Two days out in Durham

[shewhomust]

Yesterday was the second Saturday in July: the Durham Miners' Gala. Gala Day weather: warm and soft, as if it was about to rain in torrents, but never quite going beyond sharp showers; gusty enough that people carrying banners needed a firm grip, but no real risk of anything escaping. We were surprised not to catch up with the bands until we reached Silver Street, but there was enough of a crowd that once we had followed the bands and the banners over Elvet Bridge, we decided not to try to force our way past the County Hotel, where the bands stop to play for the invited guests watching from the balcony, but cut through in front of the prison instead.

And so on to the Race Course, where we strolled around and checked out the book stalls and admired the banners, and took photos, very few of which I am at all happy with. I'd like to be able to capture those moments where something in the crowd catches my eye: the women sitting on Magdalen Steps enjoying the music (Bob the Bolder noticed them, too), the proliferation of cool sunglasses, the woman playing whatever brass instrument it was in bright pink nail polish, the insouciance of the men in pink t-shirts (issued by the Communications Workers' Union; times have changed).

Today, something completely different: open day at the St Margaret's Allotments.

Comments

[sovay]

Today, something completely different: open day at the St Margaret's Allotments.

That's a wonderful photograph.

[rushthatspeaks.livejournal.com]

Wow, that photograph is really something.

Catching up again...

[weegoddess.livejournal.com]

As per my usual, I tabbed this back when you posted it and then it was promptly swallowed up by lots of other tabs. But I'm back!

Your descriptions of the Gala brought to mind all sorts of memories; we'd been in town for all three gala days that happened during our time in Durham and each one was just the same except where it was different. I was very sorry to miss it this year.

*really* looking forward to visiting in September!! ;-D