Heaviness but the sun comes through

I often draw from nature to solve my problems or discomfort. Heavy clouds with sun breaking through has always been an uplifting sight for me. I don't care much for bright sunshine as it is bad for my sight. In just about everything to do with life, I find Contrasts easier to cope with. You can have too much of a good thing? Well that is the way we were brought up to think. (And 'too much' for us in those days would seem to be what most folk take for granted these days!)

I can't walk like I used to but I enjoy getting out to view nature close to, but also look at vistas that go on for miles.

You don’t have to go far out of Ulverston to find staggering views towards Coniston. Of course, you can get excellent views of distant fells and mountains from the local Hoad, and other places too, but this one here, where Coniston Water lies below a sweep of mountains underneath smouldering skies, is always close to my heart. For those keen on walking (fairly steep hill to climb) follow the Cumbrian Way until reaching the road that goes upwards towards the moors (or go straight up Old Hall Road, turning left at the crossroads, passing Windy Ash Barn and upwards towards the Anglers Tarn. Continue walking upwards until distant Coniston comes into view. Actually we often drive this way home into Ulverston and stop the car to take in the view. But we have walked in that direction a number of times. At a rough guess I would say it is about two miles from the town centre. Maybe less — walking uphill always makes the journey seem much longer!

Ulverston area — sheep, dogs and thieves.

When we moved to Ulverston in 1985, the first people we got to know were our neighbours and dog walkers (followed by friendly shopkeepers and counter assistants). A smile and hello from the doggy people we met while exercising our Golden retriever (followed by our Border Collie) were great blessings as they gave us a sense of belonging. Likewise the cheery 'good morning' of those who served us in the shops, and even the greeting of us by name in the bank and Building Society.
We may not have our roots in this area but are associated through family ties, especially to the land.

The farmers have been through severe times over the years and extra paperwork adds to their burden. Now they have to guard their stock from gangs of thieves who rob them of their livelihood. Whether rare breed or common stock, it does not matter to them. Money is their only god and him only do they serve. Shame has no meaning — getting caught, to them is their only folly!
What happens to the poor animals? Are they slaughtered away from prying eyes, without the benefit of humane methods? Unless they are sold in the usual markets, by one illegal means or another, I can't see an alternative. We have no idea what suffering these animals go through. Well, it's for certain, we keep an eye on the field gates near to us, especially if we see a van parked.

Another matter. I love dogs, I miss the ones we used to have and often pat the friendly ones we meet when out walking. (One lovely old spaniel grins and sits on my feet) I like sheep too, in the spring we delight in the lambs that frisk in the fields. Sadly, dogs and sheep don’t always mix. When dog owners allow their pets freedom to run wild when out walking, sheep are highly vulnerable. This should not happen.
Last month a dog (or dogs) savaged two sheep grazing in a field not far from the town. It looked like the dogs had tried to tear the legs from the sheep. As well as terrified, the poor animals must have been in agony. The wounds were ghastly and yet the dog owner left the sheep to suffer and die. The farmer could have been contacted, even if a name had not been left. Callous? What do you think? At least, when on holiday, when we found a lamb wounded and another with its eyes pecked out, we quickly found the farmer to alleviate the suffering and save further lambs from the crows.
Notices are sometimes around fields warning dog walkers to keep off the land, or keep to footpaths. especially where there is valuable livestock. It is an offence to allow a dog to run loose. On the whole, farmers are pretty good, especially if we stick to footpaths. Or if we keep dogs well under control on common land.
Sheep-worrying does not just take place in the spring. Nor does worrying only involve sheep, it can take place amongst any valuable stock. Best to keep dogs off grazing land and on a leash while walking country footpaths, otherwise the dog owner is more guilty than their pet if an incidence occurs.
To those who think their dog would never attack any person or animal, be assured ‘friendly’ dogs from three months to twelve years will attack sheep for the sheer fun of it. This has been proved by extensive studies carried out in Australia and elsewhere.
Leaving aside, the legal aspect and cost to farmers, dog owners should consider the suffering experienced by sheep when attacked, and the fact that once a dog has tasted the meat it is likely to attack again. Farmers are allowed to protect their livestock — dog owners beware!

A Sunday Walk

A Sunday Circular Walk from Canal Foot to Plumpton via the coast path returning across the inland footpath.
This was to be a gentle walk for me, having had a cortisone injection in my knee a few days before and so nothing strenuous advised so as to give healing a chance.
It was a pleasant day in spite of a chilly breeze. Actually when we were inland it was quite sheltered and very warm.
We left the car parked close to the canal, I said hello to a sweet little pony and we started off. The sea was coming in and we were walking the path close to it, so no messing around. The path being soft with standing water, we tended to walk over the rocks — maybe not the best thing with my problem knee but we soon reached slightly higher ground where the path is smooth. We stopped to look across the bay with the sun shining on the railway viaduct. We saw an old boat which looked as if it had been brought in with the tide. Now there is a prop for a short story!
Onwards and we reached Plumpton Hall, a very old building of unusual design. Years ago when we had only been in the area a short time, the hall was for sale. I think it was £9,000. Sounds cheap now but that was a lot of money then. If we had had the money, I would loved to have bought it — such a romantic building and in a wonderful almost isolated spot close to the sea.
Up the lane we spotted a group of horses and I said another hello! Further along and over the stile steps into a field. Following the path we came close to the railway line. We were soon in sight of Ulverston's Hoad Monument, gleaming white in a ray of sun.
Further along and over a stile under the shade of overhanging trees. There is a fence running by the footpath now, likely because the farmer has a bull in the field. I was actually glad to see the fence, as last time we took that walk a whole herd of young bullocks were gathered around the stile. On that occasion we diverted to a field and after much walking found ourselves getting over a fence and back on the footpath by the sea. So we continued by the barbed wire fence turning to the left by an old quarry — Nother good setting for a short story with nefarious deeds! Over another style and we were among some delightful 'architect' build houses overlooking the bay. Down the slope and back to the footpath start. We walked along where once sea-going vessels entered and left Ulverston Canal. We looked back to where we had walked and saw that the sea had covered most of the path. The other direction, the bright sun had turned part of the sea to a sparkling diamond.
A short walk but truly delightful!

What a Splash!

On our Sunday walk, we arrived at Canal Foot (Ulverston) to find the ducks going nuts. Were they trying to send off unwelcome groups, fighting for territory or just playing about? What ever it was, water sparkled in the sunlight as splashing churned up the water, ducks were lifting themselves up onto their feet and much quacking was going on. What fun!

As Time Goes By — the changing scene

As Time Goes By — the changing scene.

We have lived in the market town of Ulverston twenty-five years. Before that we were less than four miles away. We lived in that village sixteen years. So altogether we have been in the area 41 years. What changes have we seen in this small market town of Ulverston?

There is no doubt that Ulverston is not what it used to be. But is anywhere? The pace of life has changed; the whole way people live has moved on to embrace the latest technology especially in the living room and in the kitchen. Expectations are greater, personal responsibility has become less. But as far as a small town is concerned the way we shop has shifted — supermarkets have made family businesses less viable to the detriment of a town’s ambience. Flats and apartments are taking over some premises, and many others remain empty, or temporarily occupied.

I, and others of my age, will recall the shops that satisfied all our needs. I used to buy my blouses from a great little shop in the Market Square. My coats and other clothing, plus some furnishings came from the Coop in County Square, my underwear from Atkinsons, the men of our house bought clothes from Greenwoods. Delicious pork pies were bought on Queen St. Ham and other groceries from a shop on Market St. Meat from a King St butcher, fruit and veg from the shop now selling sports’ clothes. ‘Home made’ cakes and pies from a family business on Market St and Soutergate. Just about everything else was bought in Ulverston too. The book-come-stationary shop in Queen St is sadly missed. The printer, art and craft materials, on Queen St is no more. The list can go on. Thankfully Smith and Harrison is still in business — what would we do without Graham, whether for fork handles or four candles? His smiling face and friendly helpful manner is a true tonic. Long may his hardware store live on!

Well, I guess Supermarkets killed off most of the family businesses and made others non-viable. We have even lost the Halifax branch — a great loss to many, especially the older customers that prefer to have a ‘face’ to talk to and be greeted by name at the counter. I think the first bakery/café to go, and missed by many, is Salmon’s — genuine old thirties chairs and tables, rusting bay-window frames but marvelous atmosphere with open coal fire and simple good food in the upstairs café. Known for the quirkiness of closing between the hours of one and two! All of these gone but not forgotten.

The face of Ulverston has changed indeed. Tourism is welcomed as more trinket and charity shops, and cafés appear, and tables are put out on pavements. The town is given an olde worlde image with rough paving flags and cobbled areas. Thankfully, the delightful band continues to play on Thursdays and special occasions. A statue of Laurel and Hardy in Crown Square draws visitors, and the many festivals bring in coachloads of people from near and far. Fireworks often light up the sky.

But personally, I’m sorry to see more drink sold, and often bins too full to take away the remnants of take-away food. We seem less likely to bump into people we know, though footpaths are often crowded with the need to walk into the road.

But still the walks are delightful — the canal side, the Gill footpath, the Flan and onwards to the Hoad by a choice of paths. The walk through the bluebell woods particularly delightful, and the views from Hoad Hill spectacular. Longer walks too for those able to do so. Even so, I feel a sense of loss for what has been but will be no more.

Visit my other sites for different thoughts...

Diary of a Country Lady

Gladys Hobson — Author

Wrinkly Writers

Gladys Writes on My Space

Magpies nest Publishing

The Band Played On — for young and old

The Band Played On — for young and old

The band played their delightful music in Ulverston Market Square today. Shoppers stopped a short while to listen but few lingered for long. A little fellow in a pushchair sat enthralled by both music and the bandsmen. His little legs and arms bobbing up and down with the rhythm. A joy to watch and an excuse for me to join him — at least tapping and swaying, and clapping. Oh no, not from where I stood but standing by the infant, encouraging him in his activity. I guess grown-ups are fearful of being thought exhibitionists.

But it wasn’t only the band in the Market Square. A local by the name of Geoff Dellow was there at a table with leaflets, drawing attention to Ulverston’s need for volunteers to keep the Tourist Information Office open. And for Ulverston to have a greater say in the running of the town, in particular as regard to our car parks, and for the need to draw tourists to help the local economy. Hopefully, plenty of locals will turn up at the Town Hall council meeting on October 6^th at 7.15 to give support.

Meanwhile shoppers strolled around doing their own thing.

I thought this was great — an infant boy, and an elderly man. Each doing their own thing, and yet linked through the music of the band that provides that extra touch of pleasure for tourist and locals alike. The elder looking to the future for the likes of the little one, and the little one simply imbibing the pleasure of the moment.

Take a look at my publishing site — covers, blurbs, reviews and chapters to read.

Ulverston Canal — a walk on the wild side

A Walk on the Wild Side — of Ulverston Canal










It is a wonderful thing to have a canal on the edge of town. With so many walks to choose from in the area, a footpath on level ground is wonderful for those with joint problems. It is equally great for anyone who is a lover of nature. All the senses are engaged and of beauty there is no end.
At one end is the coast of Morecambe Bay, an interesting place to explore. Looking in the opposite direction is Hoad Hill with the newly renovated monument. Looking to one side are fields of grass with grazing livestock. On the other side oddments of industry ranging from a huge complex of Glaxo-Smith-Kline to old buildings dating from when the canal was in full use. The sea end of the canal is blocked. Sometime in the near future the canal is to be turned in a marina. I guess it will change quite a bit. Even so, there is something appealing about a stretch of water bearing wild life. Let's hope that will continue when animal life shares the canal with boats and far more people than at present.
Flowers there are aplenty. Anglers sit silently. And sounds of animals and birds are heard above the hum of industry — indeed, you don't notice the industry as there are too many things that grab attention. Whole families may pass you by, or friendly walkers with even friendlier dogs. Everyone has a smile for those they meet along the path. Why? Because when out relaxing and communing with nature, humans have time to be just that — human.


Magpies Nest Publishing
Wrinkly Writers
My Books
Diary of a Country Lady

Swan-d-ful — photographs of local swans.

There is something incredibly graceful about swans. They have a perfect simplicity of colour, shape and movement. They inspire peace and tranquility when problems disturb the soul. When I was a child I was forever drawing them — chalk on a blackboard or with pencil. Then I tried using my simple paint box and painted a swan drifting in moonlight. I guess, later on, going to the theatre Royal in Nottingham to see the Swan Lake ballet (sitting up in the gods) a number of times climaxed that fascination. At that time I wanted to be a ballet dancer! But that was long ago. Now I just like to photograph them, not be one of them!

See also
Gladys Hobson — author
Diary Of a Country Lady
Wrinkly Writers - my life is an open book
Yesteryear — any questions?
Gladys Hobson - My Space
Magpies Nest Publishing

USA editions of my books can be found at AGPress bookstore