EREWASH VALLEY TRAIL


I discovered - or perhaps uncovered is a better word - this metal plaque at Eastwood Lock, on the Erewash Valley Trail the other day. As you can see it has probably been neglected for a few years and needs a clean up. At some point it has been defaced with red paint. Someone who was not too keen on Lawrence's literary style, or who thought that the verdict in the Lady Chatterley trial was a travesty?

 The full text reads:

This plaque was unveiled by Councillor Mrs H. Braithwaite, Mayor of Eastwood to mark the centenary of the birth of D. H. Lawrence. 1885 - 1985.

Another similar plaque is to be found at Shipley Lock. This one is in slightly better condition, although it is dedicated to someone slightly less celebrated. Perhaps that is why it has not been daubed with paint.

A new landmark has appeared on the trail, slightly further south next to the Nottingham Canal path. A giant wind turbine has been erected by Severn Trent to power the large sewage works at Newthorpe.   People in Cotmanhay have christened it Winston, for reasons best known to themselves. The size of this structure is emphasised by how tiny the workman appears on top. I think the column is 130 m tall .

The towpath of the Erewash canal at the north end of the trail is in a very poor state and needs resurfacing.

Jeff