The Spire, the Troughs and the Phone Box That Still Works

I met up with a friend who was staying at a campsite in my own county. The campsite is situated in a really pretty village called Chelmorton in Derbyshire, UK. The countryside is picturesque in that area.

There are many derelict barns in the fields. It's a real shame that they aren’t being repurposed into something else.

Chelmorton is the highest parish in the Diocese of Derby. It was a pity that it was overcast but at least it wasn't raining. The village has some interesting features, such as a green phone box made out of stone, which surprisingly is still in working order.

Usually, our phone boxes are an iconic red colour, and most of them have been removed or have been refurbished as mini libraries, or they house a defibrillator for the village. It's the only one of its colour in the country.

I also came across two troughs situated at the side of the road. The plaque states that they date back to bygone days and were put there to improve the water flow. The water comes from a spring, locally known as "Illy-Willy-Water."

I quite enjoy looking around churchyards, so I popped to see St John the Baptist Church. It stands 1,200 feet above sea level and is the tallest church with a spire anywhere in England. Around the back, I found a lovely group of snowdrops which brightened up a dull morning.

Over the road from the church was the village pub, aptly named the Church Inn. I did find it funny that a church and a public house were in such close proximity to one another. It was a case of "saints and sinners!"

There were a few more interesting things on the outskirts of the village but, unfortunately, time and the cold weather were against us.