My roots by alanwilliams
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Description
This may seem to be a not unatractive piece of landscape nestling on the edge of Salisbury plain near the village of my birth and upbringing. Hindon. South West Wiltshire. But to me it is a very poignant spot. It is the place where my grandfather was a shepherd for nearly all his working life, and where my Dad learnt to be one and to follow in his fathers footsteps untill the war intervened. What makes it poignant is that now my Mum and Dad are in a care home in a neighbouring village. Recently we closed down the family home in Hindon and now we have no base in the village. I recently went back to Berwick down, the place in the photograph and i will continue to visit from time to time it is a place very dear to my heart. I think of the stories my Dad has told me of his times there, such as when the A303 major trunk road, which runs along the bottom of the picture, was being constructed and gangs of Irish navvies were camped along the roadside laying hardcore and how eventually it was finished and a car going along it was a rare enough event to rush down to the side of the road to watch it go by. The time when my Grandfather put a pitchfork through his foot but just bound it up and carried on, when lambing was in progress, Dad had to take food up to my Grandfather who was staying in the Shepherds hut for the duration of the lambing season. As you can tell, to me this is no common hillside running alongside the A303. Anyone interested in the life of a Wiltshire shepherd should read A Shepherds Life by W. H. Hudson.
Comments (19)
flora-crassella
what a wonderful landscape!!!! FANTASTIC picture!!!!!!
durleybeachbum
How wonderful, Alan, that it is still there to hold these treasures for you. The A303. however, is a little different now..
wysiwig
I don't blame you for your feelings. This looks so beautiful and peaceful. Me being a city boy I'd probably have to occasionally find a large town for a movie and some Chinese food but other than that...
Richardphotos
outstanding landscape of beauty and lots of personal history for you
qrud
"unatractive piece of landscape" wonderful view and land. Love the perfect green and pure.
newleaf
A beautiful place and a lovely reminder for you of you grandfather and father's life. Thank you for shareing your memories with us.
anianiani
ur roots is very much interested................excellent landscape dear friend....
ledwolorz
Beautiful landscape.
jayfar
Beautiful landscape and family history Alan.
jmb007
superbe paysage!!!!
chesscanoe
A beautiful spot, and all the more so thanks to you sharing background information. I think one way to decide the 'best' photo is not to have it judged by strangers, but rather by the photographer who best can use the photo as a trigger to precious memories, enhanced by time.
tennesseecowgirl
Very moving to read about the history of the area you hold so dear in your heart. You have some wonderful and beautiful memories it was a pleasure to read them and take in and imagine life here. thank you.
kobaltkween
a beautiful spot and a moving story. i love the way the view is both intimate due to the boundary created by the stand of trees and expansive due to the view of the horizon. it gives a feeling of the beginning of a long and lovely journey.
mariogiannecchini
A place where you have so fond memories is undoubtedly a beautiful place! Beautiful landscape and family history
Hubba1
Very nice, The place I grew up has been torn down...
MrsLubner
I love the swoop and layering of the squares of green in this. Much like stepping stones through the valley. Wonderful.
marybelgium
very very nice !
watapki66
Beautiful landscape!
myrrhluz
This sends my mind back to 1973, when I was riding on a bus to Stonehenge gazing entranced at trees, fields and sheep. You live in a beautiful part of the world and have described its special connection to you wonderfully. Very interesting narrative about your home and family. Lovely image! I love the way the trees bend down towards the dip in the valley, the shade and sun of the landscape and the soft clouds that seem to be idly drifting by. It's hard to say goodbye to tangible roots. It's wonderful to see them again, even if it is as a visitor.