Our new statues have now arrived in Morley and the Council have even replanted the flowerbeds. We guessed right in that the man was on the right and the woman the left, but it might have worked better the other way round as the benefactors would be better suited to be round the back methinks. There is a third mini-tombstone as well, advising of CCTV cameras in the area. The close-up of the faces makes them look a bit pop-eyed, carving eyes is always tricky.

I rather like them.

When we were on holiday in Hunstanton, I noticed for sale signs up outside the lighthouse. I was vaguely aware that it was possible to rent it from previous holiday planning, but it is a bit pricey for three of us (or four with a Granny). However, for a mere £695,000 you too can own a grade II listed building with a four bedroom house attached. The Estate Agent blurb is here.

Morley Feast has returned to the Town, sort of. Morley Feast was the local name for the annual mill shutdown, known as Wakes Weeks over the Pennines in Lancashire. It has been revitalised by the local chamber of trade and there is a fair in Scatcherd Park.

Today, Community stalls were able to be set up and there was also a Punch & Judy/Childrens entertainer and a Falconry display. David and I set up our Gazebo for Morley Community Radio at 10:30 this morning (we were supposed to remove cars by 11am) but when we returned at 12:30 it was drizzling and no-one around apart from the half a dozen stall holders so we were able to bring our car back on and tuck it behind the stand.  Over time the drizzle got heavier and then started coming in at an angle, “that fine rain that soaks you through”. David had brought lots of toys to give away but they were getting rather soggy so we put them back in the boot of the car. Morleians stayed away in droves- we only gave away one leaflet and that was to the stall next door!

By 1:30pm we had had enough and packed up. David waved to the other stalls as we passed and they seemed to be packing up as well. Let us hope next Sunday isn’t a washout as well.

Five years ago, Greyfriars Tower featured heavily in the BBC Restoration programme as the regional finalist. It is (believed to be) the belltower of a 13th Century Franciscan Friary. I went looking for it and was surprised by what I found- it was much smaller than I expected and it is right next to a bingo hall.

There seems to have been much investment in the gardens, with the interest by the BBC paying off even though it didn’t win. Standing underneath the tower and looking up, I was surprised to be able to see the ceiling of the first level, the wooden floor having gone.

You can find more details and the poem of the title here