The Lighthouse Hotel (Completed)

Chapter 3 - Leo meets Tinker for a pint at "The Crown & Anchor Pub"

The Lighthouse Hotel Chapter 3 - Leo meets Tinker for a tipple at The Crown & Anchor pub
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Shortly after Leo had returned empty handed from the local garage he and Tom decided that they would spend an hour visiting the old Beachy Head Lighthouse.

It was possible to access the old building from the first floor and take in some of the breathtaking scenery viewing.

It wad a truly glorious day with the sun shining brightly across the headland and local harbour,the sea appeared calm and there was little threat of wind or rain in the air.

Tom noticed how few fishing boats there were moored in the harbour as opposed to the number of white yachts and luxury sailing boats which probably indicated that it was a sign of the times.

Portland was becoming a very fashionable town like many of the old seaside ports which were dotted along the south coast.

The wealthy out of town folk were snapping up properties and using them as their second home.
A local newspaper was running a story about how fed up the local population were becoming with the invasion of second home owners.

There were significant consequences for them because in recent months and years the property prices had increased which meant a lot of the locals could not afford to live in their own town.

Meanwhile Tom and Leo were doing a research on the history of this world heritage site having become fascinated with their new environment.

It was quite noticeable from the antique furnishings,Victorian decorations and general history of the area that they were now living in a place where time had appeared not to have moved on and it was as if they were living in a museum.

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Tom- What do you make of this Leo?,I found it in a wooden chest just below the spiral staircase.

Leo- It looks like some sort of log book,perhaps it might have a clue to the identity of the people who will have worked here a long time ago,let's examine it more closely.

Tom- Yes you're right take a look at these old characters,I can just about make out some of their scribblings,yes it looks like some sort of log book.

Leo- it appears these people actually kept watch from the lighthouse and recorded any incidents that might have occurred during their shift.

Perhaps we could take it with us and scrutinise it in more detail when we have more time.

Tom- Well I suppose so,but we really aught to be getting back to the site and my temporary office,I discovered some interesting post back there.

Most of the hotel's essential furnishings will be arriving this afternoon,I'm not quite sure how far on the renovations are right now but I think the hotel's completion will proceed once the final contracts have been signed.

We won't be able to take ownership of it however until the contracts are signed meaning the conveyance and then completion date will be sometime next weekend.

Leo- I see,well as you know I have my own commitments to focus on with my antiques project and I need to get that up and running as soon as possible.

I'm meeting a guy called Tinker at noon today,he works for an antiques dealer called Lovejoy.

Tom- Oh I see,so you're going to leave your old dad to sort out everything at this end are you?.

I'm only joking son,well it seems that you have got the rest of your day covered,what time is it?.Right I had better look sharp as those builders will be on site by now and I need to make a few enquiries.