West of Sheffield, on a high ridge between the valleys of the River Loxley and the River Rivelin, there's a little windswept graveyard containing the bones of a local farming family called Shaw. They were Quakers and apparently had numerous acrimonious battles with authorities including tax collectors. I managed to get up there this morning before my Christmas Eve shift at the Oxfam shop. And I took these photos to share with you.
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A doctor - now retired - from Shirley's health centre lives in the farm
that you can see over the numerous drystone walls. |
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| The grave of Frances Shaw in Bowshaw Cemetery |
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| Field gate to Riggs High Road |
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| View over The Griffs to Stopes and Hill Top |
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Across the Loxley Valley. The building on the crest of the hill is called
Hagenfield House. It was badly damaged by fire in 2010. |
So, another Christmas Eve. A traditional curry with our offspring. Last minute wrapping of presents. Frozen turkey in from the greenhouse and "Mrs Brown's Boys" on the telly...
Merry Christmas Everybody!
What brilliant photographs to feast our eyes upon on Christmas Day YP. Peace and goodwill to you and Lady Pud and the little Pudlings from the Cairns mob xx
ReplyDeleteSaw live TV footage of Xmas morning on Bondi Beach. I guess there's little chance of snow for you "Down Under" folk. Thanks for your continued interest in this blog Carol.
DeleteThe head stone lying in the grass along with this partly joyous, partly melancholy time of year reminds me how fast our lives go past. Once upon a time Frances Shaw was no doubt gathered round on Christmas Eve with her family, enjoying the fire, talking about the times, eating holiday fare. Now time has quickly flown and she is but a memory. All too soon it will be us. (I sound like the ghost of Christmas yet-to-come, lol!) Happiest of Holidays to you & yours, my invisible friend! I look forward to more of your stunning photos of that faraway land you live in!
ReplyDeleteThese are the kind of thing that I might think Hilly. I noticed that on the gravestone Frances's name is mis-spelt. Francis with an i is of course the male spelling. Happy Xmas to you too Washington State cyber lady! Time to get your apron on and slave over the stove! Ha! Ha!
DeleteAnd to you.
ReplyDeleteCheers Cap'n! Do I have to scrub the decks today?
DeleteThank you, and the same to you and yours! Wonderful pictures, as always. Especially the first one.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked that first one madam. Our drystone walls can make for striking pictures though when people have lived with them all their lives they may easily tend to ignore them. Frohe Weihnachten!
DeleteO to be in England, now that December's there!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, Neil. Trust you and the missus and the wee bairns (who aren't so wee any more) had a wonderful time together at Christmas time.
As I write this, the beheaded George the Turkey is still in the oven and I have just made some apricot and almond stuffing. Season's Greetings to you Sir Bob and to Lady Ellie and to all Brague offspring. Best wishes to you all in 2015!
DeleteBeautiful, beautiful countryside! Thank you for the lovely photos. And Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteWarm wishes from the other side of the pond!
Thanks for calling by again Jennifer. I am glad you like my photos. All good wishes to you and yours at Christmastime.
DeleteEvery time I think your photography just can't get any better, Mr. Pudding, you show me a photo like view over the Griffs toward Stopps. Bee utee full!!
ReplyDeleteHope you and your bride and those kiddies had a wonderful Christmas Day and hope all the world will have a wonderful, kind, loving New Year.
As for us today, on a Christmas Day when Colorado rarely gets a snowstorm.....so far, five inches of snow and much more by morning. Think Snow!
Thank you for your continued interest in my pictures Mama Thyme. I hope you have enough supplies in during your unexpected snowy days. The good wishes are mutual.
DeleteHard to beat Yorkshire views and the second last one especially is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe big day is over here...... Eighteen for lunch including the Japanese parents of a nephew's wife and an English couple with no family around. A lot of work on a hot day (32C) but nice to have family together though missing Brett and Sarah and my parents.
I'm actually glad it's all over. I like Boxing Day best. More relaxed.
Best wishes to your family for a great year ahead.
Eighteen people including two English strays! You deserve a medal Helen! I hope that Tony helped by sitting in his armchair and having a nice pre-dinner snooze. You will be well into Boxing Day now. I further hope there has been no boxing in the Happenings household.
DeleteI started this post days ago (I know it's not that long or profound but life sidetracked me) and have returned this morning. The gate photo is frameable. I could live with that in my collection very easily.
ReplyDeleteThat simple gate photo was also my favourite. Henceforth that gate will be known as Graham's Gate. Who knows what wonders lie beyond it?
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