This strange looking affair in Market Drayton is a WW2 ‘pill box’, a name given to reinforced concrete defence structures. It was built in 1940, and stands at the junction of Newcastle Road, and what is now known as the Shropshire Union Canal. It could be manned by a compliment of 8 infantry armed with rifles and machine guns. It’s the only one of its type remaining, and as such is a ‘listed’ or protected building.
– Well, not exactly. Today’s adventures included a trip to the Barrow Hill Roundhouse – the last surviving roundhouse of its kind in the UK. The locomotives on display (both steam and diesel) are mostly static, although we were lucky enough to see ‘Tornado’ – the 2008 built ‘A1 Peppercorn Pacific’ loco, here for some maintenance. An interesting evening’s photography, but tricky in such low light. Hopefully I’ll get to post some photos on my main blog – blog.nigelyoung.co.uk
… came the sunshine. This morning’s short, sharp fall of snow caught everyone out around here – it looked like we had missed the snow that blanketed most of the UK yesterday, but it was not to be. Anyway, it didn’t last long; the sun came out and by midday it was mostly gone. Whether we get more remains to be seen…
After the really miserable weather yesterday, today has been beautiful and sunny (but cold), culminating in this colourful sunset… However, the forecast is not promising – sleet and snow are expected over the next two days, and with travel disruption expected, my plans for the rest of the week look to be in jeopardy.
… this paddling pool on the village green will be rammed with literally hundreds of kids. But for today – a cold, miserable, blustery January day, there’s no water in the pool, and just a few hardy dog walkers around…
This compelling mural was painted on a wall in our town (Market Drayton) to celebrate the centenary of the end of WW1 last year. It’s a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by that generation. 
… with my strong arms outstretched, all alone but ever watchful. 
It’s been a pretty mild winter so far – no snow here and a few clear days too, but it looks set to change with snow forecast later today, and for later in the week. Time to get the thermals out…
After a cloudy start to the morning, things brightened up as I drove through town, so I figured I could find some interesting detail in the local graveyard to set against the colourful sky. The wide angle (18mm) lens fitted to the iPhone allows for a more dramatic perspective. 
So today we took our 9 and 10 year old granddaughters to the tour version of Strictly Come Dancing – one of their Christmas gifts from us. Along with another 8000 fans in the audience in Birmingham, they absolutely loved it! We enjoyed it too, apart from the hour or so it took us to get out of the car park after the show…
One Day At A Time... 