Halloween!

Its All Hallows Eve! (spooky laugh!) Yesterday - grave stones, today - a pumpkin (original, I know!) Tonight I'm going to my workplace with a small group of people to have an evening with three Mediums. I'm going with an open mind as I'm a half believer, half sceptic. It should be interesting, I'll report back tomorrow.

Have a scary weekend!

Grave Situation

Its almost the spookiest day of the year. Ooooo! Instead of a carved pumpkin or a scary witch I thought we'd have a tour around Cheltenham Crematorium. Don't let it be said I don't show you all the best places! There's not a lot to say really, lots of graves, lots of dead people, lots of other-worldly feelings.

Morgan

This is what you call a proper car. None of that modern rubbish but real design and quality. That is Morgan. At least I think so. This fine example belongs to Hotel On The Park in Cheltenham, and advertises the in-house restaurant Parkers. The hotel overlooks Pitville Park and the vintage car suits the hotel perfectly. Classy.

Decay

As a complete contrast to yesterdays photos, today we have graffiti. Not much to say other than this stencil type of 'street art' is cropping up all over the place. Its a bit like a poor mans Banksy. Not as clever and not as funny. God, I must be getting old! OK, I quite like it!

New Discovery

Having lived in Cheltenham all my life (exciting, I know!) and having featured the Pitville Pump Room here several times before, I realised I'd never actually been inside! So yesterday I took a little photo trip. Its fantastic inside, though a little eerie as there were no staff to be seen (I think they were all having their lunch!) The primary purpose of the Pump Room is as a venue for music performances, parties, conferences and weddings. The main room is surrounded by a balcony and topped by a fantastic dome. There are so many wonderful features to photograph and the afternoon light showed the place at its best. It was a real treat. Here are two of my favourite photos, but there will be more to come.

All That Glitters

I couldn't decide which photo to show today, so you get both - the original one and the one with added sparkle. The party season will soon be upon us and I'm sure lots of you ladies will be buying new outfits and accessories, because you just haven't got anything to wear!

The winner of last weeks competition, to tell us what's behind the red door, is (drum roll please...) Ken Mac. He reckons its "a long tunnel leading to a basement, then to a drainage grate where a young woman watches frogs mate"! I'll have what he's having! A Cheltenham postcard is on its way to you (Postal strikes allowing!)

In

Yesterdays cobbles lead up to Cheltenham Town Hall! I've posted a lot on this building in the past, but this is a different view. I think all of us have revisited places and buildings while blogging. To find out more about the Town Hall click on the label below.

Cobbles

These cobbles lead up to a fine Cheltenham building. I'll show you tomorrow. I've got lots on this weekend. Short post. Have a good weekend. Do something you enjoy.

New Bench

As you all know I've been following the revamping of the Regent Arcade for the last 2 years. Some may say a little insanely, but follow it I have! Anyway, the end is in sight and by mid November the shopping Centre will be all new and shiny, apart from the new facade on the High Street, which is happening next year. I took this shot off of one of the upper levels looking down onto the main shopping area. I quite like the new tiles and designer benches. Good to take a rest on.

Red Door

Over to you today. What do you think is behind this door? I have no idea so the best/funniest/most original answer wins a fantastic prize (a Cheltenham postcard!) Winner announced on Monday.

Have a good Thursday, its never as bad as you think.

Packing Up

The changes in the seasons brings about changes in Cheltenham. All sorts of things are packing up and finishing.

Tables and chairs are packed up for Autumn.

The Cheltenham Literature Festival packs up for another year.

And the workmen at the Regent Arcade are finally packing up the scaffolding. The transformation will soon be complete!

Cheap And Green

As some of you may know I like green flowers. I think its because they look so fresh and vibrant. Anyway, these bunches at the Flower Man stall on the Prom caught my eye. And at £3.50 they are a bargain too. Even better!

What's your favourite coloured flowers?

Knitwits

A special post for all you secret knitters out there, or secret knitter wannabes!

When I was a youngster, in the early 80's my mum, her friends, my gran and my aunts all knitted. Its was all the rage. Jumpers, cardigans, hats and scarfs were produced on a regular basis, all in wonderful 80's colours. I was a Garfield fan (still am) and my mum and gran decided to knit me a Garfield jumper. I remember it clearly. A black, itchy woollen jumper, badly fitting, with an orange cat on the front, the only resemblance to the cartoon cat being the black stripes. It was horrible and horrible to wear. I think that is why I still avoid knitted jumpers these days. Scarred for life!

Now its time for your confessions. Who is a secret knitter out there? There must be some!

How Old?!

Lots of buildings, old and new, in and around Cheltenham have the date of construction on the front. Some are just a date carved into a brick but some, like this one, are very grand. The details on this one are extra special. You can see that the house was built in 1897 but its the carved flowers underneath that caught my eye. Each one is different but just as intricate as the next. Nice touch.

Little Urn

As a contrast (told you I was into contrasts at the moment, shame I wasn't feeling it last Theme Day!) As a contrast to the last few days here is something completely different. Just off of Montpellier is this large-ish house that is all black and white. Either side of the black front door are these urns. To me they are just crying out for some fresh green ferns or bright red geraniums. That would make a nice contrast to all the black and white!

Enjoy your weekend.

Two Years On And Still Following The Path

Last Autumn themed photo today, not that I'm not going to show you more this season! Anyway, this post marks the 2 year anniversary of this blog. I can't believe how 2 years of my life have flown by and most of the time, almost every day, I've been posting on this blog and visiting you, my cyber (virtual?) friends, seeing the world through your camera lenses. The CDPB community is a remarkable one, full of wonderful bloggers and photographers, who offer support and advice in all sorts of capacities. My thanks go to friends and followers of Cheltenham Daily Photo, old and new.

Todays winding path photo, hazed by a misty morning, is dedicated to all those out there who follow a path not knowing what is around the next corner.

Green Balls

Yes, another Autumn themed photo. I told you you'd be sick of it by the end of the week! These green balls were covering the ground, they must be related to the Horse Chestnut tree but had no conkers inside, so I've no idea what they are. Any thoughts? Tash, you are always good at finding things out when I can't be bothered!

Silhouetted Squirrel

OK, you all thoroughly humoured me with my Autumn post yesterday so here is another seasonal shot. Another one that I'm quietly pleased with. It looks like its in black and white but no, its just the morning light and the lovely shadows. I'm feeling this photography lark again. I've been a bit 'photo for the sake of posting' recently but I really want to turn out some decent photos. Fingers crossed, more tomorrow.

In The Red

I know you've seen it all before but Autumn is in full swing (we even had a frost last night) and the trees are looking at there absolute best. This red maple was just crying out to be featured on Cheltenham Daily Photo. Its actually the only decent photo I've taken of leaves with the light behind them. I'm quietly pleased with this one. Over the next few days I'll share some more Autumn photos with you. I know, I know but its not here for very long! Humour me!

Straight And Curved

It's more shapes and lines from me today. Although I suppose every photo contains shapes and lines! Anyway. Here we have Eagle Tower in the background and The New Club at the front. Its also another contrast of architectural styles. I've posted on Eagle Tower before but I'll fill you in on The New Club today. This former Private Gentlemen's club was formed in 1874 and used to be situated in a building on the Prom. It moved to this fine Regency building in Montpellier Parade in 1970. The club now has open membership for men and women, although you do have to be a professional to join or to have been recommended by a present member. Well, you've got to keep the riff raff out! Speaking of riff raff, I had to deliver something there once and it is very grand inside. Really lovely. High ceilings, sweeping staircase, wooden panelled walls, a library, bars, a restaurant, need I go on?

From Small Acorns

Actually, I'm not sure this is an acorn! Anyway, for the purpose of the title, it is! How long until this small acorn grows into a might oak I wonder?

I'm away for a few days. I'll catch up with your blogs next week.

Shapes

Lots of new buildings - offices and homes - are appearing around Cheltenham. Not as many as at the height of the property boom, but new-builds are still happening. These modern town houses, just off of Imperial Gardens, have a funky design with interesting shaped windows, different textures and unusual features. I quite like them, though they are very expensive, so I won't be buying one anytime soon!

I'm away for a few days. I'll catch up with your blogs next week.

Sky Watch Friday

Jetting Off

Do you fancy jetting off somewhere hot and sunny this weekend? Me too. I'll have to make do with heading North for a few days. Enjoy your weekend. Play nicely while I'm away.

To join in with Sky Watch, or to see the sky the world over, head across to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Composers Baton

I know its not quite like a baton, but it is a sort of hairy furry version. No I'm not going mad! I just like how the grass looked next to the fountain and statue of Cheltenham born composer Holst. That is it really. I know my posts seem to be getting shorter and shorter these days but I'm getting to the point of just wanting to post a photo and not think of something to say. Anyway, enjoy the photo.

Paved With Gold

Just a shot of the paving slabs that make up the Prom, sprinkled with golden autumn leaves. I like the contrast with the colours and textures. I should have used this for theme day!

A Little Bit Of Magic

Look at this cute little VW Camper Van! Ever seen one like this? Me neither. It was a tiny little thing. About five and a half foot high and seven foot long. This little guy was advertising Illusions Magic Bar, based in Bristol. At first I thought the magician worked out of the van but it seems they have a proper venue.

What is your favourite magic trick? I like the old levitation illusion. I'm quite a dab hand at it. Just call me David Blaine!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This spiky little chap was busy munching his way through a sunflower leaf. The plant was about seven feet tall so he had plenty to go at!

Two Things Challenge - Young / Old

This weeks Two Things Challenge is Young / Old and this photo of the view down Montpellier Grove fits perfectly. On the left side of the street is the recently built Century Court (young) and on the right side of the street are the Regency town houses that Cheltenham is famous for (old). I think that covers it.

Which do you prefer?

To join in with the Challenge, or to see who is in this week, head over to the Two Things Challenge Blog.

Best Foot Forward

Last week I sat on a bench on the Prom, to take a break from wandering around Cheltenham finding things to photograph, when the passers by caught my eye. So, today a simple photo or two. Have a good weekend.

Sky Watch Friday

Multi-coloured sky

Yes, another Friday, another Sky Watch and another sunset. I just love the colours in this sky. Its just beautiful.

To join in with Sky Watch, or to see the sky the world over, head across to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Theme Day - Contrast

Its the first day of the month and here in CDPB world its Theme Day. The theme for October is Contrast. Its safe to say I didn't really feel this months theme. I didn't just want to show a colour contrast (although I'm sure there are some fantastic examples out there), instead I went down the slightly off-beat and slightly desperate-for-a-photo route! This is a mobile phone mast with a bird box attached to it, quite a contrast. Good old BTcellnet thinking about how to make money, increase their coverage, put up a huge aerial and care for the birds!

To see other (probably better) photos for this Theme Day head here to view thumbnails for all participants.