Let's get the Washing Out

Washing washing everywhere
Row upon row, line upon line
Cheekily blowing in the Yorkshire breeze.
Knickers and Y-fronts
We're not proud up 'ere
Blue skies appear
So hang out ya bloomers
All shapes and sizes
A merriment of colours and fabrics
No matter the weather
They'll be flapping front o living room window
For all to ponder
And some to scare
A veil of mist hangs over the tops
So hang out ya sheets, why not?
No matter the damp, the rain or the frost
They'll dry, will they not?
And come to unpeg at'end of day
Although stiff as aboard
That'll be ok?
A frost underfoot
And we'll get it out there
Ballooning boxers, blouses and brassieres
Flapping shirts, skirts and socks
Dangling stockings and trouser legs.
All a wonderment for any an eye
Any weather, anything goes
Just get it out there
It'll dry, wont it?
So along the streets
Of back to back houses
Rows of terraces
And garden lawns
We're shrouded in linens
And a wild array of clothing
Flipping and flapping
in the Yorkshire air
Any old weather
Tis washing day
So lets get it out there

05.10.15

Hebden Bridge - A Jewel in West Yorkshire

Hebden Bridge a jewel snuggled between the luscious hills, dales, river Calder & Hebden and the Rochdale Canal, is a delightful quirky little retreat for a truly topical, interesting and awesome day out, walk, bike ride or a vegan lunch. They say its one of the friendliest and accommodating small towns in England. Anything goes here. Flamboyant hair, outrageous outfits and busking in the centre cobbled square is a treat for every visitor. Interesting and arty shops nestled around traditional cobbled streets with a cafe, coffee shop and restaurant to sate every palate and desire. Ducks and swans to feed under the beautiful iron bridge with the delightful sight of regular well known Hebden artist, building free standing rock sculptures, in the middle of the river Calder. This gem of an attraction is still home to a traditional baker, grocers and florist providing first class produce, as well as a traditional fruit and veggies market each week. A must visit and perusal to Jules China shop, the Pot Shop, the Polish Pottery shop and Innovations Gift...you will not be disappointed. If you're interested in antiques there is the Hebden Antique Centre and an odds and sods market on a Wednesday in Market Square just across the iron bridge. Art and craft is in abundance with B Beads, Pottery Painting, Northlight Art Studios and plenty of activities in the Town Hall and Library including a book club meeting on Friday afternoons. If its theatre you are interested in there is Hebden Bridge Little Theatre and the Hebden Picture House. You can easily spend a full day meandering the wonderful cobbled streets of this little town but without doubt you will be back as there is so much to soak up and enjoy. Hebden is a little piece of paradise tucked into the Valley of Calderdale's beautiful luscious countryside.

04.10.15

Heaven and Earth

Heavens mist shrouds the tops,
Carpets of violet adorn the hillside.
Cattle carefully hop the terraces,
And sheep graze in and out of the flora.
Winding my way higher and higher
I take in the beauty of this ride.
Luscious ferns frame the circumferences
While dry walling stands guard at the borders.
Fences are sparse; hedges few,
But weathered Yorkshire stone embraces
The stunning natural wonders
Of these green majestic dales,
And a tapestry of purple heather
Carpets the gradient.
Rolling hills kiss the clouds,
Mist veils the peaks
And sun rays streak the landscape.
Listening in, there is not a sound
Except the tranquil sound of
The natural flow of a stream 
And birds twittering.
God's own country sates
My appetite for this journey.
Watching this natural mutiny appear,
Between heaven and earth,
An arc of light and vivid colour
Lurches beyond the swirling mist and cloud
Where the feathery purple heather glows.
And a never ending rainbow 
Surges under a railway arch.
I continue to wind, up and up,
Led by the ancient walls.
And encompassing earths beauty
Between heaven 
And this golden luscious countryside
I am at peace.

04.10.15