Work has this week begun on the restoration of the Buck Beck Bench that was toppled by last week's winds and high tides. Some of the artefacts and mementoes have been gathered from the beach and reinstalled. The hope is that by recreating it on slightly higher ground, it will be less vulnerable to the elements. Meanwhile, for those interested in the recent history of the bench, which enjoys various different names, below is the report we published in April, 2020.
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| Lord and master Chris Hudson is always to take visitors on a guided tour of the property - and at no charge! |
THE sooner I can get back, the better!
That's the view of Cleethorpes' biggest fan - Chris Hudson.
Chris lives in the Nottingham area and works in Derby for the train-maker, Bombardier.
Yet, whenever he can and whatever the weather, he catches a train to return here for a few days, staying at a guesthouse on Queen's Parade.
What is it that brings him here?
Almost all his time is spent on the outer beach at 'The Alamo' - a structure made of planks, rope and other debris that have been washed up on the tide.
"Don't ask me why I do it," he says. "It's just a labour of love.
"I've returned scores of times over the past few years, and each time I try to find something new to embellish it - it's a work in progress.
"No one's ever going to call it a stately home, but that's just what it is to me!
"What's more, I meet some lovely people - dogwalkers, birdwatchers and people who just love the sand, the sea, the fresh air and the sense of space.
"I get to meet people from all walks of life who are happy to chat about everything under the sun.
"On one occasion, a bird of prey - it might have been a peregrine - flew in from out of nowhere and briefly perched on the ground right next to where I was sitting."
Occasionally, other birds - small migrants such as wheatears or stonechats - also use The Alamo as a perching point.
Chris was not the fellow who established The Alamo which also goes under the name of 'The Plankcamp' and various others.
But it is he who has taken on the responsibility for maintaining the resort's wackiest attraction.
On at least one occasion, strong winds and high tide have completely destroyed the structure, but that has been no big problem for Chris - he simply reassembles the various components, plus a few more, to wherever most of the pieces have been scattered.
From time to time, passers-by add to the structure, making it a kind of community art project.
"It's always changing," continues Chris. "A little bit here, and a little bit there. That's just how it should be, and just how I like it."
Away from The Alamo, Chris is a keen football fan - and the England side has few more loyal devotees.
But he is also an Aston Villa supporter and has relished their return to the Premier League.
Alas, the restrictions on travel have kept Chris away from his favourite place for most of spring.
But one thing's sure - he is counting down the days to when he can get to his own special home, sweet home.
* Below pictures showing The Alamo at various times over the past 18 months.
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