Blog – Riccarpics

Contrasting Eras

Ewart’s Mill or the Ewart Building, once a Victorian linen warehouse in Bedford Street, has been redeveloped at a cost of £85m. Now a modern office building it is connected, at the first and second floors, to a new 17-story office complex. I take it this is the modern looking building behind.

The building to the right is the luxury Grand Central Hotel, formerly Windsor House. It was originally an office block and at one time the tallest building in the city.

The Europa Hotel can just be seen in the gap between the buildings. It opened in 1971.

Bangor by the Sea

Ballyholme Bay, Bangor, is known for its sandy beach and promenade. It’s a popular destination for dog walkers, joggers and people just out for a stroll. The usually calm water is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, particularly for windsurfing and sailing.

The photograph above was taken with an iPhone 8, which I think is about five years old. I’ve reduced the highlights slightly in Lightroom but that’s all.

Meteorological Spring

Meteorological Spring starts today, 1st March. At 7.5C with a cold wind it didn’t feel like Spring but to mark the occasion I went to Ballyholme for a walk on the beach and of course brought a camera. I shot some video clips but as always, remembering this site I got some still images as well.

I was glad to get back to the car. On the beach 7.5C with a cold wind wipes any thoughts of Spring from your mind.

Circusful

Headquartered in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Circusful is Ireland’s premier circus arts organisation.

Old Brown Seat

This old brown metal seat with Autumn leaves on it caught my eye. It looks like it’s not used much.

Bright Buoys

Belfast Buoys with Titanic Belfast in the distance

In December last year I posted a photograph of the Belfast Buoys in their original location in Cathedral Gardens.

This is a photograph of the buoys, looking bright and well presented, at their new home in Titanic Quarter. It was taken in October 2020.

Winter Palm House

The Palm House, Botanic Gardens, Belfast. The Gardens were established in 1828 and the Palm House completed in 1840. The dome was added in 1852.

In Spring the gardens will explode in colour.

Black Santa

Black Santa made his first appearance at Christmas 1976 when Dean Sammy Crooks sat out in front of Belfast Cathedral collecting money for local charities. He was dubbed Black Santa by the local media as he wore an Anglican clerical cloak to protect him from the cold and rain.

The tradition has been continued down the years and the current Dean, Very Rev. Stephen Forde stands outside the Cathedral in the lead up to Christmas in 2022.

Music provided by Laganvale Band.