Sailing Boats at Les Saintes-Maries De La Mer

 Part of a series of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh created in June 1888, when he took a trip to the area from Arles where he was then living. He was there for a week long trip to recover from health problems he had suffered from at the time.

The picture is also known as Fishing Boats on the Beech at Saintes-Maries-De-La-Mer, according to Wikipedia Van Gogh described to his brother the following

"I made the drawing of the boats when I left very early in the morning, and I am now working on a painting based on it, a size 30 canvas with more sea and sky on the right. It was before the boats hastened out, i had watched them every morning, but as they leave very early I didn't have time to paint them."

This was the front of a postcard I recently purchased, clicking the image will open a link in another window to my Clickasnap profile.

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Winter at Willow Hall Dam, Sowerby Bridge

I haven't posted for a while despite having loads of pictures and videos available, just been busy job hunting. I think that that problem is now addressed so I thought I would post today about a set of pictures I took a year ago at Willow Hall Dam, Sowerby Bridge. Last years winter seemed to be the  winter that kept on giving and looking back now after a normal UK mild winter I have no nostalgia for how bad the weather was. I know it was only a few inches at worst but in the UK any weather that is deemed out of the ordinary seems to bring the country to a standstill, we as a nation are just obsessed by it.

Willow Hall Dam is actually 2 dams, with the lower used as a fishing lake and the upper mainly feeding it and looking overgrown. I'm not sure what the dam's original purpose was, there were a number of mills nearby which have long since disappeared so I assume it was to help drive power to one of those. The dam is surrounded by woodland on 3 sides and is popular with locals walking there dogs. Dam Head Road runs across the head of the dam and there is terraced housing either side of the dam head. These pictures were taken using a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 18th March 2018, they can be seen below or on Clickasnap un-watermarked.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Willow Hall Dam: A Hidden Gem in the Calder Valley

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, lies Willow Hall Dam, a tranquil haven for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. While its modest size might suggest a simple fishing spot, Willow Hall Dam holds a rich history and a surprising diversity of aquatic life, making it a truly captivating destination.

Operated by the Bradford No. 1 Angling Association, Willow Hall Dam offers a peaceful escape for those seeking a day of fishing. A small fee is required, granting you access to a well-stocked lake teeming with a variety of species. Imagine casting your line and patiently waiting for a bite, knowing that roach, perch, ide, bream, chub, and the ever-elusive pike lurk beneath the surface. But perhaps the most intriguing residents are the two catfish, confirmed by the Fish Around website, adding an unexpected twist to the lake's ecosystem. With approximately 18 pegs available, the dam ensures a comfortable and uncrowded fishing experience.

What many may not realize is that Willow Hall Dam is actually comprised of two distinct bodies of water. The upper lake, often overlooked, serves a crucial role as a barrier, intercepting the feeder streams that cascade down from the surrounding hills. This upper lake, hidden from the main fishing activity, acts as a natural filter and reservoir, contributing to the health of the lower, more popular lake. The lower lake, the primary focus for anglers, offers a picturesque setting for a day of relaxation and sport.

Surrounding the lakes is a lush woodland, a haven for local wildlife. The tranquil atmosphere is punctuated by the sounds of birdsong and the rustling of leaves, creating a truly immersive natural experience. The dam's idyllic setting provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The history of Willow Hall Dam is inextricably linked to the now-vanished Willow Hall Mills complex. Only the dam remains, a silent testament to the area's industrial past. The mill, once a thriving hub of activity, has been replaced by the modern housing estate of Bentley Mount. Notably, Willow Hall Mills holds a place in history as the first mill in Britain to be illuminated by gas lighting, a pioneering achievement that highlights the site's significance.

The accompanying images, captured on a crisp December 26th, 2013, using a humble Samsung Galaxy Tablet, offer a glimpse into the dam's tranquil beauty. While the technology may have been simple, the images convey the serene atmosphere and the natural charm of the location. These photographs can also be found on Clickasnap, allowing you to visually explore the dam's allure.

Willow Hall Dam is more than just a fishing lake; it's a slice of history, a natural sanctuary, and a testament to the enduring beauty of the Calder Valley. Whether you're an avid angler, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Willow Hall Dam offers a unique and rewarding experience. Its hidden depths, both literal and historical, continue to captivate and inspire. Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.