The Town Criers

One of the images of I have of England is the love of history and for pomp and ceremony that the English people have. Just this week there was the opening of a new Parliment, with the Queen's Speech. It was a full dose with the royal jewels, the Household Calvary in full regalia and the like.

Last weekend I heard on the radio that there was going to be a meeting of Town Criers to be held at Bromyard in Herefordshire. I thought "here's an opportunity for some clasic English regalia" and I wasn't disappointed.

The Town Crier is mainly a ceremonial position today. In the 18th century the town crier made legal and public announcements in the town square. They carry a bell, which is rung to gather attention before the announcements are made.

These gentlemen (and one lady) were competing to see who could do the best job that day. As you can tell it was bright and sunny. Enjoy these images!

Hay on Wye - Colors and Angles

For the first part of my visit I had been roaming the Herefordshire countryside. One of the local business people I'm working with during the day suggested that I visit Hay on Wye out on the Hereford - Wales borders.

My previous post had to do with the flowers in the fields. This post is for the wonderful angles, colors and light that I discovered in the town itself. The old town sets on a hilltop crowned with the ruins of a Norman castle and a Jacobean manor house. The streets are narrow and don't run in straight lines.

These three images are just a few from the set that I took during my day there. I hope you enjoy!

Whitewashed Alley

The Orange Wall

Heol y Dwr

Wildflowers in the Lane

I made a nice visit to the town of Hay on Wye, a small town on the River Wye at the Herefordshire - Wales border.

I followed one of the local circular walks, which included a footpath along a small brook. The wildflowers were a bright and attractive feature of my hike. I hope that you enjoy them as well.