Oops I’d intended to delete this as the definition isn’t good but .... until I can get a better shot! The South East Lancashire and North East Cheshire conurbation was the ‘planners and politicians’ name for the vast conurbation centred around Manchester and the title had been used for some years as no one was really keen on being described as “Greater” Manchester! In the end that is what it became when the Metropolitan County was formed in 1974 and so the PTE that had been created in 1969 had a short life under the Selnec name. As can be made out the operations were created by the amalgamation of eleven municipal transport departments. The new operator decided against using the livery of the major constituent fleet (that would have been Manchester) and went for a very bold orange that I recall being a striking change from the 11 more traditional colour schemes we were used to!

Tags:   Selnec bus map Manchester Greater Manchester logo orange Mike Ashworth Collection

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The humble snowdrop, or galanthus, is a beautiful reminder on a bitterly cold day that yes, spring will arrive. Seen on a brisk outing to get some welcome sun.

Tags:   snowdrop snowdrops galanthus wild flowers sign of spring winter winter's day West Yorkshire Otley Leathley River Wharfe nature out cycling fresh air countryside beautiful delicate scented Mike Ashworth Collection

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I had the opportunity to view the repair and restoration works on the 'Listed' Cremorne railway bridge recently. Opened in 1852 the bridge, jointly built and designed by the London & North Western Railway and the Great Western Railway, was part of a scheme to connect London's railways north and south of the Thames to the west of the city and now, as well as carrying freight, it is enjoying a new lease of life as the recently branded Overground services are frequent users.

The bridge - with a slight skew to the arches, constructed of wrought and cast iron, is undergoing a very thorough restoration as can be seen from the photos - the trip involving going on board a launch to get the best views. The underside of one of the completed arches.

Tags:   Cremorne railway bridge Chelsea London River Thames June 2015 London railway bridges Mike Ashworth Collection

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Part of a semi-uncovered shop fascia - with some fine c1960/70s perspex lettering above - the once common blue glass signage for the Post Office and the associated Post Office Savings Bank. Beneath - less durable vinyl for a certain mobile phone provider.

Tags:   Post Office Post Office Savings Bank Woodford Green June 2016 glass sign Mike Ashworth Collection

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On this showcard the Worthington trademark - the White Shield - is again given graphic prominence in a similar fashion to the Bass Red Triangle. Likewise "White Shield" was a brand of bottled pale ale - and is still available and still very drinkable - even if both Worthington and Bass are shadows of their former glory.

Tags:   Worthington's Pale Ale Worthington White Shield White Shield Worthington's beer Worthington's Brewery Burton on Trent Staffordshire brewery advertising Mike Ashworth Collection

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