Helwick

The Helwick, official name Light Vessel No. 91, was built in 1937 and was originally stationed in Humber. In 1971, the Helwick was repositioned by tug to the near coastline of Rhossili, Being a lightship, its on-board engine was used solely to power its eight 110 volt, 650,000 candle power lamps. Here it ended its official service in 1977.

After its retirment, the Helwick was purchased by Swansea Museum and it now resides in Swansea Marina. Sometimes, though not often enough, the vessel is open to exploration. I will try and catch the next open day and post some pictures of its interiors here...

Henry Evans Charles Memorial

I love the epitaph on this memorial fountain, which is dedicated to Henry Evan Charles, a local engineer and philanthropist who died in 1907. "HE WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD". I really cannot imagine a better description of someone's life .  

Unfortunately, the fountain, which can be found along Francis Street near Victoria Park, is in a state of disrepair and no longer works. The metal plaque, although officially credited to Ivor Thomas was actually the work his apprentice J. Cecil Jones, who also made the more famous memorial to Swansea Jack. I will take a visit to this latter memorial soon...

Brangwyn Hall Door

These have to be the most attractive doors of any building in Swansea. Immense and beautifully ornate, they form a fitting entrance to the splendour of the Brangwyn Hall that lies behind them

Salubrious Passage

Salubrious Passage's was, apparently named ironically. The word means luxurious, but the narrow alleyway has never brought such a feeling to mind to anyone who has trodden its ancient route.

Like so many other places in Swansea, Salubrious Passage will be forever known for its connection with Dylan Thomas. The walkway was mentioned in 'The Followers', his ghost story set in the nearby 'No Sign Wine Bar', where he referred to the street as 'Paradise Alley', One of Dylan's friends also ran a workshop here. It looked down upon the passage and Dylan used to play tricks by heating pennies and dropping them on the street below for pedestrians to burn their fingers on.

One of the more modern and interesting features on Salubrious Passage is Ron Conybeare's sculpture of a cherub with three marble books depicting the opening words from Dylan's 'Fern Hill'.  The artwork was installed when the building housed Dylan's Bookstore. Interestingly, the marble books were originally intended for use as grave monuments.

Swansea in the Sunshine

I was really disappointed in Swansea Council tonight as none of its numerous car-parks along Swansea Bay accepted card payments and I had absolutely zero pennies on me - grrrrrrr. I am sure they have actually disabled this feature on purpose as the parking charge is currently only 50p an hour and I guess credit card companies charge the council something close to that amount transaction fees. Still, I would have willingly paid a little excess charge to be able to use at least use one of the council cap-parks instead of having to drive the entire length of the bay - all the way down to Mumbles in fact - looking for one parking meter whose credit facility actually worked!! In the end, I failed - so thanks for that Swansea Council!

One of Swansea Council's Numerous Dismal Car-Parking Meters

Anyway, with my one complaint of the evening vented, I did finally manage to enjoy my evening's stroll, starting off at the The Guildhall:

Today's Sun Dipping Behind Swansea's Guildhall

Seagulls Flying Over the Rear of Swansea's Guildhall

The Bay View, Oystermouth Road

Swansea's Old Slip Bridge Steps

Swansea Bay & Mumbles Viewed From One of the Slip Bridge Arches

Daffodils Glowing in the Evening Sunshine Along Oystermouth Road

Lost Glove, Swansea Bay

Finally reaching Swansea Bay, I found a Tipper and a Digger parked up on the beach. I am unsure what exact work they will be carrying out on the beach here but they looked interesting stood silent on the sands with the sun setting behind them tonight:

This was my first visit to Swansea Bay this year and I was surprised at just how busy the beach was. I particularly liked the popularity of the volley ball nets which had been set up outside the 360 Watersports and Beach Cafe.

The Old Slip Bridge 

Swansea Bay and Mumbles

I ended the evening with my first visit to Mumbles this year:

Verdi's Ice-cream Parlour, Mumbles

It really has been a glorious week in Swansea this week and I am really looking forward to exploring the city more now that the spring has definitely arrived...

Sunset Over Swansea Marina

I only had ten or so minutes to walk around Swansea Marina this evening but I loved every step of it. I didn't get the opportunity to take many snaps along the route as I was in a bit of hurry, but I hope I managed to capture a little of the atmosphere down there at sunset tonight:

2 Iconic Street Lamps, Swansea Marina

The Sun Setting Over Sail Bridge

The Sun Setting Behind Swansea Sainsbury's

The Flying Figurehead - David Backhouse's 1988 Sculpture

I will try and take a lot more pictures down Swansea Marina as soon as I find a decent amount of time to do the place justice...

Sunset over Somerset Place

The sunshine is really spoiling Swansea residents and visitors this week. Here is how just one street, Somerset Place, appeared at sunset this evening: