Two visits

Early start, as we crammed in two places to visit, this afternoon being a timed event.

First visit - International Bomber Command Centre.
A story of discovery, education and remembrance.
The centre opened in 2018, the dream of Tony Worth.  He wanted to create not just a memorial but to tell real stories of those behind the sheer numbers. 
The aim is to tell the whole story of those who served, supported and suffered the actions of RAF Bomber Command during World War II.
At the front of the centre is a display of a bomber dropping packages for operation Manna (242Lancasters flew to 6 different drop zones in the Netherlands, humanitarian relief).
The impressive memorial spire is the span of a Lancaster Bomber, made from the same material of Angel of the North.  It draws you across the landscape towards Lincoln, mainly the Cathedral.
Around the spire are walls of names, those that never made it home again - 271 panels, almost 58,000 men and women.
There is an excellent exhibition, with videos and interactive items depicting life during this time.
They currently have a display of ceramic poppies for the VE Day remembrance, these will be there until some time in September.
Well worth a visit.

Second visit - Doddington Hall (extra)
We have visited this establishment each time we have stayed in Lincoln (lovely gift shop, cafe, home store and fresh produce) but have never managed to visit on a day the Hall and gardens is open to visitors.  Today we were lucky.  
Doddington was built by one of England’s foremost Elizabethan architects, Robert Smythson.  The exterior has barely changed since it was completed in 1600.  Almost all the interior was decorated in a light and elegant style by Sir John Delaval in 1760.  The family name has changed as the house has been passed down the female line 5 times, but the house has never been sold or cleared out.  As a result, it is full of fascinating stories as well as furniture, porcelain, textiles, paintings and ceramics - all have accumulated over the last 400 years! 
The house has three levels, the west wing is closed to the public as the current owners, James and Claire Birch, live in this wing.
The house has 25 rooms and 10 bedrooms plus 700 acres of farmland as well as 600 acres of woodland. It has a 2 acre kitchen garden. It is licensed for weddings.  
Another great visit - well worth it.

Final extra, a beautiful sunset tonight.

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