The red London bus is an inconic British image, however it was phased out in 2005 in the name of progress.
When Boris Johnson became mayor in 2008 he promised Londoners that he would bring it back. True to his word, it will be back, new and improved but still recognisably a Routemaster, in time for the Olympics in 2012. Good old Boris!
Archive for September, 2010
Route Masters Return!
Sunday, September 26th, 2010Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
Sunday, September 19th, 2010I love this time of year almost as much as Spring! Spring is full of promise of the warm growing season ahead and Autumn sees the product ready for harvest. We have an apple tree so laden with fruit that the boughs are bent right down almost to the ground. This morning we went picking blackberries (or ‘brambles’ if you are in Scotland) in the hedgerows around the village. This afternoon was spent making blackberry and apple jelly and a crumble for pudding. It is so satisfying! It is on days like these that I am so grateful that we live in the land of plenty.
Bathing Beauties Festival
Sunday, September 19th, 2010Is this the most bizarre festival in Britain? It has to be a contender. This 3 day festival celebrates Beach Huts! Billed as ‘The Longest Linear Coastal Art Festival in Europe’ running along the sea fronts of Lincolnshire through Mablethorpe, Sutton on Sea and Sandilands. The 5 miles promenade becomes the setting for all sorts of artistic activities.
See Bathing Beauties Festival for more details.
Warwick
Wednesday, September 15th, 2010
Warwick Castle from Mill Street gardens
Ian and I live just a few miles from the historic town of Warwick. Everyone knows about Warwick Castle, which is a briliant medieval castle, however few bother to visit the town itself. Well the other day we played tourist and went for a day out. We had a fabulous time! We climbed the 160 (very steep, narrow and windy) steps up St Mary’s Tower (Note to self – I really must work on my fitness levels), worth it for the views. The highlight had to be Mill Street gardens which sit under the castle walls. This has to be one of the most dramatic and beautiful views in the World!
Land of Hope & Glory
Saturday, September 11th, 2010Clasisical music concerts do not usually feature on mainstream televion. Tonight is the exception when the last Prom concert (The Last Night of the Proms) will again be on prime time TV. As always it will end with a rousing rendition of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D major, ie. ‘Land of Hope and Glory’, oft considered a better ‘National Anthem’ than God Save the Queen.
Almost everyone in Britain knows the first four lines, but how many know the whole thing? Here it is in full.
Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free,
How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee?
Wider still, and wider, shall thy bounds be set;
God, who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet!
Truth and Right and Freedom, each a holy gem,
Stars of solemn brightness, weave thy diadem.
Tho’ thy way be darkened, still in splendour drest,
As the star that trembles o’er the liquid West.
Throned amid the billows, throned inviolate,
Thou hast reigned victorious, thou has smiled at fate.
Land of Hope and Glory, fortress of the Free,
How may we extol thee, praise thee, honour thee?
Hark, a mighty nation maketh glad reply;
Lo, our lips are thankful, lo, our hearts are high!
Hearts in hope uplifted, loyal lips that sing;
Strong in faith and freedom, we have crowned our King!
Village Show – update
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
Alycia reading Shakespeares' Sonnets
Well we had our Barford village show and it was brilliant! The weather was not too hot to begin with. On Sunday morning we had a terrific rain storm but the sun showed its’ face in time for the cultural event in our back garden, High Street Matinee. The village was alive with people strolling around the various events, admiring the Scarecrows and stopping for chats. What’s more, I won second prize for my apples in the fruit and veg show! I am having it framed.
Braemar Games
Wednesday, September 1st, 2010Many Scottish Highland Games are held throughout the Summer, not just in Scotland but all over the World where descendants of Scots have landed. Perhaps the most famous and prestigous is the Braemar Gathering, held traditionally on the 1st Saturday in September. This is the Queen’s local games as it is close to her holiday home at Balmoral and the monarch has long been the Chieftain of the Gathering.
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