Regeneration in Stoke

I pass by this pub every day on the way to and from work, and finally got the opportunity to take some photos when my car was booked in for a service at a near by garage.

Took a walk up the side street to find the canal and much heralded Waters Edge development. What a strange mix of swanky new apartments, boarded up terraces, pot ovens and derelict factories.


 View from the new apartments
















No interest














In needs of some promotion















Living among the condemned















A street in mourning




















Artwork by the canal

Family Party

The McCarthy clan braved the elements to gather at the Alicia Hotel opposite Sefton Park last Saturday lunchtime, to celebrate my Mum's 80th birthday.
Family came from across the country - Gav and Susie up and back to London in a day - and ranged from little Hattie to grand Auntie Hett - a hundred years apart. Friends from her nursing years, cousins, neighbours and all but one of her children, grandchildren and great grand children attended - it is a shame Martin could not be there.

Mum had such a surprise, and was quite touched that so many (60+) had made the effort to come out on such a horrid day. We all had a great time, catching up on family news or helping with pieces of the family tree jigsaw. Francis kicked off the communal 'Happy Birthday', followed by your's truly and his 'This is Your Life' speech, which appeared to go down well - despite a dodgy microphone.
Once the fantastic buffet had been cleared we gathered for a team photograph to mark the occassion.
Happy birthday Mum

Roaches and Hen Cloud

Took a trip up to see why the Buxton Road was closed.

Half way up to Winking Man I realised why - snow was drifting in the high winds.

Managed to get a couple of shots before my fingers froze (click image for larger version).

Hen Cloud

Ramshaw rocks

 

Looking towards the Mermaid

 Meanwhile, the Christmas tree looked very appropriate in the garden

Bleak Leek

We took the opportunity to walk up towards Morridge on Sunday - great views over to the Roaches.

Today brought more snow, closed schools and a cancelled trip to Surrey for yours truly. Will we get to Liverpool for the party?

Leek

This is a shot of my (adopted) home town, taken by Brett Trafford - visit his excellent gallery  for more examples from Leek and surrounding areas.

Brett's photos are my inspiration to get out and do some more photography, and Alice is thinking of taking A Level photography, so she might be able to teach me how to take great shots like this.

Seasonal shot of Rudyard Lake

This was taken a few years ago, but I'm sure it's just as frozen out there now...and it's one of Alice's favourite shots.