Tuesday 19 June 2012

Boston to Woodhall Spa

dambusters 002

 

Boston to Lincoln 003

In the wind and rain we left Boston on Saturday afternoon.

It came as no surprise that we were the only boat on the move but, passing Dogdyke, which is at the end of the Coningsby runway, we were treated to a full-on display not by Typhoons this time but by The Red Arrows.  It was absolutely fantastic – I did my best to get some shots on my humble little camera just to mark the event.  I’ve only ever seen them on the TV before.  What a shame the weather was so poor.

 

Woodhall Spa is a lovely, vibrant little town about a mile and a half from the moorings at Kirkstead Bridge.  We walked around and then went into the little Cottage Musuem (dogs allowed!!!!) where there are exhibitions about the history of the town and some others focusing on events in World War Two which are pertinent to the town.  The town’s most famous connection is with 617 Squadron – the ‘Dambusters’ – who were stationed nearby.  In the middle of the town there is a memorial to the Squadron and, of course, lots of souvenirs are available in the gift shops.

Boston to Lincoln 007 (800x600)          Boston to Lincoln 009 (800x600)

On Monday Glynis and Don came to pick us up and took us to Petworth House which is now a hotel but served as the Officers’ mess for 617 Squadron.  The bar is just as it was back in 1943, full of displayed memorabilia and open to the public.  It was quite a chilling feeling standing at the bar and knowing that young airmen had once ordered their pints, laughed and joked with each other and it might very well have been the last time they ever did so.  The collection of pictures and artefacts here is a real and poignant tribute to them.

We then drove to Snipes Dale Country Park on the edge of the Wolds and, as forecast by some, the sun came out at 1pm!!  What a beautiful place – dogs allowed and off leads too!!Boston to Lincoln 012 (800x600)

Boston to Lincoln 010

In the evening we were treated to dinner at a lovely restaurant we found off the beaten track in Woodhall Spa.

Glyn and Don – thank you so much for a lovely couple of days.  It was really good to see you and hear all about your travels. Let’s make it again soon.  Remember that two little boys want a ride on a narrowboat!!

xxoo

 

Megan is on her way as I write – she is to join us for the next  few days. 

Graham has been having a bit of a holiday with a couple of mates at his caravan near Crowle and, talking to him on the phone, it sounds like it has done him a lot of good.  The idea was to fish in the lakes but I think most of the time has been spent watching football!

3 comments:

  1. Looks lovely but why is John cuddled up in the woods with Don? Something you aren't telling us?
    Send our love to Meg xxxx

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  2. Man talk!!!!!!!!!

    Meg didn't make it in the end - complications!! xxoo

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  3. In case you don't get the link I sent, there is a Vintage Inn at Sawley which is near Long Eaton. Near the Trent as it is in Lock lane. We can have a better look nearer the time
    www.vintageinn.co.uk/thetrentlocksawley

    Talk soon xxxx

    ReplyDelete