Wainfleet All Saints – Batemans Brewery Rally Report

So, we set off on the Sunday to be met by David and Tracy who were already set up on the

pleasant level site alongside Bateman’s Brewery.

During that first afternoon we were entertained by David and Tracy to tea, coffee and cakes in

our awning as the weather had started to become inclement, and we had our full awning up with

space for entertaining.

The following day we all gathered to mark a very special occasion – Dave’s 80th Birthday.

Pat had again asked if she could host the party in our awning, but as it turned out the weather

was kind and we all assembled outside to wish Dave well. The only problem was the candle on

Dave’s cake which refused to stop wishing Dave “Happy Birthday” in mournful electronic tones –

until it was virtually destroyed and silenced after much hilarity!!

Celebrations over, and following a visit to Bolingbroke Castle, some of us decided to try to find

refreshments and food in Wainfleet – only to discover that most of Lincolnshire is closed for

eating at the beginning of each week. So, after a pint of Bateman’s beer in the pub we had a

delicious kebab from the local takeaway.

The weather started to become a little unkind on the Tuesday, so we had a foray up the coast to

Ingoldmells, Chapel St Leonards, Sutton on Sea and Mablethorpe, and though tempted, we

decided against a dip in the sea!! We did however, despite the cold, manage an ice cream at

Farmer Browns Farm Shop between Sutton on Sea and Chapel St Leonards.

Wednesday morning dawned a little brighter, and we were entertained by Tracy and David to

bacon rolls at their caravan, and we all then went our separate ways to enjoy the sights of the

area. Christine and I drove through Skegness to visit Gibraltar Point – a local, very large Nature

Reserve on the coast just south of Skeggy. Some fascinating sights to be seen, the area

abounds in wildlife, a veritable “twitchers” paradise. It is also the place where the River Steeping

disgorges itself into the North Sea, and the home to a small “harbour” – appropriately called

Wainfleet Harbour, although being some way from Wainfleet itself it takes some imagination to

understand why!! Home to a few yachts and a fishing boat it is nevertheless a peaceful spot.

Sadly, the weather became very wet over the next two days, and we were confined to the site

and our caravans to relax and watch the level in the adjacent River Steeping slowly rising!!

On the Friday evening, Tracy and David had organised for us all to have a Fish and Chip supper

from the local F & C takeaway in Wainfleet, and this proved to be very nice with a generous

portion of chips to accompany an impressively sized piece of Haddock at a very reasonable

price.

Saturday dawned with the weather having marginally improved, and we attended a sale of

antique and “not so antique” pub equipment at the adjoining hospitality site and bar attached to

the brewery. Many bargains were to be had, some of us purchasing glasses and “Pimms” jugs

for the princely sums of 50 and 20 pence respectively. Inevitably we came away with a very tall

vase with some artificial flowers in it (for £2.50) – to be used by the head flower arranger,

Christine, in St Helen’s Church in Welton. Later in the afternoon at 1445, we all assembled

for the highlight of the rally – “THE TOUR” of the Brewery!! We were led by Martin, a very

knowledgeable tour guide who described the ins and outs of proper craft brewing. The brewery

is still family owned by the Batemans after 150 years, and brews several delightful and (some)

powerful beers. The process hasn’t changed at all over that long period, but the flavours

introduced by the Master Brewer are many, and they are constantly changing the range of beers

that they provide to their chain of pubs across Lincolnshire. Afterwards we were allowed to pull

our own pints from the four pumps in the small room in the brewery building – very atmospheric

- and also very tasty!!

The following day we car shared to attend the Old Chequers Inn in Croft for a sumptuous

carvery lunch. A very old pub that was once an assembly place for convicts being “transported”

to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries, it now has a reputation for being very busy. In fact, we

were asked to leave after 75 minutes to allow other diners to take our table – as Peter said -

something that has never happened to him or any of us, even after being ejected slightly tiddly

from pubs in the past!! Understandable though as the pub is rather small and very quaint and

has a massive turnover at Sunday lunch time.

The following morning after bidding Dennis and Janet farewell to proceed home, we ventured

into Skegness for a mandatory visit, and were pleasantly surprised to find a seaside town

buzzing with people enjoying themselves, and to discover that Skeggy is not in the least

pretentious – it is exactly what it professes and claims to be – a place for enjoyment! The

inevitable funfairs abound, with so many Fish and Chip shops I think I have ever seen in one

place, and the usual amusement arcades packed to the gills with punters! The Jolly Sailor logo

is everywhere, along with the recognisable clock at the roundabout close to the beach. The

huge original Butlins Holiday camp is still there, but with noticeable changes – no longer the

huts for sleeping – now replaced by mobile homes in their hundreds!!

The next two days before we left were very wet, with a small window for us to take down our

awning – relatively dry – and we watched the level of the River Steeping inexorably rising!! The

ground under foot became rather soggy, and there were concerns as to whether we would get

off the site. However, with four-wheel drive vehicles we all departed safely on the Wednesday

morning for home after a very pleasing and relaxing time.

A huge vote of thanks to David and Tracy for organising everything for our enjoyment,

and for a very relaxing and enjoyable rally.

We were educated in the mysteries of brewing, had a birthday party, visited Skeggy and the

coast of Lincolnshire, and enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship that is the essence of our

club.

Jeremy and Christine Walker

Wainfleet, Skegness

Rally Officers Tracy and David