The Pillar
Back in the 60’s, our lane was little wider than a car. It had grass growing down the middle, and a lovely old gate at the entrance, which was permanently open.
My father went around the other four houses in the lane and asked them if they minded if he moved one of the gate pillars. No one objected, as it made the entrance a little wider.
So my father demolished the old pillar, which was in a sorry state anyway, and built a new one further back into our land.
He took his time over it and built a strong sturdy granite pillar using the stones from the old one. He even embedded one of the old gate hinges for the sake of authenticity.
It was the last bit of real building he did before he died.
I see that pillar now as a memorial to him. It has weathered beautifully, and is now covered in moss and ivy. It looks like it has been there for a hundred years.
Because of its associations, I am very attached to that pillar. A couple of times I have had to berate local estate agents who insist on drilling it to hold their ‘for sale’ signs. I object, because they never ask permission. If you click on the last image above, you can see at least four holes that have been drilled.
There are one or two residents who want that pillar removed, [and a piece of my land taken] so that they can swing off the road into the lane. You know my response to that.
That pillar actually makes the entrance to the lane safer. It stops people from swinging in. They have to slow down because it is a sharp bend. Apart from acting as a safety barrier, it also prevents erosion of the corner, and it looks nice. It adds character to the lane entrance.
My father is interred in the local graveyard. That is a beautiful quite spot on the side of a hill, and he has his headstone there. But he isn’t there. He is here in the place he loved so much. The pillar is his headstone. It may not have any engraving on it, but it is his personification – strong, rugged, quiet and in the right place. I think of him every time I pass it.
Some people may not understand my attachment to that pillar. To them, it is a nuisance as it stops them entering the lane recklessly.
To me, it represents the cornerstone of my existence here.
There are those who would try to deliberately damage it or remove it by fair means or foul.
By God, I will defend it to the last.
If it’s your pillar on your land, then no-one can do anything about it. In fact, as your boundary extends beyond the pillar, you might want to put a fence at your boundary in order to prevent trespass and protect the pillar. You might even consider advising your neighbours, that if the pillar is under threat, you intend enclosing your property.
Nice story, and the pillar has aged gracefully.
Said with great conviction.
I hope it stands for centuries to come.
Why the deuce do they drill a new hole every time? And I can’t imagine taking an extra five seconds to turn in is really ruining anyone’s day.
Ian – Unfortunately, the lane has been eroded in width so that it now encroaches on the land. Where the pillar was once set back from the corner, it has now become the corner. Without any permission or recompense, we have lost up to two feet of land for the sake of widening the lane.
Thanks, Grannymar and Xbox 🙂
Emordino – That is one of the things that pisses me off. If they asked for permission, I would point out that there are holes already in place. and as for the five seconds – it doesn’t even take that. But they bring up incredible excuses like “it would slow down an ambulance”!!!!!!!
That’s very touching. Nice tribute to your dad. You stand firm against these insensitive twerps.
Bastards, they are. Tell them to feck off!
“My father is interred in the local graveyard… But he isn’t there.”
I like that. It makes me think of what a wise old woman said to my Gran at my Grampa’s funeral:
“This is just the envelope. The letter has already been posted.”
Call us to arms and we will stand beside you. Sod the lot of them if they can’t see that this is for their own good. As for the estate agents, this trespass that can be solved with a match . . .
“Some people may not understand my attachment to that pillar…..
To me, it represents the cornerstone of my existence here.”
That is a very powerful & moving statement and I’ll bet if all the nay-sayers could read this beautiful tribute, they would understand. Stay strong Grandad!
Karyn – I love it!
Grandad…I have been reflective of late. I lost my mother a few years ago on June 5, and my dad last July 1.
This post has touched me today…thank you.
Laurie
I am with Laurie here. It’s hard isn’t it girl? Everyday.Anyway Grandad, a noble cause indeed. Stick to your guns.
Like it!… 🙂
Laurie – My Dad died on June 5th [1975]. It’s 33 years now and I still think of him a lot. I miss him, but I feel he is still here, watching and having a laugh. Sometimes he is approving, and occasionally he isn’t. I like having his spirit around.
You have touched me. You have reminded me to slow down. Your thoughts and words really matter. Thank you. Sending positive and fortitudinous thoughts your way. 🙂
Thank you, Regina and welcome! Life is too fast nowadays. I live mine in the slow lane, and I’m a lot happier for it.
Lovely, thank you Grandad.
Stand your ground, Grandad. The reasons for keeping it are far better and more beautiful than the reasons for removing it. People and their cars will come and go, let the pillar endure.
Graveyards are to walk in , play in and wander around remembering by reading the stones the people that have lived, but they are not there. They are in our thoughts and memories, and in the the things they left behind, their accomplishments.Great story Grandpa.
It was home to him,just as it is home to you .if they can not understand,they are tourist.
Beautiful tribute to your father, Gran’dad
You should make a horror movie about it.
Pillar Driller.
Bock – You’re to have the lead role. [I assume that is you on your banner?]
Nicely done Grandad. I don’t visit the graves of my relatives because there are reminders all around me that they are here, walking past my window, working in the garden and always in my dreams. Your pillar looks like a natural part of the landscape, may it long endure.
I liked that. Good one. Shoot the estate agents, or at least take down their signs, for which you did not grant permission.
You say,
“It had grass growing down the middle, and a lovely old gate at the entrance, which was permanently open.”
The “permanently open” is the very best!
And the re-use of old stones.
thanks!
Hi Gail – You got caught in my spam trap!! It was a lovely little lane. Sadly it has been abused over the last forty years [there are now thirteen houses] and it is in a sorry state!!
But the pillar remains. 😉