One of the of the outcomes of a more home based existence over the past months has been a sustained and systematic attempt to ‘track and trace’ the family ancestry, both on my side, and that of Mrs C. I think that our methodology and procedures, whilst not ‘World Class‘, ( a phrase which is trite, meaningless and just plain wrong in any case), have led us down some interesting pathways, some of which will probably turn up here at some point in the future. And so yesterday was spent mostly in Oxford, birthplace of Mrs C and home to at least four generations of her family.
But don’t worry, you won’t have to endure endless photos of 19th Century terraced housing…just a few images that I particularly liked from a day out in a remarkably quiet city…
Osney Power Station [Image © John Callaway 2020]
First up, the currently empty Osney Power Station, and a rather green River Thames. Somewhat pre-occupied by the framing of the picture, I had completely failed to notice the red kite soaring above, until looking through afterwards. Maybe it’s just me, but does siting a proposed ‘Global Leadership Centre’ in a disused power station seem a little ironic…
On reflection… Tumbling Bay [Image © John Callaway 2020]
Another remnant of a bygone age, Tumbling Bay, along with most of Oxford’s public bathing places, was closed down by the council in the early 1990s. Despite no longer being in use, it still retains a certain quiet beauty…
St Mary’s Passage [Image © John Callaway 2020]
There are many passages in the city, some much smaller than others. I suspect that many of them have a tale to tell. In the absence of any human presence, they maybe set a scene for an as yet unwritten narrative…perhaps for another day… 🙂
St Helen’s Passage [Image © John Callaway 2020]
Despite all of the history, I still find myself drawn to other passages and pathways. The ones that are anointed with spray paint and rudimentary graffiti…
Osney Lane footbridge [Image © John Callaway 2020]
And finally, a bit of late 20th Century history…we got married here…
Church of St Lawrence, North Hinksey [Image © John Callaway 2020]
Ideas & images from Portsmouth and beyond 
July 25th, 2020 at 19:30
Lovely stuff John and right on my doorstep! Pity we couldn’t have met up but maybe another time? By sheer (if a tad odd!?) coincidence I had posted just this afternoon a little tribute to you and your colour blue reflections t’other day. Were you sending psychic vibes!? Ha ha ha ha all the best (PS try a quick research on Magpie Lane off the High which I am sure you know of!?)