Spring Chicken

I was very tempted to have a go on this kids toy in Fairview Park! There was no one around, hence the photo in a children's park, but I controlled my child-ish urges and took a grown up photo instead!

Have a playful weekend.

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.

Old Tree

Just on the outskirts of the town centre is Clarence Square - a little square of grass, fenced of from the world and accessed by a wrought iron gate. It's surrounded by the Regency town houses that Cheltenham is famous for. As I wandered through the small park I spotted this tree, or rather what is left of this tree. At first I thought it was just a carved sculpture, then I realised its a carved sculpture created from a tree that is still rooted. Tree conservationists in Cheltenham aren't in the habit of letting trees be carved up. I guess the tree was in need of felling and someone with a creative mind came up with this. It looks good, better than it being chipped or used as firewood, and it felt so smooth.

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Not All Pretty

Just to show you that its not all leafy parks, Regency buildings and posh ladies luncheoning in Cheltenham. Like all towns and cities we have problem areas and grotty corners. This is a boarded up building that has been empty for as long as I can remember. Not pretty but reality.

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