Regrettably, the place that once deeply impacted me no longer exists.
Since childhood, I have lived in a delightful cottage in a Hampshire village. It is truly the ideal setting for growing up. Just a short distance from my home, you will find the tranquil banks of the stunning River Itchen. And when I say stunning, I genuinely mean it. This particular part of the river reminds me vividly of scenes from the cherished children’s story “The Wind in the Willows”.
The water of the river was gently caressed by the weeping willow trees, resembling a child’s playful exploration of water. The riverbanks were bustling with water voles, who poked their noses out, seemingly offering the warmest of greetings. It was easy to imagine that at any moment, beloved characters like ‘Ratty’ or ‘Mole’ would emerge, accompanied by the famous ‘Toad of Toad Hall’. The reeds provided a home for various other forms of wildlife, including dragonflies and kingfishers. Beneath the rapid current, numerous trout were observed darting in and out of the surrounding vegetation.
The weathered wooden footbridge was the sole access point for crossing the river over a great distance. Adorned with vibrant moss, this bridge offered an unexpectedly cozy resting spot akin to the most comfortable beds. The trees encompassing it echoed with melodious bird songs, and every fifteen minutes, the nearby church’s bell would chime, further enhancing the enchanting atmosphere. Yet it wouldn’t be truthful to assert that this place lacked any human presence.
A group of passionate fishermen, who shared my passion for the river, would frequently pass by my house in an effort to outsmart the trout. Unfortunately, they were rarely successful due to the fish’s speed and the constant annoyance of a young boy using a jam-jar attached to a string. Nevertheless, these persistent anglers would brave even the coldest winter days, driven by their eagerness to catch a prized fish. I would often join them in friendly competitions, although I never emerged as the winner. Nonetheless, spending a day by the river trying to catch fish is my favorite way to enjoy my time.
It truly felt like paradise. The river provided an excellent swimming experience. The clarity of the water allowed me to open my eyes underwater and observe everything, from the fish to the pebbles. I even discovered an ancient coin from 1709 near a rock in the middle of the river.
This section of the river remains completely untouched, clearly showing that it has not changed since the middle ages. It is amusing how, in our youth, we often fail to appreciate things. At that time, I believed I would reside there indefinitely and that it would remain unchanged for eternity.
How mistaken I was. In the period just prior to my ninth birthday, my family decided to relocate to a neighborhood near Guildford. It truly came as a surprise! The unsettling and very unfamiliar sound of cars zooming by my bedroom window was quite disconcerting. Instead of experiencing peace and calmness, all I encountered was an abundance of pollution and noise.
Throughout the years, I often found myself reminiscing about the joyful moments I spent along the river banks. Reflecting on those times, I realized that the fishermen must have appreciated the calmness that allowed them to fish undisturbed. This realization made me nostalgic, prompting me to visit the village again after many years since I relocated from there.
While strolling along the rough and rocky road, I suddenly heard an unusual sound – the bustling noise of cars. Remarkably, a significant bypass had been constructed only 200 yards away on the opposite side of the river.
The river’s atmosphere has been completely ruined. Instead of finding peaceful fishermen and a touch of magic, all that remains are exhaust pipes or similar objects. This destruction of the only place I ever truly adored is truly unfortunate.
