Twenty-five years ago the land where Morrisons stands was derelict. I know this because I came up to Barrow on a bus with the combined St Neots and Bedford CND groups to join the CND autumn demonstration that year, and this was where the buses were parked. When the driver asked when we wanted to leave, there was a loud chorus of “NOW!”

(My American friend and I made our way over to Walney for a pint or three of Hartleys in the Ferry, which was a reasonably good pub in those days)

Have you missed me? The bowls season is over now and things are less fraught.

Here’s that potent icon of Barrow the great shipbuilding centre, set against a dramatic evening sky.

It’s Barrow Carnival day, and the streets are, well, not quite thronged but pretty busy all the same. Unlike the last two years, it didn’t rain although after a glorious week when I was much too busy enjoying the sunshine to take many pictures it was overcast and a tad muggy. Still, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of these local drag queens.

Ok, It ain’t Rio and it ain’t Notting Hill, but at least you can breathe.

It’s deeply ingrained in the local culture, this business of public banners to mark birthdays. The Walney end of the bridge and the Coffee House roundabout on Barrow Island are common sites because they can’t be missed. But this is the first time \I’ve seen one on a boat in the channel.

There are days when one could almost believe that Jimmy Ramsden’s plan for an elegant boulevard leading all the way from Dalton to the centre of Barrow has managed to survive into a third century.

Long may the sunshine continue, by the way. We haven’t seen its like for three years now.

There’s a riding school on Walney which brings a touch of Surrey to these parts; something that may surprise those who don’t know us very well.

I’ve never been riding but I’d imagine that the beach on Walney, coupled with its lanes and grassy expanses, would make it a fine place to ride.

Look closely to see the Walney Wind Farm on the horizon.

I wasn’t registered for this month’s CDP theme day, but what the hell.

It’s been beach weather lately, and I couldn’t resist getting this picture before ditching the Nikoff in readiness for some serious swimming at Sandy Gap.

Yes, I know I have ugly feet…

A little further down Cavendish Dock Road, the tracks come to a ferocious-looking gate. It’s the gate to the berth on Ramsden Dock where the nuclear fuel ships, operated by James Fisher plc on behalf of British Nuclear Fuels Limited, are loaded and unloaded.

Summer is here at last – Monday’s stroll to Roa was on a wonderful late spring day but since yesterday it’s been distinctly summer in a way I can’t properly define. Something to do with the soft breeze off the Irish Sea caressing the skin.

Anyway, today was a day to head for the beach, and Rosie’s First Law states that “time spent on a beach is never time wasted”. Especially time spent on Walney beach. Here’s a shot of the buildings around Biggar Bank, as seen from far enough out for the water to come up to my knees. Look, I’m not swimming while holding the Nikoff. The season’s first proper swim in the sea came after I’d put everything a safe distance up the sand – the tide comes in very quickly here.

I have a great affection for old industrial landscapes and there are plenty of those still around Barrow. This building is down the Cavendish Dock Road, a short walk from the town centre, and also carries a reminder of the days when the central areas of Barrow were riddled with railway lines. This one is still in use, for a purpose many may find somewhat sinister as I hope to reveal before too long.