Wreath

I think this Christmas wreath is much cooler than a boring old holly wreath. Modern versus traditional. What's hanging on your front door this Christmas?

Christmas Blues

Look at the pretty lights! Ooo! This tree, surrounded by artificial snow, is outside the front of the Daffodil Restaurant. Its a bit garish for me but it does make a lovely festive scene. Very Christmassy.

Christmas is a strange time of year. It means all sorts of things to different people. To some it is a Religious celebration, to others its about friends and family, to some its about the presents, and to others its the food, drink and all the seasonal trimmings that make Christmas. To most people its a combination of all these things. Christmas is also a time to look forward with optimism to the coming year, but at the same time remember with fondness those people that are no longer with us, those people that have left our lives. We can look back on mistakes made with wise eyes, missed opportunities with sorrow, and things to come with joy. At this time of year its fine to occasionally have the Christmas Blues.

Sky Watch Friday

Winter Branches

Just a quickie for SWF (let the photo do the talking and all that.) I really like the silhouette of the bare branches against the cold blue wintry sky.

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

Sky Watch Friday

Red And Blue.

Enough of the green (see previous posts if you have no idea what I'm talking about!) Now its red and blue, well for today. I love the detail of the architecture of this former school building that is now converted to apartments. I can't actually remember the name of the school, need to check that out, and, as I have a few other good photos of this building to post, I will do some research! In the mean time just enjoy SWF!

To join in with, or to check out other skies, head over to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

Blue Brooch

Just a photo today. Have a good weekend.

Neon Blue

I won't mention the 'C' word (Christmas!) yet but every shop in town is bedecked and ready for the present-buying masses. I suppose its the one time of the year that they can attempt to buck the recessional trend. Anyway. I like neon signs (and Cheltenham is hardly the neon sign capital of the world) so this one flashing away, in a shop window on the Prom, caught my eye. The flashing part caused quite a problem (lots of photos of an unlit sign!) but perseverance paid off and I got the timing right. Twice! Which is very unlike me and my camera.

As well as not mentioning the 'C' word, I won't mention that I've started my 'C' shopping. Talk about organised!

Sky Watch Friday

All Saints Roof

Another All Saints Church photo. I liked the pattern of the roof tiles and the contrast between the red and blue sky. And the white bird is a bonus!

To join in with Sky Watch head over to the Sky Watch Blog.

Theme Day - Doorways

Its the first day of the month (where is the year going?!) and here in the CDPB community its Theme Day. This months theme is 'Doorways' and Cheltenham has a host of ornate doorways to choose from. I went for this blue door, surrounded by a porch of wrought iron. Quite typical of Cheltenham and it Georgian architecture.

Can you see the padlocks securing the door? The building is for sale and the agents don't want anyone untoward paying a visit!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

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.

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!

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.

Sky Watch Friday

Union Jack

I just liked the different elements in this scene - the grey/blue sky, the flag, the roof tops, the green splash of colour from the tree and the little pigeon (can you spot him?)

Flags are difficult to photograph, aren't they? I took about five different shots of this scene and this was the best flag one. I really wanted a photo with a fully flying flag. Better luck next time.

To join in with Sky Watch, or to see the sky from all around the world, head over to the Sky Watch Blog.

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Encouraging All

"Encouraging all people to become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ" is the slogan of Cambray Baptist Church. Best of luck with that one! Can you tell I'm not religious?! I'm not against people believing in whatever they want or finding strength and comfort in a higher being, but its a tall order trying to convert all people. I bet lots of people are happy not to be encouraged.

Whatever you think about religion and the people there-in they know/knew how to build impressive churches. This one is a bit plainer than the normal heavy stone and spire-topped ones that are common right across the UK, but it is none-the-less a fantastic building. It looms large and stands proud on Cambray Place, right next to the High Street. The building dates back to 1855, although the first Cheltenham Baptists were formed in 1690 and used to worship in a disused malt house. The congregation that became Cambray Baptist Church was formed in 1843 and the then churchgoers raised the money to build this building.

What are your thoughts on religion and church buildings?
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Sky Watch Friday

Blue sky, orange plane.

This sky watch photo is a bit of a cheat really, its not of Cheltenham but from my holiday to Pefkos, Rhodes last month. I just really like the colour contrast and wanted to share it with all you sky watchers.

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

Enjoy your weekend.

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Blooming Lovely

The Town Hall (at a funky angle) in full bloom. Yet again the gardeners behind Cheltenham's parks and gardens have pulled off a fantastic summer display, with yellow flowers at the top end of town, pink and blue a bit further in, and red, white and blue in the town centre. As the summer progresses I'll show you more of the flowers.

The Town Hall looks great at the moment, just in time for the Music Festival, which is lucky as it is one of the main venues for the fortnight long musical extravaganza. We went last Friday night to see one of the first performances, and it was brilliant. We saw The John Wilson Orchestra performing Hollywood Rhapsody, a celebration of film music. The 70 strong orchestra were breathtakingly good, with such a rich sound. They played music from all sorts of films - MGM studio productions, Star Wars, Gone With The Wind and Harry Potter, to name but a few. And the best part was that this was a preview before the orchestra heads to The Proms in London!

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Marley In Rhodes

Last day of photos from our Rhodes holiday, back to Cheltenham photos tomorrow.

Old blue doors and shutters.

The obligatory cocktails! No photos of the free shots, they didn't last long enough!

One of the amazing floors in Lindos. These floors are made out of pebbles and stones and are used to create the steps and streets as well as doorsteps and shop floors. It must take a great deal of skill and patience to create them.

End of the day.

Back to business tomorrow.
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Blue Tit

Another "at last" photo. Last week I managed the yellow taxi and this week the elusive Blue Tit! I mentioned quite a while back that a pair of these little birds were feeding in my garden but that I'd only seen them twice, and that I wasn't ready with my camera. Well this time I was, sort of. I saw one of them feeding and had to leg it into the lounge to get my camera and creep back, hoping not to disturb the little chap. I managed this one half decent photo through the window (I think the window needs cleaning!) Anyway, that's it today. Just thought I'd share.

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Hoarding Art

As I mentioned yesterday the hoardings surrounding the construction site that is Hotel Kandinsky have been brightened up with art. The paintings have been created by local school children and some, like this one, are really good. I like how they've been 'framed'.

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Alien Flower

Self praise is the best form in my book and I'm going to go all out today and congratulate myself on what I think could be my best macro photos yet! Modesty is my middle name! I 'borrowed' this unusual looking flower from a garden I was walking by. I've no idea what it is but it made a fantastic subject.

The winner of the best top tip on Thursday was Jackie from Glasgow DP. Her top tip was - 'Ensure you have a balanced diet. Hold a cake in both hands.' Something I think we can all learn from!
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St Paul's Church

What can I tell you about the unusual looking St Paul's church? Well, its in one of Cheltenham's most deprived areas - St Paul's, its Cheltenham's only Greek Revival style building, it was designed by John Forbes and dates back to 1831, and was the towns first 'free' church. I think that covers the basics.

It has some really interesting architectural features - some that are familiar to Cheltenham, others that are unique.

These days the church promotes itself for the work it does within the community - offering help to struggling families, youth clubs for young people and workshops for locals. St Paul's really is at the heart of its community.
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