A new challenge...

This weeks photo challenge is simply entitled 'Water'. As you may have figured by now, I love it when the subject is so precise, I find it much easier to allocate my time to actually get out there and snap some photos! 

I've got a few ideas in my head, however, they're all things that I've stumbled across recently and therefore wanted to try and come up with my own ideas. I think I'll reserve these ideas as back ups, just in case I don't actually get time to find another subject. Luckily, there are a couple of large expanses of water near me, the first one being Seeswood Pool, in Nuneaton. And the second being Thornton Reservoir in Leicestershire. The latter is most definitely the more picturesque, but it's also a good 40 minute drive from my house, and at least an hour and a half from my partners flat. 

Also in the same week Jessops have launched their 'UK in pictures' competition on Facebook. The idea being that you post pictures from your region, and the best photo entered wins a 'premium canvas' print. Not too exciting... however, it's an excuse to get me out and about with the camera. For those of you who've had a look at the link, you'll notice that the Midlands (where their head office is based) apparently doesn't exist... lol!! After some clarification us Midlanders, are apparently Southerners and have to post our photos in that section. 

Anyway, I don't really stand much chance of winning anything in this competition, simply because I live in the drabbest little town ever, called Nuneaton. If you're familiar with Nuneaton, you'll know there aren't any stunning landscapes or great architectural triumphs, just ugly pre-fab 80's buildings with a boring flat countryside surrounding it. However, there is Arbury Hall which is right next to the aforementioned Seeswood Pool. 

Arbury Hall is built on the site of an old monastery, and dates back to the mid 1500's so it is actually quite picturesque with its 'Gothic Revival' architecture. I spent many days playing on the grounds with friends who lived on the estate so I know it quite well. Unfortunately, the hall and gardens are not open to the public as it is currently inhabited by Lord & Lady Daventry. It's fair enough really, I'd be a bit peeved if people kept walking in to my house... They do, however, open up to the public during Easter which doesn't much help me as the competition closes on 31st March! I still know people who live on the estate though, so who knows, I might get close enough to snap a couple of pictures!