22. Sep, 2020

TUESDAY 22-09-20

We were up in good time this morning because I wanted to crack on towards Aldeburgh to try and bag a car parking space along the sea front before they filled.

My first job was to start the engine up and drive the motorhome up on to levelling ramps at the front. This ensured that we had a bit of a slope towards the rear allowing water from the shower tray to drain away efficiently in to the grey water tank at the rear. Then it was everything away, and gifting the £9.99 windbreak to our young neighbours, as I didn't want the hassle of trying to make room for it in the rear garage locker again.

Pleased that the folding 60W solar panel which sits along the dashboard or laid outside on the grass, had put a bit of power back in the battery I left it in position, that way it would be ready to use whilst the vehicle sat in a car park at Aldeburgh.

We pulled out of the Southwold  campsite at about 09:30 which is pretty good going for us. We arrived at Aldeburgh, and luckily there were quite a few spaces available in the large car park on the north side of the village (N52.160830° E1.604619°). Once parked up and the solar panel plugged back in again, we set out along the seafront in to the village centre. I assume it's a village. I don't know what the criteria is for identifying a community, presumably it's by size or population, in the past all 'towns' which had a cathedral were given the title of 'City', but then Monarch's could bestow the title of 'City' on a town if they so wished. Very confusing, then on top of that we have hamlets and villages, not to be confused with 'Village People' who were a group of singing pillow-biters back in the late 70's with some pretty catchy songs.

So a bit about Aldeburgh then:

As a Tudor port, Aldeburgh gained borough status in 1529 under Henry VIII. Its historic buildings include a 16th-century Moot Hall and a Napoleonic-era Martell Tower. Visitors are drawn to its Blue Flag shingle beach and fisherman huts, where fresh fish are sold daily, by Aldeburgh Yacht Club, and by its cultural offerings. Two family-run fish and chip shops are listed among the best in the country.

The name "Aldeburgh" derives from the Old English ald (old) and burh (fortification), although this structure, along with much of the Tudor town, has now been lost to the sea. In the 16th century, Aldeburgh was a leading port, and had a flourishing shipbuilding industry. The flagship of the Virginia Company, the Sea Venture is believed to have been built here in 1608. Aldeburgh's importance as a port declined as the River Alde silted up and larger ships could no longer berth. It survived mainly on fishing until the 19th century, when it also became a seaside resort. Much of its distinctive, whimsical architecture dates from that period. The river is now home to a yacht club and a sailing club.

21. Sep, 2020

After further wandering around we made our way back to the campsite, this time walking along the path in the sand dunes.

I have to say, I get Southwold. We've been here before, but not had the time to look at it closely. It offers a nice civilised seaside experience. It has what most folk are looking for, though it's not very cheap, and unfortunately, not very easy to get to.

I'm glad we're on the move tomorrow. Today an area of the campsite has filled with gobby younger people with tits and tattoos on display as well as a couple of vans and lots of barking dogs. It's looking more like a Pikie site. In fact there was an altercation this evening between one couple with a large poodle-looking thing, and the owners of a husky dog and a small ugly black thing. Clearly one of them had bitten the poodle-thing as it passed, I guess in the abdomen area as that's where both owners were examining.

Never mind, we're off tomorrow heading for Aldeburgh further south. In the morning we will enjoy the luxury of a lovely hot shower onboard and a fresh change of clothes.

21. Sep, 2020

21. Sep, 2020

21. Sep, 2020