The weather in July and August was endlessly dull and depressing, with lots of rain and cooler than average temperatures (while the rest of Europe struggled with extreme heat). Ironic then that on the day that our schools started back for the autumn term, it was beautifully hot and sunny. I had a lot of paperwork to do but mid-afternoon I took a short stroll around Roberts Park and then back along the canal, just because it was too lovely not to enjoy it.
At the back of the park, there is a set of old stocks (above), which used to stand in Shipley market place. Meant to punish people for minor crimes, miscreants would be pinned by their feet and might be spat on, taunted or have rotten fruit thrown at them. The public humiliation was intended to make them think twice about reoffending. (Some people say we should bring them back into use!)
Returning home along the canal towpath, I noticed that some of the trees are already turning autumnal. By the bridge there was a smartly turned out and rather enormous widebeam boat. I believe the size of the locks on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal mean that boats have to be no more than 60ft long. This one must fit in somehow or it wouldn't have reached Saltaire.
I think most schoolchildren down here managed a day or two of good weather at the end of their holidays - a bit longer perhaps if their school was made of crumbly concrete.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely walk! And that boat makes me wish for another life somewhere.
ReplyDeleteLovely walking and oh, those first tints of autumn coming! I saw some yesterday also.
ReplyDeleteThat boat does look enormous in your shot.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like you had good conditions to be out and about.
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