It's hard to believe this is the second Easter during the Covid. I remember last year, we had just entered lockdown in UK, and no one had any idea what would happen. This year, things have moved on a bit, and people are trying to make life as normal as can be.
I was so happy to see that someone had created an Easter Rock Garden. It's a really simple concept. You bring a rock you've found or made (I think they mean painted or designed, not making an actual rock) and swap it with one that's already there. There were loads of colouful ones scattered around, and my favorite one was definitely this Take a Selfie one. The idea is very simple and encourages the community to create something together. I just wished I had known about it in advance so I could have painted a rock. Though I'd probably just leave it here to help grow the rock garden.
Birnbeck Pier is one of our most famous landmarks, that's why I keep on coming back to it. It's a Grade II listed derelict pier from 1867 and the local authorities have been trying to restore it for years. Apparently there some issues with ownership. It is currently privately owned and the owners have ignored orders to restore it. They don't seem to care that we're about to lose a piece of important history.
There's a park facing the pier, and a terrace of beautiful houses that used to be part of my old college campus. In UK, college is where 16 to 18 year olds study before they go to University. It' so nice to sit here, in front of my old college facing the pier. I could spend a whole afternoon here if it wasn't so windy.
I've never walked around this part of town before, and was surprised to find some lovely buildings. These two small quaint churches were within a short distance of one another. Being small doesn't mean they lack character, just look at the exterior, the detailed stonework and the spire. I think if it wasn't very Covid, these churches would be busy with the Easter Sunday service. Today, there was not a soul in sight.
The other building is some sort of old water tower that's been converted into a home. I was amazed when I saw this as the structure is so unusual, and it stands out like a sore thumb amidst the rest of the houses. Luckily the other houses on the road were all quite old and as well, and they all blended in quite well.
Another really nice building I saw today is the crescent of houses. They are located behind a pub/restaurant that I used to come to quite often, yet I've never noticed them. Maybe I always used to come in the evenings, and when you arrrive at a restaurant, looking around the surroundings isn't high on the list.
I can't say the same for the other two buildings. Who on earth would have your main pipes running up (or down?) in the front of your house. It's just downright ugly. And yes, this is the front of the house, not the back, as there were people entering the property. It's such a shame. If the owners could just give these buildings a bit of TLC, they would look so charming, and our town wouldn't be so depressing.
During my walk today, I discovered another piece of local history. In UK we have something called blue plaques, these are plaques outside buildings that have a relationship with notable people in the past. I'm sure you've all heard of Roald Dahl? No? How about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Matilda? Fantastic Mr Fox? Still no? Ok, Roadl Dahl was one of the most famous children's author in the 20th century and sold something like 250 million books worldwide.
Roadl Dahl was born in Wales which is just across the channel from where we are, and studied at a boarding school here when he was a child. Apparently, it wasn't some of his happiest years, but it is what it is, and he is remembered for his time here.
Discovering new things and history about your hometown is great. Knowing what the future holds would be brilliant. Alas, that won't' happen. We'll just have to wait, and hope next Easter will be back to normal. Stay safe everyone.
