Sunday 17 January 2016

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all of you. I hope 2016 has begun well, and will bring even better things as it goes on!
 
You may remember that my job is due to disappear at the end of March. I have promising news about an unexpected opportunity, but I shan't say more until it's all signed and sealed. It will definitely leave me more time to write though, so 2016 is looking good for me so far.
 
We had a sprinkling of snow this morning. Harvey enjoyed a good chomp, but it is melting really fast. Barely enough time for him to try fetching a snowball.
Here is a snowier scene. Last year the subway beneath Cannock town centre was retiled, and local artists contributed paintings for the walls. It is such an improvement on the dingy old underpass. Lots of the paintings relate to the area's history. In this one, by Matt Sayers, you can see the old pit in the background.
Mining stopped in the Cannock area some years ago, but there are still rows of miners' cottages in places. Another painting by Matt Sayers...

I'll take a few more photos next time I visit. There's a wide variety of subjects and styles, some lovely murals on the theme of Cannock Chase, and it's so much more interesting to walk through that subway now!


22 comments:

Patsy said...

Happy new year, Joanne.

joanne fox said...

And you, Patsy.

Wendy's Writing said...

A belated Happy New Year, Joanne.

joanne fox said...

You too, Wendy.

Teresa Ashby said...

Happy New Year, Joanna. It's great news that you'll have more time to write. I love the paintings xx

joanne fox said...

Thanks, Teresa. Looking forward to having that time for writing. x

suzy doodling said...

Love those painting, and is that Norton Canes pit by any chance. My dad used to work there as an electrician. He did all his training at Cannock Tech. Can't wait for your news.

joanne fox said...

How interesting about your dad, Suzy. There were quite a few mines around the area at one time, but I cannot say exactly which one the painting is based on. For a while I lived quite close to the Littleton pit, which is the nearest to Cannock itself. Only since I moved on have I realised how much history there is up there, and wish I had taken more notice!

Rosemary Gemmell said...

All the best for 2016, Joanne, and I do hope you get more time for writing. Great photos - we have quite a lot of snow but there's rain mixed with it today!

joanne fox said...

Thanks Rosemary. I think we've all had enough rain!

Anonymous said...

happy New Year, too Joanne. Matt Sayers artwork is lovely. We've had no snow just rain, rain and gales!

joanne fox said...

Hi Madeleine. I think we should rename our winter as the Rainy Season!

Teresa Ashby said...

Sorry Joanne - just realised I misspelt your name in my comment! I'm so sorry xx

joanne fox said...

No problem, Teresa! x

suzy doodling said...

That's the one he worked at, sorry, Norton canes is further away. I put that by mistake. The picture is exactly like one I bought him on a plate - painted in black and white. I even remember going there with him on Saturday mornings occasionally.

joanne fox said...

Gosh, how amazing, Suzy! Did you know the wheel from Littleton pit now stands at the Museum of Cannock Chase in Hednesford? I keep meaning to go there, but always seem to run out of time when I am up visiting family.

Amanda said...

Lovely paintings, Joanne. Love the photo of Harvey in the snow! Happy New Year! X

joanne fox said...

Thanks Amanda, happy New Year!

Keith Havers said...

Hope your news is good news, Joanne.

joanne fox said...

I think so, Keith!

Bea Charles said...

I lived in Birmingham for many years but never made it to Cannock Chase. Next time we're on our travels I'll try to plan the journey to fit it in. Happy New Year and good luck with all your plans and dreams for 2016.

joanne fox said...

The Chase is lovely, Beatrice, and even better with a dog! Happy New Year. x