Chris Doward
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chrisdoward.bsky.social
Chris Doward
@chrisdoward.bsky.social
92 followers 250 following 140 posts
Born in South London. Moved from Southwark to Norfolk many moons ago. Will probably end up posting mostly the landscape around Sheringham.

The penny dropped and the mechanism emitted a faint whirring noise.
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chrisdoward.bsky.social
While at Weybourne Station on the North Norfolk Railway on the first day of the 2026 season, 14/02/26, I noticed this 'No Smoking' sign in Class 101 DMBS W51505. I presume these were present before the carriage was withdrawn. @doublearrow64.bsky.social
A No smoking sign on the window of preserved Class 101 DMCL W51505, which is based on the North Norfolk Railway. Seen at Weybourne Station, 14/02/26. I presume this has been there since before it was withdrawn. Sign is a cigarette pointing with its tip diagonally down to the left, with a white bar across it. No smoking underneath, with Penalty £50 maximum at the bottom. White on red background. I certainly remember these signs from back in the day. Preserved Class 101 DMCL W51505 in all-over blue livery and a yellow cab end stands in the sunshine at Weybourne Station on the North Norfolk Railway, 14/02/26. The nearest two bays are for first class passengers, with Excursion showing on the blinds. The set number is B823 anf there is a tail lamp on the right, which was shortly to be removed and placed on DMBS M51192 before it headed to Sheringham. Preserved Class 101 DMBS M51192 in BR Green livery with a full yellow end heads into Weybourne Station from the yard, 14/02/26. It was paired with all over BR blue Class 101 DMCL W51505. Wellington is shown in the blind box over the cab, with the headcode B2 showing underneath. A view of the DMU set in service on the North Norfolk Railway, 14/02/26, in the yard at Weybourne before departure. Class 101 DMBS M51192 leads, with Class 101 DMCL W51505 behind. In the foreground the cab of E79263, which is a Class 101 which has been restored to look like a Lightweight unit and Class 08 shunter D3935 (08767 is TOPS money AFAIK) just beyond it.
February 15, 2026 at 3:58 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
I wasn't out looking for ladybirds on Saturday. I was out enjoying some sunshine and blue sky. however I did find these two clusters of ladybirds overwintering on the border between Sheringham Park and Weybourne Heath. 14/02/26. @ukladybirds.bsky.social
As far as I can tell, eight harlequin ladybirds , with six seven-spot ladybirds shelter inside a hole carved out of a wooden fence post on the west facing side on the north edge of the path that connects Sheringham Park and Weybourne Heath. 14/02/26. This usually is a place where you can find ladybirds/ Seventeen seven-spot ladybirds clustered together on the east facing fencepost of the boundary between Sheringham Park and Weybourne Heath, on the north side of the path between the two on a sunny 14/02/26.
February 15, 2026 at 3:37 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Photos of the inside of a daffodil's corona showing the stamen and pistil.
Colour macro photo looking inside the corona of a daffodil flower. The pistil is surrounded by the stamen. The three stamen above left of the pistil look to be cupping it like fingers. Yellow abounds. Colour photo of the pistil of a daffodil flower, surrounded by the six stamen. The two stamen at the front are pinched together like fingers. Monochrome macro photo looking down on the pistil, which is open, surrounded by the six stamen. The top edge of a leaf is seen bottom right of the photo. Monochrome macro photo of the innards of a daffodil flower. The pistil in the centre is protectively surrounded by the six stamen.
February 15, 2026 at 3:29 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
As far as I know a run has taken place today to celebrate 70 years since RM1 first entered service on the No.2. So 35 years, since the 35th anniversary run took place. Living locally I took the 3 up to Crystal Palace Parade to see the cavalcade. @history.dulwichsociety.com
RM6 stands on the south side of Crystal Palace Parade, as far as I know on 03/02/91, after taking part in a run to celebrate the 35th anniversary of RM1 entering service in London on Route 2, which then was from Croicklewood to Crystal Palace. RM6 was at the time allocated to Norwood Garage and operated on the 2B, which was still running to Crystal Palace at the time, although not on Sundays. A RM that ran in Glasgow is behind RM6. RM2046 from TL ( Catford Garage) passes preserved RM 2037 and another Routemaster to the right as it heads west along Crystal Palace Parade, 03/02/1991, when a run took place to celebrate 35 years since RM1 entered service in London. RM 2046 (ALM46B) is in the turning circle at Crystal Palace, while taking part in a run to celebrate the 35th anniversary of RM1 entering service in London. At the left of the photo Routemasters as far as the eye can stretch along the south side of Crystal Palace Parade, above the site of the closed Crystal Palace High Level Station. At the right of the photo is the base of BBC transmitter. I was waiting for a No.3 bus to come up and see the run, when the buses taking part in the run turned out of Park Hall Raod and right into South Croxted Road before taking the route of the 3 heading up to Crystal Palace. Quite a sight to see.
February 8, 2026 at 5:46 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
We've got crocuses starting to flower in our garden. One lot where they were originally planted and another breakaway faction, which are a bit more advanced.
A crocus starting to flower. In the centre of the photo purple leaves are starting to unfurl, allowing the orange stamen to be visible. Also visible are white outer leaves. In the background are other crocuses in stages of opening. Looking down on a single crocus that is starting to flower. The orange stamen in the centre is showing, surrounded by purple leaves and white outer leaves.
February 8, 2026 at 5:32 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Birds in the sunshine (at last), Sheringham, 07/02/26. Details in captions. @michaelinthegarden.bsky.social @icelass.bsky.social
Robin singing in my Mum's favourite tree by Sheringham Library, 07/02/26. The robin could the one who visits our garden. Turnstone reflecting in a puddle of water by Sheringham Museum, 07/02/26. A pied wagtail and a grey wagtail on the waste ground that used to be the RNLI carpark near The Leas, Sheringham, 07/02/26. The pied wagtail is at the left with its' back to the camera, with the grey wagtail at more of an angle on the right, showing its' yellow lower. The Eastern Black Redstart is still here in Sheringham, seen in the morning sunshine, 07/02/26, in the gardens at the west end of The Esplanade.
February 7, 2026 at 11:04 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
The Eastern Black Redstart that has taken up residence in Sheringham, seen perched around the back of The Burlington, 31/01/26. An interesting contrast between the bird and the brickwork behind. @michaelinthegarden.bsky.social @icelass.bsky.social
The Eastern Black Redstart that has been resident in Sheringham for the last month or so, seen resting on a ledge, a third of the way up the south side of the former Burlington Hotel that is now flats. Bord is in the middle of the photo. The red bricks of the south side of the former Burlington Hotel in Sheringham, with an Eastern Black Redstart just above the bottom middle. The colours of the bird and the bricks form an interesting contrast. Pretty much all bricks, apart from a window and its' white frame just above the Redstart.
February 1, 2026 at 11:33 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Four from around Sheringham, 31/01/26. Some blue sky at last.
The boating lake at Sheringham illuminated by a street light, while the nearly full moon shines between the cloud and is reflected on the water of the boating lake. Riding the wave. The wave conditions were good for surfing. One rider is celebrating after riding a wave. The board looks to have a keel underneath and you can see how it has cut through the water heading diagonally to the left of the surfer as you look, with spray coming up just behind the rider. Monochrome image of water droplets on lupin leaves. Spotting birdwatchers meant the eastern black redstart was still around. I was walking along the coastal path, while the redstart was enjoying the gardens of The Leas. Even got Mum to see this afternoon around the back of The Burlington.
January 31, 2026 at 3:36 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
I think the discrepancy is due to NSE logos beIng placed on the white band on rolling stock. Now if they had been placed in the same place on the locos. My photo of 50026 'Indomitable', Oxford, 05/05/90.
50026 'Indomitable', Oxford Station, 05/05/90, after working 1F36 16:15 from London Paddington. Loco is in original NSE livery. Visible in distance is Mk1 coach is darker blue NSE with logo and Network SouthEast visible on white band at near end of coach.
January 30, 2026 at 3:27 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
First snowdrops of the year seen near Sheringham Library, 14/01/26. @icelass.bsky.social
Two snowdrops catching the early afternoon sunshine near Sheringham Library. 14/01/26.
January 14, 2026 at 4:07 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Post a pic of the venue where you saw your first concert and the band or artist. The Flying Pickets at Fairfield Halls, Croydon with my family. images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5...
The Fairfield Halls, Croydon, as it looked in the 1980s/
January 11, 2026 at 10:48 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
A few photos from around Sheringham this morning, 05/01/26. Before and during the snow shower around 09:30. About 5mm fell. @icelass.bsky.social @metoffice.gov.uk
Monochrome image of 'waves' of ice at the east end of Sheringham Boating Lake, 05/01/26. After north-westerly winds over the last few days, the water has frozen over most of the lake, with the ice at east end formed into ripples which look like waves frozen in ice. Sun light reflecting off a window shining on the frozen waters of Sheringham Boating Lake, 05/01/26. Even though the photo was taken around 09:15 this morning, it looks like it could be around dusk. The water in the top right corner of the photo, south-west corner of the boating lake has not frozen over. Greater Anglia Class 755/3 unit 755328 in the snow at Sheringham station, 05/01/26, waiting for departure with the 2S09 09:43 train to Norwich. A robin perched on the edge of a snow cover frozen birdbath in our backgarden in Sheringham, 05/01/26.
January 5, 2026 at 10:55 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
I'm not a birder really but living in North Norfolk you are in birding country. I spent I while wondering around looking for the Eastern Black Redstart but then it appeared around 09:50, Sheringham, 30/12/25. @icelass.bsky.social
Eastern Black Redstart at rest on top of a satellite dish on the southern sunny side of a building in Sheringham, 30/12/25. Crop of the previous image showing the Eastern Black Redstart. The bird is just to left of middle with its' tail pointing to the right.
December 30, 2025 at 11:08 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Poppies in the morning sun, Weybourne Station, North Norfolk Railway. 18/10/25. @icelass.bsky.social
Poppies catching the morning sun, Weybourne Station, 18/10/25. Poppies catching the morning sun, Weybourne Station, 18/10/25. A zoomed in photo of poppies catching the morning sun, Weybourne Station, 18/10/25.
October 18, 2025 at 4:37 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Seeing we're on a Class 87 theme, here's one of my favourite photos: 87006 'City of Glasgow' heading north from platform 5 at Crewe after being detached from its' train on a Sunday around 36 years ago. @doublearrow64.bsky.social
87006 'City of Glasgow' leaving platform 5 at Crewe light engine on a Sunday after working a train from London Euston. 87006 is heading for the Manchester lines which head off to the right of the picture. Photo probably taken around midday as the sun is pretty much head on to the rear cab. Loco in early Inter-City livery, with yellow ends and a BR double arrow just visible on the bodyside of 87006. The West Coast Main Line to Liverpool and Scotland disappears into the distance to the right of 87006. Lots of structures to support the overhead wires are visible. 87006 is framed between the post of signal CE157, shunt signal visible, and a stanchion on the right.
October 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
The loco behind 87030 in the previous photo is 87027 'Wolf of Badenoch'
Class 87 locomotives 87027 'Wolf of Badenoch' and 87030 'Black Douglas' at Euston around 1990. Both locomotives are in early versions of Inter-City livery, which the band extending around the cab of 87027, where 87030 has full yellow ends up to the front windows. 87027 has normal size numbers, while 87030 has larger ones.
October 15, 2025 at 11:44 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
My photo of 87030 at Euston, probably 1990/91, with large numbers and a larger arrow symbol than 87021 just visible in the gloom. I'm sure I've got a colour photo of 87030 from May 1990 but that may be lost in the mists of time.
Black and white photo of Class 87 87030 'Black Douglas' just peaking from the gloom at London Euston around 1990/1991. The 87 is in Inter-City livery with a full yellow end and large numerals on the cab beneath the driver's window. BR double-arrow symbol just visilbe in the gloom, centre-right of the photo.
October 15, 2025 at 11:36 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Raindrops on nasturtium leaves. 08/10/25.
Monochrome image of raindrops on a nasturtium leaf, 08/10/25. Leaf fills up most of the photo, with the stalk at the right end of the photo with veins radiating out from it. A large water droplet fills where the stalk meets the leaf. Various droplets of a large size line the vein heading out to the left, surrounded by lots of smaller droplets. Monchrome image of water droplets on a nasturtium leaf, 08/10/25. A large droplet has formed where the leaf joins the stalk and veins radiate out. At the far left are a large number of droplets of various sizes.
October 8, 2025 at 6:28 PM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
@simonhendy.bsky.social @lunacytowers.bsky.social Dame Aunty Susan has received her package and would like to thank M'Lord and M'Lady for the thought. She was heard to exclaim "It's an real buscuit tin" I think she is going to enjoy it. Thank you, both.
Note my Mum received with her package.
July 30, 2025 at 11:12 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Whilst I was up on Skelding Hill, Sheringham, 15/07/25, looking for ladybirds I was treated to the sight of a pair of red kites overhead. This one was directly overhead for a short while before flying off east. @icelass.bsky.social
The underside of a red kite circling briefly over Skelding Hill, Sheringham, 15/07/25, against a backdrop of blue sky.
July 15, 2025 at 10:26 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Now for the addendum. I took this photo of a group of six seven-spot ladybirds on gorse, near to where i found the first two. I didn't notice until I uploaded the photo that there where a couple of dinocampus coccinellae wasps crawling around too.
A group of six seven-spot ladybirds grouped around the top of a gorse stalk, Skelding Hill, Sheringham, 15/07/25. There is a presumed dinocampus coccinellae wasp on a leaf above the seven-spot ladybird that is furthest right. There also is a second wasp crawling over the shell of the ladybird at the bottom.
July 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
I went back up again mid-morning, 15/07/25, to see if the ladybirds were still on the end of the gorse stalk. They were, although one of the seven-spots was now on top of one of the others. There looks to be a dinocampus coccinellae wasp bottom right. 5/
I went back up again mid-morning, 15/07/25, to see if the ladybirds were still on the end of the gorse stalk. They were, although one of the seven-spots was now on top of one of the others. There looks to be a dinocampus coccinellae wasp bottom right.
July 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Three seven-spot ladybirds grouped around the top of a gorse stalk. There is a presumed dinocampus cocinelleae wasp crawling over the pronotum of the bottom ladybird.
Three seven-spot ladybirds grouped around the top of a gorse stalk. There is a presumed dinocampus cocinelleae wasp crawling over the pronotum of the bottom ladybird.
July 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
Shortly after a third seven-spot ladybird appeared and crawled up the gorse stalk to where the other two seven-spots were. 3/
Shortly after a third seven-spot ladybird appeared and crawled up the gorse stalk to where the other two seven-spots were. The first two seven-spot ladybirds found are in the foreground top left with the photo, with a presumed dinocampus cocinellae wasp crawling over the left of the two seven-spots. The third ladybird is approaching underneath the ladybird on the right.
July 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM
chrisdoward.bsky.social
I soon noticed that there little insects crawling over the two ladybirds, which I believe are the parasitic wasp dinocampus coccinellae. I believe the first time I have ever seen this happen. 2/
I soon noticed that there little insects crawling over the two ladybirds, which I believe are the parasitic wasp dinocampus coccinellae. There is one wasp that is spanning pretty much the pronotums of the two ladybirds. There is a second one around the right edge of the pronotum of the ladybird on the left but it is slightly obscured by the glare of the moring sun.
July 15, 2025 at 10:20 AM