Saturday 28 January 2012

The death of the high street

High streets in this country are in a state of rapid decline; there are exceptions, of course, but on the whole high streets are not as vibrant as they once were. My home town of Holywell is a prime example, where despite great efforts, the high street is far from thriving. People prefer to go elsewhere, which is a shame as the street itself is pleasing to the eye, with a number of attractive buildings. I came across I photograph I took in the early 1980s, before pedestrianisation:

Holywell High Street in the early 1980s; this shows the Town Hall building which housed a busy Saturday market.
In this less than scientific approach, I googled for other images of Holywell High Street to match my own. I came up with these:

This comes from 1909; it is only a random image, but the it does give the impression of an economically successful business area. There is even a bike shop to the right of the image.

This one dates from the 1950s, and again the same impression of a thriving high street.

And finally an image from the 21st century, when increased mobility and the internet ensures that folk are shopping elsewhere, and the high streets become rather depressing places to be.

This was, in my memory, a thriving local electronic store; it had no chance of competing with multi-national stores on out of town retail sites, or internet suppliers, such as Amazon.

It is hard to see what future lies ahead for our high streets, and Holywell High Street in particular. Maybe they will become residential centres, with cafes, and pubs like Wetherspoons.

Sports day

The odd thing is that I have never truly left school. One way or another I have been in school since the age 3, if you count playgroup. During that time I have seen a lot of school sports days, and it is usually something I thoroughly enjoy. I came across a photograph of my first experience of Holywell High School sports day, actually this was probably the Holywell Grammar School in perhaps 1966 or 1967. Later in the 1970s I took part myself and was quite successful in the sprint and high jump events.

nani gigantum humeris insidentes: On the shoulders of giants (my Dad).

Friday 27 January 2012

Neuadd Reichel in 1984

One of the best things about being a student in Bangor was staying in Neuadd Reichel, probably the best student accommodation in the world. In the 1980s Neuadd Reichel was a male only hall of residence, as it had been since it was built in the 1940s. When I was there it was still relatively formal, although the academic gowns worn when my Dad was in the same hall in the late 50s had gone. It was fully catered, with unlimited breakfasts (I recall aiming to be first in the queue each morning), and a decent evening meal. Sunday lunch was more formal. I still have the formal printed menus from the Christmas dinner. Within Reichel was a beautiful Junior Common Room, and a reasonable library. The rooms were spacious and mine (number 76) had spectacular panoramic views from Anglesey to Snowdonia. There was a formal full hall photograph taken each year, and they were then framed and placed on long central hallway. Here is the one from 1984:

Second row from the back, second from the right, since you ask.

The English language and Scottish politics.

I am fascinated by the politics in (and of) Scotland and have read in detailed Alex Salmond's key speech on the independence referendum that he made this week. He is undoubtedly a brilliant communicator, and maybe the figure to lead the Scots to independence. He is one of those rare politicians that everyone seems to like - he is as comfortable on the 'One Show' as on the benches of the Scottish Parliament. If, like me, you regret the possible break-up of the union then Salmond is a formidable figure bringing about undesirable change.

Let me quote from his speech this week:
A country that speaks with its own voice, stands taller in the world, and takes responsibility for its own future. Independence is about Scotland rejoining the family of nations in our own right. We can be both independent and inter-dependent: we can stand on our own two feet, while working closely with other nations, our friends and neighbours.

Salmond is a political romantic; he makes the language of separation and independence sound like embarking upon a Sunday afternoon jaunt. Just read this passage of his speech with a more critical eye and the romantic language becomes apparent: 'stands taller in the world', 'family of nations', 'independent and inter-dependent', and ''friends and neighbours'. Of course real-world governance will bring few of these things, and the opponents of independence will have to challenge Salmond far more effectively than they are doing so far. They may wish to suggest that a country on it own does not stand taller, or alone can it guarantee a better future (far from it), independence will not allow Scotland to join a 'family of nations' (whatever that means), and it is not possible to be independent and inter-dependent at the same time, and finally, no nation today can stand on its own two feet.

It is rather sad that the word 'union' is discredited. I am old-fashioned in still believing in a 'union' of peoples, whether that be the United Kingdom, the European Union, or indeed the United Nations. Each of these in different ways has brought peace and prosperity by working together in union. Not perfect, but still a union. We may live to regret the language of independence.

Nevertheless it is for the people of Scotland to decide; that in itself reflects the strength of the United Kingdom. In the debate that will precede the referendum I trust that the opponents of independence in Scotland will not underestimate the political guile of Alex Salmond.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

How to stop worrying and love Google.

I don't really have an answer to that, although in fact I wish I did. Google, and the internet more generally, gives us plenty of things to worry about. And it is then possible to share and thereby magnify those worries with millions of other unsuspecting neurotics. I proudly count myself amongst their number.

Take this as an example: I realised today that I had bought an airline ticket for M (female) but on the application I put down 'Mr'. Panic set in immediately. In this age of terrorism, I imagined, they won't let her fly if the on-line booking does not match her passport. Ryan Air charge £110 to change this error; the flight cost £30 in the first place. Anyway, I do what most folk do in 2012 and googled (verb) the problem. Thank goodness... I was not alone as hundreds do the same thing and Ryan Air does not do anything about it; gender doesn't matter as long as the name is correct. Hard to believe that Ryan Air have missed this chance to make some more money. So my Google search brought comfort on this occasion.

A further example: I am planning a cycle north of Rochdale and I googled cycle routes in that area. Tales of dangerous roads and roundabouts the size of Wales were aplenty. Lots to worry about there; nevertheless, I used Google maps and that little man that walks the actual route. So on my computer screen I did a few practice runs at one of the aforementioned roundabouts and did it safely on each occasion. Cheers Google!

However, if you have something wrong with you it might be better to avoid the temptation to google the symptoms. A Google search on 'rash' led my son to believe he had a whole range of diseases, all of which were life-threatening.

Google is here to stay, but my advice is to use with care as it can be bad for your mental health. I wonder if I should look that up on Google? I will.

Sunday 22 January 2012

A Mere Century

Despite all the pre ride angst I completed the 100 mile bike ride. It took 9.16 minutes and I used up around 3360 calories. See the full details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/143867984 The ride itself was tough with gale force winds making the first 50km very slow, and ensuring that the ride would end in the dark. In fact I have not done much night time cycling and although I had lights it was impossible to follow the route sheets. Anyway, we made it safely back to the ride HQ without incident.

The good thing about such a ride is that you can eat anything, and have huge portions without guilt. This photo shows RB and my immense treacle pudding:

I can recommend the Priest's House Cafe in Audlem, so does RB.
I wanted a photo of me at the end, but the camera malfunctioned, so all I can offer as evidence is this heavily photo-shopped image:

At the end.




And finally, the event was brilliantly organised. A great many riders took part. The route sheets is a complex thing over 100 miles as the ride has to avoid city and town centres, along with the main trunk roads. My route card had around 100 instructions so it does take some following. In the past I have made major errors and ended up cycling significantly more miles than necessary. Today I used the dual system of the route sheet mounted on my handle-bars and my Garmin Edge 500. Apart from when it got too dark to see them, we stuck faithfully to the set course.



Friday 20 January 2012

Caerwys book re-visited

Almost a year ago we published the 'History of Caerwys since Victorian times'. I am still pretty proud of the whole thing, and even more so having read a review of it in 'The Hourglass', the newsletter of the Flintshire Archive. The publication was a team effort, as is acknowledged in this short review piece that I have scanned and include below:


Planning an audax century

Some weeks ago I agreed to ride an Audax 100 mile event this Sunday. I have done that distance on a number of occasions, but never in January. I am fitter than I have been for years (perhaps ever), so it should be a breeze. Nevertheless 100 miles on a push bike  takes some planning. The route and ride logistics have been on my mind for much of the week. In fact, without any sound reason I have worried a little about the ride. I have tired to cover every eventuality: route card laminated in case it rains, route also in my GPS (timtim as opposed to tomtom), lights with new batteries in case we don't get back before dark, train times from points en route in case of major mechanical failure, lots of jelly babies in case my energy-levels falter, energy juice, spare inner tubes, bike tool, water-proof bag for phone and camera, map, and the list goes on. Of course an excuse not to ride might materialise before Sunday morning, but I fear the challenge of the 100 miles will have to be faced. Watch this space.

Just some of the kit I will carry for 100 miles (in theory).

Sunday 15 January 2012

Talacre in the winter

The lighthouse in Talacre must be the most photographed building in Flintshire; I nearly described it as iconic, but I avoid that word like the plague. Do an image search on 'Talacre' and there are hundreds of beautiful and imaginative photographs. This morning, in the hand-numbing cold, I made my contribution to that collection.

Last year, in fact, Dulux used the lighthouse as the back-drop for one of their famous TV paint advertisements, with that dog bounding about the beach.

An image from the TV advertisement.
I hope that they were not implying in this advertisement they had used Dulux products to paint the building: in the TV image the lighthouse looks perfectly white, yet not more than a few months later it needs more than a lick of paint:

Not the best advertisement for paint, but rather digital enhancement.

If you look carefully at the previous image it is possible to see a tin man keeping watch from the balcony next to the great light. I don't know where he came from:

The tin man


In the next two pieces I went for the artistic view. First I tried (and failed) to get the lighthouse to stand on Mary's head:

Mary said she felt a little light headed.

And finally here is my attempt at a piece of video art. It might make you giddy just watching it:



Saturday 14 January 2012

Caerwys at dawn

This morning saw the perfect sunrise in Caerwys; I recorded these images as I walked Pippin. The temperature was below freezing, but it promised to be a beautiful day.

The view towards the Old School House and the Church, unchanged for well over 150 years.

Looking east down High Street; again pretty much unchanged for a century and a half.

Looking south west toward St Michael's Church.

Rest in peace.


Thursday 12 January 2012

Cycling time trials

Way back in the 1990s I took part in a great many cycling time trials. They are events held on the public highway where the aim is to ride as fast as possible over a set distance. There is a national organisation overseeing the locally organised races. I entered well over 100 time trials and usually came last. However I enjoyed them immensely and I am considering having another go this year. I have looked back over some of my times: they are not very impressive, but one event earned me a certificate. It was a 25 miles event on the A55 from St Asaph to Abergele and back, twice. It was a perfect evening and I covered the 25 miles in 66 minutes and 13 seconds. The gold standard is to go faster than one hour, but I would require a petrol engine to achieve that.

A 10 mile race near Wrexham organised by the Merseyside ladies cycling club; it was notable for being the last time I beat Kevin.

Too fat to race methinks; a hilly time time trial along the roads of North Anglesey. It hurt.

Sunday 8 January 2012

Funny old winter

This time last year we were emerging from a period of sub-Arctic temperatures, but this year we are having a normal winter; I rather like it. Life goes on and weekends are not ruined by dangerous weather. Today I spotted cyclists in short sleeves and shorts - which maybe a little unwise, but does reflect a kinder winter than we have been having recently. This evening we also had a wonderful sunset. I took this view as I walked near Caerwys church around 5pm.

The view looking due west from alongside Caerwys church; I have used the 'palate knife' filter effect from photoshop.

An evening at the Manchester velodrome

Yesterday I spent the evening watching professional track racing at the Manchester Velodrome. I have ridden on the track before but not watched racing of this quality. The pace and skill involved is awe-inspiring. I will definitely go again. The whole event was well-organised with constant racing for three hours. There are many different kinds of races and it does take a little time to understand what is going on. I used the opportunity to try out the video function on my camera, and here is my effort taken during a tandem sprint race.


I also took this good old fashioned digital picture:


Wednesday 4 January 2012

The Snowdon challenge

This evening Caerwys is once again blasted by strong winds. We are now in the depths of winter and summer activities seem ages away. It is an opportunity to look at some photographs and recall warmer days. I came across this one recently from around the turn of the century and it reminded me of a sporting challenge that for once I met. It was just about the first day of the school summer holidays and a group of cycling friends planned to ride from the Caerwys area to the foot of Snowdon and then climb to the summit, meeting another chum en route. Being one of the slower riders I left Caerwys at dawn ahead of the main group, arranging to meet in Betws y Coed (Dil's Diner to be precise) for an immense breakfast. We also met the Ruthin contingent there, one of whom famously found the dawn start far too early and refused to speak until Pentrefoelas. It turned out to be a glorious day of cycling and walking - we arrived back in the Vale of Clwyd (for yet more beer) just as darkness fell. Perhaps we could all do it again this year?

At the top of Snowdon: no problem

Sunday 1 January 2012

When Mrs Thatcher dies.

Mrs Thatcher may have been the most divisive prime minister in modern history but only a fool would deny her historical significance in bringing about profound change to this country. Her government of 1979 stands alongside those of 1906 and 1945 in having truly historical impact. Mrs Thatcher is definitely an hugely important figure in recent political history, no one can question that. Yet she should not have a state funeral. Mrs Thatcher was not head of state, rather she was head of government. The prime ministers of the other two pivotal governments, namely Asquith (and Campbell-Bannerman), and then Attlee in 1945, were not accorded such an honour. It does not fit with the spirit of the British constitution. Churchill was given a state funeral, but the situation was different as he headed a National Government during the Second World War. Churchill was less of a party political figure that Thatcher and commanded respect across the political spectrum. A state funeral for Mrs Thatcher would merely re-kindle the passions that her period as prime minister created and prevent a more rational evaluation of the changes, for good and ill, her policies brought to us all.

Face the future

In Politics 2011 will be judged a momentous year. By far the most important events have been the revolutions across the Arab world. Nobody 12 months was predicting that people power would subsume one dictator after another. Historians love to study and mull over revolutions. These will be no different. Yet these revolutions are work in progress. Syria is now on the brink of collapse. Who can say where this will lead. even in Russia the anti-Putin protests are growing. However it is to Iran and North Korea that we must pay most attention. They are both nuclear powers and offer a real threat to world stability.

At home it has also been a year of protest. Although it has done little to damage the standing in the polls of the coalition government. I imagine they will survive 2012. For me the question of Scottish independence is most fascinating. The announcement of a referendum this year could herald the break-up of the UK.

We live in interesting times, for sure.

Janus

The mythological god Janus gives us January. Janus has two heads, one looking back, the other forward. On New Years Day we do look back and plan for the year to come. Thus a new year resolution to do things differently. I refuse to make one. I certainly can't lose any more weight, and I would never have predicted writing that at the start of 2011. The looking back part is not terribly healthy either; I came across a photo from New Years Day 1967 of my family together in the Holway Post Office. The TV in the corner of the room was still a novelty and a prized possession. But sadly it is the faces that have changed. I said looking back was not a good plan: let's move on and face 2012.

The way we were then.