And Now The End Is Near

Its the last day of the year and its also my penultimate post. Yes, tomorrow is my final post.

I've got a lot on over the next couple of months, so I'm taking a break to concentrate on other things. I'm not sure whether I'll return to Cheltenham Daily Photo. I may start a new photo blog of some sort at some point in the future, but for now I need to stop.

Over the last year on Cheltenham Daily Photo I have achieved posting every single day. It was, at times, a struggle and I think at some points my photography has suffered, but over the last few months I feel I've turned out some good photos. Photos that I am quite proud of. As I've mentioned in the past, the thought of needing a photo for the sake of a post is not always the best inspiration. I am amazed at how Eric (our great leader) and others who post 365 days a year, year in year out, find the creativity to keep on going. Hats off to them. In fact hats off to all of us who keep our blogs going regularly, not necessarily daily, but post a photo most of the time. Its no mean feat.

Tomorrow is Theme Day, time for goodbyes then, but for now enjoy the last day of the year. See it out with a celebration and welcome the new one with open arms.

Heads Up!

Last Tuesday I posted on the missing head of the duck that sits on top of The Wishing Fish clock, well, as you can see, its back! I like to keep you all updated with the exciting breaking news in Cheltenham!
_

Off With His Head!

The poor old duck on top of the Wishing Fish Clock has lost his head! As avid followers of this blog will know the Regent Arcade is undergoing a transformation and as part of this the roof has been replaced. While the work was being carried out there were posters around the shopping centre telling shoppers that the duck had gone off on his holidays (he was removed from the top of the clock) but now he is home and it looks like he forgot to bring something back with him!

_

Golden Hour

This green and gold clock is above the front entrance to the shop Marks & Spencers, on the High Street. The clock has been there for what seems like forever, in fact so has M&S! Nothing more to say really, just wanted to share a regular Cheltenham site with you.

Also, the Golden Hour is the 60 minutes after an accident or emergency where the police, fire and ambulance services have the best chance of saving lives.

Victorian Style

Cheltenham doesn't have many red brick Victorian buildings, most of the towns buildings were built in the early 1800's or at the turn of the last Century, but the ones we do have are impressive. This one sits near the end of the High Street, at the pedestrianised junction of Cambray Place. As you can see the ground floor is occupied by the Bradford & Bingley Building Society but the top three floors are home to Wedding Days bridal shop. From the coloured brick inlays to the clock and weathervane this is a stylish looking building.

If you click on the photo for a larger image you should be able to see the netting that covers the roof and most of the front of the building to protect it from pigeons and their mess!

Step Back In Time

This clock, with its swinging sixties style, could (to some) look a little outdated, but to me it has a modern retro feel. Its on the front of the department store Cavendish House, situated in the Promenade.
Not surprisingly this shop facade is not the original one, it was built during the modernisation of the shop between 1962-1966, it cost £800,000 and replaced the 1826 art nouveau windowed frontage. The store Clark and Debenham was founded by the same named gents in 1826, and was soon renamed 'Cavendish House Silk Mercery Establishment', a very catchy name for a shop! Over the next century Cavendish House (Cav, as its known locally) expanded along the Prom, buying up neighbouring shops and houses until it had the longest shop front in town, at around 170 feet. The store now has many different departments including menswear, ladies clothes, shoes, electrical, homeware and the inevitable perfume counters. Its pretty much like all department stores worldwide. But not many can boast such a long history and feature an antique clock of the future!

Fishy O'clock

The Wishing Fish Clock in the Regent Arcade in Cheltenham continues to fascinate children young and old. The clock, designed by Gloucestershire artist Kit Williams, is over 45 feet long and weighs 3 tons and is said to be the worlds largest mechanical clock. It is suspended over the main walk way through the Arcade and always has a crowd underneath awaiting the bubbles. The large white duck on the very top lays golden eggs, which are carried down in red egg cups, and dropped into the spinning wheel, that rotates round the top of the clock face. The eggs are then deposited into the 6 foot square body of the clock and cause mice to poke out of the four corners of the clock. The clock face only has one hand, with the moon on the end, showing the minutes past the hour. The hour hand is represented by the sun moving round the face. When the clock strikes on the hour, and half past, it plays "I'm forever blowing bubbles" and the fish blows out all those eagerly awaited bubbles. Catch a bubble and make your wish!

Observe The Mystery

Here is another shot of the Cheltenham Ladies College. This is the Observatory that can be seen in Tuesdays photo. The photo is taken from The Promenade, through two other buildings. The street it is actually on is just a minor thorough fair, rarely used. I'm sure that many Cheltonions don't know this tower, with its clock and copper dome, even exists. All I know is the building is built in a French-Gothic style. I've tried to find out more about it using the Internet and books about Cheltenhams history, but to no avail. I guess I'll have to visit the Ladies to find out more. If anyone knows anything about it please let me know.