INDEX

Lincolnshire & Cambridgeshire

We had to go and attend the AGM of the Country & Western Group of the MCC as I was retiring as secretary. Because it was such a long way, I used my holiday to journey up and back.

We set off after I finished work on the Wednesday, and stopped off for the night in a large lay-by on the A38 just outside of Malvern. Next day we set of in a North Easterly direction, stopping en-route in Nottingham, because I had never been there. In my opinion I hadn’t missed much. We parked in the Race course Park & Ride, and had an easy journey into the city. It was very grey and drab. There were a lot of old and beautiful buildings, but they were squeezed in by modern ugly buildings. It was bitterly cold. – Even Mel felt cold, so we ended up in BHS for a fish and chip lunch, which was OK, but even the restaurant was cold!

We made our way back to our van, and continued to Newark where we stopped the night at Brownhills. We were there early enough to make use of the swimming pool (which we had to ourselves), Jacuzzi and steam room. Because I hadn’t booked with them for a long time, I had a breakfast voucher which we used in the Bistro on the Friday morning. The brekkie was lovely; Bacon, Sausages, Tomatoes, egg, toast and coffee. It set us up for the day.
We then moved the van to the car park, and got the bus into Newark, which was by far much nicer than Nottingham.

Before returning to Brownhills at mid-day, we made our way to the remains of the Castle which overlooks the River Trent. It really is quite a pretty place, and one to which we may return one day.

Soon we were on our way to Tattershall and our rally. On the approach to Tattershall there is a castle, so we pulled into the tiny car park for a wander.

Unfortunately, Friday is one of the days the castle is closed, but we were able to look around the church, which had clear glass windows, and a family or two of bats.

To read about the rally go to www.countryandwesternmcc.co.uk/past rallies 2011

On leaving the rally we headed to Lincoln, parking quite close to the town, in a car park near the railway station, which we found by accident after following signs to carparks only to find they were multi-storey.
Lincoln was lovely. The organ and choir in the Cathedral sent shivers down your spine! It was of course the Sunday morning service.

Having exhausted Lincoln and its Castle, shopping centre and quaint streets, we were on our way headed back to Brownhills for lunch as I had a voucher for 2 meals for £10.00. Sunday roast sounded just the job. – It was absolutely delicious! Mel had Pork & I had Turkey. – The veggies were self service.

Later, we bumped into Charles & Joan Taylor, also on their way home from the rally. Their meal voucher had expired, so I gave them my spare one, but the person behind the till had changed and said they didn’t accept vouchers at weekends – so we were very lucky! We sat and chatting and savouring a coffee while Charles & Joan ate, and then we parted company. – They to go home, and us to read for a while before making use of the pool once more!

In the evening I enjoyed a can of “Sweetheart Stout”, which Charles & Joan had given me, while Mel had a Whiskey.

Next morning we were away early to cram in some more sights on our way homeward.

First stop was Hunstanton, where we had "Wedge Pies" for lunch. Then it was onto The Norfolk Lavender Farm, & Sandringham Church before going onto Ely, with its Churches, Cathedral and Cromwell’s House.

Ely was once known as Eel Island. St Etheldreda founded the Abbey in AD 670, before the Normans built on the site in 1083, some of which still survives.

Then we went onto Oxborough Hall, a National Trust Property. It is a red brick, moated manor house, built in 1482 by the Beddingfield family, who still live there. Part of the gardens are laid out in a french knot garden, and very beatutiful.

The circular staircase in the tower was steep, but quite lovely. The views from the roof were of the countryside.

Then we made our way to Thetford (because of Thetford Toilets), but there was nothing there. We had planned on visiting Bury St Edmonds, but ran out of time, so we revisited Ely – this time along the river side which was very tranquil, before making our way to Brahams Farm for a very peaceful night in their garden.

Next morning we travelled home via Cambridge, where we took a city tour bus, and had front row seats on top. The city was disappointing in some ways, as we were not allowed to wander the Colleges’ quadrangles and marvel at their beautiful buildings. So we had to content ourselves with views from the bus over the walls. Having finished our tour we went into “Tatties” for lunch of Jacket Potatoes & Chilli, before getting the tourbus back to our starting point.

From there it was a straight trouble free journey home, just in timer for a pub meal of Homemade Steak & Ale pie with fresh veg. What a lovely ending!