Trafalgar Square isn't just home to the Chinese New Year - there are things going on all the time, and this evening the London Symphony Orchestra was playing works by the French composer Berlioz.
As usual, the Square was packed: I got there just after six for a six thirty start, and already you could hardly move. I sneaked into the area reserved for the cafe patrons, where I managed to find a spot to sit down; later a kind gentleman, who preferred to stand, offered me his seat, which was a lot more comfortable than sitting on the hard ground, and also I could at least watch everything on the screen at the side of the stage. Sitting on the ground it was impossible to see anything.
The atmosphere, as usual, was wonderful, with lots of families there enjoying the music in the open air. Mostly English, but with a smattering of other groups. And, of course, all very well behaved - no rowdy football types. Although I did see two people, in the middle of all the crowd, puffing away at a cigarette!
The music was lovely, but they had to omit the Third Movement, due to the noise. Not the noise from the audience, obviously, but from the helicopters overhead and the traffic and the open top buses with their exhuberant occupants. Instead, the audience were invited to join in
Monday, 27 May 2013
Ham House
Just a short distance along the river from Richmond, Ham House, now owned by the National Trust, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon, especially if the sun is shining, as it was today, although there was more of a wind than I really like - my hair was flying everywhere.
Ham House is quite a walk from the nearest bus-stop, but a very pleasant walk, which takes you almost right round the house to the entrance.
The house itself, viewed from the entrance gate, is imposing. and owes much to a seventeenth century lady called Elizabeth Murray.
Mr. Murray found himself on the wrong side during the English civil war, and with the defeat of the king, had to flee to France, leaving his wife and family at Ham House.
For some people that might have been a disaster, but Elizabeth Murray was no idle young lady, spending all her time sitting round doing nothing. Instead, with her father abroad, she not only kept the home going, but was also very actively involved in politics, plotting for the return of Charles II. Such was her contribution to his safe return in 1660, that Charles II made her a Countess in her own right, and to this day the title of Countess of Dysart descends via the eldest child, not the eldest son.
The house has had many uses, including being used for training during the Second World War, but still retains its aura of grandeur, and with its vast array of treasures.it is possible to spend several hours wandering around without taking everything in. Outside the house, there is a small shop - very small by National Trust standards - and something that most National Trust places don't have - a secondhand book shop. It also has a tiny alcove where they show a film on the house, and a rather nice cafe with outdoor seating - their sweetcorn soup and roll was delicious
Ham House is quite a walk from the nearest bus-stop, but a very pleasant walk, which takes you almost right round the house to the entrance.
The house itself, viewed from the entrance gate, is imposing. and owes much to a seventeenth century lady called Elizabeth Murray.
Mr. Murray found himself on the wrong side during the English civil war, and with the defeat of the king, had to flee to France, leaving his wife and family at Ham House.
For some people that might have been a disaster, but Elizabeth Murray was no idle young lady, spending all her time sitting round doing nothing. Instead, with her father abroad, she not only kept the home going, but was also very actively involved in politics, plotting for the return of Charles II. Such was her contribution to his safe return in 1660, that Charles II made her a Countess in her own right, and to this day the title of Countess of Dysart descends via the eldest child, not the eldest son.
The house has had many uses, including being used for training during the Second World War, but still retains its aura of grandeur, and with its vast array of treasures.it is possible to spend several hours wandering around without taking everything in. Outside the house, there is a small shop - very small by National Trust standards - and something that most National Trust places don't have - a secondhand book shop. It also has a tiny alcove where they show a film on the house, and a rather nice cafe with outdoor seating - their sweetcorn soup and roll was delicious
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Fulham Palace
Fulham Palace used to the the home of the Bishops of London - and a very nice home, too. Set in a park just a few yards from All Saints Putney, it goes right down to the river and at one time was surrounded by a moat.
Today, the moat is just a ditch, and the house is used for various functions, including weddings - I couldn't go inside because of a wedding reception. There is also a museum, an interesting herb garden, a chapel where I once went to a carol service at Christmas, and some lovely and peaceful lawns with seats scattered around. for the first time for ages I just sat and read a book in the fresh air, moving from one seat to another as the sun moved across the sky.
The rest of the park has been turned into an ideal place for children, with sandpits, water, swings, slides, etc. There were crowds of little people running around enjoying themselves. It also has a very nice cafe, where they serve a variety of food - I've eaten there in the past.
Today, the moat is just a ditch, and the house is used for various functions, including weddings - I couldn't go inside because of a wedding reception. There is also a museum, an interesting herb garden, a chapel where I once went to a carol service at Christmas, and some lovely and peaceful lawns with seats scattered around. for the first time for ages I just sat and read a book in the fresh air, moving from one seat to another as the sun moved across the sky.
The rest of the park has been turned into an ideal place for children, with sandpits, water, swings, slides, etc. There were crowds of little people running around enjoying themselves. It also has a very nice cafe, where they serve a variety of food - I've eaten there in the past.
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Knole House
A bright sunny day, so what better way to spend it than out in the country. Well, only just out in the country, as Knole House is in Sevenoaks, which is less than an hour on the bus from Bromley. But it feels as if it it miles away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Sevenoaks is quite a pretty little town, with lots of little shops and a small market hidden round the back of the High Street. The Post Office shuts at 12.30 on Saturdays, and the last bus going back towards London leaves at 4.50 p.m., although the trains obviously continue to run a lot later. The bus station is small, but it does have one advantage mover many larger ones - a very good cafe which sells excellent food at very reasonable prices. Getting down to Sevenoaks just after eleven - the bus was slightly late - we had an early lunch (or was ito a late brakfast?) before going to Knole House, which is in a huge park just off the High Street.
Knole House has been around for a very long time - since the late 15th century in fact, when the Archbishop of Canterbury decided Sevenoaks would be a good place for a really super palace and deer park, the sort of place that befitted an Archbishop of Canterbury in those days.
Several archbishops followed him in living there, before one kindly donated the house to Henry VIII.
It subsequently came into the hands of the Sackville family, by somewaht devious means (corruption isn't just a modern activity among the rich and powerful!), and remained in their hands until it was taken over by the National Trust - a member of the Sackville family still lives there on a 200 year lease.
The Sackvilles made a lot of improvements to the house during their 400 year occupation, extending it and filling its rooms with paintings, tapestries, china, furniture, etc. so that today it is a treasure trove of beautiful things, including many from the Royal palaces, as one of the Sackvilles had authority to dispose of any no longer wanted items. Not surprisingly, rather a lot ended up at Knole House!
Knole House has only had one female owner in it's entire history; since no-one was able to find any male heirs, however distant, it went to a daughter. When she married a Mr. West, his surname was added to make them Sackville Wests, which they remain to this day.
Vita Sackville West was brought up at Knole House, and lived there until she married Harold Nicholson. An exhibition in the Orangery looks at her life - which was a far more interesting one than most of us could boast of. She loved Knole House, and was always disappointed that, as a daughter, she was not able to inherit it when her father died.
There is a short history of the house near the ticket office, and also a short film, which is made even more interesting by the beautiful voice of the presenter - one could sit and listen to him for hours.
How can one sum up Knole House? It's large, it's full of room after room of absolutely beautiful things, and it'sset in an enormous park with herds of deer peacefully grazing. The perfect spot for a sunny day out.
Sevenoaks is quite a pretty little town, with lots of little shops and a small market hidden round the back of the High Street. The Post Office shuts at 12.30 on Saturdays, and the last bus going back towards London leaves at 4.50 p.m., although the trains obviously continue to run a lot later. The bus station is small, but it does have one advantage mover many larger ones - a very good cafe which sells excellent food at very reasonable prices. Getting down to Sevenoaks just after eleven - the bus was slightly late - we had an early lunch (or was ito a late brakfast?) before going to Knole House, which is in a huge park just off the High Street.
Knole House has been around for a very long time - since the late 15th century in fact, when the Archbishop of Canterbury decided Sevenoaks would be a good place for a really super palace and deer park, the sort of place that befitted an Archbishop of Canterbury in those days.
Several archbishops followed him in living there, before one kindly donated the house to Henry VIII.
It subsequently came into the hands of the Sackville family, by somewaht devious means (corruption isn't just a modern activity among the rich and powerful!), and remained in their hands until it was taken over by the National Trust - a member of the Sackville family still lives there on a 200 year lease.
The Sackvilles made a lot of improvements to the house during their 400 year occupation, extending it and filling its rooms with paintings, tapestries, china, furniture, etc. so that today it is a treasure trove of beautiful things, including many from the Royal palaces, as one of the Sackvilles had authority to dispose of any no longer wanted items. Not surprisingly, rather a lot ended up at Knole House!
Knole House has only had one female owner in it's entire history; since no-one was able to find any male heirs, however distant, it went to a daughter. When she married a Mr. West, his surname was added to make them Sackville Wests, which they remain to this day.
Vita Sackville West was brought up at Knole House, and lived there until she married Harold Nicholson. An exhibition in the Orangery looks at her life - which was a far more interesting one than most of us could boast of. She loved Knole House, and was always disappointed that, as a daughter, she was not able to inherit it when her father died.
There is a short history of the house near the ticket office, and also a short film, which is made even more interesting by the beautiful voice of the presenter - one could sit and listen to him for hours.
How can one sum up Knole House? It's large, it's full of room after room of absolutely beautiful things, and it'sset in an enormous park with herds of deer peacefully grazing. The perfect spot for a sunny day out.
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Filipino Evening
As part of their Mayfest, St. John's Lansdowne Cresent had organised a Filipino evening - probably because the Filipino community use the church for their services and there is a Filipino priest based there.
Nearly all the audience were Filipino, and the vast majority of them young girls - there were a few English people there, but most seemed to be men with Filipino girls.
The programme was supposed to start at 7.00 p.m., but it was rather later before anything happened. But it was well worth waiting for.
The dancers were wonderful; I was particularly fascinated by the ones where the girls danced with glasses of wine balanced on their heads, and also glasses with candles in them. I was assured they were not stuck on in any way, and certainly they didn't appear to be stuck when the girls liften them off.
Everything was energetic and enthusiastic, the constumes were beautiful and the music they danced to was the sort to make you want to get up and join in - if you had the necessary energy! They twirled and swirled, making it all look so effortless, but you couldn't help but admire the skills involved.
One thing, though, which was slightly offputting, was the way people wandered round taking photos on their mobile phones, in addition to what I assumed was the official photographer. They didn't seem concerned at all if they were blocking your view, but just carried on regardless.
The dancing lasted about an hour, and after that there was food. Unfortunately, nearly all of it was meat, so all I had was a savoury egg and some sort of sweet, whcih was very nice, although I haven't a clue what it was.
Would I go and watch Filipino dancing again? Definitely!
Nearly all the audience were Filipino, and the vast majority of them young girls - there were a few English people there, but most seemed to be men with Filipino girls.
The programme was supposed to start at 7.00 p.m., but it was rather later before anything happened. But it was well worth waiting for.
The dancers were wonderful; I was particularly fascinated by the ones where the girls danced with glasses of wine balanced on their heads, and also glasses with candles in them. I was assured they were not stuck on in any way, and certainly they didn't appear to be stuck when the girls liften them off.
Everything was energetic and enthusiastic, the constumes were beautiful and the music they danced to was the sort to make you want to get up and join in - if you had the necessary energy! They twirled and swirled, making it all look so effortless, but you couldn't help but admire the skills involved.
One thing, though, which was slightly offputting, was the way people wandered round taking photos on their mobile phones, in addition to what I assumed was the official photographer. They didn't seem concerned at all if they were blocking your view, but just carried on regardless.
The dancing lasted about an hour, and after that there was food. Unfortunately, nearly all of it was meat, so all I had was a savoury egg and some sort of sweet, whcih was very nice, although I haven't a clue what it was.
Would I go and watch Filipino dancing again? Definitely!
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Rickmansworth Canal Festival
The trains on the Metropolitan line were running normally today, with no planned engineering work, so it was quite easy to get to Rickmansworth.
The station is quite near the town centre, which is really just a single not very long street, so as I was early, I had a quick look around the shops. Just the usual range of little shops, many of them small and independent. I also had a look at St. Mary's Church, which dates back to the early thirteenth century and is today shared by the Anglicans and the Methodist
From there it was only a five minute walk to the canal, where a jolly group of singers were belting out ""I'm Bound for South Australia" outside the pub.
There were lots of brightly coloured boats on the canal, and a few stalls on the towpath, but the real action was further along at the Aquadrome, where there was the main stage, lots of stalls selling mostly new stuff, a funfair, and lots of activities for children - there were rather a lot of families there.
But before going there, I went on a hour long trip on one of the boats, which was quite fun, siting or standing outside and sailing lazily along the canal.
By the time I got to the Aquadrome, it was way past my normal lunchtime, so I looked in the cafe, but there didn't seem to be much vegetarian that looked interesting, so I decided to eat somewhere else.
Although the publicity made it look like a huge event, there wasn't a great deal there unless you had children, but it was a nice day out in the fresh air, and the weather stayed fine.
The station is quite near the town centre, which is really just a single not very long street, so as I was early, I had a quick look around the shops. Just the usual range of little shops, many of them small and independent. I also had a look at St. Mary's Church, which dates back to the early thirteenth century and is today shared by the Anglicans and the Methodist
From there it was only a five minute walk to the canal, where a jolly group of singers were belting out ""I'm Bound for South Australia" outside the pub.
There were lots of brightly coloured boats on the canal, and a few stalls on the towpath, but the real action was further along at the Aquadrome, where there was the main stage, lots of stalls selling mostly new stuff, a funfair, and lots of activities for children - there were rather a lot of families there.
But before going there, I went on a hour long trip on one of the boats, which was quite fun, siting or standing outside and sailing lazily along the canal.
By the time I got to the Aquadrome, it was way past my normal lunchtime, so I looked in the cafe, but there didn't seem to be much vegetarian that looked interesting, so I decided to eat somewhere else.
Although the publicity made it look like a huge event, there wasn't a great deal there unless you had children, but it was a nice day out in the fresh air, and the weather stayed fine.
Sunday, 12 May 2013
Sardinian Choir
Several of the choirs taking part in the West London Sangestevne were giving concerts on the Sunday afternoon, and I went to the one at St. John's Holland Road, which featured three choirs this time - the Jugendchor des Musikgymbastiums Schwerin from Germany, Immediate Voices from London and Coro Polifonico Santu Nigola from Sardiania, who had all previously performed at the Sangestevne at St. matthew's Church in Ealing Common on the Saturday.
After enduring the hard pews on Friday evening, this evening I took a large cushion, which made an enormous difference to my comfort.
First on were Immediate Voices, which are in fact a local choir, consisting of members of staff of Immediate Media, who are based in Brook Green. Mostly young, they sang a variety of pieces, but nothing spectacular, although I was moved to ask the conductor if they had people from outside the company. Unfortunately, they don't, as they rehearse in their lunch-hour.
Second on was a Sardinian choir, Coro Polificono Santu Nigola, consisting of all largely older men dressed, apart from one individual, in matching olive green corduroy trousers and jackets. They all very well-built and swarthy and looked ratherArab, reflecting, as I discovered later on looking up the hisotry of Sardinia on the Internet, their origins to a large extent in north Africa. They were quite unlike the people that one normally associates with Italy, even southern Italy.
But it was their singing which was particularly memorable. All their pieces were in their own Sardinian language, hence the "Santu Nigola" instead of "Santa Nicola", and they were all absolutley beautiful and haunting, and quite unlike traditional northern European music. There was a hint of the Middle East underlying everything they sang; but at the same time the music had much in common with European Church music.
Also, instead of standing in rows when they sang, with the conductor in front, they gathered around in a tight circle with the conductor, singing to each other rather than to the audience, but with powerful voices that were clearly audible at a distance.
Throughout the performance, one of thier supporters wandered around the church taking photographs of them, sometimes wandering almost up to the high altar to get the shot he wanted. the fact that he was behind the choir and clearly visible to the audience didn't seem to both him - not them. They just kept singing away.
I looked the choir up on the Internet when i got home, to learn more about them and their music, but unfortunatley they do not have a website, and the only mention of them seemed to be in connection with the sangestevne.
Last on was the Jugendchor des Musikgymbasiums Schwerin, a youth choir of almost equal numbers of girls and boys, all very smartly dressed, with the boys in dark suits and white shirts and the girls in long blue skirts, white blouses and blue scarves wrapped around their necks with the two ends hanging in front. They all looked very serious and sang beautifully, although for some reason they missed a couple of items out of the programme.
A lost enjoyable evening,
After enduring the hard pews on Friday evening, this evening I took a large cushion, which made an enormous difference to my comfort.
First on were Immediate Voices, which are in fact a local choir, consisting of members of staff of Immediate Media, who are based in Brook Green. Mostly young, they sang a variety of pieces, but nothing spectacular, although I was moved to ask the conductor if they had people from outside the company. Unfortunately, they don't, as they rehearse in their lunch-hour.
Second on was a Sardinian choir, Coro Polificono Santu Nigola, consisting of all largely older men dressed, apart from one individual, in matching olive green corduroy trousers and jackets. They all very well-built and swarthy and looked ratherArab, reflecting, as I discovered later on looking up the hisotry of Sardinia on the Internet, their origins to a large extent in north Africa. They were quite unlike the people that one normally associates with Italy, even southern Italy.
But it was their singing which was particularly memorable. All their pieces were in their own Sardinian language, hence the "Santu Nigola" instead of "Santa Nicola", and they were all absolutley beautiful and haunting, and quite unlike traditional northern European music. There was a hint of the Middle East underlying everything they sang; but at the same time the music had much in common with European Church music.
Also, instead of standing in rows when they sang, with the conductor in front, they gathered around in a tight circle with the conductor, singing to each other rather than to the audience, but with powerful voices that were clearly audible at a distance.
Throughout the performance, one of thier supporters wandered around the church taking photographs of them, sometimes wandering almost up to the high altar to get the shot he wanted. the fact that he was behind the choir and clearly visible to the audience didn't seem to both him - not them. They just kept singing away.
I looked the choir up on the Internet when i got home, to learn more about them and their music, but unfortunatley they do not have a website, and the only mention of them seemed to be in connection with the sangestevne.
Last on was the Jugendchor des Musikgymbasiums Schwerin, a youth choir of almost equal numbers of girls and boys, all very smartly dressed, with the boys in dark suits and white shirts and the girls in long blue skirts, white blouses and blue scarves wrapped around their necks with the two ends hanging in front. They all looked very serious and sang beautifully, although for some reason they missed a couple of items out of the programme.
A lost enjoyable evening,
Saturday, 11 May 2013
Concert - Venezuelan Embassy
On to a concert in the Bolivar Room at the Venezuelan Embassy in Grafton Street, just off Tottenham Court Road, where they frequently have musical events.
This evening the programme was "ONIX Ensamble: Latin American New Masters", and featured a group of Mexican musicans on the flute, cello, piano, calrinet and violin, playing modern South American music, rather than the traditional I had been expecting.
Founded by Mexican musician Alejandro Escuer in 1995, ONIX is dedicated to promoting contemporary Mexcian music, encouraging the creation of new pieces which combine classical music with other traditions, and their music this evening certainly reflected this.
Playing to a packed hall, they presented a variety of pieces, but it was the final one which was by far the finest and most memorable, if only for the speed and technical difficulty. I was fascinated by the way the pianist's fingers flew across the keys - I don't think I could move my fingers as quickly as that, never mind play the notes The music was wild, exuberant and full of life, and at the same time captivating. At the end, the composer went up on stage to thank the musicians, who must have been feeling slightly exhausted after playing non-stop for so long - there was no interval.
This evening the programme was "ONIX Ensamble: Latin American New Masters", and featured a group of Mexican musicans on the flute, cello, piano, calrinet and violin, playing modern South American music, rather than the traditional I had been expecting.
Founded by Mexican musician Alejandro Escuer in 1995, ONIX is dedicated to promoting contemporary Mexcian music, encouraging the creation of new pieces which combine classical music with other traditions, and their music this evening certainly reflected this.
Playing to a packed hall, they presented a variety of pieces, but it was the final one which was by far the finest and most memorable, if only for the speed and technical difficulty. I was fascinated by the way the pianist's fingers flew across the keys - I don't think I could move my fingers as quickly as that, never mind play the notes The music was wild, exuberant and full of life, and at the same time captivating. At the end, the composer went up on stage to thank the musicians, who must have been feeling slightly exhausted after playing non-stop for so long - there was no interval.
Three Mills Island
Three Mills Island were having a festival and open day, so I decided, after a quick lunch at a cafe near the Arcola Theatre, to get the tube to Bromley by Bow - Three Mills Island is only a five minute walk from the station.
There have been mills there since Saxon times, and today the world's biggest tidal mill is still in existence, though no longer working - it was bombed during the War and never repaired and brought back into service. At first, the idea was to knock the whole place, down, but local residents protested and succeeded in keeping waht remained. Today the Mill House is Grade I listed,. while the Clock Mil is Grade II listed, while the almost demolished Miller's House adjoining the Mill House has been reconstructed and is now a cafe and information centre..
I went first to look at the fair on Three Mills Green, which had been organised by Lea Valley, but there wasn't a great deal there, especially for adults. For children there were things like face-painting and constructing bird houses, But it is lovely open space, which I gather is hardly used by the children from the estate nearby.
There was a tour of the Mill House at 3.30 p.m., which I decided to join, and I was glad I did. The guide, Eleanor Booth (or was it broom?) was very informative about the people who worked there and the sort of things the mill handled - in the 19th century it was famous for grinding grain to make gin, which the poor used to dip cloths into and then suck. Apparently most of them were perpetually sozzled, and half the children were born with foetal alcohol syndrome.
We climbed to the top of the mill, saw how the grain was brought up by pulleys and then stacked in huge storage areas, ready to be funnelled down into the huge grinding wheels, which were powered by the tide. A certain amount of work has been done to the building, in order to make it safe, but a lot more still needs to be done when the money becomes available - and in these days, money isn't falling off trees for projects like that.
There have been mills there since Saxon times, and today the world's biggest tidal mill is still in existence, though no longer working - it was bombed during the War and never repaired and brought back into service. At first, the idea was to knock the whole place, down, but local residents protested and succeeded in keeping waht remained. Today the Mill House is Grade I listed,. while the Clock Mil is Grade II listed, while the almost demolished Miller's House adjoining the Mill House has been reconstructed and is now a cafe and information centre..
I went first to look at the fair on Three Mills Green, which had been organised by Lea Valley, but there wasn't a great deal there, especially for adults. For children there were things like face-painting and constructing bird houses, But it is lovely open space, which I gather is hardly used by the children from the estate nearby.
There was a tour of the Mill House at 3.30 p.m., which I decided to join, and I was glad I did. The guide, Eleanor Booth (or was it broom?) was very informative about the people who worked there and the sort of things the mill handled - in the 19th century it was famous for grinding grain to make gin, which the poor used to dip cloths into and then suck. Apparently most of them were perpetually sozzled, and half the children were born with foetal alcohol syndrome.
We climbed to the top of the mill, saw how the grain was brought up by pulleys and then stacked in huge storage areas, ready to be funnelled down into the huge grinding wheels, which were powered by the tide. A certain amount of work has been done to the building, in order to make it safe, but a lot more still needs to be done when the money becomes available - and in these days, money isn't falling off trees for projects like that.
Blackheath Ramblers
Most rambles organised by the Ramblers Association on Saturdays seem to be about 10/12 miles out in the country, so when I saw one of 5 miles in London, I decided to go.
Meeting was at 10.30 a.m. outside Seven Sisters station; there was a bit of a hiatus at the beginning, at the station has two exits, some distance apart. But mobile phones saved the day - a quick ring to the leader by one of the group (including me) waiting at the wrong exit, and we were all off up the road to the right one.
The walk was organised by Blackheath Ramblers, and the aim was to visit the parks on the way to Dalston.
The weather was a bit iffy; it wasn't cold, but showers were forecast, and who wants to ramble under an umbrella! But luckily there were only a few inconsequential odd spots, and the rest of the time it was dry.
First park was Markfield Park isn't very big, but is quite pretty, with losts of things for children. It also has a museum, which we didn't have time to visit, and a single toilet at the largish restaurant, which wasn't really enough for a group of about fifty. Most of us decided to wait until the next stop.
Markfield Park adjoins the canal, and a walk along the towpath formed the next part of our walk - all very peacful and away from the noise and pollution of the traffic.
Next park was Springfield Park in Upper Clapton, which was formed in 1905 from the grounds of three private houses, one of which still survives and is now a cafe.
The 38 acre Springfield Park is beautiful - and it has everything a good park should have. A river, a lake, lots of trees, a nature reserve, flowers, a cafe, seating, lots of grassy areas, slopes - it has character. We walked right through it, and made out way to Abney Park Cemetery, which we reached via the very Jewish Stamford Hill - lots of men walking along the streets in their huge round black hats, black coats, knee length black troubers and black socks.
This area was a centre of radicalism in the past, and Abney Park Cemetery reflects this, with a non-demoninational chapel (now in somewhat disrepair) which could be used by everyone. It is not a well-laid out cemerery with neatly mown grass, but a wilderness. Among the graves there is a very prominent one for the Booths, founders of the Salvation Army, which is just near the exit.
Next stop was Clissold Park, where we stopped to give people a chance to get something to drink. Clissold House has an interesting histry, but is now a nice, if slightly pricey restaurant. I didn't want to get anything to drink, so I used the time to go and have a look at St. Mary's Church, Stoke Newington - only a brief look, though, as time was rther limited. I also had a look at the much older church on the other side of the road, where I had noticed a wedding party when we passed, but it was locked.
The walk ended about 1.30 p.m. at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, just in time for some lunch.
I've put my name on the Blackheath Ramblers mailing list for details of their next ramble - they were such a terrifically friendly group I shall definitely join them again if I can.
Meeting was at 10.30 a.m. outside Seven Sisters station; there was a bit of a hiatus at the beginning, at the station has two exits, some distance apart. But mobile phones saved the day - a quick ring to the leader by one of the group (including me) waiting at the wrong exit, and we were all off up the road to the right one.
The walk was organised by Blackheath Ramblers, and the aim was to visit the parks on the way to Dalston.
The weather was a bit iffy; it wasn't cold, but showers were forecast, and who wants to ramble under an umbrella! But luckily there were only a few inconsequential odd spots, and the rest of the time it was dry.
First park was Markfield Park isn't very big, but is quite pretty, with losts of things for children. It also has a museum, which we didn't have time to visit, and a single toilet at the largish restaurant, which wasn't really enough for a group of about fifty. Most of us decided to wait until the next stop.
Markfield Park adjoins the canal, and a walk along the towpath formed the next part of our walk - all very peacful and away from the noise and pollution of the traffic.
Next park was Springfield Park in Upper Clapton, which was formed in 1905 from the grounds of three private houses, one of which still survives and is now a cafe.
The 38 acre Springfield Park is beautiful - and it has everything a good park should have. A river, a lake, lots of trees, a nature reserve, flowers, a cafe, seating, lots of grassy areas, slopes - it has character. We walked right through it, and made out way to Abney Park Cemetery, which we reached via the very Jewish Stamford Hill - lots of men walking along the streets in their huge round black hats, black coats, knee length black troubers and black socks.
This area was a centre of radicalism in the past, and Abney Park Cemetery reflects this, with a non-demoninational chapel (now in somewhat disrepair) which could be used by everyone. It is not a well-laid out cemerery with neatly mown grass, but a wilderness. Among the graves there is a very prominent one for the Booths, founders of the Salvation Army, which is just near the exit.
Next stop was Clissold Park, where we stopped to give people a chance to get something to drink. Clissold House has an interesting histry, but is now a nice, if slightly pricey restaurant. I didn't want to get anything to drink, so I used the time to go and have a look at St. Mary's Church, Stoke Newington - only a brief look, though, as time was rther limited. I also had a look at the much older church on the other side of the road, where I had noticed a wedding party when we passed, but it was locked.
The walk ended about 1.30 p.m. at the Arcola Theatre in Dalston, just in time for some lunch.
I've put my name on the Blackheath Ramblers mailing list for details of their next ramble - they were such a terrifically friendly group I shall definitely join them again if I can.
Friday, 10 May 2013
London Sangerstevne
The West London Sangerstevne started as an offshoot of the Questors Choir in Acton; based on the Scandanavian concept of a non-competitive singing event, initially there were just a few choirs, but over the years it has grown and grown, so that today it is a very packed all day event, held at St. Matthew's Church in Ealing Common.
In addition to singing on the Saturday, many of the choirs now give concerts at various churches around London on the Friday and Sunday evneings, and this one was at St. John's Holland Road - a beautiful, richly ornate church which has an air of solemnity and holiness.
There were four choirs singing, one, Corole Prieamo Gallisay, from Italy, the Doire Caigach Singers from Ireland, Lynnfi Valley ladies Choir from Wales, and Take Twenty from Camden.
They were all good, but nothing exceptional; you wouldn't have come out of the church feeling that any particular choir was absolutely fantastic and stood out above all the others.
There was only a five minute interval as the programme was over-running, but as theire were no refreshments, it didn't really matter - it was just a chance to stretch one's legs.
And one certainly needed to. The pews in St. John's are particularly hard and uncomfortable, and far from ideal for sitting for long periods. Ten minutes is quite enough! So I was glad for the chance to get up and walk around.
It was a pleasant evening, but nothing more.
In addition to singing on the Saturday, many of the choirs now give concerts at various churches around London on the Friday and Sunday evneings, and this one was at St. John's Holland Road - a beautiful, richly ornate church which has an air of solemnity and holiness.
There were four choirs singing, one, Corole Prieamo Gallisay, from Italy, the Doire Caigach Singers from Ireland, Lynnfi Valley ladies Choir from Wales, and Take Twenty from Camden.
They were all good, but nothing exceptional; you wouldn't have come out of the church feeling that any particular choir was absolutely fantastic and stood out above all the others.
There was only a five minute interval as the programme was over-running, but as theire were no refreshments, it didn't really matter - it was just a chance to stretch one's legs.
And one certainly needed to. The pews in St. John's are particularly hard and uncomfortable, and far from ideal for sitting for long periods. Ten minutes is quite enough! So I was glad for the chance to get up and walk around.
It was a pleasant evening, but nothing more.
Monday, 6 May 2013
Canalway Cavalcade
A bright sunny Bank Holiday Monday - the weatherman must have forgotten that it was a Bank Holiday, as there wasn't any wind or rain. Instead just glorious sunshine all day, making it perfect for being out of doors.
Canalway Cavalcade takes place every year at Little Venice over the May Bank Holiday weekend; it's a three day event, with lots of brighly coloured boats on the canal, stalls all along the towpath and tents housing a bar, food stalls and entertainment. Organised by volunteers, under the auspices of the Inland Waterways, it attracts large crowds, with lots of children; it's an ideal even for children, as there is so much to see and do, including things like pottery and drawing. One year there was a play about a canal family performed on one of the boats, whcih was a bit different to going and seeing something at a theatre.
We had lunch on one of the baots which also acts as a restaurant; we ordered macaroni cheese, and I must say it was the nicest macaroni cheese I have tasted for a very long time. Absolutely delicious, and made even more enjoyable by being eaten sitting at a table in the sunshine on a boat with the windows open.
I was temped to get some specialty cheeses while I was there; you could try them all on the stalls and chose which flavours you wanted. At five for £10 they weren't really cheap, but they weren't expensive either, and they were all different. Some I found far too hot, but others were just tasty, likem the lemon and apple ones.
Although there were a lot of people there, it wasn't dangerously crowded; there was still room to walk along the towpath, without any danger of anyone falling into the water.
Canalway Cavalcade takes place every year at Little Venice over the May Bank Holiday weekend; it's a three day event, with lots of brighly coloured boats on the canal, stalls all along the towpath and tents housing a bar, food stalls and entertainment. Organised by volunteers, under the auspices of the Inland Waterways, it attracts large crowds, with lots of children; it's an ideal even for children, as there is so much to see and do, including things like pottery and drawing. One year there was a play about a canal family performed on one of the boats, whcih was a bit different to going and seeing something at a theatre.
We had lunch on one of the baots which also acts as a restaurant; we ordered macaroni cheese, and I must say it was the nicest macaroni cheese I have tasted for a very long time. Absolutely delicious, and made even more enjoyable by being eaten sitting at a table in the sunshine on a boat with the windows open.
I was temped to get some specialty cheeses while I was there; you could try them all on the stalls and chose which flavours you wanted. At five for £10 they weren't really cheap, but they weren't expensive either, and they were all different. Some I found far too hot, but others were just tasty, likem the lemon and apple ones.
Although there were a lot of people there, it wasn't dangerously crowded; there was still room to walk along the towpath, without any danger of anyone falling into the water.
Saturday, 4 May 2013
Orpington
Lunch with a friend down in Orpington in Kent.
Orpington is one of those places which is easily reached by train, and is only in Zone 4, but far enough out of London to have some of the characteristics of a country town. In fact, we did not get the train, as there is a regular bus service from Bromley, and the train station is some distance from the High Street, whereas the buses run straight down it.
Orpington High Street has everything you need; most of the big shops, a market, lots of good charity shops, a supermarket (Sainsburys), etc., together with a large number of cafes and restaurants. My friend wanted to try a new cafe that had just opened, so we opted for that; the food was excellent, with very good sized portions and the price was more than reasonable.
After that we went to have a look at the museum, to see if there was any new exhibition on; unfortunatley, there wasn't, although there is one coming up in the near future. But out on the lawn there was dancing round the maypole, following the election of Orpington's May Queen; lots of little girls in frilly white dresses and pink shawls dancing to the music while a crowd of parents and friends looked on. All very, very English and enjoyable. There was going to be another similar event at Petts Wood on the Sunday, for the Petts Wood May Queen.
Orpington is one of those places which is easily reached by train, and is only in Zone 4, but far enough out of London to have some of the characteristics of a country town. In fact, we did not get the train, as there is a regular bus service from Bromley, and the train station is some distance from the High Street, whereas the buses run straight down it.
Orpington High Street has everything you need; most of the big shops, a market, lots of good charity shops, a supermarket (Sainsburys), etc., together with a large number of cafes and restaurants. My friend wanted to try a new cafe that had just opened, so we opted for that; the food was excellent, with very good sized portions and the price was more than reasonable.
After that we went to have a look at the museum, to see if there was any new exhibition on; unfortunatley, there wasn't, although there is one coming up in the near future. But out on the lawn there was dancing round the maypole, following the election of Orpington's May Queen; lots of little girls in frilly white dresses and pink shawls dancing to the music while a crowd of parents and friends looked on. All very, very English and enjoyable. There was going to be another similar event at Petts Wood on the Sunday, for the Petts Wood May Queen.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)