Heather Walker

Churchill War Rooms, London

Cabinet Room

It’s not often you get to see where an ancestor worked, but for my friend, this is what happened when we went to see the Churchill War Rooms last week. My friend’s aunt worked in the typing pool here, and she told how her aunt and her own mother were invited to an event here. A car was sent for them and they laughed like schoolgirls. They had a wonderful day. We came across the aunt in one of the displays. A letter she had typed which had error in it, she kept, and this is can ben seen along with her photo. She was also interviewed and is part of a video running in the museum. My friend had long known about some of this, but this was the first time she had been here. I think it made her day!

The chemical toilet!

The first place you see on entering is the Cabinet Room (see top photo), where all the meetings took place. Soon we were walking through corridors and saw the old wooden steps leading down to the sleeping quarters. Of course, my usual query came up….where were the toilets? We came across an old chemical toilet in one of the displays.

Churchill hated noise, apparently, so the Remington typewriters had to be adapted to ‘noiseless’. Again, a couple are on display.

The noiseless typewriter

The museum, which kind of splits the ‘rooms’ in half is rather confusing. Although there is a map as you enter, it doesn’t appear logical, so we ended up walking around it out of order. But here we found out about Churchill’s early life, military service and his going into politics. There is a video about his dealings with the Middle East, and lots of information, short videos and objects on display.

Churchill’s greatcoat – museum

On entering each person receives an audio guide to enhance the visit. While I used it in most of the ‘rooms’, I didn’t really bother in the museum. There is a lot of information available on the website, should you wish to check out things in more detail. While I took quite a lot of photos, I didn’t always note which rooms, but those I did note, are labelled here.

Churchill’s hats

Churchill did many good things in his time, and I was surprised just how much, despite being accused of going against his class. Well, good for him!

Things Churchill instigated or tried to instigate.

Churchill’s pistol

The original door to number 10 Downing Street. (See photo below for explanation)

Sorry about fuzzy photo!

Churchill loved painting, and here are a few of his things. If you read my post about my visit to Chartwell in Kent last year (the Churchill family home), you will see more about that. He took his artist’s material with him when he went abroad.

Downstairs were the living/sleeping quarters. Here is the room shared by Churchill’s detectives.

Churchill’s dining room.

Churchill’s wife’s bedroom

The kitchen

One of the corridors

Radio Room

Typing Pool

The sick room

The Map Room

Map Room

Map Room – look at all those telephones!

Map Room – can you see the pipes hanging down? They are used to communicate with others.

Churchill’s bedroom

There is masses to see here and amazing to think all these rooms lay under London on several layers. You need a couple of hours to take it all in. Well worth a visit.

The Highlights of Barnes (aka tombs and memorials)

Barnes Pond

This blog post is hot off the press as I only walked it this morning. The day was bright but cold. Enough to freeze my fingers. The walk, from the AA book Walking London, begins at Barnes Station and ends at Barnes Bridge Station. The duration of the walk is about five and half miles.

The first stopping point was Marc Bolan‘s memorial off Queen’s Ride. I’d wanted to visit for years, as being a bit of a T Rex fan back in the 70’s. I remember it was quite a shock when he died in a car crash on this road. So this was a bit of a pilgrimage for me.

The memorial is bigger than I imagined. Many fan pictures are left here. Obviously this is still well used. I would think there would be a gathering on important days, like his birthday or the anniversay of his death. I was pleased to finally see it.

The instructions for the first part of this walk were not that helpful, but to be fair it wasn’t an easy route across the common with things like ‘look for the low growing trees, and the lone bush.’ We did find Barnes old cemetery, but more with the help of the roads crossing the common. We didn’t necessarily go the way that was indicated, only because it was confusing from the description. Once at the cemetery the walk became easier to follow.

Barnes Cemetery

I had been through part of the cemetery some years ago on a walk following the route of Beverley Brook, but this was a different part. There is something about old graveyards that I like. Far from feeling eerie (as mentioned in the book), I find it peaceful.

A grave of note is Alexander Joseph Finberg, an author and artist. I could not find a photgraph of him online, or much detail about him, though there are plenty of sites with some detail.

Here is a map of the Beverly Brook walk which croses Barnes Common and the cemetery before flowing into the River Thames.

And here is Beverley Brook.

And another map!

Barnes Pond

We stopped by the pond and had a hot drink and cake at Barnes Theatre. A chance to refuel and get warm before the last part of the walk. We set off again and took a look at Milbourne House once owned by Henry Fielding, author of Tom Jones. This is the oldest building in Barnes, some of which dates from the 1400’s. We then headed down to the Thames Path.

Low tide at Barnes

Barnes Bridge

Along The Terrace opposite the River Thames we came across two more houses with blue plaques (which for some reason were not mentioned in the guide book). The first is the house of Gustav Holst, composer. He was the first classical composer whose work I ever really heard and liked. I was about ten at the time. The piece I heard was Jupiter from The Planets. Later I bought the LP. He has hall named after him at Morley College in Lambeth (I’ve been inside it). He either taught or played there.

Gustav Holts house

The next house, a little further down the road, was once where Dame Ninette De Valois, founder of the Royal Ballet, lived. (see below)

Now for something quite extraordinary, and worth this walk alone. In the churchyard of St Mary Magdalen is the tomb of Sir Richard Burton. No, not the actor, but the Victorian explorer and linguist. The stone tomb is a replica of a Bedouin tent and is adorned with Islamic crescents and moons. And, as if that isn’t enough, if you go round the back of the tomb there is a ladder up which you can view from the top, through the window, the coffins of Burton and his wife. This is something not to be missed.

The tomb stands 12ft square by 18ft high.

The ladder. Go on, I know you want to look. Come with me!

The two coffins

The coffins are surrounded by artifacts such as lamps and helmets.

Other graves in the churchyard

The final stop was St Mary the Virgin church, which luckily was open. It has a lovely stone arch and on the first staturday of the month you can go up the bell tower.

The archway

The church of St Mary the Virgin, Barnes

Inside the church

Stained glass window

Over the main doors

If you are into fish dining, Rick Stein has a restuarant close to the river.

And finally something for you to go ‘Ahh’ about. Three baby Egyptian ducks on the steps by the River Thames.

This was one of the strangest walks I’ve ever done, but great fun. Yes, we nearly got lost at the start of the walk, but we made it and was well worth going out on a cold, cold day.

A Day in Winchester

Abbey Gardens, Winchester

It was good to be back in Winchester again. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity on a lovely sunny day to visit my favourite city. There is is always something new to see. This day work was gearing up for the light show in Abbey Gardens, and filming was taking place (I know not what for), so large vans were parked along the street leading to the water meadows, cables snaking across the pavement, and one street was blocked off.

Abbey Gardens. Getting ready for the light show

This will look good at night all lit up

St. Mary’s Abbey, also known as the Nunnaminster, was a Benedictine nunnery in Winchester, Hampshire, England. It was founded between 899 and 902 by Alfred the Great’s widow Ealhswith, who was described as the ‘builder’ of the Nunnaminster in the New Minster Liber Vitae. (details Wikipedia)

The Refrectory, where I usually have lunch, is going through a revamp, so the main building is closed. Instead, there is a smaller room being used. It was crowded and only outdoor space was available. However, the food is as delicious as ever, and it was a fine day for eating outside.

On arrival, I’d nipped into The Arc for a hot chocolate and then had a quick look around the library. There is corner that sells cards, books and tourist items. I made a note of things I might buy on my way back to the station!

I went to have a look at where the latest exhibition about the Anglo-Saxons is. The interactive exhibition is situated in The Brooks Shopping Centre. As it is based on a game and the second part is accessed via an App as you walk around the city, I’d already ruled this out for me. Much more for the kids, this one! Instead, I went to browse in Waterstones bookshop, and ended up buying a book about the Thames Path. Like I don’t have enough of those!

The River Itchen, Abbey Gardens

Near to the Cathedral

The back of Winchester Cathedral

Christ’s Hospital (1607) which I discovered on my walk.

After lunch I set off for a walk. With one road being closed, I headed off down another. I had no idea where this was going. It was a long road and in the end I consulted Google Maps just to get my bearings.

One of Winchester’s Gates. This one leads in the The Close

River Itchen (part of the water meadows walk)

It wasn’t long before I found my way to where the water meadows meet the path to the Hospital of St Cross. I have walked that path many times. Today, I decided to walk back into the city along the water meadows. Eventually, I found the path to St Giles Viewpoint. I’d forgotten what a steep hill this was! I was confronted by what seems like unending steps. There was a break part way up and I sat down and enjoyed the view in the other dirtection.

A quick sit down part way up St Giles Viewpoint

The last haul up the steps was hard, but the view from the top is worth it. The day was much about exploring parts of the city I don’t so often go to, and looking in certain shops (I rarely shop when I’m in Winchester). The day went all-too quickly. The evenings still draw in early and I wanted to be away before the sun faded.

The many steps to the top

Information board

The view from the top

Ah, that blue sky

The Church of St Lawrence

I went back into the city for some last exploring. Firstly, to The Church of St Lawrence and that lovely glass entrance they have.

Glass engraved panels at the entrance to The Church of St Lawrence

Then a look at the William Walker public house, dedicated to a famous man.

Afterwards I headed back to The Arc, and bought a book on sketching and watercolour, then headed to the station. I’m already thinking about my next visit. Maybe be a short stay next time to get some walking in.

Two short walks

Young gull, St James Park, London

It’s been another week of catching up with friends, so there’s been more talking over cups of tea in cafes than walking, but one of the catch-ups was in London. We met at Victoria station, and because we were both cold and hungry, we quickly went to Wetherspoons inside the station for lunch!

Having warmed up, we set off in the direction of Buckingham Palace and through Green Park. Once in St James Park we soon found our way to the big cafe there and indulged in hot drinks and cake. I’m not sure I walked off all the calories after the vegan donut, but I tried my best when I said goodbye to my friend at Charing Cross station and headed over the Thames towards Waterloo.

St James Park

Heron

The Super Sewer work is going on all along the Thames, so parts of the Thames Path are inaccessible. This is badly needed, but I’ll be glad when the work is done.

Then there was the trip to Richmond Park yesterday with my son and his puppy. It was a dull, grey day, and all the photos look the same…dull! But at least we were in fresh air and we saw a Jay and Woodpecker. There were lots of parakeets too. Enjoy the photos.

Richmond Park

Rue

Parakeet feather

Space, The Universe and Everything: St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square

It seems ages ago since I bought tickets for this event, yet it came round quickly in the end. It’s still the season of light shows, and having been knocked out by one I attended in Winchester Cathedral last year, I thought I’d do another, but in London. It is by the same people and they take their light show all over the place. It was in St Albans at one time.

The night was surprisingly warm. I’d booked the tickets for the first slot on the first night, so no hanging around. Because St Martin’s is a smaller venue than some, the lights began outside the building to the side (where you could get a free peek if you’d not got tickets). You could also see through the windows and the display flitting across the church.

After seeing the lights outside, we filed down the stairs into the crypt where there is normally a cafe. This was shut, but outside there was a drinks bar. Down here was a tunnel of blue with stars and made everyone look like they were wearing cosy fleeces!

The Crypt

Then it was time to enter the church itself where the main display was.

What can I say, but wow! It over too soon. We watched it through twice before finally leaving, and to make space for those coming up behind us. The show is on for a few more weeks, so if you can, do go and see it.

Trees…mainly about trees!

Southbank, London

This week is a cobbled together post which highlights my week of walks, meeting friends and a sunset. A theme appeared which seems to revolve around trees!

I was up in London late last week. London always looks good at night with its vibrant assortment of lights, reflections in the river and lit up bridges. I cannot resist taking photos.

Hayward Gallery, Southbank. Not strtictly treees, but shaped a little like them?!

At the weekend my elder son and I took his puppy to Wimbledon Common. This was Rue’s second trip on a bus. We went upstairs and he sat with me by the window so he could see everything, but frankly he was more interested in people coming up the stairs or leaving!

We walked him up Wimbledon Hill, through a busy Wimbledon Village and onto the common. We took him for a curcuit of Cannizaro Park where he met a few dogs and enjoyed all the attention. Cannizaro park was alive with bird sounds, and we saw a parakeet mugging a squirrel until it found a hole to escape into.

Cannizaro Park

In Cannizaro Park

Spring is coming

Stream in Cannizaro Park

I love the colours of bamboo

The park looks good any time of year

Snowdrops

Back onto the common and away from roads we let Rue off the lead and he was a very happy dog.

Wimbledon Common

By Beverley Brook, near the end of our walk.

This is new since I was last here. I never knew this.

I finally charged the battery in my bridge camera yesterday. I’m so glad I did as we had a lovely sunset last night, so the following photos were taken from my back garden. See you next week!

Winter Lights 2023, Canary Wharf

Floating Earth by Luke Jarram – Middle Dock

On a freezing cold evening I went with my youngstest son and his girlfriend to Canary Wharf to enjoy the delights of the Winter Lights. There are 22 in all, spread over the whole of Canary Wharf, including inside Crossrail Place and the Roof Garden. This made for a nice stop to warm up! Five are permanent features I have seen before, so we mised those out, except for Adams Plaza Bridge which is always worth a photo.

The event began on Wednesday 18th January and continues to Saturday 28th January and runs between 5pm and 10pm. It is also free. You can download an APP of the map, or receive a hard copy from the many stewards around Canary Wharf. We did have to queue outside to get into Amina, but the line moved forward reasonably quickly. There were also queues inside Crossrail Place, but again all moved fast, and at least there it’s warm.

It takes a while to walk to and view all the exhibits, but it is worth it, and at Westferry Circus you are right on the River Thames. Anyway, enjoy the photos and videos.

Fluorescent Firs – Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park

Jubilee Park

Emergene by This is Loop – Montgomery Square

On the way to Water Street

Anima by ELISAVA – Water Street

You Exist, here, now by The Fandangoe Kid – Crossrail Place (Level 3)

in(visible) by Daniel Popsecu – Crossrail Place (Level 1 – Quayside)

in(visible) by Daniel Popsecu – Crossrail Place (Level 1 – Quayside)

Crystal Greenhouse by Shared Space and Light – Jubilee Park

Elantica ‘The Boulder’ by Tom&Lien Dekyvere – Crossrail Place (Level 1, Quayside)

Roof Garden, Crossrail Place

Fragmented Appearances by Gertjan Adema – Roof Garden, Crossrail Place

Captivated by Colour by Camille Walala – Adams Plaza Bridge (Level 0)

Continunum by Illumaphonium – Carbot Square

Out of the Dark by Tom Lambert (Crossrail Place, Level 1, Quayside)

Intonaluci ‘The Light Snails’ by Calidos (Crossrail Place Roof Garden, Level 1)

Westferry Circus overlooking the River Thames

River Thames

Permafrost – Sleeping Giants by Fisheye – Canary Riverside

The Stars Come Out at Night by Stellar Projects – Wren Landing

Canary Wharf

PING by Gjis van Bon – Westferry Circus

Three London Churches, a square and a river

St Etheldreda’s. Ely Place

I set out with a vague idea of a route, but at least I had one specific place to visit. Flicking through London’s 100 Best Churches by Leigh Hatts, I came across St Etheldreda’s, Farringdon. It was open on a Mondon (yay!) and had a crypt. The photos of it (and a look on their website) convinced me I must see it.

The church is off Ely Place, a gated cul-de-sac, off Holborn Circus and the nearest tube station is Chancery Lane. The church dates from 1252 and is the only Pre-Reformation church still in Catholic use. We get the term ‘night on the tiles’ from the tiled cloister as the Bishop gave a five-day party here for King Henry VIII, and it was here that the King discussed divorce from Catherine of Aragon with Archbishop Cranmer.

Ely Place

I had the whole of the church to myself. The large stained glass window just inside the main church was so huge that I couldn’t stand back far enough to frame the whole thing in my camera (I only had my mobile and it doesn’t have a wide-angle lens). The church has some wonderful stained glass windows.

The Nave

Altar window

Looking back

I walked down to The Crypt, which was very dimly lit. It seemed to be a place for storage and a sometimes cafe, maybe a performance space. However, there were some modern stained glass windows and statues.

In the crypt

A view from the steps coming out of the church towards the main entrance and the crypt to the left.

From St Etheldreda’s, I noticed a couple of other churches on the other side of Holborn Circus. I thought I’d see if they were open. The first was St Andrew, Holborn, an Anglican Church worshipping in the Catholic Style (High Anglican!). It also features (as I was later to discover) in London’s 100 Best Churches.

This is a very light church, very open and spacious, with a glorious ceiling. A gallery surrounds the nave. The church claims to have had people worshipping on the site for over 1,000 years. There is a wonderful timeline history on the website. Do take a look.

What stood out for me was the small altar with mother and child with the gold surround. Astonishing.

The nave with gallery.

The organ loft

This church holds the tomb of Thomas Coram, the founder of The Foundling Hospital, which I have visited in the past.

The tomb of Thomas Coram

This art work is over the door leading into the church.

Coming out of the church I walked and crossed Holborn Viaduct.

View from Holborn Viaduct

I don’t know much about architecture, though I studied a bit of Roman and Greek, which there is a lot of in London as it is considered classic. Just look at all the columns in London’s old buildings. However, new designs can sometimes be very photogenic, like the one in the photo above.

The final church I visited was Holy Sepulchre. I don’t know why this church isn’t featured in London’s 100 Best Churches, because I think it should.

Holy Sepulchre, Holborn Viaduct.

I was delighted to find out it is the musicians’ church, and has a dedicated Musicians’ Chapel. I spent some time in there enjoying the surroundings and the wonderful kneelers, each one representing a different composer.

The chapel also holds the ashes of Sir Henry Wood. He learned to play organ here before going on to study at the Royal Academy of Music. His father sang tenor in the choir. There is a window dedicated to Sir Henry Wood and a memorial book to musicians.

Musicians’ Chapel

Organ loft

Here was another interesting detail. There is a replica of the bell beside this plaque, but there was so much reflection I couldn’t take a photo of it.

The Royal Fusiliers Chapel (City of London Regiment)

Font

My aim now was to wander down to Paternoster Square, and as I walked I realised I’d been here before a couple of times. Greyfriars sits close to St Paul’s. What remains of the Greyfriats has been turned into a pocket garden.

Greyfriars

I had come to Paternoster Square where I wanted to see a fairly new art work, The Wild Table of Love. I’m sure I’ve read this is a temporary installation, but I may be wrong about this. However, it was great to see it, and a good excuse to end my visit in this place.

Around the edge of the square there are restaurants and cafes. I took a break at Pret before taking in the rest of the square.

This is the installation I had come to see.

St Paul’s Cathedral

I nipped into the Salvation Arm Cafe by the Millennium Bridge for a cup of tea and a cookie.

Crossing the Millennium Bridge I was now going to walk back to Waterloo along Southbank.

Here you can see The Shard, and Tower Bridge in the distance.

This is one of my favourite spots to take a photo. I never tire of this view across the bridge.

This really speaks to me.

Outside the Hayward Gallery, Southbank

I really enjoyed this day out. I found some marvelous churches I had not set out to see and learned new things. Sometimes keeping plans loose can lead you into some very interesting places. I hope you’ve enjoyed it too.

The great out and about and a past trip to Birmingham

New Year taken by my son by Lambeth Bridge, London

It is amazing how many places are shut on Mondays (usually one of my free days for exploring), and just now the weather has been dreadful (lots of wind and rain). At this time of year, houses owned by National Trust of English Heritage are closed, operating between October and March. Around Easter time, things pick up again. Some do open at Christmas as light shows have become the next big thing here. It used to be ice rinks, but I think light shows have taken over.

All the heady Christmas festivities have finished and now we are in January, the month when most people struggle with low mood. Getting outside is a great help, but you need some decent weather.

I went in search of new ideas at the library last week and headed for the travel section. There are often books on London with walking guides. Yes, I have plenty of my own, but I’m always on the look out for walks I’d not come across before that pass interesting places and gardens. I ended up with a book about a woman who kyaks through the Birmingham Canal system, and before you ask, I won’t be doing that even for this blog!

I’ve been to Birmingham twice, once for a day and another for a weekend. On the weekend trip I found the canal and what a busy thriving place it is (well in the City). I walked part of it, but without a map I had no idea where I was going, so didn’t venture too far.

I remember a particular low, dark tunnel which made me rather nervous. There were a couple of guys in there. I’m not sure if they were rough sleepers or just friends chatting. I hesitated. I was on my own. This might not be a good idea, but I strode out purposefully and reached the other side in one piece.

20190628_155814 — Who remembers Rosie & Jim from kids’ TV? Birmingham Canal

I get the feeling from the book I am reading that there are lots of tunnels like this, and also a lot where you can’t walk. In those days, narrow boats went through while the horse pulling them went over the bridge. The book also talks about the lowness of some bridges where the men had to push through by lying on top of their boats and guide it through using their legs!

Because I know the canal a little, I recognised names like Gas Street and Mailbox (where tour boats take you out on the water) in the book. It’s proving to be an interesting little book. In case you are interested, the book is called Hidden Nature: A Voyage of Discovery by Alys Fowler. In this book, Alys finds herself too.

It was the canals I fell in love with in Birmingham. I admit I got lost in the big shopping centre. I couldn’t find my way out and had to have help from one of the security guards! No sense of direction, that’s me. Not good in a walker.

The other place I loved was Birmingham City Library. Oh, this was paradise for me, being an avid reader. The size, design of the building and all those books, I was just swooning.

20190628_153939 — The view from the roof garden. Yes, it really has a lovely roof garden!

20190628_153824 — Birmingham City Library

Of course there are other things to see in Birmingham, different ‘quarters’, the museum and the cathedral, but the library and canal was my wow factor.

20190628_164229 — Lots of pubs line the canal

See you next week for a new adventure.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

We are still within the Christmas season, so I thought I’d start with a rousing rendition of Carol of the Bells by a favourite boys’ choir of mine, Libera.

So, Happy New Year to you. I hope Christmas Day was a good one for you. We all had colds hanging on, though mine was improved by then. My son spent Boxing Day in bed and hubby wasn’t great either. But the New Year is here now. The days are gradually lengthening, and as my dad used to say, “spring is just round the corner.”

We’ve had some pretty wet days, so I had to choose carefully a day to go out. With the trains on overtime bans there are less of them and then they are crowded. So, I took the bus, well two in fact, to Vauxhall where my youngest son lives to drop off a letter and have a cuppa. It made for an interesting journey which took me on a route I didn’t know. I grabbed myself a front seat on the top deck like a tourist (the buses were less busy, thankfully) and enjoyed the views.

Wandsworth

US Embassy from the top deck of the bus

Coming into Vauxhall (still so much building work going on there)

St Ann and All Saints, Vauxhall tucked away in the middle of new apartments

Once in Vauxhall, I had a little wander before setting off to see my son, who lives close to Lambeth Bridge.

Atlas? Outside some fine apartments overlooking the River Thames. Lots of reflection.

Looking towards Vauxhall Bridge

Across the water is Tate Britain (with the columns)

Looking towards Lambeth Bridge and Westminster

If you would like to know more about London’s Bridges, here is a nice little article with a map. I have walked both sides of the Thames over the years and seen all these bridges, and crossed a fair few of them.

Just after Christmas, I took a walk around a local park on a bright sunny day and took a few photos.

You can see that I like the way light plays through the trees. And talking of trees, I was sad to learn that the Hardy Tree (near St Pancras) fell a few days ago. I was lucky enough to see it earlier last year. It certainly took me long enough to visit it, so I’m thankful I finally made the effort. You can read about it here. Somewhere in my blog posts you can also read about my visit to the Hardy Tree.

It’s a lovely day out there today, so maybe I should venture forth and discover! See you next time.