Writing at Hargreaves’ Cafe, Buxton on an extremely pleasant June afternoon.
I have always liked the upstairs cafe at Hargreaves, the long established shop specialising in kitchenware, china, and a myriad of other high quality useful things. They were once suppliers of chinaware to major organisations, including the now non-existent Buxton Mothers Union, the remainder of whose badged plates cups and saucers reside in my collection! It’s too nice to spend all afternoon here, but I have just had what seems like an healthy lunch of chilli rice and a nicely prepared salad. The first floor windows look out onto Spring Gardens, which was pedestrianised about thirty years ago. Opposite is what I believe started life as the Royal Hotel. This is crescent shaped, smaller than and its larger neighbour, and facing the opposite way round, i.e. where as The Crescent is “concave”, the former Royal Hotel is “convex”. I like Hargreaves’ Cafe because of its very traditional ambiance. Floor to ceiling mahogany glass-fronted cabinets, “rescued” from previous Hargreaves outlets,² are crammed with artefacts of Buxton’s past which will always arouses my interest. A Mothers’ Union water-jug would not look out of place here!
On a different note, having completed my 300k Steps Challenge for Christian Aid, by the end of May, I had walked at least 116 miles and raised £600.00, which I am thrilled with. The support and encouragement I received throughout was profound and appreciated. But, of course, Christian Aid is “still there” and support will always be needed!
Saturday 5th June, writing at the Tradesman’s Entrance.
Another favourite haunt of mine, offering mountains of excellent cuisine!
The lousy weather we all endured during May is perhaps almost forgotten now. The last few days of May warmed up almost unexpectedly and glorious fine warm weather, but not too not, continues into June. I am optimistic and look forward a decent summer.
It’s probably about time I resumed walking again. I had intended a further exploration of the countryside on Thursday but neither Roger or I were particularly enthusiastic, especially after lunch at the Parks Inn. Tea in my sundrenched back garden was a much more attractive prospect.
The red car (illustrated) seems to have an ongoing problem with the front wheel, nearside resembling a very slow puncture, except, it probably isn’t. I have taken it in at lunch time and hopefully this intermittent fault can be resolved. This afternoon is just right for a spin with the roof down.
Many thanks for reading, David, Trademan’s Entrance, 15.57hrs 5/6/21.
David's Cruise 