A Little Miracle… of Spring

Darley Abbey UNESCO Mills

March 5th and Spring arrived….  and after this wet and continually grey winter, it was both welcome and also an even bigger surprise. Couldn’t travel far so a local walk was the plan.  Darley Village and Park the location.  

The village, now a quiet suburb of the City, was once a busy prosperous  community supported by the river side Mill.  Power was from the River Derwent. Today still running fast but down on recent highs and flood level.  The School House, built by the Mill owners now looks as if it could do with some loving care. Not so the Mill cottages, much sort after residences and all colourfully mentained

The Park,  a gift to the City from those Mill owners, is a great outdoor refuge at all times of the year.  Right now in the morning sunshine, with the early mist lingering on the horizon, a very welcome and invigoration breath of fresh air.

Everything looked fresh, but none more so than the first Blossom of the year.  There was even an early Camellia in the gardens, contrasting with Daffodils and Hellebore.  The Aspen trunk was peeling revealing its new bright trunk… even the dead heads of last years Hydrangea sparkled in the spring sun.  I did wonder for a time why the Park, basking under such a welcome sunny spell wasn’t busier….well it was, they were mainly relaxing at the Park Cafe, overflowing with welcome  custom… I even added to their trade.

 

Might seem strange to celebrate one day of Spring sunshine (and indeed it was one day, today we are back to a cold, damp grey cloudy day).    Through late Autumn, then Winter it has been an endless sequence of wet days, record rainfall, winds that cut thru making the cold even colder. It has been so dull and so depressing that many have longed for a normal winter of frosts and snow… I think it is only two recorded frosty mornings.

So please, please lets Spring start soon.

 

So with hope for a great sunny Spring, we keep our fingers (and toes) well and truly crossed.

Maybe equally important to….

Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

6th March
(C) David Oakes 2026