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Day 1/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
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December arrived with the sun peeking over the clouds on the horizon.
It was cold this morning… but I took some comfort imagining I was probably warmer than this lot …😂
Day 2/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
It was supposed to be clear skies at dawn today, but it was so cold out on the water that even the sun stayed in bed! So I went to say good morning to my friend, the Eest Pier buoy instead.
(The sun came out briefly just as I was returning with frostbitten fingers…)
Day 3/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The i360… icon or eyesore?
It’s polarised opinion here over the years, but I’ve come to love the #i360. In particular on grey, grizzly dawns like this, I’m grateful for the splash of colour that brightens the morning.
Like it or loathe it, one things for sure… you can’t miss it when you’re on the Brighton seafront!
Day 4/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
It’s a tough gig being a promenade shelter in Brighton & Hove … wind, rain, salt all take their toll, as does vandalism. But they still provide a welcome respite from the elements… and, even on days like today, their rust radiates a certain warmth…
Day 5/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Perhaps nowhere shows the quirkiness and individuality of Brighton better than the North Laines. Usually crammed with revellers and visitors, it’s definitely a quieter spot at dawn …but no less colourful - especially with the Christmas lights still glowing!
Day 6/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The thing I love about photography is that it opens my eyes to things I otherwise miss. I have walked past this sheet of blue metal on the seafront countless time over the last 11 years and not noticed until recently that, at just the right angle, it’s a wonderful work of art! Kiss Wall.
Day 7/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The gateway to and from Brighton.
Train station rooves are often quite impressive (Brighton’s included) so I always think it’s worth taking a moment to look up.
It was quiet on the forecourt as the dawn was hiding behind the clouds outside, but minutes later it was bustling with students coming in and commuters going out. Me included today.
Day 8/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Sadly, the outlook for peace on earth is a bit dark at the moment. Whether it’s wars in Gaza and Ukraine, or even just the enduring fracture and divisions to our national psyche caused here by Brexit, we could all benefit with more peace. So let’s extend olive branches and try and find peace wherever possible. The Peace Statue.
Day 9/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
A wind and rain combo is the enemy of the photographer.
This morning I needed shelter from the squall at dawn. I’ve walked past this old phone box many times over the years, but never actually tried to get into it before. Turns out that, as well as not having a phone in, it’s also securely locked. Still well lit though…
Day 10/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
After a big night out yesterday with friends in Surrey, it was some achievement just to get up this morning and focus on anything.
Captured the Jubilee Epsom Downs Beacon, being watched over by a rather spooky-looking abandoned car.
And then I abandoned my own outing…
Day 11/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The dog who photo-bombed my reflection shot.
I was just minding my own business this morning, deep in some puddle waiting for the dawn, and suddenly this cheeky mutt wandered by.
There’s a slightly guilty look on its face… I think it knew just what it was doing 😂.
I got some nicer photos of the wonderful Flight of the Langoustine, but this had to be the Calendar picture today!
Day 12/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Mist in the valley. Early morning in Somerset. Very peaceful and lovely. Full day of walking ahead so hoping that mist clears and doesn’t turn to rain…🤞
Day 13/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
A wonderful day of walking in the Mendips yesterday with my brother, and an equally enjoyable night in the pub. Breakfast awaits… but not on the colourful terrace!
Day 14/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The ornate heritage street lanterns along Brighton’s seafront promenade are continually subjected to the full brunt of the elements… but there’s a plan underway to restore or rebuild them. It’s worth it. They are wonderful...
Day 15/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Tradition now dictates that on Day 15 I don’t stray far from home as there’s a big birthday in the house. Usually the front gate is about the limit 😂. But it’s an excellent place to celebrate the most original Xmas wreath in town - the Beach Wreath - and of course its amazing creator @mindyeclarke!
Happy birthday, gorgeous!
Day 16/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Admit it… it’s what we want about when welcome to the seaside! Not sure it can beat a warm bowl of porridge for breakfast on December mornings for me … but if you want one, you can get one all year round here!
Day 17/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The Doughnut. Or “Afloat” to give it its proper name. A lovely spot to take in the sun rising behind the Palace Pier.
This morning I met someone there who was not in a great way and has been sleeping on the streets of Brighton for 8 weeks since his world imploded. We had a coffee and a chat, but tbh I realised I was at a loss as to what more I could to do to help him.
I’ve now done a bit of research and have decided one thing I can do is to dedicate the last week of this year’s Dawn Advent Calendar to trying to raise some money for Make Change Count 2023 - Brighton & Hove’s combined fundraising campaign that provides funds to local charities supporting and preventing homelessness in the city.
So, if anyone has enjoyed the photos so far and is in a position to spare a little cash at this time, then it would be fantastic if you could support them with a donation…
Day 18/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Brighton Palace Pier. In the background of so many shots, I think it deserves its own day in the Dawn Advent Calendar. It doesn’t need sun… it stands proud in all conditions!
#dawnadventcalendar2023 supports Make Change Count 2023 - donate here if you’d like : http://tiny.cc/zu0jvz
Day 19/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The Meeting Place Cafe. Perhaps my biggest expenditure on the Dawn Advent Calendar is on cups of tea here as I seek respite from the elements 😂.
This is probably the last photo I’ll take of it in its current guise, as they are going to knock it down after Christmas and build a brand new cafe here. It will have indoor seating apparently.
I’m sure the new version will be nice and I look forward to seeing it when it eventually rises from the ashes. But I have to say I’ll also miss this original one on my Dawn walks…
*** It’s not too late to donate… support Make Change Count 2023 (see link at top) ***
Day 20/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
The ping pong table and the bandstand.
There are numerous outdoor table tennis tables installed along the seafront and, despite the cold and rain and wind, they attract players all year round. The gusty winds certainly add a new dimension to the seafront game…
My favourite table is this one, under the bandstand - and especially (from a photographic perspective at least) when a light film of rain has settled …
*** Not to late to donate: Make Change Count 2023 (see link at top) ***
Day 21/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Street Art. Unlike the hidden gems I mentioned on Day 6, it’s everywhere in Brighton. On buildings, hoardings, telephone exchange boxes. If there’s a blank space, it’s a canvas for street artists. Or graffiti or tag artists. Much of it very spectacular. It’s quite a sight to behold …
*** Not to late to donate: Make Change Count 2023 (see link at top) ***
Day 22/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Last night was Burning the Clocks - an event that celebrates the shortest day of the year. There’s a big parade, and lots of lanterns that end up getting burned on the beach at the end. This year’s theme was … er …Clocks?!
Of course, it’s a terrifying time if you’re a clock… and so I was very glad to see the Clock Tower still standing this morning 😂
*** Not to late to donate: Make Change Count 2023 (see link at top) ***
Day 23/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
Venice Beach? Pah... you ain't got nothing on Brighton's Beach Basketball count🏀.
Basketball has become a thing in my life, so Day 23 is a homage to all my baller pals .⛹️♂️⛹🏾⛹️♀️
For years I watched my kids play, and it pushed me to follow the Boston Celtics in the NBA (and the mighty Worthing Thunder closer to home). And then I started my own playing career. As a novice veteran. Every Thursday evening.
It's become an immovable fixture in my calendar. Mostly we play indoors, but when the weather permits, we try and get out to one of the beach courts. The court with those guys is a happy place for me... good for the soull.
*** Not to late to donate: Make Change Count 2023 (see link at top) ***
Day 24/24 of #dawnadventcalendar2023
So this morning I’ve woken in a place I don’t know, it’s raining and grey and, quite frankly, I’m knackered from getting up for the last 24 dawns. I took a short walk and for my grand finale, I ended up taking a picture of …
…a garden gate 😂. Nice gate and garden though…🫣
Anyway, that’s it for this year’s Dawn Avent Calendar. I hope some of the pictures may have brought a bit of joy to your December mornings. It’s been a fun challenge as alway for me. So as I now head for a long lie-in, I just wanted to wish you all very happy holidays and festive celebrations!
Oh, and thanks so so much to all who have made a contribution to Make Change Count… brilliant. And if you haven’t yet , then it’s still not too late to donate …😉
Charlie x
