Woolworths

It's days like this when the rain is coming down that we bemoan the demise of Woolworths. Previously with ten minutes to kill before the bus arrived you could wander around the aisles in the store and peruse their wares even if you were not tempted to buy but since its closure the shop has stood empty and so it was straight down to the bus shelter.

It doesn't seem that long ago the the town had not only Woolworths but also Marks & Spencer and British Home Stores within yards of each other on Bath Street. Now it's mainly estate agents, banks, mobile phone and charity shops - a sad legacy of the yuppie culture of the eighties.

Young Men & Blackbirds

It was Alfred, Lord Tennyson that wrote of a young man's fancy lightly turning to thoughts of love in the spring in his poem titled "Locksley Hall" but it's not only the young men as it's also the time when the birds build their nests ready for their new brood. I saw this blackbird today as it foraged at the side of a path presumably looking for nest building material.

Now I know that male blackbirds are in fact black while females are coloured brown but this particular bird was mainly black but had a brown tinge on its wings. Further investigation on the RSPB site (link)suggests that it is not as clear cut as I first thought so I'll leave you to make your mind up.

Just Another Bank Holiday

It was just another Bank Holiday but what is it that certain motorists don't understand about "Pedestrian Zone" and no parking at any time?

For those pedestrians that do stick by the rules, it is a case of risking life and limb as once the parked vehicles on Bath Street do move, then speed seems no object. One of these Bank Holidays someone is going to get seriously injured or even killed.

 

The drivers are obviously chancing their arm hoping the law enforcers are taking a holiday too  but one of these days they will come unstuck. And not before time too!

Easter Day

St Mary's Church was beautifully decorated this morning for Easter Day. As well as pedestal displays of flowers each pillar had a cross with a lily attached to it. The flowers are symbols of purity, virtue innocence and hope and show that Jesus is no longer on the cross. Jesus Christ is risen today - Alleluia!

Easter Saturday

It's probably a sad reflection on society today that Easter is now just as commercialised as Christmas. Obviously Easter Eggs are the main attraction for many but today for example there has been an Easter Chick Hunt and an Easter Egg Hunt in the town. No doubt too there will be an Easter Bonnet competition somewhere and as well as the numerous places selling Easter Eggs, at least one (see picture) was selling Easter Bunny Poo thankfully made from chocolate. I'm not against any of these but unfortunately the real message of Easter along with that of Christmas is being submerged for many in these distractions.

God Is Love

The Ilkeston Area Churches Together banner proclaimed "God Is Love" as the annual procession of Christian witness made its way through the streets of the town this morning despite the cold, the wind and the rain.

The event this year took the form of a silent procession with frequent stops for hymn singing and drama presentations that told the story of Jesus' last hours and attracted hundreds of followers. I felt sorry for the man portraying Jesus who, clad in little more than a loin cloth, stood in the inclement weather. God is love and he played his part for his love of God.

The Queen In Derby

April Fool's Day but this is not a joke - The Queen WAS in Derby today!

I've never regarded myself as an avid Royalist but when it was announced that the Queen was to distribute Maundy money in Derby, I decided I would make the trip and take a few photos. So along with many other well wishers, photographers both amateur and professional, TV crews, members of the general public of all ages from babes in arms and schoolchildren to pensioners, I jostled for position outside Derby Cathedral and was rewarded with several good shots of Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Despite having to stand a couple of hours when nothing much happened, the mood of the crowd was relaxed and stranger talked to stranger. It was worth the wait to be able to see and enjoy the whole experience complete with its pageantry and as it is a one off occasion that is unlikely to be repeated in my lifetime, I'm glad I was there.