The Great Dance
With a little music at the end, for the dance. 🙂
Once again, hats off to the builders, makers, artists and musicians. There is also Hall Place Gardens, Hall Place Interiors and nearby Danson House.
Kensington Palace
17 pics. From Queensway Underground station, across the main road, through the main gates and along the broad avenue facing south through Kensington Gardens. After a short walk, a small clock tower and the Elfin Oak ⇐ can be seen on the right. A little further on, also on the right, is Kensington Palace. The palace was built in 1605. More of its history, from Wiki, can be found here ⇐. The official website, with admission prices etc, can be found here ⇐.
Non-commercial photography is permitted but the lighting is dim and there is a certain amount of glare. As a result it was necessary to use a higher ISO setting than I would normally wish and gives a brighter impression than is really the case. Nevertheless, if you like old houses, it is the most atmospheric that I have come across so far.
It is well worth using the map, provided with your ticket, and finding the Queen’s rooms. They are located behind a large wooden door and you may have to ask an attendant for access. However, the staff are very friendly, informative and helpful.
If you wait a little while, the shadow will dance accompanied by the sound of shoes upon the hard wood floor and occasionally a little music.
Above is Princess Amelia, a favourite daughter of George III. The shadow dancers will occasionally move into each others space and dance together.
One can only wonder at how many, during the long past, have gazed at this view from the window and of their thoughts and dreams. You might spare a moment to join them.
And, hats off to the artisans who built this for their skill and diligence.
You might also like to see some of Kensington Gardens Flowers ⇐ or perhaps what the local Water Fowl ⇐ do for fun.
The Elfin Oak
From the North Gate of Kensington Gardens, just across from the station called Queensway, a traveler might proceed along the great path leading south. After but a short walk, can be found on the right, a small clock tower. Very close to this, and beside an outdoor purveyor of comestibles, the Elfin Oak will be found.
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The remaining stump is of an Oak being 900 years of age. Carefully carved by Mr Ivor Innes in the year 1911 to reveal the elfin folk that were hidden within. Thereafter maintained by that same gentlemen for a further 40 years.
Later restored by the efforts of the inimitable Mr Spike Milligan and friends in 1966, the Elfin Oak is now protected by its own cage of steel.
Peeking into this little world, one might still see – Wookey the witch, with her three jars of health, wealth and happiness, Huckleberry the gnome, carrying a bag of berries up the Gnomes’ Stairway to the banquet within Bark Hall, and Grumples and Groodles the Elves being awakened by Brownie, Dinkie, Rumplelocks and Hereandthere stealing eggs from the crows’ nest. Or, these fine characters :-
. . . . and many more
A book, with the title “The Elfin Oak of Kensington Gardens”, was later crafted by Ivor and Elsie Innes and revealed that “for centuries now it has been the home of fairies, gnomes, elves, imps, and pixies. In the nooks and crannies they lurk, or peer out of holes and crevices, their natural windows and doorways. It is their hiding-place by day, their revelry place by night, and when the great moon tops the bare branchless tree the Elfin Clans come out to play and frolic in the moonlight.”
The Dog and Swan
Kensington Gardens, Serpentine Lake and Fauna
15 pics. – Just behind the Albert Memorial is a very nice outdoor cafe and one of the entrances to Kensington Gardens. To the left and a little further north there is Kensington Palace and to the right is the Serpentine Lake with Hyde park on the other side. You might also like Squirrels up my Leg.
At the cafe
“I don’t know what it is, but I shall defend it to my last breath, or teatime.”
Kensington Gardens
At the end of August.
On the Serpentine
First a word from our sponsor.
“No brain cells were harmed during the making of the this travesty but we can’t guarantee the same whilst reading it, and have you got any cake. “
“I say, they’ve got tea and buns”
“Do I look like I’ve got a bun”
Signor
“What do think of my new paint job and have a got any panini.”
Signor briefly broke of the session to give a small dog a thorough hissing and then returned to a perfect composure. What it must be to live in the moment.
Signora and Cygnet
“Don’t look Nigel, Ma’s gone all tipsy again”. “Oh look a shiny thing”
Cygnet
“That Odette, what a diva. Not like me I’m so demure, and modest with it.”
“Me, I’m firm but fair and proof against meteorites.”
“Pay attention class while Mr Flogget demonstrates how we do walking”. “I’ll confiscate that in a minute”
The Flying School
“Ok, now choose a nice soft landing ground, lower landing gear, throttle back and full flaps – tee hee I’m so funny.”
“Alright not bad, now get off that swan. These kids, honestly what can you do !”
Never had a lesson in my life. Wheeeeeeee”
The Preening Salon
“Well of course he got his bill stuck in the mud. I told him, I said if we were meant to do that, we would have been born with propellers. “
The Last Word
“It’s like living in a madhouse around here. Why can’t they be more normal like what I am. “
Victoria and Albert Museum
21 pics. Entry to the Victoria and Albert Museum is free. The museum is dedicated to art and design from around the world. The items here are just a few of many hundreds on display and non-commercial photography is allowed except for the wedding dress exhibit and the wonderful jewel room. There is also a large inner courtyard with water feature that makes a great place for lunch. Packed lunches can be eaten in the Learning Center’s Lunch room on the 3rd floor . The museum map. The website.
At the museum entrance there are steps that speak.
The nearest underground rail station is South Kensington with the very interesting Science Museum and the Natural History Museum nearby.
The Tea Rooms
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Foyer
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Please click on the figure to fit screen.
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The Albert Memorial and The Royal Albert Hall
Click on Copyright⇐ or at at top right of page. 14 pics. Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, was much missed by the queen when he died. Victoria was taken by long years of mourning and fell into a long period of personal decline. Part of the queen’s tribute to the prince are the Albert Memorial and Royal Albert Hall. The memorial can be found on Google maps at the southern end of Kensington Gardens. The Royal Albert Hall is just across the road.
The Albert Memorial
The Royal Albert Hall
Kew Gardens Views
The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are extensive enough to spend an entire day there. Admission to Kew Gardens includes the TemperatHouses,e Houses, Hot Treetop Walkway and Kew Palace. And here there are Flowers at Kew and Orchids at Kew
The Pagoda requires a further charge, paid at the main gate. When I was there it was £4. I told them that £4 was not enough they’d have to pay me at least 50 quid to go up that.
The nearest rail station, to the main gates, is Kew Bridge (South West Trains). Then turn right out of the station then left over the bridge and first right to the main gates.
Orchids at Kew Gardens
Orchids in the Hot House at Kew Gardens
7 pics. Hot house is not an overstatement and is also very humid so be prepared to carry clothing. These are just a sample, there are also many other exotics and cacti. Also at Kew; Kew Gardens and Kew Palace.
Hey, hey we’re the Monkeys. It’s worth a click-on for full screen and another click to magnify. 🙂
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There are more orchids here
Kew Palace
14 pics. Kew Palace is within the grounds of Kew Gardens and entrance is included in the price of admission to the gardens. Non-commercial photography is permitted inside the palace but without the use of flash.
The gardens and its many attractions were created by Lady Augusta following the death of her husband Prince Frederick. She was much influenced in this endeavor by Lord Bute. A portrait of the lady can be found further down.
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Flowers at Kew Gardens
From around the grounds.
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From the Japanese ornamental gardens.
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… and just outside on a nearby cottage.
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Elegant Danson House and Park
20 pics – Danson House and park are near Bexley Heath just a few miles east of London. The park includes a boating lake with rowing boats for hire, a water-sports center, the Danson Stables public house/restaurant, a very well equipped children’s play area and the elegant interiors of Danson House where photography is allowed.
The house includes very pleasant tea rooms, a spiral staircase, three very ornate rooms on the first floor and an exhibition on the second floor. During my visit the exhibition was of beds.
The house was originally built in 1766 and the paintings are from that period. Refurbished and opened by the present queen in 2005.
Unfortunately the opening times are limited. Please see the Danson House website. Very near is Hall Place with extensive grounds and is also worth a visit.
Danson House
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In the Cellar
On the second floor.
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Olde English Garden
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Part of the Park and Boating Lake
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The Fan Museum at Greenwich
The Fan Museum is at 12 Croom St, Greenwich and, at just £4 entry fee with numerous concessions, is well worth a visit. The museum is thought to be the only museum, dedicated to fans, in the world. There is also a charming Orangery style tea room (you do need to book ahead)
The museum is quite small but has a number of activities and events. You can also create or commission your own designs. For more information please click here and then start with “Practical Information” from the side menu. For more of the many attractions at Greenwich please click here.
The Fans
It is well worth seeing the finer details, which are little obscured by the folds. To do so, please click on the image for full screen and then again to magnify. To return here use the “back arrow” screen button on your browser.
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The Orangery Tea Rooms
You might notice the false shadow that has been painted on to give a 3D effect. You will need to book for tea, so please see the website (the link is at the top).
Wild Fowl at Hall Place
Welcome to Cray river at Hall Place park.
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Let me take you on a brief tour. Please walk this way.
Here we have Ducksville.
…. and of course our newest inhabitants.
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.. and so it’s good night from him and good night from me. Do come again there’s loads of us, innit. 😀
Inside Hall Place
The interior of Hall Place may see a little empty at first, but it does give the impression of being recently vacated and still vibrant with the presence of it’s previous occupants. One might imagine the graceful elegance of past days, romance and gentle intrigue. More about Hall Place, admission and gardens can be found here.
Above is a view of the hall from the side gallery and below is the musician’s gallery as seen from the floor of the main hall.
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Hall Place Gardens
Hall Place is a little north of Bexley (not Bexley Heath) to the east of London. The gardens are free, there is a large car park, the rail station is not far away, there is small butterfly house, entrance to the hall is £8 and it makes a great day out. The hall dates back to about 1540 and was built on the site of a manor house built about 1240. More at The Hall Place Website, Hall Place Interiors and History of Hall Place.
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The Queens Beasts
More about the Queens Beasts
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… and this is part of their very interesting art gallery
Butterflies at Hall Place, Bexley
The butterfly house at Hall Place is very small and hot but one can re-enter on the same £4 ticket.
This lady is definitely dressed for the summer ball.
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Chocks Away.
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The Black Night does battle with the invaders.
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The next one got away (they really won’t keep still) but the flowers are nice.
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Thank you for your visit and I hope you found it enjoyable. There will be more from the magical Hall Place later.
🙂
Flora at Hall Place, Bexley
12 Pics – Hall Place
In the hot house and shop.
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This one comes in peace, offering tokens of jelly beans.
Happy is the tiger with a badger as guardian angel
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Hang on Snoopy, snoopy hang on, de dup de dup, dee do do, de dup .
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Whaaaa, surprise.
In the Garden
She’d not pulled a double a double rose, a rose but only two, When up came young Tam Lin says “Lady pull no more.”
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In the House
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Thank you for visiting and there will be more about the house and gardens later.
Deer at Bushy Park
I went to Bushy Park in search of green parrots, but found deer instead . There are a number of flocks of green parrot around London, thought to have escaped and managed to adapt to our UK winter. I hadn’t thought about it, photographing green parrots amongst a summer of verdant green leaf wasn’t going to be possible. I heard them and occasionally saw a quick flash of green wing but that was all.
I was delighted to find deer instead. I knew they were in Richmond Park and Hampton Court Deer park but pleasantly surprised to find them here. Photographed in early August they still had velvet on their antlers.
Fallow Deer
The Black Prince, and I think he knows it. Black deer are quite rare but do live amongst the herd.
The above were happily grazing amongst the fallow deer, although they are probably reds. It’s mid-summer, live and let live.
Red Deer
Red deer are the largest of deer-kind with the exception of moose and elk. Found at southern end of Bushy Park, they were not so much a herd as a squad.
They have the unnerving and unerring ability to raise their heads at exactly the same time. Much like a bristling of antennas. One can almost hear “Have you got permission to be here and have got any ID.
” I say it is tea time you know”
Time to leave
Deer are generally not dangerous but one must be careful in spring when there are young about and in autumn when they are rutting. They will also attack and sometimes kill dogs. Some deer herds (those around London) carry Lyme Disease which is spread by ticks. It is quite difficult to pick up but such places are not suitable for lounging in the grass or for bare legs in tall grass.
Beautiful Demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo)
I first noticed a few bright blue flitters beside the Thames near Hampton Court some while ago. I thought at first they must be butterflies. It turns out they were Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies. I finally discovered some in the wetland area of Bushy Park. I also discovered, eventually, that they fly away if you let your shadow fall upon them.
Damselflies and Dragonflies have a number of charming names in folklore across the world, including sewing needles, snake doctors, horse stingers, mosquito hawks and devil’s darning needle..
Beautiful or gruesome ? It probably depends on how close we look and, of course, the eye of the beholder. Certainly, I think, one of nature’s wonders.
Bushy Park
Bushy Park is just a short distance north of Hampton Court and is full of surprises. To the west of the park are wetlands, just behind this view. I could almost eat these clouds. They look as if they are too solid to stay up there. Magic. Later posts have a particular little gem and some shots of deer.
The wetland area is very peaceful and the river quite still.
This one confuses the eye beautifully.
… and on the pond further down; “There’s an old mill by the stream, Nelly ~ “.
This one is basking in her own glow.
… and here’s the old mill (I think). 🙂
August 2014
Characters at the Greenwich Tall Ships Festival
Characters (18 pics)
I’m a star. – Those on the other end of the lead were watching the river and had no idea what their dog was doing. She was drawing a little crowd of her own. The words “what a character” were often heard. She wins my first prize for “Character of the Festival”.
A close second comes :-
Please click on an image to expand and view a slideshow:-
The Crews
Please click on an image to expand and view slide show:-
And, then click on
And, thank you for your visit.
The Tall Ships at Greenwich
The Greenwich Tall Ships Festival
14 pics. The Festival brought a group of tall ships up the Thames for the first time in 25 years. They met from all over the world at Falmouth and raced to Greenwich. During the last day parade the wind was not favourable to sail. Hats off to the skippers for making sail for the spectators, even though it meant expending extra fuel to make progress. There were 50+ taking part. Here are a few.
Dar Mlodziezy
Dar Mlodziezy, which dwarfed all the other vessels, won the first in it’s class (A).
Duet
Duet won first in it’s class (B) and first overall. It is a yawl. That is, it has an additional mast/sail aft of it’s rudder. The design was originally created to add extra sail without breaking the design rules for it’s racing class. That, together with a big mainsail and two additional foresail(s) on it’s bowsprit, makes a very powerful rig that takes skill to handle well. The Cirdan Trust ⇒. Pictures under sail (updated) ⇒.
Stavros S Niarchos
The Stavros S Niarchos won the communications prize for doing the most to aid the race schedule communications.
Tenacious
Tenacious was a mix of able bodied and less able bodied crew. They did well to gain third in their class (A)
Gulden Leeuw
The Golden Leeuw won the the Friendship Trophy for having contributed the most towards international friendship and understanding. They were also the most international crew and won the Young Trainee Award.
Pelican of London
The youngest Captain (Tom Whiteford)
J.R. Tolkien
Loth Lorien
Morgenster
Oosterschelde
Mercedes
Swan
Pirate
I couldn’t get the name of this one but it certainly caught everybody’s attention. Most particularly because it had a working cannon which they delighted in using, making everybody jump and producing great clouds of smoke. They even had the cheek to fire it in the vicinity of Woolwich Arsenal. In past days they would have been blown to bits.
Royal Barge
The Royal Barge appeared two days earlier and is the one used for the Queens Jubilee. Sixty years in the same job and they didn’t even give her one with an engine. A close look at the those on the oars would indicate that they have probably been quaffing something.
Next, click on – The Festival and it’s characters.
And, thank you for visiting.
Climate Change Rally – London 2014
If you would like to learn how we can have more of an effect click here. (click here for 2015 Rally Information)
For the past 3 decades, it seems to me, that there has been much effort to persuade people that there is no point in trying to make a difference. It didn’t work. To those who never give up, add those who are just beginning. Hope and endeavor just keep on being born. It is slow but it is relentless. ~ Latest news – 40,000 attended the London rally. That’s 4 times the expected number.
To download a picture; left click to expand then right-click and choose “Save Image As” from the pop up menu.
Nelson Mandela, Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. I think they would have approved
And, It’s a Long Road Out of Eden, but it does have some good guitar on the way.
I have a slight preference for the original Eagles version, but this is the best recording I could find.
More news from the BBC
Freed From Time 
