ASHTON PRESTON

 WATER ?    YES.... WATER !  5- Miles 

A Damp start for :- John, Anthony, Mike, Jim and Danny  

It's Raining - That's water 

    There's a Pond - That's water

        There's a Dock - That's water

            There's a Canal - That's water

Ok we've got the idea. Now get on with the blog.

As we left the car park in Haslam Park it was gently raining. (water)

By the time we got to the "Duck" pond the rain had ceased and didn't return for the rest of the day.

The Pond (water)

I write "Duck pond but it was also a "Swan" pond a "Gull" pond and a "Waterhen" pond.

A rather sad looking Silver Birch tree, There was , however, a certain alluring "Arty" feel to it. Hence the photo,

"Hello up there" said Jim . or was it something else he said.

Heading out of the park and under the railway.

Out into Cottam Lane, over Blackpool Rd. and then Pedders Lane down to the docks.

Half way down Pedders Lane and we pass this unusual building which Danny tells us was once the Fire Station.

There's a hint here that we might be approaching the docks.

 " Where is it ? can you see it ?"

"Oh yes. Got it now."

Butty time down by the the Dock (water). The walls and the benches were rather damp but we all had picnic matts in our rucksack so we had a dry seat.

 It seems that when this dock was built it was considered to be the biggest SINGLE dock in the country.

Paddy (RIP) was a keen sailor and moored his boat just about here. We have fond memories of him.

Banana boats from the west Indies and other goods from around the world are long gone. The dock is now used for recreational sailing. It is repeatedly plagued by the unpleasant and dangerous Blue-Green Algae.

We remember that when we were boys all the ships in the dock used to blow their  WHISTLES , HORNS  etc. at midnight on new years eve, They could be heard clearly throughout the town and beyond . As  little boy my parents would wake me up to go outside to listen to them. Such simple pleasure all those years ago.

Many of the docks original buildings have been demolished and replaced, on this side by shops and office buildings. On the other side are extensive blocks of flats and apartments. (see previous photos)

Lunch consumed we sat around chatting and watching the boats gently moving in the Dock in front of us.

After lunch we continued to sit and chat and I for one must confess to be glad of a few minutes rest. After eighty years the body is no longer so resilient. Others seem immune to the years. 😟

Then off along the quayside towards Preston.

"What" we asked ourselves "was a lighthouse doing INSIDE the dock complex. Totally unnecessary"  It is  in fact a replica built by Morrisons to draw attention to their store.

Danny wanted to visit the Garden centre at Morrisons looking for Tulip bulbs.

They had none. The  rest of us took advantage of the "Facilities".

As we proceeded  along the quayside we came across these chaps MAGNET FISHING.. Increasingly popular , even TRENDY hobby (imported from the USA. One of the more friendly and harmless of Mr Trumps "gifts".)  Throw a magnet into the water and see what comes up. Mostly junk but occasionally interesting stuff, even weapons thrown to hide them.

We came at last to the second "Lifeboat Bouy" This one, and the one we saw earlier. rather  "bracket" the dock area. (.................)

This building was the head office the Docks authority. They have certainly gone to town with the "Festive" decorations,

 NO...... the Christmas decorations.  One gets tired of this wokeish desire to neutralise everything into bland and meaningless titles.

The large entrance doors have the most incredible/beautiful door handles.

It was rather dark in the foyer and your gormless photographer didn't think to switch the flash on. 

Just a thought. In order that someone can be called GORMLESS, there must be something called a GORM. But what can it be ?

The "Lads " wait patiently for the photographers.

There was plenty of light inside at reception.

" Mr Trotter . Leave that hammer at reception before you go upstairs ......

THANK YOU !"

Dish after...Dish after...Dish after...Dish after...Dish after...Dish 

A careful look will reveal the row of satellite  dishes fixed to the terrace

Christmas wreaths were beginning to appear on front doors. This however was a mystery ????

The canal (water).

The final strech of our walk took us along the canal and back to Haslam Park.

The gardens on the far bank ranged through the prim neatness . the superbly built extravagant,  to the totally bizarre. All seemed quite acceptable.

"Ginny Greenteeth" seems to have been given free rein here, Perhaps because there is very little traffic so near the terminal stretch of the canal. Also we are in Winter. Most boats will be securely tied up.

This stretch of the canal was not the most salubrious. It reminded me of a song I used to sing in folk clubs in the 60s. (Danny's sister Rosemary used to sing it with me in a trio.  Adrian O'Conner made three)

To walk on water you need faith

bye Golly E`e By Gum 

I've seen it done on this canal

Supported by the scum

Never sang it in Wigan from where it emanated,

Just where are we right now ? Look over the rooftops and you will see.

Danny, had still not found Tulips. Perhaps its the wrong time of year, Remember the song

When it's SPRING again

I'll bring again

Tulips from ???

A garden centre,

As we entered Haslam Park there was a small garden centre. Danny tried again.  No tulips but a splendid DOG made entirely of old WELLIES

Back to the car and the short drive home.

THE END

JW