There and Back

So, Christmas has arrived and al the children are excited because Santa is paying an extra special visit. But what is that sound I hear, surely the sleigh does not make that much noise? That looks just like Santa waving from a helicopter! It was Santa, as he lands his helicopter and comes across to see us! And then, with a cheery wave he disappears back to the North Pole to get all our presents ready for Christmas day. Wonderfull!! Home

Autumn can be a beautiful month but also damp and misty. Summer trying to hold on it seems! This year there were quite a few misty mornings and a chance for some atmospheric shots, with a few shots of other Autumn regulars such as fungi and spiders webs. Firstly, some images on the River Brett, near to where I live. Navigating a barbed wire gate (carefully) I was rewarded with these beautiful views. On the other side of the river, the sheep wondered what I was doing.  Pylons across the valley took time to emerge from the mist. Even the runners in the Hadleigh Road Race were soon swallowed into the mist. Lonesome - after the mist cleared. The lanes that I walk on a regular basis, are really lovely this time of year. Cobweb made more visible by the mist residue on it. Rosy Earthstar (Geastrum rufescens) is a species of fungus in the family Geastraceae. It was first described scientifically by Christian Hend

On a few dates during the summer months, Sudbury Camera Club members take themselves off to a local spot to wander and see what they can photograph. Today, a few of us headed to the village of Long Melford. The Bull Hotel is located in the historic village of Long Melford in Suffolk and was built in 1450. This fine timbered building was originally built for one of Long Melford wealthy wool merchants. It was converted into The Bull Inn in 1580. Coaches from London, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich passed through Long Melford. This is obviously the sign, but for some obscure reason I have no pictures of this beautiful building! The great size and fine architecture of Holy Trinity Church make it unusual for a village parish church. The church dates from the reign of Edward the Confessor; it was then substantially rebuilt between 1467 and 1497 by John Clopton of Kentwell Hall. It is one of the richest "wool churches" in East Anglia and is renowned for its flushwo

A day trip to Cambridge (not sure of the reason!) but wish I had taken more photos - I would now, perhaps a revisit? The Buffalo Skinners  - Early days, busking in Cambridge. I believe they are still going and are based in Sheffield. Shows how organised I was - here are some college buildings but I did not even log which ones!  However, some research says this is Trinity College. Says Cambridge - Punting on the river. In the garden of Clare College Another college - but which one? Busker in a bin - unique I would say, and he drew a good crowd More of the Buffalo Skiners Home

Not sure of the locations of many of these images - apart from the Cornish coast! Just goes to show how important naming and tagging images is because 8 to 10 years down the line -and you are lost! However, some scenes from a small fishing harbour we visited and a wildflower garden. Parasol fungi Nobody about but obvious signs that fishing takes place here. Some colorful floats hanging around. Don't think this lobster pot had been used recently do you? I like the many and varied windows and doors seen in most towns and villages. Especially those with a bit of age to them. More doors - this one with character. Some beautiful wild flowers we stumbled upon. We were treated to this approach by the Egret, making his stately way. I believe this was in Mount Bay, near our holiday let. We have the sulks! And lastly - a last view of the Mount in the evening before leaving for home.

The tin mining industry in Cornwall began over 2,500 years ago, and references to merchants trading with Cornish tinners are found amongst the most ancient writings of Greek and Roman geographers. The rare and valuable tin produced in Cornwall was taken all over the known world. These pioneering Cornishmen streamed the valleys and mined the veins visible in cliffs and hillsides. Throughout medieval times, the "tinners" were regarded as special people.  Charters granted by King John and Edward III gave them unique rights and privileges.  Cornishmen are justly proud of their mining heritage which, at its peak between 1750 and 1850, firmly established Cornwall as the centre of the hard rock mining world. Apart from supplying most of the world's tin and copper, Cornwall's vast experience in hard rock mining developed unique skills among its miners which were later put to work in mines throughout the world. Landowners, mineral lords and speculators made vast for