Castle Keep

There was some good news in Nottingham today, as it was announced that the castle had won a £13.9m award from the Heritage Lottery to help with the proposed five year restoration project.

The whole scheme is going to cost nearly £30m and would include a new visitors centre, the opening up of some more caves and the installation of a glass lift, which will take you down from the castle to the Brewhouse Yard area and the museum there. Very Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Naturally Robin Hood, aka Tim made the announcement in the grounds at a big press and media gathering, which sadly I missed due to being at work.  I still went to the castle, just in case there were some more press about, and Tim was still posing for the camera. But they weren't. And it was raining too. That very fine rain that seems to get everywhere.

So I had a wander about and took a few photos. Fortunately my Olympus camera is weather sealed, so I didn't have to worry about any of the rain getting in. There wasn't really anyone around. So I left and went into town to see if anything was happening there.

It's Bath Time

As it was such a lovely day, Gail thought we should go out and make the most of it. So we packed our camera gear and headed off for Matlock Bath in Derbyshire.

A lot of other people must have had the same idea, as the town was heaving with people, mainly bikers in their black leather outfits.

We had a stroll around, then stopped off at one of the many fish and chip shops for a plate of Britain's favourite food.

Exit, Stage Right

You can tell by the wear and tear on the metal, that this turnstile at the Castle has been in use for some years. I have no idea how long, but would guess at least 50, maybe more. Hundreds of people pass through the gate everyday, after they have been to look round the castle and its grounds.