Out and about in London

A great week for activities around London.     Lunches out, a visit from Margaret, shopping at a local shopping centre and a tour around some old haunts.

Today I was invited to attend a 'Pensioners' Lunch' with someone I worked with, which turned out to be a really flash affair.    The lunch was organised by the firm where Milita once worked and was aimed at retired employees and guests.    It was held at the Meridian Hotel in Piccadilly - drinks beforehand, plus a three course formal meal and lovely wines   All was revealed during the speeches.    It turns out the 'Pensioners' have a continued interest in the company through shares that they were either given as bonuses or purchased themselves.    They were also given an update on the positive state of the company's pension scheme.   All very impressive, especially in the current economic downturn.    However, it is a world wide highly successful company, which specialises in the mining of minerals and precious stones and the running of aluminium smelters - all in other countries of course.     I had a wonderful time!  

I always like the ornate lights in these old hotels.

Relaxing on the couch. 

Milita standing in front of the very ornate  dining room.

On Tuesday, Margaret and I went out to lunch and met up with some friends from SJF School.    We spent the time talking and laughing and eating the very good food at this pub in Bexleyheath.   Another great lunch!

SJF School - this was my first school in the UK.  For those people from Holland, NZ and Australia, schools here have high  security fences around them.    I often wonder about the negative messages being given to children about security, and the fact the community cannot use the lovely green spaces around schools during weekends and holidays.    

A view of the high rise flats around SJF School.   I was pleased to see  the large number of trees that  have survived and really green up the area now.  

My new purchase!   A woollen cardigan with lots of feathers on it; around the neck, sleeves, and down the front.    Not much use for our intended visit to Australia in the middle of summer.   But I love it!

Margaret's new gloves which are edged in very large feathers!   Margaret is currently looking for an occasion when she can wear the spectacular gloves.