Week three, in some ways it seems like three month’s but we are starting to get the hang of life here in Darwen and although not an exciting life right now (no boozy evenings at a country pub) it’s certainly been very interesting.
Appreciation
One thing moving here has taught me is I didn’t fully appreciate the normal everyday life back home and even some of my colleagues, especially those who assisted me with my technical difficulties on the computer!
Thank you, you were all extremely helpful and kind.
To the community, what a privilege it was having had the chance to “grow” with you and get to know many of you.
To all those who assisted me with information for my articles, my sincere thanks.
I never thought I’d miss my career as much I do but anyway, hoping to move along soon with my career, whether in the print industry or something new.
Learning as we go
I never realised Darwen was so full of such interesting history and the most amazing walks.
Previously when I’ve been holidaying here, there wasn’t much time to wander around at leisure, whereas now all we have is time!
• India Mill chimney
This striking chimney in the heart of Darwen towers over the town centre and surrounding homes and it is definitely something you can’t miss wherever you go in Darwen.
I was aware it had some history, but I’d never taken the time, apart from hearing tales of it from my family, to learn much about it.
According to information taken from Lancashire History Website and Blog, the chimney was built to resemble an Italian bell tower and stands at 303 feet tall and is 24 feet square.
It was completed in 1867 and lays claim the foundation stone it rests on was one of the biggest ever quarried in Britain, and the English Heritage website states that the stone is larger than the one Cleopatra’s Needle sits on in London.
In 1943 twenty tons of iron was removed from the top of the chimney and donated to be melted down for the war effort.
The mill stopped operating in 1991 and by the turn of the century the chimney was in serious need of repair. In 2007 the top 10 feet were rebuilt, a cap put in place and the interior renovated.
Metal work including ties and balustrades were treated or replaced.
New nest boxes were fitted in the hope that the peregrine falcons that had previously been occupants before the building work, would return.
Today the chimney is classed as a Grade II* building (a listed building, or listed structure, is one that has been placed on one of the four statutory lists maintained by Historic England in England, Historic Environment Scotland in Scotland, Cadw in Wales, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in Northern Ireland).
*Wikipedia
• Alluring wooded park
Although we’ve enjoyed beautiful walks in Bold Venture Park, we discovered another woody section of the park higher up, not as landscaped, but beautiful in its own rugged way.
Some of the terrain was a little steep and stony underfoot but the walk was well worth it.
The tinkling stream runs down from the top through this section of the park and further down into the lower park, widening as it goes.
If you look up, which many of us never do, there are a few steel artworks, high up in the trees, including a bird cage.
Further along we found a sculpted beaver which had been carved from a tree trunk. Apparently, there are other wonders to be found, so we’ll leave them for next time.
Missing suitcase delivered
When we landed at Manchester airport three weeks ago, one of our three suitcases hadn’t arrived.
To be honest we thought we may never see it again and this really doesn’t sound exciting at all, but I was like a child on Christmas morning when it was delivered to the door by a man from a courier company.
I couldn’t remember everything I’d packed so opened it up with glee and discovered all the contents.
Some were very welcome but others, like a pair of long satin black evening gloves, not so!
Where the heck am I going to wear these? And a sequinned evening bag? Where was my mind when I packed these “essential” items?
Oh yes, that’s right, I’d lost my mind!
Oh well, maybe once the lockdown is over I’ll find a country pub where it’s fashionable to rock up in jeans accessorised by my long satin gloves.
I fear I may have brought lots of clothes which just aren’t suitable for the Northern hemisphere, I mean I even brought a swimming costume and a sarong!
My daughter looked on in wonder, “Mum, where on earth are you going to wear your swimming costume?”
Ummmm, maybe for a chilly swim in the park pond with the ducks!
Dreaming away
I think I’m longing to go shopping so much, I’m dreaming of it.
Huge shopping trolleys filled to the brim with everything my heart desires, including another pair of long satin gloves!
Jokes aside, it is getting to me now and in all honesty,
I can’t wait for everything to go back, or forward, to the new normal.
All those gorgeous shops just waiting to throw open their doors and welcome women who haven’t shopped for a few months.
I think it’ll be utter chaos but have no fear, the Bag Lady will be near.
That’s it for this week. Stay safe, stay at home, and wash those hands! Oh, and dream about shopping!
Julie
