Open Writing

It’s been a funny sort of day. Nothing to do really, no meetings, no visits, no real need to go anywhere.

I began the day by baking. We have a coffee morning on Saturday and I thought baking might be a good way of passing the time. It was, but I don’t think the cakes are quite up to their usual standard. If one doesn’t do it on a regular basis, the knack seems to disappear.

Baking done I washed the kitchen floor, then emptied out the dirty water outside and came face to face with my new neighbours, not yet moved in but busy doing alterations to their kitchen. It seems I have known the lady a long time as she used to be my hairdresser, and the man, well he once worked where my family worked.

Another bomb has gone off in London. This event was shortly followed by the factory of a friend of mine going up in smoke. Some vandals having a laugh I suppose. Disregarding what the result of their pranks would be, affecting the livelihoods of a whole family, and all their staff.

It was quite breezy and dull earlier, but after tea a nice evening ensued. The sun shone and a gentle breeze blew. I can’t stay cooped up here all evening, so I put on my trusty trainers and went for a walk!

Up then on and across the park. Park? A grassy field with a few flowerbeds with flowers if you’re lucky on the other side is the Rec. a few are gathering to have a play at something or other. Left and across the road and up Hullen Edge. Lovely view from here looking down on three roads Hullen Edge, Long Wall and Bank Bottom. What tales they could tell if they could speak of all their travellers. Merchants trudging with pack horses to sell their wares in Wakefield, or earlier soldiers marching on their way to a battle.

Passing the Hospice, made from two houses, which once belonged to Find Graucob who was the managing director of Nu-Swift when I worked there. Magnificent houses they were, now doing a great job as the centrepiece of the Hospice. Across the road the sound of leather on willow, I just peep in at the gate of the cricket field, and see youngsters practising at the nets, or waiting on the sidelines with their parents to have a bash.

Just past here is a large detached house, red brick trimmed windowsills and porch with two pillars, and the rest is gleaming white. The Dolls House, is what I always used to think of it as when I saw it as a child. Left along Hammerstones, passing the older pre-war semis on the left, one of which my daughter set up home in 21 years ago, across the other side are some 1960’s semis, the ivy is still growing over the wall where Greta used to live. She moved into a bungalow a long time ago, and now is in Norton House, a residential home, I visited her yesterday. On to the end, Four Lane Ends as it was locally known. From here the road goes up the steep hill to Blackley, or down to the right and eventually down and up again to Holywell Green, passing the row of houses at Broad Carr Terrace where I spent my youth.

Left for me and down passing the detached house Casa Loma, I met someone recently who used to live there, but I can’t remember their name. It still has a balcony at the front bedroom, and the paths used to be pink! Quite outstanding to me as a child. The houses on the other side were built in the middle 1950’s I think. I remember that piece as being a field, with turnips growing, and a rather large lamp post on the footpath at the side, where Irode my tricycle when I was deven.

Next is what used to be the Grammar School, now Brooksbank Comprehensive and Sports College. I didn't go to that school. I didn't sit the County Minor exam. I left school at 14, and I shall never know whether I would have passed or not!

I continue to Elsinore Avenue. I might just pop in and see Angela. No I won't. Their car isn't here. They must be out. Left down Rufford road, past Greta’s bungalow, on Savile road. The little back to back houses here have quite tiny gardens, but most of them are very neat and one especially is a joy to behold.

Back to Norton Close and my flat. My feet feel as though they are bound with iron weights.

I enjoyed the walk, but now I'm glad to put my feet up.