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exploring new territory

Posted in around the UK, It's my life, tagged kent garden county, villages of the uk on August 13, 2011| 2 Comments »

I have been very fortunate to have travelled quite extensively around the UK and visited many of her fair counties. Most people would say that Kent is the most beautiful, and it known as The Garden County’. I have to agree that it is exceptionally beautiful. However, I would have to say that I am quite unable to say which is exactly ‘the most beautiful’ when a visit to Suffolk enchants and delights, a visit to Somerset leaves you gasping at the joy of the fields and villages, Devon leaves you breathless with her fabulous cliffs and seascapes and Cornwall is a delight of hidden coves, beaches, and quaint fishermen’s hamlets. A trip to Scotland will leave your mouth agape at the splendour: craggy towering mountains, deep blue bottomless lakes that stretch as far as the eye can see, purple heather that rolls over windswept hills, thundering waterfalls that rush downstream, and weather that thrills you to the core with its violence and thunder. Wales is a magical mix of green and blue, bubbling streams, ancient streets in tiny hamlets. So in all I have to say that pretty much ALL of the UK is fabulous.

Presently I am residing in a little village in Kent. I arrived at a 2 platform station set amongst the wild green growth of summer in full bloom, and marvelled that the train didn’t just whizz by and miss the station if the driver blinked his eyes. Tiny little place with the quirky name of Knockholt! The area is gorgeous, winding roads that twist and turn between the towering hedgerows I mentioned before, with just a glimpse of fields behind at the gaps and gates. The villages perch precariously close to the roads, with just a small patch of garden between the house and tarmac. But what gardens they are! A glorious abundance of delicate english flowers, thorny blackberry bushes, now just starting to bear fruit that ripens into plump black berries that tease the tastebuds.

picturesque houses

As with most villages in the counties, old houses many of which date back to the 1800’s and earlier line the main road. You usually find a church that has a history going back to the middle ages and farther; into the mists of time. Farmers fields abound, cows at the gate testimony to the time. A post office and a viallge store the sum total of commercialism and now and then a B&B or a little gift shop that doubles as a tearoom….where more often than not you can partake of a delicious, freshly baked scone with home-made jams and cream so think you can almost cut it with a knife.

Yesterday was fresh and lovely, so during my break I went walkabout. The roads are narrow and there is precious little space for pedestrians but coz it’s so quiet, you can hear cars coming well before they reach you. There is always a gap in the hedge for safety. 🙂 As mentioned above, the houses that line the main road are quaint and tiny, with quirky names and gorgeous gardens, but as you walk farther away down side roads the properties and houses are of a size that beggar belief. Massive green lawns that must surely need an army of gardeners to keep under control, and houses that would fit the rest of the village comfortably within. Seriously they are huge!!! one has to wonder why people need such massive houses to live in! I passed a secretive, ancient woodland, trees twisted in grotesque shapes, creeper that clings and there is nothing that can quite match that musty smell. I was on the search for the church, but apparently didn’t walk far enough, so that will have to wait for another day. (some more photos)

There are two pubs; The Cock Inn from 1718 (I know!!!) and The Rose & Crown. One of the houses is just gorgeous with white walls and pale yellow shutters. I stopped at a gap in the hedgerow and just enjoyed the fields tucked away behind it, dotted with wild flowers and birds; magpies hopping about as they do. They are such strange birds they way they walk about like a parody of an undertaker. Evidently the village is growing if you count the houses that have been built along the winding roads, and a drive through the village belies the extent to which it has spread. I love to poke and peer and sometimes venture into places I probably shouldn’t be….but in doing so I find all sorts of interesting things…..like a huge field dotted with children’s play equipment, swings, a slide, a trampoline, football posts and a jungle-gym!. Who would have thought!

cutesy inns

This is definitely one of the perks of the work I do, travelling to tiny little villages in the depths of the countryside.
However, my heart is always in London and I do miss my frequent walkabouts. I was riding on the bus from Lancaster Gate to Turham Green the other day and realised that despite my ‘frequent’ walkabouts, I have so much still to explore! I have barely touched kensington, Chelsea and those areas of London. So now that I am out ‘that way’, so to speak, I will be sure to hop on the bus into town for more excursions! 🙂 can’t wait!

On the job front….been doing lots of research into office type jobs, but it’s a no go as far as I can see. Mostly need experience again on programmes I haven’t worked on before! As mentioned! I have started to broaden my horizons and searching for jobs with more adventurous and interesting features. Hmmmm, some really cool jobs out there. I saw a good one for a P.A. In Richmond, but they require First Aid experience, so have saved it for further perusal. Only 30 hours a week and a fairly good rate per hour. Might be a possibility. I think I would actually like to get something in travel or within the travel industry….preferrably an outdoors type of job! Can’t bear the thought of being tied up for 9 hours a day indoors. So am looking, looking. I am writing up a list of things I enjoy most and working on that. Will be interesting to see what comes of all my tag words in google. Wonder what it will spit out. Of course my ideal job would be as a companion to someone on a cruise ship….now that I could enjoy! 🙂

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keeping the wolf from the door….

Posted in around the UK, It's my life on August 11, 2011| 2 Comments »

So on my way home yesterday, after spending the morning at Sweetie Pies, I sent a wee message to the Universe to ask for a bit of financial input! (read – work, although a lottery win of substance would be even better). A few hours later I got a frantic call from the Agency to say that they desperately needed my help with a job in Kent! Of course I said yes, since the cash would be great to keep the wolf from the door at month end! 🙂 Although I did have a bit of a stress coz I really did not want to take on any more care work. However, needs must! But, to cheer me and give me hope, another exciting call came a bit later and a friend of mine was looking for someone to do some hefty spreadsheets for her and of course again I said yes. So that is a step in the right direction for building up ‘The Money Box’ business. Hooray! Frantic packing took place last night, sorting what to take and what not! I can’t bear to lug a heavy suitcase around the UK anymore, so now I am endeavouring to ‘travel light’….well more or less! So this morning I headed off bright and early to catch the train to Knockholt in Kent for a 7 day job. I think that if I am going to continue taking work with the agency they have to keep them short. Just as a boost to the bank balance till I get more work secured in the accounts side. Kent is a beautiful area of the UK with rolling green fields, some dotted with wooly white/ish sheep, hedgerows that tower above the road, hundreds of towering green trees, quaint and cute little villages, the well-known Hop-Houses, and winding roads that weave in and out of the patchwork tapestry of farms, fields, villages and hills. And green, green, green! The lady I am caring for is lovely and in retrospect I am glad I agreed to this position. She is the same age as me and has Muscular Dystrophy. A bit of a kick in the pants for me from a ‘get your act together Cindy’ kinda way. I want to travel and so far I have fallen into a comfort zone (which of course I am now out of), so this has given me the wake-up call I need. A shock really. I could not imagine being tied to a wheelchair for the rest of my life and I am ever so grateful that I am in relatively good health. So perhaps after all it was good that I took this postion. I do believe I am going to enjoy this position. The houses in the area are gorgeous, old pubs, the little village church, gardens spilling over with blooms, no sirens, and very little traffic to speak of. I am enjoying the quiet, a real change from London, although to be fair the house I lived at in Highgate was also situated in a very quiet spot, albeit with a very different view and much, much bigger. I am already missing Highgate, but I do love Twickenham which is where I have been for the last few days. And of course I am already missing my lovely daughter. Will be really good to see her again in a week’s time. It’s really weird being ‘homeless’, and even though I always have a roof over my head, it’s never mine! The last time I owned a roof over my head was back in 2001!!! how bizarre. So essentially I have been homeless for the last almost 10 years, and yet I have always had a place to lay my head; albeit sometimes on the floor 🙂 – usually with a mattress and pillow beneath me. So, where to from here? I seem to be asking myself this question quite a lot lately and as yet have no answer. I know exactly what I would like to be doing, yet so far the means to do so, or perhaps the method of doing so is eluding me. Not sure why, but I am sure I will figure it out. Meanwhile, it would seem that my internet woes have followed me to Kent viaTwickenham and I am no better off as far as reception is concerned than I was back in Highgate. The provider; 3, have now said they will replace the dongle…..and about time too! I told them weeks ago that was the problem! So once again I am limited to logging on and off at 3 – 4 minutes intervals to do anything…..like post this blog. It is more than annoying as I have so much research and work to do. I haven’t been on my 3 Days in London twitter account for ages!!! When I do get reception, it will be to create the page for The Money Box – the Credit Control/Accounting business I wish to pursue. It would be so brilliant if I could get enough freelance work to continue with that as I really do love that type of work. I will also have to investigate securing part-time work from agencies. Quite a daunting prospect and I recall only too clearly how demeaning it was the last time I went for interviews with agencies. All the Consultants are ‘young things’, and although it is probably my own perception, it felt pretty much like they were treating me as an antique. Hmmm, now there’s a thought! I love watching the Antiques Roadshow, and have often mused at how I would love to discover some gorgeous brooch or fab piece of antiquity for £5 at a boot sale only to find it is worth thousands of £’s 🙂 ………….heehee, dream on! Well thats it folks, another day of my new adventures gone by. And although it doesnt feel like I have made progress, I do believe I am heading in the right direction. I plan on setting up a facebook page for The Money Box and advertise my services that way. New Media Angels also have an extensive network and once I have set up all my details, then that will go out in the next newsletter. That should be fun. Then I can say that ‘The Money Box’ is now open for business!

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talk about the weather.

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, It's my life on May 12, 2011| 6 Comments »

the weather, a daily occurance!

When I first arrived in the UK I learned pretty quick that most Brits have a thing about the weather. No matter what you are doing or where you are going, someone will always ask “what’s the weather like?” or “look at the weather” or “what miserable weather” or “it’s really miserable out” or “do you know the weather is for tomorrow?” or whatever……adinfinitum.

One day I decided to find out what the story is and why is weather such a hot topic of conversation. The answer to my question was “we talk about the weather because that is a fairly safe subject. It upsets no-one and doesn’t offend. We don’t talk about politics or religion so that leaves the weather.” This seems to me to be quite a shame!

There is nothing more enjoyable than a good debate on the merits of Politics or Religion, especially if the other person/s are passionate about their points of view. It is exceptionally enjoyable to sit on the fence and argue the points put forward.

So why don’t we discuss Politics and Religion more often. Or is weather just too safe.

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Woodland Trust

Posted in around the UK, It's my life, tagged forest of marston vale, the woodland trust, village of cople, villages of the United Kingdom on April 25, 2011| Leave a Comment »

A couple of months ago I accidently attended the ‘Wicked’ Halloween event at St Pancras, where I got to see Lee Mead. The Woodland Trust had their table and banners up and as I do, I picked up the brochures to have a look at. I, like many other folk in this country are keen to ensure that we don’t lose the marvellous ancient forests that still exist, albeit in small little pockets. The Woodland Trust are doing what they can to protect and replant.
So I read the brochures, and as 2011 year is my ‘increase my contribution to the world’ year I decided to include them on my list and submitted the form to become a monthly contributor.

I had no other expectations beyond that. So imagine my surprise and subsequent delight when I received a package in the mail the other day with a wee certificate that tells me I now have a tree dedicated to me!!! 🙂 How cool is that!!!

woodland trsut, the forest of marston vale, reclaiming enlands forests

Woodland Trust Certificate

The tree is situated at Water End, Cople, Bedfordshire. The village of Cople is to the east of Bedford and the woodland is part of the area known as ‘The Forest of Marston Vale’ – a project to plant up to 30% of the vale with trees as part of the reclamation of the extensive former workings of the brick making industry. In December 1999, 5,200 trees were planted; including oak, ash, field maple and cherry.

So of course I had to investigate and find out more about Cople…….my first port of call without question: google!! 🙂
This is what I found: (via this website)
The Great River Ouse is 1.5 miles away.
The village has a population of around 800 people, there is one pub, one church, one primary school (ages 4 to 9) and one garage which no longer sells petrol. The only village shop closed in 1995, but there is a shop in the nearby village of Willington and a major supermarket 3 miles away.
Cople has traditionally been a farming community but farming no longer offers work to many people. Most inhabitants work in offices and factories in nearby towns including Bedford, Sandy, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The name COPLE derived from the phrase “Cock Pool” which was a place where chickens were kept and that Cople was mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
The centre of Cople is dominated by the splendid All Saints Church. One of the most beautiful churches in Bedfordshire.
The Church was originally built soon after 1087 by the De Beauchamp family and later became part of Chicksands Priory. The list of Vicars dates back to 1237.

Guess I am going to have to visit Cople and find my tree!!! 🙂

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Hatfield House and Henry Moore #moorehatfield

Posted in around the UK, Historical, It's my life, Travel, tagged Henry Moore at Hatfield House, old Tudor Palace and Queen Elizabeth I, Royal Upstairs Downstairs on BBC2 on April 19, 2011| 3 Comments »

Hatfield House. This is the follow on to my previous post about the Henry Moore exhibition that I was so lucky to attend on Monday 18th April.

hatfield house, henry moore at hatfield house

Hatfield House as viewed from the entrance via the Old Tudor Palace

Stepping back in time through the enormous heavy wooden doors I got goosebumps running up and down my spine, my legs and arms! You know that feeling you get when your scalp crinkles….thats what it felt like! Awesome!

the entrance hall of Hatfield House

Enter through the portals of time and into a world of Courtiers and Knights, intrigue and gossip, servants and coachmen, Lords and Ladies, upstairs downstairs and in my Lady’s chamber. A chapel here, a staircase there, chandeliers, coats of armour, Knights in shining armour,

my Knight in shining armour 🙂

brocaded chairs, a crimson and gold brocaded throne,

a gold and crimson throne.....waiting for a Queen perhaps?

ornate clocks that tick away 400 years or more, a carved wooden crib; echoes of a baby’s cries. Enormous hallways filled with portraits of the ancestors, old coats worn hundreds of years ago hang incogruously from pegs on the walls, a chequered marble floor within a hall that towered above with the biggest fireplace I have ever seen.

the fabulous fireplace in the Great Hall

The walls and ceiling adorned with intricately carved figurines and paintings, fabulous portraits, ancient clocks and gilded tapestries. A musicians gallery, intricately carved.

the musicians gallery - intricately carved woodwork

Walking through an arched doorway you step into a scene from the Arabian Nights, along the whole length of the hall, windows decorated with swirls and whirls from floor to ceiling allow dappled light to shine through.

Arabian Nights in Hatfield

The opposite side of the hall is lined with portraits and paintings, Knights stand guard in full body armour, swords and shields adorn the walls, a large porcelain bathtub sits incogruously against the windows, a rocking horse waits patiently in the shadows.

a rocking horse in the shadows

At one end a fabulous organ, glittering gold decoration inset with intricate decorations, pipes waiting to burst forth with sound!

how fabulous is this!!!

At the other end a beautifully decorated Chinese Screen hides a family sitting room from prying eyes.

a beautifully decorated Chinese Screen

Stepping up a wide wooden staircase to the upper level, your breath is taken away, not only by the sight that fills your eyes, but also by the length of the hall. It fades away into the distance, lined with brocaded chairs that stand back to back, side to side waiting for the music to begin.

you can almost hear the music....... (this was taken halfway along the hall)

Side nooks filled with books and recent photos, a carved wooden chest, a chest of drawers inset with intricate mother-of-pearl pastoral scenes. Fireplaces line the walls, empty now, but shut your eyes and you can feel the heat of the hearth as you slip silently into the shadows and watch the ladies glide by, their gowns and petticoats swish across the floor as their slippered feet glide effortlessly to the strains of the orchestra, candlelight flickers, sending bursts of colour dancing above on a heavily ornate gold ceiling.

the fireplace

The view outside from the window is no less enchanting, gilded towers supporting intricate wind-vanes, ancient creepers and vine vie for a foothold. Tinkling fountains splash merrily in manicured gardens, step through the wrought iron arches and onto a golden pathway stretching into the distance betwixt emerald green lawns, and there, if you look closely enough is a gilded coach just coming into view on the horizon!

.....as far as the eye can see

Stepping through a hidden door and down a flight of wrought-iron stairs you enter another world; a world of cooks and butlers, maids and mice.

royal upstairs downstairs bbc2, hatfield house moore exhibition

a vast Victorian kitchen

A Victorian kitchen, so large that you would need a map to navigate to the other side. Along the wall a massive cooking area with winches and chains to support roasting succulent pigs, and not one but three fireplaces to feed the massive iron monster that sits squat and brooding in the corner.

a massive fireplace, perfect for roasting fat little piggies 🙂

Dressers lined with gleaming copper pots, kettles, jugs and jelly moulds. And here a candlestick holder to light you to bed.

gleaming copper jugs and a candlestick holder

A pastry room sistered by a tiny scullery leads off at one end of this vast cavern below stairs. Opposite the ‘Still Room’, an alcove for cook to rest her feet

The Still Room

– you can hear the faint echoes through space and time; the shouts and gossip of staff long gone.
Hatfield House is quite simply enchanting.

Hatfield House

Lord knows that if I had my life over, I would study history more closely. Always one of my favourite subjects in school, the European history of particular interest, I wish I had learned more than I did. And now I can. 🙂
Two great projects achieved completion in 1611; the building of Hatfield House and the publication of the King James Bible. Only 27 copies of the King James Bible were produced and the only known surviving copy remains in the possession of the Cecil family and is on display in the Anniversary exhibition.
2011 marks the 400th anniversary of Hatfield House, situated just 20 miles from London in the green, rolling landscapes of Hertfordshire. Home of the Cecil family for 400 years, the house, also known for it’s Elizabethan portraits, in particular the two celebrated ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Ermine’ portraits of Queen Elizabeth I, is steeped in Elizabethan and Victorian political history and intrigue. Commissioned by the First Earl of Salisbury, Robert Cecil, the architect, Inigo Jones was involved in the design of Hatfield House. Stroll around the grounds and enjoy the scented borders and herb garden of the West garden, see the famous Knot garden of the Tudor Old Palace where Elizabeth I spent her childhood and visit the Victorian kitchen, featured on the BBC2 programme ‘Royal Upstairs Downstairs’ as one of the houses visited by Queen Victoria during her lifetime.
The Hatfield House 2011 visitor season runs from Saturday April 23rd until September 30th.
Prices:
Henry Moore, House, Park and Garden
Adult: £18.50 Concession: £17.50 Child: £11.50
Henry Moore, Park and Garden
Adult: £12.50 Concession: £11.50 Child: £8
(in my considered opinion, if you are going to travel all that way, make the most of it and take the full ticket, it is so worth it. The Jacobian House is magnificent and shoud not be missed). http://www.hatfield-house.co.uk/
The House, Park and West garden are closed on Mondays (except bank holidays) and the House alone is closed on Tuesdays, the East Garden is open on Wednesdays only.
Hatfield House is one of the ‘Treasure Houses’ of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England. For more information on these houses visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk.
How to get there:
Take the train from Kings Cross Overland Station to Hatfield. At time of writing the ticket is £10.50 return. Situated on Euston Road, Kings Cross Station can be reached via St Pancras Station, and the Northern, Victoria, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines, as well a great number of buses.

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Finding out more about Moore and Hatfield House #moorehatfield

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, Historical, It's my life, Travel, tagged Hatfield House, Henry Moore exhibition, home of Queen Elizabeth I, old Tudor Palace Hatfield on April 19, 2011| 4 Comments »

old tudor palace hatfield, hatfield house, henry moore exhibition

through the rabbit hole........

Have you ever had one of those days where you set out without any idea of what awaits you? You leave home with certain expectations, expectations that are based on just the flimsiest of possibility, on just a ‘thought’ of what might come. And then your day turns out to be just amazing, so totally not what you had in mind at all! The kind of day that feels like you just fell down the Rabbit Hole!

Well yesterday I had one of those days. A few weeks ago I received a message from Andy of @501places on twitter via my @3days_in_london profile, asking if I was interested in attending the preview of a new Henry Moore exhibition at Hatfield House. Oh yes!! By gum, I was interested, of course! I had never attended an exhibition preview before! I said yes immediately and prayed I could get the time off!

In fact I was thrilled and immediately set about arranging time off for the day. The invitation from the organisers arrived in due course and I hopped onto the internet to find out more about Henry Moore and Hatfield House.

Whoa!! All my preconceived ideas did not even begin to meet what I discovered.
Hatfield House looked just beyond amazing and I was excited to have the oppotunity to visit. I had stumbled across Henry Moore’s pieces previously on my #walkabouts through London, so did a bit of investigation and all thoughts/ideas I had about the man went straight out the window.

When I first came across Henry Moore it was by walking past an intruiging piece of his work, called ‘Locking Piece’ on Millbank near Vauxhall Bridge.

: Locking Piece 1978 – Henry Moore sculpture on Millbank near Tate Modern

I loved the sculpture and took some photos of it before heading onto Tate Britain where I came across a couple more pieces, one of which was a rather large shape depicting a lady reclining on her side, a rather overwhelming piece that I wasn’t at all too sure I liked. I mistakenly assumed that these pieces were modern!

So now, when I did my research, I discovered that in fact this Gentleman, Henry Spencer Moore was born in 1898!!!! He died in 1986 at the age of 88 after a long and illustrious career as a sculptor, with many commissions and hundreds of pieces, pieces that were in exhibitions all over the world. So successful was his career that at one stage he was paying £1million in tax accordingly to wikipedia, the article went on to say that it was at this stage that with the help of his daughter Mary, they set up the Henry Moore Foundation.

Finally the day dawned and I set off to Kings Cross Station. We were to be met at the station by a representative of the House, the lovely Annabel. My next suprise came when I met some of the other people who had been invited and to my delight, many of them were people I had met online and chatted to via twitter: Laura of @AboutLondon, Sue of @itsyourlondon, Charles of @HotelPRGuy and Andy of @501places (the gentleman who invited me). Sue I had met before when we went to Trooping the Colour together in June last year. (Did I ever tell you that I LOVE twitter) 🙂 I also got to meet Sophie of @QunoSpotter as well as Pleasance and Alex of @visitbritain It was great to meet them all.

We hopped on the train and excuse me if you don’t mind…….we travelled 1st Class! Tah dah!! Now we’re talking!! The journey from Kings Cross to Hatfield lasted about 20minutes and before we even had time to really get a conversation going we arrived at Hatfield Station, no time to play a game of cards then! A short bus ride later and my jaw hit the floor!!

Old Tudor Palace, Large Reclining Figure 1984 and me!

OMG!!!! beyond my wildest expectations there before my very eyes was this absolutely amazing Tudor House. WOW! WOW! WOW! I was elated. I clambered out the bus and in front of me, reclining on the emerald green lawn was this enormous fibreglass caste ‘Large Reclining Figure’….no kidding. It is ‘very large’ and very, very white. Not something you would miss in the dark! I loved it!
Across the way a private church (which sadly I did not get time to explore), the old riding school, and the rooms, chimneys and wonder of the Old Tudor Palace of Hatfield.
Next I met the lovely Cherise with whom I had spoken on the phone and then it was a quick tour through this most marvellous hall. I cannot even begin to tell you how fabulous this Tudor Hall is. An aframe ceiling soars above your head, covered with the most incredible wood work, glowing chandeliers hung precariously from the rafters, the ancient red-brick walls adorned with fabulous woven tapestries of mythical creatures, in bright glowing colours and along the walls were wonderful portraits of Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies.

old tudor palace hatfield henry moore exhibition at hatfield house

the hall of the Old Tudor House, Hatfield

If my mouth had been a fly-catcher, I would have cleared the planet!! I was entranced. Walking around, all I could say was wow, wow, wow! My vocabulary had forsaken me! Then to my delight I discovered that a certain young lady had lived there as a young girl….. wait for it…… Queen Elizabeth I, the Virgin Queen. I kid you not!!!! I was walking on the same floor through the same room as Queen Elizabeth I.

queen elizabeth old tudor palace, henry moore exhibition hatfield house

portrait of Queen Elizabeth I at Hatfield

The goosebumps were running up and down my arms and legs like you could not believe. The house is fabulous, red-brick and wood, towering roofs and chimneys, walls adorned with fullsome bunches of purple and lilac wisteria; fresh new buds on ancient limbs.

lovely, lovely wisteria

Running up a flight of stairs (to find the loo) I stepped back in time! Gosh, golly and wow. The upper landing was a rabbits warren of rooms and staircases, with ancient doors and furniture, cosy fireplaces, mullioned windows, and along the walls; portraits of ‘yer man’ Henry VIII and his bunch of not so merry wives. Please bear in mind that this dude was not averse to using the blade and had most of his wives beheaded!

henry VIII old tudor palace, hatfield house henry moore exhibition

I am Henry the 8th... I am, I am

You know, when you read about this in the history books, it’s kind of many times removed and doesn’t really make an impact beyond the obvious:…’how could anyone do that?’ But when you actually stand in front of the portraits of the women whose heads were removed in a most horrific way and look into their eyes……..it takes on a completely different meaning. I was almost moved to tears!
From there we made our way out into the garden, where to my delight, I got to meet Lynne of @lynnerosie also a FB friend. Wow, this day was turning out just fine!!! and to boot, the weather was quite simply fabulous. There is nothing on earth like a spring day in England!

nothing like a spring day in the UK, the lawns of the Old Tudor Palace

Then it was out onto the lawns, where we met Lord Salisbury, whose family has lived on this property for the last 400 years!!! Can you even compute that? 400 years!! geez xmas. The furtherst back I can track my heritage is my great-great-grandparents and even then we are a wee bit uncertain exactly from whence they came. It was quite surreal really. You know when you read about and learn about the Aristocracy you kind of expect them to be different somehow (well I do!), but when you meet them in real life…..they are just like you and me! Two eyes, a nose, a mouth, two arms and two legs and they look so normal. I don’t know why I find it weird, but I do.

hatfield house, henry moore exhibition, lord salisbury

Lord Salisbury on the left and Anthony Caro, a student of Henry Moore

Beyond almost shaking the hand of the Queen back in RSA in 199? (can’t recall which year exactly) I have never met anyone even remotely connected to the Aristocracy, and here I was feet away from a man whose family roots can not only be traced back 400 years, but we were standing in the gardens of said family. See….Rabbit Hole!!!!

I am not sure what I was expecting; perhaps someone like we see in the portraits, all regal and royal. And yet the reality is vastly different (not to offend anyone). He looked a wee bit like yer man farmer Brown from down the road…..except his lineage can be traced back to Elizabethan times….surreal!!! and guess what? There is actually a farm….Lawn Farm: where you will find many traditional breed animals such as Long Horn Cattle, Tamworth Pigs, and domestic fowl.

After the short intro to the House, Henry Moore and the exhibition, we were introduced to an elderly gentleman; Anthony Caro (see above photo), who was one of Henry Moore’s students. Not that young himself, said gentleman looked to be in his 80’s and what a sweetie. (on investigation I found that he is in fact 87!) http://www.anthonycaro.org/biography.htm Apparently he still has a studio in Camden…..I am so going to see it!!
Then it was time for a conducted stroll around the grounds. Now listen, if you are going to have a back garden, then this is the type of place you want. It is enormous. A mixture of formal, sculpted gardens with neatly shaped and trimmed hedgerows that form a maze, tinkling fountains, ancient grapevines draped over trellis works, manicured lawns, hidden nooks and crannies, hundreds of flowers in both formal and informal beds and a wonderful meadow that stretches out for miles under some of the most gorgeous trees.

not a small backyard....Hatfield House grounds

The Henry Moore sculptures were scattered about the garden, each having being carefully placed and postioned to make the most of not only the sculpture but the surrounding lawns or woodland. We traipsed along behind the lass who was giving us the run down of the pieces, their history, how they were made, what materials he used, how he found his inspiration and much else. It was fascinating.

henry moore exhibition, hatfield house, hill arches

Hill Arches 1973 in the fields of Hatfield House

“Sculpture is an art of the open air…I would rather have a piece of my sculpture put in a landscape, almost any landscape, than in or on the most beautiful building in the world.” Henry Moore 1951.
I am not sure what I was more enchanted with, the sculptures, the houses or the grounds!
I was constantly distracted by the fabulous Jacobian house that was standing in glorious splendour, just behind the gardens and a good strong hedgerow. I have never seen anything so enchanting. Not the same building mind that we had just been through, no, this was Hatfield House, the ancestral home of Lord and Lady Salisbury.

henry moore exhibition hatfield house, reclining figure angles

Reclining Figure: Angles 1979, in repose at Hatfield House

I cannot even begin to describe how beautiful and wonderful and fabulous the gardens are. We wandered from formal to informal, manicured to meadows, all the while with the sounds of birdsong and fountains to keep us company, the wind whispering softly through the sun-kissed trees, then a shower of petals like confetti floating down. Heavenly.
The meadows are filled with wild-flowers; cowslips and primroses, tiny daisies scattered here and there like drops of paint carelessly splattered, a haze of bluebells in clumps beneath trees, tulips and daffodils now past their prime, bright clumps of shocking pink rhododendrons towering above, soft pale pink silk slippers of the magnolia bush, white camillas now fading to brown, and dozens and dozens of trees. I felt like I was in a time-warp.

henry moore exhibition, hatfield house gardens

exhuberant rhodendrons at Hatfield House

The sculptures fitted right in like they had grown roots there, at home, in repose, at peace.

From there we made our way indoors for a really yummy lunch, quiet conversation, the tinkle of glasses and all this in the beautiful setting of what used to be the riding school. Wow! I had the vegetarian option of roasted vegetables topped with grilled feta cheese studded with sesame seeds drizzled with warm olive oil, a lovely mixed leaf fresh green salad and grilled tomatoes.

mmmmm, it was as yummy as it looks

Dessert was an explosion of taste that set the old taste-buds dancing; a compote of summer fruits served with thick fresh cream!! heavenly!
After lunch we were given press-packs, and then the cherry on the top……a tour of the fabulous Jacobian Manor that I had been eyeing out all morning!!! Yay! And OMG!!! wow, talk about stunning. I cannot even begin to describe the splendour, the magnificence and totally overwhelming wonder of it all.

I have written a seperate blog on that tour which you can find here. Hope you enjoy it. 🙂

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Time out in Richmond

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, It's my life, Travel, tagged eel pie island, richmond green, Sweetie Pies Boutique bakery, what to do outside of london, york house statues on April 10, 2011| Leave a Comment »

sunset over the river Thames in Twickenham

Yesterday I returned to my job from a 1 week break, during which time I stayed with my wonderful daughter in Twickenham.
Although she was in fact working during this time we did manage to spend a fair amount of time together and had a few adventures.
One of which I already wrote about was our time together on Mother’s Day when we went to Kingston-Upon-Thames. Fab day.
Nights we had a lovely time, sitting together on the couch watching TV, eating biscuits & drinking tea, chatting after lights out till the wee hours, and in the mornings sitting out in the sun drinking tea and chatting. The weather was fabulous for the whole week and we were treated to some gorgeous sunsets.

Tuesday I met up with a friend, someone I met via twitter, who runs a business in Richmond. Of course we went to Sweetie Pies for tea & cupcakes 🙂

sweetie pies boutique bakery in twickenham

tweetie pies - could you eat that cute little face

and later on CJ and I walked to Richmond and had a late breakfast at ‘Giraffe’ in Richmond, very nice food actually, good value and definitely a place to go back to. Whilst there we saw John Hannah walk past outside and the comedian Justin Lee Collins came in for lunch. CJ was quite chuffed. It’s quite weird when you see TV personalities in real-life. We get used to seeing them on the screen and they never seem real, so to see them live….is weird. (& I am not really sure why). On Wednesday CJ spent the day with her client Sweetie Pies (only our favourite place to visit in Twickenham) and I popped in late afternoon to partake of a cuppa and for a change instead of cupcakes, I had scones with strawberry jam and cream…..delicious! Afterwards we sat on the bench in the churchyard just enjoying the afternoon sun, then strolled along the banks of the Thames for a wee while, after which we stopped off at Pincho’s where she treated me to a mediterranean supper. Their food is just delicious and we shared pita and hoummus, she had the aubergine baked with cheese & tomato, and the spicy chicken kebabs and I had breaded prawns in a mild chilli sauce and butternut with black-eyed beans in a light curry sauce (heavenly).

view of the church from my vantage point on the bench

On Thursday I lazed around and did a bit of work (online), then we met up at the W.I. (Women’s Institute) in the evening. She joined the WI a few months ago and loves being the youngest of the group, and has been taken under the wing of one of the ladies there. The ladies of Twickenham WI get together once a month to gossip and listen to speakers, discuss whatever there is to gossip about in town, and generally have a good time. They organise scrabble evenings, trips to the theatre, trips to the countryside, fairs and of course they bake cakes and make jam ( 🙂 ) – I have yet to hear them sing!

Man fron the Ministry

On this particular evening they had a speaker on, a gentleman who in the 80’s worked for/with Maggie T. We learned some really interesting tidbits about the lady in question and about the goings on in Parliament. I am an admirer of Maggie T and was delighted to learn more about her. Unfortunately the speaker was well restrained and did not give us any salacious gossip to tattle about….darn!!! She was a formidable woman by any means and it would be great to have more like her in power. The Gentleman speaker cut a dashing figure in his suit and tie and even brought in a bowler hat, the type they used to wear in the 60’s and 70’s, a satchel and a brolly cum walking stick. I had to laugh at how precise he looked and how much of a caricature of the TV series ‘Yes Minister’ that was ever so popular in days gone by. Then we had tea and a chat and a raffle. Heehee I won a book!

Friday brought a stroll into Richmond for an afternoon on the green, lying in the sun. Heavenly. It was the first day so far this summer I have worn a t-shirt and the sun felt so good on my skin.

Richmond Green

Then we did something I have been dying to do for ages and ages. We sat on the banks of the river and watched the tide come in. There is a concrete ledge, flush with the pathway that runs along the bank of the river from Twickenham Bridge through to Richmond Bridge on the Richmond side. When we first sat down CJ, took her shoes off and dangled her feet over the edge at which stage the water was about 4 inches below her feet. Within minutes the water was up to and touching her toes and then covering her feet. It was so weird sitting there watching the water level getting inexorably higher and higher. I also sat with my legs dangling over the edge but didn’t take my shoes off! Of course the water reached her feet long before it reached the soles of my shoes, but within a couple of minutes I had to lift my feet up onto the ledge.

watching the tide come in

The river in this area is quite busy with little boats whizzing up and down, scullers rowing by – the lazy slap of their oars as they hit the water bouncing off the wall of the bridge like a gunshot. The water is inhabited by numerous geese, ducks and some swans. We were highly entertained by the wee creatures, sailing, flapping, flying and fighting on the water…..at one stage about 3 of them became quite violent right in front of us!! Chasing after a poor wee female that ducked under the water to escape their attentions, never to be seen again. The sun was sinking towards the horizon, and along the path cyclists, strollers, joggers and couples meandered by. On the bridge the trains regularly rattled by, causing quite a din as they traversed the steel girders.

on the river

Whilst I was sitting on the edge, enjoying the sun’s rays, a boat went by and caused quite a wake that by the time it reached the ledge, had quite a swell. It narrowly missed slopping over the edge and I escaped getting wet. A wee bit later another boat went by and as I kept a wary eye on the size of the swells, I decided discretion was the better part of sensibility and scrambled to my feet (it’s amazing how quickly I can move when I have an incentive). Just in time too as next thing a wave, just and inch or so high swamped the area where I had been sitting just a moment before. CJ was in stitches and very disappointed that I had moved when I did. The evil brat was keen for me to get soaked. 🙂

hhhmmmmm....look at that smile. Quite keen for me to get wet!!

After that and since I was now on my feet we meandered along the path towards Twickenham Bridge enroute home. Along the way I stopped off to film the water rushing into the little stream that runs between the walkway and the green. Although just a little sluice gate the water was pounding through, rushing and swirling creating an enormous noise, a little like being on a rapid over a waterfall. Marvellous. This daily rush of water keeps the stream filled and running, thus keeping it from becoming stagnant.

the noise was unbelievable

On the way home we stopped off on the bridge over the river to watch the sun sink behind the trees and a few planes flying into Heathrow.

You would be amazed at how many planes fly overhead, every couple of minutes (or 90seconds I believe).

plane flying into Heathrow

In all a wonderful week with my chica. Just very sad to say goodbye as it is usually ages before we meet again and now that her business is taking off big time she is working all hours. On the way to the bus stop we passed one of the iconic red postboxes and noticed this:

don't worry; be happy!

I think the Royal Mail people should stick little eyes on ALL their post boxes, imagine how cheered up we would feel each time we posted a letter. And if you were wondering what I got up to on Monday….I have no idea. Cannot for the life of me recall what we/I did!!

I am now back at my job and it is becoming more difficult to stay on. After my week’s freedom I feel quite caged in now. It’s really annoying in a way, you plan for the time off months in advance, it takes ages to arrive and then in a flash the week is gone! Time to start planning the next break 🙂

appendage:

Richmond is such a lovely area with some gorgeous houses lining the side streets. Spring is sprouting all over with a profusion of colours; the daffodils are mostly gone now but tulips and poppies are taking their place. The grass and trees are incredibly green and along the walls wisteria is beginning to bloom, their lilac and purple blossoms against the white of the houses, remnicient of a mediterranean climate. Having the river flow through the towns is magical and I never tire of strolling along the banks or looking out over the swell of water from the top of the bridges, in themselves very pretty. Quite the loveliest areas and I am really keen to actually live out there now. I have been playing with my photos again and made another video. In time I hope to make them a bit quicker….. 🙂

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an afternoon in Richmond Upon Thames

Posted in around the UK, Castles of UK and Ireland, Historical, It's my life, things to do in London, Travel, tagged 4 Maids of Honour Row Richmond, historical homes in Richmond, Richmond Palace, Richmond Upon Thames, thames path richmond, things to do in Richmond on March 28, 2011| 4 Comments »

Yesterday I had some time off so made my way through to Twickenham to visit my daughter who has been quite peaky the last week and needed some ‘Mummy TLC’. 🙂 The weather was great by the time I arrived there and it was lovely to see the sun (the journey took 1.5hours!!!!).

transport for london, trains from barons court to richmond, district line to richmond

waiting at Baron's Court for the first train to Richmond

First we had a cup of tea and a wee chat and then went for a stroll along the river. She was looking decidedly pale and needed some sun. We crossed the river via Twickenham Bridge and taking a short-cut along a delightful little road, we passed the entrance to the Old Deer Park.

the entrance under the bridge to the Deer Park, Richmond

The houses that lined the road were wonderful, gardens and lawns beautifully maintained with the spring flowers and greenery sprouting vigorously. The flower boxes are a delight of colour.

delightful houses, window boxes filled with colours of spring

As we reached Richmond Green, which certainly lived up to it’s name,

living up to it's name...Richmond Green

we walked to the right and behold…..the remains of ‘Richmond Palace’!!! OMG!!! Show me a palace or a castle and I go weak at the knees. It was extraordinary to stand under the archway that led into the courtyard knowing that 3 of our Monarchs lived here at some stage of our history. King Henry VII, King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Right up my alley; I was enchanted.

inside the courtyard of Richmond Palace showing the King's Wardrobe on the right

Yes it did say private land, and no I did not take heed!! We strolled around the courtyard and discovered the ‘Trumpeter’s House’, ‘Number 2 The Wardrobe’ as well as the ‘Palace Gate House’ 🙂

Trumpeter's House, Richmond Palace

Can you just imagine living in a house called ‘The Trumpeter’s House’!!! How marvellous. The courtyard is delightful and so quiet you would never guess your’e right in the town. The ancient hinges on the wall are massive and show just how enormous the gates themselves must have been to require such large hinges.

...now that is what you call a hinge!!!!

From there we walked past a magical row of houses named ‘Four Maids of Honour Row’……how quaint can you get!!!!

4 Maids of Honour Row, Richmond

Next we walked across the green to the town and made our way to a wee tea-room, a delightful little place, quaint and twee. There we relaxed and chatted over a pot of tea and scones with jam and cream (of course!!!).

scones with jam and cream

After tea we walked back to the green and lay out on the green, green grass in the sun….the citizens of Richmond were scattered about on the grass, relaxing, playing games, throwing ball, little kiddies running about, parents trying to keep up; the buzz of conversation and laughter filled the air.

As the sun started to slip down the horizon it got chilly, so we decided to head on home. I unfortunately had a deadline too. 😦

A quick stroll along the main road where we passed a pub called ‘The Old Ship’. Above the entrance were two lovely old lamps!

The Old Ship has stood on this site since at least 1735

old lamps and carved wooden detail

and then along the embankment that forms part of the Thames Path that runs approx 180 miles along the Thames riverbank from the Thames Flood Barrier at Woolwich in South East London to Kemble in Gloucestershire. The grassy verges were filled to the brim with people all sitting out enjoying the sun. I have never seen that particular area so heavily peopled before. It’s quite weird….it’s like in winter everyone gets packed away in a box, and when the spring arrives…they all get let out again.

along the embankment near Richmond Bridge

Along the way we passed some amazing houses…wow!! Richmond upon Thames has, and is surrounded by, a great selection of historic houses and stately homes.

can you imagine that the water reaches right up to the wall at high tide

I saw a heron fishing

heron fishing at the deer park in richmond

a heron fishing

and stopped at the old ‘Meridian Line; that used to be positioned here (now moved to Greenwich).

meridian line richmond, kings observatory old deer park, kew road, richmond

where the meridian line used to be positioned. if you follow the line as the crow flies you will reach the King's Observatory

Then it was back home, a quick stop on the bridge to take photos….the river was looking absolutely fabulous.

River Thames as viewed from Twickenham Bridge

Then home for one final cup of tea and finally I had no option but to head on home…..a journey that took 2 hours!!!! urgh. Sunday on TFL is no joke!

map of Richmond Upon Thames

There is so much to do in Richmond, and with a fabulous selection of historical houses, quaint and ancient pubs, high street shops, a number of restaurants and tea-rooms, the Old Deer Park, boating on the river and the Thames Pathway….you are spoilt for choice. It’s a wonderful area and so worth the trip out of London…a trip that is an adventure in itself.

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My Canterbury Tales – February 13th day two

Posted in around the UK, Fun Stuff, It's my life, things to do in London, Travel, tagged from Southwark to Greenwich, Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury tales, travelling round the UK on March 26, 2011| 5 Comments »

Southwark to Greenwich – possibly (?) in the footsteps of Geoffrey Chaucer. (and I have finally finished documenting this leg of the journey! – it takes longer to write about the journey & upload the photos than it took to do the walk)
The 2nd leg of my journey was meant to start at 6am…….hahaha. I only woke at 9am!!! Again I tweeted my about stops on my journey and sent photos along the way. Hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did 🙂
09:55 urgh! So much 4 an early start! Still in bed! Hahaha. Had awful nite; soft bed 😦 but just about to up & going 🙂 #njgtravels whoo hoo
I had really intended on making an early start, wanting to catch the sunrise, but after a really late night decided that the world could get on without me and since this was my walk, I could wait a bit before starting….no rush 🙂
09:55 RT of a quote – Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking. (Ogala Sioux)
I finally got my act together, had breakfast and with my camera in hand, was on my way. Hooray!! I kept my twitter app open on my phone and watched the tweets go by and it was quite weird how the quotes kinda matched what I was doing!
11:08 rt of a quote – Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow. -Doug Firebaugh
Then finally…..
11:09 I’m on the road again….tahdeedah I’m on the road again. FINALLY!! only 4hours l8! Hahaha. #njgtravels Good thing i have no train to catch!
Ha!!! of course I had a train to catch, a bus too. First bus 214 to Kentish Town, then onto the tube and the start of my journey.
11:11 next stop #London Bridge 🙂 This is like groundhog day! Only earlier #njgtravels
As a reminder of the places I had visited the day before, I made a quick tour for some more photos and then….
11:45 the adventure begins. 1st stop St George the Martyr church c12th century #njgtravels at last 🙂
It’s amazing to me to walk along these ancient roads and I revelled in the history of the area.
12:09 passed The George Inn, leaving London Bridge & Southwark Cathedral behind #njgtravels
Of course I did not stop in today, just waved goodbye and set my sails for Greenwich.
12:13 Tooley Str & Jamaica Rd part of Chaucer’s route? #njgtravels
Tooley Street; a road in South London connecting London Bridge to St Saviour’s Dock runs past Tower Bridge on the Southwark side of the River Thames, forms part of the A200 road.

Tooley Street, an ancient byway survived many reincarnations

The earliest name for the street recorded in the Rolls is the neutral regio vicio i.e. ‘royal street’ meaning a public highway. I planned to follow Tooley Street then into Jamaica Street and thence to Deptford via Rotherhithe. First I passed London Bridge Station

London Bridge Station

This was the first time I had actually walked so far along Tooley Street. My usual walk would be on the riverside along the Thames Path. Mounted on the wall I saw an old WW2 sign that said “Is your journey really necessary?” …..uuummmhh yes!!!

is your journey really necessary?

12:26 now exploring unchartered territory. Never been this side of #london b4. #njgtravels
Hmmmm. Really interesting to see all the new buildings amongst the old. Passed a great little pub with a fabulous frontage; The Shipwright’s Arms.

shipwrights arms tooley street southwark

the Shipwright's Arms......a delightful entrance

I stopped for loads of photos along the way and could probably have done the walk a lot quicker but for that. 🙂
12:55 making good progress! Passed Tower Bridge, now in Jamaica Road. Taking a detour to look at the Thames. #njgtravels
Tower Bridge is just marvellous and certainly the most magnificent of all London’s bridges.

Tower Bridge - London

Once I reached Bevington Street I had grown bored with the buildings and apartment blocks on the route so decided to head for the river for a bit of a break.

Whoo hoo….I met up with the Thames Path…whey hey. I did not realise it ran this far. See…I have been here 9 years and am still discovering things 🙂

looking back along the river from the Thames Path near Bevington Road

13:09 okay. Have decided to follow the Thames Path 4 a way. Interesting things to see 🙂 #njgtravels
It was way cool and looked so much more interesting so I decided to continue along said path and find what I could find! At my point of entry I found a wee pub “The Justice” that had been used by Sir Paul McCartney for scenes from his film ‘Give My Regards To Broad Street’ and for his music video ‘No More Lonely Nights’.

Old Justice - exterior & interior used by Sir Paul McCartney

As it was closed I did not get to go in, another time perhaps. I marched on, aware of the time ticking along….that waits for no man!!! By now I was getting tired and thirsty and all the water in the river was beginning to look really inviting 🙂 and then….
13:14 hooray! I spy an Inn. This traveller is going in 4 a pitstop! Just met Dr Alfred Salter #njgtravels The Thames path is gr8
Wonderful. I discovered a sculpture of Dr Alfred Salter (born 1873 and started Guy’s Hospital 1889) and his daughter Joyce who died from scarlet fever aged 9 in June 1910, and their cat.

Dr Alfred Salter - born 1873

Diane Gorvin’s sculpture shows a kindly Dr Salter waving to his daughter Joyce who is leaning against the Thames wall with her cat nearby. It represents the “daydream of an old man remembering happier times when his ‘sunshine’ was still alive.”

Joyce Salter - died of scarlet fever 1910

Marvellous. I love discovering things like this…..our hidden gems.
13:25 whew! Gr8 to put the old feet up for 5min. At the Angel Inn, fab views frm upper lounge. Prop. Jackie a peach. Allowed photos 🙂 #njgtravels
Definitely worth the stop and something to bear in mind for the future, I stopped off at the Angel Inn for a bit of feet up and something to drink.

Angel Inn, Rotherhithe - a fine place to tarry awhile

The views from the upstairs lounge are fabulous and the Sunday lunch that was being eaten a few feet away smelled delicious. The coke went down exceptionally well and slaked my thirst. The proprietor was lovely and allowed me to roam about and take photos. The Angel Inn is a 19C restored pub on a 15C pub site, originally kept by monks from Bermondsey Abbey and mentioned by Samuel Pepys.
13:26 i dont usually drink coke but by golly this 1 is going down well. #njgtravels
The opposite side of the Thames is yet to be explored by this adventurer and looking across the river at the buildings lining the bank was really enticing.

view across the river.....begging to be explored

13:28 there are some awesome buildings across the river. Bear further exploration l8r. #njgtravels
After my drink I set off once again, but not before having a quick look at the remains of King Edward III’s (1327-1377) moated Manor House. Don’t you just love that we preserve these places instead of ripping them out!!!

ruins of King Edward III's Manor House - directly opp the Angel Inn

From there I walked along the winding Thames Path, marvelling at all the interesting buildings. I spied a Church that demanded further exploration: St Marys the Virgin, 14C rebuilt 1715 is the 3rd church on the site and Grade II listed. Features of note are: Timbers from Termeraire. Grinling Gibbons carvings. A fine ‘peel’ of eight bells. Tomb of Prince Lee Boo of Pelau. And has links with sailing of the Mayflower. Whoa!!! This little church was frequented by Capt Christopher Jones of Rotherhithe, captain of the Mayflower and apparently the Mayflower set out not far from this spot all those years ago.

Saint Mary the Virgin Rotherhithe

The little pub ‘The Mayflower Inn’ (1780 as Spreadeagle) displays a list of passengers who sailed on the Mayflower.

Mayflower Inn, Rotherhithe

The pub looks absolutely darling and I noticed that they serve afternoon teas there…hmmmm gonna have to come this way again sometime. 🙂 Venturing only just a few yards along I made another discovery…………
13:48 oooo! I just discovered Brunel’s Museum. Awesome 🙂 def gonna come back #njgtravels
Wow!!! how amazing. ‘A scheduled Ancient Monument and International Landmark Site’ the museum dates from 1842.

the Brunel Museum, Rotherhithe - 'A scheduled Ancient Monument and International Landmark Site' the museum dates from 1842

There are a number of metal structures, tiny replicas of some of his works dotted around the grounds of the museum. Definitely have to visit this area again. On the move again, I chanced upon a small enclosed garden and patio hidden behind a screen of hedges.
13:52 just passed Cumberland Wharf & the statue of a wee boy reading the Sunshine Weekly. Cute. #njgtravels
how cute is this. I am constantly amazed at the delightful sculptures that abound in this city.

reading the 'Sunbeam Weekly' - Cumberland Terrace, Rotherhithe

Besides the other wonders I discovered I also visited the Bascule Bridge which replaced the original swing bridge over dock entrance of Surrey Water.

Bascule Bridge Rotherhithe

Along the way I passed some girls collecting for a memorial to a friend who had died. Chatted to them briefly and they were highly amused by what I was doing and when I told them my twitter handle was ‘notjustagranny’ they burst out laughing. hahaha
14:12 rightio! Back on Jamaica Rd. Brilliant detour along Thames Path. Has started raining, wish me luck! Eish #njgtravels
After a long walk and further exploration I finally made my way back to Jamaica Road. Popped in at Southwark Park 1869 (63 acres, designed by Alexander Mckenzie)

Southwark Park - 1869

for a quick look see and after picking up a rather marvellous brochure from Rotherhithe station I discovered that……
14:25 btw its Sunbeam Weekly not Sunshine Weekly hahaha #njgtravels – So that corrects that error! 🙂
The Rotherhithe Road Tunnel 1908 looks quite interesting and the archway at the entrance/exit is constructed by parts of the Greathead Shield used to partly dig the tunnel.

part of the Greathead Shield over the entrance to the Rotherhithe Road Tunnel - 1908

14:36 mmm, interesting. Just did a quik detour to look at Rotherhithe Tunnel & Southwark Park. Nice. On the way again. #njgtravels
From there I had planned to walk along Brunel Road into Salter Road in a semi-circle following the curve of the river to Surrey Docks. But the weather had other ideas and it started to rain. So I hailed a carriage (aka a bus) and travelled in ….maybe not style but certainly in comfort out of the rain. (I am sure Chaucer would have done that same!)
15:00 now in Deptford = Chaucer’s 1st stop. Did what any sensible pilgrim wld, took a modern day carriage aka a bus 🙂 Its raining! #njgtravels
Geez…..I sure hope that Deptford was a little more interesting in Chaucer’s day.

looking along the road at Deptford

Not to offend anyone but it sure ain’t pretty. Mind you it was probably forrested in his day and they most likely had to contend with wild boar and highway men!!!
15:08 i hope Deptford was a tad more interesting in Chaucer’s day! #njgtravels …in the rain! Urgh must be insane!
It was still raining but I was determined to walk and not take a bus again, so ignoring the wet I soldiered on. The I spied…..
15:18 ok, Deptford…all is forgiven. Just spotted a gorgeous little church, St Lukes. Lovely 🙂 #njgtravels

St Luke's Deptford - very cute

Whey hey!!! Just spotted a sign that told me I was not far at all from Greenwich and my destination.

4.5 miles behind me from Tower Bridge to Deptford...almost at Greenwich

15:23 15min or less till #Greenwich if i dont get distracted! #njgtravels
Well famous last words…..of course I got distracted. A sign showed me the way 🙂 Hahahaha. I spied a signboard that told me if I walk thataway I would see a statue of Peter the Great. How could I not take a detour. Mind you by now I was dead keen on getting to a loo!!! and a cup of tea would not have gone amiss….but never to bypass something of interest I followed the detour and boy am I glad I did.
15:36 taking a small detour to see statue of Peter the Great. See! I told u 🙂 Fab view of Canary Wharf. #njgtravels
Wonderful, wonderful! The views along the river in all directions was fabulous. The statue was brilliant and not at all what I had expected. Had fun sitting on his throne (not quite the kind of throne I was wanting, but hey…) and surveying the peasants heehee!!!

view along the Thames from my vantage point on the throne 🙂

15:39 am sitting on Peter the Great’s throne. Hpe he doesnt mind 🙂 Brilliant views along the Thames. #njgtravels

a fabulous emsemble...Peter the Great towers above the wee man on his right and the throne on his left & a cannon

Tsar Peter I of Russia (described as ‘Peter the Great’) travelled to Europe in 1697-98 as a young man, to study new developments in technology, especially shipbuilding. He lived near the Royal Dockyard in Deptford, at the home of the writer John Evelyn, for much of his four-month stay in England. The monument includes one dwarf jester holding a ship and globe, while Peter standing next to a throne, carries a telescope. Next to the throne is an ornate cannon.
The statue was unveiled by Prince Michael of Kent in June 2001.
Created by: Cleve Severin – Erected 2001 to commemorate the Tsar’s visit

After I had had my fill of the scenery and sitting his lordships throne I headed back to the main road. The light was beginning to dim and I still wanted to head for the Royal Observatory…my aim was to stand on the Meridian Line. I bet if Chaucer had known he would be able to do that he may have postponed his trip somewhat!!! and yes……….tah dah…………
15:40 from where i am now its 4.5 miles to Tower Bridge behind me! Whoo hoo!! Almost there #njgtravels

And finally I entered the outskirts of Greenwich. Hooray!!!

greenwich book place and gallery greenwich london

Greenwich ......hooray!

15:55 I’m here! #Greenwich hooray! 4 hours 5 miles 1,000’s of steps & i am here! 🙂 #njgtravels
and now it was……………….
15:56 time for a cup of hot chocolate! Think i deserve it, am frozen! 🙂 #njgtravels
Hhmmm, on 2nd thoughts and as the light was getting dim………
16:03 actually, am heading up to the Observatory 1st. Getting dark & want to stand on Meridian Line #njgtravels 🙂

Whew, thanks heavens I had decided to do this first. The Observatory closes at 5pm!!! so I just had enough time to whizz thru, take some photos, stand on the line where east meets west,

16.19 - standing on the Prime Meridian Line, Royal Observatory, Greenwich

a quick visit to the observation deck and then head downhill……

the Royal Observatory perched on a hill overlooking Greenwich...the climb is a 'bit' of a challenge!!

I have been to Greenwich before and climbed the blessed hill to the Observatory. It wasn’t any easier this time around either!
16:33 whoa! The walk up to Royal Observatory is a challenge! The view phenomenal Stood on Meridian line 0’00 degr longitude awesome 🙂 #njgtravels

17:27 whew! At last i am sitting down! Journeys end @starbucks #Greenwich. Cappuchino in front of me 🙂 yay #njgtravels
OMGosh did that coffee taste ever so good. And it was marvellous to take the weight off my feet! I had intended going to Costa Coffee for a hot chocolate…..but it was closed!!! dimwits. After the coffee I meandered towards the station, first visiting the Greenwich Market, great place. I love the little alley ways and cobbled streets in the area.

narrow alleys and lanes of Greenwich Market

I visited St Alfrege Church as well…wow! Gorgeous interior. Made a quick visit to the Mitre Pub, looked fun albeit noisy so was glad I had changed my mind about sleeping there that night. And then it was………….
17:51 ok! My carriage awaits – aka the DLR – heading home= shower & bed! Gr8 day 🙂 #njgtravels

and again a marvellous quote to end the journey.
17:51 rt of a quote – Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such.” ~Henry Miller

underground at Greenwich station

after a long day and fun day of exploration, discoveries galore and doing what I love…walking, photographing and generally having a good time I reached home. And one last tweet for the day!
19:45 rt of a quote – Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” ~Mahatma Gandhi #quote

What a great time I had. Rotherhithe is filled with delights that I have yet to see, so with the brochure in my hands, my next visit will be more extensive and since I won’t have a schedule to run to I will be able to explore some more and definitely stop off for lunch at the Angel Inn, afternoon tea at the Mayflower Inn and visit the Brunel Museum and St Mary the Virgin amongst others. Another adventure!!

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on this day 1804

Posted in around the UK, Historical, Travel, tagged pen-y-darren locomotive, richard trevithick 1804, this day in 1804 on February 21, 2011| Leave a Comment »

a snippet from the past:

On this day in 1804, Richard Trevithick’s ‘unnamed’ locomotive hauled five wagons, 70 men and 10 tons of iron 9.75 miles in 4hrs5mins on the world’s very first laden train journey.

Richard Trevithick (13 April 1771 – 22 April 1833) was a British inventor and mining engineer. His most significant success was the high pressure steam engine and he also built the first full-scale working railway steam locomotive. On 21 February 1804 the world’s first locomotive-hauled railway journey took place as Trevithick’s unnamed steam locomotive hauled a train along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks, near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. (ref wikipedia).