...and so the cold patch continues although the weatherman on the television this morning said that it would get warmer. If you are out and about celebrating the New Year as it arrives tonight wrap up warm.
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Monday, 29 December 2014
BRRRR...
According to the television weather it was the coldest night of the year last night. No wonder there was so much frost this morning. As you can see I took this picture as the sun just caught the side of this roof and had melted the frost.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
A LITTLE SPLASH..
I was passing through Christ Church Green just before Christmas. It was a fairly grim day weather wise but I came across this leaf poking through the fence around Christ Church. A little splash of colour on an otherwise overcast day...
Saturday, 27 December 2014
YEAH....
Finished. This years puzzle took about two and a half days on and off, mostly off. Much more difficult than last years..
Friday, 26 December 2014
BOXING DAY...
Boxing day tradition in our house, a jigsaw puzzle and roast beef for lunch. I hope Santa brought you some nice presents, enjoy the rest of the holiday.
Thursday, 25 December 2014
A CHRISTMAS STAR..
Who ever you are, where ever you are, Merry Christmas, happy holiday, joyeux Noel, have a great time..
... but please spare a thought for those less fortunate than you..
... but please spare a thought for those less fortunate than you..
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
COLUMBIA ROAD...
I had a little wander outside of Wanstead the other evening. You may have heard of Columbia Road in the East End, it's usually associated with the Sunday morning flower market. On Wednesday evenings before Christmas the shops, cafes and pub have been staying open late. There was a great atmosphere, a bit like Wanstead really, lots of independent traders, Christmas trees and I bumped into a few visiting Wanstead folk as well. My favourite part of the evening was coming across two guys wheeling a piano through the crowd, I think on their way to support carol singers!
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
and my favourite shot....
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
Monday, 22 December 2014
NEW ARRIVALS..
and supplies arriving at The George a couple of days ago...
Saturday, 20 December 2014
ROOFTOPS..
I am always on the lookout for 'hidden' bits of Wanstead. I was really pleased to have found these rooftops and chimneys, the brickwork is always interesting, I think it gives a good indication of the age of the building. These particular ones are tucked away behind the milk shake bar near The George, not easy to spot but worth finding.
Friday, 19 December 2014
ABSTRACT ICE...
Seriously cold the other morning, the car was covered in frost and ice. I was sitting in it waiting for the heater to clear the windscreen when the sun broke through. Not a conventional picture but I like it.
Thursday, 18 December 2014
SITTING PRETTY..
The fox, love them or hate them here in Wanstead they are here to stay. I saw this guy or girl sitting looking very chilled in Rectory Crescent the other evening as I passed. Although it looked very relaxed it had his sights firmly set on something moving in the grass.
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2
Gotta love Christmas lights, they make me feel so warm and festive. I took this picture Monday night on my way home from the Woodford and Wanstead Camera Club where I had judged their annual projected photograph competition. I just had to stop outside this house and take a picture, I think the contrast in colour between the lights in the garden and the warmth of the ones on tree inside is great.
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
TWO CHURCHES...
Apologies for not keep the blog up to date this week. Christmas is always a busy time in the Gallery and this year is no exception plus I've had this terrible cold/flu thing that seems to be doing the rounds. Anyway on Sunday evening there was a glorious sky for a short period as you can see above. I took this picture from Nightingale Green looking along Nightingale Lane, it was only when I looked at it on my computer that I realised there are two churches in it. The straight roofline on the left is the United Reformed Church while the steeple behind is if course Christ Church on Christchurch Green.
Thursday, 11 December 2014
LIGHTING UP...
I love to see Christmas lights and with just a short time to go
they are coming out in force. Expect to see a few more on show here in the next few days!
Tuesday, 9 December 2014
REFLECTION....
I was wandering along Nightingale Lane on my way back to the gallery the other evening when I noticed the light striking this fence. It's protecting a building site behind it, I think there is a house under construction. Anyway the way that the street light and what was left of the daylight was catching the shiny metalwork looked interesting to me.
Monday, 8 December 2014
FROM THE SPACE STATION...
I think this may be the sort of view of earth that astronauts have from the space station, perhaps as they pass over the Alps or the Himalayas. Ranges of mountains, areas of snow and ice, darker areas that look like the shadows of clouds...
Of course it's actually dear old Wanstead and the roof of my car on Saturday morning, there was a very heavy frost that night...mmm I think I prefer to think of it as the more romantic view from space.
Sunday, 7 December 2014
A FULL MOON..
As I hoped, a great full moon last night plus a clear sky. I stood at the end of Elmcroft Avenue to takes these pictures soon after it had risen above the horizon. Always fascinating 'the sky at night'...
Saturday, 6 December 2014
MAN IN THE MOON...
...not that he can be seen in this picture. There have been some fabulous 'moons' lately, I took this picture at the end of November. I believe tonight it's a full moon, hopefully there will be a clear sky and I'll get a chance of another picture.
Friday, 5 December 2014
SKELETONS OR SCULPTURE...
Continuing from yesterday's theme I thought I would show you two more flowers past their best. These are the remains of Oriental Poppies, although it's not how you usually see them I kind of think they look more interesting. Certainy different..
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
Thursday, 4 December 2014
SKELETONS IN THE....
Marion Temple, Wanstead's guerrilla gardner and I had a walk around the rear garden of The Corner House before we went to Wanstead Station. She pointed out some interesting bits and pieces that she had discovered including this holly leaf. As you can see it has turned into a skeleton, amazing, I've never seen this before, a little spooky though....
Tuesday, 2 December 2014
COMMUTERS...
If you use Wanstead Station on your daily commute you may have noticed a container or two at the entrance. Wanstead's guerrilla gardener Marion Temple has come up with a great idea. In the containers are the stems of geraniums she has collected and giving away for free. On the wall above are the instructions of how to look after them to give you a lovely geranium plant next year. Sounds good to me, well done Marion.
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
Sunday, 30 November 2014
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS...
Spotted these great Christmas lights as I wandered along the High Street yesterday. They are outside Sumo, the sushi restaurant. I know I have probably said it before but I just love Christmas lights...and I haven't forgotten the Christmas tree on George Green it will appear a little later..
Saturday, 29 November 2014
COLOURS...
I came across this leaf trapped in the bare branches of a bush this morning as I crossed Nightingale Green. I just like the way it had landed there, kind of on display showing itself off rather than floating to the floor. The contrast of colours is nice too.
Friday, 28 November 2014
HEADS UP..
Many people pass the war memorial on the High Street every day including myself. It's a part of Wanstead, I have always wondered though what the head on the memorial looks like close up. I shot this portrait earlier this morning in less that ideal conditions but at least now I know.
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
A NICE CHANGE...
Great sunset on Monday evening, what a lovely sight after all the rain and grey skies. I took this picture as I passed through Whips Cross during the early evening, lovely.
Monday, 24 November 2014
MORE RAIN..
I know I said a few days ago that I didn't mind taking pictures in the rain but yesterday, really where did it all come from. Anyway I did find this lovely rain covered rose in the garden, I'm not sure that it should be in bloom in November but hey ho....
Sunday, 23 November 2014
A DIFFICULTY..
I know I have published several leaf related pictures of late, I apologise. I can't help it, maybe I'm addicted to Autumn leaves. I just find it so difficult to walk past all those gorgeous shapes and colours. I took this picture on Christchurch Green, I have always liked the uniformity of the fence around Christ Church. Both leaves and fence just seem to come together for me in this picture.
Saturday, 22 November 2014
WINDOW..
At first glance when you look at this picture you will probably think that at last I have slipped of the edge. It looks like a very poor quality photograph indeed. I however like it. The story is, there's always a story, one of our three local Wanstead garages is closing to make way for a housing development. Sadly it's located in a really great old building on Church Path which will have to go as I understand it. Fortunately I have photographed the exterior, which you can see here. As I passed by the other day, the doors were firmly shut although I am not sure if they have finally closed. I noticed through the rain splattered windows these two old fashioned oil cans crying out to be pictured. So here you are, garage oil cans through a dirty, rain splattered window. I still like it. I & K Brown, a Wanstead institution, you will be sorely missed by many residents.
...and on a different subject don't forget that there is a free craft demo day at Craft Boutique 84 in Nightingale Lane this coming Sunday the 23rd. There will be demonstration's of several products and techniques between 12 and 2.30pm and of course a cup of tea.
...and on a different subject don't forget that there is a free craft demo day at Craft Boutique 84 in Nightingale Lane this coming Sunday the 23rd. There will be demonstration's of several products and techniques between 12 and 2.30pm and of course a cup of tea.
Friday, 21 November 2014
WHO'S A PRETTY BOY THEN...
As I think I have said before, one of the best things about our Gallery is that you never know who's going to come through the door next, hold that thought. For the past two years we have donated the photographs that I take for the Wanstead Daily Photo to The Wanstead Society for use in their calendar. Anyway on the January page of this years there is a lovely picture of the twisted tree on Christ Church Green in the snow. So far so good, if you look closely you will see a small dog almost up to his tummy in snow. That's who came through the door yesterday, Paddy brought his owner Lisa in to see us, he was thrilled at being in this years calendar. Paddy was more than happy to pose with the calendar, there was a fee of course, a sausage.
Don't forget we have copies of the calendar for sale in the Gallery at 84 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EZ. It's only £6 and makes a great Christmas present and all proceeds go to The Wanstead Society.
Thursday, 20 November 2014
SECRET SPOT...
You might think that I took this picture in Wanstead Park or off some little used track in Epping Forest. You'd be wrong, but forgiven for thinking so. I could hardly believe my luck when I stumbled across this little cameo, the light coloured leaves just leapt out from the rest of the foliage, it was like some enchanted spot in the wood. Am I going to tell you where it is? Well......ok then, its actually next to an electricity sub station in Nelson Road, I had to shoot the picture through the fence. Beauty is where you find it.
...and on a different subject don't forget that there is a free craft demo day at Craft Boutique 84 in Nightingale Lane this coming Sunday the 23rd. There will be demonstration's of several products and techniques between 12 and 2.30pm and of course a cup of tea.
...and on a different subject don't forget that there is a free craft demo day at Craft Boutique 84 in Nightingale Lane this coming Sunday the 23rd. There will be demonstration's of several products and techniques between 12 and 2.30pm and of course a cup of tea.
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
SPIKEY..
You probably know that the old hospital building on Herman Hill has for some time been really smart apartments. In a previous life it was built to house the orphan children of merchant seaman, The Merchant Seamans Orphan Asylum. I'm just not sure why they needed these spikes on the wall ?
World © Geoff Wilkinson - All rights reserved
Tuesday, 18 November 2014
UNSETTLING...
As you can see these trees in Nelson Road have had a bit of a 'haircut'. Although it give's a different view of The Clock Tower in the old hospital building the scene unsettled me a little. It was early evening, raining and the street was deserted when I took this picture. The solitary remaining branch reaching out into the overcast sky reminded me of an illustration in very scary childrens book. I can't remember which one, it was a very long time ago, but it definitely looks like an old witches claw..... note to self 'stay out of empty streets at night'...
Monday, 17 November 2014
JUST BECAUSE..
I was locking up at the Gallery the other evening when I came across this scene. Nothing remarkable, but I do really like the way the warm light spilling through the window meets the cold colour outside.
Sunday, 16 November 2014
HURRYING...
As I mentioned the other day I really don't mind taking pictures when it's raining. Combine that with evening light and you quite often have a recipe for success. So when it rained yesterday I grabbed my camera and shot out of the Gallery. I didn't have to go very far, coming along Nightingale Lane was this mother pushing her baby in a buggy, I thought it made a lovely rainy night picture.
Saturday, 15 November 2014
LIGHTS IN THE SKY...
Mysterious lights in the night sky... not really. It's just the lights on the wall around the garden of The Duke pub in Nightingale Lane. They do look very attractive at night, a nice touch as part of the refurbishment.
Friday, 14 November 2014
IT'S BEGINNING TO....
......look a lot like Christmas, as they say in the 1951 song written by Meredith Wilson. I spotted this glorious window as I passed through Wellesley Road the other night. The first Christmas lights I have seen this year. Our lovely daughter reminded me last weekend that it's only another six Saturdays and a few days away, a hint perhaps?
Thursday, 13 November 2014
SATURDAY MORNING..
I took this picture back in October as I was walking across Christchurch Green. It was a Saturday morning and the scene just appealed to me. The fallen leaves, the avenue of trees, a child on a tricycle and her mum carrying the shopping home. A very Wanstead scene I thought...
Wednesday, 12 November 2014
NICE SET OF WHEELS...
Anyone remember the television series 'The Prisoner' ? It started in 1967 and ran for two years I think, the star was actor Patrick McGoohan who played a former secret agent exiled to a strange coastal village. I was a big fan and eagerly awaited each weekly episode. Anyway the opening scene of each episode was Patrick driving a Lotus 7 sports car, when I saw this car parked near our gallery I was taken aback. It turned out it's not actually a Lotus but a kit car, who cares it stirred memories and I would love to have taken it for a spin...
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
SMOKE SIGNALS..
You probably know by now that I like to look up at the sky. I like to think of it as serious contemplation of world events on a higher level, that's all rubbish of course, really I'm just daydreaming. Anyway when I saw these dark clouds the other day against the rest of the sky I thought at first it was smoke from a fire. Remember those old black and white cowboy films where the Indians sent smoke signals well that what I was reminded of. Now back to world events....
Monday, 10 November 2014
RAINY NIGHTS....
What happened on Saturday evening, where did all that rain suddenly come from! It started just as I was leaving the gallery and by the time I got to the car it was torrential, very much like a tropical rain storm. Thankfully it didn't last too long. Not that I'm complaining it did make this interesting photograph that I took through the car windscreen.
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