WHAT A DIFFERENCE ……..one week makes!

In a week that has seen a mini Heat Wave, Snow, Sleet, Wind and Rain by the bucket full we have seen much change in our surrounds……

Last week this pond was a lifeless dark, turgid and full of rotting vegetation.   Just 7 days later and that decay has sunk to the bottom and up has come the first shoots of Water Iris bright and green, whilst new Lilly Pads, sporting their spring colours, are starting to creep across the surface.

In the woods Bluebells are also flooding the floor, fresh green leaves spreading outwards to reveal a new Bluebell shoot.   The mass display of spring Blue has yet to come but here and there an odd small clump wets the appetite for what is to come….then we will know that spring is really here.

In more sheltered areas of the wood, protected by last years bracken and fern,  the last of this seasons Daffodils are putting on a last display of yellow. Down by the Lake new shoots are bursting from the trees, these crisp light green Poplar leaves are blending well with some White Cherry Blossom.

The Woods, Lake and Pond are all part of our local Park and once part of a Family Estate complete with its own Hall……Allestree Hall.  For many, many years the Hall and Parkland have been in the care our Local Council for the free access and benefit of the community.  The Hall itself, built in the 1800’s is a Grade II  listed building, but I am sorry to say  has been badly neglected and for the most part now unusable.  The Hall is currently on the National Building at Risk Register and now the Heritage at Risk listing.

It make me feel very sad that what should be a magnificent asset to the City has been so badly neglected.  Cost of course is one factor used to excuse the lack of restoration….. but in truth it is the many years of doing nothing that has just added to that cost. True the Council has floated plans to get private enterprise to shoulder the burden and develop the Hall….so far none of these initiatives has run the course to maturity.  I suspect the interested Developers soon estimate that the true costs involved have become prohibitive for any commercial venture. Nor can its location in a Public Park and consequential limitation on use help any private enterprise project.

Empty it stands, shuttered windows like blank eyes survey the grounds.  I suppose whilst it still stands there is still hope for a sympathetic restoration and a new life for the Hall.

12th APRIL