Alien Flower

Self praise is the best form in my book and I'm going to go all out today and congratulate myself on what I think could be my best macro photos yet! Modesty is my middle name! I 'borrowed' this unusual looking flower from a garden I was walking by. I've no idea what it is but it made a fantastic subject.

The winner of the best top tip on Thursday was Jackie from Glasgow DP. Her top tip was - 'Ensure you have a balanced diet. Hold a cake in both hands.' Something I think we can all learn from!
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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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Top Tip

As a complete contrast to yesterdays post here is the sign outside the neighbouring St Paul's Tavern. Forget churches, this is my kind of religion! What wise words!

The St Paul's area of town has a large student population, mainly due to the rows of terraced houses that are rented out as student accommodation and the fact that one of Gloucestershire University campuses is in that part of town. Although the pub claims to be a local it is more or less a student pub.

So, have any of you got a top tip? The best suggestion will win a prize! Oooo! Winner to be announced on Saturday.

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St Paul's Church

What can I tell you about the unusual looking St Paul's church? Well, its in one of Cheltenham's most deprived areas - St Paul's, its Cheltenham's only Greek Revival style building, it was designed by John Forbes and dates back to 1831, and was the towns first 'free' church. I think that covers the basics.

It has some really interesting architectural features - some that are familiar to Cheltenham, others that are unique.

These days the church promotes itself for the work it does within the community - offering help to struggling families, youth clubs for young people and workshops for locals. St Paul's really is at the heart of its community.
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Decked Out Chairs

Not much of a seaside view from these deckchairs - they're outside Habitat, over looking the Cheltenham ring road! Nice bright colours though, which contrast with the grey slabs of The Brewery. I wonder if the staff have the usual problems associated with putting up deckchairs when they put them out in the morning?!

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Regent Roof Update

Dedicated followers of Cheltenham DP will know that I have an ongoing obsession with the refurbishment of the Regent Arcade. For those not in the loop, the arcade is the main shopping centre in Cheltenham and for the past 18 months has been undergoing cosmetic surgery, the main procedure being the replacement of the arched poly-plastic roof with a flat glass one. For months now the place has been protected from the elements by plastic sheeting, wooden boards and scaffolding. I managed to sneak this photo and saw that work isn't really progressing.

In the UK we have several home makeover TV shows, the main ones being Grand Designs and Property Ladder. The story of Regent Arcade reminds me of these. The presenters turns up in the spring, the homeowners tell them of their plans. They are asked "how long will it take?" The answer - "we'll be in by Christmas." The presenters revisit at Christmas to find half a house, no roof, rain lashing down, water pouring in and, because the homeowners have no clue what they are doing, they've plastered the walls and put down wooden floors - which are now ruined!

I'll update you next when the glass arrives. Next Christmas!

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View

The view across Cheltenham from the top of Leckhampton Hill. In the far distance, on the left, you can see the Malvern Hills. On very clear days you can see the Black Mountains on the Welsh border!
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Windy Fish

Next to the spinning daisy from yesterday was this wind sock fish, and they were both in the outdoor eating area at Pizza Express. They certainly brightened the place up.

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Spinning Daisy

What could be easier to care for than this flower? No need to feed or water, just add wind!
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Wild Flowers

Today - just wild flowers in the long grass under a tree.

Some of you might be interested by this new BBC blog - Viewfinder.
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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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Foodies Heaven

As I mentioned yesterday we visited the Tewkesbury Food Festival on Saturday. The event is in its 5th year and took place in the shadow of the towns famous Abbey. If you like food (and who doesn't?!) then this was the place to be. There were over 70 stalls in the main Food Hall selling any food you could imagine, with the majority being locally produced.


There were plenty of samples to taste to help to get you to part with your cash and lots to see and do - celebrity chefs, craft tent, music, champagne bar, pig roast, a theatre where demonstrations were taking place, to name but a few.


We bought a few things like the chocolate covered ginger below, which is now just a memory. Delicious!

Black And White

Late post today due to a late night and hangover! Its bank holiday Monday in the UK today so last night we had some friends over for a few drinks, which turned into a lot of drinks! I was planning to show Tewkesbury Food Festival but couldn't stomach it, it'll have to wait until tomorrow! Instead here is a nice simple building.
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Blue Clematis

What a striking flower! This clematis is flowering all over some trellis where I work. Beautiful. Enjoy your Sunday.
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Changing View - May & 500th

Its the second of the month and that means only one thing at Cheltenham DP - Changing View! At long last the wintry branches have regenerated into spring abundance. Its been a long time coming but spring has finally sprung and the Prom is covered in an umbrella of green. To see how the view has changed click on 'changing view' in the labels below.

Today also marks my 500th post! I can't believe where the time has gone. Who would have thought that back in October 2007 I'd still be here?! Thanks to all the visitors, followers and commenters - you make it all worth while.
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Theme Day - Shadows

Me and my shadow

The first of the month means CDPB Theme Day and the theme for the first day of May is Shadows. I've never appeared in person on this blog, until today. Sort of! This is my shadow, its always with me, sometimes hiding in the shadows, sometimes on full view. This photo is also a photo of desperation! I just couldn't find what I wanted - a nice pattern made from shadows, so you get me instead!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Come back tomorrow for my 500th post and Changing View. Time flies.
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Amusing Mechanic

This is just one of those posts that I had to share, not the best photos but they say it all. The above shot shows one of the children's rides in the Regent Arcade and the photo below tells the story. I can just imagine the mechanic sucking his breath in through his teeth and saying "its gonna cost you"!

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Chairs And Tables

Today's post is in honour of Virginia at Birmingham, Alabama Daily Photo and her fantastic photos in her rapidly growing Table/Chair series. Having often been inspired by her style of photography I thought I'd go a step further today and go for an outright copy! (Hope you don't mind V!)

Over the past few years nearly all of Cheltenham's restaurants and bars have added outdoor seating areas - some a few chairs, others a whole dining room. As the weather here has been summer-like already the al fresco eating areas have emerged early, but the day I got out, camera in hand, the heavens opened and diners were forced back indoors. But what to do with all those chairs? Tip them up and hope for the best!

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Repetition

Lets have some form and repetition today. These artificial topiary balls (yes, they're plastic!) are lined up outside one of the jewellery shops on the Prom. I had to be quick taking this photo as the store has a security guard stood inside, behind the glass door. I think its locked and you have to be let in, that's how posh it is. Anyway...he was giving me a strange look, especially when I looked up for the security camera and stood underneath it to take the photo (I know how to avoid detection!) He probably though I was casing the joint!

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Enjoying The Sun

Sun seekers soaking up the rays in Imperial Gardens. Although we have spring flowers, summer seems to have arrived and cut the first season of the year short, not that anyone is complaining!

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Two Things Challenge - Open / Road

Not the worlds most exciting photo but it fits the challenge this week! This is the M5 motorway that runs through Gloucestershire, linking the Midlands with the South West. Cheltenham is accessed by two junctions, Junction 10 and this one, Junction 11. There we are, that's it - not the most exciting post in the world either!

To see how others have interpreted this weeks Challenge, or to join in, head over to the Two Things Challenge blog.

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Grand Entrance

I think if there were a competition for best door/entrance then this one would win. Its just shouting "look at me!" All that blue and gold, very grand. Nothing more to say other than Alma House is on Rodney Road and the Regency building is used as offices.

Enjoy your weekend.

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Pastel Pansies

Spring colour in the Long Garden in front of the Municipal Offices.
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This Old House

Its weird to think that these ruins on top of Leckhampton Hill were once home to someone. It must have been deserted many many years ago but the main features of the cottage are still there to see - the fire place and chimney breast, the space where doors once stood and the remnants of dividing walls. The stone floors are now just rubble covered with a carpet of weeds and there are twisted trees growing out of what is left of the roof. It was a sad sight.

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Another Lambretta

Having never seen one in town until the other week now I find another Lambretta. Actually I didn't really find so much as stumble across. Anyway, this retro ride was parked on the pavement by the Municipal Offices, all blue and lit up by the afternoon sun. Very nice.

And if you are wondering about Rock Oil, its a UK based lubricant manufacturer.

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All Ears

Ever wonder what Mr Spock's brother gets up to on a Monday afternoon? Well, now you know the answer - he plays the recorder on Cheltenhams Prom! I think its safe to say this giant elf is the most unusual looking busker I've seen in town, although I've seen far stranger street performers in London. He seemed to be enjoying himself, as did a couple of toddlers who were dancing around in front of him. I resisted the urge to join in!

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Dandelion

I suppose the humble dandelion must be one of the worlds most recognisable weeds. They are a bit scruffy looking, have a long tap root, seed themselves all over the place and grow anywhere. This clump had taken root in between some paving slabs. I like the contrast between the flowers and the litter in the background, behind the fence. Not the prettiest image but its out there to be photographed.

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Two Things Challenge - Free / Range

Thought I'd have a go at the Two Things Challenge this week. At the moment there is an advert on TV here for Anchor Butter with the strap line 'the free range butter company.' Surely all butter is free range as the milk used comes from cows that graze on pasture, otherwise there would be no milk and therefore no butter! Anyway...here are some free range sheep, grazing on top of Leckhampton Hill. Do you count sheep to get to sleep?

If you want to join in with Two Things, or to see how others have interpreted this weeks challenge, head over to the Two Things Challenge blog.

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What's Black And White And Red All Over?

Today's photo! Or a newspaper. Get it? Black, white, red all over. Oh, never mind! I spotted this bright red door the other day, well its hard not too. Lots of the Regency buildings around Cheltenham have basements and cellars that are accessed by doors on the outside of the buildings, down steep stairs. These steps had iron railings with this ornate decoration.
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Sky Watch Friday

Kite and blue sky

While up on the top of Leckhampton Hill on Monday we saw lots of things going on - walkers, cyclists, families playing, picnics and kite fliers. There were a group of teenagers sitting around watching one of their own trying to control this large professional kite. The top of the hill is always windy, even in summer, and perfect for kite flying. At times the lad on the end of the strings was struggling to stay with his two feet firmly on the ground!

To join in with Sky Watch Friday, or to see more views from around the world, head over to the Sky Watch Friday Blog.

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Which Way?

On Bank Holiday Monday the weather was beautiful so we took full advantage and headed off to Leckhampton Hill for a walk. The hill top has everything - great views, woodland, grassland, wildlife and farms, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs and getting back to nature. Across the top of Leckhampton Hill you'll also find part of the Cotswold Way, a trail which runs from the market town of Chipping Campden in the north to the city of Bath in the south. The Trail is 102 miles (164 km) long, and runs for most of its length on the Cotswold escarpment (hence the name!) It passes through some wonderfully picturesque villages and has some magnificent views across Gloucestershire and neighbouring Counties. One day (when I feel really motivated!) it would be good to walk part of it, even just a stretch between a couple of country pubs!

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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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Stone Stairs

It's been a long time since I've posted a black and white photo, time to rectify that. These stone stair leads up to the entrance of Pizza Express, opposite the Town Hall. I haven't eaten there in quite a while but the food is good and the restaurant is really nice. I like the simple design of the railings. What do you think?
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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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Egg-cellent Window

Hope you are enjoying the Easter Weekend. This Easter themed window display is in the Orange store (mobile phones, not fruit!) on the High Street. Its very colourful and captures the main (non-religious) features - eggs, chicks and bunny rabbits!

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Chick

Its Good Friday, time for all things Easter related! These little yellow chicks make an annual appearance at this time of year, decorating cakes and shop displays. I don't actually know anyone who has one apart from me, and I didn't until yesterday ( I 'borrowed' this one from a display where I work!) Here in the UK we don't tend to go in for lots of Easter decorations, its all about the chocolate eggs! Yummy!

More Easter related photos over the weekend.

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Old Doors

I'll start today's post with my recurring line - not a lot to say about this one. Regular readers will know that in Cheltenham we have a large department store called Cavendish House (Cav, if you're local!) and its all very grand and upmarket, so these doors are definitely not their front doors! These ones are on a dilapidated building, on the road that runs behind the store. The building that holds these doors up is now used as a place that teaches martial arts but I bet that it was once Cav's store shed. Just call me Sherlock!

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The Wheels On The Bus...

...Aren't going round! Not on this bus anyway. I spotted running repairs taking place to this broken down Stagecoach bus on Pitville Street. That guy under the bus is a mechanic and not someone who has been squashed! There weren't any passengers waiting on the bus, I presume they had been transferred to another one, so at least Stagecoach didn't have to deal with irate customers!

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