Bridge on the River Stour...

Mad dogs and photographers go out in the mid-day sun... Not quite as Mr. Coward intended, but at this time of year, and at that time of day, I can expect little to photograph.

It's funny, but during the morning, an image I had shot some years ago of two men cleaning the build-up of weed on the concrete slopes of Throop Weir - up to their waists in their waterproof bib and braces; wielding scrapers on long poles - came to mind. For some bizarre reason (maybe it's the heat) I leave home just before noon and cycle back to the location, as if I expect them to be there once again, doing the same job.

Of course, they're not; the weir does not need cleaning at all, but I am surprised to find some sort of maintenance activity going on. Work has just started on the building of a temporary footbridge to divert walkers whilst the current bridge, which has stood on the site since 1972 when the river was diverted, is replaced. Work on this permanent structure, as well as the removal of the environmental control mechanism at the weir's middle, is scheduled to start next summer at a projected cost of £300,000.


24-70mm f/2.8G AF-S Nikkor. 1/1600 second at f/5.6. - 0.33 EV compensation. ISO 320


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