Threats

 You need to switch before June or risk losing your heating” “The answer is getting a Smart Meter” Britain almost blacked out this month - this is about Energy Control.

Watch the video. Scare tactics. No thanks. I won't be getting one. Sick of all this bullying.

They never stop.

 Nice walk this afternoon in the sunshine. Time for dinner. Toodle pip.   ilona

Dates for your Days Out plan.

 Is your diary/calendar filling up with days out/event dates? Here are a few more that you might like to make a note of. 

Cottage Industry Events Ltd have craft tents in a lot of the large agricultural shows around the country. Have a look to see if there are any in your area. There are 21 events on this web site. I have made a note of those nearest to me.  

18th - 21st April. Whitby Harbour.

18th - 19th June. Lincolnshire County Show. 

8th - 11th July. Great Yorkshire Show. 

16th July. Driffield Show.

Other places on the web site are,

East Anglian Game Fair

Conwy Harbour

RHS Malvern

Devon County Show

Royal Bath and West Show

South of England Show

Royal Three Counties Show

Cotswolds Show

Royal Welsh Show

New Forest Show

Anglesey County Show

Mid Somerset Show

Chatsworth Country Show

Newbury Show

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

A lake and village walk

Good evening. The weather has not been very good today, dull, overcast and drizzly. Yesterday was much better. I had a drive out to the Isle of Axholme. Not really an island. It has seven lakes and is surrounded by the River Trent, River Ouse, River Don, and the Stainforth and Keadby Canal. I parked at Ealand, just off the A18. On the other side of the road is the entrance to 7 Lakes Country Park. It's a massive site with hundreds of static caravans, a restaurant, and club house. Take a look at their web site here. Seven Lakes Country Park is set in beautiful woodland, surrounded by quality fishing lakes and tranquil waterside path ways, we offer the perfect setting for truly enjoying a different way of life.

I followed the path alongside the lake, to Crowle. 

I stopped to have a chat with a couple who were walking their two little dogs. 

I picked up the road at the other end of the park, walked past the school which was busy with the buses coming out. The White Hart is the oldest inn, so it says on the wall. 

I stepped inside the greengrocers shop and had a chat with the lady serving in there. What a fabulous display of fresh produce. 

In the Market Square a family butchers shop can be found. 

And next door is the Market Hall. The library is housed here. I stepped inside to chat with the lady in charge. It was toasty warm in there. A pop up Post Office has a counter inside which is open twice a week. 

The lady in the veg shop recommended a look at the church. I've just checked the blog and see that I was last in Crowle in March 2012. Here is the link if you want to check that out. I tried the door but it was locked, then just as I was about to walk away it suddenly opened. A lady was working inside. She said I could come in and she put the lights on for me. She was getting the place set up for an afternoon tea event coming up. As you can see from the church clock it is just coming up to 4pm. 

I wanted to make a quick video before I went back to the car, so I started recording at the church, and walked back to the Market Place. 

As I came through the gate at the lake I thought I would take the path around the other side, around the edge of the caravans. I could see the Reception area over there, so I thought it would be easy to follow it round keeping the water on my left. 

Oh dear, it wasn't that easy. I thought there might be an outer perimeter path, but I couldn't find it, and ended up somewhere in the middle of the massive caravan park completely lost. There was nobody about to ask which way to go. Until I turned round and saw a set of headlights behind me. Oh, thank goodness. It was a security man doing his rounds, checking everything was ok. He said no one is allowed to walk around after a certain time. I said I am lost. He said, jump in and I will give you a lift to the entrance. That's a relief. Trying to find your way through hundreds of caravans is more difficult than finding the right path through a wood. 

Here is the video. It's not perfect because I try and avoid pointing the camera at people. The muffs have done a good job of keeping the wind noise down. 

My verdict of Crowle. I wasn't impressed the first time I went in 2012, but the bit I saw today I thought it was really nice. Only two empty shops. It has a community feel about it. The people I spoke to said everyone is friendly. I noticed it is free parking, no machines to grab your money. Worth getting off the M180 to break up your journey on the way to Grimsby or Cleethorpes. 

Now I must get something to eat. I still have some mushrooms left so it will be a stir fry with noodles, and anything else I have thrown in. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona

Choosing.

 My right to choose.

His right to choose.

Your right to choose. 

Quick breakfast post. See ya later.  Toodle pip.  ilona 

Make plans for your days out.

 Good evening. A busy day today. Crafty Club this morning at The Village Hall. The conversations were mainly about how can we get more people involved with the running of the Village Hall, and how can we get more groups to book it for events. 

I went a drive out this afternoon to Crowle for a look around. A village that I am not familiar with. It was a lovely sunny day. I took some photo's and made a video. I'll put them out tomorrow. 

I have some more dates for your diary, or calendar if you have one on the desk like me. 

20th & 21st February in Lincoln. There is a light show where the buildings around the city will be transformed with light installations. Starts 5.30pm to 9.30pm. There is a map on the web site so you can plan the route you want to walk. 

This February, Lincoln Lights will transform the city with a free showcase of mesmerising light installations. Open to everyone, this exciting event invites you to explore breathtaking creations by artists from across the UK and beyond, all set against the historic charm of Lincoln’s iconic landmarks, from the Castle to Cornhill.

Boston Brilliance. Another light show. 14th - 15th February. Switch on at 5.30pm - 9.30pm 

Friday 14th and Saturday 15th February 2025. This festival will celebrate Boston’s history and heritage by transforming the town into a vibrant canvas, with its iconic landmarks lit up in spectacular projections. The festival will begin with performing arts students from Boston College opening the show with spectacular choreography, set to celebrate visual themes for Brilliance, Boston Life, and By Sea By Land.

Chesterfield 1940's market. Thursday 10th April. 10am - 4pm. 

Come along and shop in style. Local people and visitors to Chesterfield can enjoy themselves during the Easter holidays, with 40s music, entertainment, exhibits and meet the stall holders in period dress. Expect to see military displays, classic cars, vintage singers and crowds dancing to the big band.

I'll keep posting any more dates that I hear about. 

Thanks for popping in. Toodle pip.   ilona