The Meanderthals: PRESTON PARKS

🕂GODFREY O'DONNELL🕂

Just as I finished this weeks blog I received the very sad news that Godfrey (Paddy) O'Donnell had died.

Today, Friday 7th February, 10.30am.

He was in St Catherine's Hospice. His wife, Susan and his six children were with him. A much loved gentleman who will be greatly mourned by his wife, children and grandchildren as well as a whole legion of friends and admirers.

Paddy had walked with the Meanderthals for some years and his humour and sheer enthusiasm for the walks will be greatly missed.

R.I.P.

PADDY

🕂

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This blog was written before hearing of Paddy's death. Apologies to anyone who feels that the whole or part of it or it's timing could be considered inappropriate. John

RAIL, RIVER & BUS PASSES. or

"BUZZIN'" AGAIN.

BUS PASS BOYS :- Danny, Anthony, Mike, John.

Once again we took to the buses for our walk transport today, We caught the No. 19 bus from Fulwood alighting outside Preston Railway station.

Off the bus on Fishergate then down to the station.

Butler Street to the side of the station would have been an easier and quicker route to the parks but as we were not in a rush and there's always something to see in a railway station, we opted to go that way.

Down to platform 4.

We followed the platform (remembering the days when a platform ticket had to be purchased) looking for the underpass.

A train from the troubled "NORTHERN" company was waiting to set off.

Down to the underpass, stopping as we descended to take in the tribute to the First World War Volunteers. One of many in the North referred to as the PALS which in most cases they were. Sadly many of those pals died together.

A poor photo below as it was taken on the move as Danny and Anthony disappeared down the underpass.

Out of the station and across the large Butler Street car park. There was no direct access to the parks from here but several years ago we found a gap in the fence which allowed us to get through. It was still there, unrepaired. On the other side was a well worn path leading to the old railway/footpath.

I always think of this as the Lovers Locks Bridge. (see previous blog 7th Dec. 2024 "Avenham")

The footpath took us down to Avenham Park very close to the cafe. Not our destination. YET !

First a stroll around it's neighbour. Miller Park.

Well off you go then..... into Miller Park.

Just wondering what's happening to this seemingly abandoned building.

And so into the delightful miller park.

with the looming presence of the Park Hotel, reportedly soon to be refurbished.

In between the Park and the line of trees on the near horizon the River Ribble flows and is at this point still tidal.

At various sites around the park are these large urns ("What's a Grecian Urn" I think I can hear the answer coming through the air from a thousand voices.) They have often been the target of mindless vandals who delight in pushing them over,

A statue of a past Lord Derby looks down across the park. One can only hope his statue is deserved because of his Philanthropy rather than simply his title. ( Oh dear. Socio-political proclivities showing there.)

We continued across the top end of the park passing under this arch before descending to the riverside footpath.

Looking at the size of the boulders one can only marvel at the skills of the Victorian workers, No JCBs available then.

The local wildlife was quite unfazed by our presence.

We had arranged to meet up with Dave Eastham at the Avenham cafe. Dave lives quite near to the park and although no longer well enough to join us on our weekly (now short) walks, still enjoys meeting up for lunch and a chat.

As we followed the riverside walk towards the cafe, the Park hotel continued to dominate the horizen, indeed the park itself.

Once inside the cafe with our sticks and bags stacked neatly (Ahem !!!)

we needed to wait only a short while before Dave arrived.

"Brews and sausage barms all round please !"

lunch consumed and having said our goodbyes to Dave we set off along the riverside walk..... but in the other direction.

Danny pointed out the white tower in the distance but failed to inform us of it's relevance.

Since we last saw it a couple of months ago there seemed to have been little progress made on the construction of the new Tram bridge but it is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

The bases of the old bridge supports are still to be seen "Walking" across the river.

Once past the site of the Tram Bridge we left the riverside to explore a small valley,

The valley contained several sculptures including this severed head who looks about be sick . Not surprising considering his fate.

There was also a sort of totem pole alive with animal sculptures.

If the Tories and the Labour parliamentary bods can do numerous U-turns -- so can we...... and we did. Coming back down the valley to take an immediate left turn onto a cobbled path leading up to Frenchwood.

Looking down to the children's play area in Frenchwood park.

We had left the attractive parks and were now walking through Preston's "central" suburbs.

We arrived in the town centre from the rear of the Parish Church which after the town was made a City was also elevated to the status of "MINSTER"!

Town Centre...... Ahem ? sorry CITY CENTRE !

A view of the MINSTER

The rather out of focus Blue Plaque was a blow up from the following photo.

Richard Arkwright's house.

In the distance over the rooftops we could see the twin bell towers of the long defunct St Augustine's church, The body of the church has long been demolished.

An old postbox which must be pre 1936 because Edward VII abdicated in that year after only reigning for less than a year. Mrs Simpson 😟?

Just a few yards from this post box was the site of Preston Cock-Fighting pit. Here Joseph Livesey held a meeting at which the total abstinence from alcohol was proposed and so began the T Total movement. The sun once again spoiled this photo of a blue plaque commemorating this occasion.

Legend has it that Livesey or a companion had a stutter and when asked what it was all about couldn't say Total but came out with "T t t t total". hence the TT stuck and does not mean "Tea Total". It developed into a National Movement.