Friday 15 December 2023 - Father Christmas at Styal Mill, and more

It's that time of year. Time for a shy three year old to encounter a scary person with a big beard.

Isabella could relate to the penguins.

But she found Father Christmas a little scary.

Eventually they became friends and managed a 'high five'.

The snowmen were fun, and there were presents.

Thanks go to Sue and Sarah for the pictures above. Only two adults were allowed to accompany  children to see Father Christmas, so I went for a short walk to Twinnies Bridge and back, repeating a circuit I used to do with Isabella's dad in a push chair or papoose (there may be photos when I get around to scanning them!).

Back in 'the day', the path shown below was a quagmire.

Twinnies Bridge hasn't changed.

Nor has Heron's Pool Bridge, although the woodwork has probably been renewed.

The small children's playground, complete with wonky mirror, is a relatively recent addition.

The next two pictures were taken from the same place.

The big house, right next to the mill, has recently been renovated.

Isabella seemed impressed by the tall chimney.

She then demolished a plate of beans and some tasty cake.

After Isabella headed home with her mum, Sue and I went to Bacup, where Sue was enrolled to assist Jessica in Christmas Cracker production. They had lots of fun with various bits of stationery.

Meanwhile, Jacob played 'Fortnite', not very photogenic, but he was seen earlier with a monster brass instrument.