Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Group Walk in Market Harborough

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:01:22 GMT

I recently led a private Guided Walk in the lovely market town of Market Harborough.

It was for members of the Cambridge Walking Group, who had been staying in the town for a couple of days.

Market Harborough`s story involves the Civil War, coaching inns, Thomas Cook and the notorious Liberty Bodice. The group enjoyed it very much, but it was so cold that they asked if I could talk to them inside, in the warm, instead.

So, being always willing to oblige, I took them into the Sugar Loaf (a Wetherspoon`s pub), where I told them what they would have seen if they had continued!

I am always happy to lead Guided Walks especially for groups. Just ask.

Live on BBC Radio Leicester

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:35:15 GMT

I made a live appearance recently on BBC Radio Leicester, alongside the famed spectrologist Andrew Wright.

Andrew, who was a well known ghost hunter in Leicester, and who wrote a number of books on the subject, was retiring to Norfolk.

He was asked to come for an interview on Rupal Rajani`s programme, as a farewell, and it was decided to get me along too, in my capacity as a frequent leader of Ghost Walks. Obviously, our paths crossed on a number of occasions.

I was pleased to be involved in Andrew`s send off, and wish him all the best in his retirement.

More Guided Walks in London

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:54:30 GMT

I recently held another one of my days leading Guided Walks in London.

Three times a year I have a day in the capital, leading two different Guided Walks.

This time, the first of the two was "Waterside London". Starting at St. Pauls Cathedral I led the group beside the River Thames in the City, as far as London Bridge, which we crossed. Then it was through Southwark and Bankside, passing Southwark Cathedral and Shakespeare`s Globe, before returning across the Millennium Bridge.

The second walk was "Jack the Ripper". Commencing outside Whitechapel Station, I led the group through the East End, visiting the sites of the five murders which terrorised London in 1888, and of some other murders which may have been committed by the Ripper. I also gave some thoughts on the killer`s possible identity, before finishing outside Liverpool Street Station.

Like Dr Johnson, I feel that if you are tired of London you must be tired of life.

Farewell Night at the Talbot

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:54:28 GMT

I spent the evening at the Talbot Inn in Belgrave recently.

The occasion was a farewell gathering for the well known Leicester sprectrologist Andrew Wright, writer of a number of books on ghosts, who was retiring to Norfolk.

Our paths have crossed on a number of occasions, as among my own most popular activities as a Blue Badge Guide is leading Ghost Walks, notably "Haunted Leicester".

A small but exclusive group of friends gathered at the haunted Talbot, to wish Andrew well in his retirement.

Father and Son Talk to Cricket Society

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 10:08:49 GMT

I recently went to another meeting of Leicestershire Cricket Society at Grace Road.

This time the speakers were a double act. Will Jefferson, former Essex and Nottinghamshire opening batsman, who has been forced to retire from his career at Leicestershire, teamed up with his father, all rounder Richard Jefferson, who played for Surrey.

It was a most interesting evening, giving insights into cricket from two different eras.

I was able to chat with Richard afterwards about what cricket was like in the old days! A pleasure to meet him.

The Cricket Society meetings are always well attended, and give a chance for us cricket lovers to meet and chat about the game during the long close season.

Best of Britain and Ireland

Tue, 28 May 2013 10:46:14 GMT

I recently attended another of the year`s major travel trade shows.

This time it was Best of Britain and Ireland (BOBI), at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) at Birmingham.

At these shows, there are always stands from a variety of destinations, attractions, transport companies, hotels etc.

It`s nice for me to visit these shows, particularly as I am always able to chat with friends old and new.

Good Weekend in Yorkshire

Mon, 27 May 2013 20:35:49 GMT

My wife and I recently enjoyed a weekend Coach Tour in Yorkshire with National Holidays.

We left Leicester on the Saturday morning and travelled Northwards, stopping during the morning at Woolley Edge Services.

On arriving at Skipton, we had a ride on a narrow boat on the Leeds (Yorkshire) and Liverpool Canal, and had some free time in this excellent little town, finding time to visit the parish church.

We stayed overnight at the Campanile Hotel on the outskirts of Bradford.

On the Sunday morning, we went out to Grassington, a very pretty village, and then to Embsay, from where we rode on the steam railway to Bolton Abbey, visiting the beautiful ruins of Bolton Priory.

On the way back to Leicester, we made a stop at Woodall Services.

These weekends are a fine way of seeing some nice places, while being essentially off duty.

Defending Leicester on the Radio

Sun, 26 May 2013 10:06:20 GMT

I made an appearance on BBC Radio Leicester recently.

Leicester is one of the cities bidding to be City of Culture in 2017. One of the other candidates is Southend.

The Southend MP David Amess made an extraordinary comment. Not content with the perfectly acceptable statement showing Southend in a favourable light, he belittled the other cities (including Leicester, of course), saying that not only do these other places have no culture, they wouldn`t even recognise it.

Knowing that, although I am a Blue Badge Guide living in Leicester, Southend is my home town, the BBC rang me to get my comments, which I was happy to give, and the interview was conducted on the phone while I was on a National Express coach on my way to London!

Leicester, in fact, has not only a long and hugely interesting history (Richard III, for example), but also has a vibrant culture.

David Amess is probably aware by now that I apologised for him on air, pointing out that insults are not helpful or even honourable..

Visit to Ely

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:05:53 GMT

I went as a passenger on a Coach Trip recently.

It was an excursion run by Woods Coaches of Leicester, the company from whom I hire coaches from my own trips.

The destination was Ely.

Ely is a small cathedral city of which I am very fond. As always, I visited the magnificent Ely Cathedral, and had a stroll along the lovely Riverside.

People often ask why I go on other people`s trips. Because I enjoy it, without having any responsibility!

Excellent Day at Salisbury Cathedral

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:02:30 GMT

I spent an excellent day recently in the historic city of Salisbury.

I had been invited, along with some other Blue Badge Guides (mostly from London and the South of England), by Salisbury Cathedral, to be given an idea of current developments there.

After the welcomes, we had a talk on some of the artworks which will be displayed in the cathedral over the next few months.

We then had a fascinating visit to the stonemasons` yard, where we were able to see masters at work on the never ending cycle of restoring stonework.

Then it was the Chapter House, where one the few copies of the Magna Carta is housed. The display has been much improved.

We then climbed part of the way up the tower, for a stupendous internal view down the length of the cathedral.

And the visit ended with a cream tea!

Thanks to Salisbury Cathedral for a most interesting and enjoyable day.