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!

Feed The Birds...

This is a familiar sight to many Cheltonians - the pigeon lady. Every day she appears on her bike and feeds the pigeons. She puts down bread and seed in several different places and all the birds know her, and are there waiting for their lunch. I took the top photo but have cropped it (see below) but couldn't decided which one to post so you get the wide shot, the cropped shot and the close up shot. Which do you prefer?

And yes, that is a pigeon she is holding!

Unearthly Flowers

Over the last few Saturdays I've shown a few flower photos and today is no different. Well it is, these are giant alien looking blooms and seed heads. I love the colour contrast in the above photo.

These giant (ten foot tall!) poppy seed heads look like perfect replicas.

And here is a colourful close up.

I'm away until the middle of next week but posts will appear by magic.
_

Red Curtain

As Autumn takes hold the flora starts to change. The leaves turn from green to golden yellow, summer blooms depart and seeds begin to form. Many of the plants pretend to die, just to make their rebirth in the spring all the more impressive. The brilliant colours of autumn help take our minds off of the dark, cold, wet days of winter that lie ahead of us. But we know that this will soon be coming to an end when we see the tight buds and fresh green shoots start to appear early next year. For now, enjoy autumn.

Elephant Rampage

Last weekend I posted a teaser for today's post. The photos below show five tiled mosaic murals in a small alleyway off of the High Street. The murals tell the story of the day the Circus visited town and the Elephants went on the rampage!

In March 1934 Chapman's Great London Z00-Circus came to Cheltenham. The Circus boasted 28 of the finest acts never before seen in England. They also had lions, tigers, polar bears, comedy black bears, boxing kangaroos and elephants. Could you imagine that being allowed today?! As the advertising parade went through town some of the elephants broke free and headed for the seed merchant and pet shop, Bloodworths. One of the elephants entered the shop and started to have his fill of seed and pet food, another elephant got stuck in the doorway! Little damage was done, some people said it was part of a publicity stunt. Did they do that back then?! Bloodworths Pet Shop is still open in Cheltenham, though elephants are now banned!

The Circus parade begins to work its way through town.

The Ringmaster advertises the Circus.

One of the Elephants breaks free and heads for the goodies.

A keeper struggles to remove one of the Elephants.

The police and locals look on aghast.

And here is a photo taken on the day.

Hope you enjoyed this tale!

On a different note - I have added word verification to my comment box due to all the 'see hear' 'click here' spam comments I am receiving. I don't really like this but I've got no choice. Hope this doesn't stop you commenting.