Isn't it strange how time flies? July already, half way through 2004 and soon to be 2005, the half way point for the first decade of the 21st century. Time truly does fly.

For July I have put together a selection of images shot around the River Orwell, an area where time has played a key role in the development of the landscape, not to mention building an interesting history along its banks.

Throughout time much has happened in the area of outstanding natural beauty. As early as the year 600AD Anglo-Saxons settled in Ipswich, (in those days called Gippeswyk), where a market town was developed. The name Orwell is believed to have meant 'river near the shore', a name which derived from the Anglo Saxons. Since early times many events took place which have shaped the area.

During the 9th century battles were fought on and off the banks, Viking war ships were sunk and I imagine deserving men told stories of heroes present and past. Authors such as Arthur Ransome were inspired to write the children's book 'Swallows and Amazons' when residing near Pinmill, while the river is part home for migrant and over wintering birds that dwell and feed on the mud lands.

More recently the construction of the mighty Orwell Bridge in the early 80s was a marking point for the expansion of the Felixstowe docks. It also diverted much of the trade that once harboured out of Ipswich to Felixstowe. The iron skeletons of the distant dock cranes don the skyline marking the start of the river at the Stour estuary where it then flows into the North Sea.

Nowadays, pleasure boats, fishermen and container ships are the norm for the watchful eye over the banks of the Orwell, hardly any battle ships you'll be pleased to hear. Nacton picnic area is a fine spot to either stretch the legs or rest awhile, perching on one of the many drifted oak trees fallen over time. Summer will no-doubt see many shades of greens and yellows amidst many old impressive buildings that dot the horizon. It's not hard to see why it was categorised as part of the Suffolk coast and heath 'areas of natural beauty'.

All images were shot using Kodak Elite Chrome 100, some were crossed processed and scanned while the rest were developed as mounted slides and transferred to disk.

To see more of my photography, check out my website with images from far and wide - www.mellxphotos.com

Image of the month: For July, we have chosen
Picture 6. 'Industry' as the image of the month. Take a look below:

6. Industry - By Sam Mellish

Click below for more on Suffolk By Sam and see his previous photo gallery's of 2004.
	June 2004 - 'Kitchen Confident' - Click here »
	May 2004 - 'A Concrete Playground' - Click here »
	April 2004 - 'Snow' - Click here »
	March 2004 - 'Docks at Night' - Click here »
	February 2004 - 'Suffolk' - Click here »

Don't forget to log in next month for a new subject with more photos shot around Suffolk By Sam.

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