We were intrigued by the leaflet offering “Voilet Garden Services” on the back of a pub menu, complete with picture of small purple flower, and were tempted by the offer of “Chicken and Leak Pie”. We thought the latter would go nicely with the “Plumb scone” which appeared on an earlier bill for afternoon tea.
Apart from the fact that everything in Lincoln seems to close at 4pm (if it can’t manage to close at 3) we had a pleasant visit. Noted that the cathedral west front has a very horizontal feel – better from a distance than close up. Internally seemed to be more choir than nave but had a nice cloister.
A tea-shop served us what they called a “plumb” scone. We thought later that it would go nicely with the “chicken and leak” dish advertised elsewhere.
Gino’s Italian restaurant – very popular with the younger set – very average.
Duke Wiliam Hotel – elements of Fawlty Towers and a bizarre line in brown hedgehog pillows but probably 5/10 as B&Bs go. The breakfast sausage was herby and probably local.
Lincoln bike race provided very satisfying entertainment on Sunday. 11 shortish laps and a really challenging short sharp cobbled winding hill for good spectator participation.
CAROL’S COMMENT. And the reason we went was to support Kit, who finished 10th out of 200 entrants, just over a minute behind the winner. All of the family who live in England were there to cheer him up the cobbles on Michaelgate.
The Pete in question being Pete Morgan, the poet, who seems to have lived in more places around Yorkshire than is entirely reasonable – but then, he is 70 and has had time to move about a bit. This celebration was at the Jack Lyons Concert Hall and was a very welcome opportunity to hear Pete read – his latest work is excellent on first hearing – and to discover he is now a fairly near neighbour. May see him in our local deli !
It was really interesting to hear two very well known poets, Ian McMillan and Carol Ann Duffy relate the influence Pete had had upon them as young would-be poets. He apparently tutored a number of courses and was unstintingly helpful. Both the other poets read – including C.A.D from “The World’s Wife” and “Rapture”. And Martin Carthy from Pete’s Robin Hoods Bay days brought Brass Monkey along to finish off the evening with some British oompah music. Good to have a sell-out for a a poetry event.
CAROL’S COMMENT. John Fitzpatrick on the accordion and other instruments is hardly “oompah music”! Nor is Martin Carthy’s wonderful singing.
By bus to Crambeck and then the usual walk through Cstle Howard woods to see the bluebells. But also water avens, wild cherry, cuckoo flower, speedwell, primroses, violets, dead nettle, red campion, stitchwort greater and lesser, celandine etc etc. Spring at its finest – and splashes of sunshine. Bluebells not yet reached their peak – but ready to carpet the woodland. Views across the fields to Welburn – blue, green, the yellow of oilseed rape, the tile red of the village roofs.
A well-kept half of Old Speckled Hen and an excellent beef and horseradish sandwich at the pub (must remember to take my walking boots off before I’m told to next time).
A quick plug, first, for Kendell’s Bistro in Leeds. opposite The Venue and very close to the West Yorkshire Playhouse – french-style food – lots of choice – lots of fish – and opens at 5.30 so you can have a leisurely meal and still get to the gig / show.
A double bill at The Venue. First up a stunningly good Indo-jazz outfit called Samay – guitar, sarod, tabla, saxophone and bass. Their own tunes – exciting improvisations- good beat- nice varied set. Bought the CD and it’s good at home too. Hadn’t heard of them before – but glad I went.
The hook was Andy Sheppard and his group, which included Arild Anderson and Oyvind Aarset plus a guitarist and a drummer who could play tabla with his left hand and a standard drum kit with his right. They produced a really nice sound – I thought it was very Norwegian – it had that slightly ethereal quality – but that might have been the ECM sound. Some nice solos from the band and Sheppard very tuneful. I look forward to getting the latest CD and listening with attention.