Manchester

Our latest trip to Manchester saw us alight at Salford Central railway station - this route certainly avoided the crowds - perhaps being a weekend helped.

This is the area near to the station - Bridge Street.

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Manchester Christmas Market

We headed towards Manchester's Christmas Market a few weeks ago - seems larger than ever and crowded even first thing in the morning.

This is the only photo I could be bothered taking..

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A little colour ..

We still have a little colour left in the garden with this beech hedge - the weather is turning colder and no doubt the leaves will soon turn brown.

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Haircut time in the garden..

The time came last week for a couple of trees in the garden to have a trim - we certainly have more light now….

They will soon grow and no doubt need another trim in about 5 years time.

Bird Identification - Help !!!

Now what is this ? I've tried to identify it from the internet but without success. It wonders around in the company of a male Mallard and looks virtually black but closer inspection reveals glossy green feathers - about the same size and shape as a Mallard. I guess it could be some kind of mutant or a cross..

Any ideas ??

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Sowerby Bridge

The last photo from our little trip out - this I would imagine is the parish church at Sowerby Bridge.

Blackpool Illuminations

A trip to Blackpool Tuesday night to view the illuminations - to my mind not as good as in the old days .

Now is this all in the mind ?? Were things always better then in the past ?

One good thing - the OAP Bus Pass can now be used on the promenade trams but only up to 11 o'clock at night..

Weather was pleasant - quite mild and the rail journey fast and on time.

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River Calder - Sowerby Bridge

River Calder equals canoes, ducks and rubbish - all at Sowerby Bridge

Manchester City F.C. Progress ...?

After a shaky start to the football season Manchester City have certainly sprung into action during the last two weeks.

A 3-0 Champions League win over Plzen followed by a 4-1 win over rivals Manchester United on Sunday.

Last night in the League Cup they took their revenge for the FA Cup defeat and beat Wigan 5-0.

Hopefully City are now in their stride and nothing will impede their progress.

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The Wharf - Sowerby Bridge

This area of Sowerby Bridge is attractive and lots of colourful boats to view. 

Boat hire can be arranged and it's possible to walk down the canal.

Sowerby Bridge

Last Saturday saw us take a rail trip to Sowerby Bridge for a little wonder around.

Not a great deal there and the town was fairly quiet.

Southport Air Show

A few more photos from the air show at Southport - Red Arrows included. Click and expand the photo for a better view.

Southport Air Show

Large crowds for the annual air show at Southport.

Ready to fly just take your pick.

Manchester City - slow start ..

Manchester City 0 Stoke 0 is not a result that will be welcomed by the owners of Manchester City Football Club.

A very slow and stuttering start to the 2013/2014 Premier League.

The new signings - mainly from Spanish clubs were to herald fast flowing football and great success.

For the start of the European Championship commencing Tuesday what are we going to see ??

Await Tuesday !!!

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Dig the City

 More views from the garden festival Dig the City.

Dig the City

More photos of Manchester's Dig the City Festival.

Dig The City

Manchester's Dig the City garden festival runs from August 3 to 11.

http://www.digthecity.co.uk

Garden features throughout the city centre and the usual stalls selling touristy things.

Alkrington Woods

Among the meadows of Alkrington Woods you'll not only find orchids and other wild flowers but these wooden carvings. One a field mouse but as for the other I'm not too sure.

Alkrington Woods Middleton

More views from the Woods.

Water Shortage

Well it's very hot for the UK and we've not had rain for a few weeks so I expect that soon we'll be issued with warning about water shortage.

I await the hosepipe ban any day now.

What are the odds for a ban being announced next week ?

On the plus side my gas consumption is way down. Profits for E-on will be down as well this summer.


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River Irk, Middleton

Fast flowing in parts - the River Irk attracts Dipper and Grey Wagtail and numerous plastic bottles which tend to accumulate at the bottom of the weirs.

Alkrington Woods - Middleton

The weather has certainly improved - now too hot to walk the dog in the mid afternoon though Alkrington Woods even though it does have quite a bit of shade.

You'll find the woods and lodges at Rhodes in Middleton - a favourite fishing and dog walking spot besides the River Irk.

Plenty of bird life - Swans, Canada Geese, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Grey Wagtail, Heron and Dipper.

An English Rose

The weather may be normal for the time of year - cold but this has not stopped the roses blooming.