tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65187952760296466062024-03-13T11:38:16.635+00:00Around Britain Without A PlaneFor those who love travel, loathe planesaround Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.comBlogger555125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-84002361114368979912022-02-25T12:53:00.004+00:002022-02-25T12:53:56.501+00:00Law & order on the Thames Path: Runnymede and the Magna Carta<p><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>Public transport, decent walking boots and a map ensure endless opportunities to visit beautiful places, explore and build up memories. This post-Covid illness entry charts the joys of walking the Thames Path with a culture stop at Runnymede. Words by Nicola Baird (see www.nicolabaird.com for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></p><p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjORxiLUfLFSxqK4FgCVKohsNcgyE7OFL9r_L_Ai6yojja-UY8YKP894i7sMCSJ7RIwJD4fkD80w_XzH9IzkL4CkJVEVf0IxoS04p3MtmWr2nptwUstfBjTBkWGZ95T4y3fyG_k4B1nb90AhxJJU-1h9SjCfepFuMIO9hVWipkjb3PlDrktIqwFApORZA=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjORxiLUfLFSxqK4FgCVKohsNcgyE7OFL9r_L_Ai6yojja-UY8YKP894i7sMCSJ7RIwJD4fkD80w_XzH9IzkL4CkJVEVf0IxoS04p3MtmWr2nptwUstfBjTBkWGZ95T4y3fyG_k4B1nb90AhxJJU-1h9SjCfepFuMIO9hVWipkjb3PlDrktIqwFApORZA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Magna Carta was written in 1215 - and it's still important today <br />as this memorial at Runnymede rather proves.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It’s two years since I did things I used to take for granted, such as visit the cinema, or hopped on a train to walk another section of the Thames Path. As a result almost anything I do now – and especially since I’ve also recovered from covid recently - seems an incredible treat. That said, doing another section of the National Trail Thames Path would be fabulous at any time. A good map to make this easy to follow is <a href="https://www.cicerone.co.uk/the-thames-path-third " target="_blank"><i>The Thames Path</i> by Cicerone</a>. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9cZZYb_sOz77HCecIE47Tyuv3W7Atxh1hXPhorSiHdDylMXXvoUZgj0O-4NjE4KT2-T05Hwl2RR1QQ69PTDcqOpzdRIHY3q3v2r8OUkjLSjht9vkkMJSQaL-vrYYiZRWs2szyoJ7shKJAn5KMncmNOmmVX-zvkpOTO3Bd2phUXcfeorgdrvWq1HbHDg=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9cZZYb_sOz77HCecIE47Tyuv3W7Atxh1hXPhorSiHdDylMXXvoUZgj0O-4NjE4KT2-T05Hwl2RR1QQ69PTDcqOpzdRIHY3q3v2r8OUkjLSjht9vkkMJSQaL-vrYYiZRWs2szyoJ7shKJAn5KMncmNOmmVX-zvkpOTO3Bd2phUXcfeorgdrvWq1HbHDg=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All about the Magna Carta: spotted along the Thames Path.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For years I’ve wanted to visit Runnymede where bad King John met the barons and was convinced he needed to sign the Magna Carta in 1215. This is still a famously beautiful meadow, just by the River Thames and not far from Windsor. The area is now managed by the National Trust, which means there’s a tea room, hurray, but trying to locate how to get there by public transport was tricky. Turns out it’s easy – a two or three mile walk from Staines train station. It’s also on the Thames Path so I figured we could walk on to Windsor, completing another seven miles of this 180 mile route. </p><p>The Thames Path has so many different atmospheres, but around here in Berkshire/Surrey it is lined with posh bungalows, winter-sleeping smartypants motor cruisers and plenty of very used-to-people river wildlife. There are always coots, but we also saw five large black cormorants drying out on a weir parallel to the lock and, excitingly, a swan fight. It was more spring swan posturing as the larger bird flapped up to chase the smaller one off. Satisfied by his success the big winner then flew off (in a rather ungainly way, running his giant feet along the water) towards his mate where they very sweetly did the love heart with the neck shape. I’d never seen this in real life before, thank you swans! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNRYhAS1nOHTzmZuCVW-rUMtFltPYkyQ8asETHsUbmKNlPwyEuhcD3U_P7_1JpP9mq4Ifuf6ihL-laZN0rmn5KcLM2lGZlNWp-1bjZvTcXr2PKS3vDVkj2py_gcF6cnRlGUkQa67Oke2IteIzjTrINPSclBslQb3t9tzeIn2aXSWbJke4aHFqrs_ZC2w=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNRYhAS1nOHTzmZuCVW-rUMtFltPYkyQ8asETHsUbmKNlPwyEuhcD3U_P7_1JpP9mq4Ifuf6ihL-laZN0rmn5KcLM2lGZlNWp-1bjZvTcXr2PKS3vDVkj2py_gcF6cnRlGUkQa67Oke2IteIzjTrINPSclBslQb3t9tzeIn2aXSWbJke4aHFqrs_ZC2w=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 impressive chairs to help visitors take note of major legal changes.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Just before Runnymede, Pete and I found a bench and munched beigels bought from near our home. Fortified we then crossed the busy A308 road and thanks to dog walkers' directions managed to get to the Magna Carta Memorial, a cupola roofed monument in white stone which has a very Washington feel. In fact we missed the JFK Memorial which is just to the north of it. But we did discover several beautiful public art works including <i>The Chairs</i> (also known as the Jurors) and <i>Writ in Water.</i> </p><p><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNon8eEGgm3wammWpubxH8kk0usQuKUBwun8UPoz0J08AG2yVY79J2hJ2ksuVVs3bIdlPzj2b5JUpEWBPvJpG9Uphl8PlNWPPGtA4ldSLT5OKQJpoM_VWCe3jxw3WI_1YwBtbwZa_rwsdO937VhZZ5L9xfxHAFvo90pDpQi0-vLj0zSUDfcq4vJE9aIQ=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNon8eEGgm3wammWpubxH8kk0usQuKUBwun8UPoz0J08AG2yVY79J2hJ2ksuVVs3bIdlPzj2b5JUpEWBPvJpG9Uphl8PlNWPPGtA4ldSLT5OKQJpoM_VWCe3jxw3WI_1YwBtbwZa_rwsdO937VhZZ5L9xfxHAFvo90pDpQi0-vLj0zSUDfcq4vJE9aIQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful <i>Writ in Water</i> at Runnymede.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Writ in Water</i> looks a bit like a circular barn, but you go into it, and find an inner roofless circle. At ground level is a pond of water which is so clear (this is not a wildlife pond or a cattle trough) that the words of the Magna Carta carved into the stone casing reflect in the water. The surprise is that it’s the watery view of Clause 39 that’s legible – the stone carving is mirror writing. On our trip the sky was a perfect winter spring blue, and windless which meant <i>Writ in Water </i>was at its most beautiful and easy to read. For me another surprise was that this was designed by artist Mark Wallinger. I love most of the work I’ve seen by him, especially horse-related, but clearly I haven’t made enough effort to look up his whole oeuvre. The words say: “No free man shall be seized, imprisoned, dispossessed, outlawed, exiled or ruined in any way, nor in any way proceeded against, except by the lawful judgement of his peers and the law of the land.”
With Boris in power, and our threatening migrant policies this doesn’t really ring true, but it is an empowering vision, and one that has led to America’s constitution. </p><p><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT81pjvN9x4NtwzGQVhxkZHOLbUHoF6ozCmEWzWTRBHDIC--bHSoOzsHNBLaUwUxtUavELLIZL4JboNtPhUIuibJ1rXvD_gl5phyrU340vcCet3CIskHHpB2kK7PKz3GVfvD_QZ8plWSS_4uB_exi3lUL9fnO2uzzna9lJ9cdCoYQ5HonjlJ_I3EKimw=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiT81pjvN9x4NtwzGQVhxkZHOLbUHoF6ozCmEWzWTRBHDIC--bHSoOzsHNBLaUwUxtUavELLIZL4JboNtPhUIuibJ1rXvD_gl5phyrU340vcCet3CIskHHpB2kK7PKz3GVfvD_QZ8plWSS_4uB_exi3lUL9fnO2uzzna9lJ9cdCoYQ5HonjlJ_I3EKimw=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate at Runnymede Airforces Memorial.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Life and death</b><br />Talking about laws of the land we then followed the steps up through the wood by Cooper’s Hill – full of brambles, honeysuckle and big oak trees. It’s quite steep but a lovely place and at the top passes a growing Memorial Wood being replanted in memory of people who died following Covid-19. </p><p><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1trPFCplrC3LLoRD6FCps_9jyluv7oXDrvdqkrA9SaI9ubOTaP0xhONKo3gH5H2x1DAJt225Ya38PcwBhs3t6x9iz0Np73o6M6QYDJvNUaOpAMngurVEihNhy8S3Nh-1Qn6SmtS2AXIcBqIXnb_bfrdIegI1DgQkS-eMdxtzggshaopNuvwyitq9WuQ=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1trPFCplrC3LLoRD6FCps_9jyluv7oXDrvdqkrA9SaI9ubOTaP0xhONKo3gH5H2x1DAJt225Ya38PcwBhs3t6x9iz0Np73o6M6QYDJvNUaOpAMngurVEihNhy8S3Nh-1Qn6SmtS2AXIcBqIXnb_bfrdIegI1DgQkS-eMdxtzggshaopNuvwyitq9WuQ=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young trees grow better and insects, birds and plants do better with a jumble of untidyness.</td></tr></tbody></table></b></p><p>On the ridge of the hill there’s a campus for Royal Holloway university and then just round the corner <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/find-cemeteries-memorials/cemetery-details/109600/runnymede-memorial/ " target="_blank">Runnymede Air Forces Memorial</a>. This sparkling white building, partly indoors, partly out, partly chapel, partly stunning viewpoint offers a memorial to the 20,275 military personnel – air force personnel – who died in the UK and Europe and whose bodies were not found during World War Two. </p><p>It is chilling looking at column, after marble column of names from all around the world although predominantly the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. So many had very ordinary British sounding family names (including Pete’s - May - and my own - Baird) but came to fight for the 'motherland' and then were horribly killed. Curiously, and like most of the <a href="https://www.cwgc.org/visit-us/" target="_blank">Commonwealth war grave sites </a>it isn’t exactly a sad place, but it is one of reflection. Let there not be any more huge scale awfulness and yet turn on the news at the moment and it’s all about the escalation of tension in the Ukraine. </p><p>We practically had this place to ourself, but I’m sure it will soon be busy again with overseas visitors paying respects to their lost relatives. </p><p><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGKihEP1cxhz3aoU1ZSE8fb_HnrOSaeKltB0d_uftULsc098ugF3rf59Gf8hNQjQqraHBjJjDuop_rVC1Dh1JZIprDJqsOt4uS6KwwOmMypcLPGj0RXa4vWk4rJQb_627Nl-RIEP_amyLcjqPbNfOZms-Sg9HX4Y7Mk6jFTASEt8RCR7QZYcmidx_P-g=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGKihEP1cxhz3aoU1ZSE8fb_HnrOSaeKltB0d_uftULsc098ugF3rf59Gf8hNQjQqraHBjJjDuop_rVC1Dh1JZIprDJqsOt4uS6KwwOmMypcLPGj0RXa4vWk4rJQb_627Nl-RIEP_amyLcjqPbNfOZms-Sg9HX4Y7Mk6jFTASEt8RCR7QZYcmidx_P-g=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joys of the Thames Path: very swish houses by the river and boats on the water.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Back in the meadow </b><br />By the time we retraced our steps back past the 12 big bronze chairs, <i>The Jurors</i>, I was hungering for cake but not so much that I didn’t note the jury experience idea of “12 good men and true”, or that each chair references a particular struggle for freedom and equality. You could guess this just by looking at individual chairs – all designed by Hew Locke – but the one for Oscar Wilde, in this legal setting, might be the biggest give away. </p><p>It was only 3pm on a Saturday by the time we reached the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede/features/magna-carta-tea-room-runnymede " target="_blank">Runnymede Magna Carter tea shop</a> (designed by Lutyens) but the person in front of me managed to get the last freshly made piece of cake. That's almost panic making...</p><p>Fortunately, there were other delicious pre-wrapped choices. Fortified by this calorific National Trust moment and a cuppa we headed back to follow the Thames Path upstream. </p><p>This involved re-crossing the road, and really the only safe way is by using the pedestrian crossing, it’s hugely fast and busy which the green-coloured National Trust map of the area does rather fail to identify. It did remind me how reliant everyone outside the big cities is on their personal vehicle – so much so that even the NT 2022 visitor book gives precise road directions for drivers but fails to include any public transport information. I think it would be good if people without cars, including tourists, were given some clues so they could then google their way there. So, nearest train station is either Staines or for a longer walk Datchet. You can walk along the Thames from Staines (as we did), or take a bus and disembark by the famous Bells of Ouse pub. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoOcvBPdY_-6J0QdeAAmkLOf7oMx1T03Fc7ag3dTtIqibgvYM3QCszfvzJuBAxM0rXiLsIhaHPu9ffNzc16EtWCk3t-75E0F-jgLc5k5VNaqvmO8H4u5JRkBa2N0_tB5AsZmeMysDCyDygJSi-t2hoByvLAetXuPYPc8GHkssjv0QLAQHqIhAx-SVd_w=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoOcvBPdY_-6J0QdeAAmkLOf7oMx1T03Fc7ag3dTtIqibgvYM3QCszfvzJuBAxM0rXiLsIhaHPu9ffNzc16EtWCk3t-75E0F-jgLc5k5VNaqvmO8H4u5JRkBa2N0_tB5AsZmeMysDCyDygJSi-t2hoByvLAetXuPYPc8GHkssjv0QLAQHqIhAx-SVd_w=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete on the Thames Path near Datchet. In this area many<br />of the trees have atmospheric bunches of mistletoe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For this section of the Thames Path (<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/runnymede-and-ankerwycke " target="_blank">runnymede and ankerwycke</a>) we needed to speed walk in a bid to get to Windsor before the light failed – but just outside Datchet we stopped to watch a red kite circling completely engulfed by a flock of terns. All seemed to be eyes down looking at the grassy field we were walking through. It was another magical nature moment on this walk.</p><p>Despite the light failing we were still able to enjoy views of grand Windsor Castle and Eton College chapel across the flat water meadows where Windsor horse show is usually held in May. You hear so much about Eton, its playing fields and culture that it actually felt quite strange seeing this old stone building popping into view. </p><p>Actually we didn’t see any Eton students. In fact we only saw one child on their own throughout the whole of this journey – bouncing on a creaky trampoline, invisible behind the dark black safety net. It cannot be right that so few children get to be outside. Even at the National Trust site there were very few kids. Ironically this was the one “culture spot” that I’d meant to take our daughters to as kids but completely failed to organise. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6vmK4F0YOG2t17EmrzduMossW5VBlSnKl0i20IRkS8RxVZabSupkyo84o5F7CpgdKz1Mh3XRSWP20GOlmug4xMy7gGE6r_LyXzI0OHgmupJiYRG5lkMqfXfWCt_Lsv_Lw4UU4JSaGWm2wkib8XyslFU1ur0LStxgnmjlqp3ITP9iA_uQLzAQqOHGjHg=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6vmK4F0YOG2t17EmrzduMossW5VBlSnKl0i20IRkS8RxVZabSupkyo84o5F7CpgdKz1Mh3XRSWP20GOlmug4xMy7gGE6r_LyXzI0OHgmupJiYRG5lkMqfXfWCt_Lsv_Lw4UU4JSaGWm2wkib8XyslFU1ur0LStxgnmjlqp3ITP9iA_uQLzAQqOHGjHg=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pleased to have visited this Magna Carta monument.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Our walk ended at <a href="http://boatmanwindsor.com/ " target="_blank">The Boatman pub</a> which is literally beside the path, thank you pub gods, and so we staggered in, struck by how lovely it was, ordered wine and beer, fed the dog his dinner and then restored, went out of the pub’s back door to Windsor and Eton Riverside station – all of one minute – to take the train back to London. </p><p><b>Verdict:</b> time passes so fast whether you chat and walk and follow the river or stay at home running errands or in my case work from home. So it's definitely worth having experiences to enjoy in the moment and to remember!</p>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0Runnymede District, UK51.408719299999987 -0.5405584999999999423.098485463821142 -35.6968085 79.71895313617884 34.6156915tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-53666942382309297302021-11-16T18:14:00.004+00:002021-11-16T18:22:59.801+00:00Edinburgh - an armchair read<div><b><i>The combination of Covid-19 travel restrictions and greater awareness about the way polluting ways of getting around are heating up the planet has already created a new interest in slow travel and local travel. Here's a look at the way Edinburgh used to be. Words by Nicola Baird (see www.nicolabaird.com for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGmlOaRlE8yw_9AcSZoLG03oXzkMOOiuiCAlrgyEu0NXxx03TQNI88uwxY4k9XPFSu88rcyZc_2fA0zeGTdeaX6bYI0UFhq-H3fXhToyBoZaV53BCk29IGWlQWwyi9Oh2TfPugBR_WWcn/s2048/20211112_150243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGmlOaRlE8yw_9AcSZoLG03oXzkMOOiuiCAlrgyEu0NXxx03TQNI88uwxY4k9XPFSu88rcyZc_2fA0zeGTdeaX6bYI0UFhq-H3fXhToyBoZaV53BCk29IGWlQWwyi9Oh2TfPugBR_WWcn/w360-h640/20211112_150243.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can buy cards of this design on the publisher's<br />website, the evocatively named <a href="https://www.manderleypress.com/shop/greetings-cards">Manderley Press</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I have only ever arrived at Edinburgh by train: it's a very dramatic arrival point. Emerging from the station you are soon surrounded by the greenery of Princes Street Gardens with the westward vista of cliffs dominated by the castle.<div><br /></div><div>No other UK city offers the visitor quite such an entrance, which might be why the first book from new publishing house, Manderley Press, is a reprint of Robert Louis Stephenson's classic, <i>Edinburgh: picturesque notes</i>. As a bonus it's got an introduction by Alexander McCall Smith (author of <i>Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency</i> and <i>44 Scotland Street</i>) who is probably the city’s current most famous writer in residence. </div><div><br /></div><div>This travel guide may be an oldie, first published in 1878 when RLS was just pushing 30-years-old, but Edinburgh is still super-readable. Savouring it in London I'm desperate to go this Scottish city again and of course it helps that my daughter is now working in Leith.
In this travelogue you take a journey through (mostly) bad weather around the Old Town via the New Town, up on to Calton Hill via the Parliament and Greyfriars church, sometimes catching views of the Pentland Hills spotting rich and poor. It’s all today familiar but you are also time travelling through the Georgian period in this rocky Scottish city. </div><div><br /></div><div>Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-94) is well known for his classic adventure tales, <i>Treasure Island</i> and <i>Kidnapped</i> but was also a popular travel writer back in the day. RLS spent most of his early life living at 17 Herriot Row in Edinburgh's New Town where he developed his storytelling skills, despite periods of ill health, aided by the magic of gas lights indoors and a habit of wandering the streets day or night. This juxtaposition of comfortable family life, middle class gossip and Edinburgh poverty must have helped him conjure up the chilling story of <i>The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyd</i>e - spoiler alert they are one and the same person. Similarly, when RLS writes about Edinburgh he makes clear how the city he loves also has two sides - the gleaming beauty and the “slatternly” (as he calls it) poverty which was mostly down the hill or almost underground. That said, there's no moralising in the book, it's more a dreamlike wander through Edinburgh’s weather-struck streets – sometimes peeping through a window, but never going inside - and I heartily recommend it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm now very keen to see how my memory matches with RLS's version and the reality. And the perfect excuse to find out might well be to visit Edinburgh's big Christmas markets which run until the new year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course for keen readers could hunt out a secondhand copy, but if that’s not available then I loved this 2021 edition from <a href="http://www.manderleypress.com">www.manderleypress.com</a> which specialises in finding books that celebrate "memorable buildings, cities and landmarks". The print, was also a generous size with decent leading, perfect for anyone with over 40-year-old eyesight. The splendid book jacket and internal illustrations are by another Edinburgh fan and resident, Ian McIntosh, who is sometimes known as the man “who draws for Alexander McCall Smith”. What's lovely is that these are also available as greeting cards - perfect for Edinburgh fans.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Edinburgh</i> by Robert Louis Stevenson, Manderley Press, Nov 2021. £16.99
</li><li><a href="https://www.edinburghschristmas.com/" target="_blank">Edinburgh's Christmas markets</a> are from 20 November 2021 - 4 January 2022.</li></ul></div></div>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-17831013336541089562021-10-28T11:37:00.009+00:002021-10-29T14:38:15.419+00:00Ride the change: cycling from London to Glasgow for the climate<p><b>Instead of cycling the full Ride the Change route from London to
Glasgow, Nicola Baird joins the first two days (135.4 miles). Here she relives
the pedally sweat, while wondering how much of a metaphor this truncated journey
could become – keen to meet targets, but just not managing because life gets in
the way</b> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeCl3fHXyIfm7ofaznMqhVEcolSCDvC3RzuL_nNu6HUxFLuzq2jfv86JQGF-779n7wsvNIlp8phNbVTaOJirS6LkoEF2gEOgzIWwjpsbzZ_ZwNim4DDqILmF2oYSKFP_HQTB-iuv9vE6D/s2576/20211025_082819.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2576" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeCl3fHXyIfm7ofaznMqhVEcolSCDvC3RzuL_nNu6HUxFLuzq2jfv86JQGF-779n7wsvNIlp8phNbVTaOJirS6LkoEF2gEOgzIWwjpsbzZ_ZwNim4DDqILmF2oYSKFP_HQTB-iuv9vE6D/w640-h480/20211025_082819.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride the Change: Nicola with day two cycling companion, Anne.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Even amateur long-distance cyclists are watertight planners. Not
just their super-technical kit – an ensemble of lycra and high viz suitable for
any weather that is likely to be encountered during 70-mile days of pedalling –
but also the detail about when to take a break, and what to eat and drink. On the Ride the Change cycle from London to
Glasgow where the COP26 meeting is happening (a year late thanks to Covid-19),
it’s like joining a group of Olympic athletes who prefer to talk the detail of
climate campaigning rather than incremental fitness gains made so popular by
Team Sky’s Bradley Wiggins.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are more than 170 people on Ride the Change’s first day (24
October), with 70 who plan to take the next seven days to cycle 475 miles from
London to Scotland. Their aim is to inspire all sorts of people to take climate
action before the crucial COP26 climate meeting in Glasgow. Some will be
working in the meeting’s Green Zone. Most have jobs in addition to being climate
activists… all also have super resilience, spare inner tubes and gadgets that
make the navigating a little easier: totting up the miles ridden at the same
time as counting down the miles left to go. Analytics will soon become as important
as ideas about cutting carbon emissions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Just like the participants of COP26 I started with big ambition.
They want to save the world. I just want to do a big cycle ride with likeminded
people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But life gets in the way of the best intentions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After two days I parked my bike – now with a flat front tyre – at Coventry
train station’s cycle racks (which are not even covered!). I’d told friends I was
going to Glasgow, but I also knew that there were more important tasks that I needed
to do during the same time when I should be pedalling. My heart and legs were
willing, but being human I also needed to prioritise a visit to my friend who’d
been having a bad time and lives not so far from Coventry. And after that I
hoped to visit my daughter who’d just moved to Edinburgh. So, yes, I will get to
Scotland, but it will be the wrong city because I’m no longer following the ‘plan’. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This ability to be side-tracked (and put things off) is a massive
problem for all us humans when it comes to climate change and COP26. We have
the ambition to tackle the climate crisis but repeatedly take detours.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We will hear over the news how the Glasgow meeting goes in early
November. We all hope that keeping the temperature below a 1.5C rise will be
possible. We want country plans (the NDCs) for 2030, 2040 and even 2050 to be achieveable.
We must have climate justice and a rejig to our economy so fossil fuel energy
comes to a stop. But it’s even easier to deviate and delay if you’re a world
leader with competing pressures. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ride the Change<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Sometimes being in a group with a shared aim is truly
energising, so long as you stay with the group. For me the hard work of cycling a long, long way starts the moment
we all pass the dramatic backdrops of Westminster Bridge, the Houses of
Parliament and Buckingham Palace, because that’s where I lose everyone. I’m not
sure I notice this at first as traffic is noisy along London’s busy Edgware
Road. I’m concentrating on what’s to come: worrying about traffic, my ability
to navigate in the dark and how my bike will cope with big hills and muddy off-road
sections. Fortunately Brake the Cycle/Adventure Uncovered, who specialise in
cycling holidays, have provided a route which mostly takes us on quieter or
flatter directions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m joining for just two days, which will see my very ordinary get-around
Finsbury Park bike take me 135.4 miles. We’ll climb up over the Chiltern hills,
drop into Oxfordshire and then network over cider and climate chat in the
evenings. Some of the group are staying with friends or even camping, although
many, like me, have booked into Premier Inns because they let you take your
bike into the room. It’s turning into a pricey protest.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The cycling speed and distance is also well outside my comfort
zone. I’m used to doing 10 miles max, rather slowly and always punctuated by traffic
lights. What’s more I’m 57 years old. But I love being outside and I love
talking with people who want to do something about tackling the climate crisis.
So for the past two months I’ve been gradually upping my cycle abilities in a
bid to have a go at getting to Glasgow. Aside
from having to get fitter, it’s not too hard to organise a bike super-service (thank
you Finsbury Park Cycles) or ask keen long-distance cyclists to explain the intricacies
of Kamoot or Ride with GPS. I also have a few chats about battery life with Just Eat
and Deliveroo drivers when we happen to stop at Highbury Corner’s traffic lights
- their experience makes me decide that the only way
of keeping my phone in juice is to borrow a battery pack. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLcVAizg9lYLk9hcm6kcNoONXZLbthYfOpr5fRvFgt6mnCVqMzpfHFATNgyym4xZMbCeL0U0UPRJGnFR6Po7iyfXKVdyE6AMuxcLt6R99xFMHiH7JeVKxgew3ycVsrH8bXHbs-QnPL9jT/s1280/Screenshot_20211029-153422_Ride+with+GPS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZLcVAizg9lYLk9hcm6kcNoONXZLbthYfOpr5fRvFgt6mnCVqMzpfHFATNgyym4xZMbCeL0U0UPRJGnFR6Po7iyfXKVdyE6AMuxcLt6R99xFMHiH7JeVKxgew3ycVsrH8bXHbs-QnPL9jT/w360-h640/Screenshot_20211029-153422_Ride+with+GPS.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proof, though there seems to be a little short ride added on to this from the day before!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Navigation</b><br />I also sign up to Strava and discover that every journey can be
recorded and analysed for speed and effort. I manage 200km of training in
October (Strava has set me the target of 400km) and the generous people using
Strava happily offer me “kudos” after every ride, even when it’s clear that I
travel at a snail’s pace on my regular route down to Blackfriars Bridge and on to
Elephant & Castle. I grow to love this
App as it lets me ride freestyle and records the speed and distance in
kilometres, which for anyone who thinks imperial (rather than metric) creates an
impression that you’re going further and faster. In contrast Garmin and the other
devices where you upload a GPX map, will then dictate your route through arrows,
voice commands etc. Going off route is greeted with a blare of music and red
arrows instructing you to turn back.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Anyone who drives a car will be very familiar with modern mapping
systems. But I don’t have a vehicle and am a terrible navigator because I don’t
like following a set route when there are distractions – a field of sheep to
admire, blackberries to pick etc.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">“You’ve got to plan everything,” insists super-cyclist Michael wearing
shoes that click on to his bicycle pedals when he shows me how to use a Garmin.
Now retired, Michael has cycled from London to Glasgow in just two days (two
days!!) and does his best to arm me with technology. But really it’s his wife,
Julia, who offers the best takeaway. “You’re sensible and fit, it’ll be fine. Enjoy
it!”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Make a pledge</b><br />During the training weeks I admit that I begin to lose sight of
the mission to encourage friends and family to make a pledge that helps them
cut their personal carbon use. Hermione Taylor, who co-founded Do Nation wants
the Ride the Change cyclists to collect 3,000 pledges which range from air
drying washing (saving half a tonne of CO2e / driving 12,000 miles) to drinking
tap water rather than bottled water (cutting out a lifetime of plastic waste). Thankfully
some of the riders, especially from sponsor Arup’s team, are brilliant champions
for cutting carbon – spurred on by a leader board where the current champion
has garnered more than 400 pledges. By the end of Day 2’s gathering in Coventry, Hermione
says there are now 3,500 new pledges to save carbon, that’s the equivalent of
1,500 flights to Glasgow. It would be great if readers of this article could have
a look at what pledges are on offer, see <a href="https://www.wearedonation.com/en-gb/do-actions/">https://www.wearedonation.com/en-gb/do-actions/</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here’s how my ride went…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-FB9mMYlblQ8lSpcqFq74TbFbVtRy0LsPUy76k-DKjRhwpMAF4IdZd3XWaUm30BWyDi6wFaKm5TYO66T4SL0KTgBiAF7q7owIBT14RqYR9AGUMqseFI1E6-qFYTKBsBsvODGi_AkhvJv/s1600/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-FB9mMYlblQ8lSpcqFq74TbFbVtRy0LsPUy76k-DKjRhwpMAF4IdZd3XWaUm30BWyDi6wFaKm5TYO66T4SL0KTgBiAF7q7owIBT14RqYR9AGUMqseFI1E6-qFYTKBsBsvODGi_AkhvJv/w480-h640/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna from Flight Free giving a lead to Nicola during the <br />Ride the Change cycle from London to Glasgow. (c) Adventure Uncovered</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br />Day 1: London to Oxford by bike<o:p></o:p></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">London to Oxford is 70.3 miles (or more if you get lost). The map’s
already shown that it’s up hill to lunch; downhill after. What I hadn’t
realised is that after a gathering of all the cyclists at the Tea House Theatre
in Vauxhall and some rousing cheers the group breaks up super fast. By 10am I’m
cycling on my own. Deluded (and used to solo training) I assume there must be a
group of slower riders behind me and pedal on steadily getting the hang of Ride
with GPS as I cross and recross the M1 as we weave out of the suburbs, through
a corner of Hertfordshire and into Bucks. The lanes through the wooded Chilterns are full
of speeding cars and gated, well-maintained houses but the bonus is repeated
views of magnificent red kites. No one seems to be around, though I do almost talk to one person, an elderly lady
standing outside her house who congratulates me for being so “energetic”. Through
the sweat (which for me collects on my upper lip and then pools in the hollow
below my chin so I look as if I’m dribbling) I beam.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Around noon five cyclists shoot past me – at a speed that I absolutely
can’t match. Apparently, they had a dramatic
tyre blow out near Hendon and after an hour of failing to find the right
spare part they manage to patch it with gaffer tape. Patrik Ewe, head of
fundraising at the climate charity Possible (founded after the film the <i>Age
of Stupid</i> came out), is itching to make up time so he can chat to people
over lunch at Wendover Woods. This is why Ride the Change’s bike mechanic, Anna
Hughes, who is lugging around two paniers of repair kit and had just helped sort out the blow out, is left behind to look
after me. To be given such an experienced long distance cycling nursemaid is a
total gift for me, definitely not so fun for Anna. However, as she doesn’t have
navigation it’s up to me to shout directions towards her while she keeps the
pace from the front. Almost immediately we are gifted by the sight of several red
kites, and not long after that a muntjac crosses our route. But mostly we’re
just trying to get to lunch…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After a steep and speedy downhill through Wendover beech woods
which then have to be grimly climbed back up to reach the lunch point. We are
definitely greeted by worried faces: I get the impression that the organisers
wonder if they should bundle me and my bike into their van (lent by one of the
sponsors Abel and Cole), but we’ve been told repeatedly that this is a “journey
not a race” and so they don’t insist. I feel like it would take very little to
make me sob. And I can see that Millennial Anna is h-angry, but thankfully two
meals have been saved for us and fortunately, as Anna follows a plant based diet, it’s bean
stew with vegan cheese and a vegan flapjack. Perfect, except it is getting cold
and starting to rain…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the end Anna and I cycle together for the rest of the day: we
don’t make it into Oxford until 7pm just as the speeches are starting. But we
get on well (although it must be infuriating for her that as I get more tired I
keep reading the map upside down). When the rain starts she explains why she started
her Flight Free campaign to encourage people to travel without using planes and
racking up their carbon footprint. My family decided to use a plane every 10
years back in 2001, and have managed no problem so far – better in fact as we haven’t
flown this year (which would have been the third flight in 20 years). We've also had fabulous staycations and taken the train to Europe. So it’s
not a difficult decision to sign up to #flightfree2022 too, as I’m certain I’d
have never made it through day one without her thoughtful companionship, which
also included fixing my derailleur to make the very lowest gear work again.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Deep water</b><br />We’re only 12 miles from Oxford when the journey starts to get proper
tough – this is a 70-miler and I’ve never gone so far before. In fact I’d
already done five or six miles that morning getting from home in Finsbury Park
to where our ride headed out from the Tea House Theatre in
south London. Even on the smooth surface of the national cycle signposted route (basically
a main road) it’s hard to keep going. There’s one excitement when we have to
dismount at a flood. The past couple of fields have been flooded and now there’s
a ford that is out of control. This must happen often as there is also a raised
footpath we can just wheel the bikes across, although it is tempting to go
straight through. If I had waterproof Ortlieb panniers on either side of both
wheels, then it’s possible my bike would have converted into a floating barge
and let me drift to Oxford. Instead, we remount by the Old Fisherman pub (no
going in) and continue through Shabbington. Over lunch Anna reckoned we could smash 35 miles within
three hours so we should pedal until 5.30pm and then have a cup of tea. This target
has kept me going, but of course it’s a Sunday and when the clock ticks up to
6pm she looks around and remarks that there’s nowhere to stop, so shall we just
keep on after a banana for me and for her the last of her crisps? Agh. I’ve
used psychological boosts enough on my family, and now it’s been used on me –
strange how the person suggesting the plan (real or not) gives confidence to
the others.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We may be in a group but everyone’s journey is inevitably
different. Today I am very much a follower, grateful for Anna’s patient
expertise and energetic speed setting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Ring road</b><br />For cyclists and walkers the outskirts of any big town involve
complicated crossings of the ring road – but seeing the well-lit bus depot and
then the Cowley car plant fills me with a strange joy of familiarity. We’ve
nearly made it! Oxford is fortunately a city of cyclists which means we can
follow a nifty off-road route that brings us to a hill overlooking the amber
glow of the city. There are no obvious spires, and this time I don’t even hear
a bell, but it’s as exciting as being in a Philip Pullman storybook looking down on to the
city after this long day pedalling.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I keep following Anna’s rear light, slightly bemused by the amount
of people and lights on Iffley Road. Back in the mid 1990s I used to work off one
side of this road, and live on the other, and it was Sunday dead. Now it is
buzzing with people as they wait for their mates picking up kebab and pizza from
brightly-lit restaurants. At last we are
crossing Magdalen Bridge – there’s no need to detour under the famous Bridge of
Sighs - instead we go down High Street, which is definitely is longer than I
remember, past students in gowns and stone doorways opening into college quads.
A final stop to consult the map and we’re flashing over Folly Bridge towards the
White Horse at Tap Social on the Abingdon Road where it seems we are the very
last to check in. Oh dear.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead of feeling elated – I’ve bloody done it – this just makes me
feel like crying. I know, I’m tired and hungry (and will be hungrier still as
you can only order food through Deliveroo and I neither have the app nor the
space on my phone to download it), but it’s weird to feel like a frustrated teenager
ticked off on a list and then forgotten! I need the world to tell me I’ve got
here, despite my ineptitude and lack of bike know-how. I’m another one of the
great British amateurs who bumble over long distances with just a bit of
fishing line (in the modern world this would be a USB rechargeable head torch)
to make the world a little bit better for everyone by asking people to
acknowledge my effort not with money by making easy-to-do lifestyle changes…</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But right now, I just need a slug of water and my kind husband Pete
to call me with a short pep talk in which he tells me to (basically) keep on
keeping on and get some food. As a West Ham supporter he is no stranger to getting
over feeling low. Wheeling my bike down to Oxford’s main station, on the way to
the Premier Inn Botley where I’m booked to sleep, I even start to long to find a
supermarket (places I normally avoid) so I can buy something to eat – the restaurants of Iffley Road seem
like a distant dream now. Luckily, I spot a man with a tell-tale Ride the
Change green wrist band eating from a giant plate. He’s inside a little Keralan
restaurant serving delicious vegetarian Thali so I chain up my bike, go inside
and order just what he’s got. Nev is from Cornwall and a reluctant chatterer
but he mentions that his companion for a little while (until he went off
without her), Anne is in a similar age group to us three. I’ve got a new target for
tomorrow: I will find Anne and cycle with her. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf7187MyrcRxQVFg2KYN3jbf6CyEGARcJeaQVRS6jrMAyHvjOO2K5m7pEBAsyphJq0lTC3GK-jMbuHscN_SEUZbhNOb3H9-ZCCXBz5bnmFq-7VIK5iNw3POFbogNcxijoqhuWPKWK_wPc/s4128/20211025_145036.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf7187MyrcRxQVFg2KYN3jbf6CyEGARcJeaQVRS6jrMAyHvjOO2K5m7pEBAsyphJq0lTC3GK-jMbuHscN_SEUZbhNOb3H9-ZCCXBz5bnmFq-7VIK5iNw3POFbogNcxijoqhuWPKWK_wPc/w640-h360/20211025_145036.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hermione Taylor from Do Nation - the brilliant organisation that helps people pledge to cut their carbon emissions - during Day 2 of Ride the Change from London to Glasgow. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><b><br />Day 2</b>: <b>Oxford to Coventry by bike</b> <o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At 6.40am I’m in the Premier Inn restaurant getting black coffee
when I spot a cheerful looking woman who might be Anne Dixon And it is: what a
marvellous moment it is when she says she’d be happy to team up with me today –
it seems like she also rode much of yesterday on her own.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The morning starts dramatically as within 10 minutes a Balliol student
has fallen off his e-scooter and is lying on the cycle path on Banbury Road between me and
Anne. For the next half hour, we keep his air way clear, stop the bleeding over
his brow and keep him calm. An ambulance is called which gives us the opportunity
to leave unlucky George. He probably tumbled off at 10mph, but a whack like that
on your head is going to put you in A&E at the least. It’s unnerving and I dearly
hope he’s recovering well. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There’s a lot of blood this morning – the busy A road out of
Oxford which passes Blenheim Palace is littered with road kill, mostly scattered bits of pheasants, but I also
see a debrained rabbit and at one slight bend, two fallow deer are piled on top of each other
on the verge, presumably dragged off the road after they were struck by vehicles.
I’m very glad I opted for a bright yellow cycle jacket, as one momentary mistake
has such serious consequences for anyone not in a vehicle.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Soon we join some quieter roads and have plenty of chance to chat.
Anne, who has four grown up children, has been practising around the Isle of
Thanet, in Kent, and is great company. She says that the Ride the Change group WhatsApp has concluded
that the right amount of bikes for a keen cyclist is always one more than you
have. Obviously, you want to be able to lend a bike to a friend, but there’s
also the desire to have a road bike, and maybe an off-road bike, and a fold-up
bike and perhaps even an e-bike. Four bikes! And then I realise that over the
years I’ve bought all the bikes in my household, so that each family member (Pete
and our two daughters) can have their own wheels.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>Cycle miles</b><br />We keep being passed, and then passing, other groups on Ride The
Change today as they stop for water, chats and repairs, which is a good morale boost. As well as overhearing all sorts
of interesting ideas about carbon capture, carbon counting and cycle journeys that
negate the need for a plane, Anne and I chat away the miles.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After veggie burritos at the hugely popular Lock 29 street eating
stalls for lunch there’s a tough pedal up the long hill out of Banbury over
hedge cuttings (which will lead to many punctures, although fortunately not for
me until the day after this ride) and by estates of new housing. Eventually we’re
rewarded with a stretch of broad road with 60 or 70 mile views to the east and
west. On this bright autumn October day, it is a completely beautiful
landscape. The cars keep whizzing past, but there aren’t too many and
distractions include side noises of a fox hunt and then
to my companion Anne’s delight the sighting of a campervan sales centre. She hops off to send
selfies by their King Campervan sign to her family, which results in a flurry
of excited WhatsApp back.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeljgQJFHit_wORQo4KHFU4RkUr158thCuVjuIYPtXFV1luzUhfpmhWbF3tnQ-XFmEFrQzLQ0nd6hRhRdWgKVjsRwSq6cWwH36Li7dBkkGr5X8dhzvaNWjFU72BKfeibEMloL-cq7kMOL/s4128/20211025_093600.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOeljgQJFHit_wORQo4KHFU4RkUr158thCuVjuIYPtXFV1luzUhfpmhWbF3tnQ-XFmEFrQzLQ0nd6hRhRdWgKVjsRwSq6cWwH36Li7dBkkGr5X8dhzvaNWjFU72BKfeibEMloL-cq7kMOL/w640-h360/20211025_093600.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roadside attraction on Day2 with suitably autumnal mushrooms. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Road works</b><br />The afternoon pedal is a real joy. We’re into Warwickshire and the
landscape and villages are just so perfect…. Until we hit the temporary road
signs directing construction traffic for the HS2 railway. What a mess this is:
infrastructure that will get travellers from London to the Midlands faster at a
cost of at least £22 billion more than the original budget. HS2’s website is
convinced the project will create the world’s most environmentally friendly
station (see the virtual tour and signs outside Euston) and is tackling climate change… but that’s hard
for me to understand. Where it’s being built across the countryside, the place
looks an unfinished mess of mud. Near Leamington Spa there’s a plaque put up to the spot
where the 300-year-old Hunningham oak was felled. At least 29 hectares of
ancient woodland, around 80 football pitches, (though campaigners say this is
an under-estimate) have been cleared and there are barriers everywhere behind
which diggers stalk the skyline. <div><br /></div><div>It’s also difficult to understand the scale of this
project, but it brings home the need for anyone without a financial stake in it
to be offering an alternative vision of sustainable green jobs. With so much focus on the world's rising temperature and the climate crisis there should be no projects
that either continue to make use of fossil fuels (especially coal mines in
Cumbria or Cambo oil in Shetland) or that destroy biodiversity (road and train track
construction) allowed to go ahead. On this bike ride we do use quite a few national
cycle routes, but most are repurposed train lines, invariably closed by
Beeching in the 1950s, which is rather different to arrow-straight new built
roads/rail that split up this bit of the countryside from that bit.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It’s 5pm and Anne, riding in front, points up and east towards a surprise
rainbow. There’s no rain, it’s just an arch of colours dominating the valley as
we come out of Stoneleigh. it's also where we are joined by Craig on his electric cargo bike.
Craig is on a mission to get more people in the NHS using e-bikes. All too soon
we’re on the edge of urban: there’s an airport, and an ensemble of newly-built
roads taking us up the hill to Coventry. One of the road bridges has a line of healthy-looking
reeds growing on it, probably by happenstance rather than an attempt to make a New
York High-Line. Our destination is the Tin Theatre in Coventry’s canal basin
where a curry dinner is promised, but first we have to do a loop past the famously bombed-out cathedral arriving just as the sun sets and turns the empty window arches into a
perfect frame for conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">City centre Coventry has had a big pedestrian push, although cars
are still flowing through it. There’s also good signage, a Medieval street to
enjoy and in one of the open shopping centres a children’s playground is the
central attraction. I’ll be stopping here – on a good note today. I'm feeling tired
but satisfied, and proud of the porridge power that’s taken me so many miles. I
don’t feel sweaty or too stiff either which just goes to show that maybe a
short cycle ride from home or a tube station/bus stop to work might be pretty
easy to do if you’ve never tried it before. Especially if you can use an e-bike.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>What happens next?<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My two days with these cyclists may have come to an end but like
them I’ll keep talking about ways anyone can tackle their carbon emissions,
just by making a pledge on the Do Nation site. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not making the whole route has a strange parallel with the way the
COP26 meeting is going. Governments want to do the right thing but are
distracted by costs, political alignments and popularity. In the same way I’ve
stopped for personal reasons: keen to save on hotel bills and then distracted
by being so close to a friend who lives nearby and has been having a tough
time. Climate change hasn’t gone away. But I’ve stepped away from it for a moment.</p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b>UPDATE:</b> Or rather I stepped right into it as amber (danger to life) weather warnings for the north of England from the Met Office - and nine flood warnings and 15 flood alerts from the Environment Agency - meant that my attempt to take a pre-booked train on Thursday from the Midlands up to Edinburgh was stopped. For years people wouldn't link weather with the climate crisis, but now it is likely that as the temperature rises we will see more, and more intense storms. As a train user all I knew was that f]rom early morning on 28 October, Avanti had nothing running beyond Preston, or was it Carlisle? Information for train users not logged on to Twitter was unclear, other than the "service was in chaos" thanks to "landslides", "floods" and even "faults on the train" (I think the latter was a PR damage limitation sentence). All that time the intrepid all-the-way-to-Glasgow cyclists were battling through vast amounts of rain, and flooding to keep to their schedule and get to Kelvingrove Park for the Saturday morning marches on 30 October. Meanwhile I gave up going North at Crewe, found a train back to Coventry, unlocked my bike and then took another train South back to London. It is sobering that my 134.5 mile, two day route to Coventry can be done in just an hour on the train.</p></div></blockquote><div>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regardless of our level of climate action (or activism) there will
be times when we can’t keep up the pace. And that’s OK. But after we’ve taken that
breather, we need to come back to the original plan and make more and better
changes that will help us all tackle climate change.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The world will be judging how the COP26 meeting goes, just as it did for
Copenhagen (fail) and Paris (success). We all hope that keeping the temperature
below a 1.5C temperature will be possible. We want country plans (the NDCs) for
2030, 2040 and even 2050 to be achievable and are perhaps getting our heads
around the way this will mean living life differently. We need our governments to commit in word and
deed (cash!) to climate justice and intergenerational justice – and they may
all manage that. But first we need to rejig our economy so fossil fuel energy
comes to a stop. And that is probably the hardest of all future tasks because
life is going to look very different in just a few years’ time whether we aim
for zero carbon or keep on stalling on real action. Whatever route the COP26
takes us, good luck to us all.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><i>A special thank you to Anna Hughes, Anne Dixon and Pete May as
well as the Ride The Change group.</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> * </span></span><!--[endif]-->Support Ride the Change: cycle to COP26 with a
small eco action (or more) which cuts your carbon emissions. You have to make an
account so that in two months time you can confirm that you did what you
promised! Pledge via <a href="https://www.wearedonation.com/en-gb/businesses/ride-the-change-to-cop26/campaigns/nicola-baird-ride-the-change/pledges/create/featured/?fbclid=IwAR0XPkgSdjPtN5P5kHN28KIbPSgGEadjo2NCbb7I9Jlutx_nu1QwcAGKUlM">https://www.wearedonation.com/en-gb/businesses/ride-the-change-to-cop26/campaigns/nicola-baird-ride-the-change/pledges/create/featured/?fbclid=IwAR0XPkgSdjPtN5P5kHN28KIbPSgGEadjo2NCbb7I9Jlutx_nu1QwcAGKUlM</a>
Or make your own at <a href="http://www.wearedonation.com/">www.wearedonation.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0px;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">* Ride the Change is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d1d1d; letter-spacing: 0.45pt; text-indent: -18pt;">a collaboration
between Possible, Do Nation, Adventure Uncovered, Brake the Cycle and Arup with
headline sponsor Abel & Cole, silver sponsor Symprove and bronze sponsors,
Cayley Coughtrie and AECOM. This is the biggest ride that Do Nation and
Adventure Uncovered have ever organised and people from the NHS, Arup, Unilever,
AECOM, C-Capture, Leap Eco, CRA, Anthesis, Abel & Cole, Brompton and Lego
will be joining legs of the journey as well.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> * </span></span><!--[endif]-->Brake the Cycle runs <u><span style="color: #1155cc; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><a href="http://www.adventureuncovered.com/">www.adventureuncovered.com</a></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> *</span></span><!--[endif]-->Pledge to be flight
free (for 2020, for your holidays, for life) at <a href="https://flightfree.co.uk/">https://flightfree.co.uk</a> #flightfree2020<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<!--EndFragment--></div>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-88257840353035142102021-07-07T14:30:00.002+00:002021-07-07T14:30:45.735+00:00Conversation by elephants: from Green Park to green thinking<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><b><i>
Stories and ideas inspired by the lantana elephant herd in Green Park, London which are modelled on Indian elephants and made by indigenous craftspeople in Asia. Words by Nicola Baird (see www.nicolabaird.com for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3L1RRMC06DYoQEcnfUo9v29x1hmKH89SVabTM2LW5Vaosf0TB9hg4yQWaYVDqa_7fLw4piDufz7ea06XNHMSiOBM-5NO6bT2ECpmhFwqRq7YzMZ7JSBTvkpgChv5uowVC0EIxEEw6qT5/s4128/20210704_133252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3L1RRMC06DYoQEcnfUo9v29x1hmKH89SVabTM2LW5Vaosf0TB9hg4yQWaYVDqa_7fLw4piDufz7ea06XNHMSiOBM-5NO6bT2ECpmhFwqRq7YzMZ7JSBTvkpgChv5uowVC0EIxEEw6qT5/w640-h360/20210704_133252.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lantana elephant herd moves through Green Park: amazing activism art (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The elephant herd in Green Park look as if they are flowing across the park out of the tube and down the hill to Buckingham Palace. Randomly cycling to explore central London with my university colleague Gracia we are both amazed to stumble on to an art safari. </div><div><br /></div><div>We’ve covered no air miles, read no hype but are utterly awe-struck by the size of the herd. Each elephant is individually sculpted from lantana, a rattan-like material which a volunteer in a hi-vis vest explains is an invasive weed, despoiling habitats.
Lighten our footprint and wildlife bounces back says Coexistence which put up the project for <a href="https://elephant-family.org/">https://elephant-family.org/</a> </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeVo3V2CJeIxcwxuqP_qSuJucsC5Sd6wSUA-5ir_1AKU9SBtVX1Rf6lkIF1R64FArv5F8EmtEHJWeBJhZAQG6ADvhv5xdDSVI8J-Z3aPZibgr8_YSMtMIftnY7IGNriazX93Gx-jKNL8q/s2048/20210704_133515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeVo3V2CJeIxcwxuqP_qSuJucsC5Sd6wSUA-5ir_1AKU9SBtVX1Rf6lkIF1R64FArv5F8EmtEHJWeBJhZAQG6ADvhv5xdDSVI8J-Z3aPZibgr8_YSMtMIftnY7IGNriazX93Gx-jKNL8q/w640-h360/20210704_133515.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trunk detail on the lantana herd. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br />It’s clear these models are made by people who know how to look deeply. Each elephant seems to be moving. There are calves, bigger youngsters and grand old dams. In total “there are 72 elephants and they’ll be in Green Park until 23 July,” says a dreadlocked security guard who has managed to luck out with a job that involves walking around a hard to steal set of exhibits, currently moored outside under the trees of Green Park. Gracia and I wander slowly noticing lifted forefeet, curled trunks, swishing tails… We are all-seeing in this famous park deliberately planted with open vistas by Henrietta so that her famously-philandering husband Charles II had less opportunity for liaisons – though he still managed to have at least 100 illegitimate children. “Deforested for surveillance,” suggests Gracia which seems a remarkably 21st century approach. Restoration was nearly 400 years ago so no surprise that Green Park has a decent spread of avenues now, as befits a national park city like London. And it is down one of these big tree lined avenues that the elephant herd is progressing, attended by curious visitors. </div><div><br /></div><div>The project run by Elephant Family is called Coexistence and has an intriguing aim – to get watchers to share their stories and an attempt to reboot our nature understanding. “This isn’t a call for an extreme return to the wild. Look around you, wherever you are. Who do you share your world with? Can we increase our coexistence everywhere, and rewild ourselves. Nature is intelligent and adapting. Other life forms will meet our efforts halfway, if only we give them the chance,” writes Coexistence on the website. </div><div><br /></div><div>The elephants are made by craftspeople from the Tamil Nadu jungle who clearly know the way elephants move. These magnificent creatures in Green Park look as if they are walking towards tea with the Queen – trunks swinging confidently. Of course, they’re not: these are artworks on tour and also for sale raising funds for elephant protection – a baby is £6,000; adolescent £12,500 and the 7.5x12x4 foot matriarch £22,000. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH6hsLI51QF0dDYe6xFBhAwFAddelIFdUTbdHHLv1WGQt4PABxDcHHr1z5oR0Eh1awv_8Qe4awqfGyLchxchepCHSEXMS80CXwaid3MLftN17WEIddrCjLTXhJdzO3Lboqm3kwia60mzP/s2048/20210704_133346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuH6hsLI51QF0dDYe6xFBhAwFAddelIFdUTbdHHLv1WGQt4PABxDcHHr1z5oR0Eh1awv_8Qe4awqfGyLchxchepCHSEXMS80CXwaid3MLftN17WEIddrCjLTXhJdzO3Lboqm3kwia60mzP/w360-h640/20210704_133346.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messages from the elephant in the room - Green Park (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br />For years the term “elephant in the room” has bumped around environmentalists conversations as they talked biodiversity loss, population pressure and a warming planet at meetings they’d flown to. An elephant has become such a signifier of these types of reluctance to address the big picture that spotting this herd immediately makes me think they are there to raise awareness about climate change. And in fact they will be, as those not sold are taking a detour to Glasgow to help support the COP26 climate meeting run by the UN in early November. They will certainly cheer up this vital meeting.
You can read more about elephants and climate change on the Coexistence blog, see <a href="" target="_blank">https://elephant-family.org/news-views/news/what-do-elephants-have-to-do-with-climate-change/ </a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Elephant stories</b><br />For almost all of us, elephants inspire us to share stories: our encounters on TV (thank you David Attenborough) or real life, our efforts to save them, our funny moments.
In the 1970s I remember re-reading my little brother the story of the Elephant and the Bad Baby by Elfrida Vipont whose elephant and tiny passenger went “rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta down the road”. I always felt sorry for the Bad Baby - who was definitely tricked by the Manners Police – but also for my brother whose only experience with elephants was via these Raymond Briggs’ illustrations. In contrast I’d spent my summer as a three-year-old being used as a toddler honeytrap by our entrepreneur Dad. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8GH6gRQfchwdVV6gkstATlWh85orXiIMwmqkWPDEMT8iKXdZeBED5mP_t0MQOq-PR9CDhz1BOQLK-t1o25WjFBJHxs_lGvDAberDK4QNE40dAn74WOp5uG34DCL_hp8r7mU5N5Qj5IWg/s4128/20210704_133534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8GH6gRQfchwdVV6gkstATlWh85orXiIMwmqkWPDEMT8iKXdZeBED5mP_t0MQOq-PR9CDhz1BOQLK-t1o25WjFBJHxs_lGvDAberDK4QNE40dAn74WOp5uG34DCL_hp8r7mU5N5Qj5IWg/w360-h640/20210704_133534.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's think and move like an elephant. Nicola posing by one<br />of the lantana herd at Green Park.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Dad had acquired a life-size mechanical elephant (built in Essex and named Jessica) which could take people for rides. He’d get me on to this giant’s back to either pose for the press or encourage other families to climb aboard. I was quite a scowly little girl, but I liked being in the corner seat behind my dad on top of an elephant. He’d dress up as an elephant handler when he operated the controls, no doubt crossing his fingers that the licence plate the DVA insisted was attached to Jessica’s tail wouldn’t fall off and ruin the looks-like-a-real-elephant spell. Fun as she was, his mechanical elephant soon became a liability. She triumphed on <i>Blue Peter</i> then fell through the floor at Whiteleys department stores near Paddington. She was destined for Republican fundraising in the US (from an animal motif point of view Republicans are elephants and Democrats donkeys) but storms delayed the ship, so she never made it. Like my family’s car she’d regularly break down and was super hard to fix.
My Dad worked from home and it wasn’t unusual for random telephone callers to begin, “It’s about an elephant…” During peak elephant crises he began to avoid the phone. The last known sighting was rumoured to be on a Birmingham allotment. My Dad died more than two decades ago but my Mum says if you happen to have news about an unusual elephant she’s not interested! </div><div><br /></div><div>Slowly memories of my elephant life drifted away. Then in 2000* I visited a friend in Zimbabwe and just near the garden of the Victoria Falls hotel the taxi we were using came to a halt as a herd emerged from scrubby trees and crossed the road. Their big feet didn’t prevent them from moving silently – but they left behind a torn trail of branches. One particular elephant standing apart, with flapping ears, seemed vast: my nearly two-year-old daughter looked at this massive land animal with complete composure. In contrast I felt quite weak: a flesh and blood elephant was a very different beast to poor mechanical Jessica. </div><div><br /></div><div>Around the time I was born the world population was 2.7 billion and wilderness accounted for 64% of the world. When you compare this to 2020 the numbers seem to have been put in a shaker and jumbled themselves out of control. World population is now 5.7 billion and inevitably wilderness space has fallen to 46%. It seems amazing in a way that so much is still left. But that’s not how the elephant herds must see it. On the Coexistence website you can find stories of the Indian elephants used as models – Highway Hathis (hathi means elephant in Urdu) who have to constantly cross busy roads and railways and the Crop Raiders on the scavenge for 150kg of food a day. </div><div><br /></div><div>Both these herds have at least one human hero who has turned around their chances of survival. For the Highway Hathis this was Sanjay Gubbi who has imposed sanctions (slower vehicle speeds and roads closed at night), whilst for the Crop Raiders it was Dulu who came up with the idea of a buffet barrier rice field between the village and forest. But it took a community commitment to make the changes happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Spending time with the lantana herd in Green Park you can get to know the characters, discuss art, activism and exhibitions. As you stare and snap for social media the volunteers gently engage you in conversation about the elephants. It’s a brilliant way of bringing the elephant in the room – in this case a need to coexist with all wildlife – into our front of brain understanding.
Days later I took a train to Ash in Kent to a wedding and at the station, opposite the garage was greeted by a good view of a new Bellway homes construction site, walled by panels and ringed by a busy road. The billboard claimed: ‘Coming soon Wildflower Meadow’ conjuring up images of red poppies and blue cornflowers and not a large, tightly-fitted set of brick houses. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLlwTGdl-QwhrxXrWFe58mvuNvBoYPRvia8OPj1yAt98i2mU4kCKiajyf5DmI9kj61Rpz8JVSAnUpZXxjB0UC3D6jfa71mH8Z6BAVLfSD3BSq208or1M49MqnDjm4h2zJfHhMYXYwah_1/s4128/20210703_153706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLlwTGdl-QwhrxXrWFe58mvuNvBoYPRvia8OPj1yAt98i2mU4kCKiajyf5DmI9kj61Rpz8JVSAnUpZXxjB0UC3D6jfa71mH8Z6BAVLfSD3BSq208or1M49MqnDjm4h2zJfHhMYXYwah_1/w640-h360/20210703_153706.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Message from the lantana elephant herd: “If some people can live with elephants surely we can learn to live with beavers, badgers and bring back our fast vanishing birds and butterflies.”<br />Could this be possible with these housing complexes built so tightly to main roads? (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This uncomfortable disconnect between what our ever-expanding population is promised – wildflowers and meadows – and what is coming – crowded brick houses on a road - made me revisit the message the Green Park elephant herd was created to share: “If some people can live with elephants surely we can learn to live with beavers, badgers and bring back our fast vanishing birds and butterflies.” Yes, we surely can follow Coexistence’s message, but to do so, most of us need to look deeply into the way we organise our lives if we want to give those smaller animals and ecosystems a fighting chance for survival. </div><div><br /></div><div>When it comes to PR, being a massive elephant has a lot more impact than being a mini-beast. But at least we humans still have the power to make a positive difference.
Some suggestions: </div><div>• In the garden leave out food and water for birds and other wildlife; keep all cats indoors at night and never use slug or snail pellets. </div><div>• Getting around aim to use your own steam (walk, scoot or cycle) or public transport. </div><div>• Avoid food waste - farming destroys habitats so it makes sense to at least use and eat what you have bought.</div><div>• Measure your carbon footprint and aim to bring it down. There’s a fun measuring site on https://footprint.wwf.org.uk/ </div><div><br /></div><div><i>More about this herd and the thinking behind how it is supporting Asia’s wildlife at
<a href="" target="_blank">elephant-family.org</a> The lantana elephants move out of Green Park on 23 July 2021.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>FOOTNOTE</b></i></div><div>*2000- after this trip my family made a commitment to only fly every 10 years and reduce our carbon footprint. I last made a plane flight in 2011. In theory I'd have probably taken a flight in 2021 but for lots of reasons - including my own carbon budget - probably will not. I can't imagine that we'll be behaving just as we do now in 2031, so maybe that's plane trips over for me.</div>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0Green Park, London SW1A 1AA, UK51.5039038 -0.143856736.26011955079602 -17.7219817 66.747688049203987 17.4342683tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-10675055508831592532021-06-23T14:44:00.005+00:002021-06-23T15:18:37.553+00:00Switching off in the Lake District - Buttermere<p><b><i>How do you make a place better? Visitors bring in income but they also bring pollution, litter and just by being in a beautiful destination change the place - so how to resolve the travel bug dilemma.</i></b><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><i style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuiau25MvZF-Fr1yi5U6s2ZoYD8plSu-Ye-KfV49AMhbH_3ImDxybIeCxwpIamwh_roYqovHrtEvwMD_AxsJ-7zwSPcFX1rBQwLoE0u1MFoh11Z98aD2aO6eKjd9GhF-Du9MlOTpp6XaF/s2048/20210615_181043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuiau25MvZF-Fr1yi5U6s2ZoYD8plSu-Ye-KfV49AMhbH_3ImDxybIeCxwpIamwh_roYqovHrtEvwMD_AxsJ-7zwSPcFX1rBQwLoE0u1MFoh11Z98aD2aO6eKjd9GhF-Du9MlOTpp6XaF/w400-h225/20210615_181043.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the YHA Buttermere car park (not garden). (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>For the past 23 years I've probably gone to the Lake District at least once a year for an all-too-short week. Last week - in June - I was able to go again, ostensibly to accompany my husband Pete May as he ticks off the final Wainwright mountains. Pete, who wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-About-Tarn-Londoner-District-ebook/dp/B07BS37JRF" target="_blank">Man About Tarn</a>, loves a list. I'm not such a fan - I'd rather do something I like again and again. And usually when that involves walks what i love is to wonder around lakes, ideally without bumping into many people.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIElZYDvbqM2xQoXPhciLV9QgI3-WkbhUrmVGPfKlHswir779inOMB_JEt0n9DGQeueoGJmaCyFBiIBKWsA3Qpv5ARwkEoxyZjfutEO574fSD_dDzV28dzlg8ZqCoN-6PwjA6qSaKisqS9/s2048/20210616_212313.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIElZYDvbqM2xQoXPhciLV9QgI3-WkbhUrmVGPfKlHswir779inOMB_JEt0n9DGQeueoGJmaCyFBiIBKWsA3Qpv5ARwkEoxyZjfutEO574fSD_dDzV28dzlg8ZqCoN-6PwjA6qSaKisqS9/w400-h225/20210616_212313.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Robinson glows in the evening light. What a sunset. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So I wasn't feeling very smiley when my plan to get quietly lost on the way to the famous Rannerdale bluebell valley was stymied by many, many competitors hurtling down the fell half way through the <a href="https://10in10.org.uk/events/annual-10in10-challenge/" target="_blank">10 in 10</a> to the midpoint stop at Buttermere. This is an annual mountain race raising funds for MS. This year it started and ended at the Swinside Inn, in the Newlands Valley and took the competitors 16 miles over Causey Pike, Sail, Crag Hill, Wandope, Whiteless Pike, High Snockrigg, Robinson, Dale Head, High Spy and Maiden Moor. As it happens I walked over the low corner of Robinson on the way to Knott Rigg and Ard Craggs and it is massive so I should have been more impressed, well done the fundraisers.<p></p><p>James Rebanks - who farms near Ullswater - has been talking broadly about how the Lake District can cope with so many visitors. It's always had a lot of visitors, but as foreign holidays seem off the agenda it is now also making do for a lot of people. Cars and driving is a major problem, no one wants traffic jams in the countryside, but few visitors seem willing to make use of the buses. In the summer the lakeland buses have a reasonable service (that's how we got from the train at Penrith to Keswick and then on to Buttermere YHA) but a day trip is £11 and most single journeys seem to be around a fiver which soon starts to feel painful. It's definitely a lot more expensive than going by tube or bus around London. But the scenery is fabulous, the 77 or 77a looping from Keswick via Honister mountain pass and slate mine or Whinlatter forest is gorgeous. Possibly the best bus route in the world, though it might have to contend with the 19 in London which hits different sorts of landmarks (Fortnums, Harrods etc).</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP-ahlXjO06D1gcNp3FDP2TPC2nbYvKlShpb9iFubzhwcsbTxFjcbHZgmWG4eT_PGb7vWelG4peqaepcxPq3DiGaQ6z6A-iWK-QAgg1o9XpMhmnhy1H_g3X6VPb8W-k7pjSXwTJTlR8yg/s2048/20210616_113623.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP-ahlXjO06D1gcNp3FDP2TPC2nbYvKlShpb9iFubzhwcsbTxFjcbHZgmWG4eT_PGb7vWelG4peqaepcxPq3DiGaQ6z6A-iWK-QAgg1o9XpMhmnhy1H_g3X6VPb8W-k7pjSXwTJTlR8yg/w400-h225/20210616_113623.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttressing roots on a lime tree by Buttermere. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Visitors: let's make some changes</b><br />I had plenty of time to think about what could be changed as i wondered around the big, deep lake at Buttermere. Here are some of my ideas. What do you think might work? I'm back in the Lakes in September, so wouldn't it be nice if something felt different... <p></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Anyone driving into the Lake District to pay a voluntary pollution fee. I think there could be a "ring of conscience" around the area which once crossed gives the visitors the opportunity to make a donation... They might even find it easier if they are greeted by a real person (paid or volunteering) who is also able to give some helpful advice about whatever Lake District activity they plan to do from wild swimming to red squirrel spotting.</li><li>Anyone holidaying in the Lake District to spend one day of their time off volunteering for the National Park or even the National Trust (in whatever way is appropriate, eg, directing parking, picking up litter, nature observation etc). If we could be trusted I'd say make us do some wall fixing too, but that is definitely best left to experts...</li><li>YHA and all other residentials to be super clear about how they can be reached using public transport. Anyone who travels via public transport to be given some kind of reward (the bedroom with the view, the nicest table, discounts, whatever appropriate). It still shocks me how YHA has become a place for older people who invariably drive. I know times change, and June is not the school holidays but most YHA visitors could probably pay more than they do, so maybe ask them to pay more for driving, at least that way they might consider sharing lifts.</li><li>What about if each Lakeland village had some electric bikes which people could use to get to the start of walks? This might be incredibly difficult to organise but maybe existing bike hire set ups, like <a href="https://e-venturebikes.co.uk/" target="_blank">E-venture bikes</a> in Keswick could be funded to scope the idea or help match routes to all those many people trying to climb the 214 Wainwright mountains.</li><li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtILbtHJEvtmxcyqcZnfBZfgWcSR44E18_fZsYl8MujgvKcqhpBW5VHke_YPeioYng-27hd1VqWkJzlINOfJ2E_-t0Rn4qY5gMS9todlvz7myodieqVWgk7R_eV3d27HRIecMgYWK7mm0-/s968/Screenshot+2021-06-23+at+16.13.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="968" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtILbtHJEvtmxcyqcZnfBZfgWcSR44E18_fZsYl8MujgvKcqhpBW5VHke_YPeioYng-27hd1VqWkJzlINOfJ2E_-t0Rn4qY5gMS9todlvz7myodieqVWgk7R_eV3d27HRIecMgYWK7mm0-/s320/Screenshot+2021-06-23+at+16.13.25.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another sign said 3 lambs had been <br />killed by dogs, don't make it 4.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />And ALL dogs on leads. It is heartbreaking to see how many people can't be bothered to do this, and how much it upsets the Lake District sheep and farmers. There needs to be fines (even for the cute fluffy dogs). And/or offer a basic dog training check at every car park (or bus stop).</li><li>Cottage renting businesses should provide info about how their places can be reached using public transport and not defaulting to "left off the A something or rather"... This would be a great paid intern job for some of the University of Cumbria or even nearby Lancaster Unviersity students. And perhaps they could be paid by the vehicle tithe?</li><li>I know there are more EV charging spots in the UK than most of us think there are. Perhaps they could be better publicised so people with EVs could make use of them on holiday.</li><li>But the point for me is that holiday is a time you are wanting a change and the biggest might be stepping out of a car and going a bit slower in order not to choke the place you are visiting with traffic.</li></ol><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EoNxF3ZZkRU1jZcgUgbVbBNysLlLIhle-2t9pmO2wmJQvAXjCGE_v9Lbc_48eDcQvjNzmFk9MF4toL5mf5EtlAr4vD_wC6K5WALY0Nw7JWVFicOB7t0Ip2iw_LvE2DtO5deYvjM-3KWl/s640/IMG_4621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EoNxF3ZZkRU1jZcgUgbVbBNysLlLIhle-2t9pmO2wmJQvAXjCGE_v9Lbc_48eDcQvjNzmFk9MF4toL5mf5EtlAr4vD_wC6K5WALY0Nw7JWVFicOB7t0Ip2iw_LvE2DtO5deYvjM-3KWl/w400-h300/IMG_4621.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking around Crummock Water - the road dominates the other side. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Sad, sad situation</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOjtvBMl_Dm6CxCJREGvMpyhyp92z7CFmliglN_IalKErymiI3RjBzSJLjuFlrCxUhyj9sYvMqw7bEGnOxJE1_lfv0W0UzR5L887FC5D9ORjZuhd16QqlXescSGlUN1rIzUHguQjzWdFU/s2048/20210619_125803.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOjtvBMl_Dm6CxCJREGvMpyhyp92z7CFmliglN_IalKErymiI3RjBzSJLjuFlrCxUhyj9sYvMqw7bEGnOxJE1_lfv0W0UzR5L887FC5D9ORjZuhd16QqlXescSGlUN1rIzUHguQjzWdFU/w400-h225/20210619_125803.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many ash in the Lake District are marked up with red numbers. <br />I don't know what this code means but the area is clearly suffering <br />badly from ash disease die-back. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>At Buttermere we met a National Trust warden who was spraying ominous codes on to the ash trees that are very obviously failing to thrive. I'd been picking up litter on the fells (interestingly always worse when you near a car park) but he said it was in 2020 during lockdown when things got really bad - he'd found 68 (I think) abandoned tents in the woods and people had also left litter and all sorts of equipment. Apparently this had inspired the locals to start litter picking and plogging (jogging and picking up litter) so a big thank you to them. But some of the Lake District councils (like Allendale) don't seem to recycle properly but at the same time covid precautions and so many visitors means there is inevitably more litter. </li><li>As for tissue behind gorse bushes, on the fells, in the woods... What is wrong with people?! You don't need paper for outdoor wees. No one is going to want to pick up soggy urinated tissue so if you plan to make use of toilet paper in the outdoors then you need to think like serious US hikers who either dig in their waste or even better carry it out (in tupperware).</li><li>Blowing serviettes aren't so lovely either, I think it would be great if these simply weren't provided when you get a cuppa. If you need to wipe your face and hands, either wash... or get up and go and find a napkin. But this is a small matter compared to visitor numbers.</li><li>We have zero carbon targets for 2030 and 2050 which o the strength of this particular visit seem unattainable - so unattainable that McDonalds at Penrith provides all its drinks and meals in containers that will be chucked out within about 15 minutes of being bought and yet they claim to have "an aspiration to be a zero waste business". Haha.</li><li>And finally: in the Lakes there are still people who need foodbanks, and there are people who are shipping in food and not needing to eat it all before they leave. Is there some way of coordinating the half peanut butter jars and still good veg? Could the tourists cook up something delicious if coordinated by a mutual aid inspired local?</li></ol><div>What I've failed to consider is methods of farming - or shopping and eating. I find a holiday is always expensive and I do have a budget for that. It would be good to eat more local things, made more locally. This time I didn't go into Booths or look around many of the shops in either Keswick or Penrith so I'm not sure what's on offer. But I did try a lot of very tasty locally made pies: delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've just realised that I had time to think broadly about this issue because I couldn't get wifi or phone service as much as normal. I can see that might be super frustrating for locals, but I think it helped me last week. Thank you Lake District residents for letting us visit, what a beautiful place you so kindly share.</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0Buttermere, Cockermouth CA13, UK54.5312665 -3.264596826.221032663821155 -38.4208468 82.841500336178854 31.8916532tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-87969255569495554882021-05-21T18:23:00.002+00:002021-05-21T18:23:59.414+00:00Taking my bike out with Hidden Tracks: brilliant fun<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><i style="font-family: georgia, serif;">With microadventures and staycations in vogue (OK by necessity!) how about going for a guided tour of your area? By joining up with <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hidden Tracks</a> for a sunny Friday guided bike ride Nicola Baird and her friend (Nicky) had a brilliant cycle adventure. Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration-line: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuD1cSXS-SjgjcfeAh55wO01-EuFqCnMV7tAfJ-3WjZGP5jZBP6rszXaQqX8_zE1ulqWiHF9Sj9jyPZx1seGEdJRRkLlojf6AB-NE2o7WpXihUuHmTbVI31mZgpeyAZowe21v6ULXPN87/s2048/20210423_160234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPuD1cSXS-SjgjcfeAh55wO01-EuFqCnMV7tAfJ-3WjZGP5jZBP6rszXaQqX8_zE1ulqWiHF9Sj9jyPZx1seGEdJRRkLlojf6AB-NE2o7WpXihUuHmTbVI31mZgpeyAZowe21v6ULXPN87/w640-h480/20210423_160234.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicky, Nicola and Charlie at our start and stopping point: Crystal Palace. <br />We'd just cycled 20 miles - it was brilliant! (NB)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />IN A NUTSHELL: Charlie Codrington has turned his passion for all things bike into a cycle tour business that makes navigating hidden tracks around London super simple. Join <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/%20" target="_blank">Hidden Tracks</a> if you want someone else to figure out the routes – and if it’s wanted gain some new cycle skills. After so long not seeing friends this is the perfect excuse to gather a group for one of his rides. You’ll have a new adventure together and finish with explorers’ stories of views, woods, parks, that cracking flapjack pitstop or pub lunch – all not so far from London.</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2CMObiGI8l60vHSTF8hAodUFrB30S7QZDTuGIWLPjQkELLvW5JWMJ5mZ0j9Mm7kabx3VXi_VxnpBuMfs4seePSe9oR0i9pXyb1MpbGptLyEwNLMkVuyxdTmvqQy70NVjda89meVPLpEl/s2048/20210423_122614.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2CMObiGI8l60vHSTF8hAodUFrB30S7QZDTuGIWLPjQkELLvW5JWMJ5mZ0j9Mm7kabx3VXi_VxnpBuMfs4seePSe9oR0i9pXyb1MpbGptLyEwNLMkVuyxdTmvqQy70NVjda89meVPLpEl/w640-h360/20210423_122614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By the bluebells on a Hidden Tracks cycle adventure. (c) NB</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>
However good you are at exploring on your bike, the indulgent way to enjoy a long new route is to book a guided tour. Fail to do this and if you’re like me you’ll just get lost or spend the journey with your eyes fixed to the phone map clamped to your handlebars listening to that voice suggesting you “do a U-turn”. <div><br /></div><div>After a long winter and months of lockdown, anticipating a day cycling ought to be a treat – and that’s why booking with Hidden Tracks is a winner. If I hadn’t I’d have spent sleepless nights worrying that I was going to spend my big day out cycling lost or trapped on a busy A road because despite having lived in London for 30 years I don’t know south London’s green spaces at all. Charlie, 57, has promised me a 20 mile(ish) tour full of bluebells which absolutely delivers. I am going to be cycling to the Surrey/Kent borders which frankly seems mission impossible. But first, I have to get my very regular commuter bike to Crystal Palace station. Luckily this was easy – as it’s legal to take your bike on this overground link between north and south London on weekdays before 7.30am, between 9.30am-4pm, after 7pm and any time at the weekend. Charlie and my friend Nicky have already stoked up on a coffee so soon we are on our way. Within 15 minutes I’ve seen the famous model dinosaurs in Crystal Palace park, a stretch of the lost Croydon canal in Betts Park and a reclaimed community playground accessed through colourfully painted railings. Next stop: bluebells. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLioPiVtxMrfJkk7lLYy_mGvLaB5uCKPObvzWLBy79GLk1zU4NOqWfyGPR_1TcgnEDvXaNwZkmKrmtFil4Fo8xBNlrUQBR6Ivd2Qnuk9YDPgdi7enFD_m6-rifDkF4glrzNSXxafcXqfP/s2048/20210423_122639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLioPiVtxMrfJkk7lLYy_mGvLaB5uCKPObvzWLBy79GLk1zU4NOqWfyGPR_1TcgnEDvXaNwZkmKrmtFil4Fo8xBNlrUQBR6Ivd2Qnuk9YDPgdi7enFD_m6-rifDkF4glrzNSXxafcXqfP/w360-h640/20210423_122639.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie Codrington is a cycle guide and cyclo-cross competitor who <br />helps groups of friends/families of all abilities enjoy <br />longer off-road explores. See what he offers on <br />the <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hidden Tracks</a> website.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Charlie, a veteran cyclist, has spent hours speeding around Herne Hill velodrome, on cyclo-cross courses (CX) and is riding his favourite CX bike. Within seconds it is quite clear to him that we’ve never heard of CX or gravel bikes, and have rather basic cycling skills. To be fair I’ve had lessons in all sorts: piano, pilates, yoga, riding horses, paddleboarding and driving a car but no one has ever given me any instruction on how to ride a bike… </div><div><br /></div><div>Turns out that skills rides are Charlie’s speciality. He’s a qualified British Cycling Coach for cyclo-cross, mountain bikes (MTB), road and time trial and has years of experience coaching kids, teenagers and his Dulwich Paragon team mates at the Herne Hill Velodrome. If we wanted he’d be able to show us how to ride over rocks. In fact, there’s quite an appetite for extra cycle skills thanks to events like the Rapha sessions. A few days before he’d just taken out four keen women (all in their 30s) whose summer holiday will be a Rapha adventure from Edinburgh to Manchester crossing the Pennines mostly off-road. “Rapha just give you a route and you follow it,” says Charlie. “They were strong women road cyclists, faster than me probably, and they thought it would be easy-peasy to ride a gravel bike. Anyone can ride a bike off road, provided the route is fairly straightforward. But as soon as you start putting in slightly bigger lumps and obstacles, it’s hard work - you get nervous and wheels keep slipping away. If you belt it then you get punctures. It’s a different technique to riding on road – you need to get off the saddle, float and ride lightly. You need to move your body around the bike and use the gears in a different way. You can spot a good off-roader – it’s just technique. Lots of people discover their technique is lacking when they’ve bought a gravel bike and just get mullered before they realise they need to some coaching. When you are shown how to ride properly people love it.” </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6bNZ53G2fr-mVIBSA8jNuNkOTPovshM0ucE6k5jWsK58S9vDOw3rF9KLfU-hUK32mh6GZyTUee7wwGrHu71dn2flTRq6HH0-bzlluiE3ldiz25trUCtVAfFx75PMHi18tMQX6gN6uIB1/s2048/20210423_151914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD6bNZ53G2fr-mVIBSA8jNuNkOTPovshM0ucE6k5jWsK58S9vDOw3rF9KLfU-hUK32mh6GZyTUee7wwGrHu71dn2flTRq6HH0-bzlluiE3ldiz25trUCtVAfFx75PMHi18tMQX6gN6uIB1/w640-h360/20210423_151914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm on the stepping stones at this point - cycle guide Charlie Codrington from <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hidden Tracks</a> <br />and my friend Nicky patiently wait. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I hadn’t quite grasped how off-road an adventure with Hidden Tracks can be (though Easy and Moderate rides are still super doable with an ordinary bike). If I’d read the website a bit more closely, I’d have known. Charlie’s also a committee member of Dulwich Paragon and runs their off-road club which attracts about 20 riders in every race. This is clearly a big deal, and though Charlie has won many races, cyclo-cross races are followed by just a small band. Charlie laughs about his competitive nature in the veteran classes where glory comes with tiny amounts of prize money, often less than a tenner.</div><div><br /></div><div>“You are fighting to beat someone who you don’t know terribly well in a sport that no one is interested in, but you spend most of your week thinking about it,” he says with a massive grin. It’s clear that this is a classic, eccentric British pursuit. </div><div><br /></div><div>But it was Charlie’s regular fun group rides created for his cycling club that have helped take him on a new career as a cycle tour guide. Together with his canny ability to navigate by what seems like instinct, although has clearly seen serious study of maps and apps back home. </div><div><br /></div><div>In March 2021 he launched Hidden Tracks with a calendar of adventure rides to help cyclists of all abilities, using their regular bikes, explore routes out of London mostly off-road and often through woods. Popular cycle routes include bluebell woods, wild garlic woods, tours to palaces (Hampton Court) and out to the woods of Epping. His easiest rides, mainly flat, include a City church crawl, a chance to explore the Wandle flats. His favourite is the Tidal Time Traveller which includes a cable car and then hugs the River Thames. “It’s a sight-a-second, a great ride and you can do it on Boris bikes,” he says so enthusiastically I’m a bit worried our planned bluebell ride through the woods will be diverted. </div><div><br /></div><div>London may always be the starting point for Charlie’s rides - it's where he lives - but it’s clear that woods are his favourite cycling habitat. “Let’s see what’s down this hole,” ought to be this cycling explorer’s catchphrase as he launches his mountain bike CHECK into the deep woods to lead Nicky and me along miles of winding bridlepaths and byways. This brings some cycling challenges to those of us who haven’t spent years off-roading, but Charlie coaches us through that. Better still it also takes us away from the traffic so there’s a chance to spot jays, bluebells, and not far from Croydon a flurry of yellow brimstone butterflies. The big carpets of wood anemones are especially exciting to see as they are an indicator that we are cycling through ancient woodland (anorak tip: these wildflowers spread just six feet every 100 years). </div><div><br /></div><div>Looking at the A-Z there is no way I’d have been able to link up these routes, it needs insider knowledge. As for an app, forget it – winding woodland paths do not take you where you want to go. Charlie’s original plan was to book lunch at The White Bear in Fickles Hole, as a midway break our 20 mile round trip that took us right to the Surrey/Kent/Croydon border, but it was such a sunny day that we decided instead to picnic in the woods. Knowing his clients may not be used to so much exercise Charlie provided delicious homemade flapjacks and fudge in a beautifully wrapped package. This was also a clever sweet treat as it definitely stopped my energy levels flagging on the return ride home. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch was also a good chance to chat. Charlie trained as a cabinet maker then moved into furniture design, mostly designing children’s furniture for retailers large and small. He’s got some interesting memories of the last days of the furniture trade in Hackney. “Hoxton was the centre of the furniture world and that’s changed beyond recognition – it’s all fancy pants now,” he says as we munch. “At the end of the 1980s I was working for an art gallery in Knightsbridge and went to a house in Hoxton Square where they made horrible repro furniture including occasional tables to sit by the sofa. It was Dickensian: the veneer man was self-employed working in the cellar with just two lightbulbs, like a troglodyte. The man who did the turning was self-employed and like all the others working in the building he only ever made one part for this table. Crispins, was an old veneer place in Curtain Row that used to be fabulous. There’d be piles of veneer and it used to smell absolutely gorgeous. I could buy 10 leaves of veneer and roll it up and take it home.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Lockdown helped Charlie figure out the best routes for Hidden Tracks Cycling. But lockdown also saw him making use of his cabinet making skills with a nod to the endless hours that had to be spent at home rather than on the cyclo-cross track. “I bid £75 for a mechanical clock mover from 1710 as I’ve always wanted to make a long case clock. My target was to make it in the same way an early 18th century casemaker make it. They wouldn’t have had many tools, but they would have had a lot of pine,” says Charlie. The end result is intentionally plain smartened up as he’s, “fake ebonised it with black charcoal-coloured paint adding gilt detail.” </div><div><br /></div><div>As if that wasn’t enough Changing Rooms overhaul, he then redid his Brixton home’s downstairs loo where the clock now lives. “My wife Sarah asked me to make it look like Versailles, but I was too mean to buy the gold – which is very expensive - so used Dutch metal to gild the mirrors. Now it looks garish, like a 1930s Pall Mall club,” says Charlie with some pride. </div><div><br /></div><div>With this kind of practical skill set you can guess Charlie services his own bikes and he’s getting quite a collection now, all stored inside. “Five bikes are mine, but that’s not really enough,” he admits and then remembers his family’s bikes. “OK. We’ve got eight or nine in the front parlour, as it would have been known in Victorian days, but really this is now a bike shed and a workshop for my gilding and clock making!” </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TBxYCss6yWn3CvvruKWYNXn5uyGPWZogM0rbybWx8RZYbIPtWbb0YKGz80uCn3OOWM1xxOiMyJxz-qbcHuWHy8tYhiCAh3Qo5Goj5j-pxMVc2UbyaBerIPX4uCclIJUrKraV3v4qwvn1/s2048/20210423_133338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9TBxYCss6yWn3CvvruKWYNXn5uyGPWZogM0rbybWx8RZYbIPtWbb0YKGz80uCn3OOWM1xxOiMyJxz-qbcHuWHy8tYhiCAh3Qo5Goj5j-pxMVc2UbyaBerIPX4uCclIJUrKraV3v4qwvn1/w360-h640/20210423_133338.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bespoke <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hidden Tracks</a> snacks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />After a fat sandwich, the famous flapjacks and a banana we sped off after Charlie, arriving back at Crystal Palace with enough time to take our bikes on the overland before rush hour. </div><div><br /></div><div>Highlights of the trip - besides those bluebells which are out from mid April to mid May - included lambs, oil seed rape starting to burst into its yellow splendour, discovering the River Beck and seeing signposts that tell cyclists they can get to Gatwick off-road (that’s a challenge!). Although my post-ride memory is of an endless whizz past trees starting to unfurl their leaves Charlie’s route does go also include zipping through Lewisham, then Bromley, skirting Croydon via a couple of legal doglegs across the Croydon tram tracks taking us past industrial estates and woods until we reach Surrey’s country lanes. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPRc9VBt9KaSykY_BBispHgmN6fnFMzr2NX8Wz4Dai93va1VxtHWw2utiSTynq3-T1iN7duyrsDUfqkTEZgKM_fs4qUo3bCzj6Hoqj24FbDaRKfyUesd9TdZ3BcO0OSJYmWPs9-sXUKBW/s2048/20210423_121912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPRc9VBt9KaSykY_BBispHgmN6fnFMzr2NX8Wz4Dai93va1VxtHWw2utiSTynq3-T1iN7duyrsDUfqkTEZgKM_fs4qUo3bCzj6Hoqj24FbDaRKfyUesd9TdZ3BcO0OSJYmWPs9-sXUKBW/w640-h360/20210423_121912.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charlie and Nicky ready to try a challenging downhill spot. On <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hidden Tracks</a> you can choose easy, moderate or difficult routes, all guided by Charlie Codrington. He also offers skills sessions.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />At this point London proper is somewhere behind us but I’ve completely lost my navigational compass. Instead I’m learning some off-road cycling skills which Charlie tactfully fed to me when needed. I remember trying to lean forward and stand up when going up a hill for instance, and something similar when going down too. Another good tip was to stay soft on the bike (to avoid your body jarring) and to use the seat as an armchair… By the time we’re back in Betts Park I’m able to take my hands off the handlebars and keep pedalling – a lifetime’s ambition. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before you set out Charlie’s advice is to have a well-serviced bike and bring a spare inner tube. Don’t skip this tip as it would be such a shame to have to walk your magnificent machine home! Charlie is respectful of his clients, but wisely did a quick run-over my bike before we began our monster pedal to check that the brakes were working. I was glad he did, as I definitely needed them on some of the steeper downhills in the woods of south London. He also carries a bike repair pack and first aid kit. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Overall: </b>this was a fabulous ride and adventure. I will definitely book with my family to get another guided tour. It took my daily cycle ride to a totally different level and was such a joy to be mostly away from traffic (there is some road riding but after the woods that was almost a treat as tarmac is blissfully smooth). </div><div><br /></div><div><i>Please note that I went on a cycle ride as a guest of Hidden Tracks Cycling without paying the fee. All copy is the opinion of Around Britain No Plane.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>FAQ:</b> </div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Do you need a special bike or clothes?</b> Not for the shorter blue (easy) and green (medium) routes. Any bike will do. Long routes are going to be much more fun wearing padded cycle shorts although I pitched up in jeans which probably wasn’t too bright even if non specialist wear isn’t essential. </li><li><b>How hard is the cycling?</b> I was a commuter cyclist but never go much further than 40 minutes so my feedback for a Hidden Tracks ride is that it was easily doable on a well-serviced bike with gears. I cycle quite slowly and I did walk up a couple of hills that Charlie steamed up, so it makes sense to organise a group of like-minded friends so you’re not the one always waiting or pedalling like crazy to catch up. Overall the route was fun and not loaded with climbs – my memory is of lots of downhill and flat sections, nicely found by our guide. Although my cycling companion is a keen runner, she was surprised by how far we went and said she’d slept very soundly that night. </li><li><b>What next? </b>My ambition is to join Charlie for an off-road route of around 70 miles from London to Brighton across the Sussex Downs. This would need a mountain bike and riders to be super cycle fit. I also want to join a Friday skills session which look a lot of fun.</li></ol></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Find out more and how to book at the website <a href="https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/%20" target="_blank">https://hiddentrackscycling.co.uk/ </a></li><li>Or have a look at Insta @charliecycleguide</li></ul></div></div>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0London, UK51.5073509 -0.127758327.238880916534427 -35.284008299999996 75.77582088346557 35.028491700000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-57641000789308776122020-08-27T16:09:00.000+00:002020-08-27T16:09:31.711+00:00Thinking: not thinking on the Seven Sisters cliff tops<p><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i style="font-family: georgia, serif;">A windy walk with friends along the South Downs and over the Seven Sisters offers all sorts of escapes. Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCAjAC54ZAesnQ8WRUY73oVRp6QozPOT7M-H4_wdBa-hnlgr4tWOTXPBcxpLw5WcLJYFNspbe8LcMB6dD8s3iRrC4nvHu1_KlorLFcBOhLjhof73kuaoL6m00Za-yRiA_15F-5Zu7rcdg/s960/118317076_10160059426231124_4177501032014651964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrCAjAC54ZAesnQ8WRUY73oVRp6QozPOT7M-H4_wdBa-hnlgr4tWOTXPBcxpLw5WcLJYFNspbe8LcMB6dD8s3iRrC4nvHu1_KlorLFcBOhLjhof73kuaoL6m00Za-yRiA_15F-5Zu7rcdg/w480-h640/118317076_10160059426231124_4177501032014651964_n.jpg" title="Nicola, Sally, Gisella: windblown from the start on the South Downs." width="480" /></a></div><br />The point about walking, perhaps even the joy of walking – for me – is that I stop thinking. The rhythm of puffing up the hills, feet belting out their unfit tune, eyes busy spotting landmarks and flowers, mind dragging up lessons learnt in primary school geography classes as meandering rivers and pebble spits etc emerge combined with finding safe places to park my feet (and keep going) stymy any attempt at thinking.<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">All the famous walker-writers from the flaneurs of Paris and the Romantic poets to today’s psycho-geography fans seem to think that walking is where the synapses fly. Definitely not mine.</span><p></p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWZ68KiSJ7LY4jjruPrnqVQJkIDIfXyezwSvKzjcMheKGJQW3M4KvPxusjMdm499MqYyK_xIcHzjvcNS64mSqt6f1vavX7kCpdW6F7A3CYdfb2G-jWfZ-5OL4i61Q9V0RlENYH3qIskId/s1600/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWZ68KiSJ7LY4jjruPrnqVQJkIDIfXyezwSvKzjcMheKGJQW3M4KvPxusjMdm499MqYyK_xIcHzjvcNS64mSqt6f1vavX7kCpdW6F7A3CYdfb2G-jWfZ-5OL4i61Q9V0RlENYH3qIskId/w640-h360/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird-5.jpg" title="Sally and Gisella (c) NB" width="640" /></a></div><br />And now here I am with two old friends – neither have met each other before – pounding along one of the most beautiful sections of the South Downs way over the 280 ha section of the <a href="https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/things-to-do-at-seven-sisters/" target="_blank">Seven Sisters Country Park</a>, past Birling Gap and up to Beachy Head. It could be a four-hour thinkathon. Instead it’s a 12km serious muscle workout for the two Londoners (though not super-fit Sally) and a chance to chat and story. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJyXz7tdpootgvH-mgiWYLojmihGO7o5MM75erxvQZIZEZ0i_QlQa83Hanwd1sI2Y01xIQqlper2IXaqJgEPBiQX4FEP2VLJP0d91z_rL8UjwD0DZt-AqVKrxKV-ipRcAI_gy8wvWk3nW/s1024/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJyXz7tdpootgvH-mgiWYLojmihGO7o5MM75erxvQZIZEZ0i_QlQa83Hanwd1sI2Y01xIQqlper2IXaqJgEPBiQX4FEP2VLJP0d91z_rL8UjwD0DZt-AqVKrxKV-ipRcAI_gy8wvWk3nW/w640-h480/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird-7.jpg" title="Nicola and Gisella at the very start with the amazing meanders of the Cuckmere River. (c) SE" width="640" /></a></div><br />We’ve started about teatime and Storm Francis is blowing-in so that every photo shows the truth of longer lockdown hair – as you open your mouth long strands arrive unbidden. Fortunately this doesn’t stop conversation and chat billows just as wildly as our hair, taking in teaching, schools, masks and long-ago life when I did Sally’s shopping and Gisella ran a regular car boot sale. Four hours later we’ve walked close enough to Eastbourne – where Sally lives – to connect to a pizza app and order a takeaway. Strava has a report too for Sally, a little more accurate than my guestimate text to my family that we’ve “probably done 20,000 paces”.<o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmny4NGryg3OHymslnBU2ThG5s3S9drwNwF9_GSWfP5Cr5zbi4FBlo2uWn5HVcqPeSWCR7WcCgv4c4sgI_sUY2fT-VIWPvTRnYsmSIA64v69Xl2xj9e3fkTrzF5RNGvCUAAJvxyzDQfLy/s1600/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmny4NGryg3OHymslnBU2ThG5s3S9drwNwF9_GSWfP5Cr5zbi4FBlo2uWn5HVcqPeSWCR7WcCgv4c4sgI_sUY2fT-VIWPvTRnYsmSIA64v69Xl2xj9e3fkTrzF5RNGvCUAAJvxyzDQfLy/s640/Photo+from+Nicola+Baird-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />A walk on the Downs is so deceptively tough. The long rises up and steep curves down on chalky grass might help eat up the miles, but you need to be properly fit to manage the gradients without muscle soreness. Even with a bit of pain and no big-business or book idea dreamt up it is a fantastic walk. As the Downs drop towards the classic view of cottage and cliff, the salty sell of seaweed smacks into your senses and then after crunching over gravel – the car park at Birling Gap – you then join the path up the slope gradually noticing the scent of thistle and grass predominating again. There are sheep and cattle. All shades of green and to our right a grey, stormy sea. <o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">After months in London the big sky and huge theatre landscape makes me feel a bit small. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps that’s thinking…<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">And actually thinking is what I don’t want to do because it’s just been announced that the Earth has lost 28 trillion tonnes of ice in less than 30 years – exactly the same time span as I’ve known Sally (and that seems like a blink of an eye). <b>Polar modellers say that 28 trillion tonnes is the equivalent to covering the whole of the UK with a sheet of frozen water 100 metres thick</b> – a huge amount of melted water. Being human it is far, far easier to keep going doing the same things, without reflecting on just what rising temperatures are doing to the planet. Or why and how we must do something now. Read the full Guardian article <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/23/earth-lost-28-trillion-tonnes-ice-30-years-global-warming" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p><b>What next?</b></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;">I know there are XR events coming up: a gathering at Parliament on Tuesday 1 September is billed as an ‘unfuck the system” day. Covid-19 has forced a year-long delay from the planned November meet-up COP or conference of the parties meeting in Glasgow until 2021 (1-12 Nov). Yet again I want to believe that the UNFCCC can get things done… like it did at Paris in 2015. And I want to see governments and individuals making changes too: but first let’s rest my walkers’ legs, eat pizza and chat because thinking ice melt, global warming and climate change is just too painful to think about today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">Info about Seven Sisters and the Seven Sisters Country Park, Sussex</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><a href="https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/things-to-do-at-seven-sisters/" style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">https://www.sevensisters.org.uk/things-to-do-at-seven-sisters/</a></li><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -18pt;">You can catch a bus (the Coaster with free WiFi, 12, 12A and 12X) at Eastbourne which stops at the Country Park and then get walking. Or take a bus from Brighton (a bit slower) but it’s a journey with sea views, windmill and a good tour of some lovely Sussex scenes you may already recognise thanks to Eric Ravilous’ art.</span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></p>around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0Seven Sisters, Eastbourne BN20 0AB, UK50.7477402 0.189847922.437506363821157 -34.9664021 79.057974036178848 35.3460979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-9894610770273570262019-12-31T15:19:00.002+00:002019-12-31T15:19:20.072+00:00What's going on at Richmond Park?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">if you want a taste of the wild, then London has two famous places to go - Richmond Park (to the west) and Hampstead Heath (to the north). But which offers the </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>best</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> experience? Here's a closer look at Richmond Park. Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIoLA88HB8s5A2HY2qWA7WaTaGVqKwUUTb4TvTGErXqzzRy2oHZ8n4O-mFkn1LFRsw9F0xk2JBFCGAYa7UdVUYqLqyZgael7T_Hm8VdofEBvdxm6emGKDTXlYCSonEgpidjW6uO-Z9fYe/s1600/IMG_20191231_083146_158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyIoLA88HB8s5A2HY2qWA7WaTaGVqKwUUTb4TvTGErXqzzRy2oHZ8n4O-mFkn1LFRsw9F0xk2JBFCGAYa7UdVUYqLqyZgael7T_Hm8VdofEBvdxm6emGKDTXlYCSonEgpidjW6uO-Z9fYe/s320/IMG_20191231_083146_158.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richmond Park is famous for the veteran oak trees.<br />This was one of many that are more than 6 of my arm spans wide. (c) GM</td></tr>
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Richmond is just 10 miles from central London but it feels like a world away. Exploring this area over the xmas holiday gave me the opportunity to bike the 7mile (11km) radius of the huge park (hugging the boundary wall). A few days later with my friend Gisella I then walked across the centre from Mortlake station to Richmond overground - logging up 23,400 paces (14km).<br />
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Initially visiting was partly a political act: I wanted to see what this strange constituency of Richmond Park was like. It's where the incumbent MP, Zac Goldsmith (Con) lost to his Lib Dem rival, Sarah Olney in the Dec 2019 general election. Professionally Zac lucked out as he was then given a seat in the House of Lords, ensuring that he stays in the Cabinet as Minister of State for the Environment & Rural Affairs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9NKmIMyJ1vCeFol-XS1N1EtspPYd7Xlhbhp2lQVPHsWqHpUF32sYCzuutea5Us43D-Qkun2spddmqFp4iEogIXoUKV302KD6iN69dGL3jvpKZFizQ32RlEhb64UEeB4rBiFM3dC8ykYw/s1600/20191227_142820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9NKmIMyJ1vCeFol-XS1N1EtspPYd7Xlhbhp2lQVPHsWqHpUF32sYCzuutea5Us43D-Qkun2spddmqFp4iEogIXoUKV302KD6iN69dGL3jvpKZFizQ32RlEhb64UEeB4rBiFM3dC8ykYw/s320/20191227_142820.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richmond Park: After a steep climb, looking back down the <br />
sandy path at Broomfield Hill. (c) NB</td></tr>
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Part of the constituency includes the old hunting ground, Richmond Park. This is owned and managed by the Royal Parks, a charity, which looks after 5000 acres across London including Hyde Park, Greenwich Park, St James' Park, Bushy Park, Regent's Park and Kensington Gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xof5OJywVar3xNXvyplpts0HttXSGvFC15oY-zkpwm8TzgsDpd6n7tlKzfqP2ugKHmHCwpwZmP2bXGzSVvrCD_rFPB0sPZAw1YYTeqG98E2002fX6rbn-Si0rNRdLrmpV304qT6uASdn/s1600/20191230_151438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xof5OJywVar3xNXvyplpts0HttXSGvFC15oY-zkpwm8TzgsDpd6n7tlKzfqP2ugKHmHCwpwZmP2bXGzSVvrCD_rFPB0sPZAw1YYTeqG98E2002fX6rbn-Si0rNRdLrmpV304qT6uASdn/s320/20191230_151438.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pen Ponds are an easy place to spot wildlife. We saw a variety of<br />ducks, rails and cormorants. There are meant to be kingfishers. (c) NB</td></tr>
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I'm a regular at Hampstead Heath, run by the Corporation of London, so I was surprised that Richmond Park seems very different, although they aren't that far apart as the crow flies. Of course there's no need to choose between them but I definitely noticed:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Hampstead is wetter and muddier- you need boots in the winter (Richmond seems better drained)</li>
<li>Richmond is cycle friendly (Hampstead virtually bans them)</li>
<li>Richmond lets cars everywhere - it's basically a 20mph free for all and the noise and traffic smell ruins the rim of the park, which is exactly the bit pedestrians and cyclists use (Hampstead has no cars, good on you Hampstead)</li>
<li>Richmond has 400+ deer and consequent problems with visitors feeding them and then getting into problems/wild animal face offs, especially around rutting season. Spotting deer was a real highlight.</li>
<li>Hampstead is full of TV types and intellectuals talking leftie and love chat (Richmond has a different feel) though both parks are of course open to anyone and everyone.</li>
<li>Hampstead has swimming ponds (Richmond has hot spots and car parks by every pond)</li>
<li>Richmond lets cyclists and walkers share a track which seems to work (it's less stressful walking in Hampstead because no cyclist slinks up on you)</li>
<li>Richmond has amazing old oaks, zillions of them. Hampstead has some veteran trees.</li>
<li>Richmond is noisy: thumbs down to the endless vehicle traffic and parakeet screeching. Hampstead has parakeets, but it doesn't feel so busy with these green invader birds.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAcKJAEvJIkinVgXsYr_JpWEFjD2-qBHKnUxcbZMf8KjevQof_gWcsMeKGfyeaJRNk0lz8cZbrgFB_b0MkjukUQL2ukOzIW3jRU7t5962IKoyiSi76idrV8opOcpEG0l2wwlFeNs9l3Ve/s1600/20191227_145219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMAcKJAEvJIkinVgXsYr_JpWEFjD2-qBHKnUxcbZMf8KjevQof_gWcsMeKGfyeaJRNk0lz8cZbrgFB_b0MkjukUQL2ukOzIW3jRU7t5962IKoyiSi76idrV8opOcpEG0l2wwlFeNs9l3Ve/s320/20191227_145219.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With these lovely routes, even in winter Richmond Park is popular<br />
with walkers and cyclists. Just to the right, on the other side of the trees, you can make<br />
out the road. Although there's now a hopper service to get people round the<br />
park without their own cars (a nice idea) it's hard not to be surprised by how<br />
car dominated this park seems to be. (c) NB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>CYCLING: </b><br />
I really enjoyed cycling clockwise from Richmond Gate around the park. There's one super steep section but once up the hill there's a bench, kiosk (car park of course!) and plenty of old oaks to recover under. Once you're ready to cycle on, you will be rewarded by amazing views back towards London. The park is really breath-taking. I spent about two hours cycling or staring at the views. If it had been warmer I'd have spent longer under the oak trees.<br />
<br />
<b>Tip (getting there):</b> From Richmond station exit left then left on to Sheen Road until the traffic lights. Here turn right up Church Road so that when you meet Richmond Hill (turn left) you haven't had to slog up the most steep part. Keep going until you Reach Richmond Gate. Getting to the park took about 10 mins, mostly in my lowest gear. I don't think I'd ever manage to cycle up a mountain!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOKWfLjk07auAnpLjQ8H1-zUrbiGrzfJDNC6Qn2fVzzAiSFbuqOGNxRm7usYS6DH_PP8PBx1KJV2ytI8adgDboYBPLUwttvzoE_h56kquygH0HdLh8P07l4nc-Vkg6hmcGtn6RHz_maLS/s1600/IMG_20191231_084000_982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFOKWfLjk07auAnpLjQ8H1-zUrbiGrzfJDNC6Qn2fVzzAiSFbuqOGNxRm7usYS6DH_PP8PBx1KJV2ytI8adgDboYBPLUwttvzoE_h56kquygH0HdLh8P07l4nc-Vkg6hmcGtn6RHz_maLS/s320/IMG_20191231_084000_982.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, dog and Time Out book of London Walks exploring<br />Richmond Park on a sunlit December day. (c) GM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>WALKING:</b><br />
Walking was more fun - perhaps because I had my dog with me - but also it gave me the chance to catch up with my friend Gisella.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqvz5LyOcA5MzEVYwbWizDzhlLYRw3JBVUAWtAozI2J_1pYBnAWAG512IKFjqlYlPd2PxFiMtuRMMRlh37B9v69pHtlkgrBO-vTTL5PtDAZtMXp5OyKAJPNtKSHeupAsR-YXgggFaza30/s1600/IMG-20191230-WA0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqvz5LyOcA5MzEVYwbWizDzhlLYRw3JBVUAWtAozI2J_1pYBnAWAG512IKFjqlYlPd2PxFiMtuRMMRlh37B9v69pHtlkgrBO-vTTL5PtDAZtMXp5OyKAJPNtKSHeupAsR-YXgggFaza30/s320/IMG-20191230-WA0010.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nicola and Gisella inspired to pose by an ancient oak<br />in Two Storm Wood. Bertrand Russell played as a child in the <br />oaks at Pembroke Lodge. (c) GM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We could have walked in silence, but that would have been hard as there was a lot to discuss, ranging from our children and our jobs to travel and politics. We also went on the most beautiful, bright December day which meant every photo looked amazing - at least Gisella's did! Finding so many veteran trees was amazing. Richmond Park claims to have 1,300 veteran trees of which 320 are ancient. An ancient tree is a perfect habitat for many fungi, invertebrates, lichen and other species. According to the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/ancient-trees-qanda" target="_blank">National Trust</a> "one ancient oak has more biodiversity than 1,000 hundred-year-old oaks."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGF9-zWxC2upsTRg-8I_l86f7Uh9Wkozyhmtmlc50woVDqHi_a8K5u0FQDPC42rDBRWyrdekSzhLVKsFJRNy3298PshuAhr-kf3WTGcEvywT1bj9N90VcVYslOd4dt8y1Sbr4dA4J5Job/s1600/IMG-20191230-WA0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuGF9-zWxC2upsTRg-8I_l86f7Uh9Wkozyhmtmlc50woVDqHi_a8K5u0FQDPC42rDBRWyrdekSzhLVKsFJRNy3298PshuAhr-kf3WTGcEvywT1bj9N90VcVYslOd4dt8y1Sbr4dA4J5Job/s320/IMG-20191230-WA0009.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesmerised by the camouflaged red deer. (c) GM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOadwF2sCv1Ik0Y9cYe2Gm6T5I5-q_u774E6PW9ov482L1keAMFRw_4ZC7ixRZneIdiawHpdbakTo-dUqJfO1NYhyphenhyphenx9cf7C9an7_ou7OWuNX-D7IrYCjukPE5VfvI-kuGmZE-3svPVuJhK/s1600/IMG-20191230-WA0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOadwF2sCv1Ik0Y9cYe2Gm6T5I5-q_u774E6PW9ov482L1keAMFRw_4ZC7ixRZneIdiawHpdbakTo-dUqJfO1NYhyphenhyphenx9cf7C9an7_ou7OWuNX-D7IrYCjukPE5VfvI-kuGmZE-3svPVuJhK/s320/IMG-20191230-WA0002.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red deer near King Henry VIII mound. (c) GM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Highlights included:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Spotting red deer up close</li>
<li>Meeting so many veteran oak trees and also the fabulous sweet chestnuts in Sawpit Plantation.</li>
<li>Watching a fire engine workshop with hoses at Pen Ponds (potential good training for XR members)</li>
<li>Catching the hypnotically lovely scent of witch hazel in secret Isabella Plantation (and using the compost toilets there)</li>
<li>Walking the last section from Pembroke Lodge to Richmond Hill towards the best sunset of 2019.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg3n9d7cPjdz2A6e9uWOLuj09eKYrip9723gBa3rJmt29-TNuDuEuI65Mk15_reTVLSOuq8zWDkMiQSo71r_JE6IywJXY3btIr4pbjtWwBwPKnNUR_MO0E60ECHdYcRz7N4B-lCnX9HTr/s1600/IMG-20191230-WA0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg3n9d7cPjdz2A6e9uWOLuj09eKYrip9723gBa3rJmt29-TNuDuEuI65Mk15_reTVLSOuq8zWDkMiQSo71r_JE6IywJXY3btIr4pbjtWwBwPKnNUR_MO0E60ECHdYcRz7N4B-lCnX9HTr/s320/IMG-20191230-WA0004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viewpoint on Richmond Hill with the River<br />Thames' spectacular curves. (c) GM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now I know two good routes around the park, and have a basic grasp of its geography I plan to go again soon. I love the way a walk you know seems to get shorter, and if that's the case then I'll have time to pop into the info centres. 24 hours on I'm still feeling jealous of all those Richmond Park wardens and also the riders who must know the park so much more intimately.<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Have you been to both these big London parks? Which would you recommend exploring, and why?</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>More info about <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park" target="_blank">Richmond Park</a> </li>
<li>More about <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Hampstead Heath</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-68539504533336375912019-10-22T15:50:00.005+00:002019-10-22T15:50:59.704+00:00How wild can you be?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Wilding: the return of </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>nature</i></span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> to a British farm is an amazing book </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>with</i></span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> the potential to change everything about the way we manage nature and it tackles </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>climate</i></span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> change. Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0ycxDI7ZvF11tiYXdYItX_6T2pqrK13ydOKIw8HfXXW9SBOlhDRPE9LQK48pgu4UJ_jSFy9RblLx7Cn2RtsLlNYp7nT2T0tuSJVdrXtWVss5KhurQ7HDBuS_9ly-G4zq3h1o9-V1cxFE/s1600/Screenshot+2019-10-22+at+16.27.24.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1055" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0ycxDI7ZvF11tiYXdYItX_6T2pqrK13ydOKIw8HfXXW9SBOlhDRPE9LQK48pgu4UJ_jSFy9RblLx7Cn2RtsLlNYp7nT2T0tuSJVdrXtWVss5KhurQ7HDBuS_9ly-G4zq3h1o9-V1cxFE/s320/Screenshot+2019-10-22+at+16.27.24.png" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very beautiful cover of Wilding. Now you know<br />what a turtle dove looks like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every now and then a book shakes up your comfy ideas. Rachel Carson's <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Spring-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141184949" target="_blank">Silent Spring</a>, of course; Frances More Lappe's <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Small-Planet-Frances-Moore-Lappe/dp/0345321200" target="_blank">Diet For A Small Planet</a>, most things by Malcolm Gladwell (I know, sorry!) and more recently Robert Macfarlane's <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Words-Robert-Macfarlane/dp/0241253586/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2F34HQD619DNZ&keywords=robert+macfarlane+lost+words&qid=1571757560&s=books&sprefix=Robert+Mac%2Cstripbooks%2C141&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Lost Words</a>. And now there's another: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilding-Return-Nature-British-Farm/dp/1509805109/ref=sr_1_1?crid=L0553SCD4IWS&keywords=wilding+isabella+tree+paperback&qid=1571757608&s=books&sprefix=wildling+Isabella+tree%2Cstripbooks%2C145&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Wilding: the return of nature to a British farm</a> by Isabella Tree.<br />
<br />
This fantastic book starts with Isabella Tree and her husband Charlie Burrell being forced to sell the dairy herd and all the farm equipment to keep the Knepp estate, which is near Horsham, afloat. They were £1.5 million in debt and couldn't make a living on the clay soils around their castle. The soil fertility was so dire that expensive fertilisers were making little headway, other than harm the estate's old oak trees. In many ways this is an oddity of a book - it's by a very privileged woman who marries a castle (well a man with a castle) and then the couple work hard to convince various funding bodies to provide grants to fence the outer boundary so they can return the whole acreage - bar the Repton designed park - into a wild place.<br />
<br />
There's still public access for paid-for events (in the Repton park) and also free routes for dog walkers and riders on footpaths/bridleways. As the wilding project develops safari tourism becomes possible - and how lovely. Few of us get access to a big set of fields or understand what the owners/managers are trying to do, other than National Trust properties, so it is exciting to be taken through the wilding approach.<br />
<br />
For starters this old idea of doing nothing to manage your land turns out to be nail-bitingly complicated. There is a place in the Netherlands, Oostvaardensplassen, that has managed to do a more extreme version, where herds of horses and deer expand during glut months and literally starve to death in the winter, but in the south-east of England that's not going to be an option in 21st century Britain. See this article about the backlash to starving animals in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/27/dutch-rewilding-experiment-backfires-as-thousands-of-animals-starve">Netherlands.</a><br />
<br />
<b>Grazing power</b><br />
Chapter by chapter Isabella Tree (yes, she's well-named) details how grazing animals can change habitats - actually bringing back soil fertility. At Knepp they've done this with Longhorn cattle and Exmoor ponies. She also discusses how original Britain was surely open grassland with some woodland not solid trees - a scene more familiar to Serengeti safari takers than those of us used to massive agricultural fields farmed by the barley barons. And then how de-canalising a river, basically letting it wiggle and pond and slowing the flow brings insects which bring birds and a great many bird watchers.<br />
<br />
The cover has a secretive, zebra-striped bird I've never really considered before, the turtle dove - known to most of us from the gorgeous <i>12 Days of Christmas</i> carol. And in serious danger of going extinct because its habitat has all but disappeared.<br />
<br />
She takes on all the countryside taboos - removing fencing, leaving ragwort, letting Tamworth pigs roam on a walkers' path and, whisper it, wanting to reintroduce beavers. She's not frightened of suggesting that this leave-nature-to-do-its-thing produces better management results than just managing for a particular species. She's also clear that stopping ploughing is a good way to avoid releasing carbon which adds to climate change.<br />
<br />
It was the chapter about rivers that made me think hard. As a stand up paddleboarder I'm accustomed to using canals which have straight concrete sides and controlled water flows. Increasingly there are loads of temptations to go out and paddle rivers which I doubt does wildlife much good (especially when birds are nesting or the young are just entering the water). But if rivers are left to be more natural (but not allowed to convert to woodland) they really aren't straight - they're an untidy mess which are no longer navigable. On the plus side this creates habitats, water storage and slows fast water flow averting flood risks. But they're no longer the rivers we know... In the same way that 3,500 acres of Knepp land is becoming a different landscape. It's a Serengeti under the Gatwick flight paths!<br />
<br />
Isabella takes this idea of right and wrong landscape further pointing out that most British people think the yardstick for what's normal should be approximately dated from the time when they were studying. So todays' leaders (eg, Boris Johnson is 55) think of the good-old-days as the 1980s - a time when insect and bird populations were crashing. When she showed around older people they recognised the wild flowers, the birds and even some of the insects.<br />
<br />
<b>Me too</b><br />
I would like to rewild, but how can I do this living in the middle of London? My small concession is very lax care of the tree pits along the road where I live. In fact they often win prizes for their summer appearance but the times people have said they look untidy because there's grass and other wild flowers growing at the base of the tree. My logic is that if they were weeded it would simply turn these tiny nature reserves into cat litter trays. And who wants that?<br />
<br />
My bit for rewilding is focused on sharing the book with as many people as I can. I read a library copy. And so far have convinced one book club member to buy it, one friend to listen to a podcast about the Knepp project and given a copy to my brother for his birthday (happy birthday Drew!). I look forward to finding out what these readers think about the ideas Isabella discusses and even more to seeing if this wilding idea gets a bigger grip on the public imagination. Maybe it already has - my first contact with Knepp Castle was on BBC's <i>Countryfile</i>. And wow it looked fun to explore. I can't wait to visit.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://knepp.co.uk/home">https://knepp.co.uk/home</a> which explains more about the wilding project and camping/visiting opportunities. From Easter - October you can join a morning walking safari for £35.</li>
<li>There's an organisation trying to introduce wilding into the UK, see <a href="https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/">https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk</a></li>
</ul>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-33066494675519399892019-06-13T10:00:00.003+00:002019-06-13T10:00:46.044+00:00BOOK REVIEW: London is a forest<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">For anyone who likes exploring London this new book by @thestreettree expert Paul Wood, London is a Forest, offers a new way to look at trees. Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-7-fn-KfwkWWp6qZHiVGYiW7o2Puwc6-kxB2SwcODXQ7n3Achcy5SIrVroBb2DNPbWAKji5tSpqdnAnQxkioEHahFRwiYiKty83kReDKxDVP0Z8j9cPWVTqDsPzwzp37iZMi_iolO56/s1600/20190529_133156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX-7-fn-KfwkWWp6qZHiVGYiW7o2Puwc6-kxB2SwcODXQ7n3Achcy5SIrVroBb2DNPbWAKji5tSpqdnAnQxkioEHahFRwiYiKty83kReDKxDVP0Z8j9cPWVTqDsPzwzp37iZMi_iolO56/s320/20190529_133156.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recommended reading: London is a Forest by Paul Wood.<br />A great guide for exploring London's trees in an intelligent way full of views and viewpoints.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/London-Forest-Paul-Wood/dp/1787133419" target="_blank">LONDON IS A FOREST</a> by Paul Wood (Hardie Grant, £12) <o:p></o:p></div>
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I live in a forest. During May most mornings I was woken by the excited trill of a wren in the tree by my bedroom. Looking out of the window I pick out my favourite trees – usually with the bigger silhouettes. But I like the lollipop tiddlers too, and the way young seedlings suddenly burst up releasing giant-sized leaves from red stalks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But this forest isn’t a traditional wild wood of fairy tales. The paths are paved, the tracks are tarmac. It’s busy and polluted. In fact, it’s central London, because London is a forest according to a UN definition. Excitingly London has 8.3 million trees, which is about one tree per person, making it the world’s largest urban forest. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">The well-named Paul Wood’s new book </span><i>London is a Forest </i>is an absolute must-have. Savouring each chapter, I’m reminded of yet another friend or relative who’d be fascinated by the content. As a result my must-buy-it-for list has now grown so long that I think may be forced to recommend rather than make so many purchases. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So what’s special about this book? </div>
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There’s a short intro that argues the case for why London is a forest which should be required reading. But the basic content is divided into six meandering trails that pass by the best bits of green London. This isn’t just lush royal parks and Thames-side walks, it’s also via the most venerable, most unusual, and most loved trees. Despite 8.3 million to pick out Paul is able to turn any humble tree into a celebrity - and tell you which angle it looks best from...<o:p></o:p></div>
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I did wonder if reading a book of walks might be a bit dull if it was interlaced with turn left here, right there, but the instructions are provided in a different way, with phone-friendly GPS coordinates. Using the margin for GPS coordinates prevents the text from being plied with instructions. This allows the reader to follow a cohesive thread as the author walks us (or maybe cycles as these are mostly 16+ mile/27km+ routes) from tree to tree taking in trails and London viewpoints from:<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m a north Londoner so there are parts of these chapters that are very familiar to me and others where I’m slightly stuck. But this mix of arboreal anecdote, London knowledge and the author’s asides (mostly about how that tree ended up with that limb damage or was planted there) are fascinating. Not only am I re-remembering walks with friends, but also planning where to go for my next London explore. </div>
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By default I already hug green places as I criss-cross my bit of London, so I know many trees well. But with Paul Wood as a guide there is so much more to learn. Just using one example, the silvery bark-shedding London plane I am now aware that there’s a mix of varieties on Highbury Fields. That the avenue on Kennington Road (western side) in Lambeth harbours badges that name each tree after an astronaut (best viewed from a 59 or 159 bus). And the very oldest London Plane, known as Barney, can be found between the London Wetlands Centre and Barn Elms playing fields. This extraordinary tree has been preserved using a metal cage that its thick branches are now trying to grow through.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Paul Wood’s ability to share an interesting factlet at each tree has been well-honed by his well-followed activity on @thestreettree and subsequent walks and talks. Even on a two-street walk Paul can do far more than name-the-street-trees. He can also tell you about why the local authority planted them, when to expect blooms or fruits/nuts and even the life span. Somehow Paul does this in the most gracious and charming way, rather than harrying us with fact after fact (an occasional sin of experts who know how to categorise).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>London is a Forest </i>deserves to become a classic guide to London. At this point of climate crisis it helps us understand what trees thrive in the parks and street scape, at the same time as covering the info about what those trees have seen. My hope is that this book should give encouragement to the many other cities of Britain – and the world – who are considering doubling their tree cover. People know that trees offer valuable services – just a few include <span>their ability to carbon, absorb noise, remove pollutants, reduce flood risk, offer summer shade, improve well-being, look beautiful, provide pollination opportunities and delicious bounty (I’ve even made N4 street tree pear jam). Recent attempts to cost these services to London calculated they are worth more than £6 billion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span>My hunch is that we all need to be more knowledgeable about our trees and at times shout loudly for them. Past threats have often been road expansion and building. On London’s clay soils insurance companies dealing with subsidence claims have a tendency to put their blame squarely on the trees nearest to the subsiding house. If this habit remains unchallenged there is a risk that despite the Government getting us to plant more urban trees we will actually reduce the number. As Paul Wood’s book makes so clear, simply through the amazing variety of trees he introduces us to from the Atlas Cedar (Chiswick) to wingnut (Bermondsey) sometimes it’s not just planting trees that counts, it’s the size of what you plant. Some trees offer far more eco-system services, especially veterans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i>London is a Forest </i>will also look good on your book shelves as the cover art work – a green ringed log with the line of the River Thames flowing through it - is stunning. I’ve noticed that recent Hardie Grant books (part of Quadrille), have particularly good covers as well as rather fab nature thinking,so whether you judge a book by its cover, or its content, <i>London is a Forest </i>is a total win. My tip is to go add it to your wish list now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Other books you might like:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ghost-Trees-Nature-People-London/dp/1912235277" target="_blank">Ghost Trees: nature and people in a London Parish </a>(shortlisted for the Wainwright prize) by Bob Gilbert </li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Home-Tales-Without-Technology/dp/1786076004/ref=asc_df_1786076004/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=258321964452&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10996574786011890141&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046001&hvtargid=pla-666788208880&psc=1&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">The Way Home: tales from a life without technology</a> by Mark Boyle </li>
</ul>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-75605215627612095932019-03-29T09:00:00.003+00:002019-03-29T09:01:09.921+00:00Country Living - and mum - at Alexandra Palace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Here's a recommended trip - visit the Country Living show whenever you can. Here's a review of #clfair spring fair 2019 at Alexandra Palace. Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Living the dream: at the Country Living show <br />
(c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
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We’ve found something we love doing, mum and me – a trip to the <i>Country Living</i> show.<br />
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Each year there are two big shows – at spring and Christmas in a range of venues. This year the spring 2019 Country Living show is at Alexandra Palace, so despite having gone to loads of these shows at the Business Design Centre in Islington, it feels very different and we both love it. I’m really proud of my mum as she’ll be 80 in a few weeks’ time but she’s happy to take a train to London and then switch to the mainline stopping at Alexandra Palace station. We manage to sync arrivals and then use the <i>Country Living</i> courtesy bus (find it just outside the train station and also Wood Green tube) to whisk us up London’s most scenic hill to the show.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ali Palace was built as a people’s palace and is a regular meeting point for very different tribes. Inside there’s a clear Egyptian theme with a striking palm court entrance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of stalls at the Country Living show at Alexandra Palace.<br />
(c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
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My last Ali Palace visit was with my husband and two daughters for the musician Frank Turner’s last night of his <i>Be More Kind</i>tour. It is thus very exciting when Mum and my first stop chatting to an exhibitor at Country Living’s show is at a needlework stall boasting a “Be Kind” design hanging at the exact spot where my daughters were dancing in a rather sticky-floored the mosh pit. This sunny March spring day the light streams in from the glass roof and huge round stained glass windows revealing a squeaky clean, covered floor. Much better! Unfortunately I don’t think a sewing kit is a dream gift for my soon-to-be 21-year-old daughter (instead I buy several fab £1 flower garlands for both girls that will surely be a festival hit from Elin Syensson on poppydaisy.com (A48) and my mum does the honourable grandparent thing and gets one for her 9-year-old grandchild) .The Frank Turner gig was back in February so is old news anyway… Now it’s all about the next four days, from 28 -31 March, Ali Palace is taken over by <i>Country Living </i>gentility. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The main tribe on the first day are older women (so much so that I feel in the younger demographic). I’m sure <i>Country Living</i> magazine didn’t start out like this, but that’s how it seems today. You do after all need a house to fill with many of the delights on offer – furnishings, stoves, garden furniture. But what Mum and I are interested in is it worth the planning (2 letters, 3 phone calls, a couple of emails!) and schlep to this year’s show. The answer is a definite yes. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So cute - holiday draw.<br />
(c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
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I live in London, but grew up in the countryside and adore being in homes that have a country feel – crafts, décor, perhaps a bit of shabby chic but definitely the chance to have-a-go at making and repairing things. If that’s something you love too, then a trip is recommended, ideally with a patient friend or someone who knows you well (a relative!). Mum and I are soon cooing over the Cherolais- and Tercel-cross lambs (triplets or orphans) fed on the hour which do their gorgeous lamby job (sleep, eat, bounce, repeat) extremely well thereby helping their owners from Kirkwood, Lockerbie tempt us to stay at www.realfarmholidays.co.uk in Scotland. Believe me, we are both tempted… (W17)<o:p></o:p></div>
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(c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
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Opposite is a stall with some very splendid chickens (W19) who seem to be happy to be stroked and are in no way phased by the Brass Band playing in the courtyard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The main hall (I’m still thinking of Frank’s gig) is rammed with fab stalls run by ladies (mostly) who are keeping artisan skills alive. Show favourites this year include Annie Sloan who specialises in chalk paint, Carved Angel’s jams, Love Beauty & Planet’s vegan bath bombs and Sophie Allport’s bone china mugs – the rabbit designs are perfect for Easter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are seedballs, bee talks, live music, stall holders to talk to and a whole food court with tasty bits to try from flavoured olive oils to brownies.<o:p></o:p><br />
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And from Mum and me an involved discussion about how to use the pre-made screen print designs on sale. I can see this will be my summer obsession.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candles may not be new, but this range from <br />
Home County Candle allows you to pick<br />
a candle inspired by your favourite county. Looking forward<br />
to the soon-to-com Lake District version. And they have<br />
soy wax and wooden wicks. Very special.<br />
(c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
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I make two purchases: slightly shamingly, these are both stalls run by men. The first is from the wonderful Home County Candle Co, (D20) launched in Feb 2018, which is tapping into the local pride gene and offers candles from Hertfordshire, Essex, Surrey, Kent etc. Oli tells me that the Hertfordshire candle was the first of the range – it’s bluebell and jasmine scented – and was inspired by the flowers growing at the Ashridge Estate near Tring. With a birch wick, that slightly crackles as the soy wax burns, I’m won over and part with £20. Back home I untie the garden twine around the brown paper box, peel back the gold-star paper and find my perfect candle nestled in straw. It’s just lovely and I’m lucky that my Mum insists she is allergic to candles, else that would have been her Mother’s Day present (it’s on Sunday 31 March) and not the box of Daelmans stroopwafels she requests (F21). To be fair, these are a delicious choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The busiest stall at the show on Thursday seems to be Richard Argent’s <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.footballcartoonhistories.co.uk/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">www.footballcartoonhistories.co.uk</a> </span>(H31a) where women are buying Essex man Richard’s witty prints of our menfolk’s first loves, their football club. Surely the perfect gift for significant birthdays, godsons, sons, etc? Obviously, women like football too but at the <i>Country Living </i>show the visiting tribe are seasoned gift-givers and it’s always good to find something that’s perfect for the hard-to-buy-for man… in my case, my husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I loved chatting to the stall holders. Rosie whose That Girl In Green (H19) stall was bursting with sustainability ideas and items for sale such as cushions, fashion, alternatives to clingfilm. Really wish her a great show.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Both Mum and I were impressed by a man demonstrating plug-in massagers. So, tempted that I’m thinking of sending my husband back to the show to buy them. The theory is that use the massager and you won’t need to go to a physio. And maybe we also need the warrior trolley which has a little seat attached? This is a place where ideas you'd never thought turn into must-haves within seconds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Jaggs did a very memorable Bright Eyes.<br />
(c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
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It was now about 1pm and we decided we needed a sit down and sandwich. We decide there is a real trend for pre-cut screen printing blocks this year while <span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.davidjaggs.com/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">www.DavidJaggs.com</a> </span>plays moody classics on his classical guitar. It’s at this point that we both reckon the Alexandra Palace venue is perfect – there’s more space, there are loads of places to sit down and everyone’s mood seems buoyant.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnai83CuR0amt5oIH-lHop4X0Qcj0dN0Ru2eySEUzMzLuarENskNugxi3HlIeJIOKj15O-0EBQ9jbYjf9OXGVdLoc2RCRx3HwmfnO0IoXTWvLBe56O_Nih8TdU9gjrvciGj4BWeYQqcou/s1600/20190328_114402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnai83CuR0amt5oIH-lHop4X0Qcj0dN0Ru2eySEUzMzLuarENskNugxi3HlIeJIOKj15O-0EBQ9jbYjf9OXGVdLoc2RCRx3HwmfnO0IoXTWvLBe56O_Nih8TdU9gjrvciGj4BWeYQqcou/s320/20190328_114402.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing tactics at the hook-a-duck stall where you can <br />
win tickets for future Country Living shows. (c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mum adds to our happiness by hooking a pink rubber duck which secures her a free ticket to the <i>Country Living </i>winter show and she can choose London, Harrogate or Glasgow. She’s even more pleased with this when I mention that this is where I found her xmas present…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clare Gogerty talks about her passion for mindful adventures<br />
promoting her book Beyond The Footpath. (c) Around Britain No Plane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We move on, enjoy more stalls, pass the stove sponsors, and then listen to an interesting talk Clare Gogerty at the Good Life Theatre talking about her soon-to-be-published book, <i>Beyond the Footpath: mindful adventures for modern pilgrims (£14.99).</i> Clare leans on her hazel thumbstick explaining about the ways of walking purposefully. It’s quite spiritual and I check if mum thinks this approach could be translated to her walk with the warrior trolley down to the Co-op. “I was just thinking that too,” is her answer, leaving us both giggling. I do note the title down on my list of books I definitely want to share with my book group.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Summing up</b><br />
The <i>Country Living </i>show is a wonderful way to spend time with my mum - any mum! The time goes so fast it feels that we leave early – Mum to find the train home and me to teach riding at Trent Park Equestrian Centre which is only a few tube stops away at Oakwood on the Picadilly line. We don’t leave empty-handed either: gifts in the goody grab bag include waffles to taste, Belvoir Elderflower presse, Sensodyne toothpaste (thank you!) and a vegan shower gel from Love Beauty & Planet. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">Country Living </i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">show is open until end of the day Sunday 31 March. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">F: clfairs, insta and twitter: clfairs Pinterest: cl-fairs #clspringair #stepinsidecl</span></li>
</ul>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-27331281693902931362018-10-29T13:02:00.001+00:002018-10-29T13:04:34.852+00:00Books looking at the big apple<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Is it possible to </i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">find a city where ideas grow and apple trees thrive? Or is sustainability and the opportunity of being-true-to-yourself a too difficult match for urban planners? </span></i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i></span><i style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs). </i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Review of two interesting books. The Apple Orchard by Pete Brown<br />
and What we talk about when we talk about cities (and love) by Andy Merrifield.</td></tr>
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Deep love of a place isn’t a given. So many people grow up in the sort of car-dominated suburbia where place has been so subsumed by the individual’s own home that love of place is dying. Small wonder that most suburban-raised children’s dream is to escape for the bright lights where things actually happen. Or they believe they do: punk, celebrity, academia, riches… <o:p></o:p></div>
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At their best cities are a place where you can live your authentic self. The village gossip (in the club/pub/tube) is admiring, not judgmental. Chance meetings turn out to be a pleasure when there are millions of people you don’t know surrounding you.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many writers who’ve escaped the smallness of the burbs, or the dullness of what they feel is provincial, fall very passionately for big city living. I’ve just finished reading Andy Merrifield’s <i>What we talk about when we talk about cities (and love)</i>and come away with a simmering set of thoughts about how to live well in crowded places. Merrifield’s book (perhaps more rightly an extended essay) tends to the philosophical, but we get this via his own life’s journey and obsessions with Marshall Berman (and thus New York), city soul-searching and his romance with fellow university colleague, Corinna. The book is much deeper than this summary though and sometimes I found it hard to follow, mostly because I wasn’t aware of Marshall Berman’s work. And, whisper it, I’m not that fond of New York. Or music. Sorry....<o:p></o:p></div>
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That said, I’m a city lover too – minute exploring the small corners of big places is my particular passion. I wanted to read this book to find out more about making cities work well for people, but that’s not the book Merrifield is writing, so I can hardly criticise him for this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A working class lad from Liverpool, often selfish and with scant interest in the past is an interesting guide to the cities he loves. His book takes us without apology through his often whaaaaat! behaviour (eg, dating a university student with such carelessness about his own lecturer power; insisting on going out on his own the night he arrives home to NYC after the long weekly commute from his uni job in Boston) but it also introduced me to an intellectual and predominantly male world of city talk shop. There is a softer side to the book, the love story of course, but also his friendship with aging Berman and a fascinating re-look at the work of Jane Jacobs. Her book <i>The Death and Life of Great American cities </i>is full of ideas, mocked by many back then, still has a big impact on some eco-thinkers and those who wish cities to be more people-friendly..<o:p></o:p></div>
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Merrifield doesn’t leave the city much – not in this book at any rate. In contrast another city resident, Londoner Pete Brown, clearly loves his urban base but adds extra energy writing about <i>The Apple Orchard </i>precisely because he has to leave the city to tell his story. I bought this book – in a Stoke Newington wine shop where you can refill your reds and olive oil - to give to my brother, who lives in the countryside and has an orchard. Actually, I think you only need five trees to claim this title… It was nearly autumn and I imagined he’d find it fascinating, and possibly helpful, before the great juicing he organises with friends and family each year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The chapters are divided into neat sections – as if slicing an apple with a pocket knife - through blossoming, fruiting, ripening, harvesting, celebrating, transforming, slumbering, taking us on Brown’s journey around the orchards. In real life this urbanite does a lot of cider tasting and is, bizarrely, allergic to apples. But this particular set of twists gives him a unique voice. I rushed through this book, savouring the weather, the trees, the technique (unchanged for 2000 years), the people. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As a bonus the apple world breeds characters and Brown’s interviews let us get to know the people well enough to both sympathise with their approaches and reveal the tribalism that afflicts the apple world. Every specialist world maybe?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Both books were an adventure for me. From <i>Apple Orchard </i>I learnt more about these wonderful trees (and a surprising amount about mythical Eden which probably didn’t have an apple when it was first dreamt up, because apples were not then in the Middle East – their birthplace is central Asia). From <i>What we talk about when we talk about cities (and love) </i>I upped my modernistic knowledge and puzzled over the many different ways people can love cities. I can’t imagine enjoying chatting with Merrifield but his passion for cities isn’t so dissimilar than mine, it’s just we have different ways of loving them - I like the closeness, the village feel within them, the possibility of sustainability. He likes the adventure, the grit, the music, the deep thought and the way you can thrive without "hellos" from every street corner. He likes following his heroes too. </div>
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But that ability for such a range of people to live happily (or just live) in a city is of course Merrifield's starting point.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But are cities still working well? Can you still love them if you yearn for a more people-friendly type of living?</div>
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Cities thrive thanks to diversity of ideas, income and people; they are spoilt if dominated by the rich taking over all those crumby places the poor meet, artists colonise and the explorers discover. Living in a city ought to offer the chance to meet people very different from yourself without having to “buy” the experience as a tourist or buy out the "others". At their best a crowded city becomes more friendly - a place we squeeze past each other in the coffee shops, meet as volunteers or bump into each other in the street where kids can play safely. This doesn't really happen yet, and to do that successfully people in cities have to forgo that bit of personal privacy Merrifield so loves and communicate better with each other. </div>
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I write as an eco bunny and my dream is that such conversations - cautious at first, then maybe properly deep - can be enjoyed under newly planted apple trees lining a car-calmed street. Or maybe under the blossoming canopies starting to spring up on the grassy strips between estate blocks thanks to groups like <a href="https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/" target="_blank">The Orchard Project </a>who love both apples and towns. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So two good books: both written by men and possibly best given to men. Perhaps like me (not a man!) they are a perfect pair to offer as a present and get some fascinating conversations going? Let me know what you think of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>The Apple Orchard: the story of our most English Fruit</i>by Pete Brown (Particular books, £!6.99)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>What we talk about when we talk about cities (sand love) </i>|Andy Merrifield (OR Books,<o:p></o:p></div>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-71998277421894688622018-10-02T10:41:00.002+00:002018-10-02T17:34:08.154+00:00Blind love: Munnings the horse painter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="font-family: georgia, serif;">The village of Dedham is in a sublimely pretty corner of Essex - especially on an autumn day. Many tourists come here on an art pilgrimage seeking to find out more about two artists with deep connections to this East Anglian landscape. Many of us are familiar with Constable and his famous horse-drawn 'Haywain', painted at nearby Flatford Mill, but what about the equestrian artist Alfred Munnings (1878-1959)? </i></b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Books about Munnings at the Munnings Art Museum shop.<br />Munnings excelled as a </span><i style="text-align: left;">plein air</i><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> painter, capturing the good times and summer light,<br />and starring beautiful horses, girls in frothy dresses, canvases filled with gypsy life, <br />backdrops of the River Stour countryside, racehorses. </span></span></td></tr>
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I love horses but they are horrible to draw: those sleek limbs bend so awkwardly when my pencil tries to fix them to paper. And their hooves! How does a horse stand on such a little sloping triangle? These are not questions you need to ask when you see the work of Alfred Munnings hanging at his dream home, Castle House just outside Dedham which is now an art gallery so packed with his realist horse canvases that you can almost smell the sweet hay breath of his subjects.<br />
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If you know your horses you can see the thickened tendons of a racehorse turned hunter, the tucked up posture of a horse on the first world war front line, the tail flick of a gypsy pony brushing away a summer fly. But mostly Munnings paints the most beautiful horses, at peak condition. A lot of these are his own horses. Perhaps his most famous works are the race starts (which bizarrely I find I confuse with Degas' paintings) and the colourful carnival of travellers at Epsom Down during Derby race week or at horse fairs like Lavenham in nearby Suffolk.<br />
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As a bonus the <a href="https://www.munningsmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank">Munnings Art Museum</a> has a wonderful cafe, which opens two hours before the exhibition. The food is terrific and the setting bucolic - green lawns, green fields, birdsong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0exRnUrgaRD2UkUrdvE2nkgDb4GdNBez2coMEYJZgy2h33vjAA84DOuK2C4Va0UiCLpRW4RFpoXXIxq6xBzGp9cWbv8RigrGezaMrSazXK7KzoZlh70fO52ysearpoIoInyadeNeHg7S/s1600/ESX_AM_51_540h540w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="540" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0exRnUrgaRD2UkUrdvE2nkgDb4GdNBez2coMEYJZgy2h33vjAA84DOuK2C4Va0UiCLpRW4RFpoXXIxq6xBzGp9cWbv8RigrGezaMrSazXK7KzoZlh70fO52ysearpoIoInyadeNeHg7S/s400/ESX_AM_51_540h540w.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My wife, My horse and Myself</i> by AJ Munnings. This painting has been criticised as<br />
"defiantly British" so it's is quite a nice touch that the horse's name was Antichrist. (c) Munnings Art Museum</td></tr>
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This is easy art: Munnings had an eye for beauty with a happy focus on horses and good looking women. Even for that period he was considered rather old-fashioned, although that didn't stop him liking a party. Born on 8 October in 1878, Munnings was brought up in a mill, just like the one Constable painted in<i> The Haywain</i> (Flatford Mill). His natural artistic skills saw him apprenticed to a lithograph printer at 14 years old. Over the years he developed a conservative style that many art critics lampooned. At the same time he had real antipathy to modern art (eg, Picasso, Henry Moore, Salvador Dali). Indeed his resigning speech as the President of the Royal Academy, in 1949, focussed exactly on modern art's limitations. It didn't go down that well with the diners.<br />
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Munnings was embroiled in the hunting set and made a good deal of money doing expensive portraits for the Belvoir Hunt followers, and others. His first big London show was in 1913, <i>Horses, Hunting & Country Life</i> at Leicester Galleries. By the 1920s he could charge £500 a canvas, which is £21,000 in today's money.<br />
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He met his second wife Violet McBride, who loved to hunt, at Richmond horse show. They married in 1920. She clearly brought him social status and many equestrian commissions.<br />
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He bought his first horse when he was in his 20s and kept riding until the end off his life. Munnings knew how much he owed to his horses (quoted in the book pictured above AJ Munnings by Stanley Booth on sale at the Munnings Art Museum): <i>"Although they have given me much trouble and many sleepless nights, they have been my supporters, friends - my destiny in fact. Looking back at my life, interwoven with theirs - painting them, feeding them, riding them, thinking about them - I hope that I have learned something of their ways. I have never ceased to understand them."</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Munnings Museum is in this yellow painted house. When AJ Munnings moved<br />
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At the collection my friend Eugenie and I quickly found favourites. Eugenie loved Shrimp, the young traveller man often painted on a cheeky grey Welsh pony called Augereau.<br />
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I fell for a showstopper, painted in 1932 - <i>My Wife, My Horse and Myself</i>. It's a conceited but beautiful painting of Lady Munnings riding sidesaddle on a stylish English thoroughbred outside her beautiful country home. To the side her proud husband smiles by a canvas of the same painting. It's a show off portrait of Munnings' possessions, capturing the swank (albeit horse-centred) lifestyle of this miller boy-made-establishment. It also owes plenty to the then popular hunting writer, Surtees who barked (surely he must have barked!): "Three things I never lend - my 'boss, my wife and my name". It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1935, a rocky time in British finances, which might well be why it's also been dubbed: "the most defiantly British picture of the 20th century". Strangely it's the sort of insult that Munnings would have been taken as a compliment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painters Constable and Munnings would still recognise the River Stour at<br />
Flatford Mill, just in Suffolk. It's now a very popular tourist spot.</td></tr>
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I'm a huge fan of dog and horse portraiture, so it's always been painful to me that the late Victorian and early Edwardian animal painters, in particular Munnings but also Landseer (who painted <i>Monarch of the Glen</i>) and the stunning equestrian artist Heywood Hardy, all fell out of fashion as the shock of the new art exerted its magnetic pull. Country life may not have ended in the 1930s, but these days it feels as over as the time when families crowded into the mill cottages, six sharing a bedroom, and never left the county, never mind the country. You can see exactly what I mean if you also have time to visit little <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/flatford" target="_blank">Bridge Cottage</a>, now a National Trust property (free entry) a few miles over the fields at Flatford Mill.<br />
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But that doesn't stop a real sense of joy when you see Munnings' wonderful paintings - this collection has more than 4000 - in his old home in this elegant Georgian family house. It's a visual delight to go into every room, and the studio, and see pictures which such a strong sense of place (there are around 150 on display).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">I've been longing to see Munnings' paintings, but took my time figuring out <br />how to get from Manningtree train station, Essex (seen here with a glowing sunset). <br /> </span></td></tr>
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Munnings' work can be written off as sentimental or chocolate-boxy (if you really don't like horses that is) but he had such grit. Next year expect a complete rehang as Castle House is taken over by the portraits Munnings did in 1918 of the Canadian Cavalry Brigade as a war artist on the front line in France.<br />
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Munnings, by then pushing 40, has been blinded when he was just 19. For most of us a thorn striking your eye would be a life disaster. For a teenager starting out on his artistic career, without much money behind him, this should have signalled the end. Somehow Munnings overcame the disability forcing his sole good eye to let him paint well - damn well - again.<br />
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Gallop over to see his paintings in the house where he lived if you get the chance. And don't forget to take a break at the Garden Cafe.<br />
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<b>How to get there: </b>An early autumn day was perfect for the four or so mile walk across the<br />
water meadows from Manningtree station via Flatford Mill (plus 20 more minutes from Dedham village). A friend with a car was a bonus. There are also taxis from Manningtree and a bus (see Munnings Art Museum website, then double check with coach provider).<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">More info at </span><a href="https://www.munningsmuseum.org.uk/">https://www.munningsmuseum.org.uk</a> </li>
<li>Address: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Castle House, Castle Hill, Dedham, Colchester, Essex CO7 6AZ. Admission £10. Currently on show, permanent collection and wonderful paintings of days out in wooden row boats, <i>Munnings and the River.</i></span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Munnings Art Museum closes for the winter on 31 October 2018 and reopens on 23 March 2019 with Alfred Munnings' WW1 Canadian Paintings (admission £8).</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Check Garden Cafe opening times cafe@munningsmuseum.org.uk, tel: 01206 322127 (option 5) </span></li>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-21540505004570282212018-09-19T20:58:00.000+00:002018-09-21T10:09:58.386+00:00This changes everything: history makers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">Is there a bit of England you are passionate about and why? Looking at the new Historic England publication, A </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>History</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> of England in 100 Places, is a wonderful way to explore.</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> </i></b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recommended: new book from Historic England.</td></tr>
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Growing up in a rural corner of east Hertfordshire has left me with a sentimental longing for an undulating patchwork of wheat and barley fields criss-crossed by footpaths and bridleways. In the valleys are small rivers, though another county might write them off as streams. On the top of long slow inclines are mixed hornbeam woods and they're there in the valleys too. Thinking back to the 1970s (when the golf course hadn't been built) I can see again the gamekeeper, who lived next door. He was both hero - whistling his young pheasants up for corn - and agent of horror, hanging his most recent kill on the animal gibbet in a very dark part of home wood. But thanks to him I learnt how to whistle, and confidently ID any larder of dead moles, kestrel, vixen, stoats. Two valleys away there were sheep - you could hear them bleating on the wind, In the opposite direction there were smaller turfed fields and several dairy herds.<br />
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Wandering the hedgerows you could have been in the 19th century, or 18th maybe. It wasn't hard to move far further back in time and imagine the Romans' kilns on the valley the other side of Caley Wood, as so many bit of pottery turned up in the autumn plough. Nearby was an old beamed farm house with a tower that the gentry used to watch the hunt where a 20th century bit of redecorating helped uncover Tudor wall paintings.<br />
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Another neighbour found a Saxon arrow head on his plot, then brought it to the pub for everyone to see.</div>
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Mine was an outdoors childhood in a very small corner of England which many generations have clearly lived in and loved. It's amazing how certain places just tug at your heart.<br />
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As an adult I've opted to live in London, because the city is far easier to get around and easier to find paid work. But holidays have mostly been spent exploring Britain, thinking as much about who used to live there back in the day, as what's on offer to enjoy now. That's why I love this new publication by Historic England, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-England-100-Places-Irreplaceable/dp/1848025092/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537389294&sr=8-1&keywords=a+history+of+england+in+100+places" target="_blank">A History of England in 100 Places</a>, which cherry picks 100 fascinating places where "irreplaceable" history has happened. Not so much the growing up, more the changes that move life forward.</div>
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In all 4,000 people nominated a swathe of the places they love best and then 10 experts (TV history gurus/celebs including Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Mary Beard) whittled down a short list. Lists are meant to spark conversation, but for once this isn't a bucket list of places you must see, which would obviously include Stonehenge and Windsor Castle (as the book does). Instead it's picking out places where momentous things happened which changed the way we live.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the book launch guests could also look around the<br />
V&A sculpture court. An amazing place for a party.</td></tr>
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At the very glam launch party - held in the V&A - one of English Heritage's researchers told me his favourite entry was the Brown Firth research laboratories in Sheffield where stainless steel was accidentally invented. Key note speaker included Tristtam Hunt, the former Labour MP, who now runs the V&A. He was shameless in loving the Middleport potteries entry from his old constituency in Stoke-on-Trent.</div>
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I was fascinated by the story of the Euston Arch (the entrance to Euston station) which was pulled down in an act of vandalism in 1961, and is now rubble in a bit of River Lea infill. But it was a wake up call to conservationists about the need to organise better.</div>
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And because it's a people's choice, there are chapters which retell the things that working people have had to endure, instead of the super rich. That's how I found out that sad-looking, boarded up Farfield Inn was blasted by the Great Sheffield Flood of 1864, a failed reservoir which killed 240+ people and flattened 600 houses. Ultimately this changed the way reservoirs were built and began a debate about corporate responsibility, but it's not yet a well-known story. </div>
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Also find out about the first railway bridge, built in 1825 for Stockton & Darlington railway which was founded to serve the coal industry. Skerne Bridge is just a single stone arch in the centre of Darlington, but it's so beloved by locals that they nominated it for every single category.</div>
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I sense that this book is going to work hard in my family. It will sit on the kitchen table and be something we argue over deciding on which places to visit, ideally without crowds. Virtual travel is always fun, but I think this book's focus on people and place may even inspire us to actually go to see what the fuss is about. All in all a perfect book with its mix of tourism, English heritage and populist vote. My only regret is that Hertfordshire gets such poor coverage - it's really a beautiful county with more stories in the landscape than even the Brothers Grimm could recall.</div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>A <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-England-100-Places-Irreplaceable/dp/1848025092/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537389294&sr=8-1&keywords=a+history+of+england+in+100+places" target="_blank">History of England in 100 Places</a> (Historic England, £20) by Philip Wilkinson</li>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-82968857706364826572018-08-07T13:56:00.000+00:002018-08-07T13:56:52.326+00:00Searching for English Civil War sites of 1642<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">A quest to find more info about the </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>first</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> battle of the English Civil </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>War</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> at Edge Hill in Warwickshire is thwarted. Or is it?</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> </i></b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b></div>
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It’s lucky I didn’t do home schooling for the whole of my daughters’ educational life. I say this because me and Nell, who has just finished lower sixth, have just spent a whole day trying to find the site of probably one of Britain’s best known civil war battle sites at Edge Hill in Warwickshire. By the end of our hunt we weren’t sure we’d actually seen it… <o:p></o:p></div>
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Part of the reason Edge Hill – which I know from the internet is big and obvious – is hard to spot is because it’s Ministry of Defence land. And from experience anyone who is looking for a battlefield will know that years later they are just fields, often with zero clues about the terrible things that happened there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ok, so I couldn’t find a battle site. But it was only because my daughter was studying the English civil war (Roundheads v Cavaliers) that I even heard about Edge Hill. Just in case you didn’t know either it was fought on 23 October in 1642. That’s the sort of easy to memorise date that people use for padlock codes and burglar alarms, but still I didn’t know it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the roof at Broughton Castle looking over the <br />knot garden and moat. What a view. Imagine it with<br />the Cavalier army coming to get you...</td></tr>
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Anyway, Edge Hill was the first of the civil war battles. The Royalists (fighting for Charles 1) won and then headed to the moated Broughton Castle, outside Banbury, in Oxfordshire, to deal with the Parliamentarians living there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the next four years, fighting was up and down the country with significant battles at Marston Moor in Yorkshire (2 July, 1644) and Naesby, Northamptonshire (14 June, 1645). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Edge Hill is meant to have a sign commemorating the battle and there’s a four mile walk around it and a 15 mile drive… but we don’t have access to a car and we got rather lost on our walk from the nearby National Trust big house, Upton House.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A key place to visit might have been the Castle Inn (built 100 years after the battle so Prince Rupert did not stay there) which is on the 6 bus route from Stratford-upon-Avon… but the extremely helpful bus driver urged us to hop off at Ratley, just before Castle Inn so we’d be more easily able to find Upton House. And so we missed that commemorative spot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distracted from our civil war mission by 1920s <br />dressing up glamour at Upton House.</td></tr>
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On the plus side, Upton House is an easy place to get distracted. Bought by a family with money in 1927 there’s no link to the civil war but plenty of show and tell about the ways soaking an English country house with cash and employing a famous architect (Percy Morely Horder) can make a drafty set of bricks utterly gorgeous. For a few hours we were living in the 1920s imagining invites to a sporting winter weekend with cocktails and chat about art, followed by billiards, squash and maybe a ride out towards that elusive Edge Hill. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Lord Bearsted made his money as chairman of Shell. Most National Trust houses are filled with bits and bobs from old aristocracy, this one really isn’t. Instead there’s an incredible art collection (the old squash court ended up becoming a gallery) and the most amazing red and silver 1920s jazz bathroom. Along one corridor, which has several rooms of <i>Country Life</i>cover displays and holidaying on the Riveria, there’s also an impressive collection of Shell posters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The guides at Upton House do a clever job of keeping their visitors busy. Nell and I were offered a free half hour intro to the house at 12.10pm (which was fab) and then a self-guided tour at 1.10pm. That gave us just enough time to visit the coffee shop, buy a few nick knacks and try to figure out how to get to Edge Hill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This proved tricky. The heat was one thing (this is the summer of 2018 and relentless 28+ degree days). Figuring out where the bus stopped was another. The National Trust staff/vols, bless them, tried to help but had an old timetable (we knew this because we’d been on the 6 on our journey to the house) which no longer offered a bus at the end of the driveway. We tried asking for a lift (the cheeky version of hitching) but it was always going to be random if we’d strike lucky or not. We didn’t although several people kindly offered us lifts to Banbury.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tysoe church in the middle distance. I'm teaching my daughter to find<br />rural bus stops by following steeples. She thinks I'm very strange.</td></tr>
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Optimists to the end, we figured we could walk, see the battlefield, and catch our bus at the village of Tysoe taking us back to AirBnb in Stratford-upon-Avon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And that’s what we did. It’s just that we think we missed the battlefield and we found the NT map didn’t seem to match the walkers’ footpath signs in the fields. One wheat field was being harvested which was fascinating for my city-living daughter to see the size of modern bales. Under our feet were huge cracks thanks to this summer’s drought. We found a bridleway hugging the top of a hanging wood which gave us glimpses through the trees of a panoramic Warwickshire and then left us a bit confused. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards the wood edge and beyond that<br />Upton House.</td></tr>
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Luckily a lovely woman on a private road stopped her car, sorted us out by pointing towards the Tysoe village church spire and we managed to make it. I can’t correct the map we took off the NT website (which did at least give me some idea about a possible route) as we used instinct relying on the knowledge that as the British landscape was worked in previous centuries by 40 per cent of the workforce, there are always a lot of footpaths that take you in the direction of a village, pub or farm. Not that this is clear these days as local parishes/counties change the signs to numbers without any clue as to what these numbers mean. What crazy person would give a footpath the name of a bus route? Clearly not one (like me) who hopes to reach a particular point but doesn’t necessarily bring a compass, up to date OS map and 4G.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are times when the countryside feels like it’s been taken over by men. There’s the ever-faster roads, the obsession with driving, the numerical routes (actually not obvious here in Warwickshire), the computerised/mechanised farming, the vast scale of every field, the super-size kit (tractors, balers, combine harvesters). In short a lack of human scale and – dare I say it a slight obsession with guns, as per the Game Show held the previous weekend nearby at Ragley Hall, Worcestershire.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But for us, thankful to find the 7 at Tysoe (a huge thank you to that bus driver) enjoying the view as we are driven through villages of Tudor-built houses, thatched cottages, pretty front gardens and optimistically-advertised church teas and dog shows at the weekend and suddenly the world is less gender-segregated again. It’s <i>Oh Comely </i>and<i>Simple Things</i>versus Dog and Gun.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Civil War would make a great tour for the thousands of Y12 and Y13 students who study it. It would be interesting for its own sake, but I struggled to find either a tour or a simple way to make this happen. Instead we tourists get passed from visitor honey trap to honey trap. For me and Nell this was beautiful big old houses and the story of Shakespeare’s life and work in Stratford upon Avon – a market town with a lot of shops, cafes, the RSC theatre and 2-3 million visitors annually. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Warwickshire panorama - Edge Hill possibly away <br />in the far distance on the right.</td></tr>
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Maybe I’m bitter because I couldn’t find Edge Hill. But I do wish tourism could be less expensive in the UK and involve far less hours checking bus timetables. I’m not even sure that buying or renting a car would resolve the challenge of getting to know a place properly. My dream is for 1000+ years of history and the characters who lived there to be brought alive by locals explaining the ways that national obsessions (eg, the civil war, banning slavery, London gossip, workable wifi) have impacted on life. I know the info just hangs on – Tysoe is a corruption of old English and probably refers to a figure of a horse cut into the hill, hence the current area’s name Vale of the Red Horse. It was there in 1607 but is now long lost. Wikipedia was my learned friend, but where else I could find this info I’m not sure. Villages move with the time, but so much detail is lost that tourists/historynoughts might well enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To be fair you could say the same about where I live in London. The difference is that no one goes on holiday to Finsbury Park. At least I don’t think they do…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li><a href="http://www.broughtoncastle.com/" target="_blank">Broughton Castle</a>, Oxon (near Banbury) is open Wednesday and Sunday afternoons Fantastic place, privately owned. We used a taxi from Banbury station (cost approx £10 one way).</li>
<li><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/upton-house-and-gardens" target="_blank">Upton House</a> and gardens, Warwickshire, run by the National Trust As I've got a NT card it's always fun visiting big houses. This one has many stand out features. Reach it be bus 6 or 7 from either Banbury or Stratford upon Avon. But you will have to walk about half a mile along the road from Radway. it was a nice walk! Or find a way across the fields from Castle Inn (we didn't try this but we should have done).</li>
<li>Buses 6 7 & from Banbury to Stratford-Upon-Avon are run by Stagecoach (but will be switching to Johnsons later 2018)</li>
<li>More about the village of T<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tysoe" target="_blank">ysoe</a>, Warwickshire.</li>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-77023876168935287732018-08-06T16:29:00.000+00:002018-10-01T12:15:44.020+00:00How to meditate with children using the epic Gita story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<o:p>BOOK REVIEW: </o:p><b><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">An imaginatively</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> retold version of the Gita battle helps 8-14 </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>year</i></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> old children learn to recognise their emotions and may also introduce them to ways to repair their mental health via meditation</i><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">. </i></b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird - </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The book cover of <i>Gita: the battle of the worlds</i>.</td></tr>
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A few years ago I took my mum and her sister to see the <i>Mahabharata </i>performed as a contemporary/Kathak dance at Sadler’s Wells. It was a whirl of colour and culture attempting to take the <i>Mahabharata, </i>an epic Indian poem about the struggle for power between two groups of cousins, the Pandavas and Kauravas who battle for the throne of Hastinapura, to a new dance audience. It was an ambitious task: the story is apparently seven times the length of Homer’s <i>The Illiad </i>and <i>The Odyssey </i>combined. I suspect the <i>Mahabharata </i>is never easy to follow but my mum was totally foxed by this show. “I wish they’d made it easier to understand,” she said and I remember crushingly (wittily?) saying well it was written in 4BC so we ought to be able to follow the main storyline by now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s another India story basic <i>Gita</i>: the battle of the worlds taken from the <i>Mahabharata </i>canon. I’m self-conscious about trying to follow the story for you my readers, but suspect the back stories are just too much for me. This is no surprise given my knowledge of all things Hindu is exceedingly limited. However this new children’s book is described as a “reimagined adventure story transporting the sacred Hindu verse of the <i>Gita </i>[which comes from the <i>Mahabharata</i>] into a book that is relevant to everybody’s life”. Well, that’s the press release anyway. And I reckon it succeeds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gita tour via blog sites.</td></tr>
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The tale focuses on the battle for good and evil played out within the headspace (actually the body) of an 11-year-old boy, Dev whose father has recently died. Dev is a raging emotional wreck. But the battle is between two Princes, Ego (yeah, get that!) and Arjun (our good guy who has Krishna on side). It’s all reported by a sprite-like being, Sanjay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There is a lot to suspend disbelief over, but actually the story works well as a read-aloud children’s tale. It’s magical, bloody and there are fun moments when your listener might recognise a swamp as a stinky digesting stomach, Ego as a villain or that their own unryuly feelings can be tamed by acknowledgement and meditation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The story is illustrated by a pattern master, Soumitra Ranade and you could possibly use some of the pictures for colouring in. </div>
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My favourite image is a flashback of Dev’s handsome father meditating with the Rudrasksha Kriya beads in his right hand. By the end of the story Dev has found a way to deal with his anger and located his own quiet place. It is beautifully described as “like moving from a room in which telephones rang constantly and computer screens flashed and autorickshaws beeped and heat and cold and hunger nagged… to a simple, quiet place, where a single soft breeze whispered up and down his spine.” Who wouldn’t want that feeling of quiet contentment?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Jemma Wayne </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">is a Woman’s Prize listed author. </span><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Sonal Sachdev Patel</b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> is a British born Indian Hindu that has been meditating for over 25 years. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">With a friendship that has spanned over thirty years, Jemma and Sonal have danced as toddlers in ballets together, studied alongside one another at Cambridge University and now have worked together on this epic story. With Sonal spear-heading Gita expertise and insight, and Jemma taking the lead on the book’s text, the result was a truly collaborative work, made all the more meaningful by the history and understanding between its creators. Each with two daughters, Sonal and Jemma are feminists and both strive to incorporate ways to speak out on important issues within their careers.</span></td></tr>
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For an introduction to a section of the <i>Mahabharata</i>, taking in battles and poetry this version of <i>Gita: the battle of the worlds </i>is a gentle start and one I’d be happy to read and reread aloud. </div>
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More importantly it introduces a very powerful idea about a meditative way to deal with the sort of adversity in life that there is nothing one can do about. Here the cause is a dead father and being forced to move house - easy for a youngster to spot. The symptoms of an over-active brain pounding poor Dev with misery as he recalls lost friends, tricky exams and an irritating younger sibling will also be easy to recognise, and talk about. </div>
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For any child who has ever felt injustice (you’ll know because they’ll tell you that “it’s not fair”) this is a beautiful learning tool. Congratulations to the authors.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/BATTLE-WORLDS-Sonal-Sachdev-Patel/dp/9352774671" target="_blank">Gita: the battle of the worlds</a></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Sonal Sachdev Patel & Jemma Wayne-Kattan<o:p></o:p></div>
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Harper Collins, £7.99</div>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-51353149857777210672018-07-23T11:12:00.001+00:002018-07-23T11:12:38.903+00:00Getting to know Hughenden Manor, near High Wycombe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>National</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> Trust membership is a brilliant way to explore and get some basic history, access to lovely gardens and treat yourself to </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>delicious</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> tea and cake. Most recent trip was to Hughenden Manor, two miles from High Wycombe in </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>Buckinghamshire</i></span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">. </i></b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monument for Disraeli at Hughenden Manor built by his wife.<br />On this trip Pete (my husband), our daughter Nell and our dog.</td></tr>
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Before I had children I promised myself I would never send my kids to a boarding school, unless I hated them. I was 11 when I made this promise! Now that my daughters are 20 and 17 I can admit that my views did change. Of course there's a right time and right reasons to send children to boarding school, but I'm so glad that mine didn't go and were able to use state schools locally. And those kids I know who've been to boarding school (or private schools) seem less like they live in a privileged bubble.<br />
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When I was 11 I was sent to a girls boarding school, Wycombe Abbey in Buckinghamshire. I'd never visited it before I arrived with my boater and trunk. Thankfully there was one girl in the same year (still a friend) who'd come from the same old school as me, but I don't remember much else about this school that suited me. In fact my memory is that it was a self-satisfied place that prided itself on producing clever young women which it had picked thanks to their high marks in the 11+. Given that we were a generation who probably were all going to want to (and even have to) work it was strange that marriage was seen as a high priority too. A careers advisor in my fifth form year suggested I should be a farm secretary and learn to do accounts so I could marry a farmer with horses! The lack of ambition offered was pathetic. The lack of pastoral care was close to criminal.<br />
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With so many clever, parent-pleaser girls the students were miserably competitive about their grades and anorexia was rife. <br />
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My mum talks about her horrible boarding school (a different one) with real affection and humour. It was the girls against rather grim staff. My experience at Wycombe Abbey was a strange deprivation of life's good things - love, humour, food and freedom. The saving grace was its astonishing Buckinghamshire location. It is still there, one of the country's top girls' private schools, right in the middle of High Wycombe, dominating one hillside of this valley town with its parkland. The boarding house I lived in was located a half mile steep walk from the school buildings reached by a path that took us through a mature beech wood. You couldn't hear traffic and yet it was obvious that on the other side of the wall there was a real world happening.<br />
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I left after O levels to attend a different sixth form and really didn't take any friends with me (eg, those intense letter writing, lots of visiting friends). I did at least get removed from an environment I found toxic and went to a sixth form I much preferred which had far less rules and unkindnesses.<br />
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It's a shame about the friendships as I remember my Dad promising that he was sending me to boarding school so I would meet lots of people who'd be lifelong friends. I'm sure my own personality had plenty to do with that friendship gap, but when I see the tightness of my teenage daughters' friendships I can see how harmful that must have been. No surprise that for years the words High Wycombe made me shudder. I'd have panic attacks seeing the signs if I was driven past the turn-off on the M40.<br />
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No wonder I didn't go and visit the lovely countryside in the area... and then in 2017 we joined the National Trust. It was one of those, OK, "I should just do this" decisions and it's been great. Sutton Hoo in Suffolk was a two day explore. But around High Wycombe, which is just 30 minutes train ride from London, there are some breathtaking Chiltern days out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogs aren't allowed into NT properties so we went for a walk<br />in the shady woods while Pete viewed the inside of Hughenden Manor.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://The house feels like a home with its large entrance hall, modest-sized rooms (well modest compared to a stately home), a library crammed with books and a cosy upstairs study which Disraeli allegedly preferred to work in." target="_blank">Hughenden Manor</a> was owned by Benjamin Disraeli (who became the Earl of Beaconsfield), who for some reason was my favourite Victorian PM (actually Queen Victoria's favourite too). The National Trust runs the house now. Visitors can also enjoy the walled veg garden, a formal garden you can play croquet on, a picnic orchard (lovey!) and endless signposted walks in the woods. At the viewpoint over the valley two red kites were circling. It was magical.<br />
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When I was incarcerated in Buckinghamshire there were no red kites - they were <a href="https://www.chilternsaonb.org/about-chilterns/red-kites.html" target="_blank">reintroduced to the Chilterns</a> between 1989 and 1994. Nowadays it is hard to avoid spotting red kites in this area and sobering to think that it was during Disraeli's time they were driven to extinction.<br />
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Disraeli was born in 1804, made a love-match marriage (with a widow) and had no children. Politically he was a Conservative (his rival Gladstone a Whig). He was the one who likened politics to climbing a greasy pole. Disraeli is wrongly known as Britain's first Jewish PM, conveniently forgetting that his father had converted his family to Christianity when Benjamin was about 11 years. In many ways Disraeli was similar to Boris Johnson - an outsider (who'd done all the insider things), multi-talented and a politician known for wit and writing (<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sybil-Two-Nations-Benjamin-Disraeli-ebook/dp/B07FD8P8YW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1532338236&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Sybil: or the two nations </a> by Disraeli, looks at the contrasting lives of rich and poor Victorians).<br />
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Even now his Buckinghamshire house feels like a home with its generous entrance hall, modest-sized rooms (compared to a stately home) and a cosy upstairs study which Disraeli allegedly preferred to work in than the formal library crammed with books.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing viewpoint plus two red kites circling (though my camera didn't pick<br />this up, sorry!).</td></tr>
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After a good look at the rooms and a top floor packed with the gifts Queen Victoria gave Disraeli, which weren't always that nice but he was clearly flattered, as intended, we walked up to the memorial Disraeli's wife, Mary Anne, created on the estate, one hill from the house. Goodness knows how she kept the building of it a secret, but the memorial now does offer a fabulous view towards his house and the couple's bedroom with its big picture of Victoria and Albert over the fireplace. On the walk to the memorial there were 11 red kites circling the bailer machines which was both amazing, and slightly sinister - they are of course looking for the many animals that get killed when farmers' harvest.<br />
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During this super hot weather it was lovely to be out of London on a Saturday, enjoying a lazy look around a very beautiful place. At the tea shop (in the stable courtyard) our dog seemed to attract the attention of lots of other families, many of whom had driven over to Hughenden Manor from London. It was certainly a change to be in a place that's not a knock-em out destination (like Churchill's home or historically significant like Sutton Hoo) nor on a tourist route so there were less visitors, which meant it was easier to have a really good look around the building.<br />
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We bought a BBC series about Disraeli's premiership in the gift shop because... well, I still spend a significant amount of time (and money) thinking about ways to educate my children without them realising film night is actually a crash course in history. And that just might be an unexpected - and happy - legacy from my own unhappy school days.<br />
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><b>BASICS: High Wycombe area</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">One hour from London, with a railway station on a hill and a massive fortress (girls's school, Wycombe Abbey formerly owned by the Carrington family) dominating one hilly side of the town. Apart from this aberration (the screamingly obvious rich/poor divide) the town is very dull but the countryside around is amazing. Buckinghamshire is wealthy commuter belt as you'll notice - everyone seems to drive.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Easy journey? </b>Yes. </span></span><b style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">High Wycombe 30 mins from London Marylebone</i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Ticket - weekend Network South East off peak</i></b></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #222222; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Highlight? </b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">this is the Chilterns an area of outstanding natural beauty, there's lots to see and discover. A National Trust membership is a bonus.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Wish list?</b> Take a bike and explore the nearby beech woods.</span></span></div>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-14924833202962659752018-05-15T17:18:00.001+00:002018-05-15T17:28:00.777+00:00Winchester pleasures: cathedral, pubs and easy to use guided maps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="font-family: georgia, serif;">Ways to enjoy Winchester - one time capital of Britain - by foot or bike. </i></b><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun, sunglasses and the great Winchester Cathedral <br />
to explore. (c) aroundbritainnoplane</td></tr>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>BASICS: Winchester</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">One hour from London, heaps of museums and green space. It's already popular with tourists, the University of Southampton has a campus here and it's a good place to wander.</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>Easy journey? </b>Yes. </span></span><b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Winchester - 60 mins from London Waterloo (train has trolley service)</i></b></div>
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Ticket - weekday off peak £36.40 return</i></b></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>History? </b>Knock out from the train station</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>Highlight? </b>Head to the High Street (pedestrianised) then right towards Cathedral close. Or down to King Alfred's statue and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle.</span></span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>Wish list?</b> Rent a bike and explore the Viaduct Way.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">It’s Monday and I’m in Winchester on business. It doesn’t feel right: the sun is beating down and every other shop seems to be a café or pub with tempting outdoor sitting. Soon we are drawn into <a href="https://www.greensbarandkitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank">Greens Bar,</a> 4 Jewry Street, with the pretty floor tiles reminding us that this used to be the Matisse Café, where the staff are fabulously friendly. Then during the search for cheap sunglasses I meet a man cheerfully selling Royal Wedding editions of the <i>Big Issue</i>, near the Buttercross who promises that he’ll be over to Windsor for the big day. It's a friendly city.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I’ve only been to Winchester once before – crazy, as it is just one hour by train from London – and that was a December mini-break when the Winchester shoppers were again distracted by eateries, but these were pop ups around an ice rink in the gardens by the cathedral.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">But now that Winchester Tourism Information Centre has sent me a new link to all the things you can do here, I’ll be exploring it again. One lovely idea is to take a self-guided walk around various Winchester locations. The sunset tour, approx one and a quarter miles, looks a lovely route passing St Giles Hill, The Weirs and the Abbey Gardens. </span></strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Jane Austen in Winchester<br />
Cathedral. (c) aroundbritainnoplane</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">There are also routes for church lovers, history watchers and the literati with Winchester </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">links. I like the look of the tour for</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> Jane Austen fans which takes you to her old home, now a </span><a href="https://www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/" style="color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">museum</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">, in Chawton, Hampshire. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">You can also find Jane Austen's grave stone and a memorial brass in the cathedral without leaving Winchester. Forgotten what she looks like? Then scrutinise a tenner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Winchester is famous for being one of England’s former capitals and home of King Alfred the Great (who burnt the cakes). It’s a medieval city which has plenty of green space and is dominated by the amazing cathedral built around the time of Henry VII. Inside, as well as Jane Austen’s grave, you can find a tomb to a fly fisherman - little known fact fly fishing was developed on the River Itchen which flows </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">through</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"> the city. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><b>My favourite spot was the hole in the wall where pilgrims queued up, then crawled into so they could see St Swithin, the former Bishop renowned for curing boils, various nasties and even making dropped eggs whole again. And that was before his posthumous miracle working reputation.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">Entry to the cathedral is £8.50 (adult no discount). It’s a breathtaking building inside (and you can always go in for free if you join one of the many daily services). Once you've paid for your ticket, you can get value for money simply by joining an hour-long guided tour, possibly climb the tower stairs for a huge view of Winchester, or just wander with a floorplan until one of the many cathedral guides take pity on you and give you a guided insight to their little patch. We struck lucky and saw the alter screen in a way that turned exquisite carvings into the stories of the saints - all pointed out with a torch beam of green intensity. </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal;">I really should have known by now that St Peter carries the keys of heaven and St Paul carries a sword. But I got the chance to learn that St Swithin’s special object is a bridge. It gets you thinking about what object symbolises your lifestyle – reusable bag? Coffee mug? Pen? Or more likely mobile phone which certainly achieves miracles. For example, you can ping on to this link and explore more of Winchester’s great outdoors at </span></strong><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #954f72;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://bit.ly/2jKkRYy">bit.ly/2jKkRYy</a> </span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222;">WHAT’S ON</span></b><strong><span style="color: #222222;">10 June: Cycle at Winchester Criterium & CycleFest</span></strong><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">Winchester’s city centre streets will close for cycling, racing, and family activities. The 1 km circuit race weaves through Winchester's city centre. First event is the Family Cycle Ride at 9.45am (<a href="http://www.winchestercriterium.org/family-cycle-ride/" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Registration</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space">)</span>. Cyclists start at the top of the High Street, wind their way past the cathedral, then climb the long uphill to the finishing line.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"></span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Anytime <strong>tour Viaduct Way</strong></span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">Once a freight and passenger railway, Viaduct Way is now part of the National Cycle Route Network Route 23.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;">It passes the V</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;">ictorian Guildhall, City Mill, Bishop's Palace, and old railway embankment then continues along the River Itchen, famous for its trout, moorhens, and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>wild flowers.<span class="apple-converted-space"> You can rent bikes from Bespoke Biking, a social enterprise set up to get more people cycling in Winchester, see <a href="https://bespokebiking.com/" style="color: #954f72;">https://bespokebiking.com</a> or call 01962 441962 which is on the lower floor of the Brook’s Shopping Centre. All sorts available including tagalongs (good for kids) and tandems (good for stories).</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b>Let me know your tips for Winchester visits.</b></span></span></div>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-73192125949478482622018-05-11T16:25:00.000+00:002018-05-11T16:25:30.583+00:00Why I'm going to visit an open farm on Sunday 10 June<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">How helping out on a friend's flower farm in north </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><i>Yorkshire</i></span></span><i style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"> has inspired me to visit more British farms. </i></b><b style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;"><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tour de Yorkshire bunting and bikes along the route.</td></tr>
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I’ve been run ragged by deadlines so when there’s a break in my schedule, I asked my friends in Yorkshire if I could come and stay for the weekend to do some of their outdoor chores. Over the years their home has been a huge solace to me – a muddy or verdant playground depending on the season. Whatever the weather, most trips involve very dirty boots.</div>
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My friend, Fleur, is flower-crazy and has recently set up a business flower farming. What used to be a pony paddock is now a cut flower farm. There are neat rows of beds dug across the field; trees and hedges planted to break the wind's force and a rabbit fence that really works.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Which is why on a hot Saturday morning she's got me standing in one of the compost bays pitching well rotted compost into a wheelbarrow. My mission is to feed the delphinium, the peonies and two other massive beds of what will be cut flowers. I think the difference between people who know plants, and people like me who don’t really, is that they see stems and think it’ll grow better if given food (aka compost) whereas my default position is that my plants probably need watering. <a href="https://fleursgarden.com/" style="color: #954f72;">https://fleursgarden.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the course of the weekend I turn two compost bays, to heat the pile up, and cart more than 40 barrows of muck around the garden. I also help her husband planting more yew hedge and then we repair any of the compost bays that need patching up. It’s hot, but sociable work when Richard's there. Most of the time I'm on my own listening to the bird song, spotting abandoned pheasant eggs, enjoying the green vista or avoiding digging up toads.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleur's Garden compost bays, made from palettes, near <br />her neighbour's chicken farm.</td></tr>
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But it’s that first hour, trying to pace myself that I remember as next door’s farmer of hens and ducks comes out with her pull-along egg trolley laden with eggs to drop off at her honesty egg shed. We get talking, and not just about the wonderful weather (it’s 21C in north Yorkshire in May, hotter than Ibiza). The topic up here is how to find reliable, hard workers and the impacts Brexit is already having on farming. I sense she is very impressed by my work ethic as she learns that I’m planning to battle with compost for the weekend and not even stop to see the Tour de Yorkshire phalange flash past. At least that’s the impression I’m trying to give. I desperately want my friend’s farming neighbour to think that British women can be good workers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And in the midst of my attempt to people-please I suddenly realise that it’s a long while since I heard a farmer’s views on any platform other than TV’s <i>Country File </i>(a family habit). Because Brexit is set to have such a huge impact on farming, it’s a shame that we don’t hear enough detail about what farmers are up to on more media channels. Which is why open farm Sunday on 10 June is something to look out for. Run by LEAF an organisation trying to deliver more sustainable food and farming (leaf stands for Linking Environment and Farming) it’ll be a good way to find out more about British farming. This is how LEAF explains the role of the modern British farmer:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>As well as producing nutritious food, farmers also grow crops for medicines and clothes, as well as crops used for fuel and building homes. Farmers care for over 70% of our countryside, manage vital resources like water and soil, maintain miles of footpaths and hedgerows and provide homes for wildlife.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>Most Open Farm Sunday events are free and farms of every type and size take part offering a range of activities – in fact there is something for everyone to enjoy with loads to see, do and learn. On LEAF Open Farm Sunday you can learn more about how your food is produced as well as….discover why worms are so important for the soil, why there wouldn’t be much fruit and veg without bees, and how farmers look after animals like cows, sheep and pigs, and care for wildlife too. You can also see science in action, including how farmers use the latest technology to farm sustainably and maybe take a peek inside a state of the art tractor. On many farms you will be able to take a farm walk or guided tractor and trailer ride, follow a nature trail and of course, talk to the people that make this all happen, the farmers!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fleur's Garden is a flower farm. Early May, when<br />frosts are no longer feared, is the time planting<br />can start.</td></tr>
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Farmers are fascinating when they talk about what, and how, they farm and feel confident enough to share with someone they may never meet again their rationale for doing these things. My London friends often complain that they are stuck in a like-minded ghetto, so a trip to a farm might be an eye-opener. It always is for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">To find farms are opening near you on the 10th June visit </span><a href="http://www.farmsunday.org/" style="color: #954f72; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">www.farmsunday.org</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">If you are i</span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">n the Leyburn-Bedale area of North Yorkshire (bigger towns are Northallerton and Darlington) do go and see Fleur’s Garden. If you're getting married or want flowers for a party or special flowers for a grave you can contact her and spend a day in her garden cutting all the flowers you want. </span><a href="https://fleursgarden.com/" style="color: #954f72; font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">https://fleursgarden.com</a><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif;">. You'll need to email first, fleur@fleurbutler.co.uk </span></li>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-24748312220166687632018-03-03T13:05:00.003+00:002018-03-03T13:05:39.441+00:00The joys of being positive even in an unfair world<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><i>This blog is going to change slightly - now I'm exploring the UK so much I can't always find an obvious "other country" link. This post is inspired by the need to hear other people's voices far more. </i></b><b><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></b><br />
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Like most teenagers I was a bit confused about how to be me. I could see that for me there was a choice about the face I presented to the world. I could go down the dark route from knock knock jokes to sarcasm, and then on to irony. I could be bitter and cynical (cool and funny). I could play life as a tumbler, laughing at my mishaps and sharing them. Or I could be a cross between Pollyanna and Mary Poppins always looking on the bright side of life. That's the one I've chosen. Yes I get it wrong sometimes, but mostly I cross out my negative rants and look for a positive spin. And it definitely makes life seem a friendlier, more delightful place.<br />
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As a result I've been transfixed by constructive journalism.<br />
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This is a newish approach to news which asks the usual Ws - who, what, where, when, why - and then adds a sixth, what next? When you write like this you can find out what happened after the crash, divorce, death. This click through stops the news being a catalogue of misery. You might still use the thinking of "if it bleeds it leads" but with the constructive journalism approach you also follow up. A car crash might end up being a story of five people being given donated organs, going on to lead their lives.<br />
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There are all sorts of reasons people like constructive journalism as an alternative to our 24/7 bad news world. Recently I shadowed Giselle Green from NCVO, who is editor of Constructive Voices. She was speaking to first year journalism students at London Metropolitan University about the way news organisations have seen a huge decrease in circulation and media switch off. Simultaneously research shows that the endless cycle of depressing news (gangs, knife crime, drought, wars, terrorism, unscrupulous politicians) doesn't just disempower people it is leading to a disconnect with society and mental health problems. Here's an interview with <a href="https://www.islingtonfacesblog.com/2018/02/20/giselle-green-editor-constructive-voices/" target="_blank">Giselle Green on Islington Faces</a>.<br />
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In summer 2014 the blog Islington Faces was born out of a frustration that the media wouldn't publish ordinary people's extraordinary stories. It now has close to 270 interviews with people who live or work in Islington, one very small patch of the world. Do go and have a look, it's <a href="https://www.islingtonfacesblog.com/" target="_blank">https://www.islingtonfacesblog.com </a><br />
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Obviously sharing a life story is not an original idea.<br />
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Go to any funeral and you often hear a summing up of someone's life, starting from the very beginning. There are highlights to the story but often the lives best lived aren't full of high drama; although they might be notable for the resilience that person has shown during their lifetime.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQiXy0JJRO6E2REy57PIpj1FzFPg5ACKB2lcBV-D-Clr9_QlHpJYCj1Q0eknGKvDuMXxmf-fJRygGv96wE0iqxZfsmsHpE0FYy8R92jhnw315OIu6f-PeFqRjxm-DGYPrkYYH9pkEfSzW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-03+at+12.09.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="600" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQiXy0JJRO6E2REy57PIpj1FzFPg5ACKB2lcBV-D-Clr9_QlHpJYCj1Q0eknGKvDuMXxmf-fJRygGv96wE0iqxZfsmsHpE0FYy8R92jhnw315OIu6f-PeFqRjxm-DGYPrkYYH9pkEfSzW/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-03-03+at+12.09.39.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Waide in Papua New Guinea using his journalism skills<br />to interview locals doing positive things is having a democratically<br />empowering impact in this South Pacific nation. See facebook<br />inspirational papua new guineans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And as for blogs. Well there's the amazing Humans of New York and here in London Spitalifeldslife.com. The trend has even gripped Papua New Guinea! A friend has just sent this amazing link, see here <a href="http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-03/one-mans-mission-to-shine-light-on-ordinary-papua-new-guineans/9477894">http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-03/one-mans-mission-to-shine-light-on-ordinary-papua-new-guineans/9477894</a>, about Scott Waide who runs the Facebook site <a href="http://Inspirational Papua New Guineans" target="_blank">Inspirational Papua New Guineans</a> with more than 5,000 followers. His interviews are fab.<br />
<br />
By sharing stories of people in Papua New Guinea who've overcome all sorts of odds, or are doing amazing things to help their family and community, Scott Waide has realised something else - he's strengthening democracy. In a newspaper interview he says:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373e44; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.54999542236328px;">"If you put out the positive and you put that out in public, people will connect the dots and then start demanding better services, start demanding those in power are held accountable for their actions." Scott Waide (PNG blogger).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #373e44; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.54999542236328px;"><br /></span>
I'm so impressed by Scott Waide.<br />
<br />
<b>Shared world</b><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW55fyMj4Jc9tueatg9pco7yslJcTw4Exw4odzKDjBSQr7hTCtXzdcQRax5Ibq4X2Hc20DhlsgeRYGWCb3bowp7hVoe1_MjTZszPEbNZ5ZQsg_1bemypMrh-U1hq0QeqSJbF_YfQm8dvv/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-03-03+at+12.07.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitW55fyMj4Jc9tueatg9pco7yslJcTw4Exw4odzKDjBSQr7hTCtXzdcQRax5Ibq4X2Hc20DhlsgeRYGWCb3bowp7hVoe1_MjTZszPEbNZ5ZQsg_1bemypMrh-U1hq0QeqSJbF_YfQm8dvv/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-03-03+at+12.07.02.png" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"If you're surprised, it means you don't see enough black people<br />in major roles," says Legally Black. Good point.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today I also saw a fascinating news story about some BME teenagers who'd got so fed up with seeing themselves reflected in TV and films as gangsters, maids and drug dealers that they re-created some famous films using black models. In fact they used their friends and family. The story is in the Guardian, see here, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/03/young-brixton-activists-recreate-film-posters-with-black-leads">https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/mar/03/young-brixton-activists-recreate-film-posters-with-black-leads</a> created by @legallyblackuk<br />
<br />
If you haven't understood how frustrating the male/female pay divide is (being revealed spring 2018); or the ethnic pay divide then keep it simple. If you are pale-skinned, try finding someone who looks a different colour to you in the lead role of a famous film. For me it was a wake up moment to see a young black woman depicted playing <i>Bridget Jones</i>.... Bridget is a white woman, about my size, and certainly on my clumsiness level. When the film came out I knew it was "for me", and in some ways sort of "about me". But when I noticed the poster brilliantly re-done with a young black woman my first thought - a flashing drift through my head, and not said (at least I thought not) with prejudice - oh that's not a film for me, then I realised just how stupid I've been.<br />
<br />
Their campaign has so worked for me. As Legally Black's catchphrase points out: "If our posters shock you, you're not seeing enough black faces in leading roles."<br />
<br />
<b>Life lessons</b><br />
As a baby boomer it's perhaps no surprise that I've lived through several waves of feminism and yet am still acclimatised to seeing men in the best jobs/situations/statues etc receiving the best pay. I totally understand the structural reasons for this and why it must and should change.<br />
<br />
But I hadn't quite cottoned on to the power that structural norms have - even if they are just as simple as images - in maintaining a racist (or racially prejudiced if you prefer) status quo. <br />
<br />
Yesterday a friend told me she was reading the hugely influential book, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Longer-Talking-White-People-About/dp/140887055X" target="_blank">Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race</a> by Reni Eddo-Lodge. And my thought. Oh, I don't need to read that. I know that stuff.*<br />
<br />
It's quite clear that I'm wrong.<br />
<br />
We don't just need institutional change to create a more fair society, we also need to hear a far wider cross-section of voices talking about life as it is, and how it could be.<br />
<br />
So let's keep hearing it from people living their lives and sharing their ordinary - to them - but extraordinary and powerful stories. The craze to share story telling is a wonderful part of this 21st century, long may it last. And let its potential to offer fair chances to us all, whatever our gender or ethnicity. There's an added plus, and that's this feeling of positive stuff happening which perhaps offers anyone the opportunity to see that if they can do this, then I can too, whatever that I can is.<br />
<br />
==<br />
<i>*Clarification: I have actually seen the book and had a 30 minute look through it back in the summer. Clearly I need to revisit.</i></div>
around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-66651133375682759952018-02-14T11:53:00.001+00:002018-02-14T11:53:26.578+00:00Shades of grey: Iceland via Leigh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">This blog is about family travel around the world without leaving the UK in order to reduce our impact on climate change. A day out to the Essex coast - to the little former fishing village of Leigh-on-Sea, Essex gave us a taste of the big skies and sustainability skills you have to have to survive anywhere, including Iceland. </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tT9wJDde9LoDZ1YyD8Z6ETuRQIQAfDOSY3McmtPCvwjaX1bIqQTYnVn4pY9mE4a5v3zCprXVf_iE9ymfJbbVjNFoK-AG9Ci-EjB_-_isAMM3LyLmmxt2m4xXI_eb22yYJyV221jpbR8Y/s1600/IMG-20180211-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tT9wJDde9LoDZ1YyD8Z6ETuRQIQAfDOSY3McmtPCvwjaX1bIqQTYnVn4pY9mE4a5v3zCprXVf_iE9ymfJbbVjNFoK-AG9Ci-EjB_-_isAMM3LyLmmxt2m4xXI_eb22yYJyV221jpbR8Y/s400/IMG-20180211-WA0005.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When get and icy weather gives a little hint of spring - at Leigh on Sea, Essex</td></tr>
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“An eye to the future and an ear to the past in the heart of
Leigh.” That’s what Leigh Heritage centre calls Plumbs Cottage which sits close
to the shore line, a little clapperboard fishing cottage, two up and two down.
The Burders were the last family to live there. Amazingly they raised 10
children in their home despite the lack of space and a long list of Nos – no
modern conveniences, no piped water, no electricity, no gas, no phone, no
toilet inside the house, no fridge, no washing machine, no radio, no TV, no
computers. Upstairs there were just two beds and a crib (the kids slept head to
toe until they moved out) and downstairs it was just fishing kit (oars, nets,
places to dry things off) and a basic kitchen range. Even so, it’s a lovely
little home, recently restored thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund.<o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s something so elemental about taking a day out to the
seaside in winter. We love to do this because you can walk your dog on the
beach, which is forbidden from May-October. But also there’s the amazing
cloudscape and sand patterns to watch, the cry of oyster catchers, an army of
winter waders and the chance to be buffeted by the wind as you storm along the
sea front towards a warm pub. Add in a monster February hail storm and you can
see what I mean about elemental. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9XnaNEPqRkji4QhspVax9Dd1nJrVHn0XwaPB09zFkAoMvF0CZKSIbwkc8ql4GybsGVdE3viUxhcMYpqKtavSb8mldAzSTY3XYpNcD2t-kjP_qPhyphenhyphenJ432yvEmOsfebHuqQZjHgt2e3Xkx/s1600/IMG-20180211-WA0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9XnaNEPqRkji4QhspVax9Dd1nJrVHn0XwaPB09zFkAoMvF0CZKSIbwkc8ql4GybsGVdE3viUxhcMYpqKtavSb8mldAzSTY3XYpNcD2t-kjP_qPhyphenhyphenJ432yvEmOsfebHuqQZjHgt2e3Xkx/s400/IMG-20180211-WA0001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Recovery in action - a walk by the sea.</td></tr>
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Lola came to get over a broken heart; I wanted to forget
work for just one weekend; Pete was upset about a book contract going wrong…
but the excitement of a very easy journey and then seeing the sea just seemed
to raise everyone’s spirits. We got excited about the beach – a swerve of
pebbles, sand, mud and shells broken up by seaweed-covered groynes. We chased
the dogs chasing each other and chatted as if we’d never stop. And then in
Leigh we found a shed selling delicious fish and a plethora of pubs ensuring
that we could find at least one that let us in with our two dogs, and had craft
beer and sold fish & chips, and veggie stuff. <a href="https://www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/restaurants/eastofengland/thecrookedbilletleighonsea" target="_blank">The Crooked Billet </a>is the
last pub before the rail station (it’s a 10 minute walk) so the perfect
stop-off point.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Leigh is a place of refuge. The current residents probably
don’t think of it like that. But this is where many east enders went to in a
bid to escape the dirty air and grim surroundings of industrial London, just
two or three generations ago. Worldwide people have a tendency to be drawn to
the city for work and lifestyle reasons. That’s one of the reasons more people
now live in urban environments, rather than rural. But for many Londoners the
journey has been the other way, at first to escape the dirt and poverty, and
more recently in a search for more affordable housing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s also a lovely day out. And as the visitors’ book at
Plumbs Cottage reveals on the sunny Sunday we turned up, that most of us were
day trippers from nearby – a lot of Essex addresses – plus a few down from
London.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I wonder where those Burders are now? You get used to seeing
grand National Trust stately homes and yet here’s a really very modest place
that oozes with history, and stories of a bygone age, and yet there are no
tales of what it was like to be growing up in such an idyllic place with plenty
of access to food – fish and, at the right time of the years, scrumped and
foraged fruit and leaves. On Islington Faces I often interview people who
definitely knew hunger and neglect in childhood who have moved away and are now
home owners. They often have one or more cars, regularly eat out and travel.
When they tell me about their lives they so often have a grandchild’s voice of
incredulity in their head. “You washed once a week!” “You played out with no
adults!” “There was no wifi. Or phones!” Some also lived through the bombing of
London during World War Two or were evacuated to a strangers’ house far from
their family. It is extraordinary what the generation above me – my mum and dad
– put up with or accepted as normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Leigh Fishmongers fish is sold in a seafront shed and<br />recipes are pinned to the entrance door.</td></tr>
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That said I am fascinated by the way there’s a new
generation – and it’s not mine, it’s the millennials – who are challenging
accepted norms. Good for them. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But don’t let any of us forget that we’re only
seven meals away from the need to be self-sufficient. All of us (including me) certainly could learn
some lessons from the sort of skills the Burders would have known just to
survive the everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that’s why
the next day I made up a fire and lit it – successfully – craving a refresher
of the knowledge needed to live so simply. Let’s hope that won’t be needed to
ensure we simply live. Like I said, I needed a break…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Leigh Heritage Centre and Plumbs Cottage, 13a
High Street, Old Town, Leigh on Sea, Essex SS9 2EN</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Read the interviews on Islington Faces at </span><a href="https://www.islingtonfacesblog.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://www.islingtonfacesblog.com</a></li>
</ul>
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Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-68419896909355683482018-02-07T09:04:00.000+00:002018-02-07T09:04:24.812+00:00Somali party via Finsbury Park<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">This blog is about family travel around the world without leaving the UK in order to reduce our impact on climate change. Near where I live there is a large Somali community - so what a treat to be invited to a Somali women only party. </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfpZmqJihC-usxQFWaHAhZOuW4digqGwAFpYx2p8KegUbEyhm_Q8JT5C5m-8fbUA7atcTIDUgHoosO5lPHxG1NbWZsyRlA1fPbbKL6ogf9JCwH_YpgjzkhrdNO_vtJguBCUnqyob0rcfl/s1600/20180203_192658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfpZmqJihC-usxQFWaHAhZOuW4digqGwAFpYx2p8KegUbEyhm_Q8JT5C5m-8fbUA7atcTIDUgHoosO5lPHxG1NbWZsyRlA1fPbbKL6ogf9JCwH_YpgjzkhrdNO_vtJguBCUnqyob0rcfl/s320/20180203_192658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought this red patterned scarf at the African Development Trust <br />fundraiser for orphans and this lovely lady (left of photo) <br />showed me how to wear it as a hijab. Selfie opportunity!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Somalia is a complicated place. I speak for myself here but I'm talking about its history and current geo-political situation. After being colonised by the Italians and then 20+ years of civil war, small wonder that the Somali diaspora has been large and surely, for many, painful. But my limited contact with Somali people in London has been joyful.<br />
<br />
<b>New writing</b><br />
Recently I helped the lovely staff (and volunteers) at <a href="http://www.nomad-uk.org/" target="_blank">Nomad</a> - Nations of Migration Awakening the Diaspora - create a booklet of stories, poems and lyrics inspired by the journeys and experiences of migrants. The writing was by young people, working in English, ie, their 2nd, sometime 3rd, language. But it was so powerful, in particular the love the authors felt for the 'pearl of the Indian Ocean', history's poetic name for Mogadishu.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaW1WWIBhk05zAZ9FZAFpyKHtszQieONoRSsFF69_dadApH5r1W0gl2yLYYZ0ZOyu8LeyL7rrVbFxq8jSc7rJ8qaBdAo0yxXg61gZcnFm018XZchuHn5XEJhFGwSMJjTsJx11BnuheBok/s1600/20180207_081908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyaW1WWIBhk05zAZ9FZAFpyKHtszQieONoRSsFF69_dadApH5r1W0gl2yLYYZ0ZOyu8LeyL7rrVbFxq8jSc7rJ8qaBdAo0yxXg61gZcnFm018XZchuHn5XEJhFGwSMJjTsJx11BnuheBok/s320/20180207_081908.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">The Unwritten Tales of the Tongue</b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> (Nomad, 2017)<br />available from www.nomad-uk.org</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Another contributor, Asha Mohamed, wrote a challenging think-piece asking why the question "What tribe are you?" has to be so loaded? She was particularly speaking about the Somali heritage people living far away from Somalia, some of whom were not even born in Somalia and whose parents did not experience a traditional nomadic lifestyle.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Here we sleep warm and privileged and safe enough to chant tribal talks as the main understanding of what makes us Somali! 'What tribe are you?', are the words I hear from the youth who barely understand it, but fight for it! They have no use for it in our technology-driven Western lifestyle, but we seem to always ask, 'What is your tribe?' Does it make me more Somali if I told you?" ASHA MOHAMED from <b>The Unwritten Tales of the Tongue</b> (Nomad, 2017)</blockquote>
<br />
Asha's thinking is clear - "What tribe are you?" is a divisive question and one to drop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QICwAwxuC2y7NKPJVtwlWU2CPBqXgqtWYTS5xHV0s8wg5oXSHvUaudzKwdhw_0lwkMV5AhbuNHRceljtaB7WIj20vDanZ9AyIImsetJ69nxb0ER43gbEEcVh4cDUp156OwVOHlDlMca6/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-02-07+at+08.20.42.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="294" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QICwAwxuC2y7NKPJVtwlWU2CPBqXgqtWYTS5xHV0s8wg5oXSHvUaudzKwdhw_0lwkMV5AhbuNHRceljtaB7WIj20vDanZ9AyIImsetJ69nxb0ER43gbEEcVh4cDUp156OwVOHlDlMca6/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-02-07+at+08.20.42.png" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a rare chance to cuddle a baby at the women only<br />fundraiser for African Development Trust.<br />(c) <a href="http://www.kimigill.com/" target="_blank">Kimi Gill</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Somali party</b><br />
It was the Somali ladies who were asking me questions at the next event - a fundraiser for orphans run by the <a href="http://africandt.com/" target="_blank">African Development Trust</a>. "What do you want to eat?" they kept asking pointing out delicious dishes. I'm a vegetarian but there was lovely rice, couscous, lentils and - because it's Finsbury Park - a culture mashup including pakoras and samosa.<br />
<br />
I haven't been to a women-only event for a while, and what is lovely about this one was the amount of kids who were there too. Loads of games had been organised and creative activities including decorating picture frames, henna painting, pass the parcel. The ticket also promised Somali dance and nasheeds (inspirational Islamic music).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PDCcBP0bxMU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDCcBP0bxMU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
There were a few fundraising stalls and so I bought a red paisley-patterned scarf - as you can see from the photo it works as a hijab. The highlight was getting to chat to mums who were willing to let me cuddle their lovely babies. What a shame it is that I see so few babies these days!</div>
around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-3480064568446398132018-01-13T10:44:00.000+00:002018-01-13T10:44:31.871+00:00Finding out about Romania via home #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">This blog is about family travel around the world without leaving the UK in order to reduce our impact on climate change. Ever since I read Dracula I've been intrigued by what Romania might be like, so here's how I'm finding out. </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeMznLRUG5Id8BuewRTywSqLev1yFHXzHuqwz2T-BGR0IBTGbx19MEjvMQn1e4Zu4XBA7CKf2RIfj44mTs5RbJzZ2pi06UWsUfhollulnpPA13qoabd6f0daoRSIv6QlxXMgGwAxLwmxh/s1600/20180113_103045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeMznLRUG5Id8BuewRTywSqLev1yFHXzHuqwz2T-BGR0IBTGbx19MEjvMQn1e4Zu4XBA7CKf2RIfj44mTs5RbJzZ2pi06UWsUfhollulnpPA13qoabd6f0daoRSIv6QlxXMgGwAxLwmxh/s320/20180113_103045.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duolingo Romanian and books - starting the Romania discovery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The thing about travel is that it takes time, costs more than the budget and stops me working. But I love to travel and I want to see the world... As regular readers of this blog will know I've found a way to see the sights without leaving home much by seeking out what's here in the UK that links to somewhere else. During 2018 I want to ramp up my travel knowledge and find out more about Romania. If that means one day I'll visit (via train) so much the better, but I doubt it will be this year that I see the painted monasteries, agrarian society in action, salt mines, Danube Delta or the famous Palace of the Parliament.<br />
<br />
Besides finding out more is going to be easy because all I know so far is that Dracula is a fun read and Nadia Comāneci was the first gymnast to get a perfect 10 score (in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal).<br />
<br />
New Year's resolutions are tricky because they are so tempting to break. But this year I did download Duolingo's learn Romanian and have been reasonably diligent plodding through the lessons. I've got form with Duolingo - I like the way it is quick to use, mixes listening, writing and games and has a clear structure. I've managed to get through the whole of the French Duolingo. Duolingo declared me 54% fluent in French which is a fair estimate as I do understand about half of what's said to me. As for replying, oh my...<br />
<br />
I've always been a big admirer of anyone who can speak more than one language.Now, I know that's not hard, especially if you have a mother tongue and a different education language and you start as a child, and/or you have years to improve. But I found language at secondary school much harder. It was fun at primary school and gave me a French and Latin base. Fortunately this has turned out to be very useful when it comes to Romanian, which like French is a Romance language. For years I thought this meant it had a sort of frisky frisson (well French has a particular accent), but at last I've realised that it means it has its roots in Latin.<br />
<br />
<i>About a week after writing this I've now discovered from a hairdresser (Polish) that Romania has some good music festivals which are also well attended by mosquitoes and that Romanian sounds Italian. The next day I had my first conversation (I don't think we can grace it with that word conversation actually) with a Romanian Big Issue seller. All I could think of was "I am woman". She thought I was clearly mad, hoping I'd buy the mag or just move on swiftly. However I enjoyed our "chat" and it was fantastic to at last have a chance to hear - and speak - Romanian.</i><br />
<br />
Besides the language learning I'm going to get cultural. On my list will be books, films and a lightbulb in my brain which will either switch on when it notices something about Romania or will oblige me to ask "have you ever been to Romania' when embroiled in a conversation I'm not really sure I want to be having and isn't about work.<br />
<br />
<b>Romanian books to read</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><i>Dracula</i> by Bram Stoker isn't really Romanian, but it does give a bit of a hint about <b>Transylvania</b>. Under Communism the stories of vampires disappeared. Now they are back again and it seems Romanians have conflicted feelings about Count Dracula and the rest of the world's obsession for Transyvlanian weird stuff. <i>Searching for Dracula in Romania</i> by Catalin Gruia looks like dealing with these issues.</li>
<li><b>Herta Müller has won the Nobel Prize for Literature.</b> Her best known work are novels about the poor treatment of Germans in Communist Romania, eg, <i>The Hunger Angel</i> (2009) but I'm also thinking of reading <i>Passport </i>which explores Romania under Nicolae Ceausescu as does <i>The Fox Was Ever the Hunter</i>. <i> </i></li>
<li>Judging by the internet most Romanians are poets...</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Famous Romanians</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Nelly Miricioiu - opera singer (born 1952) who has starred worldwide, including Salzburg and London.</li>
<li>Nadia Comāneci - gymnast</li>
<li>Nicolāe Paulescu - discovered insulin</li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Mihai Eminescu - 19th century national poet</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Romanian gypsies - who've suffered terrible racism especially in the 20th an 21st centuries.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>Next steps - besides reading</b></div>
The plan is to visit a Romanian restaurant/coffee shop - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Restaurant-Noroc/151328161622400" target="_blank">Restaurant Noroc</a> at 147-149 Green Lanes, N13 by the North Circular open from midday to 9pm. Not sure what to expect, but I do know that Romania is the world's ninth largest producer of wine, an exciting fact for a wine lover. Expect a Romanian recipe soon.<br />
<br />
<b>Over to you</b><br />
What do you know about Romania? Where in the UK can I learn more about this place and its history? Have you visited? Any tips?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-55500111437013406862018-01-03T13:01:00.000+00:002018-01-03T13:01:06.661+00:00New thinking for new year's day - Clerkenwell history<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">This blog is about family travel around the world without leaving the UK in order to reduce our impact on climate change. All is quiet on New Year's Day, so it was fun to go on a rebel footprint tour around Clerkenwell and see the exact spots that social justice was challenged and changed thanks to people from Italy, India, German, Soviet Union etc. </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i></div>
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Walking a chapter in <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Footprints-Uncovering-Londons-Radical/dp/0745334091" target="_blank">Rebel Footprints by David Rosenberg</a> was
an interesting way to spend New Year’s Day. When the big blockbuster shows are
on in London covering revolutionary art and ideas there’s a tendency to focus on the Soviet Union and France. But <i>Rebel Footprints </i>offers a guide
to “uncovering London’s radical history”. Turns out London is packed with
historic incident plus the places – often coffee houses, but pubs too – where these
events were planned. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As I live in Islington it’s always fun to learn more about
the area (see the 260+ interviews on <a href="https://islingtonfacesblog.com/">https://islingtonfacesblog.com</a> ) so instead of a cobweb-blowing New Year’s Day walk along a cliff edge
we picked a guided tour (reachable by local bus) of the trailblazers for democracy who lived, worked
and plotted around Clerkenwell, EC1. This is a short walk – 7,000 paces for
those of you living by fitbits. For me it was very familiar so a chance to look
again at places and consider the power of politics. Here’s what I found most
interesting:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Spa Fields </b>(a paved green space)<b> </b>looks a bit sad in winter, but it was a huge area bordering Exmouth Market and ideal for rallies. It was
the centrepoint for bread riots that broke out in London in 1800-01 which the
authorities blamed on Newcastle-born Thomas Spence who was a shoemaker and radical teacher who
wanted egalitarianism, land nationalisation and universal suffrage. His
followers were known as Spenceans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque marks the UK's first black MP - who won his seat in 1982.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>The Old Town Hall on Rosebery Avenue</b>, opened in 1895, used
to be where Islingtonians registered births, marriages and deaths in ink. I
have two millennial daughters – one was registered with an ink pen, the other
in a more high-tech environment using new technology. The Old Town Hall is now
a dance studio for 16-21 year olds, <a href="http://theurdang.london/" target="_blank">Urdang Academy</a>. Here we spotted a plaque
commemorating the first black (and first Asian) MP, Dadabhai Naoroji, who was elected
as a liberal MP for Finsbury Central in 1892. He won by just three votes! This
is a good place to people watch: in just five minutes we jam-packed history and
spotted a policeman on a skittish horse; a woman dressed as a suffragette and
an ambulance responder on a bike. Often you can see queues for Urdang auditions
which makes me think of the 1983 movie set in the thriving industrial steel
town of Philadelphia, Flashdance – best songs <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What a feeling</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maniac.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Italian family and home of Joey Grimaldi, London's most famous clown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Exmouth Market </b>was the home of Joey Grimaldi, the famous
clown. He was the son of Italian immigrants and went to work as a dancer, on
stage at Sadler’s Wells from just three years old.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the site of a prison...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Mount Pleasant </b>– now a reduced Royal Mail operation although
it does have a postal museum and underground postal train to try – was the
Middlesex House of Correction, also known as Coldbath Fields Prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Italian church is still busy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Clerkenwell Road </b>is where you can find St Peter’s Italian
church, built in 1863. It still holds joint Italian and English Sunday mass and
is the place to go for an Italian experience in London (especially if you go
for coffee or pasta before or afterwards). Back in the mid 19<sup>th</sup>
century the church doubled as a labour exchange and the area was dubbed ‘Little
Italy”. Since the 1880s there’s been an annual Italian parade around
Clerkenwell – known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. In 2018 the parade and
carnival will probably be Sunday 22 July (please check date before you go!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQIM9dY3ZuYuSAjshzCTfGjDQglcRGNUI42DNy2YX0vlSJ_f5HV-PL5TJcMz8cBWgI1D1ERNopZLUWrOfJ9KTmCdymkpUvb5leK8BeNMK26FJyDoNSBSnPH93aSa_wdaZ3WW4gYuE9Tsz/s1600/20180101_142300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinQIM9dY3ZuYuSAjshzCTfGjDQglcRGNUI42DNy2YX0vlSJ_f5HV-PL5TJcMz8cBWgI1D1ERNopZLUWrOfJ9KTmCdymkpUvb5leK8BeNMK26FJyDoNSBSnPH93aSa_wdaZ3WW4gYuE9Tsz/s320/20180101_142300.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From this building, now the Marx Memorial Library, the first red<br />flag was flown during a rally</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Clerkenwell Green</b> is the hotspot for radical explorers. Here
you can find the <a href="https://marxlibrary.org.uk/" target="_blank">Marx Memorial Library,</a> which is in the building where t<b>he
first red flag was flown in London</b>, hoisted at a rally in 1871 in sympathy with
the Paris Communards. It used to be a radical printing workshops where Lenin worked... Here's a fascinating film about the building's history.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/203987000" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/203987000">short MML film3</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user30722979">Christopher Reeves</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b>Under the clock</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH844CJKz0I5V3g0k4OK93n9lMVWjSEgpesTIu9Fckr8U5WMxVurfFy_n2XQovJixDgLAjKwdDFOoUgVFpk6dthZyVbUpBzGjE2vJ2XSvCDPnWnZlWyQbN_4nKgVgh-Na2Mic9gjBBbxQA/s1600/20180101_142858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH844CJKz0I5V3g0k4OK93n9lMVWjSEgpesTIu9Fckr8U5WMxVurfFy_n2XQovJixDgLAjKwdDFOoUgVFpk6dthZyVbUpBzGjE2vJ2XSvCDPnWnZlWyQbN_4nKgVgh-Na2Mic9gjBBbxQA/s320/20180101_142858.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crown Tavern, 43 Clerkenwell Green. At the table under the clock <br />is where Lenin drank (possibly coffee and not just beer) and planned.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Just over the road, also in Clerkenwell Green, is the pub where Lenin drank – <a href="https://www.thecrowntavernec1.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Crown</a>.
Head to the back room and you’ll find the conspirators clock, which is
helpfully marked by a plaque.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are plenty more radical history exploring possibilities
– I’d recommend borrowing or buying the book. Do you have any guide books that get you outside and learning about other places or times that you think other readers of this blog would enjoy? If so please let me know. Thanks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
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<li><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebel-Footprints-Uncovering-Londons-Radical/dp/0745334091" target="_blank">Rebel Footprints</a> by David Rosenberg (Pluto Press, 2015)</li>
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around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6518795276029646606.post-38694763457093264022017-12-12T15:16:00.002+00:002017-12-12T15:16:22.138+00:00Christchurch Dorset needs a political revamp - here's why<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">This blog is about family travel around the world without leaving the UK in order to reduce our impact on climate change. My husband and I always try to have a weekend away in December and this time we went to Christchurch, Dorset... and yes it did make us think about what Christchurch NZ might be like this time of year.</i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"> Words by Nicola Baird </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(see <a href="http://www.nicolabaird.com/" style="color: #999999;">www.nicolabaird.com</a> for more info about my books and blogs).</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQbd8O3DvRLvzb_4sreiBzgtMtHA0qmB-RomKoYPE-_SwfT0EOoQmazD7Ng9IU6fnKe28MAL7dIkeRkFUIB8sc8IPLukPmZwtNDZgxroQ5PJE3dkVpf451ku1pUsNAL8gTkfqxX0Ypu0L/s1600/2017-12-10+11.17.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQbd8O3DvRLvzb_4sreiBzgtMtHA0qmB-RomKoYPE-_SwfT0EOoQmazD7Ng9IU6fnKe28MAL7dIkeRkFUIB8sc8IPLukPmZwtNDZgxroQ5PJE3dkVpf451ku1pUsNAL8gTkfqxX0Ypu0L/s320/2017-12-10+11.17.20.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's Christchurch Castle behind us. Rain above us<br />(but we didn't mind!).</td></tr>
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I've just spent a weekend in Christchurch. That's Dorset, not New Zealand. But these two towns, Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island, and the Georgian coastal town packed with holiday homes and retirees are twinned. In fact they've only been twinned since 1911, and the reason seems to be because NZ troops during WW1 were stationed in nearby Brockenhurst which is the heart of the New Forest. <br />
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Christchurch NZ is on an earthquake fault line. Christchurch in the UK has created a different rumpus - until 1974 it was Hampshire. It doesn't quite feel like Dorset even if scones and cream teas are available. But then again visiting any British seaside town in winter has a danger of it not living up to expectations, especially if there is a great deal of icy rain...<br />
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More sensibly, both Christchurch also have two rivers...<br />
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A couple of nights in Christchurch, Dorset was really a treat though. There is a ruined Norman castle and a Norman Manor House, built in 1160, both juxtaposed by a very splendid bowling green. And of course there's the beautiful church, the original The Priory, which appeared super busy in the Christmas run-up - on the Saturday holding the Messiah and then on Sunday a Christingle service.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r9IHy5x2NVtNTc-a0YyAAbG8-IkwR_iWQAUX04N5oj-Z_2qhlmbQ3DJIoAR2aUGv15sDT5dzRKIlJbR9oNXQ2wa5PBpFisyGmToc6wZeZdoFFED9_YhQst4BVaHbIu3pdp4lQNwni6Cp/s1600/2017-12-10+12.48.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r9IHy5x2NVtNTc-a0YyAAbG8-IkwR_iWQAUX04N5oj-Z_2qhlmbQ3DJIoAR2aUGv15sDT5dzRKIlJbR9oNXQ2wa5PBpFisyGmToc6wZeZdoFFED9_YhQst4BVaHbIu3pdp4lQNwni6Cp/s320/2017-12-10+12.48.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete by the ducking stool (it's a model for tourists and anyway<br />was exclusively used for women) on the mill race beside<br />the River Avon.</td></tr>
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We stayed at the <a href="https://www.thekings-christchurch.co.uk/" target="_blank">King's Arms</a> which is proper posh, but friendly - though slightly worryingly described by a <i>Daily Mail </i>review as "a jewel on the Dorset coastline". We also had a cup of tea at the modish <a href="http://www.thecaptainsclub.net/" target="_blank">Captain's Club </a>on the banks of the River Stour, down by Christchurch Quay and were able to enjoy seeing it crammed with people lunching in family get-togethers and also listening to live jazz.<br />
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<b>Getting to know you</b><br />
In the evening there were many places to eat, including quite a few gastro pubs, e.g., <a href="http://www.theship-christchurch.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Ship</a> at 48 High Street, where you can eat fantastic pies and listen to a band. Wondering down Bridge Street and the High Street on a Saturday it was amazing to see the amount of places that have security guards outside them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ4bEtKT5P4vpJYb_5fayHN67YpzkpSlrceywSBM_kiZcC2QLUtQ3BDmbSEmrdoFIuK10rr7_nH0ot4MfrkNaCw2oGON1KJiIkO7_8M7Eg_9OUzRBBhKlzyj96PL-zxhdPlrR5QUlk4o3/s1600/Screenshot+2017-12-12+14.45.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="930" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ4bEtKT5P4vpJYb_5fayHN67YpzkpSlrceywSBM_kiZcC2QLUtQ3BDmbSEmrdoFIuK10rr7_nH0ot4MfrkNaCw2oGON1KJiIkO7_8M7Eg_9OUzRBBhKlzyj96PL-zxhdPlrR5QUlk4o3/s320/Screenshot+2017-12-12+14.45.50.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snapshot from Daily Echo which covers news in Christchurch<br />- death, crashes, burglaries, attacks: not so nice after all.</td></tr>
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It feels so affluent... but clearly there are problems as the local paper reveals. By day there was a <i>Big Issue </i>seller standing under an umbrella, and in the evening one homeless man curled into a sleeping bag. And over at the nice Druitt Hall where craft and jams are sold the ladies told me this was the very last Monday sale - done in tandem with the town market - for them as the rent was going up and they just couldn't afford it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlLaOKdpXW4BCeo4NpEkU33fnRvIuSCMqai4HWfk_D8s2R2iZgK1XCX5-X2FTo_2wq8BU2hIjY5zgXh1ffaXe6E48-4zF9hHNAm11IEsUUnBq43hBG0Pa7E9jw722ERYThodEMyFj3Uf6/s1600/20171212_122435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlLaOKdpXW4BCeo4NpEkU33fnRvIuSCMqai4HWfk_D8s2R2iZgK1XCX5-X2FTo_2wq8BU2hIjY5zgXh1ffaXe6E48-4zF9hHNAm11IEsUUnBq43hBG0Pa7E9jw722ERYThodEMyFj3Uf6/s320/20171212_122435.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many of these tongue-in-cheek<br />Jeremy Corbyn unofficial albums will<br />be gifted in Christchurch (with or without irony)?</td></tr>
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Clearly the problems are here in this Christchurch, but what we didn't see was a sense of the solutions. In Archway, London, near my home, one of the local gift shops has got in a dozen of the Jeremy Corbyn unofficial albums (a lot of silliness in this with masks, crossword, stories, comic strip etc) which no doubt will sell well because people think they can influence change.. and aren't Tory by instinct. In fact Christchurch has been represented since 1997 by Christopher Chope, MP, who is a Tory. I wonder if people in Christchurch think he's done a good job or not? Looking at his Wikipedia page it's clear he's an old Thatcherite; a pioneer of selling off local housing stock (and for a while known as Chopper Chope because no council house was safe during his stint on Wandsworth council). He was predictably also one of the greedy ones during the expenses scandal. Wikipedia may not be a fan... but he's also 70, tried to stop a debate about Hillsborough and in 2010 hosted a meeting for climate science sceptics. I don't think he's done a good job for this constituency, never mind the country. If I can tell that from a two night stopover, what on earth are the locals thinking of him? Come on guys, especially anyone under 70, your town deserves better.<br />
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For starters he can help those ladies running the craft market in Druitt Hall keep going... If I was them I'd be asking!</blockquote>
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Visitors to Christchurch, Dorset will see people shop, and dress up beautifully to go out but it's not clear how well the locals are coping with austerity. It's as if it hasn't quite hit them yet - or at any rate they haven't yet felt the injustice or developed the power to take a stand. I know you think I'm judging that simply by an absence of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unofficial-Jeremy-Corbyn-Annual-2018/dp/1911042963" target="_blank">Jeremy Corbyn! Annual 2018</a></i> copies on sale (£9.99), which is quite a unusual yardstick. Don't judge this either: I came home with delicious cheese scones from that last sale at Druitt Hall, plus some Belgian chocolates and a bottle of Mermaid gin both bought as a gift at friendly <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theChristchurchConfectioner/" target="_blank">The Christchurch Confectioner,</a> 72 High Street.<br />
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We also stopped at <a href="https://www.yeoldegeorgeinnchristchurch.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ye Old George,</a> 2a Castle Street, for a drink. Here we found a plaque explaining that this was where a barred cell used to house convicts due to be transported to Australia. Right now it looks into a courtyard covered in fairy lights where hardy drinkers warm up with mulled wine. It's a happy place, but was obviously a site of real misery. And in an interesting twist The George is also a super flash hotel in New Zealand - not to be mixed up.<br />
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I'm pleased I've been here. For starters it was new to me - it had plenty of history, heaps of dramatic ruins, an incredible coastline, lots of moored boats to enjoy and the biggest collection of swans I've come across. Tourism and politics don't go well together but it would have been good to find out more about how this once vital town is preparing for climate change, flooding and the challenges that higher interest rates and chain stores bring. People kept saying to us, sadly, everyone's in Bournemouth, shopping. I wonder if they were? They could just as easily be worn out by poor leadership.<br />
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<b>Over to you</b><br />
When you take a visit do you try and find out about the political situation too?</div>
around Britain no planehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832626578044856859noreply@blogger.com0