England 2016

Happy Fence Friday, everyone. Once the best place for live trad jazz in Wakefield, this pub (The Wakefield Arms) has been empty since 2003. Because it is a grade II listed building it can't be demolished. I seem to recall hearing that it was built of Portland cement, which was invented by Joseph Aspdin, a Wakefield man, in the 1820s and was one of the very few buildings of its type in existence. I spent many happy hours drinking there. I took this in April 2016, but the Wakey Arms is still there and in the same condition. Sic transit gloria mundi.

Somewhere in the City, London; I don't remember exactly where.

A Happy First Bench Monday of 2026. This picture from 2016 has emerged from the archives to welcome in the year.