From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Greying_Pilgrim

In the spirit of "thanks for making me think", can you just all know that by suggesting X,Y & Z to keep LG entertained in the hols, I have just been on the most magical journey of finding out sources of entertainment in our home town, that I didn't really know existed. 

For sure I knew about some of the buildings, but (for example) they've been included in a freely downloadable guide, which gives you a route to follow and a little blurb about each one. Certainly a morning's entertainment, plus we'll learn something in the process.  A similar trail has also been produced for a historic figure for the town - again, freely downloadable and it's learning without stuffy bookishness.

I've discovered a semi-redundant church is holding several concerts in the hols (before they stop for their summer break), which are free to attend, and the musicians are 'general' enough (ie not high church or starched Tux classical) to be interesting to go and listen to. Admission is free, but I think there is usually a retiring collection.  

I've been minded of 2 museums that we've not visited - there is an entry charge, but if we wanted to visit, it's something that DH can go with LG to one, and I could go to the other with LG, which would help with costs, whilst still benefitting from an activity to enjoy.  Plus they're possibly a 'one time' gig, and needn't necessarily be visited in this holiday, but it's options.

Thanks everyone - we're going to need considerably more weeks added to the hols to fit in this staycation! 😁

Greying X

EssexHebridean

Something I recall my Nan doing to add interest to being in even quite ordinary places was getting us to just stop, and "look up" - to see what interesting and unusual features might be on buildings - in plain site, but usually overlooked just because we'd normally be looking where we were going, rather than for the details. I remember finding some quite fascinating stuff and it's still something I do now from time to time! 

Greying_Pilgrim

EssexHebridean said:

Something I recall my Nan doing to add interest to being in even quite ordinary places was getting us to just stop, and "look up" - to see what interesting and unusual features might be on buildings - in plain site, but usually overlooked just because we'd normally be looking where we were going, rather than for the details. I remember finding some quite fascinating stuff and it's still something I do now from time to time! 

Oh definitely, yes to that EH - I try to do that often, as it doesn't matter where you are city, industrial estate or the middle of a forest.  One thing that has caught my attention on the 'buildings trail' is the inclusion of certain carvings - historic and modern repairs/additions, with a 'see if you can spot them' challenge 😁  I always like doing that with gargoyles etc 

Greying X

Sunshine_girl2

I'm with you on looking for free stuff close to home or a bus ride away. Last year we found a police museum that's free to enter kids loved that,  it has a mini courtroom as well with a trial when you visit. 

Greying_Pilgrim

Sunshine_girl2 said:

I'm with you on looking for free stuff close to home or a bus ride away. Last year we found a police museum that's free to enter kids loved that,  it has a mini courtroom as well with a trial when you visit. 

Ha ha - brilliant. Is there an option to lock the kiddos up and momentarily 'lose' the key? [asking for a friend... 😉]  Actually, you've reminded me, I've got another little museum to add to the list - it is in one of the nearby market towns, and whilst it's not huge, it'll be something to add into the mix, and make a trip to that town worthwhile. if we pick our day etc.  I've noted it down now - so I don't forget - thanks love.

LG was a bit 'meh, does it all have to be around Greying Town?' when they looked at the list.  But they haven't thought that comment through, as we've something like 40+ days to fill, and only a small proportion of those will have us all together as a family.  It makes sense to have plenty of (varied) things to do 'closer' to home, so that we can have adventures further afield when dearest DH/papa is able to join in with us.  And I bet a museum, or a trail, or a cinema trip or whatever will be a darn sight more interesting than sitting staring across the room at me for hours/days on end!  Serves me right for feeling slightly smug I'd done me research 🤣  Good job I know LG and they'll be glad their auld ma has organised some things for them to do - even if I don't achieve wall-to-wall interest and entertainment for every minute of every day.  I think there'll be some high points 🫰

LG is out at club.  Tea was omlette, baked beans and either pasta or baked tattie, depending on your preference.  Too hot for that sort of food really, but it lends itself to us all eating at different times.  

The washing is bone dry, and I'll get it in just now.  It can be folded and put away, including the blanket off LG's bed.

Can't think of anything else MSE to add.  Ta for popping in.  

Greying X

rtandon27

GP - your LG is lucky to have a parental unit who puts so much effort into their upbringing!

Many a child is told to go outside and play and is left to their own devices!

Greying_Pilgrim

rtandon27 said:

GP - your LG is lucky to have a parental unit who puts so much effort into their upbringing!

Many a child is told to go outside and play and is left to their own devices!

You're right rt, and believe it or not, I have not timetabled every minute of every day and I am more than happy for LG to suffer boredom or find something to do......   Plus, just because some activities may be 'close to home; doesn't mean we have to do everything as a duo - it does open up the possibility of others joining us...... 👍😁

Thanks for you support though love, appreciated!

Greying X

VintageHistorian

Wikipedia has lists of every museum in each county. Just Google "List of museums in [county]" and it should be the top result (that's not generated by AI). Might give you a few more ideas, especially if you can put two free museums with the Premier Inn stay, for example.

Also I think a lot of the Wildlife Trusts have free parking and just ask for a donation, they do tend to try to sell you a membership, naturally, but a polite "Not this time, thank you" gets them to stop.

Greying_Pilgrim

Oooh, VH - what a treasure trove of info you are! 👍😁 

A quick goooglette has found two museums in a teeny tiny market town, just south of here - it's so small they must literally be housed next to one another! 🤣  But that could make a nice little trip, as the journey over there goes through some pleasant countryside and I know that there are possibly a couple of other spots we could tie in as well - take a picnic lunch etc.  Plus there is also another museum (different subject matter) in the market town that i mentioned in my earlier post.  So if we were struggling to fill our visit, we could pop in there too - I've passed the place a gazillion times, but have literally just never thought of popping in - DOH!  And as these museums are all likely to be free/donation, it needn't break the bank - and if they're not engaging, well, then at least we'll know.  

There is also a museum in a larger market town.  I will keep that on the back-burner, as travel costs, along with parking would make it quite a pricey day, before we set foot outside the museum, BUT it's all too easy to forget about these places, and I know that it's a 'relatively' new purpose built, building so it would be nice to visit it - if only once.

More food for thought - and I've not even looked at the surrounding counties yet.........😁

Thank you.

Greying X

Watty1

Something we used to do when we were children was put all the ideas in a pot (I suspect the pot was heavily edited the night before by parents) then we could pull one out and we HAD to do that on the day.  

I just remembered that with LG's comment about them all being around Greying Town.   It was more of an adventure when it seemed unplanned to us as children.