Apologies Brighton Photo readers - I've been away

I've been away for the last few days - so my apologies to Brighton Photo readers.

This is a library shot taken about a month ago from our boat Mi Dushi - the shot is of the now decrepit West Pier.

I've just returned from a conference in Marbella - ABTA 2006 which was an excellent and thought provoking few days.

Churchill Square Shopping Centre

Right in the centre of Brighton is our mall! Complete with Christmas decorations. Shame is - almost every high street in the UK now looks the same, all the same shops, all the same brands. 

London Daily Photo?

I couldn't resist posting this shot - I went up to London today with the family for a flight on the London Eye - the great big ferris wheel in the heart of London. So my apologies it's not a shot of Brighton - the REAL London Daily Photo can be found by clicking this link.

If you get the chance to go on the London Eye - go for it, it's worth it. 

Brighton Photo - Santa's Grotto opens in Churchill Square

At the opening of The Argus Appeal sponsored Santa's Grotto in Churchill Square this evening I managed to convince these two pixies to pose for an edition of Brighton Photo.

A rather rainy affair, the celebrations were kicked off by Southern FM with a special guest appearance by Patsy Palmer (AKA Bianca in Eastenders - a UK tv series).

Santa will be holding court in Churchill Square every day until Christmas Eve.

PS. A secret hello to Lottie at The Argus, apparently a reader of this humble blog! Nice hat btw. 

Sussex Heights, Brighton

At over 330 feet tall, the building called Sussex Heights dominates the Brighton skyline - unlike most other major cities this is the only really tall building. It's such a shame that architecturally it's not very engaging - but a vibrant community thrives within, with some of the best views for miles around.

Earlier this year it was discovered that Peregrine Falcons had nested again in specially made boxes at the Heights building. You can read the peregrine diaries up to July this year.

You can see the building from a completely different perspective and see just how much it dominates our skyline.

The Wrong Type of Snow

 

Hove Train Station - a regular view to many a bleary-eyed commuter.

You can check out timetables and prices at national rail enquiries. Although many trains don't run to time in the UK in the winter months due to "leaves on the line" and the "Wrong Type of Snow". 

North Laines Brighton

I came in realy early this morning to the office and snook in via the North Laines. I know the street shot is pretty dark but I liked the outline of the Xmas decorations.

The North Laines is where we go to get our bagels, good coffee, alternative attire (alternative to the usual mulch of high st. shops) and rare records. Well worth a visit if you're in town. 

Clifton Terrace, Brighton

Clifton Terrace in Brighton. A desirable address in Brighton sitting up on the hill in front of the station.

I first heard about Clifton Terrace in a book called "Breakfast in Brighton", not about bed and breakfast in Brighton, but about an artist living on the seafront and intertwined with a story behind a painting also entitled "Breakfast in Brighton". Googling a quick search I found this neat feature on Amazon.com you can preview some of the book here. The author is Nigel Richardson.

Reading his biog I also found out he's a Woverhampton Wanderers FC fan. A little galling as they managed to sneak a late goal against my own team Birmingham City FC yesterday denying us the win. You can read the match report here on the BBC.

I'm still laid up with the earache and man flu at the moment so this is an archive photo. (aaah poor Dean!) 

Christmas Decorations In Brighton

Taken from the archives I'm afraid today as I've been laid up in bed with a bout of "man flu" and tonsilitus!!

This shot is taken from North Road in Brighton of our new decorations which were switched on this week by Holly Willoughby. For a full story read here.

Back in 2004 Brighton's seasonal display was voted the the worst in the country. 

Al Fresco - A Brighton Photo on the seafront

 
Not a particularly inspiring shot this one but this restaurant, Al fresco, is a bit of a landmark between Brighton and Hove. Art Deco on the outside and recently refurbished inside - they do a mean tuna salad.

Btw, My daughter is one year old today, a proud dad, pics over here on Dean Photo Album 

Sussex County Cricket Club had an amazing season, completing the double, both the C&G trophy and the Championship trophy reside now at their ground in Hove.

There were double decker tours around the town for the team and fans came out to congratulate them. This was all in September - and with the Ashes now about to start, our thoughts once again turn to cricket. 

The Grand Hotel during day time hours - a night shot can also be found here

It looks nicely spruced as it's just undergone an overhaul.

You'd have to save your pennies to stay there though - it can get a tad pricey... 

Graffiti in Brighton. Spotted at the back of the North Laines there's a whole section covered in some fantastic artwork - I'll post the rest of the photos over at Brighton Daily Photo Extra.

Today is Remembrance Sunday - a time to remember fallen soldiers. 

In the North Laines some bright spark ventured to throw his pair of shoes over an overhead cable, so that they became stuck. Following his lead a number of other individuals have done the same. I came across this amusing set of abandoned shoes and trainers this morning. 

It's the middle of November and then this goes and happens - people out in the Brighton parks as though it's the middle of summer! Unbelievable. This particular shot is taken in the Pavillion Gardens. Next thing you know everyone'll be wanting ice cream... 

I've seen a lot of this place over the last few days, this is Brighton Train Station. I've been up and down to London for most of the week - sometimes you just don't notice the architecture around you - but I thought I'd take the oppotunity to take a snap on my way back to work this evening - enjoy... 

I'm so really sorry i haven't been blogging in a while, I've been busy here and here - although it's no excuse there's no rest for the wicked.

The debate around the Brighton Tuc Tuc still rages hard
, personally I still like them, see another chav tuc tuc here 

Remember Remember the fifth of November gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason should ever be forgot..... 

The Brighton Pavillion taken at night. Winter's just descended here in the UK, just from Weds morning onwards we've been sub three degrees.

Lots of activity in the UK tonight and tomorrow as we celebrate bonfire night - I'll try to catch a pic of some fireworks and post them tomorrow.

I have a very excited 4 yr old, we've bought our fireworks and sparklers all ready to go......whizzzz, bang! 

Very close to here is a town called Lewes - they go completely bonkers on bonfire night - see Lewes Bonfire Society for details of why.....

Each year people get injured (probably after a few beers) as they fancy their chances as a high diver from the pier..... 

The long november shadows and a shut up fairground at the end of the pier - The winter's here.....