Wednesday 25 January and we are staying at Norman Cross Premier Inn. That is not very far from Derby. We left about 10.45, drove down the A6 and across to Melton Mowbray. We found a parking place at the north side of the town and the main drag is very Julie-friendly. The Age Concern charity shop has books on sale, and a coffee bar – two toasted tea cakes, a latte and a chocolate for £5. I couldn’t really complain when J bought books. The she (actually, we) bought books at Works. Spotted these two converted chapels.
I then left her to walk to the church SK753190. We have driven through Melton Mowbray on a few occasions, and had thought the church – St Mary’s – looked rather stunning. Today was the first day we have stopped. I was surprised that there were lots of builders around, and then realised the church was closed. There was a poster telling me where services are taking place, and the chap at the station told me it will be closed for ten months. Later I went onto the website where there is an excellent write up of what they are doing, and where to go for everything while the church is closed – here – and here. Excellent websites, but I would suggest a few laminated posters outside with some photos would be good. Enjoy these photos, and make a date to come back with me later this year.
The building opposite is the Bede Almshouses – thank you to this website, lots of good photos (including of the church interior).
I walked to the station – SK753187. It is the Midland station, on the line from Leicester to Peterborough (with one train a day from Corby to Derby – see my previous blog). The original company was the Syston and Peterborough – and there is a website. The original line to Melton was 1846, I think this station dates from 1848. I can’t immediately find a date for the ‘box. There is another website (by the same chap). I might treat myself to this signal box book – Central England Signal Boxes, by Dafydd Whyles, published by Amberley, £14.99. The siding served Pedigree Petfoods. The Town Council offices have been built on the old yard.
It was a lovely stroll round. Melton is a place we will return to.