Jackanory - Chapter Six

CHAPTER SIX

Greys Wick is a sleepy hamlet on the southern side of an old sailing
town. The pinnacle of this area is the old radio beacon high on the
hill that gives views in all four directions around the area. Next to
the beacon lay the grounds of the old stone church with its large tower
pointing skywards towards Gods kitchen floor. The top of the tower
looks fortified against enemy invaders but most likely has never seen
more than just the odd swooping seagull. Around its outside on the
corners grotesque gargoyle faces of stone act as waterspouts.

The view from the tower southward leads down a gentle sloping hill
towards the shoreline and the narrow strip of land that joins it to the
island of Stonelands and its penal colonies. Along the shoreline of
Greys Wick lay small fishing boats and various outlets of marine
maintenance, such as boat wrights and engine specialists. People
walking their pets along grassy paths, cows in nearby fields and back
gardens face onto this sheltered water inlet. A pleasant sunny and
tranquil spot on summer days make this an ideal spot for retired and
young families alike.

The narrow water inlet that runs inland for some miles runs past
fields, and old disused summer camp for the armed forces and onto reed
beds where various birds and water foul make nests. Another peaceful
and tranquil place to walk, meander and watch life pass you by. It's at
such a spot that young lovers are often seen cementing their
relationships in this peaceful and secluded location.

Further onwards the inlet comes to an end where large numbers of water
foul and swans come to nest and breed year after year. Not so tranquil
a spot but just as enjoyable. The other side of the water inlet lays a
wall of small stones which shelters the area from storms - which
appeared many years ago and nobody seems to know how if first
appeared.

Back in the village a selection of cottages, small houses and other
abodes centre itself round the local public house with a small corner
shop not far by. Just up from this point are the old walls to the grey
stone church to which Maurice's bungalow backs onto sheltered by trees
and high walls? Secret bunkers lay beneath these premises where
meetings are held and plans of action set in motion.

Eastward from Greys Wick laid the vast area of Wellord - a warren of
alleyways, dead ends and minor roads of depleted houses and apartment
blocks of Chapel-way. High rise slums on many levels but with views
across the water inlet formerly used as a harbour, now silted up and
unusable for boats. Just mud flats and wading birds rummage amongst
these beds. Turning back westward from the slums we come back to the
old workhouse where Jack and Hotlips have taken refuge till the new
headquarters are rebuilt on the former site of Splurbeck Close.