Old Bradford

Having an away day ... In Bradford!

We rarely come into the city these days except to the cinema or theatre so it is a change!

Chris is looking up at the screen in the Spirit of Bradford bar at the Midland Hotel as the 6 nations rugby union opening match is being screened soon to be followed by the Calcutta cup - England v Scotland.

My eye is taken by this fantastic mural of old Bradford showing the old trolley buses. The lights are not reflections but lit headlights (bulbs) on the vehicles. There is so much fantastic detail with familiar buildings, the cathedral and even Undercliffe cemetery amongst them if you look closely.

I have been to the Midland hotel for a function many years ago but had forgotten how nice it is. At that time we were in the Prince's ballroom with a magnificent chandelier which we sought out again today. ( see extra)

There is also a wooden ramp down to the car park retaining the old tiles etc. (see extra 2) A nice touch reflecting the history of this old railway hotel.

Perhaps we should give Bradford more of our time but so much that can be seen here is no more. At the front of the hotel the view is now of the new Westfield shopping centre. Things move on.