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!

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New Bench

As you all know I've been following the revamping of the Regent Arcade for the last 2 years. Some may say a little insanely, but follow it I have! Anyway, the end is in sight and by mid November the shopping Centre will be all new and shiny, apart from the new facade on the High Street, which is happening next year. I took this shot off of one of the upper levels looking down onto the main shopping area. I quite like the new tiles and designer benches. Good to take a rest on.

Grand Scrolls

Want a word for the day? How about 'volute'. For those that don't know what it means (and I didn't) its the posh name given to the scrolls at the top of Ionic columns, like the ones shown. These grand pillars are helping to hold up the roof of one of the Regency houses that surround Pitville Park. I also like the tiles with the fancy details, I've not seen these before in Cheltenham. I wonder if they are original?

Don't forget its Theme Day tomorrow across the CDPB community and the theme for July is 'Empty.' There's no need to sign up any more, just copy and paste the code and you're in!

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The Seagull And The Sandwich

Another view from my front window. Cheltenham isn't known for its seagulls but one suddenly appeared and landed on the roof opposite. He was eyeing up half a sandwich that someone had dropped on the pavement but, while he was plotting his best course of action for getting hold of some lunch, a magpie came swooping down and had his fill! Better luck next time Mr Seagull.

I guess its true what they say - one magpie for sorrow!

Bespoke

If you are at the cutting edge of style, and have money to burn, then this is the place for you. Designer furniture, custom made, is the order of the day at Bespoke. I took this photo in the evening, when the place was closed, and I was really drawn to the green tiles and the ornate wrought iron window guards. The contents of the shop didn't do anything for me.

And now, in the style of Ming in New York, it's question time. Have you got anything designer or custom made in your home?

Night On The Tiles

I'm glad I didn't have to grout all of those tiles! (click on the photo to enlarge it and see the detail above the door) This is The Vine on the High Street, at the corner of Grosvenor Street. The pubs tiled front looks Victorian, but its actually from much later than this. The original building was severely damaged in a fire between the first and second World Wars, so this look dates from the late 40's. Back in the 1970's the pub was known as The Coopers Arms, then in the 90's it was renamed Cactus Jacks and opened as a Western themed bar, and recently it had a name change to The Vine. I guess the owners were trying to make it a bit more modern, but its hard to achieve in a building decorated in this old fashioned way.

While looking on the internet for some of the buildings history I came across this review from when it was still Cactus Jacks. It made me laugh!

" CACTUS JACKS (near Cheltenham Model Centre!)
(Review kindly supplied by someone without a name). This has to be Cheltenham's number one underage pub where a variety of fake IDs are widely accepted, but what is so special about this place is the apparent large number of OAPs. It appears that you have to either be under-16 or over-60 to get served in here by Dave or Shirley (the resident management). Another unique aspect of this pub is Ted. No matter what time of the day it is, 7 days a week, 12 months a year, come wind, rain or sun, you can always guarantee Ted will be sat at the bar - amazing! Ted particularly likes to pass his time by looking down the low cut tops worn under the Kappa tracksuits of the underage female contingent who swell the building on Saturday nights. The pub appears to do its' best trade during School Holidays, GCSE results day is a particular bumper day for Dave and Shirley!"

Spice Of Life

The Indus restaurant is one of my favourites in town. It serves delicious Indian food, their Naan bread is the best! The front of the building stands out from all those around it, what with its columns and mosaic tiles. And inside it is alive with colour, paintings, bright fabrics and fantastic smells. The staff are friendly and give great service and it isn't that expensive to eat there. And when you leave the ladies are given a flower. Ideal for a night out when you've forgotten to get flowers for your date!

Check out the menu to get your taste buds going!

Elephant Tease

I'm short of photos, so this one is a shot of something to come! It is one of several photographs that I'm holding onto until I get the story and the history right. It is part of a mosaic mural, in an alleyway in town, that tells the story of the day the circus came to Cheltenaham. And the day it all went a bit wrong! I'll post the full story next week.

I know. I'm a tease!