Museum of London, Docklands

London has a great number of museums, some more famous than others, but the Museum of London, Docklands, was a great find.  Unexpected really.    We saw the sign post for the museum when we went to the Victoria Docks, via the cable car.  And then searched the internet to find out more about it.

So on Thursday, we set off in the car to the Docklands area, or more specifically, The Isle of Dogs, or Canary Wharf..    The museum is at No 1 Warehouse on West India Quay.   We drove in on the A2, through the Blackwall Tunnel, and around to the top of The Isle of Dogs, and parked in the Vinci carpark, beside the Docklands Light Railway.   It took half an hour.

We walked out of the carpark door, and there was the museum, straight in front of us.   So easy.

The shining buildings in the business area of Canary Wharf, but the West India Dock is still there, with plenty of old boats to look at, one of which has been changed into a church.   The Church of St Peters.

One tall glittering building beside the line of old warehouses, one of which is now the museum, the rest converted into restaurants and apartments.

Inside the old warehouse, which is 200 years old, there is a fantastic museum, very modern, with displays about the development along the River Thames, from Roman settlement to the Docklands' regeneration,

A model of the original London bridge, built in the 1200s I think, which was completely covered with houses, plus a drawbridge to stop any enemies getting over to London.  In 1600 it was redeveloped, the church taken down, and a Nonesuch House with its turrets and cupalas built instead. The biggest problem with this type of bridge, were the 'sparrows', which were the wide structures that went down to the river bed.    It became increassingly difficult for ships to pass through the archways, even when the bridge part was raised up.

The old wooden floor boards, beautifully polished, were remarkable, so mellow.

A street scene, depicting the docks during 1790.  The large beam scale on the right of the photo was used to weigh cargoes.

After we had viewed the top floor, which took about 1 1/2 hours, we went down to the bottom, and ate lunch at the pub next door, together with all the local business people.   Then back to the museum for coffee, and a rest in the large and very comfortable leather chairs.  Walter caught up on the news.   Free newspapers too.

A dockland street in the 1800s, very dark and gloomy.   I certainly looked over my shoulder when I went through this exhibit, even though I knew I was in a museum.   Very spooky.

An old shop in the docklands.

The smithy.    I remembered my father had a motor repair workshop which also doubled as a smithy. As children we loved lighting a fire in the furnace, and then using the bellows to get it going strongly so that we could make the pieces of iron red hot.   We then dropped them in the water at the front of the furnace.  We loved the sound of hissing and the steam that came from the water.  No health and safety rules in the 1950s to spoil our fun.

An air raid shelter, all ready for occupants to shelter in, during the bombing of London during WW11.

In one of the cabinets there was a relief map with the docks marked on it, and for the first time I really understood the development of the docks, from the first ones close to the city to the outlying ones in Tilbury.     As ships, both cargo and passenger, became larger, and trade increased with a greater variety of goods being imported and traded, there was a need to build more docks along the River Thames.   A shipping era that finally finished by the 1970s, except for Tilbury, which is now a major container port.

Now for a visit to the original Museum of London, so that we can continue learning about the development of London.  Looking forward to it.

Woodland clearing. Why?

The trees in front of our house were cut down.   A huge swathe.   Why, we all wondered?  No signs, or information.  Nothing.  It all happened very quickly.   Early one morning a group of men arrived in a white truck and started cutting down trees.  Their answer?   They were given directions to cut down the trees on this land.   A moment of panic, A ring through to the council to find out if planning permission had been granted for a new development.   No, the last time was in 1966, and planning permission was turned down then.  

We are surrounded by woodland, and most of it belongs to the Woodland Trust,   But quite a few acres, mostly in front of our house, are privately owned, but as this is green belt land, it cannot be used for a housing development.  For the time being, anyway.   But it is always a worry.

We are still not really sure why the trees were cut down, and left to lie on the ground, on an area covering the length of about thirty houses, on the street adjoining our road, and the width of two houses on our road.   We can now see clearly down to Baldwin's Park, below our hill, and even across to the other side of the Thames River, on a clear day that is.

We may find out one day.  Someone may tell us.   However the people in the thirty houses running alongside the woodland must appreciate having light and sunshine in their back gardens.   Perhaps someone complained that the woodland was encrouching onto their back garden.   Or perhaps the landowner had some money to spare and decided to give his or her land a bit of a tidy up.  

Now we have a huge swathe of brown in front of us, where the leaves on the fallen trees have died, and have joined the brown trunks.  Lovely.  

Severndroog Castle

Severndroog Castle is not really a castle, more a folly.    It was built by Lady James, to commemorate her husband, Sir William James, in 1784.   It was designed by architect Richard Jupp. 

Sir William James, led an attack on 2nd April, 1755, on a pirate fortress at Suvarnadurg along the western coast of India, and destroyed it.

It always amazes me that there is always a new building or a garden or a wood to visit nearby, one that I never realised was there.  And Severndroog Castle is an example of a new find.  A lovely surprise, thanks to Kathy, who had visited the castle previously, and who very kindly took me to see it last Thursday. 

The castle/has two towers, on three levels, with one room on each level.  The staircase was built in one of the towers.   A minature castle.  Or a gatehouse to a castle.  Plus a rooftop view.

I climbed up the shallow steps, which made the climb easy, until I came to the door at the top.  A narrow wooden walkway from the doorway led to steps up to the top of the other tower.

And what a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside, even on a hazy day.  And with some very tall trees getting in the way.   Shooters Hill, is one of the highest points in London, which is probably why Lady James chose to build her castle/folly there.

The walk along the Green Chain Walk, in Oxleas Woods, was also very pleasant.  Near to the castle/folly were two landscaped gardens.  I am not sure if the gardens were part of Severndroog Castle originally or part of another estate.

A lovely afternoon.  And another beautiful historic site visited.

Stepping in the dog poo on the walk was not so lovely though.  Ugh.  

A visit to the O2. At long last.

On a grey and foggy Saturday, I set out in the car with Jackson and Isabel, to have a look at the O2, once called the Millenium Dome.    The Dome cost an enormous amount of money to build, and when it opened on New Years Eve, 1999, it housed the Millenium Experience.  Not a great success.

This great white dome like building, now surrounded by other fairly innovative looking buildings, is situated on the end of the Greenwich Peninsula, on the right hand side of the motorway, before it heads through the Blackwall Tunnel.

As someone, who last visited this white dome, in 2000, I needed to look up Wikipedia, in order to find out what has happened to it since.    I am rather ashamed of admitting not to have visited the O2 since it opened in 2007, as some fantastic concerts have been held in the O2 Arena, and there are also many other attractions in the vicinity.    The O2 is also only a 20 minute drive away from us too, and we have driven past on many occasions.

So here is my version after reading Wikipedia.   The Dome, was rebranded as the O2, due to the name 'The Dome' having a bad reputation as a failed project, being tagged  'The White Elephant'.

O2 (the telephone company) and AEG appear to have invested money into the project, hence the name O2 I guess.

The Dome was leased to Merdian Delta Ltd in 2001 for redevelopment as an entertainment complex.  This included plans for an indoor arena.  Construction for the arena started in 2003.   But it was not an easy task owing to not being able to bring cranes into the building.  The roof of the arena was built on the ground and then hoisted up, and the walls built afterwards.   It was designed to reduce echoing.

It opened in 2007, and by 2008 it had become the world's busiest venue with sales of more than two million pounds.

Around a third of the arena, there is a wide pedestrianised avenue, called the Entertainment Avenue, with restaurants and cafes lining it.   There is also a Cineworld, the Indigo theatre (to cater for small live music events), and a museum called the O2 Bubble.   It is also possible to climb up to the top of the dome, as part of a guided tour.  

The cost of parking is very costly.   £11 for Carpark 2, a blanket charge, which is beside the underground and bus station, and commuters use it too.  Carpark 3 does have hourly parking and is the better option for one or two hours.  Carpark 1 is for the people attending concerts at the O2 and I believe that it is very expensive.  In other words a trip to see the O2 is an expensive day out, whether you take public transport of drive there.   Unless one is lucky enough to be a senior and live within the London area, and have a Freedom Pass.   Free transport.  Lucky people.   

The main aim on this Saturday was to travel across the Thames on the cable car.  £17 for a senior and two children (£7.80 Senior).   The cable car is called the Emirates Airline due to the Emirates sponsorship.   A huge queue awaited us, on a Saturday afternoon, but eventually we boarded our car.

A view of the O2, with the tall buildings of Canary Wharf behind, gloomy on a foggy day.

I am not keen on heights, and the the initial ascent was very steep.  But the cable car ran smoothly, and there was so much to see, I forgot about being up so high, and falling into the river below or being hit by a low flying plane making its descent onto the London Airport runway.   I just hoped they could see us through the fog.

Jackson and Isabel took a great interest in the views outside the window.  They loved the trip.

Looking down at The Royal Docks, with the relatively new EXCEL Exhibition building dominating the area.  There has been significant redevelopment in this area, and of course the docks are no longer used as such.  Canning Town is still described as an area of deprivation, but how much longer?  Certainly not long, from the amount of redevelopment taking place.

Looking back across the river at the O2 and Canary Wharf.

There was a very good view of the Thames Barrier, built to control the water levels in the Thames and to stop surges from the sea meeting flood waters from the Thames, thereby causing catastrophic flooding.

The steep descent back down to the Greenwich Peninsula.   A long way down.

Then it was off to the Emirates Aviation Experience beside the cable car exit.    We sat in airline seats and listened to different aspects of aeroplane flights, experienced being a suitcase travelling on the roller coaster until it arrived at the container, which was then lifted onto the aircraft.  The container of luggage fits snugly inside the aeroplane.   Interesting.   Not a good experience if one suffered from balance problems.  Upstairs there was a chance to fly a plane, extra cost of course.   Plus a chance to have a photograph taken sitting in the pilot's seat.   I could not resist that one, a free photo sent to my email address.

Then we walkd to the O2 to have a look inside, and walk along the Entertainment Avenue.   I think every named restaurant or cafe had a place here.

Just before the end of the avenue, and to the right there was a Nissan Experience, which we could not resist going into as it appeared that there were games in there.   And there was, and a chance to have a ride in an electric car, plus a chance to drive a racing car.  

Isabel having trouble keeping the car on the track.

And Jackson with great concentration mostly kept the car on the track.   It was not easy as I found out when Walter and I went back this week, and I had a go at racing a car.   I felt quite giddy afterwards too.

Yes Walter and I went to the O2 on Wednesday, as Walter was not able to come with us last time.  And again the day was grey and foggy, and there were even more planes flying overhead this time.  No queues though.

When we arrived at the Royal Victoria Docks, we got off the cable car and headed for a building called The Crystal, which held an amazing exhibition on the future of cities, the environment, the economy and quality of life.   We could see the ideas that have already been incorporated into city planning, which was interesting.   A fascinating exhibition.

An electric motor bike.

And a sculpture, not sure of the theme.   I should have read the sign.  But it looked interesting.

Then we followed the path that I took with Jackson and Isabel, to the Emirates Aviation Experience, the walk along the avenue in the O2, and a visit to the Nissan Experience, a test drive in the electric car, a go at racing a car, and a photograph, free, with the background of one's choice.

And here I am, part of an advertisement for Nissan cars.   I am not even sure that I like Nissan cars.  Oh well, anything for a free photograph.

Two lovely days at the O2, that will keep me happy for a while.

Family time

Family time.   Always special.   

Last weekend we had two lovely family occasions.   The first one was Isabel's birthday on Friday evening.   After dinner at a restaurant we came back for coffee and birthday cake.   And what a magnificent birthday cake, made and decorated by Jackson.   A plain sponge inside, and covered with chocolate pebbles and sticks on the outside.   A chocolate lover's dream.   And Isabel certainly loves chocolate, as we all do.

 And the final touch.   The most amazing candle.    Or I should say a number of little candles attached to the petals of the flowers.   Once lit they opened up, and swirled around, to the tune of Happy Birthday.   What a surprise!   We all loved it, and Isabel most of all, of course.

 On Sunday we travelled to Tring to spend the day with Donna, Patrick, Lucy and Poppy the dog.   During the sunny part of the day we went for a walk in Aston Clinton Park, otherwise known as The Hub, Aston Clinton.

Around the edge of the park there was a fitness trail and some members of the family could not resist trying out the equipment. Well done, Donna, walking along the wall, which wobbled considerably.   Luckily it did not fall over.

 Striding out towards the woods.

 Patrick impressing us with his work on the bars.   Poppy is impressed too, or worried, maybe.  Will he fall?

 More swinging, very good,

 legs straight out, impressive,

 and swing the legs over one bar.   I feel very envious.   Not enough strength in my arms, nor the flexibility.

One needs extra strong arms for the ladder walk.  Patrick had already swung to the other end, but had to come back again, because I did not have my camera ready.  That really tested him.  I don't think Poppy realised that Patrick nearly dropped down on top of her. .  But no, he made it to the end, just.   Well done, Patrick.

 A game of lawn bowls on a Sunday.   A match we think.   No bright uniform colours here.  Everyone in their white uniforms.   No shorts either.

 The tennis courts.   Four people playing a lazy Sunday game.

 After coffee and cake, sitting in the sunshine, we drove back to Tring, and went for a short walk to the Memorial Gardens.   No dogs off the lead, no children under 10 (without adults), no picking flowers, no ball games, no paddling in the pond, no, no, no to anything really.   But obviously a token effort regarding rules, as the small sign was discretely tucked against the post, viewed as people walked out of the park.

Beautiful flowers, but not for picking apparently.

 A lovely little park though, very pleasant and quiet, on a sunny day.

We then spent a lovely afternoon, sitting in Donna and Patrick's new apartment, in the centre of Tring.   Plenty to see and shops just around the corner, and an upmarket pub next door.

A truly lovely family weekend.

Who would like to play a game of tennis? Me, of course.

Tennis!   Yes tennis.  I never thought I would attempt to play tennis again.  Too old?   Probably.  But it was more to do with the fact that the lightness of the badminton racquet and shuttle, a game that I used to enjoy greatly, meant that playing with a heavier racquet plus bouncy tennis ball, results in having difficulty keeping the ball on the court. But an invitation from Karen to play a game of tennis could not be resisted, so it was off to the courts at Danson Park for a spot of tennis ball bashing.

First of all Karen and I went for a walk around Danson Park, in order to warm up for the game of tennis.   It was very beautiful, in the morning.   No sunshine, due to low cloud, but quite pleasant all the same.   The circular walk around Danson Park is perfect for a brisk walk, no hills or challenging paths, and lovely parkland to look at as well.

Such a peaceful scene.

Karen looking much sportier than me.   The wildflowers behind Karen were in full bloom.

 We met up with Judy, Keely and Kevin.  Luckily Judy and Keely had enough racquets between them for four players.   No singles thank goodness, and always a spare person to chase the tennis balls that went outside the fence.  

An action shot from Karen and Judy getting ready for the hopeful return of the tennis ball.

 And yes the ball is definitely coming back to them.  And they are ready, which is not quite the same as making contact with the ball when it gets there.

 My turn, and I am ready to return the shot, in my blingy dress and green trousers, plus cardigan still on.  Oh dear, not really dressed for the occasion.

But the net got in the way of the ball once I hit it back.    Typical.  A disappointed Keely and Kevin at the other end, all ready for a return ball that did not arrive.

 I must say we spent quite a lot of time picking up missed tennis balls, or ones that got caught in the net.   However, it is fair to say that we did achieve a few rallies, even if the ball bounced twice before it was hit.

It was a very enjoyable hour of tennis, and we had plenty of laughs.   Good fun.

A repeat session has been planned too.