Feb
28
2025

The Year of the Snake.

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I enjoyed the celebrations for the Year of the Snake.

The year of the snake in Chinese Astrology symbolises the need for transformation and rebirth.  A friend and I got a good view of the procession standing on the steps of St. Martins Church. It was a cold day, but the bright blue sky and the colourful costumes made it worth it.

Looking out towards TRAFALGAR SQUARE BEFORE THE CROWDS

Standing alongside Charing Cross Road near St Martins Church, waiting for the Procession to start.

Bright and sunny but freezing cold. A bright picture of Grayson Perry poster on the side of The National Portrait Gallery building

 

NoMad Hotel & Bow Street Police Station.

BOW STREET MAGISTRATES COURT ENTRANCE. NO LONGER IN USE.

 

While sitting in the NoMad Hotel, which used to be Bow Street Police Station, we chatted about our pasts. A friend and I had the pleasure of spending a couple of nights at Bow Street holding cells. We got caught shoplifting in Oxford Street in 1978. I will never forget that day.

This would have been a side entrance to the building originally. Now the entrance to BOW STREET POLICE MUSEUM.

 

SHOPLIFTING IN OXFORD STREET

I wouldn’t mind, but we walked out of HMV with albums tucked under our arms, barely concealing that we were nicking them. We then made the mistake of going to Marks and Spencer and tucked a pair of of all things, slippers! into the lining of a big shabby coat. We were living in a scruffy squat in Finsbury Park and had the pleasure of sharing this with Junkies and Hells Angels.

As we were of no fixed abode ( living in a squat in Finsbury Park), we were arrested on Saturday afternoon & they would not let us go until Monday morning.

Meanwhile, another story emerged as my companion had worked briefly as a clothes designer for The Clash, and their Manager had accused her of nicking a roll of material, which was absurd and untrue. The lounge in the NoMad Hotel seemed the perfect setting for these stories to emerge.

Bow Street was unusual in that it was a court and Police station all in the same building.

I often wondered if I remembered correctly the string of events back in 1978. It all came back to me when I saw the photographs and the dock. NoMad Hotel has taken over most of the original building, and the local council has preserved some of the old nick, the original cells and the dock.

Looking at the dock and the photograph of the courtroom,  It looked as I remembered it, a very small, old-fashioned oak panelled dock.

THE ORIGINAL DOCK AT BOW STREET MAGISTRATES COURT

 

The women’s cells were originally upstairs -now gone and not part of the museum. They had preserved some of the men’s cells on the ground floor.

To think I have stood in the same dock as the suffragettes and Oscar Wilde among others whose pictures and stories were displayed in the cells.

“On the evening of April 5 1895, Wilde was arrested at the Cadogan Hotel for committing indecent acts. He spent the night in the cells at Bow Street, having been refused bail.” Taken from inside one of the cells.

There are so many stories in the museum about criminals, and I will probably return to read them in more detail. Criminality is fascinating. Upcoming walking tours include Of Mollies and Men, Reform, Rebel, Riot.

https://bowstreetpolicemuseum.org.uk

 

FAREWELL FEBRUARY

February is not usually associated with sunny days and blue skies. However, it has been an interesting month and a very busy time at work.

Therefore, it is a good time for a break. This time last year, on my mum’s birthday, the 27th of February, I scattered her ashes, some in Scotland, the rest in the Northeast. I’m revisiting Scotland, this time for different reasons.  (more on that next month).

After Scotland, I will stop off at Newcastle for a night out, then visit South Shields and Northumberland, I hope to get a few walks in before returning to London.

 

Some videos from the Chinese New Year procession can be found on my YouTube channel

https://www.youtube.com/@icantexplainmyfeetjuliecon3522

Until next time, keep on keeping on,  shed that skin & embrace the changes.

 

A great theme song under the circumstances!

 

https://youtu.be/huBWPHHCD6M?si=lmDNDjsQ9DQ-Cekq

 

 

 

Jan
31
2025

Easy Walks

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 There are all sorts of walks to do, easy walks are extremely beneficial

Don’t be fooled into thinking you must walk long distances and climb mountains to stay fit. Just trying to stay upright throughout the day is a good start. My plan throughout January to February is to do lots of easy walks.

EASY WALKS & average but essential walks

It is how I transport myself from home to work. January is the worst month ever, but still, on occasion, I get to walk through Ruskin Park and see the squirrels jump about and it does cheer me up a bit.

Easy Walks, moderate Walks and tough Walks.

When I went on a hill walking retreat it was difficult to decide what level of fitness I was at and if I wanted to push myself. Taking the Easy way out is sometimes the better option. Easy can often be a good choice and a sensible solution to anything complex. In  Buddhist philosophy, easy is a good thing, So three cheers for that.

A short walk from Blackfriars station on the South Bank to the Poetry Library in the South Bank Centre

It’s bright blue, it’s freezing, My day started with a 2-mile jog, then I took the train later in the day and headed to the South bank. I’m fortunate that I have great transport links to Central London.

 

A short walk with an old friend.

Starting at Teddington train station, a short walk through the town to Teddington lock over the bridge to the pathway to Richmond.  is about a 4-mile walk. I finish the rest of the day Skitting about from shop to shop in the town centre.

A recent early winter morning walk from Brixton to Victoria

Walking along an old haunt, I pondered why I bother writing a blog. a question that comes up now and again.  On a cold morning walking down Stockwell Road, my brain worked over time, as I took stock of buildings that have gone and new ones that have sprung up. Music venues that are now steak houses or are derelict. Everything changes always.  Writing about my walks keeps me connected.

Found this mural quite interesting. I will call it Desolation Row. Stockwell Road

 

I crisscrossed across on and through Nine Elms Concrete Jungle and eventually found myself at the river.

News Alert

For anyone planning on walking from Putney or Hammersmith onto Richmond

Thames towpath remains diverted following collapse

ALPERTON TO PADDINGTON ALONG THE GRAND UNION CANAL – LINEAR

The canal was the first purpose-built freight link from Birmingham to London before newer railways and roads led to its decline. An easy, flat walk along the towpath, ending at Little Venice and Paddington Basin.

Industrial wasteland. Still has a certain beauty about it.

Some canal boats were lived in, but many more were derelict. Luckily the mad Alsatian guard dogs weren’t up to swimming over the canal to attack us. They were very aggressive, and assumedly looking at the state of the boats over there were attached to some drug gang.

 

we later collided with a bunch of friendly cyclists about 100 of them cycling for charity, we had a quick chat with them as we let them by..

 

I enjoyed the walk because it was a complete change of scenery

It’s not an area I knew anything about. It’s pretty industrial most of the way.

Dick is a  South Bank WalkLeader and is full of interesting facts; a great walk leader. However, weatherwise, we managed about an hour and a half before the rain started, and it became a bit of a trudge.

swans gliding up the canal.

A FAB MURAL ON THE SIDE OF A WAREHOUSE.

As we headed into Paddington a more affluent area, we came across this cool-looking boat. ROCK ON THE CANAL. I LOVE THIS.

 

Canal Life

Many people who can’t afford London rents have taken to living in canal boats. They pay a yearly fee. Those who can’t get or afford permanent mooring, move on every 14 days—known as a continuous cruiser, a boat-dweller who doesn’t have a permanent mooring. The 30-year legislation is under review, as more people try living on canal boats.

I may try walking from Alperton towards Isleworth next time, apparently, the towpath  goes all the way to Birmingham,

 

Until February, keep on keeping on.

 

This old post about walking in London at night. See below.

Walking at night

 

 

Dec
31
2024

Walking towards 2025

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I‘m walking towards 2025 in fair strides, there is a lot to do this year.

We can only go forward and as I say goodbye to 2024, I hope that I can find some exciting new walks to do where I plan to do more walking outside of London in 2025

Walking towards 2025 I have in mind a couple of new ventures.

I’ve joined a walking group in Scotland and another in Northumberland. It’s been a while since I have done any new walks. I intend to spend more time outdoors away from LONDON these two UK destinations seem like a good start.

At the end of February 2025, I make my first strides forward . I’m heading to Stirling, Scotland

it’s not a walking hill retreat this time,  but to work in the kitchen! ( a working holiday!) something I can’t quite believe I have signed up for. In return for that, I get to stay in the beautiful house and get to do my daily walks alongside Loch Voil. As well as learning some chef skills and vegan cookery, I get to spend time reflecting on a new future. Where better to do that than this beautiful location?

The road towards the Pink Hotel two miles away. A road I never get tired walking along.

 

Dhanakosa Retreat

7.40 :am early morning mist on Loch voil

 

2025 and onwards.

My role as lead research assistant in breast screening will end in Summer 2025. It’s been a learning curve, but like all good things, it must come to an end. An adventure of some sort beckons.

In the meantime as is tradition here are a few memories from 2024.

A new walk I discovered on my last visit to Dhanakosa retreat. Through the woods down to Rob Roy’s Grave.

looking out across Loch Voil a landscape of stunning beauty

 

Scattering my mums ashes from Aberdeen to Newcastle & South Shields, February 2024.

Coast at South Shields, scattering some of my mum’s ashes.

A river near Huntley, Scotland another spot where I scattered my mum’s ashes.

 

A series of Days out from London.

A DAY OUT IN BRISTOL

A LIME AMONG LEMONS. I FOUND THIS MURAL WANDERING AROUND THE ST PAUL AREA OF BRISTO.L

 

BATH

A day out in Bath

A day out in Bath, it rained all of the day.

 

DaYs out from London

East Dean to Seaford Linear Walk. A return ticket on a train from Victoria to Seaford Sussex.

My favourite walk  here is the starting gate to the south downs  from East Dean. to Seaford.

 

LONDON

Many days do I spend walking about London , taking photographs, is something I do when I have the time to wander. This one I especially like, taken at The New Battersea tube station.

 

Old boots, featured in the people’s Summer Exhibition , at the Royal Academy of Arts.

 

This caught my eye walking from Euston to Goodge Street.

 

St James Park, a home for many pelicans. I often walk from Victoria station , through St James Park to Charing Cross and Covent Garden.

 

 

GREAT YARMOUTH

SEALS

SEAL WITH MISSING HEAD. Taken from my Seal Post Great Yarmouth.

washed up on the beach, sunny but cold.

 

I am amazed to report I spent the whole of 2024 alcohol-free,

I’m feeling pretty good about that. I didn’t bother having a drink last New Years’ Eve, and haven’t since. There were many occasions throughout the year that proved extremely challenging. It just goes to show that change is possible, even a change as deeply ingrained in me as it is in a lot of people.

DRY JANUARY A sign outside the Cock Tavern Fleet Street January 2023. (unusual for a pub to advertise Dry January)

A weekend facing Storm Darragh

A pre-christmas weekend,, was impacted somewhat with the stormy weather. One of the outdoor lights events at Leazes Park was cancelled. We stayed with love short stays UK and were upgraded to a flat with a view of the sea.

It was great to watch the waves crash onto the pier;  as I sat on the chaise longue, ( A wet leg tune  I love ) gazing out of the window, at a ship anchored firmly.  It sat waiting patiently for the storm to pass. By Monday, the clouds shifted, and there was movement again at sea.

Wet Leg- Chaise Longue, (dedicated to Raymond Deeks, senior.  https://youtu.be/iLX2WvGDbL0?si=AVEtK12C0NamuFcW

SOUTH SHIELDS

https://www.loveshortstays.co.uk

There are plenty of Indian Restaurants along Ocean Road , South Shields, I haven’t tried them all, but returned to this one as the last visit was enjoyable. Great food.

 

South Marine Park South Shields.

 

A deceptive lethal rain that soaked us to the skin. attempted a coastal walk and managed 3 miles before retreating.

 

GREY BLEAK BUT BEAUTIFUL

JESMOND DENE NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

Before heading back to the train station to travel back to London, I wanted to revisit Jesmond Dene. first a quick decent lunch in West Jesmond,

Jesmond Dene, a must see place for anyone visiting the area. 

we walked down into this  beautiful oasis a mile outside the city centre.

Jesmond Dene – so many nooks and crannies. A great escape from the city.

I GOT ROOTS!

AUTUMN BRAMBLE.

WATERFALL GUSHING into the river Ouse.

Ye old mill!

 

For further info on Jesmon Dene, See below.

https://jesmonddene.org.uk

UNTIL NEXT TIME

I resist the urge to write Onwards and Upwards, but at least onwards and forward into 2025.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

RIP Jan, Bryan, Raymond, Mums and Eileen.

 

Nov
30
2024

Walking with old friends

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 Bryan was someone I had been friends with since the 1980s The last time I saw Bryan we were out walking, near Wylam Northumberland,

A tribute to Bryan Wilkinson Born in 1962, died November 2024 aged 62

The last time I saw him in person, we had walked along the river by Wylam, in Northumberland, This walk was led by a couple of friends from South Shields.

Bryan always tried to see the positive in everyone and everything.

 

The history of any friendship is long, what a privilege to have good friends.

Back in the 80s, I formed a band called Hot Wire. It was short-lived but we did a handful of gigs and recordings. Then, I formed Casino another short-lived adventure.  Bryan started coming down from London to visit and take photos of the band in rehearsals.

The Jam Dragons

Later, Bryan played the guitar, Malcolm (Actor, tarot card reader, poet and musician,) on drums and vocals, and I tried to sing and play bass, with varying degrees of out-of-tune wailing and punchy rhythms. We called ourselves The Jam Dragons.

We had such fun, playing in various studios around Brixton and Kennington.   I listened back to one our the old tapes, recently, Bryan was on fire.  Rock on Bryan.

They were promising days, but real life got in the way.

It wasn’t a sustainable lifestyle. Eventually, we parted ways. I returned to higher education and Bryan to the North to live his life out there. Walking alongside Bryan, life took many twists and turns. We remained friends until the end,

 

Another tribute is to my oldest friend Jan Greenwell born in 1960 in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

 

At the back of The Sportsman’s Inn. Jan’s dad was a pub landlord in Newcastle and Bishop Aukland. This was taken of me and Jan after a break from working as a chambermaid in London.  a very long time ago.

 

Jan and I first met in the back lanes of West Jesmond, I had moved to a new area,  from the West End of Newcastle and I didn’t know anyone in that area. We became instant friends, we both loved music.

Inevitably we found ourselves running around the town centre and hanging about The City Hall.

It was worth it. We got to see Ian Dury and the Blockheads, in the front row as well as Elvis Costello again in front row seats. I think we just hung around the city hall waiting to see if someone let us in! We were thrilled to meet Ian Dury and The Blockheads backstage.

 

Working in the trendy shop Fynd had its advantages too as famous people often visited when in town, and often would get people into gigs.

I stayed in London and Jan stayed in the Northeast as well as moving bout a bit in the 80s and 90s. We drifted apart,  without mobile phones or the internet. to keep us connected.

It was good we eventually reconnected as Jan settled in a flat on the quayside of Newcastle and I visited frequently, dragging her up the coast for long walks.

Jan left us in June this year. RIP Jan, I wish you had stayed longer, I miss you.

A weekend in the North East

Escaping the heatwave

 

I love the Bill Bailey TV show Perfect Pub Walks.

Bill Bailey’s show has remarkable walks in some of the most scenic parts of Britain. He shows how exhilarating it can be to spend a day with a friend walking and talking, it can be one of the most beautiful ways to spend a day.

https://www.channel4.com/programmes/perfect-pub-walks-with-bill-bailey

A perfect interview with Bill Bailey for you to read here,

https://walk.ramblers.org.uk/walk-talk-bill-bailey/

 

Another inspiring programme on Radio 4, is Claire Balding’s show called Ramblings

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0025539

Last but not least- Raymond Deeks

RIP Raymond Deeks. Father of my partner Ray. A truly lovely soul left us on November 20th at age 88. We both had a shared love of the TV show Vera, the detective story, based in the North East.

He’s gone to join his loving wife Eileen. Thanks to Raymond for reading my blogs and saying positive things about them.

Until next time, keep on keeping,  on – Do that walk, and have that talk.

 

I plan to spend a few days up the South Shields coast next month. There will be a few long coastal walks involved for sure.

 

 

 

 

Oct
31
2024

SEALS

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Why Seals?

While staying in Great Yarmouth recently, I read that there were lots of seals in the area, and I was excited to see one swimming in the sea the following day. On the first night,  a little time for a quick stroll around the sea front, before a bar meal.

Missed Showaddy waddy unfortunately. Never mind . saw them when I was 14 that's do...

Arriving at the Dizzy Heights of Great Yarmouth

I was very disappointed to be told by the dog owner, that there was nothing in California!  While strolling along the sea front, back to Great Yarmouth, a seal popped up it’s head , it was a delight to watch it bobbing about.

Seal spotting. You won’t find it if you stare too hard!  I spotted it while not staring at all!!

sandy beaches. seals love it here.

Lots of long stretches of sandy beaches.

 

What to do in the rain?

The following day it rained a lot, so it made sense to head for Norwich City. My first visit to the city.  While there, it was a perfect day to go to the cinema to see The Outrun. The narrator of The Outrun ‘Saiorse Ronan summarised Orkney’s folklore story about seals.

SEALS

Seals are known in Scotland as selkies; the mythology about what they represent varies in different cultures. One interpretation that I quite like is that if a girl goes missing at sea they say she has gone to her selkie lover.

THE OUTRUN

The dramatic landscape of Orkney was a perfect backdrop, its turbulent crashing of waves and its isolation reflected the flight of the main character who had run from her life in London to live alone in Orkney with the twists and turns of turbulent, or magnificent weather as well as stretches of  bleak days to fight her alcohol addiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFv-v_wFsK8

https://www.vikingrune.com/2008/11/selkies-norse-mermaids/#:~:text=Selkie%20is%20a%20word%20for,take%20off%20their%20seal%20skin.

IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG TO WALK AROUND NORWICH.

A blast from the past. Not sure what it’s function is these days. Do they exist as a media company?

A RAINY DAY, IS ALWAYS GOOD FOR SHOPPING, CINEMA AND LUNCH IN A CITY.

AN ATTRACTIVE BEATEN-UP MEDIVAL DOOR, NEXT TO A DUSKY PINK WALL.

CUTE BLUE CAR OUTSIDE ZIZZI RESTAURANT.


A walk from Great Yarmouth to Lowestoft ending at the most Easterly point in England
STARTING IN THE TOWN CENTRE, walking through a very industrial part of the East Coast

Great blast of industry around this area. One of the few days it didn’t rain.

DOCKLANDS’, not commercially developed as yet. There are signs of some work beginning.

WASHED UP AT SEA

SEAL WITH MISSING HEAD.

ANOTHER WASHED UP YOUNG SEAL?

 

WASHED UP SEAGULL

 

NOT SURE WHAT SORT OF FISH THIS IS. ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD!

SEA BARRIER BREAKING DOWN – taken ON WALK FROM GREAT YARMOUTH TO LOWESTOFT. The walk turned into 12 miles, due to sea erosion preventing us from walking the more direct route along the cliff tops.

 

Heading up to the cliff tops but not for long as it’s a no-go area further up.

I love driftwood, blue Skies and sand.

sandy beach /driftwood.

The sea keeps breaking through.

About halfway to Lowestoft.

Breaking down near Lowestoft!

Strangely enough, I had been to Lowestoft before in the early 90’s.

I don’t know how I came across it. but a job was going on for a week or so, working with deprived kids from London on a camping holiday. One of the little kids followed me everywhere he was so in need of his mother I remember him and it felt very sad. On a brighter note, we all went to Great Yarmouth on one of the days to see Terminator 2 at the cinema, it was such a laugh. The kids loved it.

 

Climate Change Research Group in London

After my change of scenery it was back to work but I had one more day to take part in the Climate change focus group.

I enjoyed  4 focus group sessions at Kings College London University in the Science Building London Bridge. It was great to take part in paid research I hope they valued my contribution.

 

 I managed to capture a shot of this new mural around the corner from where I live ( without a van parked in front of it,& before the local graffiti artists got it.)

MURAL. AROUND THE CORNER FROM WHERE I LIVE.