“Oh no! Not again!”

This was the headline one of the tabloid newspapers “screamed” when reporting the tragic Ladbroke Grove rail accident, within a couple of years of the Southall rail disaster, not all that far away from Ladbroke Grove, in the late 1990s.

I was, once again, taking care of the sound system at St. John’s. My heart sank as I realised that a crucial microphone 🎤 in the pulpit had “died.” “Oh no, not again!” But, as far as I know, this was the first technical failure since, at my own expense, I replaced all the unsatisfactory equipment during my time as Churchwarden, in (I think) 2015. Investigation after the service produced no obvious reason for the sermon and following intercessions having to be delivered without amplification. All very annoying for both the clergy and me!

Coffee with two church colleagues followed and I continued to feel subdued. Eventually, I joined my neighbour, Roger for lunch, and we dined al fresco; one course and (another) coffee. The lousy weather of the past few days had morphed into something much more pleasant. And afterwards, we went for an extremely scenic walk of just three miles. However most of this was along very difficult (for me) terrain. But, I did manage the steep and un-even paths, as well as, walking across the River Dane!

Start of today’s walk, from the Congleton Road.
This well preserved chimney was for a stationary steam engine which would pump flood waters from coal mines in the area. The heaps in the background are of quarried stone, 200 million years “newer” than the limestone of Harpur Hill. Below the quarries, coal was mined, close to the banks of the River Dane. At one time, perhaps in the 18th century, this now tranquil and beautiful area would have been one of dust, industry and noise. Nature has taken over, particularly with heather on the stone heaps.
An abundance of Heather bathed the surrounding hillside in magnificent shades of purple.
The River Dane
Pannier Pool, the point where the borders of Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Cheshire meet.
Stone from the abandoned quarry, pictured earlier.
More stone
More heather
Thankfully, the River Dane was narrow, and crossing was of little problem.
Back to the beginning.

This is a popular walk, and we acknowledged several people enjoying the nice weather and the magnificent scenery.

Ye gods! It’s 21.45hrs already. No wonder I’m a little peckish. I shall finish the day as I started; porridge and banana!

Thanks for reading, David, 21.46hrs.

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