Babes and bluebells

It was 14 April and I had not realised that the Leeds schools had another week of the Easter Holidays left. (Bradford's schools had already returned.) It meant there were more children around Bolton Abbey than I had expected (which means photography can be more difficult) but the bonus was that there was a coffee van parked at the Strid, only there at holiday times. It was very pleasant to sit sipping a cappucino, overlooking the water. I snapped the little group of youngsters from the back, so I don't think that's violating any principles. I thought they looked very sweet in their wellies. 

I chose the top path from the Cavendish Pavilion to the Strid, which took me right through the middle of the bluebell woods. They were just beginning to unfurl, not yet at their peak but still leaving a flush of blue across the woodland floor, as though someone had dashed a brush of watercolour paint across. There were plenty of wild garlic leaves too, with a few of their white flowers starting to poke through.

Valley Gardens candids

I recently spent a pleasant hour or two in Harrogate's Valley Gardens, on a lovely summery day, with friends from my camera club. We met at the garden's main entrance, which is just across the road from the Royal Pump Rooms (above), where people used to congregate to drink the spa water that made Harrogate into a famous town. 

I took quite a few photos and, unusually for me, I found myself capturing a few 'candids' of people enjoying the warm, sunny day in the park. 

I had a feeling that the park warden often sat on that bench for a break and had probably encountered the same lady a number of times. They were having quite a lengthy chat. 

I fancied that the dog was wondering why he didn't get an ice-cream too. His little pink tongue was hanging out. They do make ices for dogs nowadays. 

Another couple were also enjoying ice cream, mirroring each other in the way people in relationships often do. 

Having a breather

Thankfully the weather was pretty good for this year's Saltaire Arts Trail and it was nice to see people exploring the exhibitions, the Makers' Fair and the Open Houses, and relaxing in the gardens of the Victoria Hall. There were fewer Open Houses this year and it all felt (to me) more manageable and less overwhelming. It's much better to be able to take your time to appreciate the artwork on display, rather than rushing from one place to the next, trying to see everything. 

The Saltaire Art Gallery is a recent addition to our main street. It has been opened by artist and art teacher Nina Hunter, as a base for her Art School, where she runs workshops, and as a gallery for her own work and that of other artists.  Next door, the queue for coffee, sandwiches and burgers at Digin's Hut was quite long. I've never had food from there but it always seems popular. 

The flower heist

There's always something interesting to see in Saltaire. I'm not really sure why these folks were carrying large flower arrangements up the street. I think it possible that they were members of a wedding party, emptying the church of the wedding flowers (though often the flowers are left in church to adorn the space for the Sunday services.) I'm sure it was entirely legitimate, anyway!  I don't normally take candid shots but it struck me as an image-worthy scene. 

City Hall candid

Bradfordians are justly proud of their magnificent Victorian City Hall, and it does have an impressive facade. Over the years, the area around it has been cleared and improved, now boasting wide open spaces and the mirror pool in what's now known as City Park. (See HERE for photos). 

When I was passing through, a group of young men were having an impromptu game of football - and my eye was caught by the flash of red on the steps, which turned out to be a lady in a red dress and her partner, having their photo taken. They may have been models though I think it more likely they'd just got married, perhaps in City Hall itself. How she walks in those shoes is anyone's guess! 

On the bench

April's theme for my online photo club was fairly terrifying for me... We had to take photos of 'people that we don't know, sitting on benches'. I rarely take pictures of people and rarely take candid shots so it was a challenge. First up was a lady reading a book, beside the canal. I was on the bridge above so there was little chance of her seeing me. It helped that she was wearing a bright red jacket. 

Then I tried one from above and behind. Again, less chance of being spotted. Four folk just 'watching the world go by'... (Which reminds me of when I was a child, sitting with my family on a bench at the seaside. My sister and I got bored and wanted to leave but my parents told us to 'sit and watch the world go by'. After quite a long time of this, my sister asked impatiently: 'When is it coming?') 

My third subject was the groundsman at the cricket club, taking a rest, perhaps contemplating the coming sports season, or remembering past glories - who knows? I stood a fair way away with a long lens! 

Then I got bold and shot from the hip whilst trying to pretend I was fiddling with my camera, capturing a young couple chatting over a takeaway coffee.  It needed straightening up in processing - but not a bad effort! 

The cycling couple having a breather on a bench (again caught with a long lens) were eye-catching in their brightly coloured hoodies. 

Well, at least I tried. 

Yorkshire style

I spotted a rather stylish elderly gentleman having a long chat with the butcher in Hebden Bridge. He looked a little like David Hockney, I thought. I was cheeky enough to take a candid photo.

Kite flying

I caught a family having a lovely time flying a kite at Bolton Abbey recently. I don't know who they were, but the little girl was very excited and very sweet. I thought it made a charming and colourful picture, even if it's really the wrong shape for Blogger! 

Skipton boats

There's always a lot of activity around the canal basin in Skipton: boats, ducks, tourists and shoppers congregate here. It's quite an attractive spot, with the old bridge that marks the start of the Springs Branch Canal and old warehouses now converted to restaurants and shops. I caught a snap of three gentlemen chatting. Even with face masks and Covid concerns, nothing gets in the way of a good old natter.