Going back, after a relationship has ended, to somewhere you’ve been before repeatedly (and thoroughly enjoyed) as a couple is always going to be, at best, somewhat odd. Discounting a flying visit I made to Ludlow last October (literally, thirty-six hours), this was the first time I’d been back since spring 2018, and for much the same reasons: the Clun Green Man festival over the Mayday bank holiday weekend followed by five nights in Ludlow. And yes, at first it all seemed a bit strange… and yes, there was the odd wobble when memories threatened to overwhelm, but on the whole, it was a positive and increasingly enjoyable nine days, and it was a delight to be back somewhere I’ve come to regard as a second home. I like Shropshire. I like it very much indeed.
The Green Man festival was somewhat curtailed in that the usual Sunday Fair in the Square was combined with the Monday craft fair, as was the traditional Battle on the Bridge between the Green Man and the Ice Queen. This left me potentially at something of a loose end in Clun on the Sunday, but actually, it was entirely delightful. A proposed short wander around the town was increasingly lengthened as I stopped to talk, and at length, with complete strangers, something that continued in the pub whence I retired for a restorative ham roll and half of cider. Walking back to my home for a few days, another complete stranger smiled hello. That kind of place.
The combined event on Monday was, simply, a complete joy: after so long actively avoiding each other, to be part of a throng of like-minded folk was more than therapeutic, it was life-affirming and uplifting. It ran from eleven to five, I was there for all but the last half hour (truth be told, I was flagging) and I enjoyed every last minute. The hog roast was, as ever superlative, the events nicely timed, and I’d completely forgotten that this festival was Dog Central ! Yes, it was unavoidably not quite as before, but hopefully normal service will be resumed in ’23. I’ll be there.
Then, to Ludlow: simply one of the most beautiful towns in England, Ludlow never disappoints. I stayed in a tiny cottage tucked away behind the church where we’d stayed thrice before which was convenient for pretty much everything and wonderfully appointed. Of course, lacking a car no little thought had to be given to how to get where I wanted, but with some intense googling and a few emails, I managed it (and having had my bus pass since September last year, it was all free !!). Thus, got to see Stokesay Castle – and bluebells en route – on the Thursday and Carding Mill Valley on the Saturday and dammit yes, they were as lovely as I recalled from four years ago. The other days were spent ambling around town, just enjoying being here again. Apparently I must have looked local, as I was asked four or five times for directions ! The weather wasn’t the best, but on the two “out” days the sun shone now and then, and otherwise, well, a little drizzle never hurt. All things considered, I was very happy: yes, it would have been nice(r) to have had someone to share the little things with, and hopefully one day I will again, but that was out of my hands, so… no, not make the best of a bad job but deal with how it is, and I did. Nine thoroughly enjoyable days back somewhere I love dearly – what’s not to love ? All things being equal I’ll be back next year (and with considerably less baggage, having easily packed twice as much as I really needed). As I said earlier, I like Shropshire, very much indeed.
