Commemorating WW1 and the fallen: 2

A willow figure - commemorating the enigmatic Susannah Knight, a local former school teacher - standing in the Astley Hall Walled Garden, Chorley.  Susannah travelled the world compiling a list of the 'Chorley Pals', a group of young men from Chorley (some of whom she taught French in 1914-1915), and who fought and gave their lives in WW1, mostly at the Somme.  These books of remembrance, the "Golden Books", are available to view at Astley Hall.

Day 78/365

Spotted this view of the Preston England Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on the drive back from performing a concert in Darwen, on Sunday night, and thought it would make a good photograph.  So, returning this evening to the same mistaken route home (!), this is an enhanced view from Great Knowley, above and to the east of Chorley.

Welcome 2013....

Well, a new year and another attempt at a 365 project.  Whilst I am limited by disability and mobility problems, I shall still try for a one-a-day - obviously, this could get quite repetitive and so, against my better judgement, a number of shots may well end up being 'over-manipulated', especially by the use of 'instagram-type' effects.

The first of the year (1/365) is of Astley Hall, Chorley, and employs effects courtesy of PIXLR .

'Big Wheel'

As part of the Christmas celebrations, Chorley set up a Big Wheel on its Flat Iron Car Park in the town centre.  Unfortunately, for some poor souls, its hydraulics jammed leaving a number of people stranded for half an hour, mid air, whilst the operators made emergency repairs.  All were brought down safely without recourse to the Fire Service.

A break in the rain ....

So, eventually, after what seems like months of dim, overcast, rainy days the sun came out long enough to contemplate a drive out into the countryside.  Off for 'an explore', I pointed the car towards the TV/Radio antennae on Winter Hill and hoped for the best.

Finding myself at Angelzarke reservoir, I fired off a few landscape shots with my 17-85mm lens and Canon 50D, with newly purchased Battery Grip. Thinking that this would add a bit more stability, and reduce camera shake, it was more like holding a 24V Lorry Battery to your face - VERY heavy!!!

A few metres back from these scenes was a field with a herd of amusingly inquisitive cows, one of which took an overly zealous interest in me/my camera lens!

Olympic Torch Relay

Heading into Chorley town centre at a ridiculous 06:45, several vantage points were blocked by the 'crowds' eagerly awaiting the passing of the Olympic Torch relay runners.  Thousands lined the route as the convoy of Police outriders (motor bikes, cars and horses) and support vehicles maintained a rolling road block.  Throughout the jostling for position I managed to get a few clear shots of the runners.

Astley Hall

Having moved home in April to the edge of Chorley, to Astley Village, this was my first exploratory recce onto Astley Park and the historic Astley Hall.  The building is now a museum and hosts a number of arty exhibitions throughout the year and is also a weddings venue.