The Other Cambridge

 A few photos taken on Sunday of areas of Cambridge that don't attract tourists but offered a challenge on Sunday with the low light, bland skies and, for Hobson's Passage, perspective. The passage dates from much earlier but was redeveloped when the Central Cinema, Cambridge, opened in Hobson Street in 1921 with an Egyptian art deco style bright white facade. It later became a bingo hall, but closed in 2009. Council proposals to demolish the building to make way for shops, offices and a community space have been refused as the building is "iconic and rare" Unfortunately, the Council is correct in its comment that   "And a massive clean-up of Hobsons Passage which is currently Cambridge's largest open-air toilet and litter bin is required." but so far no progress on this one. Burleigh Street is another area that is destined for redevelopment and would be part of the Grafton Centre plan if it ever goes ahead. So sad to see the present state of this  previously thriving part of Cambridge. 

Changes to 19-33 Cambridge Regent Street

 I learned yesterday that this stretch of Regent street facing Downing College and backing onto Paker's Piece is due for demolition in the next couple of weeks so I took some shots with my phone before the work starts. I haven't yet investigated what is to replace the restaurant (previously Pizza Hut, Cafe Cuba Libre) but hopefully will fit in well with the new University Arms etc. Two shots at end of CCC last full survey of the area in 2001 when Pizza Hut and small Post Office in full operation.

Commercial Road London

  We mainly used the buses to travel in and out of central London from Beckton as our Cambridgeshire bus passes give us free travel. The route included driving along Commercial Road with its mix of different era architecture and cultures. We spent yesterday walking and exploring its many interesting buildings etc. Commercial Road starts at Whitechapel High Street, heads east, crossing the Limehouse Basin, the Regents Canal and the Limehouse Cut and ends in the East India Dock Road continuing to the left and West India Dock Road to the right. It was constructed in 1802–1806 to link the West India and East India Docks to the City of London. It was fully populated with houses at this time (some still stand) but with the arrival of the railway, factories also sprung up and the area became overcrowded and polluted. WWII bombing destroyed a lot of buildings, replaced by community housing in the City of London plan. 

Frosty Toft Golf Course Walk

A few images from the very frosty dawn on January 11th - I was surprised to find so many golfers out on the course - frost must make it difficult to find the ball! Back in the early 70s, when this area was rough pasture, we once ringed 10 different Kingfishers in one day on this stretch of the stream during a similar cold period (thought to be on the move towards the coast following streams etc). I intended to walk further up over the fields towards Wimpole Estate you can see in the distance in the panorama but decided on breakfast instead!!