A facelift is needed for Ironbridge ....

Hi everyone

An unexpected free work morning due to sick students always brings on feelings of freedom. When faced with these unexpected pleasures, I always head out & enjoy it!

I live close to the world famous Ironbridge. It was the first cast iron structure in the world; it kicked off the Industrial Revolution worldwide with cast iron railway lines, bridges & multi storey buildings all becoming a reality!

This all started in a little valley / gorge in our County by men of great vision.

Have a look at these previous posts - The-olympic-torch-visits-our-shire

photographing-beautiful-wedding-at Ironbridge & photographing-beautiful-wedding-2

in-search-of-bluebells-at-Ironbridge

tea-cake-in-cold-snowy-Ironbridge

a-very-wet-time-in-shire

Our local press have reported that our Ironbridge, completed in 1779, was being clad in scaffolding to carry out essential repairs & painting.  I just knew that was where I was heading this morning.

Oh my gosh - the sight of the white fabric was quite startling - where is my favourite Bridge?

Information boards tell the tale ...

Lots of metal work & scaffolding to protect workers ...

Somehow, something so familiar was suddenly strange ...

I wanted to see how different it looked from a favourite vantage point up high by the church on the hill.  Up the really steep steps leading up the hill ... 

This view looks directly on to the bridge - always a strange view as it looks like any road from up high.

The lovely St. Luke's church which has seen hundreds of years of activity in this beautiful spot.

The power station production ceased last year due to regulations, these towers are set to come down.

An old post box ~ VR ~  from Queen Victoria's reign ...

After walking all the way to the top of the hill, back down & around to view it from upstream on the Severn River (the longest river in England). Everywhere, the covering is very evident ...

Carrying on downstream of the Ironbridge to the furnaces which once powered the industry along this important place. It is now protected by a roof covering but a timely reminder of the long history of this special place.

The Bedlam furnaces ....

I love the history of this beautiful place I am fortunate to call home ... 

The traffic bridge replaced the Ironbridge as a crossing point - it is beautiful as well as functional ...

I know I will be down there again soon to keep abreast of all the repairs, developments & progress which will make sure  our special Ironbridge remains special for centuries to come.

This is what will be happening over the coming months iron-bridge-conservation-announced while raising additional funds for the project project-iron-bridge

This is how it usually looks & how it will look again ... 

I hope you will pop back soon too for updates on this progress. Thank you for your visit,
Dee ~♥~

Enjoy our canals with the lads ....

Hi everyone

I hope you are thinking of the impending busy time ahead but taking time to just breathe too.

Our county is blessed with a fabulous network of canals which criss cross it. In days gone by, these provided a safe way of transporting our goods about, particularly the delicate china wares from our world famous potteries as they  carried our goods to ports for transport all around the world.

These canals still buzz with life - many folk live there permanently & many more visit & hire canal boats to enjoy the network which connects to the others around the UK.

These are some of our canals ... a misty-morning-on-canals

This very same canal we took today in mid winter - an-icy-canal-walk

Our canals passing through Birmingham  with its lovely Jewellery Quarter 

Walking the canals in our county

Quite by chance I saw the last trip of the season advertised on Friday & I messaged my Godsons Mum to ask - please can I have them for the day? I have walked our canal paths often with the lads so knew they would enjoy it. I was delighted when she said 'YES'

The morning started with 'wintery rain' here - sleet & a brisk 4C only. We were not deterred - nothing an extra layer of clothes can't keep at bay.

I have walked these canals at Norbury Junction several times & we all looked forward to boarding.

Excited passengers waiting to board ....

Rain as we drink tea in the warm canal side cafe - bleak

First to board - oh yes , the front seats will do nicely ...

I was glad to have my warm bobble hat, scarf, gloves & jacket - it was brisk outside

Hot tea served - that warmed us up nicely ...

Lovely rural passing scenery ...

Waving at folk walking on the tow paths ...

Cows may safely graze, undeterred by our presence passing their fields ...

Passing under one of the shorter bridges - so tranquil & peaceful ... 

This boat trip gears down & collects hot fish & chips from the rural town of Gnosall as we pass - oh yes, it was so good in the cold weather. Lots of chatter while we enjoyed our meal onboard!

 Even another sudden burst of rain did not dampen our spirits as the boat came to the turning basin at Onn.

A fascinating link to the famous Cadbury factory where we turned along the canal ... 

The return of the blue skies & autumn colours ...

Littlest Godson enjoyed the Dominoes provided ...

A fabulous day, relaxing & perfect for just catching up on the lads news before the hectic season arrives! 

The trip provided a perfect slow paced catch up time on the canals - the lads even won a bottle of sweets on the boat raffle which was the cherry on top. I hope you have enjoyed the trip with us. Leave a note to let me know you have stopped by. 

Dee ~♥~

Be thankful, a Shropshire Thanksgiving ....

Our thoughts turn to our many readers who celebrate Thanksgiving this week.

My lovely friend Liane has family in the US & we have had several Shropshire Ladies Thanksgiving suppers at my home.

I love blue & this was reflected with the lovely bits I have now put on the sideboard / dresser

 What a thankful time us ladies had ....

A favourite setting with pheasant feathers & all white china

My love of bright colour is reflected in this cerise table setting ...

Unfortunately this year, time constraints on both our parts means that we have not planned to do anything, but that did not mean I could not change my sideboard / dresser to show some of the lovely Staffordshire china that we use for our table settings for Thanksgiving.

Cobalt blue impressed images of Martha & George

A vintage  meat platter appropriately called 'Fallow Deer' joins the collection.

Cobalt blue Ikea glass plates are popular to break up the patterns.

Uncle Sam ...

This elegant gravy / pouring container ...

 I am a great fan of blue china, especially as this was made locally in our potteries & shipped half way around the world. It speaks to me of tradition, of history, of being thankful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 

to all those who celebrate it - may your blessings be abundant & your home be blessed with thankful family & friends. 

Thank you for stopping by & taking time to read & comment,

Dee ~♥~