Reduced

I told you the sales had started. I braved them this morning. Town was bursting with shoppers and most of them were in a post-christmas-must-get-a-bargain frame of mind. In other words - they kept getting in my way! The majority of shops I looked in had stuff in the sale that was in extra extra large sizes. No good for me. I did pick up a nice blue cardigan though, to match my eyes!

Santa Baby

I wouldn't mind this coming down my chimney on Christmas Eve! Its not the best photo in the world but I was very aware that I was stood in front of the Ann Summers shop taking photos of the lingerie. So it was a very quick point-and-shoot shot! After all I didn't want another run in with a security guard! And the reason why I was taking a photo of sexy undies? Because it was a good contrast to yesterdays post. Obviously!

Glass Ceiling

Its a sad day at Cheltenham Daily Photo (or a thank-God-for-that day, depending on your point of view!) as I'm going to say this is my last post on the refurbishment of Cheltenham's Regent Arcade. As regular visitors will know, I have posted quite often (too much, some say) on the ongoing transformation of the shopping centre. The main area of change has been the roof, which has been completely replaced. The once arched 80's ceiling is now a modern slopped glass one, and I must say it does look quite good. If you click 'Regent Arcade' in the labels below you can see the progress that brought about the new look. Go on. You know you want to!

And to see the roof before click here. Its quite a difference.

Terminator!

Not the best looking chap in the world! This larger than life statue is advertising the film Terminator Salvation outside the Sony shop. The film was running on a big screen TV next to him but it was difficult to watch. His red eyes kept scaring people away!

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!

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!)

The London Borough Of...

...Cheltenham! Regular followers will know I have a thing for shop windows and the ingenius creativity that goes into creating an eye catching display, and this one is know exception. The window of Monsoon's childrens clothes shop on The Prom really stands out from the crowd. All London captured in cartoon style and looking very trendy and modern, just like the really thing. (Notice the address sign - City Of WestMonster! Made me laugh!)

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Gnome Sweet Gnome

When I saw all these gnomes gathered in the shop window of White Stuff (the shop that had the drunk gingerbread man, the squirrel-headed people, the biggest tosser poster, the caravan and the dog leaping through a hoop) I was reminded of Gail's Man's post the other day. As always the White Stuff's window display has nothing to do with the clothes they are selling, which is part of the fun, but is promoting 'Give A Gnome A Home', something we should all consider doing in these financially difficult times! Quite a few of the little chaps have tags around their necks saying who has adopted them. Cute!

Today is my birthday (yay for me!) and we are off to Bristol to see something very cool! More on that tomorrow.

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Big Bird

Continuing in the same vein as my previous posts here is another bird! This bird is made from wicker and is large, about ten feet wide. It is attached to the wall, next to the escalators, in the Regent Arcade. The point of it? To advertise the newly opened ByLocal shop, of course! It worked as well, I headed upwards to see what it was all about and found a shop selling paintings, pottery and all things arty created by local artists and crafts people. I hope the big bird does its job and leads shoppers up there too.

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Up On The Roof

I'm not sure what amazed me more - the new glass roof of the Regent Arcade or the workman stood on it! He must have faith in his work, stood at least 40 feet above the shoppers below on the brand new glass roof! As you can see there is still a lot of work to do in the ongoing refurbishment of our main shopping centre but the roof is impressive. Its not exposed to the elements yet (hence the scaffolding and metal sheeting above it) but from what I can see it looks good. All the natural light that'll come flooding in will make a real difference below.

Talking about walking on glass high in the sky click here. Scary stuff!

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Born Free

At last, I've finished work for my holidays! Yesterday was my last day for 18 whole days and next Wednesday we are off to the Greek Island of Rhodes. I can't wait! What better way to illustrate the fact than this shop sign?!

As of next Monday I'm handing Cheltenham DP over to you, my dedicated visitors. If you'd like one of your photos to feature here then send me an email (details in my profile.) Thanks so much to those of you who have sent me some fantastic images so far. You know who you are. As I'm in holiday mode you can tell me what you want to see here tomorrow - either a bank in black and white or a shoppers starry sky. Let me know!

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St Michael Memories

Marks & Sparks, M & S, St Michael or Marks & Spencer. Whatever you call it this retail institution has been a feature on British High Streets for decades. The store started out life as a penny market stall in a Leeds market hall 125 years ago and over the years has grown into one of the most recognisable brands in the UK. To celebrate their birthday M & S held a Penny Bazaar in their stores, with twenty items costing just a penny. Peopled queued on the High Street, waiting for the doors to open, hoping to grab a bargain. The stock was limited (unsurprisingly) and many shoppers left empty handed, but it was a good publicity stunt! Anyway, today's photos show their retrospective window displays. Bright, colourful and full of memories.

As I mentioned yesterday I'm off on holiday next week and I'm planning to do a series of other peoples photos. If you'd like to loan a photo to appear on Cheltenham DP send me an email (address in my profile.) You'll get full credit and a link.

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Painting and Decorating

You've got to feel for this chap, painting the front of Cavendish House. The strip of black that he is sprucing up stretches the full length of the store front, about 100 feet. And all he had to paint it with was a small brush! When I took this photo he had done about five feet, not much more to go then!
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Lost Property

Ever got home from a days shopping and wonder where your bags had gone? No, me neither! But this forgetful shopper must have. Imagine the scene, tired aching feet, a handy bench for a rest, heading home exhausted, shopping bags, what shopping bags?! Oops!

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Cex Sells

Cheltenham's latest sex shop...sorry...Cex shop has just opened in Pitville Street. Computer Exchange buys and sells electronic equipment including consoles, DVDs, games and cameras. They have around 80 stores in the UK, as well as branches in Spain and New York. The idea behind Cex is quite a good one - need extra cash, sell something to them, want something electronic a bit cheaper, buy something from them. In these times of money worries it seems a good idea, like a modern day Pawn Brokers.

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Easter Bunny

Its Easter Sunday, the day the fluffy bunny leaves Easter eggs, its also the day to do with something religious but that has gone the same way as Christmas. Anyway, this rather overdressed rabbit is in the shop window (excuse my obsession) of Vinegar Hill. The shop at the end of the Prom opened at the end of last year and sells overpriced accessorise (notice the price in the basket) for the home and garden, though their Christmas stock was nice their Easter goods are a bit OTT!

Enjoy Easter day and don't eat too many chocolate eggs!

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Green Light

I've been meaning to photograph this light for ages. It hangs, along with half a dozen others, in the window of Jones' Shoe Shop on The Prom. The lights are so unusual. They serve no purpose, other than decoration, but they just make a display of shoes, laid out in the shop window, simply interesting.

I have two prominent memories of Jones's shoe shop. One - going there as a kid to get fitted for school shoes. We had to go upstairs to the children's department, where they had a rocking horse. Always good fun! Two - my dad coming home one Christmas Eve with a bag of Christmas table decorations that came from the window display of Jones'! He was passing by and saw them packing up, ready for the sales on Boxing Day, and asked if he could have them! Well, if you don't ask you don't know!

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When Will I Be Famous

Fancy a new suit? Want to be treated like an extra from Are You Being Served? Then The Famous is the place for you. Well known for being the best specialist menswear shop in Gloucestershire, they boast knowledgeable and experienced staff. The Famous was established in 1886 and its still in its original premises on the High Street, still being run by the same family. They also do formal hire and school uniforms. I remember my mum taking me here to get my first school blazer, ready to start senior school. As you'd expect the blazer was too big but I was told "you'll grow into it!"

"Always look after the man who wants to buy a collar stud; he may want a shirt some day"

Mr. A.N. Cole (founder)

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Fair Weather

You'll probably have picked up through my blog that I have a thing for window displays. I like the thought of the creative process that goes into producing something that is so visual it stops you in your tracks. I like the fact that they convey a message, a theme or a statement in a split second. I know its all about selling but it amazes me how the people behind the scenes come up with such great ideas. Its also a bonus for me as it's a lazy post!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and commented while I was AWOL, its much appreciated. I'll be catching up with you all today.
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A Rats Tale

This friendly little chap makes up part of the art work on the outside of The Pied Piper shop in Montpellier. The shop sells collectable teddy bears, dolls, dollhouses and all things soft and cuddly. The full shop front is below.

I decided that I would look into the story of The Pied Piper of Hamelin to accompany today's post and I have to say it is a disturbing tale. I must have read the Ladybird version when I was younger, as the true story is far from a fairy tale. Basically the town of Hamelin was over-run with rats and the townsfolk called upon the Pied Piper, who had suddenly appeared within their community, to rid them of the infestation. The residents agreed to pay the piper if he could do the job. As we all know - the piper piped, the rats followed, he led them to the river and they all drowned. The towns people wouldn't pay the piper so, while they were in church, he piped again and this time the children of Hamelin followed. The Pied Piper led 130 boys and girls to a cave and they were never seen again. The version I know is that two children, one lame and one deaf, remained in the town and told the adults of the other childrens abduction. The parents paid the piper and the children were freed.

In reality the children were never seen again. It is believed that they were either killed in a landslide, that they left on a religious pilgrimage, that they were drowned in the river or worst of all, the mysterious piper killed and dismembered them. The story dates from the 14th Century and over time has changed many times. I guess we'll never really know what happened but it was no fairy tale ending.

If you have some time and want to read a version of the story by Robert Browning, published in 1842, here it is.
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