Home reflections

When we look at how people live we often do so from our own experiences as settled people in a society less nomadic than it was in past or how it may be elsewhere in the world.

Some people still live in caravans travelling along their way, finding work or other opportunities to earn some money.

There has been an increase in the numbers of people living on barges aka narrow boats in recent years which some families did at the height of the commercial usage of canals taking goods distances to market.

My mothers family did traversing North Worcestershire and the Black Country through this district in North Staffordshire to the Ports at Runcorn in Cheshire before settling "ashore" here

This group of houses were a part of those "homes ashore" built by the company that employed them as changes in society such as the impact on children's education and access to health care became more recognized and older workers needed to retire.

It seems history is repeating itself.

Taking a pause

Looking very much towards the link the neighbouring Macclesfield canal a few miles away, the barge is moored up in tranquil setting with blossoms out and beyond them the open fields with the odd duck about seeing it appears to be the duck season!

For me the reflections make this picture giving a more watercolour feel.

The wild flowers of the canal

Everything appears to be coming out and so around the canal it's like a colourful relaxing meadow so long as one doesn't encounter a wasp on a mission.

Everything is very much in situ as it were with no tidying up of the scene.

Similar with this canal side wall with weeds and wild flowers growing between it as I dodged a few bees on the great nectar hunt.

In recent years there has been an attempt to put dedicate paths in for people to walk rather than just walking along the actual canal tow paths that were wide enough for horse to help to tow the barges through.

This is one leading to a viewing spot with seats ideal for passing the time of day upon.

Founders Day reflections

Friday was a very important day for all in Scouting being the day we mark the birth of Robert Baden-Powell who founded Scouting in its differing forms and to whom we owe a good deal for pioneering a movement that raises the individual and contributes so much to society. 

Today I'm looking at a few quotes I feel are worth remembering.

Life is very much an adventure from our birth and adventure is very much a need of all of us as young boys and girls to adults too so much so that many put back much into scouting and the wider community through our work and community volunteering.

To me this this is very important because our world sadly is not perfect and if we waited for it to be so that would be a long time but one good deed at a time we can take it along in the right direction if we make every endeavour to leave it better than we found it.

The world of today is different from that Baden-Powell inhabited, people often suggest they know a persons capabilities and yet self improvement and making the most of your abilities whatever challenges we may face remain the best ways we can grow as people often surprising others.

The tendency to look very much at our own needs and desires rather than understand what we gain by helping and serving others is not new nor is at times an obsession with material things.

Human decency requires we look beyond ours own situation and instead focus on what we may do that would help others meeting their needs.

We have social and moral obligations to each other.

I am grateful for everything he has done and how it has helped me.

Ducks get everywhere

Continuing from where we were last Friday along that section of the canal you will often see Ducks, a good number of them who have been even known to explore the middle of this part of the era by the shops and major road to the consternation of many.

He was caught in the act of preening himself near a grassy bank but didn't wish to face me for some reason or other enjoying the relative peace and quiet.

Thankful dog owners were keeping their on leads and away from them.

This particular duck just would not go near a better backdrop probably because he was half expecting me to feed him from where the reeds were.

At one time bread tended to be used but that's really no good so corn if you honestly have to is a better idea.

At the moment the canal itself looks clear of plastic and aluminum. Let's hope it stays that way.

Scouting is Eggsellent!

 Well it's Easter Monday on here so just what would you expect to see on this blog?

Possibly some reference to the Great Easter Bunny who makes his appearance around this time and can be found in the form of a fun Cub Patch but just what is he clutching?

Many local Scout Groups (and Guides too) have easter events on which includes the evergreen,bags of fun Easter Egg Hunt, trying to spot them in the most oddest places they could of been left in.

That one's in this south of this area.

Well this little chap seems to be finding them. 

They don't grow underground surely?

That is this blog writers main egg which will be consumed no doubt today cos he's pretty kid like at heart loving this time of year.

Happy Easter!

Just passing through

Rather chilly but bright start to the day that sent my mind hurdling back toward Summer where I loved walking along the local Inland Waterway, taking in the scene and chatting away to people visitors and locals alike.

From around now to September it gets quite popular with a good number of narrow boats passing and mooring.

Although the area has become built up over the years, there remains a peaceful feel I find therapeutic especially along the areas adjoining farmland .