There’s talk that the Apple shop in Victoria Square may be moving to larger premises in 2024.
Its certainly always busy.
On the move?
Covid and Conspiracies
These people are at the City Hall every Saturday when I pass. They’re worried about a lot of aspects of modern life and most people walk by with barely a glance.
Are they wrong about everything?
Sunny Saturday
Another Saturday in Belfast and the sun came out.
These photographs are of a Right to Food Rally at the City Hall on 23rd September. The rally was to mark Right to Food Week and joined campaigners in London and Liverpool.
The event was organised by Foodstock founder, SDLP Councillor, Paul Doherty.
Photography is about the light. Imagine these photographs on an overcast day, without the backlight and shadows. They simply wouldn’t have the same impact.
Rain is Coming
Yesterday morning it was warm and sunny and I went for a walk along the Marina. There’s what you could describe as a viewing area at the end giving a view across the lough with Eisenhower Pier in the foreground.
On this occasion as well as a view of the pier I got a view of rain rushing over the lough towards me.
I didn’t make it back to the car in time.
Sunset Perspective
I took these pictures standing near the Lifeboat Station at the bottom of Eisenhower Pier, Bangor.
The yacht in the far distance is Kaos, owned by Walmart heiress, Nancy Walton Laurie. It is worth £241 million, £275 million or $300 million, depending where you read it. Whatever figure is correct, it is a beautiful yacht.
The question to be asked is – would I have rather watched the sunset from the deck of a $300 million superyacht or standing near the Lifeboat Station at the bottom of Eisenhower Pier?
Answers on a postcard …….
A Popular President
Walking on Botanic Avenue on Saturday past I found I had joined a crowd of people outside the No Alibis Bookstore. I’d been looking at a sports car on the other side of the street and hadn’t been aware of the crowd until I was surrounded by people. Thinking it must be a book signing I asked some girls what was happening, then I noticed the Secret Service guys standing around trying to look comfortable in casual clothes. “Bill Clinton is in the bookshop” the girls said – and he was.
When President Clinton (do we still call him President?) emerged from the shop he effortlessly engaged with people in the crowd, striking up conversations and exchanging pleasantries. Strolling along the street, he continued to interact with people, even pausing to take selfies when asked and giving time to anyone who approached him. It was evident that he was well-liked by the local people, and he appeared at ease, relishing the laid-back atmosphere and warm reception. He continued in this way talking happily to people, until the crowd thinned and he was able to move on.
When I drove into town that morning I didn’t expect to see a former President walking casually about on Botanic Avenue. I told my wife and she asked me if I’d spoken to him. I hadn’t – I’d been too busy taking photographs!
Riders in Red
Spotted on Donegall Quay some time ago, travelling towards the AC Hotel and Clarendon Dock.
Mods and Sods
This photograph is of scooter riders gathering in Custom House Square for the 25th Anniversary of The Belfast Easter Egg Scooter Run in aid of The Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. Organised by the Mods and Sods Scooter Club, this is a yearly event with each participant bringing at least one Easter Egg which they deliver to the hospital.
This year the riders couldn’t deliver the eggs because of visitor restrictions at the hospital so staff organised collection ( You can just see the van in the background).
The scooter run consisted of a ten mile spin around Greater Belfast, returning to Custom House Square.
There is a collection and an evening function with proceeds going to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
Charity scooter runs don’t organise themselves and scooters don’t ride ten miles around Belfast on a busy Saturday afternoon by themselves. These events always take a lot more organising and effort than most people realise and let’s be honest, you could just spend the afternoon in the pub watching football.
The effort to aid ill children is an exceptionally noble endeavour and the Mods and Sods Scooter Club deserve a sincere and heartfelt expression of gratitude from all of us.