Signs of the Times

In the last few months our small village has acquired several new signs.

Two decorative name signs,

one at either end of the village.

They are immense and impressive.

Brick and cobble bases, surrounding a very chunky post,

which is topped with decorative wrought iron work.

This is farming land, so agriculture is represented

by the horse and plough.

The train is there because we used to have our own railway station,

just down the road, until it was closed, thanks to Dr Beeching.

The other horse and man is a reminder that until very recently

we had a working village smithy.

The second sign is a cautionary one 

stating that the road under the old railway bridge

is liable to flooding.

Of course it warns you about this at exactly the spot which floods,

no advance warning!

The third was brought about after a long campaign by George.

He succeeded in getting the 30mph stretch altered to include the lane

outside our property.

The parish council had tried and failed.

George persisted.

It took a lot of patience

but we got there in the end 

 and most people comply.

Harry has been taking his driving test this weekend.

His little electric car has a top speed of 5mph 

so

Grandpa insisted on a written test,

a sight test

and a practical test...

much to Harry's delight,

before he was allowed to drive it around the Owl Wood.

He passed with flying colours

and even had a short drive around the little woodland.

The two younger cousins were both thrilled to have the opportunity to sit in the car.

Ming Ming, I'll email you some more photographs.

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