SOUTHPORT

HESKETH 

Collegiate Colleagues :- Jim, John, Anthony, Danny.

After much discussion - Phone, Text, E-mail .... a decison was taken to visit Southport. Several options were available but as we had not, as a group, visited Hesketh Park that is where we went.

As we entered the park a swift enquiry allowed two ladies to point us in the direction of the cafe.

 "Turn left and follow the path. It's not far. It's very good, not dear and the staff are lovely"...... All correct !

Morning coffees imbibed and off we went to explore the Park.

We were amused and delighted to come across " A blast From the Past".  We all remembered using drinking fountains as young lads on hot sunny days. The Park managers had left these historical artefacts for us oldies to reminisce about.

Pretend you're having a drink " said Jim

"You look like your being sick into it" said Anthony".................. 

"Thank you so Much Anthony !" said John.

Quite soon into our walk we met this gentlemen who was running something like a market garden. This was a private charity which took people with problems and provided therapy in the form of active participation in the running of the business. I was quite jealous. Their broadbeans were way ahead of mine.

The path in and out was built by the clients.

Our plan was to follow the path taking us round the edge of the park until we arrived back at the cafe. Have lunch and then delve into the middle bits.

 

In every direction we looked there were swaithes of Bluebells.

Although not strictly on the perimeter of the park this highly elaborate fountain ẁas only a few yards in.

A rather eccentric fountain at the end of the lake. We could not see it's purpose. That's not true. It's purpose was to squirt water out but by whom and for whom and who funded it

Snapper snapped.

Most of the parks in Preston had large sweeping areas of open spaces. Here the Parks seemed to have smaller areas all filled with different themes.

Here's a corner of the Rose garden. Rather disappointing as non of the huge variety of the plants were in full bloom

As we continued our walk Jim spotted a building through the trees. We left the path and clambered up the grassy bank towards it.

It was an observatory

If the cap fits.................

A rather unusual public information sheet attached to the side of the observatory. Not quite clear who, why or what it is meant for ??? 

One of the ladies working in the cafe. Taking a break to have her own lunch. 

Lunch over we followed the path down to the lake.

Jim lining up a special photo.

 

....and here it is.  Jim called it "The fount of all knowledge"  and in view of Danny's considerable contributions to our weekly walks, not far from the truth.  I myself, being more of a Philistine, cannot help but slip in the old Joke, "What do you need for water on the brain ?  A tap on the head of course.s

On top of what we assumed was the highest point in the park was a large paved area ???

Then some steps dropping down to a summer house/bandstand ?

We continued our explorations of this lovely park but all the while heading back to the exit.

All wood  has knots in it but this is way over the top. Tree of the week undoubtedly but perhaps for the wrong reason.

Another short but worthwhile visit and potter.

Wither to next week? You'll have to wait till next week for the denoument.

Adios Amigos Hasta la proximo

JW