The Explorer Issue 2

DISCOVER…

Pootling around Halsall

Nestled in the picturesque countryside of West Lancashire in the UK, Halsall is a charming little village set in a lovely rural setting just a few miles outside the coastal resort of Southport. Extending from the hamlets of Primrose Hill and Bangor's Green near Ormskirk westwards across to Ainsdale, Halsall is located along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which has played a significant role in the village's development.

At the heart of the village is St. Cuthbert’s church, a designated listed building dating from the 14th century. This imposing church is situated in a raised position by the main road through the village and sits proudly amidst beautiful trees and lovingly cared for gardens. If you time your visit over the summer months, you'll see damselflies sunbathing and hydrangeas in full bloom. A wander around any church yard is always intriguing, and this is certainly the case here. There are grave slabs dating to the Middle Ages and even a gravestone for a Mr James Bond.

Like most places, Halsall is steeped in local legends and paranormal tales that have intrigued residents and visitors alike. One of the most enduring legends is that of the Old Man of Halsall Moss. This spectral figure is said to appear on the rural road over the moss, particularly on misty nights, guiding or warning travellers. The legend has been the subject of various investigations and discussions, highlighting its deep roots in local folklore.

If you find yourself in Halsall, look out for the sculpture by Thompson Dagnall, which marks the commencement of the Leeds and Liverpool canal. You’ll find this near the canal bridge at Saracen’s Head pub. If you’re ever passing through the village in June, you might be lucky enough to see the annual scarecrow festival. Always a treat!

Every time we visit Halsall or journey over the lonely moss road, we look out for the phantom that haunts this quiet route. We have seen plenty of barn owls here but the ghost has eluded us so far. But there's the feeling that anything is possible when you're passing through this timeless place.

Fuel for thought

An old English village like Halsall will have seen plenty of comings and goings over the years. We wonder how much the place has changed over time, and what stories still remain hidden. Are there still families living there with links to the distant past? And who is the Old Man of Halsall Moss? If you know anything, log-in to leave a comment below this post.

Curiosities

Some years ago, I took this photo of curious tracks in the snow in the front garden of where I was living at the time. It has always made me wonder who or what left those tracks that suddenly broke off to the left and right? - Carol Anne

New YouTube Channel

With thanks to Clayton (CeC 11) for the idea, we have started a dedicated YouTube channel to share playlists, which we hope you'll find interesting, intriguing and inspiring. This is a work in progress with various categories to add. If you're a member of the Creative Explorers Club, we welcome your vlogs and video suggestions and will consider including anything that is relevant and might resonate with the viewers. Please subscribe to the channel, and dip into our playlists. There might be something there that will provide insights for your own creative explorations.

https://www.youtube.com/@Creative-Explorers-Club

What are you creating right now?

We'd love to hear about your travels, explorations and discoveries, and the creative projects that you’re working on. If you’re a member of the Creative Explorers Club and would like to share a few words and images for a future newsletter, please get in touch.

That's all for this issue.

Happy exploring and creating!

The Creative Explorers Club

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