Engine Room Shoes

A good day.

First thing - the view up the Hodder Valley is uplifting (extra).

Then to Clitheroe. These days visiting a town can be dispiriting. Empty shops, charity shops, national chains. But Clitheroe is bucking the trend, which in part must be down to some really imaginative local entrepreneurs.

And Holmes Mill is a standout. Simply fantastic conversion of an old textile mill building. Brewery, Beer Hall, Food Hall, Hotel, Eating place, Gymn, Cinema ..... and lots more. Including an arboreal chimney (extra).

Walked into the engine room, and disturbed a photoshoot. We got talking to a young chap who is the shoe designer for Lanx Shoes, and a young lady who was modelling some of the latest styles. Fascinating. Going 5 years, a shop in nearby Whalley, manufactured in Rossendale, I hope they do well (the Engine is called Elisabeth for some reason).

We returned home via Brockholes, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust Reserve. The visitor centre sits in a flood plain, so floats and rises in flood conditions. It rose last weekend with Storm Ciara, and I imagine it will be rising again tomorrow with Storm Dennis. It has one design fault however. The bridge connecting it to the land does not rise. Which means it is currently closed (extra). It’s a lovely reserve.

So ..... a few things to love this Valentine’s Day.