Christmas 2022

Christmas 2022 

How swiftly days pass - all the excitement and preparation for Christmas, presents to wrap and send and, at this time of year, I am always reminded of Mum, as she used to help me by holding the wrapping paper in place, whilst I wielded the Sellotape. She would look up at me and grin, and say, "Now, don't stick my finger to the parcel!"  At least this year, I was "well ahead of the game," as they say, along with Christmas cards to friends and loved ones in England and overseas: due to action by the Royal Mail, I really had to send everything off as early as I could, and I got most of our mail - cards, parcels and letters - away in November. From everyone we have heard from so far, everything arrived in good time!

Our Christmas Day was a very happy and peaceful time, made extra special by having the chance to speak to Al and Dani on Face Time. It's a wonderful thing, to be able not just to hear, but also to see our loved ones at special times. Apart from me, everyone has Apple phones, so the connection on Christmas Day was easy. On the Samsung phone Wendy gave me, I can do WhatsApp and have messages and phone conversations, but that's about it. I can't take photos or upload them, and it's clear I have still so much to learn!

Al and Dani rang us just as I had been carving the turkey and dishing up the dinner, and they asked Wendy to take a photo of her plate, and send it to them, so here it is:

We had roast turkey (courtesy of Wendy, it was a fresh bird from Waitrose), roast caramelised potatoes, parsnips, carrots, swede, peas, Brussels sprouts and Yorkshire puddings, with a slice of Tunis Cake and chocolate Yule Log to follow.

Apparently, it is quite the thing nowadays for people having a meal in a restaurant to photograph their lunch/dinner/tea and upload the picture so that their friends can see what they are having - very strange! 

Anyway, if nothing else, it proves I cooked the "full monty" meal. 

Afterwards, we had a wonderful time, opening all the beautiful presents we had been given; everyone is so very kind and thoughtful, and we loved and appreciated every gift very much. 

Using the magic of the time-delay switch on the camera, we also took a photo of all three of us in front of the Christmas Tree:

Another photograph for the Memory Bank!

We might have been only few in number, but what a happy little band we were. We listened to some carols, and watched the King's speech on t.v. Everything had gone beautifully, and we have wonderful memories of a very happy 

Christmas Day.

London Snow

London Snow

"When men were all asleep the snow came flying  In large white flakes falling on the city brown

Stealthily and perpetually settling and loosely lying, Hushing the latest traffic of the drowsy town..."

These are the opening lines from one of my favourite poems, "London Snow," by Robert Bridges. I was first introduced to it by my speech and drama teacher, whilst I was living in Durban, and I was instantly captivated by its imagery and the way Bridges illustrates the beauty and stillness after a fall of snow. 

However, after my return to the U.K. in 1970, I have since learned there is another side to snow; beauty there is, certainly, but also a savagery and harshness and, with today's constant flow of traffic, a danger that is ever present when roads turn icy and people are out and about in their cars, and lorries are going about their business, transporting loads from depots to delivery sites, not to mention buses and cyclists and motor bikers. 

Last weekend saw us spend a couple of nights away in Colchester, attending a dance practice with Starlight Dancing on the Friday, and the Christmas Ball on the Saturday night. The dancing is held in the Marks Tey village hall, which is 50 miles away from home, so we decided that, rather than attempt to travel back each evening, we would make a pre-Christmas break of it, and book two nights at the Holiday Inn in Colchester. 

As the weather got even colder, with swathes of icy blasts dragged in from the arctic, it was obvious it was a very good decision! We had a very short drive from the hotel to the venue, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves; we had good company - sitting at our table were two couples we first met earlier this year, at the dancing holiday in Torquay - and Bob also won a spot prize in one of the quickstep dances, which was a lovely surprise!

Sunday morning dawned bright and very cold, but no matter; we had a good breakfast, packed our bags and our dancing shoes, and set off for home at about 1.00 p.m. 

As we drove, the weather started to show signs of change; there was fog, then freezing fog, and it was terribly cold. We were glad to get in, get the central heating thermostat raised up to a higher temperature, and generally snuggle in for the night.

And during the night, the snow arrived. Two and a half inches - 5 centimeters - of it, covering our garden.

It looked beautiful, and indeed, the snow hushed sound; even the magpies stayed in their nests and did not venture out to steal any of the food we put out to feed the stray cats we keep fed, especially during these harsh times. 

We also had a dancing lesson booked for the morning, but before we left, our lovely teacher rang us to say, she was going to cancel the session; the roads leading to the dance hall are not main roads, and therefore not all are gritted, and they can be very tricky to negotiate, so we were very grateful for her thoughtfulness. 

Then the reports started coming through on the television news, about problems on the roads - even the A roads, like the A12, were experiencing difficulties, and there were accidents on the M25, with terrible delays for everyone attempting to drive somewhere. 

How glad we were we did not have to go anywhere! and over the past few days, our temperatures have been recorded as low as minus 5 degrees. Bob has braved going to the shops for groceries, but we do not travel far. Even during the day, the thermometer struggles to get above freezing. 

So, yes, this is indeed London Snow. Beautiful and hushed, but also treacherous and slippery.
It is now starting to thaw a little, when the sun comes out and shines on it to melt the top layer, but then of course it freezes again overnight, and the ice crystals glitter in the next morning's sunshine.

We are promised an improvement: warmer weather at the weekend, with rain, and then perhaps we shall have plus 9 (!) degrees, instead of minus figures, to contend with.

As someone who grew up in East Africa, I feel the cold terribly, but with this severe weather, I have not been alone in finding it difficult to cope. We have not even had the shortest day yet, but once that passes, and - however imperceptibly - the days begin to lengthen, surely we can start to look forward to spring!

 

 

Book Signing At The West Somerset Railway

Book Signing At The West Somerset Railway

We were invited to return to the West Somerset Railway, so that Bob could have a couple of days at the shop in Minehead, signing copies of his book, "Isabel Finds A Home," and we were really eager to get back to the Railway. The last time we were there was four (four!) years ago, and then of course the pandemic hit, everything was closed, and we couldn't go anywhere. 

It was so good to be back! Wendy drove us to Minehead, and we stayed at the Premier Inn, a short drive from the station, so it was also a mini-break for us all.

Everyone at the Railway was so hospitable, and we really enjoyed it - there were lots of passengers, because it was the last days of normal running for this season. 

 

Bob said, "It was wonderful to be back and meet a few old friends from my days as a Fireman on the Railway. It was a chance to give something back after many years of happy footplate work, and all the staff in the shop at Minehead made us very welcome."

 

  

Wendy and I took the opportunity on the Saturday to chuff up and down the line to Bishops Lydeard and back, all with the whiff of steam and everyone so happy to be on board. I was also asked to make a couple of station announcements: "The train now standing at Platform 1 is the 16.30 steam service calling at all stations to Bishops Lydeard...!"  

 

They would also like me to do that again! and we have been asked if we can make another visit in the summer, when it will be even busier. That’s another trip to look forward to!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Shopping

 

Christmas Shopping

Wendy then reminded us that John Lewis is open until 8.00 p.m., so we decided it would be a good idea to find another parking space in Liverpool 1, and take the opportunity to have a look round the shop. Their Christmas Store is also open, and we were on the hunt for a new Christmas tree! We had seen lots of trees that looked suitable on-line, but we like to see things on display, and make sure they are exactly what we are looking for. 

We had a magical couple of hours in John Lewis, spoiled for choice by all the Christmas trees on display. However, we knew pretty much what we wanted, and soon whittled it down to a six-footer, with a little pre-lighting already place. We didn't want a tree completely decorated with lights, as we want to add our own, but we reckoned it would be a good idea to get one with a basic set already fitted.

They also had the most luxurious tinsel garlands, and a set of lights that looked like a string of beads - very pretty indeed; they also went in to our basket, and then I saw a red squirrel, with such a sweet expression, I couldn't resist taking him home as well. 

Wendy and Bob went off to collect the tree from the collection area, whilst I went back to the mirrors and pictures department, and had a restful sit down! 

What a successful day it had been; seeing a good friend, enjoying Christmas shopping, and all achieved with the minimum of fuss.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Then, On to Panormic 34!

 

And Then, On To Panoramic 34!

Having given the venue such a good rating, including praising the wonderful panoramic views, Wendy suggested I describe what can be seen on a good day: To the south, you can see across the Mersey to the Wirral with Birkenhead and shipbuilders Cammell Laird, and the Welsh hills. To the west, it's the Irish Sea, and to the east, the City of Liverpool is laid out before you, with the Liver Building, the Anglican Cathedral, the City FM Radio Station Tower and, of course, the river, in view. Looking out to the north, you can see the docks and Bootle but, as I've just said, a lot depends on the weather. If we are ever in Blackpool, and the weather is fine, from the top of the Blackpool Tower you can see Liverpool, which is 50 miles to the south, as the crow flies. 

On this visit, it all started off a bit overcast and rainy, but happily, as the day progressed, the weather improved. 

Panoramic views from Panoramic 34!

We were made very welcome by the staff, and enjoyed the tea and champagne; I had my usual sip of it for the toast, and then our friend "helped me out!" as he put it, and finished it off for me. 

I had also ordered my usual very simple "Plain white bread and butter and cucumber" sandwiches, that came on a large plate, which meant everyone else could enjoy them too. There were the other, "fancier" offerings that didn't appeal to me, and I was well satisfied with my very simple fare. 

It was reasonably quiet at the venue, so we were seated early, and could really take our take to enjoy the tea and the view. The weather continued to get better, and there were some beautiful moments when the sunshine broke through clouds, lying like a gleaming carpet across the river. and visibility improved, too.

 

 

 A silver ray of sun stretches like a bridge across the Mersey, 

whilst the skies are brightening

It was so lovely to be able to spend time with a dear friend, and we were all very happy to have had the opportunity to meet up again! I know a lot has happened over the past couple of years, and the days, weeks and months - and then years - go by, without actually seeing people we are fond of; it's very important to make an effort and arrange get-togethers whenever possible. 

We drove our friend back to his hotel, promising we won't leave it so long again, before we arrange another meeting!

We Visit Liverpool And Kirkdale

We Visit Liverpool And Kirkdale

We have been on our travels this month! It had been such a long while since I'd been up to Liverpool, and we had a special reason to visit this time: we had booked a table for a champagne tea at Panoramic 34, and invited a dear friend to come and share the afternoon with us.

Panoramic 34 is, of course, where I booked for everyone to join us after Mum's funeral in September 2020; we have good memories of that afternoon, and I am sure Mum was looking down on us and smiling whilst we talked about her, and celebrated her life. 

Before finding parking at the venue, we first drove to Kirkdale, and visited Mum's grave. We always find it easily, because it is next to the headstone with Aunt Marion's name on it. 

All the hardy erica and rockery plants we put in last year had not survived the drought and very hot summer, so it was looking very bare. We visited the florist across the road and decided to get a couple of pots of artificial flowers, which looked lovely - and hopefully will last a little longer. We filled out the cards the florist gave us, and inserted them in the little holder provided, and then did our best to make sure the pots were placed as firmly as we could get them, into the ground. 

 

The little pots mark the place where Mum, Grandma, my Grandfather and Uncle Austen are all resting, and they certainly make a bright splash of colour and show we have been there to care and and pray and think of them.

Wendy said when she is next in Liverpool, she will come to Kirkdale and add a card for Mum, and Grandma; and in due course, when things have settled down a bit more, I must look into arranging a headstone for them. 

Mum always said she would like an open book design, so that the four names can be easily inscribed:

Austin Woods; John Woods; Alice Woods (nee Thompson) and Phyllis Audrey Whitwell (nee Woods).

We shall fulfill that promise for her.

A Great Day Out In London (Part 2)

A Great Day Out In London (Part 2)

After a great afternoon at the RAF Club, and fortified by a delicious lunch (and champagne), our trip into town still had some way to run. 

Wendy had organised parking in the RCP car park in Arlington Street, and because of the way we had had to estimate how long we would need, it ended up as a 24 slot. It was expensive, but at least we could take our time and not have to rush, worrying about overstaying our time.

We walked back to the car park; Wendy retrieved our shopping trolley from the boot, and then we carried on along Piccadilly to Fortnum and Mason.

Of course we also passed The Ritz entrance in Arlington Street, and it gave me a moment's pause, remembering how often we used to go there with Mum; back in the day, we would go for tea 5 times a year, to celebrate all our birthdays! but since then, there have been so many changes, people retiring or leaving and new ideas being introduced by the new owners that, for us, it doesn't bear much resemblance to The Ritz - and the atmosphere - we knew and loved. 

Still, no regrets; happy memories of what once was, and we have found a new romantic home at Fortnum and Mason.

I had pre-ordered some goodies as presents for our dear friends and loved ones at Christmas, and the plan was to collect them after the RAF luncheon, as well as seeing what else took our fancy in the shop.

The "Christmas Store" was already open, and we spent a happy hour admiring the delights of Christmas trees and baubles, Advent candles and decorations; there is now definitely something in the air, that the festive season will soon be upon us. 

I do love Christmas; I never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, and it is also the time when we can make a real effort to keep in touch with everyone, write all those letters we should have sent off weeks (or even months!) ago, before our busy lives intruded and persuaded us it was o.k. to postpone everything for a while. Yes, sometimes we can get away with putting things off, but then there are the times when it proves to be too late to speak to someone, or write to them; from personal experience, I know how sad that can be. I try to make sure I keep up with what I love to do, anyway - and that is to write and keep in contact with everyone.

Wendy by one of the Fortnum and Mason Christmas trees

We enjoyed a visit to the Christmas Store and indeed found other delicious offerings of gifts and goodies; then it was down to the lower ground floor to collect the items already ordered. 

Everything was ready for us - beautifully packed in three (!) very large boxes! and it was a shame we couldn't take them all back to the car just as they were.  We carefully undid all the boxes, assisted by a very helpful lady, who checked everything was exactly what we wanted, and then Wendy, being the expert packer that she is, placed all the biscuits and teas and chocolates into Fortnum and Mason bags, which then went in to our trolley. It was all very heavy! but with wheels underneath the trolley bag, it simply rolled along effortlessly. There were still a few bags left to carry, filled with the "overflow" items, but it meant we got back to the car with little effort, loaded everything in the back, and set off for home.

Altogether a successful, and enjoyable, day out in London! 

 

 

 

We Have A Great Day Out In London

We Have A Great Day Out In London

It was well worth waiting for: The Battle of Britain Luncheon at the RAF Club in Piccadilly had originally been set to take place on Friday, 16 September, but in respect for her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, it had been agreed to postpone it, until the official time of mourning was over. 

We were so happy when we heard from the Royal Society of St George that Friday, 7 October, was the new day chosen for the luncheon; we were all free, and able to attend as planned.  

In spite of weather warnings for showers (according to the weather report, "maybe heavy later"!) we drove into town; the journey took rather longer than usual, because the traffic was extremely heavy, due to disruption by demonstrations by Extinction Rebellion. This was alright for us, because we had left in such good time to allow for any such problems, but I always feel sorry for other people who have been caught up and severely inconvenienced by this disruption: I'm thinking of ambulances trying to get very ill people to hospital, firefighters on call to a fire, or folks desperately wanting to visit loved ones who are ill. 

Heigh ho, that's my little "rant" for the day! and we arrived at the car park in Arlington Street in good time. It was a lovely stroll down Piccadilly; we walked past the gates of Green Park, where there are still a few bouquets of flowers left by the public on 19 September, entwined in the railings. They are all nearly faded now, but the sentiment so many people felt is still evident, and a poignant reminder of the Queen.

The RAF Club is housed in a beautiful building, with the ground floor dedicated to information about modern aircraft, and upstairs showcasing older history. After a champagne reception, we climbed a magnificent staircase up to the dining room; we were seated with 6 other people, all very interesting and with their own tales to tell.

The food was right up my street - leek and potato soup, fish and a trifle for pudding - and a lovely pot of tea to round off the meal. 

However, the best part was still to come. The Speaker, Dr Emily Mayhew, gave one of the most brilliantly interesting speeches we have ever had the pleasure to hear. 

Her theme was the treatment and recovery of Air Force personnel who have been badly burned during their service; at recent times particularly with reference to Afghanistan and Iran, but earlier with the pilots and air crew who who fought in WW2.

During that time, it was soon realised that it was not enough to just save a young man's life; injuries were mainly focussed on the face and hands, and Archibald McKindoe, a New Zealand plastic surgeon, began introducing new ways of helping the injured personnel. Treatment usually involved multiple operations, but it was not enough just to restore some sort of physically acceptable result for these men; they also needed to know they were still valued members of society, still needed in the RAF and therefore given a great psychological impetus to aid their recovery.  During this time, a group of servicemen also became the first members of "The Guinea Pig Club." 

We were told how one day they got hold of a bottle of sherry, "off ration," and met up for a drink in a park, and it was there the foundations for the club were laid. Requirements of membership were heavy, as every man had had to have had at least 10 operations, and be receiving on-going treatment at East Grinstead. 

The young nurses who tended the patients also played their part in convincing the men they were still attractive and that their personalities could flourish and overcome any physical deformities. When they were fit enough to go into the town of East Grinstead, they wore their uniforms which reinforced their pride in that, in spite of what they had been through, and their once-handsome faces ravaged by burns, they were still valuable members of society. Another remarkable aspect was that the townsfolk accepted them wholeheartedly into the community, and never looked at anyone with severe disfigurements as being ugly or frightening; East Grinstead became known as "The town that never stared," surely one of the best compliments that could have been bestowed on it.

I could have listened to Dr Mayhew for a great deal longer, and she left her audience wanting more; if I discover she is speaking at another function, I shall be first in line to put my name down for a ticket!

 

Ugandan Memories

Ugandan Memories

In 1953, we had moved from Dar-es-Salaam to Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and my Mum worked for Sir Charles Westlake; he was an English engineer and Chairman of the Uganda Electricity Board, and he was instrumental in the creation of the Owen Falls Dam hydro-electric scheme at Jinja. Following her Coronation in 1953, in April 1954 the Queen and Prince Philip came out to Uganda, and one of her engagements was officially to open the Dam, and set the turbines in operation. We were invited to be present, and took our seats a couple of hours before the Queen arrived in her car from Entebbe; she was going to be driven across the top of the dam to the dais, where she would press the button to open the sluice gates; after that, she went to the power station, to start the first turbine, setting the hydro-electric scheme in action. 

The engineers had closed the gates some hours before, and of course the River Nile began building up behind the dam, as the water was slowly draining away below it - and I remember sitting and watching this with dread: What would happen if the Queen was delayed, and ALL the water drained away downstream in the meantime?! You could see the level dropping very steadily - and to my eyes, very quickly! I was so relieved when her motorcade hove into view, and this petite figure was welcomed with all the joy and excitement the new Queen generated. She made a short speech and then pressed the button - and to my great relief, the sluice gates opened as planned, and the water poured through in magnificent cascades, droplets flying everywhere, with miniature rainbows forming in the spray. That’s one sight I’ll never forget. 

At that time, I don't think anyone realised how keen I was to create photograph albums and scrap books with which to remember special occasions, and how I wish I had been given some pictures, or mementos, such as invitations, perhaps, of that special day to hold as a keepsake; instead, the "Mark One" brain and memory will have to do the job! 

As our longest serving Monarch, her remarkable service and devotion to duty for over 70 years, not only to our country, but also to the Commonwealth nations and others across the world, ensured the Queen huge affection and respect for her unique wisdom and leadership. The Queen will be sorely missed by all her subjects; she will never be forgotten, but live on in our hearts and minds for ever. We pray for God’s blessing upon her, and that she may rest in eternal peace.

We also pray for our new King, Charles III; I am certain he will also be strengthened and supported by this same love and respect from all his people.

We are so proud and happy to be British!

 

 

 

 

 

What Momentous Days These Have Been

 

What Momentous Days These Have Been...

 

What a momentous time these past 10 days have brought us, with the death of Queen Elizabeth; especially poignant for people in Scotland, as she died at Balmoral. 

 

The reverence and care the people of Scotland showed Her Majesty as she lay at rest in St Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, is surely a good indication for the continuation of England and Scotland remaining firmly in union together for some long time into the future.  

 

Then the journey to London: The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, taking up her solemn duty to accompany her mother's body on the flight from Edinburgh. 

The Royal Family had one evening with Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace, before the four-day Lying in State in Westminster Hall. 

Apart from her subjects travelling to the capital from all over the United Kingdom, people flew in to London from all parts of the world, to have the opportunity of filing past the coffin. The queue was long, the weather was not particularly kind, but still nearly a quarter of a million people stayed the course, and paid their last respects. 

Particularly moving were the two Royal vigils - the first, by King Charles III, the Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward; the second, held by all eight of Queen Elizabeth's grandchildren - the eldest aged 42, the youngest, only 14. They all stayed stock still, taking their places by the guardsmen, until the tap of a staff on the stone floor signified a changing of the guard.

What a stirring, emotional and memorable day the 19 September has been - a loving and respectful send off to our wonderful Queen Elizabeth II, as well as showing the world what Britain can do in terms of pageantry and amazing organisation. 

 

We loved all the touching words spoken in tributes and messages of condolence from leaders from all over the world, especially from President Macron of France, President Trudeau of Canada and American President Biden; it was amazing to see all these powerful men - and women - in Westminster Abbey.

You could see the grief and the strain etched on the faces of the Royal Family, but they all carry on, no matter what. There will be an official week of mourning now, so I think the next few days will give them a short respite, time together and just to take deep breaths before their busy lives take over again. 

 

After watching all these scenes unfolding, and witnessing the perfect culmination of a truly memorable day, I was inspired to write this poem:

A SUCCESSION SONNET

 

It’s after the funeral is over

And all the crowds have gone home;

And the streets of London are quiet

That people may feel all alone.

Our beloved Monarch is resting

At Windsor, with those gone before;

With Prince Philip, her mother and father,

She’s surrounded by love evermore.

 

And now, after national mourning

Life goes on, as surely it must;

We never forget, but keep close in our hearts

Our Royal Family, with respect and in trust.

And now, for our King, Charles the Third, we rejoice

And lift up our hearts and our minds, with one voice:

 

GOD SAVE THE KING

 

Alexandra Wilde

19 September 2022

 

St George's Chapel, Windsor

 

 

How Fast Seventy Years Fly By

How Fast Seventy Years Fly By

What a momentous few days these have been. Less than a week ago, on September 6, the Queen was at Balmoral; she bid goodbye to our out-going Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and we saw her welcoming Liz Truss, shaking hands and asking her to form a new Government. The Queen looked frail, but her smile was as radiant as ever, but then, 48 hours later, on September 8, she was gone, leaving a huge gap in all our lives. 

My family is feeling the loss of the Queen very personally; my first Bob was a Commander Engineer in the Royal Navy, and we enjoyed many happy times at various Naval events and all the official engagements we attended. Our daughter, Wendy, was a young child, and as her dad was senior Naval Officer, she was often chosen to present a bouquet to a member of the Royal family attending a special function; Wendy was never at a loss for words! and always enjoyed these occasions. 

I was a little girl myself in 1952, when King George VI died. We were in Kampala, and I remember hearing the news on old "steam radio," coming over (I think!) either on the home programme or the light programme, on short wave with all the attendant static and interference, followed by sombre music that was played all day. We lived near a hill called Gun Cannon Hill; there was a huge cannon at the top, and I used to run up and down this hill, and climb all over the gun - it was such fun. However, the day after the King died, my Grandma and I were having our usual afternoon kip during the heat of the day, when suddenly there was this terrific BANG!! Even my Grandma, who was stone deaf, heard it, and it gave her such a fright, she nearly fell out of her bed. I’m sure you’ve guessed that the cannon was actually an operational piece of ordnance, and it was being tested in readiness for the 52 gun salute, one for each year of the King’s life.

We don’t like bangs, (I was once told the Queen didn’t like them either, but she still had to attend reviews with all those gun salutes), so when the time came for the cannon to be fired, my Mum made us a picnic, and we drove to Jinja, about 45 miles from Kampala, where we stayed until that part of the ceremony was over. There was no t.v. of course, so we saw the funeral on the newsreel in the cinema. 

When Queen Elizabeth was crowned, again we watched the ceremony on the newsreel at the cinema, and were held spellbound as the colours, the pageantry and pomp unfolded on the screen.  

I was given a miniature toy gold Coronation Coach, complete with horses and guardsmen, and I spent many happy hours playing with it, and imagining what the real thing must have been like, in London.  

And now, all the formal and ceremonial events are televised and available to watch as they happen, by millions of people all over the world. It was wonderful to hear the warm welcome Charles received from the crowd as he arrived at Buckingham Palace with Camilla, and it was clear he was comforted by the outpouring of sympathy and understanding from everyone fortunate enough to be there on such an historic day. 

I remember reading in a newspaper, many years ago, on hearing the roar of welcome greeting his Mother at a function, Charles said, "They'll never do that for me..." Well, he must be comforted and reassured beyond measure to know that "they" have indeed done that for him.  We have all taken him to our hearts, and the swell of love and approval will carry him through these sad and demanding times. 

 

 

An Arty Afternoon Adventure In Cambridge

An Arty Afternoon Adventure In Cambridge

Back in the spring, there was an article in The Daily Telegraph about a new exhibiton, The Art and Technology of Depiction, mounted in the Fitzwilliam Gallery in Cambridge, featuring David Hockney's work over his lifetime. He is now 81, and the works show how his art has evolved, and how the other artists, such as Van Gogh, Monet, Constable, and Warhol, had influenced him. There was also a second part to this exhibition, mounted in the Heong Gallery, which also featured a 47-minute video lecture by the artist, on perspective. The show would be on until nearly the end of August, and I really wanted to go!

But, as so often happens, the days and weeks flew by; to be fair, I also forgot about Cambridge sometimes, but then - doing some tidying-up - I found the cutting from the newspaper, with all the details on it: and there were only 2 and a half weeks left to go, before the exhibition closed.

With the various problems we've had with our eyes and the extreme heat we've experienced this summer, we weren't really up for a long drive to Cambridge, spending time at the Fitzwilliam and Heong Galleries, and then facing a long drive home; but then Wendy stepped up to the plate, and volunteered to drive us there and back. As just about everyone who knows us is aware, Wendy loves to drive; and she is also interested in art, so we settled on Friday, 20 August. We'd set off reasonably early, hope for a smooth run up the North Circular A406, followed by a stretch up the M11 and land in Cambridge in nice time to enjoy "David Hockney's Eye."

We found the closest car park to the Heong Gallery, at Queen Anne Terrace. It is quite an old multi-storey car park, built when vehicles were a bit smaller than the Ford Tourneo we were in! - and the curves going up the ramps were very tight, but we found a good billet, and then had a 10-minute walk to the Heong Gallery.  

It is an intimate venue, with some wonderful pictures of perspective and the different ways of looking at things, and David Hockney's more recent use of modern digital technology. He believes it is not a "cheat" to use modern tools; it is how you apply them, and the unique way they produce art, than makes for genuine art. 

In the courtyard outside the Heong Gallery was a sculpture of a tree, fashioned from blocks of wood, and Wendy took the opportunity to have a go at drawing it; paper and pencil were provided, and in a very short time, she had produced a very fair representation of it.

Wendy's free-hand drawing of the sculpture in the courtyard of the Heong Gallery

She showed it to the young curator, and he was impressed with her effort - especially as Wendy had drawn it free-hand: she hadn't even noticed there was a stencil available on the side!

Sadly, we didn't have time to watch the video lecture; we were all gasping for a drink and a (small) bite to eat, so we strolled on for another 10 minutes or so, to the main Fitzwilliam Gallery. 

We headed straight for the cafe, but this is always a problem for me; there was nothing "plain" on offer, only a choice of a couple of sandwiches, all containing what I call "mucked about" fillings! Why can no-one see that there are some folk out here, who would just like a couple of slices of white bread and butter and cheese - with no coleslaw, chutney, mustard, ham, or any other bits of "this and that," that the sandwich makers think make their offering "better"?! For me, once all the fiddley extras have been added to the mix, the sandwich has been ruined; which is why, quite often, I take a marmalade sandwich with me, a la Paddington Bear, which I can keep under my hat - if I am wearing one!

I had brought with me a bar of chocolate, and so I wasn't completely without a bite to eat; there was also hot drinking chocolate on offer, so I was o.k. with that. Wendy and Bob each had one of the sandwiches that were still available, and tea, so we all managed quite well.

Then we spent a happy time going round the main Hockney's Eye exhibition - and what a delight it was. You could see the way older artists had influenced him, but still his own talent and view of the world shines through; and, as he is still working with great enthusiasm, continues to inspire the people who appreciate his work so much.

His pictures were displayed among works by the other artists from the Fitzwilliam's permanent collection, which made them even more interesting and inspiring.

We enjoyed wandering through some of the other rooms, including one with examples of suits of armour, and a knight on horseback! That was great fun, and we took a few minutes to pose for a couple of pictures:

"Don't be ridiculous! You may well be a knight in shining armour, but I am NOT getting up to sit behind you on that horse so that we can gallop off into the sunset..."

I can just hear this bloke saying, "She's the one!"

Wendy won't take any mediaeval nonsense from this one, either!

"At last!" exclaimed Bob, "if I can't practice the Platinum Waltz, I can at least dance the armour-plated waltz instead! (I hope the steps are about the same...?)"

The Gallery closed at 5.00, so we headed back to the car, and decided to try and find a Beefeater Restaurant in Cambridge. Thanks to Google, we found one in the Girton area, and settled in for a delicious early dinner; it was a real treat.

Our waiter, Kyle, was terrific - friendly, helpful and attentive, he took our order and relayed it precisely to the chef; I had fish and chips and garden peas - no sauces, of course! - and Bob and Wendy both had chicken, and it was all cooked exactly how we like it - well done, and we really enjoyed it. 

We are trying to leave a positive review on TripAdvisor, but this particular restaurant is proving difficult to locate on the system; if necessary, I shall write in the good, old-fashioned way, and say how delighted we were with our visit. 

Then we drove back home, again straight down the M11 and A406, North Circular Road. By the time we left Cambridge, the traffic was quite light, so we made excellent time and, thanks to Wendy and her Chauffeuring duties, enjoyed a brilliant day out; it was so good we could all go to the exhibition.

 

 

 

The Thieving Magpies (With Apologies To Rossini)

The Thieving Magpies (With Apologies To Rossini)

We have a large fish pond in the garden, with various types of multi-coloured fish - none was expensive, and we started off with about half a dozen, but we reckon they must be really happy there, because over the years they have produced lots of fry.

We also feed a couple of stray cats: Snowy 1 and Snowy 2 (an older cat, who is now called "Old Deuteronomy) and they have a food bowl outside the kitchen door. When they have finished a couple of sachets of food in gravy or jelly, they also get a second course of Whiskers, which is dry cat food - they love both sorts, but by the time they get to the Whiskers, the cats are usually pretty satisfied, and quite often leave some of the pellets behind. 

Once they have gone to start washing and grooming themselves, that is a signal to the magpies; they swiftly swoop down to collect anything that's left over, and clear the bowls so quickly, you'd think they hadn't had anything else in the way of food for ages. 

Of course, when they have nested and have young, the parents are particularly busy, making umpteen return trips to the bowls: grab a morsel, fly away, and a couple of minutes later, come back for more. It is wonderful to see them, and their luminescent plumage shining in the sun, with their energetic work never ceasing.

To go back to the fish, and our efforts to make sure they are well fed if we have to go away: We invested in a rather clever device, with a spout that sits over the water in the pond, and when the hopper is filled with a goodly supply of pond sticks, there is a timer that releases a metered amount of food, three times a day.

Magpies are such intelligent birds and, just recently, have discovered this source of fine dining as well! 

One bird's technique is to stick its beak right into the spout that delivers the pond sticks; this clearly works quite well!

 How to get delicious pond sticks from the feeder!

However, today we saw the first magpie joined by a second, who had worked out an even more superior method of securing a meal. Apart from employing the "beak in the spout" technique, it then withdraws its head, and taps hard on the top of the dispenser, thus ensuring any stray pond sticks left higher up in the system with be delivered into the spout.

"I think this will be a good place to aim a sharp tap with my beak!"

 I know birds are brilliant, but to see such learned behaviour right in front of our eyes, just a few feet away, is truly inspiring. 

 Reward!

Making sure they have food to tide them over feeding their young when the ground is bone dry, and I guess natural food hard to come by, is one thing; but with magpies also enjoying their "thievish" reputation, I'll be certain not to leave anything shiny or valuable around, in case that also takes their fancy! 

There are so many superstitions surrounding magpies; in Europe they are mostly unfavourable, whilst in Asian countries they are considered good luck! I prefer to follow the latter option, but I knew people who would always show respect for magpies, by saluting any bird they saw.

It is also said that magpies mate for life, which gives an explanation for the first two lines of this old poem/nursery rhyme: a single magpie has lost its mate - or has yet to find one - but two magpies are united in happiness.

 

One for sorrow,
Two for joy,
Three for a girl,
Four for a boy,
Five for silver,
Six for gold,
Seven for a secret,
Never to be told.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Redbridge Rhymesters Return!

The Redbridge Rhymesters Return!

It’s been over two years since the Redbridge Rhymesters held their last meeting with the pupils from a local Primary School for a creative poetry session, back in October, 2019, writing poems in all their forms – sonnets, blank verse, narrative poems and odd odes; it has been a difficult time for those creative minds among us who love to share ideas and take inspiration from each other. 

 

 The Redbridge Rhymesters' "Hallowe'en" meeting, October 2019

The Redbridge Rhymesters first got together over 13 years ago; it all began when Janet West, from AgeUK Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham and Havering, found a poem I had written about my Grandma, and that I had recorded for AgeUK’s website. Janet got in touch with me and asked permission to reproduce it in the newsletter; of course, I was delighted to agree! and with interest in creative writing coming more and more to the fore, I was asked if I would lead a poetry meeting at the Allan Burgess Centre in Wanstead. It went so well, it was decided to make it a regular event, and since then we have enjoyed quarterly meetings, writing and sharing ideas, and performing our work. People can also bring in a favourite poem to read on the day, or else I am always happy to perform it for them; everyone is encouraged to participate, although if they prefer, they can also just sit back and enjoy the session. After each meeting, we produce a pamphlet containing all the new poems written by the Redbridge Rhymesters, and each participant is sent a copy; it makes a happy reminder of the day.

Such great oaks from little acorns grow, as they say, and the only thing that could interrupt our poetic flow was the arrival of the Covid 19 virus but, at long last, at the beginning of 2022, we could look forward to a new beginning; the Redbridge Rhymesters were very ready for a renaissance!

Although time and the virus had taken their toll, many of our stalwart members were keen to return, and I wanted to encourage new people to join us as well, by publicising what we do through articles in the local press. 

The poetry sessions are held at The Allan Burgess Centre, which is part of AgeUK Redbridge; it is a great hive of activity throughout the week, providing many other classes for people over 55; everyone is assured of a warm welcome and, if they wish, they can stay for a delicious lunch that is cooked fresh on the premises every day. 

After we got the "all clear" to start the Redbridge Rhymesters' meetings again, it was decided the first one in the New Year would be held on Tuesday, 18 January 2022, at 10.30 a.m. – 12.00 noon, with Bob joining in, happy to talk about getting inspiration for creative writing, in all its guises. Because it had been such a long time since our last meeting, we decided on the theme of "Free Choice," so anyone who wanted to come on the day, could pick their own favourite topic. 

I 'phoned and wrote to everyone I could think of who - before lockdown - had been part of our happy band, and really hoped for a good turnout. However, the weather was not kind to us! and the day dawned extremely cold, and with still-dark mornings, the pavements were very slippery underfoot. Nevertheless, 4 brave ladies decided to come and take part; it was so good to see them! and they all said how much they enjoyed it. 

Nothing daunted, we had a good session, and then arranged for our second meeting of the year, to be held on 3 May. The weather was better, and it all went well, but still we were sadly far short of the numbers who had taken part before the pandemic struck.

But then we had some wonderful news from the local Primary School; they really wanted to come and join in with The Redbridge Rhymesters again, before the school broke up for the Summer Holidays. 

A date was swiftly arranged - 12 July - and at this meeting, it felt we were at last on our way to returning to the level of enthusiasm and creativity we had built up over all the years since The Redbridge Rhymesters began. It was just a joy to have such an enthusiastic group, young poets and old poets together, taking part in creating imaginative and memorable verse.

 

 "Jubilations" - With children from Snaresbrook Primary School

12 July 2022

 

And the best part? The teachers have said they would like to bring the children back in the autumn, for another session. We are all in touch with each other, checking diary dates, and it is something to look forward to! 

We just need to choose a theme ....

Back To The Past - Imperial Hotel Memories

Back To The Past - Memories of The Imperial Hotel, Torquay

Well, now: further to my piece earlier this month about our Starlight Dancing holiday in Torquay, whilst we were there, I also went down another "lane of memory," returning to The Imperial Hotel for a special afternoon tea. 

I have written before about my family's associations with Torquay: Grandson Al’s paternal family is there, with cousins in Newton Abbott, and, during the war, my Grandma, my Mum and my Uncle John all worked at The Imperial Hotel. My Uncle was Secretary to the then Manager, my Mum was a Receptionist, and my Grandma was a Chambermaid, and they had such tales to tell about all the famous guests who stayed there, and during our dancing holiday, we made a really sentimental journey to The Imperial Hotel, exploring and admiring the views from the terrace, overlooking the boats in Torbay.

To remind myself of a little background to this story, whilst Uncle John was still living in Brisbane, every year he would come back to visit us for the summer, and every year we would go to places that held special memories for him, and for Mum. I would get in touch with the local press, and they were always interested to hear about his life and wanted to meet him; this always resulted in an interesting article in the paper. 

During Uncle John's stay with us in 2011, we all reminisced about the time during the war, when he, my Mum and my Grandma lived and worked in Torquay.

In 1943, my grandfather died in an accident at work; after sorting out all the paperwork that followed the tragedy, and especially since Mum's elder brother, Austin, had died in 1938, Mum, my Grandma and Uncle John felt their lives in Liverpool had become so bleak, they had to have a fresh start somewhere new. They decided on Torquay, and it turned out to be a very good move.

Torquay was in the south, on the "English Riviera," and relatively warm - at least compared to Lancashire, and the Mersey area - even palm trees flourished, and it gave them the complete change of scene they needed so much.

The Imperial Hotel in Torquay was quite famous. It attracted an upper-class clientele, and Mum was very happy when she landed a job as one of the receptionists; Uncle John, who had studied shorthand, typing and bookkeeping, was appointed as secretary to the then Manager, Mr H M Chapman. Mum told me only the best people stayed there, and would regale me with stories of the rich, titled and famous folk she had met as they checked into the hotel, and how notes were taken on cards, detailing the likes and dislikes of all the guests; these were followed implicitly by all the staff.

My Grandma also found work at the hotel as a chambermaid; she worked hard, and it took her mind off all the sadness and loss she had suffered over the previous five years. Even though she was profoundly deaf, it was a job she could do well; during their time there, Grandma worked her way up, until she was also responsible for more housekeeping duties, such as keeping a check on the linen.

Mum and Uncle John had very happy memories of the time they spent there, so when I suggested we could go back and pay a visit, he was really excited about it.

I got in touch with the Manager, Cormac O'Keefe - a charming man who made us so welcome, and took us round the hotel, pointing out things that had changed over the years. One thing that had definitely not changed, was the warmth of the hospitality! Before we left, we were invited to take afternoon tea at The Imperial - a very special occasion, and afterwards Cormac also presented us with a copy of a book about the history of the hotel.

Uncle John, Alexandra and Cormac O'Keefe
at The Imperial Hotel, Torquay, 2011

Marguerite, Uncle John's late wife, was born in nearby Paignton; before we left the west country, we were able to take Uncle John all around the Torbay area, including Paignton and Newton Abbott, for more trips down memory lane.

And now, eleven years later, we were back in Torquay; for a different reason, on a dancing holiday with Starlight Dancing, but The Imperial Hotel was still there, as inviting as ever, with magnificent views across the bay. Uncle John, my Mum and my Grandma are no longer with us, but we thought it was a great time to renew our association with a hotel that had meant so much to them.

 

The Ferry and the Speedboat: "I'm quicker than you are!" - "But I'm bigger than you are!"

Since our last visit in 2011, there is a new owner and a new manager, and happy plans are afoot to ensure The Imperial Hotel returns to its former 5-Star glory! 

 

We booked a table on the terrace, for tea for two at 2.30 p.m.  It was a glorious afternoon, with wonderful views, and how we enjoyed ourselves, sipping tea, spreading plain and sultana scones with butter (the butter was just for me!) and cream, and strawberry jam, and soaking up the atmosphere.

 

 I am sure Uncle John, my Mum and my Grandma were gently observing us and approving of us enjoying such a happy time - it was certainly a trip back in time for me, remembering how much Uncle John, Wendy and I had been treated so royally during our visit in 2011.

 Here's to the next time!