Photos of Swans and Cygnets in Spalding, Lincolnshire

A collection of photos of swans and cygnets in Spalding, Lincolnshire. Photographed by Paul Rance on June 22nd, 2023. 

Grace on the River Welland

"Follow me, kids!"

Copyright © 2023 Paul Rance

Being St. Francis - In Crowland, Lincolnshire

These are pretty distressing times if you hate prejudice, and since Brexit and Donald Trump's election, flight or fight comes to mind. I'm in the heart of Brexitland, and people I care about voted for Brexit. So, things have been difficult, as they have strong opinions and so do I. Anyway, I've been busy working on a variety of projects, including a book I've given the provisional title of Being St. Francis.

I've always done my best to respect all living things, and that's what St. Francis was all about. I don't believe in organised religion, but there are good religious figures that we can aspire to. All humans are descended from a tribe in Africa. We're all family, so where does this hatred of foreigners and people of different faiths come from? Fear of something different?

So, would St. Francis feel at home in Crowland? Perhaps, but I feel increasingly isolated, and if you can't beat 'em there's the choice of fighting your corner, or retreating into one's shell.

Love and Peace.

Video: Spalding Guitarist, Dave 'The Furry Man', Sings

Recorded the voice of this legendary Spalding character singing 'Lemon Tree' on August 3rd. I tried to stop him halfway through, but he wasn't having any. Only had a fuzzy photo to work with, so had some fun with the video effects in Windows Movie Maker. Dave doesn't believe in chords and notes. He says he has his own style, and it's amazing he's still with us. He was living in a Moulton Chapel bus shelter, suffering with cancer - in the middle of winter.