Our July trip to Lowestoft was a great success with easy travel in the CLASP minibus, good weather and lunch in a unique venue.
After coffee in the Sparrow’s Nest cafe, our guide Christine led us on a walk around the northern part of the town where the Beach Village used to stand near Ness Point. Although very industrial now, this used to be a fishing village and we were intrigued to follow The Scores, ancient lanes leading up to the High Street where people had walked for centuries, scouring out the tracks, hence the possibly Anglo-Saxon name.
There are many beautiful buildings along the High Street dating from Georgian and Victorian times when wealthy merchants lived there and Christine pointed out the many plaques recently put up by her Heritage Group which mark the Herring Trail.
We came right up to date when we spotted some of Banksy’s art work along the way.
Lunch was booked at the Kitchener Hotel on the seafront, a Grade 2 listed building once the home of Col. Alfred Lucas, CO of the 17th Suffolk Rifle Volunteers. It became a convalescent home for the army and is now a hotel for those who have served in the armed forces. It is full of artefacts relating to the army, navy and Air Force and it was like having a meal in a museum. There was so much to see.
After a short walk on the seafront it was time to head for home.
Our next meeting is at All Saints’ Church, Wickhambrook on Tuesday 15th August at 7pm when Paul Bevan will give a talk. There will be an opportunity to climb up part of the tower.
Dorothy Anderson