Whewn it finaly cooled off last night we were ordered out for a route march to head to Scofton for a stroll. Why is it that daughters take over ruling their Dad's lives from their mothers later in life? And we let them! It was a nice walk though.
Thisis Osberton Mill Bridge as we walked back towards the lock.
We got to the church just as the sun was setting. A very peaceful place to be at the end of the day. The sheep were close up to the ha-ha that protected the graveyard. The Scofton Church was built in 1833 to be a private chapel for the Scofton and Foljambe Estate that came into that family in the late 18th Century. The name means somebody with a 'gammy' leg in Norman French and I expect that is where the dialect word 'gammy' come from too. Over the years they family have added to the the well being of the estate and the current incumbents are too, with International Horse Trials here.
We had spent the night close to the A1M but as it is a constant noise it didn't seem to upset any of us and despite the heat we slept well. We were soon of and quickly passing under the motorway and the traffic racing on their way. I always feel a little smug when we are chugging slowly along below them.
Ranby survives with the motorway close by and seems to have some interesting buildings. I loved this white painted cottage next to Chequer House Bridge. The Chequers pub is a little way behind us and has a fantastic orchard where the Chesterfield Canal Trust's 'Python' is moored. This boat is 'Little John', privately owned.
The tree lines long straights passed Ranby and towards the Forest Locks provide some shade from the heat of the sun, and allow us also to see the profusion of fish to be seen. Helen saw what looked to be like a great big carp, but I saw very large pike, as well as smaller ones, and a myriad of other fish. The water is so clear it passes the time fish watching.
The Forest Locks are well spaced out. We stopped at the top to fill with water and dump the rubbish. The skip was full so it was reported to C&RT. Helen was told she had done a great job coming in to moor in the tight space at the end of the permanent moorings, by one of the moorers, so she was pretty chuffed. We were soon on our way down and heading for Retford.
After West Retford Lock is this old warehouse that has been beautifully converted to housing. I suppose the scle of the bulding is ideal, but I do wish more people would take not as to how to do this kind of thing sensitively. I loved the rounded corner on the building so it didn't get damaged by carts in the confined space. I wish I could read the 'ghost writing' on the building front too..
We moored up on the aqueduct length, before Town Lock as there was a semblance of shade. After a it to eat we went shopping as the girls had a a list! No market today but it was nice to people watch as they did their thing. I love the Chateau style Town Hall on the Market Square. This Town Hall was opened in 1868 on the site of an old town house,. It was designed to resemble a French Chateau and was faced with Bath Stone and Mansfield Red Stone. It has a grand staircase and ballroom that would normally make it a real draw for weddings etc. The red brick bank next door is now a police station. I did see a rather corpulent PC on a bike, very red. passing by too. It was a very hot day!
In the middle of the Market Square, right in front of the Town Hall is the War Memorial. It is in the shape of an Elanor Cross. It is marked with the distance to the scenes of Battle where the men and women of Retford Fell, as in a Roman Milestone, but reversed. At the top is a lantern following the medieval tradition of keeping a light for the dead. It was lit this afternoon. It goes well in the square.
I was kept quiet to a visit to the Idle Valley Brewery Tap pub and couple of pints to keep my hydration levels up. All in all a very pleasant day, and we ar4e eating out, again, tonight!!"
No comments:
Post a Comment