A Glimpse into the Past: A Postcard from Leamington

There's something truly special about old postcards, each one a tiny window into a moment in time. Among my collection, one particular card stands out, offering a charming glimpse into early 20th-century life and a minor historical puzzle.

Sent to "23 Bramble Street, Coventry," the postcard is dated either September 6, 1901, or 1907. The printed "1" in the year looks quite convincing for 1901, but a quick dive into the history of the featured landmark throws a delightful wrench into that assumption!

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The Mystery of the Mill Suspension Bridge

The star of this postcard is undoubtedly the Mill Suspension Bridge in Leamington Spa. This beautiful bridge, which still stands today, officially opened to the public in 1903. This immediately tells us that the postcard couldn't have been sent in 1901, making 1907 the more likely date!

The bridge is a Grade II listed structure, as is the weir beneath it. Its name comes from the site of the town's water mill, a vital source of water for Leamington, which was demolished in 1899. The bridge's design is even thought to be inspired by London's famous Albert Bridge across the River Thames.

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A Message from Emily

The postcard bears a warm message from a cousin named Emily to "Dearest Annie & Arthur." While I can't quite make out their surname, the sentiment is clear:

"Dearest Annie & Arthur, I thought perhaps you would like a postcard of Leamington, my dear sister & I were both there yesterday, it is a beautiful place but I (can't make the word out but thinks it's discovered) you have both been. I shall come over to Coventry sometime & see you because you were both so kind the last time, we are having some beautiful weather now, so we shall both be very pleased to have you both over at Melton when it is most convenient for you to come, so with love & best wishes to you both I will say, goodbye from your loving cousin Emily"

It's a lovely snapshot of family connection, discussing visits and good weather – simple pleasures that transcend time.

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Good Luck and Old Pennies

The Mill Suspension Bridge has a charming, if now forgotten, tradition. Until Britain adopted decimal coinage in 1971, it was popular for people to throw pennies and half-pennies from the bridge into the weir below. This act was once considered good luck and a way to honour the Gods. It's safe to assume this tradition continued and brought good fortune to those tossing coins long after the bridge's opening.

This little postcard, initially a small puzzle, has opened up a fascinating story of local history, family ties, and old superstitions. It's a wonderful reminder of how much history can be contained in such a small piece of paper!

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Denby Dale Railway Station and Viaduct

Nestled in the picturesque village of Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, lies a railway station that, at first glance, might seem unassuming. Today, Denby Dale Station offers a modest set of facilities, serving as a practical stop on the Penistone Line. But dig a little deeper, and you'll unearth a fascinating past, revealing a grander vision that once graced this tranquil corner of Kirklees.

From Grand Beginnings to Modern Simplicity

Imagine Denby Dale on July 1, 1850. This wasn't just another station opening; it was a significant event. The original Denby Dale Railway Station was a much larger, more imposing structure than its modern counterpart. Picture multiple buildings, expansive platforms, and tracks running in both directions – a bustling hub reflecting the ambition of the railway age.

The station was initially planned by the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, who secured parliamentary permission for the line in June 1845. However, by the time the first trains pulled into Denby Dale, ownership had changed hands. In a series of mergers that reshaped Britain's railway landscape, the Huddersfield and Sheffield Junction Railway, along with many others, had become part of the formidable Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in July 1847. This amalgamation brought a vast network under single ownership, and Denby Dale became a cog in a much larger machine.

The Evolution of the Penistone Line

Over the decades, railway lines often undergo transformations to adapt to changing needs and economic realities. The Penistone Line, on which Denby Dale sits, is a prime example. While much of the line north of Stocksmoor Station was singled at a later date, the section passing through Denby Dale saw its reduction much earlier. In 1969, the line was singled from Clayton West Junction to Penistone, directly affecting Denby Dale Station. This meant the removal of the northbound platform, its accompanying buildings, and the original entrance. Today, there's little to suggest the former grandeur, a testament to the ever-evolving nature of railway infrastructure.

Denby Dale Today: A Vital Link for the Community

Despite its reduced size, Denby Dale Station remains a vital artery for the local community. It may lack the extensive facilities of its past – you won't find toilets or refreshments directly on the platform – but the village centre is just a short, pleasant walk away, offering all the amenities a traveler might need.

The station is far from a forgotten relic. With an impressive average of 3,442 passengers per week utilizing its services, Denby Dale is a busy little station. It offers a convenient hourly service in each direction from Monday to Saturday, connecting residents to Huddersfield, Sheffield, and beyond.

Denby Dale Station stands as a subtle reminder of the intricate history of Britain's railways – a place where the echoes of a grand past meet the practicality of modern-day travel. It's a testament to how infrastructure adapts, serving its purpose while holding onto a whisper of its former glory.

The pictures below were taken on the 21st May 2016 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The start of Denby Dale Viaduct is just visible down the track.

When the whistle first blew at Denby Dale Station in 1850, trains didn't glide over the magnificent stone arches we see today. Instead, they traversed a timber viaduct, a testament to the prevailing economic realities of the time. The sheer cost of local stone made a permanent masonry structure an unaffordable luxury, forcing the railway company to opt for a seemingly temporary, albeit substantial, wooden solution.

Despite concerns, and even a visit from the Board of Trade – indicating the significant scrutiny such an unusual choice attracted – the timber viaduct stood its ground for over two decades. It wasn't until March 1877, under immense pressure from the burgeoning Huddersfield County Borough Council, that the railway company finally caved. The push for a more robust and permanent structure was undeniable, reflecting a growing civic pride and a demand for infrastructure that matched the ambitions of the industrial age.

The very next September, in 1877, work began on its stone successor, rising majestically adjacent to its wooden predecessor. Imagine the scene: the old timber structure still carrying trains overhead as the new, monumental stone arches steadily took shape below. This feat of engineering culminated in the grand opening of the new viaduct on May 15, 1880.

Today, the Denby Dale Viaduct is not just a functional part of the railway line; it's a cherished historical landmark. With its impressive 21 arches, it stands as a Grade II listed structure, a silent sentinel overlooking the valley, perpetually reminding us of the ingenuity, perseverance, and evolving landscape of Victorian railway construction.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Venice: More Than Just Canals – Stadio Pierluigi Penzo

As a football aficionado, visiting a new city always sparks the same question: "Do they have a team?" So, when I found myself in the enchanting labyrinth of Venice in October 2018, surrounded by gondolas and historic architecture, my thoughts inevitably turned to the beautiful game. I knew nothing of Venetian football, not even if it existed, but the sheer passion Italians have for the sport suggested a local club was a strong possibility. What I uncovered was a tale far more compelling than I could have imagined, a story of resilience, history, and a stadium unlike any other.

From Bankruptcy to Battle-Hardened Survivors: The Arancioneroverdi Spirit

My initial inquiries quickly confirmed my suspicions: Venice does indeed have a football club, Venezia FC, affectionately known as the Arancioneroverdi (orange-black-green). My excitement, however, was quickly tempered by the sobering reality of their recent past. This wasn't a story of glorious victories and overflowing trophy cabinets. Instead, it was a narrative woven with threads of struggle and survival. I learned that Venezia FC had faced the ultimate footballing nightmare not once, not twice, but three times, going bankrupt in 2015. And in the very season of my visit, 2018-19, they were locked in a desperate fight to avoid relegation from Serie B, a battle they ultimately won through a nail-biting play-off. Their only major honour, the Coppa Italia, dates back to 1941 – a testament to a bygone era.

This underdog status, however, only deepened my intrigue. It spoke of a club and a fanbase with an indomitable spirit, one that had weathered financial storms and on-pitch battles, refusing to be extinguished. It's a reminder that football isn't always about silverware; sometimes, it's simply about existing, about fighting another day.

Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo: A Century of Stories on the Lagoon

My quest naturally led me to their home ground, the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. As I made my way through the narrow Venetian streets, the idea of a football stadium amidst this watery cityscape felt almost surreal. And what a stadium it turned out to be! Opening its gates in 1913, it holds the remarkable distinction of being the second oldest continually used stadium in Italy. Imagine the echoes within those walls, the cheers and groans that have reverberated through a century of football.

The stadium itself is a tribute to a local hero, named after Pier Luigi Penzo, a fighter pilot who served during World War I. This dedication adds another layer of historical significance, connecting the club not just to the city's sporting heritage but also to its broader past.

While the stadium's current capacity of 7,450 pales in comparison to the record attendance of 26,000 set in 1966 for a clash against AC Milan, it still holds a unique charm. From the outside, I must admit, it looked a little sad and neglected, locked up tight with no one in sight. My hope of a quick peek inside for a small fee was unfortunately dashed. Yet, even without entering, the sheer uniqueness of its location resonated deeply.

Arriving by Boat: A Footballing Fairytale

What truly sets the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo apart, and perhaps epitomises the spirit of Venezia FC, is its extraordinary logistical quirk: visiting teams often arrive by boat. Picture this: rival players, usually accustomed to team buses and sprawling car parks, instead disembarking from a water taxi, their boots touching down on the Venetian lagoon before a crucial match. It's a truly unforgettable image, a slice of footballing fairytale that perfectly encapsulates the magic of Venice itself.

My visit to Venice was more than just a tourist's exploration of canals and ancient architecture. It was an unexpected delve into the heart of a resilient football club, a testament to the enduring power of the game even in the most improbable of settings. Venezia FC, with its tumultuous history and unique stadium, proved that sometimes the most interesting stories aren't found in the headlines, but in the quiet, persistent pulse of a community that refuses to let its dreams, and its football team, sink beneath the waves.

The images below were taken with a Nikon d3300, clicking anyone of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The video below is taken from my YouTube channel.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Shepley Railway Station

On May 21st, 2016, I visited Shepley Railway Station, capturing a series of images with my Nikon d3300 SLR.

A Station Steeped in History

Shepley railway station serves the charming villages of Shepley and Shelley, nestled on the outskirts of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Its story began on July 1st, 1850, when it was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. The line itself was authorized by an act of parliament on June 30th, 1845, with the aim of connecting Huddersfield to the Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Manchester Railway at Penistone. For those interested in railway history, it's worth noting that the line from Penistone to Manchester, which passed through the iconic Woodhead tunnels, ceased operations in 1981.

Shepley's role in the railway network grew on September 1st, 1879, when it became a junction station with the opening of a 3.5-mile branch line to Clayton West. During this period, it was even known as Shepley and Shelley station. However, the branch line closed in 1983, and at the same time, much of the Penistone line was singled. Shepley, thankfully, retained its double track layout, providing a crucial passing loop between here and Stocksmoor.

Shepley Today: A Look at the Modern Station

Fast forward to today, and the modern Shepley station features a two-platform, staggered layout, situated on either side of a bridge. It's been unstaffed since 1966 and offers limited facilities. You won't find toilets, ticketing machines, disabled access, or shops here. Despite the minimalist amenities, the station remains a vital link for the local community. During 2018/19, it was used by 71,536 passengers, averaging around 1,375 per week. This represented a slight drop of approximately 55 passengers per week compared to the previous year.

Shepley Railway Station, with its rich past and continued service, truly stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Britain's railways.

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Funeral of an Unknown Warrior.

My passion lies in capturing moments through my own lens. But beyond creating new images, I have a deep love for unearthing and collecting photographic history – old postcards, forgotten pictures, negatives, and slides all hold a special fascination for me.

I've been thinking it would be interesting to share some of these vintage finds with you, right here on the blog, alongside my own contemporary work. It feels like a wonderful way to connect the past with the present and explore the stories these images tell.

To kick things off, I thought I'd start with two incredibly poignant postcards. These were taken on a significant day in history: November 11th, 1920, during the funeral of the Unknown Warrior. Clicking either image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The unknown warrior was selected by Brigadier L.J. Wyatt who was given a choice of soldiers whose remains had been exhumed from various battlefields and brought to a chapel at Saint Pol sur Ternoise, France on the night of November 7th 1920. Brigadier Wyatt was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel E.A.S. Gell and neither man knew which battlefield each soldiers remains had been exhumed from. The remains had been placed in individual coffins covered by Union Flags, Brigadier Wyatt closed his eyes and rested his hand on one of the coffins which was then selected. The other soldiers remains were then taken away for reburial overseen by the Reverend George Kendall OBE.

The coffin of the unknown warrior then remained in the chapel overnight, and was transferred the following day with a guard and escort, as well as troops lining the route to the castle library, within the ancient citadel at Boulogne where it was guarded overnight by a company of soldiers from the French 8th Infantry Regiment.

On the 9th November 1920 the coffin was places within a casket made from oak timbers of trees within the grounds of Hampton Court Place. The casket was then affixed with a sword chosen personally by King George V from the Royal Collection and banded with iron. The shield that was fixed upon the top of the sword and casket bared the inscription "A British Warrior who fell in the Great War 1914-1918 for King and Country". The coffin was then drawn by six black horses on a French military wagon for the mile long journey to the harbour, The wagon being escorted by local schoolchildren and a division of French troops. The French infantry playing Aux Champs as the coffin left Boulogne.

The casket was met at the harbour by the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Verdun, and was piped aboard with the admirals call, whilst Marshal Foch the commander of the French Armies during the Great War saluted the casket before it was carried up the gangway. The ship left around noon and was joined by an escort of 6 battleships for it's journey across the channel. As the flotilla approached Dover it was greeted by a 19 gun Field Marshals salute.

The casket was landed on the 10th November and travelled from Dover Marine Railway Station to Victoria Station, London where it was to arrive at Platform 8 at 8.32 pm and remain overnight.

Placed on a gun carriage and drawn by 6 horses the casket began it's final journey on the morning of 11 November 1920 passing through large, silent and respectful crowds. Upon departure from Victoria, there was another Field Marshals salute fired in Hype Park. The cortege route passed Hyde Park Corner, The Mall and Whitehall where King George V unveiled the Cenotaph. It was then followed by the King, the Royal Family and ministers of state to Westminster Abbey where it was interred in the far western end of the nave, in soil brought from each of the main Great War battlefields. The grave is capped with a black Belgian marble stone and is the only tomb within Westminster Abbey that people are forbidden to walk. The ceremony included a guard of honour by 100 recipients of the Victoria Cross. The guest of honour at the service were a group of about 100 women who had lost their husbands and all their sons in the war. After internment the armed forces stood guard as tens of thousands of mourners filed past to pay their respects.

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Sowerby Bridge: Then and Now

Have you ever wondered how much your hometown has changed over the decades? What if you could stand in the exact spot where a photograph was taken a hundred years ago and compare the view? That's exactly what I set out to do for my latest YouTube video, "Sowerby Bridge, Then and Now."

In this short video, I've pieced together a fascinating look at our beloved Sowerby Bridge, contrasting its past with its present. I've curated a collection of postcards and images taken around Sowerby Bridge at the turn of the 20th century. These glimpses into the past offer a remarkable insight into daily life, architecture, and the overall atmosphere of the town from over a hundred years ago.

But I didn't stop there. To truly bring the past to life, I then captured a collection of modern images taken in similar positions to the original photographs. The result is a captivating visual journey that highlights the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) transformations Sowerby Bridge has undergone.

You'll see familiar landmarks, some still standing strong, others having evolved or even disappeared. It's a wonderful way to connect with the history of our town and appreciate how far we've come.

Whether you're a long-time resident or just curious about local history, I think you'll find "Sowerby Bridge, Then and Now" a truly engaging watch.

The video includes street scenes, waterside scenes and architecture from around the town.

All the pictures feature details of where the image is.

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A Lucky Encounter: Steam Train Through North Dean Woods

Sometimes, you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. That's exactly what happened to me on February 29th, 2020, during a walk through the beautiful North Dean woods. For those who don't know it, North Dean stretches along the valley from Copley to West Vale and even up towards Greetland and Norland, with the main railway line between Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge running right along the bottom.

On this particular day, I was enjoying my stroll when I got wind that a steam train was due to pass along the line shortly. You can imagine my excitement! I quickly made my way along the line from the bridge that crosses the River Calder, hoping to catch a glimpse.

I arrived just as the train was approaching from Greetland Junction. Talk about perfect timing! I had just enough time to set up my action camera facing east and my phone facing west, near the track but at a safe distance, of course. Safety first!

The short video below captures the moment the train steamed through, and I’ve also pulled out some images from the footage for you to see.

I can't push the point enough that although it may look close to the railway at no point was I anywhere near the trackbed. The following were taken from the footage and can be seen on Clickasnap.

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

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Journey Through Time: Sowerby Bridge in Pictures!

I'm thrilled to share a new project I've been working on that's really close to my heart: a series of three YouTube videos featuring historic pictures of Sowerby Bridge.

These aren't just any old photos; they're a window into our town's past, spanning the last 150 years! I recently came across a fantastic collection of images, and I've been advised they're all public domain and copyright-free. Some of these even belong to a Lilywhites postcards collection, meaning they're over a century old – imagine the stories they could tell!

My aim with these videos is to bring a bit of Sowerby Bridge's rich history to life for everyone to enjoy. You'll see familiar landmarks and perhaps even discover areas of the town as they looked generations ago.

Of course, if I've been misinformed about any copyright, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm more than happy to credit the source or remove any picture at your request.

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A Journey Across History: The Kincardine Bridge

I've just uploaded a new video to YouTube showcasing a crossing of the Kincardine Bridge in both directions, filmed in November 2019. This bridge isn't just a convenient route; it's a fascinating piece of Scottish engineering history!

Connecting Communities Across the Forth

The Kincardine Bridge spans the River Forth, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Edinburgh. For a long time, it was the closest road crossing to Scotland's capital until the Forth Road Bridge opened its lanes in 1964. Even today, the Kincardine Bridge serves as a vital alternative crossing to both the Forth Road Bridge and the newer Queensferry Crossing whenever they face closures or restrictions due to accidents or severe weather. This vital link connects the boroughs of Falkirk and Fife, facilitating countless journeys every day.

A Tale of Ingenuity and Unexpected Delays

Construction of the Kincardine Bridge took place between 1932 and 1936, under the watchful eyes of designers Sir Alexander Gibb and architect Donald Watson. Its opening was even delayed due to a dramatic incident in February 1935, when a steamship unfortunately crashed into the ongoing construction!

The decision to build the bridge was driven by a significant increase in traffic at Stirling Bridge, which, prior to the Kincardine Bridge, was the nearest crossing point on the Forth (other than by ferry). Traffic levels at Stirling had surged from around 150 vehicles per hour in 1922 to over 400 per hour by 1932 – a clear sign that a new solution was desperately needed.

One of the most remarkable features of the Kincardine Bridge was its central 364ft section, designed to operate as a swing bridge. This allowed ships to pass through to the Port of Alloa. This swing section remained in use until 1988 and was finally locked shut in 1989. While the mechanics are still present to operate it, it's highly unlikely it will ever swing open again.

The bridge itself boasts an impressive total length of 2697ft and was constructed at a cost of £327,000. While it's still very much in use today, its role as the primary bridge crossing was taken over in 2008 by the Clackmannanshire Bridge, a more modern marvel that cost a substantial £120 million to complete.

So, the next time you cross the Kincardine Bridge, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and the significant role it has played in connecting Scotland. 

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A Driver's View: Exploring the Scenic A40 from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth

I've just uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel, It's a drive from Ross-on-Wye to Monmouth, captured entirely from my DAF XF truck. If you're a fan of scenic drives, you're in for a treat.

This particular stretch of road is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful in Britain. The video covers approximately 12 miles, starting right from the end of the M50 motorway. We then cruise along the A449 and A40, finally completing the journey just after emerging from the Gibraltar Tunnel at Monmouth.

What makes this video a bit different is the perspective. Because I was in my truck, the dash cam footage gives you a higher vantage point than my usual videos. You really get to see the landscape unfold from a unique viewpoint.

It was a fantastic drive, and I hope the video conveys just how stunning the scenery is. Whether you're planning a trip to the area or just enjoy a good virtual road trip, I think you'll really appreciate this one.

The video was filmed on Wednesday January 29th 2020.

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