Christine Crossan

Cole's Corner, painting by Sheffield artist Bill Kirby (1934-2019).

Across the Fields to Annagh, County Cavan, Ireland, painting by Maria Dowling.

On the Eighth Day, hippy co-operative, Oxford Road, Manchester, c.1973. Now a healthfood shop and café. (MMU archive)

"If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea,
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair,
But let me be what I know best,
A friend that is always there."
~ Khalil Gibran

🎨 Edvard Munch

A plump Woodpigeon stands confidently at a bird bath, chest puffed out, looking slightly smug. Beside it, a glossy Starling with shimmering green and purple feathers sits lower down, tilting its head up as if deep in conversation. The two birds appear to be mid-chat, giving off the vibe of scheming pals casually plotting how to dodge being counted in the Big Garden Birdwatch.

'Alright pal, got plans for the #BigGardenBirdwatch?'

'Nah, just the usual... hang out of sight whilst she's doing the count, then touch down once the hour's over. You?'

'Classic. Planning some fly-bys with a few of the boys, but we'll only land one at a time.'

'Niiice.'

I’m moved and enchanted by this poem by Meghan O’Rourke from the latest @newyorker.com which came through the letterbox earlier and which is trying to stop me getting on with my writing. I shouldn’t have opened it!

The Good Old Days   Pity the poor children of today, with their calendars stuffed with chocolates,   never to know the thrill of opening a small cardboard door and discovering behind it   a picture of a bell. Brian Bilston

This poem is dedicated to anyone making a start on their advent calendar today.

My blackbird necklace design. I hand-sculpt each of my bird necklaces individually in recycled silver.

It would be so helpful if you could RT my post above about my Etsy shop. I haven't been able to work for more than half the year due to severe depression/a breakdown. If you see this & could spare a few moments for a RT it would help me put my designs in front of a few more eyes. Thankyou so much🌿

We advocate for all animals, even the unpopular ones, because the desire to live is the same in all of us. Follow us if you agree and support our work!

Painting of a bird perched on a bare branch against a pink sky

This 1841 watercolour is a painting by writer of 'Wuthering Heights' Emily Brontë. It depicts her pet merlin The bird of prey was rescued from the moors near her home and Brontë named the bird 'Nero'. The Brontë siblings all had good skills in art.

Seeing as it's his birthday today, here's the fabulous beginning of a poem he once wrote to commemorate the occasion.

• Dylan Thomas •

I was born in Shaw in 1955 so I was 2 then. I do remember all those mill chimneys!

Shaw, Lancashire, 1957, photo by Bert Hardy.

View on Yorkshire Street, Oldham, 1949, painting by Thomas Griffith (Gallery Oldham).

We must end cubbing, a sick pastime where hunts kill fox cubs to train their hounds.

As the world of AI and Technology continues to ever increase, here's the one and only Mary Oliver with an important challenge for us all. (Legend ❤️✨️)

Painting featuring a standing white woman in a long blue dress, facing left, at work in a factory holding bobbins of cotton

UK suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst was a trained artist and in 1907 created several watercolours depicting women workers in factories, mills and potteries to highlight working women’s rights, their pay and conditions #WomensArt

There must be more ‘Watchers’ on here so lets build the community by reposting & following, give our presenters & contributors some love, & celebrate 20Yrs of #Springwatch together 💚🥳
How big can our flock grow by end of this season?

#BBCSpringwatch #Springwatch2025 #Springwatch20 #wildlife #nature

Trying to make myself known to more of the people on this who once followed me on X. 😄

Reposts appreciated!
#arealmofwonder #cianmccarthy

I was unable to work between December & April due to a breakdown. Every single RT here helps put my creative & mental health workshops in front of more eyes & helps me get back on my feet financially. It would help *so* much if you could RT my workshop below if you have a few seconds. Thankyou 🌿

Millions around the world celebrated Victory in Europe 'VE Day' #OTD 1945, marking news of Nazi Germany’s surrender after nearly six years of war. Pic: VE Day, by L.S. Lowry (Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum).

Signed.

Petition: Ban driven grouse shooting Chris Packham, Ruth Tingay and Mark Avery (Wild Justice) believe that driven grouse shooting is bad for people, the environment and wildlife. People; we think grouse shooting is economically insignifi...

Our petition has passed 97,000 signatures and just gone up to 13th most-signed petition in the list. Thank you for all your support! We aren't there yet but we are very close to 100,000 signatures which will trigger a parliamentary debate. Plz keep sharing! petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...

I could come out of retirement and apply my early years knowledge to a new doggy career!🐕🦮🐕‍🦺

That's 90,000 signatures!

90,000 of you calling for a ban on driven grouse shooting.

If we reach 100,000, we can get this debated in parliament. So please sign and share - help us get there!

Alexandra Park, Oldham, by Helen Bradley (1900-79). #WomensArt #NorthernArt

Lancashire Fair, Good Friday, Daisy Nook, 1946, by L.S. Lowry, 1887-1976 (Government Art Collection). #NorthernArt

Shooting a sleeping golden eagle , how low can you go ? This is the story of Merrick . @wildjustice.bsky.social

Mills Hill Road, near Middleton Junction, Manchester, as in 1950s, by Steven Scholes, b.1952 (private collection).

Oldham Borough police officer makes notes in his pocket book before rush-hour point duty near the Star Inn, 1930s (Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives).