Sunday 5th November 2023
After not stepping outside at all yesterday, I was ready to head outdoors today. The weather played along, so sister and I decided to go for a walk. She gave me the choice, and I felt the sea call me, so we headed east. There were many dog walkers in the park and about and enjoying the bright, crisp air.
We headed towards the Headland, on the most direct route. As we approached the coastline, I saw that the sea looked a lot wilder than previously seen. Real waves crashed against the rock face as many of us walked cheerfully along the promenade. The recent storm damage was evident with chunks of cement missing, safety rails broken all safely marked with cautionary fencing around it.
We walked towards the military side and my sister remembered being told about the museum tea room. Fortunately I'd remembered my bank card so we made our way there, hoping it open in spite of being Sunday. We were in luck. The doors opened up into a cement courtyard with 5 small huts inside for shelter from the wind. We sat inside and I cosied up with a crocheted blanket. The huts were decorated with school children art about the town and the war. After a delicious cappuccino and coffee cake, we made our way into the museum.
"Hartlepool was the first place on mainland Britain to be bombed by the Germans during the first World War. Over 100 people died as more than 1,000 shells rained down on the town for about 40 minutes from the three heavy cruisers Blucher, Seydlitz and Moltke which emerged from the mist shortly after 8am on 16 December 1914."
The Heugh Museum pays tribute to the military history of the town that was targeted because of the shipyards and engine works. We walked around the large tanks, weapons and lookout points and admired the view. Then we went into the underground areas where we got a glimpse of what life must've been like for these young soldiers. I often feel sad when I see the glorification of war, although it seemed necessary at the time. Beyond the guns, uniforms and fanfare are people - scared, hungry, probably cold and with sore feet. After visiting a small bomb shelter, we'd both seen enough so started our return journey via the seafront again.
The fresh air did me the world of good and I love seeing all the different styles of houses. The sunshine certainly made it all the more pleasant and after almost 10km of walking, it's nice to be relaxing on the bed.
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