The bollards along St Helen’s Wharf have once again been topped with crochet tops. Snowmen, robins, and Christmas puddings now alternate along the railings, adding festive interest to this picturesque stretch of the Thames.
Some of the decorations are familiar: last year saw 75 robins and puddings, and the year before 75 puddings – many of which have made a return, joined by the new snowmen.
The display is appreciated by people walking the wharf. Even the river seems to have gained a festive visitor. Among the familiar mallards, a new duck has been seen in recent months: a Red-crested Pochard. It behaves much like the others, paddling over hopefully when people stop and gaze. These exotic birds were originally part of ornamental bird collections, and have escaped and gone native.
Today, when walking to town, Mrs. Steve2 and l noticed that some of the post toppers have disappeared. Don’t know if this is for repair or some lowlife has pinched them.
Update to my comment yesterday. The post toppers must have been away for repair as they are back today.
There has been a Pochard in the marina all year, I wonder if this is the same one or if there are at least two?
The crotchet post toppers were all there today, they are getting a lot of admiring looks.