Bomber Command Memorial
Bomber Command Memorial, at the top of Canwick Hill, overlooks South Common, with stunning views across the Witham Valley, over Lincoln, and on a clear day, as today, over the Trent Valley.
The site is quite eerie, consisting of a central spire, which represents two wings of a Lancaster Bomber, and concentric walls.
The spire and the walls are made of rusting iron, or maybe steel, I assume to represent Lincoln once the city of heavy industry, with foundries, sadly long gone, skilled jobs replaced by low paid temporary McShit jobs.
The spire, not apparent until close up, is hollow.
The walls, are covered in names, cut into the walls both sides, the names of airman who died during World War Two. I was told 56,000, though I did not count.
Not yet open to the public. Today was an Open Day. I was an invited guest.
Also on site and as yet unfinished International Bomber Command Centre and a wooden shed.
Inside the shed, a long table half way down one side, with half a dozen veterans signing books and limited edition prints and answering questions.
One end serving tea and coffee, the other end a few books for sale.
Signed limited edition prints of paintings by one of the veterans.
I was surprised by the number of people there.
Everything run by volunteers, all pleasant and helpful, with two exceptions.
A man thrust a bucket in my face and more or less demanded I put in some money. I had no money, I expected an empty site.
Whilst looking at one of the books, I was told they are for sale not for looking at. He then bragged to an associate that he worked in a charity shop where he tells customers that books are for sale not for looking at.
One thing is needed, and hopefully there will be, when the site is officially open, a way up from South Common, otherwise a long trek round.
There needs to be path and steps leading up from South Common to the Memorial. Then if on the Common, can walk up, or, if at the Memorial and a pleasant day can combine with a walk on the Common.
