A trip underground………

History is all around us, most of the time we just walk past it until something catches our eye.

In the south east, where I live, the past surrounds us so much we take it for granted and don’t even see it.

For example off the north kent coast is the test bed for the Bouncing Bomb. A statue of Barnes Wallis looks out to the test area. I’ve walked, cycled and driven past this statue so many times I no longer see it.

Further East on the A299 is Reculver, a settlement from the stone age and the site of an ancient monastery.

Follow the A299 East passed the pill boxes, taking enough turns you will eventually pass Manston Airport and arrive in Ramsgate.

Ramsgate, more specifically the Ramsgate Tunnels, was to be a family day out a few weeks ago.

The tunnels opened in 1863 have been in and out of use since first opening. To find out more we booked a tour and had a walkround.

From railway line to closure, to reopening as a scenic railway to take seaside visitors from the main station to the beach, to a bitter battle with the Government by the local Mayor to construct further tunnels to protect the residents from bombing raids, the tunnels have have a varied history.

The tunnels were a successful air raid shelter, during a World War One air raid 29 bombs were dropped on Ramsgate killing 29 residents and wounding 6. With no air raid shelters.

During World War Two, 500 bombs were dropped over Ramsgate killing 29 residents.

The tunnels became a home from home for the residents of Ramsgate.

A home from home kitchen.

It was a very humbling experience walking through the tunnels seeing the graffiti from over the years.  The tour guide was very informative and friendly.

The tour is well worth going on and for £5.00 per person it’s a bargain.

I hope the tunnels are able to be open for a long time to come, the plans for the tunnels sound really exciting and I would love to go back and see more and more of the history under our feet.

For more information and booking here’s the address:

http://www.ramsgatetunnels.org

Here’s a few photos, apologies for the lack of photos I was caught up in the tour!

Looking into the tunnels

Looking down the tunnel

A mock up of the home from homes

Thanks for reading.

J

Pleasant Suprises

This weekend has been full of pleasant suprises, not the big suprises like ‘I’ve won the lottery!’ or ‘we’re getting married!’ Small like ‘found a pound in these jeans’ suprises.

Yesterday I was meant to be working on a side project for our next games night with friends (more on that once the event has passed) but what started out as a bit of advice turned into cutting and shaping 95 45mm wooden squares.

The squares will eventually form part of my next main project, inventively called Project #3, I will share details of Projects #1 and #2 soon to try and keep some linear order to the story!

Yesterday invovled eight hours of cutting and shaping with an interlude of take away pizza that felt only like two hours. It amazing how time flies when you stop all thoughts and worries and concentrate on one task at a time.

Fortunately during the time of wood working I managed to walk away without any minor or major injuries!

Today, Mrs J and I met up with friends to celebrate a birthday, we all met at a pub that we have driven past without thought ever since I can remember. It’s in my opinion one of these places you drive past regular, notice its there but do not have a strong feeling of either ‘we must try there’ or ‘we are NOT going in there!’

We all go in, order our drinks and make our way over to the table. The menu is brought out and we all make the traditional Sunday choices, three lamb and three beef.

Very quickly the food is brought out and was absolutely delicious. There was plenty of veg and potatoes and the roast potatoes were delicious.

The conversation flowed as it normally does when we get together, the dinner was eaten, pudding ordered and huge desserts served.

When we asked for the bill it came back what you would probably expect to pay for a meal for two.

If you like a hearty roast I would recommend The Racing Greyhound in Ramsgate.

Right off to work on Project #3! Enjoy your Sunday.