‘If it’s something that takes the edge off life, embrace it’If you’ve heard of urbex at all, you might just think of it as people going where perhaps they shouldn’t, just for the thrill of it.But for writer, photographer and urban explorer Chris Schurke, it’s much than that.It’s transformed his mental health and self-esteem. And he’s passionate about the idea of urban exploration shedding a light on social history, especially the stories of people who might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
‘If it’s something that takes the edge off life, embrace it’
If you’ve heard of urbex at all, you might just think of it as people going where perhaps they shouldn’t, just for the thrill of it.
But for writer, photographer and urban explorer Chris Schurke, it’s much than that.
It’s transformed his mental health and self-esteem. And he’s passionate about the idea of urban exploration shedding a light on social history, especially the stories of people who might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
‘I can introduce myself with pride’
Chris began his explorations fifteen years ago, when he became fascinated by the views from the rooftops of Shrewsbury. Some of his photographs from high above the streets of our county town have now been compiled into a new book called ‘Rooftops of Shrewsbury’.
Since then, though, he’s travelled across Shropshire, across the UK and across Europe, exploring abandoned, disused and derelict structures where many of us would fear to tread.
‘I ended up on the set of Schindler’s List’
You can read about Chris’s remarkable urban exploration in Shropshire at his blog, Shrewsbury From Where You Are Not. For his travels in other countries, check out Everywhere From Where You Are Not.
And click on this link to buy Chris Schurke’s first book ‘Rooftops of Shrewsbury’!
Remember, as Chris says in the interview:
‘Weird people should embrace what makes them weird’
Any thoughts on what Chris had to say? Leave a comment:
If you enjoy Hello You the Shropshire podcast …
… why not share it with a friend, colleague of family member? Maybe post the link on your WhatsApp chat group, or on a Facebook page?
And please tell people about Hello You? Mention it at work, chat about it in the pub or the café, talk about Hello You the Shropshire podcast with your netball team, after the service with your faith group, among your buddies on ParkRun, anywhere!
Ribbit …
Look, I’m really sorry that the summer cold I’ve been carrying for two or three weeks has left my voice so croaky and hard to listen to. I’ll be back to my mellifluous best soon, I hope.
In the meantime, I can always score a few gigs as a tribute to this guy! Full-on frog action starts at 1’35”, up until then just enjoy the righteously parping New Orleans horns, and the white-booted go-go dancers who aren’t always quite together. The joys of live television …
The Hello You Tip Line is open for business
Do you have something you’d like to talk about on Hello You?
Maybe a story that needs to be told …
You can contact me discreetly, securely and confidential on Signal. My username is jimallthetime.69
Whatever you feel strongly about, whatever you want more people to know or understand, I’m here to listen to you. It’s what I do. I’m empathetic and compassionate; you’re safe to be your authentic self with me.
Signal: jimallthetime.69
Or you can click here to send me a message:
Thank you for being there
It means a lot that you’ve become a member of the Hello You family.
Have you subscribed yet? If not, just click here:
And if you take out a paid subscription, as well as supporting Hello You the Shropshire podcast and thereby earning my ceaseless gratitude, you’ll have access to the Hello You soundscapes, too!
I recorded a soundscape yesterday which I’ll publish on Monday, so sign up quickly to be sure you won’t miss it. It’s Shrewsbury as heard by Charles Darwin …
In the meantime …
Take care of yourself
Stay cool, in every sense of the phrase. Don’t walk your dog when it’s hot, unless you’re prepared to do the same walk at the same time in a fur coat and barefoot.
Have the best weekend you possibly can, in whatever your circumstances happen to be.
Take care of the people around you, and they sure as hell had better be taking care of you.
Hello You - the Shropshire podcast from Jim Hawkins is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimallthetime.substack.com/subscribe
