 Saturday, September 30, 2006Cylinder and hat.
Middle Dock Demolition
_________________________________________________________________
It's back to the demolition at the old Middle Docks, South Shields for today's picture. A desolate scene encompassing almost total destruction as old makes way for new.  Map Friday, September 29, 2006Don't Panic!
Honda Formula 4-stroke Championship.
_________________________________________________________________
A recent event in South Shields was a two day -two rounds heat of the Honda Formula 4-stroke Championship for power boats. The evnt at Sandhaven Beach drew large crowds on what was a very misty day, the sea fret extending up over the beach and onto the promenade. However, I managed to pull some shots out of the murky mist, and I'm quite happy with the sharpness of most of them considering the high speeds of the competitors.  Map Thursday, September 28, 2006Tickets please
Park Lane Interchange
_________________________________________________________________
This is Sunderland's primary bus station in Park Lane, It is also the Metro (underground) railway station, so the two link together nicely. You can travel to Sunderland from South Shields either on the bus or the Metro and end up here, right in the town centre. This is what I like about our public transport, it is well integrated. There are similar interchanges in Gateshead, South Shields, and Newcastle (Haymarket)  Map Wednesday, September 27, 2006The Gateway
Waterloo Square
_________________________________________________________________
This is the entrance to our newest shopping development in South Shields. Waterloo Square has four quite large retail outlets, British Home Stores, Debenhams, Next, and River Island. It has been a big success so far after being built on the land vacated by the old Victorian police station and the fire station.  Map Tuesday, September 26, 2006The Office
Middle Dock demolition
_________________________________________________________________
On my recent visit to the old Middle Dock in South Shields I found that I was fascinated by the destructive power of the demolition crew. Centuries of maritime history, ship repair and shipbuilding skills, reduced to dust and rubble. Here is the office, an old portacabin, used by the demolition men.  Map Monday, September 25, 2006A new dawn
South Shields harbour
_________________________________________________________________
This shot was taken from Tynemouth on the North bank of the River Tyne looking into South Shields harbour, and it shows The Groyne pier and the South pier at low tide, at around 06.00 a.m.  Map Sunday, September 24, 2006The Final Run
Bob Stokoe
_________________________________________________________________
Sean Hedges-Quinn's bronze statue of Bob Stokoe was unveiled at the Stadium of Light in July by Stokoe's daughter Karen Craven. It's a very realistic image of Bob, whom many fans referred to as "the Messiah" after he led Sunderland to that famous 1 - 0 victory over the mighty Leeds United in the F.A. Cup Final at Wembley in 1973. One of the most popular memories of that day is the lasting image of Bob racing onto the pitch at the final whistle to hug and embrace goalkeeper Jim Montgomery, who as much as anyone was responsible for that cup win. It is fitting that an appeal by fans and the club raised all of the money to pay for the work, and that it now greets fans as they arrive at the stadium. I hope you like my interpretation of it.  Map Saturday, September 23, 2006High Force
The tallest waterfall in England
_________________________________________________________________
High Force is the tallest waterfall in England with a drop of 21 metres, the River Tees runs through County Durham and enters the North Sea near Middlesbrough. It is located near Middleton-in-Teesdale on the Raby Estate, just over an hour's drive from South Shields. View map.  Map Friday, September 22, 2006The Sweep
Dirty old man
_________________________________________________________________
This man is in fact a children's entertainer and was captured at his stall in a business exhibition in the Bents Park, South Shields. He obviously enjoys dressing up, today he was a Victorian chimney sweep!  Map Thursday, September 21, 2006Seat of Power
South Shields Town Hall
_________________________________________________________________
The Town hall in Westoe Road, South Shields is the administrative headquarters of South Tyneside District Council. It opened in 1910 and features a copper weather vane in the form of a ship on top of the clock tower. The weather vane is large enough to hold six grown adults. This photograph was taken 8.30 in the evening and is illuminated by the weakening rays of the setting sun. This shot is featured in this week's Best of Daily Photo  Map Wednesday, September 20, 2006Gentle thoughts
Moving waters of life
_________________________________________________________________
I find that images of moving water give way to reflective thoughts, a peace descends upon the mind, and we wish to hear the sounds of the babbling brook. Is this how they affect you too?  Tuesday, September 19, 2006The harvest
Gathering nectar.
_________________________________________________________________
Late summer and the bees are busy collecting nectar. Macro photography isn't my forte, and these two didn't want to sit still for the camera, but I hope I'm showing some promise!  Monday, September 18, 2006"We're on our way"
Red and white army
_________________________________________________________________
I went to watch the Sunderland v Leicester match on Saturday, and captured this shot of hundreds of our supporters descending on the Stadium of Light from Sheepfolds Bridge. I think it captures the spirit of the City, all together supporting the one cause.  Map Sunday, September 17, 2006Locked!
Entrusted, encrusted, and rusted.
_________________________________________________________________
The Middle Docks in South Shields are being dismantled and demolished to make way for new riverside developments. I was attracted by the colours and textures of this chain and padlock, the only post processing here is a little sharpening (although it is not too apparent in it's compressed form.)  Map Saturday, September 16, 2006Bits and pieces
Boats
_________________________________________________________________
Peddle boats in the South Marine Park, South Shields, chopped up and moved around with Photoshop. The boating lake is very popular on Sundays with many model boats on show, it also features a nine inch guage steam railway carrying passengers around the lake.  Map Friday, September 15, 2006Golden slumbers
Harbour sunset
_________________________________________________________________
A lone angler and his boat bobbing about in the quiet harbour of the River Tyne, South Shields. I liked this sunset so much, I decided to mount it on the wall, using a Photoshop action. This shot is featured in this week's Best of Daily Photo  Map Thursday, September 14, 2006Looking South
Cleadon Hills
_________________________________________________________________
Cleadon Hills are at the southern edge of South Shields, a popular scenic place for walks and picnics as well as being home to farmers and the South Shields Golf Club. This view looks south towards Seaburn and Roker in Sunderland and picks out the piers jutting into the North Sea. It was a blustery and damp day, as the sky suggests.  Map Wednesday, September 13, 2006A new life
My first Sunderland shirt.
_________________________________________________________________
As is the case with many European towns and cities we are fanatical about football in South Shields, and being between two major teams is a bit of a dilemna for some. Newcastle United are playing in the Premiership and Sunderland are playing in the Championship. I am a long suffering Sunderland supporter and couldn't resist the opportunity to "create" this image for one of my friends when he discovered that his wife was expecting their first child. The scan was taken in South Tyneside District Hospital's excellent maternity unit a couple of years ago.  Tuesday, September 12, 2006The Ring awaits
Baseline Chaos
_________________________________________________________________
This picture was taken at a recent event in the South Marine Park, South Shields and shows some of the "Baseline Chaos" circus performers waiting to enter the ring of the big top. I've attempted to reproduce the effect of an old lith type print, using Photoshop, hoping that it has turned out O.K.  Map Best of Daily Photo features a selection of pictures chosen from amongst the Daily Photo community, since this photoblog is less than two months old I'm surprised and elated that two of my shots have featured in this week's edition, "Cricket, lovely cricket" and "National Anthem." I wondered why a cricket picture could fascinate so many (cricket is not quite a universal game.) Marie, who operates the site had this to say; "One of the criteria I use when I select for Best of DP is, does this image capture something unique to that particular place? Whether anyone else is interested in cricket is another story, and one I couldn't answer. But you did show us a scene that couldn't have come from Hong Kong, Paris or New York. And you captured it well, and it was a lovely shot!" Monday, September 11, 2006John Simpson Kirkpatrick
The man with the donkey.
_________________________________________________________________
John Simpson Kirkpatrick was born in South Shields on 6th. July 1892 and during his 25 days stint in the Gallipoli campaign with the Australian Army Medical Corps, he and his donkey "Duffy" retrieved over 300 casualties from the battlefield, before he was killed by a sniper. The Australian government is presently reviewing his case with a view to awarding him the Australian V.C. posthumously. Let's hope they do. This picture is a detail from a bronze statue erected in his memory in Ocean Road, South Shields, I will post the full picture shortly.  Map Sunday, September 10, 2006Heart of Gold
The Busker
_________________________________________________________________
I had left the Corner Shop at lunchtime today to have a walk into the town centre and find a sandwich, as I walked down King Street, South Shields, I heard the falsetto tones of a busker singing; I want to live, He sounded just like Neil Young, so I had to throw a quid into his hat!  Map Saturday, September 09, 2006The Big Rock
Graham Sands
_________________________________________________________________
Graham Sands is a small area located behind Trow Rocks in South Shields, it's part of our rugged but beautiful coastline. Here the viewpoint is looking north towards Tynemouth, our south pier and lighthouse are on the horizon. I find the area very fascinating and tranquil at low tide, but raw and exciting at high tide.  Map Friday, September 08, 2006Away day - Hexham Abbey
North Transept Hexham Abbey
_________________________________________________________________
I've posted this larger image following a request from Carlos in Barcelona who took a liking to the Postcard from Hexham, back in August. This is the North transept and windows in the abbey, the organ gantry is on the right hand side. The abbey was founded by St. Wilfred in 674 A.D. and the original church was built using stones taken from Hadrian's Wall.  Map Thursday, September 07, 2006The Nymph
Spirit of South Tyneside
_________________________________________________________________
This sculpture is located in Market Dock, South Shields and faces the River Tyne as it makes it's way out to the North Sea. She is known as The Spirit of South Tyneside and encapsulates our vision of looking forward whilst holding on to our maritime past. The original coloured image has been toned and tinted using an action that I wrote for Photoshop.  Map Wednesday, September 06, 2006Cricket lovely cricket
Whitburn Cricket Club
_________________________________________________________________
This is one of the loveliest cricket clubs in the Borough of South Tyneside, here we see the home team coming out with the umpires to prepare for their innings. Whitburn Hall is in the background behind the trees. This illustrates the quintessential English summer, sipping cold beer in front of the pavillion, enjoying a game of cricket in the warm sunshine! This shot is featured in this week's Best of Daily Photo  Map Tuesday, September 05, 2006The waiting
Boredom threshold.
_________________________________________________________________
Along with thousands of other school children in South Tyneside the boredom threshold will have been reached by now. These two were caught hanging around the circus in New Road, Boldon Colliery. Well the long wait is over, they can go back to school tomorrow! yay!!  Map Monday, September 04, 2006Souter Lighthouse
National Trust treasure house
_________________________________________________________________
Souter Lighthouse stands on the cliff top just south of Marsden Bay, South Shields, it was the first lighthouse in the U.K. to use electricity for it's lamp. It is not in use as a lighthouse now, but is owned by the National Trust, visitors can see around the inside of the lighthouse and enjoy a meal in the small restaurant, and on good days views to the north and south are spectacular. The foghorn field is used for a variety of events during the year.  Map Sunday, September 03, 2006National Anthem
Or just St. George's thong?
_________________________________________________________________
Captured at a stall in the Market Place, South Shields. Oh...knickers! This shot is featured in this week's Best of Daily Photo  Map Saturday, September 02, 2006The "spokes man."
Portrait of a biker.
_________________________________________________________________
Norman Fay (snr) had a small hardware and bicycle shop in Eldon Street, South Shields, many years ago that I used to visit regularly as a young lad. Later after the street was demolished, Norman moved to a shop in Dean Road trading as T.W. Holdsworth, the bicycle part of the business is still in place although it has evolved substantially. His son, Norman, now runs the place, and Fay's Cycles is now building a reputation as a supplier of specialist Brompton folding machines, and "recumbent" tricycles. Norman still spends time servicing, rebuilding, and repairing cycles for his local customers. His more exotic models can be purchased through his website www.normanfaycycles.co.uk  Map Friday, September 01, 2006The travellers.
Early commuters.
_________________________________________________________________
Early morning commuters take the Metro train from South Shields to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The Tyne Wear Metro Rapid Transit System transports thousands of commuters every day, and links South Shields with Sunderland and Newcastle International Airport. The 17 mile overland and underground travel to Newcastle is FAST (look out of the windows), the journey is over in around 20 minutes! Where does this fit in with this month's "theme" for DP you may ask? They are crowding the "doorways"!  Map |
About Me
Born in 1956, I'm a retailer, father and husband, with two young children a son born in 1997 and a daughter in 2001. I am also a former borough Councillor who has had his passion for people and politics reawakened recently. One photo per day, please see the archives for previous posts
All images are Copyright protected, metadata and contact info embedded in .jpg files, no reproduction without prior consentArchivesCommentsHow do I make a comment on this blog?Daily PhotoCity photoblogsDaily Photo relatedOther PhotoblogsPlease rate and rank this site using the Photoblogs Rank button below
Site Feed |
