So, Tuesday 4th June Todmorden saw a return visit of Japanese visitors from Nagano in the central Honshu island in Japan. Fran reports.
The group of fifteen, included Masami Dederichs who has been with the group previously as their interpreter in Todmorden, the last time in 2022. As they arrived, they were welcomed by Todmorden Town Crier and the visitors found this very entertaining! We gathered underneath the KINDNESS sign in Morrisons car park for the first group photograph taken by IET photographer, Peter Thwaite.
Leaving Morrisons, we set off on a walking tour, stopping first at the Golden Lion to learn of the pivotal role taken on by Gig and the Lion during the pandemic. While we were there, we looked at the Little Library and I told them how the libraries work and that it had become another project to enhance the lives of people in the town. They were particularly excited by the Mulberry tree, the Cardoons and the use of ceramic containers to add interest to the garden.
Then on to to Mary’s garden where some of the group tasted their first chive flowers, smelled rosemary, marjoram and mint and looked at the Seed Library.
Then we crossed the road and looked at the Pollinator’s garden at the top of the Horse Tunnel and it was time for another group photograph in front of the mural. Helena joined us for the photograph and was introduced as the IET Gardening Lead. Successfully but slowly navigating the tunnel, we looked at the fruit trees and discussed the bees’ waggle dance. I explained that education as well as gardening has played a key role in IET since the beginning. By now it was raining steadily and umbrellas were up but there were no complaints.
Helena gave the group a great tour of the Apothecary Garden, explaining how it began and the key role she and Nick had played when it began. Another little library, information posters and the seating all proved to be interesting for the group.
We walked back up Halifax Road to look at the Hippodrome community theatre, the Folklore Centre and we picked and ate some early Alpine Strawberries outside Physio and Therapies.
Then round the back to Pollination Street. It was looking very smart,but the ring of unmown grass next to the newly mown section gave me the opportunity to tell them about No-Mow May. In the pouring rain, it was left to their imagination as I told them about using the Pollination Street Green for picnics in the sunshine, people busking on sunny afternoons, and groups of dancers and musicians using the space to entertain passers-by.
In the covered market, Nick Fielden cried ‘Welcome to Todmorden’ and told the group he was the best butcher in Todmorden! Masami was impressed firstly by the architecture and then by the Italian coffee Shop, noting that there was nothing like this in Edinburgh where she lives.
A visit to The Todmorden Makery followed and although it was not being used, the group learned about all the activities that go on there – sewing, repairs and upholstery, Cycle repairs, Men in Sheds, Computer learning, Children’s Workshops, Jewellery-making, Decoupage and re-imagining rather than throwing out an item. Several of the group were intrigued by the use of old sweaters to make a cover for an old sofa and photographs were taken to inspire others when they got home. They were attracted to the idea that The Makery is about re-purposing items to keep them out of landfill.
We took the opportunity to have a comfort stop whilst in the College.
It was still raining but slightly less than previously so we walked up to the Police Station to look at the growing beds there. Several had seen a photograph previously of those beds growing sweetcorn and policemen looking small beside the corncobs.
Back to the College beds, we talked about Gardening Sundays and how we eat together afterwards. They wanted details of what we eat, how people are persuaded to cook and how much effort is required! I could tell they were getting hungry so then we walked back to Kindness at The Old Coop where Clare and Tamsin had prepared a wonderful buffet lunch for the group which they thoroughly enjoyed, many taking second helpings and some, even thirds! We were joined at lunch by a local Japanese lady whom we met serving customers in Tod Almighty. She was great at helping us build relationship with the visitors who did not speak English, thank you, Sayaka Lonsdale. The hot tea was particularly welcome to assist the drying-out process. During the lunchtime Mr. Sakaguchi met with Catherine Moore to discuss how IET might work more closely with the group in Nagano (Watch this space!).
IET via Mary Clear had, once again, provided gift bags for the visitors which they were pleased to receive.
Unfortunately, it continued to rain although less heavily, as we walked to our afternoon appointment, a meeting with the new Mayor of Todmorden, Ben Jankovitch, in the Town Hall. We were the Mayor’s first official engagement as he was only appointed less than a week ago.
The group were officially welcomed to the town (again!), had a talk about the role of the Mayor (largely ceremonial), the responsibilities of the Town Council and the way that the Council spends its money to support community groups in the town. The Makery have twice received a grant to continue its work. Ben then showed us around the very beautiful Town Hall including the Ballroom and committee rooms and the room formerly used as a Courtroom. A highlight was being allowed to see the safe where the Mayoral chains and robes are kept. We were only allowed to see this on condition that the visitors promised not to take photographs. A difficult promise for Japanese people, I think, but we managed. Ben showed us the Mayoral chain his wife will wear as Lady Mayoress. The Mayor was formally thanked for his time and for being willing to spend time with the group.
We walked round to Central Methodist Church where the coach was waiting for the group who were departing for Bowness in the Lake District.
Catherine arrived to wave off the group and there was much bowing, thanks and hand-shaking as they climbed onto the coach.
A successful visit all-round, I think.
