Carsington Water: Wendy Elizabeth Coates 5-9-58 – 10-4-16

The circuit of Carsington Water in Derbyshire is a fairly easy 12kms or so cycle ride and also a varied walk. The first time I circled the reservoir I expected it to be flat but the gravel path is a roller coaster of ups and downs and never tedious, as the irregular-shaped water gives ever-changing views.  If you want a break from cycling or walking, the visitor centre has a cafe and shops. The broad dam has an open aspect and I have fond memories of sitting here for some time watching a great crested grebe with a tiny duckling.  The duckling was pursuing its parent in relentless circles and I cheered happily when it eventually managed to leap onto her back for a ride.

Near the dam is a sobering memorial to four young men who died of asphyxiation in an inspection chamber while constructing the reservoir in the early 1980s.  The building of Carsington Water had further problems when the earth dam partially collapsed in 1984, fortunately the reservoir had not been completed and disaster was avoided.  The faulty dam was removed and replaced with something more suitable before it was filled with water in 1992.

There are a number of memorial benches around Carsington Water but I found this one on a spring walk above the reservoir and it made me stop and think as I read the dedication to Wendy Elizabeth Coates. This paints a picture of an exceptional person who is missed by her family and friends. Wendy Elizabeth Coates died at the age of 57 years of age.

The bench has a panoramic view over Carsington Water and when I found it we had only just been allowed to travel again after [what turned out to be] the last Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. We had met up with friends at Carsington Water and I was feeling grateful for friendships and the chance to explore anywhere away from home. I was also feeling grateful to be alive and this bench was a reminder that some people are taken from the earth too soon.

IN MEMORY OF A VERY SPECIAL PERSON
WENDY ELIZABETH COATES
5-9-58 – 10-4-16
TIME PASSES, MEMORIES STAY
LOVED AND REMEMBERED EVERY DAY.

Norland Moor, Sowerby Bridge: Eric Daniels 26.01.1930 – 01.96.2006

On a recent visit to Yorkshire, after a lovely walk along the canal and a pub lunch in Sowerby Bridge, we walked back to Elland over Norland Moor, a popular area for local walkers and an important fragment of upland heath.  Crisscrossed with footpaths, people like Norland Moor for the elevation, open views over to Halifax and the peace and quiet.  The highest point, with a trig point, is at 284 metres and nearby is a large rocky outcrop called The Ladstone, which some think was a place for Druid rituals.

According to Calderdale Council there are 28 memorial benches on Norland Moor.  I don’t think we saw all of them but of the many we walked by on our walk I noticed this bench to Eric Daniels.  The plaque affectionately describes Eric Daniels as, ‘A man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, who gave so much and inspired so many.’

Eric’s  Bench A place to sit and remember a man of boundless energy and enthusiasm, who gave so much and inspired so many 26.01.1930 Eric Daniels 01.06.2006

Eric’s bench was the perfect place to rest after the steep hill up to the moor.  I sat and enjoyed the view over the golf course, wishing I had met Eric Daniel’s.

Invitation to follow my Back On The Road Again blog

Our campervan looking over Stromness

I have gained some new followers recently on this memorial benches blog, thank you and welcome.  I am pleased that there are other people out there who are interested in this project I have been working on for some years.

If you are interested in travel, campervans and living frugally then you might want to take a look at and perhaps follow my other blog that I call ‘Back On The Road Again.’  I have been writing this blog for a couple of years and by following the blog you will get all the latest news on places we have visited and how we endeavor to live a sustainable and purposeful retirement that is within our limited means.

In the spirit of mutual support I always follow fellow bloggers back and I enjoy keeping up-to-date with the journeys everyone is taking.