Hyde Daily Photo Volume 2

Electricity Substation

2012-03-01T00:00:00.000Z

The CDPB theme today is Electricity so I thought I'd show you our nearby Electricity Substation. There isn't much to see as it's locked safely away in a brick shed. Basically it is a big transformer but if you want more technical details you'll have to look elsewhere.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants to the theme day.

ABC Wednesday: G is for Gone

2012-02-29T00:00:00.000Z

On Monday morning Hyde Market was as busy and bustling as usual but some things were gone.

Gone now is the Crown Pole and the old wooden benches between the HSBC bank and the open market. Their removal is part of the renovation of the market that is currently underway.

Gone also are Mr Griffin and his groupies who "graced" us with their presence on Saturday causing the closure of the market for the day.

For more G posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Moorside Place

2012-02-28T00:00:00.001Z

These new houses on Moorside Place are tucked away behind the sluice gates on the Peak Forest Canal. On the left is the wooded banks of the Wilson Brook.

The children's carousel and a JCB

2012-02-27T00:00:00.002Z

The "roundabout" on Hyde Market has been there around a hundred years and it is going nowhere.

The market is undergoing a revamp this year in two phases so that one half will still be operating whist the half is being worked on.

This was the scene last Tuesday afternoon with a JCB parked near the carousel.

Visit Hyde DP Xtra for a view in the opposite direction and a photograph from last Saturday morning when the market was closed for once.

A contribution to

Shadows across Hyde Market

2012-02-26T00:00:00.000Z

Mature trees cast their shadows across the cleared Northern half of Hyde Market last Sunday afternoon in a never to be repeated view.

The original renovation plans included removal of all the trees but after protests at least some of the more mature trees are to be retained.

On the left can be seen the greengrocer's "Strawberry Gardens" with solicitor's offices above. To the right is the White Lion public house, William Hill's betting shop (bookies) and the Santander (former Abbey) Bank. Far right is the children's carousel (roundabout) in front of the Clarendon shopping centre.

Compare with the scene in the opposite direction in heavy rain the previous day as shown on Hyde DP Xtra.

Since Sunday this part of the market has been cordoned off as renewal work gets under way. The small trees in front of the White Lion have already gone.

Yesterday shadows of different kind were cast over Hyde Market but of these I do not wish comment here.

This is a contribution to Shadow Shot Sunday.

Weekend Reflections outside Gabbots Farm

2012-02-25T00:00:00.000Z

Reflected in the window of Gabbots Farm (branch of a chain of butchers) is Clarendon place.

On the right (opposite in reality) is the Jolly Carter and on the left is a 201 bus stopping outside The Queens.

A contribution to Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: The Foxholes Oak

2012-02-24T00:00:00.001Z

This ancient oak tree at Foxholes, just below Knott Fold, overlooks the former Godley to Apethorn Railway line now used by the Trans Pennine trail.

See how it looked on Christmas Day 2011.

See also how it looked covered in leaves in June 2009 on sithenah.

Since then it has lost a number of branches - see some smaller ones on the embankment and view the embankment from the opposite direction on Hyde DP Xtra.

Tree followers should check out Loose & Leafy.

Sky followers should visit Skywatch Friday.

21st Century Bubblegum

2012-02-23T00:00:00.001Z

Are you old enough to remember the vending machines outside shops when you got bubble-gum delivered for a penny? Now bubble gum is 20p and other confectionery can be 50p or a £1 from these new style candy machines in Clarendon Shopping Centre.

ABC Wednesday: F is for Fitness for Females

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000Z

The former Crown public house at the corner of Market Street and Nelson Street is now a Ladies only fitness and toning salon.

For more F posts visit ABC Wednesday.

At the Bottom of Wellington Street

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000Z

The bottom end of Wellington Street. Over the fence are new houses on the Moorside Place development. You can see them from the opposite direction when still under construction in my post of 24th April 2011.

The land formerly belonged to the Automasters Engineering Works. A notice on the remnant of the wall in front of the fence warns that only Wellington Street itself is open to the public. You can see the notice in full on Hyde DP Xtra.

Pitt Field cottages are out of sight on the left. See how they looked in 2008 on sithenah.

A footpath round the back of the fence leads between the M67 motorway and the new estate/former works to the towpath of the Peak Forest Canal.

Yellow on Green Street

2012-02-20T00:00:00.002Z

Two men were digging up the pavement on Green Street a while back. I thought it might have been for cable-laying but I'm informed that it is part of the ongoing gas mains replacement programme.

A contribution to

The Icy TransPennine Trail

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000Z

This was taken last Sunday morning along the Trans Pennine Trail. Formerly the route of the Godley Junction to Apethorn Railway, it is now part of the National Cycle Route #62. The tarmac track on the left is for cyclists and walkers. That was clear but the track on the right, which is for horse riders, was thick with ice. Normally it is full of squelchy mud.

In the distance is Dowson Road Bridge, a closer view of which can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

This post is a contribution to Sunday Bridges at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections: Sluice gates

2012-02-18T00:00:00.000Z

Today's photograph was taken just around the corner from the one I posted last Sunday featuring the railway bridge which is in the background here.

There was a thin layer of ice on the Peak Forest Canal but water was still flowing through these sluice gates into the Wilson Brook.

See how it looked here in March 2011 and even earlier in March 2008.

This is a contribution to Weekend Reflections.

The top of a tree

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000Z

Yesterday I posted of photo of the bottom of a tree.

This is the top of that tree.

You can see the middle of the tree on Hyde DP Xtra.

If you are a tree-follower I suggest you check out Loose and Leafy.

This post is a contribution to Skywatch Friday.

The bottom of a tree

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000Z

The bottom of this tree stands in Gower Hey Woods close to where the path through the woods steps out on to the TransPennine trail at Swains Valley.

I'll show you some more of this big tree tomorrow.

ABC Wednesday: E is for Empty Half of the Market Ground

2012-02-15T00:00:00.001Z

Following the preparation work on Saturday, removing the remnants of the old market stalls, the Northern half of the market ground has now been cleared as part of the first phase of the planned renovation.

Across the empty ground is a clear view of Clarendon Street leading down to the Bus Station. On the left can be seen the greengrocer's "Strawberry Gardens" with solicitor's offices above. To the right is the White Lion public house, William Hill's betting shop (bookies) and the Santander (former Abbey) Bank. In the background is the "Job Centre" and far right is the children's carousel (roundabout).

So whilst the market ground may be temporarily empty it reveals a full scene.

See the view in the opposite direction on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more E posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Animal Shelter Shop

2012-02-14T00:00:00.001Z

The fundraising shop for Tameside Animal Shelter on Reynold Street recently expanded taking over the shop on the corner of Norfolk Street as a furniture store.

Preparing the Market Ground

2012-02-13T00:00:00.002Z

Work has begun on the renewal of Hyde Market. The Northern half of the market ground is being cleared. The Southern half is still trading so the market will remain open during the work. All that is left of the stalls in this section are the metal support pole bases. A workman, with what I think is an oxy-acetylene torch, is melting one of them so that it can pulled from the ground. In the background is one of the displaced stallholders trading from a temporary stall in front of the Santander (former Abbey branch) bank.

Three more photographs of the work last Saturday can be found on Hyde DP Xtra.

Trains and Boats and Planes

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000Z

Following the demolition of Automasters and the building of the canal-side estate, Moorside Place, the view across the bend in the Peak Forest Canal has been opened up. No boats were passing as the surface of the canal was covered with ice. Behind the canal is the M67 motorway. Crossing the motorway is the railway bridge carrying the Manchester Piccadilly to Rose Hill (Marple) line. It is only an hourly service and no trains were crossing at the time. There were a couple of planes in the sky but they are probably too faint to be made out.

Please visit Sunday Bridges at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections: Russell Street

2012-02-11T00:00:00.000Z

Reflected in the puddle on Russel Street is Byle's Beds showroom.

For a wider view see Geograph.

A contribution to Weekend Reflections.

Saturday Sunrise

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000Z

This is how the sky looked early last Saturday morning.

The sun came out and we went on our usually Saturday morning jaunt into town. Mid-morning the sun disappered behind a grey sky and as we came home after lunch it started snowing.

Yesterday's post shows the traffic queuing for petrol.

There is a series of shots on Hyde DP Xtra showing the snow gradually changing the scene on Swains Valley.

By Monday most of the snow had gone and it wasn't quite the snowmageddon the press reports would have you think.

A contribution to Skywatch Friday.

Queuing for petrol in the snow

2012-02-09T00:00:00.001Z

Cars were queuing for petrol at the Shell filling station on Dowson Road last Saturday. Light snow had been falling for about two and a half hours.

A series of photos of the snow on Swains Valley can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

It wasn't quite the snowmageddon that the press and TV made it out to be - not round here at any rate. By Monday it had more or less gone.

ABC Wednesday: D is for Digging Deep

2012-02-08T00:00:00.001Z

Workmen dug a deep trench in Clarendon Place a few weeks ago. I think they were replacing a gas main but I'm not sure. The roadworks were in place for just over a week.

You can see a wider view of the work on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more D posts visit ABC Wednesday.

End of the Crown Pole

2012-02-07T00:00:00.002Z

In preparation for the refurbishment of Hyde Market the Crown Pole has been dug out of its foundations. As I said in my post of 20th January which shows the pole from the opposite direction, the pole is to be re-sited (but the plans do not say where) whilst the telephone box is to be retained.

The benches between the pole and Clarendon Shopping Centre (the other end to the entrance I showed yesterday) have already been removed.

A closer view of the base of the uprooted pole can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

See how it looked when newly erected on Old Hyde.

Welcome to Clarendon Square

2012-02-06T00:00:00.001Z

The Market Place entrance to Clarendon Square. It is usually referred to as Clarendon Shopping Centre or Clarendon Mall. Locals will often just say something like - "I'll meet you outside Argos in Clarendon" or "I got it from Superdrug in the mall".

According to Wikipedia

"The centre was opened in 1963 by the Metropolitan Railway Surplus Land company as an open air precinct, but by 1980 it was in decline, with consistent vandalism combined with poor construction materials and appearance deterring retailers from locating within it. In 1990 the freeholders of the precinct, the local council (TMBC) and other organisations stepped in to sort out the centre and initiate a redevelopment strategy. In 1994 that plan was made a reality with the centre extended and made undercover, along with a new market hall and increased retail space. It is now extremely popular within the catchment area and it boasts a number of well-known chain stores such as B&M, O2, Argos and Gamestation.It is now owned by Manchester based property group, MCR Property Group"

.A contribution to Monday Doorways at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Sunday Bridges: Dowson Road at sunset

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000Z

Last week I showed you the sunset through Knott Fold bridge.

In this week's shot you can see Knott Fold bridge and the same sunset from Dowson Road bridge.

The last time I showed you Dowson Road bridge I was highlighting its Christmas Day puddle. It hasn't receded.

Right now it's probably iced over and covered with an inch of snow. I won't be going down to find out.

See more Sunday Bridges at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections in the Peak Forest Canal

2012-02-04T00:00:00.000Z

Looking over the Peak Forest Canal from Manchester Road. The tall warehouse reflected in the water is Wharfingers House a grade II listed building.

On the left is the new housing development, Moorside Place, on the site of Automasters Engineering Works.

There is ice on the surface of the canal, particularly at the bend up ahead.

We've been here before witnessing the changes:

For more around the world visit Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Sunset over Foxholes

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000Z

Last Sunday I posted a view of Sunset under Knott Fold Bridge.

I walked under the bridge as far as the Foxholes oak tree where I turned off the trail up a footpath leading onto the bridge from where I took this photograph.

We are looking down the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network Route #62. The track on the left is for cyclists and walkers. What looks like a stream on the right is actually a bridleway.

For more sky shots visit Skywatch Friday.

Tree Bole

2012-02-02T00:00:00.001Z

Remember the broken branch I showed you recently?

Here is a close-up of the bole of the tree at the point where it divides into two. The broken branch is attached to the left hand side.

I photographed the top of the same tree on Christmas Day when there was an Emirates plane flying over it.

Horses at Broomstairs

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000Z

The CDPB theme for the first of February is "Animals" so last week I took this photograph of horses at Broomstairs.

Their stables are by grazing land in the flood plain of the river Tame. See their field on Hyde DP Xtra.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants to the CDPB theme.

ABC Wednesday: C is for Cordwell's Café

2012-01-31T16:00:00.000Z

Cordwell's on Market Place is an amusement arcade cum café. There is another amusement arcade belonging to Cordwell's in nearby Clarendon Street but this one includes a café. At one time it was very smokey but after smoking inside was banned it was revamped and includes a toilet with disabled access. It seems though that the premises have been sold and the café is soon to close and be replaced by yet another bookies. To the left is £-stretchers in what used to be Woolworth's and is still referred to as "Woollies". To the right is the Albion public house.

Cordwell's Amusement Arcade on Clarendon Street can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more C posts visit ABC Wednesday

Work at the Theatre Royal

2012-01-30T00:00:00.002Z

I recently showed you the boarded up doorway to the Theatre Royal 2 Cinema on the corner of Henry Street and Onward Street. The old notice-boards and sign had been removed.

I was passing there again last week and saw these builders at work on the building. Some plastering has been done and the window-frames are being fitted with metal shutters and vents. I don't know on whose behalf the work was being undertaken.

The Theatre Royal Onward Trust have been working since 1999 to acquire the building and restore it. Getting there is not easy but the fight is not lost. One day it will re-open.

More of my own photos of the theatre can be seen on Theatre Royal Hyde Photographs.

Sunday Bridges: Knott Fold at Sunset

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000Z

Only a fortnight ago I posted a photograph of Knott Fold bridge looking East towards where horses change side.

Today's view was taken from that point looking Westwards under the bridge with the twilight of the setting sun lightening up the scene beyond.

For more Sunday Bridges visit San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections: Cash Converters

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000Z

This weekend's reflections are in the windows of the offices above "cashconverters" on Market Street.

See more reflections on Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Hatton Grange

2012-01-27T00:00:00.000Z

Hatton Grange is a residential care home on the site of the former Hyde Police Station. It occupies the land bounded by Oldham Street, Croft Street, Henry Street and Onward Street. It is named after local boxer Ricky Hatton.

On the day in question a bright winter sun was shining in the afternoon but storm clouds were gathering in the East.

A contribution to Skywatch Friday.

Sweets & Treats

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000Z

A confectionary stall on Hyde Market set up next to the roundabout (children's carousel).

ABC Wednesday: B is for Broken Branch

2012-01-25T00:00:00.000Z

One of the branches of this tree at Foxholes is breaking off the trunk. Whether this is due to old age, storm damage or the effect of local kids swinging therefrom I couldn't say.

For more "B" posts visit ABC Wednesday.

All aboard the 344

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001Z

A "Stotts of Oldham" Optare bus on the #344 Backbower circular route is picking up passengers at the heritage bus stop by Hyde Market on Monday afternoon. Stotts took over the route last week following the collapse of previous operator Speedwells.

The same bus on the #342 route (the Backbower circular in the opposite direction) can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

Back entrance to HBS Pharmacy

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000Z

A new pharmacy opened on Market Street recently. HBS have taken over a former furniture store.

There are already two pharmacies (Lloyds and a Co-op) in the same block. This makes three now and there are a another three (two Boots [one ex-Nupharm] and another Co-op) within the town centre.

Like the other two they have a main entrance on the front of Market Street and a rear entrance onto the Long Meadow car park.

You can view the front entrance on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more Monday Doorways visit San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Shadow Shot Sunday: Behind Waverley Road

2012-01-22T00:00:00.001Z

There is a little triangle of land behind the houses on Waverley Road and Laburnum Avenue (out of sight on the right). The third side of the hypotenuse is a footpath leading between the two and skirting the back of houses on a couple of cul-de-sacs.

These shadows were captured on a sunny day a few weeks ago.

For more shadows visit Shadow Shot Sunday.

Weekend Reflections in the rain on Hyde Market

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000Z

The key-cutter's stall sells umbrellas. In front of him is a mobile coffee-shop and behind him is a burger/sandwich van. What more could you need?

For more reflections visit Weekend Reflections

Skywatch Friday: Looking past the Crown Pole

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000Z

A view from the South end of Hyde Market looking down Corporation Street.

Immediately on the left is the Midland Bank. Across Market Street on the corner of Corporation Street is the Royal Bank of Scotland. Further down Corporation Street on the opposite side of the road can be glimpsed the domes of the Jamia Mosque. Nearer is the Town Hall from which a flag is flying.

In the foreground on the left is a board showing details of the plans to revamp the Market ground. Behind it lies the Crown Pole erected in 2002 to commemorate the Queen's golden jubilee. The pole is to be re-sited but the plans do not say where. The telephone box is to be retained.

More about the revamp on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more skies around the world visit Skywatch Friday.

National Cycle Network Route 62

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000Z

This is the entrance to the Trans Pennine Trail and NCN route 62 from the corner of Stockport Road and Osborne Road.

The Sustrans website describes the NCN Route 62:

National Route 62 of the National Cycle Network will link Glasson just south of Lancaster with Selby in Yorkshire via Blackpool, Preston, Southport, Stockport and Doncaster.

The main part of National Route 62 forms the Trans Pennine Trail between Southport and Selby. The route from Southport to Penistone via Liverpool and Stockport is 96 miles, mostly traffic-free.

Although signed as part of the National Cycle Network, the Trans Pennine Trail is a separately managed and funded project. The Western section includes the Liverpool Loop line and the Cheshire Lines path and passes through the Peak District National park.

The home page of the Trans Pennine Trail says

The Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) is an exciting route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders linking the North and Irish seas, passing through the Pennines, alongside rivers and canals and through some of the most historic towns and cities in the North of England.

The Trail from coast-to-coast between Southport and Hornsea is 215 miles (346 km) long. A north-south route connects Leeds and Chesterfield and a spur to York means there are approximately 350 miles (560 km) of Trans Pennine Trail available to explore.

The Trans Pennine Trail is mapped and signed all the way, mainly traffic free and is surprisingly level considering the dramatic scenery along the way. Easy gradients and surfaced paths make many sections suitable for families, gentle exercise and people using wheelchairs and pushchairs.

You couldn't get down just here on a horse and you'd have to dismount your cycle. Nor is it accessible to a wheelchair user. A sign bans motorcycles but I've seen more than the occasional one on this section.

ABC Wednesday: A is for Ashworth Lane

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000Z

Ashworth Lane runs through Hattersley.

On the left is Mill Hill Green on which stands the Monkey Puzzle Tree which was moved in 2010 to make way for a new Tesco supermarket. The land behind it off Chain Bar Road is being used as a works unit for the construction work.

The Tesco is been built on the right-hand side of Ashworth Lane.

For more A posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Where horses change sides

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000Z

Just East of Knott Fold bridge on the Trans Pennine Trail, horse riders must jump the low double trough and change from the left hand side to the right hand side. On reaching Dowson Road bridge in the distance they must change sides again. Cyclists and walkers need to use the squeeze stile to get past the barrier across the track. This section which doubles as National Cycle Route 62 is along the line of the former Godley Junction to Apethorn railway line.

The coloured original can be seen on Geograph.

Royal 2 Doorway

2012-01-16T00:00:00.002Z

The boarded up doorway to the Theatre Royal 2 Cinema on the corner of Henry Street and Onward Street.

The old notice-boards and sign have recently been removed highlighting the distressed state of the building.

The Theatre Royal Onward Trust have been working since 1999 to acquire the building and restore it. Getting there is not easy but the fight is not lost. One day it will re-open.

More of my photos of the theatre can be seen on Theatre Royal Hyde Photographs.

For more Monday doorways (and hopefully prettier ones) visit San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Sunday Bridges: Knott Fold

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000Z

Another photograph from my walk along the Trans Pennine Trail on Christmas Day.

Horses on the left, cyclists and walkers on the right here but just after Knott Fold bridge the equestrians move to the right until they reach Dowson Road bridge where they change sides again.

For more Sunday bridges visit San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections: Tree on Dowson Road

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000Z

The morning after a very stormy night. There are large puddles on the footpath. A tall tree is reflected in the puddle. Several of its smaller branches have been blown down and are lying in the roadway.

See more of the tree on Hyde DP Xtra.

See more reflections on Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Clouds over the Hare & Hounds

2012-01-13T00:00:00.000Z

I posted a view of the sky over the Hare & Hounds on Werneth Low back in October 2011. For Skywatchers though it is an ever changing view. This is how it looked on Thursday at 10am with birds flying around and the sun just trying to peep out under the clouds.

About twenty minutes later the clouds had mostly gone, the sun shone and the sky turned blue. This is how it looked another three hours later with sheep grazing in the field below the inn.

For more from around the world visit Skywatch Friday.

Sepia Scenes: Chapel Court

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000Z

Chapel Court is a westward extenstion of Chapel Street off Albert Road.

Around the bend and out of sight lie a clutch of both private and "social" housing.

For more sepia shots visit Sepia Scenes.

ABC Wednesday: Z is for Zeenath

2012-01-11T00:00:00.000Z

I did Z is for Zeenath back in July 2008. I've no compunction about doing it again. That time I showed a view of the side window on Port Street.

This time I'm showing the front of the shop on Market Street.

Household domestic spares, fancy goods, small DIY and electrical goods. The windows and walls of the shop are stacked with all manner of stuff, yet there's just enough room for a few customers to go in and turn around.

A closer view of the front windows can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more "Z" posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Carousel in the Rain

2012-01-10T00:00:00.001Z

On the last Friday before Christmas, a butcher's van is set up between the carousel and the White Lion. The carousel has operated on Hyde Market for over 100 years and will be retained when the market is extensively renovated in 2012.

More about the renovations on Hyde DP Xtra.

Leatherworks on Lumn Road

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000Z

On the corner of Lumn Road and Townend Street is leather & grindery merchant, D Sharpe & Son, suppliers of aprons, belts, straps &c. It is almost opposite the site of the former James North factory which produced leather products for worldwide distribution.

See their sign on Hyde DP Xtra.

Christmas Day Puddle

2012-01-08T00:00:00.000Z

Yesterday I showed you the reflection in the puddle under Dowson Road bridge on Christmas Day.

Today I show you a picture of the puddle itself looking under the bridge towards Knott Fold.

Compare it with the views in February 2011 and in February 2010.

For more Sunday Bridges visit San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections: Under Dowson Road on Christmas Day

2012-01-07T00:00:00.001Z

There was a big puddle under Dowson Road bridge on Christmas Day and as I walked along the Trans Pennine Trail I captured this reflection.

A wider, coloured version can be viewed on Geograph.

Another reflection from that day can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

More reflections can be found on Weekend Reflections.

Looking over the Shell garage

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000Z

The view over the Shell garage on Dowson Road. On the right is the tower of St George's church. To the left can be seen houses on Woodend Lane. The trees between hide the deep-sided valley of the Gower Hey Brook.

A contribution to Skywatch Friday.

Astoria Bingo Building

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000Z

It was originally a cinema called La Scala; rumour has it they used to turn the heating up towards the interval in the hope that people would buy more ice cream. It was also used as a dance hall.

Comments made when I posted a photo of the Astoria Bingo Hall in 2007 include

"astoria bingo is ok its free every monday afternoon and evening, and its half price on tuesday. the money is not up to scratch like the big bingo halls,but its ok for the dear old ladies and the food is great too and it doesnt cost an arm and a leg."

"it may be small but all it needs is a lot more people to get the prices up.the staff and the people that go to astoria bingo are great to get on with you make new friends.and the atmosphere is nice too."

Obviously it was well loved by its clientelle but not very profitable and it was closed down in 2010. The cladding on the wall is coming off and the disused building is clearly deteriorating.

This is a crop of a wider view which you can see on Geograph.

ABC Wednesday: Y is for Yellow

2012-01-04T00:00:00.000Z

The bright yellow on the roofs of the stalls on Hyde Market is very distinctive.

In 2012 an extensive revamp of Hyde Market is to take place. The £1.2m redevelopment will begin in January and will see the creation of a civic space for events and a change in the layout of stalls to improve access. Key elements of the proposed scheme include the use of high quality materials, removal of street clutter, changing the lay-out of the stalls to improve access to Clarendon Square shopping centre, and the creation of a civic space. The work will take place in two phases so that half of the market will remain open and in use whilst work takes place on the other half. The whole work should be completed by September 2012. The trees such as the one seen behind the stalls will be removed and new permanent stalls provided. Whether their roofs will still be so colourful remains to be seen.

Another view of the Market at the end of 2011 can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

For more "Y" posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Jolly Carter open again

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000Z

A couple of weeks ago the Jolly Carter was shut down and not so jolly.

Although the "To Let" sign was still up on Saturday, it seems to have opened up again just in time for New Year.

2012 Twilight

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000Z

A view over the rooftops towards the Hare and Hounds on Werneth Low.

This was taken just before dawn on New Year's Day.

Best of Hyde Daily Photo 2011: Winner

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

The winner of the Best of Hyde Daily Photo 2011 is this shot of reflections in the Peak Forest Canal by Captain Clarke's Bridge.

Who, you might ask, as people do, was Captain Clarke? Find out on Old Hyde.

The runner-up shot and full details of the voting can be found on Hyde DP Xtra.

Full size versions of all twelve contenders can be found on Best of Hyde 2011.

Other daily photo-bloggers are today publishing their best photo of the year. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

Finally I would like to wish all my visitors a Happy New Year. There could be a lot happening in Hyde during 2012 and I hope to record at least some of it.

Weekend Reflections: Ring and Ride Bus

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000Z

This weekend's reflections are in the windows of the Ring and Ride bus which brings us into town and drops us off in Clarendon Place each Saturday.

Ring & Ride provides a door-to-door accessible minibus service for people of all ages who find it difficult to use ordinary public transport. Until recently you could only book journeys the morning before and it often took a long time to get past the "engaged signal". Now you can book journeys up to a week in advance so, although it can still take a while to get through, the pressure to get through is not so great.

For more reflections visit Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Squally Showers over Matley Moor

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000Z

Looking over Newton towards Matley Moor.

For more skywatching visit Skywatch Friday.

Football on Croft Millennium Green

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000Z

I was walking down Henry Street the other day and was rather surprised to discover that a football pitch had been built on the middle of the Croft Millennium Green.

It wasn't there when I was by it in March.

Only one more day left to vote for the Best of Hyde 2011. View the twelve contenders at Best of Hyde 2011 and vote for your favourite three photographs. Voting is very close this year so the winner has yet to be determined. Voting closes 12 noon GMT, Friday 30th December 2011.

ABC Wednesday: X is for Xmas Fete

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000Z

The Xmas Fete featured here took place at the Central Methodist Church on Crook Street a few weeks ago.

Another photo from the fete can be seen on Hyde DP Xtra.

There are only a couple of days left to vote for the Best of Hyde 2011. View the twelve contenders at Best of Hyde 2011 and vote for your favourite three photographs. Voting closes 12 noon GMT, Friday 30th December 2011.

For more "X" posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Private Steps

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000Z

It seems that a householder on Grosvenor Road has built a set of steps from behind their back garden down the former railway embankment onto the Trans Pennine Trail.

There are just a few days left to vote for Best of Hyde 2011. View the twelve contenders at Best of Hyde 2011 and vote for your favourite three photographs. Voting closes 12 noon GMT, Friday 30th December 2011.

Emirates plane over Foxholes on Christmas Day

2011-12-26T00:00:00.001Z

I was walking down the Trans Pennine Trail shortly after midday on Christmas Day when this Emirates airline plane bound for Manchester flew over Foxholes.

There is a better view of the tree on Hyde DP Xtra.

Carols in Clarendon

2011-12-25T00:00:00.001Z

While the Salvation Army were playing outside on the market, members of the Hyde Fellowship of Churches were leading carol singing inside the Clarendon Shopping Centre.

Photographs of the musicians can be found on Hyde DP Xtra.

There are just a few days left to vote for Best of Hyde 2011. View the twelve contenders at Best of Hyde 2011 and vote for your favourite three photographs. Voting closes 12 noon GMT, Friday 30th December 2011.

Weekend Reflections: Sally Army Buskers

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000Z

Many Saturdays you will find two members of the Salvation Army playing outside in the Market Place. The market stalls are reflected in the shop front behind them.

See how they looked in November 2006.

For more reflections visit Weekend Reflections.

A plane over Dowson Road

2011-12-23T00:00:00.000Z

Planes regularly fly over the rooftops of Dowson Road.

Many of them are getting ready to land at Manchester Airport but this one is heading towards the North and gaining height so is probably on an outgoing flight.

See more skies at Skywatch Friday.

Hyde Town Hall Christmas Lights 2011

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000Z

Yesterday I promised to show you the Town Hall all lit up for Christmas this year, so here it is.

ABC Wednesday: W is for Waiting

2011-12-21T00:00:00.001Z

The folk here were waiting for the Christmas lights to be turned on back in November.

They were switched on by pantomime dame Bev Moss after the crowd had been entertained by Mossley Band and other performers.

Another photograph from that evening is on Hyde DP Xtra.

I'll show you the lights on the Town Hall tomorrow.

For more "W" posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Not so Jolly Carter

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000Z

It isn't going to be a jolly Christmas at the Jolly Carter this year. The town centre pub was closed down several weeks ago and new tenants are presently being sought.

Entrance to Adamson Industrial Estate

2011-12-19T00:00:00.001Z

Cross over Croft Street Bridge and you arrive at the entrance to the Adamson Industrial Estate.

Originally this was the Joseph Adamson Works dating back to 1885 when they were engineers and boiler-makers. Joseph's uncle Daniel Adamson was the founder of the Manchester Ship Canal.

By 1981 the site by the Peak Forest Canal was described as derelict and unlikely to find a future user but in fact, though the old chimney has gone, the warehouses remain and it is home to a number of small and larger businesses.

Snow on the Low

2011-12-18T00:00:00.001Z

As I left Tameside hospital on Thursday morning after my operation it was snowing and by lunchtime the roofs of houses on Brooks Avenue were covered. By late afternoon the snow had turned to rain but in the distance by the Hare & Hounds on Werneth Low the ground was still covered in snow.

Equitable shadows and reflections

2011-12-17T00:00:00.001Z

Formerly a warehouse for the Hyde Equitable Co-operative Society on Railway Street. The middle floors are occupied but the top floor offices and basement storage area are currently to let.

The tree in front not only throws its shadow across the brickwork but is also reflected in the windows of the building.

For a wider view of Railway Street please visit Hyde DP Xtra.

For more reflections please visit Weekend Reflections

For more shadows please visit Shadow Shot Sunday

Onward Once More

2011-12-16T00:00:00.003Z

Another view of the Hyde Coat of Arms. The last one I showed you was on the Theatre Royal. This one is on the Town Hall.

[Post updated 11 am]

Following on from yesterday, I'd had nothing after 11.10pm on Wednesday and got a taxi to Tameside hospital for 8 am Thursday. I answered various questions and had blood taken but then lay on a trolley watching others who had not arrived until 10.30 am go down for surgery come back and go home until 5 pm when I was eventually taken down to theatre. I woke up back in the unit about 9pm and was shown a gall stone the size of a walnut. At midnight I was given some tea and toast. There were only three of us staying overnight but I had a drain in me which was uncomfortable so I rested but didn't sleep. I had more tea and toast at 4.30 am and at 6.30 am the drain was taken out and at 7.15 am I was sent home in a taxi, getting home just before it started snowing.

I discovered that a carer had give my wife her breakfast at 9.15 am yesterday but then nobody had been at lunch time. A carer had finally turned at 7.30 pm by which time Christine was hungry and shaking (possibly having a hypo). She was given four large sandwiches! Whether she took her correct medication I can't tell for sure. I'm glad to be home but am in quite some pain as yet - have been told to take it easy for the next three or four days by which time I should be feeling better.

Our freezer and fridge are nicely stocked and a neighbour is kindly getting us some more bread and cooked meat later so we should be OK till early next week.

Tameside Hospital

2011-12-15T00:00:00.001Z

I expect to be in Tameside Hospital today having my gall-bladder removed.

I recounted the tale of my earlier hospital stay in Another Week, Another Hospital. I should have gone in two weeks ago but the operation was cancelled as a result of the industrial action the day before.

So the operation has been rescheduled for today. Nil by mouth from midnight Wednesday and be at the hospital for 8 a.m.

If all goes according to plan I should be home tomorrow.

See follow-up post Onward.

ABC Wednesday: V is for Voting

2011-12-14T00:00:00.000Z

The time has come to vote for the best of Hyde DP 2011.

View the twelve contenders at Best of Hyde 2011 and vote for your favourite three photographs.

Voting closes 12 noon GMT, Friday 30th December 2011.

For more V posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Shops on John Kennedy Road

2011-12-13T00:00:00.001Z

An off-licence and two takeaways on John Kennedy Road, Hattersley.

Hyde Market at night

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000Z

This was taken last month while waiting for the Christmas lights to be turned on.

It won't look like this next year as there are plans for a complete revamp of the area.

More information on the work to be done can be found on Hyde DP Xtra.

Sunday Bridges: A Green View of Croft Street Bridge

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000Z

Crossing over the railway line from Rose Hill (Marple) to Piccadilly (Manchester) is the bridge on Croft Street.

This view of the bridge is taken from the back of Bowling Green Street.

Croft Street leads from Hyde town centre to the Adamson Industrial Estate based around a group of 19th century warehouses next to the Peak Forest canal. One of the warehouses can be seen behind the bridge.

The view of the railway line from the bridge can be seen on my 2nd December post on Hyde Daily Photo.

A street-side view of the bridge can be found on Hyde DP Xtra.

The original photograph from which this image was created can seen on Geograph.

More Sunday bridges can be found at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Weekend Reflections: Crown Decorators

2011-12-10T00:00:00.000Z

Crown Decorators on the corner of Church Street and Oldham Street are a well-established business by which I mean they've been there for as long as I can remember.

Their windows are quite reflective so are this week's contribution to Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Tesco Construction at Hattersley

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000Z

Tesco are building a new superstore on land off Ashworth Lane, Hattersley.

See how it looked here three years ago.

If you google for information on "Tesco at Hattersley" you will find there is a division of opinion between those who view the development as a dominant commercial giant getting its own way again to the detriment of smaller retailers and nearby town centres and those who see it as an opportunity to create jobs and revitalise a run-down community.

For more sky photographs visit Skywatch Friday.

The price of Holly Wreaths on Hyde Market

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000Z

Lots of people hang holly wreaths on their doors over Christmas. It is one of many pagan winter traditions that were incorporated into the Christian church. Check out the Christmas Holly for more information.

Holly wreaths were on sale last week by white-van man on Hyde Market for £3.95. I wonder what they would cost in other parts of the country or indeed other countries.

ABC Wednesday: U is for Union Street (looking East)

2011-12-07T00:00:00.001Z

The tower block is Chartist House. On the left is Union Street Clinic.

For the view looking West see Hyde DP Xtra.

For more "U" posts visit ABC Wednesday.

Looking down on the Queens

2011-12-06T00:00:00.001Z

Looking down over Clarendon Place from the empty level one of the multi-storey car park.

The Queens is an old coaching inn as the road was one of the main routes from North Derbyshire and South Yorkshire into Cheshire and Manchester. The entrance on the right (next to the Willow Wood Hospice shop) would originally have led to stabling. The six Queens on the inn sign represent the wives of Henry VIII.

More information about the pub and its connection with the Moors Murders and an old photograph can be found on the Hyde Cheshire blog.

Empty Car Park

2011-12-05T00:00:00.000Z

Level 1 of the Clarendon Shopping Centre multi-storey car park. Until recently parking on the two upper levels of the car park was free. See my post back in April. Now it costs just as much to park here as on the ground so most of the time it is virtually empty. There were in fact just two cars parked just out of shot on the right near to the ticket machine and stairwell. I didn't look to see if any cars were parked on level 2 but the ground car park was fairly full. As a concession on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays you can park anywhere for free after 3pm by which time it is starting to get dark these days.

Shadow Shot Sunday: Waiting to go on

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000Z

Another photograph from the switching on of the Christmas lights outside the Town Hall. Here the shadows belong to members of Mossley Band waiting to go on stage to perform.

For more shadows please visit Hey Harriet.

Weekend Reflections: Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000Z

Temperatures are falling but yesterday we erected the Christmas Tree and so our contribution to Weekend Reflections this week is a monochrome reflection of it through the front doors.

Skywatch Friday: From Croft Street Bridge

2011-12-02T00:00:00.000Z

An autumn afternoon view from Croft Street bridge over the Rose Hill (Marple) to Piccadilly (Manchester) railway line. On the left hand side is one of the Adamson Warehouses. On the right hand side is the rear of Hyde Fire Station. Hyde Central Station is out of sight just around the corner.

See more skies on Skywatch Friday.

Bev Moss in Action

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000Z

Bev Moss is the pantomime dame in the production of Dick Whittington that is touring Tameside this year. I caught the actor in action at the switching on of the Christmas lights outside Hyde Town Hall a few weeks ago.

I expected being "out of action" today as I was due to go in hospital at 8am to have my gall bladder out but owing to the Industrial Action yesterday my operation has been put back to December 15th.

"Action" is the CDPB theme today. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

ABC Wednesday: T is for Tesco

2011-11-30T00:00:00.001Z

Tesco are building a superstore on land at Hattersley. The land used to be occupied by houses but these were demolished some years when the estate was re-generated.

Another photograph of the construction work can be found on Hyde DP Xtra.

More T posts can be found at ABC Wednesday.

Bus Times

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000Z

Many bus stops have a board on a pole displaying the times of buses that stop there. This one is at the Market stop opposite Hyde Town Hall serving the 330 route to Stockport. You can use your mobile phone to get a text message telling you the times of the next three buses. It costs 25p. If it was in real-time, taking into consideration delays and cancellations, it might be worthwhile but as far as I know it isn't so you might as well just read the timetable, even if, as some folk will tell you, "it's a work of fiction".

Entrance to the Market Hall

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000Z

The entrance to the Indoor Market from inside Clarendon Shopping Centre is a contribution to Monday Doorways at San Francisco Bay Daily Photo.

Shadow Shot Sunday: The Light-stick Vendor

2011-11-27T00:00:00.000Z

A photograph from the switching on the Christmas lights outside the Town Hall.

The lady was selling "bubble-guns" and these "light-sticks" or whatever they are called. The light from her wares were casting her shadow in one direction and the shadow of her barrow in another.

For more shadows visit Hey Harriet.

Weekend Reflections in the Town Hall Windows

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000Z

For more reflection visit James' Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Sunrise over Hyde

2011-11-25T00:00:00.000Z

I caught this sunrise about a quarter to eight on Wednesday morning.

Ten minutes later and the sky had changed to its normal dull grey.

For more skyward views visit Skywatch Friday .

Looking down Lumn Road

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000Z

Looking past the once-closed but now reopened Gardner's Arms towards the former Globe Inn on the corner of Walker Lane. The Globe is being converted (like so many ex-pubs) into apartments.

See the view from Ridling Lane plus a photo from 2006 on Hyde DP Xtra.

ABC Wednesday: S is for Spoon

2011-11-23T00:00:00.000Z

One Saturday a few weeks ago we were having our tea and toast at the Methodist Church and found this spoon.

So what was the P.S.A. Brotherhood?

To discover something about it see my post on Old Hyde.

For more S posts visit ABC Wednesday.