Sketty Hall Shelter

A little within the grounds of Sketty Hall lies this very unusual dome-roofed Ingress portal.

This building is the modified remains of the old late 19th Century Swansea folly known as the 'Temple of the Winds'. Originally, the dome rested upon four slender marble columns and surrounded a central ceramic feature. The building fell into quick disrepair and the west side of the temple was filled in during the late 1930's. During this time a wooden seat was added to the structure. The two remaining pillars were filled in during the early 1990's, leaving only the east site of the temple open. At this time, the seat was also removed. Part of the original ceramic feature is now mounted on the back wall of the building.

Cable and Phone Boxes, Townhill

Another Lost Glove, Mayhill

I do not know what is going on but I must walk past at least two lost gloves on the streets of Swansea every day. Here is the latest one, which I found here on a roundabout in Mayhill:

Lost Glove, Clase

Black Pill, Swansea Bay

Taking advantage of an unexpected further lovely evening, I took another stroll down Swansea Bay tonight, this time heading further west to Black Pill. The tide was nice and full when I arrived around the 6pm mark, making the beach walk even more atmospheric and enjoyable:

Reaching Clyne, I was rather taken by this public art work, known as the 'Musical Osprey':

The piece is part of a set of two ospreys, one nesting and this one ready to take to the air. Made to commemorate the reopening of the  Blackpill Lido in August 2000, the sculpture is located in the children's play area and can be played musically like a giant xylophone.

I ended the evening's walk by visiting The Woodman, enjoying a nice hot coffee there before heading back out into the chill of the night and the return walk along the beach:

Black Pill, Swansea Bay

Swansea Bay at Dusk

I took another walk along Swansea Bay this evening and caught the place lit beneath some beautifully moody clouds. I am so happy that I live in Swansea.

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.