Greens return

Shades of green are seeping back into the landscape after the black lines of winter; and we have had a bit of sun too (though it hasn't been a reliable feature!).

This is a view looking down from the ridge over Mayfield.

Rebels' bullet holes

The doors to the tower at St. John The Baptist in Mayfield bear distinct marks, as you can see.  They are a peculiar and historic form of vandalism - which is why they have not been repaired in over 250 years.
In fact, they are said to have been made by balls fired from muskets by frustrated rebels who were trying to frighten local villagers who had locked themselves in the church.  Quite what Bonnie Prince Charlie, the rebels' commander, thought of their actions is not recorded.
These 'scars of war' remain untouched to this day.

Holme Farm & its crosses

This cross decoration on the roof of Holme Farm at Mayfield is one of two crosses, one at each end of the roof.
But it is not just there for ornament - the crosses signify that this house (parts of which are very old) was part of the possessions of Tutbury Priory some five hundred years ago.
The Mayfield Heritage Group has produced a wonderful leaflet of a walk around the village outlining all these wonderful facts.

Isn't it strange how the past keeps a presence (albeit not always understood) in our ordinary lives?

Play area - shut!

No children are allowed in the Mayfield play area - strange but true. The gates are "permanently locked" according to the noticeboard there, and parents are requested by the 'Mayfield Recreational Association' to keep their kids out; so, as you can see from the photo, the swing no longer swings!

This tiny village, not far from Ellastone, is apparently very quiet - so what is it all about? Health & safety issues? Playtime feuds? Angry disagreements over policy at parish council meetings?
(And.. is there a TV reality show in it?!! One can only wonder...)