It’s wise to have a plan. It gives the rain gods something to play with. In my case, the plan was to travel by train from Buxton to Leominster (pronounced Lemster), with a single change at Stockport. The timing would give a whole afternoon to wander around Leominster, which is celebrated for it’s black andContinue reading “Getting there?”
Tag Archives: England
Snippets
(Just a few snippets to share which haven’t fitted into the blogs.) From Belfast: What was it with the traffic warden that he felt the need to ticket a driver who was patiently waiting for another car to pull out of a parking space? The second car was indicating. ‘Obstruction of traffic’ he called it.Continue reading “Snippets”
Nothing can prepare you…
Nothing can prepare you for Chatsworth House. First though, getting there can be fun. Despite local buses having a timetable, clearly there’s some fiend who considers it fun to give the service a miss on a rainy day, with no warnings on the website. But Bakewell locals are onto it. Stand at the bus stopContinue reading “Nothing can prepare you…”
Brave boots
Waking up in a palace, then drawing back heavy red drapes to reveal church spires poking skywards from the tree canopy across the valley, feels surreal. Pouring hot water over instant porridge in a cup is a great leveller! So is missing the first bus. Especially when it’s linking up with a train connection youContinue reading “Brave boots”
Not just the end of the line…
According to most maps, the Manchester to Buxton train route passes through towns and villages which dotted between more rural areas, but in truth urban sprawl has absorbed old boundaries, meaning these seperate identities now touch hands. There’s no rural to be seen until just before Middlewood, and the first real farms are even furtherContinue reading “Not just the end of the line…”
To boldly go…
The People’s History Museum, Manchester, takes an unusual look at the city’s humanities journey. I was fortunate enough to visit when Pauline Omoboye was reciting her work. Do watch it on Facebook, (it’s more meaningful hearing her)… it’s on the One Manchester banner. Extraordinary woman. Manchester has strong humanity forces, starting with the arresting sculptureContinue reading “To boldly go…”
Marvels in Liverpool
Looking up at the waterfront wheel: Grass! The Chinese community commissioned this as a thank you to Liverpool: Albert Dock internally, and the walkway along the Mersey externally:
Sweeping the (Liver)pool
One hundred years ago, the Football Pools began in Liverpool. For decades men and women have faithfully bought their ticket, and listened closely to the radio, shushing the kids in order to hear the winning numbers. Everyone knew someone who knew someone who had won the pools. During World War Two, the Pools ticketing machineryContinue reading “Sweeping the (Liver)pool”
Freedom
In her darkest moment, Freda the cow took steps. It was 1986, and she was at the abbatoir. It was do or die. She did; leaping to freedom… actually, the motorway. Police and many helpers gave chase. By the time they finally managed to tranquilize her (in a cemetery) Freda was featuring on the news.Continue reading “Freedom”
Art (apparently)
Everyone should visit a Tate, apparently. Modern art at it’s finest. But is it art if the viewer has to read the explanatory notes in order to understand it? In tunnels, on walls, and on lamp posts, there’s some stunning street graffitti; modern, easy to understand, and beautiful. Poignant or hilarious, graffiti reflects someones communityContinue reading “Art (apparently)”
Stories for you - Enjoy! 