On leaving Lichfield, we drive over the Staffordshire Moorlands to Macclesfield. My Dad was cremated here in 1989, Mum did not want us to bring her ashes here. 'I don't want to be a nuisance' she said. She was indeed a martyr but also did not like the idea of ashes and people travelling with them! And it has worked out well because she is local to me and in any case we now have a lovely bird box at Macclesfield in honour of both of them. 'Reunited 2014'
Here is J in Macclesfield Crematorium, which is a pretty spot.
And here is the bird box. It is a lovely day and we can see the Peaks in the distance. So nice to stand here and think of them, especially with J.
We spend the rst of the day with cousins in Gatley. We love the little kids and Poppy the westie.
Next day is a sunny Sunday and we take the bus into Manchester along Wilmslow Road, going right past the flat in Withington where I lived until I was four. Sadly, I am unable to identify which was the actual flat but I know it was above a shop right near what was Barclays Bank. The sign is still there.
We visit the Whitworth Gallery and my art historian is impressed. We enjoy the exhibition of Tibor Reich's post war design.
Another exhibition worth seeing, original and atmospheric is Nico Vascellari’s, Bus de la Lum which draws on the ancient powers of the forest. Light, video and sound explore the legend of a natural cavity located within the woodland of the Cansiglio plateau in Italy.
Then we take another bus to Moseley Street and have lunch before visiting the City Gallery. We enjoyed The Imitation Game, an exhibition by eight international artists who explore the theme of machines and the imitation of life. It is fun and interactive.
Next we discover the wonderful trams. Soon we are ejected at Didsbury Village and I have a fantasy about living here with easy access to the city, the airport and Poppy!
Next we investigate Elm Grove where the diary Dad worked at is now flats. I undertake some internet research into what happenend to Healds. It seems they sold their business to Waterford Foods,an Irish company,in the mid 90's. The dairy production was moved and the site sold for development soon afterwards. This is sad as the old dairy should have been converted, not knocked down, I feel. It was very atmospheric and historic.
Then we have a wonderful meal at The Great Kathmandu on Burton Road. http://greatkathmandu.com/
Next day it is time to leave, and again we travel over the Moorlands, having passed my old house, my old school and where Dad worked until he retired just a few months before his death.
When I get home, Hermes is happy to catch up with the news in The Lichfield Mercury.
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