Lass with a Lens

On this page I will tell you something about how, where and when the photographs in my galleries were taken.

 

Gallery 1

The photographs were taken on 25 July 2015. It was a fairly overcast day with occasional bursts of sunshine - typical English summer weather! In the early afternoon I went for a long walk on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal from Dowley Gap to Hirst Wood Lock. I am fascinated with canals, not only because my paternal ancestors were boatmen for several generations, but also because of the fact that they were the "super highway" of their time without which the Industrial Revolution in 18th century Britain could not have happened. They link the lush green countryside with the stark industrial landscapes as they wend their way up and down the land. They are a vital part of Britain's history, wonderful feats of engineering skill and ingenuity and a fitting memorial to the brute strength of the navvies who broke their backs and sometimes lost their lives constructing them.

 

There will be lots more canalscapes. They are my favourites!

 

Gallery 2

The photographs were taken in the morning of 17 July 2015 at the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, Harrogate. It was a sunny day, but windy. I love flowers. I love both growing them and taking photograhs of them. My personal favourites are roses, but I appreciate the beauty of all nature in the garden. These gardens are specacular, beautifully planted and tended by experts from RHS. There is a lovely garden centre selling many of the plants that are dislayed in the gardens. There is also a "Betty's" tea room. What more do you need for a nice day out?

To quote the poet Dorothy Frances Gurney -

The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth,--
One is nearer God's heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on earth.

 

Gallery 3

These photographs were taken on 12 July 2015 in the afternoon at the St Ives Estate, near Bingley, West Yorkshire. It is a large publc open space with a pond, golf course and has well maintained extensive grouds, including woods. The pond is much beloved of fishermen and children who delight in feeding the ducks and swans, so much so in fact that the birds are bold and can get quite aggresive if they do not receive the obligatory handfulls of bread!

 

Gallery 4

Ripley Castle is located near Harrogate, North Yorkshire. It was a clorious day in June 2015 although - as usual!-

there were a few light showers. The changeable weather on the day is reflected in the differing light readings on the photographs. The castle itself is lovely, an excellent guided tour points out lots to see inside including original rooms and priest holes, and it holds a particular fascination for English Civil War enthusiasts. The grounds are well maintained and you can buy some of the stunning home grown plants to put in your own garden in the estate shop. Whilst I was there, a wedding was being celebrated in the castle - what a spectacular setting for such a special day! Nearby, there is a "model village" built in Italianate fashion, with pub nd villge shop, and everywhere is the Boar, the armorial symbol of the owners of Ripley Castle.

 

Gallery 5

Grasington is a quaint vllage in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is just a completely delightful spot to while away a few hours. Whether you are feeling energetic enough to tackle one of the many walks and rambles or just want to browse the little shops and stop for a pint or a cup of tea, there is something here to suit everyone. There are a lot of shops selling crafts and art, some of which I have photographed and dispalyed in my gallery. At Christmas they hold a famous Dickensian market and local people dress up in Victorian clothes - definately not to be missed!

 

Gallery 6

Kirkstall Abbey is near Leeds. It was once a huge monastery untill King Henry VIII had his little spat with the Church and had it dissolved (along with many others). Since then it has been in ruins but is marvellousy preserved and is open to the public for them to enjoy free of charge. It is a magnificent setting for a wedding and staff were setting one up whilst I was there. I visited the Abbey on a lovely sunny day and spent an enjoyable few hours in the peaceful surroundings. Over the road is a lovely coffee shop and cafe where I coiffed a very decadent cappucino to end a perfect day.