Our initial plan was to walk to Jack Bridge together, but Sarah texted to say, “actually I’m happiest pootling around the village,” so I saw Heptonstall through her eyes and she saw it through mine! I’m really glad she considered the location again because I want to do this work with people where they love spending their time, and feel connected. It’s a very peaceful village but visually there’s so much going on: cobbles, steps, snickets, ruins, archways. Older, newer. Flowers planted and wild. Beautiful stone.

And of course chickens!

I decided to take Ann on what my family (and perhaps we’re not alone) calls “the ropeswing walk”, through Callis Wood. Choosing to go the gentler way round, we walked through town from the train station, along the canal path and up into the meadow where there’s a big, beautiful ash (I thought Horsehold Road’s steepness could be best enjoyed in descent that day!) There is still a rope hanging down from one of the tree’s limbs but there’s nothing to sit on at the end of it anymore. I suppose that could change again at any point. There have probably been many ropes of different colours over the years, many brave climbers and knot tiers.

“WOW, nice trousers!” was my first thought as I saw Cathy walking towards me. She explained how she had rescued them from a dog-walked-out state by dying them dark blue. Striking in colour and structure!

I was already feeling inspired. I’d been standing at the top of the path to catch my breath (waiting to hopefully become less sweaty, would be more accurate) after rushing up through the clough, tall pink fireweed leaning in and so many trees filling my eyes. The sky was heavy and damp but there was a brightness too.

Lauren followed me on Instagram a few weeks ago and sent a message shortly afterwards which unfolded into an actual conversation! I remember on Bebo (♥), that when you sent a friend request, you had to write in a little box to say why you were sending it. One thing I don’t like remembering is the number of letters I put at the end of a mutual friend’s name in one of these explanatory notes to someone I had a crush on, trying to be… I don’t know… coollllllllllllllllllllll!?

Hauntings aside, it makes so much sense to do that. I appreciated the small conversation with Lauren very much and what it paved the way for.