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

  3. That’s a goodly sum already raised to help save Tommy I see from your earlier comment Jo . It looks a very poignant and memorable sculpture indeed .
    Love these promenade walks …very relaxed .. and so far no tumbles 😉

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    1. Another trip for the memory banks, Ad 🙂 Good job you’ll be going back to visit or you’d be getting nostalgic! I’ll come and have a look at your lighthouse. I know it’s a nice one.
      Many thanks for finding time to join my walks 🙂

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  5. Pingback: Another Nostalgic Beach Walk for Jo. | anotherdayinparadise

  7. It’s always heartening when individuals are so touched in the same manner that they band together for a good cause. That’s what makes a community a community, right? Your photos took me from despair to cheer…colorful boats bobbing in an oceanside marina always make me happy. 🙂
    Elisa

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    1. We’re all on the same side when we look at Tommy, Elisa. If only it could last!
      You have to grab happiness where you can. Thanks for your lovely company. I appreciate all the time you’ve spent with me. 🙂

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  9. What a stroll on the seaside – just lovely! What to say about Tommy that hasn’t already been said? With this being the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the ‘war to end all wars’ Tommy should be sad about how it’s gone since then…thanks for bringing him to us he really is a fitting memorial to his lost comrades.

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    1. The best news for me this morning is that the Israelies are finally quitting the shelling. Why can they not just cease permanently? All of them!
      Thank you. Yes, Tommy’s a heart breaker.

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  10. Tommy is one of the most moving sculptures I’ve ever seen, Jo. It makes me happy to read that donations are pouring in to keep him around.
    I loved your photos and I so hoped you would zoom in on the lighthouse and you did…you never fail to disappoint! xo

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  11. I don’t care how big Tommy is (3-4 times the size of a man?) I want to give him a home! What a beautiful sculpture!

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  13. That is an amazingly evocative sculpture! I am disillusioned too with the ability of these symbols to change people, but we can’t give up hope can we?
    Thanks for another wonderful walk Jo! 🙂

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    1. And still we wouldn’t learn, Jude! 😦
      Are you back at base now? Thank you very much for the contribution. I’ll look forward to my stroll with a cuppa, shortly 🙂

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  17. Another beautiful sea side walk. The last image of Tommy status is truly sad… It says so much of the sadness and hopeless of the war (any war). Great post, Jo!

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  19. After hectic at work on Monday, it feel such a relieve to read your Monday Walk post..thanks so much for sharing this regular post..it feels like I were in Seaham myself..Have a great week Jo and many thanks for wonderful Monday post 🙂

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  20. Great Monday walk Jo, kind of begins the week with a beautiful quiet start. The statue is incredible, the artist certainly knew how to capture raw emotions.

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    1. I love sharing the walks on Mondays, Mary, because quite a few people seem to feel the same way. I’m a lucky person who no longer has to work for a living but I remember those Monday morning blues. Thank you for joining me 🙂

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