025: My very deep family story - Part 3 of 3 (Liveliness of Ludlow) (Shropshire 2014)

MY VERY DEEP FAMILY STORY WHILST TOURING SHROPSHIRE - CONTAINS SOME HEAVY AND INTENSE PERSONAL CONTENT
"Liveliness of Ludlow"
Filmed 21st July 2014
Post-production completed 26th September 2014
I visit the lovely market town of Ludlow in South Shropshire before spending some time touring around Shropshire including the historic settlement of Ironbridge. I conclude my very deep family story, which I talked about over the preceding two films.
Filmed in the county of Shropshire. Locations include Ludlow, Wilderhope Manor, Wenlock Edge and Ironbridge.
Written, researched, directed, camera and sound, edited and music by Patrick Leach.
Any other names credited in this film, i.e. Bob Morgan and Martin Roy, are pseudonyms, which I used at the time of making this film. However, I no longer use these pseudonyms as I want viewers to be clear that my films are completely my own work.
Click here for a map showing the route of the locations used in the film. It is not a walking route, but it shows the route on which I travelled by both car and foot between the various locations featured in the film: osmaps.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/r...
DISCLAIMER: Although I work hard to ensure all information is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am only featuring information I have found online during my research when putting this film together, so I cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
As with all the films I make, this is a mini-movie of my personal journey along the walk, in which I might share some of my own personal stories, and not actually intended to be a guide to the area.
If you are new to my channel, I strongly recommend reading the description under the “about” tab, which will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect in my films: / solitaryrambler
There is also a short “Introduction to the Solitary Rambler” video, which briefly explains what my films are all about: / solitaryrambler
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy watching!
IF YOU ENJOY MY CHANNEL THEN PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT ME:
For a small fee you can download any of my musical soundtracks I have composed for my films: patrickleach.bandcamp.com/tra...
Or if you would like to make a small donation with no obligations then you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/solitaryrambler

[@frankfitzgerald5832]

How wonderful to see the famous Iron bridge , I have seen this landmark over the years only in books and on tv programmes and its certainly on my to do list , Shropshire isn't a county I am familiar with , I know the severn valley railway comes close at some point ... or maybe it doesn't loli ll get a ticking off if it doesn't , I should know this being a train spotter..... Ludlow seems amazing with its hill and streets rushing headlong downwards .. glad my postal delivery round isn't around there .....The castle looks stunning too .. Finally thank you once again for sharing your frustrations about your dad , I once had a friend who was in a similar position ,he and his dad just never had a dad son relatenship , but his dad finally told him , it was because , when he looked at or spent time with his son , it always reminded him of the fact that , the relatenship with his mum had gone sour before he was born and his son was a constant reminder of her , he wanted to be able to show affection to his son but ,it didn't matter how much he tried , it rankled him every time he spent time in his company ....And because of that ,they spent years apart .. being civil on meeting ..but my friend felt like he was to blame and always had to do the running ,when ever it came to any kind of meeting , they never really put things right , and finally his dad died ,and like you for a long time he had questions that no one could answer ......I guess , piece of mind doesn't come easy , but I think one day you have to say , I Tried , but for what ever reason ,there was no answer ...... I hope that you find peace one day Patrick ,be that with a coming together of your dad and you , or the realisation , that it just wasn't meant to be ..... Thank you once again , for your time and for sharing it with us all , because you know in life there is no greater gift , than spending time with friends and both myself and Lee consider you a friend , take care Frank And Lee .....

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you so much for your kind words my friends. You now know the basic story of my Dad from these three films. There was a lot more I could have told, but it would have been too much and I needed to also focus on the sights I was visiting. There was a lot I couldn’t say because it just wouldn’t have been appropriate as the videos are publicly online. I know why my Dad has never been in touch, and it’s nothing that I or my Mum have ever done. I’ve always tried to put on a brave face, but it has always been hard to live with, I have had no choice in the matter. I’m sure he’s not a bad person, but I never had the chance to get to know him, my own father is a stranger to me. Anyway, that aside, the tour around Shropshire is lovely. I’ve been to Ludlow before and I thought it would be great to film there, I’m so glad I did, as well as visiting the wonderful Ironbridge. Thanks again Frank and Lee, your viewing, enjoying and providing the wonderful comments do mean a lot to me. Cheers, Patrick :-)

[@mamtadave3128]

Sharing your grief is' 'good' because you know, it can be the 'answer/emotional relief' for someone suffering from the same pain. Thank you so much.

[@solitaryrambler]

It was a good idea at the time, but I wouldn't do this now. It was a good way of getting things of my chest at the time though :)

[@nononame113]

I've come back to these three (23, 24, 25), after watching your most recent film. I had similar problems with my dad. All I will say is that, through your work over the years, you've shown not only your creative gift but your generosity of spirit in sharing it with us. You've made a connection this way with many people in many different places. What an achievement that is.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you for your very kind words my friend, they are much appreciated. Now that I've had a KZbin channel for some years, I certainly have made a connection with many people, which has been lovely. Films 23, 24 and 25 were in my earlier years of film making when, at that time, I felt I needed to tell a story as part of my walks to make them more interesting. However, I've learnt a lot since those days, although I make no apology for the way I made my films in the past. I've just found the right format now after a few more years experience. Many thanks again for commenting and for taking the time to watch. Cheers, Patrick :)

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

I came across to these three videos as a suggestion from your Q&A Patrick. My heart really goes out to you. Thank you for feeling you could share. I know you've said in the comments that you wouldn't do it now, and I understand that, but I think it was cathartic at the time. Take care Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching these Chris. Yes I look back on these now and feel that the content was perhaps a bit extreme, but then I also feel you should be able to do what you want in your own videos. I was still finding my feet with this format of filmmaking at the time, but that's why I retitled them on KZbin so that others would be more aware of some of the content. Thanks for your support Chris, all the best 👍

[@davidkeel]

Hi Patrick, you have a wonderful character. And I'm sure the brokenness you have felt has made you this way. I liked hearing the way you were sharing your deepest feelings. God bless you. Really good video. I stayed in the Tontine Hotel for my birthday one year. I've just subscribed to your channel so hope to get some more lovely stuff from you. Best wishes, David.

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi David and thank you so much! I don't think I would tell such deep stories in my films now, but this felt right to do so at the time. Ironbridge is a lovely place to spend your birthday. I've not been focusing much on film work lately due to being busy on other things in life just now, but hope to be working on more new films before too long. Thanks for watching and subscribing. Cheers, Patrick :)

[@davidkeel]

Thanks -Patrick. Don't worry I've got years of your films to get through . Just discovered the Borrow Dale valley and then your video for Keswick town centre with Derwentwater got recommended. Many Thanks. !!

[@jeffallinson8089]

What a fabulous video, I really enjoyed it as I am totally unfamiliar with Shropshire. Ludlow looks wonderful and a place that appeared to be thriving. I love the hustle and bustle of a busy market and the archjitecture in the town is splendid. I have seen Iron bridge on TV a couple of times, what a lovely piece of engineering. Thanks for a brilliant movie, shame it wasn't longer!!

[@solitaryrambler]

This was longer originally but, for reasons I won't go into, I cut it down a bit. Glad you liked it, thanks for watching 👍

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

May I say Patrick, Ludlow is such a fascinating town that I've always wanted to visit. To have 500 listed buildings within the town says something for the place. The castle is very imposing, and I guess that's really a very big attraction. Wilder Hope Manor looks a really lovely building constructed of local stone. Ironbridge with its 100 feet height, is an icon of the Industrial Revolution - stunning in structure. A most interesting film to watch, thank you, and keep well.

[@solitaryrambler]

I remember I wish I could have had more time in Ludlow, but one day I'll go back. Ironbridge too is lovely and I want to return there. Glad you enjoyed this film from 2015 Ffranc, thanks for watching 👍

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Another wonderful video…you produce very good quality videos with very nice music & excellent photography with good historical knowledge etc of the places you film..glad you have found two brothers along with your Mum to enrich your life💗🙂🇨🇦

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks for watching and for all your kind comments 👍

[@johngoodwin34]

I’ve a very simular story with my relationship with my Dad who was very unliked by many people he knew which helped me in knowing that fact as I got to understand it was not me but him.

[@dennismarsden1199]

Brave Trilogy of which I had no idea, Patrick. I've been to Ludlow once and it is still one of my favourites and I didn't see most of the things you saw. Your moving account reminded me of something I saved from Facebook the jist of it was;. Be kind. Everyone you meet has a story you know nothing about.

[@solitaryrambler]

Cheers Dennis 👍

[@Ilkleyscot]

Hello Patrick ,You make very interesting videos with good information about the areas you visit .I was very sorry you didn’t get the job you applied for, some young bright sparks think they know better,but experience is number one ,and the way you construct your videos does make me think that would be the same in whatever the work you did. Hopefully your father will come to his senses too , really sad. Unfortunately for me I have to rely on your walks because hillwalking is too strenuous for me now . But walking does clear the mind as it did for you! Will be watching all your walks as always! Aw the best Stuart ❤

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for your kind words Stuart and for taking the time to watch. This particular video was made over 10 years ago now, and things haven't changed between my father and I, nor do I expect it to change. Pleased you have been enjoying the videos, thanks again for all your support. All the best 👍

[@pete7179]

Moving and heartfelt words Patrick,but you can be proud of the way you have conducted yourself. Always fancied visiting Ironbridge,didn't know it was near Ludlow which looks a gorgeous place,thanks for showing us,will have to make a weekend of it sometime,with a visit to the Queens of course. Take care mate and thankyou for sharing. Pete.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Pete. Both Ludlow and Ironbridge are lovely places, so they are certainly worth visiting if you can. Cheers, Patrick :)

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Oh so nice to see Ludlow its been many years since I was there you are right it has to be one of the most beautiful towns around .

[@solitaryrambler]

Yes I've not been back since I filmed this, been meaning to do so 👍

[@WalksWithOlly]

Hi Patrick, this popped up on my recommended list. It's interesting to see that you visited some of the same places as I did, during a long weekend in Shropshire in August 2016. I spent my last day in Ludlow before driving home. The weather wasn't nearly as nice as on your walk (August in Britain...) but the loveliness of the town and its castle shone through. A few days before that, I visited Ironbridge. I'd hoped to visit some of the museums but the two I was most interested in happened to be closed at the time so, I'll have to make a return visit, one day. Shropshire certainly has a lot to offer and I recommend it to everyone. Too many people bypass it, I think on the way to Snowdonia or the Lake District. I'm very sorry to hear of your relationship with your father. I've never had a close relationship with my dad. I hope that your situation has improved since you filmed this or, at least, that you've been able to find a little peace within it? I don't believe that you owe your viewers an apology for sharing a topic that's burning inside of you, on your own channel. :-) KZbin is as much about the people behind the camera as it is the places they visit and things they make.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Olly, when I first visited Shropshire, way back in 1986 I think it was, I was cycling through the area and just loved it there. I stayed in a Youth Hostel in Wheathill, which I don't think is still there now, and I also stayed in a hostel in Ironbridge. I remember visiting Blists Hill Museum whilst in Ironbridge, so if that's still there it's definitely worth a visit. Like you say, the area gets bypassed, but I've always thought it was a lovely area, especially Ludlow and Ironbridge. Thanks for your nice comments on my relationship with my Dad. I don't think that situation will change now, but there has never been anything I could do about it, so I've always just got on with my life. I told this story over 3 films, so it began in nos 23 and 24, ending in this one. I was still in the early days of making short films, so I was still experimenting before I eventually fell into the format of making films like I do now. As you say, I don't owe viewers any apologies for what was inside me, and I'm glad I made those films, but if I was making them today I would concentrate more on the places I visit rather than tell such an intense story. Cheers, Patrick :-)

[@kathrynbrock1558]

I oh so want to go here. What a fabulous place. Really whetted my appetite to find a trip next year.

[@solitaryrambler]

It's lovely around there. Not been back since I filmed this 9 years ago. Worth visiting 👍

[@alanhesketh9265]

I have watched nearly all of your videos Patrick, they have given me many hours of enjoyment. Regarding your dad, there's now't as queer as folk, but you are the bigger man. He has been the one that's missed out more (imo).

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for your kind comments Alan, much appreciated. Glad you've been enjoying my videos 👍

[@anndeakin1508]

Ludow a great town with buildings black and white outsides a loverly place.your dad was not a person that felt compassion for a son.Glad you had some family to discuss your feelings with.Glad you are getting a better relations with your brothers.,Dad not a good one but time will tell Ghope if gets better.Have no suggestions but a great. Mhm thanked always.Thanks for getting your ,life story off your chest.Keep p your great. Walk tours that you enjoy.Stay safe take care,Blesssings to you from Ann Deakin 19th November 2020.have a great Christmastide.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@wendymcfadyen-allerby6142]

I enjoy looking at the stone fences on farms. Thank you for posting and the music is enjoyed as well. Your Dad made his choices in life and dont let his behaviour spoil who you are. Your looking for answers that only your Dad can answer, have you thought of talking to Mum about this? When break ups occur the children get caught in the middle and this can be so difficult for all concerned. Chin up Patrick your building relationships with your brothers and you may just get the answers your seeking, I do know how you feel. All the best

[@solitaryrambler]

Believe me I spoke to Mum so much in years gone by about why my Dad was never around. I actually told the story of my Dad over three successive films, this was the last. I had to be very careful what I said, however, bearing in mind I would be posting this online. I wouldn't tell this kind of a story in any of my films now though, I think it's a bit too deep for the kind of films I now make. Anyway travelling to Ludlow a few years ago to make this was wonderful, a lovely town. Many thanks again for watching. Cheers, Patrick :)

[@MrJan50]

Your father doesn't have the emotional intelligence you clearly do, he's an emotional coward. Mentioned my own circumstances in a previous comment. I also used to think how little others understood but I realised that the longing for something that might never be was causing much of the pain. The feelings never go completely but I think I learnt to manage, if that's the right word, them better. I found stomping around fields, woods and up hills to have a calming effect at times. One thing I know for certain is rant on and don't stop. Releasing such pain always weakens it.

[@solitaryrambler]

I still rant about my dad, just not in my films anymore. You've clearly watched this film after the preceding one so you know my own story and you've also been through the emotional harm. As I mentioned in this film, I'm very lucky to have a mother that made up for that. Thanks again for watching :)

[@ashtaws]

Your dad sounds like an ureasonable, stubborn old git. It's his loss and he will regret it. Sorry for the pain you are having to deal with it. I truly hope it gets better for you

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you so much for watching and for all your kind words. I shot this film 9 years ago, and my dad will be in his 80's by now, so I doubt if things will ever change now. Thanks for your kind support 👍

[@Sunny290759]

What is the background music please ?

[@solitaryrambler]

It's my own music.

[@Sunny290759]

@@solitaryrambler as in you playing the music on an instrument ?

[@solitaryrambler]

@@Sunny290759 Yes I play it all on my keyboard.

[@kevinsaward2005]

i know what you are going through i have been there,my father never had any interest in me and favoured my sister big time. he beat me as a young child ,my sister had thousands of pounds spent on a proper full time drama school i had nothing.i even had to buy my own second hand bike for 5 pound from savings. he is now 90 and i am 68 and we haven't talked for many years.i once asked him on the phone why she had lots of money spent on drama school and i had nothing and he said if i would have shown skills at something he would have, he didn't even recognised i was signed as a schoolboy proffesional for leyton orient football team. i got used to it and that is that i suppose,

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching. This was made 10 years ago now, but the situation hasn't changed sadly. Not expecting it to now. Many thanks again 👍

[@kevinsaward2005]

@@solitaryrambler as long as you had the love of your mum that's all you really need. keep walking

[@joannaclarke2082]

:) xxxxxxxxxxx Me thinks your Dad loves you ,but is scared to show his feelings to you because He knows that He has let you down,letting a child down is not something that even a strong person could do. You are so Brave :) I think if i was you.I would facebook message him again telling Him that You love Him and that you would love to forget the past and get to know each other now

[@solitaryrambler]

Aww thanks Joanna! I wouldn't tell such an intense story if I was filming this now, but many thanks for all your kind words. All the best. Cheers, Patrick :)