Ilkeston To Shipley
- "All Change At West Hallam"
w/e 21 April
2002
The heathers, forget-me-nots,
primulas, grape hyacinths and flowers of the narcissus family
in our garden aren't looking too bad this year but having cleared
out part of the rockery we needed to restock with a few Alpines.
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So it was off to West Hallam
where a pair of lion topped gateposts looking down on more Spring
flowers marked the entrance to Station House.
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The ornament lined drive led
to the house itself which, as the name suggests, was formerly
a station on the Ilkeston to Derby railway line. Now it is a
small garden centre/nursery and all the statues, bird baths and
other garden ornaments are designed and made by the proprietor.
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Further evidence of the former
use of the house may be seen above the door where the sign proclaims
that the station was "West Hallam For Dale Abbey".
Today's usage of the property adds a new dimension to the expression
still heard by travellers over many a railway station tannoy:
"All change for ........"
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Alpines purchased, a short
detour on our way home from West Hallam took us to Shipley Wood
where there were thousands upon thousands of bluebells coming
into bloom.
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Bluebells, bluebells, bluebells!
Did you know that these wild flowers are protected by law and
it is illegal to dig them up? Fortunately we already have some
in our garden and they are a joy to behold at this time of year
but these growing in their natural environment look so much better
in the dappled sunlight of an English wood.
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