Sign of the Times

This plaque situated on a wall close to Nottingham Castle shows that some good can come out of war, although the home itself has now been turned into obligatory luxury flats and apartments.

Hey, Mr Balloon Man

I have returned from my summer holiday to Dubai with lots of photos for my site. For this one, here's a snap of the guy that walks around the city centre selling character balloons. He is usually seen around Clumber Street and the Market Square. But as a departure, he is here by Broad Marsh.

You Can't Park Those Here

I spotted these two motorbike riders being told off for parking outside the Castle. Besides hoardings on the sides of trucks, I've not seen this sort of promotional tool before. It might make an interesting series if I spot these guys on the roads of Nottingham in the future.

I am off on my hols today, but unlike Ham, this page won't magically get updated until the end of the month. My Dubai site might, as that is where I am bound.

Shop 'till You Drop

Yesterday marked the opening of Nottingham's new Primark store. No fanfare, no star to cut the ribbon, just word of mouth. And it seemed to work, as the place was heaving with shoppers on the lookout for a clothing bargain.

New Model Army

There's an exhibition of Warhammer models on at the moment at the Castle. Whilst I'm not really interested in model soldiers, I thought this 'life size' replica was worth taking, as he was standing guard over the exhibits.

Bookworm

This is a statue of Friar Tuck, one of Robin Hood's aides in the fight against the evil Sheriff. He has always been portrayed as rotund and a bit of a glutton. Here he is leaning up against one of Robin's outlaw friends, just outside the Castle grounds.

When I'm Cleaning Windows

I've sometimes wondered how windows get cleaned, where it seems impossible to place a ladder. Now I know. Window cleaners use mops with extendable handles; very similar in fact to chimney sweeps.

The Orange Panther

The most well known panther in the world is pink. But Nottingham has an orange one. It's in the shape of a Smartcar that promotes the Nottingham Panthers; the local ice hockey team. They are based at the Nottingham Arena and Ice Centre.

Night on the Tiles

Most people like to go to a pub for a drink. But how many people actually look at the pub they are in whilst sipping their beer? I noticed this fancy tilework outside The Running Horse pub near Canning Circus. It's clearly an Art Nouveau design and they would be very expensive to buy if they were made today.Probably then only available from exclusive designer shops & not B&Q or Tiles R Us.

On Guard

This is one of a pair of large stone lions that is at the gateway to a house in the Park area of the city. It looks quite a friendly lion, with it's mouth open. I wonder if it is saying "hello & welcome"?

It's Freebie Time

Here's something that happens occasionally in Nottingham, and probably across the country; free samples of new products. On this occasion it's the new sugar free Coke. I tried one & tasted a little bit different from the regular one. By the sad look on the little girl's face, I don't think her mother allowed her to have one, even though she's quite happily sipping one herself.

Wheels

This is a close up of the back wheel of a steam powered traction engine. Such machines were seen quite frequently across England during the early half of the 20th century. They had many uses; from farming & haulage to carrying people & fairground music.

Give Us A Hand

Also at the festival, I spotted this trader selling a wide range of animal glove puppets. But alas, Sooty & Sweep were nowhere to be seen.

Noah's Lark

Also at the Riverside Festival were lots of fairground rides and sideshows. I thought these cuddly animals that people were trying to win with a lucky dip, make a colourful photo. The facial expressions of the two owners look quite amusing too.

That's The Way To Do It!

The good old Punch & Judy show. Stalwart seaside entertainment for children and adults since Victorian days. Everyone knows the story; wifebeater husband Punch is arrested by a policeman for hitting Judy over the head with a frying pan & the crocodile eating the string of sausages, all done in strange kazoo voices. This particular show took place today at the Riverside Festival along Nottingham's Victoria Embankment.

What Shall we Do With The Drunken Sailor?

Well not quite. But this quaint little pub should be near the sea with its name & motif above the doorway. Instead it is inland, near the Lenton area of Nottingham, but not too far away from the canal.

Law and Order

This building is the Magistrates Court. It looks more like a library than a court and is situated down by the canal. Quite a contrast from the Crown Court I published on May 24.

Lines of Travel

Following on from yesterday's photo, here's what some of the platforms at Nottingham railway station look like. They haven't really changed much from when they were first built a hundred years ago.

Heaven's Gate

These rather neglected, but charming Art Nouveau gates are situated at the front of our only railway station. The whole building contains many interesting features, some of which may turn up here in the future. Nottingham used to have another large railway station, but it was sadly demolished in the 1960's to make way for the Victoria Centre. All that remains now is the clock tower.

Do You Want Ice With That?

This is a closer shot of one of the canalside bars that are available to thirsty mariners and landlubbers alike in the city centre. This one is run by Fellows, Morton & Clayton, an East Midlands based brewer. Cheers!