Ilkeston - Human Nature at Kirk Hallam
w/e 10 July 2016
All of this week's pictures were
taken with a Kodak DX6490
One definition of "human nature" is "the
unique elements that form a basic part of human life and distinguish
it from other animal life" but the annual Festival at Kirk
Hallam Lake brings humans and nature together for one afternoon
and shows animal and human life in close harmony.
I don't know how they managed it but the Friends of Kirk Hallam
Lake managed to pick a day for the Festival when the weather
was perfect - no mean feat when several other events have been
cancelled recently due to wet weather. The good weather also
encouraged many people to turn up on Sunday afternoon.
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The lake was surrounded by numerous gazebos and green T-shirts
worn by the Friends were much in evidence.
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Musical entertainment was provided by the Derby Serenaders (pictured)
and also the Breaston Highlanders.
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Many of the gazebos and stalls were occupied by organisations
and charities raising funds to help animals, wildlife and the
natural world. Beech Tree Bunnies is a Rabbit and Guinea Pig
Rescue Centre run by volunteers near Market Harborough in Leicestershire.
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A little further along the path around the lake and under one
of the gazebos with a green top was the Butterfly Conservation
charity and even further round the lake we were invited to sign
a petition for the protection of hedgehogs.
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Long before the Kirk Hallam estate was built and even before
the lake existed, the Nutbrook Canal ran along what is now the
northern side of the lake and from the remains of the wall of
a former lock there is a pleasant view past a small island in
the lake to the gazebos on the southern side of the lake and
Godfrey Drive beyond.
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The path continues around the lake but looking back the former
lock wall can be seen to the left of the couple walking away.
There is much wildlife on the lake and this duck was keeping
a watchful eye on its young offspring.
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In the middle of the lake there was a large flock of birds which
were mainly Canada Geese.
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As we circled the lake we came to the western side where among
the other stalls and entertainments was a small fun fair with
a roundabout, hook a duck and a bouncy castle among other amusements.
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Those amusements and entertainments included a shooting gallery,
a climbing wall, pony rides, birds of prey, cottage garden plants
and exhibits by the Ilkeston and District Local History Society,
Erewash Borough and Derbyshire County Councils and many more
mainly with the emphasis on wildlife. Refreshments, ice cream,
chutneys, meat products, cakes, and drinks were also available
all of which could have featured in a photograph or two. Even
though they were walking I couldn't resist this final shot though
which reminded me so much of Hilda Ogden's famous flying ducks from the
TV soap Coronation Street. I had to smile - but that's just another
example of human nature.
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