For the next year, I will be training to be a Lambeth Tour Guide.
Old war bunker near the war memorial in Stockwell Lambeth London.
London-Free Tour Guide Day
There were several free walks led across London, the 1st weekend of October, As part of our homework, we were encouraged to go on two and one had to be Stockwell.
The 2nd one I chose to go on was around Tottenham Court Road more specifically, near St Giles. Our job was to listen and observe, then feedback in class the following week.
A bit of respite from the howling winds, that have unleashed this morning, a visit to the community gardens near Seven Dials Covent Garden
Denmark Street ( once known as Tin Pan Alley. ) It’s been cleaned up considerably but most of the guitar shops are still here.
On Sunday a friend and I went to the unique Chelsea Physic Gardens.
what a beauty.
A young Pomegranate starting to bud.
I will be painting these at Christmas. If Christmas is still a thing next year you might get it on a card then!
Pomegranets continued.
I was thrilled to get a student discount!
The Physic Gardens, is a place I have visited several times- ( I used to work nearby, and got to know Chelsea very well.) It was a pleasure to introduce a friend who hadn’t been before, she absolutely loved it and we will go back to the Christmas fair.
Once upon a time, I did the initial training, to be a garden guide, after a couple of sessions, it was clear I knew absolutely nothing about horticulture .
I know more now than I did then but still know very little. We had a fantastic guide who inspired and educated us about the plants.
I understand, her knowledge and flow came from years of diligent training, her passion and deep understanding of Botanical history, alongside with a love of sharing information. I was wise to stick to what I know best, – the streets of London.
Another Tour Guide at London Wetlands
I was invited to take part in a meeting with the charity World Animal Protection. It was informative and educational. Despite some of the harrowing stories about so many exploitive conditions animals endure in the world, I did leave on a positive note.
The charity have done fantastic work and continue to do so and I would urge anyone with a spare few quid a month to donate to World Animal Protection.
After the talks
After the talks, we were invited to a tour of the Wetlands centre, I was surprised how lovely it was and would recommend it for a day out.
London Wetlands, is between Putney and Hammersmith and you can access it, just off the river bank. It is clearly signposted.
it was fun walking the bridge, one of the contributors, takes the plunge.
I hadn’t walked anything like this since gymnastics after school, amazingly I didn’t fall off. (Picture taken by me.) I followed on.
View from the observation gallery
Autumn Colours
swans
Open space in London Wetlands.
Always great to see a Cormorant .
Tree Sculpture.
https://www.worldanimalprotection.org
https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/london/whats-on
After all of the tour guides I felt a need to get out of London for a day and have a proper hike, two of us went off and did a circular Lewes walk via Rodmell, about 12 miles in all. It was a great walk.
Lewes circular walk
Start of the walk, along the river
loved this cart of hay.
Great to see the cows out and about huddled together for a drink of water.
Shooting pheasant
The only downside of the Lewes walk, was the sight of men in tweeds with rifles out for a day shooting birds. I’m sure they lack imagination if that is their idea of fun. I resisted saying anything. It’s the 1st time I have ever come across this while out walking in that areas.
Final Tour of the year.
As part of my course, I was encouraged to join a few societies, I got a Bursary from Brixton Society for my course at Morleys and with that free membership to Brixton Society. I also joined Herne Hill & Camberwell societies.
Camberwell Society
I have walked up and down Camberwell Grove and Grove Lane hundreds of times. it’s near where I work -Kings College Hospital and it was a lifeline to have a lunch time walk and admire the beautiful Georgian Buildings.
One of many beautiful Georgian Houses in Camberwell Grove.
Who lives in a house like this? ( Uk tv show) I suspect a lot of media types. One of the hosts, had an invite to an event at Buckingham Palace on her fireplace, and covers of the Radio Times framed up the staircase.
Camberwell Georgian Building Tour
We went into five different houses; all with very different interiors. They were a friendly bunch and very keen on architecture We saw Lorraine Chase (Luton Airport, actress) who lives in Camberwell Grove, who waved and said hello to us all. Good on the homeowners being so generous to let a bunch of nosey people into their houses!
https://www.camberwellsociety.org.uk
Until next time, keep on keeping on.
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Well done J.