On the right, Number 2, Merlin Gardens. I was looking south across the valley to the row of conifers on the horizon. Those trees are planted at the top of the Foster Hill Road cemetery; Bedford town centre is a mile beyond on the far side. Looking into the sun meant that the close trees, walls, kerbs and fences were crested with light. The parked cars gleamed on Robin Hill - as did the near drain cover in the road. Looking left/east from here, you can see the long shapes of Cardington hangars in the Great Ouse plain, and, beyond, the Sandy transmitter on the Greensand ridge about 8 miles away. Merlin Gardens celebrates the hawk; but the name makes me think of Spitfires and wizards. |