I had a quick lunchtime photo walk with the Olympus OM1n the other day. This time I finished up half a roll of Delta 100 in it. The 50mm f1.8 is as good was as good as ever. I walked on the opposite direction to my normal route and therefore took it a few streets I haven’t seen for a while. The first surprise was that there is a whole new entrance to Dorchester West railway station. There are two stations – the other is Dorchester South! The new entrance (below) at “West” is so much better. For a start it allows a direct route to and from the hospital, not only that but it’s a ramp so for wheelchairs, prams, bikes (being pushed) it easy. It avoids a very narrow pavement under a tunnel.
Having walked that, it took me right onto the end of the platform. The station has also had a facelift and a spruce up since my last visit, which admittedly was a few years ago.
Just outside the station there was once a builders merchant, now all boarded up and gone. A yacht stands alone in the yard.
Less than 100 yards away is the market place, devided by a road running down the middle ish – the “larger half” is a car park. In my youth the market was a big affair. It took up half the car park with the regular stalls. I was always fascinated by the stall selling foam! The other side in the those days was still a traditional animal market. I remember seeing goats, chickens, sheep, that sort of thing. I don’t remember larger animals like cows, they may have been there and I just don’t remember, or it may have been waning even then! The covered pen areas are still there but empty, with the roof looking like it’s going to fall in!
In the back ground of the image above you can see the Odeon, the other side of the main road. It’s the top photo in this post. It is/was part of the new area still being developed, known as Brewery Square. The Odeon arrived in the town with big fanfare, challenged the local cinema that had been in the town for decades. Dorset folk however “have their ways” and I have to say, even me as a film fan, I made a point of going to the Plaza rather than the Odeon with it’s slightly bullish manner. The dear old Plaza, as far as I am aware is owned and run by a local family. With it’s three screens they made a point of showing a good selection, fair priced tickets, and most importantly sweets at a reasonable price! I am happy to say it continues to do so. The Odeon closed it’s doors and is now empty. Farewell.
Further along the main street is the Health Centre that strangely resembles a cinema screen when looked at head on. The side view above is more interesting! Then it was time to be back at work! It’s amazing what ground can be covered in half an hour!
S.H.O.U.T. 