Park Life

Saturday I took Rowan to Wakefield for her high jump training. As it was a bit wet for my usual mountain bike route I walked around Thornes Park. It was a very interesting afternoon. The park was established in Victorian times, an example of the crossover of civic pride and philanthropy that has ceased to exist I think. It was all looking a little run down and sad, an example of where things have gone wrong in modern towns and cities [blame can be laid at the Thatcherite door for forcing Councils to put park maintenance out to tender and taking the cheapest service with inevitable results.] until I turned a corner. The kitchen gardens, an aviary and a secret garden had all been renovated by a Friends group. My spirits lifted.