful landscapes. Sowerby Bridge offers a density of photographic opportunities—from gritty industrial textures to ethereal woodland light—all within a mile's walk.

If you ever find yourself in West Yorkshire on a crisp winter day, take a walk down the cut and into the woods. Just don't forget your camera.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

From Gallery Walls to Everyday Life: Reimagining Scotland’s Iconic Landscapes

 There is a specific kind of magic that happens when light, structure, and atmosphere collide. You’ve felt it—that moment a landscape makes you stop, breathe, and just look.

My latest collection takes those moments and transforms them into something you can touch. By blending high-definition photography with painterly, expressive textures, I’ve created four signature pieces that don’t just sit on a wall—they tell a story. Whether you are looking for a sweeping canvas for your lounge or a textured phone case that turns your tech into a masterpiece, the power to customize is in your hands through Zazzle.

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1. Ardrossan Beach: Your Daily Dose of Calm

The Vibe: Golden hour, low tides, and total stillness.

This isn’t just a coastal print; it’s a physical exhale. With its rich oranges and liquid golds, Ardrossan Beach is designed to soften the edges of a room. The painterly texture gives the image a dreamy, almost meditative quality that instantly invites calm.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: This piece glows on brushed metal prints or adds a touch of zen to a premium journal cover. It is also the perfect serene backdrop for tote bags or personalized postcards.

2. The Forth Bridge: Where Iron Meets Art

The Vibe: Scottish heritage, industrial strength, and cinematic warmth.

The Forth Bridge is an icon of engineering, but in this watercolour-style rendering, it feels like a living, breathing character. The warm illumination reflecting off the water creates a moody, sophisticated aesthetic that is perfect for a modern office or a heritage-inspired home.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: This design is a powerhouse on ceramic mugs or as a bold desk mat to anchor your workspace. Consider it for luggage tags or passport covers for the travel enthusiast in your life.

3. Sunset Through Steel: The Architect’s Dream

The Vibe: Edgy, skeletal, and modern.

If you prefer your art with a bit of "grit," this sketch-style interpretation of the cantilever bridge is for you. It is all about the interplay of rigid steel and the soft, bleeding colours of the sky. It is urban art with a soul, blending structure and softness in a way that feels both modern and timeless.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: I love this one on minimalist tote bags or as a statement wall clock. It is a conversation starter that proves industrial design can be incredibly elegant on coasters or framed art prints.

4. Kessock Bridge: Minimalist Elegance in Magenta

The Vibe: Clean lines, deep perspective, and contemporary cool.

There is something hypnotic about the symmetry of a cable-stayed bridge. This artwork, featuring the Kessock Bridge in soft magenta tones, is for the lovers of clean lines and open spaces. It is deep, airy, and looks exceptionally high-end.

• Make it yours on Zazzle: This translates beautifully onto acrylic blocks for a sleek desk accessory or oversized throw pillows that bring a designer touch to your sofa. It also makes for stunning greeting cards for design enthusiasts.

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Why Shop the Zazzle Collection?

While I offer these images as traditional canvases and posters, my Zazzle store is where you become the co-creator.

• Total Customization: Want to add a name, a date, or a favourite quote to the Forth Bridge? Zazzle’s tools let you tweak the layout, add text, and adjust the crop until it is perfect.

• Hundreds of Options: From tech skins and apparel to home décor and office supplies, your favourite landscape can live on almost any product imaginable.

• Gifts with Meaning: A personalized art piece says a lot more than a generic store-bought gift. Whether for a housewarming or a holiday, these items feel thoughtful and unique.

• Quality You Can Trust: Zazzle ensures the artwork looks vibrant and professional across all product types.

Bring the Outdoors In

Art shouldn’t be precious—it should be part of your life. It is the mug you hold on a cold morning and the notebook where you scribble your best ideas. These four pieces represent serenity, heritage, and modern beauty. How they fit into your world is entirely up to you.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.