The other day I had to go to Thwaite Mills to allow access for a lorry to collect a skip. It was my first journey by car since lockdown restrictions came into force. It would take 10 minutes maximum to pick it up but they could only give a 2 hour slot between 10am and noon. It is usually a ¾ hour journey (each way) by car to Leeds but it should be quiet on the motorway. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME !!!
I set off in good time but as soon as I came to the motorway a 40mph restriction was in place – a sure sign of queuing traffic. Sure enough all 4 lanes were blocked and when we eventually set off it was slow. On arrival I parked in the car park which is controlled by a combination lock restricting access to authorised people. It was quiet because the Museum is still closed.
I took a bit of a walk but close enough to see any traffic on the approach road. I visited the Stourton Stone circle and took the time to read the notice and look at the sculptured figures on the stones. It was constructed on reclaimed land in 1997 by Tony Douglass (a caretaker at Thwaite Mills) and designs on the stones were sculpted by Melanie Wilks. It is used by a local pagan group for worship and has brought PEACE and TRANQUILITY to the area. The figures depict elements of nature and helped me understand the importance of the Solstice.
I passed the sun dial also created by Tony Douglass but showing signs of “neglect”. The stone is weathered and “weeds” are growing. The sun was shining so I could not even tell the TIME!!!
I went to Thwaite Mills bridge to be ready by the gate. There was nothing else to do but look at the waterway but what is there to see!!
It was lunch time -still no sign of my appointment and I had nothing to eat. But the local wildlife did not have similar issues they were getting their dinner. I saw:
A Kestrel – hovering before swooping onto its prey. It then gave me a fly past to show off its rich red back.
A Kingfisher -a flash of turquoise across the water before coming to rest on a branch – only to dive into the water and capture a fish.
A Swan – sailing serenely into the reeds and then feeding off the river bottom.
A Cormorant – diving underwater for minutes on end.
Ducks – a family of parents and young chicks “running” across the water to escape a mink or an otter or just for exercise?
Swifts, swallows or martens – skimming the water to capture the insects.
A Heron – silently and patiently stood in the shallow water.
Black head gulls – coming in from the coast looking for an open fish and chip shop !!
Blackbirds, sparrows, chaffinch and other “normal” birds gathering the fruit together with bees, butterflies and other insects flitting from plant to plant.
Suddenly a splash within the water- a fish had leapt out to feed or was it an angler feeding the fish?
Still no sign – a phone call assured me he would be with me within the hour (after his lunch) but he would ring. I could go further afield now and I was struck by the KALEIDOSCOPE of colour created by the wild flowers. Taking a hold as the vegetation management had been relaxed. The range of colours reminded me of a RAINBOW which had taken on such significance in the current restrictions and gave me inspiration as to how we could bring life to the sundial and recognise the contribution of NHS staff, key workers and our community heroes. Plant a rainbow of wild flowers in the arc of the dial.
Back to the bridge to use my mobile phone to capture some images. I took a “nostalgic” photo of the Aire and Calder Navigation towards Knostrop – stepping back 300 years but capturing the additions (and subtraction!!) of railways, the re-location of Sea Cadets from City Centre and the recent addition of Leeds Boat House.
What does the next 10 years look like – How can the waterways bring life and hope – the waterways brought wealth to Leeds all those years ago - but how can they support the HEALTH needs of current generations.
Life is better ON the waterways and joining the GREEN and BLUE infrastructure brings even greater rewards.