Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August 2019 in Lincoln.
This weekend, there is a WW2 festival in the centre of Lincoln, an annual event that draws crowds from far and wide - so we set off up "Steep Hill" to the Cathedral with high expectations despite the overcast sky and windy conditions. The higher we went, the stronger the wind got! When we reached the summit we found that all the stallholders had been told to cancel, as the wind was too strong. Very sad - and disappointing for everyone.
However, we took the opportunity to have a good look around the Cathedral and even had a guided tour, which was wonderful because we had the guide to ourselves and we could take our time and ask lots of questions. The guide recommended that we should visit the Cathedral Library housed in the building above the cloisters. It was fascinating, full of old books and ancient documents. One particular document was this Latin scribble written in someone's 15th century Latin grammar book - one can imagine a bored pupil writing the words from a popular ballad of the time in his exercise book:
It is the first ever written reference to Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest and translates as: "Robin Hood in Sherwood stood, hooded and hatted, hosed and shod" (no mention of green tights?, asks M!).
Another very apt text was a quotation from a book entitled "The Discovery of a New World" written by John Wilkins, founder of the Royal Society, in 1640. The "New World" referred to science, not America, and included many of his thoughts for the future progress of science including: "That there may be a meanes invented of journeying to the Moone; and how happy shall they be, that are first successful in this attempt." What a great and apposite quote for the fiftieth anniversary of that first successful attempt!
Sunday morning dawned much brighter and without the wind of yesterday. Hooray! We walked back up "Steep Hill" past the crooked lamp post half way up. M loves this rather quirky view.
Today was totally different, with dozens of stalls set up, very many people in period costume and a lovely lively atmosphere. M was very taken with this family group including the nanny in full uniform.
A traditional "local" bobby on his bicycle was in attendance to ensure everyone was well behaved (how we miss local bobbies!).
Throughout the day there was a succession of performances by period singing groups including a trio, duo and solo.
As well as a dance troupe doing a sort of line dancing.
The crowd was enthusiastic and many of them joined in the dancing, including this couple in RAF uniform, who seemed to be having a great time.
A highlight of the day was a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Lancaster. Unfortunately, the wind was still too strong for the Spitfire and Hurricane to take part but the Lancaster did three low passes before flying off to its nearby base at RAF Coningsby. A sound and sight to give you goosebumps, and in M's case, bring tears to the eyes.
We went back into the Cathedral for tea and cake in their tea room and found their visiting choir rehearsing. Their own Cathedral Choristers are on holiday so the daily Choral Evensong is performed by visiting choirs. This choir was from the USA near Detroit and we came to three of their Choral Evensongs. Very good they were too, brilliant singing and very disciplined with their entrances and exits.
We were told that there is a two year waiting list for international choirs wanting to come to Lincoln to sing in the Cathedral for a week during the summer.
A great weekend despite the weather on Saturday.
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