100 Strangers : Round 3 : No. 239 : Ian, Paul and Nick
We did our first day trip of 2020 to Skegness on Monday. It’s a two hour drive (on a good day) of over 70 miles to the nearest seaside resort to Nottingham.
We go for a walk along the coast rather than to take in the delights on offer at Skeggy.
Ruby likes a little gallop on the sands and we enjoy the fresh air and breeze of the east coast. As we approached the Winthorpe area, I noticed 3 men grappling and appearing to be doing self defence moves on the esplanade / sea front.
At first I thought they might be members of the Police Force or Armed Service doing some training, but as I got closer I realised the men were too old to be members of the Police or Armed Forces
“What are you doing? What’s all this about?” I asked. I know it was probably obvious, but a leading question often leads to a fuller explanation.
“We are doing self defence training, I teach it” said Ian (left had side of the frame).
“Ahh right, what techniques are you learning?”
I’m not too sure what answer Ian gave me, I think it was “tai chi”, so I will go with that …
“Tai Chi, it is a Chinese martial arts a bit like kung fu, we use it for self defence. I teach it here on the front in the fresh air, as that way it is Covid friendly”
“Are you all from Skegness?” I ask
Paul and Nick said “Yes”, but Ian said he was from Ingoldmells.
“Are you interested in joining us?” Paul asked.
“I am only a day tripper from Nottingham” I said.
I then asked if I could take a group picture of them all for my 100 strangers project.
They all agreed and struck up a pose against the esplanade railings.
I didn’t have any contact cards as I’d emptied my backpack to put some of our picnic items in the bag. Paul gave me his email address verbally so I can send some photos to them.
Nick told me they had been doing the training for 5 years and in that time he had had no trouble whatsoever. I joked about Skegness being a safe town !
Ian pointed out to me that "You've been left" ... Jane and Ruby hadn't stopped for the photoshoot and were waiting at the end of the esplanade ! Jane let Ruby off her lead and she came galloping down the path to meet me ! "I knew you were going to stop and photograph them" said Jane "You cannot resist an opportunity"
Thanks for being my 239th strangers gentlemen, enjoy your seaside training sessions
Very interesting story. You were lucky they didn't try their skills on you, hehe. I like their pose and your shot. Maybe they are a bit too old for this, but if they are enjoying it, good luck to them.
@sangwann good luck to them indeed Dione :)
@casablanca thanks Casa' it makes me smile when I look at it too :)
@cocobella thanks Corinne , they do have a great pose :)
@jackies365 thanks jackie, not something you see on the street everyday !!
@lynnz thanks Lynn, I am pleased you like this :)
@marlboromaam Maggie, thanks for the "book" comment. I will think about it !