Currently each morning first thing (about 7-15am) walk dog on Humber bank parallel to Sluice Rd. The reed-fringed pond on the landward side is a product of clay-digging from last century for a small local brickyard. The wildfowl residents are always busy as, recently, have been a large flock of starlings (s.p.n.). Before setting off just after dawn the starlings become restless, flitting in groups from one part of the reed-bed to another. Already the mallard seem to have paired-up, when they fly-up the lead is usually taken by the duck (rather than the drake). The cotes and moorhen continue to squabble over territory fringing the reed-beds. I believe the pasture-land across the rest of this field is likely to be excavated for clay to heighten the flood bank locally when the proposed work gets the go-ahead.
The bulk of last Thursday’s talk to Barton History Group was a consideration of three built-elements in medieval Barton, two were potentially contentious while a study of the ‘Chantry House’ was simply factual research. Was the current Haven pre-Norman Barton’s first port? I argued probably not, almost certainly having been preceded by a stream and inlet once existing in the Pasture Rd. area – points for and against were presented. Secondly, was the ornate ‘crown’ of St. Mary’s church west tower contemporary with the Early English tower below? I argued not – points for and against were presented. The members present were willing to engage.
Book launch tonight of latest in Barton later History series, this one on railways locally and written by Anthony Berridge. Author group meetings resumed recently with Judith Spikesley, lecturer at York University, as editor. I will submit three of my articles (presented here as pdfs) for consideration for the next publication in the series. Hopefully also three of us can present a synopsis for a future publication on Barton’s public buildings.
Rachael appointment at Grimsby hospital this afternoon, if not cancelled, can then walk dog round People’s Park, maybe even have tea out! Have revised booking at Clifton Hotel, Scarborough for 19th – 22nd Dec., ‘dog friendly’, at a price.
Awaiting planning decision on ‘Top Field’.