Manchester

Old and new at this station. Normally considered as one of Manchester's two main railway stations it is now shared with many of Manchester's trams. Originally opened c1844 and had the reputation for being the worst category B interchange station in the United Kingdom in 2009. Here we see the new roof and tram interchange added in 2015. Behind is the old main building edifice. I remember catching the steam trains to and from my home town of Oldham under imposing but yellow smoked grimy glass held up by Victorian wrought iron frames here. Always quite imposing but now a very much more modern feel to things. This is actually a Bombardier M5000 built in Bautzen, Germany from 2014. It is on its way to Manchester Airport. See PiPs for other internal views

A wander around the city centre of Manchester can lead to all sorts of places. Here we see what at first sight looks like an old mill of sorts but the flower vase and curtains gives the game away. Yes, these are certainly modern converted apartments with views looking on Manchester's China Town. I wish you all, a great weekend, Herb Best viewed full screen.

Here in Manchester we have our equivalent of Amsterdam. A view from one of the many bridges across the old waterways of the old Manchester docks now know as the Salford Quays. For many years a dilapidated eyesore now a desirable place to live and wander. Well done Manchester and its neighbour Salford. See PiP for the whole colour view from this bridge.

Walk with me across this impressive bridge in my nearest city. The Salford Quays lift bridge, also known as the Salford Quays Millennium footbridge or the Lowry bridge, is a 91.2-metre long vertical lift bridge spanning the Manchester Ship Canal between Salford and Trafford in Greater Manchester opened in 2000.

The lifting bridge at Salford Keys, Manchester. A new bridge going over one of the many waterways at these keys, from 'The Lowery Centre' to Imperial Point. A lot of glass around here, hence the interesting reflections too.

A rather daring attempt to bring the season of Advent into the lives of ordinary Mancunians. 24 of the buildings windows are covered up by a number and is opened up on the appropriate days to reveal a picture.

On this hot July day we are here in the heart of the city centre, just behind the main shopping area. Sit with me and enjoy a drink and a nibble at one of these very old famous hostelries. Both the 'Old Wellington' and 'Sinclairs Oyster Bar' were moved brick by brick to here from another location 300metres away in 1998/9. The Old Wellington was originally built in 1552 and the Oyster bar has a similar interesting history. More info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shambles_Square,_Manchester

A rare visit to the city gives us a view from Victoria Railway station in Manchester showing us part of the new tramway concourse. Just two things of note to be seen here – one is a lone Manchester Bee, one of a few that are still dotted around the city centre and the other is the tram itself. For those that are interested it’s the Metrolink No. 3121 on its way to Manchester Airport via Market Street. Some interesting line connectivity here! Remember we drive on the left here so this tram is heading away from the station having taken the shortest route but the return tram would do a big swing out on a longer detour. I wonder why they designed it like that ? Nice full screen, enjoy the day. See next photo for more bees!

On posting my last photo of Manchester's Victoria station I realised that I had never actually posted any of the Manchester Bees here. So here are a few, seen on my trip here with our Ipernity friend David G Johnson in July 2018. It was in that year that a special celebration was to be had in celebration of the Manchester worker Bee. More than a hundred were dotted around Manchester, most painted by local school children in a competition. As you can see there were some splendid ones around. Enjoy full screen. More info: secretmanchester.com/bees-in-manchester