Railways.

 Well this spell of wet, cold & very dreary weather continues.  It seems to have rained for the whole of winter, such a drastic change since the drought we had all last summer and into the autumn.  so I've been looking through my archive pictures and today's post is of photo's taken last October on a lovely sunny day!   Ah yes, I remember those days.

We called at the Waltham Windmill site to see how the restorations to the mill were coming along, I've been photographing it's progress.  Most of the work was completed, just the 6 sails to lift back into position.  Still waiting today, but I will get the finished pics soon.  While I was there I saw the little railway was taking folk for rides around the site so turned to that for some pics.

The railway is owned and run by members of the Grimsby & Cleethorpes Model Engineering Society and has extensive tracks around the site, giving rides to visitors when the track is open.

This lady was enjoying her knitting in the sun and answering any questions people might have.

The signal box operates all the track points and signalling.  While I was taking this photo
I realised  I was being observed by the volunteer by the door and wondered if I was ok to
take photo's.  I've done this so many times in the past so I decided not to ask!

In the station this chap was refuelling his loco with coal while people waited for their ride.

The man I said was watching me earlier came up to me and asked if I would like to go to the inside of the track to get better photo's, well I jumped at the chance as it would provide better viewpoints.

Up near the workshop was this loco on the trestle being "steamed up" for it's turn

around the tracks.  I'm reliably told it once ran around a track below the old wooden roller

coaster at the end of Cleethorpes Promenade, back in the 1950's.

A view into the cab where the controls are.

The loco I saw in the station came along, with passengers, through this wooded area
which I wouldn't have had access to from the general public area.

A different loco pulling more folk through this shady place.

Then an electric replica of an American Union Pacific loco.

The same engine, this time out on one of the loops that extends the track around the site.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, but I didn't get a wave.

I must point out that I'm not a railway " anorak" but have to own up to being a "train spotter" way back in the 1950's when the steam trains brough hundreds of visitors to Cleethorpes during the summer season.

Olympus EM10 Mk4 with 14-42mm lens.

BEFORE & AFTER

 I finally got my car back from the repairer following having another driver run into the back of it, while I was parked!  It was away for three weeks and we can now get out into the countryside for walks again, weather permitting.

BEFORE GOING TO BE REPAIRED.

AFTER BEING REPAIRED.


Mobile phone pics.

999

 Last August Cleethorpes held an Emergency Services Day on the South Promenade, to celebrate what the various services do and showcase the equipment they use.

Popcorn & I had a walk along there and I took a few photo's.

With the newly finished RNLI Station in the background, the various services were on display.

I believe this RIB was part of the Coastguard display.  The kids enjoyed sitting on it.

The "lockup" vehicle, known in the past as the black maria was popular too.

The Search and Rescue vehicle.  The beach and sands can be treacherous here, especially
when the tide turns and begins to come in. They rescue people caught by the tide  and also
search for people when they go missing in the Lincolnshire area.

Their mascot!

Nobody's mascot, just an elderly dog who needs a pushchair/dog buggy.  I'm seeing 
a lot more these days, always worth stopping for a talk.

The Police motor bikes where very popular and the police officer was willing to let
the kids have a sit on them.

Another lad sat up on the bike.
I asked for, and got permission from their parents to photograph all the lads.

Another aspect of the Police display was the Dog Unit.  Of course, I was very keen!

This officer was telling folk about the work these dogs do.

Still with the Dog Unit.

A last look along the prom then home for dinner.

Nikon Z6ii with 24-120mm lens.

Music at Spout Yard.

 Last August Popcorn and I went to a music festival at a small outdoor venue called "Spout Yard" in Louth.  It has various events there and is an intimate outdoor venue.  Amongst other acts that day was Molly Amour, a professional singer, singing songs from the American Songbook.  Popcorn wasn't really impressed but I was.

Getting ready for their set, it was a warm but very windy day in Louth.

Molly doing a sound check.

Tuning up.

There were a few characters watching.

And then the music started, I really enjoyed it.

These two were both fine musicians on their respective instruments.

This small venue is right in the centre of Louth, surrounded by lovely Victorian houses.
There was quite a crowd around the venue.

Well, I had to have a dog, didn't I?

Molly sang beautifully and was quite animated at times.

The "boys" had a short instrumental spot.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it.

End of the set.  Molly and the larger "Swing Amour" band have many videos on YouTube.

Nikon Z6ii with 24-120mm lens.

Christmas Carol Service.

 Popcorn & I attended a Carol  Service a few days before Christmas at St. Peters Church, Ashby Cum Fenby.  A village we visit often.  The community there has welcomed and embraced us.

St. Peters Church, Ashby Cum Fenby.

We arrived early to take photo's before other folk arrived.

The church was beautifully decorated for the service.

A memorial decorated.

Each window had decorations.

Refreshments for after the service.

A general view of the church, people were arriving now.

After the service folk mingled about having minced pies, Stolen cake & mulled wine.

We left and I took this from outside.

Olympus OM10 iv with 14-42mm lens.
(ASA set to auto, very high at times)