If ever there was a city that knew how to make the most of its space, I would say it was London. I was there just over a week ago for a committee meeting and, afterwards, visited the Sky Gardens, which are the highest roof gardens in the capital. [Read more…] about Making Space – Part 1
London
A Grand Day Out to London from Chandler’s Ford
Yesterday morning I took the 7.14 train from Chandler’s Ford to London Waterloo. The return ticket (including London Underground all zones) cost £90.
Ideally I should have taken the 6.06 train, but I wasn’t feeling safe to get to the station so early by myself. Recently I’ve heard of news about people being mugged in Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford, so was a bit more concerned. I considered driving to the station, buying tickets from the machine near the platform, but …. what if someone jumped out from nowhere and I was on my own? I also considered driving to Southampton Airport Parkway but parking would have cost £15 per day. [Read more…] about A Grand Day Out to London from Chandler’s Ford
Review: The Railway Children
Sometimes I write reviews of concerts and shows; sometimes I write about places to go for a day out. This post isn’t intended to be either of those, though it may look a bit like both.
Last week I fulfilled an ambition I’ve held for several years by going to see the stage version of The Railway Children. This was one of my most-loved books as a child (and that of my sister too), and the 1970 film is undoubtedly one of my all-time favourites. [Read more…] about Review: The Railway Children
“Refugees Welcome Here” Rally at Parliament Square
Yesterday afternoon my son and I were caught up in Parliament Square in London.
We took the train to London, first to attend a Traidcraft event being held at Amnesty International near Liverpool Street station, afterwards we decided to tour around London for a bit, like tourists. [Read more…] about “Refugees Welcome Here” Rally at Parliament Square
Symbols of a Country
This summer, I’ll be visiting three countries – Singapore, Australia and Malaysia.
All three have things which instantly define them. Singapore has the Merlion, Australia has the Opera House (which I sadly won’t be able to see this trip), Ayer’s Rock and kangaroos, both of which I will be able to see, while Malaysia has the Patronas Towers.
This led me to think about what defines a country. [Read more…] about Symbols of a Country
Mims Davies MP Makes Maiden Speech in Parliament
Eastleigh MP Mims Davies has vowed to fight for better transport infrastructure and health services in the constituency during her maiden speech to Parliament.
Mims, who made the address on her 40th birthday on the 2nd of June, said she would also work hard to ensure less traffic pollution.
“Eastleigh is very close to the M3 and the M27, which puts pressure on our community, with pollution and other pressures,” she told MPs. [Read more…] about Mims Davies MP Makes Maiden Speech in Parliament
The Splendour of Chelsea Flower Show 2015
I am lucky enough to have a friend who works for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), who got two free tickets to the show on Friday. So off to London I went, meeting up with my friend at Waterloo.
After a quick Tube journey to Sloane Square we emerged onto the busy London street and facing the station was a ticket tout offering Flower show tickets! [Read more…] about The Splendour of Chelsea Flower Show 2015
National Gallery and the Prince
I visited the National Gallery again. I always feel uneasy about the place and have never worked out why. Do you have a sense of unease?
It is a national treasure and we are proud of it but it is not like Nelson’s Column and Trafalgar Square. [Read more…] about National Gallery and the Prince
Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels
I’ve stated before that I like Chandler’s Ford library and Eastleigh library.
One of the reasons is that both libraries have a small but pretty good selection of comics and graphic novels, where I get some of mine from. [Read more…] about Hampshire Libraries and My Love for Graphic Novels
Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
Books can be dangerous because they deal in ideas so I reckon the two most dangerous places in Chandler’s Ford are our wonderful library and W.H.Smith at Fryern since one lends out books and the other sells them!
It is also fantastic that, especially after the loss of The Arcade Bookshop, we have another bookseller and our library is a real asset. May both keep going from strength to strength.
[Read more…] about Book Review: The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
Steve Brine: Prime Minister’s Question Time 2015
Winchester & Chandler’s Ford MP Steve Brine invites constituents who would like to visit Parliament and watch Prime Minister’s Question Time to contact him.
In line with all MPs, Steve Brine receives just three confirmed pairs of tickets each calendar year. To ensure absolute fairness, he holds a ballot in up to two weeks before each date from all received entries.
The one date for 2015 is: [Read more…] about Steve Brine: Prime Minister’s Question Time 2015
The Poppies At The Tower Of London
Whilst visiting London on business a few weeks ago I made the time to wander down to the Tower of London to have a look at the poppy artwork installation, which has received quite a bit of positive commentary.
My visit was at the end of October so the artwork wasn’t complete but a substantial portion of it was done as you may see from the few pictures that I took. [Read more…] about The Poppies At The Tower Of London
Summer Train Journeys
I sent my son to his grandparents last Thursday. Unfortunately he’ll be returning to us tomorrow. Why do grandparents only keep their ‘charming, polite, delightful’ grandchildren for just a few days?
The summer holiday has just started and we have made 4 trips on the train – to Eastleigh, Winchester, Woking, and London. I thought it’s a good idea to show you what a staycation looks like. [Read more…] about Summer Train Journeys
Shakespeare and EastEnders
A very late happy birthday to William Shakespeare, who is 450!
Today I will be talking about my favourite Shakespeare play, Macbeth. [Read more…] about Shakespeare and EastEnders
St. George’s Day: Fascinating Dragons
Last summer, my friend from Ahmad Tea gave me two free tickets to visit Buckingham Palace on its preview day.
It was the day before the palace summer opening of the State Rooms. I took my son with me for such a privileged visit as VIPs for a day. Yes, I touched the grand staircase at Buckingham Palace designed by John Nash. That was a happy day. [Read more…] about St. George’s Day: Fascinating Dragons
Malaysian High Commission In London
I had an adventure in London last week and somehow got lost.
I visited the Malaysian High Commission in Belgrave Square near Hyde Park Corner at 8am, and waited for the door to be opened. My purpose was to get my passport renewed.
I wasn’t the first visitor. A lady in her 60s travelled from Scotland through the night [Read more…] about Malaysian High Commission In London
84 Charing Cross Road
I walked along Charing Cross Road in London last Monday.
I decided to look for 84 Charing Cross Road.
I had walked on this road so many times before, but this was the only time I took a photograph of No 84.
The booksellers Marks & Co. used to occupy this site. [Read more…] about 84 Charing Cross Road
Richard Stock: Fundraising for Ovacome
I’m pleased to tell you that Richard Stock completed the London Marathon in just over 4 hours yesterday.
This is a remarkable achievement for somebody who had never run a full marathon and indeed had never run over 20 miles!
Richard ran the marathon to raise money for Ovacome, in memory of my daughter, Dr. Lisa-Jayne Clark, [Read more…] about Richard Stock: Fundraising for Ovacome
Foyles Bookshop at London Waterloo Station
Opposite to Platform 18 at London Waterloo Station is a Foyles bookshop.
I was surprised to find Foyles there last Monday. One employee told me the bookshop was new – only 2 months in this new location.
The shop features two attractive restored cupola-style ticket booths. [Read more…] about Foyles Bookshop at London Waterloo Station