Coombe Country Park, Coventry

This was taken around noon time today at Coombe Country Park, outside Coventry.  I have taken a few photos here......such a beautiful place.  This is a view across the lake on to fields filled with sheep.  It is a peaceful moment found between Christmas and New Year, 2011.

Dawn's Early Light - Ansty Golf Centre

This is an untouched photograph taken on 18th December, 2011, at 8 am.  The sky was sensational and the ground was frosty and cold.  It snowed about an hour later.

Goathland, England - Harry Potter and Heartbeat Country

Yes, this is the train station used in the first 'Harry Potter' film.  It is located in a village called Goathland.  Goathland was used in the filming of Heartbeat TV series.  The village is called Aidensfield in the TV series.

A 3 hour drive north from Coventry will take you to the Yorkshire Dales where this station, many beautiful villages and challenging driving conditions can be found.  Worth the visit but not in the deep of winter.

Edward VII Pillar Box -Newcastle Upon Tyne

To be fair, Newcastle Upon Tyne is not quite 'Around Coventry'.  You can drive there in about 3 1/2 hours (about 210 miles) and believe me it is worth the visit.  I will be posting a few photos over the next few days following our recent visit.

I seem to have a fascination with English letterboxes.  This one dates back to early 1900's and is located in the streets running through Newcastle University.

Brinklow (near Coventry) - RAF Funeral

We were only passing through Brinklow this morning when it was apparent that a funeral was soon to take place at St John the Baptist Church.  We stopped as RAF Reginald Cleaver arrived.  The photographs are shared with you in tribute to a man who was a POW and helped other prisoners escape....in 'The Great Escape' film style.

11th Day of the 11th Month of the 11th Year - Wolston, Remembrance Day

Wolston is a charming village located about 5 miles south east of Coventry.  The River Avon separates Wolston from Brandon (another tiny village).  Lovely place for a little walk and maybe a visit to the local pub.

Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coombe Country Park Entrance

Coombe Abbey Hotel and Moat

Historic Coombe Abbey Hotel is to be found just outside Coventry next to Coombe Country Park.

Road to Chipping Campden

A short 45 minute drive from Coventry to Chipping Campden will find you driving through beautiful countryside with views like this.  Chipping Campden is located in the Cotswolds, not far from Stratford Upon Avon.  It features a historic High Street that has been officially designated a conservation area to preserve it for years to come. 

Welcome to Coventry

1940 Coventry Rail Station is located within easy walking distance of Coventry City Centre.  The Station's central location in England means that there are plenty of destinations to travel to from here.  Note:  Birmingham International Airport is only about a 10 minute train journey from here.  For me the most eye-catching train passing through this Station has to be the Virgin train (as pictured).

Priory Row - Georgian Architecture & Historic 15th Century Cottages

Along side Holy Trinity Church you will find Priory Row.  The restored Georgian buildings give us an idea of how Coventry looked before World War II when much of the City Centre was destroyed.  The 15th Century Cottages are in the distance and were formerly three separate dwelling places.

St. Mary Street, Coventry

This is the view from Coventry Cathedral, Bayley Lane gate.  We are looking down St. Mary Street with Drapers Hall to the right and the Council House to the left.  

Old Coventry Cathedral Spire

The 14th century Gothic structure of St Michael's Spire (Coventry Cathedral) remains after bombing during the Second World War. The Cathedral around it remains a ruined shell with the new Cathedral built next to it. This Spire continues to be a working bell tower. The tower is open to the public.

Here Today - Gone Tomorrow.

Or, this could be titled, 'New for Old'.  Either way, it seems the start of a long romance that had no future and ended as quickly as it began.  Good-bye old lamp post.  Hello new lamp post.  PS.  If I were on my toes, I could have gotten a shot of the original lamp post before the replacement arrived.  Hummmm!

Spot The Squirrel

.

This is for fun so I'll give you a clue.  Oh, no I won't :).

Just 161 Miles Outside Coventry - Whitstable

We had a little drive to the seaside and found 2 particularly interesting spots.  Three rows of beach huts make up the Tankerton Bay Beach Huts' site.  The huts overlooking shingle beach and the North Sea.  Whitstable Castle is perched on the hill between the seaside town of Whitstable and the district of Tankerton.

Tankerton Bay Beach Huts (outside Whitstable, Kent, England)

Whitstable Castle grounds

Lady Godiva Oversees Coventry Getting Ready for Olympics 2012

Legend has it that Lady Godiva (1040 to 1070) rode through the streets of Coventry

 in order to gain a remission of the oppressive taxation imposed by her husband on his tenants. 

Photo is of Lady Godiva statute which is located in Broadgate, Coventry. 

 Coventry is to host Olympic football events during the 2012 games in England.

Please note:  I am having the weekend off.  More on Monday, 10th.

Open the curtains - Oh No, That Is Smoke.

Rain clouds had just moved away leaving clear blue skies and a massive amount of smoke billowing up from Dunelm Store near Coventry Airport.  Two large stores were totally destroyed.  Fire alleged to have been started by arsonist.  Fortunately, no one was injured. 

Blast From The Past - Not many of these couples about these days

The Red Telephone Box is all but gone in England.  What delight to find on the main road through Stretton Under Fosse village, a traditional Phone Box along side a British 'ER' Post Box. PS.  Hope they are both there for many years to come.

Room With A View

This bird house is discreetly placed overlooking the Sowe River which runs along side Ernesford Grange School & Community College playing field.  PS  No one was in!

A Reminder That We Can Have Nice Weather In October

Look close - it is 70+ in the shade in Coventry, England, at 4pm.  Loving it!!!!  PS. The flowers are real.

Monks Kirby - Which way to Coventry?

St Edith’s Church, a Grade I listed,

 was founded in the 11th century and dominates 

the landscape of the village of Monk's Kirby. 

Photo taken at the Village Green.

Granddaughter's cakes and sweets - THE BEST!

Pure magic.....!

Taken after cakes and sweets created on the floor of her garage.  Don't worry.....they aren't edible :)

Victorian Wall Box at Corley Ash, Warwickshire

This Victorian letter box dates (most likely) back to the 1880's.  Corley Ash is a village located northwest of Coventry.  I wonder how many letters have been posted here.

Ansty Golf Club - Today is like a nice morning in Needles, California.

Photo taken at about noon on the 4th green at Ansty Golf Club located to the east of Coventry.  No golf today - just a lovely walk on the public footpath that runs through and along side the golf course.  Temperatures were well into the 80's today......unusual and lovely.

Another angle of same spot.

Sunshine And A Warm Breeze - Coombe Country Park

It is nearly 80ºF here in the middle of England. So off to Coombe Country Park just 5 miles east of Coventry city center. Photo taken inside 500 acre beautiful historic parkland.