Jo’s Monday walk : Seaham ‘Tommy’

Sculpture Eleven O One, known by the locals as Tommy

Sculpture Eleven O One, known by the locals as ‘Tommy’

It’s a far cry from the cliff tops of the Algarve to the Green above the cliffs in former mining town, Seaham, but that’s where our walk will take us this week.  The campaign to keep Tommy in place has attracted national attention, and I needed to see him for myself.

Built out of special corten steel by local sculptor, Ray Lonsdale, Eleven O One is so named for the armistice which came into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918.  His air of total bone weariness and despair makes you want to throw an arm around him. Originally intended to be in place for just 3 months, Tommy has touched so many hearts that donations have almost raised the £85,000 needed to keep him.

I’ve taken you to Seaham before, though not on my Monday walks.  It has a long seafront and a pretty little marina.  Come with me and I’ll show you a bit more.

I'm starting at the car park at the far end of the front

I’m starting at the car park at the far end of the front

And walking back along it

And walking back along it towards the lighthouse

Pausing to admire the many rock pools

Pausing to admire the many rock pools

There's a lot of cloud today

There’s a lot of cloud today

So the sea isn't at it's twinkly best

So the sea isn’t quite at it’s twinkly best

But it's still a place where the starfish like to play

But it’s still a place where the starfish like to play!

For the moment we will bypass the Green, where a crowd gathers to have a photo taken with Tommy.  I will come back when it’s quieter, to lay a hand on his knee and try to console him. Instead, we will drop down into the marina, not looking quite so pretty today with heavy skies.

Boats can always snare my attention

Boats can always snare my attention

With a waft of flowers to cheer them up

With a waft of flowers to cheer them up

And some noble weeds

And a few noble weeds

Can you see the birds nesting on the back wall?
I always like to have a few boat shots!
This reflective one is my favourite

There are good views out to the lighthouse from the cafe that sits above the marina, and the RNLI have an excellent museum, showcasing the lifeboat, if you have time to browse.

Leaving the marina, I look out to the lighthouse

Leaving the marina, I look out to the lighthouse

And the view around the bay

And back across the bay, at Seaham , above the cliffs

There are miles of cliff tops so you can extend the walk as far as you want.  There are parking facilities at both ends of the seafront and also by the Green.  A lower promenade takes you closer to the beach, or you can check out the craft shops and sample local cuisine if that appeals more. But now it’s time to return to Tommy.

Too tired for thought
The eternal weapon in his hand
Rations and the cares of the world on his back
Sunk in despair
Tommy’s story
If only it were over!

Could anything be more sad?

walking logo

Time I shared with you some brilliant walks from last week.  You can click on the logo above or my Jo’s Monday walks page for details of how to join in.  You’re always very welcome.

First up we have Elaine, fresh from the Three Peaks Challenge on Saturday.  I think she’s earned a rest this week!  :

walking The Ridgeway from Tring Station to Wendover

Drake has been a loyal supporter since I started my walks.  Come with us to lovely Strasbourg  :

Age do charm

Jude always has an eye for a beautiful garden and this week is no exception  :

Garden Portrait: Glenwhan Gardens

The Alcazar in Seville is a special place, especially when seen through Amy’s lens  :

Jo’s Monday Walk: the Alcázar Gardens

You need a strong stomach for Sue’s post this week.  Deep fried Oreos?  After you!  :

http://traveltalesoflife.com/2014/07/11/chocolate-dipped-bacon-and-scorpion-pizza-eating-at-the-calgary-stampede-a-wild-ride/

Happy walking folks!  I hope to see you next week.

106 comments

  1. Jo your phrase about ‘wanting to throw an arm around Tommy’ really brought me beside you for this walk. Your warm heart shines through as it often does in your posts. I loved going to the seaside with you. From a land locked location such a treat.

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      4. No, nothing dramatic! It’s just that he takes great delight in singing out ‘mind the hole’ whenever we venture anywhere near a dip in the ground 🙂

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  2. What a wonderfully refreshing stroll by the sea, perfect after the humidity here but cooler today thank goodness. Love the lighthouse, always my favourite…the starfish too! Always love to come over here on a Monday and breathe in your walks and enjoy your beautiful photos. Tommy must stay, what a incredibly powerful work of art…and reminder. Thanks Jo for a perfect Monday walk 🙂

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  3. I would want to keep that sculpture too. It suggests how weary soldiers become of war – and how ineffective it becomes.
    This is such a beautiful walk. You live in a beautiful part of the world Jo.

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    1. I didn’t know anything about ‘Tommy’ till one of my walking group mentioned him, Colline and I just had to go and see for myself. I thought he could use a little publicity. 🙂

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  5. A wonderful post, Jo … I love boats, too. And Tommy is absolutely terrific: if they take him away it will be a crime ! Why on earth would they even THINK of doing that ?! I will never understand city fathers …

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      1. But that’s what so important, I think – that he is constantly reminding people of what was done in the name of “king and country” …

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  6. Do hope Tommy gets to stay. I love the little white flower that someone has placed on his canteen. We had a big crowd funding here recently to raise money for a sculpture for Christchurch. It was successful.

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  7. What a wonderful sculpture Jo, why do people have to start wars and cause so much suffering. On a happier note 🙂 another nice walk and love your description of those ‘noble weeds’ 🙂

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  8. Talking walks in new places is one of my favorite things and through your blog (and the links to others that you provide) I get to take several more walks than I would be able to otherwise. Like right now for example, when I am so sore from my long morning run I can barely move 🙂

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    1. ‘Run’ is not a word that enters my vocabulary 🙂 🙂 I’m hopeless at it! Always was, and it’s way too late now. I’ll just keep up with the strolling and enjoy the lovely company. 🙂

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  10. Some scenes from the movie “Saving Private Ryan” were going to be filmed in Seaham, but coz of government intervention the production moved elsewhere – don’t know why.

    Wonderful walk you found here, enjoyed it… 🙂

    The Tommy sculpture is so fascinating and in my eyes so typically english – reminds me of these old stories heard about “The 2nd Boer War” too – where there was huge british lost too – these are remind through in their own way at soccer stadiums all over England most known I guess will be The Kop at Anfield in Liverpool – The Kop and kopites named after a hill near Ladysmith, South Africa, which was the scene of the “Battle of Spion Kop” in January 1900.

    All those Tommies from WW One deserves their own sculpture too… 🙂

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    1. How ignorant I am to have to admit that I didn’t realise that the Kop at Anfield was named for that battle, Drake. Even my son (who also likes your football team) knew the connection.

      Thank you for your lovely comments, and again for being such a great supporter. 🙂

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  12. I like Tommy too. Important to continue to remember, although sad we never learn. Never went to Seaham, that I remember, your comment to Sonel summed it up, I always thought it was a run down mining town, Seaham Colliery yes? So what to see any different to other run down sad mining towns? And there were plenty in the north east 😦 on a separate point have you visited the mining museum place? That was good, somewhere north of Ashington I think, we went to an engine fair thing there. Great day out.

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    1. The zoom on my little digital isn’t great, Amanda, so I sometimes get that blurry, dreamy look 🙂 In this instance I think it works ok. Thanks a lot 🙂

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  14. Looks like a great spot for a good long cliff walk Jo…..I love walking between the sea and the land like this. That statue has such powerful presence, it’s great they are saving him 🙂
    Also what a great selection of walks this week. I really must put one together…..sigh…..so many things to do and such little time 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Seonaid 🙂 I get some terrific shares, don’t I? I’m so glad I started this feature because it’s fun to do and I am very privileged to have such great friends to share with.

      One day, hon 🙂 I know it’s well nigh impossible to be true to your own posts and take part in others when you’re working. I struggle and I’m not!

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  15. I really like the way you construct your walks – you take us with you with your words. I’m beginning to emulate a bit. Tommy really creates sadness, and I don’t mind a less than sparkly day. I love the “noble weed” concept. Some of my favourite plants are classified as weeds, merely because they’ve been snatched from their natural habitat.

    Not quite sure how to join in the walks. Here are two to do what you will with – either/both/none!

    http://morselsandscraps2.wordpress.com/2014/07/13/christine-remembering-in-warsaw/

    http://morselsandscraps2.wordpress.com/2014/07/13/walking-in-the-rain/

    A hug on a sunny Monday – I’m off to Wilanòw.

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    1. NOW you’ve got me excited, Meg! Wilanow!!! Any chance of a Monday walk there for next week? On that single day I spent in Warsaw it was a choice between Wilanow and Lazienki, and I had to concede that, even for me, Wilanow was pushing it 🙂

      Thank you again for your kind words. You really are too nice to me (but I love it!)
      I forgot to put the link to my Monday walks page into the little logo, but I remembered while I was out walking so I’ve done it now. Including a link(or two 🙂 ) in your comment, as you’ve done, is just fine. I will include them at the bottom of next week’s walk so everyone sees them, and save Wilanow (if you are so kind) for the following week. I have to do it that way because I’m usually out on a walk on Mondays so don’t get to answer my comments till late.

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      1. Thanks for the info.

        You made the right choice between Łazienki and Wilanòw, I think. It’s wonderful to be here long-term, with more visits in the offing, so there’s always time to visit places, and top up visits. You must feel the same about Portugal.

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  18. Pingback: An old port out to the world | Le Drake Noir

  19. What a beautiful spot for a Monday walk, Jo! Tommy is quite magnificent – I hope he gets to stay put. It’s good to hear the community is coming together to keep him there.
    ~ Andrea ❤

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  20. What a stunning sculpture and the view! Absolutely so beautiful there Jo! Your stunning shots had me in awe! Thanks for sharing and for taking me to yet another amazing virtual adventure. 😀 ♥ Hugs ♥

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    1. I really loved the sculpture, Sonel, and Seaham is an old mining town that’s fighting back after years of being run down. I like it 🙂
      Hope you have a peaceful and beautiful week. Thanks for your lovely company. Hugs!

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      1. Same here Jo and that’s good! I like it too. 😀

        Thanks sweetness and wishing you the same. ♥ Hugs ♥

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