Walking Men and Seagulls

Yesterday this gull was leaning over the refuse bin, pulling out one fish-and-chip wrapper, then another wrapper, then another. It flew off. A passing gent saw the mess, returned the wrappers to the bin and walked on. Within a few seconds the gull returned, removing all of the wrappers from the bin again…

Alan and I drank tea together outside in the sunshine.  At the next table a young family were enjoying their lunch. As soon as they left, two gulls arrived, noisily seeking out the remains of sandwiches, crisps and cake…

Everyone locally has stories to tell of fearless and persistent gulls attacking/dive-bombing/stealing food…

Lowestoft  is preparing for its annual ‘First Light Festival’ that will take place this weekend on the sea-front – an event that marks the first sunrise of midsummer in the UK’s most easterly town. Marquees and stages are appearing, thousands will attend…

Lowestoft  is preparing for its annual ‘First Light Festival’ that will take place this weekend on the sea-front – marking the first sunrise of midsummer in the UK’s most easterly town. Marquees and stages are appearing, thousands will attend…

A large sculpture, ‘Walking Men’ by local artist Laurence Edwards’ has arrived on the beach – having previously been in the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Edwards said: ‘These five 8ft ancient bronze figures pass through an iconic English view, on their search for a place, where have they come from, where are they going, what are they thinking?’

Amongst all the noise, excitement, music, events, activities, eating and drinking the five walking men will remain motionless, thoughtful, unmoved…

Some folk I know are like seagulls – active, fearless, persistent, but just making a nuisance of themselves. Others are like the walking men – solid and predictable, unmoved by the surrounding noise or the constant wind and waves…

Yesterday I visited my friend Jack. His disability means that his activities are restricted. He’s frustrated that he can’t do all that he used to do or would want to do. His seagull-like ability to swoop, and make the most of an opportunity are long gone.

Perhaps he’s better off learning from the Walking Men. Lack of mobility doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a contribution to make. He’s a motionless traveller, constant, reliable, appreciated by many…