I saw this lovely photograph of a white Ferris Wheel taken by blogger, Jenny, on the same day that I happened to see one too when out shopping for the new camera. There must be a small army of them being deployed up and down the country!
Too busy to stop and admire, we were already busily making our way home, but I learnt later from a website that it would be leaving town after the weekend. It had been part of Cheltenham town's 2019 Light Up event where many of it's principal Regency buildings are lite up with coloured lights.
We happened to be returning the next evening for a Discussion Group Meeting so decided to take a ride on the wheel afterwards. As daylight faded following a perfect day of wall to wall sunshine, we took our place in the queue.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing".
George Bernard Shaw
The bronze statue is of the celebrated composer of The Planets, conductor, and teacher Gustav Holst - he was born in Cheltenham in 1874.
We happened to be returning the next evening for a Discussion Group Meeting so decided to take a ride on the wheel afterwards. As daylight faded following a perfect day of wall to wall sunshine, we took our place in the queue.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing".
George Bernard Shaw
Sometime the lives is a ferris wheel ...
ReplyDeleteNice pictures!
Thank you for your comment on my blog!
Thank you Ella, I am sure that you know the quote "Life is like a ferris wheel. One minute you’re on top, the next you’re at the bottom. Just stay in your seat, enjoy the ride, and hang on until you reach the top again".
DeleteIt's a lot of years since I rode in a Ferris wheel. In fact I think the last one I even saw was the huge one in London, called The Eye if I am not mistaken.
ReplyDeleteThe London Eye is the last wheel that I rode too and that was also great many years ago.
DeleteHolst looks like he's holding up the Ferris wheel!
ReplyDeleteHe does Debra, but if you look carefully you can see that Holst is actually conducting with his banton held in his left-hand. Apparently he suffered with neuritis from early childhood which effected his righthand and arm so much that he could barely even hold a pen.
DeleteStunning photos! Did you get a new camera? Were these photos taken with it? It's been a good 20 years since I last went on a Ferris wheel. I love the 3rd from last photo looking up at it against the night sky and the onw with the statue of Gustav Holst. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteThank you Jane - yes this is my first attempt at using the new camera. I found the Ferris wheel an interesting subject to photograph especially as the sky changed from dusk to night.
DeleteWonderful photos! I hope you enjoy using your new camera. I believe you bought the same model again. That's what I would do too, if possible, once you've found one that suits your needs. At the moment I'm trying to get used to a new mobile phone as before I had a very basic one just for phoning and texting. I've been on one of those ferris wheels when it was based in Sheffield city centre. I got some interesting photos on high, but I wouldn't like to repeat the experience. I've enjoyed seeing the one in Cheltenham and also the Cheltenham building illuminated.
ReplyDeleteI seem to recall that I actually gave you the details of my last camera Linda but not sure whether you bought one or not?
DeleteI know this camera, it does what I want, and importantly fits in my pocket. They are now cheaper than the original one that I purchased. There must be a collection of these Ferris wheels touring around the country - people are much more enterprising today.
The model I have is a Sony 20x optical zoom. I've been pleased with it since it gets a lot of use, although I expect it will need replacing if the vulnerable, flimsy parts start to play up or break. I remember us discussing cameras via the blog as I was impressed by the quality of your photos. The way you present them to full advantage on your blog posts is most enjoyable.
DeleteYes, that is the same one as I have and the one that I have repurchased. When you get used to a model it seems easier, if it is still around, to get the same. It was the zoom that went on mine as it jumped around whilst trying to do distant shots.
DeleteI am wondering if these beautiful photos are from a new camera. I will be interested to hear what sort you found.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been on a ferris wheel since I was a child. Then they were just seats wide enough for two. There was a metal bar that swung over your lap and locked you and your companion in place. They seem to have become cages now. Still fun I am sure!
It is the same camera that I had previously Catherine - absolutely nothing exotic but the best very small camera that I have been able to find that importantly fits in my pocket. It is a Sony DSC-WX350.
DeleteI remember those wheels where your feet tangled in the air too - these days the way their operation is bound to revolve around "health and safety issues".
If this is your new camera Rosemary, it's really great, love these pix, the wheel looks like diamonds!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Maestro Holst is conducting a ferris wheel 'planet' (The Planets is a favorite - listening to it now!) and I had no idea he was actually British!
Have to say, my favorite Ferris wheel 'flight' was on the English Riviera Wheel which goes up in Torquay in Summer months. Also white, it soars above the harbor. They must be building a lot of these observation wheels nowadays.
I took granddaughter Jasmin on it when we visited in Summer of 2015 and so enjoyed seeing my hometown from the air for the very first time!
London Eye ride is worth the cost, being able to move about in those large pods is special - amazing views of course, a whole new perspective of the city.
George Bernard Shaw nailed it with that quote, love it!
Hugs - Mary
Holst's father was of Swedish extraction (by way of Latvia and Russia) but his mother came from Cirencester which is not far from Cheltenham. I understand that her grandmother came from Spain and married an Irishman, so he had a good dolly mixture of genes in his blood. I love the Planet suites too, and think that it would have been a great idea if this music had accompanied ride.
DeleteYes, I think that Bernard Shaw was spot on too.
This is the new camera but it is the same model that I was already using. I am used to it, and it suits me fine.
Hello Rosemary, Now I can't stop thinking of the old limerick:
ReplyDeleteThere once was a girl named O'Neill,
Who went up on the great Ferris wheel.
But when halfway 'round,
She looked at the ground,
And it cost her a two-dollar meal.
Sorry to spoil all the lovely comments you are getting on your perfect photographs.
--Jim
Hello Jim - I don't know that limerick, but if I had then I might even have used it!
DeleteBeautifully illuminated!
ReplyDeleteThank you William
DeleteGreat photos with your new camera. We enjoyed a Ferris wheel a few years ago at La Rochelle in France. Quite right that you should never be too old to play! B x
ReplyDeleteI like that quote - it is a good one to live by.
DeleteWhat a stunning Ferris Wheel - so modern looking with those closed in seats. I haven't been on a Ferris Wheel for years, but I'd welcome doing so again. Now a roller coaster - that's an entirely different kettle of fish! Your first photo with the tree silhouette in front of the Ferris Wheel is stunning. Great job with the new camera!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first one I had been on for many years - I went on the London Eye when it was first set up and also the giant Ferris Wheel in Vienna which was constructed at around the same time as the Eiffel Tower.
DeleteThis beautiful Ferris wheel looks amazing in the dark !
ReplyDeleteIt was very eye catching Jane.
DeleteThat would be nice for the views. Visited Cheltenham a few times in the past. Interesting place.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun - we enjoyed it.
DeleteGorgeous photos by a clever photographer and her new camera! I really enjoyed seeing the pretty wheel against the blue sky, and had no idea Holst was British. I imagined he was from Europe. We have a big wheel in Brisbane too, but it has been years since I rode in one. I should heed the advice of Shaw!
ReplyDeleteHolst's father was of Swedish extraction (by way of Latvia and Russia), but his mother came from the Cotswolds. However, she had a grandmother from Spain who married an Irishman. Shaw's advice is a positive motto.
DeleteIt looks impressive on your beautiful photos. I think I would not get in it anymore, I just admired the bottom. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteIt is an elegant structure, and was not at all scary to ride.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post and great pictures too!
Glad you enjoyed a ride in the white ferris wheel near your home town.
Hugs,
Mariette
Thanks Mariette - this is the first try with my new camera. Glad you enjoyed seeing them.
DeleteExcellent! 👍
DeleteLovely pictures - glad you were able to have a ride on it.
ReplyDeleteIt took me back in time to childhood Susan.
DeleteLove the quote. ...and I also enjoy a Ferris wheel. I was urprised by the look of the one invented by Ferris for the Chicago Worlds fair in 1893” I saw a similar one in Vienna at the park by the river...not sure if it is really old and I understand it was not built by Mr. Ferris. Beautiful pictures....Can’t wait to find out your camera choice...Janey
ReplyDeleteThe Ferris wheel in Vienna was erected in 1897 to mark the 50th year of Emperor Franz Joseph's accession to the throne so about the same time as the Eiffel tower in Paris. It was built by a British engineer from the Royal Navy called Lieutenant Walter Bassett Bassett.
DeleteI have purchased exactly the same camera as my previous one.
Lovely pictures Rosemary! I´m so afraid of hights so I would for sure faint up there :)
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
It doesn't feel frightening - I am sure that you would be fine.
DeleteAmazing photos!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend
Hugs
Maria
Divagar Sobre Tudo um Pouco
Thanks Maria.
Delete