Street Pigeons

There was a lot of pigeon courtship going on on this stone pillar, a remnant of the old approach to the long gone Exchange railway station in Salford. The lady dove is looking especially coy in this shot.

This morning was haircut time. These days going into Manchester is for us an event. We were the only customers at the salon, all masked - they are really accommodating. J’s process is a lot longer than my quick trim, so I went for a walk whilst her process took its course.

My destination was the glade of light memorial garden which has recently opened by the cathedral. It remembers the 22 people killed in the 2017 terrorist atrocity at the Arena. It’s been done very well I think. A place for contemplation. So sad though. A view in extras.

I always find it interesting seeing what’s changed and changing. At last the redevelopment of the Renaissance hotel on Deansgate has begun, with a lot of demolition underway (just about visible in the extra shot). A brutalist monstrosity it’s derelict frontage has been a blight for years. But I still regret the loss of decoy records, a hidden jewel which closed a long time ago.

I haven’t walked across the city centre these last two years. It was quiet and subdued this morning. The underwhelming tiger stationed in St Anne’s Square for Chinese New Year sat on the back of a trailer ready for departure. Time moves on.