Another delightful concert at St. Matthew's. This time it was a charity concert, organised by the Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr. Belinda Donovan, to raise money for her two chosen charities, the Mayhew Animal Home and West London Action for Children. I was particularly looking forward to it as I had been slightly involved in publicising it.
The programme featured, once again, Dorinel Bastide, with his fantastic soprano voice, together with Dominique Pecheur, Rachel and Nicholas Mumby and Sarah Barham, singing and playing a wide variety of songs and music, some old and others new.
But old or new, they were a delight to listen to, and I came away feeling what a delightful way to spend a Sunday evening.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Ravenscourt Park
At one time, when I lived in Hammersmith, Ravenscourt Park featured heavily in my life, especially in the summer; it was only about ten minutes walk away, and was a great place to sit on the grass and enjoy the sunshine. In addition, it had a delightful walled rose garden with seating, where you coulod sit and listen to the birds singing and smell the scents from the flowers. But since moving to Olympia, I hardly ever go there any more, as there are other green spaces closer.
But this afternoon I decided to visit it again. I wandered in through the gate in King Street and walked the whole length of the park. There were a few people playing tennis on the courts where I had learned to play, and children scampering around on the paths and the grass, but it certainly wasn't crowded, althugh the sun was shining.
I paused by the lakes to look at the ducks and other water birds; despite it being April, there was only one clutch of ducklings to be seen, based on a minute island. The mother duck kept feeding the little ones, as they were obviously newly hatched and a bit uncertain about swimming. I'd brought along some bird seed to give to them, but unfortunatley the only ones who got it were the greedy pidgeons, which swooped in as soon as I started throwing it towards the water.
But this afternoon I decided to visit it again. I wandered in through the gate in King Street and walked the whole length of the park. There were a few people playing tennis on the courts where I had learned to play, and children scampering around on the paths and the grass, but it certainly wasn't crowded, althugh the sun was shining.
I paused by the lakes to look at the ducks and other water birds; despite it being April, there was only one clutch of ducklings to be seen, based on a minute island. The mother duck kept feeding the little ones, as they were obviously newly hatched and a bit uncertain about swimming. I'd brought along some bird seed to give to them, but unfortunatley the only ones who got it were the greedy pidgeons, which swooped in as soon as I started throwing it towards the water.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Osterley Park House
I'm determiend to get to see all the National Trust places in London, so this afternoon I went to Osterley Park House, which is only about twenty minutes journey on the Piccadilly line, and then a short walk to Osterley Park.
Osterley Park House is impressive. The original was a brick manor house build by banker Sir. Thomas Gresham in 1576, which was visited by Elizabeth 1, and the stable block from this period still remains, although it now houses the tea rooms and shops.
Two hundred years later, the house came into the possession of another banker, Sir Francis Child of Child's Bank. He spent a small - no, large - fortune in refurbishing it, employing Robert Adam in 1761 to turn the house into a masterpiece of luxury and taste. When he died in 1763, his brother Robert Child took over the project and saw it through to completion.
Robert's only child, Sarah, should have inherited the house, but unfortunately she eloped with John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmoreland, whom her father considered quite unsuitable as husband material. As a result, he left all his property, including Child's Bank, to her second child, Lady Sarah Sophie Fane, who was born in 1785 and married George Child-Villiers, 5th Earl of Jersey. Thus the property passed to the Jersey family, where it remained until it was given to the National Trust in 1949.
Although as a member I don't have to pay, this Sunday there was free entry for everyone, just by filling in a form or downloading one from the internet. The house and grounds were packed with people, and there was a large number for the 15 minute lecture on the history of the house, which was given by one of the volunteer guides.
Set in extensive grounds, with lakes nearby, the house must have been idyllic when it was built; out in the country, yet within a few miles of the centre of London where everything was happening.
Today it is still idyllic, but somewhat marred by the constant roar of the cars and lorries hurtling along the motorway.
On the road through the park to the house there was a farm shop, selling produce from the farm. I stopped by and bought a really large cabbage for 80p and a lettuce for 50p, both presumably picked that same afternoon and so super-fresh.
Osterley Park House is impressive. The original was a brick manor house build by banker Sir. Thomas Gresham in 1576, which was visited by Elizabeth 1, and the stable block from this period still remains, although it now houses the tea rooms and shops.
Two hundred years later, the house came into the possession of another banker, Sir Francis Child of Child's Bank. He spent a small - no, large - fortune in refurbishing it, employing Robert Adam in 1761 to turn the house into a masterpiece of luxury and taste. When he died in 1763, his brother Robert Child took over the project and saw it through to completion.
Robert's only child, Sarah, should have inherited the house, but unfortunately she eloped with John Fane, 10th Earl of Westmoreland, whom her father considered quite unsuitable as husband material. As a result, he left all his property, including Child's Bank, to her second child, Lady Sarah Sophie Fane, who was born in 1785 and married George Child-Villiers, 5th Earl of Jersey. Thus the property passed to the Jersey family, where it remained until it was given to the National Trust in 1949.
Although as a member I don't have to pay, this Sunday there was free entry for everyone, just by filling in a form or downloading one from the internet. The house and grounds were packed with people, and there was a large number for the 15 minute lecture on the history of the house, which was given by one of the volunteer guides.
Set in extensive grounds, with lakes nearby, the house must have been idyllic when it was built; out in the country, yet within a few miles of the centre of London where everything was happening.
Today it is still idyllic, but somewhat marred by the constant roar of the cars and lorries hurtling along the motorway.
On the road through the park to the house there was a farm shop, selling produce from the farm. I stopped by and bought a really large cabbage for 80p and a lettuce for 50p, both presumably picked that same afternoon and so super-fresh.
Saturday, 20 April 2013
St. George's Day
It's not actually St. George's Day, as that's on the 23rd., but it's the nearest Saturday to it, and the Mayor of London has put on a special event in Trafalgar Square.
So off I went after lunch to Trafalgar Square.
The event certainly couldn't compete with the Iranian New Year, Noo Roz, or Diwali or the Sikh festival or the Russian Christmas, or the Chinese New Year, or St. Patrick's Day, or any of the other major festivals in the Square.
But the whole place was filled with tables with candles and bowls and pots of flowers; there was a stage where winnersof the Mayor's busking competition were showing off their talent, and quite a number of food and craft stalls around the edges. In addition there was a dragon, activities for children, cookery demonstrations and lots of red and white flags and decorations.
But most importanty, there was sunshine! The Square was filled with families milling around or sitting at the tables talking and eating, and the whole atmospher was one of people enjoying themselves. There may not have been all the razzamtazz of a big festival, but the sun was shining and people were having fun.
So off I went after lunch to Trafalgar Square.
The event certainly couldn't compete with the Iranian New Year, Noo Roz, or Diwali or the Sikh festival or the Russian Christmas, or the Chinese New Year, or St. Patrick's Day, or any of the other major festivals in the Square.
But the whole place was filled with tables with candles and bowls and pots of flowers; there was a stage where winnersof the Mayor's busking competition were showing off their talent, and quite a number of food and craft stalls around the edges. In addition there was a dragon, activities for children, cookery demonstrations and lots of red and white flags and decorations.
But most importanty, there was sunshine! The Square was filled with families milling around or sitting at the tables talking and eating, and the whole atmospher was one of people enjoying themselves. There may not have been all the razzamtazz of a big festival, but the sun was shining and people were having fun.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Love is all you Need
On Monday evening, I went to see a pre-view of the new film "Love is all you Need" at the Odeon in Wimbledon.
As usual, the cinema was packed, with only a few spare seat in the front rows; arriving after six o'clock, I was lucky to get a fairly central seat in the fourth row from the front.
The film was basically a romantic story, subtitled in English where the dialogue was in Swedish. Stangely, although I used to speak a bit of Norwegian, and could pick out words in Swedish, the only one I understood was "gamle" (old).
The woman (Trina Dyrholdm) is recovering from cancer when she discovers that her boorish husband is being unfaithful with one of the young girls from his office. She is understandably upset but doesn't want to leave her marriage, and arranges to go to Italy for the wedding of her daughter. Parking her car at the airport, she unknowingly collides with the father of the groom (Pierce Brosnan), who is also on the way to the wedding, where they both join the young couple at an old villa which belongs to Pierce Brosnan. Later, they are joined by Trina's husband, together with his latest love from the office.
But things are not all that they seem between the young couple, and it transpires that he fancies the men and is only getting married to please his father. So end of the wedding plans! Everyone returns home, and Trina's husband tries to buy his way out of his predicament with offers of expensive presents, holidays, etc. Trina suddenly realises just how awful he really is, and when she receives a letter from the hospital about her cancer, flies off to the villa in Italy as she doesn't want to open it alone. Fortunately, everything is fine, and the film ends with her and widower Pierce together.
A sweet, romantic story, with a modern day twist and lots of touching scenes.
As usual, the cinema was packed, with only a few spare seat in the front rows; arriving after six o'clock, I was lucky to get a fairly central seat in the fourth row from the front.
The film was basically a romantic story, subtitled in English where the dialogue was in Swedish. Stangely, although I used to speak a bit of Norwegian, and could pick out words in Swedish, the only one I understood was "gamle" (old).
The woman (Trina Dyrholdm) is recovering from cancer when she discovers that her boorish husband is being unfaithful with one of the young girls from his office. She is understandably upset but doesn't want to leave her marriage, and arranges to go to Italy for the wedding of her daughter. Parking her car at the airport, she unknowingly collides with the father of the groom (Pierce Brosnan), who is also on the way to the wedding, where they both join the young couple at an old villa which belongs to Pierce Brosnan. Later, they are joined by Trina's husband, together with his latest love from the office.
But things are not all that they seem between the young couple, and it transpires that he fancies the men and is only getting married to please his father. So end of the wedding plans! Everyone returns home, and Trina's husband tries to buy his way out of his predicament with offers of expensive presents, holidays, etc. Trina suddenly realises just how awful he really is, and when she receives a letter from the hospital about her cancer, flies off to the villa in Italy as she doesn't want to open it alone. Fortunately, everything is fine, and the film ends with her and widower Pierce together.
A sweet, romantic story, with a modern day twist and lots of touching scenes.
Sunday, 14 April 2013
Epping
A friend came round for lunch, and after a rather lengthy meal, we decided to go to Epping, which is right at the end of the Central line, and then do some walking in the forest.
It was fine when we left, and just the right sort of weather for walking, but by the time we reached Epping, it was raining steadily. Nor heavily, as in a shower that will soon be over, but solidly - the sort of whoer that can last all afternoon. And it did!.
We walked up to the High Street from the station, which would have been quite a pleasant walk on a sunny day, but not so pleasant when you need a brolly. Some of the houses on either side of the road were quite palatial, with huge gardens in the front and a general air of money - though not quite the sort of money you would need to live in houses like that in London.
Once we got to the High Street, we walked along looking for things like museums to visit, as there didn't seem much chance of walking in the forest. The church, although it looked old and interesting, was firmly locked, so that was out. I believe there is normally a market in the High Street, but there was no sign of one - the stallholders had probably packed up, as there were so few people around and everything would have got decidedly wet.
So we just settled for a nice hot cup of tea in a cafe before getting the train back home.
It was fine when we left, and just the right sort of weather for walking, but by the time we reached Epping, it was raining steadily. Nor heavily, as in a shower that will soon be over, but solidly - the sort of whoer that can last all afternoon. And it did!.
We walked up to the High Street from the station, which would have been quite a pleasant walk on a sunny day, but not so pleasant when you need a brolly. Some of the houses on either side of the road were quite palatial, with huge gardens in the front and a general air of money - though not quite the sort of money you would need to live in houses like that in London.
Once we got to the High Street, we walked along looking for things like museums to visit, as there didn't seem much chance of walking in the forest. The church, although it looked old and interesting, was firmly locked, so that was out. I believe there is normally a market in the High Street, but there was no sign of one - the stallholders had probably packed up, as there were so few people around and everything would have got decidedly wet.
So we just settled for a nice hot cup of tea in a cafe before getting the train back home.
Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater"
I'd never been to St. Mary-at-Hill in Eastcheap in the City before, so going to a concert there on Sunday afternoon was an opportunity to have a look at the church as well. It's set back a little bit from Eastcheap, and is approached via a little lane; if you didn't know it was there you could easily miss it, as the church is just an integral part of the buildings on the lane,
The concert was in two parts. In the first half, two singers - Nina Kanter (Soprano) and Angharad Lews (Mezzo-Doprano) performed Pergolesi's "Stabar mater", with Riccardo Bonci on the organ. Instead of standing in front of the audience in the church, they stood on the balcony next to the organ, where their voices probably carried better.
Following the interval, the stage was taken by the Canto Ergo Sum, a small choir from Spoleto in Italy, which was formed in February 1996 and perform a wide range of music, from classical to musicals such as "Hair".
They sang a variety of pieces for both soloists and the whole choir, including pieces by Monteverdi, Hassler, Palestrina, Viaduna, Dubra and Hinze, most of whom I had never heard of before, but were a real delight to listen to.
Interestingly, whilst the men all definitely looked soutern Italian, the women were much more varied and could been a group from anywhere in Europe.
The concert was in two parts. In the first half, two singers - Nina Kanter (Soprano) and Angharad Lews (Mezzo-Doprano) performed Pergolesi's "Stabar mater", with Riccardo Bonci on the organ. Instead of standing in front of the audience in the church, they stood on the balcony next to the organ, where their voices probably carried better.
Following the interval, the stage was taken by the Canto Ergo Sum, a small choir from Spoleto in Italy, which was formed in February 1996 and perform a wide range of music, from classical to musicals such as "Hair".
They sang a variety of pieces for both soloists and the whole choir, including pieces by Monteverdi, Hassler, Palestrina, Viaduna, Dubra and Hinze, most of whom I had never heard of before, but were a real delight to listen to.
Interestingly, whilst the men all definitely looked soutern Italian, the women were much more varied and could been a group from anywhere in Europe.
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Milforde Mill Concert Chorale
St. George's Bloomsbury, and this time the concert was at 7.00 p.m., instead of the usual 4.00 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. It was advertised in the local paper as being at 4.00 p.m., and it was only curiosity to learn more about the choir before I went that lead me to find out about the different time.
There was a girl out on the pavement handing out flyers when I arrived, just a few minutes before the start time, and when I went into the church I could see why - there was hardly anyone there. Quite different to the situation at many of their afternoon concerts, where there is hardly a free seat by the time the concert starts.
But the small size of the audience did not reflect the standard of the choir. Under their conductor Thaddeus Price, they performed a wide range of gospel music in thier own style - some ot it sounded almost classical, others almost Russian. Most of the members of the choir were young and bubbling over with enthusiasm; they were doing just this one concert on their way back from France to America.
The programme was fairly short, with no interval, but was well worth the journey; the singers were so obviously enjoying themselves and were not put off by the numbers in the pews (or should I say benches - St. George's doesn't have pews any more)
There was a girl out on the pavement handing out flyers when I arrived, just a few minutes before the start time, and when I went into the church I could see why - there was hardly anyone there. Quite different to the situation at many of their afternoon concerts, where there is hardly a free seat by the time the concert starts.
But the small size of the audience did not reflect the standard of the choir. Under their conductor Thaddeus Price, they performed a wide range of gospel music in thier own style - some ot it sounded almost classical, others almost Russian. Most of the members of the choir were young and bubbling over with enthusiasm; they were doing just this one concert on their way back from France to America.
The programme was fairly short, with no interval, but was well worth the journey; the singers were so obviously enjoying themselves and were not put off by the numbers in the pews (or should I say benches - St. George's doesn't have pews any more)
Saturday, 6 April 2013
The Spanish Goden Age
Saturday evening, and I'm off to St. Mary's Primrose Hill to a concert put on by Camden Chamber Choir entitled "The Spanish Golden Age - Sacred and secular music from 16th - 18th centuries".
I've known St. Mary's Primrose Hill for a long time, ever since I went there a couple of times with Joanna Yates (now the Rev. Joanna Yates) when we were both studying at SOC. It was a very friendly church, with quite a large congregation and rather a lot going on. At the time Joanna was the Sacristan there and living nearby in Eton College Street; after she was ordained she moved first to St. Mark's Regent's Park and finally ended up as Vicar of Leeds.
The concert was wonderful. Camden Chamber Choir, who have been in existence for over 30 years, are a small group of 20-25 experienced singers, who put on three concerts a year at St. Mary's. They aim to perform works which are not so well-known, if they are known at all; with so many choirs just putting on the old favourites like Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Nelson Mass, Faure's Requiem, etc, it is nice to find a choir that likes to branch out and produce concerts where the music will be all new to most of the audience.
Most of the pieces were fairly short, so there was quite a variety. Sometimes the words were familiar, as in the Gloria, the Salve Regina, and the Regina Coeli, but the music wasn't; most of the time both the words and the music were new. The soloist, Alison Hawke, has a marvellous voice, and was a joy to listen to.
When most concerts advertise "Refreshments available at the interval" they mean a glass of wine or fruit juice and some crisps. Not Camden Chamber Choir! For an extra £1, you could have a glass of wine and indulge in a large selection of bread, dips, cakes, crisps, cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, humous - in fact, enjoy almost a light meal. And although the church was quite full, there was plenty for everyone, with some left over for people to fortify themslves for the journey home.
Camden Chamber Choir's next concert is in June, and I;ve already put it in my diary.
I've known St. Mary's Primrose Hill for a long time, ever since I went there a couple of times with Joanna Yates (now the Rev. Joanna Yates) when we were both studying at SOC. It was a very friendly church, with quite a large congregation and rather a lot going on. At the time Joanna was the Sacristan there and living nearby in Eton College Street; after she was ordained she moved first to St. Mark's Regent's Park and finally ended up as Vicar of Leeds.
The concert was wonderful. Camden Chamber Choir, who have been in existence for over 30 years, are a small group of 20-25 experienced singers, who put on three concerts a year at St. Mary's. They aim to perform works which are not so well-known, if they are known at all; with so many choirs just putting on the old favourites like Handel's Messiah, Haydn's Nelson Mass, Faure's Requiem, etc, it is nice to find a choir that likes to branch out and produce concerts where the music will be all new to most of the audience.
Most of the pieces were fairly short, so there was quite a variety. Sometimes the words were familiar, as in the Gloria, the Salve Regina, and the Regina Coeli, but the music wasn't; most of the time both the words and the music were new. The soloist, Alison Hawke, has a marvellous voice, and was a joy to listen to.
When most concerts advertise "Refreshments available at the interval" they mean a glass of wine or fruit juice and some crisps. Not Camden Chamber Choir! For an extra £1, you could have a glass of wine and indulge in a large selection of bread, dips, cakes, crisps, cheese, cherry tomatoes, olives, humous - in fact, enjoy almost a light meal. And although the church was quite full, there was plenty for everyone, with some left over for people to fortify themslves for the journey home.
Camden Chamber Choir's next concert is in June, and I;ve already put it in my diary.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Hounslow Urban Farm
Just ten minutes walk from Hatton Cross on the Piccadilly Line is Hounslow Urban Farm, situated within the grounds of Hatton Cross Cemetery.
Being Bank Holiday, there was plenty going on, from karoake to ferret and pig races to owl demonstrations, not to mention the opportunity to handle some of the animals (or should I say animals and reptiles), including snakes, tortoises, baby goats, rabbits and newborn chicks just out of the egg.
Spread over several acres, there are sheep, goats, ponies, donkeys, llamas, peacocks, owls, ducks, turkeys, guinea pigs and several other small rodents, who looked sweet.
The Farm was full of children; the Bank Holiday activities were especially aimed at the younger visitors, though I also held one of the baby goats - but drew the line at the snakes! Somehow, I can't understand how anyone could like snakes!
There is also a very nice cafe on the site, where the menu is limited, but the food is very good. I had a toasted cheese and pickle sandwich, which was absolutely delicious, and the accompanying salad was fresh and tasty. The only downside was the size of the chairs in the annexe, which were designed for a slightly younger age group - about 6.7 year olds I would think from the size of them. ut who cares, when the food was so good!
You could buy food to give to the animals from the booking office cum shop; someone gave me some as I went in, which I passed on to a child, who would probably gain much more pleasure from getting the animals to eat out of her hand than I would.
Luckily, it didn't rain or snow during the afternoon; it was just bitterly cold, except when the wind dropped and the sun came out, when it was lovely.
Hounslow Urban Farm is definitely a place to take children, especially in the summer; most of them would happily spend all day there.
Being Bank Holiday, there was plenty going on, from karoake to ferret and pig races to owl demonstrations, not to mention the opportunity to handle some of the animals (or should I say animals and reptiles), including snakes, tortoises, baby goats, rabbits and newborn chicks just out of the egg.
Spread over several acres, there are sheep, goats, ponies, donkeys, llamas, peacocks, owls, ducks, turkeys, guinea pigs and several other small rodents, who looked sweet.
The Farm was full of children; the Bank Holiday activities were especially aimed at the younger visitors, though I also held one of the baby goats - but drew the line at the snakes! Somehow, I can't understand how anyone could like snakes!
There is also a very nice cafe on the site, where the menu is limited, but the food is very good. I had a toasted cheese and pickle sandwich, which was absolutely delicious, and the accompanying salad was fresh and tasty. The only downside was the size of the chairs in the annexe, which were designed for a slightly younger age group - about 6.7 year olds I would think from the size of them. ut who cares, when the food was so good!
You could buy food to give to the animals from the booking office cum shop; someone gave me some as I went in, which I passed on to a child, who would probably gain much more pleasure from getting the animals to eat out of her hand than I would.
Luckily, it didn't rain or snow during the afternoon; it was just bitterly cold, except when the wind dropped and the sun came out, when it was lovely.
Hounslow Urban Farm is definitely a place to take children, especially in the summer; most of them would happily spend all day there.
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