day eight - titus salt built a village

Waking up to the news that golf was suspended made us grateful that we chose the day we did to go to St Andrews. It was time to be thankful for not having excess cash. Imagine if that had been our day at the golf. 

We headed off this morning to Saltaire. Saltaire was built in 1851 by Sir Titus Salt, an industrialist with a vision. He built his textile mill and a whole village for his workers around the Aire River. We visited the old mill first which has been renovated. It houses an exhibition of the artworks of David Hockney (great artist but can you believe it, so many sausage dogs!). It is the most incredible building. Classical music plays softly in the background, huge vases of flowers on long trestle tables where books, art supplies, prints and postcards are displayed. The walls are filled with Hockney's work.

We browsed for awhile while the weather looked unsettled and then took a walk to the church and along the canal. The sun was shining, cyclists, runners, boats, ducks, swans and we even watched some bowls. Michael and I were fascinated to watch some barges coming down the canal and see the opening and shutting of the gates. (It seemed like very hard work for a holiday to me). We went back to the mill to explore some more. Another floor of books, a trendy restaurant and the fanciest kitchen gadget shop I have ever seen. It also had an interesting display of collectors items of crockery from the 70's and 80's. We had lunch at the restaurant and then took a walk around the village. There was a hospital, school, wash-houses, community hall and then all the homes built for the workers.These are all now privately owned. It was a wonderful place to visit.

We then took a drive over the moors with spectacular scenery, came home for tea and home baked cake, caught up on the no-golf, watched some cricket, read the papers, drank wine, ate divine baked salmon and veggies and then played some Sequence (the two Jens won). A wonderful day.

Cannot believe it is Sunday today. The family are coming over for lunch. I am looking forward to meeting the new members and the grandchildren for the first time.

The beautiful church from across the canal

A walk along the canal

Beautiful church 

Boats

Sorry a bit dark this is the mill. Shops, art, restaurant 

For the Vans and Gill and other Gilly

The village

Typical house, rows and rows of them

The Moors

More Moors

Whacky wine from SA

Sequence then bed...

Another great day.

Oh dear I think I hear rain on the roof. Hope it is raining at Lords as well.

Have a great day and thanks for the news (Janetta and Norma) xx