Tidal Surge 2013 at Cromer, Norfolk

 I had been looking forward to a visit to Snettisham for the Wader Spectacular and wished for a northerly wind to ensure the waders were driven off the mudflats at today's Spring Tide (4.1 metres). Be careful what you wish for as yesterday there were the highest tides along the Norfolk coast since 1953 and Snettisham Reserve was closed today as was much of the A149 coastal road. We visited those areas that were accessible - at Moreston Quay the car park was half under water and seal trips definitely off.
We also visited Cromer where the waves were still topping the pier well after high tide. The final images show the extensive damage to the shops and beach huts at Cromer.

In some cases, the doors on the beach huts stayed firm -  one owner said as a result of extra mortis locks at the top. Where the door caved in then the window, front wall and all the contents were washed out. 

Bradford Contrasts

 Some images from the trip to Bradford - a real mix of reconstructed Central City Park area, the old Cathedral area and the Wool Exchange Building - now a Waterstones. The mirror pool contains the highest fountain in any UK city, shooting water up to 100 ft (30m) into the air. There are more than 100 smaller fountains, laser light projectors and loud speakers.Through the middle of the mirror pool is a slightly raised Y-shaped walkway which allows visitors to pass over the pool in relative dryness during the day. Access to the water is encouraged and there are 40 low-powered play fountains at the pavilion end of the pool. Each morning the fountain produces a mist effect before the pool fills. At dusk a light show begins and continues until the pool is drained overnight.

 Below a couple of monochrome conversions of the older areas of Bradford.

Rudolph Run

Full set of images are on
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28596054@N07/sets/72157638278046336/

Rudolph charity Run in Cambridge

 To complete an eccentric English weekend, we photographed the Rudolph Run at Addenbrookes Hospital today - organised by Mercy from the Addenbrookes Charitable Trust. Father Christmas signed on to run as number 59 and was joined by a celebrity or two. The giraffe completed the 3km circuit still smiling and was even interviewed on Radio 105.

Wymondham Steampunk Fayre

Afew images from today's Dickensian Steampunk Fayre in Wymondham, Norfolk. There were some great costumes and some happy personalities inside them. The weather was pretty bleak with intermittent showers but everyone put on a brave face.

Nuneaton

 Visited Nuneaton en route to speak at Shirley Photographic Society. Very well-maintained park with a free Museum and Art Gallery. Delighted to see and photograph our smallest resident bird, the Goldcrest, which was flitting around in a yew tree catching very small green 'bugs' (see inset).