Commemoration

 

There is some rather lovely, delicate artwork in one of the windows down at the stable block, beside Saltaire's church. It commemorates the 70th anniversary of the publication of the much-loved children's classic 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe' by C.S Lewis. It also beautifully echoes the Victorian street lamps that line the church drive opposite. I liked the way the artist has left a little hole: Daisy's window. I'm assuming Daisy is a cat (or perhaps a little dog) that likes to sit on the windowsill and look out. 

As it happens, there's another Victorian street lamp featured in the window of a house right at the other end of the village, along with a view of Saltaire's iconic church. It's beautifully painted by one of Saltaire's professional artist residents, David Starley. 

I have been reminded, throughout the coronavirus pandemic, how important symbolism is for many of us - and how helpful it can be. We had rainbows and clapping for our keyworkers at the start of the crisis in the spring. Christmas, of course, is filled with symbols and traditions and this year people seem to have really embraced them. There have been more advent windows around Saltaire than ever before and everywhere you look there are lights and decorations. In Hirst Wood I came across a Wishing Tree (below) and across the road the Hirst Wood Nature Reserve has been adorned with hundreds of baubles (though I couldn't find a photographic composition of them that worked for me). 

I also found this advent window full of robins. I don't think I knew this but apparently many people think a visit from a robin is a sign that our lost loved ones are nearby. Our British red-breasted robins are such sweet, cheery little birds; if they bring comfort too, that can only be good.