Photo-a-Day  (Saturday, 23rd November, 2024)

No Christmas Lights this year, I think it's because of the electricity price going up.

We went to Haigh Hall when they where developing the grounds and you parked at the back of the stables and had to walk through the stables yard (NO other route in then). It was hard work pushing a wheel chair over the cobbles(SETS).At the time very deep ruts between the cobbles and there was no sand/grit spread .At the time very wheelchair/pushchair unfriendly Looking at the photo it does not seem to have improved ,some form of matting would not go amiss

Beautiful photo once again Mick, now this is a building worth seeing and one we've all seen many times before. A great place to visit what ever time of year, but Christmas time is special there.

You have a eye for buildings Mick, and looks like preparations for Xmas. We never get tired of seeing Haigh Hall grounds what ever time of year. A special place in my younger days and of the Plantations too.

The Council did a good job when they converted this courtyard and you have caught the seasonal scene beautifully Mick.
We have sat on those benches many times over the years, it’s a very convivial place for families and dog walkers.

Mick, is is not that they just haven't decorated the tree yet? We're still in November and I can't see the point of the tree if they aren't at least going to put a few lights or decorations on it. I can see a little fence round it with some tinsel on but I would think that's just to stop children getting too close. I can also see a star on top, but the poor thing favvers "Billy-No-Mates"......surely they'll put a few lights on to keep it company? Nice photo though.

I just wish there was public transport to get closer to Haigh Hall for those without a car, I would visit regularly if there was.
Nearest I can get is the bottom of Red Rock or the Plantation Gates, quite a walk when you are of a certain age!
A lot of cyclists gather here from far and wide but I wouldn’t be safe on a bike either and there are already too many people waiting in A&E.

The powers that be might put a few lights up later on. Otherwise it’s going to be a Scrooge- like Christmas a bit like a ‘ War time ‘one in the forties. Make do and mend! Wardens going around shouting “ put them lights out!”

ps....forgot to add....anyone a bit fed up on this miserable morning, go back to the St. Oswald photo and read Ozy and DTease's banter at the end....had me in stitches!

You’re right Irene they do liven things up with their naturally distinct humour. I was chuckling away at these two. They bring things down to a ‘lower’ level …I imagined Ozy with his kipper tie wrapped round his head.

Irene, I just did and there’s nothing like a bit of banter to lift the spirits. Thanks to both.

Of course the tree has lights. They'll be switched in time. Give them a chance to prepare for Christmas.
Colin you can always buy a cheap car or get a taxi to Haigh Country park and other places you might care to visit.

They did run a bus from Wigan via Haigh last year during the Summer months, but I don’t think enough people used it Colin.
The tractor service from the Plantation Gates would probably be more practical even if they only ran it during school holidays.

Alan, Colin may not be able to drive. I can't drive. Not everyone can. But I'm glad you agree that the staff at Haigh Hall may just not have got round to adding the lights to the tree. December is ample time to add them. I get fed up of seeing Christmas Trees in windows from mid-November; it's getting ridiculous!

Alan. That comment was a bit thoughtless. Maybe Colin is no longer able to drive and to get a taxi to and from places like Haigh Hall these days would cost an arm and a leg.

Irene soon as xmas is over, EASTER EGGS is on the shelf in supermarkets.
we are certainly commercially ruled by big events. Money dictates.
Most people in this modern age do drive a car.

The lights are on, the just not switched on yet. We are still in November by the way.

Haigh Hall was built out of the way on purpose. The Lords of the Manor wouldn’t have wanted the Phlebs roaming round there in the first place. Some things never change..that’s why the dirt paths are so narrow down past the windmill. There must have been gamekeepers at one time before the hoi polloi had permission to ramble round. I doubt that a bus route will ever go there..apart from the tractor and that’s only in the summer apart from the odd bike or two. I have sat and thought long and hard many a time about going to Haigh Hall from where I live but given up on the idea now that I don’t drive anymore. It was brilliant as a child walking down the side of the Duggy from Greenough St but that’s a pipe dream nowadays.

Robert, having worked in retail from leaving school until retirement I am well aware of how Easter Eggs and St. Valentine's Day cards are waiting in stockrooms to be put out as soon as Christmas is over, and I am also aware that most people drive cars, but I DON'T drive and I was just pointing out that Colin may not be able to drive either. There are exceptions to every rule.

I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't drive. The freedom to go where I want and the independence is taken for granted.
I feel for some people who use to drive but no-longer can. I agree with Christmas starts too early, it must be a life time for children before Christmas day. You can see the lights are fitted but obviously not switched on.

I gave up driving when I retired from work at 64 Santa. I didn’t really miss the car as it was ‘‘getting on” like myself. I knew I would have more money to spend on holidays and I knew my family would help with shopping etc. I looked on it as a convenience which I could do without. I did need it when I worked but not as much when I didn’t. Plus I live near the railway station which is a far quicker journey when they are operating. Also the exercise of walking more is much more beneficial for my health and weight. It was a wise decision.

I'm 70 and need my car more than ever before. My bus pass hardly gets used, but comes in handy for my annual MOT. The Car is so valuable and couldn't do with out it. But if people can manage and are in reasonable health walking and trains are good for the environment and for the people who prefer that.