Enjoying retirement
In The Red Rose County
A recent trip to our nearest Nationwide Bank in Accrington saw me park 100 yards from the Town Hall which I hadn't see before. After typical ravages by idiotic planners in the 60's and 70's it was nice to see this area had been preserved. The Market Hall next door was equally impressive. What people these Victorians were! Both buildings raised by public subscription. And running up Blackburn Road from them a row of shops which still has the same ashlar finish at upper levels. If only the 60's and 70's planners had never been given birth......... A trip to the nice Afghan tailor in Altrincham meant we could explore another Historic Houses property - Arley Hall in Cheshire. Of all the organisations (National Trust, English Heritage, Art Fund.....) to which we belong or have belonged in the case of the National Trust, Historic Houses which allows access to private houses still lived in by families, is by far the best and best value. The access to the Hall down this avenue of Limes from the car park was suitably impressive. And we passed the cruck barn thought to have been built at the same time as the earlier 1469 house. We toured the house interior. Photos of course disallowed because of insurance purposes presumably. But it was fascinating with its elaborate ceilings and oak panelling, impressive fireplaces, intricate stained glass and beautiful contents. A lot of the design of the by and large Victorian interior and contents was local. Shows we don't have to rely on pesky London firms at all. But the main reason we were here was to see the grounds and gardens which are regarded by some as amongst the best, if not the best, in Europe. They proved indeed magnificent even at this early time of year. A whole series of rooms and themes, everything a sheer delight. And we can't wait to return in Summer to see the absolutely magnificent double herbaceous borders (captured from Arley Hall's site here). But we mustn't forget how lucky we are locally to walk along the Ribble and see the Herons.... ...and at this time of year the cutest lambs you ever did see.......
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August 2023
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