Brierfield: Passing Three Churches

While getting a bit of shopping to take back to my friend's canal boat, I saw a few churches in Brierfield. Have just read that the Methodist church below is a listed building:

The Baptist church below, which dates back to the 1880s, seems to be active like the Methodist one:

The church below (St. Luke the Evangelist) was immediately recognizable as Anglican through the brickwork and style. I find the statue above the main window interesting:

Always get curious when I see what look like Catholic features on, in, or around an Anglican church.

Have just read that Brierfield Town Hall is also a listed building:

Kotek in Bed

Nice shot of Kotek in bed having his siesta. He loves the woollen blanket, of course.

Brierfield, Lancashire: Passing a Big Mosque

Despite not being a massive fan of Islam, I couldn't help but be impressed by the Jamia Sultania Mosque building in Brierfield, Lancashire. Have just read that the building is equally impressive inside, with parts having been imported from China and Pakistan.

The shot below is taken from the main road running through Brierfield:

The mosque came into view near the train station:

Had to walk into Brierfield for some food as I was staying on a friend's barge on the canal for the night just outside Brierfield. We were heading for my friend's native Colne, but a big tree had fallen over, blocking the way along the canal.

Herne Bay Revisited

After visiting Herne village, a half an hour walk or so took us into Herne Bay.

The bandstand (above and below) is one of the most prominent features in Herne Bay. Have just read that it dates back to the 1920s, and back then, was a popular venue for visiting military band concerts and tea dances (often between 4 and 7pm).

Can't remember if I've ever been on Herne Bay Pier before or not:

Have just read that Herne Bay Clock Tower, built in 1837, is a Grade II listed landmark, and is said to be one of the earliest, free-standing clock towers in the UK:

A few people were eating fish and chips in front of the Clock Tower. My travelling colleague, from Ireland, said that he could hear lots of Eastender accents from London.

And finally, the beautiful Baptist church in Herne Bay:

Would love to see if the interior of the church is the equal of the exterior which I find truly stunning.

Warsaw: Marymont Metro Murals

When these murals first caught my eye at Marymont metro station in Warsaw, I couldn't really make heads or tails of them:

To be honest, I'm still unsure what they may signify.

Maybe they just try to show the crazy world we now live in.

Canterbury High Street Revisited

Was great to walk down Canterbury High  Street again last summer.

Got a quick shot inside the Eastbridge Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr (above). Have just read that Eastbridge Hospital became an accommodation site for pilgrims after the death of St. Thomas Becket in the late 12th century. Can recall seeing a very old fresco when my wife and I went on a short guided tour of the building in summer 1999.

Below, there is the Black Griffin pub on the High Street. Remember this pub having a bare wooden floor and great Rock jukebox. In particular, I can remember going on an all-day drinking trip to Herne Bay and Whitstable in 2007 or 2008 with EFL Steve, getting back to Canterbury, and listening to the whole Metallica album 'And Justice for All' in the Black Griffin:

During the trip to Canterbury last year, my friend from Ireland spotted the interesting plaque below on the High Street:

How could such an old building have been demolished?

Canterbury: Juxtaposing Old and New

Not really a big fan of (post-) modern art, but think that the juxtaposition of old and new above, near the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, works quite well.

The shot below is part of the Blackfriar (Dominican) monastery remains in Canterbury which lie on both sides of the River Stour:

Gondolas can often be seen gliding in between the Blackfriar monastery remains above. Have just read that the Blackfriars buildings date back to the 13th century when the Dominicans were granted land within the city walls by Henry II.